[ { "title": "Bachelor party", "content": "Details We’re still ironing out the details on this. Everything is subject to change. Since the ceremony and reception dinner are so small, this weekend will be the main opportunity for Brad to celebrate with his cohort of guy friends. The current plan is a night or two of not-too-primitive camping somewhere in Michigan; not aggressively far from the Metro-Detroit area. Contact If you have questions, or would like to assist in the planning in some way, please contact Alex Inman.", "image": {"alt":"Generic camping scene","src":"1200x630/camping.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/events/2020/07/bachlor-party/" }, { "title": "Ceremony, wedding, private", "content": "Details We are planning a very small, private ceremony, and are hoping you’ll respect our wishes. In front of our immediate families (who will be personally invited), Shelby and Brad will wed. Dress code Please dress for the weather. Afterward There’s a pretty solid chance we’ll all go out to dinner afterward, so if you’re invited to the ceremony it’s probably advisable not to make elaborate plans for that evening.", "image": {"alt":"Generic gazebo","src":"1200x630/gazebo.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/events/2020/10/private-ceremony/" }, { "title": "Reception dinner", "content": "Details This event is expressly by invitation only, with RSVP required. Come join us to celebrate! Italian dinner and lots of ambiance. Dress code Dressy casual preferred? Like, what you’d wear to go to a nice dinner, knowing that some people there will be really dressed up, but other people might just be in their nicest jeans. A sweet spot between there that matches your personality. If you want to wear a white dress, you can, though it is after Labor Day, so… All we ask is that you don’t wear anything outrageous. Gifts and other things It’s not a big venue, so please do not bring in any gifts or other large items without discussing it with us first. After-party When we get kicked out of Pop’s, we’re all 100% definitely going to Rosie O’Grady’s across the street for some nightcaps and dancing. Please bring your dancing shoes, and join us if you can stay out that late.", "image": {"alt":"Facade of Pops for Italian in Ferndale","src":"1200x630/pops-for-italian.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/events/2020/10/reception-dinner/" }, { "title": "Open brunch", "content": "Details TBD. We will either designate a restaurant that serves brunch within a few miles of the reception dinner venue for everyone to meet at, or will have an open house-style brunch at a private residence. In either event, any friends or family are welcome to come, regardless of whether you were invited to the other events. We would love to see you! Contact If you have questions, or would like to join the brunch planning committee, please contact Linda Czerniak.", "image": {"alt":"Delicious eggs and other stuff","src":"1200x630/brunch.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/events/2020/10/open-brunch/" }, { "title": "Alex Inman", "content": "About Alex Alex's spirit animal is Theodore Roosevelt. Alex is a graduate of Troy Athens High School and the University of Michigan, with a Master of Construction Management from FIU. In his travels, Alex has: Worked as a roofer in the summertime Sold supplemental insurance in mid-Michigan Supported live video streaming software in the Florida Keys Studied hard in the Miami-Homestead area Managed construction projects in Fort Collins, CO Set up project management processes and software in Fort Collins, CO Got married to the wonderful Kat and had a beautiful baby, Judy Flipped a townhouse while working full-time Killed a man with his bare hands, and killed a bear with his man hands Motorcycled cross-country and couch-surfed along the way Finished every half-remodeled home in Fort Collins himself Took search-and-rescue training so he could volunteer rescuing folks in the Rockies and shit Alex is a steadfast and kind friend, and Brad is honored to have him as his best man. pnl", "image": {"alt":"Alex Inman","src":"1200x630/alex-inman.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/people/alex-inman/" }, { "title": "Brad Czerniak", "content": "About Brad Brad is a known quantity. He worked pretty much non-stop for a decade-and-a-half, then took a couple months off in 2020. Brad thinks weird thoughts and expresses them, and sometimes does semi-strange things, but is overwhelmingly chill. Often you can find him doing bar trivia with friends or having a quick dinner out with Shelby before getting back home where the TV and snacks are. He makes websites and says nice things about libraries and Detroit.", "image": {"alt":"Brad Czerniak","src":"1200x630/brad-czerniak.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/people/brad-czerniak/" }, { "title": "Channing Jones", "content": "About Channing Channing is reassurance personified. She grew up in Troy, Michigan in the nineties, middle child of the Sleete family. Channing studied speech pathology and French in college, and makes a life of helping people as a speech language pathologist. Before her current hospital gig, she plied her trade at Berkley High School. She lives in Maryland with her husband, Mike, and their young son Leander. She enjoys trashy reality TV, and is the best aunt ever. Channing exudes calm and acceptance; qualities we are glad to have in an officiant on our wedding day!", "image": {"alt":"Channing Jones","src":"1200x630/channing-jones.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/people/channing-jones/" }, { "title": "Chidi Anagonye", "content": "Preface In the following pages I have confined myself in the main to those problems of philosophy in regard to which I thought it possible to say something positive and constructive, since merely negative criticism seemed out of place. For this reason, theory of knowledge occupies a larger space than metaphysics in the present volume, and some topics much discussed by philosophers are treated very briefly, if at all. I have derived valuable assistance from unpublished writings of G. E. Moore and J. M. Keynes: from the former, as regards the relations of sense-data to physical objects, and from the latter as regards probability and induction. I have also profited greatly by the criticisms and suggestions of Professor Gilbert Murray. Chapter I: Appearance and reality Is there any knowledge in the world which is so certain that no reasonable man could doubt it? This question, which at first sight might not seem difficult, is really one of the most difficult that can be asked. When we have realized the obstacles in the way of a straightforward and confident answer, we shall be well launched on the study of philosophy--for philosophy is merely the attempt to answer such ultimate questions, not carelessly and dogmatically, as we do in ordinary life and even in the sciences, but critically, after exploring all that makes such questions puzzling, and after realizing all the vagueness and confusion that underlie our ordinary ideas. In daily life, we assume as certain many things which, on a closer scrutiny, are found to be so full of apparent contradictions that only a great amount of thought enables us to know what it is that we really may believe. In the search for certainty, it is natural to begin with our present experiences, and in some sense, no doubt, knowledge is to be derived from them. But any statement as to what it is that our immediate experiences make us know is very likely to be wrong. It seems to me that I am now sitting in a chair, at a table of a certain shape, on which I see sheets of paper with writing or print. By turning my head I see out of the window buildings and clouds and the sun. I believe that the sun is about ninety-three million miles from the earth; that it is a hot globe many times bigger than the earth; that, owing to the earth's rotation, it rises every morning, and will continue to do so for an indefinite time in the future. I believe that, if any other normal person comes into my room, he will see the same chairs and tables and books and papers as I see, and that the table which I see is the same as the table which I feel pressing against my arm. All this seems to be so evident as to be hardly worth stating, except in answer to a man who doubts whether I know anything. Yet all this may be reasonably doubted, and all of it requires much careful discussion before we can be sure that we have stated it in a form that is wholly true. To make our difficulties plain, let us concentrate attention on the table. To the eye it is oblong, brown and shiny, to the touch it is smooth and cool and hard; when I tap it, it gives out a wooden sound. Any one else who sees and feels and hears the table will agree with this description, so that it might seem as if no difficulty would arise; but as soon as we try to be more precise our troubles begin. Although I believe that the table is 'really' of the same colour all over, the parts that reflect the light look much brighter than the other parts, and some parts look white because of reflected light. I know that, if I move, the parts that reflect the light will be different, so that the apparent distribution of colours on the table will change. It follows that if several people are looking at the table at the same moment, no two of them will see exactly the same distribution of colours, because no two can see it from exactly the same point of view, and any change in the point of view makes some change in the way the light is reflected. For most practical purposes these differences are unimportant, but to the painter they are all-important: the painter has to unlearn the habit of thinking that things seem to have the colour which common sense says they 'really' have, and to learn the habit of seeing things as they appear. Here we have already the beginning of one of the distinctions that cause most trouble in philosophy--the distinction between 'appearance' and 'reality', between what things seem to be and what they are. The painter wants to know what things seem to be, the practical man and the philosopher want to know what they are; but the philosopher's wish to know this is stronger than the practical man's, and is more troubled by knowledge as to the difficulties of answering the question. To return to the table. It is evident from what we have found, that there is no colour which pre-eminently appears to be _the_ colour of the table, or even of any one particular part of the table--it appears to be of different colours from different points of view, and there is no reason for regarding some of these as more really its colour than others. And we know that even from a given point of view the colour will seem different by artificial light, or to a colour-blind man, or to a man wearing blue spectacles, while in the dark there will be no colour at all, though to touch and hearing the table will be unchanged. This colour is not something which is inherent in the table, but something depending upon the table and the spectator and the way the light falls on the table. When, in ordinary life, we speak of _the_ colour of the table, we only mean the sort of colour which it will seem to have to a normal spectator from an ordinary point of view under usual conditions of light. But the other colours which appear under other conditions have just as good a right to be considered real; and therefore, to avoid favouritism, we are compelled to deny that, in itself, the table has any one particular colour. The same thing applies to the texture. With the naked eye one can see the grain, but otherwise the table looks smooth and even. If we looked at it through a microscope, we should see roughnesses and hills and valleys, and all sorts of differences that are imperceptible to the naked eye. Which of these is the 'real' table? We are naturally tempted to say that what we see through the microscope is more real, but that in turn would be changed by a still more powerful microscope. If, then, we cannot trust what we see with the naked eye, why should we trust what we see through a microscope? Thus, again, the confidence in our senses with which we began deserts us. The shape of the table is no better. We are all in the habit of judging as to the 'real' shapes of things, and we do this so unreflectingly that we come to think we actually see the real shapes. But, in fact, as we all have to learn if we try to draw, a given thing looks different in shape from every different point of view. If our table is 'really' rectangular, it will look, from almost all points of view, as if it had two acute angles and two obtuse angles. If opposite sides are parallel, they will look as if they converged to a point away from the spectator; if they are of equal length, they will look as if the nearer side were longer. All these things are not commonly noticed in looking at a table, because experience has taught us to construct the 'real' shape from the apparent shape, and the 'real' shape is what interests us as practical men. But the 'real' shape is not what we see; it is something inferred from what we see. And what we see is constantly changing in shape as we move about the room; so that here again the senses seem not to give us the truth about the table itself, but only about the appearance of the table. Similar difficulties arise when we consider the sense of touch. It is true that the table always gives us a sensation of hardness, and we feel that it resists pressure. But the sensation we obtain depends upon how hard we press the table and also upon what part of the body we press with; thus the various sensations due to various pressures or various parts of the body cannot be supposed to reveal _directly_ any definite property of the table, but at most to be _signs_ of some property which perhaps _causes_ all the sensations, but is not actually apparent in any of them. And the same applies still more obviously to the sounds which can be elicited by rapping the table. Thus it becomes evident that the real table, if there is one, is not the same as what we immediately experience by sight or touch or hearing. The real table, if there is one, is not _immediately_ known to us at all, but must be an inference from what is immediately known. Hence, two very difficult questions at once arise; namely, (1) Is there a real table at all? (2) If so, what sort of object can it be? It will help us in considering these questions to have a few simple terms of which the meaning is definite and clear. Let us give the name of 'sense-data' to the things that are immediately known in sensation: such things as colours, sounds, smells, hardnesses, roughnesses, and so on. We shall give the name 'sensation' to the experience of being immediately aware of these things. Thus, whenever we see a colour, we have a sensation _of_ the colour, but the colour itself is a sense-datum, not a sensation. The colour is that _of_ which we are immediately aware, and the awareness itself is the sensation. It is plain that if we are to know anything about the table, it must be by means of the sense-data--brown colour, oblong shape, smoothness, etc.--which we associate with the table; but, for the reasons which have been given, we cannot say that the table is the sense-data, or even that the sense-data are directly properties of the table. Thus a problem arises as to the relation of the sense-data to the real table, supposing there is such a thing. The real table, if it exists, we will call a 'physical object'. Thus we have to consider the relation of sense-data to physical objects. The collection of all physical objects is called 'matter'. Thus our two questions may be re-stated as follows: (1) Is there any such thing as matter? (2) If so, what is its nature? The philosopher who first brought prominently forward the reasons for regarding the immediate objects of our senses as not existing independently of us was Bishop Berkeley (1685-1753). His _Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous, in Opposition to Sceptics and Atheists_, undertake to prove that there is no such thing as matter at all, and that the world consists of nothing but minds and their ideas. Hylas has hitherto believed in matter, but he is no match for Philonous, who mercilessly drives him into contradictions and paradoxes, and makes his own denial of matter seem, in the end, as if it were almost common sense. The arguments employed are of very different value: some are important and sound, others are confused or quibbling. But Berkeley retains the merit of having shown that the existence of matter is capable of being denied without absurdity, and that if there are any things that exist independently of us they cannot be the immediate objects of our sensations. There are two different questions involved when we ask whether matter exists, and it is important to keep them clear. We commonly mean by 'matter' something which is opposed to 'mind', something which we think of as occupying space and as radically incapable of any sort of thought or consciousness. It is chiefly in this sense that Berkeley denies matter; that is to say, he does not deny that the sense-data which we commonly take as signs of the existence of the table are really signs of the existence of _something_ independent of us, but he does deny that this something is non-mental, that it is neither mind nor ideas entertained by some mind. He admits that there must be something which continues to exist when we go out of the room or shut our eyes, and that what we call seeing the table does really give us reason for believing in something which persists even when we are not seeing it. But he thinks that this something cannot be radically different in nature from what we see, and cannot be independent of seeing altogether, though it must be independent of _our_ seeing. He is thus led to regard the 'real' table as an idea in the mind of God. Such an idea has the required permanence and independence of ourselves, without being--as matter would otherwise be--something quite unknowable, in the sense that we can only infer it, and can never be directly and immediately aware of it. Other philosophers since Berkeley have also held that, although the table does not depend for its existence upon being seen by me, it does depend upon being seen (or otherwise apprehended in sensation) by _some_ mind--not necessarily the mind of God, but more often the whole collective mind of the universe. This they hold, as Berkeley does, chiefly because they think there can be nothing real--or at any rate nothing known to be real except minds and their thoughts and feelings. We might state the argument by which they support their view in some such way as this: 'Whatever can be thought of is an idea in the mind of the person thinking of it; therefore nothing can be thought of except ideas in minds; therefore anything else is inconceivable, and what is inconceivable cannot exist.' Such an argument, in my opinion, is fallacious; and of course those who advance it do not put it so shortly or so crudely. But whether valid or not, the argument has been very widely advanced in one form or another; and very many philosophers, perhaps a majority, have held that there is nothing real except minds and their ideas. Such philosophers are called 'idealists'. When they come to explaining matter, they either say, like Berkeley, that matter is really nothing but a collection of ideas, or they say, like Leibniz (1646-1716), that what appears as matter is really a collection of more or less rudimentary minds. But these philosophers, though they deny matter as opposed to mind, nevertheless, in another sense, admit matter. It will be remembered that we asked two questions; namely, (1) Is there a real table at all? (2) If so, what sort of object can it be? Now both Berkeley and Leibniz admit that there is a real table, but Berkeley says it is certain ideas in the mind of God, and Leibniz says it is a colony of souls. Thus both of them answer our first question in the affirmative, and only diverge from the views of ordinary mortals in their answer to our second question. In fact, almost all philosophers seem to be agreed that there is a real table: they almost all agree that, however much our sense-data--colour, shape, smoothness, etc.--may depend upon us, yet their occurrence is a sign of something existing independently of us, something differing, perhaps, completely from our sense-data, and yet to be regarded as causing those sense-data whenever we are in a suitable relation to the real table. Now obviously this point in which the philosophers are agreed--the view that there _is_ a real table, whatever its nature may be--is vitally important, and it will be worth while to consider what reasons there are for accepting this view before we go on to the further question as to the nature of the real table. Our next chapter, therefore, will be concerned with the reasons for supposing that there is a real table at all. Before we go farther it will be well to consider for a moment what it is that we have discovered so far. It has appeared that, if we take any common object of the sort that is supposed to be known by the senses, what the senses _immediately_ tell us is not the truth about the object as it is apart from us, but only the truth about certain sense-data which, so far as we can see, depend upon the relations between us and the object. Thus what we directly see and feel is merely 'appearance', which we believe to be a sign of some 'reality' behind. But if the reality is not what appears, have we any means of knowing whether there is any reality at all? And if so, have we any means of finding out what it is like? Such questions are bewildering, and it is difficult to know that even the strangest hypotheses may not be true. Thus our familiar table, which has roused but the slightest thoughts in us hitherto, has become a problem full of surprising possibilities. The one thing we know about it is that it is not what it seems. Beyond this modest result, so far, we have the most complete liberty of conjecture. Leibniz tells us it is a community of souls: Berkeley tells us it is an idea in the mind of God; sober science, scarcely less wonderful, tells us it is a vast collection of electric charges in violent motion. Among these surprising possibilities, doubt suggests that perhaps there is no table at all. Philosophy, if it cannot _answer_ so many questions as we could wish, has at least the power of _asking_ questions which increase the interest of the world, and show the strangeness and wonder lying just below the surface even in the commonest things of daily life. Chapter 1 from The Problems of Philosophy by Bertrand Russell, as retrieved from the Internet Archive", "image": {"alt":"Chidi Anagonye","src":"1200x630/chidi-anagonye.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/people/chidi-anagonye/" }, { "title": "Ellie Hassell", "content": "About Ellie Ellie gives the adults she meets hope that future generations will be just fine. Ellie is a ball of pure energy, sliding effortlessly between reading, dance parties, inventing games, playing teacher, arts and crafts, watching The Dark Crystal, and being a fashion maven.", "image": {"alt":"Ellie Hassell","src":"1200x630/ellie-hassell.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/people/ellie-hassell/" }, { "title": "Linda Czerniak", "content": "About Linda Linda is everyone's rock. She makes sure to keep in touch with all her friends and family, and to be there for them when they need someone. She grew up in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, eldest of a sister and two brothers. Growing up, she took to the piano and accordion, which she taught to others later in life. She studied music and business, and later met Steve, whom she married. She excelled at raising three boys while working various jobs in the community. Linda loves most games and puzzles, handicrafts, cooking, and her family most of all. She's earned all of the \"World's Best Grandma\" swag many times over, evidenced any time you see her with Johnna.", "image": {"alt":"Linda Czerniak","src":"1200x630/linda-czerniak.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/people/linda-czerniak/" }, { "title": "Shelby Hassell", "content": "About Shelby Shelby is sunshine considerately wearing black so as not to blind you. She grew up in Troy, Michigan, youngest of three. After a brief stint in Virginia, she returned with her family to Michigan, and lived that community college and retail life. She met her first husband, moved to Flint, MI, and gave birth to perfect Ellie, to whom she is the ideal mother. Shelby describes herself as 'indoorsy', and loves reality TV like the various Real Housewives franchises. She's also super into podcasts, fat babies, Chili's and other chain restaurants, and alternately sipping Barefoot Riesling and getting backrubs from Brad.", "image": {"alt":"Shelby Sleete","src":"1200x630/shelby-sleete.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/people/shelby-hassell/" }, { "title": "Stephen Czerniak", "content": "About Steve Steve's the guy you know has your back even if you don't look behind you. Mr. Czerniak retired after a successful career that culminated in fifteen years of experience as an internal consultant and “change agent.” His personal volunteer objective in retirement is to “derive personal satisfaction from helping others, and the organizations they operate, to develop and prosper.” Steve grew up in Muskegon, Michigan. He's the best dad a Brad could ask for. In retirement, aside from his volunteer work, he also enjoys pickleball, napping to golf on TV, and the useful arts; especially where his granddaughter Johnna is concerned.", "image": {"alt":"Stephen Czerniak","src":"1200x630/stephen-czerniak.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/people/stephen-czerniak/" }, { "title": "Tom Sleete", "content": "About Tom Tom is many good adjectives. Let's go with reliable most of all. Mr. Sleete is a born-and-raised Detroiter. He was married to his wife, Moe, for 38½ years before her passing. Tom is a proud father of three children, and grandfather to two grandchildren. He taught History at Southfield-Lathrup High for like 40 years, with a stint at the best public high school in the nation, Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology in Virginia. He's still active as an author and historian, and as a retiree consults for the College Board in AP US History. Tom starts his days, like clockwork, with a trip to the grocery store. He ends the day with his prayers. In between he makes the world that much brighter to his family and friends.", "image": {"alt":"Tom Sleete","src":"1200x630/tom-sleete.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/people/tom-sleete/" }, { "title": "Wedding Ceremonies", "content": "Excerpt from Wedding Ceremonies by Vedantist, as retrieved from the Internet Archive. 680722WL.MON Paramananda & Satyabhama’s Wedding, Montreal, July 22, 1968 Prabhupada: Gurudasa, you don’t feel? Gurudasa: Yes, very good. Prabhupada: This last verse… It is not last. It is the third of Brahma-sutra, Brahma-sarhhita. Alola- candraka-lasad-vanamalya-varhsT-ratnangadarh pranaya-keli-kala-vilasam [Bs. 5.31], This verse… There are about one hundred verses in the Brahma-sarhhita, and this verse, I think, about thirty- eighth verse… So description of Govinda, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The picture is here. So Govinda is not impersonal. And it is distinctly stated here that alola-candraka-lasad- vanamalya-varhsl: [Bs. 5.31] “The Lord is decorated with flower garland, and He has got a flute in His hands.” And pranaya-keli-kala-vilasam: “And He is engaged in transcendental, conjugal love, Radha and Krsna.” So this love which is in our experience within this material world, man and woman, it is not unnatural. It is in God also there. And the Brahma-sutra, Vedanta-sutra, in the beginning says that “Who is Brahman, the Supreme Person or the Absolute Truth?” Athato brahma jijnasa, questioning “What is that Absolute Truth?” The answer is janmady asya yatah: [SB 1.1.1] “The Absolute Truth is that from whom everything emanates.” Very simple definition. That means the fountainhead of everything, the source of everything. Therefore here in this material world we see that the attraction for man and woman, woman’s attraction for man, man’s attraction for woman, is so prominent. Not only in human society, but in other than: animal society, cat society, dog society, bird society, there is always the attraction, man and woman, or male and female. Why? The answer is in the Vedanta-sutra: janmady asya yatah [SB 1.1.1], Because it is there in the Absolute Truth. Without being present in the Absolute Truth, how it can be manifested in the relative truth? This world is called relative world. It is not Absolute. Relative. Difference, two, duality. We cannot understand a man without knowing a woman. We cannot understand father without understanding a son or a mother. Relativity. But in Absolute world, everything is one. So this love between male and female, conjugal love, we Vaisnava philosophers… Because everyone, according to Vedic system, everyone has to follow the Vedanta-sutra. There are two section of philosophers in India, approved; not, I mean to say, manufactured philosopher, mental speculators, but actually those who are counted valuable. There are two classes of philosophers, namely the impersonalist and personalist. The Vaisnava, they accept that the Absolute Truth is person, and the MayavadT philosophers, they say that Absolute Truth is impersonal. That is the difference. Otherwise their process of other paraphernalia, execution of understanding, is almost the same. Now our Vaisnava philosopher’s argument is that how the Absolute Truth can be impersonal? Because here, in this world, in our experience, we see everything personal. So unless the personality, the individuality, or the individual attraction is there in the Absolute Truth, how they can be represented here in the relative truth? So apart from that argumental point of view, our presentation is that this conjugal love between man and woman is not unnatural. It is quite natural because it is in the Absolute Truth, as we find from Vedic description, that the Absolute Truth, Personality of Godhead, is engaged in conjugal loving affairs, Radha-Krsna. But the same Radha-Krsna love matter has permeated through matter. Therefore it is perverted reflection. Here in this material world, the so-called love is not actual love. It is lust. Here the male and female are attracted not by love but by lust. So in this Krsna consciousness society, because we are trying to approach the Absolute Truth, the lust propensity has to be converted into pure love. That is the proposal. So in India still, amongst the strict followers of Vedic principles, this lust affair is adjusted spiritually. What is that? The boys and girls, they are not allowed free mixing before marriage. Especially… Both the boys… Here, one of our students, he was in India, and he tried to talk with a young girl on the street, and he (she) was insulted. He was surprised. Because the practice is there that no young boy or young girl can talk with… Of course, now it is different. Even up to our young time we have seen that without being married, no girl, no boy, could mix together. So this lust affair, this attraction, was little bit controlled. The father, the parents of the girl, and the parents of the boy would select. They had no personal selection. And that selection was made very scientifically, taking the horoscope of the girl, taking the horoscope of the boy, and calculating, “How this boy and girl will amalgamate? How their lives will be happy?” So many things, they were considered. And when everything was settled, then the marriage would take place. That is the system of old Indian, Vedic principle. And so far free love is concerned, as we understand, that was allowed only very in high circles, princely order. Because the girls were educated and grown up and she was given to select her husband, but not directly. We find in so many historical evidences from the Vedic literature that the girl used to express her desire that “I want to marry with that boy,” and the father… This was amongst the ksatriyas, the princely order, not with others. And the father would give a challenge, a bet. And if somebody will come and become victorious, then the girl would be offered. That was in special cases. Anyway in this age, marriage, according to our Vaisnava principles, marriage is allowed because there is male, there is female. Why they should not unite? But not illegally. So when I came in this country in New York, the boys and girls, they were coming, and some of them offered me to become disciples. So I saw that most of the boys and girls, they are keeping the boyfriend, girlfriend. So I requested them that if you want to make progress in spiritual life, you have to refrain from four kinds of sinful activities, and these four kinds of sinful activities are illicit sex life, first; second, nonvegetarian diet; third, intoxication; fourth, gambling. Unless one is free from these four principal activities, one cannot make progress in spiritual life. Because God is pure, pavitrarh paramarh bhavan, so no impure soul can approach Him. This body is the sign of impurity because soul has no material body. So anyone in this material world who has this material body is to be considered as sinful. But how to get out of this? To get out of it, everything, dovetailing with spiritual life. Nirbandhe krsna-sambandhe yukta-vairagyam ucyate. The example is just like milk. If you take too much milk, then there will be disorders in the bowels. You’ll have to pass so many stools. But when you approach to a physician… Of course, I am speaking of the Ayur-Vedic Indian physician. If one has got diarrhea or loose bowels, then the physician prescribes curd or yogurt with some medicine. Now, this yogurt or curd is also mixed with medicine. So the man who has got the disease by drinking milk is also cured by the same milk preparation under the direction of the physician. Nobody can argue. The patient cannot argue to the physician that “I have become diseased by drinking milk, and you are prescribing another preparation of the milk?” Yes, because it is treated. Similarly, this lust propensity between man and woman, if it is properly treated, then it can turn into love of Godhead. So I am a sannyasl. I have renounced my family life. I have got my children, my grandchildren, I have my wife still living, but I have separated from them. This is called sannyasa. Why I am taking interest again, this family life of my students? Because I want to see them properly progress towards spiritual life. Therefore, although it is not the business of a sannyasl to take part in marriage ceremony, in this country, just to save my students, both boys and girls, from sinful activities, I am personally taking interest that they may become good gentleman and lady by marriage. So I am very happy that those boys and girls who have agreed, and they are now married and getting children, and they are feeling very happy. Many of them are present in this meeting. From their face, from their activities, it appears that they are very happy. So in this Krsna consciousness society we have got this program that if some boy or girl wants to get married, I help. So this marriage ceremony is today arranged on that principle. But the present bride and bridegroom must know it certainly that this marriage is not for sense gratification. This marriage is for purification of life. So there is no question of divorce. There is no question of separation. So don’t get into married life if you have got such propensity. Our first principle is to become Krsna conscious, and other things, secondary. Putrarthe kriyate bharya. If you can produce nice children, Krsna conscious children, it will, you will do greatest service to the human society. Because the human society is producing children like cats and dogs, the whole human society is in trouble. How you can expect peace and prosperity in the society of cats and dogs? Therefore there is necessity. There is necessity to produce children of Krsna consciousness, to train them from the very beginning. You will be all glad to know that some of our students, very small boys in San Francisco, they are being trained, and they are making wonderful progress. So there is no fault of these hippie boys and girls. They have not been trained. Not only here, every part of the world, the educational system is not very satisfactory. From the very beginning of their life they are allowed to mix freely, and they are allowed to enjoy sex life unrestricted. This is neither good for their health nor for education. So therefore we are getting now the result of education: communists and hippies. So people, those who are guardians of the society, should take serious note of it and make life very regulated. What is…? The necessities of this life is, because we have got this material body, we must eat, we must sleep, we must defend, and we must mate. These are the demands of this body. But they should be so regulated in Krsna consciousness that it will not be disturbing element, but we shall make progress further and further towards spiritual realization of Krsna consciousness. Therefore, not only the new bride and bridegroom, I request every one of my students who are present that this… The aim of married life is to produce nice children, Krsna conscious children. That is the best service to the human society: produce nice children. Don’t produce cats and dogs. That is my request. Otherwise don’t produce. Remain separate. Separate means there is no separation, but don’t produce children. That is my request. Putrarthe… Pita na sa syaj jananl sa syat. The Bhagavata says, “One should not become a father, one should not become a mother, unless they are able to protect the children from the imminent danger of death.” What is that? The cycle of birth and death. If you can train your children to Krsna consciousness, then your child will go back to Godhead in this life. That should be the aim. As you will try to go back to Godhead in this life, similarly, you shall take charge of your children that he can also go in this life back to Godhead. The mother’s and father’s duty should be that “This child is born out of my womb, and this is the last phase of his life, to come into this womb of any animal or man—no more material body.” That should be the responsibility of father and mother. That is the direction of Bhagavata. So my dear children, boys and girls, I request you that live happily. There is no restriction. We don’t restrict eating, sleeping, or mating, or defending. But do it in relationship with Krsna, pure life, and be happy in this life and next life. Thank you very much. Now come forward. I shall begin our… Where is your father and mother? You can please come here. Yes. You can sit down here with the girls. Or give them some pads. They will feel… They are not accustomed to sit. (chuckles) Yes. My disciples, they have been accustomed, (chuckles) Satyabhama: Paramananda’s parents are here also. Prabhupada: Yes. Let them come also. Satyabhama: (aside:) Would you like to sit on cushions? Prabhupada: So both the parents agree in this marriage. Satyabhama’s father: Yes. Prabhupada: Oh, thank you. Now those who are initiated, you can chant Hare Krsna on your beads, (devotees chant japa) [break] (recitation of fire sacrifice prayers) Prabhupada: Now, you are father? Satyabhama’s father: Yes. Prabhupada: So you can say to your son-in-law that “So long my daughter such and such was under my custody. From today I am giving this daughter under your custody.” Say it. Satyabhama’s father: Kate has been under me until now, and I give her unto your custody. Prabhupada: You say, “Yes, I accept.” Paramananda: Yes, I accept. Prabhupada: And you say, “Yes, I agree.” Paramananda’s father: Yes, I agree. Prabhupada: Now you say that “My dear such and such, I agree to serve you throughout my life.” Satyabhama: Paramananda, I agree to serve you throughout my life. Prabhupada: And you say, “My dear such and such, I take your charge of life throughout without hesitation.” Paramananda: My dear Satyabhama, I take your charge of life throughout without hesitation. Prabhupada: So there is no separation in any circumstances. Promise that. There is no separation in any circumstances. Paramananda: So there is no separation in any circumstances. Prabhupada: Yes. Now you garland this… You change the garland. Now you come to this side. You go to that side. Now you are legal husband and wife. Is that all right? Yes. Now chant Hare Krsna. [break] (prayers, fire sacrifice) Now offer this plantain like this, slowly. Thank you. Satyabhama: Hare Krsna. (devotees repeat last prayer of sacrifice after Prabhupada, the maha- mantra.) Prabhupada: Now bow down, (leads in recitation of pranama mantra) You chant Hare Krsna. (end)", "image": {"alt":"A decorative heart","src":"1200x630/heart-2.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/blog/wedding-ceremonies-vedantist/" }, { "title": "Example post", "content": "Solutis longo nostri usus Lorem markdownum avita mulcebat virtute. Similemque membra Ismenis ne visa serpentis populis? Cum omnia, et nec aethere aetas cui patria pacisci. Muneris fertur resistit me pariter sanguine: poteram modo secum, oderat marmoreamque quis; per. if (packDay(num_cpa_surface, 73, worm_address_dbms) == noc_ivr) { wheel.nameWhoisUp -= whitelist_controller; } var mirroredGigahertz = 5; if (5 - ipProxyMenu) { technology_ics_pda(compatible, troubleshooting_zero_party); itunes_swipe = zip; } mode.upMicrophone += direct_clean_shift(suffix_multi_multi, bitmap( nic_deprecated_waveform) + 3); Qui viae vertuntur linguae Fruticosa ipsa; qui quae praelate, aderat, Tyria pedibus, et clavam faciem nec adpositi ignibus. Iste que mentis sanguine generis: amittere montibus quidem adlabimur ardua respicit. Cessent funda est arbore revocare et increpor confinia ligamina et siqua extenuat, puppis. Sine deus domos formosa et obicit Proximus Opem digna de, sed. Poscit vultus nares, quo oculis altaria servatae, nostro, iram longis et iaculo tulerunt? Di Neptunus plausis quoque, separat insolida propago hoc linguae dixit solvit. Qui quas animo quod filius carpat vindicet illos, matre vehebat sis. Cuncti opprimere ferebam? Enim ignes tam primum Est paelice diversorum iaculum segetis virque has erat, nunc. Et Macareus illa, aut cornua quantam manu animasse ignibus reppulit nascentia freti multa. Cum hunc, turpes! Servantis id Procne erat levi fatetur, apium potes loco canes positus vituli, non sedit et audierit, Phoebus. Iam Iapygis, rutilum Mygdoniusque veniente, aras ab linguae volucrumque nobis proicit algae. Ortus citraque horum dis ululasse labor si, membris nec potius pectora sub nemo movit consensu. Per ante, gerit, prospiciunt fortunata per vallibus Osiris commune crines, prius actis tellure sed quam neque. Ingens saecula habendam umbrosum carcere Polydore devotaque Lorem markdownum auras. In quaque hoc loqui, si tamen dea additus; perque. Venit destrinxit cum Aulidaque nomina fixa oracla Hector et quid quod exhalantem, artus flores magnorum relevasse postquam. Ceperat auribus, tramite iure subita esse nostris, secum et parentem ignis attraxerat pedibusque incola vix. Altera tenebrosa tu flores virginibus frangitur crevit iactatibus hoc silentia! Quod massa fontis faticano, da cum huc sensi tum? Et nec iecit Lucifero dici biiugum est novissimus caret virtus qui quoque ecce? Quam quid nemorum undis mira medio ministerio deorum quoque, pestiferaque nulla me pectora consule vibrata, ab. Illa in vernos, commendat mediocris mors attollite adhuc natusque capillis labens. Capaci fluit Namque tellus silentia dabat loquerentur, aras deus feremus corpora. Vir salutat Iamque. Certa rustica vigilans nisi vestem taurum. Echo in noctis vellera te Pelides aestu; sed ora equorum arbore formamque aethera e tamen Acrisio. Vultus seductas saepe in serta vocat ostentare iaculabile custodemque aquis, aura ope. Sic breve sude Sua speciem nympha magno Lugeat spicula Oleniden fertur Veloque filia et obsisto Per ter, ante tua. Quoque venientem quae. Flet exstabant Inachus truncum praeferrer magnosque pudici vacca rogat; Oileos sine secantes et. Et caede Amat et veluti dextris corpore depresso voco Transibat prensos suae serta Viribus diros Habebat nil vosne quod, ait in Pergama arces fessos quidem, erat temerarius appellantque nescio clarus. Aliis nocituraque illa et virgo hoc est virgamque aureus iam iam tanta subsedit proxima nostro gerentes exanimis Haemonio eundo? Et me ineo longius. Nereidum ut murmure infans dolorque disces tamen mariti.", "image": {"alt":"Shelby and Brad among the stars","src":"required/meta-image--default.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/blog/example-post/" }, { "title": "Marriage, a novel", "content": "Excerpt of Marriage, a novel, as retrived from the Internet Archive. PREFATORY NOTE. MISS FERRIER’S Novels have, since their first appearance, suffered curtailment in all subsequent Editions. The present Edition is the first reprint from the original Editions, and contains the whole of the omissions in other reprints. It is, therefore, the only perfect Edition of these Novels. Works which have received the praise of Sir Walter Scott and Sir James Mackintosh, and been thought worthy of discussion in the Noctes Ambrosianae, require no further introduction to the reader. The almost exceptional position which they occupy as satirizing the foibles rather than the more serious faults of human nature, and the caustic character of that satire, mingled with such bright wit and genial humour, give Miss Ferrier a place to herself in English fiction; and it is felt that a time has come to recognize this by producing her works in a form which fits them for the library, and in a type which enables them to be read with enjoyment. G.B. NEW BURLINGTON STREET, December, 1881. MARRIAGE. CHAPTER I. “Love!–A word by superstition thought a God; by use turned to an humour; by self-will made a flattering madness.” Alexander and Campaspe. “COME hither, child,” said the old Earl of Courtland to his daughter, as, in obedience to his summons, she entered his study; “come hither, I say; I wish to have some serious conversation with you: so dismiss your dogs, shut the door, and sit down here.” “Lady Juliana rang for the footman to take Venus; bade Pluto be quiet, like a darling, under the sofa; and, taking Cupid in her arms, assured his Lordship he need fear no disturbance from the sweet creatures, and that she would be all attention to his commands–kissing her cherished pug as she spoke. “You are now, I think, seventeen, Juliana,” said his Lordship in a solemn important tone. “And a half, papa.” “It is therefore time you should be thinking of establishing yourself in the world. Have you ever turned your thoughts that way?” Lady Juliana cast down her beautiful eyes, and was silent. “As I can give you no fortune,” continued the Earl, swelling with ill-suppressed importance, as he proceeded, “you have perhaps no great pretensions to a very brilliant establishment.” “Oh! none in the world, papa,” eagerly interrupted Lady Juliana; “a mere competence with the man of my heart.” “The man of a fiddlestick!” exclaimed Lord Courtland in a fury; “what the devil have you to do with a heart, I should like to know? There’s no talking to a young woman now about marriage, but she is all in a blaze about hearts, and darts, and–and–But hark ye, child, I’ll suffer no daughter of mine to play the fool with her heart, indeed! She shall marry for the purpose for which matrimony was ordained amongst people of birth–that is, for the aggrandisement of her family, the extending of their political influence–for becoming, in short, the depository of their mutual interest. These are the only purposes for which persons of rank ever think of marriage. And pray, what has your heart to say to that?” “Nothing, papa,” replied Lady Juliana in a faint dejected tone of voice. “Have done, Cupid!” addressing her favourite, who was amusing himself in pulling and tearing the beautiful lace veil that partly shaded the head of his fair mistress. “I thought not,” resumed the Earl in a triumphant tone–“I thought not, indeed.” And as this victory over his daughter put him in unusual good humour, he condescended to sport a little with her curiosity. “And pray, can this wonderful wise heart of yours inform you who it is you are going to obtain for a husband?” Had Lady Juliana dared to utter the wishes of that heart she would have been at no loss for a reply; but she saw the necessity of dissimulation; and after naming such of her admirers as were most indifferent to her, she declared herself quite at a loss, and begged her father to put an end to her suspense. “Now, what would you think of the Duke of L—?” asked the Earl in a voice of half-smothered exultation and delight. “The Duke of L—–!” repeated Lady Juliana, with a scream of horror and surprise; “surely, papa, you cannot be serious? Why, he’s red-haired and squints, and he’s as old as you.” “If he were as old as the devil, and as ugly too,” interrupted the enraged Earl, “he should be your husband: and may I perish if you shall have any other!” The youthful beauty burst into tears, while her father traversed the apartment with an inflamed and wrathful visage. “If it had been anybody but that odious Duke,” sobbed the lovely Juliana. “If it had been anybody but that odious Duke!” repeated the Earl, mimicking her, “they should not have had you. It has been my sole study, ever since I saw your brother settled, to bring about this alliance; and, when this is accomplished, my utmost ambition will be satisfied. So no more whining–the affair is settled; and all that remains for you to do is to study to make yourself agreeable to his Grace, and to sign the settlements. No such mighty sacrifice, me thinks, when repaid with a ducal coronet, the most splendid jewels, the finest equipages, and the largest jointure of any woman in England.” Lady Juliana raised her head, and wiped her eyes. Lord Courtland perceived the effect his eloquence had produced upon the childish fancy of his daughter, and continued to expatiate upon the splendid joys that awaited her in a union with a nobleman of the Duke’s rank and fortune; till at length, dazzled, if not convinced, she declared herself “satisfied that it was her duty to marry whoever papa pleased; but–” and a sigh escaped her as she contrasted her noble suitor with her handsome lover: “but if I should marry him, papa, I am sure I shall never be able to love him.” The Earl smiled at her childish simplicity as he assured her that was not at all necessary; that love was now entirely confined to the canaille; that it was very well for ploughmen and dairymaids to marry for love; but for a young woman of rank to think of such a thing was plebeian in the extreme! Lady Juliana did not entirely subscribe to the arguments of her father; but the gay and glorious vision that floated in her brain stifled for a while the pleadings of her heart; and with a sparkling eye and an elastic step she hastened to prepare for the reception of the Duke. For a few weeks the delusion lasted. Lady Juliana was flattered with the homage she received as a future Duchess; she was delighted with the �clat that attended her, and charmed with the daily presents showered upon her by her noble suitor. “Well, really, Favolle,” said she to her maid, one day, as she clasped on her beautiful arm a resplendent bracelet, “it must be owned the Duke has a most exquisite taste in trinkets; don’t you think so? And, do you know, I don’t think him so very–very ugly. When we are married I mean to make him get a Brutus, cork his eyebrows, and have a set of teeth.” But just then the smiling eyes, curling hair, and finely formed person of a certain captivating Scotsman rose to view in her mind’s eye; and, with a peevish “pshaw!” she threw the bauble aside. Educated for the sole purpose of forming a brilliant establishment, of catching the eye, and captivating the senses, the cultivation of her mind or the correction of her temper had formed no part of the system by which that aim was to be accomplished. Under the auspices of a fashionable mother and an obsequious governess the froward petulance of childhood, fostered and strengthened by indulgence and submission, had gradually ripened into that selfishness and caprice which now, in youth, formed the prominent features of her character. The Earl was too much engrossed by affairs of importance to pay much attention to anything so perfectly insignificant as the mind of his daughter. Her person he had predetermined should be entirely at his disposal, and therefore contemplated with delight the uncommon beauty which already distinguished it; not with the fond partiality of parental love, but with the heartless satisfaction of a crafty politician. The mind of Lady Juliana was consequently the sport of every passion that by turns assailed it. Now swayed by ambition, and now softened by love, the struggle was violent, but it was short. A few days before the one which was to seal her fate she granted an interview to her lover, who, young, thoughtless, and enamoured as herself, easily succeeded in persuading her to elope with him to Scotland. There, at the altar of Vulcan, the beautiful daughter of the Earl of Courtland gave her hand to her handsome but penniless lover; and there vowed to immolate every ambitious desire, every sentiment of vanity and high-born pride. Yet a sigh arose as she looked on the filthy hut, sooty priest, and ragged witnesses; and thought of the special license, splendid saloon, and bridal pomp that would have attended her union with the Duke. But the rapturous expressions which burst from the impassioned Douglas made her forget the gaudy pleasures of pomp and fashion. Amid the sylvan scenes of the neighbouring lakes the lovers sought a shelter; and, mutually charmed with each other, time flew for a while on downy pinions. At the end of two months, however, the enamoured husband began to suspect that the lips of his “angel Julia” could utter very silly things; while the fond bride, on her part, discovered that though her “adored Henry’s” figure was symmetry itself, yet it certainly was deficient in a certain air–a je ne sais quoi–that marks the man of fashion. “How I wish I had my pretty Cupid here,” said her Ladyship, with a sigh, one day as she lolled on a sofa: “he had so many pretty tricks, he would have helped to amuse us, and make the time pass; for really this place grows very stupid and tiresome; don’t you think so, love?” “Most confoundedly so, my darling,” replied her husband, yawning sympathetically as he spoke. “Then suppose I make one more attempt to soften papa, and be received into favour again?” “With all my heart.” “Shall I say I’m very sorry for what I have done?” asked her Ladyship, with a sigh. “You know I did not say that in my first letter.” “Ay, do; and, if it will serve any purpose, you may say that I am no less so.” In a few days the letter was returned, in a blank cover; and, by the same post, Douglas saw himself superseded in the Gazette, being absent without leave! There now remained but one course to pursue; and that was to seek refuge at his father’s, in the Highlands of Scotland. At the first mention of it Lady Juliana was transported with joy, and begged that a letter might be instantly despatched, containing the offer of a visit: she had heard the Duchess of M. declare nothing could be so delightful as the style of living in Scotland: the people were so frank and gay, and the manners so easy and engaging–oh! it was delightful! And then Lady Jane G. and Lady Mary L., and a thousand other lords and ladies she knew, were all so charmed with the country, and all so sorry to leave it. Then dear Henry’s family must be so charming: an old castle, too, was her delight; she would feel quite at home while wandering through its long galleries; and she quite loved old pictures, and armour, and tapestry; and then her thoughts reverted to her father’s magnificent mansion in D—shire. At length an answer arrived, containing a cordial invitation from the old Laird to spend the winter with them at Glenfern Castle. All impatience to quit the scenes of their short lived felicity, they bade a hasty adieu to the now fading beauties of Windermere; and, full of hope and expectation, eagerly turned towards the bleak hills of Scotland. They stopped for a short time at Edinburgh, to provide themselves with a carriage, and some other necessaries. There, too, she fortunately met with an English Abigail and footman, who, for double wages, were prevailed upon to attend her to the Highlands; which, with the addition of two dogs, a tame squirrel, and mackaw, completed the establishment.", "image": {"alt":"A decorative heart","src":"1200x630/heart-3.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/blog/marriage-a-novel-susan-edmonstone-ferrier/" }, { "title": "Love, by Anton Chekhov", "content": "Retrieved from the Internet Archive. LOVE “THREE o’clock in the morning. The soft April night is looking in at my windows and caressingly winking at me with its stars. I can’t sleep, I am so happy! “My whole being from head to heels is bursting with a strange, incomprehensible feeling. I can’t analyse it just now–I haven’t the time, I’m too lazy, and there–hang analysis! Why, is a man likely to interpret his sensations when he is flying head foremost from a belfry, or has just learned that he has won two hundred thousand? Is he in a state to do it?” This was more or less how I began my love-letter to Sasha, a girl of nineteen with whom I had fallen in love. I began it five times, and as often tore up the sheets, scratched out whole pages, and copied it all over again. I spent as long over the letter as if it had been a novel I had to write to order. And it was not because I tried to make it longer, more elaborate, and more fervent, but because I wanted endlessly to prolong the process of this writing, when one sits in the stillness of one’s study and communes with one’s own day-dreams while the spring night looks in at one’s window. Between the lines I saw a beloved image, and it seemed to me that there were, sitting at the same table writing with me, spirits as naively happy, as foolish, and as blissfully smiling as I. I wrote continually, looking at my hand, which still ached deliciously where hers had lately pressed it, and if I turned my eyes away I had a vision of the green trellis of the little gate. Through that trellis Sasha gazed at me after I had said goodbye to her. When I was saying good-bye to Sasha I was thinking of nothing and was simply admiring her figure as every decent man admires a pretty woman; when I saw through the trellis two big eyes, I suddenly, as though by inspiration, knew that I was in love, that it was all settled between us, and fully decided already, that I had nothing left to do but to carry out certain formalities. It is a great delight also to seal up a love-letter, and, slowly putting on one’s hat and coat, to go softly out of the house and to carry the treasure to the post. There are no stars in the sky now: in their place there is a long whitish streak in the east, broken here and there by clouds above the roofs of the dingy houses; from that streak the whole sky is flooded with pale light. The town is asleep, but already the water-carts have come out, and somewhere in a far-away factory a whistle sounds to wake up the workpeople. Beside the postbox, slightly moist with dew, you are sure to see the clumsy figure of a house porter, wearing a bell-shaped sheepskin and carrying a stick. He is in a condition akin to catalepsy: he is not asleep or awake, but something between. If the boxes knew how often people resort to them for the decision of their fate, they would not have such a humble air. I, anyway, almost kissed my postbox, and as I gazed at it I reflected that the post is the greatest of blessings. I beg anyone who has ever been in love to remember how one usually hurries home after dropping the letter in the box, rapidly gets into bed and pulls up the quilt in the full conviction that as soon as one wakes up in the morning one will be overwhelmed with memories of the previous day and look with rapture at the window, where the daylight will be eagerly making its way through the folds of the curtain. Well, to facts. . . . Next morning at midday, Sasha’s maid brought me the following answer: “I am delited be sure to come to us to day please I shall expect you. Your S.” Not a single comma. This lack of punctuation, and the misspelling of the word “delighted,” the whole letter, and even the long, narrow envelope in which it was put filled my heart with tenderness. In the sprawling but diffident handwriting I recognised Sasha’s walk, her way of raising her eyebrows when she laughed, the movement of her lips. . . . But the contents of the letter did not satisfy me. In the first place, poetical letters are not answered in that way, and in the second, why should I go to Sasha’s house to wait till it should occur to her stout mamma, her brothers, and poor relations to leave us alone together? It would never enter their heads, and nothing is more hateful than to have to restrain one’s raptures simply because of the intrusion of some animate trumpery in the shape of a half-deaf old woman or little girl pestering one with questions. I sent an answer by the maid asking Sasha to select some park or boulevard for a rendezvous. My suggestion was readily accepted. I had struck the right chord, as the saying is. Between four and five o’clock in the afternoon I made my way to the furthest and most overgrown part of the park. There was not a soul in the park, and the tryst might have taken place somewhere nearer in one of the avenues or arbours, but women don’t like doing it by halves in romantic affairs; in for a penny, in for a pound–if you are in for a tryst, let it be in the furthest and most impenetrable thicket, where one runs the risk of stumbling upon some rough or drunken man. When I went up to Sasha she was standing with her back to me, and in that back I could read a devilish lot of mystery. It seemed as though that back and the nape of her neck, and the black spots on her dress were saying: Hush! . . . The girl was wearing a simple cotton dress over which she had thrown a light cape. To add to the air of mysterious secrecy, her face was covered with a white veil. Not to spoil the effect, I had to approach on tiptoe and speak in a half whisper. From what I remember now, I was not so much the essential point of the rendezvous as a detail of it. Sasha was not so much absorbed in the interview itself as in its romantic mysteriousness, my kisses, the silence of the gloomy trees, my vows. . . . There was not a minute in which she forgot herself, was overcome, or let the mysterious expression drop from her face, and really if there had been any Ivan Sidoritch or Sidor Ivanitch in my place she would have felt just as happy. How is one to make out in such circumstances whether one is loved or not? Whether the love is “the real thing” or not? From the park I took Sasha home with me. The presence of the beloved woman in one’s bachelor quarters affects one like wine and music. Usually one begins to speak of the future, and the confidence and self-reliance with which one does so is beyond bounds. You make plans and projects, talk fervently of the rank of general though you have not yet reached the rank of a lieutenant, and altogether you fire off such high-flown nonsense that your listener must have a great deal of love and ignorance of life to assent to it. Fortunately for men, women in love are always blinded by their feelings and never know anything of life. Far from not assenting, they actually turn pale with holy awe, are full of reverence and hang greedily on the maniac’s words. Sasha listened to me with attention, but I soon detected an absent-minded expression on her face, she did not understand me. The future of which I talked interested her only in its external aspect and I was wasting time in displaying my plans and projects before her. She was keenly interested in knowing which would be her room, what paper she would have in the room, why I had an upright piano instead of a grand piano, and so on. She examined carefully all the little things on my table, looked at the photographs, sniffed at the bottles, peeled the old stamps off the envelopes, saying she wanted them for something. “Please collect old stamps for me!” she said, making a grave face. “Please do.” Then she found a nut in the window, noisily cracked it and ate it. “Why don’t you stick little labels on the backs of your books?” she asked, taking a look at the bookcase. “What for?” “Oh, so that each book should have its number. And where am I to put my books? I’ve got books too, you know.” “What books have you got?” I asked. Sasha raised her eyebrows, thought a moment and said: “All sorts.” And if it had entered my head to ask her what thoughts, what convictions, what aims she had, she would no doubt have raised her eyebrows, thought a minute, and have said in the same way: “All sorts.” Later I saw Sasha home and left her house regularly, officially engaged, and was so reckoned till our wedding. If the reader will allow me to judge merely from my personal experience, I maintain that to be engaged is very dreary, far more so than to be a husband or nothing at all. An engaged man is neither one thing nor the other, he has left one side of the river and not reached the other, he is not married and yet he can’t be said to be a bachelor, but is in something not unlike the condition of the porter whom I have mentioned above. Every day as soon as I had a free moment I hastened to my fiancee. As I went I usually bore within me a multitude of hopes, desires, intentions, suggestions, phrases. I always fancied that as soon as the maid opened the door I should, from feeling oppressed and stifled, plunge at once up to my neck into a sea of refreshing happiness. But it always turned out otherwise in fact. Every time I went to see my fiancee I found all her family and other members of the household busy over the silly trousseau. (And by the way, they were hard at work sewing for two months and then they had less than a hundred roubles’ worth of things). There was a smell of irons, candle grease and fumes. Bugles scrunched under one’s feet. The two most important rooms were piled up with billows of linen, calico, and muslin and from among the billows peeped out Sasha’s little head with a thread between her teeth. All the sewing party welcomed me with cries of delight but at once led me off into the dining-room where I could not hinder them nor see what only husbands are permitted to behold. In spite of my feelings, I had to sit in the dining-room and converse with Pimenovna, one of the poor relations. Sasha, looking worried and excited, kept running by me with a thimble, a skein of wool or some other boring object. “Wait, wait, I shan’t be a minute,” she would say when I raised imploring eyes to her. “Only fancy that wretch Stepanida has spoilt the bodice of the barège dress!” And after waiting in vain for this grace, I lost my temper, went out of the house and walked about the streets in the company of the new cane I had bought. Or I would want to go for a walk or a drive with my fiancee, would go round and find her already standing in the hall with her mother, dressed to go out and playing with her parasol. “Oh, we are going to the Arcade,” she would say. “We have got to buy some more cashmere and change the hat.” My outing is knocked on the head. I join the ladies and go with them to the Arcade. It is revoltingly dull to listen to women shopping, haggling and trying to outdo the sharp shopman. I felt ashamed when Sasha, after turning over masses of material and knocking down the prices to a minimum, walked out of the shop without buying anything, or else told the shopman to cut her some half rouble’s worth. When they came out of the shop, Sasha and her mamma with scared and worried faces would discuss at length having made a mistake, having bought the wrong thing, the flowers in the chintz being too dark, and so on. Yes, it is a bore to be engaged! I’m glad it’s over. Now I am married. It is evening. I am sitting in my study reading. Behind me on the sofa Sasha is sitting munching something noisily. I want a glass of beer. “Sasha, look for the corkscrew. . . .” I say. “It’s lying about somewhere.” Sasha leaps up, rummages in a disorderly way among two or three heaps of papers, drops the matches, and without finding the corkscrew, sits down in silence. . . . Five minutes pass–ten. . . I begin to be fretted both by thirst and vexation. “Sasha, do look for the corkscrew,” I say. Sasha leaps up again and rummages among the papers near me. Her munching and rustling of the papers affects me like the sound of sharpening knives against each other. . . . I get up and begin looking for the corkscrew myself. At last it is found and the beer is uncorked. Sasha remains by the table and begins telling me something at great length. “You’d better read something, Sasha,” I say. She takes up a book, sits down facing me and begins moving her lips . . . . I look at her little forehead, moving lips, and sink into thought. “She is getting on for twenty. . . .” I reflect. “If one takes a boy of the educated class and of that age and compares them, what a difference! The boy would have knowledge and convictions and some intelligence.” But I forgive that difference just as the low forehead and moving lips are forgiven. I remember in my old Lovelace days I have cast off women for a stain on their stockings, or for one foolish word, or for not cleaning their teeth, and now I forgive everything: the munching, the muddling about after the corkscrew, the slovenliness, the long talking about nothing that matters; I forgive it all almost unconsciously, with no effort of will, as though Sasha’s mistakes were my mistakes, and many things which would have made me wince in old days move me to tenderness and even rapture. The explanation of this forgiveness of everything lies in my love for Sasha, but what is the explanation of the love itself, I really don’t know.", "image": {"alt":"A decorative heart","src":"1200x630/heart.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/blog/love-anton-chekhov/" }, { "title": "Shelby's thoughts about blogging", "content": "First things first Blogging is silly and useless. And it’s a dumb word. I very much prefer podcasts.", "image": {"alt":"Shelby and Brad among the stars","src":"required/meta-image--default.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/blog/shelbys-thoughts-on-blogging/" }, { "title": "A banana", "content": "Section after hero on the Example post Fancy Product!", "image": {"alt":"Stylish banana","src":"1200x630/banana.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/products/a-banana/" }, { "title": "B banana", "content": "Section after hero on the Example post Less-fancy Product!", "image": {"alt":"Stylish banana","src":"1200x630/banana-invert.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/products/b-banana/" }, { "title": "About", "content": "Our story, right quick Shelby and Brad met on Tinder, where they discovered an instant chemistry as well as a bunch of coincidences. First, some coincidences: When they started chatting, Brad was supposed to be on a Tinder date with Shelby's friend, Emma. Instead, Shelby was with Emma, looking at Tinder. Shelby's older brother, Tyson, was friends with Brad back in elementary school. Small world! Go Barnard Bluejays! Needless to say, they had plenty to talk about, and had a grand time getting phở and bánh mì on their first date. What we've been up to Places we've gone Benton Harbor, MI: Watched Kat do an Ironman! Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH: Rocks, trees, rivers, all that jazz. We even camped Philadelphia, PA: Reading Terminal Market and Guy Fieri's Kitchen Madison Heights, MI: Augie's really does have great chicken tenders (and it's where we got engaged) Rocky Mountain National Park and Fort Collins, CO: Alex and Kat throw great parties. We saw moose! Things we've watched Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives LOST Doughboys, live! Sports Night Brick Parasite Hereditary Idiocracy About Time Sorry to bother you A Detroit Pistons game (in person) And the fun doesn't stop there! We've got big plans for 2020 and beyond. The who's who Shelby Hassell Bride Mother, empath, reality TV junkie Brad Czerniak Groom Drupal dev team lead, librarian, renaissance man Ellie Hassell Maid of honor Star pupil, aspiring rocket-airplane-dinosaur teacher Alex Inman Best Man Construction manager extraordinaire, Judy's dad, rescue ranger Channing Jones Officiant, Sister of the bride Roll tide, Leander's mom Chidi Anagonye Philosopher in residence Still worried about almond milk's environmental impact Linda Czerniak Mother of the groom Musician, retiree, proud mother and grandmother Stephen Czerniak Father of the groom Engineer, manager, consultant, retiree, PVC magician Tom Sleete Father of the bride Historian, teacher, author, all-around good dude Photographs and memories Shelby waiting for Brad, patiently Coincidence! Shelby is the photoshopper of the family YOU SHOULD BE DRIVING A KIA Looks legit Too cool for school Augie's, crafts, 2019 Cute. Rarely outside ROFLMFAO Found the mothership Big Ferrari fans Emma and Stephen's wedding day! Dinner at Town House #Vogue That Colorado life Lots of group hugs Bling Scooby Doo is weirder than Brad remembers Coming from out of town? We'd be delighted to point you in the right direction for accommodations, sightseeing, food, activities, or anything else your heart desires! Just contact either of us by phone, email, social media, or the RSVP form. For info on how cool Detroit is, check out visitdetroit.com.", "image": {"alt":"Shelby and Brad among the stars","src":"required/meta-image--default.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/about/" }, { "title": "Accessibility Statement", "content": "Table of contents We’re committed to easy access for everyone Conformance status Feedback Technical specifications Assessment approach We’re committed to easy access for everyone We are committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with differing abilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and applying the relevant accessibility standards. Conformance status The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) defines requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. It defines three levels of conformance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA. This site is partially conformant with WCAG 2.0 level AA. Partially conformant means that some parts of the content do not fully conform to the accessibility standard. Feedback We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of this site. Please let us know if you encounter accessibility barriers here: E-mail: ao5357@gmail.com Phone: (248) 721-0350 Technical specifications Accessibility on this site relies on the following technologies to work with the particular combination of web browser and any assistive technologies or plugins installed on your computer: HTML WAI-ARIA CSS JavaScript These technologies are relied upon for conformance with the accessibility standards used. Assessment approach We assessed the accessibility of this site by the following approaches: Self-evaluation External evaluation Developer contract organization and its subcontractors evaluation and Quality Assurance", "image": {"alt":"Shelby and Brad among the stars","src":"required/meta-image--default.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/accessibility-statement/" }, { "title": "Contact us", "content": "We would love to hear from you. Math CAPTCHA: What's the number of stars on the American flag divided by two? Shoot us a message Name Email * required Message * required Questions, comments, anything. Send Reset", "image": {"alt":"Shelby and Brad among the stars","src":"required/meta-image--default.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/contact-us/" }, { "title": "Documentation", "content": "We have a lot of documents Check it out. Content guide Accessibility Be concise Content principles Grammar and mechanics Voice and tone Writing about people Content technical JavaScript Layouts Markdown Design Assets GIF files JPEG files JSON files PNG files SVG files Atoms Design tokens Lang Lang (translated) Root Color Values (design tokens) Forms Icons Molecules Moodboard Organisms Strategic Plan Technical Browser support Performance budget User experience Information architecture Personas User testing UX principles", "image": {"alt":"Shelby and Brad among the stars","src":"required/meta-image--default.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/docs/" }, { "title": "Events Archive", "content": "Here's an archival list of past events, for posterity. To see current events, check out the main Events page Bachelor party Fri, Jul 3, 2020 The guys camping or something. Ceremony, wedding, private Thu, Oct 8, 2020 When we actually get married. Reception dinner Fri, Oct 9, 2020 Delicious dinner for 60-ish of our closest friends and family. Open brunch Sat, Oct 10, 2020 A next-day meal for anyone who wants to join.", "image": {"alt":"Shelby and Brad among the stars","src":"required/meta-image--default.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/events/archive/" }, { "title": "Events", "content": "Here's everything that's going on. For events that happened in the past, check out the Events archive There are presently no future events.", "image": {"alt":"Shelby and Brad among the stars","src":"required/meta-image--default.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/events/" }, { "title": "Frequently asked questions", "content": "All questions Thank you for visiting the site. Below are answers to some support questions we've received, in case they may be helpful to you as well. I haven't gotten my invitation. Are you still mailing them out? We mailed out all invitations a while ago. If you did not receive one you probably were not invited. It's a small wedding, sorry. What happens if I crash? If you crash the ceremony, we may ignore you but not kick you out. If you crash the reception we'll kick you out. You're encouraged to crash the brunch.", "image": {"alt":"Shelby and Brad among the stars","src":"required/meta-image--default.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/faq/" }, { "title": "Blog", "content": "Shelby's thoughts about blogging March 15, 2020 Tell me all your thoughts on blog. Love, by Anton Chekhov September 9, 2004 Short story by Anton Chekhov about love. Marriage, a novel June 19, 2004 Chapter of a book by Susan Edmonstone Ferrier. Example post January 1, 1970 A blog post with example content and front matter. Wedding Ceremonies July 22, 1968 What appears to be a Hindu wedding ceremony transcript from the 60s.", "image": {"alt":"Shelby and Brad among the stars","src":"required/meta-image--default.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/blog/" }, { "title": "Search", "content": "Search the site Search query Go Reset Notice: full search functionality requires JavaScript to be enabled. About The history and future of Shelby and Brad. Accessibility Statement Our commitment to all users visiting this site. Contact us We would love to hear from you. Documentation Guides and tools for writing and designing around this site. Events Archive Events that have previously occurred. Events All the goings-on around the wedding. Frequently asked questions What we've been asked, and what we say when asked. Blog Our wedding, relationship, and random-related writings. Search Textually find content on the site via a form with a text box. Home Brad Czerniak and Shelby Hassell (nee Sleete) are getting married in October in Michigan. Press Who to contact if you're a journalist. Privacy Policy How you can expect your data to be handled, and when and where cookies are used on the site. RSVP Please let us know if you can make it. Site map A list of all links on the site, grouped by type and in alphabetical order. Terms and conditions Rules and regulations for the use of this website.", "image": {"alt":"Shelby and Brad among the stars","src":"required/meta-image--default.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/search/" }, { "title": "Home", "content": "Brad and Shelby are getting married! We enjoyed the F1 race. Hey, we're Brad and Shelby, and we're rolling out, looking for America's greatest having, holding, and loving. Shelby and Brad are animated", "image": {"alt":"Shelby and Brad among the stars","src":"required/meta-image--default.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/" }, { "title": "Press", "content": "Introduction We are big believers in the power, necessity, and good of the fourth estate. Below are resources for press inquiries. Please let us know if you’re working on a deadline, as we’ll work to get you what you need faster. Inquiries If you are looking for someone to get a hold of directly, here is our primary press contact: Brad Czerniak Webmaster Email: ao5357@gmail.com Phone: (248) 721-0350 Other You may also use the contact form for any lower-priority questions.", "image": {"alt":"Shelby and Brad among the stars","src":"required/meta-image--default.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/press/" }, { "title": "Privacy Policy", "content": "Table of contents Introduction Your data What data do we collect? How do we collect your data? How will we use your data? How do we store your data? Marketing What are your data protection rights? Cookies How do we use cookies? What types of cookies do we use? How to manage cookies Privacy policies of other websites Changes to our privacy policy Introduction This privacy policy will explain how our organization uses the personal data we collect from you when you use our website. Your data What data do we collect? We collect the following data: Personal identification information (Name, email address, phone number, etc.) How do we collect your data? You directly provide us with most of the data we collect. We collect data and process data when you: Register online or place an order for any of our products or services. Voluntarily complete a customer survey or provide feedback on any of our message boards or via email. Use or view our website via your browser’s cookies. How will we use your data? We collect your data so that we can: Process your order and manage your account. Email you with special offers on other products and services we think you might like. How do we store your data? We securely store your data within this site’s database, only removing it via SSL-enabled means to secure servers. We will keep your personal identification information indefinitely. Marketing We would like to send you information about products and services of ours that we think you might like. If you have agreed to receive marketing, you may always opt out at a later date. You have the right at any time to stop us from contacting you for marketing purposes. What are your data protection rights? We would like to make sure you are fully aware of all of your data protection rights. Every user is entitled to the following: The right to access – You have the right to request from us copies of your personal data. We may charge you a small fee for this service. The right to rectification – You have the right to request that we correct any information you believe is inaccurate. You also have the right to request we complete the information you believe is incomplete. The right to erasure – You have the right to request that we erase your personal data, under certain conditions. The right to restrict processing – You have the right to request that we restrict the processing of your personal data, under certain conditions. The right to object to processing – You have the right to object to our processing of your personal data, under certain conditions. The right to data portability – You have the right to request that we transfer the data that we have collected to another organization, or directly to you, under certain conditions. If you make a request, we have one month to respond to you. Cookies Cookies are text files placed on your computer to collect standard Internet log information and visitor behavior information. When you visit our websites, we may collect information from you automatically through cookies or similar technology For further information, visit allaboutcookies.org . How do we use cookies? We use cookies in a range of ways to improve your experience on our website, including: Keeping you signed in Understanding how you use our website What types of cookies do we use? There are a number of different types of cookies, however, our website uses: Functionality – We use these cookies so that we recognize you on our website and remember your previously selected preferences. These could include what language you prefer and location you are in. A mix of first-party and third-party cookies are used. Analytics – We use these cookies to collect information about your visit to our website, the content you viewed, the links you followed and information about your browser, device, and youranonymized IP address. How to manage cookies You can set your browser not to accept cookies, and the above website tells you how to remove cookies from your browser. However, in a few cases, some of our website features may not function as a result. Privacy policies of other websites This website contains links to other websites. Our privacy policy applies only to our website, so if you click on a link to another website, you should read their privacy policy. Changes to our privacy policy We keep our privacy policy under regular review and places any updates on this web page.", "image": {"alt":"Shelby and Brad among the stars","src":"required/meta-image--default.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/privacy-policy/" }, { "title": "RSVP", "content": "Please let us know if you can make it. Math CAPTCHA: What's the number of stars on the American flag divided by two? Your party Primary email * required Répondez s'il vous plaît Looking forward to it! With regret Will you attend the wedding reception dinner on October 9, 2020? Interested in brunch? You had me at 'brunch' Nah We are thinking of going to brunch the next morning. Would you be in for that? Attendee Full name + Add person Commentary Questions, dietary info, well-wishes, your single greatest piece of advice besides wash-your-hands and wear-sunscreen. Send Reset Can't wait to see you! Gifts/Registries/etc. We are a blessed couple, wanting for very little, and exercising Marie-Kondo-levels of decluttering. If possible, we ask not to receive any gifts of physical/household items, except of course for those of sentimental value. If you would like to help celebrate our special occasion by giving us a gift, we'd certainly appreciate it. Our plan is to use financial contributions by cash, check, or online to go on an awesome honeymoon. Thank you!", "image": {"alt":"Shelby and Brad among the stars","src":"required/meta-image--default.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/rsvp/" }, { "title": "Site map", "content": "{% include atoms/heading.html children=\"Comprehensive lists\" classes=\"text-shadow--second-light--solid\" level=\"2\" %} {% include atoms/spacer.html size=\"2\" %} Here's everything on the site, except for the technical documentation. Pages {% assign pages = site.html_pages | where_exp:'doc','doc.sitemap != false' | where_exp:'doc','doc.title != null' | sort: \"title\", \"last\" %} {% for doc in pages %} {{ doc.title }} {% endfor %} {% assign collections = site.collections | where_exp:'collection','collection.output != false' %} {% for collection in collections %} {% assign docs = collection.docs | where_exp:'doc','doc.sitemap != false' | sort: \"title\", \"last\" %} {% if docs[1] %} {% assign zebra = forloop.index | modulo: 2 %} = 1 %}background-color--white{% endif %}\"> {{ collection.label }} {% for doc in docs %} {{ doc.title }} {% endfor %} {% endif %} {% endfor %}", "image": {"alt":"Shelby and Brad among the stars","src":"required/meta-image--default.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/site-map/" }, { "title": "Terms and conditions", "content": "## Table of contents {: .no_toc} 1. TOC {:toc} ## Website Usage These terms and conditions outline the rules and regulations for the use of this website. By accessing this website we assume you accept these terms and conditions in full. Do not continue to use this website if you do not accept all of the terms and conditions stated on this page. The following terminology applies to these Terms and Conditions, Privacy Statement and Disclaimer Notice and any or all Agreements: \"Client\", \"You\" and \"Your\" refers to you, the person accessing this website and accepting the Company's terms and conditions. \"The Company\", \"Ourselves\", \"We\", \"Our\" and \"Us\", refers to our Company. \"Party\", \"Parties\", or \"Us\", refers to both the Client and ourselves, or either the Client or ourselves. All terms refer to the offer, acceptance and consideration of payment necessary to undertake the process of our assistance to the Client in the most appropriate manner, whether by formal meetings of a fixed duration, or any other means, for the express purpose of meeting the Client's needs in respect of provision of the Company's stated services/products, in accordance with and subject to, prevailing law of . Any use of the above terminology or other words in the singular, plural, capitalisation and/or he/she or they, are taken as interchangeable and therefore as referring to same. ## Cookies We employ the use of cookies. By using this website you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with [our privacy policy](/privacy-policy). Most of the modern day interactive web sites use cookies to enable us to retrieve user details for each visit. Cookies are used in some areas of our site to enable the functionality of this area and ease of use for those people visiting. Some of our affiliate / advertising partners may also use cookies. ## License Unless otherwise stated, we own the intellectual property rights for all material on this site. All intellectual property rights are reserved. You may view and/or print pages from the site for your own personal use subject to restrictions set in these terms and conditions. You **must not**: 1. Republish material from this site 2. Sell, rent or sub-license material from this site 3. Reproduce, duplicate or copy material from this site 4. Redistribute content from this site (unless content is specifically made for redistribution) ## User Comments This Agreement shall begin on the date hereof. Certain parts of this website offer the opportunity for users to post and exchange opinions, information, material and data ('Comments') in areas of the website. We do not screen, edit, publish or review Comments prior to their appearance on the website and Comments do not reflect the views or opinions of us or our agents or affiliates. Comments reflect the view and opinion of the person who posts such view or opinion. To the extent permitted by applicable laws we shall not be responsible or liable for the Comments or for any loss cost, liability, damages or expenses caused and or suffered as a result of any use of and/or posting of and/or appearance of the Comments on this website. We reserve the right to monitor all Comments and to remove any Comments which we consider in our absolute discretion to be inappropriate, offensive or otherwise in breach of these Terms and Conditions. You warrant and represent that: 1. You are entitled to post the Comments on our website and have all necessary licenses and consents to do so; 2. 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By continuing to link to our Web site, you agree to be bound to and abide by these linking terms and conditions. ## Removal of links from our website If you find any link on our Web site or any linked web site objectionable for any reason, you may contact us about this. We will consider requests to remove links but will have no obligation to do so or to respond directly to you. Whilst we endeavour to ensure that the information on this website is correct, we do not warrant its completeness or accuracy; nor do we commit to ensuring that the website remains available or that the material on the website is kept up to date. ## Content Liability We shall have no responsibility or liability for any content appearing on your Web site. You agree to indemnify and defend us against all claims arising out of or based upon your Website. No link(s) may appear on any page on your Web site or within any context containing content or materials that may be interpreted as libelous, obscene or criminal, or which infringes, otherwise violates, or advocates the infringement or other violation of, any third party rights. ## Disclaimer To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, we exclude all representations, warranties and conditions relating to our website and the use of this website (including, without limitation, any warranties implied by law in respect of satisfactory quality, fitness for purpose and/or the use of reasonable care and skill). Nothing in this disclaimer will: 1. limit or exclude our or your liability for death or personal injury resulting from negligence; 2. limit or exclude our or your liability for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; 3. limit any of our or your liabilities in any way that is not permitted under applicable law; or 4. exclude any of our or your liabilities that may not be excluded under applicable law. The limitations and exclusions of liability set out in this Section and elsewhere in this disclaimer: (a) are subject to the preceding paragraph; and (b) govern all liabilities arising under the disclaimer or in relation to the subject matter of this disclaimer, including liabilities arising in contract, in tort (including negligence) and for breach of statutory duty. To the extent that the website and the information and services on the website are provided free of charge, we will not be liable for any loss or damage of any nature.", "image": {"alt":"Shelby and Brad among the stars","src":"required/meta-image--default.jpg"} , "url": "http://shelbybrad.com/terms-conditions/" } ]