Monday, June 16, 2008

7 Valuable Lessons Gleaned From an Unforeseen Candidate Placement

By Dan McLaughlin Five years ago I was in the process of helping a client locate an exceptional sales leader for a high-profile global account position within their organization. I had arranged for the VP of Sales to meet with a very well qualified, proven group of five individuals all of whom would undoubtedly represent the company with great aplomb and, most importantly, greatly improve customer relations and rapidly increase revenues generated from all pertinent accounts. The interviews had been set up to take place in successive order over a period of five hours. The hiring manager and I had agreed to dissect the discussions immediately after all had been completed. Unbeknownst to me, one of the account executives (lets call him Mark) had spoken with an associate at another company about his candidacy for the position and, upon further discussion, both had apparently decided that our new player (designated Steve) would be a better match for the role. Subsequently, they devised a plan to have Steve show up for the meeting and hope that it lasted long enough for him to avoid bodily damage. I became aware of this fine bit of cunning immediately after I contacted Mark at the time we had assigned for a post-interview debriefing. Needless to say, I was not overly pleased. This was an individual I had never spoken with, and I knew nothing about his background and abilities. I had carefully and thoroughly prepared Mark for his evaluation the day before it was scheduled to take place. I also checked in with him the next morning to make certain all was still proceeding accordingly and to address any potential loose ends we may have thought of in the interim. He had given me excited reassurance that his interest in the position was strong and he looked forward to his engagement with the companys leadership. When I asked Mark why he had not simply brought Steve to my attention and let me make a proper introduction to the hiring manager, he told me that he felt there was no chance I would move forward with him due to his specific experience. Upon further discussion, I suspected he was most likely correct. Although I always put a premium on qualities such as motivation and desire (and it was clear that this individual was quite driven and he did indeed have some relevant contacts who would undoubtedly be of great assistance), his background simply was not within even the most generous outer parameters established by the hiring manager and myself. Fantastic, I thought. Hours of networking and careful recruitment had just been undone by an errant act that would most likely not only cast a somber timbre over the entire slate of talks due to the fact that Mark was expected to be the first to appear for the sessions but, most importantly, my relationship with the hiring manager would be irrevocably damaged. As I picked up the phone to get feedback from the VP, my initial thoughts were rather similar to those Washington must have had when he learned that Arnold was interested in signing away the fort. Perhaps not quite so vexing, but very disconcerting nonetheless. However, I had been in awkward situations such as this in the past and had found that it was always best to find the potential positives and gracefully temper any amount of ire that may be forthcoming – warranted or not. I had already spoken to the other four candidates and had not detected any signs of untoward animosity or outright disdain. Indeed all individuals had greatly enjoyed their respective conversations and looked forward to pursuing the position with all alacrity. My general outlook on things picked up ever so slightly. Even though Steve had most likely tainted the process and possibly set up a rather unpleasant round of discussions for the subsequent individuals, I started to get a feeling that things had progressed better than expected. The other end of the line became live and I was greeted with a laugh? Dan, I had a rather interesting day today, Bob the VP said. Yes, Bob, I said, I suspect you did. He then explained how the unexpected guest had blown into the room, rapidly outlined the situation, and asked for 30 minutes of his time. As Steve had undoubtedly hoped, Bob figured the hour was fairly well shot anyhow and thus acceded to his request. Things went exceptionally well. Bob told me that there was no way he would have agreed to see him based on his standard qualifications and experience. However, this particular candidate had three things going for him: A proven record of superb accomplishment in a wide array of fields. Tangible evidence of his willingness to do whatever was necessary to achieve his selected goals. Bob simply liked him more than the others. The biggest surprise came next. Bob wanted to hire him on the spot. He was absolutely convinced that Steve would be an incredible asset to the company and wanted to have him join his team as soon as possible. We rapidly agreed upon terms for all parties and Steve started work there that week. He is still with the company as has consistently been ranked within the highest echelon of performers each year since he started. This experience was quite valuable as it reinforced my belief that certain highly appropriate variables are all too often discounted in the quest to locate what is perceived to be the ideal candidate. There are a multitude of pertinent thoughts that may be extracted from this particular event. Here are a few: Generate your own luck. Did I have a great deal to do with this placement? Aside from helping to construct the contract and attending to all final ancillary items, the general and seemingly obvious answer would be no. However, the individual who produced the successful candidate may very well have never been located and prompted to action without hard, focused work, a strong presentation of the benefits of the position, and a willingness to continually strive to improve ones professional approach. Diligence and perseverance always seem to be hallmarks for most people who are perceived as having more than their fair share of fortunate breaks. Never underestimate passion, motivation, and proper organizational agreement. All too often the key figures involved in the hiring decision framework become overly fixated on quantifiable minutiae and, in the process, often neglect or erroneously diminish other crucial factors that are essential to determining whether or not a potential employee will flourish in their particular environment. I am familiar with some highly successful technology sales executives who decided to enter the recruitment field and ended up generating results that were far less than spectacular. In many instances, they had become accustomed to recurring streams of income and often disproportionately large customer wins that readily filled their respective quotas. Unfortunately, such ingrained reliance left them ill-prepared for the unequal demands of an executive search role. Others simply preferred to spend the brunt of their time in the field or found the nature of the work to be dissimilar from what they had expected. Clearly it is important to make certain that potential employees possess a minimum amount of relevant skills and abilities to effectively operate in a certain role. However, it has been my experience that the truly great performers are more often than not those who may lack the most appropriate background, but are willing to do whatever is necessary to far exceed established standards. Their desire to be the best is unflagging, and they will quite often achieve far better results than individuals who have an applicable line of descent and highly pertinent knowledge. Underperformance by those perceived as exemplary may be due to a host of reasons, some of which include: a) lack of necessary impetus to excel, b) satisfaction with current expectation/success ratio, c) improper fit with the companys structure and systems or d) outside demands that require a great deal of attention. The important thing to note is that employers must give sufficient weight to qualitative intangibles when making a hiring decision. Always expect the best possible outcome. It is absolutely essential to maintain confidence and resolve even in circumstances that may appear dire. A positive perception of ones abilities combined with a diligent and professional demeanor, particularly during the most trying of circumstances, will produce extraordinary results. Even if a certain assignment is not completed successfully, all involved will greatly appreciate the sincerity and determination of your approach and will be more than willing to utilize your services again in the future. Never assume anything. I recall working at a company with one individual who only became aware that a placement had gone awry when the client organization called the day after the candidate was to begin work and wondered why he hadnt shown up. It turned out that he had received an offer from another company which he had decided to accept. Neither person felt it necessary to make contact and the results were abysmal and very possibly avoidable if the recruiter had followed basic protocol. Some things will simply be beyond our control. Many others, however, can and should be attended to with as much diligence as possible. Increased attention to seemingly small details such as candidate presentation, interview preparation, follow-up, and other pertinent factors will dramatically increase success in all areas of the hiring process and life in general. Embrace the unexpected. In the example given above, it would have been a simple matter for the VP to storm out of the room in anger and call off the entire slate of examinations. However, he was an individual who had experienced great success by wielding the ability to recognize opportunity where others simply saw distraction. Most importantly, he had always made it a point to confront, control, and nimbly guide all potentially deleterious events in a direction and manner that was as undaunted and forthright as possible. Even if things do not fare as well as hoped, the lessons learned from the unforeseen event are quite valuable. Systems and structure are great; adaptability is golden. We all have developed particular standardized methods that have proven to be productive. However, too many people seemingly become bound by the confines of an established continuum and are either unwilling to advance their abilities due to perfectly natural apprehension, or they simply are not allowed such latitude due to corporate policies. The difficulty, of course, is that humans are not hamburgers and, try as we might, there simply is not a single approach or framework that ensures uniform success for all. Individuals must be allowed sufficient leeway within an established scheme in order to fully utilize their particular skills and abilities. Do everything possible to maintain and enhance relationships with clients and potential candidates. Certainly a very basic tenet but one that often seems to be depreciated or entirely disregarded in the quest to generate business. In the case illustrated above, not only did the company still offer to pay a recruitment fee, they did so without hesitation due to the fact that we had an exceptionally strong track record with the firm and many of its executives. Through great initiative, preparation, and basic drive Steve had won a highly coveted position over a number of supremely qualified applicants, all of whom had exceptionally appropriate experience and proven success in the sector in which the company operated. The VP of Sales had been willing to take a studied chance on an individual who would require training and a brief period of time to appropriately acclimate. Nevertheless, the amount of business Steve might generate above that of other candidates would more than make up for the initial investment requirements. Bob had always believed that items such as motivation, extended record of performance, and attitude should carry as much (if not more) weight than product knowledge, company pedigree, and time in the sector. By being open to an overture that many may have quickly dismissed, and maintaining an approach that willingly incorporated a tempered tolerance for calculated departure from the standard, he had hired a champion sales professional. Copyright 2006 by Dan McLaughlin. Use of this article is allowed provided it is unaltered and the original author’s name and original article source URL are included. Dan McLaughlin is the President of Renascent Solutions, a Seattle-based executive recruitment company http://www.renascentsolutions.com He has successfully completed numerous searches for a wide array of high technology companies ranging from early-stage enterprises to well-established Fortune 500 corporations. Dan earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Montana State University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Montana. Article source: http://www.renascentsolutions.com/lessonsfromplacement.htm Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_McLaughlin http://EzineArticles.com/?7-Valuable-Lessons-Gleaned-From-an-Unforeseen-Candidate-Placement&id=135933 hard money lenders canada finf me a personal loan for bad credit pay day loans ontario fast cash now
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Thursday, June 12, 2008

Security Services Internet – At Your Service

By Carmel Whittle Security Services Internet is essential if you are working online today. The need to have the highest protection should be of the up most importance to your marketing, promoting, advertising, sales and running of your business. What is Security Services? Security Services are trained technical service people who keep an eye on your internet security. Why is not the security on my computer enough? It isnt in short, the amount of exposure any of us receive on any given day if we are plugged into the internet is overwhelming. Security Services Internet can be compared to services like ADT home security. You can leave your home and know that someone is keeping an eye on your property. Security Services is very much like this service except it is watching after your privacy and personal property while you move around the internet. This will be the wave of the future. Technology moves very quickly and so do those who constantly want to break into our computers to do illegal acts. You will hear more in the news about hackers, cyber criminals taking over home pc users and small business owners computers. These criminals can control your system and you have no idea that it is happening until its too late. Your system is either overloaded and crashes constantly, you receive tons of spam or its even been recorded that people have had their computers turned on when they have not been working on their systems. If you would like more information about Security Services Internet please go to our website and check out the category Security sign up to our free newsletter so you can get more information on how to protect your business, your family and friends. Do you want to learn more: Click Here:Security Services Internet http://www.thebusiness-portal.com Carmel Whitte & Charles Pafford are Internet Safety Advocates for Invisus Direct and are owners and operators of The Business Resource Directory http://www.thebusiness-portal.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carmel_Whittle http://EzineArticles.com/?Security-Services-Internet—At-Your-Service&id=449940 copy of nyc paycheck immediate cash advance unsecured business loans from banks payday advance loan
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Sunday, June 8, 2008

Cash Advance � To Fulfill your Immediate Cash Requirement

By Gagandeep Dhaliwal Everybody gets in a situation where they need a cash advance from time to time. It may be a family emergency or it may be an automotive repair that just can’t wait. In those situations, there are companies that are more than happy to help, for a fee of course. Cash advance is a loan taken out on a line of credit or a credit card. This is a quick source to obtain cash within few hours or days. There is no need of credit checks, any income proofs or asset evaluations. A person has to just apply for the advance and he will get it. Cash advance loans are being used for everything from buying new TVs to paying for basic needs such as food and medicines and some cases are unexpected expenses, to bridge short-term cash needs, to avoid bounced check fees or late payment penalties etc. Such type of loans fulfill persons emergency cash requirement. You can also apply for cash advance loans online. This can save your time and money. Simply, you have to fill an online form or application and after approval the money can be electronically transferred into your checking account. There are different types of cash advances according to a persons need like fast cash advance, instant cash advance, quick cash advances, online cash advance and payday cash advance. The person in need of cash advance loan must be over 18 years and having an active checking account. He/she should not have any outstanding payday loans and must have a monthly income of at least $1,000. Cash advance loans are quite expensive and should be used for extreme situations only. In addition, when you take a cash advance loan, make certain that you do have the ability to repay this loan on your next payday. If your advance is not paid back in full on the date initially determined you will be charged extra fees. The author presents the website on cash advance. It covers meaning, types, eligibility criteria and uses of cash advance. You can get useful information about online cash advance from his site. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gagandeep_Dhaliwal http://EzineArticles.com/?Cash-Advance—To-Fulfill-your-Immediate-Cash-Requirement&id=155099 studen loan parent bad credit high limit instant cash advance credit card bad credit online payday advance no credit check furniture store
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Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Why The Biggest Loser is the Biggest Stinker

By Christine Anne Sutherland Youd probably have to be from another planet not to know what The Biggest Loser is all about. A bunch of seriously obese men and women are launched into extreme food deprivation, and exercise regimes so harsh that, in the words of Ed Martin on MediaVillage.com Half of these people looked like they were going to have heart attacks, the other half like they were on the verge of strokes. But with overweight and obesity rates rising, and death rates caused by being fat and/or inactive going through the roof, isnt this show at least doing something about it? The problem is that while the show claims its about healthy weight loss, what it actually demonstrates is the most dangerous method with the highest failure rate, damaging not only the participants, but anyone who is led to believe this is what weight loss is about. The faster loser is the fastest fat regainer In a world where human fatties have governments and health scientists apoplectic with worry, and rightfully so, its not surprising that theres been a massive amount of research on the effectiveness of various approaches to weight loss. All around the world, in every civilised country where research has been undertaken, it has been thoroughly demonstrated that dieting and exercise programs not only dont work, but they make people fatter! Over 95% of people who go on a diet put the weight back (and more) within 3 years, and over 98% of people who lose weight through an exercise program put the weight back on (and more) within 1 year! Matt Hoover, winner of The Biggest Loser in 2005, has had a growing girth ever since. By 2006 he had really bulked up, and now in 2007 there he is complete with big double chin. To Matt’s enormous credit, even he says that people should definitely not try to lose weight the way that he did on The Biggest Loser. Of course not, because it doesn’t work! In addition, its simply not possible to lose weight that fast and not jeopardise your metabolic rate and your general health. Rapid weight loss is not fat loss Any health scientist will tell you that its impossible to lose or gain much more than 1 kilo of fat in a week. And yet contestants on The Biggest Loser regularly report massive weekly losses (25 lbs) and Matt even had a weekly gain of 12 lbs! So whats going on? The participants absolutely didnt lose or gain much fat when they reported those big figures. What they lost or gained was most likely fluid, and when fluid is lost that fast, the metabolic rate also drops, and thats just one of several serious health effects of rapid weight loss. If its a low-carbohydrate diet the effects are even worse. Carbohydrates help retain water, so naturally when you drop them you lose fluid, further lowering metabolic rate. Carbohydrates are also absolutely essential for retention of muscle mass, and if you lose muscle mass (which is highly likely if youve suddenly cut your calories) your metabolic rate will plunge even lower. No wonder people put back weight so fast, and end up fatter than ever, and often sick and exhausted from fatigue. The Biggest Loser punishes people for doing healthy things One of the most certain ways to actually turn people off exercise is to force them to have such a negative, stomach-turning, painful example of it that every time they think of being active, they actually feel sick. Yet another way to turn people off exercise is to berate or criticise them as they struggle, and even make them feel guilty or pathetic for not doing better. The Biggest Loser ensures that every time their graduates think about exercise in the future, theyll have strong negative feelings that eventually will sabotage any efforts to be more active. As well as turning people off exercise, The Biggest Loser uses techniques that actually get people really addicted to unhealthy, fatty, sugary food. Food deprivation is notorious for creating food cravings. The Biggest Loser goes even further than mere deprivation, taunting contestants with their favourite foods and turning the addiction scale to the max! The Biggest Loser is not reality Millions of people tune into The Biggest Lose every week, and you only have to visit one of the many web forums that have sprung up to see the tragedy of masses of people actually believing that this is a valid approach to losing weight. They rarely understand that the Losers are under 24-hour-a-day watch, by a whole team of people. That the Losers dont have any kind of day-day-life, arent at a job, arent being part of a family and in fact arent even a part of a normal community. Theyre not learning any life habits at all that are transferable to the real, outside world. Viewers rarely have the knowledge that some of the Losers are regularly purging and vomiting in an effort to win the big bucks, or at least not let down their team. Nevertheless its so sad to read the hatred that is flung at contestants who are seen as inadequate merely for doing something as harmless as eating a Mars Bar. Its a beautiful but awful repetition of that infamous study of blue eyes/brown eyes where people were taught to brutalise others who didnt fit into an arbitrary classification. The Biggest Loser does not meet basic guidelines for healthy diets Despite the shows lip service to healthy practice, even the shows own medical consultants admit the program puts people at risk, turfing out Jules Condon and Sam Birrell because of danger to their health (heart problems and deep vein thrombosis). Sadly, these two were so brainwashed that they actually wanted to continue! Nutritionist Kathleen Zelman points out that what the Blue Team eats has inadequate levels of complex carbohydrates, and that its low-carb regime will cause muscle loss, particularly when paired with a heavy activity level. She also says the Red Team eats too few calories to sustain the workouts and fails National Academy of Science Guidelines on carbs, proteins and fats. Dr Michael Dansinger, a medical consultant on the 2nd series, himself points out that the dangerously-low calorie intake cant be replicated safely at home. Scientific studies suggest that weight gain due to dieting is around 6 billion pounds per annum Thats an awful lot of fat! But its true. The average dieter actually gains around 5 pounds of fat a year, and its estimated there are 1.5 billion dieters in the world at any time. The Biggest Loser is very much to blame for a growing portion of that. Diets are making us sick and ruining lives Studies consistently show that dieting has severe health and other impact on our lives: Diets cause people to gain weight through lowered metabolic rate Diets almost always result in reduced nutrition because they restrict food variety Dieting impacts on mood because of the interplay of psychological deprivation on hormone production, frequently causing depression or anxiety Dieting also lowers or wipes out your libido Dieting suppresses your immune system Your lowered metabolic rate makes it harder to exercise and in fact you may develop fatigue syndromes Food deprivation causes food cravings, so that every diet you go on adds to the severity of your problem Dieting is absolutely linked to eating disorders in children, and this is fatal for 50% of children who develop anorexia My number one tip to stop gaining weight Stop that diet and promise youll never, ever, diet again. If you only do this, although you may initially gain weight, your metabolic rate will recover, and you will lose at least 5 pounds and never regain it. You will over time feel a lot better, with a lot more energy, youll feel better about yourself and you may even feel like learning about a healthier lifestyle, even learning about the 14 things that people do by mistake that lower metabolic rate, or taking up a sport that you can play for the pleasure of it. In other words, youll get a life. The Biggest Loser? Find the off button and use it, because The Biggest Loser is absolutely The Biggest Stinker! Christine Sutherland is a Perth clinical researcher, and a clinician specialising in weight loss. She is the author of Beat Cravings, Shift Fat and the founder of WeightChoice.Com.Au. You can read more on Christine’s views on how to achieve permanent, easy weight loss on http://www.weightchoice.com.au Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Anne_Sutherland http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-The-Biggest-Loser-is-the-Biggest-Stinker&id=496699 personal loans & private lenders & toronto ontario no credit check debt consolidation where to get bank loan with bad credit i need a personal loan but i have bad credit
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Friday, May 30, 2008

Lip Gloss � A Necessity In Every Women�s Purse

By NamSing Then Lip gloss is a cosmetic product which is generally oily and reflecting light, primarily by teenage girls and women to give lips shine and subtle color, but often not lasting very long Lip gloss comes as a viscous liquid or a soft solid. It can be translucent or can come in various shades of opacity, including frosted, glittery and metallic looks. A clear lip gloss can be smeared over regular lipstick for extra shine. Lip gloss can be applied different ways. The most popular type is a tube, which typically has a rounded or sloped application surface meant to fit the contour of the lips. It can also be squeezed on your finger and applied evenly. Some liquid glosses come in cylindrical containers, with a cosmetic stick used to apply the gloss. Solid lip glosses come in pots and panels which are applied with fingers or a lipstick brush. There are also tubes which are used like lipstick. Though lip gloss is most commonly used as a cosmetic, it is also used as a moisturizer. There are many types and brands of lip gloss available but the most favorite being Lip Smackers by Bonne Bell. These lip glosses come in many flavors such as strawberry, watermelon, and even candy flavors like Skittles, Starburst and M&Ms. In fact, lip gloss can be easily made at home using commonly available ingredients like Paraffin wax, Coconut oil, Petroleum jelly, Ziploc bag, Candy melts (to color the gloss and make it taste sweet), Oil-based candy flavoring depending on the type of flavor you like, Grater, Wax paper, small container like a recycled old makeup containers or film containers. Grate some paraffin wax onto wax paper. Then measure 1/4 teaspoon of this grated wax into the plastic bag. Add 1 teaspoon coconut oil, 1 teaspoon petroleum jelly, 1 candy melt and 1/8 teaspoon oil-based candy flavoring. Seal the bag and carefully put it in a bowl of hot tap water to melt ingredients for about 3-5 minutes. Only tap water is to be used and never use a microwave or stove to heat the water. Once all the ingredients are melted well, remove the bag from the water. Squish ingredients around in bag to mix thoroughly and cut off a tiny corner of the bag and squeeze gloss into the clean container. Let it set for an hour, or store it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Use a cotton swab instead of your finger to apply gloss. Your lip-gloss should last a long time. If it changes color, odor, or texture discard it. NamSing Then is a regular article contributor on many topics. Visit his other websites at HotPink Lipgloss, Lip Gloss Resource and Dior Lipgloss Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=NamSing_Then http://EzineArticles.com/?Lip-Gloss—A-Necessity-In-Every-Womens-Purse&id=361860 hard money lenders in tn private graduate school loan with bad credit and no-cosigner student loans for online courses borrowing a personal loan with bankruptcy
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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Gastric Bypass Surgery – A Mortality Rate to Be Scared Of?

By Beverley Brooke Success stories on the gastric bypass are everywhere, but how about the fatalities from the procedure? Barely mentioned in the magazines and newspapers, there is a serious risk carried by the gastric bypass and that risk is a 1 in 50 chance of you dieing within 1 month of the surgery that certainly puts the frights up me. The study by Washington University is shocking to say the least. The figure is apparently four times as many fatalities when patients are in the hands of inexperienced surgeons. As the money the private surgeries make on the procedure is rising over 150,000 gastric bypasses were performed in 2004, the claims for compensation from distraught family members rise too. Is gastric bypass surgery worth the risk? My personal opinion is that if youre morbidly obese and your health is in immediate danger and your doctor suggests it as an option then research, research and research again. The Internets a big place and there are many places to go and talk to professionals in the real world. If you do decide to go ahead with gastric bypass surgery then you must find out all of the statistics and the experience of the surgeon or surgeons that will be operating on you. After all, you wouldnt want to gamble with your life with odds of 1 in 12, would you? Article by Beverley Brooke, visit her section on the gastric bypass at her website for more information on gastric bypass surgery http://www.healthandfinesse.com/gastric-bypass.html Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverley_Brooke http://EzineArticles.com/?Gastric-Bypass-Surgery—A-Mortality-Rate-to-Be-Scared-Of?&id=63542 cash advance arrested fraud loan programs nj bad credit how to use your va home loan with bad credit online phone loans
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Saturday, May 24, 2008

Reflections on a Difficult Gospel Passage: Genealogies of Jesus

By Saundra L. Washington Matthew 1:1-16 and Luke 3:23-38. The genealogies of Jesus have been a source of tension and contention within the Church. Believers throughout the ages have experienced great confusion and apologetic difficulties over what appears to be nothing less than plain contradictions that come into view when studying Matthew and Lukes account of Jesus pedigree. The two primary prophecies concerning Jesus Christs coming were that he would be Jewish and that He would be a descendant of King David. Hence, the genealogy of Matthew shows that Jesus, as a descendant of Abraham is Jewish, and as a descendant of David inherited regality. Luke on the other hand, traces Jesus line back to Adam thereby stressing the humanity of Christ. Stein support the view that Matthews record list the genealogical line of Joseph and Luke records the genealogy of Mary. He notes the apparently special interest Luke seems to have had in Mary as indicated by the space he allots her. Many of the difficulties these genealogies present, Stein admit are perplexing and hard to reconcile. The purpose of Matthews genealogy, according to Barclay, was to prove that Jesus was the son of David and so he arranged the pedigree so as to make it easy for people to remember since few people during that time had access to actual copies. Luke, he suggests, traces the line back to the founder of the human race thereby removing the national and racial boundaries even from the ancestry of Jesus. McKenzie concurs with Barclay. He observes the difference between the two writers for the period from David to Joseph and comments that there is no convincing explanation. He considers both genealogies however, to be highly artificial. There are those who do not believe any discrepancy exist and are able to provide what seems like rational explanations, until scrutinized under the microscope of Biblical historical facts. It is apparent that the discrepancy between the two genealogies constitutes a severe problem to interpreters. A final resolution to so intricate a question may be long in coming. And when it does come we may discover we made a mountain out of a molehill. Rev. Saundra L. Washington, D.D., is an ordained clergywoman, veteran social worker, and Founder of AMEN Ministries. She is also the author of two coffee table books: Room Beneath the Snow: Poems that Preach and Negative Disturbances: Homilies that Teach which can be reviewed on her site. Her new book, Out of Deep Waters: My Grief Management Workbook, though delayed in publication, is expected to be available early 2006. You have an open invitation to visit us at AMEN Ministries: Your Soul’s Service Station for reviewing spiritual services being offered, obtain spiritual refreshing and soul edification, get your daily dose of humor, browse our newly expanded Stop & Shop Store and to visit our prayer sanctum for quiet time with God. Blessings to all! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Saundra_L._Washington http://EzineArticles.com/?Reflections-on-a-Difficult-Gospel-Passage:-Genealogies-of-Jesus&id=89475 payday loan online no bank account personal loan use vehicle for collateral cash loans now my super quick loan secrets
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Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Four Alternatives to Grass for Lawns

By Paul Gray We all know the British are obsessed with their lawns, dont we? But its a fact that lawn size is getting smaller and lawns are getting dryer year on year. As climate changes, were going to find it every more difficult to keep our emerald green, velvety short swards alive through the summer, and so perhaps now its time to give up the lawn altogether and try something else? For very dry and sunny situations or where a lawn is growing on a steep bank, so people arent walking on it, why not try: Armeria maritima also known as Thrift or Sea Pink, which forms tufts or hummocks and is a herbaceous perennial. It can be as low as two inches tall and it has rounded pink flowers between April and May. As an added bonus it does well on poor soils Potentilla alba locally known as cinquefoil, is a creeping herbaceous perennial. The various creeping varieties may be anything from two to eight inches tall and will bear five petalled white or yellow flowers in the period April to August. For half shade to full shade, plants to consider include: Tiarella Cordifolia the Foam Flower, which is a stunning spreading herbaceous perennial, it is between four and six inches tall and has small white flowers in May and June, but the highlight of this particular lawn alternative is that it forms a dense carpet of maple life leaves which turn red, like Virginia Creeper, in winter. Gaultheria procumbens the Partridge Berry or Wintergreen, which is a little tall at eight inches but has lovely little red berries and the superb advantage of being evergreen. More Gardening Articles and Gardening products at BlueWorldGardene – An online Garden Center Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Gray http://EzineArticles.com/?Four-Alternatives-to-Grass-for-Lawns&id=322520 one hour loans online business loan but i have bad credit unsecured no co-signer bad credit personal loan what percentage is child support from your paycheck
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Monday, May 19, 2008

Reflections on a Difficult Gospel Passage: Jesus and the Syrophoenician Woman

By Saundra L. Washington Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “but even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.” She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. Mark 7:24-30. The response of Jesus to the Gentile woman may at first glance appear harsh and unjustifiable. His reference to the chosen race (children) as contrasted with the Gentiles (dogs) seems to imply that Jesus was unwilling or hesitant to extend His ministry to the Gentiles. Matthews account seems to modify it somewhat. In any case, the woman was rewarded for her perceptive response which insisted that the dogs share in the childrens food, even if it be crumbs. This story no doubt, had great significance for Marks Gentile readers because it showed that Jesus extended help to a Gentile woman who sought His assistance. But, lets get back to the difficulty many consider cruel and unkind on the part of Jesus. I have researched this issue rather thoroughly and have found that the reasons Stein provided for not interpreting this text as brutal on Jesus part are valid and supported by numerous respectable scholars. One of the strongest reasons Stein gives is related to Jesus use of the word dogs. He points out the difference between the Greek term kunaria meaning puppy or pet dog, which Jesus used, and kunes meaning wild dogs. In his thoughts, this passage is best explained as a match of wits in which Jesus seeks to lead the Syrophoenician woman to a more persistent and deeper faith. Curtis Beach doubts that any part of the conversation can be attributed to Jesus. To him, the text seems to reflect a controversy that existed in the early Church. He contends that the text may have arisen in two stages. The first stage (verses 25-27) may be the original portion which arose in the Jewish section of the Church and composed to show Jesus preference to not have dealings with the Gentiles. The second stage (verses 28-30) Beach suggests, was added by Gentile Christians to show that Jesus was pleased by the Gentile womans attitude. He goes on to point out that Mark uses this composite to demonstrate Jesus power which exceeded those he had previously reported. Beach also understands verse 24 as Marks addition since it expresses Marks characteristic ideas surrounding Jesus fame and His desire to keep His secret. Barclays exegesis mirrors Steins. He points to Jesus use of the diminutive word for dog, apparent tone of voice and like. He adds that symbolically, the Syrophoenician woman stands for the Gentile world which so eagerly seized on the bread of heaven which the Jews rejected and threw away. The sources agree that Jesus words to the Syrophoenician woman was not harsh. Beach even goes so far as to reject the idea that Jesus spoke them at all. They raise some valid points that we all should explore in our personal Bible study. Understanding the different connotations associated with dog in Greek, which Stein elaborated on, reflects new light on the text as does the Greek word elegen which revealed the fact that a dialogue had been in progress prior to where Mark picks it up. Knowledge of Greek or having available Greek translation resources at our disposal will offer all Bible students a definite exegetical advantage. Rev. Saundra L. Washington, D.D., is an ordained clergywoman, veteran social worker, and Founder of AMEN Ministries. She is also the author of two coffee table books: Room Beneath the Snow: Poems that Preach and Negative Disturbances: Homilies that Teach which can be reviewed on her site. Her new book, Out of Deep Waters: My Grief Management Workbook, though delayed in publication, is expected to be available early 2006. You have an open invitation to visit us at AMEN Ministries: Your Soul’s Service Station for reviewing spiritual services being offered, obtain spiritual refreshing and soul edification, get your daily dose of humor, browse our newly expanded Stop & Shop Store and to visit our prayer sanctum for quiet time with God. Blessings to all! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Saundra_L._Washington http://EzineArticles.com/?Reflections-on-a-Difficult-Gospel-Passage:-Jesus-and-the-Syrophoenician-Woman&id=89802 payday predatory lending and the elderly payday loan without a bank account banks who will give personal loans to people with bad credit an late payments overnight payday loans
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Thursday, May 15, 2008

Family Law

By Johnette Duff A frustrating lack of permanence plagues modern relationships. Approximately one of every two marriages ends in divorce and the average length of a marriage before divorce is only five years. Many couples today chose cohabitation over traditional marriage. What happened to the idealized family depicted in Father Knows Best, Leave it To Beaver, The Donna Reed Show and Ozzie and Harriet? No simple answer exists to this question: our intimate relationships have been affected by the industrialization of society, urbanization, continued changes in the traditional roles of the sexes and greater economic independence for women, a rise in the percentage of the population pursuing a college education, a lessening of social pressure against couples who cohabit, the recognition of legal rights for llegitimate children, a decreasing birth rate, improved birth control methods and a longer life expectancy. All these factors contribute to our alarming divorce rate. Is it any wonder the state ( literally, the state you live in and as, generically, any form of government) must pass laws that affect our personal relationships as we struggle for answers? You can take opposing views of the laws in our country. One argument is that they protect society and its members, but the flip side contends they are a means of oppression. The laws that impact our intimate relationships are not necessarily harmful or intrusive in and of themselves. However, forming a relationship without a working knowledge of these laws and without considering all the ramifications can lead to situations where the end result is both. The state’s role in romantic relationships has often been justified by public policy interests. The term public policy, though vague, is used to justify laws or actions that would injure the public welfare or be contrary to public decency, sound policy and good morals. Understanding the necessity of laws that impact on our personal relationships starts with the recognition that our society is not the first to regulate love and the law. The efforts of governments throughout history to control the couplings of its citizens illustrates why and how our own laws were created and why and how, inevitably, they will adapt as society changes. The one form of marriage permitted under our laws is the only option for couples who want a legal relationship. Happily, the single status is only a temporary situation for most Americans. Few will stop looking for love, trust, companionship and sexual and emotional fulfillment with another person. However, couples wanting to remarry, parents with ready-made families, couples over 65 looking for companionship without legal complications, all seek answers from the same legal relationship. Although divorce laws have undergone radical changes in our lifetimes, the marriage laws have remained relatively static. Unfortunately, because couples considering marriage have many different needs, it is not uncommon for the laws that govern marriage to conflict with these needs. Too often, couples learn too late that financial penalties come attached to the marriage license. Marriage may be the only means of forming a legal and financial relationship under the law but, for many, legal marriage simply implies that they must suffer penalties to legalize their relationship. As traditional marriage has proven less and less capable of living up to its potential in our society, alternatives such as unmarried cohabitation have arisen. The increase in couples who choose to cohabit can be traced to the fact that the marriage laws are not meeting the needs of these citizens in forming their personal relationships. Although there are a variety of reasons why couples choose to just live together, financial disadvantages are a major factor. If you are previously married and considering a remarriage, you know that the older bride or groom has different needs than the young couple entering a first marriage. The responsibilities and obligations from prior marriages, particularly when children are involved, cannot be ignored. Men and women over fifty who have minor children fight the same uphill battle as younger couples do in defining and fulfilling their obligations of visitation, custody, support, and inheritance. These problems create stress for the old family, as well as the new, upon remarriage. Even without children, it is possible that obligations to former spouses can impact a new marriage. Older couples must consider the potential loss of private pensions, alimony, social security benefits or tax advantages because of a remarriage. Also important is the issue of inheritance of assets that may have taken a lifetime to accumulate. Older couples may want to limit their financial obligations to each other in the areas of support, medical costs, insurance, and pension benefits. If you are a refugee from the marital wars, you learned the hard way about precautions that could have been taken the first time and should be taken the next. The happily married couple doesn’t need to learn from experience; they, too, can benefit from the information in this book. If you are one of the lucky couples who has beat the odds and stayed married, we want to show you how to continue to protect and preserve your relationship…and your money. Check out loveandthelaw.com to discover what you need to know about your relationship. About The Author Ms. Duff has been featured on Today, Good Morning America, in The Wall Street Journal, Self, New Woman, Smart Money and Modern Maturity and has been a guest on hundreds of radio talk shows. johnetteduff@aol.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Johnette_Duff http://EzineArticles.com/?Family-Law&id=16920 construction loans online multiple payday loan pay day advance virginia bad credit car loan albany
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