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olko71 · 1 year

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New Post has been published on http://yaroreviews.info/2023/02/rail-workers-to-stage-more-strikes-in-pay-dispute

Rail workers to stage more strikes in pay dispute

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UK rail workers are set to walk out in a fresh series of strikes in March and April in a long-running dispute over pay, jobs and conditions.

Members of the RMT union from 14 train operators will strike on 16, 18 and 30 March, and 1 April, the start of Easter school holidays for many.

Members at Network Rail, responsible for tracks and bridges, will strike on 16 March and then ban overtime.

Rail bosses said the strikes are “unjustified”.

“This latest round of strikes is totally unjustified and will be an inconvenience to our customers, and cost our people more money at a time they can least afford it,” said a spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents train companies.

The RDG added that the union had initially agreed that the industry needed “modernisation” to fund any pay rises, but had now “reneged on that position” and did not want reforms.

The RMT, which represents 40,000 workers, said there would be “sustained and targeted” industrial action over the next few months.

“Rail employers are not being given a fresh mandate by the government to offer our members a new deal on pay, conditions and job security,” RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said.

Network Rail’s chief negotiator Tim Shoveller said that the union’s leadership had shown its “true colours by choosing politics over people”.

When are the next train strikes?

RMT rejects pay offer to end strikes

“Thousands of employees are telling us they want the improved offer that we have tabled, an offer worth at least 9% over two years – rising to over 14% for the lowest paid, provides job security with no compulsory redundancies and 75% discounted rail travel,” he added.

“But instead of offering members a democratic vote with a referendum, the RMT leadership is hiding behind a sham ‘consultation,'” Mr Shoveller said.

Last week, the RMT rejected the rail industry’s latest offers, which Network Rail and train companies had called their “best and final” offer – but which RMT boss Mick Lynch branded “dreadful”.

The RMT has said it wants an unconditional pay offer, but rail industry representatives have said any pay offer would have to come with changes to working conditions in order to fund any rises in pay.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Just days after denying its members a say on their own future, the RMT leadership is now trying to make them lose multiple days’ wages through yet more strikes.”

The country’s railways were “not currently financially sustainable” and these offers “would have given workers what they want and, crucially, the passengers what they need”, he added. “Passengers want this dispute to end.”

Rail workers represented by Aslef and the RMT have been on strike on various dates throughout the winter.

Separately, the Royal College of Nursing announced its biggest walkout of the pay dispute in England. Its members at half of hospitals, mental health and community services will take part in the 48-hour strike from 1 to 3 March.

And Border Force workers will begin a strike on Friday as part of their dispute over pay, jobs, pensions and conditions in the civil service.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services union in Dover and French ports including Calais will walk out on Friday and over the weekend. The union claims inexperienced staff were being brought in to cover for striking Border Force workers.

Hundreds of thousands of workers in other sectors across the UK – including teachers, civil servants and barristers – have been on strike. Most of those taking part want more pay to keep up with rising prices.

More on this story

When are the next train strikes?

6 February

RMT rejects pay offer to end strikes

5 days ago

Strike action: What do teachers, firefighters and others want?

7 hours ago

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agirlinjapan · 5 years

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Red Data Girl: My Wish on the Night of the Shooting Stars (Week 9)

Red Data Girl: My Wish on the Night of the Shooting Stars By Noriko Ogiwara A Translation

Miss the last piece? Read it here!

Check out the RDG Translation twitter!

Help me pay for my next translation project on Ko-fi.

This week’s RDG is short again. To make it up to you though, I’ll be posting an extra (regular-length!) installation of RDG next week. I had a great month of literary abandon as they put it at NaNoWriMo, but now it’s time to get back to RDG.

Happy Hanukkah to all my readers who are celebrating tonight. Happy holidays to everyone else! Let the season of giving begin!

Red Data Girl: My Wish on the Night of the Shooting Stars By Noriko Ogiwara Chapter 2: Reexamination Part 1 (2 of 3)

This was the first time she had seen Takayanagi since the end of the festival. Like so many other male students, he was wearing a blue button up shirt, a pinstriped tie, a white vest, and uniform pants. However, his clothes seemed so starched and well ironed that everything he was wearing had to be new. It made him stand out from the other students. The uniform fit his average height and frame perfectly which only made him stand out more. It was unusual to see such a well-tailored new uniform. Most students’ uniforms had been altered more times than they could count.

As for Takayanagi’s hair which he had recently cut, the look would have been more appropriate on the historical figure Shirou Amakusa than a student. Seeing him like this after the festival and out of his Warring States era clothes was equally strange as his new uniform. If it had been anyone but Takayanagi, the hairdo would have been strange enough to make the wearer a social outcast, Izumiko thought to herself. However, Takayanagi was unaffected by the students’ reactions. Izumiko could see that there was an old fashioned elegance to his look. At least that point would afford him some approval with the other students.

Izumiko stood in front of Takayanagi, her face stiff. “Are you sure you want to talk with me? I’m most likely going to say some things you don’t want me to.”

“That’s fine. I will most likely do the same. I can explain what happened the other day. I don’t believe you saw everything that occurred.”

I have to let him have it…

Izumiko took a deep breath, but she could not make the word “dog” come out of her mouth.

After a few seconds of silence passed by, Takayanagi said brightly, “Here. I bought something I thought I could give to you. It’s a souvenir from Kyoto.”

Takayanagi pulled a hand from behind his back and opened it to reveal a small box sitting on his palm.

“It’s a lesser known Kyoto confection. During the Nara era, the Japanese envoy to China brought it with them just like this as an offering to the Buddhist deity Nandikesvara. At the time, the confection was so valuable that only nobles ate it. They called it a Chinese deep fried pastry. Now, there’s only one shop in Kyoto that makes it.”

So Takayanagi went back home… Izumiko thought as she gazed down at the paper wrapped box from the old shop. She understood a little better now why Takayanagi was acting so relaxed. He had probably received a lot of support when he had returned to his family.

“I can’t accept this.”

“It’s not enchanted or anything of that sort. The confection is made with purity in mind. The craftsmen even purify themselves before they make them. So please, have a taste of thousand year old Kyoto,” Takayanagi said.

Still, Izumiko did not take the offered box.

“What are you playing at?”

“It’s strange that you’ve forgotten already. Didn’t I make myself clear after I found you in the woods?” His voice remained bright even as he said this. It seemed like this wasn’t a bluff, and that he meant what he was saying. “I have my family’s permission as well. I believe you and I need to talk further, Izumiko.”

Izumiko’s mouth might have been open, but there was no way she couldn’t have gotten any words out of it. She could sense that students from Class C were listening attentively from a distance away.

At the end of the festival while Takayanagi had still been in his dog form, he had apologized to Izumiko and asked her to turn him back to the way he had been before. He hadn’t made the request in his usual arrogant way either.

Before Izumiko could respond though, a decisive alto voice cut through the air.

“How the hell did you find the nerve to come over here, Takayanagi?”

Izumiko looked down the hallway to see the scowling figure of Mayura standing there with her fists on her hips. Miyuki was standing there next to her as well. The two of them had noticed Takayanagi’s disappearance from their classroom, and had come to help. Izumiko let out an unconscious sigh of relief.

“You shouldn’t speak like that, Mayura. It’s uncouth.”

“Well, I’m shocked beyond words to find you here. Are you still not going to admit that you lost even now?”

Takayanagi gave a quiet chuckle. “Heh. So you think your win’s already decided? Because you won the first match? Nothing’s settled yet. I plan to make a formal complaint saying that there’s been a misunderstanding. As a judge, Hodaka Murakami made a mistake.”

Unlike Izumiko, Mayura had no restraints holding her back.

“Even though you got turned into a dog?”

“I wish you wouldn’t speak about things you know nothing about. There were a number of hallucinations during the school festival due to the field tests the diviners and I were conducting that day. The abilities Izumiko demonstrated were also due to those tests. It would be correct to say that I was the one who performed a great deed.”

When Mayura did not respond to this right away, Takayanagi continued. “I’ll be visiting the student government after school today. I’ve been promised that I can speak directly to President Hodaka. You’re welcome to sit in on our conversation.”

The real reason why Takayanagi hadn’t been in school the day before was because he had been seeking out the shadow president. Somehow, he had managed to overwhelm the top student government members surrounding him and get what he wanted.

“Well, I’ll see you around.”

They watched as Takayanagi’s hand shot out, forcing the souvenir from Kyoto into Izumiko’s hand. Then he turned on his heel and walking away. However, neither Mayura nor Miyuki were fast enough to stop him.

After watching him go, Miyuki said to Mayura almost questioningly, “What just happened?…”

“Don’t worry. We all made sure none of the students around here could hear what we were talking about. Even Takayanagi’s self-preservation goes that far.”

“You’re probably right, but you never know,” Miyuki said carelessly. Then he turned to Izumiko who was still holding the box, and grimaced.

“You shouldn’t have taken that, stupid.”

“But—”

It wasn’t as if she could just throw the box in her hand down the hall and away from her that very instant. Besides, Takayanagi’s story about the confection had been intriguing, and now she was uncomfortably curious over the contents of the box. She felt a little ashamed of herself.

“…He said there wasn’t any magic on it.”

“He could bind you to him with just one bite of whatever that is,” Miyuki said through gritted teeth.

Mayura, standing next to him, intervened. “Calm down. I’ll make sure it’s not dangerous. Izumiko, here. Give it to me. Finding out if food is unsafe is Masumi’s specialty.”

Miyuki turned to look at Mayura, his expression somewhat surprised. “He can do something that useful?”

“That’s rude. He can do even more in Togakushi.”

As Mayura and Miyuki bantered back and forth, Izumiko’s ears were drawn to the conversation some of the girls from Class C were having behind her. They had stopped talking about Takayanagi, and were looking at them and whispering to each other instead.

“Those two from Class A are always together. I think they’ll become an actual couple sooner or later.”

“With them standing so close to each other like that, it sure makes it look like they’re together.”

“They’d really make a good pair.”

“I don’t want to say it, but they might be the best couple in the grade.”

“It’s like they came out of nowhere and knocked all the other couples aside. It’s a little frustrating, isn’t it?”

Surprised, Izumiko looked at the two in front of her, and saw that she too agreed with what the girls were saying. Anyone who looked at Mayura and Miyuki would most likely see the connection between them. Even some part of Izumiko had already noticed it.

She thought back to the conversation she had had with Mayura that morning.

There’s no rumor about me and Miyuki. I didn’t know it, but what Mayura said before about me and Takayanagi wasn’t wrong. She didn’t say anything about a rumor that had to do with herself though…

Of course, Izumiko knew that in truth. There was nothing between Mayura and Miyuki. All the same, something deep down in her chest still hurt. The more the Souda siblings, Miyuki, and Izumiko did things together, the more everyone around them would naturally mistake Miyuki and Mayura for a couple. That was also clear to Izumiko as she stood there, looking at the two of them.

There was no way for her to be happy about it with that reality thrust right in front of her, though.

Keep reading!

#rdg #red data girl #rdg 6 #rdg 6 week 9 #rdg my wish on the night of the shooting stars #translation

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brotherseph · 3 years

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A Woman Caught In Adultery

March 22, 2021, Monday Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent (Violet) CYCLE B - YEAR I RDGS: DN 13:1-9. 15-17. 19-30. 33-62 or DN 13:41-62/ PS 23:1-3. 3-4. 5. 6 GOSPEL: JN 8:1-11

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

This story tells us about people who came to Jesus with different mindsets. The Pharisees and scribes were sure they were right and the woman knew that she had done wrong. The effecting of meeting Jesus and letting Him into their lives changes them powerfully. The Pharisees and scribes, through the words of Jesus were able to see that they too were sinners, like the woman they were accusing and they were not perfect. The woman, expecting to be punished for her error, received a lovely acceptance from Jesus which must have left a lasting impression on her.

We have all sinned. We have all experienced overwhelming shame. Even if the sin is not discovered, our own self-accusatory voice can so loud in our head that it drowns out the gentle voice of Jesus, telling us to begin again.

PRAYER:

Lord, you who opened the ears of the deaf and the eyes of the blind, let me hear your words of forgiveness; let me see and believe in the possibility of a better life.

#AWomanCaughtInAdultery #bibleverseoftheday

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nightmare-afton-cosplay · 5 years

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Bless! Converted Church From 1873 Is This Week’s Most Popular Home

realtor.com

Praise be! A Pennsylvania church converted into a cozy home sent clicks soaring toward the heavens this week. The former house of worship from the late 1800s wound up as this week’s most popular home on realtor.com®.

From the heavy wood double doors to the original stained glass and church bell, the property has held onto certain features of its ecclesiastical past, while being effortlessly transformed into a bright, airy family house.

Apart from this divine cathedral conversion, you also clicked on a brand-new castle in Illinois decorated in a pristine Scandinavian aesthetic, designer Betsey Johnson‘s $2 million hot-pink beach mobile home, and a Spanish Colonial Revival in the O.C. with a crow’s nest rooftop deck to take in water and city views. Plus there’s an appearance by former Packer wide receiver Randall Cobb, who’s selling his home in Green Bay, WI, after parting ways with the team last year.

No helmet required—but we ask you to tackle the complete list of this week’s most popular homes by scrolling down…

10. 16810 Springfield Rd, Pekin, IL

Price: $995,000

Why it’s here: This is a castle decorated in Scandinavian style, built in 2018. This large five-bedroom residence has over 5,000 square feet of airy living space. Highlights include white-oak hardwood floors, a grand white-oak staircase, 57 black casement-style windows, third-floor media room, and a walk-out on the lower level. The 12-acre lot offers rolling prairie views from almost every vantage point.

Pekin, IL

realtor.com

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9. 12F New Freedom Rd, Berlin, NJ

Price: $1,750,000

Why it’s here: This sprawling 37-acre estate is known as “Valley House” and overlooks Timber Lake and the Pine Valley Golf Course. It’s rumored to have been the home of Al Capone and his crew at one time. Built in 1920, the main house includes a studio, exercise room, vault room, game room, and an antique bar with views of the lake. There’s also a separate 2,400-square-foot guesthouse, heated pool and hot tub with cabana bar, European courtyards, seven-car garage, and tennis court.

Berlin, NJ

realtor.com

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8. 10675 Cavallo Rdg, Eden Prairie, MN

Price: $6,500,000

Why it’s here: Love the slopes? Built in 2013, this lavish European estate in the Minneapolis suburbs comes with its very own ski hill and tow rope. It sits on a 4.7-acre lot on the riverbank and offers Minnesota River Valley views from nearly every room. Over-the-top amenities include a glass-enclosed sport court and fitness room, home theater, billiard-room, and woodshop.

Eden Prairie, MN

realtor.com

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7. 206 N First St, Jeannette, PA

Price: $30,000

Why it’s here: Ten bedrooms for less than the price of a car! There’s a big catch, though. This huge, three-level property is in need of major renovation. The old mansion has lovely details, like the huge front porch, two kitchens, a chapel, and a large stairwell, but its condition is dire. The property does offer the opportunity of housing a business on the lower floor, or it could be converted into a multifamily dwelling.

Jeannette, PA

realtor.com

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6. 935 N. Broadway St, De Pere, WI

Price: $1,190,000

Why it’s here: Built in 1858 on the Fox River, this seven-bedroom home includes 10-foot ceilings, five fireplaces, maple hardwood floors, and exposed stone millwork. Outdoors, the nearly 2-acre lot has an in-ground pool, outdoor living area, and 200 feet of river frontage.

De Pere, WI

realtor.com

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5. 232 Paradise Cove Rd, Malibu, CA

Price: $1,950,000

Why it’s here: This isn’t your average mobile home. This hot-pink beaut is situated on Paradise Cove, along one of the most sought-after stretches of beach in the world. Belonging to the legendary fashion icon Betsey Johnson, the beach boho dream is awash in audacious color and has several entertaining areas, like a pergola-covered outdoor living area, as well as a backyard with outdoor soaking tub.

Malibu, CA

realtor.com

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4. 1707 E. Bay Ave, Newport Beach, CA

Price: $8,750,000

Why it’s here: Built in 1928, this dramatic Spanish Colonial Revival bay-front villa was designed by the celebrated California architect Wallace Neff. The five-bedroom, four-story home was completely restored in 2003. It’s the tallest structure on the Balboa Peninsula, with spectacular views of Newport Harbor and Fashion Island from the “crow’s nest” rooftop deck. The property also includes a pier and slips for two boats.

Newport Beach, CA

realtor.com

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3. 761 W. Eads Pkwy, Lawrenceburg, IN

Price: $499,000

Why it’s here: This historic four-bedroom home was built in 1835 and now needs a renovation. Highlights of the 19-acre property include seven fireplaces, hardwood floors, as well as original elements like the lights, doorknobs, and slide locks.

Lawrenceburg, IN

realtor.com

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2. 618 Marble Rock Cir, Green Bay, WI

Price: $649,900

Why it’s here: This home of over 4,300-square-feet is being sold by Packers wideout Randall Cobb, who was released by the team after the 2018 season. Highlights of the prairie-ranch house built in 2013 include the hand-hewn hardwood floors, wine cellar, theater room, fireplace, and a mud room with lockers. Cobb’s already caught an offer—the home is already pending sale after just three weeks on the market.

Green Bay, WI

realtor.com

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1. 3172 Route 212, Springfield Township, PA

Price: $325,000

Why it’s here: Holy moly! This charming church from 1873 still has its original bell, double doors, and stained-glass windows. It’s been converted into a modern two-bedroom, 2.5-bath home, complete with a finished walk-out basement, which could be used as an office space.

The open floor plan is whimsical yet functional, and takes advantage of the structure’s high ceilings and altar. The 2,800 square feet of interior space can be reformatted to adapt to almost any owner or lifestyle.

Springfield Township, PA

realtor.com

The post Bless! Converted Church From 1873 Is This Week’s Most Popular Home appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

from https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/bless-converted-church-pa-most-popular/

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davidoespailla · 5 years

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Philly Home on America’s Oldest Residential Street Is the Most Popular This Week

realtor.com

A historic property sitting at the end of Elfreths Aly—the oldest residential street in America—in Philadelphia is this week’s most popular home on realtor.com®. It’s listed for $1.2 million.

Built in 1703, the home is a National Historic Landmark and within walking distance to shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic sites such as the Liberty Bell.

The history is visible in the listing photos, even below ground! “The basement is like a fortress,” says listing agent Ryan McManus. “It was used as a root cellar.”

Other clues to the two-bedroom home’s rich history include the now inoperable outhouse just off the kitchen.

Elfreths Aly with its cobblestone streets is a year-round tourist attraction and homes in the area rarely go on the market, says McManus. The current owners have had this property for more than 30 years.

But not everyone was looking for 18th-century properties this week.

Other homes you clicked on include a Bucks County, PA, mansion with fire damage that’s headed to auction; a four-story, Mediterranean-style mansion in Florida with water views and private beach access; and the Washington estate once owned by department store magnate D.E. Frederick.

So whether you are a Yankee doodle dandy, shopping for a family home in Tennessee, or just want to dream about living lavish on the beach, there’s something in this week’s top 10 just for you. Take a look!

10. 151 NW Highland Dr, Shoreline, WA

Price: $4,750,000 Why it’s here: This historic estate was built in 1931 by architect Lewis P. Robert for D.E. Frederick, owner of department store chain Frederick & Nelson. The 15,000-square-foot, 10-bedroom, and 6.5-bathroom chateau is built entirely of concrete. It includes a Venetian room that was transported in its entirety from an Italian castle. The original crystal chandeliers, antique paintings, and Otis elevator are just a few of the perks that come with the home.

Shoreline, WA

realtor.com

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9. 200 Cherry Dr, Franklin, TN

Price: $290,000 Why it’s here: The price and prime location just outside downtown Franklin is what makes this three-bedroom home so appealing. Built in 1970, the split-level home has been updated throughout and is conveniently close to freeway access.

Franklin, TN

realtor.com

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8. 1517 Douglas Ave, Nashville, TN

Price: $324,900 Why it’s here: Built in 1920 and fully remodeled, this home has granite countertops, modern fixtures, and a fenced backyard. Its heart pine wood flooring has been refinished.

Nashville, TN

realtor.com

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7. 226 Windcrest Dr, San Antonio, TX

Price: $169,900 Why it’s here: This three-bedroom ranch house was built in 1959 and has nearly 1,500 square feet of living space. Located just a short distance from Randolph Air Force Base and major freeways, the home has a two-car garage, a new roof, and a new HVAC system.

San Antonio, TX

realtor.com

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6. 160 Burnet Rdg, Fort Thomas, KY

Price: $182,000 Why it’s here: The updates throughout make this cute brick ranch a big draw. Built in 1917, the two-bedroom home boasts light and airy interiors with wood floors, a roomy kitchen, and new lighting. Outdoors, the exterior railing and landscaping are new, while the front porch and mature trees shroud the home in privacy, making it a serene retreat.

Fort Thomas, KY

realtor.com

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5. 9 Exeter St, Danvers, MA

Price: $559,900 Why it’s here: This seemingly plain ranch home recently received an incredible makeover, including new plumbing in the kitchen and baths, a new water heater, new electric and heating systems, windows, and roof. Originally built in 1960, the four-bedroom home is now modern and stylish.

Danvers, MA

realtor.com

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4. 322 Water View Dr, Franklin Lakes, NJ

Price: $1,950,000 Why it’s here: Familiar to all who enjoyed the drama of the first seven seasons of “Real Housewives of New Jersey,” the custom-built estate of Jacqueline Laurita just had another price cut. While Laurita has left the show, she hasn’t been able to unload her mansion. Yet

Franklin Lakes, NJ

realtor.com

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3. 5781 Stoney Hill Rd, New Hope, PA

Price: $700,000 Why it’s here: Up for auction, this mansion has fire damage and is being sold as is. Built in 1989, the six-bedroom home measures over 5,500 square feet. Sitting on over 10 acres, the home comes with an attached three-car garage and a detached three-car garage with second-floor storage. There’s also a pool and a woodworking shop.

New Hope, PA

realtor.com

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2. 4720 Ocean Blvd, Destin, FL

Price: $5,999,000 Why it’s here: This gorgeous seven-bedroom, Mediterranean-style beach house has four levels and incredible water views. Upgrades include an elevator, covered patios on each floor, a private courtyard, private beach access, and media room.

Destin, FL

realtor.com

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1. 139 Elfreths Aly, Philadelphia, PA

Price: $1,200,000 Why it’s here: This remarkable home dates to 1703 and sits at the end of Elfreths Aly, the oldest residential street in the country. The two-bedroom, one-bathroom home is a National Historic Landmark and is filled with reminders of its storied past.

Philadelphia, PA

realtor.com

The post Philly Home on America’s Oldest Residential Street Is the Most Popular This Week appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Philly Home on America’s Oldest Residential Street Is the Most Popular This Week

#TRUSTED LOCAL REALTOR #Philly Home on America’s Oldest Residential Street Is the Most Popular This W

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brotherseph · 3 years

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Healing At The Pool

March 16, 2021, Tuesday Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent (violet) CYCLE B - YEAR I RDGS: EZ 47:1-9. 12/ PS 46:2-3. 5-6. 8-9 GOSPEL: JN 5:1-16

There was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem at the Sheep Gate a pool called in Hebrew Bethesda, with five porticoes. In these lay a large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be well?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your mat, and walk." Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked. Now that day was a sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry your mat." He answered them, "The man who made me well told me, 'Take up your mat and walk.'" They asked him, "Who is the man who told you, 'Take it up and walk'?" The man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away since there was a crowd there. After this Jesus found him in the temple area and said to him, "Look, you are well; do not sin any more, so that nothing worse may happen to you." The man went and told the Jews that Jesus was the one who had made him well. Therefore, the Jews began to persecute Jesus because he did this on a sabbath.

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

Are there sick people in your family, among your friends? Bring them one by one, before the Lord asking him to do what is best for them. Maybe you are worried about your own health? Tell the Lord of your anxieties and leave them with him. “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

PRAYER:

‘Christ as a light, illumine and guide me. Christ as a shield, overshadow and cover me. Christ is under me, Christ is over me, Christ is beside me, on left hand and right. Christ is before me, behind me, around me. Christ this day be within and without me. Amen.’

#bibleverseoftheday #HealingAtThePool

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brotherseph · 3 years

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The Pharisee And The Tax Collector

March 13, 2021, Saturday Saturday of the Third Week of Lent (Violet) CYCLE B - YEAR I RDGS: HOS 6:1-6/ PS 51:3-4. 18-19. 20-21 GOSPEL: LK 18:9-14

Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. "Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, 'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity -- greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.' But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, 'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.' I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

What would you like to boast to God about? Let's be honest. There are times when we want to tell him how good we are, or the good we have done. We may look down on others' moral or spiritual life. This is just human. But it's not to be the end of the story of our relationship with God. We look on what is good in ourselves and know that all is gift; both our talents and what we have made of them. We end up with the prayer of the taxman - cover me O Lord with your mercy, for, with all my good deeds and intentions, there is a deeply sinful side of me which needs your mercy.

PRAYER:

God, be merciful to me, a sinner’ – let this be my prayer today and always. I must not leave my place of prayer today, thankful that I am not like the Pharisee! It is God who ‘justifies’ the ungodly tax collector, whose only virtue is that he is honest before God.

#bibleverseoftheday #ParableOfThePhariseeAndTheTaxCollector

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brotherseph · 3 years

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The Greatest Commandment

March 12, 2021, Friday Friday of the Third Week of Lent (Violet) CYCLE B - YEAR I RDGS: HOS 14:2-10/ PS 81:6-8. 8-9. 10-11. 14. 17 GOSPEL: MK 12:28-34

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, "Which is the first of all the commandments?" Jesus replied, "The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these." The scribe said to him, "Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love cast out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears does not reach perfection in love. We love because He first loved us."

(1 John 4:18)

I also ask myself, in the presence of Jesus, what it means to love God with all my heart, all my soul and with all my mind and with all my strength. I ask for this single-mindedness, and for seeing all my life embraced in this commitment.

PRAYER:

Lord, enlarge my heart. Make me more and more sensitive to the quality of your love, especially as Holy Week comes near. There you show me so dramatically how much you love me. Make me a grateful person.

#bibleverseoftheday #TheGreatestCommandment

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brotherseph · 3 years

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Jesus Drives Out Demons

March 11, 2021, Thursday Thursday of the Third Week of Lent (Violet) CYCLE B - YEAR I RDGS: JER 7:23-28/ PS 95:1-2. 6-7. 8-9 GOSPEL: LK 11:14-23

Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowds were amazed. Some of them said, "By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons." Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. But he knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters."

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

Jesus’ mission is to overcome evil in all its forms. This is an extraordinary task: it will cost him his life, but we believe that he will succeed. The darkness cannot overcome the light (Saint John 1:5). I thank God for this. It gives me hope to work for our world.

Different battles take place inside us all: the kingdom of the heart can be divided into the good we want to do, and the not-so-good or evil that gets into us also. Prayer is our time of nourishing the good in us, so that goodness wins over evil.

PRAYER:

Lord, let me not be one of the passive ones, who contribute to the triumph of evil by staying on the fence. If I am not on the way, I am in the way.

#bibleverseoftheday #JesusDrivesOutDemons

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brotherseph · 3 years

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Parable Of The Unmerciful Servant

March 09, 2021, Tuesday Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent (Violet) CYCLE B -YEAR I RDGS: DN 3:25. 34-43/ PS 25:4-5. 6. 7. 8. 9 GOSPEL: MT 18:21-35

Peter approached Jesus and asked him,

"Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus answered, "I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.' Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, 'Pay back what you owe.' Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.' But he refused. Instead, he had him put in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed and went to their master and reported the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?' Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart."

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

This parable is about the mercy of God, which is one of the strongest divine qualities, if we may put it like that. Nothing except mercy born of compassion cancels a debt like the one referred to in the story. It further ends by calling us to be merciful as we have received mercy. Mercy is deeper than forgiveness; it sees into the heart of the other and walks around for a while in the other's shoes. It includes compassion and active healing. Shakespeare's description still resounds, 'Mercy is twice blessed - it blesseth him that gives and him that takes.' To live in an environment of mercy is to live in an atmosphere of peace, healing, and growth.

As Jesus continues to emphasize forgiveness, I humbly bring myself before God who forgives me everything, who loves me beyond any sin. The forgiveness that God gives is often difficult for me to receive. I think of how it is given generously to me so that I may give it freely to others.

PRAYER:

Lord, to forgive from the heart is a grace I must pray for. I can’t do it on my own, and I know this. Often I am a ‘wicked slave’! You are always so good to me, but I can be so hard-hearted with those who offend me. Have mercy on me and change my heart!

#bibleverseoftheday #ParableOfTheUnmercifulServant

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brotherseph · 3 years

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March 01, 2021, Monday

Monday of the Second Week of Lent (Violet)

CYCLE B - YEAR I

RDGS: DN 9:4-10/ PS 79:8. 9. 11. 13

GOSPEL: LK 6:36-38

Jesus said to his disciples:

"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

"Stop judging and you will not be judged.

Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.

Forgive and you will be forgiven.

Give and gifts will be given to you;

a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,

will be poured into your lap.

For the measure with which you measure

will in return be measured out to you."

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

Jesus invites us to be as God is – nothing less! He does not intend to overwhelm us or cause us to feel frustrated by such an enormous invitation but wants us to wonder at the immensity of God's capacity to love. In our humanity, we are not infinite, but we are called to great love and hope. The invitation reaches us as we are in our lives, calling us into the life of God.

We get from life what we put into it. The challenge of Jesus is more – to be merciful is to live in a way that makes the first move towards forgiveness, that is, to be non-judgemental of others and to always want to give. Mercy doesn’t count what it gives nor look for anything in return. Mercy is the heart of God’s love. Allow the word ‘mercy’ to enter into your heart at prayer; just repeat it and let it move from lips to heart. As mercy takes hold of you, you will live by it.

PRAYER:

Lord, keep me from jumping to judgment. You alone know all that is my heart and in the hearts of those, I am tempted to condemn.

#bibleverseoftheday #DoNOTJudge

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brotherseph · 3 years

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Jesus Questioned About Fasting

February 19, 2021, Friday

Friday after Ash Wednesday (Violet)

CYCLE B - YEAR I

RDGS: IS 58:1-9/ PS 51:3-4. 5-6. 18-19

GOSPEL: MT 9:14-15

The disciples of John approached Jesus and said,

"Why do we and the Pharisees fast much,

but your disciples do not fast?"

Jesus answered them, "Can the wedding guests mourn

as long as the bridegroom is with them?

The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them,

and then they will fast."

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

The Pharisees and the disciples of John fasted several times a week. Fasting shows self-control, it is a symbol of mourning, and it purifies the heart. Most of all it expresses an inner hunger for God. Here Jesus uses the notion of fasting to reveal that the God whom the Jews hunger for has arrived. Rejoicing not mourning is the appropriate response to the presence of divine mercy revealed in Jesus.

Spend some time each day allowing the joy of God fills the heart. Spend some time mourning with him, as joy is lost for so many. Any fasting is to remind us that the Lord of all joy suffers in his people, perhaps in people who are near to us. Prayer brings us near to others and near to God.

PRAYER:

Lord, this Lent let me feast with gratitude for your merciful love, and let me fast from oppressive behavior towards those around me. May my prayer and my fasting reveal my inner hunger for you.

#bibleverseoftheday #JesusQuestionedAboutFasting

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brotherseph · 3 years

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Leaven of the Pharisees

February 16, 2021, Tuesday Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time (Green) FEAST OF THE MOST HOLY FACE OF JESUS CYCLE B - YEAR I RDGS: GN 6:5-8--7:1-5. 10/ PS 29:1. 2. 3-4. 9-10 GOSPEL: MK 8:14-21

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. Jesus enjoined them, “Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” They concluded among themselves that it was because they had no bread. When he became aware of this he said to them, “Why do you conclude that it is because you have no bread? Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember, when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many wicker baskets full of fragments you picked up?” They answered him, “Twelve.” “When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many full baskets of fragments did you pick up?” They answered him, “Seven.” He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

The daily bread of which Jesus speaks is not for the stomach. I pray that my eyes may see, that my ears may hear, and that my memory be blessed to notice God's goodness and to receive the food God offers to me each day.

PRAYER:

Lord, break down the walls that press in on my small heart: let me believe that you are the Son of God, and that in company with you I truly live. Help me see that you yourself are the ‘bread’ which I need to stay alive. Help me to hang all my hope on you.

#bibleverseoftheday #leavenofthepharisees

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brotherseph · 3 years

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Feeding of the Four Thousand

February 13, 2021, Saturday Saturday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time (Green) CYCLE B - YEAR I RDGS: GN 3:9-24/ PS 90:2. 3-4. 5-6. 12-13 GOSPEL: MK 8:1-10

In those days when there again was a great crowd without anything to eat, Jesus summoned the disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will collapse on the way, and some of them have come a great distance.” His disciples answered him, “Where can anyone get enough bread to satisfy them here in this deserted place?” Still he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They replied, “Seven.” He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then, taking the seven loaves he gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute, and they distributed them to the crowd. They also had a few fish. He said the blessing over them and ordered them distributed also. They ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets. There were about four thousand people. He dismissed the crowd and got into the boat with his disciples and came to the region of Dalmanutha.

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

The loaves of the people fed the crowd. Jesus uses what we can give to him in his service. He speaks his word through us and loves the world through us. We are as amazed as the disciples were that our small contribution can do so much when joined to his power of love.

PRAYER:

Lord, today let me see some of the miracles that surround me. So many good things happen to me that need not happen. I have food and drink, while others are ‘in the desert’. Someone is good to me, someone smiles. Even my computer is your gift. And I meet you, my God, in this time of prayer. Others support me with their prayer, and I support them too. Thank you, Lord – for everything!

#bibleverseoftheday #JesusFeedsTheFourThousand

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brotherseph · 3 years

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That Which Defiles

February 09, 2021, Tuesday

Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time (Green)

CYCLE B - YEAR I

RDGS: GN 1:20--2:4/ PS 8:4-5. 6-7. 8-9

GOSPEL: MK 7:1-13

When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem

gathered around Jesus,

they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals

with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands.

(For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews,

do not eat without carefully washing their hands,

keeping the tradition of the elders.

And on coming from the marketplace

they do not eat without purifying themselves.

And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed,

the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds.)

So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him,

"Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders

but instead, eat a meal with unclean hands?"

He responded,

"Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites,

as it is written:

This people honors me with their lips,

but their hearts are far from me;

in vain do they worship me,

teaching as doctrines human precepts.

You disregard God's commandment but cling to human tradition."

He went on to say,

"How well you have set aside the commandment of God

in order to uphold your tradition!

For Moses said,

Honor your father and your mother,

and Whoever curses father or mother shall die.

Yet you say,

'If someone says to father or mother,

"Any support you might have had from me is qorban"'

(meaning, dedicated to God),

you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother.

You nullify the word of God

in favor of your tradition that you have handed on.

And you do many such things."

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

Jesus invites me to consider how I follow God in my heart and cautions me against being distracted by human traditions. I review my habits and patterns of activity, asking God to help me to recognize where they lead me to life.

PRAYER:

Lord, it is different for me. I do not have to face the hundreds of ritual regulations with which the scribes had burdened their religion. But I can still be caught by foolish scruples, which have nothing to do with love but come from a superstitious fear of regulations. Free my heart for joy and love.

#bibleverseoftheday #ThatWhichDefiles

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