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Colorado-Based Homebuilder, Century Communities, Announces the Acquisition of Single-Family Lots in Terrain, the 2013 New Home “Community of the Year”

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Leading Colorado homebuilder, Century Communities has acquired 144 homesites in south Denver Metro's desireable Terrain community in Castle Rock.

Greenwood Village, Colorado (PRWEB) January 06, 2014

In a move to further strengthen its growing position in the Colorado new home marketplace, one of Colorado’s fastest growing builders announced that it has acquired 144 homesites in one of the best-selling communities in the state. Recognized for its excellent location, desirability and overall community plan, Terrain, located in Castle Rock, CO was awarded the 2013 “Community of the Year” by the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver. Century Communities is the only Colorado-based homebuilder to have been selected to build in Terrain. The company believes that this distinction provides a significant and foundational opportunity to differentiate itself from the other out-of-state builders in the award-winning residential community.

“We are excited about the chance to sell homes once again in the desirable Castle Rock submarket” said Todd Amberry, Century’s Vice President of Acquisitions. Century’s homesites will be split into two of Terrain’s villages. Two different product types will be offered, one in each village. “We will be bringing our most popular new home designs to Terrain with larger homes from our luxury line that have sold well in Southeast Aurora, as well as a slightly smaller collection of homes that have been very popular throughout the Denver metro-area.” said Mike Davidson, Director of Marketing. “We feel that our award-winning ranch and two-story home designs will further add to the diversity that a buyer can find among the other builders currently selling in the community.”

The beautiful Terrain master planned community is among many new Century Communities neighborhoods arriving along the Front Range in 2014. New home neighborhoods are slated to open in Aurora, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Commerce City, Firestone, Erie, Thornton and Colorado Springs in the coming year – joining 15 actively selling neighborhoods already open in the area.

ABOUT CENTURY COMMUNITIES:

Colorado-based Century Communities is a leading builder of upscale single-family homes, townhomes and flats located in highly desirable areas in Metro-Denver, Colorado Springs and Northern Colorado as well as Austin and San Antonio, Texas. Century Communities is a top 100 homebuilder. Sales offices are open Mondays 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays-through-Saturdays 10-5, and Sundays 11- 5. For a complete listing, visit http://www.centurycommunities.com or call 303-268-8371. Reported by PRWeb 6 hours ago.

Searching for light and life in Alaska’s darkness

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On a trip to see the northern lights, taking the Aurora Express train from Anchorage to Fairbanks is a wonderful way to go. Reported by Seattle Times 3 hours ago.

North Aurora Police Will Test Nixle Alert System Tuesday

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North Aurora Police Will Test Nixle Alert System Tuesday Patch Geneva, IL --

The new system will be used by all village departments to notify residents and subscribers of urgent or emergency information. Reported by Patch 2 hours ago.

Rescued Antarctic passengers resume journey home

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CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — An Australian icebreaker carrying 52 passengers who were retrieved from an icebound ship in the Antarctic resumed its journey home on Saturday, leaving behind another two icebreakers trapped in pack ice. The Aurora Australis will continue its interrupted resupply mission to Australia's Antarctic base Casey Station before returning to the Australian island state of Tasmania in mid-January with the rescued scientists, journalists and tourists. Andrew Peacock, an Australian doctor and photographer who was rescued from the Russian ship, said his fellow passengers had been frustrated by the news Friday that their journey home had been delayed by another potential rescue operation. A reporter for China's official Xinhua News Agency who is aboard the Snow Dragon, Zhang Jiansong, said an iceberg appeared overnight and blocked the ship's return route. Reported by SeattlePI.com 3 hours ago.

ComEd: Power Outages in Aurora, Says Commonwealth Edison

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Due to the harsh winter weather, ComEd has reported multiple Aurora, Illinois power outages, leaving as many as 22,000 without power. 

“ComEd said a substation blew. The power outage is affecting people on the west suburb’s Far East Side.”, reported …

The post ComEd: Power Outages in Aurora, Says Commonwealth Edison appeared first on The Epoch Times. Reported by Epoch Times 2 hours ago.

Mayor Johnson Delivers State of the City Address

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Mayor Johnson Delivers State of the City Address Patch Lawrenceville, GA --

The Mayor recognized the City's achievements in 2013 including resolving issues with the Public Service Commission, the opening of new businesses and the successes of the Aurora Theatre, Georgia Gwinnett College and Gwinnett Medical Center. Reported by Patch 20 hours ago.

American Sentinel University Announces Redesigned Online Master of Science Information Systems Management Program

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American Sentinel University is now accepting enrollment applications for its redesigned online Master of Science Information Systems Management program that places greater emphasis and exposure on information systems integration and management created by current industry trends such as big data, cloud computing and mobile computing advances. For more information or to register for American Sentinel University’s Master of Science Information Systems Management program, please visit http://www.americansentinel.edu/information-technology/m-s-information-systems.

Aurora, Colorado (PRWEB) January 07, 2014

American Sentinel University, a leading online accredited university offering degree programs focused on the needs of high-growth sectors, today announced it will be offering a redesigned online Master of Science Information Systems Management (MSISM) program beginning in the winter 2014 term.

The MSISM is a nationally accredited 36-credit hour (12 courses) online program designed to focus on the demand for information systems managers in the health care community and its increasing information technology needs. The redesigned program places greater emphasis and exposure on information systems integration and management created by current industry trends such as big data, cloud computing and mobile computing advances.

“American Sentinel’s Master of Science in Information Systems Management program teaches the skills needed in management of current and evolving technology practices with a focus on the health care industry, while providing an educational foundation for professional growth,” says Kurt Linberg, Ph.D., provost at American Sentinel University.

Program Shaped by IT and Health Care Leaders
The program blends theory and practice and leverages action learning with a technology curriculum delivered by expert faculty with real-world health technology experience that help students master skills applicable to real-word needs. As a result, students in the MSISM program will develop a thorough knowledge of the field and master the following skills for future professional growth:·     Apply advanced information systems tools, techniques and methodologies to solve and prevent problems in health care organizations.
·     Incorporate ethical principles into business strategies and project management.
·     Manage health care information systems development projects from inception to conclusion.
·     Identify future strategic initiatives for a health care organization’s information systems/IT function.
·     Identify opportunities and problems in a health care system, critically analyze possible solutions and tools relevant to these topics and clearly communicate a recommended system specification.

Advantages for IT Professionals and Career Changers
The North American health care information technology market (HCIT) is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.4 percent and is expected to reach $31.3 billion by 2017 due to increasing demand for clinical information technology and administrative solutions and services. Dr. Linberg notes that as health care continues to rely on computer systems in their organizations, there will be an even greater demand for professionals who have mastered these important technology skills.

He notes that the MSISM program is ideal for those seeking a transition to a new career in health care or for technology professionals looking to enhance their credentials with management integration and advanced technology skills.

“Expertise in information systems integration and management, expanding your computer skills and increasing your knowledge in big data, cloud and mobile technology ensures that professionals will be proficient in solving technology challenges,” says Dr. Linberg. “Our MSISM program will help make a professional invaluable in the current health care job market and in the future.”

American Sentinel University’s MSISM program is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) and is an approved education partner of 36 major U.S. hospital systems. The university offers real-world application, experienced faculty and learning outcomes that support clinical or administration decision-making to meet the latest operational, legislative and accrediting requirements.

Enrollment Now Open
American Sentinel University is now accepting enrollment applications for its Master of Science in Information Systems Management program. For more information, please visit http://www.americansentinel.edu/information-technology/m-s-information-systems, call 1.866.922.5690 or email the American Sentinel admissions team at admissions(at)americansentinel(dot)edu.

About American Sentinel University
American Sentinel University delivers the competitive advantages of accredited associate, bachelor's and master's online degree programs focused on the needs of high-growth sectors, including computer science, GIS, health care informatics, information systems management, and business intelligence degrees. The university is accredited by the DETC, which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Reported by PRWeb 15 hours ago.

Climate Change Science Group Marooned in Antarctic Ice when Southern Sea-Ice area at Record High Levels say Friends of Science

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A climate change science-tourism expedition got trapped when they set out to prove global warming is causing Antarctica's sea ice to melt, despite data showing the Antarctic 2013 year-average sea ice area is the highest ever recorded during the satellite era, which began in 1979. Friends of Science point out on their Polar Region Sea Ice web-page that Antarctic sea ice data shows it is 1.5 million sq. km larger than 30 year average and that there has been no global warming in 16 years.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada (PRWEB) January 07, 2014

While seeking evidence of global warming in the coldest place on earth, a collection of climate change scientists and tourists have been rescued from their ice-bound ship trapped in record high sea-ice. The Washington Post reported Sept. 23, 2013 that Antarctic ice had expanded for the second straight year. The expedition's rescue costs continue to add up as The Sydney Morning Herald reports Jan. 07, 2014 the US icebreaker Polar Star is going in to free the Russian research vessel and its intended rescuer, the Chinese icebreaker Xue Long - both stuck in the ice.

“Friends of Science post Polar Region Sea Ice data,” says Ken Gregory, research director for Friends of Science. “The data shows that Antarctica temperatures have declined slightly over the last 35 years, and that Antarctica sea ice area is now 1.5 million sq. km greater than the 30-year average (1979 - 2008). The global 2013 year average sea ice area is the highest since 1996.”

The expedition leader Chris Turney, a professor of climate change at Australia’s University of New South Wales, told Fox News on Dec. 30, 2013 "We're stuck in our own experiment. Sea ice is disappearing due to climate change, but here ice is building up."

The Russian ship MV Akademik Shokalskiy is categorized as an "A1 Super" with little ice breaking capacity according to The Sydney Morning Herald infographic.

"The organizers sold berths to 26 inexperienced tourists and sailed into the world’s harshest environment," says Gregory. "Many ships have been crushed by Antarctic sea ice."

Friends of Science have issued a public statement including southern and global sea ice anomaly graphs on their website.

In an odd twist, scientific data and evidence provided by climate skeptic Anthony Watts, publisher of the climate change science blog “Watts Up With That?” aided in rescuing the tourists in search of global warming.

According to a study released earlier this year by German scientist Hans von Storch et al (2013) "Can climate models explain global warming?", global warming stopped in 1998.

"This is ironic," said Gregory. He also noted that fossil fuels made both the mission and the rescue possible.

“Public climate and energy policies should be based on scientific evidence, not models,” says Gregory, noting that reliance on theoretical climate models rather than actual data can cause costly problems. Rescue estimates stand at $400,000., and rising to be paid by Australian taxpayers.

The Chinese icebreaker Xue Long that provided the helicopter to rescue the 52 passengers from the MV Akademik Shokalskiy subsequently itself became trapped in the sea ice. The passengers were transferred to an Australian icebreaker Aurora Australis. It is on its way back to an Antarctic base to complete a resupply mission before carrying the rescued passengers back to Australia.

Friends of Science hold the position that the sun is the main driver of climate change, not human industrial activity or carbon dioxide. Therefore carbon taxes and ‘climate change’ targets are an unnecessary burden to taxpayers and the economy.

About

Friends of Science have spent a decade reviewing a broad spectrum of literature on climate change and have concluded the sun is the main driver of climate change, not carbon dioxide (CO2). The core group of the Friends of Science is made up of retired earth and atmospheric scientists.

Contact:

Friends of Science Society
P.O.Box 23167, Connaught P.O.
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2S 3B1
Toll-free Telephone: 1-888-789-9597
Web: friendsofscience.org
E-mail: contact(at)friendsofscience.org Reported by PRWeb 14 hours ago.

More than 500 passengers stranded on Amtrak trains overnight

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Three Amtrak trains headed to Chicago were halted Monday, stranding passengers for up to 14 hours overnight as the tracks were blocked with snow and ice buildup. Two trains - one coming from California with 244 passengers and the other from downstate Quincy with 60 passengers - were halted about 3:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. respectively in Bureau County, about 75 miles southwest of west suburban Aurora, Amtrak spokesperson Marc Magliari said. Amtrak began unloading passengers from the larger of those two trains onto charter buses, which would then take the people to Chicago, shortly before 3 a.m., Magliari said. … Reported by Chicago S-T 10 hours ago.

Opal Kelly Announces Spartan-6 FPGA Module with Gigabit Transceivers and SuperSpeed USB 3.0

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Opal Kelly announces the XEM6310MT USB 3.0 FPGA Module, which leverages the powerful Xilinx Spartan-6 LXT FPGA and SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interface for downloading and communication and delivers transfer rates exceeding 330MB/s.

Portland, OR (PRWEB) January 07, 2014

Opal Kelly, a leading producer of powerful FPGA modules that provide essential device-to-computer interconnect using USB or PCI Express, announced the XEM6310MT USB 3.0 FPGA Module, which leverages the SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interface for downloading and communication. The XEM6310MT delivers transfer rates exceeding 330MB/s. Based on the powerful Xilinx Spartan-6 LXT FPGA, the XEM6310MT includes four high-speed serial gigabit transceivers with standard support for PCI Express, Display-Port, HD-SDI, XAUI, Aurora, SATA, and others operating up to 3.125 Gb/s.

The Opal Kelly XEM6310MT utilizes the powerful Xilinx Spartan-6. The XEM6310MT-LX45T is based on the Xilinx XC6SLXT45. Also available on special order, the XEM6310MT-LX150T is based on the Xilinx XC6SLXT150. Both modules are ideal building blocks for OEM devices where a super-fast USB 3.0 interface, a flexible hardware solution, and / or a PC software interface are required. The new XEM6310MT module includes SuperSpeed USB 3.0 FPGA configuration and data transfer, with integrated DDR2 SDRAM, power supplies, and configuration flash. The XEM6310MT, as with the full range of Opal Kelly FPGA modules, leverages the powerful Opal Kelly multi-platform FrontPanel SDK and application, providing turnkey USB integration with the convenience of the FrontPanel programmer’s interface and USB drivers.

The four high-speed serial transceivers on the XEM6310MT are ideal for implementing popular industry standard serial protocols such as PCI Express, SATA, DisplayPort, and others. Additionally, with Xilinx’s Aurora protocol, the XEM6310MT can be used to implement custom lightweight high-speed communications over coax or fiber cabling. Active customer deployments include highspeed, cabled communication between subsystems within a larger system. The XEM6310MT-LX45T is in stock and available now through Opal Kelly’s online web store at $799.95 (Qty 1) with significant volume discounts. The BRK6310MT breakout board is also available for $129.95 / each and comes fully populated with SMA connectors for prototyping and evaluation of the gigabit transceivers.

About Opal Kelly

Opal Kelly, founded in 2004, offers a range of powerful, off-the-shelf, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and PCI Express FPGA modules, including the easy-to-use Opal Kelly FrontPanel software interface and robust API. Opal Kelly products provide the essential device-to-computer interconnect for fast and efficient product prototyping, testing, development, and OEM integration. Development engineers, researchers, teachers, and serious hobbyists, worldwide, use Opal Kelly modules for a versatile and economical interconnect solution that shortens development time, fills expertise gaps, and dramatically accelerates time to market. For more information, or to purchase Opal Kelly products, please visit http://www.opalkelly.com.

# # # Reported by PRWeb 8 hours ago.

Colorado Supreme Court denies theater shooting victims criminal evidence for civil suit

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The Colorado Supreme Court has refused to allow some victims of the deadly Aurora theater shooting to obtain copies of evidence from the criminal case to use in a civil suit against the theater owner. Reported by FOXNews.com 6 hours ago.

Theater shooting victims denied access to evidence

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The Colorado Supreme Court has refused to allow some victims of the deadly Aurora theater shooting to obtain copies of evidence from the criminal case to use in a civil suit against the theater owner. Reported by Miami Herald 6 hours ago.

Jerry Seinfeld Reveals Why They Scrapped A 'Seinfeld' Gun Episode

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"Seinfeld" pushed a lot of boundaries. With episodes discussing topics like masturbation and an accidentally burnt Puerto Rican flag, the show has been know to stir up a few controversies.

But those behind the iconic sitcom decided guns were just not funny.

Jerry Seinfeld participated in a Reddit "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) session Monday, Jan. 6, to chat with fans about comedy, his new web series, "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee," and his former hit television series. When one inquisitive Redditor asked if there were any "Seinfeld" plots that had to be scrapped because they "pushed the limits too far," Seinfeld revealed there was once a gun episode in the works.

"There was one episode where Jerry bought a handgun," he said. "And we started making it and stopped in the middle and said '[T]his doesn't work.' We did the read-through and then cancelled it. A lot of other stuff happened, but trying to make that funny ended up being no fun."

Seinfeld is supposedly on the National Rifle Association (NRA) "enemies list," and his former "Seinfeld" co-stars have been vocal about their gun control stances.

After the movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colo., Jason Alexander, who played George Costanza on the hit show, took to Twitter to push for a ban on assault-style weapons in July 2012. Mere months later, following the Newton Elementary School massacre, Julia Louis-Dreyfus joined the "Demand A Plan" PSA calling for tougher firearm legislation.

It might not be a surprise that a "Seinfeld" gun episode was squashed. The 59-year-old star is famous for his wry humor, free of sex, swearing or violence.

"A person who can defend themselves with a gun is just not very interesting. But a person who defends themselves through aikido or tai chi? Very interesting," he told the Guardian of his take on comedy, which hinges on observations of life's minutiae. "It's so much easier when you're talking about something that really is important. You've already got a better foundation than someone who's bringing up something that does not need to be discussed." Reported by Huffington Post 5 hours ago.

Colorado Supreme Court denies Aurora theater shooting victims access to files

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The Colorado Supreme Court has upheld a judge's order preventing victims of the Aurora movie theater attack from learning more about the investigation. Reported by Denver Post 4 hours ago.

Metro Denver home prices finish 2013 on a high note

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While metro Denver home prices didn't quite hit double-digit one-year gains in November, 9.7 percent is pretty close, according to the latest CoreLogic Inc. Home Price Index report released Tuesday. The Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metropolitan area’s 9.7 percent increase in November included sales of distressed, or real estate owned, properties. The month-over-month increase was much more modest and basically flat at 0.3 percent over October, the report shows. REO sales are generally those sold by… Reported by bizjournals 3 hours ago.

House of Brides Hosts First Salon Sale of Year

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House of Brides announced its 2-Day Bridal Super Sale yesterday. The sale features savings on bridal and bridesmaid dresses plus additional storewide savings.

Glen Ellyn, Illinois (PRWEB) January 07, 2014

The 2-Day Bridal Super Sale is Saturday, January 11th and Sunday January 12th at all 6 House of Brides salons. The sale offers savings on wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses including new 2014 styles.

The weekend sale is the first salon event of the year. It coincides with the start of the busy season for the wedding industry.

The retailer’s marketing team has several special events planned for January including other sales and designer trunk shows. The retailer is also hosting fashion shows at two Windy City Wedding Show’s this month.

The advertised savings are $100.00 - $300.00 off bridal dresses. Designer Silk gowns are $400.00 - $1,000.00 off. Special savings are also available on Diva wedding gowns in sizes 18 – 32.

Premiering in 2014 are designer bridal collections exclusive to House of Brides. All salons have the collections on display.

Bridesmaid dresses will have special savings as well. Salons carry over 700 different bridesmaid samples available in an array of colors. Most styles are orderable in adult, junior and women’s sizes.

Industry Consultant Dale Buziecki says of the sale, “This is the best time to buy bridal and bridesmaid gowns. The savings and selection are unbeatable. Plus, new styles arrive daily!”

The Bridal Super Sale is Saturday, January 11th and Sunday, January 12th. Appointments are suggested.

Salons are located Chicago, Schaumburg, Glen Ellyn, Oak Lawn, Naperville/ Aurora and the new wedding super store in Orland Park.

To make an appointment online, customers can click Appointments on the website. Or customers can visit Locations & Hours to find the most convenient salon.

The ad is viewable on Store Promotions.

About House of Brides:
House of Brides established its first brick-and-mortar store in 1929 and has since grown to 11 Chicagoland stores and global E-Commerce website, http://www.houseofbrides.com. Millions of brides and their wedding parties visit the salons and global website for over 50,000 wedding and special event products. Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.

The 15 US Cities That Are Driving The Future

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The 15 US Cities That Are Driving The Future The American economy is being reshaped along the booming industries of technology and energy, according to new rankings of America’s Best Performing Cities by the Milken Institute.

In the 2013 rankings, thirteen cities defined by Milken as tech hubs made it into the top 25, while nine could attribute their impressive growth to the energy industry, notably the shale and natural gas renaissance. 

Milken's ranking is based on data from both long- and short-term growth in jobs, wages, salaries, and technological output.

-#15 Denver–Aurora–Broomfield, Colo.-

This metro area has a diverse high-tech industry that mixes in telecommunications, aerospace, manufacturing, and energy research. The city does so well partially because of its attractive business climate and friendly government.

The city’s Business Incentive Fund makes it an attractive place for companies like Southwest Airlines (which just opened a new pilot and flight attendant base) and SCL Health Systems (which moved its headquarters to Denver). The Fund’s efforts will result in over 1,600 jobs and $6 in direct fiscal benefit over the next five years.

Read the full city profile at Milken »-#14 Nashville–Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, Tenn.-

The Music City has something new to sing about, namely some serious job growth  An increase in automobile production added nearly 4,000 jobs in 2012, while tourism reached a record high in 2012. The city has experienced a cultural renaissance thanks to the opening of the Music City Convention Center, the Omni Hotel next door, and an expansion of the Country Music Hall of Fame, with an of 4,100 jobs in restaurants and bars in 2012.

Read the full city profile at Milken »-#13 Raleigh–Cary, N.C.-

Raleigh has a large educated workforce, strong high-profile universities, and low operating costs for businesses. The city has experienced an expansion in the tech industry, fueling growth in a number of other areas. Recently, financial services firms like Fidelity Investments and Credit Suisse have built bases in the area, as well as MetLife, which has plans to build new global technology services hubs.

Read the full city profile at Milken »
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
 
 
 
  Reported by Business Insider 2 hours ago.

Westell to Host Fiscal Third Quarter 2014 Earnings Call On February 4, 2014

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Westell to Host Fiscal Third Quarter 2014 Earnings Call On February 4, 2014 AURORA, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Westell will hold its fiscal third quarter 2014 earnings conference call on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at 8:30 a.m. CST. Reported by Business Wire 1 hour ago.

Provoking Something Much Bigger Than Ourselves: A Journey For Gun Control

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Matthew 2:18:"A voice was heard in Ramah,
Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children,
Refusing to be comforted,
Because they are no more."
____________________________________________________It looks so much like every school I've walked through in America, including our partner school through St. Paul Community Baptist Church where I serve as Lead Pastor. It's funny, no matter how far you fly, when you get off the plane and enter a school you hear the same sounds, see some of the same sights from home. Ashen chalkboards. Squeaky laminate floors buffed until they shine plastically under the fluorescent bulbs. This German schoolhouse - worlds apart from Brooklyn - smells, looks and feels so much like the school housed just under our sanctuary.

Maybe that's why it takes my breath away for a moment when I close my eyes and painfully remember the one thing that all of Germany undoubtedly wishes this school didn't have in common with so many of the schools of its younger, Western neighbor: children massacred within its walls.

While in Winnenden, Germany last December as part of an envoy of religious and community leaders on a whirlwind tour - eventually the team would snake its way through Europe engaging in 19 meetings and events over 5 days in 7 cities across 4 countries - I didn't feel much like an official delegate at the moment. I felt much smaller, much more helpless. As I surveyed hallways that I know ran red with innocent children's blood just four years earlier, I was no longer a delegate but a father, a husband, and a pastor who had to make sense of this kind of senseless violence, both here in Germany and back home in East New York, Brooklyn.

When we first landed still hoping against hope to sit down with representatives of Beretta, Glock, and SIG Sauer to discuss the massive number of European firearms that turn up at American crime scenes, we knew it would be a hard trip. We had no delusions about a totally irenic exchange. After all, we were there to encourage billionaire gun merchants, among other things, to stop lobbying against gun restrictions in the U.S. and to invest more heavily in "microstamping" and other ballistics technology that make it easier for police to trace the perpetrators of gun-related crimes and even to prevent the unlawful use of handguns by anyone other than the registered owner.

Before arrival we had not received any positive replies to our numerous requests for meetings with these companies (unless of course you count the response from one company which conveniently directed us to its American lobbying arm). So when we got off the plane our itinerary was mostly "wait and pray." If that wasn't enough to produce some anxiety I was acutely aware, all of us were, that we were prodding at and possibly provoking something much bigger than ourselves. We were coming with facts and figures and even, in our minds, moral force; none of that erased the anxiety of knowing that we might be, quite literally, sitting down with the big guns.

Yet as doors opened and meetings were scheduled from the German Chancellery and the U.S. Embassy in Berlin to the site of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (though no meetings with weapons manufacturing executives were ever granted), something happened. As we attempted to speak for the tens of thousands of Americans who are gunned down each year in places like Newtown and Aurora and Chicago, we started to learn new names of new cities that had wept those same tears: Eppstein, Emsdetten, Cologne, Erfurt.

As we lifted our voices on behalf of America's fallen, we also began to hear a voice. The sounds of lamentation, weeping and great mourning for all of God's children across the world, of every color and religion and age.

And for me, I think I started to hear that voice crying for the first time in that eerily familiar school in Winnenden. As those parents of children lost to gun violence spoke to us and charged us to speak with and for them, I heard the voice behind their voices. I heard the voices of the parents of young boys and girls killed by stray bullets in my own city time and time again. I heard the voices of the more than 200 sons of East New York who think and play and grow in the Imagine Me Leadership Charter School right below my office, too many of whom have lost a friend or a relative to an illegally obtained gun...................................
Almost immediately after returning to the States I was asked a question that made my blood boil. "Why?" Why deal with something seemingly so political? Why focus so much energy on anything besides preaching the Gospel?

Whenever I get that question I think about that first Sunday, just a day after returning home from Europe, we experienced a different kind of altar call at St. Paul. In our tradition, altar calls are usually calls for those in the congregation who have not entered into a relationship with God to do so immediately. In that moment we beckon all who are willing to be reconciled to divinity through Jesus Christ do so. But in this particular moment, we made a different call. I asked for all who had been touched directly by gun violence to stand and make their way to the altar. Within seconds an army of more than 100 of the people God has called me to shepherd rose to their feet and filled the space between pastor and people to capacity, some with tears streaming down their cheeks. "What gospel is powerful enough for this people if it doesn't have anything to say to those tears?"

In that moment I could hear the voice crying again. I knew immediately that I must never stop speaking as long as the voice is crying on high. Reported by Huffington Post 10 minutes ago.

North Aurora Police Will Test Nixle Alert System Tuesday

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North Aurora Police Will Test Nixle Alert System Tuesday Patch Geneva, IL --

The new system will be used by all village departments to notify residents and subscribers of urgent or emergency information. Reported by Patch 2 days ago.
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