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LOVE'S ALL THAT MATTERS
By DANIEL A. LORD, S.J.
WE are a romantic age, no doubt of that. Our romantic instincts have been deliberately cultivated by the writers, the songsters, the motion-picture producers, our not always too wise elders.
Into the lives of most people, we are told, there is bound to come a time when romantic love will seem to be all that matters. What possibly could then stand against it?
Sometimes it may be that this strong romantic attachment, this physical affection that can combine with a strong desire for union of lives, may mean that the two people can marry and remain contentedly married for life.
The first impulse is backed by a lot of important things. There are tastes that match and backgrounds that dovetail. There are souls that command respect, and there is virtue that gives that respect. That is the culmination of a dignified wooing that brings the young couple to that altar of God where a sacrament consecrates their lives.
Splendid.
But if it should be that the romantic attachment comes in the form of merely a major emotional disturbance. . . . if a thousand reasons cry out that this is not really love at all but fascination and infatuation. . . . if for all their physical and romantic urge the man and the woman would clearly not make each other durably happy or would enter marriage at costs too heavy to pay.
UNACCEPTABLE LOVE
For this romantic attraction may well come to people who should not under any circumstances let it lead them further. The quick flash of fascination may come when one of the pair is already married. Sounder judgment may shake a warning finger and cry out, 'This won't work.
Literature has never been quite sure whether a person in a state of emotional enthralment is a comic or a tragic figure. Usually he or she is a little of both. For undoubtedly romance has a way of vastly exaggerating. The fascination that seems like true love makes the other person totally desirable. Longing and misery become twin companions. The fascinating person looms so large that a shadow is cast over all else. Life itself seems for the time momentarily worthless without the fulfilment of what passes for love.
I don't need to remind even a relatively thoughtless reader that the consequences of love are pretty durable. . . . or should be. Two young people look upon each other and feel the strong attraction. Each awakes in the other a mutual thrill; they find themselves electric in each other's company, and the evening passes like a fairy-tale second. Yet this is only a beginning. Out of this love may come marriage, long years of companionship, the founding of a home and the establishment of a family. Despite the old song the climax of life together is not the honeymoon. And if the honeymoon fades swiftly away, leaving
SADDER MAIDS, WISER MEN,
they are right to feel that they have allowed themselves to be tricked.
Real love is a permanent attraction based not only on the physical fascination but on mutual respect. It is meant to be the opening gate to a long and stable relationship. It is God's invitation to the sacrament of matrimony, which sacrament becomes in turn the beginning of a life of beautiful partnership in the creation of domestic peace and virtues and human life.
Fascination can be tricky. Love must be trustworthy enough to be used as the foundation of an entire new life.
THE MODERN AND ROMANCE
Many a modern thinks pretty casually and superficially about romance. Love, he will show you in his novel or his drama, is really all that matters. Vast quantities of pulp literature every year grind out this simple thesis: When two people are in romantic love, when they feel this fatal fascination for each other, nothing else really counts. Love comes before all. And in a strange perversion of morality love is said to make all things right.
Regrettably a good many people are acting as if this pulp romance were a sound and quite reasonable philosophy. Too, too many plays have in recent years followed the same theme.
IRONY HERE
The more intelligent among the critics may note the irony in the situation. The actress who plays the love-conquered heroine has herself been married three times-each time for romantic love, and each time with less permanency than her last permanent wave. The hero has been twice married and twice divorced and is at present (according to the columnists) imperishably in love with a third undying affection. The author of the play is in court, trying to explain to a judge how he could have two violent love affairs at the same time that he is married to the romantic love that was so publicized in his marriage of three seasons ago.
I have shuddered often enough when on the screen I have watched the fascination of two totally unsuited characters. The heroine falls in love with a gangster, reforms him in the last hundred feet of film, and they marry. In one film a fine young detective falls in love with a woman who by all the force of clues and plot is supposed to be a murderess. When he asks his good old Irish mother (a highly synthetic character, believe me) whether she would object to his marrying a murderess, the dear good woman answers,Not if she's a good girl. I found that the most unconsciously funny line of the year.
For a time there was an epidemic of pictures in which psychiatrists, who should have known better, married their halfloony patients. I recall one male doctor who did that and one attractive woman doctor who slipped into the currently fashionable pattern. It is possible that a psychiatrist finds himself physically attracted toward an otherwise charming patient. But having worked in the jungle of their patients' psychoses, psychiatrists would not be likely to want to take over the job of living with these near-nuts for life.
NOT ALL IN FICTION
I wish the attitude of 'romance over all were merely a matter of stage, screen, and fiction. Unfortunately that attitude is common in real life. We are, I repeat, arace of real romanticists. . . . and that powerful attraction of a man and a woman for each other is supposed all too often to justify the most unwholesome, outrageous and foredoomed lines of conduct.
Here is a girl wh o finds a divorced man fascinating. She gives up her religion in order to marry him. 'Ah, sighs the bridge club, 'but they loved each other so much and for so long.
The Catholic boy hesitated quite a while before he finally gave up his religion to marry the girl who insisted on marriage in her fashionable Protestant church. 'But, ask his friends, 'what else could he do? He was madly in love with her.
This chap is a college professor; the girl 'slung hash in the 'Bowl of Beans'. A microscope would find in them no common interest of language, education, or tradition. But because of a fascination like that depicted so terribly in 'Of Human Bondage, they married. Anyone should be able to see the reefs ahead in such a marriage. 'But, sigh the romantics who read the item in the newspapers, 'what does anything matter as long as they have their love?'
This attitude is not so modern as I may make it sound. We can read in history how fascination was mistaken for love and romance in the physical sense used as substitute for a durable foundation for marriage.
A tough old Roman general named Mark Antony, who had had almost as many love affairs as he had freckles on his forearm, fell madly in love with Cleopatra. She was already old and tired of her succession of lovers when Antony arrived. But that love became one of history's famous infatuations.
When the crucial naval battle of Antony's career came, he knew that by nightfall he would be either master of the world or a fugitive from the short swordof Caesar's legionaires. The battle was going not too badly, when he saw the warship of his timorous Cleopatra turn in flight. Promptly he ordered his ship about and raced, not to ram the flagship of his enemy, but to escape with his retreating lady. That night Caesar owned the world. . . . and Mark Antony slipped from the arms of his fascinating mistress into the scrap heap of history.
A sentimental Elizabethan playwright made of that story a play called, with an eye to modern taste, 'All for Love. Bernard Shaw, in his 'Caesar and Cleopatra, tells another side of the story. . . . how Caesar had once found Cleopatra fascinating. But Shaw is a great disbeliever in the all-forlove school. So when in G.B.S.'s play really important things come up-Caesar's future career, his leadership in Rome. . . . the mastery of the empire-the great Julius gives Cleo hardly a thought; he moves past her fascination to the top ranks of history. The girl in both plays was Cleopatra; the love in each case fascinating and highly romantic. But two different men were involved-Mark Antony and Julius Caesar-so there were two different evaluations of romance and two very different destinies and falling curtains.
Caesar had no silly ideas of love's being all.
ROMANCE IS EXAGGERATED
I am afraid that many of my inevitably romantically-minded readers will think me Padre Lovekiller when I say that romance is much over-emphasized today.
Strong, pure, unselfish, stable young love can be a beautiful thing. Mature love grows in dignity and strength. A man and a woman who are consecrated by the sacrament knit their souls through trial and joy, creation and achievement. The old, mellowed love of a man and a woman on their golden wedding day is an amalgam of affection and respect, of dangers known and triumphs shared, of lives that side by side grew into something vast and grand and noble.
But the physical love of a man for a woman or of a woman for a man, the fascination that can spring up between totally unsuited people, is by no means the only kind of love-if it is true love at all.
Let's realize that there are all kinds of emotions that fall under the too easily used word called love. We speak of the love of God and the love of good food, the love of family and of work, the love of friends and of books, the love of scenery and of horses, the love of a hobby and the love of good conversation, the love of prayer and the love of sea and sky, the love of exercise and the love of sport, the love of travel and good wine and ripe tobacco, the love of peace and the love of the saints.
So even the most dignified and most beautiful love of a man and a woman is by no means the whole of life. So can the quick fascination or brief infatuation felt by two youngsters be the whole of life? Often a really strong and constructive love seems much like a background for life. It is an atmosphere from which a man moves out to great achievement . It is the shelter in which a woman achieves her more complete development.
Love may often be very important-when it is an inspiration that lifts the lover to higher levels and gives him or her new motives for virtue and creative living. But there is something terribly unfair about the writers who make every life story merely a love story that presents the whole of existence as a concentration on that brief period of intense physical love and that presents the great objective of life as the search for and the finding of the right partner for romance.
MUCH ELSE TO OFFER
Life has much more, often very much more, to offer. A really perfect marriage is one that opens to both husband and wife long and inviting avenues for exploration and for their individual and joint development. On the other hand, what might seem to the participants to be a predestined perfect marriage soon shows itself hardly satisfactory at all if there are merely romance and physical attraction.
Life, if it is to be satisfactory, has to be made up of a variety of elements; it has to satisfy the whole human being, body, soul, tastes, habits, possibilities for development, aspirations. Even those of the fairy tales that talked in terms of 'bread and cheese and kisses put the bread and cheese before the kisses.
And quite rightly. Under stress of a romantic fascination lovers may briefly lose their appetites. But very soon appetite comes back with a bang and a bite; romance is not enough to fill a hungry stomach, cool a parched throat, or pay a rent bill. As a matter of brutal fact the most romantic love and the most fervent kisses in these days of rising costs of bread and luxury prices of cheese will need to be supplemented by an assured income and a wise sense of budgeting.
LET'S LOOK AT CASES
A wholesome, satisfactory life has in it a lot of hard things-like cash.
A man or a woman need-if they are to attain lasting happiness here and now-a great many elements to satisfy natural
cravings and God-given desires. Love cannot long outlast hunger. That hunger may be for God, for peace, for understanding, for success in life, for self-development, for virtue, for grace.
To offer romance and physical fascination as substitutes for all these hungers is to make men and women too, too simple.
Let's say that the married man is swept off his feet by his charming if not too serviceable secretary. It is, he protests, the romance of a lifetime. So he pensions off his lawfully wedded and properly protesting wife, gives his children a final paternal-if slightly regretful-pat on the heads, and with his fresh love heads off for a new honeymoon.
The romantics may sigh that love made this course of action inevitable. People with any regard for the decencies have a very different outlook. They wonder how long he will be happy with his new light-of-love. They wonder how far his business associates will trust this man who has in his own affairs proved so untrustworthy. For all its casual talk about morality the world has not forgotten the importance of such things as obligations, the pledged word, responsibilities, duties to contracts. He will come up against a good many cold shoulders. It well may be that his career will be sharply curtailed.
There is the headlined story of the wife who falls in love with the husband of her best friend. He fervently returns her love. They make a brief and not too up-and-up struggle; no referee would call it an honest fight. In the end they break the news to the other wife, and everybody is 'highly civilized about it.
We have not yet reached a point where most people cannot recognize that the 'highly civilized conduct would be spurned by savages. We are pretty sure of the unhappiness that is built upon this romantic fascination, this physical attraction.
We severely doubt that this 'great romance will compensate for loss of honour, the brand of adultery, the collapse of will, the failure to meet simple obligations, the betrayal of sworn agreements.
LOVE THAT COSTS TOO MUCH
We who have faith are sometimes astonished at the temerity of a man or a woman who dares to ask that for his or her sake God be renounced.
Here we are, we mortals, moving toward our destiny, which is God, knowing that we are deeply at peace only when we possess God, certain that in the end we will be wretchedly miserable without God.
Then into the life of a Catholic comes a fascination that centres around, let's say, a divorced person. Usually fascinations of this sort are not lightning affairs. They come with plenty of warning; often they are of slow growth. The Catholic struggles a bit, yields a bit. . . . and then finds that he or she is deep in a romantic fascination.
Suddenly the choice becomes appallingly clear: God or this new romance. There can be no clinging to both. If the Catholic gives up the person to whom he (or she) has no right, he retains God and all that God alone can give. If he keeps the person, he gives up God and the incredible riches of God's grace and God's promises.
I am amazed that there should be among human beings something that so closely approaches idolatry. What right has any human being to cry out, 'I shall make up to you for your loss of God? How dare a limited, finite being pledge himself or herself to make the Catholic forget the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? Or if the non-Catholic could not be expected to understand, if in his conceit he regarded himself capable to fill the vacuum left by an ejected and rejected God, then surely the Catholic should know just what is happening here.
The fascination of a limited, weak mortal to make up for the limitless love of God? What can the affection of a human being give to compensate for the loss of grace from the Almighty? Are a few brief years of life with this man or that woman enough to make up for an eternity without God?
The whole business is so much worse than merely tragic; it is utterly and unbelievably stupid and inhuman.
'GIVE UP FOR ME . . ..
Or there is the Catholic who falls in love with someone outside his Church. He professes his romance to be overwhelming. Yet this incredibly attractive and fascinating person is not big enough or generous enough to make a few concessions. 'I will not be married in the Church, says the non-Catholic, 'and I shall not make the promises.
Again the choice is clear -His Church with all its Godendowed powers to guarantee eternal happiness. . . . or the arms of a selfish human being.
Yet in the fierce fascination of the moment the Catholic will give up all. . . . Christ in the Eucharist, the mothering love of Mary, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, his heir-ship to heaven . . . and expect the world to count all well lost for the fascination of a moment. . . . a day. . . . a year. . . . yes, a lifetime.
LOVE JUSTIFIED ALL?
The modern romanticist holds in theory and for practice that if you do a thing for love you do what is right. Love justifies whatever is done-the trampling on duty, the desertion of wife and children or husband and children, the walking out on one's home, even the giving up of God. It is as if a person infatuated by romance were not really responsible for what he did.
Luckily for all of us, that theory doesn't hold very far when we cons ider what humans regard as the really serious affairs of life.
Let's imagine that the scene is the front line of battle. The supposition I am making tends to caricature the whole setting. But we shall imagine that in the shadow of night the colonel has advanced his regiment to striking position. With the first glimmer of dawn he and his men will spearhead the attack that may decide the entire engagement. His junior officers synchronize their watches with his. He gives them final instructions. He settles back to await the moment at which to attack.
But suddenly his wireless operator appears, a puzzled look on his face. He hands the colonel a message. The colonel unfolds the sheet and reads the contents.
'Darling, runs the message, 'I could not live if you were to be killed in battle. Your death is almost certain if you attack the enemy this morning. I am just five miles back of the lines safe and waiting. If you will come at once, I will marry you. If you stay, I am sure you will die. That cannot be. You could not love your country more than you love me. Come. I am waiting. Love is all that matters.
The wireless operator looks at the colonel as if he were someone out of a cartoon. The colonel acts the part.
'Have my jeep brought around, snaps the colonel. He lays his hand upon the shoulder of his astounded subordinate. 'I am going to the woman I love. Let the next in command take over. Love justifies all.
When the colonel is brought up before the court-martial, what he has to say about romance and physical love falls on chilly ears. When he repeats that line about love's justifying all, they snort rudely. They happen to know that a lot of other things are more important than romance and that his duty to his regiment and his country was one of those other things.
BUT NOBODY IS IMPRESSED Let's take another case, ridiculous as it is bound to read.
The courtroom was crowded, for the case promised to be sensational. Tax evasion was a familiar enough sort of charge; but the newspapers had got wind of a startling defence, and they were playing it up in headlines: 'Tax Dodger Dodged for Love.
Confidently the defendant walked to the stand. Over the heads of the court he smiled serenely at the woman he loved, his beautiful wife beautifully dressed in a rich, almost ankle-length ermine coat, the lapels of which she was stroking with heavily jewelled fingers. Her smile was full of confident love. The romance between them was so beautiful that its force swept over the spectators, and a sob sister had that look that suggested that she was wiping her eyes with a sheet of carbon paper.
His lawyer leaned forward. 'Tell the court, he said, in a ringing voice, 'just what you told me.
The man in the chair, his eyes turned innocently to the judge, told his story with convincing simplicity. 'I loved her, he said, 'more than life. When I met her, she was being wooed by the city's wealthiest man. What chance
had I if he gave her what she needed to frame her beauty, to cushion her loveliness? My income was scarcely half his. If I gave over a part of my income to the Government, I would be robbing her, thwarting my love. So I gave her what her beauty demanded, furs, jewels, the cars she craved. I could not woo her properly and at the same time pay my taxes. What right, then, has the Government to expect me to forgo my love for the sake of mere taxes?
'Surely I was right. I gave her a house worthy of her beauty. I have dressed her as befits her love and mine. Surely I had the right to give her whatever guaranteed our love. I am sorry that I could not pay my taxes, too. But I followed my heart. . . . and love conquers all.
Maybe the spectators cheered. Maybe they laughed. Anyhow, you may be sure that the judge came down on him pretty heavily. For, seemingly, love does not justify tax evasion. You had better not love some man or woman more than you love your country.
THIEF FOR LOVE
The ridiculous cases could so easily be multiplied.
They picked him up as he stepped out of his cashier cage. 'You are ten thousand dollars short, they said. But he
smiled.
'Of course I am, he answered, calmly. 'I did it for the woman I love, and love justifies all.
To the police court, and the slack-jawed reporters he poured forth his magnificent statement of love, his justification of
what he defied them to call a theft.
'She was married to a brute, he explained. 'He abused her frightfully. And she was so fragile, so lovely, so good-and
beautiful. And a resistless love drove us into each other's arms.
'Better than a soap opera, said a police reporter, wiping away salty tears.
'She had no money. She couldn't bring suit for divorce, continued the gallant romancer. 'So I took from the bank what
she needed.
The desk sergeant choked back a sob.
'You mean. . . . you, the cashier. . . . stole. . . . ?
The prisoner's brave eyes flashed indignantly. 'Don't use that ugly word. I took money to win her freedom and make
possible our love. And love makes all things right.
Two bailiffs and two police reporters carried him about the court on their shoulders.
The judge sentenced him to twenty years; but judges are so unromantic.
(In parenthesis: John Galsworthy once wrote a play not too unlike this bit of fiction, and he, too, seemed surprised
when his leading character got a stiff sentence from the judge.)
LOVE DOESN'T STAND IN THE WAY
History has yet to pass its final verdict on the pitiful exking of England who gave up his throne for the sake of 'the woman I love. But it is interesting to note that his most friendly apologists always hasten to explain that love was not the real reason for Edward's abdication. He was, they insist, the victim of the men who owned the mines and mills. The king had been too sympathetic to those workers. He was not just a reckless romanticist chucking his responsibilities for a divorcee; he was a democrat tired of playing king, a victim of gang politics. Any of a dozen explanations are offered to make us forget that here was a king who walked out on his country, a man who renounced his oath of service because he was fascinated by a woman.
Tellingly enough his own country knew how the people felt about him and did what they thought was fitting. When Britain's fate hung on the wings of a few planes and her enemies were cutting those planes to pieces, when the royal couple who had taken over walked the bombed streets of London in peril of their lives, England handed its former king a post in the pleasure resort of Nassau. Not even in time of peril did his country want the man who had put love before his sworn duty. Ironically, he was handed a tropical playground where he could continue, if he wished, his honeymoon.
JUST NOT DONE
A community would not forgive a doctor who, during a 'flu epidemic, fled with his young wife to safety and left the people of the town to their peril. It would expect him to put his duty to his patients before his love of his wife. It would regard as shameful any effort on his part to escape to safety, however great might be his love for his wife.
If a scientist was far along in some essential and dangerous experiment, he would be expected to complete his work. The fact that he fell in love, that his wife was afraid that he might be the victim of an explosion or that some dangerous germ he was isolating would attack him would be considered poor excuse for his failure to do for the world the job he had been set to do.
THOUSANDS LIKE HIM
There have been a thousand Mark Antonys in history, men who ran away from battle in order to be with the women they loved, men who betrayed their country because of some infatuation. History finds them subjects for endless hissing. History either blots them forever from its pages or presents them unmistakably for what they are- traitors.
IS IT ENOUGH?
The romantics who put love over all justify themselves with three simple words: Love is enough. If you are in love, that is all you need. When a man loves a woman and she loves him, they have in that love all that is necessary for happiness and the fulness of life. On romance and physical fascination the present can be built and the future firmly established. With romantic love a couple have everything. Without romantic love nothing is worth while.
So people who are infatuated become so absorbed in each other that they consider the world well lost. In fact, for the time the world may seem actually lost in a haze, a mist, a sort of golden mirage. They are convinced that if they could settle in a cottage on some desert isle they would know the completeness of life.
They walk to their happiness over broken vows and the smashed altars of God, they believe that they will find at journey's end what they threw away-and more.
It is as if they believed that the physical happiness of a man and a woman together could include all other happiness of heaven and earth.
Even the slightest experience with the world proves how totally false this is. Romantic love can be the most fleeting of passions. The divorce courts grind daily the grist of romance-the couples who married in a mad rush of passion were totally blinded by the hypnotism of romance, and in a matter of months-even weeks-knew what all the wise men of the world could not prove to them earlier.
To guarantee the love of a man and a woman, God decreed the great outpouring of sacramental grace. He called down upon them multiplied blessings. He instituted a sacrament to consecrate their union.
Back of romantic love must be all that we have so often indicated: respect of each for the other, good qualities that appear when the blinding glitter of romance fades, virtues that make a person livable with, interest in a common enterprise that both love and into which both throw their fullest resources, prayer together, dignified recreation together, a richness that each uses to enrich the other, strength that each gives to the other, patience and forebearance that make it possible for each to endure the limitations that are found even in the best human being that ever lived.
ONE ONLY ONE
The preoccupation with romantic love, the conviction that 'If I miss this love, I shall never know another, rests on a strange fallacy. Somewhere in relatively recent times there grew a notion that two specific people were made for each other, these two and these two only. Marriages are not confirmed in heaven through the sacrament of Christ's institution; marriages are arranged in heaven. It is as if definitely assigned angels equipped with filing cards place in a certain bracket the cards of John and Jane. . . . and if, for some reason, John and Jane do not hit it off on earth, the angels have to tear up the cards and call off any possibility of Jane's and John's ever marrying anyone else.
You'd think that every woman was to a specific man as a single key is to a Yale lock- just one make of key that fits the lock. . . . no other key that could open it. You'd think that a man was to a woman as a final piece is to a jigsaw puzzle-only one piece that can complete the puzzle. . . . only one man that can complete the one woman's life.
So you find that when modern young people grow romantic, when they feel this fascination for each other, they adopt an attitude of final fatality. This, they are sure, is the one and only love of a lifetime. If this passes them by, never will another come.
He looks at her and says,If I marry you, I shall find happiness. If I don't marry you, I shall never know another love. She gazes upon him and says, 'From all eternity you were destined to be my mate. Without you I am incomplete. With you and only with you can my life reach fulfilment.
PRETTY MUCH NONSENSE
You'd think that widows and widowers never married again.
You'd think that people who have fallen in love once never fall out of that love and into another love with someone
I have often told the story of a young woman who wrote me of her romantic fascination -for a divorced man. She had to marry him, or her life would be wrecked, ruined. I wrote her and reasonably presented the arguments against this folly. I got no answer. Two years later I got her wedding announcement: She, a Catholic, had been married in a Protestant church.
When I visited her town, she surprisingly came to see me.
'I suppose you are disgusted with me, she said.
'That's hardly the word, I replied. 'Anyhow, when I got your first letter and you told me how mad you were about this
man, I felt that my arguments would do little good.
She had the grace to blush. 'Oh, she said, 'I'm married. . . . but not to the man I wrote you about. So she had fallen hopelessly in love successively with two men-both divorced. She married the second one. I have known a hundred and more cases of the one-and-only love that turned out to be merely the first of a series of oneand-only loves. Perhaps the fourth or the fifth was the one genuine, reverential, devoted, self-sacrificing, durable love on which the marriage could be safely established.
Recently a thoroughly pagan modern author was quoted as having said that conceivably any young man could fall in love with any of a hundred thousand young women and that more than likely any normal girl could, given the opportunity, fall in love with any of a hundred thousand acceptable or convenient young males.
Only the most romantic nonsense makes people think that one man from all eternity is predestined for one woman -and vice-versa-and that marriages are so arranged that if through some fatality these two never meet or never marry, there is no one else on earth for either of them to marry.
Even a short experience should indicate how ridiculous this is. Fascination and romance are so common that only when there are in addition the sober, serious, deep, lasting qualities that make a love strong enough for marriage should fascination and romance be taken seriously.
LOVE SO OFTEN SECOND
Time and again, however, even the most beautiful and permanent love must be put in second place. The country calls its citizens to arms. Those in control of the Government do not ask how deeply in love are the young
men and women. No consideration is give n to the loneliness of a soldier's wife or the reluctance with which a husband is parted from the woman he loves. The country slaps the men into uniform even if love has to wait. It takes the men away from their homes, however painful the separations. And if the beloved must die on the battlefield or upon the deck of a destroyer, that is because there are interests more important and more pressing than romantic love or even the deepest and most genuine love.
STILL MORE THAN LOVE
Certainly love is an important element in life. True and constructive love, the kind that binds a man and a woman in beautiful unity and makes them build together their own personal lives and the lives of the children God sends them, is vital to the world's happiness.
But always love is only one of the elements of life. Romance is only a part of love. And the physical aspects of romance are merely a part of the united life of a man and a woman.
Love is prelude to a very serious business.
Through true love God invites a man and a woman to become partners with Him in the creation of human life, in the education and full development of His sons and daughters. However glorious the assignment, here is a tremendous responsibility, a genuine profession.
Almost before all else it is vital that a young couple know how each feels about this essential work of their future life. Nothing else will bind them more closely than the common enterprise of the establishing of a home. Nothing else will give them a greater sense of unified achievement than the realization that with God they are bringing into the world His children, who are destined for an eternity of happiness.
THE START IS A SACRAMENT
Perhaps the love between a man and a woman can be made most clearly understandable if we say of it that it is meant to be- prelude to a sacrament.
Not the chance meeting and mating of animals. Not the casual entrance into an affair that might characterize pagans. But the joining of hands and hearts, of souls and bodies in an outward sign which expresses the inward grace that God is pouring into them for their elevation and their help.
St. Paul could find no other comparison worthy of the greatness of this union of a man and a woman in sacramental marriage thanthat of the union of Christ and His Church. . . . the husband loving the wife as Christ also loved the Church. . . . and the wife ministering to the husband as the Church serves its divine lover.
In our age, as in all other ages,, love between a Catholic man and a Catholic woman leads inevitably to the altar. There they tell God that they love each other with a love so deep and true, so permanent and constructive that with His help they feel capable of carrying out His high command to increase and multiply.
Their love has led to a union, a union with each other and a union with God in the enormously vital work that means homemaking and the entrance of God's little ones into life.
Any love that fails to meet the standard of this divine measure is far below what should be at the foundation of Catholic marriage.
So if you are looking for successful love, you have to peer through the glamour of romance and the glitter of fascination to see the essential qualities that mark the development of love.
Successful love is a successful partnership.
It is a partnership with God.
But it is also a partnership between the man and the woman. Each contributes to the success of the other's life. Each brings to bear qualities that complement and develop the other. Each plays a part in the intensely constructive work that must follow and mark the whole course of marriage.
In love there are so many elements. After the highly romantic and physical attraction there must come a peaceful and pleasant companionship. A good friend and companion in marriage is likely to be more durable than a violent lover. Often there is more joy in partnership than in passion. Too much romantic love is likely to wear far less well than pleasant dispositions and the common enjoyment of interest, work, and friends.
So when a romanticist cries out, 'Love's all that matters, our first question should be, 'Just what do you mean by love?
If he means only physical attraction, that is sheerest nonsense.
If he means the swift fascination, the infatuation that can come between the least suitable persons, he is talking unintelligently.
If he means true love, a love that holds beyond physical attraction, a love based on mutual respect, a feeling of friendliness and comradeship, a desire to work together, to achieve together, to share common interests and friends-this, at least, is a love that offers more chance of happiness.
If he goes a step further and talks of a love that unites the father and the mother with God in the creation of home and family, he has reached something wonderfully important and significant.
But even such a love must be set aside for higher interests and deeper duties; when love of country calls, when a man must dedicate himself to the service of his fellow-men, when God and God's law forbid that love.
For no love is important enough to make up for the loss of God.
No romance could possibly compensate for the death of the soul and the forfeiture of all eternity.
Love is richest and most human and humane when it brings with it honour, an increased sense of duty, an inspiring love of work, a multitude of friendships shared and interests held in common, a united and uniting faith, a life that binds God to the very centre of their united and consecrated life.
Love is only part of what matters for happiness in life.
But, according to the heart of God love can bring us very close to the Creator and Saviour, Who is the lover of mankind.
Nihil obstat:
W. M. COLLINS, Censor Dioc.
@D. MANNIX,
Archiepiscopus Melbournensis.


text:
Full Case Name: Roach v. Jackson County
Country of Origin: United States Court Name: Oregon Court of Appeals Primary Citation: 949 P.2d 1227 (Or. 1997) Date of Decision: Wednesday, October 22, 1997 Judge Name: Edmonds Jurisdiction Level: Oregon Alternate Citation: 151 Or.App. 33 (1997) Judges: EDMONDS Attorneys: Robert E. Babcock, Lake Oswego, argued the cause for appellant. With him on the brief was Babcock & Company. Steven R. Rinkle, Assistant County Counsel, argued the cause for respondents. With him on the brief was Arminda J. Brown, Jackson County Counsel.
This is an appeal of a county board and circuit court decision ordering destruction of a dog for chasing livestock. On appeal, the Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court decision and held that the dog must be killed in a humane manner.
Pursuant to ORS 609.155(3)(a), defendants (the Board) ordered that plaintiff's dog be destroyed, having found that the dog had chased livestock in violation of the statute. Plaintiff then sought review in the circuit court under ORS 34.010 et seq., and the circuit court affirmed the Board's order. Plaintiff appeals, and we affirm.
On appeal, plaintiff raises a number of issues, most of which were not raised before the Board. The only issues about which a discussion could be beneficial to the public and to the bar concern plaintiff's interpretations of the statutory scheme embodied in Oregon's dog control law. The Board's finding that plaintiff's dog chased a horse in the horse owner's pasture is supported by substantial evidence. There is no evidence that the horse was injured or that the dog intended to harm it. In substance, plaintiff contends that ORS 609.155(3)(a) requires proof that his dog chased the horse and harmed it or chased it with the intent to injure or kill it, proof that is lacking in this case.
It is axiomatic that the Board and this court are required to carry out the legislature's intent as expressed by ORS chapter 609. Our authority extends no further. When faced with a question of statutory interpretation, our first level of analysis is to examine the text and context of the statute in issue in an effort to ascertain the intent of the legislature when it promulgated the statute. ORS 609.155(3) provides, in part:
"[T]he county governing body shall determine whether the dog has been engaged in killing, wounding, injuring or chasing livestock. If the county governing body determines that the dog has been so engaged, the dog shall be killed in a humane manner."
Plaintiff's arguments focus on the meaning of the word "chasing" in the statute. ORS chapter 609 does not provide a definition of that word, but we presume that it has its ordinary meaning.
Plaintiff relies on several other statutes contained in ORS chapter 609 in an effort to provide additional context to the word "chasing" in ORS 609.155(3)(a). In particular, plaintiff relies on ORS 609.155(1), ORS 609.140, ORS 609.157 and ORS 609.160. ORS 609.155(1) provides for the impoundment of any dog "engaged in killing, wounding, injuring or chasing livestock or upon receipt from a complainant of evidence that a dog has been so engaged." ORS 609.140 [FN1] provides for a right of action by an owner of damaged livestock for damages against the owner of the dog. ORS 609.160(1) provides, in part, that "[n]o person shall own, harbor or keep any dog with knowledge that it has killed or wounded any livestock." Finally, ORS 609.157 creates a disputable presumption that a dog has killed or injured livestock. That presumption arises when "[t]he dog is found chasing livestock not the property of the owner of the dog in an area where freshly damaged livestock are found." [FN2]
FN1. ORS 609.140 provides, in part:
"(1) The owner of any livestock which has been damaged by being injured, chased, wounded or killed by any dog shall have a cause of action against the owner of such dog for the damages resulting therefrom."
FN2. ORS 609.157 provides, in its entirety:
"A disputable presumption shall arise that a dog has been engaged in killing, wounding, injuring or chasing livestock within the meaning of ORS 609.140 and 609.155 if:
"(1) The dog is found chasing livestock not the property of the owner of the dog in an area where freshly damaged livestock are found;
"(2) The dog is found feeding upon a warm carcass of a livestock animal;
"(3) An examination of the dog's feces indicates ingestion of portions of the anatomy or covering of the anatomy of livestock by the dog; or
"(4) Portions of the anatomy or covering of the anatomy of livestock is found on the teeth of the dog, unless the dog is regularly used for the purpose of herding sheep."
Plaintiff argues that when the above statutes are read together, it is apparent that a dog may not be destroyed for merely chasing livestock unless the dog also causes some injury to the livestock or had an intent to cause harm. According to plaintiff, the fact that ORS 609.157(1) requires livestock damage before a presumption of chasing arises means that the legislature intended that the dog cause some type of injury before it can be found to have "chased" livestock. He concludes:
"If evidence of livestock damage is needed to create a presumption of chasing, how can it not be equally essential to proof of the fact? If it is not unlawful to 'own, harbor or keep' a dog that has chased but caused no damage and if a dog which has chased without injury is not a public nuisance subject to summary execution by 'any person,' is it not unreasonable and inconsistent with the statutory scheme to interpret 'chase' in any manner which does not make damage or at least predatory intent an essential element of proof?" (Emphasis in original.)
We disagree with plaintiff's argument that there must be proof that the horse was harmed. The operative words in ORS 609.155(3)(a) have discrete meanings. A dog need not kill or wound livestock for the statute to apply. In context, the word "injuring" connotes a situation where there is no physical contact between the dog and the livestock, but the livestock is injured as a result of the dog's actions. [FN3] Similarly, the statute is implicated when the dog merely chases livestock without injury or wounding occurring. It is apparent that the legislature recognized the potential of harm to livestock by a dog merely chasing livestock and sought to prevent that potential harm.
FN3. For example, livestock could become injured as a result of the dog's actions even though the dog never came into contact with the animal because of running into a fence or similar barrier.
Plaintiff's argument regarding the need for proof of a predatory intent also fails. If the legislature had intended to require a predatory intent as an element of ORS 609.155(3)(a), it would have said so. We are prohibited from adding words to the statute. ORS 174.010. [FN4] Also, there is nothing in the connotation of "chasing" that requires a predatory intent. "To chase" includes a meaning of "to follow usually rapidly and intently." Webster's Third New Int'l Dictionary 379 (unabridged ed 1993). Under the language of the statute, a dog could "chase" livestock for pleasure and still fall within the purview of the statute.
FN4. ORS 174.010 provides:
"In the construction of a statute, the office of the judge is simply to ascertain and declare what is, in terms or in substance, contained therein, not to insert what has been omitted, or to omit what has been inserted; and where there are several provisions or particulars such construction is, if possible, to be adopted as will give effect to all."
Additionally, plaintiff's focus on the disputable presumption in ORS 609.157 is misplaced. Disputable presumptions are evidentiary tools. See, e.g., OEC 311 (defining certain presumptions). Under OEC 308, "a presumption imposes on the party against whom it is directed the burden of proving that the nonexistence of the presumed fact is more probable than its existence." In other words, if a dog is found chasing livestock in an area where freshly damaged livestock are found, there is a disputable presumption that the dog caused the damage to the livestock. Although the statute is not artfully worded, the effect of ORS 609.157 is to provide a presumption of causation when there is a controversy about whether the dog is responsible for freshly damaged livestock. As an evidentiary rule, ORS 609.157 does not provide an additional element to ORS 609.155(3)(a).
Finally, plaintiff argues that the authority to destroy his dog under ORS 609.155(3)(a) is discretionary and that the Board did not exercise its discretion by considering the option of releasing the dog to him. Plaintiff argues that when ORS 609.155(3)(a) is read in context with ORS 609.090(2), which provides for destruction of dogs under certain circumstances when they are declared nuisances, the Board had the discretion not to order the destruction of the dog. Again we disagree. The language of ORS 609.155(3)(a) is mandatory. It provides that the county governing body "shall" determine whether the dog has been engaged in the prohibited acts and if it determines that the dog has been so engaged, "the dog shall be killed in a humane manner." ORS 609.155(3)(a). (Emphasis supplied.) The determining factor is what the legislature meant by the word "shall." When used in a statute, the word "shall" expresses an intent to mandate the doing of an act. State ex rel. Cox v. Davidson Ind., 291 Or. 839, 851, 635 P.2d 630 (1981).
Also, plaintiff's reliance on ORS 609.090(2) is misplaced. ORS 609.090(2) provides the Board with discretion to release a dog that has been a public nuisance but is not dangerous. However, ORS 609.090(2) only applies to dogs impounded under section ORS 609.090(1) [FN5] and not to dogs that have killed, wounded, injured or chased livestock. The more specific provisions of ORS 609.155(3)(a) apply. The texts of the applicable statutes illustrate the point. ORS 609.155(1) says:
FN5. ORS 609.090(1) provides:
"When any dog is found running at large in any county, precinct or city, which is subject to ORS 609.010 to 609.190 or when a dog is a public nuisance described by ORS 609.095 or 609.150, every chief of police, constable, sheriff or deputy of either, or other police or dog control officer shall impound it or cite the owner or keeper to court or do both."
"In a county with a dog control program, upon finding a dog engaged in killing, wounding, injuring or chasing livestock or upon receipt from a complainant of evidence that a dog has been so engaged, the dog control officer or other law enforcement officer shall impound the dog."
ORS 609.155(3)(b) says:
"Notwithstanding ORS 609.090, a dog impounded pursuant to subsection (1) of this section shall not be released until a determination is made by the county governing body pursuant to this subsection."
In other words, ORS 609.155 is authority discrete from ORS 609.090 for the county governing body to impound a dog that kills, injures, wounds or chases livestock for the purpose of determining whether that dog has been engaged in that conduct and, upon that determination, to order the dog destroyed. For the above reasons, the trial court did not err in affirming the Board's order.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Households facing 'price spike' as regulator loses key court case
By Brian Robins
Updated May 24, 2017 — 11.53pm first published at 9.59am
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A federal court has blocked efforts to cut power price rises which will leave households facing a 'price spike' that could run into hundreds of dollars a year, one consumer group has warned.
After protracted legal action, the Australian Energy Regulator lost on nearly all counts when it sought to restrain spending by power companies. It had argued that the NSW electricity distribution businesses - the poles and wires companies such as Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy - were inefficient.
The decision has national ramifications since it will affect the regulator's dealings with the power industry in all other states. It is also a windfall for the investors who have paid the NSW government billions of dollars to acquire control of Ausgrid and Endeavour over the six months or so.
Wednesday's decision by the Federal Court covers planned spending by the power companies between 2014 and 2019, with households to be exposed to substantially higher prices than would have been the case otherwise.
AER chairman Paula Conboy has lost a bid to force down power prices Credit:Josh Robenstone
The cost of transporting electricity from power stations to households makes up around 40 per cent of the electricity bill, and it is this portion which has been at the centre of this prolonged legal battle as power companies sought to maximise their revenues, by spending up big on new equipment.
The AER had claimed the energy distributors in NSW were less efficient than their interstate counterparts, arguing that households should not be forced to pay for their poor management.
The original decision by the regulator to cut power prices was appealed to the Australian Competition Tribunal and the regulator subsequently appealed the decision of the Tribunal to the Federal Court, with the litigation dragging on since 2015.
The AER said the decision was "disappointing", saying it will now review its options, while refusing to rule out a further legal challenge.
Consumer groups have warned that households may need to brace for substantial price hikes as power utilities seek to recoup their higher costs.
"There is the risk of a 'price spike' as the delayed price adjustment is implemented," an official with one consumer group said.
"There is concern whether there will be a 'price spike' or whether steps already taken will limit that," Craig Memery, policy officer with the Public Interest Advocacy Centre said. "Irrespective, wholesale price rises already seen with gas and electricity are going to add hundreds of dollars to annual utility bills which a lot of households won't be able to afford.
"Not only will NSW households pay more following this decision; the precedent set will affect future decisions by the regulator, impacting households across the country."
Wednesday's court decision could add as much as $1.7 billion to Ausgrid's approved spending, industry sources said, which will have to be borne by households.
"We will need to assess future prices once the full effect of the court decision on the revenue of the distributors is clear," Ms Paula Conboy, the head of the AER said.
Officials with power utilities said it will take some time before the extent of price rises is known.
"It is too early to tell what the impact will be on prices," an official with one of the power distributors said. "It will take time for the AER to determine what the outcome will be. We have also been discussing with the regulator rolling some of the pricing effects into the next determination period [that is, beyond 2020] to help smooth prices for consumers."
NSW energy minister Don Harwin rejected speculation of price rises, stating the government has guarantees in place to ensure prices charged by the distributors in 2019 are lower than in 2014. However this fails to take into account the decision to "smooth" price rises beyond 2019.
The head of the Energy Networks Association, John Bradley said consumers should shop around if they were concerned about prices rising.
"Any bill impacts ... are likely to be outweighed by the savings most customers could make today by shopping around for a better retail energy deal," he said.
The decision to block the regulator from forcing through price cuts is a boon to the new owners of Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy, which were sold recently by the state government, raising billions of dollars.
The regulator is also pressing for the government to change the way the pricing and spending plans of the energy distributors are regulated, since their ability to challenge AER decisions under a so-called 'limited merits review' has typically favoured the distributors.
"The 'limited merits review' is quite unique to Australia," the AER's Ms Conboy said. "There is no downside for the distributor to appeal a decision. The COAG of Energy Ministers has recognised the limited merits review is not delivering [for consumers]. We're waiting to see what COAG decides."
Brian Robins is a columnist.Connect via email.


The NRU-organized PhD-course will take place at Rigshospitalet February 26 - March 2, 2018 in the meeting facilities next to Aud. 93.
For course announcement and registration please visit https://phdcourses.ku.dk/DetailKursus.aspx?id=103959&sitepath=SUND.
Welcome back to Sofi who will work part time at NRU for the rest of 2017.
Simone Pleinert, stud.psych. She will be working on the EMOTICOM project.
Mathilde Hansen, medical student and volunteer (NP1).
Miran Dinarzehi, stud.pharm. and master student in the experimental lab.
Congratulations to NRU senior researcher prof. Jens Damsgaard Mikkelsen who has been re-appointed as Council member of the Independent Research Fund Denmark | Medical sciences (FSS) for another two-year term (2018-2019).
Independent Research Fund Denmark | Medical Sciences supports specific research activities based on the initiatives of researchers, and gives scientific advice within the scientific areas of the Council. The Council covers all aspects of both basic scientific-, clinical- and socio-medical research in relation to human health and disease, and the Council allocates research grants to researchers working within these areas. Furthermore, the Council provides scientific advice in relation to health-scientific issues. Advice is given according to request or on the Council's own initiative.
Gitte Moos Knudsen has been appointed as chair of the Scientific Advisory Board for the European Flagship Programme The Human Brain Project (HBP). The HBP is funded by the European Commission Directorate General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CONNECT) under the Horizon 2020 framework, an EU Research and Innovation funding programme.
The HBP's total costs are estimated at EUR 1.019 billion, of which EUR 500 million will be provided by the European Commission, EUR 500 million by national, public and private organisations, and EUR 19 million by the Core Project Ramp-Up Phase Partners.
Congratulations to Agnete Overgaard for receiving 10,550 DKK to support her participation at the 47th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Psychoneuroendocrinology in Zürich, Vincent Beliveau 11,700 DKK for the MICCAI meeting in Quebec, Louise Møller Jørgensen 28,937 DKK for project collaboration meetings in Boston and finally, Gitte Moos Knudsen 50,000 DKK for the NRU retreat in Oslo.
It is with great pleasure that we can announce that NRU senior researcher Lars Pinborg has received money from the Lundbeck Foundation and the University of Copenhagen for a new 5 year half-time position as associate professor in the field of precision medicine. The purpose is to increase the understanding of brain diseases, develop better methods of diagnosis and consequently more targeted treatment. Brain diseases are widely understood, but with special focus on epilepsy.
In the period Aug 21st to Sep 1st, NRU had the pleasure to host Spyridon Siafis from the Laboratory of Pharmacology & Clinical Pharmacology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece in an ECNP Research Internship. After his stay, Dr. Siafis has provided a very positive feedback which can be read in the attached short report to ECNP.
Per Jensen will defend his thesis 'Translocator protein imaging with 123I-Clinde SPECT - Method development and clinical research' on September 15, 2017 at 2 pm, Auditorium 93, Rigshospitalet. The Neuroscience Center will host a reception at NRU after the defence. All are welcome.
See the invitation for further information and thesis summary.
Congratulations to Sebastian Holst for receiving DKK 200,000 from Toyota-Fonden to cover expenses for an Opto-Acoustic MR compatible noise canceling system that will enable sleep in the MR environment.
Congratulations to Martin Nørgaard for receiving 50,000 DKK from the Lundbeck Foundation for his 'PhD stay abroad' at the Martinos Center in Boston.


Book VII opens with another prologue to Urania, who in classical mythology was the Muse of Astronomy but whom Milton has transformed into a heavenly or Christian inspiration. In this prologue, Milton asks Urania to bring his thoughts down from Heaven and back to Earth and to inspire him once more to rise above his physical limitations.
Returning to the scene in Eden, Adam asks Raphael to relate the story of the creation of the world. Raphael replies that after the rebellious angels were defeated, God wished to add a new creation so that no place in the universe would seem unpopulated by the absence of the fallen angels. He decided to create Mankind to live on Earth. Through obedience to God's will, Man would finally unite Earth with Heaven. God sent the Son forth to create Earth and the heavens that surround it. The Son accomplished this creation and hung Earth on a chain suspended from Heaven. Then God began the creation that would lead to Man. Raphael's account here closely follows the story of creation in Genesis, in which over a period of seven days, God creates the foundations of life (light, firmament, the seasons of the year, and so on) and then life itself, beginning with fish and other creatures and culminating in the creation of Man (Adam). Raphael concludes his description of the creation with an account of the rejoicing in Heaven over God's handiwork.
The prologue to Book VII is especially interesting on two counts. First, the Muse Milton invokes is again Urania, the classical Muse of Astronomy, who is appropriate since the focus of this book is on the creation of Earth and the heavens, and Book VIII will deal with planetary motions. But, once again, just as he did in Book I, Milton disassociates Urania from the classical tradition and equates her with Christian inspiration, literally (in Book I) with the Holy Spirit. This treatment of Urania epitomizes one of Milton's goals in Paradise Lost — to compose a Christian epic. He brings together the pagan classical tradition with Christian doctrine; the invocation and transmutation of Urania provides an emblematic image of this goal.
The second point of interest in this prologue is Milton's personal references. He once again alludes to his blindness with the word "darkness" in line 27, but he goes on to mention "dangers" (28) and earlier referred to "evil days." These references appear to be to the political situation in England at the time Milton wrote Paradise Lost. Milton had been an official in Cromwell's government and had been imprisoned briefly after the Restoration. The supporters of Charles II, as well as Charles himself, were not an especially bloodthirsty lot, but Puritans and former supporters of Cromwell had good reasons to be concerned. Milton, because of his notoriety, outspokenness, and blindness, was especially vulnerable. Moreover, his composition, a Christian epic, was not likely to be popular among the Cavaliers, who had more worldly matters on their minds. Consequently, the personal aspects of this prologue reveal Milton's sense of isolation, vulnerability, and perhaps fear at a time when, had circumstances not changed so dramatically, he might have been one of the most celebrated figures in the kingdom.
The rest of Book VII, following the prologue, needs less comment than most books since it follows the account of creation in Genesis quite closely. Some important differences, distinctions, and additions do exist, however. Perhaps the most apparent difference between Milton's account of creation and that in Genesis is that the Son, rather than God the Father, goes forth to create Earth and the heavens. Milton seems to be developing a Christian version of creation here to contrast with the Old Testament / Judaic one in Genesis. The Son sets forth in his chariot followed by "Cherub and Seraph, Potentates and Thrones, / And Virtues" (197-98). As he creates, the Son uses golden compasses to make Earth and the heavens surrounding it — an image that was made famous a century or so later in William Blake's illustrations for Paradise Lost. Following the Son's initial, triumphant creation of Earth, Milton returns to the creation account in Genesis in both context and cadence. As the day-by-day events are described, the actions are credited to God, although it is unclear in this section whether Milton means God the Father or God the Son.
As the events of each day of creation occur, Milton incorporates his own knowledge and interpretations. For example, in describing the creation of dry land on Day 3, Milton attributes the formation of mountains to God and also suggests that the highest mountains correspond to the lowest depths in the oceans. Neither of these ideas is in Genesis, and both were matters of theological debate in the seventeenth century. Milton simply adds his own ideas about geology and creation to the account. Similarly, in his account of Day 4, Milton adds scientific description and information about the stars. On Day 5, the description of certain fish is detailed and precise, reflecting Milton's study of natural history. So, on the one hand, Milton simply repeats the biblical account of creation, but, on the other, he is adding, from his own vast store of knowledge, much detailed insight and information not found in Genesis. In a sense, Book VII is Milton's improved scientific and Christian account of the story of creation. Of course, all of these changes are presented by Raphael, so it is more precise to call this version of creation Raphael's.
One last feature of Book VII, as well as of Books VI and VIII, is worth consideration. In each of these books, Adam questions Raphael concerning God, nature, and the universe. In many ways, Adam's questions seem to be simple and understandable curiosity on his part. But on a deeper level, Adam's curiosity points toward the Tree of Knowledge. Adam constantly wants more information, and this desire on his part clearly suggests that in the decisive moment, Adam's own personality may fail him. Further, Raphael, as a character, may abet Adam's eventual fall. The "affable angel" was sent by God to warn Adam of Satan's plans. Raphael has delivered and will deliver this warning piecemeal and vaguely. Raphael can explain the war in Heaven with precision. He can explain creation clearly. But he warns Adam in generalities. Raphael's vague warnings may be necessitated by God's instructions, but, even so, they lack the specificity that might truly help Adam and Eve be prepared for Satan.
Archangel (41) a chief angel; angel of high rank.
Hierarchies (191) the leaders or chiefs of religious groups; high priests. Milton uses the term to represent all the angels who make up the Heavenly Host.
omnific (217) creating all things.
firmament (261) the sky, viewed poetically as a solid arch or vault.
ounce (466) lynx or panther.
behemoth (467) a large beast mentioned in the Bible; in Milton's time the term probably referred to the elephant.
hyaline (619) transparent as glass; glassy.


Although there are many events happening this weekend on different squares in Moscow. You can also decide to visit Dorogomilovskiy market, which France will take over this weekend.
So if you crave some French cheese and wine, as well as many other French delicacies don't miss out. It opens on 14th December untill 16th December.
Also your kids will be able to play with animators from French institute and you can still do some original, last minute Christmas shopping.
« Ballet on ice – Moscow journey to Christmas!


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Five Colorado Mountains with Brag-Worthy Terrain
Home Articles General Howelsen Powderhorn Silverton Snowmass Telluride Five Colorado Mountains with Brag-Worthy Terrain
Expedia Viewfinder teamed up with Colorado Ski Country USA to showcase mountain resorts with notable landscapes in the Centennial State.
Colorado is known for stunning peaks and incredible skiing conditions, and many of its mountain resorts have some especially wow-worthy elements. To help us decide which ski resorts to shred up this winter, our Expedia Viewfinder team joined forces with Colorado Ski to reveal some of the must-see terrain at the following mountain resorts across the state:
Flickr/Creative Commons/Alexander Nilssen/Via/https://flic.kr/p/7McpQK
Located just outside Steamboat Springs, Howelsen Hill has been the training grounds for more than 70 Olympians. Topping out at just over 7,000 feet in elevation, Howelsen isn't the tallest peak in the state, but it is North Americas largest natural ski jumping complex. Even for visitors who don't plan to make it onto the national ski team, Howelsen can be just the spot to brush up on technique or find out what it feels like to get some air under those skis.
Telluride Ski Resort
The name Telluride is often associated with the town's iconic film festival held each summer, but the mountains steal the show. Take center stage shredding up the terrain park, which boasts more than 100 features. Then after a day on the slopes, warm up at Giuseppes at the Plunge Lift. This enticing mountain restaurant sits perched at an elevation of 11,980 feet, making it the highest restaurant in all of ski country. On a clear day, visitors can see all the way to La Sal Mountains from the eatery.
Powderhorn Mountain Resort
Powderhorn Mountain Resort is located east of Grand Junction in Mesa. Powderhorn is unique in that, instead of featuring a sharp peak like many other mountains, it has a flat top. In fact, Powderhorn is one of the largest flat-topped mountains in the world. This unique ski area is known for its gladed tree runs, but there are also terrain parks, boulder fields for jumping, and views over 20 miles into the distance on clear days.
Flickr/Creative Commons/Zach Dischner/Via/https://flic.kr/p/o1no6o
Silverton Mountain offers the highest elevation of ski area in all of North America, with a peak of 13,487 feet. Due to the mountains immense height, the trails are also some of the steepest in the nation. Silvertons terrain is not groomed, aside for avalanche reduction efforts, to keep the trails in their natural state. The mountain also caps the number of guests allowed into the park each day, so expert skiers and boarders can experience wide-open ranges, bowls, cliffs, and chutes all to themselves.
Flickr/Creative Commons/Aspen Snowmass/Via/https://flic.kr/p/dvstBN
Among paleontologists, Snowmass is better known as Snowmastodon due to the discovery of fossils at the resort just a few years ago. For everyone else, Snowmass is a skier and snowboarders playground with more than 3,000 acres of terrain and the longest top-to-bottom run in the state, clocking in at 5.3 miles. The resort also features the largest lift-served descent in all of North America.
From some of the highest peaks to the longest runs in the state, these Colorado mountain resorts are the place for finding brag-worthy terrain. This season, put on your snow gear and get ready to take on these remarkable slopes in the Rocky Mountains.
Expedia Staff Writer
Mini-homes Make For Monumental... Published: 09.06.2022


PowerSkin believes in empowering through technology and inspiring through creativity. Their goal is to provide customers with the slimmest and stylish easy to use, easy to carry battery solutions. Customers should expect only the highest in quality and design from PowerSkin and never have to worry about power.
At PowerSkin®, they believe everyone should live life, fully charged; therefore they have created a life-friendly line of technologically advanced, functional, and stylish portable power solutions for keeping smartphones and tablets powered.
And when (not if) you drop your phone along the way, PowerSkin has got you covered… literally. Their sleek, expertly designed cases fit your phone like a second skin, keeping it protected AND charged all day long. No more worrying about losing power even when you're traveling.
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No one likes running out of battery. The PowerSkin for iPhone 5/5s makes that nearly impossible. A thin case that's hardly noticeable, the PowerSkin extends the battery life of your iPhone to the point where you should never have to worry about scrambling for recharging outlet.
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Amazon offers a huge selection of PowerSkin Battery Cases.
There's something for almost every smartphone on the market.
check the price for each one you're interested in learning more about.
These specialized line-up of universal portable power packs utilize multi-use functionality, high capacity batteries, and patented adhering technologies to provide stylish battery packs that stay right there with you when you need them.


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Dear visitors, as a result of gradual relaxation of COVID-19 restrictive measures, we will provide Free Downtown Tour, Free 20th Century Tour, Free Zemun Tour & Underground Tour according to the schedule, while the rest of our tours are available on request. Please be sure to contact us so we can arrange a tour for you. Stay safe!
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Panonian Fairy Tale: Novi Sad & Fruska Gora National Park
Visit Novi Sad and enjoy the pearl among Serbian cities
From the Petrovaradin Fortress, which is waiting for us, proudly rising on the edge of the Danube river bank, you will have an unforgettable view of the entire Novi Sad city. Few centuries ago the fortress was the border between east and west, between two great empires, and still its underground tunnels keep many secrets …Today one of the biggest music festivals in Europe "Exit" takes place among its strong walls.
Walking through the oldest streets of Novi Sad, admiring magnificent baroque, classical, neo-gothic buildings, colorful facades, you will fall in love with its grace atmosphere and its inhabitants who, even in this era of fast communications, have preserved the tranquility and natural kindness. Imagine how they persuaded the Empress Maria Theresa to sell them a city for 80000 Hungarian forints! And since then it was the cultural center of the Serbians for a long time, still called "Serbian Athens".
As a quiet guardian of the city and whole this region, in a distant prehistory elevated as an island from the huge Panonian Sea, lies Fruska Gora Mountain, which is today the oldest national park in Serbia. While enjoying the landscapes of its beautiful slopes, we will visit New Hopovo, one of the most important Orthodox monasteries on the mountain. Deeper in the forest we'll find a monument dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the Second World War called symbolically – The Freedom.
Following the traces of the greatest migration of the Serbian people from the end of the 17th century, we'll arrive in Sremski Karlovci. Walking around the oldest high school in Serbia, the famous fountain "4 lions", the Orthodox cathedral, with the taste of the "Kuglof" chocolate cake in your mouth, we'll solve the riddle: What is the other Sun, which the people of this irresisteble small town claim to have?
At the end of this exciting adventure, we are going to the local wine cellar where, besides various high quality wines, you will have a unique opportunity to try Bermet, a dessert, spicy wine, made only in this region. The red one was a favorite drink of Empress Maria Theresa and the legend says it was sold on Titanic as well!
Word of advice: since we are visiting churches and monasteries make sure you have something to cover your shoulders and knees.
Regular tour: 69€
If you would like a private tour, we can organize one for you. Please contact us.
What will you see?
Fruška Gora National Park: Hopovo monastery and Sloboda monument
Petrovaradin fortress
Novi Sad City center
Sremski Karlovci town center
Family Vinery
Pick up from your accommodation
Drop off at your accommodation
We will pick you up from your accommodation. We'll work out the details once you call us or send us an email.
Do I need to book this tour?
Yes, please book no later than 6pm the day before.
Is this tour available whole year round?
Yes, this tour is available regardless of the time of the year.
How long does the tour last?
We start the tour between 8-9am and should come back around 7pm. However, it depends on many factors, one of which is traffic.
Do you want a specially tailored tour for your interests?
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If you have any questions, feel free to drop us a line or give us a call.
Call between 08:00 and 19:00 every day
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Urbanized
The Issues and Strategies Behind Urban Design
Film First Corp.
Over half the world's population now lives in an urban area, and 75% will call a city home by 2050. But while some cities are experiencing explosive growth, others are shrinking.The challenges of balancing housing, mobility, public space, civic engagement, economic development, and environmental policy are fast becoming universal concerns. Yet much of the dialogue on these issues is disconnected from the public domain.
By exploring a diverse range of urban design projects around the world, URBANIZED frames a global discussion on the future of cities.
Official Selection at the Toronto International Film Festival.
"Even viewers with deep knowledge of modern urban planning are likely to learn something from the carefully selected images and thoughtful interviews that make up most of URBANIZED." - A.O. Scott, The New York Times
Gary Hustwit
Alastair Graham, Alejandro Aravena, Amanda Burden, Bruce Katz, Candy Chang, Edgar Pieterse, Eduardo Paes, Ellen Dunham-Jones, Enrique Peñalosa, Gangolf Stocker, Grady Gammage Jr., Grover Mouton, Jacqueline James, James Corner, Jan Gehl, Jon Bird, Joshua David, Kathryn Ewing, Mark Covington, Michael Sorkin, Noah Chasin, Oscar Niemeyer, Rahul Mehrotra, Rem Koolhaas, Ric Scofidio, Ricky Burdett, Robert Hammond, Sheela Patel, Sicelo Nkohla, Sir Norman Foster, Tarna Klitzner, Udo Andriof, Yung Ho Chang
The Arts > Architecture
The Arts > Design
Documentaries > Art & Artists
The New Modernists: 6 European Architects 60 mins Produced at roughly the same time as The New Modernists 9 American Architects, this film examines an equally interesting selection of European architects. Critic Kenneth…
The New Modernists: 6 European Architects
Richard Meier 65 mins At mid-career, Meier guides the viewer on a retrospective of his white buildings, from private houses of the 1960s to the Frankfurt and Atlanta Museums…
Richard Meier
Louis Kahn - Silence and Light 60 mins With the participation of William Jordy, Jonas Salk, Aldo Rossi, Arata Isozaki, Tadao Ando, Robert Venturi, Denise Scott-Brown, Brendan Gill, and others. Narration by Kenneth…
Louis Kahn - Silence and Light
Beyond Utopia - Changing Attitudes in American Architecture 59 mins In 1982, at the height of the postmodernist adventure in architecture we visit 4 practices: Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown, Frank Gehry, Michael Graves…
Beyond Utopia - Changing Attitudes in American Architecture
The New Modernists: German Architecture for the 21st Century 65 mins A visit with the principals of seven architectural practices at the sites of their best work in many parts of Germany. The eleven architects, all…
The New Modernists: German Architecture for the 21st Century
Norman Foster 52 mins The airport in Hongkong, the Gherkin in London, the viaduct in Millau - all of these constructions bear the mark of the most significant architect…
Norman Foster
Education of an Architect - Voices from The Cooper Union School of Architecture 68 mins The members of a graduating class at the Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture of The Cooper Union in New York City explain their imaginative…
Education of an Architect - Voices from The Cooper Union School of Architecture
Vayola
CUNY Queensborough Community College•9 months ago
Great documentary! I am considering majoring in Urban Planning. I have read some books about Urban PLanning, and this video provided me with several real-life illustrations and some creative ideas too. Fascinating!
10 Towns that Changed America - Towns Designed from the Ground Up
Helvetica - Typography, Graphic Design and Global Visual Culture
The Pruitt-Igoe Myth
Unicorn Stencil
The Debt of Dictators
California Newsreel
Green Towns USA: A New Deal
Lost and Found Productions
Creating Community: Lafayette Park
We Buy, Who Pays?
Lotta Films
Maker - An Exploration of the Maker Movement in America
Muris Media
China Urbanisation Migration and Related Issues
Pro Doco
Fashioning Faith - Islamic Fashion
Documentary Educational Resources
The Human Scale - Planning Livable and Humanistic Cities
KimStim
Brasilia: Life After Design - The Utopian Capital of Brazil
Feelsales


text:
U.S.WND
Coloradans vote to bypass Electoral College
Approve plan to give votes to winner of national popular tally
Published November 5, 2020 at 8:05pm
President Donald J. Trump disembarks Air Force One Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020, at Erie International Airport in Erie, Pennsylvania. (Official White House photo by Tia Dufour)
Voters in Colorado, which is led by progressive Democrats in the governor's office, the state Senate and the state House, have adopted a plan designed to allow the national popular vote for to determine the state's votes for president.
Called the National Popular Vote movement, it would bypass the Electoral College, in which electors from each state cast the vote for president, based on the vote of the populace in the state.
Colorado voters chose Tuesday to join the movement, which critics say would allow the votes in small states to be swallowed by the nation's large population centers in New York, Texas and California.
The compact is supposed to take effect when enough states sign up to total at least 270 Electoral College votes.
Proponents of the campaign argue it's their best chance to effectively eliminate the Electoral College. Removing it from the Constitution would require an amendment ratified by three-fourths of the states.
But the plan could face court challenges if it ever took effect.
The Washington Examiner reported Colorado joined the compact with the Democratic-majority states of Maryland, New Jersey, Illinois, Hawaii, Washington, Massachusetts, the District of Columbia, Vermont, California, Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, New Mexico and Oregon.
An opponent of the compact, former Republican state House Speaker Frank McNulty, argued Colorado's votes "should be decided by Coloradans."
Should Colorado bypass the Electoral College?
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98% (182 Votes)
"This is going to reduce Colorado's clout, and it's going to reduce our influence on issues like transportation, water, health care, and funding for our military bases," he said.
The vote followed a $4.4 million campaign funded by outsiders.
McNulty said voters "were tricked by California billionaires, who spend millions of dollars to buy our votes for president."
Part of the drive behind the campaign was the resentment of Colorado Democrats who saw Hillary Clinton lose the Electoral College vote while garnering more popular votes nationally. However her margin of 2.8 million votes nationally was smaller than her advantage of 4.3 million votes in California.
Congresswoman-elect Lauren Boebert accused the Democratic governor, Jared Polis, of stealing Coloradans' votes to give to California.
McNulty said the reason Colorado, with nine Electoral College votes, has any clout on national issues is "because the way we allocate our electoral votes matters."
Don Wilson, the mayor of Monument, Colorado, said the national popular vote "would make the entire middle of the country flyover states."
"You, as a presidential candidate, are going to try and get the most bang for your buck and go to California and New York," he said.
"Compare that to the money it would cost to go to the rural areas of Colorado where there are five acres between people, and I'm worried that those people will get lost in the shuffle if we do a popular vote."


text:
Optical and Magnetic Properties of Mn-Doped ZnS Nanoparticles Synthesized by a Hydrothermal Method
Bui, Hong Van and Nguyen, Hoang Nam and Hoang, Nam-Nhat and Truong, Thanh Trung and Pham, Van Ben (2014) Optical and Magnetic Properties of Mn-Doped ZnS Nanoparticles Synthesized by a Hydrothermal Method. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 50 (6). p. 2400504. ISSN 0018-9464
The Mn-doped ZnS nanoparticles with T2d - F4̅3m cubic structure and an average crystalline size of about 16 nm were synthesized using the hydrothermal method at 220 °C for 15 h from Zn(CH3COO)2 (0.1M), Mn(CH3COO)2 (0.01M), and Na2S2O3 (0.1 M) as the precursors. The appearance of characteristic photoemission bands of Mn2+ (3d5) ions at 390, 430, 467, and 493 nm in the photoluminescence excitation spectra while monitoring the yellow-orange band at 585 nm showed that the Mn2+ (3d10) ions substituted for Zn2+ (3d10) ions in ZnS matrix and caused the ferromagnetism of Mn-doped ZnS nanoparticles. The dependence of photoluminescence, photoluminescence excitation spectra, and magnetization curves on Mn content and the wavelength of excitation radiation were reported.
Ms. Cam Le Tran Thi