Working Together to Safeguard Children sets out the statutory functions under the 1989 and 2004 Children's Acts that places duties in relation to children in need and children suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm.
Childcare providers may be the first people to notice possible signs of abuse and neglect so it is important that all providers feel confident in knowing what to look out for and what to do if they have concerns.
SPA acts as a central hub and front door for Children Services. Professionals and members of public who have concerns around children and families refer in to SPA where information is collated and decisions are made within 24 hours. Police officers, health professional, CAMHS clinician and Early Help and Education Consultant are all part of SPA team.
SPA offer phone consultation to professionals and will provide advice and support in managing concerns. If the concerns are of safeguarding nature or the family are in need, SPA Social Workers will advise that a referral is made to ensure all the information is reviewed and safe decisions are made.
Phone: 020 8547 5008 from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, or 020 8770 5000 out of hours.
Kingston and Richmond Local Safeguarding Children's Boards (LSCB) are statutory bodies which are responsible for ensuring that all agencies working with children, young people and families work well together to promote children's safety and welfare. The boards coordinate the work of local agencies and check their quality to ensure children's safeguarding is effective and identify improvements where necessary. Both boards are led by an independent chair.
Both LSCBs monitor and review child protection and child safety policies, procedures and practices. They coordinate and provide inter-agency training for staff across the boroughs who work with children and families.


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NAACP wants FBI to look into alleged racial incidents at University of La Verne
African AmericanLaw
By larwash Last updated Sep 18, 2022
Two days after a University of La Verne student reported being attacked at a dorm, the Los Angeles chapter of the NAACP called for the FBI to investigate alleged racial incidents against ULV students.
Members of the civil rights group held a news conference in front of The Sara and Michael Abraham Campus Center on Thursday.
"We called upon the FBI to do a federal probe to investigate alleged hate crimes on campus. They have the experience, the expertise and the budget to mount an investigation as opposed to a small town police department and campus police," Najee Ali, an activist and member of NAACP-LA, said during a phone interview Friday.
Ali said he was contacted by the victims and asked to advocate on their behalf with university officials who these students felt were not taking the racial incidents seriously. Ali said he and the vice president of the NAACP-LA, Latricia Mitchell, went to the university Thursday.
In addition to asking for a federal investigation, Ali said the NAACP-LA asked to meet with the university president.
"We have heard from University of La Verne administration officials who indicate they are more than willing to meet with us and students," Ali said.
He said the NAACP-LA also plans to receive an update on all the investigations from the police department. Ali said Mitchell indicated she will be responsible for monitoring that.
Monitor in this case means getting updates on the investigations and keeping abreast of what is going on to make sure students are feeling safe, according to Latricia Mitchell.
"We just want to keep updated on what the university is doing and (updated) on the police investigation," she said.
Mitchell said the NAACP went to the university because they were told about a student being attacked at one of the dorms.
"And the NAACP wants to make sure that everyone is treated fairly. Social justice for everyone and their rights protected," Mitchell said.
"We welcome the interest of our local NAACP chapters in this matter and appreciate the work of the La Verne Police Department and FBI into the ongoing criminal investigation," according to a university statement.
"The hateful acts involving our students are unacceptable, and we will continue to cooperate with law enforcement to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice."
The student who reported being attacked Tuesday, May 28, at a dorm by a man in a ski mask, also reported receiving a threat on social media on May 23, was the recipient of a threat on social media on Feb. 28 and saw smoke coming out of her backpack which was in her parked car on March 1. There is a second victim on the Feb. 28 incident.
The Feb. 28 threat included an image of a student protest, and the messages included racial and derogatory slurs, police said. On Feb. 20, a group of students held a protest to say they have been subjected to racially tinged incidents on campus over the past few months.
La Verne police Lt. Chris Dransfeldt said arson was ruled out on the March 1 incident. A phone inside the backpack overheated and the phone was next to some paper, he said.
La Verne police are investigating the threats, the smoking backpack and the attack at the dorm. Police said the FBI had been notified but wasn't involved in these investigations.
"We are prepared to provide assistance to La Verne Police should they require it," Laura Eimiller, spokeswoman for the FBI's Los Angeles office, said.
But Eimiller said she cannot confirm or deny if anyone has called the FBI to start a federal investigation.
She said if people believe their civil rights were violated they can directly contact the FBI.
Graduations are this Friday and Saturday at the University of La Verne. Ricardo Menard and Fernando Armas were at the Third Street campus on Friday morning waiting for someone. They also had a commencement ceremony to attend later.
Menard said they commute to the university but are aware of the threats, the smoking backpack and the attack at the dorm due to emails and texts from the university. But he wasn't aware the victim in all cases is the same student and did not know about the protests by students who claimed they were subjected to racially-tinged incidents at the university.
"For them (NAACP-LA) to come out here was pretty serious," Menard said.
Unless there is credible information that the student who was attacked is staging the incidents, Armas thinks the student is being targeted.
"I feel they (police department) should look into it more. I don't feel the FBI should be involved," Armas said.
He feels a more thorough investigation by law enforcement is warranted. Having the FBI do an investigation sets a bad precedent, he added.
It's not as if he doesn't have sympathy for the victims because he does, according to Armas.
Giselle Zamora, a junior, transferred from Citrus College and this is her first semester at ULV. She likes how the campus is embedded in the city.
She said the campus is very good at telling students what is going on and also received the emails and texts. Zamora agrees that the FBI should be involved in the investigations.
"Just to see if the accusations the student is making is true," she said.
Zamora believes the student who reported the threats and assault.
"I personally don't know her. But I feel that people are not necessarily aware that just because it's a nice campus it doesn't necessarily mean there are no mean people," she said.
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I have to warn you making swim wear is addictive. It's the only clothing that you can sew that will truly save money because it doesn't take much fabric to make a swim suit. It does, however, take a lot of thread and you should consider swim elastic which really can also be cotton elastic.
Today's post is all about sewing tips for sewing swim wear. The actual sewing of swim wear is quite simple but the sizing can be a tricky endeavor.
I chose Kwik Sew Pattern #153. I believe it is an early 1960s pattern. My fist problem was that I am a 10 in my bust and a 12 in my bottom. It's really hard to figure out down-sizing and the math when you are working with such stretchy fabric. Heck, it's just hard when you have the correct size. I knew what I was getting myself into and just went with it anyways.
I resized the suit by rubber banding two ink pens and tracing around the pattern on tissue paper.
Now here is where all the thread comes in. Each piece gets sewn to another tricot (lining) piece, that's then called underling.
Tips for underling~ pin the pieces on a flat table almost every inch, use a walking foot if you have one and if you use a basting stitch you may hear some popping on your first fitting. No worries, you will be sewing all the pieces together 2 more times. No pop opens or peek-a-boos here! I used red lining left over from last years suit.
Another great tip is to try it on and mark the front and back if they look the same before you put the elastic in. I forgot to do this and got really mixed up. I also had the age old problem of the back side of the bottoms being way lower than the front center bottoms and had to rip not just one row of stitches but two to get the elastic out.
After I made my suit I really didn't like how it looked. Don't judge something you made until it's on someone. It looks hot on for sure!
This suit cost me $7.46 total!
The professional photo was taken by Bruce Soifer and modeling is the beautiful Philomina Majesta Afua Darko.
Look for my Mermaid Tail class has been listed at Rosewood along with the basics and pattern reading and layout! Call 937-296-0294 to preregister.
New!! Rosewood's Makers Mart is looking for venders. If you have arts and crafts supplies you would like to sell call Rosewood to sign up.


Donald Tusk has said there is a "special place in hell" for "those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan of how to carry it out safely".
The European Council President was speaking after talks Irish premier Leo Varadkar in Brussels in which he emphasised that there were 50 days to go until the UK's exit from the European Union with no agreement yet reached.
He said he believed "a common solution" over the Irish backstop is possible, adding that he will do everything in his power to find it.
Mr Varadkar agreed that while he was "open to further discussions" with the UK government about post-Brexit relations the legally-binding withdrawal agreement remained "the best deal possible".
He said he had agreed with Mr Tusk that the backstop was "needed as a legal guarantee to ensure that there is no return to a hard border on the island of Ireland while protecting the integrity of our European single market and customs union", adding that "in light of the ongoing uncertainty in London and the fast-approaching deadline" preparations for a no-deal Brexit must intensify.
Downing Street has questioned Mr Tusk's turn of phrase in the speech, asking "whether he considers the use of that kind of language helpful".
Adding that "Tusk is morally correct, without question".


A consortium of UK media companies, including the BBC and major commercial broadcasters, today announced a major new project to build a national cross-industry UK media player. Private sector companies involved include Global Radio, the UK's largest commercial radio group.
The UK Radio Player is exciting news, especially for the millions of radio listeners in the UK. It's also important for the industry, representing a big step toward Digital Britain and the exciting official vision of the future of the UK media industry -- and indeed the future of the internet. We're fortunate in this country to have a government with the foresight to start preparing for the future; a government that appreciates the importance of the technological revolution in the future of the nation. We're privilaged here in the UK to be a part of this in the UK, and at the forefront of progress in embracing new technologies.
I'm working on the project, though it's all been happening behind closed doors until today.


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Slaughter zombies in the Dead Rising 3 demo, while you wait for "Operation Broken Eagle" DLC
By Michael Archambault
What could be better than sitting in front of your Xbox One and dismembering zombies with a variety of chainsaws and customizable weaponry? Nothing – absolutely nothing. Today, Capcom has announced a few surprises for fans of their latest masterpiece, Dead Rising 3, including a downloadable demo and the game's first expansion pack that will be available soon.
The Dead Rising 3 demo is now available to download now from your Xbox One's marketplace. As Major Nelson points out, simply use the "Xbox, Bing" command and search for "Game Demos" to see all games currently available for demoing.
Capcom has stated that they have hidden some "cool hidden goodies" in the demo for players to find. A super combo weapon dubbed the Ultimate Grim Reaper can be found, along with other "cool combos to try out".
For those of you who already have your hands on a full copy of Dead Rising 3, you can get ready for the latest downloadable expansion pack – Operation Broken Eagle. The new add-on episode isn't available yet, but Capcom has been awesome enough to give the Xbox community a few comments on the plot.
There will be four "Untold Stories of Los Perdidos" experiences and Operation Broken Eagle is the first. Each experience will show you the Dead Rising 3 story from a different character's point of view. Have fun destroying Zombies, while seeing where the episode lines up with Nick Ramos' main storyline.
The first expansion will feature Special Operations Commander Adam Kane. Capcom describes Adam as a man "relatively good willed in nature facing military opposition". You will be able to get your hands on some insane military weaponry and vehicles to take down those zombie hoards.
Are you enjoying the slaughter in Capcom's Dead Rising 3? Will you be picking up Operation Broken Eagle when it is released on Xbox One next week?
Michael Archambault
Downloading now! Ty!
This was my first purchase, with the second being AC IV. It's an awesome game. There really are an insane amount of zombies on the screen at one time.
I love playing it, I have finished the plot, but now I am going back and doing all the side missions I didn't do before and picking up all the items... I'd like to get to level 50 so I can have indestuctable cars :-D Quick question... When you do the new storylines, I assume your level drops to 0 and it starts all over again?
Add me BarnesMorgan2 :-)
Nope you have the same level, same blueprints and items in safe houses.
Wish there was a way to start the download away from home
+1,000,000
There is, add it to your Xbox live cart and if its in ready on mode it should download in the background
Where's the link to add it to your cart from the webpage? Was unable to locate it anywhere.
A demo is exactly what i wanted for this game! I bought Dead Rising long after it came out and while it was fun I wouldn't have been happy if I'd bought it at retail. I've been thinking about this one and will give it a try to see if a purchase may be on the horizon.
Is this Xbox-only, or is there a PC version?
Xbox One only
They could real do to integrate the demos in to the smart glass app and then you can add it to you queue and it is ready when you get home, assuming you have the always semi on mode set.
Lol, will download later. Thanks for the information.
u can only play the demo for 20min and thats it.
That's dumb and they got a check to include hidden goodies in the demo for you to find... in 20 minutes I'm going to find all the hidden stuff... yeah right!!
Will wait for the DLC to go on sale. Still have so much to do in the base game. They give you too much!
Microsoft Teams will reportedly sit at center of EU antitrust probe based on Slack complaint
Microsoft Teams is down: Outages take out Office, Azure, Xbox, and more (Update)


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Curry Leads Blue to Home Opener Victory
October 11, 2013 nahl
The Jr Blues worked their way through the first period headed 0-0 into the locker room. "I liked the way we played the first," said Head Coach Tony Zasowski "I knew if we kept it up, we would start to score." And they did, and quick to start the 2nd period. Pat Curry got the Jr. Blues on the board 2:00 minutes into the period off a Nick Belger shot. Trevor Stone scored on a wrap around 27 seconds later to give the Jr. Blues a 2-0 lead. The Blues would go on to outshoot the Eagles 24-7 in the second period as Curry would score one more to make it 3-0. The Eagles scored off a deflection to make it 3-1 early in the 3rd. Soo final broke through the Jr. Blues penalty kill and scored a rebound goal. However Stefanios Lekkas would shut the door down the stretch as the Jr. Blues close out the game 3-2. The Jr. Blues outshot the Eagles 43-27 for the game.
The Jr. Blues faceoff at 7:05 pm on Saturday 10/12 against the Eagles. Come out and cheer on your Jr. Blues and don't forget the skates and the team will host a Skate with the Jr. Blues event immediately after the game.
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In the later years of his long life, Thomas Hardy was probably the most famous English man of letters of his time, his reputation extending throughout the world. He is now generally regarded as both a major late-Victorian novelist and a major twentieth-century poet,and is the subject of more intense scholarly, critical, editorial, and biographical attention than ever before; as a result, knowledge and understanding of his life, personality, and literary achievement are continually increasing and deepening. Nor is his appeal restricted to academics or students: he has long been one of the most widely read of English novelists; ten thousand people tramp every year through the modest cottage that was his birthplace; and he now reaches a mass audience through film and television adaptations of his books.
The time and place of his birth determined the early experiences on which he was to draw so heavily...
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There it is, in black and white. Everyone who desires to live godly lives in Jesus will be persecuted. We will be hated by the world, by everyone who does not know Jesus or have saving faith, because of our faith and our actions. This is not a license for us to act in an unbecoming way. We are commanded to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us and to live at peace with all men so much as it depends on us (Matt 5.44, Rom 12.18). We are to turn the other cheek, give more to those who steal from us and return love for evil (Matt 5.39-40, 1 Peter 3.9).
These commands seem impossible at times. Sure, we can romanticize them and have idyllic pictures in our minds of being the ever-loving victim that never holds a grudge, but it is an entirely different picture when someone intentionally seeks our harm or attacks us without cause. We can return good for evil in our own strength once or twice, but it is impossible to make a lifestyle out of the habit without Christ. Sometimes a soft answer does not turn away wrath. Sometimes loving our enemies does not heap burning coals upon their heads. Sometimes they have already made up their minds to hurt or destroy us and it is only years down the road that our loving response impacts them on any level. All we can do is trust God for His plan in those situations. Our obedience is driven by love for God, not a desired outcome in the other person – our enemy.
But yet we still continue to believe the lies that God will make our lives soft and comfortable if we follow Him. Many have sold out to the health and wealth gospel, following false prophets like Joel Osteen and Benny Hinn faithfully. Consider this: if God pours out blessings, security and health on those whom He loves, He must have despised Paul and the apostles. They all had no homes, no security, they were persecuted and all but one murdered simply because of their faith.
Have you ever been hated on account of your faith?
"For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.
When we sin, we should suffer the consequences patiently and in humility. That is just common sense. But it finds favor with God when we suffer unjustly, and bear it with patience and humility. When was the last time you were wrongly accused – because of your faith – and counted it a blessing to be able to join Christ in His sufferings? Or did you cry out "this is not fair", and rebuke God in your heart?
So let's step back and reconsider. What is it that we consider a blessing and benefit from God? What is it that leads us to proclaim God's goodness and faithfulness? What is it that we pray for, long for and lose sleep over? A job? Health? Life itself? Money? Do you fight to persevere in your faith? Do you fight for the prize rewarded to those who serve God and die to the flesh? Does your life look like the American Dream, or like the apostles? Have you ever had to defend the seemingly nonsensical hope that you have? If not, we need to reconsider our faith and our priorities. Let's start storing up treasures in Heaven and dying to our flesh.
The events of the past week have left our nation hurting, skeptical of one another and even more polarized on the topics of police brutality and social injustice. As in the wake of all tragedies and disasters, the question is being asked "Where is God in all of this?" and "If there is a [good] God, why is there suffering in the world?" The Old Testament Law painted a picture of cause and effect for sin. We learn much about the character and purposes of God in the Old Covenant, but we gloriously have records of the person of Jesus and His explanation for many misunderstandings and misconceptions of God developed by looking at that Law (and from basic human logic).
One such misunderstanding that the Jews carried throughout the generations was that all suffering and misfortune was a direct consequence of sin. This worldview and belief is still prevalent in many religious and basic worldviews today. It is exemplified in concepts like karma and "balance" in the universe. We also expect our social and political systems to respond to evil and sin with punishment to enforce the balance of good and evil where the supernatural fails.
We see brief examples of God's sovereignty over suffering and troubles throughout the Old Testament with people like Job and the enslavement of the Jews in Egypt, but by in large people prefer to be autonomous and attribute their blessings and successes to their own efforts and character, and thus are left asking "why me" when inexplicable suffering occurs. Thankfully, Jesus explains suffering clearly.
Jesus had been teaching in the temple about His identity, the bread of life, and made the Jews angry by claiming to be God. Thus, Jesus hid himself from them and slipped out of the crowd because they were trying to stone Him to death. On His way out the door, He saw this man who had been born blind, begging. His disciples noticed Jesus taking notice of the man, and they piped up to ask Jesus whose fault it was that this man had been born with such a terrible disability.
The prevailing worldview of the day was so dominant that the disciples were unashamed to boldly speak out in the presence of this poor man and ask Jesus if he had somehow sinned in the womb or if his parents had sinned so terribly that he was doomed to an entire lifetime of blindness. Can you imagine? There are occasions that we cry out to God or doubt Him because of our current situations, but would you ever dare to approach someone with a handicapped child and speak to him about his sin or the possible sin of his child in utero which led to this situation? If you can, or ever have, you need to repent.
The disciples were clearly asking the cause. Whose fault was the blindness? And Jesus responded simply and profoundly: the cause was not sin. The cause was God setting up this very situation in which His works could be mightily displayed.
One of the most beautiful promises that Christians (and non Christians alike) claim is that God knitted us together and formed us while we were still in our mothers' wombs.
God pieced each one of us together in exactly the manner He wanted us. This promise is true for all people. God has created us each for a specific purpose, for a specific life, and with an abundance of unique traits and characteristics. Even the handicapped. Even the blind. Even the broken. And God utilizes the ways He forms us for His own glory and honor.
Sometimes that glory and honor is exceptional service: vast wisdom, bold preaching, faithful obedience. And sometimes that glory and honor is through God's dynamic intervention: healing of blindness, dramatic conversion testimonies, undeniable miracles. And sometimes that glory and honor is through God's sustaining power and faithfulness when we are not healed or changed.
This blind man whom Jesus encountered was created without the ability of sight, in his mother's womb, so that Jesus could heal him and so that Jesus could teach both the disciples and us an invaluable lesson. Not every bit of suffering is the direct consequence of our personal sin. We do understand from Genesis 3 and Romans 1-3 that all of creation is indeed under the curse because of sin and all of suffering is the result of the reality of sin in our world. But we must also understand that all who are in Christ have been forgiven for their sins and pardoned from the wrath of God as retribution for their sin – therefore while some suffering might be a consequence of their sin, no suffering of the believer is punishment for sin (Rom 8.1).
Paul had some sort of physical ailment which caused him great distress. So much so that He begged God three times to heal him from it, and God refused. God used Paul to preform many miracles as a missionary and apostle, including bringing back a person from the dead. But yet, when Paul felt a need in his own body God refused to heal him for the sake of exemplifying His own strength through Paul's weakness. Thus we learn that there are times that God will knit together a person in his mother's womb with blindness and never heal him so as to glorify Himself in this specific weakness. God will allow us all to suffer a variety of weaknesses and trials without delivering us from them so that we will be forced to rely on Him and His strength and He receive the glory for His power through our weaknesses and trials.
As we continue to process the difficulties in our nation today, let us remember that God is not shocked or surprised by our situations. In fact, He is orchestrating our circumstances and situations for His glory. It might be through a radical transformation of our society as a whole, through a mighty miraculous work of God, or it might be to test and grow our faith as individuals. The greater problem might remain, but we as Christians in a weak and sinful society will need to rely on the strength and guidance of God to live loving, purely and rightly before God. This will strengthen and refine our faith.
On the night He was betrayed, He gave thanks.
Today is Good Friday. This weekend commemorates and remembers the pivotal moment in all of history. Everything that happened before the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ was looking forward to, leading up to and in anticipation of that greatest of sacrifices. Everything that has happened since is in response to it. When humanity fell in the Garden of Eden, God promised an heir who would crush the head of the enemy by offering Himself as a sacrifice, and the entire Mosaic Law and sacrificial system was developed as a foreshadowing of what Jesus would do (Gen 3.15). The perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the place of repentant sinners fulfilled the Law and removed from us the burden of making sacrifices, offering us salvation by grace through faith in Him (Eph 2.8-9). Because of His death and resurrection "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom 8.1).
Much can be said about the intricacies, the beauty and the sorrow of Maundy Thursday leading into Good Friday. (Maundy is a word that was created to summarize the ceremony of washing of feet – and it specifically refers to Jesus serving the disciples by washing their feet before they celebrated the Passover meal that last time. Thus we have a fancy name for the beginning of the final Passover celebration.) Jesus came to the Earth with the purpose of being the final sacrifice for sins. He spoke of it throughout His Earthly ministry, though no one understood. He knew that it was the plan, and He embraced it – "setting His face towards Jerusalem" and the cross (Luke 9.51). He knew of Judas' betrayal, He knew of the suffering to come, and even with this complete understanding of the plan of God, He begged God for a different way. He was indeed a man of sorrows, and He took the weight of the sins of the world upon His shoulders.
Of all the things that can be observed today, I want to point out that little phrase we have glossed over for years: "On the night in which He was betrayed, He gave thanks." Jesus had hand chosen twelve men to follow Him and minister alongside of Him for at least three years. They went everywhere together, He taught them, He sent them out and empowered them to defeat demons and heal sicknesses. He loved them. Think about your closest friends from college – how comfortable you were with them, how much you loved them, and how you went through a season of grieving when those years were over. Now amplify that to its extreme. One of those close friends was turned by the religious officials and decided to betray Jesus unto death, for a little bit of money. This was a predetermined part of the plan, and Jesus knew that it was coming. But as He welcomed the men into that room to celebrate and redefine the Passover meal, Judas was already knee deep in his plan.
We are commanded throughout Scripture to give thanks at all times, to worship and praise God at all times, and to have joy even in suffering and trials. The apostles and early church seem to be un-human in some of the ways the rejoiced: at the plundering of their property, at their imprisonment and torture, at their dispersion and fleeing for their lives… They understood the root of Easter. They grasped the true meaning and they gave thanks. They praised God for the privilege and honor to suffer, just as Jesus suffered. The were thankful through difficulty.
Jesus gave thanks in the very midst of being betrayed unto death. We in the United States have deceived ourselves to believe that suffering is only by the hand of the devil, and Jesus only gives us money, happiness and pleasure. We demonize our circumstances and pray for God to relieve us from those circumstances. We pout, we cry, we get frustrated and we mope. But Jesus recognized that even though He did not want to die, He knew that God's plan was perfect, He submitted Himself to that plan, and He chose to worship and give thanks.
Today is Good Friday. Jesus was delivered up to death today. He was beaten beyond recognition, His beard was torn out, He had a crown of thorns dug deeply into His scalp, His flesh was ripped to literal shreds with a whip, and He was nailed onto a cross naked. In preparation for that, He gave thanks. Have you given thanks today, for the sacrifice He made? Have you given thanks in the midst of your terrible, no good, very bad day? Are you expecting God to make you happy and comfortable? Or are you choosing to rejoice and be thankful because you have been counted worthy to join in the sufferings of Christ? Let us give thanks.
The sufferings and comfort of Christ are ours.
Jesus, our Lord and King came to the world to be our savior and lived a life of trials and suffering, moreso than any your or I could imagine. His heart was so burdened and given to the glory of God and the salvation of His people that He was called the "man of sorrows" (Is 53.3).
But He found peace and solitude from God the Father, the God of all comfort. He regularly went away to pray by Himself, where He communed with God, was comforted, encouraged and directed by Him. Jesus, the only God who submitted Himself to flesh and was crucified for our sins, drew His strength and peace from God the Father.
He would get up before the sunrise to go pray (Mark 1.35). He would sometimes pray all afternoon (Matt 14.23), or all night (Luke 6.12). He prayed for others (John 11.41-42), and He prayed for Himself (Luke 22.41-44).
We, as Christians, are to be Christ-like. We are Christ-imitators. We are little-Christs. And in following Him, we should expect to receive the same kind of treatment that Jesus did. Jesus promised that many would be killed for their faith (Matt 10). And Paul teaches us clearly that all who desire to live godly lives will be persecuted (2 Tim 3.12).
We will be called to share in the sufferings of Christ. It may not be physical torture, but it may be religious persecution. It may be hatred from others. It may be discrimination, mocking, loss of job, family or friends. But when we suffer for our faith, we are joining in the suffering of Christ, and because of that fact we can rejoice. We might not rejoice in the moment, because suffering hurts. But we can take comfort and find joy in the promise that we are following Christ's example.
And as His suffering is ours, so also is the comfort that He experienced from God in the midst of His trials.
God has promised to comfort you when you are suffering for Christ. Are you experiencing persecution today? Is someone hating or hurting you today because of your faith? If so, follow Jesus' example of turning to God. He is the God of all comfort, and spending some time with Him in prayer will bring that needed healing to your soul. As much as Christ's sufferings are ours to share, so is His peace. Find your peace in Him today.
We have been created to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Some have concluded that we most glorify God by enjoying Him fully, and forever – as God has created us for relationship with Him and commands us to remain in Him. Thus our religion is driven by an affection of love that is rooted in thankfulness for what God has done for us – namely, the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to ransom us from our sin debt and offer us eternal life.
Paul teaches us in Romans, and James teaches us in his letter that our faith is purified by the fire of suffering, persecution and tribulation (Rom 5.1-5, James 1.2-4). We understand from natural laws that we can purify and refine metals and natural products by fire. If you want to make gold more pure, you heat it up. You place it in the fire to burn out the impurities because gold can withstand a higher heat than most of the dirt and other elements that might be mixed in. The higher the heat of the refining fire, the more pure the gold. We have mastered the art of purifying metals and making steel as strong as it can be and gold as pure as it can be. You never leave it in its natural state.
We know and understand that it is God's will that we suffer in order to purify our faith (1 Peter 1-3). If we have not walked through seasons of suffering or trials, if we have not experienced the discipline of the Lord in our lives to root out sin, then we can assume that we are not saved.
One of the greatest lies and tactics of the enemy is to keep us complacent and comfortable. No one desires suffering. No one wants to be confronted in his sin. No one enjoys the pain of discipline and the refining fire. But when we look back over our lives, an honest assessment sees the maturity and growth that came through this times.
When is it that your attention is caught by the faith of another? When a person walks in regular discipline of quiet time, prayer and daily chores? Or when a person is walking through an unimaginable trial and remains faithful to God, serving others and exemplifying the peace of the Spirit. The faith of a man on his death bed, ready and eager to meet Jesus is much more beautiful than a rote prayer uttered over a meal. The faith of the persecuted who is clinging to Jesus as he is unemployed for his faith or his church is burned down proclaims the excellencies of God more than hosting a Bible study in one's home with one's comfortable friends.
Yes, praying over meals and hosting a Bible study are good things. But it is in the moment of testing that our faith is refined and proven to be more beautiful and more precious. It is in those moments that we grow.
Jesus indeed will give us rest. We will have peace and joy that is un-explainable and full of glory (1 Peter 1.18). But the rest is spiritual. We will have confidence in God, in our salvation, in our eternity. Our eternal life begins at the moment we are born Spiritually and we are made into a new creation – one that understands and takes joy in the testing and refining of our faith. We no longer have to strive to appease God and earn our salvation, we can rest in Him. We no longer have to chase the pleasures of the world, we have the joy of God established in our hearts. And the trials amplify that.
Throughout history, the church has grown and matured the most under persecution. The early church multiplied and was rich in faith, but when Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the Roman empire, people grew complacent, lazy and nonbelievers began to desire to be a part of the church. Offices were sold, the Gospel was distorted, and the church suffered. The Church today is bursting in countries like China – where the oppression is still real. And believers around the world pity American Christians because we are distracted and infatuated with the world. Our faith is not being tested and refined like most around the world, even today.
So when we enter into trials, let us cling to Jesus. Let us abide in Him. Let us rejoice that our faith is being purified. Let us seek what it is that God wants to teach us, and what impurities need to be removed from our lives. Let us praise God that He is refining our faith. Because it is in those moments that we grow, and that our faith is most precious and most beautiful.
What is it that finds favor with God?
As believers we often grow complacent in our identity as the children of God. We claim the promises of Scripture that all things work together for good for believers, we echo the mantra "If God is for me, who can be against me?" and we spend a lot of energy defining our identity in Christ, being of Christ (Rom 8.28, 31). And while it is extremely important to understand these truths and to take comfort in them, it is important to remember that the ultimate goal for all of creation is to bring glory to God. As God's children, we should want to obey Him, please Him and bring honor to Him through our lives. We need to look outward instead of looking at ourselves.
These brand new believers, these baby Christians, were suffering persecution to the measure that they had to flee their homes and run for their lives for no other reason than because they trusted the Gospel; they turned to Jesus. And Peter encouraged them to submit to the governments who are in authority over them and to submit to their slave masters who treat them harshly. He echoes the teaching of Jesus that when someone demands of us or persecutes us, we should turn the other cheek and give more than was requested (Matt 5.39-40). We love our enemies (Matt 5.44). We bless those who persecute us (Luke 6.28).
This is where the value of looking outside of ourselves becomes vital. If we continue to focus on ourselves and our "identity", we will have difficulty bearing up under persecution and suffering. This is why Peter calls Jesus into focus as our example. We have indeed been called, and that calling is to suffer – in the same manner that Jesus suffered: to the glory of God.
But how often do you find yourself being persecuted or suffering for choosing to do what is right?
I was in the seventh grade. My family went to a smaller church, and the Jr. High was included in much of the Sr. High students' activities. One day we all went over to the associate pastor's house and most of the youth group was there, as were the church staff, just having an evening together. After dinner, the youth all went upstairs. One of my girlfriends and I remained downstairs with the adults, but after a while we decided to head upstairs to see what everyone was up to. As we climbed the stairs there was a young man sitting outside of the game room door – standing guard. We entered to find everyone playing spin the bottle. We were invited to join, and as my friend sat down in the circle I was shocked and appalled. Seeing my reaction, two of the seniors in the group grabbed me and took me to the other room to calm me down and assure me that this was no big deal. Wanting no part of it, I went back downstairs to leave them to their game. I had no malice in my heart or intention to tattle, but the associate pastor's wife could see the frustration on my face, so she asked me what the problem was. So I told her. The staff, of course, broke up the game. And for the next year I lived in the youth group as the whistle blower goodie two shoes.
This, of course, is a funny story. But for a little seventh grader, this was a very real and difficult situation in which I had to choose if I was going to go with the crowd or not. I chose not to, and I suffered the consequences for it. The first century Church was probably not in crisis of deciding if they would play spin the bottle, but rather if they would claim Jesus at the risk of their lives. But they were also choosing to obey their masters, live peaceably with one another, and to submit to the government and authorities. Peter is certainly speaking to life and death situations, and he is also speaking to the day-to-day situations of turning the other cheek and loving those who hate us.
If you want to find favor with God, you will follow the example of Jesus: to do what is right and honor God, and while we are being hated for doing what is right, we bear up under that suffering and love those who are hating us.
Are you doing what is right, even when it brings you suffering and hatred? Are you dying to yourself and choosing to love those who would hate you and persecute you for doing what is right? If so, then Scripture teaches us that you are finding favor with God. If you want to find favor with God, then get busy loving your enemies.
Leave a comment Posted in New Testament Tagged Bless those who persecute you, children of God, finding favor with God, How do I please God?, love your enemies, Our Christian identity, suffer as Jesus suffered, Suffering, turn the other cheek, We were called to suffer, what finds favor with God?
God wants what is best for His children.
Are you a Christian? Have you confessed your sins and repented of them, and asked God's forgiveness by the power of the blood of Jesus Christ? If you have been saved, then you can rest confidently that God wants what is best for you. God wants what is best for you even more than you want what is best for you. The thing that we must learn – sometimes painfully – is that often times we do not know what is best for us. Thankfully, God does.
The Thessalonians needed instruction and discipline in their sexuality and relationship with one another. Throughout Scripture we see more exhaustive lists of the sins and deeds that God hates, i.e. Gal 5.19-20. But Paul summarizes His teaching simply, "God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification". This is God's will for us. And if we have begun the walk of the Christian life, if we have recognized and begun to confess our sins, then we also should be growing in our hatred for and conviction of sin and desiring to become more like Christ. Our will should also be our sanctification.
That is the best for us.
When we come to God for salvation through Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit takes up residence within our lives and begins the process of Sanctification from within. We then get to practice dying to the flesh and letting Him live through us. He is at work within us, and He will complete the work of sanctification.
Our best, however, is rarely what we desire in our hearts. Consider the things you long for, work for, and pray for. Do you desire a nice house? A new car? Nice clothes? Fancy food? Do you desire to have a consistent life that is not interrupted? A schedule that makes sense and allows for the right amount of sleep, exercise and socializing? Do you pray for good health? For people around you to live forever? For your children to be perfectly behaved? Do you pray for those things that are making you uncomfortable to be taken away?
These things are not bad in and of themselves. Jesus, in fact, promises rest and peace to those who come to Him (Matt 11.28-29). He desires to give us peace and rest. But have you ever reflected on a season of peace and rest and said, "I grew so much during that time", or "My faith is at a place it has never been before". No, you have not. And do you know why? Because God knows that our faith only grows and is refined through testing – through the fire.
We grow in sanctification, we mature, and we develop perseverance, character and hope through suffering and trials. It is after a season of tremendous difficulty and suffering that believers look back and are amazed at the faithfulness of God and the development of their faith. Faith is not developed by comfortable lives, it is developed by relying on God through the storm.
Have you ever been in the midst of suffering and begged God to take it from you? And He chose not to? What was the result? Did you ultimately grow and mature in your faith? Or did you become embittered and resent God for the trial? If you are a servant of Jesus, you can expect great suffering. And you can expect that God will bring about your sanctification – your best – through it.
For four years I lived a life that many thought was one that required great faith. I loved the opportunity to serve, and relished every moment of it. It was indeed a life the required much sacrifice and conviction, but because of the desires God had placed in my heart it required minimal faith in the sense of perseverance through trial and testing. Then God rocked my world and completely changed my life's trajectory. I then was forced to live a life that few would consider a life that requires much faith, but for me – because of those convictions and desires I have – it requires a daily submission and new step of faith. And I can honestly look back on the last three years and see immensely more faith, trust and hope developed than in the four years before.
God is testing my faith. And I am thankful that I can see growth through it. I am also thankful that I know it means He is working in me, for my best, and for my sanctification.
We naturally want what is easiest and what feels the best. But God has promised to develop faith and Spiritual maturity in His children. And the way He does that is by testing and refining our faith through the fire of tribulation and suffering. He wants what is best for you more than you want it for yourself, and He knows what is best for you – much more clearly than you know. Are you in a season of peace and comfort right now? Or is your faith being refined? Can you look back over your life and see those seasons of testing and purification? Or have you lived a relatively comfortable life that required little faith? Trust God. Know that He tested Jesus and even asked Jesus to surrender His desires and will. Know that we, as Jesus' servants, are not greater than our master and that we will be hated, persecuted, and tested by God. And if you have not, then I would go back to the foundation and see if you have surrendered your life to God and asked for salvation.
He will work the best out for you. And it will be through discipline and testing. Trust Him through it, and you will be amazed at how you grow.


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Police raid Melbourne properties linked to Comancheros bikie gang, arrest 14 people
Updated about an hour ago
Police said they had been targeting the outlaw bikie gang this year.
Fourteen people have been arrested during a series of raids across Melbourne as part of a police investigation into blackmail, extortion and assaults linked to the Comancheros bikie gang.
Police in Melbourne executed warrants at 18 properties targeting the outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) early this morning.
They searched addresses across Melbourne's suburbs, including Gladstone Park, Thomastown, and Dallas in the north, and Hampton Park, Cranbourne North and Carrum Downs in the south-east.
Searches also took place at a factory in Epping and a licensed premises in Thomastown.
Investigators said the raids were connected to an investigation into a shooting at Greenvale on March 25 where a number of shots were fired into an empty car and garage.
Police said they had also been looking into allegations of blackmail and extortion linked to that shooting, as well as assault offences.
Police 'not intimidated' by bikie gangs
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Tess Walsh said the Comancheros had been a focus for police this year.
"We've made it clear this year through a number of operations, warrants and arrests that it doesn't matter what link you have to OMCGs, if you're engaging in or enabling criminal activity then police are going to hold you accountable for it," she said in a statement.
"We know the Comancheros have traditionally been involved in serious and violent crimes such as shootings, assaults, arson, drug trafficking and extortion.
"Today's warrants highlight Victoria Police's strong focus on the criminal activities of OMCGs and this is something that is going to continue."
Assistant Commissioner Walsh has urged people with information to come forward.
"We will investigate and we will charge people involved," she said.
"We're not intimidated by them and we will not allow our communities to be."


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Seize The Book - An Australian book blog containing book reviews, giveaways and author interviews
Friday Freebie: WIN a copy of The Sunday Girl by Pip Drysdale
Today's Friday Freebie is debut thriller novel The Sunday Girl by Pip Drysdale thanks to Simon & Schuster. Please enter below for your chance to win. Entries close 7 September 2018. Good luck!
The Girl on the Train meets Before I Go to Sleep with a dash of Bridget Jones in this chilling tale of love gone horribly wrong …
Some love affairs change you forever. Someone comes into your orbit and swivels you on your axis, like the wind working on a rooftop weather vane. And when they leave, as the wind always does, you are different; you have a new direction. And it's not always north.
Any woman who's ever been involved with a bad, bad man and been dumped will understand what it feels like to be broken, broken-hearted and bent on revenge. Taylor Bishop is hurt, angry and wants to destroy Angus Hollingsworth in the way he destroyed her: Insidiously. Irreparably. Like a puzzle, he'd slowly dissembled … stolen a couple of pieces from, and then discarded, knowing that nobody would ever be able to put it back together ever again.
So Taylor consulted The Art of War and made a plan. Then she took the next step – one that would change her life forever.
Then things get really out of control – and The Sunday Girl becomes impossible to put down.
Crime, FREE, Giveaway, Thriller
Review: The Nowhere Child by Christian White
* Copy courtesy of Affirm Press *
The Nowhere Child is a terrific debut by Australian author Christian White. Sammy Went was abducted from her home in Kentucky 28 years ago. Kim is living in Melbourne and is approached by a man investigating the disappearance who has reason to believe Kim is that girl. This isn't a spoiler, it's in the blurb.
Kim doubts her late mother was a kidnapper, but soon embarks on a personal journey in an attempt to find out and get to the bottom of the mystery.
Unfolding in dual timeframes, The Nowhere Child is a novel about family, love and identity and takes Kim right into the heart of a religious cult in order to get her answers.
The byline for this mystery novel is 'Who took Sammy Went?' and I worried that the surname of this main character (Went) was going to be an irritant in the novel, but this concern was quickly allayed.
Kim's journey for the truth made for compelling reading and The Nowhere Child by Christian White is recommended for crime and thriller readers.
My rating = ****
Carpe Librum!
Australian Author, Crime, From Publisher for Review, Mystery, Reading Challenge, Thriller
Winners announced for Scrublands and The Hunter giveaways
This week was a fantastic week for giveaways here at Carpe Librum, with a flurry of entries for Scrublands by Chris Hammer and The Hunter by David Cohen. It's always a pleasure to support books by Australian authors and without further ado, here are the giveaway results.
To be successful in the Scrublands giveaway, entrants needed to name the fictional town in which the novel is set. Despite one wrong entry, entrants correctly answered Riversend and the winner was:
Jools
Congratulations Jools, you'll receive an email shortly with the details and I hope you enjoy this book for Father's Day. Thanks to Allen and Unwin for the prize valued at $32.99AUD.
Thankfully all entrants in the giveaway for The Hunter correctly named the Ibis as the bird featuring on the front cover of this short story collection by David Cohen. Congratulations to the winner:
Congratulations Donna, you'll receive an email from me shortly with the details of your win and hope you enjoy this collection of short stories. Thanks to Transit Lounge for the prize valued at $27.99AUD.
Thanks again to all those who entered these two giveaways and continue to support Carpe Librum. I have another giveaway going live on Friday 31 August, so stay tuned for your chance to win a copy of the thriller The Sunday Girl by Pip Drysdale.
Australian Author, Crime, FREE, Giveaway, Short Stories
Review: The Edible Cookie Dough Cookbook - 75 Recipes for Incredibly Delectable Doughs You Can Eat Right Off the Spoon
* Copy courtesy of Quarto Publishing Group & Netgalley *
I'm not too good in the kitchen, but I've always loved to lick the bowl or an electric beater on the rare occasions I do bake. In truth though, I'd never considered the risks of eating raw egg until reading this book.
The Edible Cookie Dough Cookbook by Olivia Hops is a book for all skill levels (including beginners like me) and the author takes you through the risks of eating raw egg and flour. She tells you how to pre-heat your flour and every one of the 75 recipes in this book are egg-free.
The very first night I started reading this, I jumped up off the couch and rattled around the kitchen to mix up a batch of Peanut Butter Cookie Dough and it was delicious! It didn't look terribly appetising sitting in the bowl but trust me, it was a taste sensation.
Next on my list to try is the White Chocolate Cookie Dough and Birthday Cake Cookie Dough, assuming of course that 'boxed yellow cake mix' is simply vanilla cake mix. That's the trouble sometimes being an Australian cook reading an American recipe book, some of the ingredient names vary but thankfully both measurements were always provided.
The Edible Cookie Dough Cookbook by Olivia Hops is a delight to read and will definitely get your taste buds going. And the best part? You can eat the dough right out of the bowl!
e-book, Food, From Publisher for Review, Non Fiction
WIN a copy of Scrublands by Chris Hammer for Father's Day
RRP $32.99 AUD
Scrublands by Chris Hammer is the No. 1 bestselling book in Australia at the moment, and I reviewed it last week giving it 5 stars. Now's your chance to win a copy for yourself or your Dad for Father's Day thanks to Allen & Unwin.
In an isolated country town brought to its knees by endless drought, a charismatic and dedicated young priest calmly opens fire on his congregation, killing five parishioners before being shot dead himself.
A year later, troubled journalist Martin Scarsden arrives in Riversend to write a feature on the anniversary of the tragedy. But the stories he hears from the locals about the priest and incidents leading up to the shooting don't fit with the accepted version of events his own newspaper reported in an award-winning investigation. Martin can't ignore his doubts, nor the urgings of some locals to unearth the real reason behind the priest's deadly rampage.
Just as Martin believes he is making headway, a shocking new development rocks the town, which becomes the biggest story in Australia. The media descends on Riversend and Martin is now the one in the spotlight. His reasons for investigating the shooting have suddenly become very personal.
Wrestling with his own demons, Martin finds himself risking everything to discover a truth that becomes darker and more complex with every twist. But there are powerful forces determined to stop him, and he has no idea how far they will go to make sure the town's secrets stay buried.
Australian Author, Crime, Five star review, FREE, Giveaway
Review: Best Foot Forward by Adam Hills
* Copy courtesy of Hachette Australia *
Adam Hills is such a familiar face on Australian TV that I don't think I'd ever considered just how successful his career has been.
In Best Foot Forward, Adam Hills takes the reader through his career as a radio presenter, stand-up comedian, TV host and more in a natural and amusing writing style. Turns out his success extends far further than our own shores, performing for and even meeting Her Majesty the Queen.
What shone through the brightest to me though, was Adam's desire to 'make it' and his sheer determination and hard work to do so in an industry that can be tough and unforgiving at times.
Adam's work on The Last Leg, the UK show covering the 2012 London Paralympics was informative and inspiring. Adam openly shares what it was like growing up with a prosthetic foot and how he never let it hold him back.
I enjoyed the inclusion of other comedians as he worked alongside them and sometimes in awe of them, including: Billy Connolly and Whoopi Goldberg and my personal favourites, Daniel Kitson, Ross Noble and David O'Doherty. He recounts many unusual and funny situations, memorable shows and at least one laugh out loud moment involving scaring the shell from a turtle's back. I'm off to read it again (page 89).
Best Foot Forward by Adam Hills is a memoir about his accomplished career and the many anecdotes and funny stories made for great reading.
Australian Author, From Publisher for Review, Humour, Memoir, Reading Challenge, TV
Friday Freebie: WIN a copy of The Hunter and Other Stories of Men by David Cohen
Published August 2018
* Copy courtesy of Transit Lounge *
This short story collection by Australian author David Cohen is "humorous and delicious, and just slightly off beat, in the vein of Will Self and David Sedaris." Enter to win a copy in the giveaway below.
A property developer fears that a burgeoning ibis population will prevent the construction of a high rise apartment complex; a bus stop outside a dementia care facility in Düsseldorf suffers its own identity crisis; a young man's new job requires him to pose as a woodcutter and wave at a trainload of tourists; an aging, reclusive archivist becomes locked in a strange battle of wills with a courier; a backpacker in Israel has a bizarre religious experience.
In these award winning stories, David Cohen explores the oddities of human behaviour with wit, affection and startling brilliance.
David Cohen lives in Brisbane, Queensland and is the author of the novels Fear of Tennis and Disappearing off the Face of the Earth. The Hunter was shortlisted in the 2015 Dorothy Hewett Award for an unpublished manuscript.
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Australian Author, FREE, Giveaway, Short Stories
Review: Scrublands by Chris Hammer
* Copy courtesy of Allen & Unwin *
Scrublands by Chris Hammer is the real buzz book of the moment and I'm happy to report it's worth all of the hype. Scrublands is a whydunnit crime mystery about secrets, sex, murder and deception set in a fictional country town in the Riverina during a severe drought. Readers who wonder if this is going to be a rip off of The Dry by Jane Harper needn't worry, this is nothing like it.
Martin is a journalist sent to Riversend to write a piece on the one year anniversary of the church shooting. But as soon as he starts talking to a few of the locals, their stories give him cause to doubt the well accepted facts of the case: Priest shoots five locals before being shot dead by the local copper.
Australian author Chris Hammer draws on his personal knowledge of being a journalist to produce our protagonist Martin Scarsden and he's a compelling character. I enjoyed his attempts to get to the bottom of the shooting whilst taking delight in just how quickly he's caught up in the small town goings on. I'd have preferred fewer references to his hands, but that's just a minor quibble.
Scrublands has some cracking country characters (Harley Snouch, Codger Harris) and without a doubt, the best bushfire scene I've ever read in a novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the references to Australian media outlets and the politics that goes on between journalists, reporters and photographers as they compete for an edge on the developing story.
Here's my favourite quote from the book that reminds me of the song Flame Trees by Cold Chisel:
"And there is something about old friends, old loves, those who you were young with: when you see them after many years, they don't appear as they are now, but as they were. You can see past the pudginess and wrinkles, past cloudy eyes and sagging jawlines. You can see them as they were when they were young and vital." Page 261
I thoroughly enjoyed unravelling this whydunnit/whodunnit and can unreservedly recommend Scrublands by Chris Hammer to readers everywhere. It will appeal to crime and mystery lovers and it wouldn't surprise me if it was nominated for some awards by the end of the year.
My rating = *****
Australian Author, Crime, From Publisher for Review, Mystery, Reading Challenge
Review: The Name of Death by Klester Cavalcanti
Published 24 April 2018
Klester Cavalcanti is a top investigative journalist in Brazil and The Name of Death is the result of more than seven years spent interviewing the Brazilian hitman guilty of killing 492 people.
Told in a narrative non-fiction style, Julio Santana is 17 years old when his story opens with his first 'kill' in 1971.
What unfolds from there is a true crime account of Santana's life which is informative, eye-opening and sad. What I found immensely frustrating though was a jump in the timeframe of 20 years or so, which means we missed an important part of his life which included meeting and marrying his wife and having children.
Julio Santana's story then finishes in 2006 with no update to tell the reader what he's been up to these past 12 years.
These major gaps in Julio Santana's life made his story feel disjointed, and having been so invested in his teenage years, I wanted to know how he was living his life now.
The Name of Death by Klester Cavalcanti is recommended for fans of the true crime genre.
My rating = ***
Biography, Death, From Publisher for Review, Non Fiction, Translation, True Crime, True Story, War
Review: The Yellow House by Emily O'Grady
I can totally understand why The Yellow House by Australian author Emily O'Grady won The Australian/Vogel's Literary Award this year. Just, wow!
The Yellow House is narrated by ten year old Cub and we soon get to know her twin brother Wally, older brother Cassie and her Mum and Dad through her eyes. Cub's late Grandfather Les is known to have committed terrible crimes in the past and their family is still carrying the scars generations later.
Superbly written, the setting, characters and dialogue are uniquely Australian in a refreshing and down to earth style I haven't seen before. Here's an example from page 12:
"Her hair was almost the colour of Cheezels, ..."
And an earlier example from page 11:
"She held on to Mum's elbow, which I knew would embarrass Mum because her elbows were dry as scones."
The novel is incredibly evocative of growing up in rural Australia, complete with swimming in the dam, buying lollies from the local shop and riding bikes to school.
The Yellow House is an exploration of family dynamics, loyalty and secrets through the eyes of the youngest child. It's also a novel about community grudges and whether evil can be inherited or not.
Although the novel has a resolution of sorts, I was left with at least 20 questions at the end and wanting to know more. The novel is narrated by Cub so I guess we're left with what she has managed to figure out, leaving many aspects of the relationships between the characters and several events unanswered. I'm still thinking about it days after finishing it. Highly recommended!
Australian Author, AWW, Five star review, From Publisher for Review, Mystery, Reading Challenge, YA
Review: A Superior Spectre by Angela Meyer
* Copy courtesy of Ventura Press *
Science fiction meets historical fiction in A Superior Spectre by debut Australian author Angela Meyer.
In the near future Jeff is dying from an un-named medical condition and seeks solace to suffer and die alone in his shame. But he's not completely alone, as he takes a companion android and a piece of technology that allows him to see through the eyes of a person in history. Jeff is an unlikeable protagonist, and I didn't warm to him or his plight at all but I think that's the point.
Jeff forms a connection with Leonora, a young woman living in the Scottish Highlands who is slowly becoming a woman and is sent to live with her Aunt in Edinburgh. We experience Leonora's life through Jeff's experiences and I found her chapters the most compelling.
I have to disagree with the promotion for this novel as blending "the historical richness of Outlander with the powerful dystopian feminism of Margaret Atwood".
I don't see anything of Outlander in this novel. There is no romance between the characters, and if anything, Leonora believes she is cursed or possessed when she becomes aware of Jeff's presence. The only tenuous link between the two is time travel, but our protagonist doesn't actually time travel, he just witnesses chunks of time in Leonora's life. Outlander travels back in time to Scotland in the 1740s, and Leonora is living in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1860s, so this comparison is misleading.
I also didn't find this novel to be dystopian or feminist so have no idea why it's being compared to the writing of Margaret Atwood. My guess is that this novel is hard to categorise or pigeonhole and that's a good thing. It should be able to stand on its own and comparing it to popular works in this way actually does the reader a disservice.
Being a fan of historical fiction, I wasn't surprised to find myself wrapped up in Leonora's story and wishing she had a book of her own. I was fascinated by the group of like-minded people Leonora stumbles across and definitely wanted more of this. I could easily have done without Jeff and his selfish behaviour, although the android assistant/companion aspect was interesting.
A Superior Spectre is recommended for readers interested in a science fiction meets historical fiction mash-up.
Australian Author, AWW, From Publisher for Review, Historical Fiction, Reading Challenge, Science Fiction
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Welcome to Carpe Librum. I'm Tracey, a passionate booklover based in Melbourne Australia. I review books across a variety of genres, participate in a number of reading challenges and love running giveaways. I hope you discover some exciting book reviews, enter a few giveaways and enjoy the bookish content here.
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If you are faced with the prospect of wearing braces as an adult, you are probably feeling a mix of excitement for the end result and horror for the process it will take to get there. Luckily, there is a whole range of new technology offered that can make the entire process more comfortable and less embarrassing than you could have ever imagined. This article will explain some of the many options out there, and how to find an orthodontist that is skilled in a particular technology.
Invisalign braces are plastic slip-on braces which work well for many cosmetic orthodontic corrections. They may not be the best option for severe problems. However, they are extremely effective at solving a number of orthodontic concerns, and a good Invisalign provider can use the system to correct some severe problems as well. You can use the Invisalign website to find a trustworthy provider. When searching for an excellent Invisalign orthodontist, Phoenix residents will find several options on the Invisalign website, including many that are highly ranked within the internal system used by Invisalign. In addition to not being the best choice for severe problems, Invisalign also tends to be more expensive and take longer than many of the other options. It remains the least noticeable and most truly "invisible" option.
Damon braces are smaller and less uncomfortable than traditional braces, but to most people they will look fairly similar to the traditional elastic and wire braces we are used to seeing on teenagers. They have a very serious advantage over some other options because of how fast they can work. They can correct severe problems in half the time of traditional braces, while avoiding surgical extractions. Another great advantage to the Damon braces is that it requires fewer adjustments, so you won't have as many appointments with the orthodontist. The Damon Braces come in a clear option which makes them quite a bit less noticeable than traditional braces. A Google search for "Orthodontist Phoenix Damon" gives a broad range of results for adults interested in pursuing this option.
Although it is a commitment of time and money to have your teeth corrected as an adult, it is also an investment in your health and well-being. Crooked teeth harbor more plague and germs, meaning an increase in tooth decay which has been proven to negatively our health, causing many periodontal diseases and gastrointestinal problems. Also, there is evidence to show that having an attractive smile proves beneficial in professional and private life.


text:
Mynyddog Mwynfawr (variant orthographies include: Old Welsh Mynydawc Mwynvawr; Middle Welsh; Mynyddawg Mwynfawr) was, according to Welsh tradition founded on the early Welsh language poem Y Gododdin (attributed to Aneirin), a Brittonic ruler of the kingdom of Gododdin in the Hen Ogledd ("Old North"; a Welsh language term for Scotland and northern England).

The traditional reading of Y Gododdin, accepted by most scholars, is that Mynyddog is king of Gododdin, perhaps with his court at Din Eidyn, modern Edinburgh. He appears as the sponsor of the renowned warband that fought at the Battle of Catraeth in the early Welsh poem.

The name Mynyddog Mwynfawr, if translated as a personal name, means Mynyddog the Wealthy. The name Mynyddog is the adjectival form of mynydd "mountain" (i.e. "mountainous"). John T. Koch considers Mynyddog Mwynfawr to be a place (meaning approximately "Wealthy Mountain"). Koch argues that Mynyddog Mwynfawr is a kenning or personification which represents Din Eidyn, Gododdin, or perhaps the entire Old North, and that Gwlyget, described as Mynyddog's steward, is the ruler of Gododdin.

The popular Welsh poet Richard Davies (1833–1877) adopted the name Mynyddog as his pen name. Use of an adopted Welsh-language pen name was common among Welsh poets of his era.

Sources
 Rachel Bromwich (ed.), Trioedd Ynys Prydein (University of Wales Press, 1978; new edition, 1991)
 Chris Lowe, Angels, Fools and Tyrants: Britons and Saxons in Southern Scotland (Canongate Books and Historic Scotland, 1999)
 Ifor Williams (ed.), Canu Aneirin (University of Wales Press, 1958). The standard edition of Y Gododdin.

Northern Brythonic monarchs
Medieval Welsh literature

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Edifier has just released another unique looking speaker. This speaker is called the Exclaim and appropriately enough it looks a bit like an exclamation point! This dual amplifier 2.0 speaker system puts out a total of 36 watts of power through it's 6 internal active speakers, while passive radiators augment the sound. The speakers measure 4.1" x 12.2" x 7" and sell for $99 only on Edifier's site (at some point they will likely be available here on Amazon ).
Focus On: 50 Most Popular Punctuation: Question Mark, At Sign, Dash, Apostrophe, Backslash, Full Stop, Semicolon, Inverted question and exclamation Marks, Hyphen, Bullet (typography), etc.


Lionsgate unleashed the first glimpses of "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1" on Thursday, including the introduction of Julianne Moore as President Alma Coin.
The studio released a video interview with Moore and photos of her in character, including one with the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, who returns as Plutarch Heavensbee in one of his final performances.
All these tidbits were unveiled to fans on TheHungerGamesExclusive.com, which also has an excerpt from the script, interviews with director Francis Lawrence and producer Nina Jacobson and the now-standard "motion poster" showing a fiery mockingjay.


text:
EGBA supports creation of new European AML rules
By Jake Patel / July 21, 2021 July 21, 2021 / Europe
The European Gaming & Betting Association (EGBA) is set to develop industry-specific guidelines to help online gambling companies comply with the European Union's (EU) new anti-money laundering (AML) rule book.
The announcement from the EGBA comes after the European Commission (EC) proposed several AML reforms to the EU.
New AML reforms for Europe
The new set of reforms include the creation of a new EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA).
This new body will act as the central European body responsible for coordinating national AML bodies and Financial Intelligence Units (FIU) to ensure businesses in each member state comply with the EU's money-laundering rules.
This will be achieved through the creation of a single system to supervise all AML and counter-terrorism financing in Europe.
The reforms also include a framework for more detailed rules on customer due diligence, beneficial ownership, and the powers and task of supervisors and national-level FIUs.
Furthermore, the new AMLA will directly oversee "some of the riskiest financial institutions that operate in a large number of member states or require immediate action to address imminent risks."
In addition to the creation of a new body, the reforms include the creation of a blacklist and grey list for countries with higher money laundering risks, with countries on those lists set to match those of the Financial Action Task Force.
Additionally, a €10,000 limit will be implemented for cash payments. According to the EC, similar rules already exist in two-thirds of member states, but this should be brought in for all member states.
The last of the new reforms will ensure that European money laundering laws apply to cryptocurrency assets, rather than just certain categories.
The proposed reforms will now be considered by the European President and Council and if they are approved, the AMLA is set to be operational in 2024.
Valdis Dombrovskis, executive vice-president of the EU committee For an Economy that Works for People said: "Every fresh money laundering scandal is one scandal too many – and a wake-up call that our work to close the gaps in our financial system is not yet done.
"We have made huge strides in recent years and our EU AML rules are now among the toughest in the world. But they now need to be applied consistently and closely supervised to make sure they really bite. This is why we are today taking these bold steps to close the door on money laundering and stop criminals from lining their pockets with ill-gotten gains."
EGBA to help create guidelines
The EGBA has thrown its support behind the proposed reforms to AML in Europe's member states.
The EGBA will also analyse and evaluate the proposed reforms to see how they can best be applied to companies in the online gambling space.
Ekaterina Hartmann, Director of the EGBA said: "We welcome the efforts of the European Commission to continuously improve the EU framework for combatting money-laundering. EGBA members already apply the highest regulatory standards in AML compliance and are fully committed to tackling money laundering in the online gambling sector.
"To support this, we are working closely with our members to develop EU-wide, sector-specific guidelines to help Europe's online gambling companies comply with the increasingly complex AML rules in the EU."


text:
Mon 8 Jul, 2019, 6:00 AM (EDT)
Zhang Shuai vs. Dayana Yastremska - 7/8/19 Wimbledon Tennis Pick, Odds, and Prediction
By: Avijoy
Created: 7/5/19
Dayana Yastremska vs. Zhang Shuai
Monday July 8, 2019, 6:00 AM (EDT)
All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club
Wimbledon, England
The Line: -- Over/Under:
Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Chinese tennis player, Zhang Shuai has made it into the fourth round at Wimbledon. At this stage of the tournament, Zhang will play against Dayana Yastremska from Ukraine.
Zhang Shuai had a big win in the previous round as she defeated Caroline Wozniacki. During the victory, Zhang received serve exceptionally well. Zhang Shuai won 54% of her receiving points which allowed her to break Caroline Wozniacki's serve on 6 occasions. It is important to note that Zhang Shuai struggled with her serve as she lost 33% of her service games. That being said, Zhang Shuai did enough to win the match.
It has been a good tournament for Zhang Shuai as she has won all of her matches in straight sets. Zhang has already defeated both Caroline Wozniacki and Caroline Garcia in this tournament. This is the deepest run that Zhang Shuai has made at Wimbledon.
Dayana Yastremska also won her previous match in straight sets as she defeated Viktorija Golubic. Similar to Zhang, Dayana Yastremska impressed with her receiving. Dayana Yastremska won 50% of her return points which resulted in her winning 5 return games. Dayana Yastremska won 72% of her service games.
It has been a solid tournament for Yastremska as she defeated Sofia Kenin in the second round. Dayana Yastremska is only 19 and this is her best performance at a Grand Slam event.
Dayana Yastremska and Zhang Shuai have played each other once in the past. The match was played in 2018 at Hong Kong where Dayana Yastremska won in straight sets.
Neither player has made it this far at Wimbledon so both players are expected to see this match as a big occasion. As far as predicting a winner is concerned, I am going to side with Zhang Shuai. Zhang has been playing on the WTA tour for a much greater amount of time and I see that added experience being vital in this match. Zhang has had an outstanding tournament and her confidence will be high having beaten both Carolina Garcia and Caroline Wozniacki. With all that in mind, I see Zhang Shuai winning this match and reaching the quarterfinals.
Zhang Shuai
Avijoy
Based in multiple cities around the world, Avijoy is a sports writer and handicapper with over 10 years experience. Avijoy has been at Sports Chat Place since 2015 and has been covering tennis, cricket and soccer. With a degree in statistics, Avijoy provides detailed mathematical edges which allow him to be successful in predicting winners on a consistent basis.


Pearl necklaces are a timeless and a staple accessory in any wardrobe. Whether you're looking to add a graceful elegance to an evening ensemble, or pull together a casual outfit, a simple pearl necklace can do just that no matter what the current trends are.
Each pearl has been hand selected by our GIA Certified experts to ensure high quality. Packaged in lovely gift boxes, each order also comes with a certificate of authentication.
Pearl Classic�s collection of pearl necklaces includes beautiful and authentic Tahitian, Akoya, South Sea, and Freshwater pearls. Shop through simple classic white strands of pearls or mix it up with a beautiful mixture of colored pearls. You may also add a bold style with a dramatic strand of black Tahitian pearls.
Whatever your style may be, Pearl Classic works with four types of pearls and is sure to offer a pearl necklace that suits you perfectly. With our GIA certified pearl experts, you will feel confident that you are getting the best quality pearls as we personally hand select each pearl. That ensures your pearl necklace is of the utmost quality in terms of its luster, nacre, and flawless finish. Authentic, beautiful, timeless and affordable jewelry is what you will find with Pearl Classic.


Kalamazoo, MI: On Monday, February 29th, 2016, at approximately 5:19 p.m., Kalamazoo Public Safety officers responded to report of an accident in the 400 block of N. Westnedge. Upon arrival officers located a 1996 Ford Contour occupied by four subjects with significant front end damage. Two of the occupants had to be extricated from the vehicle. Through witness statements, officers determined that the Ford Contour was traveling S/B on N. Westnedge at high rate of speed when it lost control and side-swiped a vehicle. After the initial collision, the vehicle veered off the road and crashed into a utility pole. The four occupants were transported to Bronson Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. No injuries were reported from the other vehicle involved in the crash. A records check revealed that the Ford Contour had been reported stolen out of Kalamazoo County Sheriff's department. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash. The crash is still under investigation.
Kalamazoo, MI: On 02-28-16 at approximately 2:00pm officers responded to Milham Park in reference to a suspicious package. A Citizen reported that they observed a male subject set down a duffle bag near playground equipment in the park, and then leave the park. The caller believed that the bag had been left at the location intentionally.
The bag was located by officers on their arrival and attempts were made to locate a possible owner, but were unsuccessful. Due to the suspicious nature of the bag the Kalamazoo Bomb Squad was requested to investigate.
Upon investigation by the Kalamazoo Bomb Squad it was determined the bag had no explosives in it, and instead contained snacks and children's items. It's believed the bag was left accidentally by an unknown person who was utilizing the park. The bag was taken as found property by Public Safety Officers and taken to Public Safety Headquarters where it can be claimed by its owner.


text:
package kvdb

const (
	// Switch on extra debug code.
	etcdDebug = true
)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
package com.atomikos.datasource.pool;
 /**
  * This interface describes connection
  * pool properties.
  *
  *
  */

public interface ConnectionPoolProperties
{

	/**
	 * Gets the unique resource name.
	 *
	 * @return
	 */
	public String getUniqueResourceName();

	/**
	 * Gets the maximum pool size.
	 * @return
	 */
	int getMaxPoolSize();

	/**
	 * Gets the minimum pool size.
	 * @return
	 */
	int getMinPoolSize();

	/**
	 * Gets the borrow connection timeout.
	 * @return
	 */
	int getBorrowConnectionTimeout();

	/**
	 * Gets the reap timeout.
	 * @return
	 */
	int getReapTimeout();

	/**
	 * Gets the max time in seconds a connection can stay idle before being closed.
	 * @return
	 */
	int getMaxIdleTime();

	/**
	 * Gets the maintenance interval of the pool's maintenance thread.
	 * @return
	 */
	int getMaintenanceInterval();

	/**
	 * Gets the query used to test connections.
	 * @return
	 */
	String getTestQuery();

	/**
	 * Tests whether local transactions are to be allowed or not.
	 * @return
	 */
	boolean getLocalTransactionMode();

	/**
	 * Gets the default isolation level preference.
	 *
	 * @return The level, or -1 if not set.
	 */
	int getDefaultIsolationLevel();

}


text:
import 'jest-preset-angular';
import 'jest-zone-patch';
import './jest-global-mocks';


text:
MAGIC SCHOOL
Sell Out
2006, 2007,
Close-Up Magicians
Got Talent Grand Finalists
Magic Slam Champions
Judges Award
REAPPEARING
11 - 12 FEB 2022
REGAL THEATRE
BUY TICKETS VIA FRINGE WORLD
VIP TIX NOW AVAILABLE!
BUY TICKETS VIA TICKETEK
"MAGIC WITH A NEW EDGE!"
- WEST AUSTRALIAN
Presenting an EPIC-NEW magic spectacular at FRINGE WORLD Festival 2022: Be transported into Adam & Selinas MAGIC DIMENSION at Regal Theatre, a blockbuster show filled with incredible magic and mind-blowing stage illusions by the world-famous brother-sister magic duo. Suitable for all ages. 11 & 12 February 2022. Get tickets before they disappear!
MEET THE MAGICIANS
ABOUT ADAM & SELINA
Adam & Selina are considered by many to be at the forefront of Australian magic. International and multi-award winning, the brother-sister magic duo have been astonishing audiences for over 20 years all over the world.
They become Grand Finalists on Australia's Got Talent, have headlined international tours and rapturing audiences at exclusive high profile events in over 18 countries across 4 continents. Adam & Selina they have also been featured on multiple prime-time television shows - and even performed for Middle Eastern Royalty.
Adam & Selina are multi-award winning Australian magicians who been recognised for their excellence in magic for many years. Below are some of their highlighted achievements.
"…ELECTRIFYING SHOW!"
QH MAGAZINE
WANT TO LEARN HOW TO DO MAGIC?
You've come to the right place! At Adam & Selina's Magic School our teaching philosophy is to offer a professional, fun-filled, inspiring and positive learning environment for anyone aged 8 years and older looking to advance their skills in magic and fulfil their true potential.
Magic School is Australia's leading magic institution, offering both live training and online courses with highly qualified and well-respected professionals in the industry. At Magic School, we strive to ensure all our students receive the absolute best tuition available in the magic, illusion and conjuring arts.
Magic School is more than just a school of magic, we are a family...
VIST MAGIC SCHOOL
CONNECT WITH ADAM & SELINA
info@themagicians.com.au
A MURBY PRODUCTION


Getting people to take action is tough. On a daily basis, they make thousands of decisions on how to spend their precious time. When it comes to booking parties for your family entertainment center, timing is everything.
Think about the typical week for a busy mom. Between running errands and being knee deep in baby stuff, the last thing they want to do is call somebody to book a birthday party. We get a glimpse into their thinking when we look at the data from our 2017 Online Party Booking Study.
It turns out; there are certain times of the day and days of the week that are more popular for booking parties online. By 'booking parties,' we're not talking about inquiries on web forms. We're talking about customers checking availability, purchasing add-ons, paying a deposit, and reserving a party online.
This infographic outlines the times when guests took action in booking their party. You can use it to plan the timing of your ads along with other aspects of your birthday party marketing campaign. If you're not booking parties online, now's the perfect time to start.