June 8

Page Two

Throughout the world, thousands of newspaper and magazine articles, as well as radio and television programs, have reported on AIDS, the frightful new plague of our time.

Because of this publicity and the deadly nature of AIDS, many are reviewing their life-​style. Is this a return to old-​fashioned morality? How important are the values that guide our lives? The opening articles by Awake! correspondent in France analyze these questions.

Are Morals Making a Comeback?

THE houses are empty. Signs say they are up for rent. Those houses in Hamburg, Germany, were once part of one of the world’s largest prostitution centers. Why did they shut down?

For the same reason that various popular meeting places of San Francisco’s homosexuals became deserted. Throughout the United States, many clubs and saunas for homosexuals closed their doors one after another.

What was mainly responsible for these changes? The spread of AIDS, the deadly virus that has become one of the worst plagues of the 20th century.

AIDS has already taken the lives of tens of thousands. And if current estimates prove correct, it could take millions of additional lives in the near future.

A Moral Comeback?

In the 1960’s and ’70’s, the sexual revolution hit many Western countries. Free love became widely accepted. The number of births out of wedlock increased. The age of those having sexual relations for the first time was notably lower. Traditional values were demolished in the lives of millions, and their number was swiftly growing.

Speaking of the spirit prevailing at the time, the Canadian magazine L’Actualité declared: “The sexual act became a kind of inoffensive game.” At the same time, with the rise of movements fighting for homosexuals’ “rights,” homosexuality became a prominent issue, and changes were made in laws that had previously banned homosexual relationships.

Then AIDS appeared on the world scene. As deaths from this modern plague mounted and no cure was found, people’s attitude toward sex changed drastically. As L’Actualité explained: “With AIDS, love games have become extremely dangerous.” American journalist Ellen Goodman commented on the change in attitude that this implied: “As​—not if but as—​AIDS spreads through the population, ‘no’ will become a much more common answer to sex.”

Practices Have Changed​—Not Morals

Does this mean that we are witnessing some kind of awakening resulting in a return to good morals? As the media have sometimes claimed, is it a “revival of conservatism” or of “puritanism”?

Some practices have changed out of sheer necessity, but basic thinking has not necessarily followed suit. For example, the homosexuals who have abandoned multipartner sex and limited themselves to a “monogamous” union can hardly be said to be returning to morality. Moreover, what would happen if an AIDS vaccine were to be discovered? There is reason to believe that many would return to their former practices and that specialized establishments would reopen their doors.

In the heterosexual world, changes in behavior, but not in basic thinking, can also be observed. Felice, a student at the University of California in Los Angeles, U.S.A., regrets not having experienced the sexual freedom that once prevailed on the campus. She said: “It kind of arouses anger. . . . I certainly wish I’d had the freedom to make my own decisions.” And an American journalist explained that previous moral standards would not resurface, saying: “While the sexual revolution may be slowing, there is no wholesale return to the married-​before-​mating mentality of the 1940s and ’50s.”

In Canada, for example, Maclean’s magazine reported the following regarding a federally funded survey of college students: “Young adults are reasonably well-​informed about sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS, syphilis and gonorrhea. But that knowledge has evidently failed to make them more cautious. Most students surveyed said that they engaged in sex, but they acknowledged that they are reckless about taking the one precaution during sex that helps to prevent disease: using a condom.”

The report also said: “Many health authorities say they are concerned that, despite all the publicity about safe sex, the message is not affecting a sexually active sector of the population.” Dr. Noni MacDonald, an Ottawa specialist in infectious diseases, said: “Most education and media campaigns to increase condom use are dismal failures.”

Maclean’s added: “The survey on 54 campuses found that three-​quarters of the students had already engaged in intercourse. About half the men claimed to have had five or more partners, with a quarter claiming the total as 10 or more. Among college women polled, 30 per cent said they had had sex with at least five partners; 12 per cent claimed to have done so with at least 10 men. However, condoms were not widely popular. . . . Those most at risk were least likely to use condoms.”

Has a Moral Lesson Been Learned?

Many refuse to learn a moral lesson from what is happening. Some doctors prescribe a change in habits, recommending having only one sex partner and using condoms to avoid AIDS. But they refrain from condemning loose conduct. Alan Dershowitz, professor of law at Harvard, is representative of this tendency when he suggests that researchers should not call into question the moral aspect of sexual conduct that transmits AIDS. He stated: “Scientists should act as if the disease were transmitted by neutral conduct.”

However, the French news magazine Le spectacle du monde feels that this is not enough. It said: “No policy for the struggle against AIDS will have any effect unless it is accompanied by a rapid, global, and voluntary return to a superior form of morals. (It should not be forgotten that sexual permissiveness, prostitution, and drug addiction are the main patterns of social behavior responsible for the spread of this disease.) This return to morals could only come about if a new cultural context emerges. . . . Morals are not the product of any partisan ideology. Faced with the AIDS menace, they must be interpreted as a pressing biological necessity upon which the survival of the human race depends.”

Should morals be resumed as a “biological necessity”? Should the adoption of a system of moral values be dictated only by circumstances? Do all ethical codes have the same value? Let us see what lessons history can teach us.

[Blurb on page 5]

“THERE IS NO WHOLESALE RETURN TO THE MARRIED-​BEFORE-​MATING MENTALITY OF THE 1940s AND ’50s”

Changing Values With the Passing of History

“A SYSTEM of rules that a man follows (or ought to follow) in his personal life and his social life.” That is how the French Encyclopædia Universalis defines the word “morals.”

This definition really applies to everyone. It includes the believer who follows the principles of his religion and also the person who does not adhere to any ethical system or religion but has certain principles that guide his life. Even the anarchist, who claims that he has “neither God nor master,” has chosen his values, if only the right to make his own decisions.

But what is the basis for these values? Upon what are such moral choices founded? Do they change with time?

Various Values in the Past

“Spartan” is a word used in many languages to describe lack of comfort. The term refers to the harsh conditions under which young citizens from the ancient Greek city of Sparta were educated. Separated from their parents from early childhood, they had to learn implicit obedience. The purpose of this education was to make them model soldiers.

Other peoples followed different values. For instance, ancient Israel had the code of laws given to Moses by God. Those laws included dietary, physical, moral, and spiritual restrictions. The Israelites were to worship Jehovah God and him alone.

Regarding sexual morality, the Mosaic Law severely condemned fornication, adultery, homosexuality, and bestiality. The purpose of this was to separate the Israelites from their neighbors, not only religiously but also morally. This was because many of the peoples around Israel practiced debased, damaging sex worship, including male and female temple prostitution. Some even offered up their own children as sacrifices to their false gods.

In the first century C.E., a decree by the council of Christian apostles and elders in Jerusalem instructed Christians to follow basically the same sexual morality as the Jews, telling them to ‘abstain from fornication.’ According to Vigouroux’s Dictionnaire de la Bible, this instruction was extremely valuable, as fornication was a common practice among the pagans at that time.​—Acts 15:29.

The diversity of moral standards persisted throughout history, with alternating periods of tolerance and of stricter ethical rules. Homosexuality, vigorously condemned in the Middle Ages, was more or less tolerated during the Renaissance in Europe. In Switzerland, when Calvin settled in Geneva during the Reformation, he inaugurated a period of uncompromising moral rigor. On the other hand, some 200 years later, the French Revolution legalized the formerly rejected values. It came out in support of a new “moral freedom” and made it easier to obtain a divorce.

Today’s Differing Moral Values

Today, even within the same society, people have different moral standards. There are those who advocate strict moral rules, while others advocate moral “freedom.”

Moral codes have changed quickly. “For most French people, adultery has a precise meaning. It is negative and is contrary to good morals,” says the French book Francoscopie. However, the same source notes that for many others “marital unfaithfulness is no longer viewed as an escape but as a right, a right that should not call into question the affection a couple may have for each other, but, on the contrary, it should even enrich and strengthen it.”

Abortion is another area in which ethical values have changed rapidly. While abortion is still a crime in some countries, it is tolerated​—even demanded—​in others. It is interesting to note that the French Medical Association considered abortion to be a crime until it was legalized in 1974. Today, many French people consider it morally acceptable.

Yet, on what are such morals based? Should our moral values be merely relative and change according to circumstances?

Man Has Established His Own Moral Values

Down through the centuries, philosophers have proposed many ideas to try to answer such questions. Some have proposed a ‘universal code of morals’ but cannot agree on whose definition of morals should be the standard.

Others have felt that concern for one’s fellowman should guide one’s conduct. But what one person considers proper concern for others may not be viewed that way by someone else. As an example, for centuries many slave owners considered it proper concern to feed and house their slaves, but the slaves felt that proper concern should result in their being freed from slavery.

There is no doubt that the wide variety of often conflicting views that philosophers have had regarding moral values has confused many people. Their ideas have not produced any common standard of morality, nor has their philosophizing led the human family to peace and unity. If anything, their many and conflicting ideas have led an increasing number of people to conclude that a person’s own personal standard of morality is as good as that of the “experts.”

That is why many today have adopted the viewpoint of French philosopher Jean-​Paul Sartre, who felt that man ought to be his own judge as to moral issues. This way of thinking has even been adopted by many churchgoers. Catholic authorities, for example, are worried because many Catholics no longer follow church teachings on sexual matters and use contraceptives condemned by the church.

The lesson of history is that various moral codes have been established by humans, but in time such codes have been called into question, changed, or forgotten. However, the Bible principles mentioned earlier in this article are not subject to the whims of philosophers or changing societies. Of what value are such Bible principles today? Is it possible to follow them?

[Blurb on page 7]

“MARITAL UNFAITHFULNESS IS NO LONGER VIEWED AS AN ESCAPE BUT AS A RIGHT”

Moral Values That Bring Happiness

WHAT would a child do if left in front of a table stacked with wholesome food and with candy? If no one guided him, he would likely choose to eat what he liked best​—probably candy—​until he got sick.

Morally speaking, man is confronted with choices. What does he want most? A happy family life and a secure future or, regardless of the consequences, a day-​to-​day life centered around pleasure? Whatever he chooses, his choice will shape his life and affect his future​—for good or for bad.

The Consequences

The fruitage of the sexual revolution and unrestrained freedom has not been good. People who acted as they wished have met with a host of unwanted problems: broken homes, unwanted pregnancies, death from AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, damaged lives from drug abuse, and other undesirable consequences. These bad results fit the description noted in the Bible at Proverbs 16:25: “There exists a way that is upright before a man, but the ways of death are the end of it afterward.”​—See also Galatians 5:19-21.

Rampant selfishness and freedom without responsibility also fit the description of our time found at 2 Timothy 3:1-4: “In the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-​assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-​control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God.”

The Foundation for the Best Morals

All of this shows the need for a source of values superior to man’s so that we can walk wisely in these critical times. Jeremiah, one of the Bible writers, acknowledged this when he said: “I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong.”​—Jeremiah 10:23.

But who can lay the foundation for the best moral values? In his book Cours de philosophie, French professor Armand Cuvillier explains that he, like most philosophers, has taken “the human person as the fundamental value.” Yet, he reminds us that all moral codes based on man are fragile and liable to be replaced by others later on.

The manufacturer of a machine is often the most qualified person to make it work best. It is the same with God and man. As man’s Creator, Jehovah is in the best position to show him the values he should have, and why. In the Bible, Jehovah calls himself the One ‘teaching us to benefit ourselves, the One causing us to tread in the way in which we should walk.’​—Isaiah 48:17.

Old-​Fashioned Values?

Can the Bible’s moral values be applied to our time? Over 1,900 years ago, the apostle Paul gave a list of qualities required of God’s servants. He mentioned “love, joy, peace, long-​suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-​control.” Are these qualities less valuable today? Certainly not! While conditions have changed, these high principles are still the best ones.​—Galatians 5:22, 23.

The same can be said of things the Bible forbids. For instance, why did God destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah? The disciple Jude explained that this was because their inhabitants “gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion.” Jude adds that their destruction serves as “a permanent warning.” Since this account and other similar ones have been “written for our instruction,” “for a warning to us,” the moral lessons coming from them are still valid.​—Jude 7, Phillips; Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11.

Values That Make You Happy

Keep in mind that the Bible is unique. Accept it, “not as the word of men, but, just as it truthfully is, as the word of God.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13) Of all the millions of books in the world, the Bible alone is ‘inspired of God, and it can set things straight.’ (2 Timothy 3:16) It alone can supply us the best values and show how they lead to eternal life in a new world. Surely, the course of wisdom is to examine it.

That is just what a young man named Joël did. A few years ago, he walked the streets of his native town in France with other young people​—armed with weapons. He was known for his temper, and he was a drug trafficker and a pimp. Joël learned about the Bible and the hope it brings, and, in time, he changed completely, doing away with practices condemned by the Bible. Several of his former friends became convinced that he had found the truth, so they also made drastic changes in their lives and were baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Of course, most of those who become Jehovah’s Witnesses did not lead a life as far removed from Bible principles as Joël and his companions did. But all who become Witnesses agree to reconsider the values guiding their lives​—even if they were not bad in themselves—​and they are convinced that they have found a system of values that can make them happy.

Throughout the world, nearly four million Witnesses try to live up to these principles every day, whatever country or kind of society they live in. They also put God’s Kingdom interests first, giving priority to spiritual values in their lives. Why not accept their invitation to help you examine the benefits you too may gain from these values? “Abundant peace” is promised to all those making this choice.​—Psalm 119:165; Matthew 6:33.

[Picture on page 9]

People need values that go beyond human philosophies

Are You a High-​Risk Driver?

By Awake! correspondent in Japan

“WE KNOW the types that are likely to have accidents,” stated Hiroyasu Ohtsuka, Chief of Traffic Safety at Japan’s National Institute of Police Science. “Even so, we don’t refuse to give them a driver’s license, but we want people to recognize their personality faults and work on them.”

High-risk drivers do not usually perceive themselves as such. But experts recognize six types of personality faults that can easily manifest themselves when one gets behind the steering wheel. As you consider each type, try to reflect on yourself, and see how safe a driver you are.

The Social Misfits

Among the high-​risk types are the socially maladjusted, those who have problems in relating to others. They are:

The Self-​Centered This is the person who insists on doing everything his own way. Sitting behind the wheel, he thinks that he is ‘king of the road.’ He feels free to set his own pace, ignore any rules he considers superfluous, and show off whenever he likes. He forgets that he must share the road with all the other drivers. Acting arbitrarily and taking liberties, he causes accidents because he fails to respond to the constantly changing circumstances on the road and adapt to them.

The Uncooperative An uncooperative driver has little feeling for other people, nor does he understand how they think and feel. Because of his difficulty in getting along with people, he is inclined to avoid them. This is reflected in poor manners on the road and discourtesy toward other drivers​—both high-​risk factors. For some, learning how to interact with people can take years, and this is one reason for the high accident rate among youths.

The Aggressive One sign of an aggressive driver, according to the book Driving Instruction According to Aptitude, is “the absolute refusal to give way to others when the driver believes he has the right of priority. He will not overlook the misdemeanors of other drivers or pedestrians, and this leads to shouting, interruption of others’ actions, . . . and horn blowing . . . in protecting his own rights to the bitter end.” Even imagined wrongs can provoke him. If he is also quick-​tempered, his driving will often exceed the bounds of common sense.

The Emotional Misfits

Then there are those with emotional problems. These include:

The Unstable Emotional extremes characterize the unstable person. He has bouts of lightheartedness, excitement, and depression. If he drives while depressed, he will miss seeing dangers, and his reactions may be too slow for safe driving. If he drives while experiencing an emotional high, he may be reckless. Warnings given to him in this mood are liable to ignite a display of rebelliousness. He may recognize only his depression as abnormal.

The Overly Nervous Frequently this is a quiet type who gets wrapped up in his own thoughts, worrying about everything. When driving, his mind is “cluttered with non-​driving information,” so that he is “more likely to miss important information or to misinterpret it,” observed researchers Richard E. Mayer and John R. Treat in a study of high-​risk drivers. A nervous driver may go to pieces even in situations that are not critical, such as when a truck pulls up alongside. He expects the worst.

The Impulsive This type acts quickly. Instead of taking the time to ascertain the facts and make an accurate judgment, he tends to rely on instinct. The time spent waiting for traffic lights and pedestrians seems much longer to him than it does to an ordinary person. So he gets frustrated and quickly loses patience. His failure to render a sound judgment before acting makes him a dangerous driver.

Do you see yourself in any of these types? What is your reaction when some inconsiderate driver tries your patience? If the shoe fits, as the saying goes, by all means wear it. For your own safety, heed the warning, and work on the weaknesses. You need to be in control of your emotions and attitudes to be a good driver.

The Well-​Adjusted Driver

But what makes a good driver? In Awake! interviews, top researchers from Japan’s police stressed consideration for others, thinking before acting, ability to grasp the entire situation, wisdom to judge accurately, discernment, mildness, self-​control, and acting in a way that protects other road users.

Similarly, a report from Osaka Prefectural University describes good drivers as “having a high degree of emotional stability; the mental process of perceptive judgment works faster than their bodily reactions; their judgment is accurate; they can control their emotions.” Does this description fit you?

For thousands of years, the Bible has been teaching people how to develop wisdom, understanding, and discernment. (Proverbs 2:1-6) It shows how imperfect humans can replace “wrath, anger, badness, abusive speech, and obscene talk” with “love, joy, peace, long-​suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-​control.” Yes, the Bible can even help you to be a better driver!​—Colossians 3:8-10; Galatians 5:22, 23.

The Bible’s Viewpoint

Should Christians Use the Rosary?

“MARY and the Rosary are the best ways to approach Almighty God in prayer.”​—Jean.

“If you needed any help from Mary, it could be most effectively obtained through the use of the Rosary. I would never go anywhere without it!”​—Kevin.

“We were taught that you must pray to God through Mary.”​—Jeannine, a former Catholic nun.

Is there a real basis for such confident reliance on the Rosary? Did God, Christ, or Mary recommend its use? What do history and God’s Sacred Word say about it?

Most people who use the Rosary believe that the practice originated with Christianity. However, historical evidence discloses that the practice of reciting prayers and counting them on a string of beads predated the beginning of Christianity. Commenting on the origin of the Rosary, The World Book Encyclopedia reports: “Prayer beads are of ancient origin, and were probably first used by the Buddhists. Both Buddhists and Muslims make use of them in their prayers.” The Catholic Encyclopedia acknowledges that prayer beads were universally familiar to non-​Christians for centuries and were in use long before the Catholic Church adopted the Rosary.

Mary and the Rosary

Mary is called “Queen of the Holy Rosary.” She is accredited with admonishing Catholics to “Pray the Rosary.” The most common Rosary, “The Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” is traced to the 12th century C.E. and reached its definitive form in the 15th century. The Rosary and Mary go hand in hand, since she is seen as the promoter of the Rosary and the one to whom the greatest importance is given in prayer.

Why all the emphasis on Mary and the Rosary? In reply Catholic authorities point to what the angel Gabriel said to her: “Rejoice, O highly favored daughter! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28, The New American Bible) Mary appreciated that her part in the conception and birth of Jesus, although important, was insignificant when compared to the exalted position that the Son she was to bear would receive. Concerning him, the angel Gabriel went on to say: “Great will be his dignity and he will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father. . . . His reign will be without end.”​—Luke 1:32, 33, NAB.

Notice that attention was to focus, not on Mary, but on the Son she was to conceive​—Jesus. He was the one who would be great and rule as King. (Philippians 2:9, 10) Nothing is said about appointing Mary as the “Queen of the Holy Rosary.” Mary did, however, receive a blessing; she became the mother of Jesus.​—Luke 1:42.

Mary was not an ambitious woman, seeking prominence. She was happy and content to be a humble worshiper of the Most High God. Her meek, submissive disposition is revealed by her response to the angel Gabriel when she said: “I am the handmaid [servant] of the Lord.” (Luke 1:38, The Jerusalem Bible) Throughout her life, Mary proved to be a sincere woman of faith, a lover of righteousness, a loyal and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ who joined with fellow worshipers in humbly praying to Almighty God. The early Christians prayed with Mary, not to her.​—Acts 1:13, 14.

Prayer and the Rosary

Christians view prayer as a most valuable provision of the Creator​—a real gift to be highly prized. Prayer is respectful speech to Almighty God. It should convey our innermost feelings and heartfelt thoughts. “Prayer should be an expression of one’s friendship with God,” says the New Catholic Encyclopedia. Petitioning God should never become a meaningless routine, nor should we hold rigidly to some favorite set of memorized words.​—Matthew 6:7, 8.

Does the Rosary contribute to such meaningful prayers? Jeannine observed that reciting “Hail Marys” on the Rosary “became unconsciously repetitious.” Repeating the same words on the Rosary did not bring her closer to God. Said another former Catholic nun, Lydia: “I did not find anything instructive in reciting the Rosary. I would have preferred reading books on religion.” Repetitious prayers serve no useful purpose, since God has promised: “Before they call, I will answer.” (Isaiah 65:24, NAB; Matthew 6:7, 8, 32) Almighty God appreciates and answers petitions that are said with the right motive and that come from an honest and sincere heart. The Rosary does not help a person to approach God with meaningful, heartfelt prayers.​—Psalm 119:145; Hebrews 10:22.

How to Approach God

The only acceptable way to gain access to the “Hearer of prayer” is through Jesus Christ. (Psalm 65:2) Jesus plainly taught: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, JB) Mary was not invited to share this responsibility and serve as an intermediary. If Mary had been granted this unique privilege, surely Jehovah would have made it known.​—Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 John 2:1, 2.

The Rosary and recitation of memorized prayers originated outside of professedly Christian lands. Praying to Mary ignores what Jesus taught, that “no one can come to the Father except through [him].” Thus, the Rosary and Mary are not God’s way to approach Him in prayer.

How to Get More Done in Less Time

‘Where did the time go?’ How often have you caught yourself asking that question? If you are like most people, you probably ask it more often than you care to remember.

The following presents suggestions from a woman’s viewpoint, but since both women and men have the same amount of available time each week, the question, ‘How can I get more out of my available time?’ is one that both men and women would like answered.

Set Priorities

Since every activity of life takes time, there are some things that just naturally take precedence over others. For example, on a cold winter morning, there is nothing a mother might want to do more than stay longer in her warm bed. But the clock signals that it is time to fix breakfast and send her husband off to work and the children to school.

Priorities also have to be set if your household is to function properly. There is a time to shop for food and a time to cook it; a time to clean the house and a time to do the laundry; a time to relax and a time to study; a time to oversee the children’s homework and chores​—and the list goes on and on.

Do you work outside the home? If so, with added duties to perform, time becomes even more precious. You cannot afford to waste it, nor can you always put things off for another day. That is why many women acknowledge that a schedule is absolutely necessary if they are to get their work done.

“Without a daily schedule,” says Josephine, mother of six children ranging from 2 to 15 years of age, “I just couldn’t accomplish my goals for each day.” Sandra, who has three children, works outside the home 25 hours a week, and she agrees: “Why, if I didn’t have a schedule, I think I’d go out of my mind.”

Furthermore, your priorities are undoubtedly set by the value you put on time itself. They are for Lola. She not only has a husband to care for but also devotes from 90 to 100 hours per month to her Bible educational work. She states: “Time is very important to me. I feel it’s only right not to keep people waiting. And when those who may be lax see that I value time highly, they tend to respect my time more.”

Organize the Tasks

Why do some women never seem to get their work done? Or why do some always complain about the lack of time? Could one reason be that they fail to organize their work? In past generations it took women one whole day to wash and a second one to iron, while they daily shopped and cooked. In most countries today, however, a woman can clean the house, wash and dry the clothes, and cook simultaneously if she is organized. Modern conveniences have freed many women to work outside the home and still care for the family’s needs.

But what about the time spent away from the home? A good part of it, besides the time actually spent working, is spent traveling to and from work, waiting in doctors’ and dentists’ offices and elsewhere. Could much of this time be utilized? For example, do you knit, crochet, needlepoint, or embroider? Could you schedule some of these talents at such times and places? Many women read, make out shopping lists, or write letters. In fact, the next time you sit down to watch TV, why not do some sewing or make things for the family? They may appreciate these more than store-​bought ones, and you will have tangible proof of not wasting time!

There is another side to the matter, however. One should avoid becoming too rigid in trying to exploit every minute. You can become a slave to time, and that will rob you of joy. There are times when one wants to sit quietly and reflect on what one has done. Such moments can be precious indeed!

The same principle would apply when it comes to saving money. Balance is needed. You may drive all over town to save a few pennies, only to spend more time and gasoline doing so. Of course, when you are on a strict budget, saving is important. So perhaps shopping in one central store might help. You know where items are (which saves you time), and you know when the sales are on (which saves you money).

Picking the Best Time

Each woman has her own inner clock. Some work best in the morning; others do not function well until afternoon. If you are a morning person, by all means schedule your difficult chores then. Use your resources at your peak periods. If you work outside the home, why not talk to your employer? It will be to your advantage as well as to his to delegate your work accordingly. If, on the other hand, you drag in the morning, save your most important work for later when you function better.

Mary is a morning person. She considers the time she spends in her ministry to be the most important part of her day. So she got part-​time work in the afternoon. This enables her to devote her best hours to her Bible-teaching work. Could you do something similar with your schedule?

Be Realistic

For a schedule to be practical, it must not include too many activities. Trying to be Super Mom, Wife, or Worker can lead to disappointment and frustration. This is especially true if you have health problems. Learn to work within your limits.

Dolly, who has a chronic illness, explains: “My time is centered around my husband’s activities. He is a traveling minister. Since we live in a small mobile home, when he’s done his work, then I do mine. My illness prevents me from doing all that I’d like to do. But when I’m able, my ministry gets preference. Other things around the home are left undone that day.”

Be Flexible

A test of a woman’s mettle is how she manages under stress. If she can stay calm in a crisis, she will accomplish far more than going to pieces emotionally.

Sandra found the secret for controlling stress. She says: “When emergencies arise and I feel crowded on all sides, I just relax. I know that sounds strange, but it works. Once I’ve got myself under control, then I can determine what has to be done first. If I don’t relax, I can’t set the right priorities. When these are set, then I speed up my activities to meet the emergency and things get done. For example, once some guests arrived hours early for dinner. Instead of panicking, I merely cooked while entertaining them as best I could. All relaxed and enjoyed themselves.”

Get Help

Someone once said that the best executive is the one who surrounds himself with competent help. Do you engage the help of others on the job? When coworkers know that their help is appreciated, they volunteer it more readily. The same is true at home. Unfortunately, some women are such meticulous housekeepers and cooks that they discourage help. And that very attitude could be the reason why some wives and mothers are always overloaded while their family members sit around seemingly unconcerned.

Now what about you? When you need help, do you encourage it? Do you ask for help, or do you demand it? “Would you please” sounds more appealing than “I want you to”​—whether you are speaking to your children or to your husband.

One woman, commending her husband for the help he gives her, says: “He’s really good about that. When I’m not well, he sends me to bed, and he cooks dinner; he and the children all pitch in and help do the chores. I really appreciate that!”

What a fine attitude for a family to have! But the key figure in this situation is the mother. She can train her children to realize the value of time and to develop a positive attitude toward work. Such children will generally want to help because they get joy from contributing to a common family goal.

Needless to say, some people are going to waste time no matter what others say or do. We cannot change them; we can only improve ourselves. We can resolve to be realistic about time, become better organized, set proper priorities, and get help when needed.

[Pictures on page 15]

Priorities must be set if your household is to function properly

Young People Ask . . .

Why Should I Put Myself Out for Others?

“WHOSE interests come first in your life?” An Awake! reporter posed this question to a group of youths on a crowded street. “My own,” said Mike. “I look out for ‘number one’ first, last, and always.” Seventeen-year-old Susie said: “If it came down to either my family’s welfare or mine, mine would take first place.”

Sad to say, such sentiments are common. A book called The Postponed Generation tells of a study of 1,125 students in which two sociologists tried to find out whether young people were primarily concerned about themselves or about society. The results? About 80 percent proved to be “looking out for themselves, without sensitivity or obligation to society.”

Little wonder, then, that few are willing to put themselves out for others, to be inconvenienced or to go out of their way for someone other than themselves. Books such as The Art of Selfishness and Looking Out for Number One become best-​sellers, serving as little more than blueprints for the development of self-​centered behavior. As the Bible prophesied, people today are “lovers of themselves.”​—2 Timothy 3:1, 2.

How, though, do you respond to the needs of others? If, for example, you’re ready to settle down and watch your favorite television program and Mom or Dad asks you to go to the store, do you become angry or resentful? Do you balk at the idea of doing chores around the home, sharing clothing or living space with a brother or a sister, or simply doing someone a favor when it is ‘inconvenient’? Then it is time for you to make some changes. But why? And more important, how?

The Origin of Selfishness

God’s law for his people is: “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39) This means we are obliged to be caring, selfless, sensitive to the needs of others. Nevertheless, we do not always measure up to this shining ideal, and the Bible helps us to understand why. At Genesis 8:21 it says: “The inclination of the heart of man is bad from his youth up.”

Our forefather Adam cared little how his rebellious deed would affect others. It should not surprise us, then, that we, his offspring, are born with a selfish streak. (Compare Psalm 51:5.) This becomes manifest surprisingly early in life. Parents magazine observes: “All toddlers are self-​centered. . . . They’re interested in you but only when you’re doing something for them.” Left unchecked, selfishness may become a persisting character trait.

Another trait that hinders one from putting oneself out for others is laziness. (Proverbs 21:25) Indeed, when laziness reigns, one will concoct outlandish excuses to avoid doing things. Says Proverbs 22:13: “The lazy one has said: ‘There is a lion outside! In the midst of the public squares I shall be murdered!’”

What Helping Others Involves

The parable of the neighborly Samaritan recorded at Luke 10:29-37 shows that helping others may involve real self-​sacrifice. In answer to the question, “Who really is my neighbor?” Jesus told of a Jewish man who was beaten by robbers and left for dead. Despite racial tensions that existed between Jews and Samaritans, a Samaritan man was moved to put himself out for the crime victim. He cared for the man’s wounds, using wine and oil from his own provisions. Then he gently lifted the man onto his beast and took him to an inn. He paid the innkeeper about two days’ worth of wages and promised to pay any additional expenses incurred.

This moving illustration captures the essence of what it means to put oneself out for others: to take the initiative, to make oneself a neighbor to others. It involves being willing to sacrifice time, energy, and expense. Let’s discuss some ways to do this.

Putting Yourself Out for Your Family

Your closest neighbors are your family members​—parents, brothers, sisters. You may feel, however, that those closest to you should understand your busy life and not make undue demands on you. Nevertheless, the Bible exhorts: “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:9) Try viewing the seeming inconveniences that may result, not as annoyances, but as an opportunity to strengthen the family bond.

Eddie recalls: “Mom’s schedule often left her exhausted. But I’ll never forget the look on her face as she opened the door and found the dishes washed, floors scrubbed, and table set for dinner. I’ll admit I would have loved to have been playing ball on those occasions, but putting myself out helped draw our family closer together.” Can you think of some ways to put yourself out for your family members?

Being Neighborly to Fellow Christians

Said the apostle Paul: “Really, then, as long as we have time favorable for it, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.” (Galatians 6:10) Much happiness results when you expend yourself in behalf of fellow Christians.​—Acts 20:35.

Sixteen-year-old Chris, for example, is one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He enjoys running errands for an elderly member of the local congregation. On one occasion she phoned him for help. The elevator in her apartment building was out of order, and because she was unable to climb five flights of stairs, she was stranded. Upon arriving, Chris said: “Get on my back, and I will haul you up if it’s okay with you.” Up they went to the fifth floor! Tiring? No doubt. But Chris was rewarded not only with the gratitude of his elderly friend but with the knowledge that his actions pleased God!

You need not wait for such dramatic situations to show your concern for others, however. For example, before and after Christian meetings, some youths tend to congregate together, excluding older ones. This runs contrary to the Bible’s counsel to “show consideration” for older ones. (Leviticus 19:32) Sometimes, a friendly hello or a brief conversation is all it takes to cheer up an elderly one. ‘But it’s hard for me to talk to old people,’ you might object. ‘We have little in common.’

Doug, who now serves as an elder in the Christian congregation, fondly recalls: “At age 19 my best friends were old enough to be my parents or grandparents. How greatly they contributed to my spiritual growth!” Why not put yourself out a bit and make a point of befriending some elderly ones, perhaps at your next Christian meeting? You will usually find that you have far more in common than you realized! And like Doug, you will find that you can learn from their valuable experience in life.

Helping “Those on the Outside”

At Colossians 4:5 the apostle Paul said: “Go on walking in wisdom toward those on the outside, buying out the opportune time for yourselves.” Jehovah’s Witnesses show concern for others by preaching the Bible’s message. (Matthew 24:14) Youths who take seriously their obligation before God are motivated to have as full a share in this work as possible.

“I expend myself in the preaching work because of my love for Jehovah,” says Tamitha. Though only 11 years old, she spends many hours each month in evangelizing work. “Preaching also gives me an opportunity to show love for my neighbors.” Instead of seeking lucrative jobs, thousands of Christian youths have made a career of serving others as full-​time evangelizers, often working part-​time to support themselves. Others have volunteered to be missionaries or workers at various branch offices of the Watch Tower Society.

You Gain by Giving

“People need other people for their health’s sake,” said American Health magazine. Researchers even claim that people who put themselves out for others derive health benefits. Jesus Christ, however, pointed to yet another benefit, saying: “Practice giving, and people will give to you.” (Luke 6:38) The generous person wins the affections of others; invariably he becomes the recipient of generosity himself!​—Compare Proverbs 11:25.

So practice giving, putting yourself out for others. Whenever your selfish streak manifests itself, remember that God’s Word says: “Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.” (1 Corinthians 10:24) By doing so you will gain not only the friendship of others but the approval of the Most High God.

[Picture on page 18]

Putting ourselves out for others brings great happiness

Crossword Puzzle

Clues Across

1. Paul said that he made greater progress in this “than many of my own age in my race” (Galatians 1:13, 14)

4. One of the last two fortified cities to fall before Jerusalem was taken by Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 34:7)

7. The valley plain to which Sanballat and Geshem tried to lure Nehemiah in order to do him harm (Nehemiah 6:2)

9. The country where the book of Hebrews was written (Hebrews 13:24)

10. Capable of tension (Isaiah 18:2)

11. Relieve (1 Samuel 24:3)

12. Central part (See 1 Kings 7:33.)

15. One of eight sons Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham’s brother (Genesis 22:20-22)

16. A Levite city in the territory of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 6:60)

18. Employ (Matthew 20:1)

20. Substance used in writing (3 John 13)

22. Jesus prayed that this would pass away from him (Matthew 26:39)

24. Name given to a well due to a quarrel between Isaac’s servants and the shepherds of Gerar (Genesis 26:20)

28. A warrior who joined David’s forces at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:1, 6)

30. One of her four sisters was named Noah (Numbers 26:33)

31. Jesus said it was the lamp of the body (Luke 11:34)

33. Throw (Matthew 13:50)

34. Altercation (Proverbs 17:14)

35. Sacred composition (1 Corinthians 14:26)

36. A family head of certain returned exiles from Babylon (Ezra 2:57)

37. The awesome sound associated with Jehovah’s voice (Job 40:9)

38. Wall coating (Daniel 5:5)

Clues Down

1. One of three stated requirements for God’s approval (Micah 6:8)

2. The degree to which the birds and the beasts will drink the blood of Gog’s crowd (Ezekiel 39:19)

3. A spot, near Shechem, noted for its big trees (Genesis 12:6)

4. The site where Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, was residing before David showed him loving-​kindness (2 Samuel 9:3-7)

5. It also means loving to a lesser degree (Luke 14:26)

6. Cut grass (1 Corinthians 3:12)

8. One of the 13 priestly cities (1 Chronicles 6:58)

9. Patmos is one named in the Bible (Revelation 1:9)

13. It is both name and title [2 words] (Romans 1:8)

14. A female person (Acts 9:36)

17. The right one was reserved as the portion for the officiating priest (Leviticus 7:32, 33)

19. What the expanse over the heads of the living creatures in Ezekiel’s vision resembled (Ezekiel 1:22)

21. Though filled by raging torrents, it never becomes full (Ecclesiastes 1:7)

23. Second month of the Israelites’ sacred calendar (1 Kings 6:1)

25. One of seven princes of Persia consulted by King Ahasuerus when Queen Vashti refused to obey him (Esther 1:13-15)

26. This month followed that of 23 down (Esther 8:9)

27. That which affords protection (Psalm 118:14)

29. A sheikh of Esau (Genesis 36:43)

32. Furnish (Hebrews 13:21)

33. A group of persons of common ancestry (Numbers 18:2)

35. The place where both would fall if a blind man led a blind man (Matthew 15:14)

CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS PAGE 27

Answers Across

1. JUDAISM

4. LACHISH

7. ONO

9. ITALY

10. TENSILE

11. EASE

12. HUB

15. CHESED

16. ALEMETH

18. HIRE

20. INK

22. CUP

24. ESEK

28. ISSHIAH

30. MILCAH

31. EYE

33. CAST

34. QUARREL

35. PSALM

36. AMI

37. THUNDER

38. PLASTER

Answers Down

1. JUSTICE

2. DRUNKENNESS

3. MOREH

4. LODEBAR

5. HATE

6. HAY

8. HILEN

9. ISLE

13. JESUS CHRIST

14. SHE

17. LEG

19. ICE

21. SEA

23. ZIV

25. SHETHAR

26. SIVAN

27. SHELTER

29. IRAM

32. EQUIP

33. CLAN

35. PIT

Hold That Sneeze?

AT TIMES all of us desperately want to stifle a sneeze. Perhaps it is during our wedding ceremony, as we stand ready to take our vows. Or it may be during a meeting or another serious occasion, even a funeral.

Of course, there are many times when a hearty sneeze seems most enjoyable, and a feeling of relaxed well-​being follows. But the problem often is how to handle an unwanted sneeze.

Not all sneezes are the same. Some people have what might be termed a happy-​sounding, very loud sneeze that can be heard at quite a distance. Others have a more delicate sneeze. Then there is repetitive sneezing: three, four, five, or even more sneezes in a row. In very rare cases, individuals have developed constant sneezing every few seconds or minutes while awake, for hours, days, weeks, or even months.

What causes us to sneeze? Is there any sure method of stifling a sneeze? Are there dangers in forcibly stopping a sneeze once the cycle has begun? And can any steps be taken to ward off sneezing?

The Cause of Sneezing

It seems that everyone sneezes at times​—old and young, adults and babies. Even animals are known to sneeze. In most cases the cause is a foreign object (such as dust or pollen) that irritates the nasal passages. But our emotions too can bring on a fit of sneezing. Some of us may even find that bright sunlight is enough to cause sneezing. This is because the eye nerves are closely connected with the nerve endings in the nose.

Sensitive nerve endings react to the presence of an irritating substance by sending a message to the brain. It then instructs the nose to provide a watery fluid to assist in the removal of the unwanted object. The brain also passes messages to the lungs so that a lungful of air is inhaled, then to the vocal cords to seal off the air passage and prevent the air from escaping. The muscles of the chest wall and abdomen are told to tighten, thus compressing the air in the lungs. Finally, the vocal cords are ordered to relax, and the compressed air is rapidly expelled, usually dislodging the unwanted irritant along with the watery fluid. All of this takes place without conscious effort and much more quickly than it takes to read about it.

In most cases, constant sneezing is a symptom of a common allergy called hay fever. Plant pollen provides the irritation, and although the name hay fever may suggest that hay or newly mowed grass is the culprit, this may not always be the case. Sufferers may be allergic to a number of different pollens, or perhaps just one. So it is easy to understand why hay-​fever sufferers dread seasons when strong, dry winds blow for days. Once the nasal passages are irritated and continuous sneezing begins, the slightest dust particle that normally would not cause irritation seems to start the victim on another bout of sneezing.

Consideration for Others

When the nasal passages are congested because of a heavy head cold, sneezing can bring some relief to the sufferer. Breathing becomes easier when mucus is removed from the nose in this way. But when a sneeze is not covered up, how are people nearby affected?

Doctors do not yet claim to understand fully all the ways that a cold can be spread. However, one strong suggestion is that a person can catch a cold by breathing in germs that have been sprayed into the air by a sneeze. Especially is this possible in the close confines of a warm room, or a crowded train or bus where fresh air is at a minimum. Other diseases, including influenza, measles, mumps, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and whooping cough are believed to be spread by sneezing.

Some research on the expulsion rate of sneezing reveals that droplets of fluid containing germs are expelled from the nose and mouth at more than 100 miles [160 km] per hour and can adhere to surfaces nearly 12 feet [4 m] away. Other droplets float in the air for a while to be inhaled by innocent passersby.

Can a Sneeze Be Stifled?

Many methods have been tried with varying degrees of success. Some claim to have stopped or cut short the “explosion” of a sneeze by pressing a finger firmly on the upper lip just under the nose. Hard pressure there is said to block some of the nerves involved in the sneeze cycle or mechanism. Another way may be to blow your nose into a handkerchief just as you feel a sneeze coming on.

For prolonged sneezing or a chronic attack, inhalants sometimes give relief, even if the inhalant is just the steam from hot water. This could explain why many hay-​fever sufferers get temporary relief while taking a hot shower or bath in a room filled with steam.

Various techniques and methods have been suggested over the years, some reasonable, others ludicrous. Anesthetic creams for the inside of the nose have been tried with some success. Others include sedatives, injections, drops, pills, potions, psychotherapy, cauterization of the nasal membranes, and smelling garlic or horseradish. The more ludicrous suggestions range from putting a clothespin on the nose to standing on one’s head, reciting the alphabet backward, or rubbing the face with lard.

A note of caution: It is not always a good idea to stifle or hold back a sneeze. Forcibly arresting a hearty sneeze has been known to cause nosebleeds and may send the offending bacteria up into the sinuses, which could cause the infection to spread. On rare occasions, bones in and around the nose have been fractured, and a bone in the middle ear has been dislocated.

“Bless You!”

In many lands it is a custom for those standing nearby to say “bless you” to the person who sneezes. Where did such a custom originate?

According to the book How Did It Begin? by R. Brasch, some ancients believed that when a man sneezed, he was nearest to death. Brasch adds: “The fear was based on an erroneous but widely held notion. Man’s soul was considered to be the essence of life. The fact that dead men never breathed led to the fallacious deduction that his soul must be breath. . . . It is thus not surprising that from the earliest days people learned to respond to a sneeze with apprehension and the fervent wish to the sneezer that God may help and bless him and preserve his life. Somehow in medieval times this early origin of the custom must have been forgotten because it was Pope Gregory the Great who was credited with having introduced the saying ‘God bless you,’ to anyone who sneezed.”

Please Remember Your Handkerchief

It may surprise you to learn that sneezing has been put to criminal use. Yes, lawbreakers have devised ways of using, or misusing, sneezing for evil ends. About a hundred years ago, certain thieves in England came to be called sneeze-​lurkers. They would throw snuff into a stranger’s face. Then, while he was distracted and racked by a fit of violent sneezing, the thieves would rob him of his valuables.

Most of us will never have sneezing induced by a face full of snuff. But whether overtaken by a sudden sneeze or a prolonged sneezing attack, the thoughtful person will always use a handkerchief or strong tissue to cover his nose and mouth. Not only is this a display of good manners but it is also a sensible precaution. It helps to guard against spraying the air with germ-​laden droplets just waiting to be inhaled by the next unsuspecting person to come along. Neighbor love would also dictate that we try to protect others from disease by doing everything we can to limit the spread of germs.

It may not be wise or possible to stifle a sneeze. But how much others will appreciate your consideration​—and your use of a handkerchief—​to hold that sneeze!

“Go to the Ant”

“GO TO the ant, you lazy one,” wrote King Solomon, “see its ways and become wise.” What can a lazy person​—or any person for that matter—​learn from an ant? Solomon continued: “Although it has no commander, officer or ruler, it prepares its food even in the summer; it has gathered its food supplies even in the harvest.”​—Proverbs 6:6-8.

The wise king was apparently referring to the harvester ant. In Israel, as in many other places, it is a common sight to see a harvester ant scurrying about, carrying a seed nearly as large as itself. (See top left.) It takes the gathered food supplies to the underground storage.

Being underground, the “granary” can become quite damp during the rainy season, and the seeds will germinate or become moldy if left untended. So the ants have extra work to do. As soon as the sun comes out, the worker ants take the seeds to the surface for them to dry out in the open air. (See above.) And before the sun sets, the ants have to carry all the seeds back in. Some ants are smart enough to bite off the growing tip of the seeds as soon as they are collected or when they start to germinate.

The ants’ work does not end with preparing the food. They also have the chore of caring for the young. Eggs must be put in compact bundles. Larvae from the hatched eggs must be fed. Pupae must be tended. Some ants even provide air-​conditioning service. When it gets hot during the day, they carry the pupae deeper down in their nest. When the coolness of evening approaches, they bring the pupae back up. A lot of work, isn’t it?

As the colony grows, new rooms must be built. The worker ants use their jaws to dig and carry the soil out. They usually do this after a rain when the soil is soft. They also mold the soil into “bricks” for their civil-​engineering projects​—building the walls and ceilings of their underground tunnels and chambers.

All of this the ants do with “no commander, officer or ruler.” What about the queen? She gives no command. She only lays eggs and is queen in the sense that she is the mother of the colony. Even with no supervisor to check on them or foreman to drive them, the ants keep tirelessly at their work. One ant was seen working from six in the morning till ten at night!

Can you learn a lesson from observing the ant? Do you work hard and strive to improve in your work whether you are being monitored or not? (Proverbs 22:29) You will be rewarded in the long run even if your employer does not take note of it. You can enjoy a clean conscience and personal satisfaction. As Solomon observed: “Sweet is the sleep of the one serving, regardless of whether it is little or much that he eats.”​—Ecclesiastes 5:12.

That is not all that we can learn from the ant. Ants work hard by instinct. In fact, some ants are observed blindly following the trail that others left behind. They end up running in a circle, round and round, until they fall and die.

Do you sometimes feel that you are running in a circle, always busy and tired but never getting anywhere? If so, it is time to examine the purpose of your hard work and assess the true value of your goals. Remember King Solomon’s wise counsel: “Fear the true God and keep his commandments. For this is the whole obligation of man.”​—Ecclesiastes 12:13.

It Pays to Know Your Guarantee

“GUARANTEED SATISFACTION.” “Money-back guarantee.” “Lifetime guarantee.” “Unlimited warranty.” These are but a few of the slogans used by advertisers to entice the buyer to purchase goods or products. Do such promises impress you? If so, be careful!

Lynne Gordon in The Consumer’s Handbook explains why: “Those words have such an aura of rock-​ribbed security about them that few buyers really look into their meaning in a particular purchase, and only find out later, when they try to claim the benefits of a warranty, that there isn’t one, or that it doesn’t cover the necessary repairs or replacements.” Knowing your guarantee before signing on the dotted line can later on save you anxiety, heartache, and money.

What Is a Warranty?

Although the word “guarantee” is popularly used, what is really spoken about is a warranty. This, according to Webster’s Third New International Unabridged Dictionary, means: “Written guarantee of the integrity of a product and the good faith of the maker given to the purchaser and generally specifying that the maker will for a period of time be responsible for the repair or replacement of defective parts and will sometimes also provide periodic servicing.”

Warranties can protect you from concealed or sharp business practices and dishonest salesmen. For example, when one car dealer represented a used car as being in first-​class condition when it was in reality a wreck, the buyer took the dealer to court. Because the buyer was protected by an implied warranty, the judge ordered the used-​car dealer to refund the customer double the purchase price.

Know Your Warranty!

Warranties or guarantees may appear on a product’s tag or label or may be printed in material that accompanies the product. The following are some terms commonly used:

An ORAL WARRANTY is much more difficult to enforce than a written one. Thus, it is best to have all guarantees in writing even if the dealer is known to be honest.

A SELLER’S WARRANTY provides a promise on the part of the merchant to accept responsibility for the performance or quality of the product he sells. These guarantees are generally implied or expressed warranties.

IMPLIED WARRANTIES are presumed to be included in all consumer contracts. An implied warranty, says the book You and the Law, “ensures that the dealer has the right to sell the item, that the goods measure up in general terms to the description given, that they are in good condition and are basically suitable for the purpose stated.” For example, a toaster should toast bread. Because such promises are implied, the consumer may not know they exist. A product sold “as is” has no implied warranty.

An EXPRESS WARRANTY provides specific promises regarding performance and quality of the goods. It usually is put in writing. Express warranties cannot nullify guarantees that are implied by law. As explained in the book Consumer Rights and Responsibilities, “an express condition or warranty binds the manufacturer or the seller (whoever made the promise) to honor their promise/​guarantee as well as, and not in place of, those promises already required by law.”

The MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY guarantees the general condition of the product and usually includes an agreement to repair any defects at the manufacturer’s expense during a certain period of time. It is important to remember, as explained in You and the Law, that the “courts are reluctant to hold the manufacturer responsible under a written warranty for any defects or servicing not specifically and clearly covered in its wording.” Remember, also, that most products have their best guarantee on their most durable parts. The parts that are most likely to wear out are usually not covered. Be sure of what is actually covered.

Some people view the UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE as providing the best protection of all. This guarantee supposedly has “no strings attached.” Other people, though, are convinced that all guarantees include certain conditions.

Be Forearmed

A guarantee can easily be misunderstood. For example, a “lifetime guarantee” does not mean it will be valid for your lifetime. Rather, it generally refers to the lifetime of the product as long as you own that particular product. What about the term “satisfaction guaranteed”? It is too vague to be considered a genuine guarantee.

Be sure to READ THE FINE PRINT before signing. Often what seems to be guaranteed in bold print on the front of an agreement may be nullified or modified by the fine print on the back. Yes, it pays to know your guarantee because, as The Consumer’s Handbook cautions, “the bold print giveth and the fine print taketh away.”

[Box on page 26]

Check Your Guarantee

◻ Is it oral or written?

◻ Exactly what is covered?

◻ What is the time limit?

◻ Who back it up, and what is their reputation?

◻ Who pays for repair costs?

◻ Whom do you contact when things go wrong?

◻ Is any action needed to benefit from the guarantee?

◻ What responsibilities do you have for maintenance and upkeep?

Watching the World

NEW BLOOD LAW

On January 1, 1990, California became the first state in the United States to enact a law requiring physicians and surgeons to inform their patients of the dangers of blood transfusions “whenever there is a possibility that a blood transfusion may be necessary as a result of a surgical procedure.” According to the new law, a patient should also be told in writing of both the dangers and the advantages of various alternatives to receiving someone else’s blood in a transfusion. Surgeons and physicians must make a note on the patient’s medical record that the patient was so informed. These measures do not apply, though, when what is said to be a “life threatening emergency” exists. Called The Paul Gann Blood Safety Act, the measure is named for a renowned crusader for tax reforms who died of AIDS he had got from a blood transfusion. According to his obituary in Time magazine, “Gann believed that people who knowingly transmit [AIDS] ‘should be tried for murder.’”

DO NURSES HAVE THE RIGHT OF CHOICE?

While proabortionists claim that every woman should have the right to choose abortion, many nurses in Canada feel that they are being denied their own right of choice​—the freedom to refuse to assist doctors with abortions. According to The Globe and Mail of Toronto, Canada, many nurses in that country are asked to sign statements declaring that their religious and personal beliefs will not prevent them from carrying out any duties they may be assigned. If they refuse to assist with abortions, “they should look for another job,” according to a spokesperson for the Ontario Hospital Association. Other countries make allowances for a nurse’s conscience. Britain’s Royal College of Nursing even suggests ongoing counseling for nurses who assist with abortions, since nurses may decide to quit the practice after seeing abortions firsthand.

A COMPLEX UNIVERSE

The discovery of vast structures in space may force scientists to reevaluate their theories. One such structure, referred to as “the great wall,” is described as an immense, flat expanse of galaxies spread out over a thousand million light-​years. Another structure is termed “the great attractor” because it is pulling so many galaxies, including our own, toward itself. The New York Times notes that such structures, which “are not simply galaxies or clusters of them, but huge ‘continents of galaxies,’” confirm theories that “the basic objects in the universe are far larger and more complicated than astronomers had imagined.” One astrophysicist told the Times that many theorists were hoping that the great attractor would go away. Why? “We just don’t understand how such a large structure can be formed,” he said.

“ATROPHY OF RELIGIOUS LIFE”

Is religion important to the Italian people? Not according to a recent survey of 2,008 Italians from 14 to 70 years of age. Of those interviewed, 61.5 percent said they never or hardly ever pray. Only 0.5 percent would go to a priest for advice. A meager 8 percent felt that faith was needed to improve human relations. According to the Italian newspaper Il Corriere della Sera, “45 percent [of the Italian people] claim they are believers, but they are not sure in what.” And Il Giornale says that what beliefs Italians do have are more “a lazy acceptance of the past than a conscious choice.” La Stampa characterized the situation as an “atrophy of religious life” in Italy. What has taken the place of the disintegrating religions? Il Corriere della Sera answers: “In their place, for the time being, there is a vacuum.”

AIDS IN INDIA

At the outset of 1990, there were reported to be only 41 cases of full-​blown AIDS in India; yet that nation may be the first in Asia to suffer a major AIDS epidemic, according to The Toronto Star. The Indian government estimates that some 10,000 of the 100,000 prostitutes in Bombay are already infected with the deadly virus. That group alone may be capable of infecting 20,000 men in a single year. Many prostitutes refuse to quit their trade even after they learn that they are infected, claiming that they have no other way to earn a living. Hundreds of India’s professional blood sellers also carry the AIDS virus; yet many continue to sell their blood to make a living. As the virus spreads throughout the country, one medical official in Bombay summarizes the picture in that city: “This is a ticking time bomb.”

SEGREGATED SUBWAYS

The new subway system in Cairo, Egypt, has been widely praised for its cleanness, efficiency, and safety. The women of Cairo, however, have opted for an improvement. One car of each train has been set aside for female passengers only. The new policy was backed by Thuraya Labna, feminist member of the Egyptian parliament, who claimed that Egyptian women needed a safe way to use public transportation without suffering from the sexual harassment so prevalent in Cairo. Although the plan has drawn some criticism (for instance, the women’s subway car has been derided as a ‘harem on wheels’), it has reportedly made some gains toward its goal of protecting women.

THE POOREST OF THE POOR

In February 1990, representatives from the 42 poorest nations in the world met for a weekend in Bangladesh to formulate new ways to convince the world’s wealthier nations that some 500 million people are in urgent need of help. A similar conference was held in 1981, but none of its major goals were met. In fact, The New York Times reports that “the 1980’s have brought more degrading poverty, declining literacy, worsening health and generally lower living standards.” The average per capita income in the 42 nations is only $200 (U.S.) a year. Twenty-eight of the countries are in Africa, nine are in Asia, four are island nations in the Pacific and Indian oceans, and one is in the Caribbean Sea of the Americas.

ALCOHOL AND WOMEN

It has long been observed that alcohol has more impact on women than it does on men. One popular explanation has been that men weigh more, so they can absorb more alcohol. But now Italian and American scientists have found that the female body manufactures 30 percent less of an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase than the male body does. While alcohol is still in the stomach, the enzyme breaks some of it down before it can enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain, liver, and other organs. Male alcoholics continue to produce about half their normal levels of the enzyme, while female alcoholics produce almost none at all.

A DRINKING PROBLEM

“Keeping drinking water clean is a problem clear across Europe and beyond,” reports The German Tribune. According to the German newspaper Deutsches Allgemeines Sonntagsblatt, the German Gas and Water Boards Association estimates that of the 6,300 waterworks in the Federal Republic of Germany, between 10 and 20 percent fail to meet the European standard for drinking water. The government allows the use of about 1,400 pesticides, which contain some 240 chemical agents. So far, traces of at least 40 of those agents have been found in the country’s drinking water, its groundwater, and even, increasingly, in its rainwater. Besides, German drinking water is still suffering delayed effects from World War II. In one small town, the site of a former munitions factory, six wells had to be shut down; they were contaminated with the residues of TNT production.

WORSE THAN OBESITY

It is common knowledge that quitting smoking may contribute to subsequent weight gain and that obesity is a health hazard. But those two facts do not support the rationale of some smokers that it is healthier to go on smoking and stay trim than to quit and gain weight. According to Britain’s Economist, a statistician and an epidemiologist have analyzed data from an extensive study of over 7,000 British men. The researchers concluded that while it is indeed dangerous to be obese, smoking 20 cigarettes a day is even more dangerous. Says The Economist: “Even gross obesity was found to be better than smoking (not because gross obesity is not so bad after all, but because smoking is really awful).”

20TH-​CENTURY DISEASE

Modern-day pollution has spawned an unusual new malady. Referred to as ecological illness, environmental hypersensitivity, or 20th-​century disease, it reportedly afflicts some 30,000 people in Ontario, Canada, alone. Sufferers are extremely sensitive to a plethora of man-​made chemicals and pollutants, ranging from cigarette smoke to the ink on a printed page. In extreme cases, sufferers become homebound invalids, breathing through an oxygen mask. The Toronto Star notes that some experts believe that the suffering of these few “is a warning that something has gone very wrong.”

From Our Readers

Emperor Worship In your article “Funeral for a Former God” (December 22, 1989), you misplaced the blame for the conflict between Japan and the West. This was the result of the attempts of the West to dominate Asia. The rise of Japan as a world power stopped this. No, Emperor Hirohito was not a god, but maybe the Lord used him as a way to lead the oppressed people of Asia to freedom.

T. M., United States

It is not reasonable to conclude that God endorsed the terrible carnage wrought by that conflict. (Habakkuk 1:13) The tragic reign of Emperor Hirohito was used to illustrate that human rulership works to man’s injury and that man sorely needs God’s rulership. (Ecclesiastes 8:9)​—ED.

Were the articles good and proper for a Christian to read? By reading the details about Emperor Showa, are not ‘our minds on the works that are wicked’?​—Colossians 1:21.

Y. F., Japan

Understandably, the articles may have evoked painful memories, especially among readers who lived through the events described therein. Nevertheless, the articles were written to expose the folly of worshiping any human and to turn readers to “the living God.” (Acts 14:15)​—ED.

Choosing Careers Thank you for your counsel to young people on the value of a university education. (May 8, 1989) For the past 22 years, I have been a professor at a large state university, and I can assure your young readers that aside from the serious spiritual considerations, much of what is taught at universities these days has little practical value. Academic standards have dropped, and often graduates have few marketable skills.

Also, in the past, some had concluded that a young Christian was to be condemned for enrolling in university courses under any circumstances. I therefore appreciated the balanced view expressed in your article.

F. S., United States

Parents must decide how much schooling is appropriate for their children. And while a career in the ministry is recommended for Christian youths, some job training beyond what is offered in secondary school is not objectionable in itself. In some lands, it may be practical or even necessary to receive such training. Parents must weigh the benefits against the effects it might have upon the spirituality of their children. In any event, a Christian’s priority must be the advancement of Kingdom interests, not financial advantage. (Matthew 6:33)​—ED.

My parents used to tell me to learn a trade in school, but I would just forget about it. Since reading your article, I’m taking courses that will help me to get a job I like when I get out of school. But whatever trade I learn, I plan to make the ministry my career.

V. L., United States

Understanding Asthma My heartfelt thanks for your article. (March 22, 1990) The day before we received it, our doctor diagnosed our daughter as an asthma sufferer. So the article was like an arm of comfort. I shall be using many of its suggestions.

V. H., England

Crossword Puzzles I am a regular reader of Awake! and especially enjoy the crossword puzzles. They help me memorize scriptures. Will any more be published?

J. W., England

Yes, they will continue to be published from time to time.​—ED.

You Are Invited to Attend: The “Pure Language” District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses

It begins this month and will continue through July and August. All sessions are free. Listen to helpful Bible discussions on practical matters of life. Attend a convention near you at any location below:

CONVENTION LOCATIONS

JUNE 7-10

LOS ANGELES, CA, Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave.

NEW YORK, NY, Yankee Stadium, 157th St. & River Ave.

JUNE 14-17

BILOXI, MS, Mississippi Coast Coliseum, 3800 W. Beach Blvd.

BIRMINGHAM, AL, Civic Center Coliseum, One Civic Center Plaza.

CICERO, IL, Hawthorne Race Track, 35th & Cicero Ave.

CORVALLIS, OR, Gill Coliseum, 600 S.W. 26th St.

KANSAS CITY, MO, Kemper Arena, 1800 Genessee St.

KNOXVILLE, TN, Thompson-​Boling Assembly Center, 1600 Stadium Dr.

LAFAYETTE, LA, Cajundome, West Congress.

MACON, GA, Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Dr.

MADISON, WI, Dane County Memorial Coliseum, John Nolen Dr.

NEW HAVEN, CT, Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 275 S. Orange St.

SOUTH BEND, IN, N.D.U. Joyce Athletic Center, Juniper Rd.

TUCSON, AZ, Convention Center, 260 S. Church St.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL, Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

WICHITA, KS, Kansas Coliseum, I-135 at 85th St. N.

JUNE 21-24

BILOXI, MS, Mississippi Coast Coliseum, 3800 W. Beach Blvd.

CICERO, IL (Sign language also), Hawthorne Race Track, 35th & Cicero Ave.

COLUMBIA, SC, Carolina Coliseum, Assembly & Blossom Sts.

CORVALLIS, OR, Gill Coliseum, 600 S.W. 26th St.

DENVER, CO, McNichols Sports Arena, 1635 Clay St.

GREENSBORO, NC, Coliseum, 1921 W. Lee St.

KANSAS CITY, MO, Kemper Arena, 1800 Genessee St.

LAFAYETTE, LA, Cajundome, West Congress.

LANDOVER, MD, Capital Centre, Beltway Exit 15 E. or 17.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Sign language also), Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave.

MACON, GA (Sign language also), Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Dr.

MADISON, WI, Dane County Memorial Coliseum, John Nolen Dr.

NEW HAVEN, CT, Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 275 S. Orange St.

PHILADELPHIA, PA, Veterans Stadium, S. Broad & Pattison Ave.

PITTSBURGH, PA, Three Rivers Stadium, 420 Stadium Cir.

PONTIAC, MI (Sign language also), Silverdome, 1200 Featherstone Rd.

RENO, NV, Reno-​Sparks Convention Arena, 4590 S. Virginia St.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL, Bayfront Center, 400 1st St. S.

SAN DIEGO, CA, Jack Murphy Stadium, 9449 Friars Rd.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

TACOMA, WA (Sign language also), Tacoma Dome, 2727 E. “D” St.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL, Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

JUNE 28–​JULY 1

AMARILLO, TX, Civic Center Coliseum, 3rd & Buchanan Sts.

BISMARCK, ND, Civic Center Arena, 601 E. Sweet Ave.

CICERO, IL, Hawthorne Race Track, 35th & Cicero Ave.

COLUMBIA, SC, Carolina Coliseum, Assembly & Blossom Sts.

DENVER, CO (Sign language also), McNichols Sports Arena, 1635 Clay St.

GREENSBORO, NC, Coliseum, 1921 W. Lee St.

HAMPTON, VA, Coliseum, 1000 Coliseum Dr.

LANDOVER, MD (Sign language also), Capital Centre, Beltway Exit 15 E. or 17.

LOUISVILLE, KY, Coliseum, Kentucky Fair & Expo Center.

MACON, GA, Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Dr.

MADISON, WI, Dane County Memorial Coliseum, John Nolen Dr.

OGDEN, UT, Dee Events Center, 4600 South 1400 E.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, Myriad, One Myriad Gardens.

PITTSBURGH, PA, Three Rivers Stadium, 420 Stadium Cir.

RENO, NV, Reno-​Sparks Convention Arena, 4590 S. Virginia St.

ROCHESTER, MN, Mayo Civic Center Arena, 30 2nd Ave. S.E.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (Sign language also), Bayfront Center, 400 1st St. S.

SAN ANTONIO, TX (Spanish only), Convention Center Arena, S. Alamo & Market Sts.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Sign language also), Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

TACOMA, WA (Spanish also), Tacoma Dome, 2727 E. “D” St.

TUCSON, AZ (Sign language also), Convention Center, 260 S. Church St.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL, Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

JULY 5-8

AMARILLO, TX, Civic Center Coliseum, 3rd & Buchanan Sts.

BILLINGS, MT, MetraPark Arena, Hwy. #10.

BROOKLYN, NY (Italian only), Jehovah’s Witnesses Assembly Hall, 973 Flatbush Ave.

CORVALLIS, OR, Gill Coliseum, 600 S.W. 26th St.

CROWNSVILLE, MD (Korean only), Jehovah’s Witnesses Assembly Hall, Sunrise Beach Rd.

HAMPTON, VA, Coliseum, 1000 Coliseum Dr.

HOUSTON, TX (Sign language also), Astrodome, Loop 610 at Kirby Dr.

JACKSONVILLE, FL, Memorial Coliseum, Gator Bowl Sports Complex.

JERSEY CITY, NJ (French only), Jehovah’s Witnesses Assembly Hall, 2932 Kennedy Blvd.

LANDOVER, MD, Capital Centre, Beltway Exit 15 E. or 17.

LINCOLN, NE (Sign language also), Devaney Sports Center, 16th St. & Military Rd.

LOUISVILLE, KY (Sign language also), Coliseum, Kentucky Fair & Expo Center.

MACON, GA, Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Dr.

MEMPHIS, TN, Mid-​South Coliseum, Mid-​South Fairgrounds.

MOBILE, AL, Municipal Auditorium, 401 Auditorium Dr.

NATICK, MA (Portuguese only), Jehovah’s Witnesses Assembly Hall, 85 Bacon St.

OGDEN, UT, Dee Events Center, 4600 South 1400 E.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, Myriad, One Myriad Gardens.

PROVIDENCE, RI, Civic Center, One LaSalle Sq.

RENO, NV, Reno-​Sparks Convention Arena, 4590 S. Virginia St.

ROCHESTER, MN, Mayo Civic Center Arena, 30 2nd Ave. S.E.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL, Bayfront Center, 400 1st St. S.

SPRINGFIELD, IL, Prairie Capital Convention Center, One Convention Center Plaza.

SPRINGFIELD, MA, Civic Center, 1277 Main St.

SYRACUSE, NY, Onondaga Co. War Memorial Arena, 515 Montgomery St.

TUCSON, AZ, Convention Center, 260 S. Church St.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL, Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

WILLOUGHBY, OH (Greek only), Jehovah’s Witnesses Assembly Hall, 38025 Vine St.

JULY 12-15

CICERO, IL, Hawthorne Race Track, 35th & Cicero Ave.

COLUMBIA, SC, Carolina Coliseum, Assembly & Blossom Sts.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (French only), Jehovah’s Witnesses Assembly Hall, 20850 Griffin Rd.

FORT WORTH, TX, Tarrant County Convention Center, 1111 Houston St.

FRESNO, CA, Convention Center, 700 “M” St.

HAMPTON, VA, Coliseum, 1000 Coliseum Dr.

HIALEAH, FL (Spanish only), Hialeah Park Race Track, E. 32nd St. at E. 2nd Ave.

JACKSONVILLE, FL, Memorial Coliseum, Gator Bowl Sports Complex.

JERSEY CITY, NJ (French only), Jehovah’s Witnesses Assembly Hall, 2932 Kennedy Blvd.

List continues on previous page

The “Pure Language” District Convention (continued from page 32)

LOS ANGELES, CA (Spanish only), Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Japanese only), Jehovah’s Witnesses Assembly Hall, 20600 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills.

LOUISVILLE, KY, Coliseum, Kentucky Fair & Expo Center.

MEMPHIS, TN, Mid-​South Coliseum, Mid-​South Fairgrounds.

PROVIDENCE, RI (Sign language also), Civic Center, One LaSalle Sq.

RENO, NV, Reno-​Sparks Convention Arena, 4590 S. Virginia St.

ROANOKE, VA, Civic Center, 710 Williamson Rd. N.E.

ROCHESTER, MN, Mayo Civic Center Arena, 30 2nd Ave. S.E.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL, Bayfront Center, 400 1st St. S.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

SOUTH BEND, IN, N.D.U. Joyce Athletic Center, Juniper Rd.

SPRINGFIELD, MA, Civic Center, 1277 Main St.

SYRACUSE, NY, Onondaga Co. War Memorial Arena, 515 Montgomery St.

TUCSON, AZ (Spanish only), Convention Center, 260 S. Church St.

JULY 19-22

CICERO, IL (Spanish only), Hawthorne Race Track, 35th & Cicero Ave.

FORT WORTH, TX (Sign language also), Tarrant County Convention Center, 1111 Houston St.

FRESNO, CA, Convention Center, 700 “M” St.

HIALEAH, FL (Spanish only), Hialeah Park Race Track, E. 32nd St. at E. 2nd Ave.

JACKSONVILLE, FL, Memorial Coliseum, Gator Bowl Sports Complex.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Spanish only), Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Korean only), Jehovah’s Witnesses Assembly Hall, 20600 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills.

MEMPHIS, TN, Mid-​South Coliseum, Mid-​South Fairgrounds.

NEW YORK, NY (Sign language also), Yankee Stadium, 157th St. & River Ave.

PROVIDENCE, RI, Civic Center, One LaSalle Sq.

ROANOKE, VA, Civic Center, 710 Williamson Rd. N.E.

ROCHESTER, MN, Mayo Civic Center Arena, 30 2nd Ave. S.E.

ST. LOUIS, MO, The Arena, 5700 Oakland Ave.

SAN ANTONIO, TX (Spanish only), Convention Center Arena, S. Alamo & Market Sts.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

SOUTH BEND, IN, N.D.U. Joyce Athletic Center, Juniper Rd.

SPRINGFIELD, MA, Civic Center, 1277 Main St.

SYRACUSE, NY, Onondaga Co. War Memorial Arena, 515 Montgomery St.

TUCSON, AZ (Spanish only), Convention Center, 260 S. Church St.

JULY 26-29

FORT WORTH, TX, Tarrant County Convention Center, 1111 Houston St.

FRESNO, CA, Convention Center, 700 “M” St.

HIALEAH, FL (Spanish only), Hialeah Park Race Track, E. 32nd St. at E. 2nd Ave.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Chinese only), Jehovah’s Witnesses Assembly Hall, 20600 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills.

NEW YORK, NY (Spanish only), Yankee Stadium, 157th St. & River Ave.

ST. LOUIS, MO, The Arena, 5700 Oakland Ave.

SAN ANTONIO, TX (Spanish only), Convention Center Arena, S. Alamo & Market Sts.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

SYRACUSE, NY, Onondaga Co. War Memorial Arena, 515 Montgomery St.

AUGUST 2-5

FRESNO, CA (Spanish only), Convention Center, 700 “M” St.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Spanish only), Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

Britain

JUNE 14-17

JERSEY, C.I., Fort Regent Leisure Centre, St. Helier.

JUNE 28–​JULY 1

LEEDS, Leeds United Football Club, Elland Road.

PLYMOUTH, Plymouth Argyle Football Club, Home Park.

JULY 5-8

EDINBURGH, Rugby Union Ground, Murrayfield.

MANCHESTER, Manchester City Football Club, Maine Road, Moss Side.

STOKE, Stoke City Football Club, Victoria Ground, Stoke-on-​Trent.

JULY 12-15

COVENTRY, Coventry City Football Club, King Richard Street.

LONDON (CRYSTAL PALACE), National Sports Centre, Norwood.

NORWICH, Norwich City Football Club, Carrow Road.

JULY 19-22

CARDIFF, Welsh National Rugby Ground, Cardiff Arms Park.

JULY 26-29

SOUTHAMPTON, Southampton Football Club, The Dell, Milton Road.

Ireland

JULY 12-15

NAVAN, Navan Exhibition Centre, Trim Road.

JULY 19-22

NAVAN, Navan Exhibition Centre, Trim Road.

Canada

JULY 5-8

BRAMPTON, ONT. (Spanish only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hwy. 7, 1 mile W. of Mississauga Rd., Norval, Ont.

EDMONTON, ALTA. (Sign language also), Edmonton Northlands Coliseum, 75th St. & 118th Ave.

KAMLOOPS, B.C. (Sign language also), Kamloops Exhibition Association, 479 Chilcotin Rd.

MONTREAL, QUE. (Italian only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 12700, boul. Métropolitain Est, Pointe-aux-​Trembles (Québec)

NEWCASTLE, N.B., Miramichi Civic Center, Radio Rd. & King George Hwy.

PENTICTON, B.C., Penticton Trade & Convention Centre, 273 Power St.

SASKATOON, SASK. (Sign language also; Ukrainian sessions also), Saskatchewan Place, 3515 Thatcher Ave.

VANCOUVER, B.C. (Sign language also; Portuguese sessions also), Pacific Coliseum, P.N.E. Grounds, Hastings St. E. & Renfrew St.

JULY 12-15

BRAMPTON, ONT. (Portuguese only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hwy. 7, 1 mile W. of Mississauga Rd., Norval, Ont.

CASTLEGAR, B.C., Castlegar & District Community Complex, 2101 6th Ave.

HAMILTON, ONT. (Sign language also; Hungarian and Ukrainian/​Polish sessions also), Copps Coliseum, 101 York Blvd.

LETHBRIDGE, ALTA. (Sign language also; French and Spanish sessions also), The Sportsplex, 2510 Scenic Dr. S.

MONTREAL, QUE. (French only; sign language also; Arabic and Armenian sessions also), Olympic Stadium, boul. Pie-​IX & rue Sherbrooke.

OTTAWA, ONT. (Sign language also), Civic Centre Arena, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St.

SAULT STE. MARIE, ONT., Sault Memorial Gardens, 269 Queen St. E.

SYDNEY, N.S. (Sign language also), Sydney Centre 200, George & Falmouth Sts.

TERRACE, B.C., Terrace Arena, 3320 Kalum St.

VICTORIA, B.C. (Sign language also), Victoria Memorial Arena, 1925 Blanshard St.

JULY 19-22

BRAMPTON, ONT. (Italian only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hwy. 7, 1 mile W. of Mississauga Rd., Norval, Ont.

HAMILTON, ONT. (Sign language also; Arabic and Korean sessions also), Copps Coliseum, 101 York Blvd.

MONTREAL, QUE. (Spanish only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 12700, boul. Métropolitain Est, Pointe-aux-​Trembles (Québec)

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. (Sign language also), Kin Centre, Arenas I & II, Ospika Blvd. S. & 18th Ave.

ST. JOHN’S, NFLD. (Sign language also), Conception Bay South Stadium, Legion Rd., Kelligrews, Nfld.

SHERBROOKE, QUE. (French only), Palais des Sports, 360, rue Parc.

WINNIPEG, MAN. (Sign language also; Ukrainian/​Polish sessions also), Winnipeg Convention Centre, 375 York Ave.

JULY 26-29

BRAMPTON, ONT. (Italian only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hwy. 7, 1 mile W. of Mississauga Rd., Norval, Ont.

CORNER BROOK, NFLD., Humber Gardens, O’Connell Dr.

HULL, QUE. (French only), Hull Arena, rue Allard.

QUEBEC CITY, QUE. (French only; sign language also), Colisée, 2205, avenue du Colisée.

AUGUST 2-5

BRAMPTON, ONT. (Greek only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hwy. 7, 1 mile W. of Mississauga Rd., Norval, Ont.