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April 12th We would like to thank Park Drive Pentecostal in Oliver BC for allowing Pastor Peter to share about his mission work and his teams. Outreach set up was done following the service done by Pastor Peter and over 100 hot dogs were shared along with baking (by Joanne). Volunteers, Park Drive congregation, Pastor Peter's congregation all shared in food and fellowship. Was very inspiring and God was glorified.
Join us for Christmas breakfast!
What do you usually have for breakfast on Christmas morning? Hamburgers? No? Well, that's what we'll be having at our Christmas breakfast gathering.
Sound yummy? We'd love to have you drop by (between 7 and 9 am) and enjoy breakfast with the street church family. And of course, if you think Christmas breakfast should include something other than hamburgers, why not bring along some of your favourite Christmas breakfast goodies to share!
Many of our family don't have what most people consider a "traditional Christmas day." Some don't even have a roof over their head, never mind stockings and gifts under the Christmas tree. Some wouldn't even have breakfast on Christmas if it weren't for this breakfast gathering. We'd love for you to come by and share some of your "Christmas tradition and Christmas Spirit" with our street family. Hope to see you there!
What are you giving this Christmas?
So are you finished your Christmas shopping? Or are you still rushing around? Are you experiencing peace and goodwill? Or anxiety?
Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IN0W3gjnNE&feature=youtube_gdata_player
What do you think? How is your Christmas shopping going?
We're back!
Well, we haven't been away exactly. Pastor Peter was on sabattical for about 3 months, though in that time he managed to perform 2 marriages, a funeral or two, visit street family in hospital, do prison counseling, and so on. But at least he did get some rest – at least it was "rest" for him 🙂
Meanwhile, some of the volunteers continued to visit the street family, helping with finding shelter for the winter months, bringing breakfast once a week, and encouraging and sharing.
Today, we had a great time at Nanaimo Square, wintry weather notwithstanding, as we visited and shared, and Pastor Peter counseled family members who came by with needs. Tomorrow he'll have a load of newly donated winter coats, as well as gloves, to hand out to those who need them on these cold wintry days. We enjoyed sitting at the square, sharing coffee, tea, hot chocolate and juice – as well as turkey, egg, and peanut butter sandwiches, cookies, yogurt, and so on.
We had lots of fun saying cheery "hellos" to the office workers in the area as they dashed to and from the coffee shops during their coffee breaks. Some returned the hellos with friendly hellos of their own, others answered a little uncertainly, and others yet scurried past looking nervous. But the positive responses outweighed the negative ones, hurrah!
Details of location etc are on the "events" and "Penticton" pages on this site.
You are all welcome to come and join us in any and all of our activities! God bless!
do believers have to share and give to the poor?
Recently, at the Subversive1 blog, there has been a very interesting dialogue between blogger Keith Giles, and Thomas Crisp, a professor of Philosophy at Biola University. The two became friends because of a shared "passion for issues of justice and following Christ into community with the poor."
Recently, Thomas wrote a paper, "Jesus and Affluence," which borrows from philosopher Peter Singer's premise that if you can prevent a bad thing from happening (without sacrificing anything nearly as important), it is wrong not to do so. The implication is that if this is right, our massive spending on luxury and frills is morally wrong. Not only that, he suggests that the argument fits in with Jesus' teaching on wealth and poverty.
After reading Thomas' paper, Keith asked to interview him on the implications of these arguments. The hour and a half interview is printed on Keith's blog, here , here , here , and here.
Following are a few quotes from the interview. Be sure to go to the blog posts and read the entire interview. And please share your thoughts and reactions in the comments here. Thank you!
…in the parable when the Rich Man asks if Abraham can send Lazarus back to warn his brothers – that what he wants his brothers to be warned about is not to live the way he lived, (ignoring the poor)…..The whole point seems to be, if you ignore the poor as the Rich Man did, you'll end up on the wrong side of the judgment. So, the whole point of the parable is not to live as this man did; not to amass wealth for yourself and ignore those living in poverty around you.
The original context of the command to love your neighbor as yourself is taken from Leviticus 19 and it shows up after a series of specific commands like, 'be sure to leave extra on your fields after the harvest so the poor can glean from it' and 'don't trip a blind man or curse a deaf person', 'be sure to pay your laborers on time', 'rebuke your neighbor so as not to partake in his sin', and all kinds of commandments about how to treat one another well in the context of community. After this long list of such commands you finally get this "so love your neighbor as you love yourself' … the neighbor-love command there is meant to be a summary of all these other commands.
The Old Testament version of Shalom as you find it in the prophets, in the Law, in the Psalms, is as a community in which there is enough. There's enough food for everyone, there's enough safety from harm, there's enough justice for all, there's enough celebration where everyone is included and people care for each other… The community has no Shalom (peace) if certain people are not also being fed, or sheltered, or clothed, or welcome….In the true Shalom community, the poorest of the poor must be included in the "enough". The vulnerable, disabled neighbor is included in the "enough". There's only real Shalom (peace) when everyone is included in the community and shares in the "enough".
I've been in conversations with people before who will say that going to this extreme of putting people in motel rooms or buying them food or letting them sleep on your couch, those steps are secondary and of lesser importance. What those people really need is the Gospel. … But, if what you're suggesting here is true and if Jesus is really summarizing these Levitcal commands and all of the Law and Prophets with the command to "Love God and Love your neighbor as yourself" then it seems the love command is really about showing actual compassion and demonstrating a love that results in shared food, shelter, and clothing. It's not consistent to share the message of the Gospel without also seeking the Shalom of the whole person….I think that's why it makes perfect sense for Jesus to say, "Sell your possessions and give to the poor" and why at the Judgment Jesus will say, "You fed me when I was hungry and you clothed me when I was naked".
In Acts chapter two we see thousands of people who have not only taken Jesus as their promised Messiah, but they've embraced the idea of God's Kingdom as coming today and they're living in a community of true Shalom…..their response to the poor around them was to risk their own poverty and identify themselves with those who were suffering. Whereas in our culture we see ministry to the poor as finding ways to lift the poor up to identify with our wealth….To go down, to humble ourselves in order to risk our own poverty so that the poor might have enough isn't very popular. We'd rather "eradicate poverty" and find a way to give every homeless person a job, a nice car, a cozy apartment, a big screen television, etc. That's our goal. Our compassion doesn't include letting go of our stuff.
It's not just economic. It's also social. When Jesus says, "when you have a banquet don't invite your rich friends and relatives because they could pay you back" Pay you back in what? It's not just that they might invite you to their house, it's that they raise your social status. Instead, Jesus says we are to invite the poor, the blind, the lame, and others who would only lower your social status.
…being that I'm not single, I'm married, I've got two teenage sons who depend on me. I don't want to drag my family into poverty. The reality of following Jesus into this kind of radical love and sharing is scary. It seems kind of impossible to be honest.
The love command only asks us to put the Shalom of others on par with my own Shalom. It's mainly about pursuing needless luxury while there are people suffering in my community. I see the love command calling me to a point where I no longer put my Shalom above that of others. If I divest myself of my needless luxuries I will get to a point where I'm not putting my Shalom ahead of others and I am still able to feed my family.
I mean, for those first disciples when they heard Jesus say the things we've already looked at, they understood it to mean an actual liquidation of everything they owned in order to walk to the next town, sleep under a tree and eat whatever they could find. Jesus was homeless and his disciples, according to Peter, gave up all they had to follow Jesus. So, are we getting off easy by saying now that what Jesus wanted was only for some kind of equilibrium in the community where everyone is content with "enough"?
The goal is not destitution. It's not so that we should become homeless. It's about radical simplicity. I think that's what Jesus calls us all to.
In Western culture we think it's about giving more. We think of writing checks but I think it's really more about what we'd call sharing that Jesus is wants. It's not just giving money apart from relationship with those who are poor. Really, I think it's knowing their names and understanding their struggles and making them your own. Then it may still involve sharing money, but it goes beyond a percentage tithe and becomes more about meeting a specific need for a specific person. It's sharing not just giving. Because you could write a check and not really engage with another human being in a meaningful way. To me, it's almost like the Widows' Mite, where writing a check for $100 to an impersonal organization is less impactful than sharing $20 with the person right in front of me….People are drawn into relationship. So, if I'm going to seek that for my brother as well as I seek it for myself, I'm not just going to give them food or money, but I'm also going to draw them into relationship if they're lonely, I'm going to draw them into my church community, and around my personal table for dinner. It means – to pursue the idea of Shalom – I both give my money away, and that I have people around my dinner table. You can't separate those things.
It seems that there is an allowance for maintaining some level of wealth but keeping it with an open hand so that as you encounter poverty you are free to share that with others.
I think it's actually an ethic of simplicity that Jesus calls us to. He saying we need to get rid of all the stuff that's extra.
I think that if we're willing to take one moment at a time, one day at a time, and take up our crosses daily and learn from Jesus how to die to ourselves and allow Him to show us how to love the way He loves and how to give the way He gives and how to forgive the way He forgives, He will do it. He is faithful when we are not.
I think to sell one's possessions and follow Jesus and give all one's stuff to the poor is for the community, not just one person. I think whenever we do this we never do it alone. It's always in community.
The Gospel is about moving into relationship with the poor, it's about moving into community with other believers, it's about becoming less self important and less selfish and less independent, but more dependent upon God and others for life.
In the Western mind, Jesus is there to help me get that new car or grow my business or buy a bigger house. That's what Jesus, my co-pilot, will help me do.
When I interviewed Dallas Willard he called it Vampire Christianity. Because people only want enough of Jesus' blood to get saved but they have no intention of actually following Jesus or putting His words into practice. They don't want to be humble like Jesus. They don't intend to suffer like Jesus. They don't want to hang out with the poor or the outcast like Jesus. They only want His blood to get saved so they can go ahead with their life without Him.
Yeah, can you imagine meeting a Jew who didn't know or follow Moses? Or a Muslim who didn't really follow Mohammed? How can we say we're followers of Jesus if we're not actually following Him?
It's especially startling when you look at how Jesus says, "If you don't do the things I'm saying, you're not my disciples."
The one thing Peter, James and John required was caring for the poor, and that was the one thing that Paul himself was eager to do. In other words, if we agree on anything we agree on this; We should care for the poor. It was unanimous. So, Paul would never say that caring for the poor was legalism or works.
Wow! What do you think? Go and read the full interview (all four posts) and then come back here and share your thoughts. Thank you!
lack to find God
Is it worth caring for and about those who are poor? By feeding them, are we simply encouraging them to continue to be dependent? If they smoke, or have a pet, or do anything else that we think is wasteful for a poor person, does that mean that they don't deserve our care? (And what if well-off people do those things? Is it okay for them because "they can afford it.") Are most poor people simply lazy? What about those with addictions – if we stopped caring for them, would they be forced to make a positive choice and end their addiction (so let's do them a favor and not care for them)? Is poverty a sign of not pleasing God? Have people in poverty chosen to turn against God? Should they then be left on their own as they "deserve" their poverty? On the other hand, is "keeping up with the Joneses" and succeeding in the American/ capitalist dream a sign of being blessed by God? And if it is, what does that suggest about people who aren't "succeeding" in those ways?
I ask these questions because I'm constantly surprised by the number of self-identified "Christians" who believe some or all of these things. Why I am surprised? Because it goes against so much of what Jesus Christ himself said about the poor. How can a person identify as a Christ-follower, but not accept what Christ said? Yes, we all do that to some extent, related to many of the things He said – but we need to really become aware of what Jesus really taught – and then we need to act upon it, right?
In a recent blog post, "Constructing an Identity of Lacking to Find God," Noah Echols writes about what Jesus actually said about the poor – and how He Himself related to them.
Jesus presented a message that is largely ignored today: the more one lacks, the more likely he/she is to seek God…..
…instead of looking to society to find our identity, he proposes that we should look to God. Jesus argues that the more we lack, the easier it is to seek God. This also explains why James would write that we should "consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds." He goes on to explain that these trials produce perseverance (implying more trials), which eventually results in becoming "mature and complete, not lacking anything." No wonder most American Christians find it impossible to seek god outside of secondary sources (the bible, others testimony, etc.) – we are shackled by capitalism's tendency to discourage a state of lacking….
The author of James writes at the end of chapter one that the "religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."…
…[In the Bible] you'll find a Jesus who spent his days serving the hurt, the unappreciated, the hungry, the poor, the sinners, the outcasts, the oppressed, the abused. He held these people in high regard because he knew that in their brokenness they had the potential to construct an identity around the seeking of God. Learn to value the unvalued and you'll find God there.
What do you think? Should Christians help and care for those in poverty? If so, which ones? Do we have the right to judge which are "worthy" of care and help? Do you believe the writer's assertion that those in poverty, those who are outcasts, those who are oppressed and abused, are actually more likely to seek God than those who have "succeeded" in the world's view of success? Do you believe that God is found among the unvalued? Why or why not? How do your actions line up with what you say you believe?
Ouch! (fingers pointing back at me too!)
What does it mean to be poor or homeless?
Andrew Jones, aka Tall Skinny Kiwi, recently wrote a post, "Choosing to be homeless and poor." In the post he makes the following observations:
Last week was a wake up call for Americans on the subject of poverty when it was discovered that poverty had risen to 15.1%. The number of Americans in poverty is the highest since counting began in 1959.
The USA poverty line is an income of US$22,113 a year for a family of 4. That puts our family under the p. line also. Maybe yours? ….
Some random thoughts on being homeless and poor.
– Over one billion people live in the worlds urban squats and slums and that number is rising. Very, very, very FEW Christian workers relocate to these places and very, very, very LITTLE of mission-bound finances end up flowing into these squats….
– Being homeless is not the same as being poor. USA has over 8 million RV's but and at least a million "full-time RV'ers" but it is estimated that about a quarter of a million of these people live in their motorhome and do not own a permanent place to park it. Which is not sign of poverty – some of these motorhomes cost a million dollars.
– Jesus choose to be homeless and poor in order to complete his mission on earth. Abraham was homeless and nomadic when he received his vision from God (Gen 12). Jacob was wild camping when he had his dream of the ladder and God's restating of the promise to his Grandad…
Discussion: What do you think of when you hear the terms "homeless" or "poor"? Share your thoughts in the comments. Thanks.
And be sure to read the rest of Andrew's post – he has lots more to say about the topic.


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It's been 30 years since "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" first hit theaters, and the John Hughes comedy has become a pop culture icon.
Bueller (Matthew Broderick) fakes sick and ditches school with his best friends, Cameron (Alan Ruck) and Sloane (Mia Sara), and the trio's memorable day off takes them to a museum, to see a parade, and even results in a destroyed car.
Life has moved pretty fast since then, so here's what the cast has been up to.

subset: commoncrawl


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Each year, many Miami-Dade residents go in for surgery. Most of these operations occur without any problems, but sometimes patients can be injured due to a surgical error. Surgeons are supposed to be highly trained professionals; how could an injurious surgical error happen? This blog post will provide some basic information about some of the kinds of surgical errors.
We protect against medical malpractice defense attacks
Hospitals can be a place of health and healing, but they can also be institutions where unthinkable medical mistakes are made. This can be terrifying for Floridians, and rightfully so. After all, on a daily basis, Floridians instill their trust in the doctors and nurses who treat them. Yet, the sad reality remains, that, despite efforts made by patients to prevent medical errors, many are left with serious injuries, worsened medical conditions and even fatal circumstances.
What can I do to prevent surgical errors?
For many Floridians, the mere thought of surgery can be frightening. The hospital smell, the nausea that often accompanies anesthesia and the idea of being cut is enough to make anyone anxious. But, for many Floridians, these fears pale in comparison to the reality they have to face when they are subjected to a surgical error. A mistake made during surgery can leave an individual disfigured, with a worsened medical condition, or, in some instances, dead. Such incidences can cause significant pain and suffering, and recovering from injuries caused can be quite expensive.
Infections can be caused by a surgery error
Many Floridians have to undergo surgery at one point or another to have a medical condition treated or remedied. Few, if any, are comfortable with the idea of being cut open and having individuals handle fragile parts of their bodies, but the extensive education and training of medical professionals may help alleviate their fears. Unfortunately, despite their qualifications, doctors and nurses can still make mistakes that can lead to serious injuries.
What are some causes of wrong-site surgeries?
Medical advances have left patients with more options than ever before. Though some illnesses and conditions are now treatable via non-invasive means, others still require invasive operations. Those who have had to undergo surgery know just how nerve-wracking it can be. A patient can have concerns about the operation's success rate and the likelihood that an organ or artery will be inadvertently nicked. One concern that patients often fail to recognize is the very real possibility of a wrong-site surgery.
Anesthesia and its potential complications
Many Floridians fear medical procedures. Some might be scared that the operation will be unsuccessful, while others may be concerned that they will be left with unsightly scarring or lingering pain with a long road to recovery. Though these are legitimate concerns, there are much more serious issues that may arise during the surgical process that could leave a patient with a serious injury. In some instances, these matters can lead to death.
How common are inadvertent punctures during surgery?
Many Floridians who have to undergo a medical procedure feel uneasy about the idea. They may feel queasy about being rendered unconscious and then being cut open and prodded. Yet, with today's medical technology and knowledge, many operations go off without a hitch, and patients are left better off. No system is perfect, however, and when mistakes occur during a surgery, the results can be tragic.
Those hurt by surgical errors can find legal help
Just last week on the blog, we discussed an instance of anesthesia error and how it left a military veteran in a vegetative state. Though we like to think that surgical errors like these are extremely rare, the truth of the matter is disheartening. The truth is that it only takes one seemingly minor mistake, or an overworked medical professional, or someone's lack of sleep to cause a tragic incident. Those unfortunate individual who are victimized by errant doctors and nurses then have to try to deal with the aftermath of the error.
Anesthesia error leaves veteran in vegetative state
Floridians who need surgery may find themselves afraid of the big day. Depending on the length, complexity, and purpose of the operation, these individuals may find themselves fearing that there will be complications that leave them disfigured, with a worsened medical condition, or an outcome that no one wants to think about. Fortunately, the highly trained doctors and nurses in Florida are usually able to competently conduct their duties in a way that leaves patients better off. Other times, though, that is not the case.
What are the after-effects of organ donation?
Like machines, our body parts and organs can break down. A failing organ could spell trouble, sometimes causing death. Therefore, those with a failing organ need to explore all of their medical options. Amongst those is organ transplant.


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Current Affairs, Politics, History, Sports, Entertainment and Satire From a Liberal Democratic Perspective
Monday, June 27, 2011
Court: Calif. Can't Ban Violent Video Game Sales: The Supreme Court defends the 1st Amendment
I never got on the Video Game train so to speak or at least the wave that started ten years ago or so. But just because I'm not interested in these games, doesn't give me or government the right to deny other people from playing these games. This is strictly a 1st Amendment and a Freedom of Choice issue, something that should be left up to marketplace. If these games were considered horrible or disgusting or inappropriate, they wouldn't be nearly as popular and these company's wouldn't be making nearly as much money. Clearly there's a Conservative Minority of people, especially the two Justices who dissented in this case and on the Christian Right. Who believes these games are horrible, disgusting, dangerous, immoral feel free to throw in your own description. But these are also the same people who speak in favor of Personal Responsibility and Family Values and parents should be left to raise their own kids. And that government should stay out of the way in how parents raise their own kids. Fine guess what I agree with all of that but that only means something if you stand behind that. Otherwise thats just Political Rhetoric and a Political Slogan. If you don't want your kids playing these games, step up to the plate and don't let them. Don't give them the money to buy them or allow them to play them on their computer or any other device. Censorship is undemocratic and anti 1st Amendment, the 1st Amendment clearly relates to more then just Political Speech. Thats just been our history, just look at how many Censorship Laws have been thrown out by our courts as evidence. Conservative also speak in favor of the Free Market, great but here's a case where the Free Market has decided that these game are appropriate and why these games are doing so well and making so much money. Because the Free Market the people, has decided these games are good.
Personal Responsibility, Freedom of Choice is just that, they are Self Explanatory. If people want to do something bad enough, they'll find a way to do it whether its legal or not. Prohibition especially when it comes to prohibiting how people live their own lives, does not work. Just look at Alcohol Prohibition and how that worked out and how Marijuana Prohibition is working today. Regulation is the way to control these things and make them work better so they are safer not prohibition.
Click on the link of the blog to see a video about US Supreme Court taking down the California Video Game Ban
Posted by Erik Schneider at 1:08 PM
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Open topic with navigation
Re-establishing Broker Quorum
When loss of a broker causes loss of broker quorumIn a domain, a quorum is the minimum number of admin processes that must acknowledge a change to the durable domain configuration for that change to be made. Usually this is a simple majority. Many operations in the management tier require acknowledgement from a majority of admin processes in the domain in order to ensure safety (never returning an incorrect result) in case of failure. and you cannot restart that broker then you must re-establish broker quorum. The following procedure re-establishes broker quorum by ensuring that the lost broker is not counted when determining whether a majority of brokers in the durable domain configuration is available. To re-establish broker quorum:
To make it easy to obtain the stable ID of the lost broker's host, invoke the NuoDB Manager
set property command to show the stable ID in domain status output. For example:
set property showHostStableId value true
show domain summary command.
On each host that was running a surviving broker, with the broker shut down, in the
NUODB_HOME/bin directory, invoke the
agent-tool utility to ban the unavailable broker. This prevents the host of the unavailable broker from continuing to be a resource in the domain. For example, if the stable ID of the unavailable broker's host is
123456789 then you would enter a command such as the following:
agent-tool membership --ban uuid:123456789
You must do this on each host of a surviving broker. Banning a broker means that the broker can never use the same stable ID to peer into the domain. When the host machine is repaired and you want to start a broker on that host then you must start the broker with the
--reset-broker-state option. This removes the old stable ID and the old Raft data. When the broker starts it gets the domain configurationThe domain configuration provides domain configuration information that is stored consistently on each NuoDB Admin process in the domain by means of a Raft log. from another broker.
With broker quorum established, any banned brokers are removed from the durable domain configuration. The banned brokers cannot use the same stable ID to re-peer into the domain.


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Nicole and Natalie are the sweetest little twin girls who love spending time with their Dad. Although, they enjoy playing games, they always take a few minutes of their day to say a prayer. These little girls are so adorable that Dad decided to catch one of their precious moments on video. But, just like everything else with toddlers, things did not go as smooth as planned….
While Dad is more then happy they can remember the sacred words, it does not take long before everything turns into a competition. Who can pray the loudest, or the fastest?! At the end, I can`t really tell who won, but they certainly brought a smile to my face. Their sweet video is now warming the hearts of the entire internet and I bet you are going to love it too.
Don't forget to SHARE their little prayer with all your friends and family.


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The prize pack includes a $30 Visa gift card, an auto kit with jumper cables, gloves, flash light, reflective cones and other must-have tools (ARV $45), and sun-shade for protecting your car from the blazing sun (ARV $25)
Giveaway ends 5/30. Open to US 18+ only. Please enter using the Giveaway Tools below. Good luck!
Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. icefairy's Treasure Chest is not responsible for winner selection or prize fulfillment.


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Kazakh cabinet is reshuffled while super Energy Ministry is created
The Kazakh government was reshuffled on Wednesday 6 August by President Nursultan Nazarbaev. Two main priorities were put forward : the reduction of the number of ministries and the creation of a super-sized Energy Ministry. These decisions reinforce the position of personalities close to the President while trying to limit the impact of Western sanctions on Russia.
An "effective and compact government"
Make the government more "effective" and "compact" : these are the two priorities of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev. To achieve it he announced during a government meeting on August 6th a complete reshuffle of the government. Ministries should be cut from 17 to 12 while the number of state committees will decrease to 30, against 54 today. The second big announcement was the creation of a large Energy Ministry, which takes over the current Oil and Gas and Environment ministries. "It is time to concentrate the entire energy sector in the hands of one person," President Nazarbaev declared. This person will be Vladimir Shkolnik, previously in charge of national uranium company Kazatomprom and a close ally of the President. He will be replaced in Kazatomprom by current Environmental Protection Minister Nurlan Kapparov.
Saving energy exports
Kazakhstan is the world's largest uranium producer and the second-largest ex-Soviet oil producer after Russia. Its economic growth reached 6% in 2013 after a 5% rise the year before. However, despite being Central Asia's largest economy thanks to its energy revenues, Nazarbayev declared on August 6th that "Generally speaking, [Kazakhstan's] energy sector is in disarray." The statement underlines the recent stagnation of oil production after Kashagan oilfield output was halted due to gas leaks, and exports to trade partner Russia are slowing down. Despite its participation to the Eurasian Economic Union which will come into force on January 1st 2015, Kazakhstan suffers from the several rounds of sanctions imposed by the US and the European Union on Moscow over the Ukraine crisis. They have big consequences for all of Russia's trading partners.
Last February, Kazakhstan's central bank was forced to devaluate its currency by almost 20% to support oil and industrial metals exporters and maintain its economic growth. Exports to Russia plummeted by more than 21% between January and May while those to Ukraine collapsed by 30%.
Reinforcing the President's power
The recent reshuffling underlines Kazakhstan's authoritarian rule. The power of President Nazarbayev, in office since 1991, has gradually been increased constitutionally. In 2007 the parliament voted to allow Nazarbayev to stay in office for an unlimited number of terms. In 2010, he was granted the title "Leader of the Nation" and was given immunity from any prosecution meaning that he will be able to control Kazakh politics even after retiring. Following the April 2011presidential election, 71-year-old Nazarbayev stated that he was not considering giving up the presidential position. The attribution of Kazakhstan's most important ministry – the Energy Ministry - to a close friend should reaffirm his control over the country's resources and overall wealth.
For the complete list of new ministries, click here.
Sources : Radio Free Liberty I, The Moscow Times, Reuters, Tengri News, European Forum for Democracy and Solidarity, Radio Free Liberty II, The Global Post.


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Download Sample Project In my previous postHow to Implement tooltip in MVC grid I discussed some of the client side manipulation of web grid control. After that discussion I got lot ...
Download Sample Project In my previous post How to customize MVC grid columns, I show how you can control display columns in your grid view. A lot of times you have lot of data t...
In my previous post, I discussedHow to customize columns in MVC grid view. In this post, I will talk about paging. When you are displaying data in a grid, you probably have lot of rows of data. So...
How to write a simple automation test for Asp.Net application using Selenium
Filters for Asp.Net Core Razor Pages
How to hide DataGrid Column? How to hide GridView Column?
How to access gridview cell values on client side
Alert and Confirm pop up using BootBox in AngularJS
AngularJS Grouped Bar Chart and Line Chart using D3
How to lock and unlock account in Asp.Net Identity provider
Create a ticking clock using angularJS timeout service


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You can purchase any product on a tablet, phone, or computer but you must download the files with a device that is able to download and unpack .Zip files. All Apple and Windows based computers have native software programs to open .Zip files. Once unzipped, you can transfer some of all of these files onto your mobile device through programs like iTunes or any media management software program that allows to transfer media onto your device.
Can I Purchase & Download From My Tablet?Follow
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The setting, individuals he met and stories he heard particularly resonated with John, who only has one good leg following childhood polio. John empathised with those he spoke to, and understood their desire to regain a sense of camaraderie and play competitively in a welcoming, social environment, hearing many of their stories and concerns about returning to civilian life.
John began to realise that there were opportunities that golf – both in the game itself, and in the industry – could provide for the wounded, injured and sick Service Personnel and veterans, that other sports could not offer.
Many patients were enthused by the opportunity to participate, compete and work in such a sport. The handicap system offered them the opportunity to compete on a level playing field, as well as a reason to socialise with other Service personnel in similar positions to themselves.
An initial pilot golf skills scheme took place in September 2009, run in collaboration with the staff at Headley Court. The success of this event spurred the genesis of On Course Foundation. John's aim was to create a charity to offer injured Servicemen, women and veterans the opportunity to participate in golf on a level playing field with everyone else, either as a player or through employment in the golf industry. On Course Foundation was officially launched on 2 July 2010 at the Royal Household Golf Club at Windsor Castle.
Since then, the charity has grown, both in terms of the number of beneficiaries, and in how the Foundation can help them. As On Course Foundation celebrates its seventh anniversary, it's clear that golf has the ability to aid recovery, both physically and mentally, and On Course Foundation provides the perfect setting for competition, camaraderie and confidence.


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LADY L 44.60m Heesen
2012 | €140,000 per week
AMADEUS l 44.7m
2015 | €140,000 per week
Logos Marine MEYA MEYA
2010 | €90,000 per week
2020 | €299,000 per week
Sunseeker 37m BARRACUDA RED SEA
2010 | €125,000 per week
Feadship 50m HIGHLANDER
1986/2014 | €190,000 per week
1997/2017 | €259,000 per week
55m TURQUOISE
2011/2014 | €336,000 per week
Quest R
2008 | €105,000 per week
Sailing Ketch ALESSANDRO
2011/2015 | €48,000 per week
1998/2015 | €112,000 per week
Perini Navi 60m
2015 | €250,000 per week
Yacht charter in Greece
Greece offers a diverse and exciting charter vacation. This is a land of unique beauty and great cultural heritage and a real paradise for motor YACHTS rental due to the rich variety of landscapes adorned with the placers of small and lovely islands, relaxed and attractive beaches, picturesque and safe anchorages, coupled with historical sites and antique architecture, favorable and stable weather conditions, and all crowned with the well developed yachting facilities.
Taking motor yacht for rent in Greece you will be able to explore not only the mainland but also magic islands of Cyclades, Dodecanese, Aegean islands, Sporades, Ionian Islands and the Saronic Islands reviving the myths and enjoying the spirit of lost ancient world that gave a birth to our Western civilization.
Managers of Arcon Yachts have a broad experience in organizing yacht charters in Greece. We take care of all the issues in order to turn your cruise into an unforgettable and pleasant vacation in this wonderful region. We will provide you with the experienced crew, safe and comfortable yacht while taking into consideration the best itineraries with vivid nightlife and cultural entertainments.
Haven't found what you are looking for? Send us a request and we'll find you a perfect yacht!Fast request


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Finding a turnkey transportation partner that can handle all aspects of your freight transportation efficiently and affordably isn't an easy task. Thankfully, we've got you covered. From permitting to escorts, to safety and project management, an in-house team of experts in each of these critical areas work side by side under one at ATS each day to ensure each and every load you schedule with us is executed safely, on time and within your budget.
The ATS permit department is staffed with experts experienced in securing permits for all types of transportation and freight, including over-dimensional and overweight permit securement. Through 60+ years in business, ATS and this team have established trusted relationships with states and municipalities, which enable us to execute the permitting process smoothly and make needed modifications quickly to keep your project on time. With more than 100,000 permits ordered each year from county, city, and state levels across the country, ATS is capable of getting your load on the road faster, no matter the size and no matter where it's headed.
With more than 60 years in the industry and millions of miles behind us, there aren't many roads we haven't traveled. Before every load hits the road, we do our homework. The ATS in-house team of planning specialists will map the route and create a plan to ensure the safest, most efficient journey for your particular freight. Our in-house team will work with a nationwide network in the field, conducting field route surveys when necessary and driving the route to ensure every detail is up to standard so your shipment stays on track. Using CAD-based aerial systems, an optimal route is created based on the size of the truck and trailer your load specifications.
ATS isn't just a trucking company; we're a safety company. From safety checks to securement plans, our staff works side by side with operations and drivers, directly contributing to planning and operations to ensure the ultimate safety of every load and every person involved. The ATS team is professionally trained in securement and operations management, and in full compliance with the DOT.
• Knowledgeable on all regulatory measures, including seasonal and specialized transportation laws.
• Securement trainers; training done in-house on a regular basis.
• Safety operations management
• Customs clearance – CT-PAT certified
When a load becomes over-dimensional, you need a front and rear escort. As part of our turnkey solution, ATS has a full team of escort car resources in-house and brings these resources to you, all with one call. Our escorts guide the driver on the permitted route to keep the driver and the public safe during the shipment. Need someone to steer the trailer? Our escorts are trained to handle any trailer, including the TK 360 Dual Lane. With over 1,000 contracted operators, our escort car service is ready for any job.
Asset & Load Planning
After more than 60 years in the transportation business, we know how important planning is. And with more than 8,000 assets ready to carry your load, rest assured we'll match your load to the right tractor/trailer combination to ensure the safest, most efficient delivery possible. We map our tractor network to optimize your load, so your load gets on the road faster and stays visible to you throughout its journey through 24×7 online tracking.
ATS also offers in-house dedicated customer service teams for every load along with 24×7 fleet management and customer service. And when your shipments extend beyond North American borders, we offer extended services for International transportation:
• Vendor coordination
• Inland transport
• Port handling
• On-site supervision for secure loading and unloading
• Marine insurance acquisition
• Turnkey project management
• Worldwide door pick-up & delivery
• Import/Export document preparation
When you work with ATS, you get what you need. Guaranteed. That's the ATS Experience.


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NULLODOR Cat Litter for each stage of life!
NULLODOR is a range of new generation litters composed of silica crystals, created by the Veterinary Laboratory Demavic, France in 2004. NULLODOR completely locks away odours for a month. They are absorbed at the same time as the liquids. Whilst the liquids evaporate, the odours are trapped in the centre of the silica granules, totally blocking ammonia emissions.


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Rock the Vote is the largest nonprofit and nonpartisan organization in the United States driving the youth vote to the polls.
We make sure you always know when elections are happening, and have the information you need to vote with confidence. Sign up to receive election reminders, get registered to vote, & apply for your absentee ballot!
MSU Police:
We handle all police and criminal matters on MSU property. It is our mission to enhance the quality of life on campus by working collaboratively within our diverse community to reduce crime, enforce laws and provide for a safe environment.
Visit the City of East Lansing home page for more information about the community, government and police.
Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA)
CATA provides a variety of quality public transportation services in Ingham, Eaton and Clinton Counties. All campus bus service is provided by the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA). Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during Fall and Spring Semesters. CATA operates ten on-campus fixed routes serving all University apartments, residence halls, commuter lots, and the main campus. Additionally, CATA provides direct service to off-campus apartments in the Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos and Haslett areas year-round.
Lansing 5:01 is a nonprofit organization that strives to retain and attract young professionals in the Lansing region by connecting both college talent and young professionals to the community's emerging quality of life opportunities.
Lansing 5:01 hosts fun networking events throughout the year that can help students widen their professional and social connections in the Greater Lansing Area. Make sure to check them out!
Volunteer opportunites for GSOs – if your student organization is looking for community volunteer opportunities, be sure to check out Lansing 5:01!


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Don't Underestimate Mental Health During Heart Attack RecoveryIn other news: An update on the salmonella outbreak and what form of exercise can help menopausal women sleep better.
Treating the mind along with the body during heart attack recovery can help improve quality and longevity of life, according to new research presented at the Acute Cardiac Care Congress.
Research shows that when psychological care was administered, such as discussing care, playing music or praying with religious patients, the number of deaths in heart disease patients was significantly lowered.
Experts say heart attack patients often suffer from depression, making psychological intervention important.
"The results of our study strengthen the evidence that psychological factors have a big role to play in heart disease," Zoi Aggelopoulou, MD, a researcher with the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, said in a statement. "...This validates our view that cardiovascular disease is not just a physical disease but also has a substantial psychological component."
Exercise Improves Lower Back Pain in Overweight People
Exercise can help ease back pain in overweight or obese patients, who have a higher risk of lower back pain.
According to research presented at the North American Spine Society's annual meeting, the average overweight person can reduce their back pain risk by 32 percent by increasing the amount of time they walk, ride a bike or even garden by 20 minutes.
It's still unclear why being overweight ups the risk for lower back, but experts suspect that either metabolism changes affect hormone levels and inflammation, or that the extra weight itself causes mechanical changes in the spine.
Salmonella Outbreak Update: Processing Plants Still Open
Three chicken processing plants tied to the current salmonella outbreak are still open, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Though the plants' owner, Foster Farms, said they've made "immediate substantive changes" to their slaughtering and processing operations so they can stay open.
The USDA will continue to watch the plants and take samples of the meat for the next three months.
Yoga Helps Sleep, Not Hot Flashes
Though yoga won't cool any hot flashes, a new clinical trial found it may at least help menopausal women sleep better.
Researchers at the Group Health Research Institute in Seattle found that a group of women taking gentle yoga classes compared to those who didn't had no changes in hot flashes, but those taking yoga saw improvements with insomnia. Difficulty sleeping is one of the biggest reasons women seek treatment during menopause.


text: Available from Kaleido Technology ApS are high-precision molded-glass aspheric lenses that range in diameter from 3 to 50 mm. Lens types offered include spherical, aspherical, cylindrical, aspheric cylindrical and free-form. They may be planoconvex, planoconcave, biconvex, biconcave or convex-concave. Typical surface quality tolerances are surface roughness of <5 nm, form error of <1 fringe and axial alignment of <3 arc min. Applications include bar-code scanning, laser optics and graphics.


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If there is one thing I've learned after all of these years of traveling, it's the need for an organized suitcase. Tearing through luggage in airports and train stations, searching for lost or misplaced items is one of the worst . . .
How to Prepare Your Home for Vacation and a Printable Checklist
We all know it is important to take steps to prepare your home for vacation and make sure everything is covered while you are away. In the days leading up to departure I often find myself overwhelmed by the number of tasks that . . .
The Best Packing Tips for Families
These packing tips for families will help on your next trip because planning for any trip is stressful, but adding kids takes it to another level. With the addition of each child comes more clothes, toys in every shape and size, . . .
15 Essentials to Pack for a Blog Conference
Do you have trouble knowing what to pack for a blog conference? I certainly do. Throwing a bunch of random items in your bag and hoping for the best isn't going to get the job done. Having a game plan and the right necessities . . .
Summer Camp Packing Tips and a Printable Packing List
Knowing what to pack for summer camp can be an exhausting task, since the list of necessary items often reads like a novel. Sleepaway camp can be a great adventure for your child, but forgetting the basic . . .


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Manufacturer perspectives on maximizing success for orphan drug commercialization
You're a manufacturer of orphan drugs, which means the new product you've spent years developing has an established patient population that's desperate to receive it the moment it's first available.
How do you ensure a successful launch … one where patient financial hurdles are swiftly overcome, supply chain and order management works smoothly and product arrives safely to global locations?
To address all those questions, we'll take a look at the brief story of Manufacturer M, which met each challenge head-on … and saw success demonstrated directly in the life of a patient.
See what it takes at ittakesamerisourcebergen.com
Interested in learning more about the Orphan Drug industry? Attend the Global Orphan Drug Congress USA 2017 on April 19-21, 2017 at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park, Washington, D.C. Register now >>
**eBook is provided by AmerisourceBergen


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As a part of the Office of the Arts, ArtsEmerson is committed to providing engagement opportunities for Emerson College students. Student Engagement is by students, for students, and includes our bi-weekly newsletter, as well as free tickets, workshops, talkbacks, and other opportunities to connect and learn with artists.
The WORLD in a Newsletter: Our Student Engagement Newsletter!
Want to get regular updates from ArtsEmerson along with some fun and funky GIFs? Our bi-weekly newsletter is written for students, by students. We keep you in the loop about everything happening at ArtsEmerson, along with other cool events around the Boston area that we think you should know about. The newsletter is open to students from any college who want to sign-up and receive information about art happening all around our lovely city. Why not sign up and #HelpUsHelpYou? Check out our past newsletters, if you're still curious.
Things You Get For Free Because College Is Expensive And We Get That
Guess what?? We have a really awesome student rush program here at ArtsEmerson. All Emerson students, faculty, and staff can receive ONE FREE TICKET* to all ArtsEmerson performances, films and concerts. Emerson Student Rush begins two hours before each performance, and if you don't want to stand in line, you can always buy a ticket in advance for just $10. Free art? Yes, please. Learn more.
Work With UsPretty self explanatory. We are always looking for students who are interested in our work/werk/art. Let us know how you'd like to get involved, and make sure to check the Emerson Student Employment page for job postings!
Contact us! Do it!Want to learn more? Get involved? Send us a funny cat photo? Shoot us an email at email@example.com


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A £2.5m COMMUNITY and health centre is being built in one of Liverpool's poorest neighbourhoods.
The development will include a health and advice centre, creche, adult education unit, post natal and ante natal care, together with a confidential advice service for teenagers.
The creche will have 20 places and there will also be a nursery with 20 places.
Sure Start is behind the project, which is earmarked for the site of the former William Roberts baths in Norris Green. A spokesman for Sure Start said: "This is an excellent project which will be of benefit to a large number of people through-out the area.
"Families, young children and teenagers will all find the centre to be a major asset to them.
"It will provide all of the facilities which they need in one purpose built modern building, preventing them being forced to travel to different venues for child care, health advice and education services."
Sure Start is a government programme aimed at tackling child poverty.
It aims to provide help and advice to parents on bringing up children, together with childcare and learning facilities.
There are 10 Sure Start programmes running across Liverpool in some of the poorest areas of the city.
The new centre in Utting Avenue, Norris Green is being jointly funded by Liverpool council, Connexions and the Primary Care Trust.
The centre is expected to be up and running by the end of next year.


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Application Deadline - 1 June 2016
Date: May 17, 2016
With St Andrews Session One full, just one place left at Cambridge and only 20 places left at Yale and St Andrews Session Two, we have decided to stop receiving applications after 1 June 2016. This means if you'd like to experience ISSOS this summer, you will have to submit your application very soon!
We have the following academic classes available:
English Language
Youth Leadership - 5 Places left
Debate - 3 Places left
Pre IB - 4 Places left
St Andrews Session Two
English Language
Creative Writing - 3 Places left
Debate - 7 Places left
Pre IB
IB Extended Essay
We recommend you apply very soon in order to secure one of the final places at ISSOS. If you'd like to speak to an ISSOS family in your country, do not hesitate to get in touch.


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Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Ten Ways to Do NOTHING (and why you should)
According to Scientific American, letting our minds wander is an essential element for a healthy brain. It helps us be productive and motivated, learn from our experiences and plan for our futures.
In other words, it's healthy for our brains to do nothing once in a while.
But if you look around you in a public place (or maybe even look in the mirror), you'll see evidence that people are afraid of being bored. People who can't resist checking their phones while stopped in traffic (or while driving--yikes). Whole families who sit at a table in a restaurant, each of them typing or scrolling away on electronic gadgets. And it isn't just the little gadgets. It can be TV or work or even reading. Spending too much time doing these things may be overstimulating your brain, not giving your mind a chance to recoup and reset!
Our brains need a little R&R now and then, and not only when we're asleep. With that in mind, here are ten ways for you to do nothing, or at least the kinds of somethings that help your brain take a break.
1. Sun bathe! No swimsuit required. Step outside on a sunny day and soak up some sun, leaving your phone in your pocket (or better yet, in the house or office). Close your eyes and use your other senses to experience the outdoors.
3. Go for a stroll. Again, without your gadget.
4. Take a bath.
5. Use the bathroom without your phone.
6. Forced to wait somewhere? Let yourself be "bored" for a few minutes before reading or taking out your device.
8. Stretch!
9. Do a mindless chore, like washing the dishes by hand or folding laundry.
10. Color or doodle. I do this in the middle of drafting quite often, taking a break to doodle aimlessly in the margins of my notebook.
Do you have any favorite ways to take a brain break?
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Sonam Kapoor delighted her fans with three adorable throwback pictures featuring her with father Anil Kapoor and sister Rhea
There's also a BTS video of what actually went down during the cover shoot. Looks like it was a fun-filled session of Anil Kapoor vs Harshvardhan
"I want him to loosen up. I want him to meet people and be more social," said Harshvardhan's star father Anil Kapoor
Anil Kapoor and Harshvardhan feature on the cover of GQ India's June issue and it is such a treat
The star cast of Malang visited the sets of Indian Idol 11 on Tuesday.
Javed Akhtar, Farhan Akhtar, Tabu, Anil Kapoor and other stars visited Mumbai's Kokilaben Ambani Hospital on Saturday, where Shabana Azmi has been admitted.
Several Bollywood stars including Twinkle Khanna, Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor, Sonali Bendre and Juhi Chawla were photographed at the Mumbai airport on Wednesday.
Aditya Roy Kapur, Anil Kapoor, Disha Patani launched the trailer of their new film Malang in Mumbai on Monday morning.


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- Contact
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A fine collection of photos! Which due to their breadth of purpose have been very hard to judge and to choose a winner. Here are a few notable runners up . . . in no particular order.
Obviously han_kyn's Peter the poodle, a handsome dog indeed, caught my eye as did luca.and.lily's entry of a young man lying in the wood surrounded with a fabulous collection of ephemera which relate to the book . . . jam jars, dinosaurs, a fox's skull, a tadpole spoon, even a brace of dried seahorses! Wow! Superb!
There were some lovely landscapes too, lab_rat_jan's Loch Garten and Cairngorm summit are great as are davies5841's lakeside vista, wildawesphotography's coastal sunset on Mull and edlis71's rock pool scene. Wildflowers spangled the backdrop in reece_taylord's, jesriggs4 (complete with buzzard feather), rose.jilly's, charliejonah's and eburybooks . . . who cheekily laid the tome out on a buttercup spattered lawn.
A range of animals crept, crawled, perched and peeked around the book . . . snails, squirrels, frogs, hedgehogs, doves, tiny flies, great tits robins, badger and blackbirds. Murfsmum's young starlings is notable. And mckeown.nick's Pine Marten curled around the book on a lovely mossy branch is superb! What a marvellous animal.
Sheraroberts's lab montage with worms is nicely abstract and samkitchenhedgewitch's wonderfully dark bagged book in a pond I liked a lot. @Victoria_Pudsey's Twitter entry of a Polar Bear chewing the book provides some good Photoshop fun.
But finally,
Sandymwildlife's fox frolicking and no doubt destroying the book (see it on Instagram)! It's fun, in action, the fox has a devilish look in its eyes and a spring in its step – excellent! Congratulations and well done.
Thanks to all for entering. If it ever stops raining, do have a good summer.
Winning entry from Sandymwildlife
The winner will receive a signed copy of 'Fingers in the Sparkle Jar' and my limited edition collection box. Competition closed on Sunday 26th June. T&Cs.


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"Of all the speeches I have heard in person, I substantively remember 5 – one of them was Randy Nelson speaking at NC State last year. I have used his messages as on the spot coaching for account managers to CEOs."
– Bryan Wiggins, Supplier Diversity, Cisco Systems
Get ready for an inspirational and content-rich event! Randy presents his material in a relatable, personable manner, and audiences feel as if they are having an intimate conversation with a wise and trusted friend, one who has been there, and can help you by sharing his mistakes and successes.
Randy H. Nelson is an expert in taking entrepreneurial leaders on a self-awareness journey during his presentations, "comfortably" guiding them outside of their comfort zones for maximum take home value for each participant.
An entrepreneur, business coach and consultant, best-selling author, and compelling speaker, everything he knows about entrepreneurial and leadership skills comes from his real-world experiences. He was a Navy Lieutenant for over 6 years, co-founded and oversaw the sale of two highly successful companies, and he continues to walk the talk by his commitment to a lifelong learning and teaching philosophy.
After learning from the many roles that he has played in different organizations, Randy seeks to help other entrepreneurs become highly educated leaders through his speaking events. He has created a qualification program (the Entrepreneurial Qual Card) to help entrepreneurs acquire the disciplines and skills necessary to grow a vibrant company, and lead it successfully.
Randy inspires his audiences with topics including entrepreneurship, business growth, professional development, and financial/overall leadership. He speaks frequently to entrepreneurial and CEO groups such as EO and Vistage and also offers additional keynote presentations and workshops geared towards entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Download Randy's Electronic Press Kit for more information on Randy and his variety of speaking topics. With his unique blend of experience, Randy expertly leads the discussion to explore the ultimate qualified entrepreneur role for themselves and their organization for the next 3-5 years. Randy shares with his audiences how to overcome the leading reasons businesses fail and underperform in an interactive session that will be sure to have each audience member inspired to commit to action and encourage accountability to maintain that momentum.
Howard Rodgers
I was introduced to Randy when he took over the leadership of the Shelton Leadership Center Board of Advisors, where I saw first hand how his focus on leadership, prioritization and his passion for helping youth and executive leadership immensely helped our organization.
I'm proud to recommend him as a keynote speaker for large and small audiences!
Chris Hitch
I'm so grateful that you were able to come to Philadelphia to speak with the members of CEO Think Tank® as well as our strategic alliance partners and extended community.
You did a fabulous job presenting and engaging the participants. A number of the CEO's in the audience told me later that day and for the past few weeks that they were impressed with not only your story but also your transparency and authenticity. As one said, "Randy has lived it!" and that makes the difference.
You truly made the day an impactful and memorable experience.
Thank you so much for making the trip North – and I'll look forward to working with you in the future.
Warmest regards,
Cheryl Beth Kuchler
President, Ballantree Consulting and Founder, CEO Think Tank®
Thank you so much for the Second Decision presentation you made to our membership.
Your focus on owner self-awareness and their vital role in the business was the perfect keynote for our meeting. It was transparent, easy to grasp and apply, and will no doubt transform the leadership and businesses of our 500 attendees.
Special thanks also for the amount of prep work you did to understand our audience and tailor your presentation to fit our overall agenda. We work with many outside advisors and speakers and your pre-work was truly exemplary. It made your presentation feel like you speaking to us in a unique way rather than just another group of business leaders.
Thanks again for doing a great job!
Jack Tester
President & C.E.O
Nexstar Network
Patriot Boot Camp is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that seeks to help military Veterans and military spouses build technology companies.
A Patriot Boot Camp event is an intense 3day program where we bring in professionals with deep domain expertise to educate and mentor our cohort of early stage entrepreneurs.
In the summer of 2015 my team and I ran a Patriot Boot Camp in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
For this event we had the great fortune of working with Randy H. Nelson. Randy's outstanding professional background as a Navy officer, successful entrepreneur and visionary leader aligned extremely well with the interests of our program participants.
As a keynote speaker, Randy adeptly connected with the audience and delivered an interactive lecture that was dynamic, engaging and impactful. His message about selfawareness and business success was both inspirational and actionable.
Randy was funny, sincere and articulate over the course of his 40 minute presentation, and the participants emphatically praised his session in their responses to our daily feedback survey.
Patriot Boot Camp gives Randy H. Nelson our highest recommendation as a keynote speaker, and would be privileged to work with him again in the future.
Sean Maday
PBC Program Director
Todd Hopkins
President & CEO
Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services


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Matthew 6:34
"So don't be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time.
Matthew 6:34
"So don't be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time.
2 Chronicles 15:7
Be strong, therefore, and let not your hands be weak and slack, for your work shall be rewarded.
Heavenly Father, help us to live a life of obedience to You. Help us to honour You with all that we do & say.
Ephesians 6:14-17
Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon.
Colossians 3:12-14
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Matthew 5:44, 46
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you… If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
Colossians 2:6-7; 13-14
And now just as you trusted Christ to save you, trust Him, too, for each day's problems; live in vital union with Him. Let your roots grow down into Him and draw up nourishment from Him. See that you go on growing in the Lord, and become strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with joy and thanksgiving for all He has done.
You were dead in sins, and your sinful desires were not yet cut away. Then He gave you a share in the very life of Christ, for He forgave all your sins, and blotted out the charges proved against you, the list of His commandments which you had not obeyed. He took this list of sins and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ's cross.
Psalm 33:11
But the Lord's plans stand firm forever; His intentions can never be shaken.


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2015 was a tough trading year. There weren't a lot of "great" opportunities. This assessment is corroborated empirically, as many of the fixed income desks and hedge funds seem to have underperformed. We eventually got liftoff, but hiking in a questionably weak economy is not the stuff that causes curve volatility or opportunity.
I hate to admit it, but I miss Bill Gross. Having him run a $200+ billion fund and punting an absurd number of futures that he was not a particular expert on caused a lot of interesting dislocations that we were able to take advantage of over the years. I suppose when you have to do trades in large enough size, you sometimes don't pay attention to the second order effects of how the curve is affected. There are other similar large players in the market, but there weren't many "spectacular" opportunities out there last year.
The other thing going on in the markets could be the (increased?) presence of interest rate algos. This may result in less curve and spread volatility than in the past. It's a little unclear to me what the algo presence is in the ED markets, but one can only expect a larger presence as time goes on. Regardless, whether we are dealing with human or machine opponents, futures trading will always be a zero-sum game.[1] And both opponents will leave observable patterns of behavior that I think we should be able to capitalize on. I look forward to the challenge.
Speaking of challenges…
My 12 year old got back his career assessment from middle school and his #1 future job occupation was "trader." What are the odds of that?!? Some of the neighbor's kids got things like "truck driver" and "nurse." He is very eager to learn and I'm supposed to start helping him look at the various trading markets next year. So this will force me to look at some neglected markets a little more carefully than in the past. I was telling him the other day that there are four major groups of products one can trade: (1) rates, (2) equities, (3) currencies and (4) commodities.
Predictions aren't my forte – otherwise, I would have called my newsletter the "Punting Advisor." But I suppose everyone writing a newsletter is doing it at the start of the year. At the risk of becoming the next Dennis Gartman,[2] below are my predictions for the end of 2016:
- US Rates. In the short maturities, the market is at my over/under for the number of hikes next year. However, I think the tails are larger than what the markets are pricing in (on both upside and downside). So as vol comes off, I like taking cheap views on the tails. In the long maturities, it seems that the "world is doomed" and "we will never see inflation again" views are overcrowded. I prefer playing for the tail where the longer-term rates are higher, and will look to express that view on dips in rates. YE 2016 ten year treasury yield = 2.60% (YE 2015 = 2.27%)
- US Equities. I have thought for a while that equities are rich to valuations. Just as high yield bonds came off as rates normalized, I think you could see some underperformance in equities. There's a sizable hurdle to overcome however, as companies keep engaging in share buybacks and employees keep funding their 401Ks. YE 2016 S&P = 2000 (YE 2015 = 2044)
- Currencies. A number of people who watch and/or trade FX, both well-known personalities and former colleagues, have said they have no idea what drives movements in currencies. The fact that I rarely watch currencies could put me at an advantage! The USD is a somewhat obvious long, and should be very crowded. That does not seem like an attractive vehicle now. Longer term, I really like shorting JPY – a country whose population is shrinking and getting older, whose products are less attractive globally and whose government is blindly jacking up debt, is going down in flames.[3] On the other side, I like the idea of INR. Any country that can take jobs away from the "greatest country in the world" (US) has to have some things going for it, and the markets could start piling in as a growth engine story after China's recent sputtering. India is the soon-to-be most populous country in the world, with 7+% growth, and still a bunch of things that can be improved upon (education, social, infrastructure, etc). And let's not forget the massive positive carry. YE 2016 JPYINR = 0.50 (YE 2015: 0.55)
- Commodities. As previously mentioned, it's really hard to see what's going to cause oil to surge when demand is lower and most of the oil producers are running a large budget deficit and have terribly unbalanced economies. If turmoil in the Middle East isn't going to cause a surge in oil prices, the bar is somewhat high for oil to spike higher. I think there could be an opportunity to buy some other commodities on dips around multi-year lows, as the whole commodity sector has probably gotten hit. After spending way too much time on looking at random charts, I decided on live cattle. I like it as an indirect harsh winter / La Nina feed price-surge play, and the Chois are always doing our part to support the beef industry. When the price of ribeye approaches the price of asparagus, that's a reasonable buy signal. Also, I am clueless as to why, but the fact it rolls noticeably positively helps. YE 2016 LEZ6 = 135 (YE 2015: 124.625)
The above predictions are mostly for "fun." Even if I am horribly wrong, I may identify myself as a reliable contrarian indicator, which is just as valuable as a reliable predictor. While listening to how enthusiastic my son was when we talked about going over investing in the different vehicles, it occurs to me that some people may have lost the fun in trading – especially after a sub-par year. Trading is one of the great professions in the world, and it will be full of many short-term challenges. I wish you the very best for 2016, and hope you continue to enjoy the journey.
[1] More accurately, a negative sum game, if you include (transactions and other) costs.
[2] Known more as a contrarian indicator.
[3] Apparently my Korean ancestors have taken over my frontal lobe.


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Explore ancient tropical jungles, breathtaking exotic islands and mystical temples. And did we mention the delicious food? South East Asia is a melting pot of colour and culture with vibrant sights, sounds and smells engaging every sense. Immerse yourself in local culture working alongside local people on our volunteer projects. Each camp is located alongside a rural community, our projects are based around the needs of each community enabling you to make a difference where it really matters.
From the tropical shores of Mantanani Island to the mystical temples of Angkor Wat, become part of Southeast Asia's vibrant culture on this action packed 3 month volunteer programme. You'll ..read more.View
For the ultimate Borneo experience, stay in all four of our camps, immersing yourself in the heart of each community. You will work on projects that make a measurable impact ..read more.View
Can't decide between visiting Borneo and Cambodia? You don't have to. Experience both of these gems of Southeast Asia on our two month programme. You'll make a measurable impact in both ..read more.View
Arrive by boat on to your paradise island home in the South China Sea, Camp Mantanani. Blue skies, towering palm trees, crystal blue waters and ancient drift wood decorate the ..read more.View
Arrive by boat on to your paradise island home in the South China Sea, Camp Mantanani. Blue skies, towering palm trees, crystal waters and piles of ancient drift wood decorate ..read more.View
Rich culture, delicious food, rare wildlife, warm people, ancient jungles and pristine beaches. The state of Sabah, may be small, but it certainly packs a punch. Live and work alongside ..read more.View
You'll spend your two weeks in traditional Camp Tinangol in north west Sabah, located alongside the rural village of the same name. You'll be truly immersed in the local culture ..read more.View
Mystical temples, untouched jungles, tantalising street food and the kindest of people, Cambodia is a vibrant cultural melting pot. During your month you'll experience life in peaceful Camp Beng Mealea, on the ..read more.View
There's nowhere quite like Cambodia for culture and community. Spend your two weeks experiencing life in peaceful Camp Beng Mealea, on the edge of lush green paddy fields and Camp ..read more.View
Whether you choose a gap year volunteer programme in Borneo or Cambodia, you will benefit from taking part in a variety of volunteer projects aimed at improving the lives of communities in need. Most rural villages we work with don't have access to clean, reliable water or adequate pre-school education facilities. The people you meet in Asia will leave you humbled with their kindness and generosity. You will also make a difference to the local wildlife and environment, through our conservation volunteer initiatives. Thousands of square miles of ancient jungle is under threat from commercial and illegal logging, destroying the natural habitats for countless animals, including the awesome and endangered orangutan. Our volunteer projects also include time to chill out and explore the wonders that Asia has to offer. You'll be haggling in bustling markets, slurping delicious noodles from street sellers, exploring mystical ancient temples, taking in steamy jungle vistas and cooling off in warm tropical waters.


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We've Confirmed Attendance for Chemspec Europe 2015
We're extremely excited to announce ReAgent has been confirmed as an exhibitor in Chemspec Europe 2015, which takes place on 24th-25th June this year.
Last year, we exhibited in Budapest for Chemspec Europe 2014. Following a busy year of attending and exhibiting at events, we're now much more experienced in exhibiting and are looking forward to making some new international connections – all the way over in Cologne, Germany!
Our stand this year will be a spacious 3m x 4m and we can furnish it with the ReAgent stand materials we had made for Making Cosmetics 2015.
Chemspec Europe 2015 will give us the opportunity to do some face-to-face international networking. We believe that technology is no substitute for actually meeting your customers and suppliers, and as we've now expanded and are offering our services to more countries in Europe, this could be the perfect time to get to know more people in the industry.
Meet the Team that will be travelling to Cologne
Three members of ReAgent's Management Team will be travelling to Cologne to man our exhibition stand. Feel free to connect with us on LinkedIn and get to know us before the event.
Rich Hudson
Managing Director
Darren Wilson
Sales Director
Connect with Darren on LinkedIn
Simon Tasker
General Manager
Connect with Simon on LinkedIn
What we gained from Chemspec Europe 2014
Success from previous Chemspec events is what gave us the motivation to get signed up for a stand this year.
During Chemspec Europe 2014, we exhibited alongside other companies on the UKTI stand. We met potential suppliers as well as new customers, and chatted with other exhibitors about good tips for attending events.
We made our stand look as attractive as possible, and it was great that so many visitors took the time to see what we're about and take a brochure and a ReAgent branded USB stick.
Brief History of Chemspec Europe
Chemspec Europe 2015 will be the 30th edition of Chemspec Europe and is set to be the biggest on record so far. Chemspec is run by the Quartz Group and caters to the fine, custom and speciality chemicals industry.
Over the years, Chemspec has built partnerships with the European Fine Chemicals Group, Royal Society of Chemistry, Scientific Update and REACHReady.
The exhibition is global as Chemspec have set up industry events around the world; Chemspec Asia and Chemspec India has now also been launched.
Will you be attending Chemspec Europe 2015, as either a visitor or an exhibitor? If you'd like to set up a meeting with ReAgent, please get in touch – we'd be happy to talk about how we can help your business.


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New Study Shows That People Working From Home Are More Productive
Letting people work from home saves a lot of energy and keeps people off the roads. However, many still call it "shirking from home" and are not convinced that people who do it are as effective or productive as those who go to the office. Klint Finley at Wired points to a new study done at China's largest travel agency, CTrip. The company was concerned about the high cost of Shanghai real estate and the high attrition rate among its call center workers.
Workers on the same shift with the same manager were broken into two groups, one working in the office and the other at home. The WFH (work from home) group had a 13% increase in performance, 9.5% of which came from working more minutes per hour (fewer breaks and sick days) and the balance from doing more calls per minute, attributed to quieter working conditions. The job attrition rate dropped by half.The company also calculated that it saved $2,000 per employee in office costs. Surprisingly, when the experiment was over, almost half of those who were working from home in the experiment asked to come back to work in the office; the ones who performed best at home were the ones who preferred to stay at home. Clearly WFH doesn't work for everyone. But giving people the choice of home or office improved everyone's performance.
Link to PDF of study by Nicholas Bloom, James Liang, John Roberts and Zhichun Jenny Ying here


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Eight researchers from the Program for Neurology Research & Discovery attended the Peripheral Nerve Society's 2015 meeting, held June 28-July 2 in Quebec.
Postdoctoral Fellows Philippe O'Brian, Lucy Hinder and Amy Rumora presented posters. Also in attendance from PNRD&D were director Eva L. Feldman, M.D., Ph.D.; Brian C. Callaghan, M.D.; Samy Kashlan, John Hayes and Jacque Dauch.
Posters presented included:
Phillipe O'Brien:
'Effect of Dietary Reversal on Peripheral Nerve Function in a Mouse Model of Pre-Diabetes'
Lucy Hinder:
Presentation I: 'High-fat Diet-induced Metabolic Neuropathy: Effect of Mouse Strain'
Presentation II: 'Shared Transcriptional Networks Between Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Murine Models of Diabetes'
Amy Rumora:
Presentation I: 'Hyperlipidemia Alters Mitochondrial Trafficking in Dorsal Root Ganglion Sensory Neurons'
Presentation II: 'Identification of a Tissue-Specific Effect of Pioglitazone Treatment on Gene Expression Profiles in a Murine Model of Type 2 Diabetes'
Brian C. Callaghan, M.D.:
'The Association of Metabolic Syndrome Components with Polyneuropathy in an Obese Population'


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Browse All Games
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Turtle Pool
Instructions and controls:
Click and drag your mouse from your turtle to adjust the direction and power of your shot.
Release the left mouse button to shoot.
You need to pair up two turtles that look exactly the same to remove them from the pool.
Try to clear up the whole pool before time runs out.
You will receive more points if you are able to finish fast and with less shots.
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Andrew Tinkler, chief executive, said the current market was made for Stobart's "pay-as-you-go" model, where customers do not retain a fleet of trucks in their own livery but buy in the capacity required.
Stobart Group
"If you want 100 loads tomorrow, you get 100. If you want 50, you get 50," Mr Tinkler said, adding that Stobart was winning business from customers unhappy at having drivers standing around without work when volumes dry up.
Stobart diverts trucks to the next nearest job, so minimising empty miles, with fleet utilisation up from 82.1pc to 83.9pc over the period.
"You can't go into Tesco with an Asda trailer and vice-versa – and those empty miles are costly" he said.
Stobart joined the market last September after reversing into Westbury Property Fund in a £138m deal. Turnover reached £199m and the company, which is developing rail, sea and potentially air transport operations, is recommending a 2.7p dividend, payable November 28. The shares fell 3 to 90p.
Rival haulier Wincanton yesterday said it was acquiring two Koblenz-based warehousing and transport businesses, ELI-Transport and ELI-Lagerhaus for up to €15m (£11.9m) to extend its network in Germany.


text: Everyone is always asking us how to use your flat iron to create loose, large waves in their hair. Today, we reveal the secret. As shown here, start to rotate your wrist toward the bottom of the piece of hair you are working on. For a tighter curl, start closer to the scalp. If your hair usually holds a curl, you're ready to go. If it has the tendency to drop when you leave the house, put a mist of light hairspray before you bounce. No pun intended!


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National law firm Parker Waichman LLP has filed three lawsuits in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, on behalf of individuals who were allegedly harmed by the life-threatening side effects of the blood thinner Plavix. In each lawsuit, Sanofi-Aventis U.S., LLC, and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company are named as defendants.
One lawsuit was filed on behalf of man from Washington who died from cerebral hemorrhage after using Plavix for less than 12 months. Two of the lawsuits filed by Parker Waichman LLC were on behalf of Ohio men who, as a result of their use of Plavix, suffered gastrointestinal hemorrhages.
Each of the lawsuits allege that Plavix caused permanent personal injury, pain, anguish, diminished enjoyment of life, and necessitate the need for lifelong medical treatment, medications and or monitoring. The complaints state that the drug companies negligently or fraudulently represented that tests showed Plavix was safe and effective. Furthermore, the plaintiffs allege that the drug companies concealed their knowledge of Plavix defects from the FDA, the public and the medical community.
The lawsuits charge Sanofi-Aventis and Bristol-Myers Squibb with strict products liability, negligence, failure to warn, defective design, breach of express and implied warranties, fraudulent misrepresentation, and on behalf of the deceased Washington plaintiff, wrongful death. The lawsuits each seek punitive, exemplary, and compensatory damaged as well as fees and costs, and any additional relief the court deems necessary and just.


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AllPatriots Realty
Virginia, United States
My business ties me strongly to my valued clients and my goal is to continue to extend you a level of service and attention that is not dependent on whether you are prepared to do a transaction. I appreciate the opportunity to serve you and have designed my site to provide you, as a homeowner, valuable resources that can assist you in your goals, hobbies, and living.
My job is to be your source of the source and your source of information! For real estate needs from Northern Virginia to Richmond--give us a call 540-379-0030


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You haven't really had the proper of experience of Clare's Wild Atlantic Way and Burren National Park until you've stood at the gates of Father Ted's Parochial House and kicked your friend up the arse. Really, you haven't! If you've never seen or heard of Father Ted then two things must be stated;
- You're probably very confused right now.
- You're in for a treat once you start watching the show!
Father Ted was filmed largely around Kilfenora and Kilnaboy in County Clare, but it did also feature the Cliffs of Moher, the Ailwee Caves, the Cascades at Ennistymon and a local community centre in the same town. The show appeared to be set on a small island off the west coast of Ireland called Craggy Island and it focused on the lives of three priests and an over-worked housewife. Since it aired in the late 90's it has very much become a classic in much the same way as Fawlty Towers or Fools and Horses have.
With West Coast Cycle Tours you will not only see the Father Ted House, but you'll also get the perfect photo at the gates! Check out our Instagram page to see some great pictures of our groups kicking each other up the arse!
WEST COAST CYCLE TOURSSee the Wild Atlantic Way – at its best! TOUR INFORMATIONBOOK NOW
So, for the fans and the soon-to-become-fans, here's some Father Ted trivia and facts to impress your friends!
- Dermot Morgan, who played Ted in the lead role, was cast after previously playing 'Fr. Trendy' in RTE's 'Live Mike'. The part was originally to go to co-author Arthur Mathews, however he felt he hadn't enough acting experience.
- Ireland's Largest Lingerie section which featured in the Christmas Special 'A Very Christmassy Ted' is actually Dunnes Stores Shopping Centre in Ennis. There really should be a sign or a plaque!
- As mentioned earlier, the Father Ted House is in County Clare. More specifically, it is in Glenquin near Kilnaboy, one of the most scenic areas in the Burren National Park! And yes, a family does live there. The story of its selection is a typically Irish one! A chance conversation in a Kilfenora pub in 1993 while the writers and location manager were looking for an iconic house got them steered in direction of Glenquin and the rest is history!
- Mrs. Doyle, the housemaid, was never actually referred to by her first name and whenever a character did say her name there was a timely beep, cough or dropping of plates. However, in the script she is named as Joan.
- The show Father Ted introduced the word 'feck' to the world. Well, it popularized it anyway!
- In all there were 25 episodes. 3 series of 8 episodes each and a Christmas Special.
- All music in the show was written by Neil Hannon and performed by him and his band 'The Divine Comedy'. These songs include both songs for Europe, 'My Lovely Horse' by Fr. Ted Crilly and Fr. Dougal Maguire and the epic 'The Miracle is Mine' by Fr. Dick Byrne and Fr. Cyril MacDuff and also the theme tune itself. Lyrics were later added to the theme tune and it was released as 'Songs of Love'.
- Fr. Noel Furlong was played by successful chatshow host Graham Norton. The famous Riverdance caravan scene he featured in was filmed at the caravan park just next to Fanore Beach in County Clare. You'll see it as you cycle by. It always gets a laugh out of visitors!
- The Very Dark Caves are in fact the Ailwee Caves in Ballyvaughan, County Clare.
- The scenes inside the house were not actually filmed there, but rather in a studio. However, the 'Cigarettes, Alcohol and Rollerblading' episode did feature the interior of the house itself. The scene where Fr. Ted and Fr. Dougal look in the window to see Fr. Dick Byrne and co. enjoying their forbidden Lenten vices uses the actual house's living room. Learn more about the Father Ted House.
- The 'Over 70's Priests' Indoor Soccer Tournament' was filmed in the local community centre in Ennistymon. Many a 5-a-side match has been played there with lads channeling their inner Fr. Romeo Sensini!
- There is an annual Father Ted Festival held in Kilfenora and Inis Oirr. There are fancy dress competitions, a 'Lovely Girls' event and all manner of Ted-esque craic!
- The writers, Graham Linehan and Arthur Mathews, have revealed their favaourite episode to be 'Kicking Bishop Brennan Up The Arse'. With West Coast Cycle Tours, you can recreate that famous scene during your tour!!
- Sadly, Dermot Morgan (who played Fr. Ted) passed away just 24 hours after filming the final scene for the final episode ever. The show's writers and crew had already agreed to go out on a high and finish the show after the third series, however edits were made to the final scene which now features a montage of the show's highlights. Eighteen years to the day, Frank Kelly (who played the alcoholic Fr. Jack) passed away too. The show lives on though and seems to be as popular now as it ever was, if not more so. They just don't make them like they used to…
If you'd like to take a cycling, walking, and sight-seeing tour of Clare's Burren and Wild Atlantic Way then get booking! Get the proper local experience! Ah go on, go on, go on!
-Enda (May 2016)