约伯记

 

约伯记 简　介

简　介

《约伯记》探讨无辜者为何受苦的问题。约伯是个义人，却遭遇了种种大灾难，受尽天灾横祸之苦，不单丧失所有的子女和财产，身上又患了令人厌恶的疾病。在三个回合的诗体对话中，作者描述约伯的朋友和约伯对受苦及罪的问题展开深入的讨论和争辩，构成了《约伯记》的主要篇幅。最后，上帝亲自向约伯说话。关于上帝怎样对待人类受苦这问题，是本书讨论的主题。

约伯的朋友以传统的观点来解释约伯的苦难，认为上帝赏善罚恶，约伯遭受苦难，无疑是他犯了罪。可是，约伯不接受这种解释，不承认自己应受这样残酷的惩罚，因为他是一个良善正直的人。他不明白上帝为什么让这么多的灾难落在像他这样的人身上；他大胆质问上帝。但约伯没有失掉信心；他渴望能在上帝面前蒙嘉许，重新享受义人的光荣。

对于约伯的问题，上帝没有回答，却用满有诗意的话启发约伯，通过展示宇宙万物被造奇妙，使约伯认识处于卑微中的人无法领会一切奥秘，从而表示上帝至高神圣的权柄和智慧。约伯终于谦虚承认上帝的智慧和大能，深悔自己曾对上帝说了任性激烈的话。

本书结尾记述上帝使约伯恢复了从前的境况，甚至比从前更加昌盛。上帝谴责约伯的朋友不领悟约伯遭受苦难的意义，惟有约伯深深地了解，上帝远比人的理论所描绘的更为伟大。《以西结书》和《雅各书》也略提过约伯（结14．14、20；雅5．11）。

《约伯记》

 

一败涂地，一贫如洗，一无所有

康慨　　2019-01-29 10:20:20

　　《约伯记》是一部满纸柔情的小说，作者是奥地利大作家约瑟夫·罗特——今年刚好是他去世80周年。优美的语言、凄楚的命运，加上一个足以抚慰读者心灵的童话式结局，一起构成了这个深情的故事。

 

　　主人公名叫门德尔·辛格，生活在沙皇统治下的俄国。他老实巴交，是个虔诚而正直的犹太教师。在两儿一女之外，新添了小儿子梅努西姆，可这孩子得了癫痫，早早成了不会说话也不能走路的残疾儿。母亲带着他长途跋涉，拼尽全力才见到智者，后者却只是让她回家等待上帝的奇迹。

 

　　“漫长的年与月、日与夜，一小时又一小时，她在等待着这个预告的奇迹。”罗特写道，“她泪流成河，心里满是黑夜，自从梅努西姆降生，每个喜悦里都含着痛苦，所有的节日都是折磨，一切的庆祝都是追悼；没有了春也没有了夏，每个季节都是冬天。太阳升起，却带不来温暖。唯有希望不愿死去。”

 

　　傻小子等不来奇迹，他的两个哥哥倒是健康地长大，到了服兵役的年龄。粗壮的大儿子欣欣然从军去了，聪明的二儿子则辗转逃到了美国，卖保险，开商店，很快当上了百货公司的老板。“门德尔将不再是教书匠，他会是一个有钱儿子的父亲。”但女儿也长大了，她开始外出约会，不是和一个男人，而是和整整一个兵营的哥萨克们睡觉。门德尔因此决定搬家，搬到美国去。但残疾的梅努西姆走不了，只能留在村里，托付邻居照看。

 

　　故事转到美国，俄乡丢在身后，叙事的节奏也加快了。与这种节奏形成对照的是老头子感受到的水土不服和格格不入。“门德尔·辛格在一切都匆匆忙忙的美国才学会了慢慢地走路。”他眼里的纽约，除了留声机、长筒丝袜和臭虫，还有新大陆的价值观：美国是上帝的国度，纽约是奇迹之城，贫穷是罪恶，财富是功劳，做善事是投资，无政府主义是罪行，罢工是人类的仇敌，煽动者是魔鬼的同谋。

 

　　就在门德尔筹备去接残疾儿子的当儿，欧洲爆发了战争，俄美先后卷入。两个健康的儿子一个给了沙皇，一个给了美国。老大在战斗中失踪，老二在法国阵亡。母亲听到消息，当场死于悲伤。没有男人就活不下去的女儿也疯了。门德尔没了妻子，没了儿子，儿媳妇带着孙子嫁给了女儿的未婚夫，女儿则躺在精神病院。他成了贫民窟里无家可归的孤老，只剩下一个不知死活的傻儿子，丢弃在战火中的家乡。

 

　　一败涂地，一贫如洗，一无所有。门德尔动摇了毕生的信念。

 

　　像门德尔一样，罗特知道疯狂、战争和流离的味道。他曾作为奥匈帝国的士兵参加过世界大战，父亲在他出生前就进了疯人院；1929年，也就是《约伯记》出版前一年，他妻子弗里德里克获诊为精神分裂(11年后因为纳粹的人种改良工程而遇害)。

 

　　在《圣经》中，撒旦得了上帝的准许，极力攻击约伯，使他子女尽都死去，使他失去产业和仆婢，又从头到脚长毒疮。罗特用现代方式重写了约伯的故事。门德尔不再祷告了，甚至要买回猪肉，在祭坛前吃掉，还起意烧掉祷告用的三宝。“我想把上帝烧了。”门德尔说。因为上帝像个恶毒的俄国县太爷，偏偏喜爱摧毁穷苦的，折磨脆弱的，抛弃无助的。

 

　　本书并不是宗教故事——罗特是改宗天主教的犹太人，连他的葬礼都有两个，一个是犹太式的，一个是天主教式的——它的主题是背井离乡。但这是罗特最纯粹的犹太小说，也是他文学创作的关键转折点。此书英译者罗斯·本杰明认为，罗特从此深入挖掘人物的内心世界，以此反映个人命运的沉浮。两年后，他的另一部大作《拉德茨基进行曲》问世。

 

　　1939年5月23日，44岁的罗特在巴黎一家咖啡馆门前倒地不起，四天后死于济贫的医院。他生前兼具自相矛盾的多重身份。他是绰号“红约瑟夫”(德语“罗特”与“红色”同音)的左派记者，又是极力鼓吹哈布斯堡王室重掌国玺的复辟分子。他曾谎称自己是波兰贵族之子，实际上是从未见过亲生父亲的加里西亚农民子弟。他一度以贫穷的家乡为耻，失去祖国后却对故土生出无限的眷恋。

 

　　“我见过了好几个世界的毁灭。”门德尔告诉新寡的儿媳。这何尝不是罗特本人的心声。颠沛流离让他深刻体会到外界强加在犹太人身上的无根性，战后在中欧涌现的民族国家断绝了他们对永久家园的梦想。他视为家乡的辽阔的加里西亚、他视为祖国的多民族的奥匈帝国、他的欧洲乃至已知的世界，已不可挽回地毁灭了。

 

《约伯记：罗特小说集之五》

 

作者：[奥地利]约瑟夫·罗特

华人博士精英父母抛弃儿子：被踢出家门的13年

 What is SSI? Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly payments to people who have limited income and few resources. SSI is for people who are 65 or older, as well as for those of any age, including children, who are blind or have disabilities.

George没有放弃希望，还想上学，并申请了每个月800刀的“社会安全生活补助金”（Supplemental SecurityIncome，SSI），数目不大，却给足了他希望。

当时George一个月的房租是570刀，剩下230刀就是每个月的饭钱，再加上学校给的奖学金和补助金，George从社区大学升到了河滨加州大学（UCR）。

青年失业率已破20%

青年失业率已破20% 新上山下乡运动 唤醒痛苦记忆

（德国之声中文网）《新苏黎世报》发表评论称，五月四日是中国的青年节，但今年的"五四"似乎并没有让年轻人产生节日的快乐，官方公布的青年失业率已经突破20%，这是有相关统计以来的最高记录。这篇题为《习近平号召大学生下乡 唤醒痛苦的历史记忆》的评论写道：

"中国年轻人在社交媒体上以'我们是最后一代'自嘲，这让人想起了八十年代初西方年轻人当中曾经弥漫的无望氛围。当时普遍存在的恐惧、悲观、消沉情绪，最终导致了抗议浪潮。毫无疑问，现在中国的年轻人也陷入了危机。这种状况很有可能演变成威胁中共统治的社会炸药。年轻一代已经表现出了他们敢于对制度表达不满的勇气：去年十一月，一些年轻人就曾走上街头，对习近平的清零政策表示抗议。这一次公开提出批评的，又是以大学生为主的群体。中国境内，大约有八十所高校的学生参与了抗议活动。他们的行动也确实给当局造成了压力。两个月后，习近平宣布取消了防疫措施。

去年十一月，中国年轻人走山街头，抗议当局的”清零政策“。

如果青年一代所面临的危机进一步激化、常态化，或者一个突发事件在年轻人当中掀起更大规模的抗议行动，那么情况又会怎么样呢？北京当局非常清楚，年轻一代暗藏着影响社会稳定的特殊风险。有鉴于此，学校教育不允许自由思想和提出质疑，而是要培养听从指挥和死记硬背的年轻一代。现在，为了对年轻一代进行更好的控制，习近平显然希望采取进一步的措施：他想把年轻人送到乡下。

习近平此前就已经多次强调过让年轻人下乡的建议。但这一建议出现在今年五月四日的《人民日报》头版显要位置，则是此前不曾有过的。习近平发出警告说，年轻人要承担起责任，要做好过苦日子的准备。年轻人应当去下乡找工作，以振兴当地的经济。那些离开城市， 去偏远落后地区帮助扶贫的年轻人是值得赞赏的。习近平本人16岁时离开了北京，开始了在山区的生活。习近平表示：'七年的乡村生活，对我是一个很好的锻炼。'"

 

评论指出，2019年底，中国的青年团组织就曾提出让一千万大学生下乡就业的计划，广东和山东也曾提出相关的建议。

"在中国，乡下生活同田园诗关联不大，更大程度上意味着前景黯淡。但为了确保社会稳定，共产党现在还是想把本应代表国家未来的、受到教育的年轻一代，放逐到乡村去。

这一措施在毛泽东时代是奏效的，在习近平时代同样也会奏效：将年轻学生分散到全国各地的偏远山村，他们就将无法进行抗议。尽管过去三十年当中，他们已经习惯了较大程度的个人自由，比如旅行自由。但持续很久的清零政策显示，面临危机时，政府完全能够强迫数以百万计的人口放弃个人的自由权利。但共产党也将为其不断加码的打压政策付出沉重的经济和社会代价。年轻一代对政府的不信任感也将与日俱增。"

政府号召年轻人走进乡村的同时，也确实有很多不堪生活重负的都市青年主动前往偏远地区。《编辑部网络》就此写道：

"下乡运动的新圣地是中国最北端的一个偏僻矿山城市：鹤岗。这座靠近俄罗斯的小城被称为是'中国生活成本最低的城市'。几个月来，每天都有数以百计的年轻人来到这座城市。因为即便没有多少积蓄，他们也能在这里实现房产梦：不到八万元就可以买到一个小公寓，而且取暖费是由市政府承担的。

但低廉的生活成本实际上也需要付出高昂的代价：鹤岗冬季的气温可以低至零下40摄氏度，而最近的医院也需要数小时的车程。"

Joy Adowaa Buolamwini

 Joy Adowaa Buolamwini is a Ghanaian-American-Canadian computer scientist and digital activist based at the MIT Media Lab.^[2] Buolamwini introduces herself as a poet of code, daughter of art and science.^[3] She founded the Algorithmic Justice League, an organization that works to challenge bias in decision-making software, using art, advocacy, and research to highlight the social implications and harms of artificial intelligence (AI).^[4]

Kia sportage 2013 Engine

 2L DO HC T-GDI

Hyundai KIA 2.0L Engine (Theta MFI/GDI Turbo) Specs, Problems & Reliability

Hyundai's 2.0 Theta and Theta II engines (G4KA, G4KD, G4KF, G4KH, and G4KL) already have a long production history and underwent many changes. The 2.0-liter engine of the Theta series is a four-cylinder gasoline engine firstly debuted in the Hyundai Sonata in 2004. Depends on modification, the engine can be equipped with multipoint fuel injection (MFI) or direct injection (GDI). The manufacturer also began to produce turbocharged versions with GDI delivered a high level of performance and efficiency for its newest Hyundai and KIA vehicles.

The G4KA engine was the first. It is a complete aluminum engine with a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block (open-deck type) and 16-valve DOHC cylinder head. The engine block is equipped with a cassette-type balance shaft module and a two-stage built-in oil pump. The bottom on the block is reinforced by a ladder frame. Inside the engine, you can find sinter-forged connecting rods and light-weight aluminum pistons. The intake and exhaust camshaft are driven by a timing chain. Continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) is applied for the intake timing only. The engine has an electronically controlled multi-point fuel injection (MFI) and electronic ignition. The intake manifold is made from plastic.

The G4KD engine belongs to Theta II. The new engine is the entirely redesigned G4KA. It has the revised intake manifold, new connecting rods and pistons, the modified continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) system (actuators are placed on both camshafts), new stainless steel exhaust manifold, differently attached accessories, and new software for the engine control unit. Like the G4KA and all Theta engines, the Theta II G4KD doesn't have hydraulic lifters. There are shimless bucket lifters and valve clearance adjustment is required every 60,000 miles (100,000 km). The engine is well balanced, high-torque and runs quite smooth.

The G4KF 2.0L Turbo is a turbocharged engine with a convenient port fuel injection which was used in the Hyundai Genesis coupe turbo form 2009 to 2014. The engine has a Twin-Scroll Mitsubishi TD04 turbocharger, CVVT for intake and exhaust timing, oil jets for pistons cooling, and lowered compression ratio to 9.4:1. The boost pressure is 15.9 psi (1.10 Bar). That version produced 210 hp at 6,000 rpm and 223 lb-ft at 2000 rpm on 87 gasoline. If using 93 gas, the power will rise up to 223 hp. In 2012, the engine received some upgrades with turbocharger and the boost pressure was increased to 18 psi (1.24 Bar). The new Theta 2.0T produced 274 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. The interesting fact, the G4KF is pretty similar to Mitsubishi's 4B11T engine and many of their parts are interchangeable.

The G4KH and G4KL engines are the newest power units combined the direct gasoline injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger (the 2.0L T-GDI or Turbo GDI engines). The engineers installed the Mitsubishi TD04-19T turbocharger featured the quick response due to a redesigned turbine wheel with a reduced number of blades. The turbocharger also has an electronic wastegate which allows controlling boost more precisely and eliminating turbo lag. The boost pressure is 17.3 psi (1.19 Bar). These new engines got redesigned cylinder heads with reinforced valve seats and direct injectors. The high-pressure fuel pump (HPP) is mounted on top of the new cylinder head. It is actuated by a special lobe on the exhaust camshaft. The fuel delivered by HPP injects directly into each cylinder by multi-hole direct injectors. The new-shaped pistons increased the compression ratio to 9.5:1 (common numbers for turbocharged engines nowadays). Hyundai's 2.0 T-GDI engines are more powerful than V6 engines and almost twice ahead in hp per liter compared to the first 2.0L Theta engine, at the same time consume less fuel than natural aspirated four-cylinder engines with the same displacement.

The South Korean vehicle manufacturer uses 2.0 Theta engines not only in Hyundai and KIA cars but also in its luxury vehicle division - the Genesis Motors. The Hyundai Theta and Theta II family consists of two displacement versions, the 2.0L, and the 2.4L Theta engine.

Killing all bed bugs

 

• Killing all bed bugs on your bed frame and headboard. Normally this would be done by a pest control professional. Approximately 70% of all bed bugs in the typical infestation are located on the mattress, box spring and bed frame.  You’ve encased the mattress and box spring and taken care of that problem.  Now you have to make sure that your bed frame is bed bug free. Vacuuming alone won’t do this.  Vacuuming can remove many bed bug adults and nymphs, but it isn’t very good at removing eggs.  For this job you’ll need insecticide sprays and possibly dusts to treat every crevice and void in your bed.  For insecticide spray and dust options see below. Remember that insecticides can be hazardous if you don’t follow label directions.  Read the whole label before spraying or dusting.  The label directions are the law and failure to follow the label not only puts you and your family at risk, it is against the law.  Homemade sprays, by the way, are usually less safe than commercial insecticides.  Stick with the legal stuff.
• 
  

How Much Weight Can A Kia Sportage Carry?

 The Kia Sportage is one of the most recognizable and common Kias on the road. If you are a Sportage owner and are wondering what your car's weight limit rating is, then you've come to the right blog post. In this article, we have researched this topic for you and found these answers.

You can expect a payload rating of 1,010 lbs across all trims for the 2023 offering of the Kia Sportage. This payload rating includes not just your cargo but also the passengers and driver. With that being said, the Sportage is a perfect family or personal car that would be enough to meet the regular needs of a Crossover SUV. 

Do you want to learn more about the weight capacity and features of the Kia Sportage? Then continue reading as we will dive into more details about this topic and other additional questions that will surely answer your question. You will also find other posts regarding Kia vehicles at the end of this article. Let's start.

How Much Weight Can You Put In A Kia Sportage?

The Kia Sportage continues to become one of the best-selling Crossovers in the market today. Kia has had a reputation as one of the industry's most reliable car brands, which is why the popularity of vehicles like the Sportage continues.

The Sportage is more of an urban driving car capable of carrying a typical weight of about a thousand pounds. Since this is only its max rating, the actual weight you can carry with the Sportage should not even reach this limit.

If you chuck a thousand pounds of cargo in the back of your Sportage, there wouldn't be enough for the passengers and the drivers. Your engine would have a difficult time carrying the load. Your suspension would be at its limit and could snap if under this amount of pressure for long periods.

Simply put, the Kia Sportage is not designed to carry heavy loads. It is not a work truck like an F-150 or Chevy Silverado. Instead, it is more or less an enlarged sedan with better ground clearance and added power. If you are planning on using the Sportage for carrying heavy loads, you will not have the proper weight limit rating and the cargo space to do so.

Which Kia Sportage trim has the best payload?

Across all trim levels, the Kia Sportage is rated at the same towing and hauling ratings. This also includes the engine. They only differ in amenities, such as interior features and design. The higher the trim, the more premium and luxurious the features will be available.

Can the Kia Sportage tow?

We have seen a bump from previous model years regarding the towing capabilities of the new Kia Sportage. The 2023 Sportage is rated to tow at an impressive 2,500 lbs. Its Hybrid version also comes with the same tow rating. If you ask us, that is mighty impressive!

With these numbers, you can use the Kia Sportage for towing light trailers and cargo like a jetski or a small boat. For a more detailed discussion about this point, check out this article that we have previously published titled, Can A Kia Sportage Tow A Camper? [Inc. 6 Practical Examples].

Can you flat tow a Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage cannot be flat towed in any trim configuration, mainly because it is an all-wheel-drive vehicle with an automatic transmission. Kia vehicles are not known to be flat towable vehicles and were never designed to be used in such manners.

A Kia you can flat tow is a Kia soul. More on that topic with this article titled, Can you flat tow a Kia Soul?

What Are The Available Trims For The Kia Sportage?

The 2023 Kia Sportage has seven available trims for the market. These are the LX, EX, X-Line AWD, SX, SX Prestige, SX-Pro, and SX-Prestige Pro. The LX is the entry-level or base trim, while the SX-Prestige Pro is its top-of-the-line.

The following are what you can expect per trim level.

X-Line AWD

The X-Line AWD is available with a starting price of $30,790. Specs are as follows.

• 2.5L 4-cylinder Engine w/ 187 hp & 178 lb.-ft. of torque
• Active All-Wheel Drive w/ Center Locking Differential
• 8.3 Inches of Ground Clearance
• X-Line Body Styling
• 19-inch Alloy Wheels, Gloss Black Finish
• High-Utility Roof Rails, Gloss Black
• Dual-Zone Auto Climate Control
• Available Smart Power Tailgate
• Kia Drive Wise Driver Assist Technology
• And many more

How Long Do Kia Vehicles Last?

You can expect roughly 200,000 miles out of most Kia models. Kia is a Korean automotive brand that has always prided itself in making vehicles that last. With the proper care and maintenance, you can easily exceed this limit, barring any major accidents that could affect the engine's performance. Owners in online forums claim that their Kias have reached north of 350,000 miles and counting.

Here's a quick recap of what we discussed

Although not designed as a hauling vehicle, the Kia Sportage is still rated to carry a maximum weight of just over a thousand pounds. This is pretty impressive, considering that it is a Crossover-SUV and has a smaller engine compared to dedicated hauling cars like a half-ton truck.

The Sportage will suffice for your basic daily needs and those occasional family weekend road trips. It can even tow a lightweight camper trailer that you can use for boondocking adventures and RV travels, while still doubling as your everyday use or commuting vehicle. And with its Hybrid option, it helps take the sting out of soaring gas prices.

We hope that we have satisfied your query regarding the Kia Sportage. Do you have any more questions about Kias? Check out some of our previously written articles about them below.

Focus on Strengths—What Extraordinary | Leaders Do Differently | Jack Zenger

 

Focus on Strengths—What Extraordinary Leaders Do Differently

Given the pressing need for highly effective leaders in today’s recovering economy, organizations are wise to seek the most direct way to develop strong leaders.

During this webinar, Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman will discuss their research which proves that having strengths is what differentiates great leaders from their less effective counterparts. They’ll also offer proof that great leaders can indeed be developed and that using a strengths-based development process is the fastest way to move from “good” to “great.”

Join Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman to discover:
Why focusing on strengths is far more effective than a preoccupation with fixing weaknesses, which is promoted in most traditional development programs.
How building strengths greatly differs from correcting weaknesses.
A unique process for developing strengths.

These slides are from a webinar presentation given October 26, 2016. Video and Audio recordings are available at zengerfolkman.com

Thrivent

 

Investing in Information Technology Services: Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Increases Stake in Sabre Co. by 61.2%

As the world becomes more interconnected and technology-driven, investment in information technology services providers is quickly becoming a strategic imperative for institutional investors. One such investor, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, has recently increased its stake in Sabre Co. (NASDAQ:SABR) by a whopping 61.2% in the fourth quarter of 2022 according to data filed with the SEC. This move has reasserted Thrivent’s strong position in Sabre’s stock market.

At the end of the most recent reporting period, Thrivent had an impressive ownership of approximately 0.22% of Sabre worth $4,371,000. This investment shows Thrivent’s faith in Sabre’s potential growth and future revenues.

Sabre is an information technology services provider that offers cutting-edge solutions to airlines, hotels and travel agents around the world. The company uses sophisticated algorithms and software solutions to optimize flight scheduling, manage airline reservations, coordinate hotel bookings and streamline business processes of travel management companies.

In May 4th 2023 earnings announcement Sabre reported ($0.24) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter which was better than analysts’ consensus estimate ($0.30), thus resurfacing confidence among investors about expected returns from their investments.

The estimated -0.94 earnings per share forecast for this year means there is still vast room for growth in this burgeoning industry; making Sabre a highly lucrative investment option for those looking to maximize their portfolio value.

Thrivent Financial’s massive increase in its stake further highlights just how crucial it is to invest in companies leading innovation within information technology services sector today are essential for savvy investors who want robust returns on their long-term investments.

For those interested in tracking Sabre’s fortunes and other related filings or insider trades before making any financial decisions HoldingsChannel.com offers up-to-date information which could be useful while investing in shares of Nasdaq:SABR.’’

As technology continues to shape our world, Sabre and other companies in their sector, are offering crucial services that remain in high demand. As Thrivent Financial has shown, an investment in these companies can yield lucrative returns, growing any portfolio that holds them.

Sabre Corp: A Lot More Than Just Another Tech Company

Sabre Corporation has had its shares recently affected by a number of institutional investor and hedge fund changes. However, there is much more to this firm than just the hype surrounding it.

The IT services provider has a market valuation of $1.06 billion, which pales in comparison to giants like Microsoft or Apple, but still makes it a formidable player in the tech industry. Sabre provides data-driven business intelligence, mobile, distribution and software-as-a-service solutions to some of the biggest names in travel and tourism.

It operates through two segments: Travel Solutions and Hospitality Solutions. The former connects suppliers and buyers from around the world in a business-to-business travel marketplace, while the latter focuses on helping hotels streamline their operations with technology solutions.

Although Sabre’s stock price has experienced some volatility as of late, it is important to note that this company is not your typical techie start-up that might fizzle out after only a few months on the stock market. This firm actually boasts an impressive history that dates all the way back to 1960 when it was first founded.

Analysts have differing opinions on its current performance, with some rating it a “sell” and others giving it a “buy.” But one thing is for sure: Sabre Corp is definitely worth keeping an eye on.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

 Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, trading as Thrivent (/ˈθraɪvɪnt/ THRYVE-int), is an American Fortune 500^[1] not-for-profit financial services organization headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Appleton, Wisconsin, and founded by Lutherans. As a member-owned fraternal benefit society, it operates under a chapter system, serving nearly 2.3 million members.^[2]

Operating through its local chapters nationwide, Thrivent and its subsidiaries offer financial products and services including life insurance, annuities, mutual funds, disability income insurance, credit union products, money management, brokerage services, and retirement planning.

The organization and its members provide volunteer services to charitable organizations and schools. For example, Thrivent members reportedly volunteered more than 8.6 million hours in 2013 and contributed $182.7 million in that year to organizations and activities that aim to strengthen families and communities.^[3]

In June 2013, members voted to allow non-Lutheran Christians to join, and as a result in March 2014 the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans was shortened to Thrivent Financial.^[4] In the summer of 2020, the company was renamed as Thrivent.^[5]

Growth Comes From Moments of Being Uncomfortable - Jack Zenger @LEAD Presented By HR.com

1.  You help yourself and others by focusing on fixing your weaknesses. 
2. ...
3. ...
4. Make yourself uncomfortable 

The Extraordinary Leader: Turning Good Managers into Great Leaders 2nd Edition, Kindle Edition

 People can learn how to lead. This was the position John H. Zenger and Joseph R. Folkman took when they wrote their now-classic leadership book The Extraordinary Leader—and it’s a fact they reinforce in this new, completely updated edition of their bestseller.

When it was first published, The Extraordinary Leader immediately attracted a wide audience of aspiring leaders drawn to its unique feature: the extensive use of scientific studies and hard data, which served to demystify the concept of leadership and get readers thinking about the subject in a pragmatic way.

Now, Zenger and Folkman revisit the subject to address leaders’ most pressing concerns today. The result is an up-to-date, essential leadership guide for the twenty-first century that includes:

• Late-breaking research on the psychology of leadership

• New information on leading in a global environment

• A breakthrough case study on measuring improved leadership behavior

• Studies revealing the importance of follow-through

The Extraordinary Leader is a remarkable combination of expert insight and extensive research. The authors analyzed more than 200,000 assessments describing 20,000 managers—by far the most expansive research ever conducted for a leadership book.

Zenger and Folkman have created the leadership book of the ages. The Extraordinary Leader explains how to build leadership skills that will take you and your organization to unimagined success.

Great Engineering Management Books | Linkedin article | Vivian Lau

龙美地产Luxmore Group Realty Ltd

 Judy Dou 地产团队是享誉大温哥华地区的营销团队，十九年来专注住宅置业、商业地产和土地开发，在以客为先的宗旨下，我们以专业、高效、敬业的方式服务于广大的新老移民朋友。提供并协助以安家为主线的房屋买卖、银行贷款、律师交易，并帮助新移民朋友办好一系列安家细节。服务周到、细心、热心，让新移民朋友有宾至如归的温暖。在安家后，我们会继续细心、周到的为屋主考虑各种生活及房屋维护相关的细节，及时提醒、协助办理各种房屋的保养，让我们的移民朋友在大温地区的生活无忧。

Judy Dou窦继茹作为龙美地产Luxmore Group Realty Ltd的联合创始人兼副总裁，在大温哥华地区拥有超过19年的房地产经验，在多年的努力下，Judy Dou地产团队的服务得到新老移民的高度评价，从业以来，荣获16年温哥华地产局金牌经纪奖，以及大温首1%金牌地产团队奖, 并荣获加拿大杰出女性称号。

自2015年以来，Judy和龙美地产Luxmore Group Realty Ltd在商业地产，土地收购，土地整合，土地开发，市场营销，物业管理方面取得了长足的进展，建立完整的房地产行业生态体系，引导投资人提供受社区赞赏与欢迎的社区投资，帮助新老移民朋友投资利益最大化，并得到大家的高度评价。

期待在住宅地产与商业地产领域与您合作！