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I just had to buy a new laptop and it came with windows 8. I have one thing to say about it: I absolutely hate it. I can't wait to put Linux on it. I don't know how anyone can put up with this junk.

Similar to what Gregory has mentioned, I grew up in a time when the use of a belt, and leather or wood paddles were not uncommon instruments of corporal punishment at home and school. I was on the receiving end a few times myself. But on the extreme end I recall an incident when as a young boy I was visiting the farm of a relative near our own farm. The grandson that was about my age, or maybe a few years younger, and I had been playing out in the barn when his grandfather called him to the house because apparently he had not done his chores or something like that. The grandfather proceeded to take out a long bullwhip (10 feet or so) and went chasing after the boy across the yard, yelling and cracking that bullwhip on the boy's backside. I vividly remember the loud crack of the whip and the boy's screams. Some years later, when that boy was a teenager and out from under all that he told my father that he thought other kids were lying when they said they didn't get whipped liked he had growing up. He thought it was normal and expected. .

What I find interesting is how they used water to do much of the heavy labor. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/rice-paddy.html

While many of EGW statements are in line with the Bible, some I question. This is one of them, but that's okay because she would tell me go to your Bible because ultimately that is the measuring stick of truth. The Bible, she would say, is the infallible source and she, although guided by the Spirit, was fallible. Taking her advice let's look at James 2:24 "You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone." In other words a person's actions proves their faith. Here James is not speaking of law oriented works, but works of faith. 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another road? When was Rahab justified by her works of faith, after she left her life of prostitution, or before? Answer: Before! Rahab was still a prostitute, yet James stated she stood just before God. How so? If you read the story Rahab put her life on the line in order to save the two Israeli spies. That's a faith that works....She believed in the God of Israeli and her work of faith proved it. So she was justified while still a sinner.... Now Paul: Romans 4: 2 For if Abraham was justified by works (law obedience), he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." God took Abraham where he was at. God took Rahab where she was at. God accepts sinners just as they are. As they rest in His finished work then a change takes place.

I don't think she doesn't really look much different w/ or w/o make-up... Aside from that, though, I'm sure the movie directors employed "lighting" specialists to help bring out, (or dampen), various personal characteristics..

And I never get involved in the 'OS wars', just use 'em all!

From the perspective of someone who was abused... I have no problem with spanking when it is used as a tool of correction and education. Children must learn that there are consequences for bad behavior, and when the behavior is bad enough a spanking is warranted. It must be accompanied by communication from the parent as to why the behavior in question warrants a spanking, and the parent telling, and showing, the child he is loved. However, spanking is used by an abuser as mechanism of control, domination, and/or expression of anger. That is way beyond the pale of what the Bible teaches, and way beyond the pale of what Ellen White teaches too. Spanking in this manner is harmful, but the greater harm is the lack of love shown by the parent.

> Christianity in an existential sense, is only effective as an "unspoken" way of life worthy of imitation. Dogma cheapens and dilutes it.< > If you want to convert Atheists... then stop speaking, and start acting as though God is real, and so all of your beliefs you claim to uphold.< Two very good thoughts.