Podcast appearances and mentions of deborah russell

It's been a rowdy start to the last sitting block of this Parliamentary term. MPs are back in Wellington for the next three weeks before the House rises for the election campaign. Associate Housing Minister Willie Jackson had to apologise for repeated criticisms of National MP Chris Bishop. Jackson had come to the defence of his colleague Deborah Russell, after it emerged she once opposed Labour's move to remove interest deductibility from rental properties.

It's a game of wait and see for the Census target. Today's the final day for people to complete the compulsory survey for all New Zealanders. About 89 percent have filled it out so far. Statistics Minister Deborah Russell told Mike Hosking she doesn't know yet if it will reach their target of getting 90 percent of people to complete it. She says there's a whole lot of information to come in yet so she's leaving that determination to the professionals. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Deborah Russell, Alex Tan and Arihia Bennett.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has unveiled his new Cabinet line-up. Nanaia Mahuta has been stripped of the local government portfolio and Andrew Little has lost health. Kieran McAnulty enters Cabinet and picks up local government. Ayesha Verall gets health. Michael Wood has shot up the rankings and becomes the Minister for Auckland. Jan Tinetti has also been promoted, picking up education. New ministers include Ginny Anderson, Barbara Edmonds, Duncan Webb, Willow-Jean Prime, Rino Tirikatene, and Deborah Russell. Chris Hipkins talks to Lisa Owen about the government response to the Auckland floods, and the Cabinet changes.

Aucklanders are bracing for more rain later today. In West Auckland, the hilly, bush-clad suburb of Titirangi is one of the hardest hit. Days of heavy rain has brought down slips, leaving some homes teetering on hillsides and tearing huge chunks out of roads. Thousands of residents are without water, and while water tankers have been brought in, there are many who live too far off the road to lug water in. Paul Bell and his wife Claire live in Otitori Bay Road in Titirangi - on Friday night 50 metres of bank in front of their home disappeared. Their second baby in due in 3 weeks and they're unsure whether they can move home. Kathryn also speaks with local MP for New Lynn, Deborah Russell.

Some MPs will be getting a promotion when Chris Hipkins unveils his Cabinet reshuffle this afternoon. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper says Hipkins will keep Grant Robertson in Finance, and Andrew Little is determined to keep Health. But he told Mike Hosking some new faces will also pick up portfolios, like Chief Whip Duncan Webb. He says Webb could be given the Conservation role, and Deborah Russell is also in the mix for a new role. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I feel sorry for hospitality especially, and business in general in New Zealand at the moment.You heard what Michael Wood said. Does that sound like a minister who wants to help businesses? No.These guys in government are not all dumb. They know that the lack of workers in this country will cause businesses to close.If you can't find a chef, you can't sell food, and you can't pay your bills. That's you done.They know that. But they're not going to help.It feels like they actually believe business owners and bosses are bad guys. They're so steeped in union ideology they seem to believe that bosses are constantly screwing workers instead of understanding or caring that you need bosses to have jobs for workers.And the reason I think that is that this is not the first comment from a Labour government minister basically suggesting they don't give a toss about businesses.Remember Iain Lees-Galloway?  He got in trouble for saying back in 2018 that “if a small change to the minimum wage is going to be that detrimental to them then they don't sound resilient." A small change to the minimum wage by the way ended up being a 35 percent increase in less than five years.Deborah Russell: remember that? She said back in April during the first lockdown that businesses in trouble “after only a few weeks in a pretty bad situation” were a sign they did not have enough strength.Maybe they don't understand how business works or maybe - more likely - they just don't care if businesses go under and all your life's work is blown because you couldn't get foreign workers in like you used to.But whatever it is I feel gutted for Kiwi businesses. These people do not have your back.I feel like the only thing to do is batten down the hatches, grit your teeth and try to last to the next election because if Michael Wood won't say he's sorry I don't think things are going to change, do you?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James' letter in the Bible was considered controversial in its time, as many religious leaders strongly believed that faith alone--not good deeds--would save a person's soul. But don't these deeds serve a purpose in life, now? Rev. Emily Penfield explores this chapter in the next part of her series on James. Scripture: James 2: 1-10, 14-17 Worship Leader/Sermon: Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield Organist/Pianist: Andy Plummer Choir: Lisa Russell Lowe, Clara Russell, Tommy Russell, Jr., Deborah Russell, Tina Hendrickson, John Somerset, Jan Somerset, Jay Somerset   Songs: "Toccata on 'Amazing Grace'" by Pardini "Walk with Me" (1988) by John S. Rice "In Christ There is No East or West" (1913) by John Oxenham "Jesus My Trust" (1931) by Marcel Dupre   CCLI 20178353 To donate to Woodlawn UMC, visit https://www.woodlawnbham.com/giving or use Venmo @woodlawnumc

Rev. Emily Penfield kicks off a unit on James with this lesson: when we receive the gifts from God through our faith, it is our responsibility to accept that gift by putting the Word into action. Scripture: James 1: 16-27 Worship Leader/Sermon: Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield Organist: Andy Plummer Pianist: Lynn Miles Soloist: Jay Somerset Choir: Lisa Russell Lowe, Clara Russell, Tommy Russell, Jr., Deborah Russell, John Somerset, Jan Somerset, Kenny Williamson Keith, Tina Hendrickson   Songs: "We Sing to You, O God" (1993) by Gracia Grindal "Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart" (1978) by Henry Smith "For the First Fruits of This Creation" (1970) by Fred Pratt Green "Amazing Grace" arranged by Martin "Trumpet Tune in D Maj" by Purcell   CCLI 20178353 To donate to Woodlawn UMC, visit https://www.woodlawnbham.com/giving or use Venmo @woodlawnumc

The pharisees tried to shame Jesus for not keeping the traditions of the elders, but Jesus calls out their traditions for not honoring God's commandments. Rev. Emily Penfield guides us to the better way in today's episode. Scripture: Mark 7: 1-23 Worship Leader/Sermon: Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield Organist: Andy Plummer Pianist: Lynn Miles Choir: Lisa Russell Lowe, Tommy Russell, Jr., Deborah Russell, Clara Russell, Matthew Penfield, Tina Hendrickson, John Somerset, Jan Somerset, Jay Somerset   Songs: "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" (1707) by Isaac Watts "This is the Day" (1967) by Les Garrett "Christ is the World's Light" (1968) by Fred Pratt Green "Blessed Are They" (1985) by David Haas "Lord I Want to Be A Christian" African-American Spiritual "Take My Life and Let It Be" (1873) by Frances R. Havergal   CCLI 20178353 To donate to Woodlawn UMC, visit https://www.woodlawnbham.com/giving or use Venmo @woodlawnumc

Scriptures: Mark 8: 22-26; Proverbs 29: 18 Worship Leader/Sermon: Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield Organist/Pianist: Andy Plummer Choir: Lisa Russell Lowe, Clara Russell, Tommy Russell, Jr., Deborah Russell, Kenny Williamson Keith, John Somerset, Jan Somerset, Jay Somerset   Songs: "Largo in G" from Xerxes (1738) by George Handel "This is the Day" (1967) by Les Garrett "Glorify Thy Name" (1976) by Donna Adkins "Open My Eyes" (1895) by Clara H. Scott "Be Thou My Vision"(1905) by Mary E. Byrne "Spirit of God" (1854) by George Croly "Christ Beside Me" (Trad. Gaelic Melody) "Choral in D Major" by Fisher     CCLI 20178353 To donate to Woodlawn UMC, visit https://www.woodlawnbham.com/giving or use Venmo @woodlawnumc

In today's episode, Rev. Emily Penfield continues her series on John 6. Jesus reveals to the crowds that followed him that he is the living bread of God. The Jews who had known him growing up could not get past what they had seen of his life on Earth, so Jesus explains. Scripture: John 6: 35, 41-51 Worship Leader/Sermon: Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield Organist: Andy Plummer Pianist: Lynn Miles Choir: Lisa Russell Lowe, Clara Russell, Tommy Russell, Jr, Deborah Russell, Tina Hendrickson, Terry Hall, John Somerset, Jan Somerset, Jay Somerset, Kenny Williamson Keith   Songs: "Priere A Notre Dame" (1895) by Leon Boellmann "This is the Day" (1967) by Les Garrett "Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast" (1747) by Charles Wesley "I Come with Joy" (1968) by Brian Wren "I Am the Bread of Life" (1966) by Suzanne Toolan   CCLI 20178353 To donate to Woodlawn UMC, visit https://www.woodlawnbham.com/giving or use Venmo @woodlawnumc

The miracles of God are revealed through symbols, and one of the biggest symbols is food. In today's episode, Rev. Emily Penfield searches for the deeper meaning in Jesus' feeding of the 5000 men. Scripture: John 6:1-21 Worship Leader/Sermon: Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield Organist: Andy Plummer Pianist: Lynn Miles Prayer: Gerald Ensley Choir: Lisa Russell Lowe, Tommy Russell, Jr., Clara Russell, Deborah Russell, John Somerset, Jan Somerset, Jay Somerset, Kenny Williamson Keith, Terry Hall, Tina Hendrickson   Songs: "God Is Here" (1977) by Fred Pratt Green "The King of God My Shepherd Is" (1878) by H. W. Baker "You Satisfy the Hungry Heart" (1977) by Omer Westendorf   CCLI 20178353 To donate to Woodlawn UMC, visit https://www.woodlawnbham.com/giving or use Venmo @woodlawnumc

After Jesus and the disciples fed the crowds, they took off in a boat for Capernaum. Amazingly, the crowds followed. When Jesus met up with them in the village, he knew the people were still hungry for something more. In today's episode, Rev. Emily Penfield breaks down the symbolism of the bread. Scripture: John 6:24-35 Worship Leader/Sermon: Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield Organist: Andy Plummer Pianist: Lynn Miles Choir: Lisa Russell Lowe, Tommy Russell, Jr, Clara Russell, Deborah Russell, Kenny Williamson Keith, John Somerset, Jan Somerset, Jay Somerset, Terry Hall, Tina Hendrickson   Songs: "Aria, Op. 51" (1945) by Flor Peeters "God is Here" (1977) by Fred Pratt Green "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" (1745) by William Williams "I Need Thee Every Hour" (1872) by Annie S. Hawks "Become to Us the Living Bread" (1970) by Miriam Drury "Fugue in C Major" by George Handel   CCLI 20178353 To donate to Woodlawn UMC, visit https://www.woodlawnbham.com/giving or use Venmo @woodlawnumc

With the trans-tasman bubble popped for at least 2 months, Professor Des Gorman on whether it should reopen anytime soon. Then Australian Correspondent Emma Cropper crosses live from the thick of the surging outbreak in Sydney to bring us the latest. Gangs, guns and cops: With National calling for her resignation, embattled Police Minister Poto Williams joins us live in the studio. Then on the Pitch: ACT Justice spokesperson Nicole Mckee gets five minutes to argue why she'd make a better Minister than Kris Faafoi. Which MP hails from the Republic of Whangamōmona and loves tax? We peek inside the life of Labour's Deborah Russell as she shares her Backstory. And who's up, who's down and spending large - Digital Editor Finn Hogan gives us his social media power rankings. To dissect the news of the week on our panel: Dr Lara Greaves from Auckland University Politics, political commentator and lawyer Brigitte Morten and Dominion Post Editor Anna Fifield. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Though we know him for his works, Jesus knew the importance of rest. He was more than willing to teach this to his disciples when they returned from mission, but the needs of the people continued to rise. In today's episode, Rev. Emily Penfield teaches us to take a break when we need it in order to sustain us in life. Scripture: Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 Worship Leader/Sermon: Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield Organist/Pianist: Andy Plummer Choir: Lisa Russell Lowe, Tommy Russell, Jr., Deborah Russell, Clara Russell, Kenny Williamson Keith, Tina Hendrickson, John Somerset, Jan Somerset, Jay Somerset, Terry Hall   Songs: "Prelude in F Minor" (1740) by Johann S. Bach "God is Here" (1978) by Fred Pratt Green "Christ, Be Our Light" (1994) by Bernadette Farrell "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us" (1936) by Dorothy A. Thrupp   CCLI 20178353 To donate to Woodlawn UMC, visit https://www.woodlawnbham.com/giving or use Venmo @woodlawnumc

In today's episode, we welcome Rev. Al Lewis to teach us that we, like David upon returning the ark to Israel, have reasons to rejoice today and everyday. Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 Worship Leader: Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield Sermon: Rev. Al Lewis Organist/Pianist: Andy Plummer Choir: Lisa Russell Lowe, Tommy Russell, Jr., Deborah Russell, Clara Russell, Tina Hendrickson, Kenny Williamson Keith, John Somerset, Jan Somerset, Jay Somerset, Terry Hall Soloist: Pashion Lewis Saxophone: Rev. Al Lewis   Songs: "It is Well with My Soul" (1876) by Horation Spafford and Phillip Bliss "God is Here" (1977) by Fred Pratt Green "Gracious Spirit Dwell with Me" (2001) by K. Lee Scott "To God Be the Glory" (1875) by Fanny Crosby and William Howard Doane "From All That Dwell" (1719) by Isaac Watts "We Believe in the One True God" (1671) by Tobias Clausnitzer   CCLI 20178353 To donate to Woodlawn UMC, visit https://www.woodlawnbham.com/giving or use Venmo @woodlawnumc

When Jesus sent out his disciples in pairs to share the word of God, he gave them specific instructions, one of which was to move on whenever a town would not accept them or their message. Rev. Emily Penfield carries that theme in today's episode. Scripture: Mark 6:1-13 Worship Leader/Sermon: Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield Organist/Pianist: Andy Plummer Choir: Lisa Russell Lowe, Clara Russell, Tommy Russell, Jr., Deborah Russell, Kenny Williamson Keith, John Somerset, Jan Somerset, Jay Somerset, Tina Hendrickson, Terry Hall   Songs: "Prelude in C Major" (1722) by Sebastian Bach "God is Here" (1978) by Fred Pratt Green "In Remembrance" (1972) by Buryl Red "O Zion, Haste" (1894) by Mary A. Thompson "Nettleton" by G. Martin "Toccata in F" (1875-76) by Buxtehude   CCLI 20178353 To donate to Woodlawn UMC, visit https://www.woodlawnbham.com/giving or use Venmo @woodlawnumc

In today's episode, we welcome Rev. Nancy Cole as our guest pastor. Scripture: Mark 5: 21-43 Worship Leader: Gerald Ensley Sermon: Rev. Nancy Cole Organist/Pianist: Andy Plummer Choir: Lisa Russell Lowe, Tommy Russell, Jr., Deborah Russell, Clara Russell, John Somerset, Jan Somerset, Jay Somerset, Tina Hendrickson, Kenny Williamson Keith, Terry Hall   Songs: "How Lovely, Lord, How Lovely" (1986) by Arlo Duba and Hal H. Hopson "O How He Loves You and Me" (1975) by Kurt Kaiser "Great is Thy Faithfulness" (1923) by Thomas O. Chisholm   CCLI 20178353 To donate to Woodlawn UMC, visit https://www.woodlawnbham.com/giving or use Venmo @woodlawnumc

In today's episode, Rev. Emily Freeman tells the story of David and Goliath, teaching that you have to face your giants in a way that makes sense to you. Scripture: 1 Samuel 17 Worship Leader/Sermon: Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield Prayer: Kim Furlow Organist/Pianist: Andy Plummer Choir: Lisa Russell Lowe, Clara Russell, Tommy Russell, Jr., Deborah Russell, Jan Somerset, John Somerset, Jay Somerset, Kenny Williamson Keith   Songs: "How Lovely, Lord, How Lovely" (1986) by Arlo Duba and Hal H. Hopson "Beautiful Savior" (1677) by Anonymous "Saranam, Saranam" Traditional Pakistani Song   CCLI 20178353 To donate to Woodlawn UMC, visit https://www.woodlawnbham.com/giving or use Venmo @woodlawnumc

After the end of King Saul's reign, Samuel traveled to Bethlehem to find a new king. God led him to the house of Jesse and his many sons. In this episode, Rev. Emily Penfield demonstrates how people can't always see what God sees. Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 Worship Leader/Sermon: Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield Responsive Reading: Kim Furlow Organist/Pianist: Andy Plummer Solo: John Somerset Choir: Lisa Russell Lowe, Clara Russell, Tommy Russell, Jr., Deborah Russell, Tina Hendrickson, Kenny Williamson Keith, John Somerset, Jan Somerset, Jay Somerset   Songs: "How Lovely, Lord, How Lovely" (1986) by Arlo Duba and Hal H. Hopson "His Mercy is More" (2015) by Matt Papa and Matt Boswell "Open My Eyes" (1895) by Clara H. Scott   CCLI 20178353 To donate to Woodlawn UMC, visit https://www.woodlawnbham.com/giving or use Venmo @woodlawnumc

The adage goes, "The heart wants what it wants," but we don't always think of consequences of our desires. In this episode, Rev. Emily Penfield examines a story of Samuel when the people of God decide their hearts want a king to rule them instead of God. Scripture: 1 Samuel 8: 1-20 Worship Leader/Sermon: Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield Organist: Andy Plummer Choir: Lisa Russell Lowe, Clara Russell, Tommy Russell, Jr., Deborah Russell, John Somerset, Jan Somerset, Jay Somerset, Tina Hendrickson, Kenny Williamson Keith   Songs: "How Lovely, Lord, How Lovely" (1986) by Arlo Duba "Grace to You" (1975) by John Hendrix and Norman Bowman "Just as I Am" (1835) by  Charlotte Elliot   CCLI 20178353 To donate to Woodlawn UMC, visit https://www.woodlawnbham.com/giving or use Venmo @woodlawnumc

It's Easter Sunday, and Rev. Emily Penfield continues her series of sermons on whole-heartedness! When we first find the new life waiting for us when we turn and follow Jesus, it can be overwhelming--sometimes even scary to us. Fear not! Jesus is with us, just as he said he would be. Scripture: Mark 16: 1-8 Worship Leader: Kim Furlow Sermon: Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield Pianist: Andy Plummer The Woodlawn UMC Choir is (in no particular order): Kenny Williamson Keith, Clara Russell, Lisa Russell Lowe, Tommy Russell, Jr., Deborah Russell, Tina Hendrickson, John Somerset, Jan Somerset, and Jay Somerset   Songs: "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" (1739) by Charles Wesley "Christ is Risen" (1984) by Brian Wren "He Lives" (1933) by Alfred Ackley "The Day of Resurrection" (1862) by John of Damascus   CCLI 20178353 To donate to Woodlawn UMC, visit https://www.woodlawnbham.com/giving or use Venmo @woodlawnumc

A Labour MP has criticised a "silly" Wall Street Journal opinion piece telling incoming US First Lady Jill Biden to stop using 'Doctor' at the start of her name. In the op-ed published over the weekend, author Joseph Epstein argued Jill Biden should drop the honorific because she is not a medical doctor but rather earned a doctorate in education. Epstein wrote that her use of the title "feels fraudulent, not to say a touch comic."The op-ed drew ire on Twitter from Biden staffers, supporters, those with doctorates and journalists including at least one from the Wall Street Journal.Biden holds two Master's degrees and a Doctorate in Education.Dr Deborah Russell told Heather du Plessis-Allan that those who have a PhD are entitled to use the honorific. "There is a time and a place for it. I would never use Doctor in the context of getting my bills paid or something like that." She says that in Parliament, a medical doctor or someone with a doctorate is entitled to use the title. Russell says that most people understand the difference between a medical doctor and a doctorate.LISTEN ABOVE

Today marks the first week of Advent, and Rev. Emily Penfield reminds us to always watch for Jesus, not just when the time is urgent. Scripture: Mark 13: 1-8, 32-37 Worship Leader/Sermon: Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield Keys: Andy Plummer Singers: Tommy Russell, Jr., Deborah Russell, and Lisa Russell Lowe Songs: "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" (1854) by Thomas Helmore "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light" (1966) by Kathleen Thomerson "Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates" (17th Century) by Georg Weissel   CCLI 20178353 To donate to Woodlawn UMC, visit https://www.woodlawnbham.com/giving

I know I’m about to be judgemental. I know that some people will say you shouldn’t impose your beliefs and values on other people who are doing nothing wrong.But - I think the people who thought it was a valuable exercise to queue at 4 in the morning at a Merivale McDonalds would be well advised to go home, look in the mirror, and reappraise their life goals and aspirations.I know you’re a burger aficionado, I know it’s been a long five weeks, but seriously? Stressing your body and it’s immune system to wake outside your temporal zone to ingest a tasty snack of debatable nutritional quality just seems to be nuts to me.Speaking of judgemental, I am over the pile on to Deborah Russell. Not because I approve of her inappropriate question asked at an inappropriate time but because it’s an insignificant scuffle as part of personality politics and not at all helpful to getting back on track.To make the claim that her question in a committee, that was promptly shot down by the man in charge of our finances, is indicative that an entire party does not understand small business is drawing a longbow.In front of the same committee, the Leader of the Opposition also said something stupid when he asked the CEO of TVNZ why the Government funds them. TVNZ is, of course, a self-funding commercial entity. In fact, it funds the government through any dividend that they pay in a good year.Using the Deborah Russell example we could say the National Party is too incompetent to run a government because they don’t understand the basics of Government finances.But we didn’t. We said silly old Simon made a mistake. So did silly old Deborah.But all this judgemental assumptive flannel took up so much time this morning that the most critical question was never asked.What will happen to get to Level 2? Yesterday the PM said we’ll review the levels on May 11. Two weeks from now.But if conditions are appropriate to drop to Level 2, will we be able to do that on May 12?I ask this because when we went from 4 to 3 there was a five day transition period which extended the lockdown period. If there is a similar transition period it will effectively extend the lockdown from 7 to 8 weeks.In my opinion that extension would be even more damaging to business than the one we’ve just had. And for businesses planning for the transition, this sort of surety is necessary.We know we won’t know whether we can go to Level 2 until May 11. But if we can I want to know we can do that on May 12.

Terry's guest on the podcast today is Deborah Russell, MP with whom he co-authored Tax and Fairness book.  They dig into how the government and parliament legislate tax policy.  Deborah speaks on tax issues in parliament and explains the different ways that  Deborah is on the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee - what do they discuss? The Loss Ringfencing Bill going through parliament also focuses on getting GST from online sales Most tax legislation goes through unopposed - who knew? The working day of a parliamentarian - a 40 hour week done in 3 days The Inland Revenue IT upgrade - tax agents felt less-involved than they could Next week's budget - MPs get prior announcements an hour beforehand The living standards framework - based on Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum's work And a prize draw....

Seals are using windfarms and under sea pipelines as bases for their hunting and fishing exploits. St Andrews University scientist Deborah Russell and her Dutch colleagues glued GPS trackers to the fur of seals living along the coastlines of Germany and the UK near two active windfarms. The tags beamed back high-resolution data on the movements of the animals which the team were able to plot on maps. It then helped them understand how the seals and their prey are interacting with the windfarms and other new structures in their environment. She spoke to Chris Smith to explain... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Seals are using windfarms and under sea pipelines as bases for their hunting and fishing exploits. St Andrews University scientist Deborah Russell and her Dutch colleagues glued GPS trackers to the fur of seals living along the coastlines of Germany and the UK near two active windfarms. The tags beamed back high-resolution data on the movements of the animals which the team were able to plot on maps. It then helped them understand how the seals and their prey are interacting with the windfarms and other new structures in their environment. She spoke to Chris Smith to explain... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Joyce welcomes Deborah Russell from Diversity and Inclusion at Walgreens , Inc. Deb will discuss her lifelong commitment to increasing the employment of people with disabilities by leading Walgreens and other Fortune 500 companies in developing their efforts to increase inclusion in the workforce. She helped transform Walgreens' vision to include people with disabilities into a sustainable and scalable model for a 250,000 person workforce and a model that is replicable within other corporations. Walgreens' two most recent distribution centers employ an inclusive and integrated workforce composed of 40% of persons with disabilities who are held to the same work standards and earn the same pay as non-disabled co-workers. As a result of this success of serving both shareholders and the community, all 19 distribution centers now include people with disabilities. The division recently achieved the milestone that people with disabilities make up 10% of its workforce.

This week's episode features just the audio track from our October 25 LIVE video special where we covered Washington, DC's "25th Annual High Heel Race." We understand that much of what you might hear during this episode won't make sense without the pictures, so we encourage you to (also) check out the video itself. You can watch it right on the front page of swishedition.com. Hosted by Dale & Scott on the main stage and Steve in the street, the coverage includes chats with the race participants, special interviews with Jonathan Howard of GLAAD, executive director of the Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets Paul Williams, TOWN and Cobalt hostess Lena Lett, vice president of J.R.'s Bar & Grill David Perruzza, and many more. Plus, play-by-play of the race itself, the winner (an Amy Winehouse lookalike), a video from Miss Sherry Vine, and much more gay (and straight!) hilarity. Brought to you in part by Atlantis Events' January 29, 2012 Allure of the Seas Caribbean Cruise. Special thanks to our director Eric Reader; cameramen Stone Lyons and Scott Farmer; show runner Deborah Russell; street coordinator Elaine Feehrer; guest wrangler Glen Marsocci; security members Dennis Black and Christopher Dorsey; still photographer Chris Burch; Eric Little, David Perruzza and Paul Greeno of JR's Bar & Grill; Mark Rutstein of Cobalt/30 Degrees; co-host Scott's mom and dad who made sure we sounded and looked good on the other end; and, all of our friends and listeners who cheered us on! We love you all. Episode 157 is called, "25th Annual High Heel Race AUDIO," and while we hope you listen...you might enjoy the video version on our front page instead.

Deborah Russell, MS, is a multidimensional healer who helps people with chronic and often life threatening medical problems. She has extensive experience working with individuals who have the symptoms of Parkinson's. Deborah talks about her work as a multidimensional healer and how it has helped people with Parkinson's. Deborah is my co host at Jump Start to Wellness

  The Diamond Sutra is a Mahayana sutra from the genre of Prajnaparamita ('perfection of wisdom') sutras. In this series Norman will referernce the Diamond Sutra - Red Pine Edition. This is the fourth talk in this series. Diamond Sutra 4 By Zoketsu Norman Fischer | November 12, 2008 Abridged and edited by Barbara Byrum and Deborah Russell     Last time we were discussing the Diamond Sutra and the earlier Buddhist path of the arhat, the path of renunciation. We feel our own pain, and we know that there is something to be done; there is something to let go of, so we let go. We renounce. But, then, maybe we get attached to that brilliant sacrifice that we have made, to our renunciation and our sense of identity with the renunciation, to our holiness, and to our difference from others, who have not yet done this great thing that we have done. In contrast, in the bodhisattva path - the path of emptiness and compassion - we don't have the imperative to take a moral action, which is to renounce self, the world, and so on. Rather than the compunction to take a moral action, we have an ontological commitment to seeing that things are empty of anything that could be held on to. We understand that there is nothing to renounce, and there is nobody to renounce anything. Even if we do renounce something, we know that it is not an actual renunciation. So we are liberated from renunciation, and we are liberated from our sense of our difference from others. We are fully identified with others as non-others, and so, without any others, naturally, just living is an act of compassion. In other words, there is nothing but love and compassion, because we have realized that there is really non-difference. So we love the world and others as we love ourselves. Life by its very nature is loving-kindness, no matter what goes on. You know the wonderful phrase in the Zen koan, speaking of compassion, "It is as natural as reaching behind in the night for your pillow." Nothing special, just that natural action to bring comfort to a weary head, whether it is your own or someone else's. It hardly matters. So in the Diamond Sutra a shift is being proposed from a religious act to what I am calling an ontological commitment; to an understanding of the way that the world really is. So let's read Chapter 13: This having been said, the venerable Subhuti asked, "Bhagavan, what is the name of this dharma teaching, and how should we remember it?" The Buddha told the venerable Subhuti, "The name of this dharma teaching, Subhuti, is the Perfection of Wisdom. Thus should you remember it. And how so? Subhuti, what the Tathagata says is the perfection of wisdom the Tathagata says is no perfection. Thus it is called the 'perfection of wisdom.'" "Subhuti, what do you think? Is there any such dharma spoken by the Tathagata?" Subhuti said, "No, indeed, Bhagavan. There is no such dharma spoken by the Tathagata." The Buddha said, "Subhuti, what do you think? Are all the specks of dust in the billion-world-system of a universe many?" Subhuti said, "Many, Bhagavan. The specks of dust are many. And how so? Because, Bhagavan, what the Tathagata says is a speck of dust is no speck. Thus it is called 'a speck of dust.' And what the Tathagata says is a world system, the Tathagata says is no system. Thus it is called 'a world system.'" The Buddha said, "Subhuti, what do you think? Can the Tathagata, the Arhat, the Fully Enlightened One be seen by means of the thirty-two attributes of a perfect person?" Subhuti said, "No, indeed, Bhagavan. The Tathagata, the Arhat, the Fully Enlightened One cannot be seen by means of the thirty-two attributes of a perfect person. And why not? Because, Bhagavan, what the Tathagata says are the thirty-two attributes of a perfect person, Bhagavan, the Tathagata says are no attributes. Thus are they called the 'thirty-two attributes of a perfect person.'" This is the famous and strange logic of the Diam...

Deborah Russell of AARP and Anthony Burnham of Growthport Partners answer the question, Who do I call if I'm a victim of age discrimination?

Deborah Russell of AARP and Anthony Burnham of Growthport Partners answer the question, how can a 50+ worker sell themselves to a new employer.

AARP's Deborah Russell and Anthony Burnham Discuss The recent Best Employers for People of 50 Awards