William Seymour: Azusa Street Revivalist

The Azusa Street Revival of 1906 in Los Angeles is widely regarded as the key event that launched the twentieth-century Pentecostal and charismatic movements. In itself, however, it is just another in a series of revivals and "outpourings" that had begun in the late nineteenth century. 

What is profoundly different in the case of Azusa Street is publicity. Indeed, it could be argued that this is a revival spurred largely by religious journalism — most notably the widely distributed stories of journalist Frank Bartleman. His accounts of miracles and transformed lives distributed to religious magazines throughout the country and around the world prompt pilgrims to visit and seek the same experiences. Ministers among the crowds return home with Pentecostal enthusiasm and ignited revivals in their own congregations. But Azusa Street remains the "mother" of all Pentecostal revivals, thanks to Bartleman.

Daring Diners Jump From 55th Floor to Avoid Paying Bill (VIDEO)

Posted by Julie Ryan Evans

 

Many people have tried various ways to dine and dash over the years. It's a long and less-than-honorable tradition, but one that hungry and cheap people try the world over. A group of four men in Australia, however, gets the award for the most bad ass dine and dash ever.

The scene was the Vue de monde restaurant in Melbourne. The gentlemen were at the fancy eatery, which is located on the 55th floor of Rialto Towers. One minute they looked like your average businessmen, sipping expensive cocktails, but the next they were gone. Not an easy feat when one is almost 800 feet above ground and elevators can be slow, but these guys were packing secret weapons beneath their suits -- parachutes. 

According to News.com.au, after taking their last sips, the men went into the restroom, made a quick outfit change, climbed over the ledge, and jumped. They sailed down to the street where a getaway car was waiting for them, and viola, the most spectacular way to skip out on your bill ever. 

Restaurant owner Shannon Bennet described the scene:

I ran from the kitchen into the room and I just saw a flash of them jumping over, and at that stage none of us knew what the hell was going on. I tried to run downstairs and try and catch them. It was just too late, they were just really quick at what they were doing, it was just very well planned and they’ve obviously done this sort of stuff before.

He also said the men may have recorded their feat. "They had cameras on their helmets so I’m sure we’ll all see it on YouTube pretty soon." Is it wrong to hope he's right about that? 

Was their extreme bill skipping wrong, illegal, and dangerous? Yes, but they get so many points for balls and creativity, I'd say they deserve a few free drinks. Not to mention all of the free publicity the restaurant is garnering from this. I hate to say I'm rooting for criminals, but if they become serial offenders, things could get pretty exciting in the world of high-level dining.

Have you ever tried to dine and dash? Do you think these men should be punished or lauded?

http://thestir.cafemom.com/food_party/134731/daring_diners_jump_from_55th