text:
The Millennial Star
Why I Don't Read Mormon Fiction
Posted on February 22, 2012 by jettboy
For more than a month there has been a push by some Mormon authors to get people to read more Mormon fiction. What has been called the Mormon Lit Blitz has in some corners gone full steam. They have sent books to family and friends, discussed to varied degrees what is available, and generally advertised the movement.
Despite all the work that has gone toward the Mormon literature blitz, not much seems to have changed. As one participant stated with sadness and confusion after books were returned by parents without having read them, "My assumption is that they were offended by the book (though maybe not, maybe it was something else). But I still don't know what to make of the book's return. I've never had my parents return a gift before. I'm surprised that was what they decided to do." Not speaking for the parents, but for Mormon readers, it isn't that surprising considering the tortured history of Mormon fiction. It is filled with missteps, bad literary output, mirror image antagonism, and general frustration. The Mormon author that wants to get published is either faced with the cringe worthy fluff of Mormon publishers or the appetite for the salacious in national publishing.
The Deseret Book Dilemma
For most of the history of Mormon writing, what gets published has been determined by a single company. This has changed with self-publishing, but the damage has been done. Most of the available products are filtered through this small and power bloated entity. Distribution is only part of the larger dysfunction. The kind of product created over the years has a life of its own for good or ill.
For the most part its safe reading. There is nothing scandalous or sensationalistic in the writing. Its clean, dependable, and predictable. Any serous reader automatically finds it stifling and boring. The protagonist doesn't have any real conflict to overcome. Sure there is conflict that exists, but the choices made aren't very hard and therefore no real struggle to overcome. They just need to find a way around the patch of weeds rather than hacking at the obstacles. Like Anikan Skywalker in the Star Wars prequels, the outcome is assured and the final turn is not earned.
The Other Extreme
Looking for alternatives didn't help the situation for those who wanted more. True, the conflict in other works was more complicated and characters had real battles. What happened on the way to the final was a distortion of Mormon life if not a repudiation. They don't resonate with faithful Mormon's view of the religion any more than the other above described choices.
As examples, "The Lonely Polygamist" should be considered Mormon literature because it was written by someone who was at least in the mainstream Church if he isn't still. The most famous Mormon fiction "The Backslider" must also be examined. The first deals with a group that most Mormons cannot relate to and reject. It is also filled with vulgarities (not just swear words). Then there is "The Backslider," the very name puts a question mark on its appropriateness. The description isn't any better with its mention of the protagonist, "constrained only by strict moral education," and "mask of feigned righteousness," whose redemption impresses few because its unconventional and perhaps blasphemous or he doesn't leave the Church.
Presentation and Distribution Problem
What of the new crop of books that Mormon writers are trying to bring to a wider audience? There are a lot to hurdles with such a long history behind it without a good track record. Sometimes its a matter of wanting the best of both, or multiple, worlds whatever they might be and it can't be pulled off. Other times its doing more than getting the word out. Distribution is more than half the battle and no books, libraries, or universities carry them for those who want to know what they are buying first. This is true for any self-published (see shameless plug for a book) genre work.
Even if they did carry them, there is the need to explain what to expect. Having a nice cover and a quick blurb won't be enough. Passing them out to friends and family, as demonstrated at the start, is also not the answer. For "No Going Back," homosexuality is the concern of a small and vocal political minority that most Mormons don't come in contact. Why should the average and conservative Mormon read the book that the author indicated is the intended audience? Those who support the books can be its own worst enemy, such as when one reader of "Bound on Earth" said, ""But did my sister just go and write any run-of-the-mill novel? That's like asking if anybody who drives a Prius voted for McCain. Of course not!" In other words, its not for the average politically conservative Mormon reader who, by the way, is shallow.
Even the covers can be fraught with obstacles. That "Death of a Disco Dancer" cover really needs changed if the writer wants people to read the book. Is it horror? Is it a comedy? Is it 70s historical fiction? Is it all three? Is it even about Mormons since that is the only circles I have seen it discussed? (I know I can read what its about and even a criticism at Millenial Star, but the point is presentation).
Wrapping it up, it comes down to at least four things that get in the way of a Mormon readership. There is lived experiences, politics, literary quality, and presentation. That is a whole lot to work with and some of it out of the writer's control. Not easy and I wish the best of luck.
This entry was posted in General by jettboy. Bookmark the permalink.
51 thoughts on "Why I Don't Read Mormon Fiction"
Joyce Anderson on February 22, 2012 at 10:22 am said:
I'm glad you wrote this. I've been reading a lot lately, and I am always on the hunt for good books, uplifting books, clean books and books that will make me think. I know I've read something good when I come to the end and I'm sad to leave that world behind.
I agree with you about Deseret Book, and I rarely, if ever buy their books, for the very reasons you listed. However, I think you can find good books, even "Mormon" books outside of the DB universe. I think self-publishing, smaller epublishing outlets and so on, are on the rise. I know my sister-in-law (annettemackey.com — yes that was a shameless plug) does a lot to self promte on twitter and facebook. She sells a lot of books that way.
I also think, perhaps if LDS authors went for a wider audience, they would be more sucessful. I know there is a very thriving Christian fiction genre out there. I've read several books in the last few weeks and months that were not written by Mormon authors, but were clean and uplifiting none the less.
Geoff B. on February 22, 2012 at 10:27 am said:
There is a really good "Mormon novel" out there called "The Shakeress." (Not really a Mormon novel, but has some elements).
http://www.amazon.com/The-Shakeress-ebook/dp/B002ZG8F1S
I still think OSC's book "Saints" is a wonderful read and very faith-promoting.
I would recommend "The Work and the Glory" series to anybody wanting to be introduced to the basics of Mormon history. Not wonderful writing, but worth reading (and yes I know there are historical inaccuracies, but there is also a lot of things the author gets right). There are several other worthwhile books if you browse through Deseret Books.
Don't under any circumstances read the "Twilight" series! Oops, too late.
Wm on February 22, 2012 at 10:42 am said:
I agree that the "middle" fiction books have some major difficulties in terms of marketing and distribution. I also don't think that they are for every Mormon reader everywhere (although I'd say that you can be politically conservative and still very much enjoy and relate to Bound on Earth — sometimes pithy, well-meaning quotes should just be ignored). Most books aren't for every reader everywhere.
I've been trying to think of what to suggest to M* readers and you in particular Jettboy. And what I've actually come down to is one of my own works, which I didn't want to do, but I think it best represents why I think there is value in representing the Mormon experience in literary form: Gentle Persuasions, which was published in Dialogue and is now available to read for free, and, imo, thrums with orthodoxy. It's a series of short short stories all around the theme of priesthood holders making/receiving home visits. It takes as a starting point that the Church is true, but that all of us who are part of it are human and how that plays out as we carry out our duties (in this case priesthood duties).
Frank Pellett on February 22, 2012 at 11:08 am said:
I think part of the problem is that Mormon fiction tends to be like really long and drawn out Ensign articles. There are plenty of excellent LDS authors (Brandon Mull, Brandon Sanderson), but I can't think of any that are mainstream in the "Mormon fiction" genre. (I should note that I've not read the tennis shoes amoung the Nephites series)
I keep hoping for a mainstream fiction book (or series) where there are LDS characters, but being LDS is part of their character, not the entire point for their being.
Jettboy on February 22, 2012 at 11:14 am said:
I have been saying that for years. The only book I have come across that does that successfully is "Lost Boys" by Orson Scott Card. Like you said, there are plenty of Mormon authors (just thought of plugging for this interesting book) who still don't use Mormon characters. It would be nice to see more Mormons writing novels with Mormons and not just about them.
Bob on February 22, 2012 at 11:36 am said:
Deseret book gets it right sometimes. Dean Hughes Children of the Promise series is the first example that springs to mind as one that many people who didn't think they liked LDS fiction enjoyed. But it's still a niche, in that it's both LDS fiction AND historical fiction, so that whittles down the potential readership even more. As good as I understand it to be, its still not a book every Mormon would enjoy, let alone every Mormon reader.
Part of the problem is that we live in an age where "readers" define themselves as much by what they don't read as what they do read. And they can't just say, "I don't like X." It's "X is garbage."
The literary fiction crowd gets to feel superior to the sci-fi and fantasy crowd, the sci-fi and fantasy crowd get to feel superior to the romance crowd, and everybody gets to feel superior to the Twilight crowd.
And so some teenager comes along who never really liked reading, and they pick up something like Twilight or a Jack Weyland novel, and they LOVE it, they completely relate to it, and they think, "Wow! I can relate to this! This is fun! I thought books were all about adultery or slavery or dogs who die at the end of the book or people who talk in old English and kill themselves, because that's what all the books I read in school were!"
And they want to talk about it with somebody. None of their friends read, so that's out. So they rush up to "that" person, the one with the houseful of books, the one they think they now share a secret with.
And when they tell "that" person what they're reading, that person turns their nose down at them and tells them what they're reading isn't "real" fiction, and "Oh, how can you even STAND to read that?"
And the kid decides they are alone, and are weird, and since they're teenagers they think that's bad, and they miss out on the chance to develop a life long love of reading.
In the case of LDS readers, this means they don't get more LDS books, which means Deseret Book continues to pay small advances and yeild small royalties, which means anyone who has the talent to make money at this publishes elsewhere, in other genres.
So my first advice to anybody trying to win Deseret Book readers out into the "Indie" LDS markets is to stop telling the Deseret Book readers you're trying to make up for their inadequate fiction. People LOVE Jack Weyland, and the Work and The Glory, and other things that we "real" readers feel an absolute need to belittle to prove how sophisticated we are.
Those people are on our side. They want amazing, powerful, unforgettable LDS fiction as badly as we do. Making ourselves their enemies doesn't help.
And by refusing to go where they're at, to see what they're doing and see how the mainstream LDS writers are trying to bridge the gap from their side, it makes the mainstream LDS readers uncomfortable, because it makes them think we're opposed to orthodoxy.
It's always a mistake to assign someone on the opposite side of the argument the opposite viewpoint of your own. Just because we're seeking sophistication in our fiction doesn't mean that the people who are the "Deseret book readers" crave a lack of sophistication.
What we're talking about are people who really, really love the Savior. And they fear anything that they think might be seeking to lead them away from Him. They don't look at anything that proports to be LDS in terms of "literary merit" or "depth of character" or anything else. They look at it in terms of what they see as being, "Is this book going to bring me closer to the Savior than I am right now, or is this book, and this viewpoint, a little further away from the Savior than I am right now and than I want to be?"
That's not say that they are opposed to "literary merit" or "depth of character." They just want it on their terms. It's not the primary priority.
And honestly, their primary priority just isn't one I can find it in my heart to fault them for.
Then, there's the big swath in the middle. These are women like the women in the Relief Society book club my wife goes to every month. They read all kinds of stuff-memoirs, fiction, non fiction, church books, self-help books, everything. They're faithful LDS women, and they're open to reading pretty close to anything.
These are the kinds of readers I think both sides are trying to reach. To say we've never reached them would be a misstatement. They've brought out books from both sides–both the mainstream and the indie stuff.
The question is, how we reach them more consistently and more directly.
And above all, make every new and excited reader feel welcomed to the fold.
Julie Coulter Bellon on February 22, 2012 at 11:40 am said:
I disagree with your assessment of what's out there in Mormon fiction today. There are several mystery writers like Stephanie Black and Jeff Savage who write twisty, engaging novels without any overtly Mormon characters. And, just to mention it in case you weren't aware, the Whitney Awards also highlight the best in fiction by Mormon authors each year and I think you might be surprised at who makes those lists.
I think it all comes down to what you are looking for in your reading material. I am looking for entertaining books that are equivalent to national fiction without the vulgarity and sex that usually comes along with national titles. The Mormon market has expanded to include writers who fill that bill, but so many people judge the market on what was available five or ten years ago. I think the market of today is worth another look.
Excellent comment, Bob. I completely agree.
And to follow up on what Julie has said with an example:
I think that Lemon Tart by Josi S. Kilpack is an excellent example of a cozy mystery. It doesn't involve Mormon characters, although the content level is in line with Deseret Book's content guidelines (and, of course, part of why those content guidelines don't feel off is because cozies tend to be less PG-13 rated than other mysteries).
Great comments so far. Nice to see some additional suggestions of stuff to read.
K.C. Grant on February 22, 2012 at 11:50 am said:
Bravo, Bob! You expressed very eloquently the problems and shortsightedness that exist on both sides of the issue.
Wm, I also love Josi's cozy mysteries. The entire series is worth reading! Another good author is Rob Wells. His book Variant is getting some great reviews. Of course, if you're into horror, his brother Dan Wells has a series, "I Am Not A Serial Killer" that is really creepy.
Tristi Pinkston on February 22, 2012 at 11:58 am said:
Very interesting post, and very interesting comments afterward. Bob, you stated my feelings beautifully, as did Julie. And I agree with Wm as well.
Let me throw an analogy out there. Let's say you walk into Burger King, and you want to eat a pizza. You know you're not going to get pizza at Burger King, so why are you there? When it comes to the LDS market, there are certain guidelines that are followed because of the nature of the LDS reader. If that's not for you, you can go somewhere else and find something that will be more to your liking rather than complaining about it.
If you like books written for the LDS market, you will find a wide variety of subjects and craft levels, just like you'll find a wide variety of pizza out there – some of it's cardboard, and some of it's succulent and to die for. It does exist. It really does.
Wm on February 22, 2012 at 12:00 pm said:
Variant is fantastic. And also an example of why the Mormon market is a good thing. Rob's early forays into that market aren't the greatest (which he would be the first to admit), but they did set the stage for his success with Variant. As Julie has noted the same is true of various other LDS authors. In turn, that means the genre fiction that DB/Covenant produces has upped its' game as well. Now much of it isn't my cup of Postum. But it's really all about sampling works and finding what you like.
Also I second the recommendation for Dan's series — it's what convinced me that horror, just as LDS literary critic Michael Collings has said, is a moral genre, something I was very dubious about before. While it does not feature LDS characters, there are some strong thematic LDS resonances.
I should add that the Whitney finalists are a good starting point for sampling what's out there. Julie already said so, but here's a link to all the finalists each year in each of the genre categories.
Heather Moore on February 22, 2012 at 12:10 pm said:
As a Mormon author who writes "Mormon" books and has been told I've sold my soul to do so, I thought you might be interested in some of my comments.
The Christian market is very different from the LDS market. In fact, most Christian publishers will not publish an LDS author's work. There have been many who've tried to break in. But once the Christian publishers audience finds out they are publishing a Mormon author, that book's sales will not be successful. I only know of one exception.
There are also plenty of books out there that have Mormon characters in them (they aren't always presented in a favorable light). It's just not really a big selling point with the big 6 publishers. I'm reading one right now by Kristen Chandler–a YA national book.
My opinion on The Lonely Polygamist is that it shouldn't be held up as an aspiration for "Mormon fiction." Whether the author is an active LDS member is beside the point. The novel is about a polygamist family, and yeah, it's great to read about "the other side" but no LDS publisher will touch polygamy in fictional form. Period. So even if Brady Udall submitted this brilliant book to Deseret Book it would have been turned down because of the topic (let alone the content).
Also, LDS authors, just like any other author, are trying to break into other markets. Constantly. And they are always pushing the envelop with their LDS publishers. LDS authors WANT to write books that don't include VT visits. In fact, my publisher (Covenant) will be publishing my first non-LDS book this fall–women's fiction. I'm thrilled. Covenant will also be publishing a horror novel by Jeff Savage. They publish regency romances by Sarah Eden, a sci-fi middle grade series by Julie Wright, and they published a non-LDS historical by Michele Holmes in 2011. Covenant is stepping outside the box a little. But they know their readership and their readership expects clean content.
Deseret Book has done the same thing with their Shadow Mountain imprint. It allows them to put out books in which the reader knows what to expect with each imprint. It's the nature of the business all across the board.
Just like all the Harlequin lines. If the imprint says "spicy" something, readers know what they are getting. If it's one of the "inspirational" lines, readers know what to expect.
When people ask me why the "heck" I publish in the LDS market . . . I tell them that as long as I'm writing the historicals I am, I'll stay there (although I'm up for diversifying). I see the LDS market & LDS publishing as a niche market. Just as the niche markets all across the nation. If you want to publish western fiction, you'll find a publisher for that. And that publisher markets to a niche target market of western enthusiasts. It's the same with LDS publishers. If a writer wants to write something centered on his/her religion, there is an outlet for it.
I am very selective in what I read as far as LDS fiction goes, simply because there are only so many books I can read a year. But I've given most authors at least a chance, and I've found several that I'll continue to read all of their books because I've truly enjoyed them.
As far as one of the comments "LDS books are all the same," that holds truth as long as we can also say, "all urban fantasy is the same" or "all YA high school dramas are the same". Different characters, different setting, same angst (haha. can you tell what I'm reading now?) I read in so many genres that I rarely come across a book that's totally unique. The main character just has different attributes, but usually follows a similar journey. Man against himself. Man against nature. Man against man. etc. etc.
Tim on February 22, 2012 at 12:46 pm said:
The biggest problem, I think, is that the Mormon audience is so limited. Good writers know that if they write mainly for an LDS audience, they won't sell many books. So fiction writers who write mainly for LDS audiences tend to not be great writers.
The only exception? LDS writers like Orson Scott Card who generally write books for more mainstream audiences, but occasionally write LDS-oriented books that, because of how big his name is, still sell quite a few copies. He had an entire series that was basically a sci-fi Book of Mormon, and his fantasy Seventh Son series (which I recommend) takes quite a bit from the Joseph Smith story.
Tristi Pinkston on February 22, 2012 at 1:09 pm said:
I'm not totally following your train of thought, Tim. Why does the fact that they write for a smaller audience mean that they don't write great books?
Authors who write for the LDS market have made a conscious choice to do so, knowing that their audience is smaller. That doesn't mean they aren't great writers – it means that they've chosen a different path than national writers.
rameumptom on February 22, 2012 at 2:02 pm said:
I agree that there is a general dearth of actually good writing in LDS fiction. It is almost akin to the LDS mommy blogs out there – where they are very upbeat and super moral, that there is no real tension to describe the story. It is hard to tell a story when the worst enemy really is not that dark or complex, or the good guy seems like the perfect Osmond child.
Does DB even have Ender's Game by OSC on its bookshelves? Or do they feel it is too dark and painful to place next to their bubblegum stories? (Can you tell that I am not a fan of Sheri Dew – and no, she is not a General Authority for everyone to think her writing is so wonderful – it ain't).
Sadly, there often is a dearth of good writing in LDS non-fiction published by DB. GA biographies are all well and good, but there's a huge difference between the pablum of Joseph Smith's history written by Joseph F. Smith, and the well researched and considered volume written by Richard Bushman.
They are so careful to be careful, that new concepts that could move the gospel forward, are rarely promoted. No wonder most LDS scholars find other venues to publish.
Gregg on February 22, 2012 at 2:53 pm said:
While jettboy has a very valid ponit of view, it is just that: a point of view. Bottom line, what we're talking about is opinion. Not eveyone likes the same thing. And that's okay. But just because someone doesn't agree with you doesn't mean they are shallow, narrow-minded, or in need of expanding their horizons.
Wm on February 22, 2012 at 2:57 pm said:
All of us need to expand our horizons. All of us are shallow. And there's a fine line between narrow-minded and particular. I have no problem with those that are particular, especially if they have engaged in omnivorous consumption in order to reach that particularity.
J. Lloyd Morgan on February 22, 2012 at 3:07 pm said:
I'm happy to see eloquent responses from other authors who didn't stoop to jettboy's level. Yet, I think someone needs to call jettboy out on a few of his points.
Let me start with an example. I graduated from BYU with a degree in Communications—Broadcasting. At the same time I got my diploma, my Stake sponsored a "turn off your TV week". I see this post along the same lines. I believe there is too much of an "all or nothing" mentality among people like jettboy.
In general, I'd say Mormons want good, clean forms of entertainment. However, I agree that often these "clean" TV programs, books and music are looked down upon as being inferior because they don't reflect society at large and therefore aren't realistic.
Quote: "For the most part its safe reading. There is nothing scandalous or sensationalistic in the writing. It's clean, dependable, and predictable. Any serious reader automatically finds it stifling and boring. The protagonist doesn't have any real conflict to overcome. Sure there is conflict that exists, but the choices made aren't very hard and therefore no real struggle to overcome."
These statements say more about jettboy's preferences than readers in general—especially the part about any "serious" reader. I honestly wonder what books jettboy has read to make these wild overgeneralizations.
Yes, I've read a number of books that I found were "clean, dependable, and predictable". Some were by LDS authors, but most were not. I've also read a number of LDS books that I found very engaging—even though they were "clean".
Jettboy, I appreciate your opinion, but it's just that—your opinion. Stating your views and generalities as facts show a close minded approach to the subject you are addressing. If you don't like to read Mormon Fiction, then don't. But next time you read a book that is filled with sex, bad language and graphic violence, ask yourself if it is worth it just so you can claim to be a "serious" reader.
Clean is fine. Clean without craftsmanship and complexity is not. And sometimes clean is used as a convenient cover for a lack of both.
Of course, sometimes edgy is used as a convenient cover for a lack of both.
Frank Pellett on February 22, 2012 at 3:56 pm said:
Goodness – who thought we'd get so many reads from published LDS authors? Did a signal flare go up somewhere that someone was discussing LDS fiction?
Tim on February 22, 2012 at 3:58 pm said:
Tristi,
Most fiction writers want to make a living. That's hard to do if your potential audience is limited to Mormons. Mediocre Mormon fiction writers know that they don't have as much competition writing books for LDS audiences, given the dearth of quality fiction aimed at Mormons, so they write mediocre fiction aimed at Mormons and make a little bit of money. Good Mormon writers–good enough to compete against all writers and not just other Mormon writers–find more success (and are thus able to better provide for their families) writing to a more mainstream audience.
Steve on February 22, 2012 at 3:59 pm said:
Readers will always find what they want to consume as long as there are writers willing to provide it. Yes, the natural man leads us to the more basic instincts we have as we search for entertainment, and that can be "real". But there is also an element of hope and wholesomeness that is "real" in our lives. As we consume our media we make decisions about what version of "real" we desire to enjoy. It seems that society is pushing towards the dark and depraved. I think LDS writers should view the clean, uplifting stories as a badge of honor.
Not all LDS fiction is the same. Anyone who feels it is, isn't very experienced with LDS fiction. As many have already noted, readers have the opportunities to choose, historical fiction, mysteries, YA paranormal, mid-grade fantasy etc. etc. all while enjoying the confidence that the stories will not sink into depths of vile "reality" that are crude and debasing. As readers, we can find what we want and I'm thankful for quality clean reading as provided by LDS writers.
One last thought- A book does not necessarily need Mormon characters to be "Mormon" fiction. Themes and standards also make a book "Mormon". There is a wealth of excellent LDS fiction available for consumers.
Jeff Savage on February 22, 2012 at 4:06 pm said:
Great column and lots of interesting comments as well. I think I'm somewhere in the middle ground, having published with DB, Covenant, Shadow Mountain (DB's national imprint), and now Harper Collins. Here are a few things I've come across.
First, LDS publishers by their very nature are small presses. As such, they have to make money on every title. National presses can offset a literary work that doesn't sell as much with a blockbuster. But for the most part, LDS presses don't tend to have blockbusters. And even though there are more LDS readers, that trend is getting worse not better. When I started out eleven years ago, an average book could be expected to sell 10,000 plus copies. Now 3,000 copies is considered successful. As a result, you see lots of mysteries, thrillers, romances, women's fiction, doctrinal, and not much in the way of literary fiction. There are some exceptions, but they tend to be boutique presses that are not really for profit and can do what they want.
Second, I hear all the time how LDS writing is not very good. In my opinion, quality of authors going from LDS publishers to national is not nearly as big of an issue as quantity/quality of editing. The entire budget for most LDS novels is what a national imprint spends on one editing pass. I love my editors at DB, Covenant, and Harper> They are absolutely national quality editors. But it is clear the LDS editors have much less time to read, review, and give feedback than their national counterparts. And I have far less time to make the requested changes.
I don't think this is an LDS specific thing as much as a small press thing. Because you only have so much money coming in on each title, you can only spend so much on production. Considering how many LDS authors have gone on to publish nationally, (I can think of a dozen just off the top of my head) I don't think you can say that LDS authors are bad writers, but there is often (not always) a noticeable difference in the quality of the novels. When you buy a book from a small press, I think there is at least some level of understanding that you are giving up something and gaining something.
So what do you gain? For one, the ability to buy a book written to a specific audience. Although my mystery series was written for any audience to read, my readers know it will be clean and something they wouldn't be afraid to have their kids pick up. Some people don't care about that, but I know lots of LDS readers who really appreciate being able to pick up a mystery or a romance or whatever that doesn't contain graphic sex, violence, etc. And if that's not your cup of tea, you don't need to buy it.
As an LDS author, I like the freedom of writing for the national market and the opportunity to sell much higher numbers. But I also really appreciate the ability to write specifically to my own people with messages only they would get. That's a big reason why I didn't give up my DB series when I signed with Harper. It's great to be able to have Mormon characters in national books. But it's also really nice to be able to have a young man or woman discover their own testimony in a way only Mormons can fully appreciate.
The last thing I hear a lot is that LDS publishers only do certain kinds of books: conversion stories, primary teacher falls in love with FBI agent, etc. Part of that again is demand. If readers are buying stories about primary teachers and FBI agents, the publishers would be dumb not to deliver them. Anita Stansfield has been incredibly successful, even by national standards, writing a very specific kind of romance. Her readers would be disappointed if she didn't deliver that. But there are tons of other stories that are out there: regency romances, international thrillers written by former CIA agents, stories about everything from rape to eating disorders, conversion to redemption, forgiveness, hate, you name it. Covenant is even publishing a horror novel for the first time next year.
I'm definitely not trying to convince anyone to read something they don't want to read. I tell authors that when they get one star reviews it almost always means the reader is not their target audience. So it may just be that you are not the target audience for most LDS authors. I guarantee many people on this list wouldn't be the right readers for my Harper books either, unless they like sixth grade potty humor. But just be aware that national caliber authors do write for LDS publishers. And that what they write is what the people who buy LDS books are asking for.
SilverRain on February 22, 2012 at 4:07 pm said:
I like reading things that aren't "real." I have plenty of reality in my life.
If I wanted more reality, I'd go and live it, rather than read about it.
Josi on February 22, 2012 at 4:25 pm said:
This has been a very interesting discussion to follow–I agree with something in almost every comment, and within the post itself, but my opinion fits into none of them perfectly. As has been stated–opinions are going to cover the spectrum. I think for any of us to say someone else is shallow or non-serious because they only read LDS or because they don't read LDS or because they only read non-fiction is over-the-top subjective (but then my opinion is subjective as well 🙂
One point I would like to make is in regard to 'Mormon' Characters. Homo-Fictious (James Frey, How to Write a Damn Good Novel) is not the same as Homo-sapien. When writers give a 'character' a 'characteristic' it needs to matter. Don't give someone a big nose if the big nose isn't part of their 'character' and doesn't play some part in the story (reader impression, self-conciousness, ethnicity, symbolism, etc.). If, therefore you're going to give a BIG characteristic, like Mormonism which is a life-encompassing characteristic, it needs to have the value worthy of it being included. Every characterization an author chooses both expands and limits the character. The characteristic can be expansive because Mormons like to read about Mormons and many people are curious about Mormons and it's unique, however it will be limited because the character now comes with a lot of expectations and there are some readers (in or out of the church) who will read with prejudice. If being Mormon is going to be necessary, it has to make an impact on the plot and the expansion it offers must be worth the limits it presents. If, therefore, being Mormon is necessary to the plot, then the plot will likely revolve around religious issues of one kind or another–if it doesn't, was it necessary to make the character Mormon or do you have another reason (and no other reason matters other than plot)? And then it gets stickier. If you're going to have a plot with Mormon issues–how are you going to work it? Conversion story? Faith Crisis? Culturally based? (all of which get blasted for being cliche) You have to have conflict in there, and you have to have reasonable reactions to those conflicts that result in character growth. You want a fresh story, but you chose a limiting characteristic. So, are you going to cross a 'comfort' line of mainstream Mormon audiences (remember, you already limited yourself by using Mormonism) as you present this conflict and the overcoming of it in order to keep it fresh or 'real' as is often requested? If you do cross that line, you will be further 'limiting' the work within the already limited spectrum you've chosen. Though it might 'expand' the story into other audiences, how will those other audiences know about this book and will your choices equate in sales or exposure? Will mainstream LDS bookstores, where LDS readers often shop, sell your book? If not, who will?
When I hear people say they want more Mormons in good literature, I wonder why. Do they want to see Mormon conflicts played out in a national arena where the majority of the target audience doesn't understand the nuances of the religion? Why? Do they want us to teach this audience about Mormonism? Why (and are they willing to forgive the preachiness if this is the purpose)? Do they just want a token Mormon to play a minority roll? Why?
In my very-subjective opinion–the result of this post and the comments is that writers should learn their craft so that whatever story they tell is told as well as it can be. Because too many writers in the LDS market have not done this, but sold anyway because readers were willing to choose 'safe' content over good craft, a reputation of poor quality has been established across the board. It's sad, but in a sense 'we' (and I use that term very loosely) are responsible for that. When we read a poorly written book and don't tell the publisher, when we cut corners and publish sup-par work because we know we can, we become part of the problem–not the solution. I don't know a single writer, myself included, who shouldn't be improving their craft. IF all the writers out there would learn their craft and do their best work, this post would never have been written; Jettboy would have a hard time calling us shallow because we wouldn't be. We would not be buying a reading books that were poorly written. But we have bought those books and too many of us have written those books too. I think this post should be one more motivating factor for LDS writers to use toward bettering their craft.
As it is now, however, there have been good changes in the LDS market. That doesn't mean we can 'fix' the bad impression people have gotten from poor work, which is only fair; the only reasonable thing to base expectations on are results. What we can do is keep improving, applaud those books that deserve applause, and work toward a better future through both individual and community-minded ways.
I chose to write within the "limits" of Mormon stories and am very proud of (most of) my works. I chose those limits on purpose and they don't chaff me. My current series is not based on an LDS character for one reason–my plot didn't need it.
Thanks for the post, Jettboy–I think this kind of discussion is a very good thing.
I think Jeff Savage has some good points.
I know some of the books published by LDS publishers are not just aimed at Mormons–Brandon Mull's successful Fablehaven series, while not my personal favorite, was not written for a Mormon audience–and ended up being a bestseller. I can't see how much success he would have gotten had he written for just a Mormon audience.
Perhaps I should not have stated that authors who write for LDS audiences aren't as good of writers–perhaps I should have instead said that books written for LDS audiences, especially by authors who don't usually write for broader audiences, generally aren't that good.
How many non-Deseret Book/Covenant-published novels written for LDS audiences have you read? I'd stack up Todd Robert Petersen, Angela Hallstrom, Patricia Karamesines and Margaret Young against any non-LDS writer of general fiction. Their works are not going to be too every LDS reader's taste to be sure, but there is quality out there, although not in as much abundance as I'd like, and part of that is definitely influenced by market economics — it's a labor of love for us. But there's enough to read for anyone who is serious about wanting to do some reading in the field.
c5 on February 22, 2012 at 6:28 pm said:
One of my favorite authors is Douglas Thayer. He writes Mormon-themed novels and short stories that I think have the potential to appeal to both mainstream LDS audiences and those looking for something with literary merit (and, of course, the intersection of the two).
I liked his novel The Conversion of Jeff Williams a lot. I've recommended it to a few LDS people who like to read but don't necessarily read LDS fiction, with only positive reactions.
The Tree House is his strongest work, in my opinion, and my favorite Mormon novel of those I've read. I'd imagine that some LDS readers could find it a little more negative or ambiguous in places than they might be expecting, though this isn't a criticism I have by any means. (And the book also includes, for example, a strongly positive portrayal of life as a missionary.)
Scott Hales on February 24, 2012 at 8:21 am said:
This has been a fascinating discussion, and I don't think there's much more I can add to it.
However, as one of the organizers of the Mormon Lit Blitz, I should note that Jettboy doesn't really give readers a good impression of what the Mormon Lit Blitz actually is. For one, it is not really a movement, but a literary contest that is still going on. I highly recommend reading the entries, which are being published one by one until the end of February. They can be found at http://www.mormonartist/blog/.
I should also note that the works featured in the Mormon Lit Blitz are short and designed to appeal to the whole spectrum of LDS people, particularly the faithful, committed kind. I'm not sure if Jettboy has read any of these pieces, but I recommend that the rest of you check them out.
Also, I think we should give the Mormon Lit Blitz some time before we start concluding that "not much seems to have changed" because of it. Keep in mind that it has only been going on for a little over a week now, which is not a whole lot of time for anything to change. The incident cited in the post has nothing to do with the Mormon Lit Blitz, although the gesture is wholly in line with the spirit of the Blitz.
Personally, I'd like to challenge Jettboy to read the Mormon Lit Blitz finalists on the Mormon Artist blog and write a review of them. What do you say?
Jettboy on February 24, 2012 at 9:11 am said:
Scott Hales, for some reason the link you provided leads to nowhere. I tried more than one browser and it ends up not able to find the site. Also, "I should note that Jettboy doesn't really give readers a good impression of what the Mormon Lit Blitz actually is," indicates there is an advertising problem. Assuming Mormons like me are your intended audience then there is a miscommunication. I thought at first it might be a contest, but everywhere I go people are talking about recently published books and novels. That brought me to the conclusion that the "spirit of the Blitz" was the Blitz.
I would like to read and do some kind of review of them, if I can actually get to them first.
Katya on February 24, 2012 at 9:31 am said:
Here's the correct link, Jettboy:
http://mormonartist.net/blog/
Trevor on February 24, 2012 at 9:35 am said:
BCC had an interesting discussion several years back that is relevant to this topic: http://bycommonconsent.com/2006/10/18/is-the-spirit-the-reason-that-so-much-lds-art-is-terrible/
My bad about the link. Thanks, Katya. I must have been typing too fast. That's the link: http://www.mormonartist.net/blog/
Also, I think it's less an advertising problem and more of a good sign that a lot of good things are happening right now in Mormon literature. I understand the confusion, though. Incidentally, we sent the Millennial Star editors a "press release" about the contest, but we didn't get a response back about it. It explained what the Blitz is, where it is happening, and why we are doing it. The full text of it can be found on these sites and a few others:
http://blog.mormonletters.org/?p=4003
http://www.modernmormonmen.com/2012/02/mormon-lit-blitz-begins.html
http://zelophehadsdaughters.com/2012/02/14/mormon-lit-blitz/
http://www.feministmormonhousewives.org/?p=8411
Scott Hales, you might want to reconsider posting those sites as places to get information on Mormon Blitz. I'll leave it to you to think about why they are not making a good impression. Just saying.
Well, the first one might be fine and the second one neutral. Again, just saying. I guess my question is exactly what audience are you trying to have with this? What is the message?
Scott Hales on February 24, 2012 at 10:53 am said:
We sent the press release to almost every popular blog in the bloggernacle–including the Millennial Star. We're trying to appeal to Mormon audiences. Even the women.
1. The contest is being featured on the Mormon Artist magazine blog. Mormon Artist, during its run, was firmly in the camp of mainstream orthodox Mormons in approach and subject matter and so was its' audience.
2. M* did recevie the news release. From what I can tell, it looks like Scott and James tried to cast a wide as net as possible.
3. If you look at the the works that have been published so far, there very much in the mainstream of Mormonism. And especially if you look at the comments on the Facebook page. It skews highly towards the Segullah/Mormon mommy blogger crowd.
I'd also note that James specifically mentioned on the AML blog that they had rejected pieces that they thought were too "edgy" for what they were trying to do. And if you read theoriginal call for entries for the contest, you'll note that that Scott and James specifically asked for:
"'For Mormons' means for committed Latter-day Saints. Yes, that's an extremely diverse audience (see the "I'm a Mormon" campaign–and your ward members), but it's also an audience with distinctive shared values and history that don't often get attention in creative work. We want you to write something that will appeal to us as people who believe in the sacred, who have ridiculous numbers of brothers and sisters we see every week, who worry about being good and faithful servants no matter what our day jobs are and wonder what it will be like to meet our grandparents' grandparents in heaven. We don't need your pieces to preach to us. We do need them to combine your creativity and religious commitment in a way that excites us and gives us something cool to talk about with our Mormon friends."
Emily Harris Adams on February 24, 2012 at 11:37 am said:
You know, popular Mormon Literature is a fairly new genre. As such, there is a considerable amount of experimentation that goes into forming and defining it. In fact, I still hear different definitions of what popular Mormon literature is. With experimentation comes failed attempts, near successes, and brilliance all rolled into one.
We've seen the same thing with early popular novels. You get books like "The Monk" an overwritten blasphemous novel, the "Mysteries of Udolfo" which is more entertaining but still not quite perfect, and (in the same time period) you get Jane Austen.
With popular Mormon Literature being so new, I'm sure you'll find those failed attempts, or near success, but I'm also sure you'll find brilliance. If you refuse to read any popular Mormon literature, you'll spare yourself from reading the failed attempts, and near successes, but you'll also miss out on the brilliance. I for one, look forward to watching the genre mature. Already I've found books, poems, personal essays, anthologies, documentaries, and magazines that are achieving wonderful things. Jett Boy, I'm sorry you are missing out.
Geoff B. on February 24, 2012 at 12:17 pm said:
Wm and Scott, please send notes to M* to:
editor@millennialstar.org and backup to:
geoffb1234@gmail.com
Jettboy may also want to give you his e-mail.
I don't think we received your announcement, sorry. 🙁
Scott Hales on February 24, 2012 at 1:01 pm said:
Geoff,
I sent it off to the editor email address, but it's possible that it missed it's mark. It's the nature of technology. I'll send it again to both addresses. We'd appreciate the mention. The finalists are still being posted daily, and the contest goes until mid-March. We'd love the added publicity.
Th. on February 24, 2012 at 2:49 pm said:
I hope you do go read them, Jettboy. This is a great opportunity for you to review something you've read.
Angela H. on February 24, 2012 at 3:00 pm said:
Fascinating discussion! Lots to think about, but I just wanted to comment on one specific point:
Heather Moore said, "My opinion on The Lonely Polygamist is that it shouldn't be held up as an aspiration for 'Mormon fiction.' Whether the author is an active LDS member is beside the point. The novel is about a polygamist family, and yeah, it's great to read about 'the other side' but no LDS publisher will touch polygamy in fictional form. Period. So even if Brady Udall submitted this brilliant book to Deseret Book it would have been turned down because of the topic (let alone the content)."
I totally understand why some LDS readers would not be interested in reading The Lonely Polygamist. Many people would judge the language or sexual content to be too strong for their personal taste, and I don't quibble with their decision to pass on the novel for that reason. However, I do take exception to Heather's assertion that because the novel would never be published by Deseret Book that it doesn't qualify as "Mormon fiction." Deseret Book (and Covenant, which is owned by DB) are businesses with a specific customer base. Even more important, these publishing houses are owned by the Church itself, which means that they have a very particular mission. But DB certainly doesn't cover all Mormon readers. Active, believing Latter-day Saints sometimes want literature that DB can't (and, frankly, probably shouldn't) publish. And many other readers who aren't active, believing Latter-day Saints are interested in fiction by, for, or about Mormons as well, in the same way that I'm interested in literature about Jews or Native Americans or British boy wizards.
Also, since when does content (or genre, since regardless of content questions, DB is not very interested in publishing literary fiction) trump all in matters of Mormon literature? I think of classic works of Jewish literature, like Chaim Potok's _My Name is Asher Lev_. I am CERTAIN that if Hasidic Jews owned a publishing company specializing in fiction for their community, they wouldn't have touched _My Name i Asher Lev_ with a ten foot pole. But would anyone ever dare to say that the novel isn't Jewish literature? Heavens, no. Would a Muslim publisher have published _The Kite Runner_? Probably not. But that book is Muslim through and through.
I'm not writing to defend The Lonely Polygamist per se (although it is one of the best novels I've read in the last five years). Udall himself is not interested in categories like "Mormon literature" and doesn't define his novel as such. But as a reader, *I* reserve the right to define TLP as a Mormon novel, and think it belongs in the canon. I also think our community is better when our tent is a little wider, and that if we define Mormon Lit solely as the type of literature Deseret Book will sell, then I believe we're hurting our community, our culture, and the opportunity we have to tell our own stories to the broader world.
If we believe—really believe—we are what we say we are, then we should be telling a wide variety of stories and trying to share them with broad audiences. Both within the faith and without.
Although I agree with Angela's big tent approach and taking a wider view when defining what Mormon fiction is, I also understand the desire that Jettboy and others have expressed for well-crafted fiction written by active, believing LDS that speaks to other active, believing LDS. That's explicitly what the Mormon Lit Blitz was looking for. That's what I'm most interested in writing and reading (I haven't read The Lonely Polygamist yet. Or The Backslider. I may get to those either or both eventually, but they aren't a major priority for me).
In addition, I can understand why Jettboy would prefer for well-crafted fiction written by active, believing LDS that treats the Mormonism somewhat incidentally (or at least doesn't foreground it). My primary interest is fictions that digs directly into the Mormon experience. But I too am interested in works where it's just there.
Bruce Nielson on February 24, 2012 at 4:40 pm said:
My sister's book was excellent. The characters are not Mormon, but the content came from a Mormon heart. And it's fun.
Pingback: Sunday Lit Crit Sermon: Promoting Amusements | A Motley Vision
Sherrie on May 8, 2012 at 2:59 pm said:
Some of the best books I have ever read are written by LDS author's. I will choose a book written by and LDS author over any other author any day… not just because I am LDS. I am really thankful there are so many to choose from these days and hope to read many more. I'm sorry you feel the way you do!


City Council candidate Tressy Capps informed the internet that, "NEWSFLASH this is AMERICA USA," in a video of her confronting a California homeowner about flying a Mexican flag on private property in a majority-Mexican town.
Tressy Capps doesn't understand why everyone is so angry. The Fontana, Calif., City Council candidate posted a YouTube video of her yelling at a homeowner in the neighboring city of Ontario for flying a Mexican flag in an area where 60 percent of residents identify as Mexican American.
The video — which starts out with the text, "NEWSFLASH this is AMERICA USA" — is a minute of Capps filming from Ontario resident Maria Banuelos's front lawn, speaking to her through the window of her house.
"You know we live in America, right," Capps asked after panning from a shot of the flag.
Flying a Mexican flag is completely legal in Ontario.
Banuelos' husband, Sigifredo, told local station KCAL9 that he didn't understand why Capps found the flag offensive. The U.S. and Mexican flag fly at their home, he said, to celebrate the family's dual heritage.
Capps said that she lost her day job as backlash for video that she willingly recorded, uploaded and shared. She also said that she has been receiving death threats and fears for her family's life.
"I don't understand what all the hatred is about. Why everyone is labeling me these names. Racist? I don't understand why everyone is so angry," Capps told KCAL9.
If every Mexican American resident took Capps' suggestion and left Ontario, the city's population of 164,000 would dwindle to 50,000 residents. Fontana, where Capps is running for city council, is 66 percent Latino and 57 percent Mexican American.


home decorating designs. Hello beloved visitor. Looking for fresh concepts is one of the interesting actions but it can be also annoyed whenever we could not get the wished ideas. Just like you now, Youre looking for fresh ideas about home decorating designs right?
Actually, we have been noticed that home decorating designs is being just about the most popular subject right now. So we tried to locate some great home decorating designs graphic for your needs. Here you go. we found it from reputable online source and we love it. We think it deliver interesting things for home decorating designs topic. So, what about you? Can you love it too? Do you agree that this image will probably be certainly one of excellent resource for home decorating designs? Please leave a comment for us, we hope we can present much more useful information for next articles.
This amazing home decorating designs graphic has submitted in [date] by admin. We thank you for your visit to our website. Make sure you get the information you are looking for. Do not forget to share and love our reference to help further develop our website.
Home Decorating Design Eintrittskarten Me.
Simple Home Decor Ideas I Simple Creative Home Decorating Ideas .
Colorful Summer Decor Ideas Rainbow Home Decorating Ideas YouTube.
Sitting Room Decor J Savage Living Room Decoration Pictures Download .
Decorating Best Home Decor Ideas Best Simple Home Decor Ideas .
Home Decorating Designs Home Decor Renovation Ideas.
Extraordinary Home Decor Living Room Interior Oddempire Org.
Home Design And Decoration Home Design And Decoration For Worthy .
Quirky And Eccentric Ways To Stylize Home D Cor Pepperfry.
Home Decor Samples Home Design Ideas.
Hall Room Interior Designs Furniture Design Ideas Fresh Living .
Fantastic Wall Decor Designs That You Will Have To See.
Home Decorating Ideas For Living Room Modern Home Design.
Go East For Boho Inspired Home Decor .
30 Awesome Home Decorating Ideas.
The Ultimate Guide To Home Decor Ideas Decor Snob.
Attractive Home Decor Ideas Best Home Decorating Ideas With Worthy .
12 Home Design Trends For 2017 According To Pinterest Coastal Living.
10 Interior Design Ideas On How To Match Blue And Gold Home Decor .
Home Furnishing Idea Living Room Interior Design 3d .
Page 22 Album Home Designs Ideas Hilalpost Com.
Delightful House Home Decorating Ideas Room And Decor Pictures 3 .
18 Home Decor And Design Trends We Ll Be Watching In 2018.
Small Modern Home Decor Tedxumkc Decoration.
Home Decor Ideas Interior Design.
Decor Great Ideas For Home Decorating Ideas For Home Office Of Well .


text:
Documenting a miner's fight for justice
Anna Pratt
Lake Harriet 8th graders produce documentary about landmark sexual harassment case
Lois Jenson, who spearheaded a famous sexual harassment case in 1988, drove four hours to see a student-produced History Day project at the Lake Harriet Community School in March.
Twin sisters Anne and Jane Lee, and Rebecca Wasserman-Olin, 8th-graders, produced a 10-minute documentary about the landmark lawsuit Jenson waged against northern Minnesota's Eveleth Mines, the basis of the recent movie, &#8220North Country." The movie inspired the 14-year-old girls, especially since the events unfolded so close to home.
Jenson, 58, was awed by the girls' determination and sheer legwork in their documentary entitled &#8220Lois Jenson: Her Fight Against Sexual Harassment in the Workforce."
The theme of this year's History Day - a nationwide initiative to teach kids about a profound moment or influential person in time is &#8220Taking a Stand in History: People, Ideas, Events."
Lake Harriet social studies teacher Debra Krawetz, who helped organize the school's event, was also impressed. She said their documentary went far beyond History Day criterion. Plus, it came together in less than three months.
&#8220The girls did an outstanding job," she said. &#8220I think the real story behind the story is how Anne, Jane and Rebecca got so inspired by Lois' story and their topic, that all the people they contacted could not say no to speaking with them," Krawetz said.
The teens interviewed Jenson, other former mineworkers, judges and attorneys who were involved in the case. &#8220I'm amazed that young kids are interested in this material," Jenson said, looking closely at the display board on top of a bookshelf in the library. It showed cutouts of her face and her quotes. &#8220It's so cool. It's an honor."
Jenson admitted though, that the case stirs uncomfortable conversation. &#8220Some stuff is so still so graphic. To see these words and see these scenes is a little awkward. But maybe they'll go to college fully educated about sexual harassment," she said.
Jenson posed for photos with the girls and took clips from their project to include in the scrapbook she's creating for her grandchildren. She's also helping the 8th-graders tweak it for the state-level competition that takes place April 30. If they earn a high enough score, the middle schoolers will move on to the national competition in Washington, D.C.
The teens were surprised that Jenson was willing to talk with them on the phone. Of course, &#8220Meeting her was an amazing experience. It was like a dream," said Wasserman-Olin, who hopes to be a reporter for her high school's newspaper next year.
Anne and Jane are also aspiring writers. &#8220Everyone sees what you write," said Jane.
&#8220But not everyone will like it," Wasserman-Olin added.
&#8220It's intense," Anne said.
Researching the story
Jenson was one of the first four women to work at the northern iron mine in 1975. She and other women endured horrific acts committed by some male employees. Furthermore, the mines paid them less than they did men.
After Jenson complained to the company, employee union and state Department of Human Rights, she became the lead witness in the first class action sexual harassment lawsuit. It took 11 years to reach a conclusive verdict.
The ruling favored Jenson and it changed the law. &#8220We learned a lot about how hard it was for the women who wanted to be paid the same amount of money as the men. Back then, jobs were dominated by men who harassed them," Wasserman-Olin said.
The teens conducted most of their research outside of school. They divided the workload equally and tried not to duplicate each other's efforts, they said. They met sources on-site and even traveled as far as St. Cloud to tape an interview with a woman in her living room, who formerly worked alongside Jenson.
Anne, Jane and Wasserman-Olin tracked down 30 mineworkers. All but one refused to talk. Since many of the employees' phone numbers were unlisted, the girls relied on the investigation itself to lead to additional sources. One person would lead to another and would have a phone number, Wasserman-Olin said.
During interviews, they worked as a team. While one asked questions, another took notes. The third typed them. They rotated roles.
The budding journalists brought the camera that they borrowed from Wasserman-Olin's father into two Downtown courtrooms.
They spoke with federal Chief District Judge James Rosenbaum who presided over the court proceedings and the prosecutor on the case, Paul Sprenger.
As they delved into the case, they learned some of the facts that &#8220North Country" left out. For example, they didn't know that some male mineworkers actually testified in favor of the women. Additionally, many of the acts the movie portrayed had been fictionalized.
&#8220Most of the harassment in the movie was made up," Jane said she was surprised to find out. However, not everything was dramatized. &#8220Some stuff that was true was unbelievable."
Afterwards, they drafted a script based on their findings. While they composed it, they tried to be fair by qualifying statements about how the women were treated at the mine by some men, not all.
&#8220It was hard because they didn't want to talk to us," said Jane.
They produced and edited it on Wasserman-Olin's home computer with the Mac program, iMovie. Since the film was a minute and a half too long, they cut some of Jenson's personal anecdotes.
Their resulting documentary includes narratives from the girls, a voiceover from Jenson along with still shots of her, an on-site interview with a former mineworker, courtroom scenes and more.
Susan Spray, Anne and Jane's mother, said she was proud of their work. &#8220I told them, this is good practice for their thesis. They spent a lot of hours getting information and editing it. They developed all of their own questions. The fact that these people were alive and accessible 20 years after the fact, that's the other remarkable thing."

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Teddy Roosevelt Becomes Latest Victim of Left's 'Cultural Revolution': NYC Removes Famous Statue, Allows George Floyd's to Stand
Written by Kyle Becker
Theodore Roosevelt, one of the original America First presidents, has become the latest victim of the radical left's ignorant drive to purge the country of its rich and complex past.
Roosevelt, who was the first U.S. president to host an African-American at the White House – celebrated author Booker T. Washington – is being cast out of 'polite' New York society by the American Museum of Natural History.
The president's famous statue, featured in such films as a Night at the Museum, is being ignominiously shrouded and shipped to North Dakota for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. The New York City Council earlier voted unanimously for the museum to remove the statue.
The Black Lives Matter movement has spearheaded the movement to remove not only statues of confederate leaders during the Civil War, but also any Founding Fathers and presidents who could be argued to reflect a colonialist or racist past.
Meanwhile, a statue of George Floyd, a violent criminal and prolific drug user who became the victim of a police arrest, has been erected at Union Square in New York City. It was soon defaced by members of the community that did not appreciate it being there.
The Daily Mail obtained police reports that tell the real story behind George Floyd's own mixed past.
"The final straw for Floyd came after serving five years in prison in 2009 for aggravated assault stemming from a robbery in 2007 where he entered a woman's home, pressed a gun into her stomach and searched the home for drugs and money, according to court records," the Daily Mail reported.
"Floyd pleaded guilty to the robbery where another suspect posed as a worker for the local water department, wearing a blue uniform in an attempt to gain access to the woman's home, according to the charging document," the Daily Mail added.
Theodore Roosevelt was a complex and colorful figure who not only successfully led troops into battle during the Spanish-American War, but was also an environmentalist who founded the National Park Service. He has nonetheless become persona non grata to the effete revisionists who seek to purge American history in his home state of New York.
One of the ex-president's descendants, Theodore Roosevelt V, even supported removing the statue, which he claimed is "problematic in its hierarchical depiction of its subjects."
"Rather than burying a troubling work of art, we ought to learn from it," Roosevelt's descendant told the New York Post. "It is fitting that the statue is being relocated to a place where its composition can be recontextualized to facilitate difficult, complex, and inclusive discussions."
If problematic history is a valid justification for removing statues from public view, how is it that George Floyd's statue still stands? After all, if cultural landmark pays tribute to a person whose actions reflect "progress," how could there be any justification to remove Teddy Roosevelt's statue? It is just another sign that the radical left is undertaking a "cultural revolution" that seeks to obliterate our shared past in order to rewrite it for the purposes of a darker authoritarian future.
Source: Becker News
Teddy Roosevelt Becomes Latest Victim of Left's 'Cultural Revolution': NYC Removes Famous Statue, Allows George Floyd's to Stand Reviewed by PostDiscus on December 24, 2021 Rating: 5
Tags : cultural revolution George Floyd Marxism News NYC statue Teddy Roosevelt
Teddy Roosevelt


text:
Q: (C++) Passing a pointer into a template I have two pointers. p1. p2.
p1 and p2 both point to different classes.
The classes have some similar method names,
and I'd like to call a template function twice to avoid repeated code.
Here is my function:
template <class T>
void Function(vector<T> & list, T* item, const string & itemName)

see that middle paramater, "item".. is that how my signature should look if I want the item changed?
..or should I pass it as
    T* & item
..or should I pass it as
    T** item
the compiler is letting a lot of things slide, but then when I go to bind everything it breaks.
How do I call that function using one of my pointers?
    something about casting?? I've tried everything :\

A: You should be able to call your code like this:
template <class T>
void Function(std::vector<T> & list, T* item, const std::string & itemName)
{
    list.push_back(T());
    if (item != NULL)
      item->x = 4;
}

struct A
{
    int x;
};
struct B
{
    double x;
};
A a;
B b;
std::vector<A> d;
std::vector<B> i;
Function(d, &a, "foo");
Function(i, &b, "bar");

Note that passing a parameter by reference and by pointer has slightly different meaning, e.g. pointers can be NULL, see Are there benefits of passing by pointer over passing by reference in C++?.
I wonder if it's desired to pass item by pointer and list by (non-const) reference.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


JOE NATHAN WRIGHT and LOLA H. WRIGHT, Petitioners v.
Docket No. 8200-02.             Filed March 18, 2004.
delayed the processing of their offers in compromise.
R rejected Ps' request for interest abatement.
discretion in rejecting Ps' request for abatement.


text:
at The Apex, Bury St Edmunds
£29.50 / £64.50 (VIP)
Ansell's Les Musicals' Live Concert Tour is the ultimate celebration of Musical Theatre.
Jonathan Ansell (G4 Frontman) and Jai McDowall (Britain's Got Talent - Winner) have joined forces to create a dramatic and spine-tingling concert. This vocally dynamic evening showcases even more smash-hit songs from the greatest musicals of all time, brought to you by two of the world's finest voices.
Come and immerse yourself into the world of Musical Theatre with classics from Les Miserables, Phantom Of The Opera, Wicked, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Greatest Showman, Miss Saigon, Chess, We Will Rock You and many more...
'Les Musicals' presents the biggest hit songs from the West End and Broadway in this exhilarating live concert tour. This vocally dynamic evening showcases the smash hit songs from the greatest musicals of all time, brought to you by two of the world's finest voices. Come and immerse yourself into the world of Musical Theatre with classics from Les Miserables, Phantom Of The Opera, Blood Brothers, Wicked, Jesus Christ Superstar, Carousel, West Side Story, The Lion King, Miss Saigon, Chess, Rocky Horror Show, We Will Rock You and many more.
See 28 tour dates featuring Les Musicals
Jonathan Ansell, the sensational voice on over 2 million albums, is one of the UK's most popular young tenors. He shot to fame with pop opera group G4 on the X Factor and when they split, he was propelled to instant stardom as a solo artist, shooting to the top of the charts with his first album 'Tenor at the Movies'. His second album 'Forever' was a huge critical success. Jonathan continues to sell out all over the UK as a solo star and has also appeared in countless radio and TV shows.
See 28 tour dates featuring Jonathan Ansell
Scottish singer Jai McDowall won 2011's Britain's Got Talent and has wowed audiences all over the UK. Since BGT, Jai has gone on to duet with the likes of Hayley Westenra and Josh Groban.
See 28 tour dates featuring Jai McDowall
> Bury St Edmunds Music
> The Apex
1 Charter Square
IP33 3FD
theapex.co.uk


Filing a renters' insurance claim is similar to filing most other types of insurance claims, and. Understanding the basics of the claims process will help you save a lot of time and. Not only is this reporting mandatory in most states and a typical lease. Airplane Business Transactions, Asbestos, Asylum, Auto Accident, Auto.
Independent agents ensure a smooth auto insurance claims process. If your new car is totaled or stolen, your insurance coverage will only pay for the. Several states require PIP, so it is important to check with your local Trusted Choice.
Latest Stolen Auto Reports. Stolen Car Insurance Claim Process Conclusion. While filing a stolen car insurance claim, ask what the waiting period is for the stolen car claim to be finalized and payment to be issued.
In cases of theft & vandalism, Travelers can help cover repair damage and valuable items. Roadside Assistance · Auto Glass & Windshield Repairs · Check Claim Status · Find Claim Services Providers. receipts, photographs, appraisals or credit card statements you may have related to the damaged or stolen items.
How quickly will my auto insurance claim be processed? Rental car reimbursement coverage costs only a few extra dollars, but it could save you a ton of money if you're ever in an accident or if your car is stolen or vandalized.
After taking a stolen car insurance claim over the phone, the insurance adjuster will begin the process of investigating your claim by asking some of the following questions Looking at your current employment status.
The traveller lodged a claim with 1Cover and provided all the necessary documents, including proof of purchase of the stolen Canon DSLR. t get legitimate health, car or home insurance in the future.
His fiction drama involved a car chase. a necklace to my stolen bag claim? I'm sure it was in the luggage. These insurers.
to be paid when belongings are damaged or stolen, or if the policyholder and anyone covered sustain injuries. Find out more a.
Oct 6, 2014. Since your car insurance company pulled your driving record, your agent can see the. Your agent will know the details about which claims raise rates. The process is usually even more complicated if it is your second or. out of luck if you want to be reimbursed for personal items stolen out of your car.
File a ACCC Insurance Company insurance claim online. How to find ACCC Insurance Company insurance claim form, claims status.
Understand The Hanover's claims process and what to expect if you should. What should I do if my vehicle is stolen?. What are the available options regarding appraisal and repair of my vehicle's damage?. For your convenience, Hanover has established a preferred status with Enterprise Rent-A-Car (800.261. 7331).
your no claim status stays intact as no claim bonus is offered to the policyholder and not for the car. IDV for a vehicle ind.
Vehicle insurance – making a claim if your car or its contents are stolen. reason, you should complain to your insurer using their internal complaints process.
When a disaster strikes your home or you have a car accident, the amount of the. In hurricane prone states, special deductibles may apply for homeowners insurance claims. Next steps: Steps to take in the event of a homeowners claim.
Buy a used car with confidence – get a report on its mileage, insurance status and specification. If your car has been stolen, you'll need to get a crime reference number from the police. When you call AA Claimline, your personal claim advisor will explain all the available options, and assist you through.
By CarInsurance.com. A stolen vehicle can be a very upsetting experience. When your car is stolen: Contact the police immediately and file a stolen vehicle report. Most insurance companies cannot process a claim for vehicle theft unless you first file a police report.
Last week, Columbus, Ohio car. status — is also indicative of the potential in the Midwest for one promising industry: ins.
However, in case of the driver driving off, or in cases where you were at fault, or the details of the accident are hazy, the time taken to process such claims could. specified in your insurance po.
Understanding the myriad money questions that arise regarding debt, investing, planning for large purchases, and protecting a.
What to do if your car is stolen or something's taken from your car you may want to make a claim on your motor insurance. After you get refugee status.
You are advised to understand from our TPA before you get admitted, about current status of What to do in case of Theft claim? If your car has been stolen, the first thing to do will be to file a police Also please note, your insurance company will not process your claim if you have not filed a report.
However, you should also file a claim if your car is vandalized or stolen. too deeply into the insurance claims process is to read and re-read your policy. you can file a claim, upload relevant documents, and check the status of your claim.
But check the exclusions – if something is stolen from a hotel room, for example, an insurer may only pay out if there has be.
Dec 5, 2012. It's not unusual for car insurance companies to ask for personal. Claims adjusters have told us that with some insurance companies it's standard procedure to request. stolen and with others it's because part of the comprehensive claim. state's insurance regulator for consumer advice on your situation.
Do you know how the stolen car insurance claim process works? Through the bewilderment and adrenaline rush, you need to remain calm and think clearly. Your first response should be to verify no other possible explanation exists to explain your missing car.
This is one of the base documents required while claiming insurance for a stolen car. Also, one needs to provide notary issued indemnity letter and a subrogation letter for the claim process to be It is usually a good idea to follow up once every 15 days to check the status of a claim for the car.
When you file an insurance claim for a stolen vehicle, expect your insurance company to open a stolen car insurance claim investigation. This is standard procedure. Your insurance company will assist you with the claims process.
Do you know how the stolen car insurance claim process works? Are you in jeopardy of having your vehicle repossessed? It can be very embarrassing to file a stolen car insurance claim and police report just to realize it wasn't stolen after all.
"I knew the process of going private. The number of stolen Teslas in the U.S. has spiked in recent years, reaching an annu.
Auto Insurance claims self-help text: FAQs on aftermarket parts, diminished. Chief among those rights is your access to a quick and cost effective process. In some states, you can even collect for this damage from your own collision carrier.
The Claims Process. If your car has been involved in an accident, damaged by a covered incident, or if it is stolen, it may be time to file an auto insurance claim. This will help you get in contact with them quickly when you want to check your claim status. Questions? Call 1-800-403-1077.
I handled such cases as a police officer and insurance claims adjuster, and there is a very nasty machine that suspicious claims set in motion. You could be.
If you suffer the misfortune of a vehicle theft, do you know the steps you. If your car is stolen, contact the police to report it and get a crime reference number; Next, contact your car insurance company to make a claim; Insurance cover levels.
If you need to make a car insurance claim, it is nice to know that with the AARP® Auto Insurance from The Hartford, you have someone working to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. Submit claims, check status of disability or leave, and see payments.
Auto and Home Claims – If you're in a crash or experience a property loss, call AAA and a representative will help guide you through the claims process. An up-to-date home inventory can help get your insurance claim settled faster, verify losses for your income tax return, AAA Life is licensed in all states, except NY.
The process is quite. vehicle details, stolen status records, registration info, written-off check, and many others. Once you have the VIN, you can run a used car history report with a company.
Nov 7, 2013. If this ever happens to you, take the time to familiarize yourself with the process to make it easier on your nerves. Your car insurance may not cover the goods that were stolen from inside the. If you are a victim of car theft, file a police report, call your insurance. Which States have the Most Stolen Cars?
Sep 30, 2014. Learn about the timing of claims processing by state and some ways to. For example, states have the following rules for both home and auto.
Jun 20, 2011. If your car is stolen, your liability insurance will not cover it. Liability insurance comes in two types: property damage and personal injury liability. claims · coverage. more common tort system of insurance coverage used in most states. In The Claims Process · Chandler Insurance Agent · Cotton States.
Processing Car Insurance Claims. It won't be your job to actually process the car insurance claim when the time comes, but it is definitely in your best interest to know as much as you can about the process in order to make it go as smoothly as possible.
car insurance claims. Here at Esurance, we strive to make your claim experience as easy and smooth as possible. And we'll be there to walk you through every step of the process. Updating your claim status. Answering any questions you have along the way.
Legalizing your car is not limited to completing the process of sale, but also that you buy a motor car insurance. will be borne by your insurer through this claim. Theft: In case your car gets sto.
ADVANCE FOR USE SATURDAY, SEPT 8 – In this Monday, Aug. 27, 2018 photo, David Barland-Liles, lead ranger at Effigy Mounds Nat.
Find out more about the Direct Auto Insurance claims process and how to talk to an agent. incident, or if it is stolen, it may be time to file an auto insurance claim. Your claims adjuster will periodically check the status of your repairs and.


Our spine is made up of a complex arrangement of ligaments, muscles, bones, and tendons, interconnected with nerves. This interconnected system makes us function properly and enables the mobility of an individual. When there is a problem within these areas, it may lead to mild, or sharp or even chronic back pain.
Who are at high risk?
For a start it is worth remembering a little bit of anatomy. The spinal column consists of relatively small individual bones – vertebrae located one above the other. Between the bodies of the vertebrae are the disks, due to which the axial load is softened. Paired processes form joints with the following vertebrae. Also attached to the processes are muscles and ligaments that strengthen the spine and ensure its movement.
The human body is a complex system that comprises of several organ systems which work together in synchronization for the sustenance of life. The central nervous System (CNS) is one such crucial system made up of the brain and the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a thin, fragile, tube-like structure made of a bunch of nerves and other tissues that start from the medulla oblongata of the brain and continues down to the lumbar region of the vertebral column, close to the buttocks. The nerves function as transmission lines that carry messages from the brain to the rest of the body and vice versa. This is why we are able to move, feel pressure, control vital functions like breathing, bladder, and bowel and perceive pain.


text:
Publications series
Minister of Transport and Communications
Senior management of the Ministry
Preparedness at the Ministry of Transport and Communications
Administrative sector
Contacting the Ministry Registry
Government and ministries Media (valtioneuvosto.fi)
Show in Navigation Word Search
Services Service markets, basic services, licences, Mobility as a Service
Information Digitalisation, information resources, automation, security
Networks Transport and communications networks, energy and the environment
Ministerial governance Strategic guidelines, guidance of the agencies
Home/ Press releases/ Press releases/ Press release
Working group chaired by Mr Jorma Ollila: Towards kilometre-based taxation
Press release 16.12.2013 10.21 fi sv en
A working group of the Ministry of Transport and Communications is of the opinion that steps could be taken towards introducing kilometre-based taxation of car use in Finland. The working group proposes that the matter be approached through experiments.
Mr Jorma Ollila, chair of the working group, submitted the group report to Ms Merja Kyllönen, Minister of Transport, on 16 December.
"The group regards it important that before reaching a final decision on shifting to kilometre-based taxation it be fully ensured that the technology to be used is efficient and applicable to taxation purposes. Furthermore, privacy protection must be ensured and the amount of the costs involved must be known", Mr Ollila says.
At the first stage, a wide range of tests should be carried out to pilot the technological systems, monitoring, privacy protection and information security. The Ministry of Transport and Communications has launched an experimental project on electronic transport services for 2014-2015, which could be used to test kilometre-based taxation too.
"We don't take a stand on when the kilometre-based taxation system should be introduced, because the introduction is a political decision", Mr Ollila says.
Transport policy goals to be part of taxation
A kilometre-based tax would be an efficient tool of financial steering that could be used to influence traffic behaviour.
"Continuous growth in road transport, tightening environmental goals and general government finances call for more efficient measures in transport policy", Mr Ollila says.
The kilometre-based tax together with the fuel tax would be a better means to achieve the transport and environmental policy goals than the current taxation model. A taxation system based exclusively on the car use would decrease car traffic volumes and thus emissions and accidents, and increase the use of public transport services. Intelligent transport innovations will also enable new forms of transport pricing.
The working group stresses that early introduction of kilometre-based taxation would be conducive to creating business opportunities and jobs for the Finnish industry.
Taxation to be based on the car use
With the reform cars would be taxed solely on the basis of their use as the car and vehicle taxes would be replaced by the kilometre tax. In addition to the kilometre tax a fuel tax would be levied. The kilometre tax would be based on the CO2 emissions and on the region where the car is used.
The unit price of the kilometre-based tax and the regional emphasis are political decisions. With the traffic volumes of 2025 the average price would be 3.3 cent per kilometre. The unit prices the working group has used are not suggestions as such but have helped to describe the effects of various emphases.
Taxation based on the use would mean that for those who drive less than the average the costs would decrease and for those who drive more than the average they would increase. As a whole the new tax system would not increase driving costs of households or different population groups. The costs would depend on the type of the car used, for example.
The investment costs, as well as the annual running costs, of the kilometre-based taxation system would be around 130 million euros. The necessary vehicle equipment for all cars would cost around 330 million euros in total. A service operator (road toll operator, EETS service provider, private service provider) would install the vehicle equipment and collect an annual charge of around 10 euros from the driver.
Protection of privacy will be ensured
Privacy protection and information security must be taken into account already in the first stages of the system design. To enable regional variation in the kilometre-based tax, the system should allow vehicle positioning.
Advantage could be made of the electronic citizen's account now under preparation: vehicle owners or possessors would themselves administer detailed information on their vehicle usage. Only limited information necessary for determining the tax would be transferred to the tax authorities. Deferred data would only be sent at intervals defined by law. Real-time vehicle monitoring based on such data would be impossible.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications working group has convened since February 2012 to examine how Finland could move towards more fair and intelligent transport system and how the introduction of road charging systems could be organised in the long term. The basis for the work is laid down in the Government Programme.
Chair of the working group: Mr Jorma Ollila (requests for interviews: Ms Taina Pieski, Communications Director, Ministry of Transport and Communications, tel. +358 295 34 2330)
Mr Tuomo Suvanto, Senior Adviser, tel. +358 295 34 2403
Mr Mikael Nyberg, Director of Transport Strategy Unit, tel. +358 295 34 2474
Mr Risto Murto, Director of Transport Management Unit, tel. +358 295 34 2639
The working group report and the related background reports and fact sheets are available in Finnish at the Ministry of Transport and Communications web pages www.lvm.fi.
Information about the working group (in Finnish) www.lvm.fi/tulevaisuuden-liikenne
Related links to this site:
Pressrelease 16.12.2013: Ministeri Kyllönen: Liikenteen verotuksesta uskallettava keskustella (in Finnish)
Oikeudenmukainen ja älykäs liikenne, työryhmän loppuraportti ja taustaraportit (publications in Finnish)
Vireillä: Oikeudenmukainen ja älykäs liikenne (in Finnish)
Press release 3.2.2012: Jorma Ollila to chair working group on fair and intelligent transport
Government of Prime Minister Sanna Marin
Programme of Prime Minister Sanna Marin's Government
Presentation film of the Ministry
LVM - Well-being and competitiveness through high-quality transport and communications networks (YouTube)
PO Box 31, FI-00023 Government
registry.lvm@gov.fi


text:
Der klassische Kreuzrahmen ist ein Fahrradrahmen aus zwei gekreuzten Rohren großen Durchmessers. Es kreuzen sich etwa mittig das Sattelrohr, welches nur zur Aufnahme des Tretlagers nach unten verlängert ist, und ein Rohr, welches vom Steuerrohr zum Hinterrad geht und sich dann zur Hinterradgabel teilt.

Diese Rahmenform ist eine der ältesten, sie wurde 1886 erstmals in England von  der Firma Hillman & Cooper gebaut. Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts kam der Kreuzrahmen in einigen  europäischen Ländern kurzzeitig  in Mode, verlor aber ab 1930 immer mehr an Bedeutung. In der jüngeren Zeit gab es  nur noch vereinzelt Hersteller, die sich dem Kreuzrahmendesign gewidmet haben.

Da der klassische Kreuzrahmen prinzipiell nicht sehr steif ist, werden meistens zusätzliche Verstrebungen an der Kreuzungsstelle angebracht. Monocoque-Rahmen aus Verbundmaterialien (vor allem CFK) sind ähnlich konstruiert. Ihre Steifigkeit resultiert daraus, dass  die Kreuzungsstelle  großvolumig ausgelegt ist.

Die Vorteile des klassischen Kreuzrahmens sind die einfache Form und der leichtere Durchstieg (wie beim Mixte-Rahmen).

Moderne als Kreuzrahmen bezeichnete Rahmenformen sind zu Fachwerkrahmen erweiterte Standardrahmen. Sie enthalten gewöhnlich ein zusätzliches Rohr, das sich mit einem anders verlegten bisherigen kreuzt.

Einzelnachweise

Literatur
 Fritz Winkler, Siegfried Rauch: Fahrradtechnik Instandsetzung, Konstruktion, Fertigung. 10. Auflage, BVA Bielefelder Verlagsanstalt GmbH & Co. KG, Bielefeld, 1999, ISBN 3-87073-131-1

Fahrradbauteil

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Controversial Farms Map Is An..
Recently, animal rights organisation Aussie Farms released a controversial online map detailing the addresses of Australian farms. Federal Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud questioned the activists "morality" for the stunt.


text:
East Lansing Public Schools is the school district for East Lansing, Michigan, USA. The district is governed by a seven-person Board of Education. Since 1973, the Board has included a student-elected, non-voting student representative from East Lansing High School. The superintendent is Dori Leyko.

Attendance area
The district, mostly in Ingham County, includes much of East Lansing, portions of Lansing and Haslett, and portions of Lansing Charter Township and Meridian Charter Township. A portion of the district is in Clinton County, where it serves portions of the parts of East Lansing in the county, as well as sections of Bath Charter Township.

Schools
 East Lansing High School - Grades 9-12
 MacDonald Middle School - Grades 6-8, mascot is Trojan, colors are blue and white.
 Glencairn Elementary School - Grades K-5, mascot is the Glencairn Terrier, colors are red and black.
 Whitehills Elementary School - Grades K-5, mascot is the Wolfie the wolf, colors are blue and white
 Donley Elementary School - Grades K-5,  mascot is Don the dolphin
 Marble Elementary School - Grades K-5, mascot is the Muskie the muskrat, colors are blue and white
 Robert L Green Elementary School - Grades K-5, mascot is a gator, colors are green and black
 Red Cedar Elementary School K-3, mascot is a raccoon, its color is red

Parent Organizations:

 District Parent Council
 ELHS Parent Council
 Glencairn School Association
 MacDonald Parent Council
 Marble Parent Council
 Pinecrest Parent Council
 Whitehills School Association
 William Donley School Association
 Red Cedar Parent Council
 Black Parent Union (BPU)
 East Lansing Band & Orchestra Parents Association (ELBOPA)
 ELHS Boosters

References

External links

 Whitehills Elementary School
 Donley Elementary School

School districts in Michigan
East Lansing, Michigan
Lansing, Michigan
Education in Ingham County, Michigan
Education in Clinton County, Michigan


text:
MY HORN – HE HAS EXALTED
Home Weekly News MY HORN – HE HAS EXALTED
By admin Weekly News March 3, 2020
God controls everything and knows how to stop the devil. His only remedy for evil mischief and wickedness is the anointing. Pastor Taiwo said this at the March 1 Sunday service as he continued his series on the effectiveness of the anointing in the lives of believers. "You can never be humiliated by the reason of the anointing. You are the anointed of the Lord," he said.
Speaking from Isaiah 10:26 – 34 and 11:1-4, he said that believers would be distracted from God and their purpose when they focus on the devil's gimmicks and lies. This, he said, would lead them into more trouble. He further said that the Holy Ghost is the antidote to the lies of the devil; noting that this victory over the devil is achieved by the anointing. "The anointing destroys the works of the devil and yoke of oppression," he said.
He further said from Psalm 92:10 that believers who truly know their right and the works of the anointing of the Holy Spirit in them would be thankful because they know that the devil cannot stop them. "When you are anointed, you horn will be exalted and then God's arm establishes and strengthens you and lifts you," he noted.
He then admonished them remain in God because that's when the anointing continues to get renewed.
"MY HORN – HE HAS LIFTED UP"
Pastor Taiwo Odukoya @Thursday showers
Pastor Taiwo at the February 27 Thursday showers said that the anointing destroys the works of the devil in the lives of believers and restores them as well as their lost possessions. "If there is a means of recovering, taking back and salvaging what is lost, it is the anointing and when it is the anointing, it is absolute. It would bring back what has been stolen and restore what has been destroyed," he said.
Speaking from Psalm 89:19-26, he said that every believer has this anointing, noting that as many as are born again have been given a measure of the spirit of God to be used to have dominion on earth. This, he noted, is why God's children should not be intimidated and scared by whatever circumstances or even the devil. "When God calls, anoints and sends you, nothing can ever intimidate you and you can never be set back. You can't have the spirit of God in you and still think like an ordinary person," he said.
He therefore admonished them to understand who they are and be confident of the reality. "As a born again and covenant child of God, it is not possible to be taken captive when the anointing is upon you. Your confidence should be in Him in claiming all that He has made you and provided for you," he urged.
The full messages are available on CDs and DVDs at The Fountain of Life Church Digital Media Store.


Heavy rains paralyzed the transit system in the country, closing roads throughout the Central Valley and Pacific coasts this week.
The main highway running the spine the country – the Inter-American – was shut down on Wednesday as crews worked to clear a mudslide near San Ramón at the western end of the Central Valley. The new highway to Pacific port of Caldera was also closed, pushing all traffic to the Pacific onto the old road through Atenas, known as Monte del Aguacate. At press time Thursday, both Caldera and the Inter-American remained closed.
During the height of crisis on Wednesday, the Public Works and Transport Ministry issued a statement saying that it "intensified efforts to attend to the number of mudslides in recent hours," but rain continued to dampen any hopes of a quick reopening of the roads.
Just regarding bridges, he said, the country is staring at a $20 billion deficit in needed construction and maintenance.
Even Costa Rica's newest highway to Caldera has presented serious problems. On Tuesday, a day before the highway closed, President Laura Chinchilla called for an investigation of the modern roadway.
She said she wanted an evaluation of the project's management to ensure that contractors complied with the terms of their agreements. She asked that the tolls – which have been criticized as too high and frequent – be aligned with the level of service and that pressure be placed on the highway's private administration to adopt measures to ensure travelers' safety.
The private company contracted to build and operate the highway, Autopistas del Sol, confirmed almost immediately their willingness to discuss the project. However, they also quickly ruled out the possibility of cheaper tolls – save for quarterly adjustments such as the ₡10 (2 cents) reduction at the toll in the western San José suburb of Escazú scheduled for today.