What is your opinion on challenging faith? Any biblical context would be much appreciated with your answers.
My question is this: Is it a positive or a negative to listen to people of other faiths talk about them? I am not a Christian, but I am always open to new ideas and I attend a church as well as a Christian club on campus and have for a year now. I have been told that challenging your faith is a positive thing for everyone, and it serves to strengthen faith. I know that if people go out to evangelize if they approach someone who has a different faith, knowing nothing about their history or background, and tell them they have been living a lie this person is less likely to listen to you. I've found that if you approach someone and listen to what their faith is and why they believe it they are more likely to listen to you, and consider what you have to say when it comes to your faith. But what is your opinion on challenging faith, especially in a Christian context?
Being a non-Christian your thread will probably be moved to the Christians Answer Forum but I'm sure they will let you know.
As to your question, yes I think it is important to know what other people believe, however I would say it is more important to first become grounded in your own faith before you go off challenging others about their's. Religion can be very deceptive and adherents can also be very persuasive in their arguments and those young in the faith can easily become confused and fall into heresy. This is particularly true for the many sects and religions that claim to be 'Christian' which appear right or Biblical and may indeed contain much truth, but they also contain enough error to damn people to hell.
So for Christians, first and foremost we need to know what we believe and why (the reason) we believe it.
Acts 17:28-29 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising.
Paul while he was in Athens addressed the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers and quoted their "own poets" in an effort to convince them that God was not like their lifeless idols but that He was the Creator of all things, including them, and therefore they were also accountable to Him. Obviously the Apostle Paul was no novice when it came to reasoning with others about Christ and the Christian faith, and while we don't have to be Apostles to be effective at this, we certainly need to have a mature faith and some understanding of where the other side is coming from.
Thank for, you have been very helpful.
I like to listen and discuss religion with other people but stay away from arguing with them, beware of fights as it can ruin friendships.
I am always careful not to argue religion. Arguing religious is akin to eating soup with a fork. Besides, the only victory you could possibly acheive would be a pyrrhic one.
While I am not a Christian, nor do I belong to any specific thiestic religion (I am an agnostic) I would not necessary say I am seeking Christ, but just seeking in general. Right now I give no concept to what an afterlife could be, but the argument that athiests make that there is nothing is not the most appealing, and requires an equal amount of dogma as any religion. I envy those who can be confident in an afterlife, and their pursuit of it. However I am involuntarily stubborn in my ways, and find it difficult to believe something without concrete evidence for it.
That's the thing, 'some ones' chosen Christianity but knows nothing of the world's other religions and teaches? I mean, once you know the truth™ you know the truth™, but it makes for bad relations with others. I 'challenge' my faith all the time; I'm constantly learning about things extra-biblical (outside of). The only concern is that doubt and severe doubt can set in. Which is a very hard thing to go through... I've brought it on myself more than once while 'challenging' my faith. Not on purpose, mind you.
Like other's have said, I don't go around arguing with people of different faiths (including atheism). But I do make sure I have answers for any questions, and I do make sure to study other beliefs. You can't show others why Christianity is 'right' if you don't know what makes every other faith 'wrong'.
However I am involuntarily stubborn in my ways, and find it difficult to believe something without concrete evidence for it.
This is a little off subject but do you believe in evolution or age of the earth (ie 50 million years or something like that)? If you do...how concrete are these beliefs? They have merits, sure...but are they concrete?
I usually share some part of my testimony - the story of how I came to turst Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord and what He has done in my life. What follows depends on whether the person is interested of not. . .
In my experience far too many folk treat religions like products in a supermarket - they take a little of one, a little of that one, a smidgen of another etc. appearing to think they can choose what they like from each religion and it will please God. . . . probably too late they will discover they mistaken. . .
In my humble opinion, and as I have stated in other threads here where people ask about "why Christianity over other religions or world views?" to me the bottom line is that Christianity is "The truth" and it's all about understanding the message of "the gospel" and it's ultimate goal to bring people back into fellowship with the One true God who created us and the universe around us. That fellowship is something I accept and practice regularly and thus it has taken me beyond the initial phase of mere "blind faith" into the realm of "substantiated faith", and it's all founded on the inerrant and infallible word of God, "The Bible".
In short I do not recommend an approach of studying other faiths just so we can reach them from a "politically correct" point of view that won't offend anybody for believing a lie. Instead just concentrate on studying the truth which is revealed in God's Word with the Holy Spirit as our Teacher, then go out with faith and conviction and let your light shine and speak the truth in love, present the gospel message to all who care to listen, and invite people to accept Jesus Christ as the only mediator between God and man, and have faith that The Holy Spirit will do His part and convince people of the Truth as they listen to your words.
Stay away from religious discussions and concentrate on The Gospel message, stay away from discussions of who God is or is not and speak clearly of the reality of your personal relationship with God, with the conviction of one who knows what he/she is talking about brought about by the reality of your personal experience.
I am an Evangelical Christian. However, my viewpoint could be wrong. I am a fallible human being and make mistakes and errors in my thinking. I try to find the errors in my thinking and correct them.
That being said, I do investigate worldviews and I am an Evangelical because it seems that Evangelicalism corresponds the most with reality and is comprehensive in scope.
Currently, I have six teenage guys that come over to my house on Tuesdays and we are studying the claims of the Watchtower (Jehovah's Witnesses). Studying other views is very helpful.
I do subscribe to evolution as the best answer to explain the origins of species. I believe this because there is evidence given to it that is well supported. This is not to say it is infalliable whatsoever but it does give proper explanation.
I see it this way though, as just a small amount of logical evidence. There is still much more evidence besides this.
Microevolution has been observed in organisms in short periods of time. It is easily done, and can be done repeatedly in the course of 15 minutes in a small lab. It has been observed, and repeatably tested.
We have observed strange genetic mutations within humans as well as animals. There is no denying this as well. These genetic mutations occur when genes are altered at birth. This can make differences in the physiology and psychology of a creature, be it human or not.
Here is an example: Take a world where giraffs have short necks, similar to horses. They reproduce regularly, they do everything like horses. This giraff eats grass. However where they live the concentration of their species is so high that the grass begins to diminish into such a low quantity that it can't support the life of all of the giraffs. If one of the giraffs develops a genetic mutation (The chances of which increase in likelihood given malnutrition or starvation due to the lack of accessable food) in which the neck is freakishly long. This type of mutation is not unknown and has indeed been seen. However this mutation is not necessarily a bad thing. It is merely microevolution, a seen and tested thing. In this case it works for the better. This long necked giraff is able to eat leaves out of a tree that the others couldn't. This long necked gene is either a dominant or a recessive gene. However, when most of the other giraffs die and this one becomes the most suited mate more of them will be created. Eventually the dominant type of giraff will switch into long necked.
That is evolution in action. Taking microevolution, a tested and observed happening, you can apply it to a change in a larger creature such as a giraff. You can see actual changes. During the stage in which a person is in the mothers womb it has been observed that fetus' have visceral gill markings on their developing lungs that are similar to fish gills. However before being born these visceral gills are grown over. They do show possible evidence of having gills at some point in the human lifespan though, the same as if the long necked giraff showed signs of developing a short neck. Whether or not this says anything about evolution to you is up to you, because there is always the possibility that God simply created everything this way. However this set of evidence does give more information and make more sense to my own mind.
Also, when talking about faiths whether they be yours or someone elses questions are bound to come up. When these questions come up aren't you likely to try to answer them in regards to your faith? What if you have a question for someone else's faith that when turned onto your own you have trouble answering, or if someone has a question about your faith you can't answer? Surely you would seek out an answer in the bible or through a preacher or priest. When you discover your answer you have effectively grown closer to God, have you not? That is through challenging faith.
Many, perhaps most, Evangelicals subscribe to micro-evolution, i.e. change within a species. A lot less subscribe to macro-evolution, change from one species to another.
As for the supposed gills, few Evangelicals find Haeckel's recapitulation theory credible. For that matter, secular biologists don't accept it either anymore. Those are not regarded as gills but rather are known as pharyngeal arches and do not carry out the same function as gills (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recapitulation_theory#Haeckel.27s_theory).
Back to your opening post, as you can see, several of us agree that we should read other vantage points. However, this doesn't make all points equal.
Either God exists or God does not exist. Both can't be correct. Either Jesus rose from the dead or he did not rise from the dead. These are important questions to ponder. The truth in answer to these questions has significant consequence either way.
Is there some way that we can assist you or that you can assist us on this journey for truth?
i can fully appreciate your view. as far as evidence, it depends on how you view it. you claim to be agnostic, so perhaps there could be a God yes? now what evidence is there of this God....for me just looking at nature is enough. for some it's not even close.
as far as evidence for Jesus, i'm sure many here could recomend awsome books. one which is on my next to read list is 'a case for Christ' by Lee Strobel. Jesus has much evidence if you so choose to believe. again, some people don't.
anyways, good to hear your open minded. you can never know too much i always say.
I do subscribe to evolution as the best answer to explain the origins of species.
But what explains the ORIGIN of all species?
... Whether or not this says anything about evolution to you is up to you, because there is always the possibility that God simply created everything this way. However this set of evidence does give more information and make more sense to my own mind.Actually, none of what you have stated here has anything to do with evolution, it does show how natural selection works, which is a scientific concept I have no problem subscribing to as a Christian, because it shows God's wisdom in creating beings that can adapt to their environment and survive.
However The Bible teaches that God created all animals in kinds, all after their kind, and through observational science we can confirm that indeed all animals, though diversely different in shapes and sizes within each distinct animal group, maintain the distinctive attributes that are common within each group or "kind", so that all dogs are canine, all cats are feline, all snakes are reptile, and so on.
That's why I believe that the creationist model is the best answer to explain the origins of species. Unlike evolution which tries to lump all kinds of beings as having formed from one single family of single cell organisms, which is impossible to do based on the evidence of DNA, and thus remains only a theory for lack of evidence that shows that complex and diverse lifeforms could indeed "evolve" from simpler ones, and even more incredibly it claims that fish could become snakes or cats or dogs or even human beings, again the evidence for such claims is just not there.
Also, when talking about faiths whether they be yours or someone elses questions are bound to come up. When these questions come up aren't you likely to try to answer them in regards to your faith? What if you have a question for someone else's faith that when turned onto your own you have trouble answering, or if someone has a question about your faith you can't answer? Surely you would seek out an answer in the bible or through a preacher or priest. When you discover your answer you have effectively grown closer to God, have you not? That is through challenging faith.I don't think of faith in terms of religion, as in the term "faith" equates the term "religion". I rather believe in the Christian faith as being "truth" above all other religions and philosophies including "Christianity the religion", does that make sense? To me there's a difference between True Christianity and merely religious Christianity, and the difference is that True Christianity is a lifestyle whereby you go beyond having faith in a possible God that may or may not be there, and you come to have a 24/7 relationship with the person of The living God through the indwelling of The Holy Spirit of God.
Christianity the religion is just that, a religious set of rules and standards you only follow when it's convenient to do so, mostly on Sunday mornings, but it has no life changing effect because the person does not fully understand and want to yield to the authority of God over their life, and thus they go on "existing" as most other people do, but not really experiencing the Joy and power of the Living God in their lives.
Hi, Teitzy just gave you wonderful and truth filled advise and scripture to follow it up.
I was just wondering 'why' you attend a church or belong to a Christian club on campus. Is this just to meet people, etc.? If you have been doing this for a while you must have heard the gospel message of Chirst's death on the Cross of Calvary and his horrible death for our sins was accepted by God and God gave His grace to cover the forgiveness of our sins...which Jesus endured ...every sin and disease possible ...to over come them for those who would seek after Him and make Him Lord of their life. Without accepting Jesus into your life and giving your life freely over to Him you will not be saved. To be saved is to spend eternity in heaven with our Lord and Savior. To not be saved is to spend eternity in hell.
If you have not taken this first step towards salvation then church going is just being religious. It will not save you. Without Jesus leading you you have no ground to stand on and question or debate others with.
To get into discussions about 'other' religions is dangerous. As said before, if you are not saved and not grounded in your faith in Jesus you could be easily lead down a dark path that would end in destruction and eternity in hell.
Please search your heart and don't delay in making Jesus the Lord of your life. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
I went to the web site where I had purchased the book (answersingenesis.org) and found an article there about the man who first proposed that argument, a gentleman named Ernst Heinrich Philipp August Haeckel, there's an article there about this and other arguments he made, the one that deals with this issue is entitled "The Infamous 'Fish Stage' in Human Embryos".
I highly recommend the article and the answersingenesis.org web site as a resource for clearing-up misconceptions about God and creation in general. The website and the organization is dedicated to show that people such as yourself have been misled into accepting "junk science" as truth, in an effort to discredit The Bible as not being relevant in matters of a scientific nature, when in fact just the opposite is true.
I didn't want to derail the topic by my questions. I just wanted to make the point that these beliefs are not 100% concrete.
My question is this: Is it a positive or a negative to listen to people of other faiths talk about them?
Unless someone has a very fragile faith that won't hold up to scrutiny at all, being intellectually challenged or asked to listen to an alternative viewpoint won't do any damage. The only reason I can see for avoiding open dialogue or learning about other worldviews is if you are brand new to your faith and want to spend some time learning the doctrine, developing a support system and establishing a relationship with God before getting involved with debating external issues. Otherwise, I don't understand people who prefer to hide from dissent or questions.
I actually really enjoy reading things which provide new viewpoints and require me to do some serious contemplation. I think it's better to build up your beliefs through deep thought, honest inquiry and research than to stay sheltered and end up with a flimsy faith that can't hold up to controversy when you're finally forced to come out of your hole in the ground. There are people who I know who won't touch the books I read because they are terrified that they will become atheists and abandon God. Usually they bluff and say it's beneath them to read such tripe, but the fear is obvious and often admitted in a roundabout way when they tell me not to read that stuff because I'll end up hating God and worshipping Einstein. I always end up wondering: if they are really Christians, why do they think atheism is likely to be more convincing? Also why, if they love God, do they fear they would abandon him after reading a book written by a mortal (or a mammal, as Christopher Hitchens seems to enjoy pointing out quite frequently). If Christianity is true, it is true irregardless of what Richard Dawkins or Sam Harris has to say about it. I think the same is true for reading about other religions.
I guess the short answer would be, it's good. :) If you have the truth, I don't think it's likely you'll be disabused of it; if you don't, you have nothing to lose.
I am just a little upset after reading your statement towards believing in evolution. Your original question made it sound like you are actually interested in seeking more knowledge of God.
Since this is the case what is your concern about learning of other world religions?
Since I became a born again Christian I personally find it hard to study other world relitions....Since I know that I know the turth and would never change my mind about God, why do I even need to hear about anything that is not of God. Other things such as evoltion (non-god), or other gods, hold no interest for me.
I have no idea what God thinks when he sees one of his children studying some other form of religion. But I would think it would hurt him deeply.
I liked DanDMan64 statement to you and think you should re-read it if you have not done so already ...along with the other responses.
If you are truly seeking God then you need to leave evolution alone. On the other hand if you are trying a 'back handed' attempt to change any Christian minds over to evolution then you really do not know the power of the Almighty God whom we as Christians love and would give our lives to defend our belief in HIM.
I hope you truly understand that evolution can not offer you hope in any form of life after death....or an eternity in heaven with our heavenly Savior and God the Father. DNA can and has proven evolution beliefs as false.
I pray that your mind will be enlightened and your eyes opened to the truths of God and His mighty Word through this forum and the explinations given by others you have visited with here.


text:
Tag: Bob Fox
THE PITMAN POETS – Bare Knuckle (own label)
As The Pitman Poets embark on their second farewell tour (probably not worth asking) they release a new album, Bare Knuckle. For the uninitiated, the Poets are Billy Mitchell, Bob Fox, Benny Graham and Jez Lowe; three string players and an accordionist with Mitchell adding harmonica. All four, as you've noticed, are from the north-east and you may be expecting a certain degree of rowdiness but fear not. These chaps are the genuine article, not stereotypes, and perform these songs with real feeling. That's not to say that they are po-faced about their music, it's a question of authenticity.
Take the opener, 'Byker Hill', which most club singers could belt through without a second thought. Here, the Poets sound like a bunch of miners swapping stories in the pub after a shift, real and natural. The title track is by Lowe and he can be a bit political, you know. Here he is of the opinion that we're in for a bare knuckle fight – as Pete Bond said, "Jarrow lads v ruling classes"- and he is probably right. Talking of which, 'Marshal Riley's Army', Alan Hull's song about the Jarrow March, takes up the theme and pointing out that when he wrote the song in the 70s nothing had changed. And still nothing has changed. 'The Driver' is a 19th century dialect piece by poet Alexander Barrass. I think that's Graham singing lead but I'm not certain. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong and possibly supply a glossary.
The focus moves briefly away from the north-east with Idris Davies' 'Bells Of Rhymney' given a tougher arrangement than we are accustomed to hearing. Of course, there is a spiritual link between the pits of the north-east and south Wales and they shared the same fate. Lowe's 'The Checkout Queue' starts on his home turf but expands his thoughts on the eviscerating of towns and the attitudes of the people who voted leave and got us in this mess. Sample: "I only drink Yorkshire tea…grown on the slopes of Ilkley Moor". I need say no more but there's a lot more good stuff here.
'Sailing To Philadelphia' reminds us that Mark Knopfler spent his formative years in Blyth as he writes about Mason and Dixon of the eponymous line who, having mapped Northumberland and Durham, crossed the Atlantic and unknowingly caused a lot of trouble by settling a border dispute in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. Who knew?
'A Very Funny Thing' is a humorous song from 'Uncle' Reece Elliott. It sounds like a music-hall song but that's all I know about it apart from the local references. Then we move to the USA and Canada with Bruce Springsteen's 'Factory' and Rita MacNeil's 'Working Man', both celebrating the dignity of the working classes. Then it's back home for Ed Pickford's 'The Worker's Song' and Jock Purdon who chose a great American union organiser for his song, 'Joe Hill Blues'.
Bare Knuckle is an album rooted in the lives of working people wherever they happen to be. Many of the songs are familiar and some are new to me. The sequencing is immaculate and would, and probably does, provide the spine of a live set. They are on tour now but sadly for me they are not coming far enough south.
Dai Jeffries
Artists' website: www.thepitmenpoets.co.uk
Tour trailer:
Posted on October 4, 2022 Author EditorCategories CD ReviewsTags Bare Knuckle, Benny Graham, Billy Mitchell, Bob Fox, Dai Jeffries, Jez Lowe, The Pitmen Poets

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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text:
Is Guinness Beer Related to the Guinness Book of World Records?
Guinness Brewing
Guinness Book
Guinness Glass
Guinness Items
Guinness Irish Stout
The Guinness Brewery is best known for its stout, a dark beer.
The Guinness Book of World Records is intimately tied to the famous Guinness Brewery, known in particularly for its heady stout beer. The beer long precedes the book. The beer was brewed in the beginning of the 18th century. The book, on the other hand, was not published until 1955.
The Guinness Brewery can only claim partial responsibility for the book. Sir Hugh Beaver was, in 1954, the managing director of the Brewery. On a hunting trip, he got in an argument with a friend regarding the relative quickness of the plover and the grouse. Each man took a stand on which bird was the quickest. Sir Hugh considered the argument upon returning from his trip and felt what was needed was a book that would answer such questions.
Guinness beer was brewed in the beginning of the 18th century.
In 1951, twins Norris and Ross McWhirter had started a publishing company to research such questions and supply them to periodicals. They had written an article on an athlete employed at Guinness, Christopher Chataway. Chataway introduced Sir Hugh to the brothers. The meeting culminated in a partnership and the beginning of Guinness Superlatives, a publishing company.
An argument over the relative speed of a plover helped create "The Guinness Book of World Records."
The first book sold extremely well, inspiring both the publishing company and the McWhirters to set forth on writing an annual book. In 1975, however, the once happy partnership between the brothers and Guinness ended. Ross McWhirter argued with the Guinness Company regarding their stance on the terrorist attacks being conducted by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in London. He offered a reward for information regarding the terrorists and was murdered a few weeks later.
Ross McWhirter, a Guinness Book founder, was murdered shortly after he offered a reward for information pertaining to the Irish Republican Army.
The Guinness Book of World Records holds some of its own records. For instance, it is the book most frequently stolen from libraries. As well, it is the world's highest selling copyrighted book, with over 100 million books sold in over 30 languages.
What does a Brewmaster do?
What are the Coldest Places in the World?
What are the Hottest Places in the World?
What is a Stout Beer?
What is the Lowest Possible Temperature?
How Many People Have Climbed Mount Everest?
So.... which is faster, the plover or the grouse?
ShadowGenius
@Leonidas226
As long as people disagree on things and take them personally, there will always be bloodshed. Sit them down together and have a few Guinnesses over the matter though, and things will be peachy.
Leonidas226
It seems like the history of the Guinness book is as perilous and interesting as the recent history of Irish politics. It is to be hoped that matters will continue to settle there, in a peaceful resolution for all sides.
JavaGhoul
Guinness is an acquired taste. I am Irish, and felt like less than a man after being unable to finish a Guinness beer, so I forced myself to become acquainted to the taste one Christmas. Now I love it. Ordering a Guinness at any pub will garner you a decent amount of respect, I guarantee it.
BioNerd
The Guinness family is an old and prominent Dublin Irish family with a rich heritage. Many of the Guinnesses have become prominent figures, such as the actor Alec Guinness, who played Obi-Wan Kenobie in the original Star Wars, or Oz Guinness, the great author and theologian. This is just one example of great Irish families that have blessed the world.
By: zaphod2008
By: Kevin McManus
By: Riverwalker
By: hurricane
By: Brad Thompson
The story of the Guinness Book of World Records' start can be traced back to an argument over the speed of the plover bird.


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Finally, the price that the final consumer pays is relatively higher as it reflects the costs of fair-trade production.
The aim of Cause + Affect is to ensure that they produce aspirational clothes that have the minimum possible impact on people and the environment.
In fact, they are selling an ideology. It is precisely for that reason that it is in their interest to maintain the added value of their products. As a result, the company has to pay special atention to all issues related with its operations, which includes the control over its whole supply chain. That implies ensuring labour conditions in farmlands and in their t-shirt manufacturer factories, avoiding the risk of exploitation from people outside the company that could appear and which are unforeseeable. Furthermore, they also need to assure that they will be able to continue with their sustainable procedures such as electricity supply, packaging and ink. For the survival of Cause + Affect, it is critical to follow its communication strategy and be consistent with the ethics attached to its product. Nonetheless, opportunism could play a role in this issue. Therefore, the company must put its effort in its prevention.
c) What makes you believe this company is really ethical and why you trust it?
The main differentiation point from its competitors is the ethical side of its clothes. This company is targeting people who are environmentally conscious, who share their ideology and want to contribute to eco-friendly practices. People buy their believes.
Cause + Affect is one of the rare companies based on values, not only profitable oriented goals.
However, scepticism may arise from the terms of real action. We cannot be certain whether they are just trying to communicate their slogan to the public or they are actually acting accordingly to their statements. Therefore, they have offered us some solid proves of their ethical behaviour. Some are safe labour conditions certified by numerous agencies, including Skal, Fair Trade Labelling Organisation (FLO), ISO 9001:2000, Oeko-Tex Standard 100, WRAP, and the Soil Association; or accreditation by The Soil Association that our printers are the only ones to gain organic status and they being licensed as the sole supplier of authentic organic print in the UK.
Thus, we are inclined to believe that it is not in their interest to act otherwise as their business might suffer if inconsistent behaviour is discovered.
d) Possible challenges facing the company in the future and how you think this company may improve.
As its whole ideology is dependent on the supply chain, at some point one of the agents might have problems to maintain the level of ethical practices in its operations which would affect the entire chain. This can force Cause + Affect to find alternative suppliers.
As the company is a rather small entity it is facing the threat of being defeated by more re-known and bigger companies in the clothing industry that decided to implement the same ethical policies. The larger ones have the advantage of having economic resources and strong brand positioning in the market, putting Cause + Affect out of business.
To face these possible challenges, they could expand the range of products offered and keep a track on potential suppliers that could substitute the already existing ones, in the case these fail.
To complete the cycle Cause + Affect reinvests 10% of any profits generated back into the communities they work with, assisting projects that help to improve living conditions and eradicate poverty in some of the poorest areas of the world.
The company has been accepted to join three of the leading ethical directories: "Ethical Junction", "The Green Provider" and "A Lot of Organics", which only allow companies that comply with various ethical requirements to be listed on their sites.


"AJ, you always say stuff that makes us feel like our dreams can come true."
In the hour that followed papers were pulled out, drafts of ideas were made, and brainstorm lists were created. BJ created outfit designs. Celina had a list of her dreams consisting of a big red barn, farmhouse, and all the animals that we would find there. AJ has plenty of dreams of his own. He plans to be a wise and godly business man - first with USANA and then owning his own store by the time he is 30.
The greatest thing about all of this was the belief that I saw well up in each child. There was great excitement, energy, and bonding between the kids. They were helping each other and even discussing how each one would help the other in the achievement of their dreams.
Without even realizing it, AJ showed leadership that night. He inspired greatness in his younger sisters. He uncovered and stoked their belief.
When you are in the room, what do you inspire in others? What conversations are created because of your questions? Is there energy, positivity, and belief in your presense? I think we all can learn a valuable lesson about the extraordinary life from AJ's example - I know that I can!


Famous for popping up on their hind legs in eager expectance, meerkats are inquisitive, mischievous animals who are much more than just car insurance mascots! Meet the meerkats face to face and shake paws at a small award-winning animal sanctuary, and get to know more about these cute exotics from inside their enclosure. Participate in feeding the meerkats their favourite foods, and see how fast their attention is grabbed once they've smelled or seen treats, then get a chance to cuddle them, be climbed on, and take some absolutely incredible photographs. Supervised all the way through by an expert meerkat keeper, discover all about their good (and bad!) habits, their individual personalities and what makes them tick. Animal lovers will go wild!
Minimum age is 6. Disabled access is limited, please call the park to discuss any requirements upon booking.
Expect to be at the park for up to an hour and 15 minutes. Morning and afternoon sessions are available. The park is open from 10am - 5pm October, September and December, 10am - 4pm November and 10am - 5:30pm March to September.
There will be a maximum of four participants on the day, plus a friendly, knowledgeable keeper.
Wear comfortable, weather appropriate clothing that you won't mind meerkats climbing on.


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Felix Colt
Community > People > Felix Colt
This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to WikiFur style and standards.
For specifics, check the edit history and talk page. Consult the Furry Book of Style for editing help.
Felix Colt is the only known member of the Red Panda off-shoot species, Ailurus fulgens felicis, which is named after Colt himself. Very little is known about Colt's origins, as he can only recall events occurring after his awakening from a coma in Royal Columbian Hospital. Despite intense curiosity about his origins, Colt only recently began reaching out to the rest of the furry world, but is now forging through to attempt to link up with his roots.
Characteristics[edit]
The A. f felicis sub-species of Red Panda varies only slightly from the other two sub-species, but these differences are sources of pride for Colt. Primarily, A. f felicis have larger ears than other Red Pandas; in Felix Colt's case, the ears are so large and heavy they are difficult to keep erect (in fact, Colt's right ear has an effectively permanent droop, and he must often brush them out of his eyes). They are extremely affectionate and playful, especially when meeting other furs, often requiring those around them to have above-average patience (although this may simply be Colt's compensation for a lost childhood). A. f felicis are also incredibly cute, and are largely aware of this fact, never shying away from an opportunity to profit from it; favoured rewards include physical contact (cuddling, hugging, scritching, rubbing, petting, etc.), adoration, food, and toys. There are other differences with the other sub-species, but these are not represented strongly enough in DNA to yet be considered more than Felix Colt's own biological variation.
Personal life[edit]
Felix Colt is believed to have been born during 30 October, 1985, likely in the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia, Canada. He currently resides in New Westminster, Canada and spends his free time involving himself in as much furry social networking as possible, along with his personal hobbies.
This person is a WikiFur user:
Felixcolt's user page
Felixcolt's talk page
Felix Colt's FurSpace page (interaction appreciated) [[1]]
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Wikifurries
Red Panda characters
Last modified 02:55, 17 November 2013


At Petit Mercedes pets are treated to the same outstanding service as human guests. No matter your reason for traveling, you can rest assured that your furry friends will enjoy a relaxing, comfortable stay in our pet-friendly accommodations.
Use our complimentary Internet access to find the nearest dog-friendly spots and local pet stores. Pets are allowed in all beaches and public parks and spaces in Mexico.
Your pet should have a maximum weight of 15 kilos.
Only one pet per room is allowed.
Pet owners must bring their own kennel or pet carrier.
Dogs must be on a leash when outside the guest's room.
All pets must be supervised by a person.
Pets should not sleep on the furniture in the room.
Pets should not stay in the room alone and unsupervised for more than 4 hours.
Pets must be well trained to do their business outside the rooms. It is the owner's responsibility to always carry plastic bags to clean up after the pet.
Any damage caused by the pet will be full responsibility of the owner.
Pet owners should respect other guests by keeping their pets under control. Loud and constant barking will not be accepted.
The hygiene of the pet as well as the area where the pet remains, is the owner's responsibility.
Pet fee of $300 MX pesos per night applies.


HomeLet the duster be your friend.
It's easy for dust to collect on surfaces in your bedroom. If you have a dresser, bedside table, and/or ceiling fan in your room, make sure to dust them regularly. This keeps everything clean, and also increases the air quality in your home!


Tomatoes! Thick slices of tomato on homemade bread with a touch of mayonnaise, salt and pepper…best sandwich – Ever. Salsa! Enough said. Marinara sauce seasoned and simmered will tempt the gods.
The first tomato of the season is a joy! It tastes of hope and of long lazy summer days stretched out before you. Fall tomatoes are rich and hearty in a different kind of way. You savor every bite because you know that soon they will be gone. And, you'll be left…waiting once more. The closer you get to first frost the more you treasure each bite.
In East Texas you can purchase tomatoes anywhere during the peak season. But, there's nothing quite like having your own "tomato guy". A scenic half hour drive through some lovely country will land you at his doorstep. Yep, right where he lives. A table waits in the yard. He's almost never there. But his tomatoes are! They're piled high in wooden baskets arranged neatly in a row. A glass mason jar filled with money sits off to one side. On a nearby tree is a hand written sign with directions. Tomatoes $5 per basket. Leave your money in the jar.
They are the best tomatoes I eat all year. They are worth the wait. How glad I am to live in a place where people still trust and others don't take advantage of that.
I cannot force my writing even if I do have a blank page and a quiet uninterrupted hour. The thoughts will come when they do and the words will follow along at their own pace. It is only my job to deliver them. I wonder if I am really a stenographer, taking dictation from the world around me. The grass calls to me – could you tell my story please of how it feels when the wind lays me down in the field.
So I am as surprised as anyone when they do come. Words and thoughts divinely intermingle. Like tomatoes ripened on the vine they wait to be harvested and enjoyed. I wonder whether they will be sandwich or salsa or a rich hearty stew.
The air is soft this morning and the water is as smooth as glass. No ripples. No sparkling light. Just stillness. Some days that is just the thing.
Jack sent the first ducks of the season aloft. There were two of them. It is lovely to see two of them side by side whether they swim or fly. So sweetly together. I trust they will return. This is a safe place to spend the winter.
I lingered over feeding the fish, slowing it down and drawing it out. The channel cats seem to like it that way. Cross legged at the end of the jetty I look down into the water much the way I stare at the blank page. Hopeful and waiting.
The perch come racing in first. The water churns with their hunger. They have crazy Jack kind of energy! Perch are not good waiters! But they do make enough ruckus to get the attention of a few turtles. Hey, what's going on over here? Free food? So, now we are joined by the red eared sliders. They are shy. Once they get a bite they swim straight to the bottom of the lake with their treasure.
Two channel cats ascend from the deepest water. Oscar and Felix (in case you were wondering what their names might be) are gentle giants at an easy two feet long. No fish tales here. They really are that big! They circle and wait, creating a lovely ballet of sorts. If I manage to drop the bread just right, a few inches in front of them, they will gather it into their mouths by the feel of their whiskers. It's much harder to accomplish than it sounds but well worth the effort. Sometimes, they treat me to a whale like flap of the tail in gratitude. Always makes me smile.
Then there are my pawed ones!
Jack's interest lies purely in the realm of the red eared sliders. He salutes them with both voice and stance! Come hither and let me get a better look at you my small friend! Um, no thank you – they reply. Jack is perplexed at their hesitancy to join in his offer of friendship. And tells them so, Loudly!
Dobby wanders the wooden planks looking at the hoopla from time to time. Mostly he seems to be asking – are we done yet? In case I haven't noticed his pacing, he will come close enough to slobber on me. Hm, fun for me.
A bird begins to sing, pea shooter, pea shooter, pea shooter. Or at least that's what it sounds like to me.
The bread is all gone. Fish tummies are full. Time to go. A stampede of excitement arises after all that waiting around on the pier. I am careful not to get knocked off…for today at least. My crew heads down the path. It narrows and winds just here. If I am too slow Bo will double back to check on me. He will wait but only as long as he can see me.
Early morning and dark, a hushed reverence fills the air. The pitter patter of paws follows me down the hall and to the kitchen. Start the coffee. Put on my long soft sweater and head outside.
Stars shining bright and a few frogs still sing. It's too early yet for the birds. Their time will come. Jack has joined me on the back porch. He likes the early morning as much as I do. Or maybe he just likes to be close to me whenever and wherever that may be. Jack doesn't show up well in the dark but I know he's there. He nudges my hand and leans his whole self against me in his own special way.
I'm grateful he's near. I am as sure of him as I am of the coffee waiting for me. The strong aroma drifts through the crack in the door I've left open. Soon the scent nudges me as certainly as Jack does. Ready, it calls to me… I answer with a few footsteps easily made. I'm grateful for those too.
Pull the cup from the shelf. A dash of cream to soften the color. A tad bit of sugar to sweeten the taste. I caress the warmth coming from the porcelain with both of my hands.
Such a storm! So much raging! Darkest gray and sheets of silverish rain, blowing sideways flooding the stage. The wooden pier that stands guard over the lake disappears under the onslaught. The man made path of sawn timbers giving way to a force greater than themselves. But, the grass is just dandy! If anything, it only comes greener as the angry sky falls.
I watch from inside transfixed on the spot. I am safe and quite sound. Without shoes on my feet, my toes feel the ground. Others around me but nary a sound. There's a roof overhead. I sense it above me. I know that it's there, keeping me in. It protects from the rain, far away from my skin.
It's an odd thing…no windows to let the outside in…no walls to keep the outside out…no doors to be closed… Only ways to move through. Easily about. There is a knowing. The spaces, they mingle. Ever so gently, they are not separate but rather one single.
For, home it is…warm and safe…a soft place in which to feel the storm gather round. The sky above rumbles in response to the chaos it cannot control.
But here, here is a safe place for one who seeks calm…just a heartbeat away. At once looking outward and wondering inward.
A tender gaze moves with me from room to room. A strength of presence, I feel more than See. It needs nothing it seems. Asks nothing of me. Waiting and peaceful in cozy small spaces. Content…just to be close, close in my dreams. Soul to soul, together and whole.
Why… why is there invisible grace…keeping roof on…keeping rain out…safe harbor for warmth…what I See and Think and Feel, so very different but each so very real.
Then, one day…a very fragile place wears thin…breaks wide. But, because of the knots, one doesn't lose everything. Without them there would be a chaos of bouncing and rolling, hither and yon…gone forever. The one pearl at the breaking point must be gathered and saved. The rest remain tightly together.
The eternal circle is only a line now. It may be laid out and admired but it can no longer be worn. Put them away for a long while. It is too painful to look upon them and to remember. At first there is only the brokenness. One separated from the others and rather lost. A deep sigh. Wrap them tenderly in tissue and tuck them away in a special place.
They will wait. Until…you are ready. One day you think of them and know. It is time…a search for the tissue wrapped treasure ensues. Unfolded so gently with a beating heart. It has been so long. There they wait in a lovely heap not looking as broken as you remembered. A sweet dawn of hope embraces you. You had almost forgotten how very much they favored tiny full moons at rest in your palm. Oh… their familiar coolness so refreshing to the touch brings a warm smile.
The delicate undertaking begins. The solitary task of starting anew. An empty space in which to create. Light to see what lies before you. A lifetime of lessons reminding you of your own true north. The softest music. The surest hand to guide both pearls and thread. They wait. You wait. Waiting only for a gentle touch to bring them whole again.
Painstakingly, one at a time the tiniest knot is created between each pearl. Almost invisible, it surrenders all of its fame to the pearl it protects. The silky white thread bestows space. Each pearl is free! Free to be quietly unto itself while still keeping a special place as part of the whole. Therein lies the gentle strength of the knot. The smallest bit of string unnoticed on most days, wisely and carefully tied creates the most loving bond between each precious full moon.
Enough time has past. You are ready once more to enjoy their beauty. One was very nearly lost. With patience and loving care they have come round into the circle they were always meant to be.
Only you hold the memory of the broken place and of the one that was almost lost. A single tear falls for that long ago moment as you clasp them around your neck…afraid to look in the mirror. A smile that nods tenderly to the sorrows of the past just as surely as it reaches hopefully to the future. Take them between your fingers, a gentle back and forth just to remind yourself they are really there, where they should be.
Few things are more wonderful than easing into wakefulness from the heart of a just because nap, an honest to goodness close your eyes and drift off if you want to, nap. No bells or alarms jolting you into the present moment where you must hurry because you're already five items behind on your to do list. I've just had the bliss of one on this perfect September Sunday. Jack is still heavy across my ankles, his favorite way to sleep. The dogs are still dreaming. It's easiest for me to write when they are as still as a breezeless pond. Even that is deceptive. They are only recharging for their next round of mayhem!
Have you ever experienced a juice box? Yes, I'm talking about that small handheld invention – a box filled with juice in varying flavors accessible by a straw of matching size and cuteness. Deceptive. If you've ever gone round with one you'll know why I call it an "experience". If you haven't, I urge you to go forth and find one immediately if not sooner. It's something you'll never forget. You must find out for yourself. It may in fact change your whole life. Well, perhaps that's a tad overstated. But, you never know.
And if you think that one juice box is a wimpy experience, that you're ready for so much more…or…you're simply embarrassed to partake of a juice box as a great big grown up all alone….well, then I recommend that you make your way to the nearest preschool and enjoy your life changing experience with a dozen 3-5 year olds. I dare you.
Ok, ready? Here goes. A juice box is a tiny little thing, rather cute. Innocent and adorable it waits for you to come closer. They actually come in a variety of shapes but for our purposes we will focus on the box. Pick it up. Turn it over in your hand. Wow, pretty sturdy. And how good of them to include such a tiny matching straw. hmmm. Here's where you come upon your first challenge, to ease the straw protected by its own plastic sleeve away from the box. Warning, if you mess this up you do not win the straw. In fact it will crimp in the middle and you'll end up fighting for every drop of juice through a mangled straw.
Assuming you tear it successfully away from the box you now face your next challenge. You must free the straw from its protective sleeve that I'm pretty sure was designed by NASA to withstand the fires of re-entry into the earth's atmosphere. In the tackling of this step, do not – I repeat – do not – do anything to flatten the pointy end of "cute little straw". Not so cute anymore, huh. You're going to need that pointy end to stab through the miniscule foil covering – also designed by NASA.
Even if you've made it this far things can still go miserably wrong. You see, you have to hold it right. Yep, there's a right way to hold the cutie pie. Side to side at the edges is best. If you grip it in the middle the whole thing can easily turn into a fountain. Juice will be everywhere that you don't want it and sadly missing from the one place you do want it, namely your tummy.
Lest I have scared you off I assure you they are totally worth the effort. The juice is fantastic once you finally get to it. You are allowed to make a satisfying slurping noise when you reach the bottom. Some boxes will even cave in and change shape as you drain them becoming an artistic sculpture worthy of being displayed at any reputable museum of modern art. What's not to love about that?
Juice boxes are a fine science and to be honest I'm not certain how preschoolers stay hydrated in the face of such adversity.
Since we're already in preschool let's talk about glitter! With your trusty juice box by your side all you need now is paper, glue, and glitter for some good old fashioned fun. A clean piece of white paper layed on a sturdy surface, (not your grandmother's mahogany table). Take the bottle of Elmer's glue and swirl to your hearts content. This way and that with no rhyme or reason. Add…Glitter! Shake it from the bottle. Pour it from a spoon. Sprinkle it with your fingers. Just keep going until your paper has disappeared under the weighty beauty of the sparkly bits. Gently lift at the corners letting all the excess fall away leaving behind only what held firm to the glue. There! Beautiful! And would you look at that, there we are again – the art of letting go leaving behind nothing but joy. One day we'll learn. Maybe.
Glitter sticks! It sticks in the carpet, to your hands, furniture, face, you name it. It makes its way absolutely everywhere and doesn't give up easily. I know people who cringe at the sight of it. Oh no, that crafty art project will have to stay behind. I'll never get rid of all that glitter. My question is, why would you want to. It's so much fun. Still, for many it is left behind out of fear and the desire for perfection. Perfect carpet. Perfect furniture. Perfect life.
But life in all of its ups and downs is a profoundly messy thing. Dirt falling from paws and the shedding of fur is as messy as glitter but I will never trade the joy of it for a perfect floor.
Jack is my September puppy. My juice box. My glitter.
Um, no. Precious, maybe. Perfect and innocent? No way. Jack is the mess that sticks without glue. How often do I shake my head and sigh – oh, jack.
Jack is the reason I get up so early to write. When he was a puppy he insisted with both voice and paw that I awaken early, as in 4:30 crazy early! I soon realized that he only wanted me to move to the den where he would settle in and return to sleep. What is that about?! Hmmm. As long as I was up anyway I might as well make the best of it and write in the quiet hours before dawn.
It is Jack who cornered the poor beaver. It is Jack who steals the toys. It is Jack who will dig a hole to the center of the earth's core. It is Jack who knows all of the neighbors on a first name basis. It is Jack who whimpers in the hallway begging to be noticed. It is Jack who will do his best Paul Bunyan impression trying to carry an entire tree branch, even if it's only for a few feet. It is Jack who sends Bo scurrying under the picnic table. It is Jack who actually does the yoga pose downward facing dog. It is Jack's name that I call in the woods when I want all of my companions to come along. It is strange indeed how all of the dogs come bounding in response to his name. It gives me a hearty smile. It is Jack who can round up an entire herd of cows in under two minutes. That's a real sight to see! It is Jack who is a little Casanova.
It is Jack who greets me with an actual cry of delight when I return home after an absence. Whether I've been away for 5 minutes or 5 hours makes no difference to him. He is overcome with joy that I am no longer invisible. It is Jack who finds things, things that I didn't even know were lost… Jack is my life changing juice box. Jack is my brilliant little mess that sticks to every part of my life with the tenacity of glitter. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Hidden in the heart of the messy places, the ones you least expect, there is where your joy is. Life is a complicated adventure. You cannot create one without a bit of bother and a touch of glue. I will never trade a glittery mess for picture perfect. It's just not worth it. Life is short. Even when it's long, it's short. Too short to be afraid of a juice box . Too short not to take the glittery masterpiece home with you. Embrace the mess…and let go of the rest.
My Dad loves puzzles these days. The ones made of cardboard that when all the pieces fit just so, it comes together to reveal a beautiful image.
This morning I have kept the world at arms length. My quiet side cried out for whispers of grace descending from the tree tops. To write. To manage a whole thought at once rather than broken into crumbs spilled upon the counter. They will never be whole again. They're fine as they are of course. Crumbs add a lovely crunch to the top of a casserole. Crumbs are a feast fit for the birds. The dogs will happily devour every single one of them and ask for more.
300, 500, 1,000 piece puzzles dumped onto a table look like a big pile of crumbs. But these are different. These have edges and corners. In time and with diligence they will fit together just right. They will become what they were always meant to be, a lovely image. For now though, they are a messy pile and where in the world does one begin?
A snag. You're closing in on completion but something's missing. Hopefully all the pieces are present and accounted for. Hopefully nothing has fallen to the floor or gotten itself hidden somehow. Yes, puzzle pieces do have the ability to move from place to place without your help. Didn't you know? What follows is a frenzied and all out search. It can't be! It Has to be here. You're on hands and knees combing every inch of the floor. You revisit the empty box…for the fourth time, just to be sure.
You fight the puzzle. You fight yourself. You've been looking too hard for too long. You can no longer see.
Walk away. Take a break. Give your eyes a rest Let the puzzle wait. It's not going anywhere. Maybe it is…but that's another story altogether, a fairy tale I think. When you return the piece shows itself. It was hidden amongst the others all along. There in plain sight. One has to let go to see. It fits right into its place snug along the edges and hugging all the curves. The puzzle is done. The image is complete. You stand back and admire the beauty of it with great satisfaction. A momentary victory. A small oohrah!
Already your mind races forward. Hmmm. Do I leave it here? After all, it took me so much time. I should enjoy my efforts for a while. If I do that though, I won't be able to use the table. Hmmm. I could glue it. Then I could admire it forever. I'm not much for that though. I'd have to store it or frame it or who knows what else. Hmmm. There's only one thing to be done. Dismantle it. Take it apart. Tuck all the little pieces safely at home in their box. Put it aside for another day or another person to enjoy. The time of this puzzle has come and gone. It lingered for awhile but now it's time to let it go.
I'm not much of a puzzle person to be honest. I'd rather be moving about or painting or…writing. Words are my pieces and writing is my puzzle. I love to gaze at the empty page. My pen is poised and ready…when my thoughts catch up to me and the words come together just so. Yes, yes, that one hugs the others perfectly. Or, the inevitable scratch out… no, no, that's not what I mean at all.
I pause over the messy page not quite knowing where to go next. – I guess I should walk the dogs. After all they've been staring at me for a good 20 minutes now, and wrestling with one another in doggy fashion beneath my feet. We've been soooo good for soooo long. Seriously. Don't you need a break? Aren't we cute? You should really stop what you're doing for a while and play with us instead. It'll be good for you. Promise. They're right of course. They always are. I let out a sigh of great exasperation at their infinite and all encompassing wisdom that I have to work so hard for.
Shoes on my feet. Music to settle my soul. Off we go then. Trees above. Dirt beneath. My joyful four legged companions. I walk and I wait. I wait for the right words to find me. Always, they do.
Whenever I fight it, the puzzle, the words, the dailiness of life, it never works out then. I waste myself spinning ever inwards tightening to a place so small that I cannot see the missing piece. It waits patiently in plain sight. It is in letting go that I gently circle forth again just as the graceful curves of a paper nautilus spiral outwards beautifully away from self. Only then does my vision clear enough to see what was right before me all along.
My Dad is the smartest man I've ever known. He was never much of a puzzle person either, the cardboard variety. But give him a real life problem and just watch his engineering brain take hold and keep on. He wasn't afraid to take anything apart in his thoughts or with his hands over and again until he had completely mastered the what and how and why of it. Still, sometimes the solution evaded him. Seemingly, he would let go of the whole dilemma. His efforts turned to bread making or gardening. Often he would wander through a well loved book, the old fashioned kind. None of this e-reader stuff. Dad read books that feel heavy in your hand as they carry you to another place and time. He kept a pencil near when he read so as to make his signature asterisk to mark the passages he found most meaningful. Oh how I love to come across one of Dad's asterisks, a hidden treasure to be sure.
Suddenly the answer was there hovering just within reach of him and he'd go back to the problem now able to fill in the missing piece. Done! Complete! Whole!
And then, he put it away. Dad knew better than to leave a "done puzzle" on the table to be stared at. He knew when it was time to gather it up, put it back in its box, and pass it along. He learned all the lessons the puzzle offered him, pondered every piece as he held it in his hands. He knew all too well that the blessing of the puzzle was in the journey of it, never in the preservation of it. Time to let go to make room for the next one.


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MEMIC Hires Robb Atkinson as Senior Public Relations and Communications Specialist
May 05, 2021 | Corporate
(Portland, ME) – MEMIC, a workers' compensation insurance specialty carrier with offices from Maine to Florida and licenses across the nation welcomes Robb Atkinson in his new role as Senior Public Relations and Communications Specialist.
Atkinson brings an extensive wealth of expertise in public relations, marketing strategy and content development to the position.
As the Senior Director of Sales and Affiliate Relations for CNN, Robb managed the sales, products, and services for more than 100 television stations nationwide.
Before CNN, he served as the News Director for WGME Television in Portland, ME, WATE Television in Knoxville, TN., and WWAY TV in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Honored with two Emmy Awards for his investigative reporting, Atkinson has a proven track record of creating original content for digital platforms, radio, and television.
In 2019, he earned a master's degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in marketing from the University of New Hampshire's Paul College.
The MEMIC Group includes MEMIC Indemnity Company, MEMIC Casualty Company, and parent company Maine Employers' Mutual Insurance Company; all rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best. As a super-regional workers' compensation specialty insurer, The MEMIC Group holds licenses to write workers' compensation across the country. The group insures more than 22,000 employers and their estimated 300,000 employees, and holds more than $1.4 billion in assets. The group maintains offices in New Hampshire, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Florida, in addition to its headquarters in Portland, Maine.


text:
From the Wreckage
contemporary-romance
Melissa Collins - 2015
First, he saved me.I lived because he was a hero.And then he was gone.Uprooted by the fire that destroyed our home, my family moved away and I never saw David Andrews again.Then, he found me.Eighteen years later, he rescued me again - in much simpler terms, of course.
By loving me, by giving me the fairy tale I'd always hoped for, he provided me with the perfect life.Now, he needs to be saved.It's my turn to be strong, to be brave, to be valiant.When flames threaten to turn us to ashes, it's up to me to pull us From the Wreckage.
Cora Seton - 2015
After five long years, cowboy and fire fighter Adam Carter still can't figure out how he lost smart, sexy Brynn Price to the laziest, orneriest cheat in town.
He knows he shouldn't love a married woman, but he can't stop thinking she should be with him.Five years ago when her sister set a fire, Brynn put Netta on a bus to California, hoping she'd escape the consequences. Brynn didn't count on a witness to step forward and demand she marry him in exchange for his silence. Now there's seven days left until the statute of limitations runs out on Netta's crime. Seven more days until Brynn can leave Chris forever.When Chris steps up his attempts to control her, Brynn has no choice but to start setting some fires of her own. Adam knows something's very wrong at the Price household, but no one's talking and he's starting to think one day he'll arrive too late to save the woman he loves.Will any of them survive long enough to pick up the pieces after the fire?
Paige Tyler - 2015
Things are about to get hot in here...
When firefighter Jax Malloy gets called out to battle a blaze at a hotel in the middle of the night, he doesn't expect to find the sister of his best friend and fellow firefighter in need of rescuing. He didn't even know she was back in Dallas. Skye Chandler has always had a crush on Jax and is ready to be more than friends. All they have to do is survive an overprotective brother who just doesn't get it, and a psychotic ex-boyfriend who'd rather see her dead than with another man.
Texas Wildfire
Sable Hunter - 2015
'I Am My Brother's Keeper' are the words engraved on the plaque awarded to volunteer firefighter/rancher Titan Sloan.
Daily he risks his life to save and protect friends and neighbors. When he finds out the person he loves the most is the one he's failed to protect, Titan is fit to be tied. Titan Sloan is a hero, but he's no angel. For years he's secretly been in love with his Captain's wife. When he finds out their marriage is a sham and Makenna is being abused, all hell breaks loose. A Texas Wildfire is the backdrop for a story so hot and a love so intense, no one will come through it unscathed. **Content Warning: This book contains adult language and sexual situations. It is intended for adults 18+ ONLY**
Blazing Love: A Love Under Fire Novel
Chantel Rhondeau - 2015
An emotionally injured veterinarian assistant tries to resist the heat of a blazing hot firefighter, but she can't avoid the flames of his passion.
Veterinarian assistant Laura Lyons loves animals, loves her job, and is trying to love her life. But after her fiance was killed in an accident seven years earlier, she shut everyone out, determined not to become attached. Laughing and pretending she has no problems without letting anyone know the real her is the easiest route. Thayne Bloodgood is the most eligible bachelor on the Sayle Fire Department's roster. Handsome, strong, and loyal, the single ladies fawn over him-all except the one he wants. Thayne is determined to break down Laura's defenses. The desire in her eyes when they flirt isn't his imagination. Winning her heart is a challenge he's ready to meet. Will this relationship blaze too hot, burning them both in the process, or can Thayne become the kind of man Laura needs and prove to her it's never too late to love?"
Shadows and Ash: Pulp Friction 2014 Finale
Laura Harner - 2015
Nestled in the forest surrounding Flagstaff, Arizona, Mountain Shadows offers residents and guests a refuge from a too-complicated world.
A year ago, the isolated retreat, with its log cabins and stone lodge, could boast a convalescing new owner, one employee, two long-term tenants, and an uncertain future. As others joined the rag-tag collection and made the hideaway their home, tentative beginnings morphed into friendships…and more. Over this past year, the perfect place for hiding became a sanctuary for healing, as one-by-one the residents discovered that learning to live in the light with a family you choose is better than shrouding yourself in loneliness. But just as everyone seems to settle into a new normal, shadows from the past drag one of their members back into the darkness and the fallout threatens their carefully constructed new beginnings. Now, the family they've created there must band together to protect each other from someone determined to destroy the lives they've worked so hard to reclaim. Pulp Friction 2014. Four authors. Twenty-four books. One fiery finale.
m-m-romance
R.J. Jones - 2015
This version is currently not available.When everything happens Out of the Blue…Lt Cameron Cooper has been with the San Francisco Fire Department for fifteen years.
He's seen and dealt with a lot of horrifying situations. He's always considered himself mentally tough, but when he attends a multi-vehicle accident and sees a dead boy with features remarkably similar to his long-time boyfriend, his mental health takes a hit.All Jake Montgomery wants is to propose to his boyfriend on their ten-year anniversary. He's already bought the perfect rings, but when Cameron struggles to look at him after a tragic accident, he has doubts about their future. Cam is withdrawing, and Jake doesn't know why.With heated arguments and cold shoulders, Cam and Jake's life starts to fall apart. Just when Cam thinks he can overcome his issues and finally talk to Jake, memories from Jake's past threaten to push them apart forever.
Christi Snow - 2015
Tara Malone is having one of those lives.
Born to Oscar award-winning actor, Anthony Malone, and model-famous beauty, Veronica Scott, she should have it made. But her curvy figure and out-of-control frizzy red hair are just the start of her many, many issues. Now to make matters worse, she's started out her week by running over model, Justin James, with her car. She had a lot of fantasies about the cover model, but never did any of them include vehicular assault.Justin James doesn't have time for two broken wrists, but neither does his over-achieving family. He can't open up his fridge or unzip his fly without excruciating pain and no one else has the time to help him. Tara already shot him down at the accident scene, but maybe he can work this so that the curvy bombshell has a reason to hang around for a bit. He's not above using guilt if it means he gets to know her better.
Morgan Nicole - 2015
Rekindle: verb; to revive something that has been lostLoss and change are two things that Emma Grace is intimately familiar with.
She knows better than anyone that sometimes, life happens. It happens often, and never in the way she expects. When she and her best friend, Cam make the move back to her childhood hometown in Alabama, life decides to happen again.Rhett McCoy never forgot Emma Grace. Hell, every memory from his childhood included her. But that's what she was now. A memory. At least, that's what he thought until he finds himself standing in front of a very real Emma Grace.Neither of them expected to see each other again, but when life hands you a second chance at your first love - how far do you go to protect it?
Lucy M. George - 2015
Discover what a teacher, a doctor, a firefighter and a vet do and how they help the community.
Each story focuses on a different character as they go about their daily work. But each day holds a new challenge for these busy people?¿ Next Steps are included at the back of the book to prompt further discussion and develop vocabulary as well as information about the characters who work alongside the protagonists, for example a nurse from the doctor's surgery and the commander at the fire station.
Storytime: The Perfect Job for an Elephant
Jodie Parachini - 2015
Elsie is still only a young elephant, but decides she should start looking for a job.
But what would the perfect job for her be? Her mother encourages her to think about what she enjoys doing and together they decide that she might like to try being a chef. But when Elsie returns home after working in Zebra's Snack Shack, sad and unhappy, it's time to think about what else Elsie is good at. After trying lots of jobs, from being a musician to an artist, Elsie begins to give up hope. They've all ended in disaster! But when an emergency breaks out at the Snack Shack, Elsie's perfect job is found - a firefighter! Throughout the years, QEB has built this successful Storytime series. These charming books combine colorful illustrations with heart-warming narrative, each with its own unique message.
Encouraged By Sparks
Gregory Jonathan Scott - 2015
After his home falls under fire, Skye's way of life turns completely around.
He instantly forms a bond with Tanner, the firefighter who brings emotions out of him that have been suppressed too long. Against his better judgment, Tanner invites Skye in, finds his beauty and charm irresistible, leaving himself hopelessly committed to more than giving Skye a temporary place to stay. As Skye finds himself increasingly drawn to Tanner, the connection he has with him turns into a journey of self-discovery. Through trifling phobias that have overshadowed him, Skye begins to wonder if his reservations of an open relationship will tear them apart. Tanner stirs desires in Skye and the heat between them can't be ignored. Will Skye's sheltered past weigh heavily on him and put a meaningful future with Tanner at risk? Will the sparks they have live on or go out because of it?
Feeding the Flames
Leah Braemel - 2015
Sometimes your soulmate has been right in front of you their whole life.
It shouldn't take almost losing them to find them. Volunteer firefighter Zac Buchanan has been carrying a torch for Tabatha Morgan since…well, forever. A promise he made years ago backfired, sending Tabatha into the arms of another man, and him into a decade of heartache. Now Tabatha's back in town, newly divorced, and the sparks between them are setting them both aflame. Tabatha would have bet her secret five-alarm chili recipe that her school girl crush on Zac had died out long ago. Except those slumbering embers reignited the moment Zac walked into her diner. Now each time she sees him—hears him, thinks about him—she can't imagine her life without him again. But if their new-found love and sizzlin' hot action in the bedroom—and living room, kitchen and bathroom—is to survive, Tabatha must also accept the smoke, flames and danger of Zac's job. Or their happy-ever-after will forever be extinguished.
Roz Lee - 2015
Single father and firefighter, Steve Rankin has every reason to distrust flighty people, given the way his former girlfriend dropped their infant daughter on his doorstep six years ago then left to 'find herself.' When the fortune-teller at the Renaissance fair tells him there's a woman who needs him, he rejects the prediction as so much idiocy from a fraud who couldn't even predict a fire in time to save her booth from burning to the ground.Shannon Perry isn't looking for love, despite her friend Nadya's prediction that a man with broad shoulders is in her future.
It's been years since Shannon has felt anything except numb, so when desire stirs in her body for the sexy firefighter with the adorable sprite of a daughter, stepping closer to the flames is too tempting to resist. From the sparks of desire, the fire burns hot and fast for both of them, but lessons learned the hard way could stand between them and a future together.Hearts on Fire first appeared in the multi-author anthology, Seduction - One Fortune at a Time (Cupid Publishing, Sept. 2014)
Controlled Burn
Nikki Duncan - 2015
Hardened by scars.
Softened by heart. Melded by fire. Scarred Hearts, Book 1 Petite in stature but not in attitude, Delancey Winston put her fellow firefighters' doubts to rest when she carried a half-burned man out of an arson fire. But she can't shake the need to learn more about the haunting power of the man in her dreams-the one she pulled from a dead woman's side to save. Even more disturbing is the power of newly awakened memories she's tried to bury. Logan Mathis lost more than his accounting firm that day. He lost his beloved sister, his only remaining family. Now, his days filled with painful skin grafts and therapy, he works to avoid people. Until he runs into the woman who saved his life, who seems to see beyond his scars. Slowly, Delancey's generosity of spirit begins healing Logan from the inside. But their connection resurrects memories Logan would rather forget. Memories that could make Logan a target of someone who's still trying to burn away his tracks. Warning: The damsel saves the dude, and that's not a spoiler. It's a clue that things are about to get hot. Really hot.
Lisa Childs - 2015
He'll risk his life…just not his heart Fiona O'Brien knows how to minimize risk…by never, ever falling for a guy in a hazardous job.
And when her brother applies to become an elite Forest Service firefighter, Fiona hits the roof. She'll do anything to keep him safe—even if it means using every sexy tool in her arsenal to seduce the one firefighter who can change her brother's mind. Hotshot Wyatt Andrews swore to avoid controlling women like Fiona. And he has no intention of intervening in her family business. Still, he can't resist the fiery redhead with the deadly curves. Soon they're engulfed in a blaze of lust that incinerates their self-control. They're playing each other, but if they're not careful they may both get burned.


If you feel as though it would be beneficial to speak with her supervisor, then do so. I love him but he plays mind games, I am 26 and he is 29. After confronting him with his most recent indiscretion, he never acknowledged it or apologized. Why would a woman do that if she actually likes the guy? However, Oshima also recommends keeping your options open—give him competition. If a guy starts with the mind game crap, just give it back to them. Don't you think, she owns her phone so she knows how to download the infinite number of apps on it? No one man or woman should put up with this emotional abuse. Most of the time people who play mind games won't change for the better unless they are still very young.
This seals the deal of your breakup. However, I am also seeing the push for me to go and the offers of financial support to facilitate it. The less feminine a woman is, the less attractive she is. This type of relationship is bound to come to an end at some point because it creates a toxic atmosphere. Many thanks to all those men — friends and strangers, alike — who contributed! Have they , the women earned it? When a confident guy asks a woman out on a date and she says that she is busy, he will continue to believe in himself and just suggest another time or say that he will call her another time to see if they can arrange a time to catch up. However, this is very rare and is usually not the case. Let them show their true colors along the way.
Be nice and kind when they deserve it. Pull your balls out of their purses. Do you constantly tell your boyfriend that he won't 'get any' if he doesn't' do something that you want? Which is probably the exact reasoning for you being here reading this article right now! This is when men and women intentionally try not to show their interest and affection for the person they are dating. Anyone who has been in this boat knows exactly how painful and damaging it can be. There is no better way to beat him than to listen to what your own instinct is telling you… walk away! The more masculine you are in how you think, feel, behave, talk, take action and respond to women, the more attractive you will be to all kinds of feminine women e. Men by nature like to feel in control and when they feel that control being stripped away, they actively engage every single tactic they know to get that control back and that means playing mind games.
The motivations differ from person to person, but the goal is always the same — to win. However, that is still up for discussion because playing mind games suggests duplicity and dishonesty. I'm pretty sure that you thought you knew him very well before the call from the other woman. When you call her and try to set up a date Another mind game is how a woman can go from being really keen on you to cold in between you getting her number and then calling her for the first time. You just know what you want so you get it, like its that easy.
Simply don't make him a priority in your life - which is what you are doing right now. The man you have just met will shower you with lots of attention, compliments, gifts, etc. Alternatively, with this one, he may be genuinely dealing with some issues, so be careful and considerate when this behaviour pops up. In the beginning of the relationship another woman contacted me claiming they were together at the same time. Do you want to be constantly thinking of ways to get the upper hand and if so what does that mean for your relationship? He was really into me but i was just taking things day-by-day.
And there are other warning signs! Soon enough, you will start to rely on him more. So you might think that she is playing games with you, but in reality she is simply taking your for a spin before committing to you intimately in either form. He insisted with mind games and did so for about a year in hopes I would lose the weight for him. He will feel like he has all the control which will in turn, stroke his ego. I know that it may feel like it, but you really can live without him; all you need is time. Words hardly shared between the two of us. Me mentioning so honestly helps my mental situation to an extent.
Both of you start feeling that you have met your soulmates. That is why he didn't show up for six months. Lifetime of experience makes me know he is truly a gem, but he plays these mind games. When she finds that guy, she stops dating and she happily gets into a relationship. I haven't seen him for 3 weeks now but he keeps talking to me over the internet.
In fact, I fed up with his attitude. Simply find someone else; there are plenty of fish in the ocean. Boyfriends use this phrase when they feel claustrophobic in their relationship, or need a change. I do believe he was, is happy since they're together assuming she's everything he's wanted yet couldn't get out of me. Now i have noticed a change in him he's started to be more attentive and mellow towards me but i still don't get overly excited or show him that i'm keen or anything. I guess most girls must have had such boyfriends at some point in time, who claimed that their friends didn't approve of their relationship.


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1.a. Examination and approval of Financial Statements at 31 December 2018.
1.b. Destination of the net result for the financial year 2018.
2. Authorisation to buy and sell treasury shares.
3. Appointment of the independent auditors for the period 2019-2027.