A Bit Modern, A Bit Vintage

May 3rd, 2011

Is your style feminine and lovely? Modern with a bit of vintage? Colorful and graphic? This beautiful bright blue purse with striking zebra accents will address all of those needs. There is a dazzling rhinestone cluster in the center of all those beautiful petals, and the clasp at the top will bring back memories of bygone days. All heads will turn as you wear this dramatic handbag. Here are some of the more detailed features:

* Bright blue handbag with zebra flower
* Snap clasp opening
* 2 handles
* 2 inside wall pouches
* 1 inside wall zipper
* 5 inch back zipper
* 9 inch drop
* Approximately 15x11x5 inches

Cool and Refreshing Seafoam Green Handbag

April 27th, 2011

How eye-catching and refreshing could you look in this glimmery seafoam green handbag this summer? This handbag will be stunning with jeans, a black business suit, or a cool summer dress! The rhinestones around the handle offer a subtle amount of bling and the abundance of ruffles wrapped in a flower shape makes this ultra cool bag, feminine.

  • Seafoam green handbag with large flower front
  • zipper opening
  • 2 handles rhinestones around handles on front
  • 2 inside wall pouches
  • 1 inside wall zipper
  • 7 inch back zipper
  • 9 inch drop
  • Approximately 15x12x6 inches

 

Isaiah 4:2-6 The Branch and the Catastrophe

April 21st, 2011

“In that day the Branch of the LORD shall be beautiful and glorious.” [Isa 4:2 ESV] There are several other verses which refer to Christ as the Branch. Isaiah 11:1 mentions the Branch that shoots from the stump of Jesse. Jeremiah 23:5 and 33:15 say the Branch, coming from the line of David, will reign as king and deal wisely and justly. Zechariah 3:8-9 claims the Branch will remove iniquity. Zechariah 6:12 says the Branch will build the temple, bear royal honor and sit on His throne – He will be king and priest. This is the time the Messiah will reign for a thousand years in Jerusalem.

The second verse of chapter four begins with the words, “In that day.” So does the first verse. In fact, there were two verses in the last chapter that began the same. Isaiah 3:7, in that day – Judah will be desperate for a king. Isaiah 3:18, in that day – Judah will be reduced to slavery. Isaiah 4:1, in that day – there will be a scarcity of men. Isaiah 4:2, in that day – the Messiah will return with glory.

Are all these days the same day? Three of these days speak of catastrophe upon Judah and the fourth day speaks of the glory of the Messiah. It is common in prophecies for the word from God to apply to more than one time, in that, one fulfillment is a foretaste of another fulfillment. For example, there are several passages in Isaiah that speak both to the first coming of Christ and the second. In our study of chapter three of Isaiah, we mentioned the destruction that came upon Judah when they were led captive to Babylon. This could have been a foretaste of future events when Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 AD. More than one million Jews were killed in that siege and the nation was dispersed for 2000 years. If the three days mentioned in chapter three and the first verse of chapter four refer to the latter event, then it is plausible the day mentioned in verse two is the same day.

So three “in that day” references foretell future doom and the fourth “in that day” foretells future glory for the Messiah. It can be construed these all refer to the same day. For in the day Jerusalem was finally sacked, the message of the Messiah went out to the entire world, planting the seed for the coming of the Messiah to reign on earth.

The third verse in this passage jumps to the Millennial Reign of Christ – the Branch – when the remnant of Israel will be called holy. Isaiah 27:9 refers to this time when the sin of Jacob will be removed. Jeremiah 31:33-34 says in those days God will write His law on their hearts and forgive their iniquities. Romans 11:26-27 refers also to the time when the wickedness of Jacob will be removed and their sins will be forgiven.

It is worthy of note, the Jeremiah passage does not mention the Jews returning to God by their own initiative. It is God who writes His law on their hearts. It is God who claims them as His people. The passage in Romans beginning in verse twenty-five does not mention Israel returning to God on their own initiative – there are no seekers. In fact, the Apostle Paul wrote there will be a partial hardening of Israel until the time of the Gentiles is completed. This means very few Jews will be saved during this time. But when the time comes, all Israel will be save because the Messiah will “banish ungodliness from Jacob” and write a new covenant and take away their sins. The Bible said this, not me – that God chose few to be saved during this period. This is supported by the end of the third verse of the passage in Isaiah, where it says the remnant in Jerusalem will be saved, “everyone who has been recorded for life in Jerusalem.”

The Book of Life is mentioned in Revelation 13:8 and it says the Book was written, and the names written in the Book, before the creation of the world. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians, explaining God chose us in Christ before the creation of the world (Eph 1:4) and that same apostle wrote God hardened the hearts of Israel until the time of the Gentiles is complete (Rom 11:25). Isaiah said no one seeks after God (Isa 53:6; 64:6-7) and Paul affirms this (Rom 3:11). When the Messiah comes to reign, it will be the time of Zion’s glory and everyone of the Jews – or at least those in Jerusalem – are predestined to be saved and Isaiah says their names are already written in the Book of Life.

Isaiah wrote in the fifth verse, “the LORD will create over the whole site of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud by day, and smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night.” [ESV] This will be a literal reminder of God’s miraculous leading of the children of Israel in the desert for forty years. The Messiah will lead not only Jerusalem, but He will lead the nations.

The next part and the end of the chapter are very interesting. Isaiah wrote there would be a canopy over all the glory at Jerusalem and that there will be a booth, or shade, to protect from the heat and the storms and rain. At the creation of the world, there was a canopy protecting the earth from rain and there was no rain until the Great Flood. Until that time, the earth was watered by mists and dew (Gen 2). In the account of the Flood (Gen 6-8) the earth burst open and water sprang forth and the protection from the floodgates of heaven was removed. It was a time of great catastrophe. The catastrophe was so intense, the earth’s orbit was varied, the calendar changed as did the climate. In the Book of Revelation, we are told there will be great catastrophes to come and the climate will change again (Rev 6:12; 8:12). These passages imply the orbit of the earth may be affected again and this is supported by the words of Christ. In Matthew 24:22, referring to the sun’s scorching heat during the tribulation, He said the days will be cut short for the sake of the elect – otherwise everyone would die. To shorten the day, the rotation of the earth must change. The climate will be unbearable – yes there will be global warming but it will not be caused by man (Rev 16:8-9). When Christ reigns in Jerusalem, no more will the sun scorch the people (Rev 7:16) and Christ will wipe away every tear.

Isaiah is warning the people because they have rejected God. In that day, there will be three dooms – and then glory. The Messiah will reign and He has already chosen those in Jerusalem to be among the elect. Israel will rebel against God no more – for they will have God’s law written on their hearts. We, too, can choose to receive Christ or reject Him – but no one will come to faith unless their name is written in the Book of Life. This is not something to ignore – plead with God that your name is written in the Book – repent of your sins and follow Christ.

Workplace Safety Manual by Cougar Gulch Group

April 19th, 2011

The Workplace Safety Manual is more than a manual – it is an education. The categories in this manual encompass general industries and construction operations. We can affordably adapt this manual to your workplace. We can also aid with your ISN certification. Purchase one copy; review it; then contact Dean to fit this manual to your business.

We are always working on updates to this manual. So, if you know of a chapter you need that is not yet included, let us know. We will be happy to accommodate your needs. In most cases, there is little or no extra charge.

Most safety administration companies want to sell you a CD for $200. Then you have to hire them or someone else to fill in the blanks and fit the manual to your business. Furthermore, using this service or an online manual leaves your company exposed for neglecting broader compliance issues.

Don’t take chances with worker safety – pickup your copy of Workplace Safety Manual and compare it to any other product on the market. You will be glad you did.

Click this link to download the brochure (pdf file)

Click this link to the Workplace Safety Manual v1.3 by Cougar Gulch Group – on Lulu.com

Get your copy and then call Dean for a consultation for your business – 208-699-6877

Here is a list of categories covered in the Workplace Safety Manual v1.3
Statement Of Safety Goals
Program Outline And Responsibilities
Employee Safety Bulletin Board
Abrasive Blasting
Accident Investigation
Blasting And Explosives
Bloodborne Pathogens
Chemical Hazard: Benzene
Chemical Hazard: Hydrogen Sulfide (HS)
Chemical Hazard: Lead
Clothing And Jewelry
Concrete And Masonry Construction
Confined Space Practices
Demolition
Discipline And Termination
Electrical Safety – GFCI
Emergency Response – Fire Prevention
Ergonomics Protection Program (EPP)
Fall Protection
Forklifts And Materials Handling
Framing – Residential Construction
Guardrails, Handrails And Covers
Hazard Communication – MSDS
Hazwoper – Emergency Response
Heavy Equipment
Housekeeping
Ladder Safety
Lockout – Tagout (LOTO)
Machinery And Tools
Mobile Lifting Devices And Cranes
Mobile Manlifts And Work Platforms
Motor Vehicle Operation
Noise Exposure – Hearing Conservation
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Reporting An Injury Or Near Miss
Reporting Unsafe Conditions
Rigging Equipment
Roof Construction
Safety Committee
Safety Meetings
Scaffold Use
Spray Finishes And Dip Tanks
Steel Erection
Substance Abuse
Traffic Control
Tree Trimming & Removal [Logging]
Trenching And Shoring
Welding, Cutting And Hot Work
Workplace Violence
Appendix A – Safety At Home And Play

Fuschia Bows and Ruffles

April 19th, 2011

With this bright fuschia purse on your arm this summer, how could you be anything less than sensational? It has a dazzling bling in the center surrounded by an elegant multiplicity of ruffles and bows. An almost hobo-like style that will allow you to carry all of your essentials in its numerous compartments (traveling this summer? Or maybe a full day shopping with friends?) while still remaining completely feminine. Honestly, who wouldn’t be envious of that?
Here are more wonderful features:

* Large shiny fuschia handbag with bling and bows in center of flower
* Zipper opening in middle with 2 side compartments magnetic snaps
* 2 handles
* 2 inside wall pouches
* 1 inside wall zipper
* 6 inch back zipper
* Approximately 15x9x7 inches

New OSHA Compliance Guidance for Residential Construction

April 18th, 2011

Previously, OSHA included “flexible language” in 1926.501(b)(13) because of concerns expressed during the rulemaking period about the feasibility and safety of using conventional fall protection for residential construction. The wording of this section is: “Residential construction.” Each employee engaged in residential construction activities 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected by guardrail systems, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system unless another provision in paragraph (b) of this section provides for an alternative fall protection measure. Exception: When the employer can demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, the employer shall develop and implement a fall protection plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (k) of 1926.502. Note: There is a presumption that it is feasible and will not create a greater hazard to implement at least one of the above-listed fall protection systems. Accordingly, the employer has the burden of establishing that it is appropriate to implement a fall protection plan which complies with 1926.502(k) for a particular workplace situation, in lieu of implementing any of those systems.”

After OSHA established the regulation, it became expressed by major groups the residential construction industry needed more flexibility to comply with the regulation. Hence, OSHA issued Instruction STD 3.1 on December 8, 1995. This was to be considered an interim compliance policy and it allowed residential construction employers to use specific alternative procedures instead of conventional fall protection. It was not necessary to demonstrate a prior showing of infeasibility or greater hazard and without a written, site-specific fall protection plan. This was never intended to be a permanent policy.

On June 18, 1999, OSHA issued STD 3-0.1A (STD 03-00-001), which was a plain language replacement for STD 3.1. In this document OSHA clarified, for interim purposes, that residential construction was characterized by wooden materials, as opposed to steel and concrete and incorporated traditional wood framing techniques.

Upon issuing STD 03-00-001, OSHA file an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR), with the following explanation: “OSHA emphasizes that the extensive rulemaking process completed in 1994 established that the fall protection requirements in the rule are reasonably necessary and appropriate to protect employees from the significant risks of fall hazards. Providing such protection was demonstrated to be both technologically and economically feasible. . . . However, because of . . . concerns raised by employers engaged in . . . [certain residential construction] operations . . . we are seeking additional information.”

OSHA received several comments in response to the ANPR from unions, members of the residential construction industry and other interested parties. Some supported the withdrawal of STD 03-00-001, while others opposed the plan to withdraw.

  • The United Steelworkers of America “strongly urge[d]” OSHA to withdraw the directive and commented that it did “not believe that the alternative procedures [in the directive] provide any positive protection for residential construction workers.”
  • Web-Tech Safety Products commented that “the scale of exemption from fall protection provided under STD 3.1/3-0.1A is no longer necessary.”
  • Others, however, expressed ongoing concerns about the feasibility of conventional fall protection for certain types of residential construction work and urged OSHA to retain the interim guidance.
  • The Residential Construction Employers Council (RCEC) argued in favor of the “[c]ontinued use of the Interim Fall Protection Standard,”
  • The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) “strongly encourage[d] OSHA to keep Directive STD 3-0.1A in effect.” They further argued, in agreement with the NAHB, that the use of personal fall arrest systems for roofing work exposed workers to fall hazards for a longer period of time and created other hazards, such as tripping and burning.
  • The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) (Ex. 3-2453)1 was concerned about a lack of proper attachment points for personal fall arrest equipment during some types of work, asserting that before the completion of a roof system “there is no attachment point for an anchor that meets . . . [OSHA] requirements.” (As noted below, however, the NAHB has subsequently changed its position on STD-03-00-001.) The RCEC (OSHA-S206C-2006-0924-0172) suggested that personal fall arrest cannot be used for the installation of roof sheathing because “multiple anchor points would be required for repositioning and it would create a swing fall hazard due to the amount of rope needed to adequately traverse the roof[.]“

After the comment period ended, OSHA decided to withdraw the interim requirements and posted this statement upon issuing STD 03-11-002.

“OSHA believes that personal fall arrest systems generally can be used safely and effectively in residential construction, including for roofing work. The use of adjustable and retractable lanyards can greatly minimize the tripping or entanglement hazards that the NRCA was concerned about. Such hazards can also be controlled using safe work practices, such as coordinating the movements of workers on the roof. And the Agency is not persuaded by the RCEC’s suggestion that the use of personal fall arrest systems during the installation of roof sheathing exposes workers to swing hazards. If a fall occurs in an established work zone, a properly engineered fall arrest system and safe work practices will prevent the worker from being subjected to a swing hazard. Horizontal lifelines that allow the anchorage point to move along with the worker can also address swing hazards. Finally, based on enforcement experience, OSHA is convinced that fall arrest systems can be used with commercially-available anchors that can be installed without increasing the duration of exposures to fall hazards or impeding production schedules. . .

“OSHA notes that employers in residential construction will often be able to use personal fall restraint systems in situations in which it might be problematic to use personal fall arrest systems. Fall restraint systems can be used effectively to prevent falls by tethering workers to structural members, such as braced trusses and studs. In addition, on sheathed floor and roof trusses, personal fall restraint systems can prevent workers from reaching an unprotected side or edge. Because fall restraint systems are designed to prevent a worker from falling (as opposed to arresting a fall once it occurs) . . .

“In any event, even if there are some isolated residential construction tasks for which it is infeasible or creates greater hazards to use personal fall arrest systems, that does not end the Agency’s inquiry into whether “for most residential construction employers complying with . . . [1926.501(b)(13)] is infeasible or presents significant safety hazards.” Personal fall arrest is just one type of conventional fall protection that can be used to comply with 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13). Employers can also use guardrail systems or safety net systems. And, as mentioned previously, employers can have their personnel work from ladders, scaffolds, or aerial lifts in lieu of complying with 1926.501(b)(13). . .

“Overall, the comments to the ANPR did not persuade OSHA that “most residential construction employers” would be unable to find a safe and feasible means of protecting workers from falls in accord with 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13). When OSHA promulgated Subpart M in 1994, it concluded that it was generally feasible for employers to provide conventional fall protection for residential construction work, and OSHA has concluded that the ANPR record, considered as a whole, does not demand a different finding.”

This ruling is effective 16 Dec 2010 and will be enforced beginning 16 Jun 2011. The confusion is removed, the rule is simple. Construction activities six feet or more above lower levels shall be protected by:

  1. guardrail systems,
  2. safety net systems, or
  3. personal fall arrest systems.

Exception: When the employer can demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, the employer shall develop and implement a fall protection plan. At this point, additional rules apply.

Save Shipping When Ordering Cominus’ New Book

April 17th, 2011

Cominus’ new book, “My Prayer Closet” is available at Lulu.com. Use the coupon code APRILMAIL305 to receive free shipping until 30 April 2011. Don’t let this pass you by – get a great book on Christian living with free shipping!

Can’t write in Gmail after uploading attachment in Chrome – Fail

April 14th, 2011

Since I’ve been using Google Chrome, which I absolutely love, I have a problem with being able to continue writing an email after uploading an attachment. After uploading an attachment, I simply cannot click within the email box to continue writing. This is only in Google Chrome, with Google Mail… which means that this is an ultimate fail.

Does anyone else have this issue?

My Prayer Closet – new book by cominus

April 13th, 2011

Support independent publishing: Buy this book on Lulu.My Prayer Closet will encourage you to live your life to the glory of God instead of focusing on building your kingdom here on earth. This pocket size reference is perfect for taking on-the-go; and the prayers are a great tool for daily recitals. The first sections are on prayer: Why we pray and what to pray for – selected verses on this topic from Scripture – and wrapping up with a section on my favorite prayers from Scripture. The articles in the book give insight into seeking God’s kingdom in prayer; what it means to do all things through Christ; taking hold of God’s kingdom, which is forcefully advancing; and worshipping the Creator instead of the created – and how the church is deceived on this matter in this day and age. The book is small but it is mighty. My Prayer Closet is a tool, loaded with Scripture, small enough to carry with you, to help you stay focused on the One who will bring you through this spiritual battle victorious. Get a copy for yourself and pick up an extra one for a friend.

64 pages and on sale at Lulu.com. You will find the book challenging – because it presents Scripture as the foundation for the author’s observations – you won’t find any feel good, watered down Gospel here.

Google Adwords and Affiliate Marketing

April 11th, 2011

In late 2009 Google Adwords began banning my ad campaigns for my affiliate marketing sites. It really crippled my income as I was relying primarily on Google Adwords to promote my affiliate sites. At the time my merchant managers thought I was crazy and Google gave very vague explanations for why they dropped my campaigns. The affiliate sites that were dropped from the Adwords Campaign were in my opinion, very high quality as far as affiliate sites go. I don’t get into cheesy get-rich-quick schemes. Instead, I try to provide high quality information to my visitors regarding automotive type products and services.

PPC Blog posted a good article on Affiliates and Google Adwords in 2010, and proved that I wasn’t crazy. Apparently Google removed some 30,000 different advertisers campaigns. Ouch!

Anyways, the article provides some useful information on what Affiliates can do to earn Google’s trust. Though Google will not spell it out for you (just as in SEO), it really all comes down to what is best for the end user. Geordie does a good job of summarizing this at the end of the article with this statement:

“It’s not what you think is “enough for Google”.  It’s about unique site features actual users would give a crap about.  If your site was removed from the web, would anybody notice? Would anybody care?   If you didn’t own your site, would you visit it or buy anything off of it?  Why would you recommend your site to a friend?”