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North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 18C. North Carolina State Lottery
This is FindLaw's hosted version of North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 18C. North Carolina State Lottery. Use this page to navigate to all sections within Chapter 18C. North Carolina State Lottery. Expand sections by using the arrow icons.
Search North Carolina General Statutes
- Article 1. General Provisions and Definitions
- Article 2. North Carolina State Lottery Commission
- Article 3. North Carolina State Lottery Director
- Article 4. Operation of Lottery
- Article 5. Lottery Game Retailers
- Article 6. Lottery Potential Contractors and Lottery Contractors
- Article 7. North Carolina State Lottery Fund
- Article 8. Miscellaneous
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What is This Tool?
This tool takes any string as an input and runs it through the MD5 compression algorithm. The message-digest algorithm will provide a 32 character key that can not be accurately decrypted if the original string contained more than 32 characters. This algorithm is perfect for validating a known plain-text against an encrypted key.

subset: commoncrawl


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To leverage the capacity of Southeast Asian human resources by using the modern ICT technology with a large number of participants, and economy of scale for the implementation, the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Secretariat (SEAMES) and SEAMEO Regional Learning Centre (SEAMOLEC) in cooperation with SEAMEO Regional Centres have developed a capacity development programme called "SEAMEO Community Development: Online Lecture Series and Training Programmes".
"The DAAD is the world's largest funding organization for the international exchange of students and researchers." Since its establishment in 1925, DAAD has provided funding to more than 1.9 million scholars both in Germany and overseas. The provision has been not only limited to grants and scholarship but also other activities including German Higher Education Institutes internationalization, German studies and language promotion, as well as facilitation to developing countries' higher education development and policy advisory on culture, education, and development issues.
On the occasion of SEAMEO 50th Anniversary in 2015, a project entitled SEAMEO 50x3 Schools' Network was developed with its aims to leverage capacity of school leaders, teachers, and students through capacity development programmes and other contributions from 21 SEAMEO Regional Centres, SEAMEO stakeholders, and partners.
To develop Southeast Asian teachers to be equipped with advanced ICT skills and be able to utilise the online platform to promote the new way of teaching or can become more creative ways to engage students in collaborative learning, as well as promote partnership and share teaching practices and content among teachers across the Southeast Asian countries, the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Secretariat (SEAMEO Secretariat) will organise a Free Online EDMODO Training for Teachers "Getting to Know Closer to Edmodo as an Online Learning Platform"
Virtual learning platforms are taking over the traditional text based learning in the digital era we live in. Therefore the professionals in the field of education should look for ways to match up teaching and learning process with the available digital tools and platforms to promote a realistic learning experience for the students. Augmented Reality is such an effort taken to correlate learning and the 21st century technology.
Augmented reality (AR) integrates digital information with the user's environment in real time. Unlike virtual reality, which creates a totally artificial environment, augmented reality uses the existing environment and overlays new information on top of it. AR creates direct, automatic, and actionable links between the physical world and electronic information. This goes beyond mobile computing and bridges the gap between virtual world and real world, both spatially and cognitively. With AR, the digital information appears to become part of the real world.


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Starting MSRP from * $35,900
New 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 at Husker Auto Group in Lincoln
Discover the new GMC Sierra 1500, available to buy or lease today at Husker Auto Group. On this page, you will find the 2019 Sierra 1500 vehicles that are currently available to buy or lease at our Lincoln dealership, be able to see the exterior color options, view photos, and more. If you have a question about this new Sierra 1500 or any other new and used vehicle at Husker Auto Group, please give us a call at 800-731-4524, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.


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They've been able to shrug off mistakes caused by their fancy passing in the past, but it's becoming more of a problem this season
The Warriors throw the ball away more than any other team and have grown progressively more careless with their passes over the course of their four-year run of greatness. Their reckless passes — which are often of the one-handed, behind-the-back or alley-oop variety — have resulted in turnovers on a league-high 8.8 percent of their possessions so far this season, according to data from Second Spectrum and NBA Advanced Stats. This would represent the second straight year that the Warriors led the NBA in bad passes that resulted in turnovers and the fourth consecutive season in which Golden State saw its bad-pass rate increase.
Full Story here:
Showboating Hurting GSW?
Discuss anything related to Golden State Warriors basketball here
Moderators: Mr. Crackerz, JREED, Guybrush, 32
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I wonder if lack of hunger is gonna jeaoprdize the Warriors. There's a chance the Warriors won't be the top seed for the first time. And Houston is hungry. Without Curry tonight, Portland looked like the better and more confident team.
There is some concern.
There is some concern.


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Site Merchandising Specialist
0 people like this description
Our client is looking for a Site Merchandising Specialist!
This person will:
- Manage day-to-day Site Operations project - item setup, product categorization, item ranking and visual merchandizing
- Build and optimizes site for multiple departments and seasonal campaigns
- Resolve small to mid-sized back-end issues related to item setup in a content management system, attribution and navigation.
- Be able to conceptualize, build and maintain backend website taxonomy to support new and existing business categories, optimizing experiences for discoverability and SEO
Additional Job Details:
This is a semi-entry level position that is ideal for candidates seeking to break into a big box .com retail. Ideal candidate is required to have at least 1 year experience in site merchandising/e-commerce, and/or digital marketing, and/or merchandising, OR at least 4 years customer facing retail. Project coordination and/or management experience is a plus.
Key responsibilities & requirements for the Site Merchandising Specialist, Global:
• The site specialist is expected to become a site build expert within all content management systems.
• The site specialist will collaborate with marketing teams to create seasonal & global pages within the digital store, in addition to creating a shopping ecosystem to allow the user to browse the broader assortment of the campaign without losing sight of theme and story.
• The site specialist will assist with the above responsibility by creating wireframes, and making customer experience recommendations to Marketers, Copy & Design Teams.
• The site specialist will request & approve creative assets in Digital Asset Management systems.
• The site specialist will create site reporting dashboards for seasonal campaigns through Adobe Analytics.
• The site specialist will review campaign site metrics to propose site & navigation optimizations to campaign stakeholders.
• Report site issues/bugs through SRS JIRA ticketing.


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A threshold is what you step across when you enter a room. A threshold takes you from one place into another, and when you're about to start something new, you're also on a threshold.
- Pronunciation: /ˈθreʃhəuld/
- English Description: the entrance to a room or building, or the area of floor or ground at the entrance
- Chinese Translation: 开端(Kai1 Duan1)
- Spanish Translation: umbral
- STORY: A threshold is a point of departure or transition. Graduation can mark a threshold — when you graduate from circus school, you're standing at the threshold of your new career as a trapeze artist. Another kind of threshold is a limit or boundary. If you have a high threshold for pain, you can tolerate a lot of it, and your dentist can drill away without worrying about your squirming and howling.
The temperature mark is the warming threshold at which governments say climate change could become catastrophic and irreversible.Reuters May 19, 2015
Of the seven products that did not carry gluten-free labels, four tested positive for gluten, including two that exceeded the F.D.A. threshold.
P.S: New word description, story and part of "EXAMPLE SENTENCE" are cited in Vocabulary.com


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COPENHAGEN, Oct 2 (Reuters) - Greenland Prime Minister Kim Kielsen presented a new minority government on Tuesday after losing his majority last month with the withdrawal of a pro-independence party.
Kielsen of the social democrat Siumut party told a press conference in the capital Nuuk that he had agreed with the liberal-conservative party Atassut and the separatist, centre-left party Nunatta Qitornai to form a minority government with the support of The Democrats, state broadcaster KNR reported. (Reporting by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Emil Gjerding Nielson, Editing by William Maclean)


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Business Law
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|Business Legal Services
We get you price quotes right away from screened and vetted lawyers to get you high quality legal services & legal advice. We save you time and money getting the best lawyer.
|Mississippi Labor Law Posters
Labor Law Posters for all employers from compliance experts provides services from small, single location businesses to large, multiple location corporations.


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Matthews, N.C (PRWEB) September 20, 2016
Harris Teeter is proud to welcome shoppers to its Bowie Marketplace location on Tuesday, October 4 at 5 p.m. as the company celebrates its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony and Taste of Teeter sampling event. This event is a complimentary, in-store sampling of Harris Teeter's most unique products. Store registers will be open for sales.
"Harris Teeter is thrilled to be joining the Bowie community," said Danna Robinson, communication manager for Harris Teeter. "We are looking forward to getting to know our Bowie neighbors, and we cannot wait for shoppers to see their brand new Harris Teeter."
In each of its stores, Harris Teeter strives to offer customers an excellent shopping experience, which begins with customer service and features high-quality products, variety and selection. Harris Teeter also works to be a true community partner by supporting local schools and youth sports organizations, among other non-profit organizations.
Store Address: Bowie Marketplace- 15501 Annapolis Road, Suite 400, Bowie, MD 20715
Grand Opening Date: Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016
Grand Opening Time: 5 p.m., ribbon cutting; sampling event immediately following
Store Hours: 24 hours/7 days a week
Store Square Footage: 52,000
Check-Out Lanes: 8 checkouts and 4 express checkouts
Pharmacy Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Store Features and Departments
Full-service Butchers Market with Rancher Beef, HT Reserve Angus Beef and USDA Certified Very Tender Beef • Fresh Store made sausage and burgers • Full-service Fishermans Market • Shrimp Party Trays • Farmers Market Produce • Produce Party Trays • Fresh Fruit Bar • Salad Bar • Gift Basket Program • Full-Service Floral and Custom Floral Arrangements • Full-service Fresh Foods Market Deli/Bakery • Sushi • Self-Serve Olives • International Cheeses • Custom Cakes and Ice Cream Cakes • Sub Shop • Made to Order Sandwich Program • Artisan Breads • Boar's Head Meats and Cheeses • Fresh Made Pizza • Party Trays • Home Meal Replacements • Natural and Organic Foods • Expanded Specialty Foods •Drive-Thru Pharmacy • Free Blood Pressure Testing • Private, Professional Pharmacist Consultations • Drug Interaction/ Allergy Screening • Double Coupons • Club 60 Discount • Carryout Service • Parcel Pick-up • USCAN • Western Union • Coinstar • Rug Doctor • Express Lane Online Shopping • Red Box DVD Rental Kiosk • Starbucks •Sit-down eating area • ATM


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Inland port plan bridges divide, couple attacked during Pride and ozone pollution arrives earlier than usual
JCE Comments off
Two Utah lawmakers unveil their ideas for bridging a divide between Salt Lake City and the state over the planned Inland Port. A mob shouting homophobic slurs chases four men leaving the Utah Pride Festival, until a dessert shop employee intervenes. And ozone pollution season arrives earlier than usual in northern Utah.
At 9 a.m. Friday, Salt Lake Tribune reporters Erin Alberty, Taylor Anderson and Courtney Tanner and columnist Robert Gehrke join KCPW's Roger McDonough to talk about the week's top stories.
Every Friday at 9 a.m., stream "Behind the Headlines" online at kcpw.org or tune in to KCPW 88.3 FM or Utah Public Radio for the broadcast.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (258.5MB)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS


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Jacob Sautter is Athlete of the Week
Joe Denoyer - February 1, 2018 12:53 pm
Liberal freshman swimmer Jacob Sautter is the Athlete of the Week. Sautter received state consideration for his 12.88 time in the 50 free on Saturday in Wichita. Sautter also competes in the 100 free, the 200 free relay, and the 400 free relay. He also ran cross country in the fall. The team competes at Garden City Thursday and competes for a WAC title next Thursday, February 8 in Great Bend.


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Until finally rich, contemptible morons like Fleischer and politicians who agree with him are possibly driven outside of public lifetime forever, or have a stunning discover this appear-to-Jesus moment, it's challenging to see the New York condition legislature signing on to de Blasio's strategy. However it really should.
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But tax legal responsibility hasn't stopped other Russians from obtaining house in America. Up to now a few decades, five Russians paid greater than 10 million dollars each for properties in Aspen, and one paid out $25.five million for a location around Miami Beach front, In line with Bloomberg Information. The richest gentleman on the globe, the Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, paid out forty-four million bucks for see here your Manhattan city home. These prospective buyers may have small result in for worry: the I.R.S. spends couple resources tracking their whereabouts, and tax professionals mention that there has never been a claimed situation by which the I.R.S. alleged that a foreign house proprietor overstayed the limit.
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Mosaic decoration: The two platforms have Twin Contracts mosaic trim lines with blue and inexperienced borders, "H" tablets on a lightweight blue background, and large identify tablets reading through "HOUSTON ST." Additionally, there are directional tablets in the same type.


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Netizens slam Robin Padilla for pushing Korean contestant to speak Filipino
Updated 15:46 PM PHT Sun, January 14, 2018
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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 14) — Netizens hit actor and "Pilipinas Got Talent" judge Robin Padilla after he told off a Korean contestant for his inability to speak Filipino.
During last night's episode of the talent show, 20-year-old Kim Jiwan asked the actor to help in with his card trick.
But Padilla refused, saying the Korean should speak the local language.
"Iho, Pilipinas Got Talent. Magtagalog ka kasi magmumukha kaming katawa-tawa kung mag e-English kami dito para sa'yo. Pilipinas Got Talent. Magtagalog ka, iho," the actor said.
[Translation: Son, this is Pilipinas Got Talent. Speak in Tagalog first because we will become a laughingstock if we speak in English just for you. This is Pilipinas Got Talent, speak in Tagalog.]
Actress and Padilla's co-judge Angel Locsin came to the rescue, and coached Jiwan.
Netizens slammed the actor for how he treated the Korean.
DDS Robin Padilla shunned a PGT contestant for not being Filipino.— Ogie Rosa (@ogie_rosa) January 13, 2018
Can we scold you too for being on PGT despite having no talent AT ALL?#PGTisLife
Robin Padilla's patriotism is great but scolding a contestant, who is trying to make an audition in front of the Philippines, for not speaking Tagalog is rude and unprofessional. Way to pull someone's confidence down. Congrats to that contrstant for making it through! #PGTisLife— Mark Kevin (@mkquizeo) January 13, 2018
Robin, WTF is your problem?! This foreign guy clearly wasn't raised here. You're no different from Americans who tell immigrants to speak English bc it's America. And news flash! The PH is a melting pot of cultures - American, Spanish, Chinese, you name em. So STFU! #PGTisLife— jr (@juanrayramos) January 13, 2018
Some commended Locsin for helping the contestant.
I admire how Robin stood up for what he believes. But I admire more how @143redangel cope up with the situation. Angel, indeed.#PGTisLife— jaybird (@jborallo28) January 13, 2018
Everyone bashing on Robin Padilla but I'd like to focus more on how Angel Locsin graciously handled the situation.— ZEE-wenty 18 (@nafthalene99) January 13, 2018
She really epitomized the true modern Filipina. Very bold move, idol. Worth commending move for defending the contestant.#PGTisLife
Padilla eventually hugged and shook Jiwan's hand when he was able to speak in mixed English and Filipino, with Locsin's help.
The Korean magician also apologized to the judges, and said he will learn to speak the language.
"Sorry for my lack of Tagalog. I do apologize, Robin, again for my lack of Tagalog. I promise next time I will learn," Jiwan said.
Padilla also made amends with Jiwan, and said he was just rebuking a son.
"Pasensya ka na anak ha, anak na rin kita. Nadisiplina ka lang ng tatay mo. 'Yun na lang ang isipin mo. Nadisiplina ka ng tatay mong Pilipino," Padilla said.
(Translation: I'm sorry, son, you're now my son. Your father just disciplined you. Just think of what happened as this: You were rebuked by your Filipino father.)
Padilla also posted on Instagram late Saturday, encouraging people to love their own country and race.
"Always fight for your freedom to gain respect never allow a foreign power to intimidate you in your country just because they are rich," the actor added.
Filipino Hospitality is far different from slavery and stupidity.. mahalin mo ang bayan mo at ang lahi mo lalo ang wika mo bago ang lahi at wika at bayan ng dayuhan. Always Fight for your freedom to gain respect never allow a foreign power to intimidate you in your country just because they are rich. Be a proud Filipino!!! Mabuhay ang lahing kayumanggi!! Mabuhay ang Tagalog Republic!!!
Jiwan got into the next round of the talent show.


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• 1 cup – sourdough
• 3.5 cups – whole-wheat flour
• 1 cup – all-purpose flour
- Mix the toppings together in a small bowl and set aside.
- Mix the yeast in 1/2 cup of water and set aside to froth for five minutes.
- After five minutes, add the sourdough to a large bowl. Then add the flours, oil, and the remaining water and mix with a wooden spoon or in the bowl of a stand mixer until everything comes together. This is a very sticky dough at this stage, but that is what will make this focaccia light and airy.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place in an oven with the pilot light on or in a warm place for about 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Using an oiled spatula, turn the dough over on itself in the bowl for a total of 10 times. You don't want to deflate the dough too much so don't knead it by hand.
- Turn the dough over into a large baking pan (15 by 10 inches) sprinkled with some coarse salt. Or divide in half and place each half in a 9-inch cake tin.
- Press the dough gently out from the centre so it reaches the sides of the pan.
- Cover the pan or pans with plastic wrap and place in the oven with the pilot on for another hour or until the dough has doubled.
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Using a fork, prick the dough all over to remove any bubbles on top. Don't go heavy-handed because you don't want to deflate the dough.
- Brush the top of the bread with the rosemary-olive oil mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the focaccia pan or pans from the oven and let stand on a rack for five minutes. Remove the bread from the pan and continue to cool on the rack.
- Recipe courtesy: Holy Cow Vegan


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When people are quite interested regarding opting for that migration procedure to Australia or such a new country, there are several steps which they should take so that they can have their efforts assisted. They have to search for online sources to start knowing more regarding the many laws which would influence the immigration. They can get those books that are focusing in several visas that could be issued to the individuals who are dreaming of an immigration access to another nation.
They could even contact such Australian government to be able to access such migration department particularly in order to learn much that they can prior to starting their application process. A problem that these individuals may face is that many of those government experts out there which they are seeking for help from don't have the time to go into personal consultation since they are dealing with the thousands who are looking for such entry into the nation. Get ready to learn about study in Australia.
If you are in need of help to be able to complete such immigration process, then you should be aware that there is actually no other source which is a lot more precious than accessing the immigration as well as education services. With the help of this company or such agency, then you can surely discover the right persons who are specializing in the field of immigration and they would be looking to provide you with such one on one personal service which a lot really desire. If you are going to use such experience of the immigration agency, then the first thing that you can benefit from them is be able to access the great quantity of information which they have. Expand the information about travel guide at www.firstchoicevisa.com.au.
You must know that Australia actually has close to 140 different immigration visas which are available for the people to apply. Each one of such visas has various requirements in order to qualify a person along with various laws for them to follow. Such immigration agency is a great tool which will be able to help you filter through the many visas and find the right one that fits your situation like the working holiday visa.
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Fremantle Dockers Sherrin Ball - Synthetic Size 5
- Write a review
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Enjoy a kick around and show your AFL colours with this Fremantle Dockers Sherrin Ball. The full size 5 ball is made from a durable all-weather rubber synthetic material and will withstand all elements during the season. The Dockers AFL Sherrin Ball is finished off in the Fremantle team colours and will be a great addition to your game day outfit.


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This week's two local productions are terrific shows, well directed and superbly acted!
Two local theatrical productions provided great entertainment this weekend, with inspiring, thought provoking and moving subject matter, well worth the price of admission. The Diablo Actor's Ensemble at 1345 Locust Street in Walnut Creek, next door to Peet's Coffee, is currently presenting a very powerful story of discovery and growth, with Jeff Baron's outstanding play, "Visiting Mr. Green"!
This was Baron's first play and it opened in New York in 1996 with Eli Wallach playing the part of Mr. Green, an 86 year old widower living in a dingy, unkempt little apartment on the lower east side of New York. The play found an exceedingly receptive audience with this hauntingly humorous and heartwarming story of two people thrown together by circumstances, (angry and resentful at first), who eventually learn to communicate and care about each other. The play has been translated into 22 languages and has been produced around the world in over 300 separate productions, winning numerous "best play" awards, everywhere.
The 29 year old Ross Gardiner (played by Dennis Markham) is an American Express Card executive who very nearly runs over the senior Mr. Green (John Hutchinson) with his car, causing him to fall, to hit his head and injure himself. Gardiner is cited for reckless driving and is judged negligent, and subsequently has been ordered by the court to perform community service for the next 6 months. More specifically, the court has ordered him to call on Mr. Green every week for that period, to help him take care of his needs. Neither man really wants to fulfill the court's decision, but even after Mr. Green tells the court he doesn't want or need this stranger coming into his life, the judge's decision stands firm.
When Gardiner makes his first evening call on Mr. Green, he discovers a very lonely, withdrawn and resentful older gentleman, whose wife of 59 years, Yetta, had passed away a couple of months earlier. Mr. Green had depended on his wife for all chores normally associated with that of a devout and loving wife; the home cleaning, the grocery shopping, the food preparation, the laundry service and in fact, his entire social world. Green cannot understand how a wife who was 8 years younger, could die suddenly and leave him alone. He is totally unprepared for this new role so late in life.
At first, the two men's meetings are barely communicative, restrained, and resentful, that is until Mr. Green discovers that, like himself, the younger Gardiner comes from a Jewish background. While Mr. Gardiner is not a devout Jew and cannot speak any Yiddish, their Jewishness does provide a basis for some opening dialogue. And a wonderful, colorful dialogue it is. Humorous, acrimonious, and stimulating, the clever insights and deep dark secrets born and nursed by both men, bring many levels of food for thought, many delicacies to this verbal banquet.
While there is a great deal more to this story that I would love to reveal, to do so would be a disservice to my readers who will want go to the theater and have this story revealed in its own time, in the proper manner. Believe me, it is a superb play with equally articulate and superb acting by the two man cast as these two gentlemen and with equally astute direction by Scott Fryer. This is a play that I have seen previously, many years ago, was eager to see again and I cannot recommend it enough. It is a brilliantly written little gem. Markham and Hutchinson are wonderful, pluperfect in their roles as they truly become Mr. Green and Mr. Gardiner.
"Visiting Mr. Green" will continue Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., with Sunday performances at 2 p.m., and one Saturday matinee this coming Saturday, May 7th, at 2 p.m., closing on May 21st . Tickets range in cost between $10 and $25 each, with seniors only paying $22 each. Tickets can be secured by visiting https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pe/8213805 To purchase tickets by phone, please call 866-811-4111
The second show this week is a highly entertaining and superbly acted one-woman show, performed by Kerri Shawn and directed by Scott Denison, about a woman known very well by most Americans, as the unabashed columnist who wrote under the pen name of Ann Landers. Playwright David Rambo wrote a play with well documented excerpts from the second Ann Landers' very public life, long running columns and her private letters. She was a woman who in real life, was a lady by the name of Ester "Eppie" Ledderer. The play is entitled, "The Lady with all the Answers".
The first Chicago-Sun Times columnist of the "Ann Landers" advice column was penned by a nurse by the name of Ruth Crowley for 9 of the next 12 years. Crowley kept her real name under wraps for the entire time that she wrote the column, but when she died in 1955, a writing contest was held by the newspaper and Ester "Eppie" Pauline Friedman Lederer was given the column. Eppie was a very controversial, bold, direct and often critical adviser. She upset many people with her stand on legalizing prostitution, gay rights. pro-choice and even a controversial description of Pope John Paul II and Polish men, describing the Pope as a "kindly Polack" and going on to say that "Polacks are anti-women"! Boy did that bring a huge uproar from the Polish-American community!
Her advice was sometimes deemed inappropriate and incorrect and she was occasionally derided for her insight, insults and misinformation and failure to do proper research. She even advised people as late as 1996 not to throw rice at weddings in that if birds ate it, they might explode, which was totally incorrect. Milled rice is not harmful to birds. She was a funny, perceptive and very intelligent Jewish woman who spoke her mind and spoke it openly and often, continuing to write the column until her death in 2002, after 46 years.
She was considered a heroine by many soldiers when she visited Vietnam and personally conveyed messages for them from the front to their relatives back home by making over 2,500 personal phone calls to soldiers' families when she returned home from her tour in Vietnam. She visited thousands of troops on front lines and in hospitals, with the backing of Lyndon Johnston. She was one of the first columnists to recommend that people connect with Alcoholics Anonymous for drinking problems.
This story is also about her sibling rivalry and estrangement from her twin sister "Popo", who had gotten her start as a journalist by helping Eppie in organizing her material, who then broke away and started her very own column. Yes, it was her twin sister, Pauline Esther "Popo" Friedman Phillips, who wrote the competing advice column, well known as "Dear Abby", between 1955-95.
Kerri Shawn is a very talented actress who (according to my wife, who has heard Eppie Lederer speak and read her column for many years) pretty well nailed her character. I personally have only been familiar with Ann Lander's column as fed to me by my wife, after she read and reread the column to me occasionally. I have long admired Kerri Shawn as one of the better local actresses, consistent and accurate in her diverse portrayals. I don't think I have ever found any of her work less than perfect.
The time is 1975 and this is a very entertaining and candid look at a famous lady who graciously invites us into her living room in her home in Chicago, while she is attempting to ferret out and write what will turn out to be the most difficult column of her entire career. I will have to let you wait to see the show to figure out what this is all about. As it turns out, this lady, certainly did not have all the answers after all!
In fact, if you are not a great Ann Landers fan, you might have a little difficulty with the first act, which seems so scattered as she tries to get to the main point of this evening's quandary. She has a very strong and abrasive personality and until you get to know her, you might find it a little difficult to hang in there. But do hang around until the second act, where you will begin to understand the depth of the real person.
The set designed by Kelly Tighe is perhaps the best designed set ever to adorn that unique little space. The way it is laid out, it makes just about every seat in this little theater, a reasonably comfortable seat. I did end up with a slightly sore neck from having to loot to my right all evening, but it was not a major problem. Lighting by John Earls and Sound by Jeff Collister are equally excellent in design and effectiveness.
"The Lady with all the Answers" continues in the Knight Stage III Theater, downstairs in the Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:15 p.m., with Sunday performances at 2:15 p.m., through May 15th. You can order tickets by calling the box office at 943-SHOW (7469) or by visiting the box office at 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek, or by visiting the Barnes and Noble book store ticket outlet in Walnut Creek. Tickets are a flat $25 each.
Ballymore Eustace residents gathering at the "Thatch Pub".
Cathal Hollad performing in Gogarty's Temple Bar in Dublin!
Another lovely couple sharing a table in the "Thatch Pub"
Claire and Paul O'Kelly at their
Hazel House B&B
Hazel House B&B
The Celtic Tigre has all but died, but the land of Eire is still vibrant, thrilling, romantic and alive; greeting all who come to its emerald shores with hearty handshakes, brotherly love, a glass of Guinness, a song or two, a touch of humor and so much more!
For the past 25 years, every time I would experience some truly moving theater written by one of the many great Irish authors, I thought about taking a flight to Dublin to visit the birthplace of some of the finest theatrical works ever written. Finally, in large part due to my step-son William finding a fantastic airfare that was under $600 round trip for each of us, Karen and William and I found ourselves in Ireland enjoying one of the best holidays of our lives.
For the past 25 years, every time I would experience some truly moving theater written by one of the many great Irish authors, I thought about taking a flight to Dublin to visit the birthplace of some of the finest theatrical works ever written. Finally, in large part due to my step-son William finding a fantastic airfare that was under $600 round trip for each of us, Karen and William and I found ourselves in Ireland enjoying one of the best holidays of our lives.
The weather, normally very wet this time of year, typically raining every other day, was only moderately damp. In fact, everyone kept asking us if we brought the unusual spring-like weather with us from California. Such was not the case as you may remember. Iat had been pouring in Walnut Creek for two weeks prior to our departure date on the 27th of March.
On our first day in Dublin, we visited the downtown area and were rudely awakened to the fact that parking on the street and in the public garages is very difficult to find and very expensive, typically 2 to 3 Euros an hour, which at the current rate of exchange equals about $2.80 to $4.20 an hour. If you want to make the rounds of the Guinness Brewery, or the infamous Kilmainham Gaol (Jail) or just the Temple Bar area, you could easily shell out $20 to $30 in parking meters in a short day. That was when we decided to make our escape from the city in search of the castles, abbeys, historic sites and quaint little towns that were also on our agenda.
With no set plans, just a very abundant wish list compiled in part with the gracious help of our friend Nancy, who had attended Trinity College a number of years ago, and our Irish friend Fred Williams, who lives in Tuam (pronounced Choom) near Galway, we found ourselves in a rented motorcar flying down the N7 towards Naas and the delightful rural community of Ballymore Eustace. Fred had told us that it is never difficult to find a hospitable and reasonable bed and breakfast in or around just about every town in Ireland, so "no worries", just press the pedal to the metal and when the evening shadows start to fall, slow down and look for those welcoming Bed and Breakfast signs hanging repetitiously at driveway entrances all along the motorways.
We did just that and after pulling off the main motorway at the little rural town of Naas, we took the second exit on the second round-about and headed off south towards the farms and little villages south in the direction of the beautiful Wicklow Mountains and the Wicklow National Park. Having no idea of where we really were (the road signs indicating what road you are on are practically none existent until you arrive at a major road junction), we decided it was time to seek some help. As we drove down an ever narrowing one lane road, we saw a lady pruning her trees along her beautifully landscaped driveway, pulled up, introduced ourselves as strangers in a strange land and asked her where in general we were and did she know of any local B&B's. This delightfully friendly lady told us where we were, which didn't really register as our map was much to general, showing the entire island with very little local detail.
Then she informed us that there was a very nice B&B just about a quarter of a mile straight down the road we were already on, make a right when the road dead ends and look for the B&B sign, third house on the left. We did as instructed and within 15 minutes we popped out of the car at the driveway of the Hazel House B&B, introduced ourselves to Paul and Claire O'Kelly and were invited in. We loved them and their house so much, that we stayed there for four nights in a row as we crisscrossed the local countryside in search of the many treasures of Eastern Ireland and even returned to stay with them the last two nights before our departure back to Dublin to fly home.
This was our continuing experience all over Ireland for the two weeks we were there; delightful people, gracious B&B hosts in both towns and in the country. The real value of staying in the local B&B's is the valuable insights the homeowners will share with you about how to get around safely and at a reasonable cost. Thanks to Paul and Claire, our second day had us headed back towards Dublin to see the sights we wanted to see our first day there, but now we were headed towards a mid-point local commuter train station at "Red Cow" on the outskirts of Dublin, where we parked our car in a large "Park and Ride" parking lot for three euros for a 24 hour day, boarded the train and were able to spend the entire day in Dublin for just 3 Euros each plus daily parking (ie: about $15 for all three of us). We took the electric train and found we could get on or off again at whatever exit we wished, covering the entire downtown area and coming back to our car at "Red Cow" late in the evening. Perhaps the greatest value of taking the daily commuter train was that it freed us from having to worry about returning to pay a meter. In Dublin, if you miss renewing your parking tickets and placing them inside your car, they "boot" your car and signage in Dublin indicates it will cost $80 Euros to get the boot off. At the end of the day it was just a quick little jaunt back to our B&B for the night.
That first evening in Dublin, we visited the world famous Abbey Theater to enjoy the world premier of a new play by award winning playwright and director, Paul Mercier, entitled, "The Passing". Mercier is a highly recognized Irish playwright, having written 12 plays for his own theater company, The Passion Machine Theatre Company, written and directed four films and won numerous awards for his work keyed for both English and Irish language audiences.
"The Passing" was an exciting one act play that focused quickly on a family whose past communication problems are brought to a head, following death of their father, the head of their somewhat dysfunctional family. Daughter Catherine (Catherine Walsh) has returned to the family home after changing her mind about the family home being put up for sale.
"The Passing" was an exciting one act play that focused quickly on a family whose past communication problems are brought to a head, following death of their father, the head of their somewhat dysfunctional family. Daughter Catherine (Catherine Walsh) has returned to the family home after changing her mind about the family home being put up for sale.
She returns to the empty but not vacant house earlier in the day, bringing groceries, flowers, and a ton of memories. The security alarm is set off by accident, making her entry a significant neighborhood event, with a neighbor, Stephen (Andrew Connolly), coming to investigate the intrusion. Her brother, Liam (Peter Hanly), arrives later in the day, surprised and angry to find that Catherine now wishes to contest and stop the sale of the home, which she had agreed to in writing as purchasers began the sale and title transfer process a few days earlier. The day passes quickly as other family members come by to investigate this change of heart by a sister who had pretty much abandoned the family unit when she and her husband divorced, seeming to have no family ties or desire to connect with them. Now that the home is about to be sold, old wounds are opened. Old accusations, familial fractures, heart-aches and memories pour out in this memory play that takes place over one evening, a play that brings finality to a myriad of assorted painful shortcomings and some unfinished family business.
The casting has brought together a pluperfect cast including previously mentioned Catherine Walsh and Andrew Connolly, Peter Hanley as brother Liam, Roxanna Nie Liam as Catherine's daughter, Rachel; Kathy Rose O'Brien as her sister Fiona; Ali White as her brother's wife, Trudy, Nick Lee as her daughter's friend, Aidan; and finally, her ex-husband, Andrew Bennett as Patrick.
Obviously, this play will have had its run by the time you make up your mind to take that long talked about trip to Ireland. This historic theatre, considered the National Theatre of Ireland, the theatre that has been home to works of the likes of William B. Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Hugh Leonard, Tom Murphy and Brian Friel will always have provocative theatrical opportunities to engage you in the future. The Abbey Theatre itself has had a much checkered history demonstrating both great promise and at times, wallowed near death. In fact, the present facility which includes three theaters, the Peacock, the Gate and the Abbey is currently supported financially by the Irish Free State and has been promised entirely new facilities in the Docklands entertainment center that will consist in the future of three venues, a 700 seat theater, a 350 seat theater and a 150 seat theatre. Plans call for the construction on the new Abbey Theatre to break ground in the near future.
Ireland is really an island of entertainers and entertainment just about everywhere and anywhere you go. In Dublin, you can sign up for a literary pub crawl that crawls from pub to pub with professional actors performing the works of Joyce, Beckett, Oscar Wilde, Brendan Behan and many more. In addition there are musical pub crawls that wend their way from pub to pub engaging Irish musicians that provide a wonderful cross section of Irish music. While in Dublin, on our last visit the day before we flew home, we spent the afternoon walking the "Temple Bar" area and had lunch in the Oliver St. John Gogarty's Temple Bar where we became enthralled by the music of a couple of guitarists Ed Valentine and Cathal (Charles) Holland, who sang as the "Temple Bards" performers. We supped and sipped and listened and sang along with them as they lightened up our afternoon with a mixture folk songs both old and new. We even purchased one of their CD's entitled "Stone! Cold! Sober!" that is a wonderful selection of folk music emanating primarily from well known local musicians and balladeers (plus even a piece or two from London and the American southern states). The CD includes the marvelous fiddle accompaniment by Brendon Lynch, with vocal accompanyment by Cathal's daughter, Aine Holland, who were both absent from the live performance. In fact, as I am writing this article, I am listening to this wonderful CD, my foot is tapping while I'm typing, and I am wishing that I were once again back in Ireland!
Our travels took us from one marvelous adventure to another, day after day, without one single day of regrets. We visited Fred William's daughter's home in Ballyjamesduff, north of Dublin in County Cavan where they conduct their Irish Arms Historical Reproductions business. Lynne Williams and her partner, Boyd Rankin, make and supply the armament, costumes and horses for historical dramas, productions and movies such as Mel Gibson's "Braveheart" and the new HBO mini-movie-series that premiered this past week, entitled "The Game of Thrones". My son, William was offered the opportunity to actually hold the "claymore" sword (Scottish Gaelic claidheamh mòr), or two handed "great sword" that Mr. Gibson brandished throughout the Braveheart movie.
Even in the wonderful little country town of Ballymore Eustace, the heart and warmth of Ireland is worn on its sleeve. Our friends (Paul and Claire who are quickly becoming extended family), told us to drop in at the "Thatch" pub in their little town about10 pm on our last Sunday evening. They assured us that William and I were sure to enjoy the music and dancing and (for William's benefit I'm sure) all the lovely ladies. Well, "The Thatch" consists of both a bar, where the younger people hang out and the separate pub lounge where the town's seniors gather every Sunday evening to dance and to listen to Jack Mc Donald sing their favorite songs while accompanied by John Kelly on accordion. The O'Kelly's were absolutely correct, we truly enjoyed the evening. The fun-loving seniors in the lounge invited, - - no - - - insisted that we join in. We found ourselves holding hands and dancing with them and all their friends, dancing the evening away to an old fashioned country dance similar to a very simple round dance. This turned out to be one of our best experiences of the whole trip - - an Irish Ho-down!
Every bend in the road provided new wonders to behold, from the Irish National Stud Farm, to the posh upscale Ashford Castle (which hosts presidents, royalty and movie dignitaries alike) in County Mayo, to the beautifully restored Bunratty Castle and Folk Village (and its wonderful story teller, Jack McBride), to the Ring of Kerry, to the Cliffs of Moher, to the Rock of Cashel, to the Mukrose House and Gardens, to the grand Torc Waterfall, and on to County Clare and the Poulnabrone Dolmen portal tomb on the rocky limestone Burren, plus the beautiful Corcomroe Abbey and of course, no visit to Ireland would be complete without a visit to Johnnie Fox's incredible indescribable world famous pub and restaurant at Glencullen, in County Dublin, touted as the "Highest Pub in Ireland". These are only a small sampling of the many, many wonderful sites we visited in Ireland. I am planning to write a ten part article about our adventures in Ireland and am looking for a blog site where I can post it for you.
Right now is a great time to visit Ireland. Sure the exchange rate is not the best at approximately 1.45. In other words, each Euro will cost you $1.45 American. However, that is due in large part to the weakness of the American dollar. The British pound is less of a value at a 1.65 exchange rate at this time. The Irish love American tourists and go out of their way to make your stay, a very pleasant stay!
This is a great time to take a magic carpet (or at least an airplane) to Ireland to see and save some real green (as in emerald isle). Further, Ireland is currently considered among the ten safest destinations for American travelers in the world right now. While there have been some instances of terrorist activity in Northern Ireland recently, none have been targeted against Americans. While my wife and I always fly by the seat of our pants when we travel and shop for bargains several months ahead of time, we usually travel very reasonably. It looks as if our 14 day excursion ended up costing us only about $1,600 each, including airfare, meals, car rental, gas and everything. Happy travelling my friends!


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For the love of God by the power of the Holy Spirit, we gather new people to Christ, grow in Christ, and go for Christ.
OUR MISSION: Gather. grow. Go.
OUR MISSION: Gather. grow. Go.
For the love of God by the power of the Holy Spirit, we gather new people to Christ, grow in Christ, and go for Christ.
As United Methodists, we affirm the historic doctrines of the Christian faith including:
United Methodists are also known for uniting our personal faith journeys with hands-on outreach to a world in need. At First St. Charles, we offer both the opportunity to grow in knowledge and love of God, and the chance to get involved in our local and global communities offering hope and healing.
We value God's gifts of intellect and reason and seek to use these gifts to better understand the world in which we live. We believe strongly in speaking up for God's creation and God's people and are willing to take a stand. However, we are also able to see the complexities of issues and to welcome within our church those who wrestle faithfully with the concerns we face but come to differing conclusions.
If you would like to know more about what it means to follow Christ or about First St. Charles United Methodist Church, please contact us: | 636.947.0066
our HISTORY: 200 Years SERVING St. charles
First St. Charles United Methodist Church began in 1821. Catharine Collier purchased the land and the first building frame was erected on the north side of Jackson Street, between First and Second Streets. Mrs. Collier was passionate about education and used her resources to educate African-American children in St. Charles, during this time.
In October of 1831, Mrs. Collier acquired ground now known as 617 South Main Street, upon which a new church building was built for the Methodist congregation. The building on South Main was used by the congregation until 1852 when a larger building became necessary. The congregation moved into the new building, located at Fifth and Clay Streets in 1855 and occupied it until 1896 when the property was sold.
In 1895, the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, purchased the building located on the corner of Fifth and Washington Streets. Tragedy descended upon the Fifth Street congregation in January of 1953 when the church was completely destroyed by an explosion and fire. By October 1954, a new structure at Eighth and First Capitol Drive was completed and the congregation moved in. The church school and congregation grew in size, and in 1959 and 1960, a three-story education building was constructed.
In 1970, an addition was made to the education building. The 21st century was entered with yet another addition. An administration and education wing was added, as well as an atrium for church gatherings and fellowship.


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Atheism and all the things it's not
Posted by Phil Dickens on 22/09/2010 · 5 Comments
On his recent visit to Britain, Pope Benedict XVI brought with him a stark warning;
As we reflect on the sobering lessons of the atheist extremism of the Twentieth Century, let us never forget how the exclusion of God, religion and virtue from public life leads ultimately to a truncated vision of man and of society and thus to a reductive vision of the person and his destiny.
I dealt with the specific charge (that Nazism can be boiled down to atheism) here. However, this quote is just one small part of a growing modern discourse wherein atheism becomes far more than simply having no belief in a creator deity. It is a movement, a crusade for either good or evil depending on which angle you come at it from.
On the one hand, we have the Pope and the fundies equating atheism with the Nazis, chaos and destruction, and/or devil worship. It inspires pickets, tirades, and sermons of hell-fire and brimstone.
On the other hand, there are those who talk of "New Atheism." There is discourse about its successes and failures, critiques of its perspective, talk of where to go "Beyond New Atheism," and even factionalism. As though it were a political doctrine like Marxism or conservatism.
The truth is that atheism is neither of these things. It will never live up to the strawman constructed by religious leaders and cultural conservatives. But, equally, New Atheism will never take off as any kind of movement.
My aim in this article is to dissect why this is. To demonstrate that atheism isn't the devil, and there's nothing wrong with tolerating unbelief, whilst exploring the numerous reasons why atheism will gain significant momentum as a political movement or pressure lobby. I also want to argue why a perspective upon the world based entirely upon religion is not only flawed but also potentially dangerous.
Atheist extremists
The idea behind the label of extremist atheism is summed up rather aptly by the blog Saint Gasoline;
As a result of this increasing social presence, many atheists and atheist groups are being attacked and criticized, and the most prevalent criticism is the charge that many atheists are too extreme. This criticism is often voiced in a number of ways, and these critics refer to atheists as "fundamentalist," "militant," "dogmatic," "radical," or "extremist." In fact, the critique of the developing atheist movement as extremist is so common that it has even become an internalized dispute among nonbelievers; it certainly isn't a criticism made solely by theists.
In essence, the criticism of the emerging atheist movement centers around the provocative nature of its figureheads. Dawkins, Hitchens, and various other prominent atheists are frequently criticized for being arrogant, rude, and dogmatic extremists, among other things. The New Atheism is seen as inflammatory and divisive, driving a wedge between atheists and more liberal theists who could potentially be sympathetic to the movement, and causing the atheists to become as reprehensible as the religious fundamentalists they despise. As a result, critics charge that the New Atheism will only become more militant and extreme, unable to support itself and ultimately failing without accommodating any sort of alliance with moderate theists.
This debate should seem familiar. In most social movements, factions are divided into "extremists" on one hand and "moderates" on the other. But what is being branded as "extremism," "militance," and "fundamentalism" in the New Atheist movement is hardly analogous to the extremism found in most other social movements. In Islam, for instance, the extremists talk of destroying infidels and western society, strap bombs to themselves, and fly planes into buildings. In Christianity, extremists and fundamentalists vilify homosexuals and the reproductive choices of women, often attempting to curtail their rights through legislation. In the civil rights movement, groups like the Black Panthers advocated and even practiced violence. Meanwhile, in the New Atheist movement at worst you might find Hitchens making a smug remark, and that is what constitutes "atheist fundamentalism" and "extremism" to so many critics of this movement.
In explaining the charge, the blog also answers it. What is called "extremism" is really "more akin to mild impoliteness." One certainly can't compare Richard Dawkins saying that "if the church wants to claim [all who have been baptised] as Catholic, it has to claim Hitler as a Catholic" to the terrorism carried out by al-Qaeda or Hezbollah.
To do so would be "tantamount to equating the indignity of not excusing a burp to an atrocity like flying a jet into a building or throwing a pipe bomb into an abortion clinic."
But, of course, it isn't only Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, et al that the charge of extremism is levelled at. The pope's example was Adolf Hitler, but the likes of Josef Stalin, Mao Zedong, and Pol Pot are also used. Communism was anti-religious, so the argument goes, and therefore all of its crimes can be laid at the doors of the unbelievers.
When Richard Dawkins took on this argument The God Delusion, he said that even if "Hitler and Stalin shared atheism in common," it was irrelevant. "They both also had moustaches, as does Saddam Hussein. So what?"
Critics, such as John Cornwell, claim this is fatuous. He writes that "such banalities betray once again your pitiful lack of background reading." He then accuses Dawkins of a "failure to acknowledge, still less explore, the consequences of triumphalist atheistic science as ideology."
Omar Salah dissects this nonsense ably;
Atheism is indeed an integral component of totalitarian socialism. … Throughout his tyrannical reign, Stalin's policies caused the death of up to 20-million people. Stalin was an atheist.
Unlike the atrocities of Medieval Europe that were committed in the name of religion, Stalin's behavior was not done in the name of atheism. He did not starve his people because of his unrelenting skepticism, nor did he wage wars for the advancement of objective empiricism. Soviet atheism is an important part of the communist dogma. To be a communist, one's loyalty must belong to the people and their party. All other affiliations, whether national, political, or ideological were distractions that would eventually lead to the destruction of the system. The tragic actions of the communists were in pursuit of blind and unrealistic dogma. They were committed by atheists, it's true. But they were not carried out for atheism. In fact, communism resembles far more closely religious fanaticism than Western secular ideals.
Atheism is life without god. It does not require belief in any universal and unchangeable truths, and therefore will never compel their forceful enactment by its adherents. Religion, with its all-knowing god, is inherently a dividing force. As long as people believe in a vengeful and demanding god who works above and beyond human reason, religion will always be a potential tool for evil.
The point being that Stalin's crimes (or Hitler's, if we continue to humour the nonsense idea that he was an atheist) weren't done for a belief that there is no god. They were done in the name of a quite specific political ideology, and the atheism of their perpetrator really is no more relevant than his moustache.
Indeed, it might be less relevant given the superstitions in Russian politics around the hair of their leaders.
No atrocity has ever been committed in the name of atheism and, given that it is not a creed, an ideology, or a dogma, it is fairly safe to say that none ever will be. This does not mean that you can never have an atheist who is "extreme" in their views – indeed, Atheist Revolution offer a definition of what such a thing would look like – but that still doesn't translate to Dawkins et al's "mild impoliteness."
One can find lunatic fringes almost everywhere. It doesn't justify the Pope's attack on atheism and secularism as "lead[ing] ultimately to a truncated vision of man and of society." It certainly doesn't justify applying such labels to "New Atheism."
"New Atheism" is not a movement
Another label that should not be applied to it is "movement." At least, not in the sense that we would talk of the anarchist, socialist, trade union, and other political or social movements. It is no such thing.
Social movements – going to Wikipedia for the simplest definition – are "a type of group action." They "large informal groupings of individuals and/or organizations focused on specific political or social issues, in other words, on carrying out, resisting or undoing a social change." Though both supporters and critics would like to think so, this cannot be applied to New Atheism.
The misunderstanding, perhaps, comes from living in a passive society where doing very little at all can be called "action." Where people can "stand up to" fascists by having a party half a mile away, or wage class warfare by asking their leaders – please – to call for a protest.
Hence why people expect a movement on the back of what amount to little more than advertising and PR campaigns. The Atheist Bus Campaign, for example, was quite literally nothing more than adverts on public transport to "raise awareness of atheism in the UK." And The Out Campaign was just a mass declaration of atheism – alongside some t-shirt sales.
Atheist "activist" groups, such as the Rational Response Squad, are but talking shops. The RRS made a thought-provoking film in The God Who Wasn't There and courted controversy with the Blasphemy Challenge, but can't claim to have achieved anything concrete.
There is a lot of real activism undertaken in the arena of faith and atheism. For example, support groups for ex-Jehovah's Witnesses, Margaret Downey's cataloguing of acts of discrimination against atheism, campaigns for secularism in Islamic countries, etc. But to put these down to an "atheist movement" would be at best disingenuous.
There may be an atheistic current within social discourse. There may be a growing degree of atheism amongst the general populace, or a greater number of prominent and outspoken non-believers.
But, in the sense that it means organisation and activism with the aim of either enabling or preventing change, there is no such thing as an atheist movement.
The problem with a faith-centric worldview
I would also add that there in fact shouldn't be such a movement, for a variety of reasons.
One of these is practicality. The only thing that atheism requires is the conviction that there is no god. Any tendencies beyond that – anti-religionism, secularism, humanism, rationality, or reason – are optional extras. You can possess some, all, or none of these things and still be an atheist.
Add to that the fact that atheists can be libertarian or authoritarian, liberal or conservative, socialist or capitalist, tolerant or bigoted, sane or deranged, and you realise that such a movement can have no coherence. If your only common ground is that there is no god, you simply cannot do anything more than host a talking shop.
But the central reason that such a movement shouldn't be is that a worldview built around the single issue of religion and rationalism is a limited one. It offers no credible answers to real issues, it turns people into caricatures, and it is an ideal breeding ground for reaction.
This point is exemplified by Sam Harris's work, The End of Faith. In it, Harris attacks Noam Chomsky for his "moral equivalence" in comparing 9/11 to crimes committed by the west, and essentially uses a dissection of Islam as a justification for war and imperialism.
Johann Hari, though far more a "New Atheist" than I, tears this argument down;
Harris says starkly, "We are at war with Islam. It may not serve our immediate foreign policy objectives for our political leaders to openly acknowledge this fact, but it is unambiguously so." Really? Who is this 'we'? In the context of the chapter, he is clearly talking not about atheists but about the United States. But surely this is the country he has already identified as pickled in superstition, a nation where more people believe in the Virgin Birth than Darwinism? Why are 'we' automatically on the side of an evangelical Christian President against (in his formulation) even the most moderate of Muslims?Harris' answer is patchy, and draws on some pretty dubious hard-right sources – Alan Dershowitz, Bernard Lewis, and Samuel Huntington, for example. He crosses a line here from condemning all religions for their gross delusions to claiming that Islam is a uniquely poisonous and evil system. "Islam is undeniably a religion of conquest – more than any other religion human beings have devised, [it] has all the makings of a thorough-going cult of death," he writes.
It is at this point that a crucial flaw in Harris' argument becomes clear. Although he does not state it explicitly, part of him clearly believes that religious moderates are as bad as fanatics; that there is little real difference, and even the most democratic and moderate of believers is "capable of anything". Militant atheist though I am, I can't follow him into this bog.
The world is not currently experiencing a war between Islam and non-Muslims. No; what we are currently witnessing is a war within Islam between Muslim fanatics and Muslim moderates that is sometimes spilling across into the non-Muslim world. Bin Laden attacked America not because he wants to conquer the United States, but because he wants to topple the US-backed regimes that he sees as being in the corrupt, moderate Islamic camp. Since Harris does not really believe that religious moderation exists, he cannot see this. He clearly regards all believing Muslims as essentially insane and prone to suicide-murder – whereas I would say that the fanatics are insane and the moderates are merely horribly misguided.
Harris argues for a one-stage intellectual war to replace Islam with atheism. I believe this is both wildly impractical and a recipe for failure. Defining every single Muslim as a de facto al-Quaida supporter is not a recipe for the erosion of faith but for its inflammation. No; I believe we (meaning all the potential victims of jihadism, both in Muslim countries and in the West) must embark on a two-stage battle. The first step is to replace fanatical Islam with moderate Islam. This would, in itself, be a massive achievement, and it is currently a distant goal. The second step – and this is the work of centuries – is to persuade moderate Muslims of the case for atheism. Harris disregards moderate Islam as an essential intermediary stage because he cannot see how moderate religion would be any better. This has lead him to write a chapter on Islam that is itself quite crazed, and even veers into bizarre speculation about circumstances in which a nuclear first strike would be acceptable against jihadists with a nuclear weapon.
My main disagreement with the above would be that I don't see atheism as a necessary prerequisite for anything. As I wrote in Against Religion, secularism is vital for a free and equal society, and genuine secularism does not bar or make a taboo of faith.
I would also make a much stronger argument for the fact that Islamic Extremism is a product of US imperialism. Not only through wars, sanctions and other actions which have inflamed sensibilities and added fuel to the reactionaries' fire, but also directly in the fostering of the mujahedeen against the Russians and the destruction of secular Arab nationalism.
Of course, Harris's co-thinker Dawkins is at the opposite end of the spectrum on this one. He spoke out against the Iraq War, and certainly doesn't justify torture of flirt with the idea of nuclear war as Harris does.
But this is because Dawkins's politics are those of a vaguely left-leaning conventional liberal. That is nothing to do with his atheism, one way or the other, and acknowledges that he has views beyond the remit of godlessness. He is a scientist and a rationalist more than a New Atheist, as we can see in his impassioned arguments for the wonders that an understanding of science can reveal to people.
But Harris is a New Atheist and little else. His politics, as one reads all the way through The End of Faith, are defined exclusively by his views on religion. Beyond it, he has little to no understanding and demonstrates an absence of critical thinking – and its ultimate conclusion is a worldview in tune with various strands of the reactionary right.
There is validity in much of what Dawkins, Harris, and their co-thinkers say on religion, because it fits in with the idea of a genuinely secular society. But there is also much said that is genuinely troubling or absurd, because it comes from a political outlook defined almost entirely by the religious leanings of others. This may not always be as poisonous as a worldview defined entirely by colour, but it is as limiting.
There is nothing wrong with being an atheist, and as one myself I wholeheartedly support the right of people to be such without persecution or ostracisation. But if we are looking to build a social movement, that is the last thing we need as its basis.
Filed under Religion · Tagged with atheism, atheist extremism, Blasphemy Challenge, Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett, discrimination against atheism, faith, faith-centric worldview, Imperialism, Iraq War, Johann Hari, moderation, neo-liberal, New Atheism, Noam Chomsky, nuclear first strike, politics defined by atheism, Pope Benedict XVI, Rational Response Squad, rationalism, reactionary, Religion, Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, secularism, skepticism, social movement, superstition, talking shops, terrorism, torture
Comments5 Responses to "Atheism and all the things it's not"
Jac says:
Excellent piece. The loony bigotry of Sam Harris and Pat Condell shouldn't be tolerated by progressive anti-theologists.
Celia Os says:
A crença é no credo. Eles usam a dor, o sacrifício e o martírio para impor na região o domínio; é o conhecimento de outro imposto na temeridade. O dominante cega a população que não observa nos paradigmas a real situação. O exercício dos líderes é subjugar o indivíduo em favor da lucratividade. A fé é certeza de vida. Trago o exemplo, onde viver importa: um leão vem em sua direção, ele é por natureza mais veloz, então corre buscando um refúgio, ou a expectativa de que ele fure a pata, caia num buraco. Quando ele aproxima, você estende o galho e finca na boca da fera. Ferindo mortalmente a "besta" O indivíduo é resultante da sua racionalidade, quer resolver o problema. Gosto muito de suas dissertações é sempre um carinho ao cérebro comungar com ateus exponenciais.
lawguy says:
I can imagine a fanatical atheist. One who believes all religion must be destroyed only because it is wrong. Therefore he or she goes in and blows up a church or kills a priest simply because they exist and are leading the people down the wrong path of belief. Although to be fair I'm not sure that has ever happened.
Michael Handelman says:
Does anyone think that part of the confusion that the New Atheists have, is they confuse the "Counter-Enlightenment" (e.g. the need to 'resacralize' 'authority' (e.g. the state) through 'religious' mystification) with religion per se.
So for instance, insofar as religion makes concessions to the 'Counter-Enlightenment' (e.g. the need to 'mystify' people about the nature of the world, for the purposes of 'social control'.) it is a regressive force.
(I also think Harris' problem is that he is rooted on a Napoleonic conception of the Enlightenment. Just as Napoleon saw imperialism as a means to impose the 'ideals' of the French Revolution on recalcitrant populations, Harris has a similar rather 'naive' view regarding American imperialism as the imposition of Enlightenment values (e.g. his view of the need for a "benevolent" dictatorship to bring about secularization….which is empirically very odd because the one example I can think of (Shah of Iran) produced 'fundamentalist resistance' to the secular dictatorship of the Shah. Thus, a supposedly 'benevolent dictatorship' might actually produce fundamentalist resistance as a an unintended consequence).))
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Entries Now Open for the Sixth Kao International
Environment Painting Contest for Children
The Sixth Kao International Painting Contest for Children is now open for entries, as at April 2, 2015, according to Kao Corporation (President and CEO: Michitaka Sawada).
Since announcing the Kao Environmental Statement in 2009, Kao Group has been active in environmental conservation aligned with the theme of eco together, partnering with consumers, business partners, and communities. This contest is one of the activities aligned with the theme of eco together and this year will mark the sixth time the contest has been held since its launch in 2010.
The Kao International Painting Contest for Children aims to encourage children around the world to think seriously about conservation of the environment around them and to depict what they can do to conserve resources in everyday life, as they will also be the leaders of the future. Children are encouraged not only to take action as depicted in their paintings but also to encourage their friends and adults to take action in the same way. Last year, 8,753 entries were received from 30 countries and regions, including Japan. Cumulative entries received since 2010 now total 33,066 paintings.
Prize-winning works will be on display at the Kao booth in the Eco-Products 2015 exhibition to be held in Tokyo in December. Winners of the eco together Planet Earth Grand Prix and the eco together Kao Prize will also be invited to attend an awards ceremony held at the venue. The contest is being widely publicized all over the world, through both the Kao website and other media.
Kao Group will continue to strive to contribute to building a sustainable society through proactive engagement of our stakeholders to build trust and closer relationships.
Outline of the Sixth Kao International
Environment Painting Contest for Children
Theme: "eco together"
To protect our precious world, please think of what we should do, and make a painting showing what we can do in our daily life: such as to use water and electricity without wasting it; to use limited resources carefully for long period of time through reuse and recycle; to choose and use ecology-oriented products; to protect nature by taking care of the woods and animals; and others.
Children around the world between the ages of 6 and 15 years old.
Application period:
From Thursday, April 2 to Monday, August 10, 2015.
Please send pictures to:
Kao International Environment Painting Contest for Children
Kao (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., 20th. Floor, Menara AmFIRST, No.1, Jalan 19/3,
46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Entry deadline:
Paintings must be received by midnight Monday, August 10, 2015.
Results announcement and award ceremony
By late November 2015, the winners and their schools will be notified of the results. The results will also be posted on the Kao website. On Saturday December 12, 2015, at Tokyo Big Sight, the prizes will be awarded in a ceremony at the Eco-Products 2015 exhibition.
*The winners of the eco together Planet Earth Grand Prix and the eco together Kao Prize (including winners from abroad) and one accompanying guardian will be invited to attend the award ceremony.
* The winning works will be announced and exhibited at the Kao Booth at the Eco-Products 2015 exhibition.
Mr. Fumikazu Masuda: Judge Chair, Professor, Tokyo Zokei University
Ms. Sumiko Okubo: Artist
Mr. Kei Matsushita: Professor, Tokyo University of the Arts
Ms. Yoko Oyamada: Illustrator
Mr. Naoto Katahira: Director, Creative, Kao Corporation
To be announced: Director of Kao Corporation
* To find out more, please follow the link below to download information about the Kao International Environment Painting Contest for Children.
* The other link below is to a contest entry form. Please fill out the required information and paste the completed entry form to the back of the painting.


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Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Creative Inspirations Challenge
I do hope that you will find time in your busy holiday week to join us with a card.
I want to wish you all a very SAFE and Happy Holiday time with your families and friends. My mother is coming in late this afternoon so I will be really busy finishing getting my preparations done for the big day on Friday. Still have a bit of shopping to do and a few more pies to bake. But for the most part I am ready......
19 comments:
- Sharon Keanly said...
A beautiful card Janiel. Enjoy your baking, sounds yummy and blessings for a wonderful Christmas. Catch up soon, hugs Sharon xx
- December 23, 2009 at 1:07 AM
- Riet said...
What a beautiful card Janiel,i love your image and papers.
Merry Christmas!
Hugs Riet.xx
- December 23, 2009 at 1:19 AM
- Juls said...
this is so so gorgeous!!! Love the snowman, such a cute image and coloured beautifully!! and I love how you have created all the snow! Just fab!! Love it!!
- December 23, 2009 at 2:03 AM
- Tara said...
Such a wonderfully festive card Janny and the sparkle and texture is beautiful!
Wishing you and your family a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful 2010!
Big hugs, Tara xxx
- December 23, 2009 at 3:30 AM
- gina g said...
Gorgeous card Janny, i hope you get the rest of your shopping done ok. I would like to wish you and your family a fantastic Christmas and New Year. luv gina xx
- December 23, 2009 at 5:13 AM
- Elaine Stark said...
A lovely card. I love the snowman image. Elaine
- December 23, 2009 at 5:39 AM
- Tracy said...
Hi Janny,
I love your shaker card it's so cute, the image is fab.
Hope you have a wonderful christmas and a peaceful one.
Happy crafting
Tracy x
- December 23, 2009 at 6:38 AM
- dolcreations said...
Jan I love your shaker card! If your baking is anything like your cards...I'm coming for dinner!
Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Thank-you so much for all your comments you leave on my blog! And yes, I do wish we lived closer...I would be signing up for classes...Cards with Jan 101!
- December 23, 2009 at 6:50 AM
- Wilma said...
Beautiful card Janny, that is such a cute image, just makes you smile. Thanks for all your kind comments on my blog during the year and i wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas!
- December 23, 2009 at 7:30 AM
- Dena said...
Janiel!!! I LOVE IT!!!! This snowman is just the cutest thing ever!!!! Shaker cards are sooo very fun!
I hope your holidays are just great girlie!!!
Merry Christmas!
- December 23, 2009 at 7:51 AM
- Karen Arthur said...
What an adorable card!! I just LOVE this cute snowman. I have not made many shaker cards but I think I may give this a try. GREAT JOB!!
Merry Christmas.
I wanted to let you know that I am giving away some holiday blog candy, I would love for you to drop by and sign up. HERE.
Hugs, Karen A
- December 23, 2009 at 8:46 AM
- Jo (Boots the Monkey) said...
Such a fantastic card, I just love this image, it is so fun.
Wishing you and your family a very, very happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.
With love and hugs,
Jo xxx
- December 23, 2009 at 9:30 AM
- Lisa aka Allissa said...
Just adorable hunny. Gorgeous colouring as always. Happy Christmas.
- December 23, 2009 at 10:50 AM
- Jolanda said...
Hi Janiel,
What a Cutie.!!!!....sooooo funny and adorable.
And again great colours.
I wish you a very very very Lovely Christmas and a creative Happy New Year. (also for your family :-) )
Hugs Jolanda
- December 24, 2009 at 9:44 AM
- mysweetpaperdreams said...
Beautiful Janny. :)
I hope you have a blessed Christmas and enjoy the time with your family.
- December 24, 2009 at 12:38 PM
- Jackie Thomas said...
this is just gorgeous Janny, I wish you and your lovely family a very Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year. xo Jackie
- December 26, 2009 at 2:49 AM
- Desire Fourie said...
Absolutely gorgeous. Love all the layering. Wishing you a wonderful and happy 2010.
- December 27, 2009 at 6:36 AM
- Michelle said...
Another beautiful card my friend!
- December 27, 2009 at 11:12 PM
- Maya said...
Ohhh my!!
This is awesome!
Love the image,the colours and the awesome details!!
Hugs from Maya :)
- December 28, 2009 at 3:42 AM


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Howick and Pakuranga Times
Botany and Ormiston Times : Howick and Botany Times Wednesday May 21 2014
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The results put them in equal first place with this Saturday's opponents and private school rivals King's College. Sacred Heart is in third on the back of Tupou's headline-grabbing feats of the past fortnight, with consecutive hat-tricks against Kelston and Mt Albert Grammar. The round three clash is also the third instalment of the head-to-head battle between coaching twin brothers Tai and Tasesa Lavea. St Kents' coach Tai leads the sibling contest 2-0 after winning both of last year's matches, 30-21 away in round 10 and 15-7 at home in the semi-finals. While little extra hype is needed around a St Kents v King's contest, the match is also one of the televised fixtures on Sky Sport's Rugby Channel. ■ Saint Kentigern v King's College, 12.30pm this Saturday at St Kents. Saint Kentigern captain Sam Nock Photo supplied / Lynne Scutt HAVING made the biggest impact of any rookie in the Super Rugby championship, dynamic High- landers centre Malakai Fekitoa deserves a start in the first test against England next month. That might sound like a sacrilege considering the proven record of Conrad Smith, who remains one of the country's smartest players and combines so well with Ma'a Nonu. But, at 22, the muscular Feki- toa is 10 years younger, is faster, stronger and has that exciting X factor about his play. While experience helped the All Blacks to their unbeaten run last year, there's a Dad's Army look to an ageing side which will be a year older come next year's world cup. Already Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett have done a good job stepping into the boots of the once brilliant but now brittle Dan Carter, who returns from his sab- batical later in the year. Like Carter, long-serving vet- erans like Richie McCaw, Tony Woodcock and Keven Mealamu still have something to offer. But they have constantly suffered the consequences of wear and tear and are living on borrowed time, much as we hate to admit it. Blues reject Fekitoa has thrived in the Highlanders environment where he's prospered under the coaching of backs mentor Tony Brown and the influence of All Black stars Ben and Aaron Smith. Twice this season Pakuranga's Fekitoa has performed strongly when matched against Hurricanes skipper Conrad Smith, and it was his two try-saving tackles on Julian Savea which played a major role in the Highlanders 18-16 against Smith's team. Meanwhile, the All Blacks selec- tors should be concerned at the failure of the Crusaders in losing 30-25 at home to a Sharks team that played most of their last game with 14 men when Jean Deysel was ordered off, then 13 when another of their players was sin-binned. The Crusaders have no fewer than six forwards in the latest 35-man national squad and face a tough challenge against the High- landers in their next game. While Aaron Smith remains the country's most consistent half- back, hustling Hurricane TJ Per- enara had his measure in their last confrontation, highlighted by his try from a 5-metre scrum when he punched Smith's arm to force him to release the ball. Meanwhile, although the War- riors failed to stop the Bulldogs seven-game winning streak in the NRL, they lost few friends in their three tries to two 16-12 defeat at Hamilton. The wonder of it was it could have been a draw or even a win but for Josh Morris' tackle which car- ried Shaun Johnson into touch a metre short of the Bulldogs tryline in the dying stages. However, apart from that one electrifying break, it wasn't a great day for Johnson whose weak kick- ing game constantly failed to put the Bulldogs under pressure. While Johnson remains a hugely gifted player who can destroy opponents with his step and pace, he needs to back himself more in tight games against a strong defence. Still there was much to admire about the Warriors defence, once again led by Nathan Friend (who averages 46 tackles a game) and Simon Mannering. Good, too, to see Konrad Hurrell improve his tackling in the last two games. Having just conceded 21 tries all season, a rock solid defence is the major reason why the Bulldogs top the NRL ladder. Fekitoa deserves test debut Agnew's Angle ON YOUR MARKS: Fifty junior runners from Pakuranga Athletic Club took part in the opening race of the Auckland grand prix cross-country series at Pukekohe earlier this month. Pakuranga's James Trathen won the under-9 boys' race and Dion Wallwork the under-11 boys. Far left in Pakuranga singlets: Amy Edwards-Maas, Tessa Brunton and Erica Lim. Right, the start of the under-15 3000m. Pakuranga Athletic Club hosts the second round at Lloyd Elsmore Park this Saturday. Photos supplied
Howick and Botany Times Wednesday May 14 2014
Howick and Botany Times Wednesday May 28 2014
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A well-established landscaping company in Hong Kong invites high caliber candidate to fill the following post:
A well-established landscaping company in Hong Kong invites high caliber candidate to fill the following post:
|Job level
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NC Mountains
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NC Mountains: Known for its scenic sights and hiking trails, the natural splendor of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway in the portrait, NC Mountains. Various shades of blue alight the peaks and crevices of the mountains, creating a rippling effect from afar. The muted red-orange hue of the sunset contrast the hills and valleys in a way that emphasizes the subtle intensity of the colors that span the parkway. Fog settles comfortably within the dips of the range. The angles and layers of the mountain range entices the gaze to appreciate the catharsis of nature as the Blue Ridge Parkway is re-framed into art.
Size: W 70" x H 26"
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Where to buy : ArtSource
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Jose Jimenez
Jose Jimenez