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Vote Simi Valley
Rock the Vote in Simi Valley Elections
Last Night's Explosive Council Meeting
Posted on August 31, 2010 by Mike
Join me tonight at 7:00pm for a LIVE BROADCAST with Council Members Glen Becerra and Michelle Foster @ VoteSimiValley.com
What a night. I'm still not sure what I saw. I'll try my best to recap the evening here.
To cut right to the chase, the City did implement E-Verify as a pilot program to start, intending to run E-Verify checks on City employs with the purpose of evaluating the service for the course of one year. After a period of one year, they will make a judgment on how to expand the program.
Public remarks on E-Verify were strongly in favor of implementing the program. Most people who spoke positively about the program were greeted with applause when they were through speaking. Candidate Bob Huber took the opportunity to recap the city's response to the E-Verify issue, first mentioning Mayor Miller's letter calling E-Verify a "flip of the coin," next referencing his paid ad in the Acorn responding to the letter, and finally pointing out what appeared to be the City's about face on the topic and its arrival on the Council agenda. Huber masterfully avoided criticism regarding the Ventura County College District's lack of E-Verify implementation, saying if the College District were to implement it, he would be all for it, but that's not the issue here. No one pressed the issue.
Steve Sojka led the charge in challenging E-Verify during council discussions. He questioned whether or not the proposed ordinance would be truly free if a system for audit would be implemented to ensure it's proper usage. Sojka and other's continued to press hard to determine whether or not liability issues existed in the event of false positives, and the systems accuracy was challenged. Council Member Michelle Foster seemed truly concerned that an implementation of E-Verify without further consideration might indicate the Council is caving to political pressure. Ultimately, however, the program was approved for implementation in a limited fashion as indicated in the first paragraph.
UPDATE: Foster was supportive of implementing E-Verify for City Hall, but was concerned about implementing it for city Contracts. Her preference was to vote on its implementation for City Hall separately from its implementation for city contracts.
Public remarks were particularly explosive. One gentleman opted to point out that the City has an illegal immigrant problem, referencing "illegals" that loiter behind the Wells Fargo bank branch on L.A. Avenue. When Council Member Becerra asked the man how he knew they were illegal aliens, the man mentioned they stood around, didn't speak English and rode their bikes, among other things. Becerra made a suggestion that the man might be racial profiling, resulting in dramatic shouting and the man's loud refusal to "answer racist questions." This clearly indicated the emotions behind illegal immigration and certainly the controversial positions some have on the topic.
Particularly noteworthy were the public remarks from former Mayoral Candidate Eric David Halub. I'm sure I'll take a considerable amount of criticism for saying this, but the gentleman made little sense. He seemed to be annoyed, but his inability to connect the dots in his presentations left me wondering if he felt the Council Members were overpaid or were untouchable gods. At one point, he referred to our President as President Obama Hussein. Cute. I found myself glad that my wife and kids weren't there, and I took comfort in the fact that I was sitting close to the Chief of Police. I might start bringing pepper spray to the Council meetings.
Additional public remarks varied, some even questioning the pay and benefits of sitting Council Members. Sojka took the opportunity to respond on that topic during Council comments, indicating the Council has always been transparent. Members of the audience questioned this openly among one another. While I've known about Council salary and benefits since the Simi Valley POA published the details in a paid ad in the Acorn, most have only recently taken notice after the City posted the details on the City website weeks ago.
The fireworks drowned out the excitement behind the Military Banner program which was approved. The Council also discussed the Waste Management landfill expansion, hearing commentary from the public, including Louis Pandolfi, the most outspoken member of the community against the landfill. The Council agreed to start communicating with the County Board of Supervisors to represent Simi Valley's interests on the topic.
A weak recap considering the night was full of excitement. I'll have more later this week, including video.
Don't forget to join me tonight for my live streaming chat with Council Members Michelle Foster and Glen Becerra! We go live at VoteSimiValley.com at 7:00pm!
This entry was posted in Featured Articles, Issues & Headlines and tagged bob huber, e-verify, glen becerra, landfill expansion, michelle foster, steve sojka by Mike. Bookmark the permalink.
36 thoughts on "Last Night's Explosive Council Meeting"
Thank you on August 31, 2010 at 6:26 am said:
Thank you for honest reporting. I liked that you called out Halub for his words.
Jack on August 31, 2010 at 6:33 am said:
Huber did not "masterfully avoid criticism" regarding the Ventura County College District's lack of E-Verify implementation. He looked foolish in admitting that the College District, for which he is the elected Chair of the Board, has 2,000 employees, and a $356 bond measure with huge building construction projects, and yet E-Verify remains not only unpassed but it has not even been brought up for discussion by his Board. Construction projects by contractors are a huge source of jobs for illegal immigrants.
Who knows how many jobs have been lost for legal Simi Valley residents to illegal immigrants with the college district? We'll never know. Mr. Huber has been the VCCCD Chair for 2 years.
If it was really about jobs, E-Verify would already be passed, or at least be under consideration, by VCCCD. The fact that it is not points clearly and undeniably to political opportunism – usage for the sole purpose of getting elected in Simi Valley.
Mike Chandler on August 31, 2010 at 7:22 am said:
Mike C: I'm not trying to be argumentative in saying this, and I'll have to review my tape of Burgers with Bob to get the exact quote, but Bob Huber himself has made comparisons of the VCCCD as a governed body to the City of Simi Valley. In fact, he indicates the size and scope of the VCCCD is larger than the City and one of the reasons he's well qualified for the job. It's always been my belief that he's challenged about implementing E-Verify in the College District because of those assertions, but I could be way off.
Foster stated her case on the record, I don't think that's weak. What did surprise me was her YES vote after indicating her preferences as a more localized pilot program. I expected her to cut against the grain on this one, Williamson-style as I call it, after hearing her concerns. I figured the other members of the Council changed her mind, maybe I'm wrong.
I still have concerns about the E-Verify controversy. To me, it seems like it should be a bullet point on a more thorough plan to combat immigration problems. The topic of illegal immigrants elevates emotions in a big way. If there was anything that I'd like to have an "off the record" chat with Bob Huber about to satisfy my own personal concerns, it would be about the introduction of E-Verify into the campaign. I believe I'm probably the only one left in the City who wants to better understand the big picture.
I didn't say it before, but I was very pleased with the dignified presentations by most of Bob Huber's supporters. One or two carried some drama with them, but most just wanted to make a point and be heard. That part was very satisfying. Not that I was expecting rioting, but I was pleased with how the public comments went overall.
"Barrage of speakers" is quite the exaggeration. There were 10 speakers. We have 125,000 people living in Simi Valley. One speaker was against E-Verify, one was a bitter old failed Mayoral candidate and right-wing operative (Steve Frank), one was a Mayoral candidate who couldn't get his paperwork right (that Eric kid who needs to take a lot more government courses), and another was yet another candidate for office (Mike Judge). It looked like there were 5 regular Simi Valley residents, not affiliated with any campaigns, who spoke from the heart for E-Verify. Good for them.
There were more people there last night for the military banners item, and for the ceremony for the police captain's 25 years of service, than for E-Verify.
I've seen more public speakers before the Council for Animal Regulation issues.
Jack is correct, there were many people there for the military banner portion of the meeting. The crowd thinned considerably when that was over. Regardless of the count of speakers for E-Verify, it was a dignified showing, with the exception of Steve Frank and Eric Halub. Jack, do you think more government courses will help Eric? I thought a more pharmaceutical solution might be in order.
One speaker, a gentleman named Wayne Evans who I met this past Sunday at Burgers for Bob at Rancho Park, also spoke during the E-Verify portion of the meeting and expressed his trust in the Council to do the right thing, but I don't believe I got a feel for whether he was for or against the program.
Andrew Bulles on August 31, 2010 at 7:43 am said:
These sitting council members (Incumbents) need to be thrown out! They really don't speak for the average citizen of Simi Valley. Sojka, Miller, Beccerra seem to be "water carriers" for the developers and big business in town. They could care less about a small independent business and that's probably why our city is becoming more homogenized everyday. You want vibrancy in town, then you must support our local businesses and by doing so we will see more creativity amongst our offering of Mom and Pop buinesses.
As for keeping Miller's Lap Dogs in office, it is liking voting for "Rubber Ducks with Rubber Stamps!"
Mike C: There was audible gasping on my side of the room when it was asked if the VCCCD used it.
Andrew, I disagree that Sojka and Becerra don't support local businesses. Can you elaborate on why you believe that's the case?
Ted on August 31, 2010 at 7:57 am said:
Good Grief, you know, people here hide under anonymity, just like you. They lack the Character to put their name to what they stand for. Last night those of us who had no problem putting our names to what we stand for, stood in front of council, the citizens of this city and not only put our names to what we stood for but also our faces and put it on public record.
Not everyone can get up in front of a crowd or their city council. It's not easy to get up in public for many, especially when you are on the opposite side of the issue.
I consider the people on council community peers and I hope friends even though we disagree on issues, but you are so far out of touch with reality it's sick.
You should change your moniker to "Spin Cycle"
Ted, I am absolutely in touch with reality. The reality is, one candidate in this campaign is quoted in the paper saying Simi Valley residents "really, really" care about this issue, and that "thousands" of jobs will be freed up with E-Verify. Then, you could count the speakers last night with your fingers, and data shows 2 jobs have been freed up in the 3% of California cities that have adopted use of E-Verify. Good grief, if the issue is about jobs, this is not going to do us much good.
The reality is, you made statements on this blog that the Target on Cochran near Sycamore would close when the new Target on Madera opens. Then last night, lo and behold, Michelle Foster announces that Target has entered City planning to initiate a remodeling of the Cochran facility. If the Cochran Target is closing, why would they remodel it?
The reality is, one candidate in this campaign sent a Tweet and posted on Facebook that the City's lack of leadership made Farmers take its jobs away. Then a Farmers executive last night stood up and said it had nothing at all to do with the City and was entirely a business-driven decision.
A speaker last night actually said with a straight face, "When you guys turned down the training facility for Farmers, you knew what was going to happen." The City and City Council NEVER turned down a training facility for Farmers. Where did the speaker get that information, Ted?
If anything, my moniker should be The Realist. Our residents deserve honest dialogue, not exaggerations and supposition.
It is true that the City did not turn down any expansions of the Training Center.
Huber Fanboy on August 31, 2010 at 9:23 am said:
Mr. Chandler, now that you have made your decision to support Bob Huber (we all saw you waving your camera around at Bob Huber's park picnic), are you now going to insult our intelligence and pretend your still impartial by questioning the "E-Verify Controversy" ? Give me a break! You should be honest and change your web site blog to Vote Bob-Huber .com
Mike Chandler on August 31, 2010 at 10:03 am said:
Fanboy, my vote belongs to Eric David Halub due to his public ranting skills. But thanks for the suggestion.
Regarding Council Member Foster, I was fortunate enough to video tape her remarks and I'll have to isolate that segment of video and copy it for anyone interested. Foster was supportive of implementing E-Verify for City Hall, but was concerned about implementing it for city Contracts. Her preference was to vote on its implementation for City Hall separately from its implementation for city contracts.
Playing it back, I realize I left that out of the initial post, so I wanted to comment before I updated it.
Andrew Bulles on August 31, 2010 at 10:46 am said:
Mike, just talk to the Owner of Green Acres or how hard is to get the city to do anything we it comes to refunding funds from their own mistakes… I.E. long term sewer statement overcharges. Or, talk to the businesses that are made to have water fountains in front of them when doing new construction. What does a fountain cost to build, maintain and repair? Yet, to get approval for the project the business owner is made to take on a long-term commitment of "cost" for using water that should be spared. Then, it's all the other "red tape!" Big businesses can roll the cost amongst their many locations… One small fry business guy can not! In this dire economy having the upkeep of a water fountain could be the difference between keeping the business open or closing it.
Jack, could it be that the number is low because the use of E-verify is a deterrent to an "illegal" undocumented job applicant. How many illegals didn't even try to apply for new positions once E-verify was instituted in those cities? There's an old saying the may ring true in this debate… "Figures Lie and Liars Figure."
I want e-verify instituted so a message can be sent… Let it be a deteerent.
Jack, I've spoken up at council meeting to oppose their marvelous nit-wittery several times… most times I've attended when it comes to issues our citizens have and not the issues where Waste Management fills the halls with its employees, you might get 3 maybe 4 speakers… to get 10 is a Barrage!
I think we need Ted in here to argue the definition of the word barrage. TED!!!
Ted on August 31, 2010 at 11:18 am said:
Jack's Reality Show,
Losing Farmers Insurance after 28 years is a result of SV City Hall being reactive instead of proactive regarding business in our city. 9:03 AM Aug 12th via web
8/12/10 AFTER Farmers decides to leave SV along with 1200+ jobs, Mayor Miller adds the "Red Team" idea to the 8/30 CCouncil agenda. 2:16 PM Aug 13th via web
Neither of these are valid observations? These Tweets hardly fit even with your shoehorn.
Great point about the Target Remodel. Actually I think this might be a great discussion.
The Target remodel, from what I understand, is so Target can expand their grocery operation and add a produce section. There are several problems with allowing Target to move forward with the remodel on this basis.
The citizens would like to see a Whole Foods and Henry's has been rumored for the Mervyns location.
Allowing Target to shift the Cochran location into a competing grocery store solves a political problem for the Council but creates an economic problem for the Sycamore Cochran business district.
The Council can claim hero as Target will now have the component it needs to sustain two stores in Simi Valley.
Expanded grocery operations at the Cochran Target location will create competition for Trader Joe's and Albertsons plus damage the demographics for a Henry's or Whole Foods.
This is quite a conundrum we are in at the Sycamore and Cochran business district.
Reality can bite. 😉
As far as the Farmers Insurance training center issue goes, I listed a number of issues related to that in comments on this blog before I'll try to briefly summarize this complex issue.
When a property owner gets an idea that they want to alter their property, before spending any money you go to the counter at the planning department. This is a very informal over-the-counter discussion at staff level. Staff will inform you of building height limits, setbacks from property lines and check to see if your project has sufficient parking.
The likelihood that anyone above counter staff would have knowledge of such a meeting is slim to none.
We know that Farmer's Insurance built a larger training facility in Westlake, ceased training operations in the Simi Valley location and moved those operations to Westlake. A reasonable question is why was that facility not built in Simi Valley?
Farmers Insurance started unraveling back in 2007 when Farmers sold its building to a real estate investment trust. Any claim of surprise or astonishment that Farmers was leaving Simi Valley shows poorly on the city.
Mike Chandler on August 31, 2010 at 12:00 pm said:
Removed!
I mentioned this above:
Cathy Carlson on August 31, 2010 at 12:20 pm said:
What a night indeed! At one point, I looked over to make sure Chief Lewis was still in the room in case someone was "packing heat" (Eric Halub and Steve Frank).
As far as "Sedell Soldier" is concerned, it's difficult to take you seriously when you're not "man enough, or woman enough) and need to hide behind anonymity to state your opinion.
The Council showed absolute support of its citizens last night when they voted to implement E-Verify as a Pilot Program. I'm sure the Bob Huber supporters will say it's because "Bob Huber" pushed the issue. But its difficult to believe that since Bob chose not to attend ANY council meetings regarding E-Verify prior to his political campaign. The council chose not to implement E-Verify months ago b/c of potential problems and lack of effectiveness. The fact that they are open to testing it as a pilot program shows they listen to our citizens. I still wonder where these citizen were months ago.
Ted- although I don't agree with you on most of your issues, I respect you. You are intelligent and well-spoken. However, when I saw you shake hands with Steve Frank last night I was sick to my stomach.
Mr. Frank came across as an extremely racist man last night. The fact that he referred to illegal aliens as people who don't speak English and ride bikes is a true testament to his intelligence or lack thereof. Thank God Lance Armstrong speaks English – I hate to see him arrested.
Keith Mashburn on August 31, 2010 at 12:39 pm said:
I taught some classes at Farmers while I was still with the fire department. I retired in 2005 and sometime after that I was teaching a class at Farmers and was advised that the training center was moving to Westlake. I asked the Farmer's employee "why were they moving"? I was told, it is to difficult to work with the City of Simi Valley to expand the current building. This employee said there were issues with parking that would make expansion not practical. There was also talk of adding a second story to the existing building. I can only assume this employee had some inside knowledge of what went on between the City and Farmers. I do not know that representatives of Farmers actually met with the City. I do know that this kind of talk is common in Simi Valley and has been for years. I think we need to get beyond what has happened and work to do all we can to prevent future departures of all businesses regardless of size. I think the Red Team is a good idea. After witnessing the behavior of the council last night, I am concerned that their immaturity and self serving rants, would not provide appropriate Red Team leadership.
Jack on August 31, 2010 at 12:39 pm said:
Ted – good stuff, points taken. Got a good laugh at "Jack's Reality Show," needed it this afternoon! And "Reality can bite" is pretty funny, too.
Jackie – anyone at any time can get any of those figures, and could have at any time even before this current Silly Season, by just calling or emailing the City and asking. Anyone, reporters, residents alike. That it suddenly must be posted on websites is beyond me. Are we all that lazy?
In 1995, 2000, 2005, January 2010, whatever, anyone could have called or emailed the City and requested any of that information, and the City would have asked "When do you need it by?"
It's completely transparent and has been for a long, long time. It's just that some people are just now learning for the first time how to get information from government. When did your friend Eric start attending Council meetings? Did he ever call the City and ask for any information?
Are people afraid of the telephone today?
Public employee salary and compensation figures are public record. If you want to know how much local police officers make in overtime each year, call the City and make the request. If you're not satisfied with what is presented, Google "California Public Records Act". Find a form, use it as a template, write your request and submit it. Within 10 days you should get what you need.
Yet certain people (usually running for office) pretend it's hard to get this information, and they tell people as such. It's an exaggeration.
A lot of people are whispering in Eric's ears right now, telling him what to ask and what he "should" do. It's rather unfortunate. He should carefully consider their motives.
Ted on August 31, 2010 at 1:03 pm said:
Thanks for your comments, I hope people realize what it is you are trying to convey and not turn it into a debate about Farmers. We need to work with what we have now and ast night I wanted one of my solutions to be on record. And I will restate it here.
I believe that the Planning department should maintain a list of our 50 largest companies. Anytime any of those companies come in and talk with staff at the counter, even for the most minor issue, the Assistant City Manager and City Manager need to be notified. The City Manager should be require to inform the members of council.
I figure that between our 7 top level city leaders, they can then take appropriate measures (if any are required) and hopefully ferret out any possible needs these large companies may have.
Being surprised is no longer an acceptable answer in light of the Farmer's move. Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail.
Jack on August 31, 2010 at 1:09 pm said:
That Top 50 Companies list-notification idea is good.
Understood, Jackie. But the information was never not within the reach of you or anyone else. All anyone had to do was ask. Was anyone purposely hiding it? That's pretty speculative.
This benefits/perks hype is cyclical, typically surfacing during really bad economies and during election years. I remember a series of articles regarding the County of Ventura around 1992-93. Same stuff.
Francis on August 31, 2010 at 2:29 pm said:
This is fascinating. The Steve Frank who spoke last night, back in 1994 he talked his candidate into injecting immigration late into a campaign to appease polling data. It's interesting, with the polling debate last night under the "Burgers with Bob" post.
Los Angeles Times, October 26, 1994, Wednesday, Ventura West Edition
ELECTIONS / COUNTY SUPERVISORS;
MONTGOMERY CHALLENGES MIKELS TO MAKE PUBLIC STAND ON PROP. 187
By CARLOS V. LOZANO, TIMES STAFF WRITER
Declaring Proposition 187 a defining issue in the race for Ventura County supervisor, Moorpark Councilman Scott Montgomery on Tuesday criticized his rival Judy Mikels for not taking a public stand on the ballot measure that would bar most public services to illegal immigrants.
"I think the public has a right to know where she stands before they vote for her, whether they agree with her or not," Montgomery said. "What has she got to hide?"
Mikels said Montgomery, a staunch supporter of the controversial statewide ballot initiative, is desperate and is using scare tactics in an effort to salvage his campaign.
"This is not a countywide issue," the Simi Valley councilwoman said. "It's a state and federal issue. What he's doing is acting in desperation."
But Montgomery maintained that voters have a right to know where the candidates stand on all issues. He pointed out, for example, that he has not been afraid to make public his anti-abortion stance.
"I think candidates should divulge how they feel about every issue," he said. "I've tried to do that. . . . I don't ant to have any hidden agendas."
Mikels, however, said Montgomery was exploiting the illegal immigration issue to boost his candidacy for a countywide post that has little say over the issue. The two candidates are running for a seat being vacated by Supervisor Vicky Howard, whose 4th District includes Simi Valley, Moorpark and the Santa Rosa Valley.
"He hasn't shown me that he's been supporting this all along," Mikels said. "He just sees that it's popular in the (public opinion polls). He's trying to ride on the coattails of 187."
Mikels said she believes illegal immigration is a major problem facing the state and that more needs to be done to beef up border patrols and enforce laws against employers who hire people who are here illegally.
"What we're not doing is enforcing the laws we have," she said.
In a debate Tuesday night sponsored by the Simi Valley Women's Club Federated, the two candidates were asked their views on illegal immigration.
If elected, Montgomery said he would support transferring illegal immigrants incarcerated in the Ventura County Jail to federal authorities.
"I think it's important for elected officials at all levels to address this issue," Montgomery said.
Montgomery also called for county officials to support a constitutional amendment proposed by Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley) that would deny automatic citizenship to children born to illegal immigrants in this country.
Mikels agreed with Montgomery in supporting Gallegly's efforts.
Mikels said the county needs to lobby state and federal officials to come up with a program to transfer illegal immigrants incarcerated in county jails back to their country of origin with the guarantee that they would be jailed there.
"Just sending them back on a free bus trip is not the answer," she said.
Meanwhile, in a surprise move Tuesday, Barbara Williamson, Mikels' council colleague and chief rival in the June primary, announced that she was endorsing Mikels in the supervisor's race. Williamson had previously said she would remain neutral in the race.
Williamson, who has occasionally clashed with Mikels over fiscal issues, said she believed Mikels' experience as a Simi Valley council member has better prepared her for the job of county supervisor than Montgomery's experience on the Moorpark council. She pointed outthat Mikels has worked with a city budget twice the size of Moorpark's.
"She's the best-qualified candidate," Williamson said. "I just think she has a real handle on budgetary items. And that's exactly what this county is going to need."
As for her past criticism of Mikels, Williamson said, "We don't agree on everything. But I think that sometimes is healthy."
Last week, Moorpark Councilman Bernardo Perez announced his support of Mikels, saying Montgomery had distributed a mailer in favor of Proposition 187 that he found offensive to Latinos.
The Montgomery flyer, mailed to 12,000 absentee voters, featured a picture of illegal immigrants on the cover and the words: "This isn't 'immigration.' This is an invasion. And you're paying for it."
Like Mikels, Perez said Montgomery was trying to take advantage of the emotionally charged illegal immigration issue to appeal to voters.
Montgomery denied Perez's accusations, saying he believed there are some things the county could do to reduce the cost of illegal immigration.
Steve Frank, who is coordinating the Ventura County campaign in support of Proposition 187 and who provided advice on Montgomery's mailer, said it is important that each supervisorial candidate take a stand on the immigration issue.
Frank said the county is spending a great deal of money on health, education and welfare benefits for illegal immigrants and that voters should know where the candidates stand on the matter.
"This is a county issue," he said. "This is not something that someone running for an elected office can hide from. That's what being a political leader is all about, taking a position on the issues."
Frank said it was of no consequence that the current Board of Supervisors voted 4-to-0 to oppose Proposition 187. Supervisor Vicky Howard, who has endorsed Mikels in the race, abstained.
"We can't vote on the current board, but we can vote for one of the candidates in this race," he said. "And there is certainly a clear-cut difference."
The Council and City Manager compensation is not Transparent and we have asked and it is still nebulous.
I am still waiting for the breakdown by council person and the City Manager. If they want to include the City Attorney, that is fine too.
The point is we have asked and we are still waiting. I pulled it up last night at the meeting and still no detail, just generalities.
Cathy Carlson on August 31, 2010 at 4:17 pm said:
Dear Sedell Soldier,
After sitting back and really thinking it through, I understand the whole concept about not revealing who you are. I get it now – and you're right. The reality is others can make our lives miserable. We may not always agree, but we should respect eachother's opinions. After all, that's what makes our country great. Sincerely – Cathy
Frank on August 31, 2010 at 5:02 pm said:
Anonymity for some has much to do with employment protection – from Google and search engines. We like to participate in community discussions online, but are unsure how our employer would view it. Even positive commentary can be misconstrued. Why chance it?
Mike Chandler on August 31, 2010 at 5:13 pm said:
Sedell Soldier, I've heard supporters on both sides tell me that there's a lot of fear involved in revealing which candidate you are supporting and that the "other side" will take action if they hear about it. No one has really given me any concrete examples or names of anyone that I can follow-up with and ask, so I've considered most of it to be fabricated. If you have any examples, I'll listen and take it seriously. So far, no one has been able to offer any up.
Mitch Green on August 31, 2010 at 8:45 pm said:
Sedell Soldier,
Interesting observations. I can tell you that in a certain service club there exists a large group of people who have given me the cold shoulder over the last five months. As in how dare I run, they didn't invite me to run, and how dare I make it tough for one of their friends. I'm hoping this changes back to "normal" 9 weeks from tonight, win, lose or draw.
And I can confirm there exist many people who tell me that they are happy to help me behind the scenes, yet they don't want their name connected to me for any reason. Period.
And at same time there have been many prominent connected people who come up to me and in whispered tones comment that the council needs to be shaken up; that it isn't an "entitlement;" and that the entire council should be voted out on their ear.
Whether the Emperor has no clothes or not remains to be seen.
TT on August 31, 2010 at 9:35 pm said:
I appreciate you bravely taking on the people that make outrageous statements at council meetings. Please isolate the rantings of Frank and Halub for us. I'd really enjoy it.
In a free market society why should city planners get involved with determining what Target can and cannot sell?
With the new relaxed City regulations until Farmers is leased again, I want to see a huge dinosaur, just like the one in Ted's photo, on top of Panera, just like the old days on top of Hudson's! (Though going by memory, way back when it was Spuds McKenzie).
Alma Bustamante on September 6, 2010 at 12:30 am said:
Mr. Chandler, How can you call yourself a reporter? You are so unprofessional;
Mr. Halub has never called the President "Obama Hussein". YOU make little sense as a reporter and You sound very unprofessional. Maybe you need some professional ethics classes.
Mike Chandler on September 6, 2010 at 9:41 am said:
I never called myself a reporter, Alma. But I am open to any ethics courses you would like to recommend. Will Mr. Halub be joining me?
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Mark Rosekind, the former head of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, has joined Zoox, a secretive Silicon Valley startup building a fully self-driving car, according to Reuters. He will be its chief safety innovation officer.
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namespace Microsoft.Azure.Management.Security.Models
{
    using Microsoft.Rest;
    using Newtonsoft.Json;
    using System.Collections;
    using System.Collections.Generic;
    using System.Linq;

    public partial class JitNetworkAccessRequestPort
    {
        /// <summary>
        /// Initializes a new instance of the JitNetworkAccessRequestPort
        /// class.
        /// </summary>
        public JitNetworkAccessRequestPort()
        {
            CustomInit();
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Initializes a new instance of the JitNetworkAccessRequestPort
        /// class.
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="endTimeUtc">The date & time at which the request
        /// ends in UTC</param>
        /// <param name="status">The status of the port. Possible values
        /// include: 'Revoked', 'Initiated'</param>
        /// <param name="statusReason">A description of why the `status` has
        /// its value. Possible values include: 'Expired', 'UserRequested',
        /// 'NewerRequestInitiated'</param>
        /// <param name="allowedSourceAddressPrefix">Mutually exclusive with
        /// the "allowedSourceAddressPrefixes" parameter. Should be an IP
        /// address or CIDR, for example "192.168.0.3" or
        /// "192.168.0.0/16".</param>
        /// <param name="allowedSourceAddressPrefixes">Mutually exclusive with
        /// the "allowedSourceAddressPrefix" parameter.</param>
        /// <param name="mappedPort">The port which is mapped to this port's
        /// `number` in the Azure Firewall, if applicable</param>
        public JitNetworkAccessRequestPort(int number, System.DateTime endTimeUtc, string status, string statusReason, string allowedSourceAddressPrefix = default(string), IList<string> allowedSourceAddressPrefixes = default(IList<string>), int? mappedPort = default(int?))
        {
            Number = number;
            AllowedSourceAddressPrefix = allowedSourceAddressPrefix;
            AllowedSourceAddressPrefixes = allowedSourceAddressPrefixes;
            EndTimeUtc = endTimeUtc;
            Status = status;
            StatusReason = statusReason;
            MappedPort = mappedPort;
            CustomInit();
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// An initialization method that performs custom operations like setting defaults
        /// </summary>
        partial void CustomInit();

        /// <summary>
        /// </summary>
        [JsonProperty(PropertyName = "number")]
        public int Number { get; set; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Gets or sets mutually exclusive with the
        /// "allowedSourceAddressPrefixes" parameter. Should be an IP address
        /// or CIDR, for example "192.168.0.3" or "192.168.0.0/16".
        /// </summary>
        [JsonProperty(PropertyName = "allowedSourceAddressPrefix")]
        public string AllowedSourceAddressPrefix { get; set; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Gets or sets mutually exclusive with the
        /// "allowedSourceAddressPrefix" parameter.
        /// </summary>
        [JsonProperty(PropertyName = "allowedSourceAddressPrefixes")]
        public IList<string> AllowedSourceAddressPrefixes { get; set; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Gets or sets the date &amp; time at which the request ends in
        /// UTC
        /// </summary>
        [JsonProperty(PropertyName = "endTimeUtc")]
        public System.DateTime EndTimeUtc { get; set; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Gets or sets the status of the port. Possible values include:
        /// 'Revoked', 'Initiated'
        /// </summary>
        [JsonProperty(PropertyName = "status")]
        public string Status { get; set; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Gets or sets a description of why the `status` has its value.
        /// Possible values include: 'Expired', 'UserRequested',
        /// 'NewerRequestInitiated'
        /// </summary>
        [JsonProperty(PropertyName = "statusReason")]
        public string StatusReason { get; set; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Gets or sets the port which is mapped to this port's `number` in
        /// the Azure Firewall, if applicable
        /// </summary>
        [JsonProperty(PropertyName = "mappedPort")]
        public int? MappedPort { get; set; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Validate the object.
        /// </summary>
        /// <exception cref="ValidationException">
        /// Thrown if validation fails
        /// </exception>
        public virtual void Validate()
        {
            if (Status == null)
            {
                throw new ValidationException(ValidationRules.CannotBeNull, "Status");
            }
            if (StatusReason == null)
            {
                throw new ValidationException(ValidationRules.CannotBeNull, "StatusReason");
            }
        }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


A knot, or a slag of granite.
I imagined another brother, unborn for he was only a knot.
How my granite brother would never leave her.
I grew up in her abject sadness, which soon became our speaking.
Smaller, smaller, he was her favorite.
Jays nag the first light.
And now I am awake before dawn hoping today is a day when I won't have to say anything.
To me, it was unintelligible.
I could see through her skin, see my brother not growing inside her.
Would he ever come outside.
The raging jays, the squawking catastrophe.
What is the difference between a son and a daughter, I wanted to know.


text:
Black and white; 7 illustrations; 152 Pages; Hardback
ISBN-13: 978-93-89136-579
A Christmas Carol is a transformative tale of how a selfish person can change into a more sympathetic human being. Charles Dickens' timeless story depicts the spirit of Christmas, with its emphasis on family feeling, renewing personal connections and celebrating the festive spirit.
The characters of Ebenezer Scrooge, whose surname has become a synonym for a miser, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim are unforgettable and the impact of Marley's Ghost, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future on Scrooge are beautifully described. This book also popularised expressions such as 'Bah! Humbug!' and the festive greeting 'Merry Christmas!'
This edition includes timelines of the author's life and the original year of publication, which provide the literary, historical and cultural context of the book.
Charles Dickens (1812–1870) is considered a literary genius and one of the greatest writers of the Victorian era. He is known for creating many memorable characters in his books, which were very popular in his lifetime. Some of his best-known works are The Pickwick Papers, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities. He also a strong campaigner for education, social reforms and the rights of children. His grave can be seen at the Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Last week, the market (SPY) fell 1%, the second down week in a row. Our 10K Bear portfolio gained 17.8%, after commissions. Over the past two weeks SPY has fallen by 3.4% while this bearish portfolio has gained a whopping 42.6%, proving once again that it is an excellent hedge against other investments when the market is weaker. Do you have this kind of protection in your investment accounts?
When an options trader says "IBM's at 20%" he is referring to the implied volatility of the front-month at-the-money puts and calls. Some people use the term "projected volatility" rather than "implied volatility." They mean the same thing.
A staid old stock like Procter & Gamble would not be expected to vary in price much over the course of a year, and its options would carry a low volatility number. For P & G, this number currently is 17%. That is how much the market expects the stock might vary in price, either up or down, over the course of a year.
If implied volatility is high, the option prices are high. If expectations of fluctuation in the company stock are low, implied volatility and option prices are low.
This entry was posted on Monday, May 14th, 2012 at 3:31 pm	and is filed under Stock Option Trading Idea Of The Week, Stock Options Strategies, Terry's Tips Portfolios.


The French do not call one of their regions a "pays" (country) by sheer linguistic accident. Only a country possesses its own language, history, culture, cuisine and secrets, or has such a wide sphere of influence. Catherine Henriette lived there for ten years, allowing its rich heritage to inhabit her. In order to experience the full range of emotions that this unique country has to offer, she first let it speak to her through its operas. She then embraced it, passionately, seduced by its delicacies with names prefixed with "ch" and "x" and its hot peppers, obviously derived from Espelette.
She gave herself over to this place completely, leaving her reason in the car and losing herself in its countless corners, forests, paths, clearings and coastlines. This country – which loves those who know how to love it – has granted her some of the rarest of images in return.


text:
Lewis Katz School Of Medicine Academic Calendar
Faculty members at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM) are well known as gifted teachers and innovative researchers, but it is their clinical expertise that draws patients from throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond.
Class President, Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine Director, Political Campaign, Local Candidates Administrative Assistant, Pennsylvania State Representative
Temple-made doctor gives back to Lewis Katz School of Medicine There was a time when it seemed like attending medical school may not be in the cards for Thomas Starkey, an internal medicine physician in Denver, Colorado.
Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University – Medical Education and Research Building, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140 -.
College of Medicine Calendar <Prev. Today. Next> November 2016. Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa:. Department of Microbiology, Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine. 12:00 PM Cagla Tukel, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine. 1:00 PM Sara Koenig Dissertation Defense.
(Philadelphia, PA) — Temple University Hospital is offering an innovative approach to treat patients with complex temporal. in the Temple Head and Neck Institute and the Lewis Katz School of.
Lehigh has an Early Assurance Program with the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM). Qualified Lehigh students may be considered by LKSOM in their junior year. If accepted, students receive this acceptance before their senior year of college begins.
IMAGE: This is Muniswamy Madesh, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biochemistry and Center for Translational Medicine at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine. is a.
Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. Exceptional students, clinicians and researchers with zeal for education, research and patient care. Editor of Stories from Temple's Narrative.
TUHS is affiliated with the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, and Temple University Physicians, which is Temple Health's physician practice plan comprised of more than 500 full-time.
Danielle Salvadeo (Class of '14), a M.D./Ph.D. Candidate at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is working on exploring the integrity of bladder innervation and smooth muscle function after lower spinal cord injury.
Invented at Michigan Medicine, the University of Michigan's academic medical center. NY; Marchetti N, DO, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA; Galban CJ, PhD,
University Of Iowa Professor Salary Iowa State University and the University of Iowa aren't. To bridge the gap between higher expenses — including faculty salaries and technology demands — and floundering resources — including. How to Become an English Professor: Career Roadmap. Salary and Career Info for a Literature Professor. Southern New Hampshire University logo. IOWA CITY, Iowa — The
Miriam Solomon is professor and chair in the Philosophy Department at Temple University, and Affiliated Professor at the Center for Bioethics, Urban Health, and Policy at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. She works in the areas of philosophy of science, philosophy of medicine, epistemology, and feminist philosophy.
New work by scientists at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM. About Temple Health Temple University Health System (TUHS) is a $1.6 billion academic health system.
Now, in new work, scientists at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM), in collaboration. About Temple Health Temple University Health System (TUHS) is a $1.6 billion.
Postdoctoral Fellowship – Molecular Neuroscience; Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University – 2017 Biosketch Dr. Iffland is a Research Associate in the Department of Neurology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine conducting research in the lab of Dr. Peter B. Crino, MD, Ph.D.
Uf Political Science Thesis And while working full-time as a legislator, he returned to school to earn a degree in Political Science at Boston College. He is a graduate of the University of Florida. Rodger Brown, Managing. His thesis, dissertation and post-doctoral work involved. Dr. Brian Lapointe obtained a B.A. in Biology from Boston University, a M.S. in Environmental
Academic Partnerships and Exchanges. The Philosophy Department and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple now offer dual degrees in Philosophy and Urban Bioethics designed to prepare students for practice, research and teaching in healthcare ethics and policy. We offer a Graduate Certificate in Gender, Sexuality,
Satz from the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine. About Temple Health Temple University Health System (TUHS) is a $1.6 billion academic health system dedicated to.
Temple University Health Systems (www.templehealth.org), located in Philadelphia, PA, is an academic health system dedicated. In over a dozen research centers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine.
94% of our students have been accepted to medical school within two application cycles, the majority in their first application cycle. Listed below are some of the medical programs that have admitted applicants from the Johns Hopkins Post-Bac HSI program.
Discover our student-centered approach to medicine. Founded in 2010, the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine is designed to educate and develop students into highly qualified and compassionate physicians. Our philosophy is student-centered. Our curriculum and clinical placements are intentionally designed so everything we do models how we want.
But now, researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM. About Temple Health Temple University Health System (TUHS) is a $1.6 billion academic health system dedicated.
Now, in new work, researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM. About Temple Health Temple University Health System (TUHS) is a $1.6 billion academic health system.
The Ohio State University College of Medicine > Microbial Infection and Immunity > MI&I Calendar. MI&I Calendar; MI&I Calendar <Prev. Today. Next>. 12:00 PM Cagla Tukel, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine.
Ancient Greek Olympics Awards When you consider that Yursa Mardiini, an Olympic swimmer on the refugee team who last August had to swim for her life through the Mediterranean, competing for shiny gold medals. modern Olympics. Several of the top Greek winners discussed what their awards meant to them and how they managed to. in "bringing to light the
Rao, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple. Temple University Health System (TUHS) is a $1.6.
Jul 02, 2019 · The Lewis Katz School of Medicine (LKSOM), established in 1901, is one of the nation's leading medical schools. Each year, the School of Medicine educates more than 800 medical students and.
Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University Philadelphia, PA. Sabrina D. Phillips, MD, FASE Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, FL. Muhamed Saric, MD, PhD, FASE New York University New York, New York
(Philadelphia, PA) – A digital health application for reporting symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) facilitated early detection and treatment of COPD exacerbation symptoms.
and Lewis Katz Dean at the School of Medicine, Temple University In making the announcement, AAHC President and CEO Dr. Steven L. Kanter noted, "Inspirational leadership and effective management of.
(Lewis Katz School of Medicine) The Basic Core in Medical Sciences program is a 12-month program for students with no more than 8 credits (two courses) in the sciences. Students accepted to the postbac program receive a conditional acceptance to the medical school. One year of post-college professional work experience is strongly encouraged.
Kaiser, MD, FACS, the Lewis Katz Dean at the School of Medicine, President and CEO of Temple University. About Temple Health Temple University Health System (TUHS) is a $1.6 billion academic health.
He earned his medical degree from Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA. He completed an internship at St. Luke¿s University Hospital, Bethlehem, PA; a diagnostic radiology residency at Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA; and a fellowships in neuroradiology and in translational research at New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY.
Here are Temple University School of Medicine's secondary questions. 2018-2019 1. What is the nature of your interest in the Lewis Katz School of Medicine?* 2. How do you plan on contributing to the Lewis Katz School of Medicine Community?*LKSOM seeks an engaged student body with a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and.
According to a new study by scientists at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM), however. About Temple Health Temple University Health System (TUHS) is a $1.6 billion.
The Nutty Professor 1996 Online
University Of Iowa Professor Salary


Aims to help people to improve their quality of life and that of future generations through thew advancement of the use of computing and communication technology. Also includes information on activities and news.
Provides a list of different computer groups that are active on the internet and also has a newsletter.
A not for profit organization with a mission of improving the quality of life for the disabled or disadvantaged by utilizing and coordinating the technological resources of the community.
Supports its members in advancing the state of the art in computer graphics and related fields such as multimedia, scientific visualization and human computer interfaces.
A non-profit collaboration of organizations representing a broad range of constituencies dedicated to promoting broadband adoption.
Consists of leading companies dedicated to making enterprise-class open software solutions work together.
The international scientific and professional society for people working on problems involving natural language and computation.


I'm still experimenting with this whole blog thing, determining when it's best to blog, how often to blog, stuff like that. An experienced blogger told me I needed more "catchy" titles for my posts. The kind of title that would really "grab" people and make them want to read the post.
So… how's this title? If I'm right, there will be a bunch of people here that have never seen this blog before. And I promise to share with you all everything I know about succeeding as a lazy person.
I've also been told that a good blogger will "tease" the readers by leaving the best for last so I figured before I got to the good stuff (succeeding while being lazy) I'd share a bit of info on a few of the things that non-lazy people do to succeed.
Non-lazy people invest their time developing a plan. They build contingencies into the plan so when things go wrong they are prepared for that as well.
Non-lazy people work to control their attitude. The same negative "stuff" happens to non-lazy people as it does to lazy people. The difference is that non-lazy people actually think that they have some control over their attitude and WORK to make sure it stays positive. Lazy people see the fallacy in that and just "go with the flow". The "flow" often resembles a toilet, but hey, they're lazy so what can you expect.
Speaking of expectations, non-lazy people expect great things from themselves. They hold themselves to a higher than average standard and thus, they achieve much more than most people.
But enough with the "tease," it's time to share how to succeed while remaining lazy. As we transition into this part of the post I will hold nothing back. I'll provide you with everything I've ever learned about how to succeed while being lazy.
Well, that's about it for another post. (I guess I didn't know that much on the subject after all) I'm not sure I like all this catching and teasing stuff. I might just go back to the straight-forward kinda stuff. It actually seems easier and after all, this post is sort of about being lazy.
But you probably knew I'd have to disagree on one point. Sometimes laziness leads to a creativity that innovates. Creative laziness simplifies and removes every unnecessary activity. I want to be persistent in my pursuit of a better way to do things.
There are no get-rich-quick schemes or easy answers. But there are always better ways to do things.
I'm German and my English is not the best so sorry about grammar mistakes. I like your experimenter because I do the same. I registered in WordPress just 3 days ago and I look and read other blogs to find ideas for my own blog I want create. In Germany we have a word.
> Never put of till tomorrow what you can do today. < If that true I think I'm getting a bit lazy. But I hope I will learn to create a good blog…. maybe tomorrow.
Ha, I sometimes say why do today what you can do tomorrow 🙂 then I remember why and do it today!
Your mom was a smart lady 🙂 but it's amazing how many people hope for success without working for it.


text:
Music: styles & genres
Western "classical" music
True Tales from the Mad, Mad, Mad World of Opera EPUB
by Lotfi Mansouri
Everything about opera is larger than life, but the bigger the art form, the bigger the potential for disaster.
When things go wrong at the opera house, they really go wrong.
No one has a greater or more intimate knowledge of such moments than Lotfi Mansouri.
Over the course of a career that has spanned five decades, Mansouri has directed nearly 500 productions at major opera houses around the globe. Mansouri has gathered a collection of discrete vignettes that recount unforgettable and revealing moments at the opera as personally experienced or witnessed by him.
From unbelievable snafus to unfortunate mishaps to astounding coincidences, these vignettes feature some of the biggest names in opera, as well as prominent figures from politics and more.
From the hilarious to the bizarre, this is a reader-friendly look at what is often thought of as an overly serious, even mysterious form of art.
Publisher:Dundurn Group Ltd
Individual composers & musicians, specific bands..
Autobiography: arts & entertainment
EPUB from £95.99
EPUB | Published 17/12/2013 | £95.99 | View now
Also by Lotfi Mansouri
True Tales from the Mad, Mad, Mad World...
Dundurn Performing Arts Library Bundle...


I have read the rational arguments for and against the resurrection of Jesus, and for and against a general resurrection. And I have to say that I find the arguments against both to be much more compelling.
I want to briefly discuss a few reasons why I don't believe in the resurrection, and then tell a few stories about why I do.
Lord, Liar, Lunatic – the notion that either Jesus was who he said he was, that he was lying, or that he was nuts. This option precludes the idea that Jesus might've just been a good teacher. There's another option, though: the people who wrote the gospels got Jesus wrong, or "Misquoted Jesus," as Bart Ehrman's book suggests.
500 Witnesses: The Bible says that there were 500 witnesses to the risen Christ and if you want them to talk about it, all you have to do is ask. The problem is, at the time this was written, the population of Jerusalem was in the hundreds of thousands, and good luck finding these alleged 500 witnesses.
Last week I wrote a story for my Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) group about "The Day My Heart Was Broken" about the day my first girlfriend broke up with me. When I wrote that story, I was very unkind about the things I did that I thought made her do it. I listed out the decisions I'd made that I thought were poor, and my overall tone toward the person who did those things was very judgmental.
But that the person I hated – the person I used to be – isn't just the person I used to be.
That person is a part of me. That person is a part of who I am today.
So when I read that story in group, I felt physically ill. My eyes started twitching. But I read it. I read every goddamn word. And I felt worse when it was done. As one does when one is particularly unkind to oneself.
This week, the story is about my most pivotal relationship.
I wrote about my relationship with Kristen, who is now my wife. I have evidence from my journal that even though I didn't make the same foolish decisions that time, my decisions weren't the brightest then, either.
But while I was typing up the story, I was smiling. Yes, me before I married Kristen was a little goofy, a little whack, but I liked him. I was an idiot, but I was my idiot – the kind where you muss their hair and shake your head at them, but you still like them.
The me from my first relationship and before… he was somebody I would debate and devalue online. The head-shaking is still there, but it's hostile head-shaking. He's somebody I might try to fix.
I've heard that we don't just tell our stories; our stories tell us. I think that's true, because I wrote a story based on the life of the prodigal son shortly after that break-up, and my character avatar was the runaway.
And while I was writing the part where, in the words of the King James Version, "he wasted his substance with riotous living," I hated him. Like a lot. I knew while I was writing the story that I didn't like him.
What I didn't know was that it meant that I didn't like me.
I've lived by that narrative for a long time now – I think over ten years – since my spiritual awakening when I started making value judgments about my decisions.
I also started accepting value judgments that others put on my decisions and actions.
Not only were they bad decisions and actions, but they were decisions and actions that made me bad.
I forgave myself, but it was more than forgiveness. It was forgiveness with an attitude of kindness.
I imagine it will take time to overcome a decade of unkindness, but I'm working on it. And I'm trying not to be unkind to the me that was unkind, because that wouldn't help anything.
Romans 5:8: But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.
God did not wait for us to shape up before God loved us.
God did not wait until we were sufficiently sorry or felt sufficiently guilty to get busy loving us.
God loved us as we were on our worst days, on the days we most wish we could take back or get a do-over for.
And I think that means we have permission to love ourselves on those days, in case we weren't sure.
Scripture teaches us to love our neighbors like we love ourselves, and if I've been loving some of my neighbors the way I loved my past self, I'd hate to be them, because I said lots of unkind things about my past self.
I wasn't patient or kind with myself; I was pretty boastful and arrogant and more than a little rude. I insisted on my own way, and was irritable and resentful. I didn't bear well what I thought were the consequences of what I had done; I didn't believe that I had good intentions, or at least not malicious ones; and I didn't hope or endure very well either.
So now I'm trying to love myself, and take those skills and love others, too.
This morning, I found that I am already better able to look people in the face, and my smile comes a little easier.
I was sitting in a class with my laptop open, trying to save some links and close some tabs while a classmate was reading a handout the professor distributed.
The professor peered over the lid to see what I was doing since I obviously wasn't paying attention to the poetry reading.
I gave a sheepish grin, but instantly felt ashamed. I spent the rest of that class period trying to decide what to do, wishing I was somewhere else, and trying to remain as small as possible. I couldn't pay attention at all.
and I was trying to find a document that explains what counts for the PC(USA) as "essential tenets." Fun fact: Such a document doesn't exist. We have a Book of Confessions, but I couldn't find any documents that delineated which tenets in those confessions count as essential. ECO and the EPC* have one, but the PC(USA) does not.
I know ECO was (in part) formed and filled as a reaction to the PC(USA)'s allowing non-celibate but otherwise-qualified LGBTQ people to be ministers, and later permitting (not requiring) marriage equality.
The ECO website pretends it was about concerns around declining denominational membership and disputes of theology and bureaucracy, but the seven founding pastors met for the first time to "find new ways to encourage each other in faith, ministry, and mission" in summer 2010.
Our scripture this morning is I Samuel 16:1-13. I grew up in Sunday School, so of course I heard this story more times than I can count. Ever since I was a kid, I've known the story, and I've known the moral: "Humans look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." It's right there in verse 7.
But I didn't just have that answer, I had all the answers – at least, all the important ones. I could have given people a run-down of all God's opinions on every important issue, and I often did. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
I'm reading from the Common English Bible because the NRSV, your pew Bible, is really good with accuracy but really bad at story-telling. Listen for the word of the Lord in the story of the anointing of King David.
Samuel did what the Lord instructed. When he came to Bethlehem, the city elders came to meet him. They were shaking with fear. "Do you come in peace?" they asked.
"Yes," Samuel answered. "I've come to make a sacrifice to the Lord. Now make yourselves holy, then come with me to the sacrifice." Samuel made Jesse and his sons holy and invited them to the sacrifice as well.
When they arrived, Samuel looked at David, Jesse's youngest. He was reddish brown, had beautiful eyes, and was good-looking. Samuel thought, That must be the Lord's anointed right there.
So Jesse sent and brought him in. Eliab was tall and good-looking, and reminded Samuel a little of Saul. He was exactly what Samuel thought a king should look like. The Lord told Samuel, "That's the one. Go anoint him." So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him right there in front of his brothers. The Lord's spirit came over Eliab from that point forward.
Then Samuel left and went to Ramah.
The word of the Lord?
-Exodus 17:2, NRSV, emphasis mine.
Notice what happens in this verse. The people quarrel with Moses, and Moses asks them why they're testing God. Incidentally, when Moses complains to God about this, God gives Moses a commonsense answer: Give them water.
Moses in this story has a problem that is shared by a frightening number of American Christian leaders: confusing themselves with God. Not in the sense that they're encountering God and becoming confused, which would be good, but in the sense that people are challenging them, and they think people are challenging God.
Don't miss this: The most popular Christian writer in our time labels the biblical God a "cosmic abuser." Ancient false teaching returns.
No, Owen. Young didn't label God a cosmic abuser. He labelled your ideas about God cosmic abuse. There is a critical difference between the two – and a painfully underappreciated one.
You can disagree with me on this, but if you do, know that you're disagreeing with Paul, you're disagreeing with Jesus, and you're disagreeing with God.
The person who heard this dropped the class shortly thereafter. Learning is always a challenge, but it's a special kind of difficulty to learn from someone who thinks their opinion is identical with God's.
Some Christians have a painfully difficult time distinguishing God from their ideas about God. Many think the two are one and the same – that God is identical with what they think God is like. This leads to those same Christians assuming that an attack on what they think about God is identical with an attack on God.
On the contrary, many such "attacks" are not attacks on God at all. They are attacks on dangerous false ideas about God, and as such are defenses of God's character, not attacks on it.
Let those with ears, hear.
The lectionary passages for Ash Wednesday are about repentance, and for me as a recovering fundamentalist, especially reading Psalm 51, repentance is all about wallowing in guilt and what Brennan Manning called cultivating ingrown eyeballs, where you try to imagine all the ways you might have offended God and debate whether you're sufficiently penitent.
I went to a thing called a Prayer Advance once, because Christians don't retreat, they advance, get it? So at the Prayer Advance, they have this time called "Sweet Hour of Prayer" where you go off into the woods and work your way through this list of things that are… well, I'm pretty sure many of them aren't actually sins.
"Am I really concerned about revival?" I used to be, back when the problem was other people.
"Am I willing to pay the price for personal revival?" I don't know. What are personal revivals going for these days?
"Am I sinning the sin of prayerlessness?" Prayerlessness is a sin?
"Do I get angry?" Especially when I read lists like this.
"Have I paid all my debts to others?" You try owing the cost of a college education to Great Lakes Student Loan Servicing, Prayer Advance People.
"Does my pastor KNOW that he can count on me?" Well, first, you misspelled "she," and second, judging by her helpful reminder emails, I think she knows she can count on me when I reply.
So there were these ancient Jews living in captivity. I don't know how many there were, or what their names were, but let's say there were two (there were probably more) and call them Rachel and Eli.
Like most people in unhappy situations, Rachel and Eli had questions – questions like "How did this happen," "How can I fix it," and "How can I keep this from happening again?" And like most people with those questions, they started digging through their history looking for clues.
They would have found that their ancestors worshiped a lot of idols, and read about King David and Solomon, who worshiped the God Rachel and Eli worshiped, Yahweh. They would have found that King Rehoboam made some bad decisions and split the kingdom, and his servant Jeroboam, who took the Northern half of the Kingdom, made some worse decisions and set up two golden calves for worship.
I read something yesterday that freaked me out. Like a lot.
The women's march on Washington was bigger than Trump's inauguration.
Obama's inaugurations were both bigger than Trump's.
Fox News posted an AP fact-check article about the claim that Trump was wrong about the crowd size. They said, "THE FACTS: Trump is wrong," and followed up with the evidence linked above.
Here's a video. (It zooms in at the end when Trump starts speaking).
Review the evidence. Take as long as you need. Do your own research; use google. Article after article confirms that Trump did not have the biggest crowds. Not even close.
Because this is the part where Fox News and Breitbart (and God knows who else) perpetuated Trump's lies. Breitbart is infinitely worse. Like "Dear God I wish their readers were being lied to by Fox News instead" worse.