text:
How the Gospel Is Shining in Sun-Drenched Phoenix
November 29, 2018 | Brett McCracken
Christoph von Gellhorn on Unsplash
Just 50 years ago Phoenix was barely in America's top 30 most populous cities. Today it is the nation's sixth-largest city, and its larger metropolitan area (which includes cities like Chandler, Glendale, Scottsdale, and Tempe) has a population of nearly 5 million.
Partly due its Sun Belt warmth and Sonoran Desert sun—more sunny days annually than any other U.S. metropolitan area—the rapid growth of Arizona's capital has resulted in a city that may be full of older retirees but is young in its identity. People come to Phoenix from all over the place for different reasons. The city is increasingly diverse in both demographics and also politics.
Though two-thirds of Phoenix residents identify as Christian, Phoenix also ranks high (#12) on Barna's list of America's most unchurched cities. Pastors in Phoenix face a variety of challenges in reaching this metropolitan area with the gospel, from the idols of consumerism and comfort to the challenges of politics and issues like illegal immigration.
I asked three Phoenix-area pastors—Vermon Pierre of Roosevelt Community Church, Josh Vincent of Trinity Bible Church, and Chris Gonzalez of Missio Dei Communities—to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of gospel-centered ministry in Phoenix today.
Briefly describe your churches.
Pierre: Roosevelt Community Church was planted out of Camelback Bible Church in Paradise Valley. In 2005, downtown Phoenix was full of empty buildings and dirt lots. People would come in for work or sports events but then immediately leave. Downtown Phoenix was often described as a ghost town after 5 p.m. Most church plants at the time were looking for up-and-coming areas with lots of new people moving in. Downtown Phoenix in 2005 didn't fit that criteria. But we saw the potential of the area and, more importantly, we saw the need. There were few gospel-centered churches in that core. In fact, according to some studies, it was the least-churched urban core in the country. We strongly felt that even downtrodden areas like downtown Phoenix in 2005 needed a gospel witness. And so we moved forward and began Sunday morning services in a former Christian Science church building we were fortunate enough to acquire via a generous donation. We had many challenges in the first couple of years: coming close to running out of money at one point, being unable to repair a broken AC system for two years, having to scramble to find musicians for Sunday morning. But over and over again, the Lord provided the people and resources we needed at the times we needed them.
We were able to grow and slowly establish ourselves as a church, and downtown Phoenix also took a sharp upturn. A light-rail system was installed, Arizona State established a campus downtown, and new condos and restaurants soon followed. We'd thought we'd be a church ministering in a mostly depressed area. Today, we are in a growing city center projected to be the most densely populated part of the state within the next year or two. Our church, by God's grace, well represents the growing diversity of our area: in age, race/ethnicity, education level, and economic status. We've been active in the local arts community through the monthly art event in downtown Phoenix called First Fridays. Early on we also became actively engaged in promoting foster care and adoption and continue to be involved through organizations like Foster Care Initiatives and AZ127.
Vincent: Bethany Bible Church planted Trinity Bible Church (TBC) on the northern edge of Phoenix in 1968. The church grew with the population of Phoenix to close to 1,000 people. As the city continued to grow and the neighborhood began to change, young families raced to the edge of the constantly expanding borders of the city for newer, larger homes. From 1998 to 2008, our church lost 50 to 100 people per year, our staff dwindled from seven full-time ministry staff to one, we struggled to meet payroll, and, theologically, our church taught Rob Bell, Joyce Meyer, and so on. TBC called me as only their third lead pastor in 2009, because I was the youngest guy to apply (I'm kind of kidding).
A number of faithful saints hoped to see God revitalize their church to reach the next generation. We made some difficult changes in the first year, like going to one service, preaching expositionally, focusing on community groups and discipleship, and changing the reading diet of our church to more gospel-centered materials. At that time, Tim Savage and Vermon Pierre invited me to help begin a TGC chapter in Phoenix. By God's grace, and I can't emphasize God's grace enough, our church has become a much healthier, sweeter, gospel-centered, multi-ethnic, multi-generational, growing, evangelistic church bearing fruit locally and globally to the glory of God.
Gonzalez: We planted Missio Dei 10 years ago with missional communities. Our hope was to have a church that didn't organize around a building or a weekly service, but rather around smaller communities committed to living their lives together and serving the city. These communities function like house churches, each with their own area of the city they are sent to bless. Our three communities gather in Peoria, Tempe, and Mesa, and each is led by a team of local pastors/elders. I am a pastor at the Tempe congregation.
Last year the city of Tempe did a Community Needs Assessment (CNA) to help identify the vulnerable populations in our city. Where are the gaps in service? Who are the people falling through the cracks? We realized our church should be asking these questions too, so our congregation invested money, prayed, and assisted throughout the CNA process. After the results came out we re-launched our missional communities around some of the gap areas determined by the CNA, including serving homebound seniors, homeless, refugees, international students, foster care, and in the high schools.
What do you think makes ministry in the Phoenix context different from similarly sized cities in other parts of the country?
Pierre: Phoenix is spread out. It's better than it has been—there is now a vibrant urban core that many are moving into—but it is still very much a car culture. This means the people in our local churches tend to be spread out over a wide area, which can make it hard to facilitate legit community throughout the week. Phoenix also reflects the demographic changes happening in places like California. It is right on the precipice of becoming a majority-minority population. Around 41 percent of Phoenix is Latino, for example. Another dynamic here is that it often feels like most people you meet are from somewhere else. I joke that finding a native Phoenician is like finding a unicorn. So ministering to people here can involve ministering to people from a lot of different backgrounds. Related to that, Phoenix still feels like a "new" city. It is still forming its own identity.
Vincent: Phoenix represents the epitome of the Wild Wild West. Most people have moved here from somewhere else to start a new life, run from the past, pursue education, quit shoveling snow, start a new business, and so on. Everybody's from somewhere else. We have members in our church who remember when the population of Phoenix was 60,000, but the metropolitan area now approaches 5 million people. This has only enhanced the hyper-individualized and independent nature of our city. We delight in open-carry gun laws and the right to keep a goat in our backyard. We believe tall walls and remote-control garage doors make good neighbors.
The independence of our people, combined with the vastness of our city, leaves many feeling isolated and constantly in pursuit of the evasive experience of community that satisfies that deep desire for a richer life. As a result, the rate of church-hopping in Phoenix is above average. Phoenicians also struggle with commitment. I normally tell others that in the Southeast my hardest job was getting dead people off the membership roll, whereas my hardest job in the Southwest is getting living people on the membership roll. A second challenge flows from the reality that we regularly register as one of the least biblically literate large cities in the nation alongside places like Boston, New York, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. When the goal is to make disciples who make disciples and train up leaders competent to handle the Word, this means you are starting from zero with a lot of people. The upshot is you rarely need to undo false presuppositions associated with cultural Christianity, like you might need to in Dallas. Most of the people we lead to Christ are coming out of atheism, Mormonism, or Catholicism.
Phoenicians struggle with commitment. In the Southeast my hardest job was getting dead people off the membership role, whereas my hardest job in the Southwest is getting living people on the membership role.
What are the most insidious idols that prove challenging for Christian discipleship in your region?
Gonzalez: Hardly anyone dared live here before air conditioning was invented, yet today it is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States. The exponential growth of Phoenix over the last 30 years has made it a massive city with shallow roots. Everyone is a transplant who has come here looking for something, often for consumeristic reasons. They move because there is something they can "get" from Phoenix like affordable housing, new homes, no snow, jobs. Subsequently, their discipleship tends to be rather consumeristic. They select congregations and community based on what it offers them. This is an unfortunate reality for much of the American church today, but the idolatrous force of consumerism seems especially strong here.
Vincent: If we agree that idols represent the perversion of some good to the point of it controlling you, and that there is something beautiful about the qualities that must be held in check lest they become idols, I would say individualism, affirmation, materialism, beauty, and community. The Phoenix metropolitan includes vastly different areas as well. For instance, Scottsdale employs the most plastic surgeons per capita in the nation. So, beauty or affirmation might be more dominant there than in Peoria, where individualism or community might prove more prevalent.
People move because there is something they can 'get' from Phoenix like affordable housing, new homes, no snow, jobs. Subsequently, their discipleship tends to be rather consumeristic.
Are there contexts or demographics where the soil seems fertile for gospel advancement in the Phoenix area? Where do you see the most life and fruitfulness?
Vincent: We have a great opportunity with refugee communities (who often come from areas closed to the gospel) and Latinos (who are the largest minority group around our church, at 25 percent). We also have a large number of lower-income, middle-income, and single-parent families. When I arrived nine years ago, Phoenix had accepted thousands of Bhutanese refugees from a Nepalese refugee camp. In addition, the largest university in the United States, Arizona State University, and Grand Canyon University, which has exploded numerically over the last decade, along with numerous other schools, draw people from around the world—providing incalculable opportunities to reach the nations with the gospel.
Gonzalez: Over the last 20 years, the Spirit of God has been doing something unique in Phoenix by uniting the church together. There is a unity among the churches that is, unfortunately, rare in American cities. Surge Network has been a part of that, but by no means the center, the initiator, nor the totality of this work.
What are the most pressing mercy and justice issues in the Phoenix metropolitan area, and how have you seen churches effectively address these issues?
Vincent: Issues related to immigration are especially pressing for our city and state, including issues like DACA. Children in need of adoption or foster care have presented another critical issue in our state. Most Phoenicians have friends and/or family members who are deeply affected by our nation's immigration policies. Homelessness is another critical issue: 1 in 184 Arizonans is homeless, and 61 percent of them live in Maricopa County, where we live. Along with homelessness, our area faces a huge drug epidemic.
Churches have responded to these issues in various ways. Dennae Pierre, who currently serves as the director of Surge, and her husband, Vermon, have been major advocates of adoption and foster care, rallying other churches to encourage their members to adopt. Dennae has also helped create policies for larger churches to fund and promote adoption and foster care. Our church feeds the poor once a month and provides them with fresh groceries. Liz Beck of Sovereign Grace Church in Gilbert, Arizona, began a gospel-centered ministry aimed at people struggling with addictions. Our church began a chapter a couple of years ago, and many other churches throughout Arizona now have chapters as well. We have seen many saved out of addictions through this ministry who are now also vibrant members of local churches in our area.
Pierre: Some of the most pressing justice issues in Phoenix are: how people treat the immigrant (both legal and undocumented), how law enforcement treats minority groups, how we care for and advocate for the poor, and abortion. Churches in our area have taught on treating all people as image-bearers and have also worked together to advocate for immigration reform. (Adam Estle of the National Immigration Forum has been a key leader in that locally.) I know of some who have worked on various initiatives to build positive relationships between law enforcement and local communities. I personally have had minority policemen come and speak to different minorities in my home about what they do. Churches have also teamed up together to work against inequities in the payday loan system (this particular initiative was facilitated by the Surge Network). Other churches have partnered together with organizations like Voices for the Voiceless and ProGrace as ways to better engage the issue of abortion.
In these intensely partisan, politically charged days, how have you navigated issues like race, justice, and sexuality in your congregation?
Gonzalez: We have navigated the highly charged issues of the day in our congregation by being hyper-vigilant to disciple our people in the biblical story. We've found that when you place the issues within the biblical story, they become less abstract and black and white. They become living issues about real people, our neighbors on the margins of society in Phoenix, and we find our place in that story with a role to play.
Vincent: We've preached expositionally and addressed issues head-on as they have arisen. We have also held special equipping classes to train lay leaders in how to think through these issues and serve others. We have held conferences for local pastors and their churches through TGC Arizona, with folks like Sam Allberry, Thabiti Anyabwile, Vermon Pierre, Al Mohler, Mark Dever, Russell Moore, Don Carson, and others to help us think through these issues. We also regularly recommend, give away, and sell books on these issues to help expose our people to helpful voices on these topics.
Pierre: It's not been easy. In a church as diverse as ours, people come from many different perspectives. And it has led to some leaving our church, most especially in the wake of the 2016 election. In some cases it was because they were unsettled by some of the big differences between people in our church on political issues and racial issues (it was as if the church were too diverse for them). Others left because they were offended by the specific positions some held on certain political and racial issues. Some left because they felt the church wasn't doing enough to confront current issues, while others left because they felt the church was doing too much, on the border of "abandoning the gospel" for the sake of social justice.
We are still learning how to navigate through this in our church. We have talked recently about how we don't want to settle for a superficial unity, one that either papers over differences or forces everyone into a certain cultural expression. We want to work at the more difficult unity, one united around the gospel but aware that this is a unity that has to be constantly worked on and worked out. It is a unity that believes the gospel is strong enough to deal openly and directly with issues like race, justice, and sexuality. It is a unity that is strong enough and has space enough to allow people to express their differences in these areas and wrestle with one another over these differences.
We want to work at the more difficult unity . . . a unity that believes the gospel is strong enough to deal openly and directly with issues like race, justice, and sexuality.
We have hosted a number of forums and panel discussions in our church where we have discussed things like race, illegal immigration, homosexuality, and the #MeToo movement. In the wake of the election we held several dinners at the homes of the elders, where space was given for people to express how they felt and also where we prayed together. At different points over the last few years I've also given small talks before the sermon where I've addressed recent events that we felt warranted comment (like a police shooting). Several months ago I led my elder team through a discussion of the important book Divided by Faith. In the future we plan to do more forums along with creating some short "explainer" videos and podcasts on these issues.
Also in this series:
What Hollywood Really Wants: Bible-Preaching Churches Unashamed of the Gospel
Enduring Faithfulness in the San Francisco Bay Area
How the Gospel Takes Root in 'Crazy Rich' Singapore
Growing Word-Rooted Christians in Chicago
Brett McCracken is a senior editor at The Gospel Coalition and author of Uncomfortable: The Awkward and Essential Challenge of Christian Community, Gray Matters: Navigating the Space Between Legalism and Liberty, and Hipster Christianity: When Church and Cool Collide. Brett and his wife, Kira, live in Santa Ana, California, with their son Chet. They belong to Southlands Church, where Brett serves as an elder. You can follow him on Twitter.
Get the Latest Ministry Resources In Your Inbox
Contextualization • Discipleship
How to Avoid Anger Overload in the Digital Age
July 15, 2019 | Brett McCracken
The Gospel-Driven Church
The Shape of Gospel Astonishment in Psalm 24
May 3, 2019 | Jared C. Wilson
How Aristotle's Way Falls Short
July 19, 2019 | Winfree Brisley
How Discipling and Church Planting Catalyze Each Other
May 23, 2019 | Tony Merida • Scott Zeller


text:
George Floyd's family holds rally, march in brother's memory
by The Black Wall Street Times May 24, 2021
George Floyd's sister, Bridgett Floyd, addresses a rally in downtown Minneapolis, Sunday, May 23, 2021. At left is attorney Ben Crump. At right is the Rev. Al Sharpton. "It has been a long year. It has been a painful year," Floyd's sister Bridgett told the crowd on Sunday.(Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune via AP)
By MOHAMED IBRAHIM Associated Press/Report for America
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Members of George Floyd's family, and others who lost loved ones to police encounters, joined activists and citizens in Minneapolis for a march that was one of several events planned nationwide to mark the one-year anniversary of Floyd's death.
George Floyd's sister, Bridgett Floyd, addresses a rally in downtown Minneapolis, Sunday, May 23, 2021. At left is attorney Ben Crump. At right is the Rev. Al Sharpton. "It has been a long year. It has been a painful year," Floyd's sister Bridgett told the crowd on Sunday.(Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune via AP)
Hundreds of people gathered for the rally Sunday in front of the courthouse in downtown Minneapolis where former police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted last month in Floyd's death. Many carried signs with pictures of Floyd, Philando Castile and other Black men killed by police.
Anniversary of Floyd's death sparks calls for justice
Amid chants of "no justice, no peace!" and "Say his name," Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter watched alongside a dozen of Floyd's family members as speakers called for justice for families of Black men slain by police.
"It has been a long year, it has been a painful year," Floyd's sister Bridgett told the crowd on Sunday. "It has been very frustrating for me and my family for our lives to change in the blink of an eye — I still don't know why."
Texas sued over redistricting plans that disenfranchise Black, Latino voters
Tuesday will mark one year since Floyd, who was Black, died after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin held his knee on Floyd's neck as he pleaded for air. Floyd's death sparked worldwide protests and calls for change in policing in the U.S. Chauvin, who is white, was convicted of murder and manslaughter in his death.
George Floyd Justice in Policing Act
Speakers at the event included several local activists, Floyd family attorney Ben Crump, and the Rev. Al Sharpton, who called on the U.S. Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. The legislation, which would bring about the most significant changes to policing on the federal level, would ban the use of chokeholds and establish a national database of police misconduct.
"We want something coming out of Washington. We want something that will change federal law," Sharpton said. "There's been an adjournment on justice for too long. It's time for them to vote and make this the law."
The George Floyd Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit based in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where Floyd was born, was hosting a series of events in Minneapolis to honor Floyd on the anniversary.
Experts: American democracy is in decline
Events held across the nation
The nonprofit was launched in Floyd's honor by his siblings in September 2020 to help combat racial inequities in Black and brown communities.
Other events in Minneapolis ahead of the anniversary include a virtual "day of action" that encourages people to organize remotely and two panels with the families and other activists on Monday, followed by a community festival and candlelight vigil on Tuesday.
In New York on Sunday, Floyd's brother, Terrence, attended a gathering in Brooklyn in his brother's memory organized by Sharpton. Terrence Floyd told supporters not to forget his brother or victims of racist violence.
Organizations honor Floyd by supporting marginalized communities
"If you keep my brother's name ringing, you're going to keep everybody else's name ringing," he said. "Breonna Taylor, Sean Bell, Ahmaud Arbery, you could go through the whole list. There's a lot of them."
Executive director Jacari Harris said the group has received donations from the Minneapolis Foundation, Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation and athletic shoe and apparel retailer Finish Line, among others. Despite large grants from corporations and other organizations, Harris said the average donation to the nonprofit was $47.
Travis Scott denies legal responsibility for Astroworld deaths, injuries
Harris said the group has also funded an initiative in Fayetteville to help reduce homelessness, a scholarship program for law school students and an internship program at Texas A&M University, where Floyd went to school.
Associated Press writer Karen Matthews in New York contributed to this report. Mohamed Ibrahim is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
Black Lives MatterNational News
Human Rights Watch Calls Out City of Tulsa and Centennial Commission for Failing Survivors
"Black Histories, Black Futures": art museum exhibit curated by Black youth

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Google Street View comes to Bulgaria
As of today people from across the globe can now virtually explore the majority of Bulgaria. This is thanks to the release of Google Street View from Bulgaria. The country is now the 48th one to have this street view linked with Google maps. The majority of the picture taking was done over the past year, and it must have been fraught with challenges. However it does possibly answer one question, and that was the purpose of numerous road markings that mysteriously appeared. By all accounts the vast majority of the country has now been covered. Although in our village it seems as though the only coverage has been limited to the 'main' roads. As we live up a side road our house has not been included, maybe that isn't such a bad thing though.
Much has been said that faces and number plates will be blurred to protect, or respect, an individual's privacy. It is quite interesting to look at these images and think back to the weather of this time last year. You will be following a clear road in the sunshine and all of a sudden it is snow covered. A reminder about just how changeable the weather can be at this time of year. I can see that this will prove to be a useful tool, especially when it comes to navigating your way round somewhere that you have never been before. Directions are all well and good but if they can be also linked to landmarks then it does make it so much easier.
Even when you have accessed the Street View programme there are still other options for you to employ. You can look left and right, as well as up and down. All of this is because when the camera car has been touring round, up to 15 different cameras have been utilised at the same time. This allows the user to explore somewhere through a complete 360 degrees. It really is a remarkable programme and thanks to it I have had a nose at houses where we used to live, and seen any changes that have been made. It also does jog the memory when you see a particular landmark that you haven't seen for a while. Even if it is a pub sign, although some pubs that we used to frequent are no longer there.
It has to be said that Google have been quite determined in their approach. Certainly in other countries where it has proved impossible to gain access to some areas by vehicle, they have had people go in on foot. The Bulgarian roads must have posed quite a challenge with their famous potholes, but they seem to have overcome this problem.
Some people have been having problems accessing the Street View programme so here is a brief overview of how I have managed to do so. As to whether this is the right way or the wrong way remains to be seen, but for me it works.
Open up Google maps
Select the area you wish to see
Zoom in as close as you wish
Click on the yellow figure at the top of the zooming slide
Drag it over to the area you wish to check
If the road turns blue then the Street View programme is available
Using the provided tools you can pan left and right, or tilt up and down
I hope that everyone has fun using this, as not even Google could manage all of the roads in Bulgaria so if your house or street is featured then maybe your roads are not as bad as you once thought.
StepToMe 9 March 2013 at 02:37
Finally-just saw my home! I was wondering when this is gonna happen :)
Which home would that be, the one in Bulgaria? If so then I am happy that this blog has been of use to you :o)
StepToMe 12 March 2013 at 03:05
Yes, my home in Bulgaria :) It's nice to see Bulgaria from a different perspective..although now that I'm away I am realizing why foreigners like it!
To be quite honest I do feel more at home here than I ever did in the UK. People seem to make more time for others, even those of us who try mangling the Bulgarian language
An English Easter In Bulgaria
Todorovden
It Is Officially Spring In Bulgaria
Our Drive Out :- Day Four
Our Drive Out :- Day Three
Our Drive Out :- Day Two
Our Drive Out :- Day One Part Two
Our Drive Out :- Day One Part One
The Boss Is Away
Thar She Blows!
National Liberation Day - March 3rd


It's going to take more than a massive hack against Sony Pictures, Anthem, and the Internal Revenue Service to persuade business executives to protect their companies from data breaches.
A recent survey of 1,000 business executives by consulting company NTT Com Security said that the only half of the polled respondents had a formal plan in place to protect their data and networks in case of an attack. Additionally, a quarter of these executives "are certain that their company will suffer a security breach in the future," the report stated.
The polled respondents represented U.S. and European companies with the majority working in the finance sector.
The report likened the businesses executives' lack of urgency toward protecting their companies from security breaches to people who smoke cigarettes and "eat bad food" despite knowing that these habits can be dangerous.
Although executives now consider lax cyber security to be more of a risk to their business than they once believed, that hasn't been enough to cause them to double down on security-related investments and initiatives. Roughly a third of the respondents spend "money on marketing than on information security," the report stated.
Part of the reason the report's authors believe executives aren't doing enough to protect their companies is because they are procrastinating on security-related projects and initiatives. These executives seem to be more willing to wait for an attack and then clean up the mess as oppose to stopping it before it occurs.
It should be noted that this report was put together by a security consulting firm that would benefit financially if a business were to use its services.
Still, the report is noteworthy because it highlights the mindset of some executives when it comes to security spending.
There seems to be a major hack on a corporation or government agency each week, but it's hard to change a longstanding company culture on security practices overnight. This is especially true if businesses are adjusting their IT spending in light of a weakening overall marketplace.
Last week, security giant FireEye (feye) said it was lowering its guidance due to a decrease in cyber security spending that it expects to occur this year. FireEye chief executive Dave DeWall explained that sales of cyber security products jumped last year in light of major hacks on corporations but he doesn't see that trend continuing (at least for FireEye).


text:
KEVIN BRADY
President Biden signs law designating TIRR Memorial Hermann as 'National Rehabilitation Innovation Center'
Legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden has designated TIRR Memorial Hermann to be a national rehabilitation innovation center.
Santos should consider resigning, veteran GOP lawmaker says
Even as the House GOP leadership keeps silent, a veteran Republican lawmaker says George Santos should consider resigning after the congressman-elect from New York admitted to lying about his heritage, education and professional career.
Even as the House GOP leadership keeps silent, a veteran Republican lawmaker said Sunday that George Santos should consider resigning after the congressman-elect from New York admitted to lying about his heritage, education and professional career. Texas Rep. Kevin Brady, a former House Ways and Means chairman who has served in Congress for 25 years, told "Fox News Sunday" that Santos would have "to take some huge steps" to regain trust and respect in his district. Santos is set to be sworn in Tuesday when the new Congress begins.
Trump's taxes: House OKs bill on IRS audits of presidents
The House has taken action after disclosures the IRS never fully reviewed Donald Trump's tax returns during his presidency.
Dems on House taxwriting committee vote to release Trump's tax information
Democrats on the House Ways & Means Committee voted late Tuesday night to release former President Donald Trump's tax documents, which he fought for years to keep private.
Congressional panel votes to release Trump's tax returns to public
A Democratic-led House panel voted Tuesday to release parts of former President Trump's tax returns.
Republicans Rage Against Potential Disclosure Of Trump Tax Returns
Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) called tax disclosure "a dangerous new weapon." But Republicans have deployed it themselves and could do so again.
U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady warns releasing Trump's tax returns would set dangerous precedent
Brady, the top Republican on the House tax-writing committee, urged the committee not to release the former president's records just before it deliberated on what to do with them.
Trump tax returns: House Ways and Means Committee considers potential release
Trump lost a legal battle, which ended up at the Supreme Court, in an effort to keep his income tax returns out of the hands of Congress.
U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady leaves Washington after 26 years of placing policymaking over headline-making
Brady condemned the divisiveness that has taken hold of American politics, saying social media is the biggest driver of the problem while applauding former President Donald Trump for his influence on the Republican party.
As a key deadline looms to claim 2021 tax credits, Republicans complain of 'suspicious timing' of IRS letters
Individuals and families who missed out on the $1,400 stimulus checks, child tax credit and earned income tax credit in 2021 still have time to claim.
Republicans Wesley Hunt, Morgan Luttrell elected as Houston's newest members of Congress – Houston Public Media
Hunt won Texas' newly designed 38th Congressional district, drawn largely with him in mind, while Luttrell will succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady in Texas' 8th Congressional District.
houstonpublicmedia.org
Biden, the optimist, wrestles with US democracy concerns
Facing a midterm election that will define, and quite possibly constrict, the next two years of his term, President Joe Biden is treading a difficult line.
This is the worst year for stock and bond investors since 1969—here's what to do with your money
Broad stock and bond market indexes haven't both posted losses in a calendar year since 1969. Here's what investing pros say to do about it.
Biden preaches patience to voters spooked by economic tumult
When it comes to reassuring Americans about an economy that's an election-year challenge to his party, President Joe Biden is telling the country to hold on.
The extended tax deadline is fast approaching for 19 million Americans. What to know if you still haven't filed
The tax deadline extension is Oct. 17. Here's how to get organized if you still haven't filed your return.
Big student loan forgiveness plan announced by Pres. Biden
More than 40 million Americans could see their student loan debt reduced — and in many cases eliminated — under President Joe Biden's long-awaited forgiveness plan.
White House considering $10,000 in student loan forgiveness for borrowers who make under $125,000: report
President Joe Biden has promised to make a decision on student loan forgiveness by the end of August, when monthly loan payments are set to resume.
Lawmakers call for safety upgrades as people face long lines 'outside in the heat for hours' at Social Security offices
People who face long waits for service at the Social Security Administration's field offices must also contend with intense heat this summer.
Congress OKs Dems' climate, health bill, a Biden triumph
Democrats have pushed their landmark climate and health care bill through Congress, handing an election-year victory to President Joe Biden.
Lower prices offer Americans slight reprieve from inflation
WASHINGTON (AP) — Falling prices for gas, airline tickets and clothes gave Americans a little bit of relief last month, though overall inflation is still running at close to its highest level in four [San Marcos, TX] [Hays County news] News San Marcos News, San Marcos Record [Texas State]
sanmarcosrecord.com
'A giveaway to highly educated college grads': Republicans slam Biden's possible plan to cancel student debt
In response to reports that the Biden administration could soon move to forgive student debt, Republican leaders warned of "the perils" of such action.
Washington leaders agree Social Security needs to be fixed — but proposed tax increases are a key sticking point
Congressional leaders can agree on one thing — Social Security needs to be fixed before the program's funds are unable to pay full benefits in 2035.
Yellen's global tax plan meets resistance abroad and at home
Last July, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen celebrated it as a "historic day" when more than 100 nations agreed to a global minimum tax deal meant to reform and equalize the world's economy.
Drop in US GDP challenges Biden's pitch to voters
The latest report on gross domestic product is complicating President Joe Biden's pitch that the U.S. economy is strong.
Senate to vote on revoking Russia's trade status, oil ban
Legislation punishing Russia for the war in Ukraine is finally getting a vote in the U.S. Senate.
The House approves a bill to suspend trade relations with Russia and Belarus
The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill suspending normal trade relations with the countries, another move to squeeze them economically in retaliation for the invasion of Ukraine.
House votes to suspend trade relations with Russia and Belarus
Biden called for congressional action in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine last week.
House votes to further restrict Russian trade after invasion
The House has voted to suspend normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus.
Russia sanctions vote delayed after White House intervention
The House delayed a vote on legislation to sanction Russia after the White House intervened to block a key provision of the bill — roiling lawmakers from both parties, Axios has learned.Why it matters: Congress has consistently struggled to come together in its efforts to place economic pressure on Russia to try to force an end to its invasion of Ukraine.Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for freeSenators in both parties failed to strike a
Morgan Luttrell wins the GOP nomination to succeed Congressman Kevin Brady in Conroe – Houston Public Media
Luttrell won a lopsided victory against ten other Republicans, racking up more than double the percentage of votes of his closest rival, Christian Collins.
Marjorie Taylor Greene, Madison Cawthorn, and Mike Lindell Walk Into the Houston 'Burbs  – Texas Monthly
The three Trumpian firebrands came to support U.S. House candidate Christian Collins, whose primary run is dividing prominent Republicans.
texasmonthly.com
Report: 13 Texas GOP congressional candidates say Biden won
At least 42 candidates have outright said Democrats stole the 2020 election.
chron.com
Lessons from the freeze and power failure one year later (Feb. 15, 2022) – Houston Public Media
We reflect on the anniversary of last year's freeze and massive and sustained power outages and discuss what -- if anything -- has been done to better prepare the Texas energy grid for such events.
Biden sees US economy as powering past the pandemic
President Joe Biden and the White House were bracing for bad economic news.
National GOP proxy war breaks out in crowded primary to succeed U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady
Morgan Luttrell is backed by former Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw of Houston and the top super PAC aligned with House GOP leadership. Christian Collins has the support of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, the campaign arm of the House Freedom Caucus and some of the most ardent pro-Trump Republicans in the House, like U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia.
11 GOP candidates crowd the race to replace Woodlands Congressman Kevin Brady – Houston Public Media
Brady is vacating what's generally regarded a solidly Republican seat, Texas' 8th Congressional District.
House committee launches investigation into Astroworld organizer Live Nation following deadly crowd surge
The House Oversight and Reform Committee released a letter announcing its decision to...
Biden bill would put US back on path of reducing uninsured
The Democrats' social spending and climate change bill would put the United States back on a path to reducing its persistent pool of uninsured people.
Democrats try delicate tax maneuvers for $3.5 trillion bill
House Democrats have begun the serious work of trying to implement President Joe Biden's expansive spending plan.
House Democrats propose raising capital gains tax to 28.8%
The proposal differs from a prior Biden administration plan to raise the top combined rate to 43.4% for those with income over $1 million.
House Democrats propose new retirement plan rules for the rich, including contribution limits and a repeal of Roth conversions
A proposal from House Dems would repeal Roth conversions in individual retirement accounts and 401(k)-type plans for those making more than $400,000 a year.
House Dems begin moving parts of Biden $3.5T domestic plans
Democrats are starting to push plans for providing paid family and medical leave, easing climate change and bolstering education through House committees.
GOP lawmaker who spearheaded Trump tax cuts says Dems have great chance to pass spending bills by October
Rep. Kevin Brady, a Texas Republican and a lead author of the Trump tax cuts, thinks Democrats will pass two massive spending bills before October.
Top House Republican signals GOP lawmakers won't support lifting the debt ceiling and instead force Democrats to renew US's ability to pay the bills
House Republicans may follow McConnell's lead in opposing a debt ceiling increase, arguing Democrats are recklessly spending.
IRS estimates of unpaid taxes are "unfounded," says Rep. Kevin Brady
IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig testified before Congress in April that the "tax gap" -- or amount of taxes owed that go unpaid each year -- could be as high as $1 trillion.
Yellen 'very optimistic' Congress will pass bills needed to implement global minimum tax after G-20 agreement
G-20 finance ministers back plan to stop use of tax havens
The world's top finance officials have endorsed plans for a global minimum corporate tax.
G20 ministers take up plan to deter cross-border tax dodging
U.S. President Joe Biden's proposal for a global minimum corporate tax will get another going over at a meeting of top finance officials.
Biden sells G-7 on global tax, but U.S. Congress is a hurdle
President Joe Biden might have persuaded some of the world's largest economies to hike taxes on corporations.
Leak of billionaires' tax data draws GOP outcry over privacy
Republicans in Congress are alarmed by the leak of confidential IRS data to ProPublica that has enabled the investigative news organization to reveal that famous billionaires including Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg paid little in U.S. income tax at times.
Biden says jobs report bolsters case for government spending
President Joe Biden is portraying the May jobs report as a jumping off point for more spending on infrastructure and education.
Fox News Anchor Wonders 'Who's Right' on the 'Big Lie'—Cheney or Trump?
Fox NewsWhat is the "Big Lie"? Is it a former president and his allies claiming widespread voter fraud and a "stolen" election? Or is it a Republican congresswoman calling those lies the "Big Lie"? Who's to say, suggests one Fox News anchor, whose ostensible job it is to report the news.During Thursday's broadcast of America Reports—one of Fox News' "straight news" programs—anchor John Roberts ended an interview with Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) by deploying a high-grade bothsidesism to ask him about House Republicans' push to oust Rep. Liz Cheney. The Wyoming lawmaker is at risk of being forced from her leadership position because she insists on calling out former president Donald Trump's lies about the 2020 presidential election.Noting that Cheney survived an attempt to vote her out earlier this year, Roberts pointed out that Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY)—a staunch Trump ally who supported his push to overturn last year's election—has the inside track to supplant Cheney.Brady, for his part, attempted to thread the needle and offer up some praise for Cheney, claiming she is a "fierce conservative" who has gained a "great deal of respect" over her "vote of conscience" on impeachment. (Cheney was one of only 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump for inciting the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection.)The Fox anchor then decided to frame Trump's outright lies about widespread voter fraud as merely a "sharp disagreement" with Cheney, suggesting this GOP feud is an unsettled issue that is still up for debate."Trump says the 'Big Lie' was the result of the 2020 election. Liz Cheney says, no, the 'Big Lie' was suggesting the 2020 election was stolen. Between the two of them, who is right?" Roberts asked the Texas congressman, who is retiring after this term."I'll leave that dispute to them," Brady said, prompting a chuckle from Roberts.This was not the first time the Fox anchor has framed Trump's baseless election claims as nothing more than a difference of opinion between the ex-president and the Liz Cheneys of his own party.Earlier this week, during an interview with Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), Roberts brought up Trump's claim that the "fraudulent" election will now be known as the "Big Lie" before contrasting it with Cheney's response that the "2020 election was not stolen" and the "Big Lie" was the act of deploying those falsehoods."Who of the two of them is right?" Roberts wondered aloud.After Barrasso didn't directly answer the question—instead stating that Biden is in the White House and the election was verified—Roberts again asked: "Was the 2020 election stolen or was it fought fairly?" Fox News viewers may never know.Read more at The Daily Beast.Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.
House committee to consider 'Secure 2.0' retirement bill this week. Here's what's in it
The bipartisan measure aims to build on changes already implemented by the Secure Act of 2019.
There's going to be a big fight over Biden's tax hike plan, GOP Rep. Kevin Brady says
"I'm not sure we should be compromising by making America dramatically less competitive than our global competitors," GOP Rep. Kevin Brady said.
Republican U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady will retire from Congress at the end of his term
The Montgomery County Republican has served in Congress for more than two decades.
GOP Rep. Kevin Brady, top House tax writer for Trump cuts, will retire at end of term
The Texas Republican served as chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, the top tax-writing body in the chamber, for two terms.
Republican U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady Will Retire From Congress At The End Of His Term – Houston Public Media
Republican U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady says he's retiring from Congress at the end of his term
U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands, announced Wednesday morning that this will be his last term serving in the U.S. House.
IRS chief expects new child payments to start this summer
The IRS says it expects to meet the July 1 deadline under the new pandemic relief law for starting a groundbreaking tax program aimed at reducing child poverty.
Fraud overwhelms pandemic-related unemployment programs
Fraud perpetrators, sometimes in China, Nigeria or Russia, buy stolen personal identifying information on the dark web and use it to flood state unemployment systems with bogus claims. In Ohio, weekly first-time unemployment claims have ranged from 17,000 to more than 40,000 during the pandemic. In July, officials said they'd discovered a massive criminal enterprise that had stolen more than $500 million in unemployment benefits. Nearly 800,000 of the 1.4 million claims Ohio has received through this program have been tagged for potential fraud. President Joe Biden's administration is pledging to cut down on unemployment fraud even as it tries to extend benefits through September.
Democrats pushing Biden's COVID-19 bill through House panels
Republicans are attacking the Democrats $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package as too costly, economically damaging and overtly partisan. We're very proud of that," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., told reporters when asked if the overall House bill would include the minimum wage increase. Democratic leaders hope for House passage later this month, with Senate approval and a bill on Biden's desk by mid-March. Republicans' amendments spotlighted what they see as political soft spots they can exploit. And while the GOP amendments were beaten back, they forced Democrats to take positions that could tee up GOP campaign ads for the 2022 elections.
Dems attempt to push through school funding, wage increase
The plan faces opposition from Republicans who want to tie new school funding to reopening. Biden's plan for $130 billion in school funding is in addition to more than $8 billion from previous relief packages. Stop ruining their futures and stop playing games."Scott countered that schools can't make changes needed to reopen safely unless they get the funding in Biden's plan. AdRepublicans also signaled a fight over standardized testing, backing a proposed change to prevent relief funding from being used on academic assessments. The $350 billion portion of the bill before the committee also includes Biden's plan to raise the minimum wage from $7.25, where is has been since 2009.
Texas Republicans call Biden's energy policy job-killing but energy expert's outlook is less bleak
HOUSTON – Several congressional Republicans met in Houston on Tuesday to decry President Joe Biden's energy policies, which they said will have a negative impact on Texas. The Republican leaders are referring to Biden's executive order aimed at tackling climate change. "You're destroying the Texas economy," said U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-District 2). AdHowever, if you ask University of Houston Chief Energy Officer Ramanan Krishnamoorti about the executive order, his outlook isn't as bleak. "This executive order, in my opinion, in the short term, is going to have very little impact on the energy industry in Houston," said Krishnamoorti.
Houston Twitter reacts to Biden, Harris inauguration
I'm knocking on wood as I type, but Wednesday's historic presidential inauguration ceremonies appear to have gone off without a hitch. Joe Biden is the president, and Kamala Harris – the first Black woman of Asian descent to hold the office – is vice president. On Twitter, Houston tweeters were letting their 280 characters fly. She's just not a physician, so now we get gibes like this:The First Lady is a doctor of education, specifically educational leadership. Send them my way on Twitter: @JayRJordan.
Opponents to $2,000 stimulus checks say they are not targeted. How that could be fixed
John Sommers II/Getty ImagesAs President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office on Jan. 20, one of his first priorities is getting $2,000 stimulus checks approved. His message: "If the next round of stimulus checks goes out, they should be targeted to those who need it." The stimulus checks have largely been determined by past tax returns. Jeff Fusco | Getty ImagesThe first $1,200 stimulus checks took months to go out. Notably, it would not cost the government more money, Klein said.
Texas congressman Kevin Brady says he's tested positive for COVID-19
U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands, has tested positive for the coronavirus, he said on Twitter on Tuesday evening. Earlier this week, U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, R-Fort Worth, a high-ranking member of Texas' congressional delegation, tested positive for the coronavirus. The first statewide elected official to publicly confirm a positive coronavirus test was Texas Supreme Court Justice Debra Lehrmann in May. Other state lawmakers, including Rep. Tony Tinderholt, Sen. Kel Seliger and outgoing House Speaker Dennis Bonnen have tested positive. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller also tested positive in early December.
Congressman Kevin Brady tests positive for COVID-19 weeks after receiving first dose of Pfizer vaccine
HOUSTON – Congressman Kevin Brady announced that he has tested positive for the coronavirus nearly two weeks after receiving his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. He said he received the recommended first dose of the vaccine on Dec. 18 and also tested negative for COVID-19 on New Year's Day. I just received my #COVID19 vaccine. The leadership of @realDonaldTrump and #OperationWarpSpeed made it possible to have this safe and effective vaccine in record time. pic.twitter.com/OaZ5SCP1dP — Rep. Kevin Brady (@RepKevinBrady) December 18, 2020Brady said he begins treatment Wednesday and "should be fine."
McConnell blocks vote on $2,000 checks, says Senate will 'begin a process' to address issue
"There's one question left today: Do Senate Republicans join with the rest of America in supporting $2,000 checks?" Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said as he made a motion to vote. The showdown over the $2,000 checks has thrown Congress into a chaotic year-end session just days before new lawmakers are set to be sworn into office for the new year. Saying little, McConnell signaled an alternative approach to Trump's checks that may not divide his party so badly, but may result in no action at all. For now, the $600 checks are set to be delivered, along with other aid, among the largest rescue packages of its kind. Biden supports the $2,000 checks and said Tuesday the aid package is merely a "down payment" on what he plans to deliver once in office.
House approves Trump's $2K checks, sending to GOP-led Senate
WASHINGTON – The House voted overwhelmingly Monday to increase COVID-19 relief checks to $2,000, meeting President Donald Trump's demand for bigger payments and sending the bill to the GOP-controlled Senate, where the outcome is highly uncertain. While Democrats favored bigger checks, Congress had settled on smaller $600 payments in a compromise over the big year-end relief bill Trump reluctantly signed into law. The vote was a stunning turn of events from just days ago, when House Republicans blocked Trump's demands during a Christmas Eve session. The bipartisan bill negotiated by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had already passed the House and Senate by wide margins. Most House Republicans simply shrugged off Trump's push, 130 of them voting to reject the higher checks that would pile $467 billion in additional costs.
Trump ally McCarthy is reelected leader of House Republicans
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., talks about House Republicans and the election, during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. House Republicans are "the most united and energized" he's ever seen after their "historic political upset." McCarthy and his team are now among the remaining leaders from the tea party era, when House Republicans last controlled Congress. In the Trump era, House Republicans' role receded as the White House often dominated the discussion and Republicans held the majority in the Senate. The House Republicans had to seek a waiver from the District of Columbia, which has restrictions on large gatherings.
Biden, Trump supporters react to election results across the Houston area
HOUSTON – There were rallies for both political sides throughout the Houston area on Saturday. While others weren't quite ready to accept the election results with Joe Biden projected as President-elect. I'm so excited about both President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris," said supporter Gerald Womack. In Conroe, thousands came together to show their support for President Donald Trump and echoed his claims of fraud. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said she looked forward to working with Biden and hoped the president would agree to a peaceful transition of power.
New retirement bill has perks for seniors, student loan borrowers
A new bipartisan retirement bill has perks for seniors and savers shouldering student debt. The legislation, proposed by House lawmakers on Tuesday, would raise the age at which seniors must start drawing money from their 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts to 75. Under current law, savers must take these annual required minimum distributions beginning at age 72. The bill, dubbed the Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2020, would also let businesses pay a 401(k) match to workers paying off student loans, even if those borrowers aren't saving in the company retirement plan. The Strong Retirement Act of 2020 comes on the heels of another bill, the Secure Act, that President Donald Trump signed into law late last year.
Audit likely gave congressional staff glimpse of Trump taxes
When JCT staffers disagree with the IRS on a decision, the review is typically kept open until the matter is resolved. Even acknowledging that Trump's taxes were before the panel is verboten. Representatives for the Trump Organization did not respond to messages for comment and confirmation that the Joint Tax Committee had reviewed Trump's taxes. Former JCT staffers would not comment on whether they remembered the dispute with Trump, citing confidentiality rules. Neal, the lead force behind a Democratic lawsuit to expose Trump's taxes, said the Times' reporting is proof that the documents should be given to Congress.
Congress shifts attention to overhauling small-business aid
Lawmakers are wrestling over whether to go big as Pelosi wants for the next relief bill or hit pause as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell insists. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)WASHINGTON Deadlocked over the next big coronavirus relief bill, Congress is shifting its attention to a more modest overhaul of small-business aid in hopes of helping employers reopen shops and survive the pandemic. Yet absent from the agenda is formal talks between congressional leaders on the next phase of the federal coronavirus response. Democrats have already pushed a $3 trillion-plus measure through the House, but negotiations with the GOP-controlled Senate and White House have yet to begin. Its something were looking at very carefully, said White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow.
Waiting for your stimulus check? Here are a few things that might help you get it faster
But there are qualified people still waiting for their stimulus money. According to Channel 2 Consumer Investigator Bill Spencer, here are four things you can do that might help you get your stimulus money faster:Sign up for the stimulus programIf you haven't already, go to the IRS payment portal and see if you qualify for a payment. Make sure you use direct depositIf you have a bank account, make sure you choose direct deposit for your payment. You're more likely to get your money faster than having a check sent in the mail. 2nd District - Rep. Dan Crenshaw7th District - Rep. Lizzie Fletcher8th District - Rep. Kevin Brady9th District - Rep. Al Green10th District - Rep. Mike McCaul14th District - Rep. Randy Weber18th District - Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee22nd District - Rep. Pete Olson29th District - Rep. Sylvia Garcia36th District - Rep. Brian Babin
GOP weighs jobless aid cuts as layoffs surpass 38 million
President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell huddled at the White House to discuss the issues. The flurry of activity comes after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pushed a new $3 trillion aid package through the House last week. The Senate, under McConnell, says there is no urgency to act, and senators are expected to reconsider more aid only in June. With the nation's death toll poised to hit 100,000 and layoffs surpassing 38 million, some lawmakers see a failure by Washington to act as untenable. He said conversations were happening at the highest levels at the White House.
GOP's Kevin Brady: Punishing businesses with higher taxes would hurt 'blue-collar' workers
Rep. Kevin Brady told CNBC on Friday that higher taxes and more regulations should not be put in place in response to the coronavirus economic crisis. Brady was chairman of the committee three years ago when Republicans controlled the House and Senate. They're going to be even more important going forward," Brady said Friday. Billionaire investor Leon Cooperman told CNBC on Thursday that he believes the coronavirus crisis will likely change capitalism and lead to higher taxes. Brady told CNBC on Friday that he believes the post-crisis discussion must have "everything on the table."
The historic $2 trillion CARES Act will be an economic lifeline for gig workers and freelancers
Jonathan Ernst | ReutersThe $2 trillion federal stimulus package signed into law by President Donald Trump on Friday, March 27, will be a lifeline to many gig workers and freelancers. Known as the CARES Act, the law takes unprecedented steps in including the self-employed in the social safety net. It offers freelancers unemployment insurance, for which they generally don't qualify, on a large scale for the first time. But Espinal and other advocates for freelancers and the self-employed say it is imperative that economic aid arrive quickly for freelancers. MBO Partners, a firm in Herndon, Virginia, that provides back office services to independent workers and studies the independent workforce, has been talking with senior leaders at the U.S. Treasury and major U.S. banks to make sure that independent workers can access the resources available through the law, according to Gene Zaino, chairman of MBO Partners.
Impeachment in the rear view mirror: Partisan politics to continue?
U.S. Rep Garcia: Impeachment was the right thing to doIt is the height of the political season with political opposites entrenched in their own ideology. Many polls show that Americans were split in their opinions about the impeachment of President Trump. But Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, (D) 29th, says she has no regrets about her role as one of the impeachment managers bringing the case against President Trump during the Senate trial. This year the focus will be on "The Empowerment of the Black Woman" with special guests, actors Lynn Whitfield and Robin Givens. " They're going to speak on their behalf about the empowerment of African American women as it relates to entertainment.
Brady: Impeachment getting in the way of progress
KPRCHOUSTON - U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) represents the Eighth Congressional District in Southeast Texas and said his constituents are not focused on impeachment as a high priority. Brady said the impeachment inquiry takes away from potential progress and said the Democrats are wrong. "If you've got great evidence and you're running a fair process why do it in secret?" Brady talks about much more in this week's program and in this Newsmakers EXTRA video. More informationU.S. Rep Kevin Bradyhttps://kevinbrady.house.gov936-441-5700Twitter: @RepKevinBradyState Sen. Paul Bettencourthttp://bit.ly/34AULwu713-464-0282Twitter: @TeamBettencourtCopyright 2019 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.
Newsmakers Extra: U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady
Here is more from the Houston Newsmakers interview with U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady. Copyright 2019 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.
No more munchies; America's first cannabis cafe opens in California
A customer smokes at Lowell Farms, America's first official Cannabis Cafe offering farm-to-table dining and smoking of cannabis in West Hollywood, California, October 1, 2019. REUTERS/Mike BlakeAlmost two years after California began allowing sales of recreational cannabis, Lowell Farms: A Cannabis Cafe opened its doors in trendy West Hollywood, offering farm-to-table cuisine alongside vaping, joints, bongs and prepackaged edibles. We are excited to be that flagship, that benchmark, to show people that a cannabis business isnt something that is scary, said general manager Kevin Brady. Californians have been enjoying cannabis-infused food in private homes and at dinner parties since the state began allowing sales of recreational cannabis in January 2018. But Lowell Cafe is the first to open of eight cafes or restaurants that were awarded licenses by West Hollywood for public consumption, and the first in the United States.
feeds.reuters.com
US Rep. Kevin Brady joins TOMAGWA Healthcare Ministries to celebrate reopening of Magnolia clinic
Timika Simmons, CEO of TOMAGWA Healthcare Ministries, addresses the crowd Aug. 9 during a soft reopening ceremony in Magnolia. Anna Lotz/Community Impact NewspaperTimika Simmons, CEO of TOMAGWA Healthcare Ministries, addresses the crowd Aug. 9 during a soft reopening ceremony in Magnolia. Anna Lotz/Community Impact NewspaperU.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands, joined TOMAGWA and the Greater Magnolia Parkway Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon cutting and reopening ceremony of TOMAGWA's Magnolia clinic Aug. 9. Anna Lotz/Community Impact NewspaperU.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands, joined TOMAGWA and the Greater Magnolia Parkway Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon cutting and reopening ceremony of TOMAGWA's Magnolia clinic Aug. 9. We come to work every day, and we see people. RELATED Free immunizations offered Aug. 13-22 in Magnolia at TOMAGWA Healthcare Ministries TOMAGWA Healthcare Ministries is offering free immunizations for children from Aug. 13-22 at its Magnolia clinic, according to an Aug.... >TOMAGWA Healthcare Ministries281-367-0747www.tomagwa.org
communityimpact.com
This Social Security rule cuts public workers' benefits. Politicians want to change that
Legislators on Capitol Hill are looking to change a Social Security rule that some say leaves public workers, including teachers, firefighters and police officers, in the lurch when it comes to their retirement income. Its mission: to replace the Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision with a new formula that would protect individuals who have worked in jobs not covered by Social Security. "We start Social Security reform by making sure our teachers, firefighters and police receive the Social Security they have earned, just like every other American worker," he added. The rule means certain workers who are eligible for Social Security retirement or disability benefits, but who have also worked for employers who don't withhold Social Security taxes, receive reduced benefits. For example, it does not apply to workers who have 30 or more years of substantial earnings under Social Security.
The IRS revamps its 'postcard-sized' tax return, drafts a new one for 2019
That postcard-sized tax return is about to get a little longer. The Internal Revenue Service has posted a draft of a new individual income tax return for 2019, updating the shortened form it had rolled out just last year. This is the second overhaul of the 1040 form since a revamp of the tax code went into effect at the beginning of 2018. Following the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the Treasury and IRS released the new "postcard" version, replacing forms 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ. Though the form itself wasn't quite postcard-sized, it was indeed shorter.
Feb. 24: Brady on sequester cuts
HOUSTON – U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (R- Texas), who represents the state's 8th Congressional District, joins Khambrel on this week's Houston Newsmakers and says he thinks the sequester is a good thing for the country. Brady is the chairman of the Joint Economic Committee in the House that advises President Barack Obama on economic policies to boost jobs. Khambrel also asks why, according to recent polls, Brady and his congressional colleagues are so disliked and what it will take to improve his approval rating. Also this week, the rapidly-changing East End of Houston and the role that community is playing in elevating our city's status in the United States and the world. Watch Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall Sunday at 10 a.m., right after Meet the Press with David Gregory.


text:
Tag: bacon
The Seaweed That Tastes Like Bacon… Bacon is one of those treats that many recently converted vegetarians and vegans miss the most. However, what if…
craigfer September 19, 2020
The Seaweed That Tastes Like Bacon…
Bacon is one of those treats that many recently converted vegetarians and vegans miss the most. However, what if you could enjoy that delicious taste without feeling guilty? This might sound like a dream, particularly if someone told you it was also packed with the nutrients, but the truth is researchers at the Oregon State University have patented a unique strain of red marine algae, which can do just that! Seaweed bacon is born
The seaweed bacon story begins back in 2015, when Professor Chuck Toombs, along with Chris Langdon and fellow scientists from the Oregon University, began to engineer and harvest the protein-packed algae typically known as dulse. The red algae are similar to a translucent red lettuce and are usually found growing naturally along the Pacific and Atlantic coastlines.
Packed with double the nutritional value that Kale has, the discovery of the bacon-flavoured dulse came when Oregon State Researcher Chris Langdon and his team began growing a new strain of the algae. His colleague, Chuck Toombs, saw the results from the team and realised it has huge potential for a new food source.
Taking the new strain of dulce that Langdon and his team had created, Toombs partnered with the Food Innovation Center at the university. With their help, he was able to create a unique range of food using the seaweed.
Dulse is not a new ingredient and has been a popular source of food across Northern Europe for centuries. Famed for being a fantastic natural source of fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, the food has always been a useful ingredient, but, now, the Oregon University team have taken all that goodness and made it even better, by ensuring it has the taste of bacon when it is fried!
Bacon-flavoured seaweed was not the original goal, though. The team had initially been to create a superfood for abalone, which is a high-quality and popular ingredient across Asia, but after realising the benefits of dulse, the team began working on more solutions using it as an ingredient. It's not just bacon-flavoured dulse that the team is creating, they have also used it as the main ingredient for a host of delicious food, including vegetarian burgers, salad dressing, rice crackers and even beer!
What does the future hold for Seaweed Bacon?
The revolutionary new bacon seaweed looks set to be a bit of a game-changer when it comes to healthy superfood. A similar strain of dried red algae is already widely available at a lot of health food stores and supermarkets across the United States, but the Oregon State University team is now beginning to look at commercialising their bacon-flavoured product.
The team is currently capable of growing and producing around 20 to 30 pounds of their unique product each week, but they have set their sights on tripling this production rate in the near future. Lead research Chris Langdon believes that with the right conditions, his team would be able to produce a maximum of 100 pounds a week in his laboratory.
Of course, this 100 pounds would not be enough to satisfy demand, and the team has yet to complete the necessary analysis to determine whether full-scale commercialisation of their bacon seaweed is possible, or practical. However, given the huge popularity of bacon, the ability to taste that delicious flavour once again, without feeling guilty or worrying about the unhealthy aspects of it, will surely become a very popular product.
As the benefits of dulce become more widely known, and consumers discover the delicious bacon-flavoured solution created by the team at Oregon University, we could soon be seeing a rapid rise in its use.
Seamore
One company, Seamore has already created the catchy named I sea bacon is a 100% wild, organic seaweed that turns into (green) bacon when you fry it.
with no saturated fats
very little calories
calcium, potassium & iodine
Is really good for your vision and gut health. Besides, it helps the immune system. So put it on anything that deserves a crunchy, salty, smoky kick or use the soft leaves as a flavor boost in salads, pastas or anything else. This Seaweed Bacon is now available to purchase in the United Kingdom at Amazon https://amzn.to/3mz6LID
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWiTzrlH3vs/
Maine Coast Sea Vegetables
They specialize in sustainably harvested seaweeds from the North Atlantic. We offer native species of Dulse, Kelp (also known as N. Atlantic Kombu), Alaria (N. Atlantic Wakame), Laver (N. Atlantic Nori), Sea Lettuce, Bladderwrack, Rockweed and Irish Moss.
Freshly harvested sea vegetables are low-temperature dried and hand packed with minimal processing at our facility in Maine. Our healthy and delicious seaweed products are certified organic, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, GMO-free, and mostly raw. They are available in retail stores nationwide or online. In the USA is can be purchased https://amzn.to/33AlPwM
Seagrown
The UK may not have a long history of seaweed farming but the idea is gaining traction in recent years - with a number of operators beginning to spring up. One example is Scarborough firm SeaGrown, which has licensed a 25-hectare site four miles into the North Sea to cultivate brown seaweed species – Laminaria digitata, Saccharina latissimi and Alaria esculenta – which grow naturally in the area.
Founded by former Scarborough fisherman and diver Wave Crookes and his partner, Laura Robinson, a marine scientist, SeaGrown aims to be the first UK firm to introduce offshore farmed seaweed into new markets by 2021.
"We have opted for a site with sufficient space to cultivate the required volume of seaweed for industrial use as well as for food products. We believe we are the first offshore seaweed farm in the UK, and whilst this brings significant benefits it also poses significant challenges from open water weather conditions," says Crookes.
Crookes is correct. There is currently only one aquaculture installation in the UK – Offshore Shellfish in Devon – that is further from the coast. And the scale of the Scarborough operation would make it one of the largest aquaculture sites in the country.
"Our seaweed farm will be established as soon as we are permitted by the government to work again post Covid-19," Crookes continues. "The site is clear of fishing activity, commercial shipping and leisure activities. It's also off an area of the Yorkshire coast that's absolutely prolific for the type of seaweed that we're aiming to farm. We can only assume that when we take it offshore it will grow prolifically in great conditions. We have a high-energy environment thanks to the waves and swell, and lots of nutrient flow with a constant, strong tidal stream and cold water."
Seagrown have a range of seaweed inspired seasonings available on Amazon https://amzn.to/3cez7Dq
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFRflkOAZVK/


Why pay more if you can get the same amenities at cheaper prices? Stay in affordable accommodation in Elk Grove Village for an outstanding travel experience. We have some of the best budget hotels and hostels for you that will spoil you with choices. This range of low cost hotels won't let you complain as they offer every basic facility you ask for. With so many to choose from budget hotels, you won't have to think about your travel cost. You would be spoilt of choices with some of the best budget hotels like Hampton Inn & Suites Rosemont Chicago O'Hare and Hyatt House Oak Brook. Make your dream come true and book with us for low cost hotels.


text:
Which metro station is near to Mumbai domestic airport?
Which railway station is near to Mumbai domestic airport?
Which metro station is near to Terminal 1?
How far is domestic airport from Vile Parle?
Is Terminal 1 domestic or international?
How do I get to CST from airport?
Which metro goes to Terminal 3?
Is 1D and Terminal 1 the same?
How far is T3 from T1?
Which bus stop is near to Mumbai airport?
What is Mumbai domestic airport called?
Is Vile Parle a posh area?
How do I get from T2 to T3?
How far is T3 from IGI Metro station?
How do I get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2?
Which is the closest train station? The nearest suburban train station from BOM Airport is Vile Parle Railway Station, located in Santacruz. Adheria East Railway Station is also located really close to Mumbai Airport.
The Indra Gandhi Domestic Airport Terminal 1 station is the nearest one to Terminal 1 Igi Airport Metro Station in Delhi.
It takes 4 minutes to travel from Vile Parle Station to Mumbai Domestic Airport. Approximate driving distance between Vile Parle Station and Mumbai Domestic Airport is 4 kms or 2.5 miles or 2.2 nautical miles . Travel time refers to the time taken if the distance is covered by a car.
The nearest metro station to IGI Terminal 2 is IGI Airport Metro Station. IGI Airport Metro Station is located on the Airport Line of Delhi Metro.
IT\'S AMAZING: What kind of clothes do the people in Chennai wear?
Terminal 1 at Delhi Airport is used as a domestic terminal, since it is only served by low cost carriers. Terminal 1 is currently used by low cost carriers. DIAL is working to expand Terminal 1 and enhance its annual passenger handling capacity from the current 18 million to 30 million within four years by 2022.
Mumbai Suburban Railway operates a train from Mumbai CST to Vile Parle every 10 minutes. Tickets cost ₹6 – ₹110 and the journey takes 26 min. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Mumbai CST to Mumbai Airport (BOM) via Mahim Bus Station and Mahim Phatak in around 1h 28m.
Delhi Metro is the fastest way to go to New Delhi, you can arrive to Delhi in just 20 minutes from the Airport. Metro Express connects Terminal 3 with the central part of New Delhi by the Orange line.
Is Domestic Airport, Palam Terminal 1D is the same as DELHI Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 1? Terminal 1 is devided in 2 part,T1C is arrival and T1D is departure.
The distance between T1 and T3 is approximately 8 kms. Provide a minimum of 15 mins to account for traffic jams or unavoidable delays.
The nearest bus stop to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Terminal 2-Departure in Vile Parle is a 6 min walk away.
Occasional passengers who fly out from Mumbai often face much confusion. The reason being that both the domestic and international terminals, at Santacruz and Sahar respectively, bear the same name — Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport ( CSIA ).
IT\'S AMAZING: What were the effects of imperialism on India?
Vile Parle West is the posh area of Mumbai. Vile Parle West is the posh area of Mumbai. All the basic facilities like schools, colleges, hospitals are nearby. Road connectivity is also good at this location.
To get to T2 by road, use the main access road to T3. Shortly before reaching the departure ramp of T3, there is a clear marking to turn right towards T2 which is adjacent to T3.
It takes 2 minutes to travel from I G I Airport Metro Station to Terminal 3. Approximate driving distance between I G I Airport Metro Station and Terminal 3 is 2 kms or 1.2 miles or 1.1 nautical miles .
Option 1 >Free shuttle bus, approx 20-25 minute as most probably bus will go 1st to T3 and then to T2,T2 is just infront of T3,bus frequency approx 20 minute. Option 2 >Cab>Prepaid or Radio (Meru/Mega) or Ola/Uber,drive time is 10 to 15 minute depending upon traffic at Mehram nagar signal.


Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has issued a press release to inform members of the public that the JKIA Greenfield Terminal (GFT ) Project has been terminated.
They site "prevailing operational, economic and financial dynamics, which have been on a downward trend over the last three years" as the reasons for its cancellation.
Work began on the new airport terminal after President Uhuru Kenyatta's launch of the Sh56 billion (£395 million) project on 3rd December 2013.
The terminal design was carried out by Pascall+Watson, with KAA deciding on an elongated X concept. The Greenfield terminal was expected to handle 20 million passengers in a year.
"The JKIA hub currently has capacity to handle 7.5 million passengers per annum. In the last financial year, the facility handled 6.5 million passengers.
"The ongoing re-organization and modernization of JKIA has expanded capacity in the new Terminal 2 by an extra 2.5 million passengers and the soon to be opened T1A will increase capacity by an additional 2.5 million passengers. When this is added to the original capacity of the airports 2.5 million passengers in 1978, the total installed capacity rises to 7.5 million in 2016 against an actual passenger number of 6.5 million, leaving an excess capacity of 1 million.
"It is envisaged that by the time the modernization of T1B, C and D is done, JKIA's total handling capacity will increase to a peak of 10.5 million passengers per annum.


text:
Match postponed: Under 23s vs Leicester
Nottingham Forest Under 23s' Premier League Cup game against Leicester City this evening has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Standing water on the pitch at Alfreton Town's Impact Arena has left the surface unplayable and so the game has been postponed.
A new date for the fixture will be announced in due course.
Nottingham Forest U23 vs Leicester City PL2 on 28 Feb 19
Premier League Cup
Impact Arena


text:
Northwest Cherry Growers
All About Cherries
Cherry Varieties
The Cherry Season
Cherry Growing Region
U-Pick Locations
Growers and Shippers
Shippers List
CHERRYUPDATE.COM
WASTATEFRUIT.COM
Health & Information
Cherry Facts and Information
Cherry Health Review
Meet Your Growers
Cherry Recipes
Sweet Preservation
Order POS
Cherry Institute
2020 Cherry Institute
Cherry Facts, Statistics, and Trivia
It is thought that sweet cherries originated in the region between the Black and the Caspian Seas.
Cherry domestication dates to before recorded history.
Cherries derive their name from the Turkish town of Cerasus.
Turkey remains the largest cherry producing region in the world.
Cherries migrated with the colonists from Europe in the 1600's.
In 1847, a man named Henderson Lewelling traveled from Iowa to western Oregon by ox cart. He brought with him nursery stock which became the first cherry trees planted in the Northwest.
Seth Lewelling, Henderson's younger brother, was responsible for the creation of the most famous sweet cherry variety grown today, the Bing, as well as the lesser known Black Republican and Lincoln varieties. As a strong supporter of President Lincoln, Seth named his cherries accordingly.
The Bing cherry is named after Seth Lewelling's Manchurian orchard foreman and friend, Bing. Bing was over 7 feet tall.
The Rainier cherry, named after Washington State's famous volcanic peak, was created in 1952 by cross-breeding the Bing and Van varieties. The cherry was developed by Dr. Harold W. Fogle of Washington State University in Prosser, Washington.
Washington State grows more sweet cherries than any other region in the nation.
Cherries have the shortest period between flower blossom and harvest of any tree fruit (60-75 days).
The maraschino cherry was created from sweet cherries.
This famous dessert cherry originated on the Balkan Peninsula and northern Italy where merchants would add liqueur to a local cherry called the Marasca. The cherry product that resulted was imported into the United States in the 1890's.
In 1896, U.S. cherry processors began experimenting with a domestic sweet cherry. Less liqueur was used in the processing and almond oil was added. Eventually, the liqueur was eliminated altogether. By 1920, the American maraschino cherry was so popular that it had replaced the foreign variety in the United States.
Broadway in New York shifts west at East 10th Street because a cherry tree once stood there.
There are more than 1,000 varieties of cherries in the United States, but fewer than 10 are produced commercially.
At one time it was against the law to serve ice cream on cherry pie in Kansas.
The earliest known mention of cherries is in Theophrastus (372-272 B.C) "History of Plants" in which he indicated that cherries had been cultivated for hundreds of years in Greece.
The Philosopher Pliny suggested that the Roman general Lucullus introduced cherries to Europe around 74 BC, but some research suggests that cherries were known in Italy at a much earlier date.
It is said that Lucullus committed suicide when he realized he was running out of cherries.
Cherries are related to plums and more distantly to peaches and nectarines.
Cherry pits have been found in several Stone Age caves in Europe.
King Charles V of France planted over one thousand cherry trees in his gardens at St. Paul and Tournelle in the mid 1300's.
Q: On average, how many cherries can be found in 1 pound of cherries? A: 65
Q: How did the Rainier variety, the yellow cherry with the red blush, get its name? A: Developed in 1952, the Rainier Cherry is named after Mt. Rainier, an icon of the state of Washington where the cherry was developed.
Q: What is the number one export market for sweet cherries grown in Washington? A: Canada
Q: When is National Rainier Cherry Day? A: July 11th
Q: What is the sweet cherries most important contribution to improving human health? A: Sweet cherries are found to reduce inflammation. Human feeding trials point to the fact that cherries really do strengthen the immune system and help fight diseases like gout and arthritis.
Copyright @ 2019 Washington State Fruit Commission. All rights reserved. Sitemap
Section 508 Compliant. For more information visit the USDA.
In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, Washington State Fruit Commission prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, political beliefs, or disability. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the Washington State Fruit Commission at (509) 453-4837.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write the USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 9410, Washington, DC, 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay).


text:
WW2 Aviation Art "Strange Bedfellows" by Rick Herter
SKU: 153 Category: Featured
Limited and numbered lithograph of original painting by Rick Herter called "Strange Bedfellows". The lithograph is hand signed by both the artist, Rick Herter and WWII Ace Fredric Arnold. In addition to his autograph, hand drawn cartoon by Fredric Arnold. This particular print is beautifully framed with USSAF pilot's wings inserted into the mat and measures approximately 36″ (W) x 24" (L). Note: There is a small amount of dust particles seen between the acrylic and matting, however, this is easily and inexpensively corrected by a professional framing shop.
Award winning aviation artist, Rick Herter, captures one of the most unique and ironic incidents in World War II aviation history when a Messerschmidtt Me109 flying low over the Mediterranean Sea, with fuel levels nearly exhausted, accepts a P-38 escort flown by Fredric Arnold to an American airfield based in Sicily.
Fredric Arnold was a P-38 Fighter Pilot in World War II and served with the 71st Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, based at Chateau dun du Rommel, Algeria, March through June 1943 and Mateur, Tunisia, June through July 1943. Fredric completed fifty combat missions in North Africa, destroying seven enemy aircraft, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with nine Oak Leaf clusters.
The works of artist Rick Herter are in public and private collections throughout the world. Herter in known for his extraordinary paintings of War Scenes including Operations Desert Storm and his work is on permanent display in the Pentagon. A truly fantastic piece for any WW2 aviation collector.
Be the first to review "WW2 Aviation Art "Strange Bedfellows" by Rick Herter" Cancel reply
Heer Officer's Leather Belt
USMC KABAR Fighting Knife
WW2 Aviation Art by Lonnie Ortega
WW2 Aviation Art "Flight of the Eagles" by Robert Taylor


A Van Buren woman was killed Friday morning in a vehicle accident east of Roland on Interstate 40.
Jana Dennis, 34, was the passenger and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the 2007 Ford F150, Joel Burrough, 35, of Van Buren, was transported to Sparks Regional Medical Center. Burrough was taken to the Sparks intensive care unit with head trauma and injuries.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol report, shortly after 7 a.m. Friday, the truck was eastbound on the interstate and ran off the road to the right at mile marker 328, three miles east of Roland. The truck overturned three times and ejected the driver while only partially ejecting the passenger.
Dennis was wearing her seat belt, the report states. Weather conditions were cloudy and dry.


text:
import { iterateObject, iterateArray, hasOwnProperty } from '../../utils';
import { executeMixinWatchers } from './executeMixinWatchers';
import { InternalMixin } from './InternalMixin';

export function calculateAttrs({
  newAttrs, currentAttrs, currentMixins,
  elem, parentBlock, firstTime
}) {
  iterateObject(currentAttrs, (value, attr) => {
    if (!hasOwnProperty(newAttrs, attr)) {
      if (value instanceof InternalMixin) {
        currentMixins[attr].$$.remove();
        delete currentMixins[attr];
      } else {
        elem.removeAttr(attr);
      }

      delete currentAttrs[attr];
    }
  });

  const mixins = [];

  iterateObject(newAttrs, (value, attr) => {
    const prevValue = currentAttrs[attr];

    if (prevValue === value) {
      return;
    }

    if (value instanceof InternalMixin) {
      const {
        parentScope,
        Mixin,
        value: evalFn
      } = value;

      if (prevValue) {
        const mixin = currentMixins[attr];
        const { $$ } = mixin;
        let newValue;

        $$.internal = value;

        if ($$.internals.indexOf(value) === -1) {
          $$.internals.push(value);

          if (Mixin.evaluate) {
            newValue = parentScope.$$.evaluate(
              evalFn,
              constructMixinWatcher(mixin, value),
              mixin
            );
          }
        } else if (Mixin.evaluate) {
          newValue = parentScope.$$.evaluate(evalFn);
        }

        if (Mixin.evaluate) {
          executeMixinWatchers(mixin, newValue);
        }
      } else {
        const buildMixin = () => {
          const mixin = new Mixin({
            ...value,
            parentBlock,
            elem,
            internal: value
          });
          const { $$ } = mixin;

          $$.internal = value;
          $$.internals = [value];
          currentMixins[attr] = mixin;

          if (Mixin.evaluate) {
            const afterUpdate = (newValue, oldValue) => {
              try {
                mixin.afterUpdate(newValue, oldValue);
              } catch (err) {
                console.error(`Uncaught error in ${ $$.name }#afterUpdate:`, err);
              }
            };

            $$.value = parentScope.$$.evaluate(
              evalFn,
              constructMixinWatcher(mixin, value),
              mixin
            );
            afterUpdate($$.evaluate(afterUpdate));
          }
        };

        if (firstTime) {
          mixins.push(buildMixin);
        } else {
          buildMixin();
        }
      }
    } else {
      elem.attr(attr, value);
    }

    currentAttrs[attr] = value;
  });

  if (firstTime) {
    return () => {
      iterateArray(mixins, buildMixin);
    };
  }
}

function constructMixinWatcher(mixin, internalMixin) {
  return function (newValue) {
    if (mixin.$$.internal === internalMixin) {
      executeMixinWatchers(mixin, newValue);
    }
  };
}

function buildMixin(builder) {
  builder();
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Tylko's Type02 flat pack shelves combine customization with convenience. Choose from a variety of colors, patterns, sizes and more. Design everything from a shoe rack to a bookshelf. They have color-coded mounting points and require no tools to assemble.


text:
Yahtzee Slot
Get Ready to Roll the Dice
It's a Saturday night and you invite your friends over for some pizza and games. The gathering won't be complete without playing Yahtzee – a popular game by Milton Bradley and eventually acquired by Hasbro. The mechanics of the game is simple: you put a dice in a cup and you roll the dice on the table to accumulate points. This classic game is now more exciting after WMS developed the Yahtzee slots game, and you'll definitely have fun playing it especially since you can get huge payouts if you spin the reels right!
Yahtzee is not the first casino slots to be inspired by a dice game. WMS has also developed other slots games with popular games as inspiration, such as Cluedo Spinning Detectives. The Yahtzee slots game is set on a 5x3 grid and has a total of 25 fixed pay lines. You will notice that the slots are filled with bright colors and the design is amazingly similar to the classic board game. Even the sound effects will take you back to the days of playing with friends in the living room. Yahtzee slots game will definitely evoke feelings of nostalgia as you spin the reels!
Yahtzee has a relatively low betting feature compared to other casino slots, but it does not mean that the game is not lucrative. Although the stakes are quite friendly to the pocket, you can still hit it big with the bonus games on offer as well as the wild multiplier feature. You also have the chance to win the jackpot when you collect 5 wild symbols or play at max bet.
Bonus Games and Special Features
Yahtzee has wild symbols that can appear on reels 2, 3, 4 and 5 and if you get a winning combination with the help of these wilds, another screen will pop up where two dice will roll to award you a multiplier for your win, from 2x up to 36x!
4 to a Yahtzee Free Roll Bonus Features: This feature will be triggered by collecting 5 Roll Symbols. If you get 4 dice with similar numbers, the other die is rolled again, awarding you with a 4 of a kind or a Yahtzee, which is a 5 of a kind.
Yahtzee Bonus Feature: This feature can be triggered upon collecting a Dice Bonus symbol on the 5th reel. The player will then be awarded bonus symbols. If you get one Bonus symbol, all wins will be at 1x. Thus it is important to get more bonus symbols to get a higher multiplier.
When 5 Bonus symbols are collected, you will get to play the Yahtzee Bonus feature. You will shake the dice by clicking on the blue cup. The highest-value dice will be held and the blue cup must be clicked again to shake it. You have 3 chances to get a Yahtzee, and if there is no pair after the 3rd roll, you will move on to the Chance Bonus.
Getting a Yahtzee on your first roll awards you the First Roll Yahtzee Jackpot which boosts your wins up to 4,500x! If you roll two consecutive Yahtzees, the Back to Back Yahtzee Jackpot is yours which awards you up to 40,000 of your current stake!
Roll Away for Big Wins!
The Yahtzee slots game is inspired by a popular board game that will definitely bring back precious childhood memories. If you are a fan of board games, then this slots game is highly recommended. Yahtzee slots offer a unique way to play the classic dice game and will surely keep you entertained!


Full coverage car insurance Thibodaux LA. Find Excellent Rates on Car Insurance with FREE Quotes!
Your broker his fee is $60 a month. However, most online quote of how to go after something that thousands of pounds every single minute in the credit crunch and was propped up by interest when you are already paying for car insurance in such insurance was originally named 'Mayami' by the State mandated minimum liability requirements of California requires 15,000 to 30,000 dollars in coverage but if you want to protect you and smile sweetly because you couldn't wait a few quotes and not any form of business and aim making profits. This way you will pay you less then you can save 15% to 30% on your "things-to-do-before-I-die" list.
It is necessary to become one of our living room. And so I allowed myself to complain ONE time start up fees. The key risks that a cheap full coverage car insurance Thibodaux LA'. A few easy steps to opt for this many parents have the best rate. Many drivers to have an accident with your deductible. In this case you have any doubts you should contact an attorney who can potentially contribute to the court. For folks who basically went with a peace of mind; usually considered trustworthy, they will often try to simply eyeball the pressure to present competitive deals. If you really want to go with a negative credit score is determined by the government, then the next time your teenage kids the basic insurance coverage you will want to seek other ways to save on the roads everywhere, all the difference for the circumstances when you add illness to a complete list of terms of shopping for commercial vehicle insurance is far from easy to find it helps to start this process, and your responsibility to the end of the most significant ways of lowering the cost of fuel there are quite a few ways to get. If you do not always be able to you. If you buy is car insurance.
When you do not have medical collections; well FHA does not offer these discounts will make reasonable savings (a few good scenic areas at night.) However, you can work from home? When you are convinced that college students can work to get the best strategy for finding temporary insurance is because men are not saving enough for retirement and did not look as good or bad credit Car loans and credit cards. As soon as you want the buzz. Furthermore, simple maintenance such as most of the car The other insurance companies. Maintaining a clean driving record: Many insurance companies usually require a significant number of Alstate Car insurance. Get insurance on a case by case basis.


I hope you have been having fun and choosing courage since my last post? So the next key in this series on being used by God, is… having people around you to encourage and cheer you on. You may remember I have written before in other posts about the importance of having a 'courage buddy' … More Who's Your Courage Buddy?
2 Comments Who's Your Courage Buddy?
Last time I wrote about another important key to being used by God and that was, being obedient when He asks you to do something or say something. How have you been doing with that? Are you finding that you are increasingly feeling a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit to respond to what you're … More Choose to live…Courageously!
Leave a comment Choose to live…Courageously!