Nina is a professional fundraiser, specialising in corporate, individual giving, major donor and events fundraising. With over 12 years' experience working in the charity sector in a variety of fundraising and marketing roles with Sparks, British Lung Foundation and for the last 5 years, War Child.
This is your first Director of Fundraising role - how different is it having total responsibility for a whole fundraising programme? How does that feel?
I love my job! I wake up every day and am really excited about coming into work. I feel so lucky to work for an organisation where every day is completely different. It's a vibrant and exciting atmosphere and I work with an amazing team. It certainly feels different having more responsibility compared to previous roles, although perhaps a lot of that is down to how much the organisation has changed over my time here. My background is in new business, corporate and major donor fundraising. I was previously headed the corporate team at British Lung Foundation. I joined War Child as the Deputy Director of Fundraising.
At the time the charity's main income source was through music events, and music albums - which is amazing, but my remit was to diversify and grow more traditional fundraising streams.
It was a huge job for me to take on responsibility for Individual Giving whilst building a new business function to transform High Value fundraising. Since then the organisation has grown dramatically. Income was around £2.7m when I joined and this year we will be around £18m.
So in many ways War Child now feels like a completely different organisation. My responsibilities are different too. As I have been on that journey with War Child, I suppose I have adapted with the organisation as opposed to being thrown in at the deep end with a huge new range of responsibilities.
People talk about the difference between leading and managing when you step up to Director level. What is your take on what that actually means and has it been something you have been conscious of - particularly when you went from Deputy Director to Director level?
It is funny as it is something I have added into interview questions now - "what do you see as high level leadership?" For me there is a huge difference between managing and leading.
To me leadership is looking into the distance and seeing what the future looks like, and then using influencing skills to take people in the organisation with you to reach that end point. Managing is more directional and functional and perhaps not so long term.
Leadership is so important when working in such a fast-growing organisation.
It's been such a shift from when I started - at that point the fundraising team was me and four others - and now I am leading leaders to inspire and motivate their teams. I can't even tell you how many books on leadership are on my desk! There are so many theories out there.
Interestingly, our CEO gives all of us on the Senior Management Team (SMT) a book each term to go away and read, and then come back to discuss. And once a year we have a two day away-day where we get together and talk about issues and ideas. Discussing these books is often a part of that. The most recent one was The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni.
Moving from running fundraising to being a part of a team which is leading the organisation was a real shift for me. It's my role within the organisation to work with the SMT to set the strategy for the wider organisation. So the SMT is my priority team, quickly followed by the Fundraising team. Naturally I am expected to be the expert on the fundraising side for SMT, but I have no operational responsibility for fundraising.
When the SMT gets together, everything is focussed on topics like risk management, and is just not operational fundraising. I do miss the operational side as I love fundraising, but that has been replaced with the kick I get from the leadership challenges. I get the chance to create a culture that is effective and fun for fundraising which is amazing. But the main difference is about leading a wider organisation rather than a specific project, functional unit or campaign. ?
My first tip is ensure you have a really open and transparent relationship with your boss.
Talk to people, make sure the key staff in the organisation know that you want to step up. Don't assume they will know.
Speak to the person who is currently doing the job, and ask for their job description. Find out their objectives and what's expected from them. Find out what the job feels like on a day-to-day basis.
Network internally - ensure lots of people know how great you are!
Take opportunities to take on additional responsibilities. It is not enough to just meet your objectives. You need to help others achieve their goals, because that is what gets you recognition and credibility from your leadership team. It all enhances your reputation and adds experience to your CV.
And finally I would recommend asking your line manager to delegate work to you and ask them to coach you with that delegation of that project. Of course you will get some additional experience but you will also be taking workload off your line manager which I am sure they will love!
Congratulations on delivering such incredible growth in income for War Child - how have you done it?
A huge part of it has been getting buy-in from the trustees and securing investment for fundraising to enable the growth from the board. I did a lot of work educating the board around fundraising Return on Investment (ROI) in addition to net income. Initially that meant a lot of recruitment and supporting the existing team members to bring in more income from these areas.
I started with the corporate and major donor functions with the aim of getting some big money relatively quickly, in comparison to individual giving (IG). Once we got a couple of big wins, that obviously helped build trust and ultimately persuade the board to increase our investment in wider fundraising activity.
I have an amazing dedicated and talented team and we don't do "lazy fundraising". We accept minimal restricted gifts; we have made a promise to each other that we will go back to the donor, deepen that relationship until it transforms into an unrestricted gift.
Everyone understands what their ratios are and what they need to return on the spend that they are given - rather than just income targets. That pushes them to do anything they can to drive the ROI.
We have ensured that we have a hugely collaborative team, so we do things like away days where, for example, the IG and the Corporate team will spend time developing strategies together. Everyone partners with each other and that has been something I have been conscious of from day zero.
I have always tried to create a collaborative culture, but now because the team see the success in it, they want to keep that and protect it. It also enables the fundraisers to work across a number of different areas, broadening their experience.
And lastly the Fundraising team and the Finance team are absolute best buddies - and we work very, very closely with them.
What do you see as War Child's biggest opportunities in fundraising over the next 3-5 years?
We are still a small, maybe medium-sized, charity. But the bigger organisations are doing a lot of things that we aren't, such as digital fundraising. Innovation is a huge part of what we do. We live and breathe new ideas and we are professionalising a data, and compliance and innovation function here, which is really exciting.
And tell me about your move into "Gaming" for Fundraising purposes.
We have been working with the gaming industry for about ten years - firstly with Football Manager which was an introduction from a previous donor. Initially it was all very ad-hoc. But then in Summer of 2015 it came up in one of our innovation workshops as an opportunity to look at. I saw yesterday that the industry has just hit £100bn in value.
There are only a few charities really accessing it as a fundraising industry, so there is a lot of potential there. We recruited some gaming specialists to work within our fundraising team and they develop relationships with large gaming studios - an example being our Armistice game - which won an IOF award - enables people to donate to War Child in game in a market that is just not saturated at all - essentially it operates as a digital CRM.
And we want to do more in mobile gaming where there is huge potential. But funnily enough we could actually do with more charities working in that space - it is such a large industry so it would be useful to have more organisations telling the CSR story to the industry as a whole.
It is also worth highlighting that we have found that we can use the relationships we have with the gaming industry to support our programmes work - supporting education programmes in conflict zones that we work in. And we are making these culture specific to different countries we operate in. All of the work we are doing in that space is so scalable and offers us so much potential.
What do you say to people who suggest your successful fundraising programme is largely thanks to being linked with the music industry?
I would probably laugh and totally agree with them! I am not going to be apologetic about our heritage and we do benefit from that. Every organisation should utilise their roots. And we work hard to maintain those relationships. But I would say that our music team is going to bring in around £1m this year and we will close on £18m, so it's a relatively small chunk of our programme. Every fundraiser should grab every opportunity they can.
Are there any campaigns or appeals you think have been particularly ground-breaking?
I have just been looking at what Liz Tait has been doing at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and what she has done in totally transforming their Direct Marketing programme. From what I have heard they did an amazing job persuading the board to significantly increase investment. So not a campaign, but hats off the team to deliver such transformational growth.
I am also noticing the general shift to a united strategy for donor engagement, rather than communications doing one thing and fundraising doing another. It's vital treating everyone as a human being, and inspiring them.
Ha, yesterday! I had a coaching session and that is a really relevant point. As a leader it can be very lonely - there is a lot less support from peers - so sometimes it's great to have someone impartial that you can talk to, vent at and bounce ideas off. Yesterday I think I was talking about one of our programmes and just found myself getting emotional - but that is really useful for me to have that support - with someone from outside of the sector.


Nigeria's maritime sector is projected to spend about N939.5 billion ($2.588 billion) on vessels financing in the next four years, going by the new forecast released by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
This comes amid the under-exploitation of the sector's potential, with stakeholders calling for urgent multi-sectoral intervention to aid financing and infrastructure development of the industry.
The Nigeria's Maritime Industry Forecast 2019-2020, tagged: "Harnessing The Maritime And Shipping Sector For Sustainable Growth," launched in Lagos, yesterday, predicts a brighter future for Nigeria's maritime sector, with the industry volume expected to grow by 10 per this year, despite prevailing domestic and global conditions. However, growth in the industry is hinged on the successful conclusion of the forthcoming general elections, and assurance of security of the environment given that insecurity is a seen as the biggest disincentive to trade, and reinforces the need to protect Nigeria's territorial waters.
The Director-General, NIMASA, Dakuku Peterside, at the official launch the document, said the maritime sector has the potential to contribute at least 10 per cent of Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in no distant future.
He added that Nigeria has the biggest market in Africa; and generates about 65 to 76 % of cargo throughput in West Africa, while 65 per cent of all cargo heading for these regions will most likely end up in the Nigerian market.
Considering the fact that shipping is capital intensive, Peterside said the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) is not adequate enough to address the huge demand for maritime assets, hence NIMASA is looking at other Ship Financing Models to encourage the local operators.
"We have been engaging with government at the highest level to push for special intervention fund, special interest rate of single digit, and other incentives that will drive optimal performance in the sector. We shall not relent in our drive to put the right framework together to help beneficiaries and investors have good return on investment," he said.
The outlook showed that the top five vessels in projected demand between 2019 and 2023, would be tugboats, security patrol vessels, jargon barges, and crew boats, among others.Breaking down the expected expenses, it noted that industry's expenditure on Category 1 vessels was would be $1.65 billion or 51 per cent of total spend compared to $1.04 billion or 33 per cent for Category 2 vessels, and $519 million or 16 per cent for Category 3 vessels, totaling $2.588 billion (about N939.5 billion).
However, Nigeria spent about N1.09 trillion on vessels in the last four years. Between 2014 and 2018, the industry spent $2.21billion on Category 1 of marine vessels representing 73 per cent of total spend. Category 2 was $393 million or 13 per cent, while $437 million or 14 per cent was invested in Category 3 vessels.
Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said the forecast would help industry operators in harnessing the potential, and guide their operations in line with the global trend and standards.
Amaechi, who was represented by Mrs Gloria Ayabe, said the sector is currently faced with all forms of criminality such as armed robbery, oil theft piracy and other forms of unreported crimes. He assured of government's effort to stem the tide of such acts with the promotion of the Anti-piracy Bill, currently before the National Assembly among others measures.
Partner, Kainosedge Consulting, Dr. Doyin Salami, said all indications showed that the sector is progressing, but not in a manner that is expected, considering huge potential in the sector.Salami, who said issues around regulations have great affected the sector in the past, said the potential are grossly underexploited.
To achieve the 10 percent tonnage growth projection for the year, Salami insists it is imperative that Nigeria holds a successful election and transition. "Elections and the aftermath represent the single biggest issues facing Nigeria in 2019, because people are wondering: 'will there be successful elections and who wins?' What do we do with policies while elections are ongoing is paramount to re-ignite hope in the economy," he added.
Chairman, NIMASA Board, Gen. Jonathan India Garba (rtd), said the forecast will increase awareness on investment opportunities for the operators to exploit, adding that it would lead to the creation of more businesses and job creation in the maritime sector. Garba however emphasized the need for Nigeria to fully harness the opportunities presented by the Blue economy, which NIMASA is currently pursuing vigorously.
The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman, applauded NIMASA for the forecast, saying: "any nation that fails to plan is definitely planning to fail."Rrepresented by Oladunjoye Rufus, she emphasised the need to concentrate on infrastructure development to aid growth in the sector.


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Taking the Stone Out of the Hat Part 3: Rescuing the Urim and Thummim
The history behind The Book of Mormon translation is based on the written record. Who writes the history and what they have to say has a strong impact on how the events are understood. The Urim and Thummim found with the gold plates has a lot of evidence, where the stone in the hat a few strong statements. It is assumed that history comes fully formed in a textbook or what was written by an author who did the studies. For the modern historian, no history exists unless it is written down and somehow explained. Some physical evidence can be used to corroborate or refute the written record, but only words explain human thoughts and experience. People can only write from their perspective, and sometimes they lie or remember incorrectly. What can be known about the translation of the Book of Mormon depends on who and what to believe.
Previously the stone in the hat discussion focused mostly on David Whitmer with many interviews. Each one brought up more questions than answers about the Book of Mormon translation. He claimed to have witnessed more than the angel revealing the gold plates, Urim and Thummim, and other objects. He said the translation of the Book of Mormon happened in front of him and others. Sometimes he said he witnessed the use of the Urim and Thummim, while other times he denied that and said only a seer stone. This is in direct opposition to what Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, ,and Lucy Mack Smith wrote. Seeing the Urim and Thummim and the gold plates before the translation was finished would be a death sentence for both him and Joseph Smith, according to commands of the Lord. He was one of the Three Witnesses that an angel showed the plates, Urim and Thummim, and other holy objects after the translation. A generous reading might include he saw a non-translation demonstration, misinterpreted what he saw or was misinterpreted about what he said, got frustrated with the resulting discussions, and finally ended up sticking with the stone in the hat to be more consistent.
Another of the Three Witnesses, Oliver Cowdery, always testified the few times he did that the Urim and Thummin found with the plates was the translation instrument. He never mentioned a stone in the hat. One report around 1830 of an interview has him describing Joseph Smith looking on the gold plates engravings with transparent stones in the spectacles, "and afterwords put his face into a hat, and the interpretation flowed into his mind." (quoted in The Joseph Smith Papers: Documents Vol. 1, xxxi-xxxii). It is hard to determine if this was all Oliver Cowdery or a mix from other stories attributed to him. Nothing apparently is put in the hat other than Joseph Smith's head, and the words come into his mind. There is no other report like this from any other source, even if many of the elements are present. Regardless, there is no dark colored seer stone, with the inclusion of a hat out of the ordinary for all other reported Cowdery statements.
Martin Harris, one of the Three Witnesses, is perhaps the first to talk with newspapers.It is hard to say early on how much of the very first reports actually came from Martin Harris or Joseph Smith, or the newspaper editorial opinions. They rewrote articles based on the Palmyra Freeman, 11 August 1829 report, with strong hostile slants. The Rochester Advertiser and Daily Telegraph August 31, 1829 article said, "the [Golden] Bible was found, together with a huge pair of spectacles! He had been directed, however, not to let any mortal being examine them, 'under no less penalty' than instant death! They were therefore nicely wrapped up and excluded from the 'vulgar gaze of poor wicked mortals!'," that is less than an actual quotation. Another newspaper, Rochester Gem, September 1829, claims to paraphrase Martin Harris. The supposed interview statement reads, "He states that after the third visit from the same spirit in a dream he proceeded to the spot, removed earth, and there found the bible, together with a large pair of spectacles. He had also been directed to let no mortal see them under the penalty of immediate death, which injunction he steadfastly adheres to . . ." What the actual first report said was most likely similar to this one. Both of them, and others that also use the same report, describe the gold plates' dimensions, engraved hieroglyphics, and placing spectacles in a hat. That last part is not possible considering the descriptions of the size of the spectacles and the white or transparent stones. As explained in another post, this is most likely rumors combined with what believers said.
Another newspaper more local to the events claims to have talked with a few of the Witnesses, including Martin Harris. It writes he stated, "that when he acted as amanuenses, and wrote the translation, as Smith dictated, such was his fear of the Divine displeasure, that a screen (sheet) was suspended between the prophet and himself." (The Reflector, Palmyra, 19 March 1831). Perhaps it is only a very short quote from a longer explanation Martin Harris gave, but there is no "seer stone" or "hat" present. He couldn't even see what Joseph Smith was doing because there had to be some kind of cover. In this case, the sheet or screen. The same warnings, although including a hat and not a curtain, were included in the previous reports.
The very hostile 1843 Mormonism Unveiled paraphrases Martin Harris describing the "Urim and Thummim" and the sheet hiding the translation. E.D. Howe claims he was told that, "the presence of the Lord was so great, that a screen was hung up between him and the Prophet," while at other times Joseph Smith went upstairs with Martin Harris in another room. This does seem to have parallels with the translation change to the Whitmer's house, after Martin Harris lost the plates and the duty of scribe. The most famous apparent quote of Martin Harris in this book comes from Dr. Charles Anthon who states he was told "This young man was placed behind a curtain, in the garret of a farm house, and, being thus concealed from view, put on the spectacles occasionally, or rather, looked through one of the glasses, decyphered the characters in the book." Of course, how much was the actual words of Martin Harris, or personal paraphrasing is unclear. Regardless, at no time do they mention he talked about a stone in a hat. The book, as previously talked about in another post, wrote of the Urim and Thummim and the stone in the hat as two separate theories of translation. Both of them equally absurd to the author and editor.
By the 1870s Joseph Smith was no longer alive and the old Lost Spaulding Manuscript theory was invigorated. The "Mormons" had split into a large "Utah Church" and smaller Eastern U.S. claimants to the Restoration. The largest of these Eastern offshoots was The Reorganized LDS Church, who sent missionaries to Utah to gain converts. They were relatively successful, making Brigham Young not happy about their presence. He warned the Saints about them with some back and forth verbal hostilities. The "Utah Church" didn't really care about the Spaulding Manuscript theory and continued to preach the Urim and Thummim translation. Back east the theory gained momentum. Along with it high profile statements about the stone in the hat to counter it and the LDS Church in the west. The past has become prologue as it is still used in an ever growing battle over history.
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Taking the Stone Out of the Hat Part 2: A Convenient Inconsistency
Challenging the stone in the hat translation story can be difficult for those unfamiliar with the documents. For every quote supporting the Urim and Thummim as the only instrument used to translate the golden plates, some other quote will be used to justify the stone as at least a companion tool. Anyone with access to the documents will, with time, realize how confusing the whole becomes. These aren't complimentary recitations that can be reconciled. They are at odds with each other; sometimes within the same sources or interviews. Important evidence needs to be examined for context and agendas, and not only quotes, to come at least close to the truth.
Previously the stone in the hat discussion reviewed early recitations of the Book of Mormon translation. Although the hat, or box, or dark place was found in the earliest non-Mormon reports or interviews, they weren't always included. None of the earliest believing Mormon writings, including Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery who would know the most, mentioned the hat or "seer stone" in any way. Both the earliest reports and the direct statements of early Mormons, yet again including Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, mention Interpreters or white stones in spectacles. Even the earliest accusation of Joseph Smith as a peep stone in a hat money digger doesn't point to the same instrument in use for the Book of Mormon translation. That doesn't show up until the 1834 anti-Mormon book Mormonism Unveiled examined the stone in the hat and the Urim and Thummim behind a curtain as two opposing translation theories. The book didn't consider them one and the same, or that they were interchangeable in the translation process. Both were ridiculed by the author and publisher as equally questionable. The book writers preference was the curtain with the gold plates and Urim and Thummim or spectacles, because it fit the hidden Lost Spaulding Manuscript theory. Those critics who wrote earlier than the book conjectured or accused Joseph Smith of using occultic powers to translate while merely compared the Interpreters or Urim and Thummim to seer stones. Not until the death of Joseph Smith did some former Mormons, including important witnesses to the gold plates and Urim and Thummim, add the seer stone in a hat as part of the translation story.
Considering all the background information that puts the Urim and Thummin as the principle translation device, it might be surprising how prominent for modern Mormons the stone in the hat has become. Before this it was a peculiarity that might have some authentication, but not enough for inclusion in publications and talks. Artwork, although not entirely accurate, stuck with the Prophet Joseph's and his scribe Oliver Cowdery's version of translation methods. To wipe out those inaccurate versions of the translation and replace them with even more questionable versions is revisionist history; not sound doctrine.
The BYU Institutions Need a Change of Direction
Spiritual and Academic problems at "The Lord's University" have slowly escalated over the years. All Brigham Young University schools became full of the World and less of the Spirit. The original mission to educate the Saints while committing to Spiritual development seems less equal. Worldly education has drastically overtaken teaching by the Spirit in each classroom. The places that should be a fortress against a sinful and Godless society turns to them as an example rather than The Savior. Of course, this shouldn't be a complete surprise considering where the Universities get their employees. They go out into the World to get "Higher Education" and then get brainwashed by an immoral society. In return they see BYU as easy access to a job while pretending (for they act and teach the opposite) to uphold the LDS Church standards. Wolves in Sheep's clothing taint and poison both the BYU school institutions and many of their student victims. It is time for the LDS Church to do some BYU housecleaning, changing the direction the schools have gone for over two decades.
Something of an uproar has happened after Elder Holland of the LDS Quorum of the Twelve Apostles read a letter with concerns about Brigham Young University. After stating his satisfaction with the Worldly accolades:
But, he added, "the real successes at BYU are the personal experiences that thousands here have had, personal experiences difficult to document or categorize or list." Elder Holland also shared a few lines from another memo. " 'You should know,' the writer says, 'that some people in the extended community are feeling abandoned and betrayed by BYU. It seems that some professors (at least the vocal ones in the media) are supporting ideas that many of us feel are contradictory to gospel principles, making it appear to be about like any other university our sons and daughters could have attended. Several parents have said they no longer want to send their children here or donate to the school.
He tried to express the need to defend the LDS Church and its morals at BYU while not becoming over zeolous. The term "friendly fire" was used to express his desire not to get personal. As usual there is much that both sides can pick to try and either hold to the progressive wave or orthodox use as a relying cry. This will most likely not change anything until something is done to make changes.
Taking the Stone Out of the Hat
For several generations the story of how the Book of Mormon came about was taught the same way as Joseph Smith presented the translation. He was worried about religion and decided to pray for answers. A vision of the Lord and God appeared and instructed him not to join any church, but remain worthy of more knowledge. A short time later while again praying to know his standing with the Lord, an angel named Moroni visited him three times in the night before instructing him where a set of gold plates could be found. He searched and found the plates buried in a nearby hill, along with other objects. One of those objects was a set of spectacles to be used in translating the ancient gold plates with ancient engravings. About four years later he took the gold plates and spectacles home, and with the help of a writer taking down what he read translated the words into The Book of Mormon. Three witnesses were shown the gold plates, spectacles, and other objects by an angel of God. Another group of eight witnesses were shown the gold plates with no divine company. Now after so many years this narrative is challenged. Not by non-Mormons, but Mormon academics who think they know better. Instead of an ancient book translated by Holy instruments, its at least part of the time just a common rock put into a hat found in a well. This was a complete fabrication probably built around rumors. Despite their sophisticated words, the academics are wrong. The ancient Interpreters placed with the gold plates was the only instrument that Joseph Smith used to translate the Book of Mormon.
Any believing Latter-day Saints familiar with the Book of Mormon text knows there was only one set of instruments set aside to translate the ancient language on the gold plates. Book of Mormon prophecy explains in detail where the Interpreters came from and why they exist. God touched two white stones that The Lord gave to The Brother of Jared specifically to translate ancient records by the Power of God. They were handed down from generation to generation used at times, with a prophecy that they would be the means to translate the Nephite records. To claim any other instrument would be used is to speak against the Word of God. At around the time of the Tower of Babel a righteous man and his family were commanded to leave into a new promised land. They built eight boats to cross the waters, but they were sealed tight enough not to let in light. Concerned about this, a man known as "The Brother of Jared" went to a high mountain and prayed to God for guidance. When asked by God how he wanted to resolve the problem, the Brother of Jared suggested The Divine touch white stones and make them glow in the dark. Impressed with his faith, God showed Himself as the pre-mortal Jesus Christ. Along with this amazing vision, The Lord fashioned two stones "For behold, the language which ye shall write I have confounded; wherefore I will cause in my own due time that these stones shall magnify to the eyes of men these things which ye shall write" (see Ether, chapter 3). Several generations later in the Book of Mormon these same blessed stones were used to translate mysterious 24 gold plates found with other artifacts (see Mosiah, chapter 8), "and these interpreters were doubtless prepared for the purpose of unfolding all such mysteries to the children of men." The white stones touched by the Hand of the Lord are handed down, along with sacred writings that must be interpreted by them, to each generation (see Mosiah 28). These are the same stones specifically prophecied that Joseph Smith would use for interpretation of the ancient "gold plates" record.
Consider all the Scriptural history behind the Interpreters and then wonder why any other instrument would be used. The Lord wouldn't accept any old rock found in a stream or a well, or any other place, after all that time and effort for preservation. No other objects would be Holy enough to translate a record that was protected by God for the Last Days. For a thousand years they were used to translate ancient unknown languages. Another thousand years they were kept hidden to be revealed by an Angel. No matter what kind of "mistakes" were made, it is unreasonable that another instrument takes their place. The interpreters would either be returned because of repentance (as did happen), or the gold plates and Interpreters given to someone (or nobody) else more worthy. By itself the translation of the Book of Mormon with white stone Interpreters touched by the Power of God is strange enough. Try to claim a regular smooth dark brown stone thrown into a hat was the translation device and it changes the whole thing into near blaspheme. The first is a high religious concept while the other a common magic trick. Those who try to reconcile the two are forcing a square peg into a round hole.
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Church History in Pictures: Translation of a Book
After Joseph Smith was visited by the Angel Moroni, he was told to go to a hill where he would find a record of an ancient American civilization. He at first worked the farm with his father without mentioning the vision, but related it to his father when exhibiting physical weakness. Trusting in the vision, Joseph Smith Jr's father told him to find the place located on what would later be called the hill Cumorah.
Today the hill has a memorial to the Angel Moroni at the top. During the summer a Pageant is presented commemorating the Book of Mormon that was translated by the Power of God. It would be about four years before he was allowed to take the "golden plates" from the hiding spot. Every year he as commanded to go back and be taught more information before granted permission to take them.
Church History in Pictures: Visions from Heaven
The first years of Joseph Smith Jr.'s life was not very eventful. His mother in her own recollections states he lived like any other youth. The most noteworthy events for several years was constant moving to new locations.
From the LDS institute textbook Church History in the Fullness of Times Student Manual second chapter:
During Joseph Smith's earliest years, his family moved frequently, looking for fertile soil or some other way to earn a livelihood. Their first move after his birth took them from Sharon to Tunbridge. In 1807, soon after Samuel was born, they moved to Royalton, Vermont, where two more sons were born. Shortly after William's birth in 1811 the Smiths moved to the small community of West Lebanon, New Hampshire . . .
While living in West Lebanon, members of the Smith family became ill with typhoid fever. All of the family recovered, including for a time Joseph Smith Jr. Two weeks after getting better, Joseph Smith Jr. developed a serious leg infection. He pleaded with doctors to not take off his leg. A very skilled physician saved the leg after painful surgery to take out infected bone.
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Church History in Pictures: Birthplace of Joseph Smith
Thought of doing a project where I present places of LDS Church history in pictures. This post will focus on the Birthplace of Joseph Smith Jr. He was born on Dec. 23, 1805 on the town line of Sharon and Royalton, Vermont. A white granite obelisk marks the general area of his birth as a memorial.
My "Favorite" General Conference Apostles
All of the General Authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are important witnesses of the Savior Jesus Christ. Many people have a "favorite" they like to listen to and get the most out of their talks. Over the years there are some that I also seem to pay attention to more than the others as personal preference. This post will list those Apostles of the Lord, briefly comment about them, and link representative talks. Names are restricted to those alive during my lifetime and distinctly remember. Prophets are in a class of their own, so they will not be mentioned even before becoming President of the Church. It is so wonderful that technology makes it easy to go back and once again read or listen to their words.
The Stone in the Hat and the Miracle of Translation
"You find magic wherever you look. sit back and relax. all you need is a book" - Dr. Seuss, The Cat in the Hat
"Oh, Man will fly all right - ho-ho-ho! - just like a rock." - Archimedes the Owl from Disney's Sword in the Stone
What can I say? I was, apparently, lied to by whoever I can point a finger at as responsible. Artistic renderings, Sunday School lessons, General Conference talks, and of course Joseph Smith himself concealed the real history. The Urim and Thummim was supposed to be the principle means of The Book of Mormon translation, but it turns out a Seer Stone did most of the work. I mean, it was no secret that a stone in a hat was the means of production. What became lost and confusing is how much that became the tool used by Joseph Smith to translate by the Gift and Power of God.
This introduction is partly facetious, but there is some truth to the words. My own early knowledge was based on what critics consider misinformation, although more like simplifications. The article "Joseph the Seer" is not the first time the topic of The Book of Mormon translation tools have been published. During the first decade of correlated magazines, there was a Friend Magazine article and an in depth Ensign publication that might be superior to the most recent. The history is confusing even with the primary documents. All of them have points of convergence. But, taken all together there is no clear picture of the means or process. The only person who would know for sure, Joseph Smith, was vague to the point of near silence. He was far less concerned with how The Book of Mormon was produced and more focused on the fact it was written. The teachings in the book are to be read, pondered, and studied while translation devices are simply tools to be used and discarded.
To increase the problem is the concern expressed in my previous post about the Age of Reason. Despite stories of ghosts, bigfoot, UFOs, and the persistence of astrology still printed in newspapers, miracles of the religious kind are a bridge too far in Western society. Throw in a physical object where its existence, if not the miracle, cannot be refuted and skepticism becomes scorn. Even believers wince at a small, brown, and smooth stone once used to commune with the Divine. Throw in a funny old hat and there seems nowhere else to go but ridicule. What is that you say? Oh, don't mind my rabbits foot keychain or lucky horseshoe. No one really believes in those kinds of things anyway.
What the LDS Church Really Says about Reading Anti-Mormon Literature
Those members less inclined to know the history of the LDS Church, especially the more complicated parts, express concerns that they were told to keep away from reading non-faithful material. They claim to have been taught to always turn to Church sanctioned material only and avoid non or anti-Mormon literature. No doubt there has been warnings of the harmful effects of the less than official sources, but an outright ban is a misreading of many lessons taught. The message isn't always clear because opinions on just how to approach anti-Mormonism is mixed. There is no one single set of standards how to engage or respond. What is consistent over the years is the warning and how to be careful.
Learning is an essential part of growing in the Kingdom of God. The subject matter that we should focus on is very wide. We read in Doctrine and Covenants 88: 77-80 how open:
77 And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom. 78 Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand; 79 Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms— 80 That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.
Taken in its literal reading, there is nothing to be avoided in pursuit of truth. Of course, that doesn't mean everything we learn about is true. Discernment is part of gaining the wisdom necessary for spiritual and intellectual growth. It is the line between reading and analyzing that the LDS Church wants the members to recognize.
When I first paid attention to my own faith, the questions were almost overwhelming. My heart had already decided that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and the LDS Church the authorized organization for the Kingdom of God. My teenage intellectual side was not so willing to leave it alone just because the Spirit spoke peace to my soul. I wanted to understand. Knowing my father was a history teacher, he would be the primary person I would go to when I had questions to find answers. For a short time he put up with my pestering and helped.
One day he must have been too busy or felt tired of my constant questions. He looked at me and then pointed his fingers at a bookshelf. I come from a reading family. My house growing up was filled with books and even now my home contains a few full bookshelves. His message was clear; go do your own research. Most of our books were faithful, but I did run into an anti-Mormon pamphlet tucked away that troubled me. However, it was not what it taught that bothered me, but that I had read the material quoted and found it out of context and a false interpretation. From then on I knew there would always be more than one side of the story and therefore should not fear discussion of them all.
Sadly, too many don't go beyond church material because of a false idea nothing else is acceptable. When they do decide to read other literature it is a surprise to them, often spiritually damaging because of a self imposed ban. It becomes more complicated because they haven't learned to check the sources or counter responses. All of this built on a misunderstanding through mistaken interpretations of what the Church teaches about learning outside official publications.
Posted by Jettboy at 8:06 PM 2 comments:
Out of Darkness and Into Light
Pondering death can be tricky. There are several emotions that are involved with the thoughts, from hope of an afterlife to the fear of pain and suffering. Hearing about a person who took their own life, was killed by actions that could have been avoided, accidents and disease, or at the hands of another is always unpleasant. The saying, "they are resting and in a better place," can be slightly reassuring, but that doesn't take away the fact the person is still gone. Grief felt by the survivors heals over time or destroys the soul. Those who are religious believers are not alone in facing emotional pain. All people must face death eventually.
The beauty of most religions is a faith that there is much more than this life to look forward to experience. Every good and bad time here in mortality can be worth much more than what currently can be imagined. For Christians, this idea comes from the the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ where his mortal teachings are more than morals to live by because, "if in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable" (1 Corinth. 15:19). How precious it can be to open the scriptures and read about Angels and Visions given to mortals as a witness that our person continues long after death. Joseph Smith said, "The things of God are of deep import; and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out. Thy mind, O man! if thou wilt lead a soul unto salvation, must stretch as high as the utmost heavens, and search into and contemplate the darkest abyss, and the broad expanse of eternity—thou must commune with God" (History of the Church, 3:295). To live by faith is life eternal.
Despite the great blessings promised with faith, everyone experiences doubt. Perhaps all that we have been taught and come to believe is not true. The alternative is absolute darkness. Once our lives are over there will be nothing. It is a scary and sobering thought. While Joseph Smith discussed a vision he had of seeing family and friends rise from the graves on the day of resurrection to once again meet and hug them, he said, "More painful to me are the thoughts of annihilation than death. If I have no expectation of seeing my father, mother, brothers, sisters and friends again, my heart would burst in a moment, and I should go down to my grave." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 295). It is hard to imagine living with the idea that first we are here conscious of existence and then some day we are not.
I Don't Wear White Dress Shirts
... that often. They just don't appeal to or look good on me. How far back this aesthetic concern goes in my life I am not sure. Perhaps its only as recently in my life timeline as returning from my mission. Every day from dusk until dawn a missionary wears white shirts and ties, if not suits, as a servant of the Lord. Like any uniform, after the official reason for its use ends it feels good to change into something else. No reason to wear a drab color when there are so many other choices. The reason I don't like to wear white shirts might sound shallow, and there is truth to that consideration, but tastes are not always complicated.
Part of my personality is less than white shirt and tie compatible. From an early age I have been an artistic minded person. My most distinct youthful memories include drawing or coloring on whatever piece of paper crossed my path. As an example, on Saturdays after cartoons there was a classic monster show that came on one of the channels. Giant monsters were my favorite. One of those was a giant tarantula that terrorized the American foothills of some unnamed geography. Having at the time fallen in love with the show the first viewing, I put that fandom down in art. Not just any old picture would do for my enthusiasm. No, I drew and colored (for a black and white film) the basic storyboard of the movie's events. In the mind of that young boy sitting half the Saturday doing his creation, he was writer and director of a remake. White means fill the space up with shapes and colors.
Posted by Jettboy at 6:47 AM 4 comments:
Easter Messages from LDS Prophets
"The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it. But in connection with these, we believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost, the power of faith, the enjoyment of the spiritual gifts according to the will of God, the restoration of the house of Israel, and the final triumph of truth."
-- Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, (2011), 45–56.
"Jesus is the first begotten from the dead, as you will understand. Neither Enoch, Elijah, Moses, nor any other man that ever lived on earth, no matter how strictly he lived, ever obtained a resurrection until after Jesus Christ's body was called from the tomb by the angel. He was the first begotten from the dead. He is the Master of the resurrection—the first flesh that lived here after receiving the glory of the resurrection."
-- Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 272–78.
"When Jesus came, He came to do a work in many particulars similar to that in which we are engaged, and when He got through with His work here, He stood as the Savior of the world, and of the human family. He came to preach the Gospel to the poor, to open the prison doors to those that were imprisoned, to set them at liberty, and to proclaim the acceptable hour of the Lord, etc. This was a work connected with the people who lived at the time of the flood and were destroyed and kept in prison until the Lord should see proper to extend manifestations of His mercy to them. Hence, as we read, "Christ hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the spirit; by which also he went and preached to the spirits in prison: which sometime were disobedient when once the long suffering of God waited in the days of Noah." [See 1 Peter 3:18–20.] He having finished His work upon earth for the living, went and performed a work for the dead; as we are informed, "He went and preached to spirits in prison that had sometime been disobedient in the days of Noah.
It is reserved for us to do a work for those who have passed away who have not obeyed or had the Gospel in their lifetime. We are here to do a work connected with the redemption of the dead. When the Temple was commanded to be built in Nauvoo, after the Temple had been built in Kirtland, and after so many keys had been turned, and after so many manifestations, visions and ministrations had been had, yet it was said then that there was not a place upon the earth in which to perform the ordinance of baptism for the dead, and Joseph was commanded to build a house for that purpose."
-- Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, (2011), 182–90.
The Story of Noah and the Scriptures
Everyone is talking about the new Noah movie, wondering if its better described as anti-Christian or pure entertainment. The movie collector of critical ratings Rotten Tomatoes has it in the mid 70 percent for critics and in the 40 percent for viewers. The box office has mixed audience result with a respectable showing of over $40 million during the opening weekend. Movies might give promise with such high earnings, but they live or die in the second and following runs. If word of mouth continues to be negative among the most interested possible viewers (Christians), then curiosity and lack of competition gave it the first boost of money. There is far from any guarantee it won't turn out a bomb. Muslim nations have already given it the banned treatment.
What is supposed to be so bad about the Noah movie for those who don't like it? For starters, it is considered way too off story from the Bible. Noah is in it, an ark with animals is present, and a flood happens. Besides that, according to negative critics, nothing else is close to correct or even the spirit of the account. He ends up a jumble of crazy, environmentalist, near abortionist, murdering anti-hero. Not even believers would protest an intervention to have him committed. The bad guys are morally questionable, but mostly a bunch of industrialists who like to hunt and eat meat. A critic from the science fiction blog io9 tried to make a case for its spiritual pedigree, but made things unintentionally worse for those Christians who would be the most unconvinced. They would see too much para-Biblical references over the very short Bible narrative.
This brings up the question of what the Noah story really is in the Biblical account. At first I was going to do a bunch of quotes and then solemnly explicate the text. That would be the traditional way of writing a blog argument. An equal concern is if there is enough in the Bible to make a story worthy of a two hour night at the movies. This is as much about creativity and imagination as bad exegesis. Those who support the Noah treatment point to The Ten Commandments for an example of making things up that aren't found in the text. True enough, as I have my own criticisms about how Moses was portrayed in rather white washed fashion after his conversion. There is a difference because much of what is in the text became part of the film. Not so much, apparently, the Noah movie.
I am going to write a story outline using what can be known from the Bible, Book of Moses and other JST, Book of Jubilee, Book of Enoch, and a small amount of commentary. The end of the story will have a reference list for those who want to check sources and decide for themselves. The intended outcome should evidence that there is enough in the text to make a great film without complete distortion. Obviously it will be from what an equally controversial Mormon point of view. Those who have watched the Hollywood version can decide how close this is to what they saw on screen.
Labels: Movies, Scriptures

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Cricbuzz: Live Scores and Cricket Match Schedules: LATEST Cricbuzz News, Videos, highlights and much more
1 Cricbuzz: Live Cricket Scores Online
2 CricBuzz is so popular.
3 Crickbuzz Live
4 Last Thoughts about cricbuzz
Cricbuzz: Live Cricket Scores Online
Times Internet owns Cricbuzz, an Indian cricket news site. It offers news, articles, and live coverage of Indian cricket matches, including video commentary and player stats.
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Cricbuzz is a great resource for cricket fans. You can easily find all news about cricket without any fuss or time wastage. For those who work full-time and aren't able to watch the entire match, this app can be opened and all the latest information about the game.
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Many people are so busy with their lives that they don't have time to watch exciting cricket matches. Modernization has solved this problem. Many websites provide the most current information on every cricket match. Another is CricBuzz which provides information about Indian cricket matches.
CricBuzz provides all information about your favorite cricket matches, even if you're unable to see them. The Times Internet owns this website. Want to know more about this website? We will provide all such information to our readers.
CricBuzz is a well-known website that provides cricket news and scores. You can even find it in the app store. You can download it to your phone and continue receiving updates while you work. Access to team rankings, text commentary, and short videos will be available. CricBuzz Live Score features are one of the best. You will receive updates for every minute of each match. You will never miss any match updates.
CricBuzz was founded by two former employees from Infosys, Pankaj Chhaparwal & Pravin Hedge. Actually, Mr. Pankaj founded this website. He has been with us since the beginning. He is the current CEO. He is currently the CEO.
CricBuzz is an excellent option for cricket lovers. It is possible you are wondering how they make their living. CricBuzz's main source of income are their live scores. The scores from matches are also sold by CricBuzz. Advertising on their platform also helps them make a profit.
CricBuzz is so popular.
CricBuzz is an established website for cricket. The company was ranked 406 globally in 2019. According to Alexa Internet, the rank for India is 40. The mobile app is also loved by users. This is how CricBuzz's popularity can be understood. Let's now talk about how this popularity happened.
Crickbuzz Live
CricBuzz provides updates on all major tournaments from the Test series to the World cup. CricBuzz IPL also offers live scores and all schedules. This website is sure to keep you updated on all the exciting matches. CricBuzz was used for the latest updates during the 2015 World Cup. CricBuzz was visited by a large number of people during this period. This event made CricBuzz famous.
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Another important factor is sponsorship. Criccbuzz was the main sponsor of the 2015 India Sri Lanka Test Series. Criccbuzz was exposed to a lot of people and media through this sponsorship.
CricBuzz delivers the most recent cricket scores and commentary to your Windows Phone. CricBuzz's commentary is a great alternative for watching the match live. It's extremely fast and lets you see what is happening on the field.
It is easy to navigate scores, commentary and news for Test matches and Twenty20 Internationals using the intuitive interface. You can also access all of the most popular series. Access to extensive match galleries, international schedules, and radio commentary is all available at the touch of your finger.
This package includes CricBuzz's exclusive editorials and the most current news content from all over cricket. This is a must-have item for any cricket fan.
This app has the most accurate and complete information about cricket for Windows Phone.
Last Thoughts about cricbuzz
Cricket is much more than just a sport for Indians. Cricket is more than a game for Indians. It's an emotion that many people share. There are millions of cricket fans all over the country, and many try to catch every match. CricBuzz, a website that provides updates and other information on cricket, will be available to millions of viewers.
CricBuzz is so easy to use that anyone can access the most recent updates. CricBuzz has gained a lot of popularity, so it's not surprising that they are so popular.
Source https://www.cricbuzz.com/
Source https://twitter.com/cricbuzz?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Source https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSRQXk5yErn4e14vN76upOw
Source https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP_7aX9fT3Q
Source https://www.facebook.com/cricbuzz/
Source https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cricbuzz.android&hl=en_IN&gl=US
Source https://www.instagram.com/cricbuzzofficial/?hl=en
Source https://www.timesnowindia.com/2021/08/cricbuzz-live-score-cricket-match-today-live.html
India Can Win the ICC World Cup 2021: Gary Kirsten, here is what they say..!!


Mr. Speaker, I rise to present the 2016 Ontario Budget.
Before I begin, I want to thank all the good people at the Ministry of Finance — as well as staff and colleagues in the House — for all their hard work in creating a Budget designed to grow our economy and create jobs.
Mr. Speaker, as anyone who has been through the Budget process knows, it's not glamorous.
First, they know that serving the people of Ontario is a privilege.
And second, there's nothing they would rather do.
So thank you, all of you.
Mr. Speaker … really … we expect nothing less in Ontario.
Lives in homes and businesses right across our province.
Ontarians not only work hard … we work smart.
We look at the challenges ahead of us … and overcome them.
We size up the opportunities … and seize them.
Room for everyone to compete and do business.
And, above all, room to help each other.
A plan to manage expenses and to strengthen the economy.
To protect and create more jobs.
Like health care and education … that keep us competitive and provide for our families.
But that would have hurt the very services Ontarians needed most … at the very moment they most needed them.
Instead of cutting … we built … Mr. Speaker.
We kept people working and we built for the long term.
We built roads … and transit.
And we built an education system second to none.
Today … students from full-day kindergarten to college, university and apprenticeships are getting ready for today's jobs and tomorrow's opportunities.
All of us … as Ontarians … have been creating those opportunities, together.
Since 2009, our businesses and entrepreneurs have helped create more than 600,000 net new jobs.
The vast majority of these have been full-time and higher-paying jobs.
And Ontario is getting ready to create an additional 320,000 jobs by 2019.
Mr. Speaker, that would bring Ontario's total job creation to well over 900,000 in just 10 years.
That is more jobs than there are people in the sixth largest city in Canada, my hometown of Mississauga.
We've created a business and investment climate that is one of the most competitive in North America.
And we're going to keep our taxes competitive.
We've cut the marginal effective tax rate on new business investment in half.
And we're going to keep that in place, too.
We've reduced the cost of doing business by eliminating regulatory red tape.
And we're going to do even more.
When people start a business in Ontario … they know that their workers will be highly skilled and talented.
Those solid advantages, Mr. Speaker … are important in an uncertain global economy.
Making us a leader in Canada in economic growth and job creation.
For the last two years, we have attracted more foreign direct investment than any other Canadian province or U.S. state.
And those investments created full-time, high-paying jobs for Ontarians.
We know from experience, however, that the global economy can turn very quickly.
Right now, uncertain economic winds are currently blowing in the right direction for Ontario.
And steady U.S. demand all favour Ontario exports.
We cannot simply trust that those fair economic winds will stay with us.
We must keep charting our own course.
So, we're staying the course, moving forward with our plan to build jobs for today … and jobs for tomorrow.
And in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses.
By expanding access to college and university education.
And stick to our plan to eliminate the deficit by next year … in 2017–18.
Mr. Speaker … we launched full-day kindergarten in 2010.
Sets them on a path to success in the years that follow.
Getting closer to postsecondary education and the workforce.
As every parent knows … kids grow up fast.
The next day, they're driving the car everywhere.
So it's time, Mr. Speaker … that we look ahead to what our kids will need next.
We have made sure that every child … no matter what their family income … has an opportunity to get a great start in life.
Next, we'll make sure that every student … no matter what their family income … has an opportunity to get a great job.
The kind of job you can only get with a postsecondary education.
We know that people who have a degree or diploma can expect to earn more than people who don't.
Because they think they cannot afford it.
We need it to be higher to increase Ontario's prosperity even more.
That is why we are taking steps to make postsecondary more affordable for more students.
We are transforming student assistance so it's less complex and easier to access.
All students would be as well as, or better off than, they are under the current Ontario Tuition Grant.
More than 50 per cent of students from families with incomes of $83,000 or less will receive grants that are greater than the cost of average tuition.
For college and university students who come from families with incomes of less than $50,000, average tuition will be free.
Mr. Speaker, it gives us great pleasure to announce that these students will have no provincial student debt.
Our plan increases access for everyone, and benefits the middle class.
And more young people will be better able to provide a better quality of life for their own families.
This is an investment in their future.
Mr. Speaker ... there's another investment we proudly make.
And it is a source of comfort for our families.
We have led the way in keeping high-quality health care on a sustainable path.
In 2016–17, we will increase funding for hospitals by $345 million, including the first increase to hospital base budgets in five years.
By $250 million per year for the next two years.
This will lower costs for these seniors by about $170, making their everyday lives easier.
It will reduce emergency room visits and hospital stays.
And protect high-quality health care.
We all have places we need to go.
Or daycare at the end of the day.
And more time with our own families.
And the biggest investment of its kind in our province's history.
Strategic infrastructure investments stimulate economic growth and create jobs.
And strategic infrastructure investments move goods to market more competitively.
Which will quadruple the number of weekly trips from about 1,500 to 6,000.
Is vital to help them build the critical infrastructure they need to thrive and compete.
To support projects in communities with populations of less than 100,000.
Mr. Speaker, these are vital investments in jobs for today and tomorrow.
These are investments to keep growing our economy.
Furthermore … over 10 years … we will invest $11 billion to improve the condition of our schools.
And $12 billion in hospitals.
Strengthening our province … and improving our quality of life for Ontario families.
To create even more assets and even greater returns.
The forecast for Ontario is better than most.
Fuelled by a strong manufacturing and export sector.
We want to lead the world … with a dynamic and innovative business environment.
We're moving forward with the Business Growth Initiative that was outlined in last fall's economic statement.
It will help small and medium-sized businesses scale up, helping them become global leaders.
Even more than we already have.
One example of this initiative is a new Advanced Manufacturing Consortium with three universities — Western, Waterloo and McMaster.
To make Ontario a leader in products like digital components and devices.
Mr. Speaker, the global fight against climate change also presents new opportunities for Ontario's economy and jobs.
Climate change already costs the people of Ontario.
We know the financial cost will only continue to rise over the next century.
Tackling it creates economic potential.
Ontario has developed the skills, talent and innovation to become a model for sustainable growth and prosperity.
We cannot … and will not … sit idly by and wait for others to take action.
That's not the Ontario way.
Mr. Speaker, many people may not know that North America's first commercial oil well actually began in Ontario in 1858 … in the village of Oil Springs in Lambton County.
More than 150 years later … we're leading again … this time, in a different direction.
By closing down our coal-fired power plants.
Coal has gone from supplying a quarter of our electricity just 10 years ago … to none today.
In 2005, we had more than 50 smog days.
Since we closed the last of Ontario's coal plants in 2014, we've had zero — none.
Our electricity is greener ….
And others … around the world … are looking to our leadership in clean technology.
Ontario is home to more than a third of Canadian clean technology companies.
Giving us a competitive advantage over other places where they've decided to put their emissions reductions off for another day.
This is where our world … where our global economy … is headed.
And we will be one of the first to take the next big step in environmental sustainability, innovation and economic growth.
Ontario is moving forward with a proposed cap-and-trade program.
Under the program … Ontario would cap the amount of greenhouse gas pollution that businesses and institutions can emit.
Companies could respond by investing in clean technologies to become more efficient, burning fewer fossil fuels or buying additional carbon credits.
To ensure clean air for our children and future generations to come.
And Ontario's clean tech companies will thrive.
To help provide solutions to large emitters that face barriers in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
And direct resources and investment to ensure companies and households thrive during the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Mr. Speaker … Ontario's plan … also includes strengthening retirement security.
The Ontario Retirement Pension Plan will help close the savings gap for millions of people who lack the security of a workplace pension.
We've been able to make the ORPP a major part of our economic plan.
We believe that every working Ontarian deserves a secure retirement.
We will enrol employers for the ORPP starting next January, and start collecting contributions in January 2018.
And start paying out benefits in 2022.
To look at ways to meet the goals of ORPP within an enhanced CPP framework.
Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, our plan means more Ontarians will enjoy a more secure retirement, meaning Ontario's economy will be stronger.
Mr. Speaker, Ontario continues to build a fair society.
It includes retirement income security and includes overall income security.
This year's Budget continues to improve the supports that lift people out of poverty.
And people who rely on the Ontario Disability Support Program.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to announce that we will join with researchers and communities to develop a Basic Income pilot project.
Because everyone deserves a roof over their head.
Will improve social conditions and economic opportunities for First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Is the product of many open and extensive consultations … with tens of thousands of people across our great province.
Our interactive Budget Talks platform empowered people to submit, vote and comment in real time.
Many of their ideas are contained in this plan.
And about the need to improve palliative care, as well as end-of-life care.
So, in this Budget, we're going to expand hospice care.
Someone whose own personal experiences with his father's end-of-life care have inspired him to help others.
Thank you, MPP John Fraser.
Mr. Speaker … a compassionate Ontario also means making everyday life easier for Ontario families.
We have taken steps to help auto insurance rates go down, not up.
We will eliminate the $30 fee for Drive Clean.
And we are lowering hospital parking fees.
And, of course, gives our children the best start in life.
As we continue to expand access to online learning through eCampus Ontario.
Mr. Speaker, we are also using technology to make it easier to use public services.
By 2018, people will be able to use an online service to renew their health cards.
And more recently, we have begun the expansion of wine sales in grocery stores.
Mr. Speaker, for years we have called on the federal government to be a willing and productive partner in building a strong Ontario.
Because Ontario remains at the heart of the Canadian economy.
We have always done our part to ensure our province and our country stay strong.
And we look forward to continuing to strengthen that partnership.
And as Canada celebrates 150 years, our province will host events in recognition of our proud heritage and roots.
We will celebrate local talent and explore our history.
Now, we are in the home stretch.
Through hard work and discipline, Ontario remains the province with the lowest per capita program spending in Canada.
Is expected to peak at 39.6 per cent in 2015–16 … then level off.
It will improve in 2017–18 and track towards our goal of 27 per cent.
Our plan represents a balance between making strategic investments and managing expenses.
To focus on improving outcomes that support key public services relied on by families … to ensure maximum value for tax dollars spent on programs and services.
This has helped improve performance and the fiscal plan.
Reduced further to $4.3 billion in 2016–17.
Mr. Speaker, this will be the last deficit before we erase it completely in 2017–18.
We are balancing the budget.
Ontario has a lot to be proud of.
Brew great beer and make amazing wine.
They've improved the lives of millions of people around the world.
And will always be … our people.
So our government remains committed … above all … to our people.
We have what it takes … to build a bright future.
Bright people who create jobs today … and jobs tomorrow.


text:
UNLUCKY IN LOVE
Scientists prove why online dating is perfect for men but awful for women
Feminism has helped men find love in the new age of online dating - but what's it doing to the quality of their relationships?
by MARGI MURPHY
16 Feb 2017, 9:50
Updated: 16 Feb 2017, 12:35
MEN are more likely to fall in love and have lots of sex using online dating apps and sites than women, a study suggests.
Dating site Match.com found that men have fallen in love 3.3 times on average in comparison to 2.3 for women in 2016.
And they are 73 percent more likely decide whether they are in love by having sex.
While women aren't as likely to find love between the sheets, both sexes are jumping into bed a lot quicker than previous generations.
Single millennials were 48 percent more likely than older generations to have sex before the first date.
The study of 5,500 singles found that men preferred a woman to make the first move, but that women were afraid of coming on too strong.
Only 29 percent of women actually initiate the first kiss and 13 percent of women ask for a man's number.
Popularity of dating sites like Tinder have rocketed in recent years but it appears men seem to be getting the better end of the dealCredit: Alamy
Women are subjected to several nasty surprises while online dating, too.
Almost half of all men surveyed admitted to sending a picture of their penis to a potential mate.
And more than half of women surveyed said they received one without asking for it.
But in the age of equal opportunities, women are 75 percent more likely to want to split the bill, and 95 percent are keen to "take charge" sexually.
DON'T SWIPE RIGHT
Ferne McCann and Joey Essex accused of 'catfishing' fans with promotional Tinder profiles
DATE WITH DEATH
Doctor reveals she almost 'bled to death' after Tinder stalker stabbed her 11 times and doused her in petrol
Stefan-Pierre Tomlin is Tinder's most popular single man... but that's the only reason you'll recognise him
'I've reached a world record'
Model claims she's the most popular woman on Tinder - with nearly 6,000 men swiping right
The dating show where famous faces find love is back TONIGHT - here's the lowdown on Celebs Go Dating
KING OF THE SWINGERS
Tinder for orangutans' experiment lets apes 'swipe' for potential mates on a computer
'I would rarely leave the house'
New mum saved from crippling loneliness thanks to new 'Tinder for mums' app
Among 5,500 single men aged 18 to 70, most agreed the number one turn on was a female entrepreneur.
Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist and chief scientific adviser for Match said that feminism has made dating "easier" for men.
She said: "Men say that feminism has really made dating easier, safer and more enjoyable for them."


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