Ross, Sinclaire & Associates, LLC (RSA) is a regional, full-service securities brokerage and investment banking firm dedicated to innovative strategies and superior client service.
The RSA staff is a diverse group of professionals experienced in municipal finance and retail brokerage. In addition, RSA has a network of relationships with mutual funds, banks, and broker/dealers throughout the investment community.


Comedy and humor have always had a bigger purpose than to make us laugh. We use humor almost daily just to get current events out to the general public. It's used as a method to broach difficult subjects, to provoke thought, to provide healing, and so much more.
For the final TEDxRVASalon of 2017, we closed out the year with some laughter and cheer. We learned from the art of comedy and reflected on how the same principles can be used in our everyday life.
We also closed out our last Salon of the year with a celebration of all our TEDxRVA Volunteers have accomplished and show them how much we appreciated the hard work they put into the THIRTEEN events we pulled off in 2017! Click HERE to take a look at the night's photos!
Read Our Blog Recap Here!


31 Heroes is a workout created to honor the 31 Americans killed in action on August 6, 2011. You can learn more here.
This year 31 Heroes will be followed by the Hero Challenge BBQ and Award Celebration. If you completed all 10 Hero WOD Challenge workouts (or 9 plus the makeup WOD) you will receive a Mission Complete patch for your Hero Challenge shirt AND be entered to win some great prizes.
Join us Saturday, August 11th at 10:00 AM for the 31 Heroes workout, and Hero WOD Challenge BBQ at 12:00 PM. We hope to see you there!


Monster Hunter Generations introduces new gameplay mechanics including Styles and Hunter Arts that can further refine a very personalized playstyle.
Mount monsters from mid-air using the Aerial style or make the most out of the advantageous Hunter Arts abilities with the Striker style. Hunter Arts are visually striking, indispensable combat skills and power-ups that hunters using any style or weapon can equip.
Along the hunter's journey, players must defend each of the game's four villages from new major threats—the Fated Four. With hundreds of quests in store, there are tons of challenges to tackle in a solo adventure, and also via local or online play with up to three other hunters.
Co-op online multiplayer – For some of the best online multiplayer the Nintendo 3DS has to offer, join up and hunt online with up to three other hunters, or meet-up and play together via local play.
Most customizable yet – Players can create the most custom, personalized playstyle of any Monster Hunter game. Choose from four Styles and many powerful, visually striking Hunter Arts for a truly customized gameplay experience.
"Style" system – New to this installment, players can choose from four distinct combat Styles, offering new ways to utilize each of the 14 weapon types.
Striking "Hunter Arts" – Combat looks even more impressive with the addition of these devastating attacks, indispensable field skills and power-ups.
14 weapon types – Experiment with and master 14 different weapon types and craft tons of unique equipment. Players are never cemented into any combat choices such as weapons or style and are encouraged to experiment with and find builds that best fit their desired hunting preferences.
Gear crafting – Fell massive beasts to obtain resources for crafting countless weapons and armor fashioned after the game's colossal creatures. Study the enemy's habits and tactics to discover weak points or parts that can be broken for bonus rewards.
Fresh challenges and returning favorites – Face a roster of brand new monsters like Glavenus of the Fated Four in addition to plenty of returning fan-favorites like the sly Nargacuga as a tribute to the last decade of Monster Hunter.
The Fated Four – Brand new monsters posing major threats to the local villagers of areas like the snowy mountain town of Pokke Village.
Deviant Monsters – Powerful enemies like the Deadqueen Rathian and Grimclaw Tigrex have survived previous hunter encounters and have taken on new traits and abilities. These are sure to provide a challenge for even the most seasoned hunter.
Villages and environments – Explore four different villages, each with their own look and feel along the quest to defeat the Fated Four, and 21 different hunting locations which are a blend of both new and enhanced fan-favorites — including some never before seen in the west!
New playable Felyne "Prowlers" – Previously only available as custom support AI partners called "Palicoes," Felynes are now playable in "Prowler" mode with their own questlines and rewards, unique gameplay mechanics and gear.
Collaboration content – Equip hunters and Palicoes with special themed collaboration costumes and weapons based on popular series such as Fire Emblem and Mega Man.
StreetPass features – Collect tickets via StreetPass to access special Deviant monster quests. Players can also send and receive customizable guild cards.
MH4U save data bonus – Those with Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate save data will receive a bonus item pack that includes an exclusive Palico armor set, potions, in-game money, and more to help dive right in to the hunt.
Nintendo 3DS touch screen features – Provides easy access to in-game information, weapons, field maps and mini games, as well as the useful target lock option that auto- focuses on a main enemy.
New Nintendo 3DS system support – Experience enhanced graphics, C-stick functionality and mappable ZL and ZR buttons for Hunter Arts.


text:
Q: Difference between application test and logic test code template in XCode 4.2 What's the difference between selecting Test Type Application or Logic in XCode 4.2, when creating a new Objective-C test case class from the code template?
I know the conceptual difference between application and logic tests (answered here). My question is if XCode does something different for each test type or if the difference is purely artificial at class level.
Besides using different code templates, the only actual difference that I can see is that by default application tests #import <UIKit/UIKit.h> and logic tests don't. However, I've written logic tests that use UIKit and in most cases it works (with the exception of using monsters like UIWebView and such).

A: At least it sets a bundle loader and test host which is your application and injects the tests in there, allowing you to run your tests within the context of your application, which in turn allows you to test basically all layers of it, including views for example and other components that are part of UIKit. I think that logic tests only allows you to test foundation objects.
Of you search for "bundle loader" and "test host" in the configuration for both a logic test target and an application test target  you can see that the values are different.

A: The only difference between Xcode's application and logic tests is the type of unit test Xcode adds to the unit test class's implementation file. You can read a more detailed explanation in the following article:
Xcode 4.2: Application and Logic Unit Test Classes

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Regency at Creekside Meadows, a new construction, 55+, active-adult community, combines low-maintenance living and luxurious resort-style amenities in the picturesque and historic Bethlehem area.
Stay up to date on the latest developments and anticipated opening of Regency at Creekside Meadows.
Thank you for your interest in Regency at Creekside Meadows!
Join our VIP List to receive updates about the community as they become available.
Regency at Creekside Meadows is a private, gated community of luxurious single-family and carriage homes located in East Allen Township, Northampton County. This upscale community for 55+ active adults is just minutes from any convenience you may need. Residents of Regency at Creekside Meadows will enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle and resort-style amenities.
Thank you for your interest in Regency at Creekside Meadows - Villas Collection!


Not so long ago India was the travel destination for hippies and people on a spiritual journey. Rebels of all sorts headed for one of the world's most fascinating, colourful and varied countries while most of us flew to everyday destinations across Europe and luxurious resorts in the Caribbean and West Indies. But things are changing fast, and India is becoming the destination of choice for more British travellers every year.
The latest World Economic Forum travel and tourism competitiveness index came out recently, revealing India up 12 places to 40th place out of 136 nations. It was the single biggest increase ever made by any country in the top 50, lending weight to the idea of an 'Asian century' of travel and tourism.
Since the year 2000 more of us visit India each year than ever before. The country saw 8.89 million tourists arrive in 2016 compared to just 2.65 million in 2000. It sounds like a lot of people, and it is, but when you compare it to, say France, with 84.5 million annual visitors, it's clear India has a long way to go.
In 2015 India earned more than $23 billion from international tourism, compared to just $3.5 billion in the year 2000. It also looks like the average revenue per tourist is high at $2,610 compared to a European average of around $500, mostly because people who make the effort to fly as far as India tend to stay there for longer.
It's certainly an amazing destination, exotic and unusual. And India is currently one of the most affordable travel destinations But travelling to India – and travelling around it once you're there – also comes with disadvantages in the form of heavily bureaucratic visa regulations, poor travel infrastructure, bad sanitation, rickety law enforcement and valid concerns about the safety of female travellers. As a five-star tourist you're protected from all this to a certain extent, but never completely.
At the same time, the profile of the people who visit India is changing. Foreign travel is no longer a luxury for wealthy Westerners alone. People from fast-emerging economies in Africa, Asia and the Middle East are joining the exodus, finally able to afford holidays in exotic long haul locations.
Where do India's new tourists come from?
India currently receives the most visitors from the USA, closely followed by travellers from Bangladesh. Western Europe accounts for just over 23% of tourists and North America for just under 19%. South Asia is the biggie, sending just under a quarter of India's total foreign holidaymakers. At the same time, the numbers of people visiting India from South-East Asia, East Asia and West Asia, Eastern Europe, Australasia, Africa, Central and South America are all increasing year on year.
The Indian government is, by all accounts, aware that they need to ring dramatic changes to provide the levels of quality, comfort and safety that most foreign tourists expect. It is already simplifying the country's horribly complex visa rules, a move which is expected to result in another dramatic tourist boom.
In the meantime if you're planning a holiday to India, bear in mind it is still, in many places, relatively primitive with facilities to match. Good travel insurance is an absolute must, and it's vital to have all the recommended vaccinations before you leave. We can help with that.
Rabies in India: Why is it still not eradicated?


text:
Q: getResource(String name) returns null? First off, I would like to address that this question is very similar to the one here:getResources() returns an empty Enumeration . I chose to ask this because mine is more of a question of JAR files, as well as because the former question has yet to be answered. In addition, this is technically a different method entirely (getResource(String) instead of getResources()). Now that that is out of the way...
I am getting a mysterious error message from my code when it is in a Runnable JAR file, yet this doesn't happen at all when I am testing the project in Eclipse. The error message is:
Exception in thread "main" java.lang.ExceptionInInitializerError
    at com.wierd0games.Under.graphics.Sprite.<clinit>(Sprite.java:13)
    at com.wierd0games.Under.main.Main.<init>(Main.java:53)
    at com.wierd0games.Under.main.Main.main(Main.java:57)
Caused by: java.lang.IllegalArgumentException: input == null!
    at javax.imageio.ImageIO.read(ImageIO.java:1388)
    at com.wierd0games.Under.graphics.SpriteSheet.load(SpriteSheet.java:27)
    at com.wierd0games.Under.graphics.SpriteSheet.<init>(SpriteSheet.java:22)
    at com.wierd0games.Under.graphics.SpriteSheet.<clinit>(SpriteSheet.java:13)
    ... 3 more

From my interpretation of this error, the problem is in my Sprite class at line 13. Here, I create my first Sprite with:
public static Sprite frog=new Sprite(0, 0, 64, SpriteSheet.frog);

Then the second part of the error means that the real problem is in the SpriteSheet class, which is called on by the initialization of frog, the Sprite object. The only time I use ImageIO.read is in the function load() {} which is:
private void load() {
    try {
        BufferedImage image=ImageIO.read(SpriteSheet.class.getResource(path));
        int w=image.getWidth();
        int h=image.getHeight();
        image.getRGB(0, 0, w, h, pixels, 0, w);
    }
    catch (IOException e) {
        e.printStackTrace();
    }
}

... in which path is a String that is "/textures/spritesheetFrog.png", because the Sprite Sheet is located in a folder named textures, and is named spritesheetFrog.png.
So if the error is saying that the input is null, am I correct in that the function getReasource(String) is returning null for some reason? Does anyone have any idea why this what is happening, why is it only happening in a Runnable JAR, and most importantly, how to fix it?

EDIT: Here is a hierarchy of my classes:
src
    com.wierd0games.under.graphics (this is a package)
        Sprite
        SpriteSheet
res
    textures
        spritesheetFrog.png

So if SpriteSheet is my calling class, why does /textures/spritesheetFrog.png not work? The first slash should make it go back to the beginning, then it should go to spritesheetFrog.png, right? If not, can someone explain why this doesn't work and what it should be?

EDIT: Just to avoid confusion, the res folder is NOT located inside the source, it is separate, but included in the build path.

EDIT: Okay, I changed my hierarchy in Eclipse so that textures was indeed under source. I thought that I would update it here as well, because I have yet to get an answer that has helped me solve that problem.
src
    com.wierd0games.under.graphics (this is a package)
        Sprite
        SpriteSheet
    textures
        spritesheetFrog.png

A: By your description of the problem and the comments on your question, it seems that the res directory is not defined as a "source folder" in Eclipse. You describe the icon next to res as "three little books", which is quite peculiar as this icon implies that res is a Classpath Container. How you managed to define res as a Classpath Container is beyond me (please, tell us!), but anyway, Classpath Containers are not exported to the JAR.
You should undo whatever it is that you did to define res to the project, and redefine it properly:

*

*Create the res folder at the root of the project.

*Right-click it, select "Build Path" -> "Use as Source Folder"

*Export your JAR again.


text:
First Nation youths get up close and personal with the Peel watershed
How deeply can you care about a place you've never seen? How badly will you fight to protect mountains you've never climbed and rivers you've never paddled?
Maura Forrest
Aug. 5, 2015 2:00 a.m.
How deeply can you care about a place you've never seen? How badly will you fight to protect mountains you've never climbed and rivers you've never paddled?
Questions like these were part of what inspired five First Nations youth to spend 18 days paddling down the Wind and Peel rivers, getting to see the Peel watershed first-hand.
The group flew from Mayo to the Wind River in a float plane on July 7 and arrived in Fort McPherson, N.W.T. at the end of their trip on July 24. The expedition was organized by the Yukon chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. It took place one month before the Yukon government is slated to appeal the Yukon Supreme Court's decision to strike down its land use plan for the watershed, which would open up 71 per cent of the region to mineral staking.
"It's reaffirmed my belief in why I want to see this place protected," said Geri Lee Buyck, a 24-year-old from the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun, in Mayo. "It's always going to be in the back of my mind now. I feel like I'm devoted."
This trip was no small challenge for Buyck. She'd spent a few days in the Peel region before, but she'd never attempted a trip of this length, and she'd never done much canoeing.
"This trip was definitely out of my comfort zone," she said. "I would say that I was the least experienced out of the females for sure.
"My sister said I came back with bigger pipes," she added with a laugh.
Sarah Newton, who coordinated the trip for CPAWS, said she wasn't looking for youths with lots of outdoor experience. Eleven young people applied from communities in Yukon and the Northwest Territories located in and around the Peel watershed. Newton said they had to answer questions about the leadership roles they take in their communities. They also had to talk to an elder about the importance of the Peel region as part of their application.
She said most of the youths they chose were strong leaders, even if they hadn't spent much time in a canoe. Buyck, for instance, has attended many events to show support for the Peel. She also works as a supervisor at the Peel Visitor Centre in Mayo, giving information to tourists about the region.
The other participants were Dana Tizya-Tram of the Vuntut Gwitchin in Old Crow, Bobbi Rose Koe of the Tetlit Gwich'in in Fort McPherson, Robert Neyando of the Gwichya Gwich'in in Tsiigehtchic, and Prairie Dawn Edwards of the Ehdiitat Gwich'in in Aklavik.
Newton said they spent most days either canoeing or hiking in the mountains by the river. The days were physically exhausting, but she said the group pulled together to keep everyone's spirits high.
She remembered an especially difficult day, when the group went for a 10-hour hike up a steep mountain. Every time they thought they were close to the top, another stretch would open up above them.
"A couple of the participants were really starting to feel really challenged by this hike," she said. Finally, they said they wanted to stay behind, but the rest of the group pushed them to keep going.
"We all pulled together, and we all made it to the top of that mountain," she said. "I was just really proud of the whole group."
Buyck said the landscape was so beautiful that it was hard to describe.
"It's just so sublime. There's just no words," she said. "The area, the water, and the landscape are just so stunning and surreal. I kept saying to myself every day, we don't have to fly halfway across the world or down to the Bahamas to experience this. It's in our own backyard."
She said they saw black bears, moose, caribou, and sheep that came right up to them, unafraid. They also caught and ate a grayling for supper one night.
After spending 18 days in the wilderness, Buyck said it was a bit strange to find herself back in Mayo.
"I noticed myself looking around at people and vehicles and whatnot," she said. "You just notice everyone's busy being busy. It just made me instantly wish that I was back there. Out there it's so peaceful."
Newton said this trip was especially important because few people from the communities are able to get out to remote areas of the Peel region.
"Right now, it's very expensive to get in there," she said. "It's hard for people from the communities to take the time or have the money. If you have the time, you don't have the money, and if you have the money, you don't have the time."
Buyck said she wants to help other people get out to see the Peel, both locals and tourists. She's planning to study business management somewhere in B.C., and hopes to work in ecotourism. She'd like to see more people from her community trained to work as guides in the watershed. If more people can see the area, she hopes, more people will want to protect it.
"I've always been kind of searching or wondering about standing up for something that's bigger and greater than myself," she said. "Being out there, I've come to the realization that it's the Peel. I really want to see this place protected."
The Yukon government will appeal the Yukon Supreme Court's decision on the Peel watershed land use plan on Aug. 20 and 21.
Contact Maura Forrest at
maura.forrest@yukon-news.com
Fighting the flames

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
GBR Will Save the World (And the Ironies of American [Religious] History)
December 8, 2017 May 21, 2020 maxperrymueller
Here is a version of the letter that I read to my students yesterday, the last day of our term. Needless to say, I admire these students and I will cherish the memory of the time we spent together.
To end our semester together, this is an open letter to the students of RELG 134: Religious Diversity in America.
Dear Honored Students:
In the spirit of the "epistles" that we've studied this term, I write you this letter on the day of our final class. Irony is the central theme of this letter. That is because, to borrow from Reinhold Niebuhr, American [religious] history was and continues to be fully of ironies.
In this letter, I want to do three things:
I. To Recap the voyage we've taken through the history of religious diversity in America and to leave you with four takeways about this history (most of them, I think, are ironic).
II. To highlight four issues to watch as America's present becomes history itself, or perhaps America's present repeats America's history.
III. To list four lessons that I learned from you–lessons in which I find more earnest hope about the future than irony (hence the two titles of this letter).
I. Where have we been and what have we done in this course?
Stretching back before the French, English, Spanish, and Portuguese explorers (some call them conquerors and exploiters), came to America, we visited with the Pawnees who once dominated this place we call Nebraska. Through George Grinnell's record of their "hero stories and folk-tales," we also imagined back to when the Pawnees' own ancestors were also explorers and newcomers, coming out of the American Southwest and adopting their culture to a horse and plains lifestyle.
We sat aboard the Arabella as it rocked with uncertainty on the Atlantic Ocean. There, we listened to John Winthrop fret more than dream about a "city upon a hill"–a covenantal community that he and his fellow Puritans hoped to build in the "wilderness" of what would become New England. The irony is, for much of the Anglo-American history that his sermon inaugurated, Winthrop's analogy has been flipped on its head. It's been turned from a warning of (proto) American arrogance, to a statement of the ineffable fact of American exceptionalism, whether or not Americans hold up their end of the covenantal bargain between each other and their god(s). Of course, other boats–namely the slave ships Phillis and Brookes, which carried freights of humans to the Americas–made this ironic point too clear for us.
Speaking of Phillis, we visited Phillis Wheatley in colonial Boston as she championed (or did she actually condemn?) her "being brought from Africa to America." A few years later, we studied Thomas Jefferson's grand pronouncements that "all men are created equal"–perhaps the founding idea of "equality by creation" upon which the American experiment rested. This ideal recognizes in–not bestows upon–all people dignity and "inalienable rights" that are theirs by birth. There is, of course, the irony of Jefferson's life, and his treatment of his paramour/rape victim–Sally Hemings–to whom he denied the very ideals he championed.
Still in Virginia, we listened to the debates between James Madison and Patrick Henry over the morality and practicality of establishing official religion in the new nation. And we observed as religious disestablishment birthed a vibrant, robust, religious marketplace. New diverse takes on older traditions (the Methodists and Baptists in particular)–and new traditions all together (Mormonism, for example)–generated a nation "awash in a sea of faith." And we read how those excluded from full and equal membership in these communities–namely African Americans–created their own denominations. And even within these traditions, we watched as women like Jarena Lee, who felt themselves called to preach, insisted their right, even responsibility, to do so.
Race and gender, we came to understand were key factors uniting and dividing these diverse traditions we studied. We looked to the case of Jane Manning James, the early black Mormon pioneer, as a profound example of this reality.
Likewise, we pitted Frederick Douglass against George D. Armstrong as the two debated the very possibility or (according to Armstrong) the necessity of "Christian slavery." (Douglass won the debate, but alas we have to ask, do some of Armstrong and other "Christian" defenders of slavery's views on innate black inferiority/criminality still infect the American criminal justice system, its politics, its very psyche?).
We visited Lincoln on the dais set before the Capitol in the last days of the Civil War, and then visited him on the balcony of the White House in the last days of his life.
We also visited the camps of Union army soldiers who were freed slaves. They sang ironic and hopeful spirituals about, at once, the impossibility and the ever-arriving promise of freedom:
THIS WORLD ALMOST DONE
"Brudder, keep your lamp trimmin' and a-burnin',
Keep your lamp trimmin' and a-burnin',
For dis world most done.
So keep your lamp, &c.
Dis world most done."
We headed west again, to hear Black Elk tell of the calamities that had befallen his people. We also took in the visions that he experienced about the coming days of renewal and restoration (we also wondered, as we did with Jane Manning James and her scribe, where Black Elk's words end and those of the University of Nebraska's own John Neihardt's begin). We took in the horrors of the Wounded Knee Massacre, and the reverberations of both the genocide and resistance of Native peoples that continue to be felt, seen, and heard right up to the edges of the waters at Standing Rock.
We took in the sights of the waves of Catholic and Asian immigrants and we watched as how these new Americans changed the landscape of America and rebuilt their own scared spaces and time in this new place that was home and not. We also took in the waves of anti-Catholic and anti-Asian nativist backlash championed by the likes of Josiah Strong and Mabel Potter Daggett that followed. We sat in at that famous Jewish banquet in Cincinnati in July 1883 and in that schoolhouse in Boston, where a young Mashke becomes Mary Antin.
At the dawn of the twentieth century, we wrestled with the grandiose (and naive) proposition that war–even a great one–could bring about ultimate peace and democracy. We studied a "progressive" president, Woodrow Wilson, who championed peace and democracy internationally while visiting violence and tyranny upon his fellow black Americans. Just a few decades later, we wrestled with the (ironic) proposition of "a good war" as fascism threatened the very idea of dignity of all people and the experiment of building democratic nations upon this idea. Faced with this threat, Americans expanded notions of who could belong and what counted as "good religion." They celebrated four chaplains, two Protestants, one Catholic, and one Jewish who went down with a ship crippled by a U-boar strike, while praying together.
After the war, we studied the philosophy/theology upon which this letter is based, offered up Reinhold Niebuhr: that "man" can be moral, but societies, institutions, and governments, cannot; that American history is ironic because of its unrivaled ideals and its unrivaled power, the irony located in the failure of Americans to distinguish their ideals from their power. After the war, we studied one sociologist, Will Herberg's notion of the "American way of life," which centered on belief, but it mattered less and less what kind (as long as it was "Protestant, Catholic, or Jewish"). We studied another sociologist, Robert Bellah's notion that this belief was a belief in America itself, creating a civil religion with its own set of rituals, rites, creeds, saints and martyrs.
We then took on debates about whether black Americans can ever fully participate in this American civil religion, and in the American experiment writ large. As Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X, among others, advocated, should black Americans separate, socially, spiritually, economically, from America because white America can never recognize black Americans' full dignity? Or, as Martin Luther King Jr. advocated, should black Americans bring to a head through non-violent direct action against "legal" laws that are not just the chasm between America's ideals and its treatment of its fellow citizens?
We then we surveyed the changes to the American religious landscape wrought by the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which opened up America to Africa and Asia. And we watched as newly-arrived African and Asian Americans made their spiritual homes in America (Thanks to the Pluralism Project for helping us do so). We watched as America and America's communities have at once welcomed and struggled with this new diversity. We also watched as American Christian congregations have contended with diverse ways of understanding gender roles, gender identities, and sexuality.
We ended this journey with a study of the American presidency. We analyzed how the occupant of that office has the power to unite and divide. And we asked whether the president is and/or should be considered the nation's "pastor-in-chief."
What a journey! Head spinning in its complexity and diversity, at least for me. And I've taught this course many times!
With that in mind, here are four ironic (and interrelated) takeaways about American religious history that I hope you'll remember as you go forward as scholars and as citizens–and as fellow Huskers, too (more on that in a minute).
First, we have observed the ironic history in America that freedom and opportunity for some has often depended upon denial of freedom and opportunity for others. We can look to the history of African chattel slavery, Indian removal, and exclusion of women and racial minorities from the voting booth, from elected office, from commerce, from the pulpit, to name just a few.
And yet, is America a zero sum game? Do the gains of some mean the loss for others?
Martin Luther King Jr. thought not. In fact, he thought just the opposite is true. As he wrote sitting in his jail cell in Birmingham: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly."
Second, American history does not move linearly toward progress, if progress means moving toward a further realization of the dignity of all Americans citizens equally in law and in culture. (I'd ask us, for example, as Islamophobic attitudes and actions increase in America, do Muslim Americans feel safer and more included today than they do even after 9/11?)
Borrowing from the nineteenth century theologian Theodore Parker, Martin Luther King Jr. said, "the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." But he also believed that this arc does not bend on its own. In his letter from Birmingham, King quoted from a "white brother in Texas," who objected to what many "white moderates" viewed as King's impatience. "'All Christians know that the colored people will receive equal rights eventually, but it is possible that you are in too great a religious hurry.'"
Remember that King studied Niebuhr in graduate school, including his idea that societies are fundamentally concerned with perpetuating their own conditions, powers, and divisions. As such, King rejected the views of his "white brother" from Texas as ahistorical and a-Christian. "Such an attitude stems from a tragic misconception of time, from the strangely irrational notion that there is something in the very flow of time that will inevitably cure all ills. Actually, time itself is neutral; it can be used either destructively or constructively." This is King's notion of the "fierce urgency of now"–not to wait for the arc to bend, but the necessity to reach up and bend it right now.
Third, the ideal that all (diverse) persons and all (diverse) peoples have innate dignity is one of America's greatest contributions to the modern world. America's failure to hold itself to this ideal is one of its greatest ironies. As Frederick Douglass said when called upon to deliver the Fourth of July speech in 1852:
What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sound of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciation of tyrants brass fronted impudence; your shout of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanks-givings, with all your religious parade and solemnity, are to him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy — a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages. There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices more shocking and bloody than are the people of the United States, at this very hour.
Fourth, to understand this irony best, look not to the center of American culture, but to the margins. There, listen as historically marginalized Americans point to America's ideals and point to the chasm between them and America's reality. Among the infinite examples, look to the patriotic actions of the Navajo (Diné) "code talkers" of World War II. Despite enduring centuries of cultural and existential genocide–including attempts to eradicate their language so that they could become "American"–because they kept their language alive, this diverse language was used to keep Americans alive (Watch again the code talkers at the White House this past month. Take in the irony of celebrating their contributions to the U.S.' war effort with a portrait of Andrew Jackson, who believed that the "Indian" could never be an "American," hanging in the background).
II. America's Present Becomes (Repeats?) Its History
As we are all aware, we are living through history. But I want to point to four specific issues that are worth your attention as we end our course.
First, pay attention to the "Masterpiece cake shop" case now before the Supreme Court. Whatever the Court decides will have significant ramifications for issues around religious liberty and equal protection for LGBTQ Americans. I strongly suggest you listen to both the couple who brought the initial complaint that they were denied service and the baker who refused to bake the cake for their wedding. Listen to how both sides frame this case in which, it seems, one part of the Constitution (equal protection under the law) is pitted against another (freedom of religion).
Second, pay attention to U.S.'s attitude towards Muslims, at home and abroad. Pay attention to the "travel ban" against citizens from Muslim-majority countries as it moves it way to the Supreme Court. Pay attention to what happens after, alas, the next inevitable terrorist attack. Pay attention to how the U.S. and the rest of the global community deal with the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya in Myanmar. Pay attention to the ramifications of the President's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Third, pay attention as diverse Christian communities debate the role of Christianity in politics. We are not only witnessing a realignment of the nation's political parties. We are also witnessing a realignment of the nation's religious communities, which have very quickly and drastically changed what they value–especially in terms of politicians' personal behavior.
Fourth, these changes intersect with the revolution–and I think that's the right term–of "MeToo " movement. "MeToo" is bringing to light that which has long remained hidden from public view, the systematic and pervasive sexual harassment and abuse that (most often) powerful men perpetrate against women.
In all of these issues, perhaps the unifying question we are asking is: who belongs? Whose stories and experiences count? Who matters? What's more, as historians we also must ask: are these new issues? Or are these American histories repeating themselves?
Whatever the outcome, in fifty years, these four issues will be some of what is remembered about this era.
III. Lessons that you've taught me
As I've mentioned to you all–perhaps too many times (!)–I'm a worrier. I worry about a hot day in October means climate change is upon us. I worry about budget cuts. I worry about the President's tweets.
But because of you, here are four things that I've learned from you about you and your peers here at UNL that make me worry less and hope more.
First, you've taught me that you're engaged. Despite the pressures put upon you–because of work, studies, and family life–you are paying attention to this historical moment. Many of you are working to change things that you believe need changing by participating in the political process. Whatever your political persuasion, by your actions–not the actions of my generation, not the actions of Congress or the White House–you are creating the most engaged generation of young people perhaps in the nation's history. You will make America's political discourse great again. By great, I mean robust, nuanced, and fact-based. I heard this clearly in our discussions about the nation's gun laws, the nation's attitudes towards refugees, and the nation's criminal justice system.
I hope each and every one of you do more. Vote more (from dog catcher to the presidency). Volunteer more. Debate more. Call your representatives more. Write more letters to the editor. Run for office.
Second you've taught me that we need to tweet less and talk more. You are aware that social media is not the panacea for our civic ills; it's likely one of the chief causes. Put down our phones, you've said, and face each other more, especially those with whom we disagree.
Third, you've taught me that you want to reject political labels as stand-ins for personal identity. People should not reduce each other's total being and worth to their membership in one political party or another. Likewise, you've taught me that you want to be able to critique members of your own party without being labeled as traitors to your political causes. This, I think, is so important. To move past this current state of polarization, we need to hold our "own"–politically speaking–to the same standards as we would our political rivals.
Finally, you've taught me that you value the need to be better educated–and educated outside our silos or echo chambers where are own beliefs are reinforced.
I believe that our field of religious studies is uniquely suited to help train citizens toward these ends. What we do, fundamentally, is to practice understanding people who are different from us on their own terms and as complex and often contradictory people. This allows us to see others and ourselves in a more holistic, empathetic manner.
It has been my pleasure and honor to teach you and learn from you these past few months. I leave our time together smarter and more hopeful about our collective future. I hope you do, too.
Huskers (Nebraskans) are particularly good at caring for our neighbors, new and old. This goes back to this place's own origin stories (of the Native and Euro-American kind, and today, the Asian and African-American kind, too. Lincoln, after all, is home to new Americans seeking refuge, building lives, and building up Nebraska, from all around the world).
Throughout Nebraska's history on these great plains–too hot or too cold to be exposed alone for too long–mutual dependence wasn't a good. It was a necessity.
Let it be so forever.
GBR,
Posted in Musings, Teaching
Previous postRace and the Making of the Mormon People on "Mormon News Report Podcast"
Next postTalking about my "Fundamentalist Christian/Episcopalian/Wiccan Upbringing" with Exponent II


Since we are already in the month of April, the 2019 National Football League (NFL) draft season is almost here. Let's check out some potential trades and why we think they should be part of this list. Note: some of these picks may go against what the betting sites are counting on.
This appears on top of the trading list. From recent developments, it seems this drafting will push through.
Although nothing has been confirmed yet, this looks like a good move if the Cardinals go ahead to take Murray.
According to the General Manager of Jets, Josh Allen has a top-five grade. He will be very beneficial to Jets. With that being said, I guess a move is possible.
The Bengals recently revealed that they will not be extending QB Andy Dalton's contract. This also means they need to select their QB for the future. Turns out that Dwayne Haskins is the best fit.
Devin White is just as good or even better than the recent list of linebackers. There are definitely other options that can also be great fits. However, Devin is a great upgrade for the Lions if you ask me.
The Giants need a right tackle and Jawaan Taylor seems to be the perfect pick.
Sweat will also be a good rusher for the team.
Everyone has their favorites when we talk about corners for the purpose of this season's drafts. However, Byron Murphy stands out the most. If Bengals should take him, it will be a very good choice.
Wilkins brings a different playing tactics to the table but that is great as long as it works just fine. He offers excellent defensive tackle and that is what matters. If he is placed close to Aaron Donald in the middle of the defensive line, RAMS will definitely boast of a solid impenetrable defense.
It is not clear who Chiefs will go in for in this draft season. However, one thing is obvious; they will want to put up a strong defense. If they decide to tow that line, Delonte Thompson will be a very good choice. His talent will help to put up a good defense for the team.
If the Steelers are considering an upgrade, it will probably for the linebacker. Devin Bush will be a good option for them.
The Vikings' offensive line could use some solid help. Dillard may be considered since he can offer a great left tackle.
These may change but one thing is obvious; these drafts are likely to have an effect on your bets for this season. The best betting sites such as Betway are likely to see a significant rise or fall in the rate of bets for specific matches based on some of these draft outcomes.


text:
lionel trilling: the liberal imagination pdf
Michael Knox Beran. the new york intellectuals the. pdf the liberal imagination download full pdf 3 / 32. book. The Liberal Imagination | Lionel Trilling | download | B–OK. Winter 2011. Lionel Trilling (1905–1975) was born in New York and educated at Columbia University, to which he returned as an instructor in 1932, and where he continued to teach in the English Department throughout his long and highly distinguished career as a literary critic. The Liberal Imagination is one of the most admired and influential works of criticism of the last century, a work that is not only a masterpiece of literary criticism but an important statement about politics and society. Trilling leaps to the defense of Freud on matters of sublimation which were stated badly in the Kinsey Report. The Liberal Imagination is one of the most admired and influential works of criticism of the last century, a work that is not only a masterpiece of literary criticism but an important statement about politics and society. The Social Order . Full Text Of The Liberal Imagination Essays On Literature. The Liberal Imagination Trilling Lionel Menand Louis. I've been scanning the National Book Critics Circle weblog, Critical Mass, and it's come up a few times recently as a "recommend." What's the book's thesis? *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. regrets only the new yorker. Lionel Trilling and the Social Imagination The liberal hero rejected the left-liberal idea that we could engineer the human soul. The Liberal Imagination (NYBR Classics) de Lionel Trilling. The Liberal Imagination By Lionel Trilling 5 / 90. Críticas This collection of essays, on subjects as diverse as Wordsworth's Immorality Ode and the Kinsey Report, is still wonderfully exciting, serious but never solemn, and of course, exquisitely written. The Liberal Imagination Essays On Literature And Society. The Liberal Imagination Lionel Trilling (1905–1975) was born in New York and educated at Columbia University, to which he returned as an instructor in 1932, and where he continued to teach in the English Department throughout his long and highly distinguished career as a literary critic. Mr. Lee un libro The Liberal Imagination (NYBR Classics) de Lionel Trilling Ebooks, PDF, ePub, The Liberal Imagination (NYBR Classics) Libro electronico gratuito Lee Ahora DownloadCríticas This collection of essays, on subjects as diverse as Wordsworth's Immorality Ode and the Kinsey Report, is still wonderfully exciting, serious but never solemn, and of course, exquisitely written. Lee un libro The Liberal Imagination (NYBR Classics) de Lionel Trilling libros ebooks, The Liberal Imagination (NYBR Classics) Libro pdf gratis Lee Ahora Descargar. The Liberal Imagination [Lionel Trilling] on Amazon.com. Lionel Trilling. friends like these the point magazine. Lionel Trilling is aware of distinctions that make social groupings far more discriminating than any scientist can claim to be. About The Liberal Imagination. Has anyone read this 1950 book? Chapter topics? Liberal Imagination | Lionel Trilling | ISBN: 9780670427512 | Kostenloser Versand für alle Bücher mit Versand und Verkauf duch Amazon. Issuu company logo Close. Lionel Trilling (1905–75) is the author of the collections Beyond Culture, The Liberal Imagination, and the posthumously published Speaking of Literature and Society.He was a professor at Columbia University. also a demonstration on the part of its author of one of the right ways of confronting that life. Trilling in 1952. With The Liberal Imagination Lionel Trilling established himself as one of the two or three most important literary critics in the United States. Other articles where The Liberal Imagination is discussed: American literature: Literary and social criticism: Freudian, Lionel Trilling, in The Liberal Imagination (1950) and other works, rejected Vernon L. Parrington's populist concept of literature as social reportage and insisted on the ability of literature to explore problematic human complexity. The Liberal Imagination is one of the most admired and influential works of criticism of the last century, a work that is not only a masterpiece of literary criticism but … the liberal imagination new york review books. Trilling's books include Matthew Arnold (939), E. M. Forster (x943), The Middle of the Journey, a novel (1947), and The Liberal Imagination (950). 9781590172834. 5 likes. Download books for free. Lee un libro The Liberal Imagination (NYBR Classics) de Lionel Trilling Ebooks, PDF, ePub, The Liberal Imagination (NYBR Classics) Libro electronico gratuito Lee Ahora Download. Trilling is not the kind of critic who has dominated the American scene in re cent years (although Mr. Trilling worked through many of his ethical, existential and political positions in his novel of ideas, The Middle of the Journey (1947), which was well received; however, it was his collection of essays that were initially published between 1940 and 1949 – called The Liberal Imagination: Essays on Literature and Society (1950) – that essentially made his name. The book did full justice to both the terms of its title, being truly liberal and imaginative in its insights, and hence veracious and passionate as well. The Liberal Imagination Critical Context Essay Enotes. Harcourt, Brace. Overall effect? Trilling was an American literary critic and teacher who brought psychological, sociological, and philosophical methods and insights into criticism. Find books Lionel Trilling (1905–1975) was born in New York and educated at Columbia University, to which he returned as an instructor in 1932, and where he continued to teach in the English Department throughout his long and highly distinguished career as a literary critic. Arts and Culture. the liberal imagination by lionel trilling 2008. the millions the liberal imagination new york review. Title: The Liberal Imagination Lionel Trilling, Author: TanyaSisson, Name: The Liberal Imagination Lionel Trilling, Length: 4 pages, Page: 1, Published: 2013-07-20 . Gjon Mili/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images. Leon Wieseltier is the editor of The New Republic and lives in New York City. The Liberal Imagination is one of the most admired and influential works of criticism of the last century, a work that is not only a masterpiece of literary criticism but an important statement about politics and society.
First Wok Alpine Menu Prices, The Collected Dialogues Of Plato, Including The Letters Pdf, Elizabeth Gilbert Ted Talk Youtube, Shark Coloring Pages Pdf, Random House Dictionary Of Popular Proverbs And Sayings Pdf, Induction Cooktop Vs Gas, Animal Anatomy Drawing,


Antique Brass Long Statement Earrings - "Peacocks"
Wear the splendor of this magnificent bird in your ears with this graceful pair of brass earrings in filigree work. Casual with just a touch of whimsy - team with your daily pair of jeans and tee or dress up as part of a more formal attire, they are as versatile as they are beautiful.
Antique Brass, Wood Pendant Leather Sweater Chain Necklace - "Touch Wood"
Walk out wearing this and catch yourself whispering these very words as you collect compliments all day.
Make understated elegance a part of your ensemble with this leather cord strung wood and antique brass pendant.
Team it with casual top and denims or linen tunics and pants for an unforgettable look.
Material: Zinc alloy with antique brass finish, wood and leather.
Artistic Picasso Inspired Home Decor Accent Throw Pillow Cushion - "The Kiss"
The Kiss is inspired by a sketch by artist Pablo Picasso, one of the most famous and influential artists of the modern era. It depicts two faces locked in a kiss.
Picasso (along with Georges Braque) developed a unique style known as analytic and synthetic cubism. His works convey a unique sense of depth and motion - a style that brought his work on the world's wall of artistic fame. Unique cubism inspired motifs along with a vibrant color palette add a splash of color to your living space. Fine quality silk threads make it soft to the touch and the raised swirl texture of the embroidery adds an interesting dimension.
Use it to breathe life and artistic energy into any room. It is perfect for a living space couch, home office sofa or that special chair you sink into with your hot cuppa after a long day's work.
It would make an ideal gift for family and friends who appreciate art and beauty.
This pillow cover ships here directly from the workshop in Kashmir.
Completely hand-embroidered using traditional chain stitch embroidery in fine silk threads, this pillow cover is 70% silk and 30% cotton with a fine quality canvas back.
Pillow insert is not included but can be bought from any home store locally.
Size: Approx. 18 inches x 18 inches.
Care instructions: Dry clean only. The covers have a hidden flap and zipper closure at the back so they can be easily removed. The soft plastic zipper ensures there is no accidental tugging of silk threads.
Artsy Cubism Inspired Decorative Accent Throw Pillow Cushion - "Shimmering Silver"
Inspired by the famous painting styles of cubist painters, this design depicts a woman holding a cigarette in her hand. The green and blue shades on her face look striking against a shimmering silver backdrop.
Fine quality silk makes this beautiful throw pillow cover soft to the touch and the raised swirl texture of the embroidery adds an interesting dimension. Use it to breathe life and artistic energy into any room. It is perfect for a living space couch, home office sofa or that special chair you sink into with your hot cuppa after a long day's work.
Completely hand embroidered using traditional chain stitch embroidery in silk threads, the pillow cover is 70% silk and 30% cotton with a fine quality canvas back. Pillow insert is not included but can be bought from any home store locally.
This FabWrap features a green-black double chiffon tassel scarf coordinated with antique gold finish statement earrings.
The scarf has a subtle silky sheen that lends itself beautifully to the dusty gold finish of the earrings.
While it makes an ideal accessory for a formal evening dress in solid black or green, pair it with jeans and a casual top for a classy day-time look.
Chunky Wood Rocking Horse Pendant Leather Necklace - "The Rocking Horse Came, From An Old Oak Tree"
This wood pendant with a rocking horse and a piece of classic black and white checkered ribbon tied in a bow knot on a black ball-chain is perfect to add a bit of fun and charm to any casual outfit.
Material: Wood, fabric and metal alloy.
Georgette Black Blue Tie-dye Scarf With Matching Jaipur Enamel Earrings - "Blue Stripes On Black"
Blue "Lehariya" stripes on black make this Georgette fabric scarf a gorgeous addition to your wardrobe.
It comes paired with matching "Meenakari" - Indian enamel jewelry making technique - earrings that add the much-needed pop of color and tie themselves to the scarf in this FabWrap with perfect harmony.
Wear on a tank and jeans or drape on a white linen tunic to add yet another dimension to your outfit.
Scarf care: Gentle hand wash in cold water. Flat dry rolled up at room temperature.
Girl Baby Shower Gift Crochet Throw - "Cotton Candy And Pink Lace, Your Smile Lights Up My Face"
This delightful combination of pink and white with a dash of happy yellow makes this ideal for a girl's nursery. Use it as a wrap or blanket while your precious one is a baby and later as a throw over her favorite chair as she grows. This piece of soft crochet art is meant to be cherished for years.
"Cotton Candy And Pink Lace, Your Smile Lights Up My Face"
When using as a baby blanket, consider snipping out the hand-shaped charm to avoid any danger of accidental swallowing.
This product has been hand-made by the less privileged women weavers from Andhra Pradesh, India. Every blanket you buy helps give them resources for a better life.
Gockel Inspired Modern Art Silk Embroidered Accent Throw Pillow Cushion - "Lovers"
Inspired by the famous painting "Endless Love" by expressionist artist Alfred Gockel, this design depicts two lovers locked in an embrace.
Alfred Gockel creates powerfully distinctive abstracts which are alive with rich primary colors, deep black accents, ebbing and flowing lines, and intensely kinetic motion. Born in Germany, Gockel had his first artwork published when he was 8 years old.
Green Beige Crochet Throw Baby Blanket - "Grass Grows All Around"
This muted yet graceful combination of beige and green with a dash of happy yellow makes this ideal for both boys and girls. Use it as the baby's blanket while your precious one is young and later on as a throw over a favorite chair as they grow.
The throw measure 30 inches x 48 inches in size.
This product has been hand-made by the less privileged women weavers from Andhra Pradesh, India. Every piece you buy helps give them resources for a better life.
Handmade Paisley Print Indian Silk Scarf - "Elegance"
This 100% Indian silk scarf hand-made using traditional block printing techniques is an heirloom worthy piece. Oh-so-delicate, this scarf is unarguably the softest fabric you could wrap round your neck. And packs comfortably in a small handbag.
Perfect for light breezy summers or harsh winters, it teams beautifully with both denims and warm coats.
Home Decor Modern Art Accent Throw Pillow - "The Lady Reads"
Inspired by the famous painting of a woman with a book by artist Pablo Picasso, one of the most famous and influential artists of the modern era, this throw pillow cover depicts a similar looking woman in hues of red and blue.
Indian Tie Dye Chiffon Scarf, Long Shibori Scarf, Colorful Scarf - "Go Green"
A pride of the Lehariya collection, this piece combines the vibrant hues of green, pink and yellow on soft chiffon fabric. Each piece in this collection is completely hand-dyed and takes around 7-8 hours to complete.
Care: Gentle hand wash in cold water. Flat dry rolled up at room temperature.
A vintage look bookmark in an antique bronze finish. The big feather bookmark has a chain that holds a lovely Tree of Life pendant with a handmade literary verse cabochon on the other side. Makes an ideal gift for a book lover, reading enthusiast, librarian or literary student.
Combine with any of my other items to avail of free shipping.
Lovely long bronze crystal necklace with black silk tassels. Perfect with a black dress.
Maroon Vines Bronze Stud Earrings - "Pretty Little Vines"
An interesting print of maroon vines, these little earrings could be just what you need to add a bit of nostalgia to your day.
Mint Green Spring Fashion Soft Crepe Scarf - "Spring Like The Spring"
Carry the freshness of spring indoors with you in this minty-green thick crepe scarf with black and grey rose motifs. Happy and playful. Ideal for a bright summer day.
Team it with a white dress or a tank and denims to add cheer to your ensemble.
The fabric is thick and drapes beautifully.
Modern Art Cubism Decorative Accent Throw Pillow Cushion - "Mysterious Woman"
Inspired by the famous painting styles of cubist painters, this design depicts a mysterious woman with her hair covering half her face.
Modern Art Decorative Accent Throw Pillow - "Fishes"
Inspired by the famous painting "Sun Fish-II" by expressionist artist Alfred Gockel, this design depicts two fishes and an abstract figure.
Multi-color Crochet Throw, Colorful Crochet Baby Shower Gift - "Orange You Glad I Crochet?"
Use as a baby blanket or as a throw over your favorite chair, this vibrant multi-colored piece of crochet art with an orange trim is sure to please the heart.
Picasso Inspired Artistic Cats Accent Throw Pillow - "Family of Cats"
The "Family" pillow cover is inspired by the works of Pablo Picasso, one of the most famous and influential artists of the modern era. It depicts a family of four cats against a backdrop of shimmering purple and a crescent moon. It is a celebration of all that a family stands for in the sense that even though the four cats in the design look entirely different from each other, they are looking in the same direction with a similar sense of wonder in their eyes.
Picasso Modern Art Accent Throw Pillow Cushion - "Lady Prominence"
Inspired by a painting by artist Pablo Picasso, one of the most famous and influential artists of the modern era, this throw pillow cover depicts a lady sitting on a chair.
Rocking Horse Antique Bronze Pendant Leather Necklace - "Let Them Be Little"
Let this small brass pendant of a rocking horse bring back childhood memories when a rocking horse was the coolest thing in your nursery.
In a two color leather strap, this quaint little piece is sure to gallop right into your heart.
Wear it with denims and a casual top for a fun day-time look.
Seattle Seahawks Theme Tie Dye scarf - "Love In Seattle"
Hand tie-dyed in the beautiful color combination that celebrates the Seattle Sea Hawks, this crinkled chiffon scarf is a style statement both on and off the sports field.
I designed this specially as a dedication to the beautiful north-west I call home and the city of Seattle and it's wonderful people.
The fabric for the scarf was hand-selected in India and I personally hand-mixed the colors to arrive at just the right shades of green and blue. Each scarf was hand-tied and dipped in large vessels of boiling water with green and blue fabric dyes to allow the colors to stain the fabric in the desired format and sequence. The dying process took approximately two hours. And it took another three hours for the scarf to be hung and air-dried. When this scarf was nearly dry, I rolled it up by hand to give it the soft crinkle effect you can see.
Limited edition piece. Ships in a knotted form to preserve crinkle effect.
SOLD: Modern Art Inspired Pop Art Britto Accent Throw Pillow Cushion - "Happy Hearts"
Inspired by the famous happy pop art style of "Heart Kids" by Romero Britto, this design depicts, as Britto says, "the unique and pure love that children have for their parents and the world!".
Romero Britto is a Brazilian Neo-pop artist, painter, serigrapher, and sculptor. He combines elements of cubism, pop art and graffiti painting in his work, using vibrant colors and bold patterns as a visual expression of hope and happiness.
Oxidized brass bells intertwined in purple yarn. The trinkets hanging at the ends lend it charm and energy.
Bracelet has a toggle clasp and fits all wrists.
Stud Earrings In Nostalgic Rose Print - "Roses Are Red"
Bloom like the rose in this elegant print of red roses on a cream background.
These little earrings could be just what you need to add a bit of nostalgia to your day.
A lovely antique silver bookmark with a handmade silk tassel, a crystal snowflake and a cute little elephant charm. The lavender/purple combines beautifully with the silver and lends it a charming appeal. Makes an ideal gift for a book lover, reading enthusiast, librarian or literary student in addition to anyone who loves the color purple and elephants.
"Beige Days And Mellow Yellow, Make Me A Happy Fellow"
This muted yet graceful combination of beige and yellow with a dash of green makes this ideal for both boys and girls. Use it as a baby blanket while your precious one is a baby and later as a throw over a favorite chair as they grow, this soft piece of crochet art is meant to be cherished for years.
When using this throw as a baby blanket, consider snipping out the hand-shaped charm to avoid the danger of accidental swallowing.
This throw has been hand-made by the less privileged women weavers from Andhra Pradesh, India. Every piece sold helps give them resources for a better life.
Vintage Floral Stud Earrings - "Flowers For The Lady"
Sweet. Feminine. Like a summer walk by the lake.
A beautiful print of red flowers on a cream background, these little earrings could be just what you need to add a bit of nostalgia to your day.
Vintage Inspired Stud Earrings In Red And Bronze - "She's A Wildflower"
A burst of color with red and yellow roses sitting pretty on a cream background, these little earrings could be just what you need to add a bit of nostalgia to your day.
Vintage Look Antique Brass Piano Pendant Necklace - "Life Is Like A Piano"
"Life is like a piano. The white keys represent happiness. The black keys, sadness. But as you go through life's journey, remember that the black keys made music too."
Infuse some music into your day with this beautiful pendant necklace. The warmth of antique brass coupled with the classic black and white look of piano keys make this a statement piece.
Flaunt your love for music or send as a gift to a music loving friend.
Vintage Look Antique Bronze Roses Necklace - "Smell The Roses"
Pause. Breathe. Fill the charm of yesteryear into today's technology filled life. This beautiful piece combines the delicate beauty of roses with the warmth of antique brass. Designed to melt hearts.
Vintage Print English Rose Soft Scarf "A Rose By Any Name"
A beautiful vintage print scarf with English roses lighting up a rich black backdrop. The fabric is a thick crepe with a nice fall and is satiny soft on one side.
This delicate, feminine piece makes a wonderful gift.
Approx. size: 20 inches x 61 inches.
Vintage Roses Bronze Stud Earrings - "Bed Of Roses"
Cheerful red and pink roses on a yellow background make this pair of earrings just the right amount of sunshine you need on a gloomy day.
Wear these to bring some cheer or just to add a bit of nostalgia to your day.
Vintage Stud Earrings - "Blue Skies"
With a beautiful print of red flowers on a blue background, these little earrings could be just what you need to add a bit of nostalgia to your day.
Growing up, I remember my Ma wearing a sari in a print like this. They remind me of her, standing before the mirror applying lipstick and humming to herself.
Do these bring to your mind a happy memory?


Total Population 1881 to 1951: Population fell from 44 in 1881 to 2 in 1951.
FORD Registration sub-District 1911 Census of England and Wales, Table 5, 'Registration Counties, Districts and Sub-districts with their constituent civil parishes. - Urban or Rural District in which each parish is situated; Area; families or separate occupiers, and population, 1901 and 1911; and population enumerated in Institutions, large establishments, and on vessels, &c., 1911'.
GLENDALE Wd Ancient District F. Youngs, Local Administrative Units: Northern England (London: Royal Historical Society, 1991), p. 351.
KIRKNEWTON CP/AP Parish-level Unit F. Youngs, Local Administrative Units: Northern England (London: Royal Historical Society, 1991), p. 351.
GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth, Yeavering Tn/CP through time | Census tables with data for the Parish-level Unit, A Vision of Britain through Time.


text:
Q: jquery add html append and remove Hi hope someone can help me with this,
I want to add and also remove html content from div.
breedte_cop stands for width of a jquery ui element from min 500 max 3000.
Initially I append 20 span (start val = 1000 / 50), and when extending it should with the for loop create more span.
Only I would like to remove it aswell when #breedte_cop gets to be 500 (= 10 span)
$.fn.PrevinbouwAddSpan = (function PrevinbouwAddSpan() {
            var bred = $('#breedte_cop').val();
            var hoog = $('#hoogte_cop').val();
            var Height = 9;
            var plus = hoog / 50;
            for(var i= 2; i <= hoog / 50; i++){
                $("#Inbot").append('');
            }

        });

A: If the question is simply how to remove a single span in a loop, try this:
 $("#Inbot").find('.Inlams').last().remove();

That removes only the last.Inlams span.


Policy: Pool games and warm-up games will not be used to calculate the tournament standings when using data to settle placement.
Explanation: Pool games are used for placement into the tournament. They are not tournament games. Coaches use pool games to develop younger pitchers and players.
Exception: If all teams have not been able to complete at least one tournament game, then pool game results will be used to settle placement. Highest seed will be used. If there is more than one pool (Pool A, Pool B etc.) in a division the Standard for Pool Placement will be applied.
5) The final tiebreaker is a double flip coin toss (first toss to see who will call, second coin toss for placement).
1) When making placement all teams have to be brought back to an equal amount of games.
2) Head-to-Head does not apply after teams have all completed one tournament game. Once you have entered the bracket, the pool games have NO RELEVANCE to placement.
If your team did not get to take the field to play, your team will receive a full refund.
If your team was able to take the field and play but not complete your game, your team will receive a refund for all but $50.00.
If your team completed one game, you will receive a refund for half of your entry fee.
If your team completed two games there will not be a refund.
There are no refunds on gate admissions.


Entrepreneurship is hard enough. But when you present your startup's pitch deck, you have to flaunt your design skills too.
We asked successful entrepreneurs and investors how to do it right.
Their tips included: Explain why now is the best time to launch your business, and don't forget to say what your company is actually doing.
Christina Carbonell and Galyn Bernard, the cofounders of Primary, a children's clothing brand.
Megan O'Connor, the cofounder and CEO of Clark, a tutoring-software company.
Their main takeaways? Keep it simple, and include the information that's most relevant to each investor.
Customize your deck to the specific investor you're pitching.
That's not typically how things work.
McLeod said it's more common (and more effective) to form a relationship with the investor before making your pitch. That includes asking the investor what kind of information they want to see in a deck and which numbers are important to them.
Prepare multiple documents that tell your company's story.
Taylor recommended creating different versions of your deck. Specifically, you'll need a short intro deck, as well as one for in-person meetings and another for follow-up calls.
Taylor warned founders not to include financial information in their intro deck and "blindly send it to people without qualifying them." She recommended DocSend for this purpose.
Ideally, by the time you're putting together a deck, "you have enough of a vision for the brand that you're building" that you can visually represent that brand, Carbonell said. Too often she sees other founders' decks "either not well designed or generically designed," and missing their "brand personality," she said.
"First impressions matter!" she said.
Don't go overboard with the information you present.
A few entrepreneurs mentioned that they'd used the venture-capital firm Sequoia Capital's pitch-deck template, which includes 10 slides, each with one key point.
And Taylor said she uses Guy Kawasaki's 10/20/30 rule: "A pitch should have 10 slides, last no more than 20 minutes, and contain no font smaller than 30 points."
As Bernard put it, your deck should "tell a story" so that investors "can understand where you think the business is going to go."
It goes back to knowing which numbers and metrics matter most to each investor. "If you throw all of your numbers into your deck, it may not tell a story," Bernard said, and the investors "may not latch on to the right point."
Rubio said founders should "paint a specific picture of the one (or maybe two!) biggest opportunities that you're working to leverage, and then focus your pitch on how you're going to approach them."
"Otherwise, it's too easy to give the impression that you're not clear on your purpose and the value you're uniquely bringing to the table."
Pretend you're creating a deck for your parents.
Carbonell said one of the best pieces of advice she'd heard on this topic is to pretend you're presenting the deck to your parents.
In other words, don't be afraid to "brag a little bit" — your parents want you to succeed — and "give them a little bit of context for some things," since they might not be experts in the space like you are.
When you're creating a deck to use during in-person meetings, avoid the temptation to cram every slide with information.
"Each slide should have one cohesive, clear point, and it should not take a lot of text to make that point," O'Connor said.
Remember you'll be talking during the presentation, she said, "so you don't need everything you're going to say also on the slide."
Clark's slide on the team.
Use one slide to explain who's on the team.
"In the early stages, a VC is investing in the person (or team), not the company," O'Connor said. "They have to believe that you are the one that can accomplish the mission above anyone else."
That's why she recommends including a blurb on the entire team and their professional backgrounds. During the pitch, you can talk through your story as the founder.
Include your bio if it's relevant.
Taylor said that "people remember narrative and why you are doing something." If your personal or professional background is relevant to the company, include that in your deck.
For example, Taylor grew up in an advanced-manufacturing hub in Wisconsin, so she includes that point when she's pitching Cluster.
Don't forget to say what your company is actually doing.
Yes, it sounds obvious. But the Primary founders said it's easy to get so deep in the weeds that you forget to tell investors what the purpose of your company is.
"Occasionally, we are so close to what we're doing, what our actual product is and what we're offering, that we forget to say it," Bernard said.
Your pitch deck should address two points, McLeod said: "Here's the grand vision of where this is going to go and why this is a big idea" and "We're going to really nail this one narrow thing really well."
A slide from Brex's pitch deck on market size.
Duggal said one common mistake she sees in pitch decks is "not addressing competition or figuring out the market landscape."
"When we think about investing in a company, we want to understand — that's great that you have an interesting idea or you spotted something that has the potential to be an exciting business — but we also want to understand what is already in the market," she said.
A slide from Day One Ventures' pitch deck on "why now?"
Don't just talk about the problem and your solution, Carbonell said. Also answer the question "Why now?"
"It can be very helpful in persuading an investor not only that you have a good idea, but why now is the right time to pursue it and why it hasn't been done before," she added.
Drokova said: "A deck is all about why [the business] should exist today and that you're ready and capable to execute it. With Day One Ventures, it was about our insights into communications and PR, and seeing how much it helps early-stage companies grow in size and valuation, and how it assists with recruiting top talent."
O'Connor said investors are always interested in hearing about your cost to acquire a customer. "At the very least," she said, "you need to be able to show that your CAC will decrease over time, and what your plan is for making that possible at scale."
Early on, Korey said, "you might not have enough data to successfully show anticipated traction." In that case, "focus on other metrics that you can share," including qualitative feedback from your initial research.
"When the hard data doesn't exist yet, there are other ways to prove that there's an appetite for what you're building and a path towards success," Korey said.
A slide from Front's pitch deck on how capital will be used.
Specify how you're going to spend the money you raise.
Investors want to know what you'll be doing with their cash.
"You need to be more specific than just letting the investors know you're going to build the company and should be able to speak to things like headcount, office space, vendor agreements, R&D, and any other big expenditures for your business," O'Connor said.
A slide from Carta's pitch deck on the payback period.
The "payback period" is how long it will take for investors to recover the cost of their investment.
"Investors are going to give your company money because they believe they can eventually make a profit off of it," O'Connor said. "So in addition to clearly articulating how that will be possible, you'll also need to share a specific timeline of when it's going to happen."
"Not all of the points that we were making were coming across as clearly as we wanted to," Carbonell said. So they updated the slides for the rest of their investor meetings.


Ed Price is President of PCI Synthesis, a pharmaceutical development CDMO based in Newburyport, MA and the largest small molecule drug substance manufacturer in New England. Now a subsidiary of Novacap, a worldwide player in pharmaceutical synthesis and advanced specialties, PCI Synthesis is also a commercial manufacturer of NCEs, generic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and other specialty chemical products for the medical device industry. As a CDMO, PCI Synthesis provides emerging and mid-sized pharmaceutical companies access to the expertise needed to develop and manufacture complex small molecules.


text:
Venue Type: Venues For Hire
For: Cocktails
Soho Hotel
The Soho Hotel is situated on a quiet street in the heart of Soho, surrounded by some of London's best restaurants and bars, vibrant cafes and most exciting theatre and nightlife. Once a disused car park, the hotel has 96 bedrooms and suites, each one individually designed by Firmdale Hotels' co-owner and Creative Director, Kit Kemp. The hotel's Refuel Restaurant & Bar serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner a la carte. The Soho Hotel also has two state-of-the-art screen rooms with red leather and cowhide seats. These can be hired for private screenings, press launches and business presentations. […]
Drake and Morgan at King's Cross
Kings Cross and St Pancras
Set over two beautifully designed floors, our flagship bar and restaurant is the epitome of industrial elegance. With craft cocktails, bottomless brunches, a deli stocked daily with fresh bread and cheese and a secluded terrace, it's the perfect antidote to busy city life.
27 Restaurant & Bar
Crown London Aspinalls, the exclusive club located on Curzon Street in the heart of Mayfair, is proud to introduce its standalone restaurant – 27 Restaurant & Bar. Featuring an array of sumptuous dishes from around the world, combined with a wine list to be envied and enjoyed, 27 Restaurant & Bar epitomises the very best of fine dining in a luxurious and relaxed environment. Whether celebrating a special occasion or wanting an exclusive setting for a business meeting/lunch, guests can choose from a wealth of dishes in the main restaurant, select a tipple from the well- stocked bar or enjoy […]
Sea Containers London
Seductive and striking, Sea Containers brings a bold new energy to London, blending the style and sophistication of the boutique brand with South Bank's eclectic vibe. Located on the banks of the River Thames in the famed Sea Containers building and having worked with Design Research Studio under the creative direction of renowned British designer Tom Dixon, guests will witness stunning river views, experience underwater tranquility at agua Spa, sample delicious food using locally sourced ingredients at Sea Containers restaurant and enjoy innovative cocktails from Mr. Lyan at both Lyaness and 12th Knot, our rooftop lounge with its glass box […]
The Terrace on Piccadilly
The Terrace On Piccadilly at Le Méridien Piccadilly serves classic cuisine with a contemporary twist infused with flavours from across the globe. With luscious greenery throughout the restaurant, this leafy suburban haven also provides a stylish setting for Afternoon Tea. The Peter Rabbit™ Afternoon Tea lets children and grown-ups alike enjoy their favourite childhood story with tasty treats from chamomile chocolate pots to vegetable patch sandwiches. Discover a winter wonderland of Peter's favourite treats inspired by the classic Beatrix Potter tale. From Mr McGregor's Garden, a delectable baguettini filled with fresh vegetables, hummus and topped with chestnuts for a festive touch, to Peter's […]
Dalloway Terrace
Named after the eponymous character created by Virginia Woolf, an author whose name will forever be associated with Bloomsbury, Dalloway Terrace is an elegant, poetic and ever-changing space. Set in the heart of the historic and vibrant 18th century Bloomsbury, London's literary centre, the beautiful indoor-outdoor space is just a two-minute walk from Tottenham Court Road station and the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street and Soho. In winter, Dalloway proves a popular festive spot, decorated with blankets and soft furnishing, which makes for an idyllic and cosy Christmas grotto, with all of the festive grub to keep you warm […]
Sofitel London St James
A new restaurant concept will be launched in May 2019, following a 3 month re-design project incorporating the restaurant, bar and lounge. From 24th February until the end of May, The Balcon and St James Bar will be closed. The Rose Lounge will be closed from mid to end May.
Bankside Hotel
Bankside Hotel is located on London's culturally vibrant South Bank. The creative spirit of the neighbourhood has inspired their rooms & public areas; eclectic artwork and handpicked furniture create a residential air throughout the hotel. Their event spaces are flexible, versatile and adaptable mirroring the hotel's love of creativity. White Box is a blank canvas to style and layout as you see fit, allowing your exhibition, private dinner, meeting or launch to take on its own personality. Keeping in the creative zone is their all-day restaurant Art Yard Bar & Kitchen, this is demonstrated by the decor and the food […]
The Stafford London
The Stafford London is a historic venue, initially built as residences in the 17th century, with a rich and lively past. The Stafford has an array of rooms, each uniquely styled, guests can choose from the Main House, Mews Suites or Carriage House. Each of these areas has something different to offer but upholds the high standards of exquisite style. The Main House was previously home to Lord and Lady Lyttelton and today combines Victorian style with contemporary ease. The Carriage House was previously the former royal mews and stables of the eighteenth century nobility. The Mews Suites are designed […]
Eight Member's Club Bank
Situated opposite the Royal Exchange just off Cornhill in the historic Change Alley, the club offers members and their guests a wonderful venue to relax, meet friends, work and socialise. The Members' Lounge provides a serene working environment during the day, transforming into an atmospheric bar in the evening. The Lounge Menu is ideal if you are looking for something light to snack on whilst playing pool on one of the three Championship Brunswick tables, or something a little more substantial after a long meeting. It includes classic dishes, finger foods, sandwiches, which make for a real treat after a long day. […]
Circus is a unique and quirky cabaret restaurant and cocktail bar in London's vibrant Covent Garden. Circus is the ultimate one stop shop. The perfect venue in London for before dinner cocktails, after work drinks, dinner, entertainment and a late night bar. Circus is a restaurant and show with a difference, brought to life by amazing and outrageous pop-up circus. Expect the unexpected as you see aerialists, contortionists, hand balancers, fire-breathers, hula-hoopers and much more. Their highly popular Pan-Asian menu (with meat, vegetarian or vegan food options), created and overseen by Executive Chef Andrew Lassetter, is designed for sharing. High […]
Searcys at The Gherkin
There are few spots on the London landscape as striking as Searcys at The Gherkin, where a taste of the high-life awaits. Pair high-end design with vintage cuvees and contemporary cooking, all while enjoying panoramic views from the top three levels of one of London's most iconic skyscrapers. Searcys introduces HELIX Restaurant and IRIS bar; now open to the public for the first time. HELIX Restaurant open to the public for the very first time, offering sky-high contemporary dining at both lunch and dinner with majestic views across the city. A proud celebration of British produce in one of London's […]
Great Fosters
Great Fosters was built in the mid sixteenth century although the land upon which the house now stands is referenced as far back as the early thirteenth century as the "land of Foster". Travel back earlier still, and the moat which is still in evidence today dates back to the Saxon times around the fifth century and a Saxon settlement is anticipated to lie beneath the Grade II listed parterre gardens. In the gardens, you will find a myriad of surprises – from the amphitheatre to the Archery Pavilion and Japanese bridge and not forgetting the sundial at the centre […]
Perched high above the capital with enviable views out over the City, London's hottest new destination rooftop restaurant, bar and grand terrace, Aviary, has come home to roost. Nestling on the 10th floor of the brand new Montcalm Royal London House Hotel, bordering the City and Shoreditch on Finsbury Square, leading restaurant and bar operator ETM Group has taken dining to a new level with its first sky-high venue. From the large ornate birdcage suspended above the stairway leading from the dedicated lift, to the proud pair of peacocks heralding the venue's entrance, Aviary is an ornithological paradise soaring above […]
Baglioni Hotel London
Baglioni Hotel London embodies the warmth and attention to detail typical of the Italian lifestyle and hospitality and aims to be our guests' "home away from home" thanks to the charm and tranquillity of the 18 rooms and 47 suites including three signature suites and the Royal Suite facing out onto the park and residences of the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. From breakfast to dinner Brunello Bar and Restaurant offers a window into the flavours of Italy with La Terrazza di Brunello just adjacent to Hyde Park, London's most iconic Royal Park. Brunello is a meeting point for anyone […]
About ME London Contemporary luxury hotel, ME London, is the flagship property for the ME by Meliá brand, located on the Strand in the cultural heart of London. The UK's first Foster + Partners' hotel, ME London is one of the leading hotels in the capital offering 157 chic guestrooms, 15 luxurious suites and signature duplex penthouse Suite ME. ME London is home to the renowned Radio Rooftop with panoramic views of the city's skyline from Tower Bridge to the Houses of Parliament. The hotel also boasts international dining outlet STK (a world-famous steak house), lounge bar Marconi Lounge and […]
Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar
Named after James Gillray, the 18th-century English master caricaturist who gained notoriety satirising the politicians of his time, Gillray's Restaurant & Bar is a quintessentially English dining experience paying homage to top quality British produce and that other British institution – gin. Boasting iconic views of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye, Gillray's Restaurant & Bar celebrates the best of seasonal English produce, with as much as possible sourced from local suppliers: meat hails from eighth generation butcher Darragh O'Shea; fish comes from Billingsgate Market; while desserts are made using Clarence Court eggs from Cornwall. Gillray's […]
Le Pont de la Tour
Le Pont de la Tour is a restaurant, part of the D&D London group, which focuses on French cuisine. Le Pont de la Tour features a restaurant, bar, food store, wine merchant and bakery. The riverside location and chic interior of Le Pont de la Tour makes this establishment a visually stunning one. The menu displays French cooking at its finest with a variety of seafood and meat dishes, all exquisitely prepared. La Pont de la Tour is available for private hire and can accommodate a range of events from corporate dinners, birthdays, weddings or private wine tastings.
Hyde Park and Green Park
The cuisine at Céleste draws on traditional French 'savoir faire', whilst championing the authenticity of the finest British organic produce. Interiors by Alberto Pinto take the restaurant back to the Regency heritage in line with the rest of The Lanesborough. Within Céleste, 250 different mouldings were created to achieve the historic scene in bas-relief that surrounds the frise under the sky dome. English crystal chandeliers illuminate the delicate detailing, with the largest weighing 200kg and stretching two metres wide. The conservatory roof allows daylight to flood in for a light lunch and the mood evolves throughout the day for an […]
After much anticipation, Smith & Wollensky London has opened in the historic Grade II-listed Adelphi Building off the Strand. As the boutique steakhouse's first opening outside of the US, with locations in cities such as New York and Miami, Londoners can expect the restaurant's same brand of warm American hospitality that has made it much-loved Stateside together with a menu of signature USDA Prime dry-aged steaks alongside Scottish cuts, premium seafood, award-winning wines and classic cocktails. Since its establishment in 1977 as America's premier fine dining steakhouse, Smith & Wollensky has been committed to delivering unparalleled hospitality and the best […]
Sumosan Twiga
Sumosan Twiga, launched in November 2016 in West London's smart Knightsbridge neighbourhood, is an exciting expansion of the much loved Sumosan brand in partnership with Flavio Briatore. Set across three floors, the venue offers a contemporary restaurant, a large mixology focused bar and a separate late night lounge. Offering a winning formula of classic Venetian inspired Italian dishes, paired with Sumosan's contemporary Japanese cuisine, Sumosan Twiga makes a unique entry to the London restaurant scene. Twiga Late Night Lounge was created for Billionaire Lifestyle's chic international clientele, and has fast become a favourite rendezvous for the International jet-set. At Sumosan […]
The Berkeley
Ever since The Berkeley opened its doors over 100 years ago on the corner of Berkeley Street in Piccadilly, it has been at the heart of London's social and cultural life. After the move to Wilton Place in 1972, it continued to play host to the most glittering gatherings and glamourous guests. It is a tradition that continues to this day, and we are delighted that you have chosen to become part of The Berkeley Story. When The Berkeley was reopened here in Knightsbridge, it again found itself in an area with many historical associations. One of the hotel's finest […]
The Leaf and Cane
Be transported to subtropical Latin American subterranean terrace and cellars set in the 1920s as you discover the larger-than-life era that gave us the cigars, rums and good vibrations! With its art deco Batista era elegance, and Latin American rhythm, the Leaf and Cane is destined to be a sanctuary for lovers of fine cigars and premium rums who insist on having a good time; starting a little earlier, and going on a little later.


Immigration is about more than immigration. It always has been. The question of immigration is a question about America. About our national identity and destiny. What is America? What does it mean to be an American? Who are we as a people and where are we heading as a country? What will the "next America" look like? What should the next America look like?
We are talking about souls not statistics. We are talking about families. We're talking about fathers and husbands who, with no warning, won't be coming home for dinner tonight — and who may not see their families again for a decade at least. We're talking about women suddenly left as single mothers to raise their children in poverty. We're talking about a state policy that results in making many children virtual "orphans" to be raised on the streets or in foster care.
Catholic commitments to the immigrant … form a part of our original identity as believers. Put simply, we care for the immigrant because Jesus commanded us to. Catholics must defend immigrants if we are going to be worthy of the name Christian.
Nearly all of us today are immigrants by blood. But … our commitment to immigration is an obligation of our national spirit that must be renewed in each generation. America's self-identity, as well as our relationship with other nations, depends on our attitude toward immigration. If we turn our back on our history, if we abandon what he called our "old principles," then something in the American spirit will have died.
[American] history is important in our current debates because it reminds us that before we were a nation of immigrants, we were a nation founded by missionaries. Two centuries before our founding documents were written down in English, there were immigrants here praying and preaching in Spanish. … [W]hat we need to keep in mind in our immigration debate is that the Hispanic presence has deep roots in this soil. Long before America had a name, long before there was a Washington, D.C., or a Wall Street, this land was Spanish and Catholic. Two hundred years before any of the Founding Fathers were born, this land's people were being baptized in the name of Christ. The people of this land were called Christians before they were called Americans. And they were first called this name in the Spanish tongue.
[Catholics'] status in American public life gives us a duty. We are called to renew the soul of our nation in the image of her founding beliefs. Our immigration crisis is a crisis of national identity and purpose. Our nation was founded by missionaries to be a "new world" that reflects God's benevolent plan for human history. The national motto chosen by America's founders reflects this same idea — America as a novus ordo seclorum, a new order of the ages. We need to help our neighbors see the immigrants in our midst in light of America's missionary and immigrant heritage.
Jesus never distinguished between those who "deserve" our love and those who don't. He told us that God makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. So we can't choose to love some but not to love others. We can't justify showing less compassion for those who don't have the right documents. Jesus said, "I was a stranger." He did not distinguish between legal and illegal. In fact, he pushed us to find him in those who are the most distressing to us — including strangers and criminals in jail.
By our political inaction we have allowed a vast underclass to grow at the margins of our society. We have created a situation where millions of men and women are living as perpetual servants — working for low wages in our restaurants and fields; our factories, gardens, homes, and hotels. These men and women have no security against sickness, disability, or old age. In many cases these people can't even open up a checking account or get a driver's license. They serve as our nannies and babysitters. But their own children can't get jobs or go to college because they were brought to this country illegally by their parents.
The dream of America was not meant to leave people living in limbo. There are hundreds of thousands being held without charges or representation in "detention centers." Millions more are living with the knowledge that if they make one wrong move they could be arrested, ripped from their families, and locked in those same immigration jails — or deported straight away.
We need to work to make sure that immigration reform is part of an even more comprehensive reform — a project for American renewal aimed at forming a new national identity and civic culture dedicated to the universal values of promoting human dignity, freedom, and a community of the good. We need to take the next steps toward realizing the dream of America.
"As I write, the president and Congress, for the first time in years, seem committed to working for a comprehensive reform of our immigration policies.
This is very encouraging to me. Immigration is a national issue. It's about our national security, about who we allow into our country and why. This should not be a matter for individual states to decide. But the states have been forced to act because for too long the federal government has abdicated its duties. The lack of courage and failure of leadership on immigration has been widespread and cuts across party lines.
It's no wonder people are frustrated. There has been no meaningful movement at the federal level since comprehensive reform legislation failed in Congress in 2007. The costs of inaction have been cruel and ongoing — for the millions of illegal immigrants and their families, and for millions of ordinary Americans, especially those living in border states.
We say we are worried about the long-term social costs of illegal immigration. If we are, then we should be looking for every way possible to integrate the undocumented into our economy so that they do not become a permanent underclass of dependent people. Our policy today, unfortunately, is only helping that underclass grow in numbers. The underclass grows every time we break apart a family by deporting a working father and leaving women and children behind in poverty. We are creating the very conditions that we claim to be afraid of — a generation of people who can't assimilate and who don't have the education and skills to contribute to our economy.
So I am hopeful the president and Congress can come together to create a principled policy that welcomes newcomers who have the character and skills our country needs to flourish and grow; a policy that secures our borders against illegal crossings and lets us keep track of those who are already living within our borders; a policy that includes a just solution to the questions raised by those who are here in violation of our laws and produces a path for them to make restitution and become citizens; a policy we can enforce with fairness and mercy.
Reforms in these areas would make a big difference in the lives of millions of people. We need these kinds of reforms if America is going to compete in a global economy at a time when our domestic workforce is shrinking and our population is aging. But immigration reform is about more than finding technical solutions. If immigration was only about fixing a broken system, the system would have been fixed already.
That's why I decided to write this little book in the middle of this debate: Because immigration is about more than immigration.
I'm concerned that the deeper issues at stake in this debate are being ignored and will be left undiscussed, while politicians, labor unions and businesses focus on forging the compromises needed to address the political issues. If this turns out to be the case, it will be more than a missed opportunity. I'm convinced that unless we address these underlying issues, any reform enacted may be only partial and unsustainable, leading to even more injustices and resentments down the road.
Immigration and the Next America is available in paperback and for Kindle and Nook.