While it is still early days with the Cannabis Act having only been tabled less than two weeks ago, we thought it would nevertheless be beneficial to provide you with a quick coast to coast provincial cannabis legislation update and give you an idea as to what the provinces are doing and where they might be headed.
We'll start on the West Coast where things appear to be getting conservative after we move past British Columbia and which continue to liberalize as we move further East. At our last stop we heard rumours that Willie Nelson and James Franco are in a dead heat to become the next Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Stay tuned in the coming days and months as we provide new updates as things start to develop further at the provincial level.
Out on the West Coast, British Columbia is known around the world for its cannabis but getting a sense for how liberal the law might be in B.C. is challenging at the moment. The existing government, as well as opposition politicians, aren't saying much about where B.C. might be headed.
The province does have a cross-ministry group working on legalization issues and at a municipal level Victoria and Vancouver have taken steps to license cannabis businesses, notwithstanding that recreational cannabis remains illegal at the federal level (until next year). It appears that the municipalities are getting a bit fed up with the silence from their big provincial brother with Victoria Council formally resolving to ask the province when it anticipates publishing draft regulations and legislation relating to cannabis.
With a provincial election set to be held on May 9, 2017 it looks like we might not get an indication where B.C. is headed until some point this summer.
Alberta is historically known as a conservative province and the message coming from its provincial government fits the historical narrative well. The Government of Alberta has taken a page from the federal script and has indicated that the province's three main areas of focus are to keep cannabis away from kids, keep profits away from criminals and protect roads and workplaces.
However, it appears that the residents of Alberta will have a say on the provincial system as Alberta has indicated that it will be seeking the input of its citizens on issues such as minimum age, health and safety and where cannabis will be sold, among others.
The cities of Edmonton and Calgary are gearing up at the municipal level. Edmonton city staff is already working on draft municipal by-law amendments and is looking at issues such a licensing fees and the possibility of businesses such as cannabis lounges. Calgary has established a panel of experts to assist in getting the ball rolling towards establishing its own municipal framework.
Not a lot to report out of Saskatchewan yet. The Justice Minister and his staff are in the process of reviewing the Cannabis Act. The province has indicated that it will work with both the federal government and other provinces in implementing its legislation.
Manitoba jumped the gun on the federal announcement of the Cannabis Act, putting forward the Cannabis Harm Prevention Act which was met with a lot of criticism, especially from medical cannabis users. The Cannabis Harm Prevention Act would list cannabis as an intoxicant and would ban people from consuming it in a vehicle.
When the Cannabis Act was unveiled, the Justice Minister stated that she has "lots of concerns" with the legislation.
While it appears that Manitoba may ultimately be home to one of the more conservative set of cannabis laws across the country, for the time being the provincial government is not commenting publicly on what the province's next steps are, aside from indicating that they want to consult with, and listen to, Manitobans.
Canada's biggest province isn't showing its cards yet when it comes to cannabis legalization. Both Premier Kathleen Wynne and the Attorney General have said that Ontario is looking at "all options on the table". In fact, even attempting to ascertain when some sort of announcement may be made is proving difficult with the Finance Minister stating that the government will make its announcements "when the time is right".
What we do know is that Premier Wynne has previously voiced support for a government operated retail system, that a working group has been struck with the Ministries of Finance, Health and the Attorney General, and that Ontario has agreed to work together with Quebec in rolling out its legislation.
Quebec has struck a new cabinet committee which includes officials from several different ministries to discuss possible policies relating to cannabis.
Quebec hasn't said much about where it might be headed, aside from the fact that it plans to work with Ontario on common topics. Hockey fans in Montreal and Toronto are irate at hearing this news.
The political statements coming out of New Brunswick demonstrate that it will likely be far and away the most cannabis friendly province. New Brunswick views the cannabis industry as an important creator of jobs and revenues and announced back in March that cannabis would be a pillar of its economic strategy. New Brunswick's cannabis friendly ways pre-date this recent announcement. The province has given financial incentives to attract licensed producers and has developed a community college program for cannabis technicians.
The provincial government has been working since 2015 to prepare for the inevitable legalization of the recreational market and plans to be fully ready by the anticipated July 1, 2018 federal roll-out date. The province has created a multi-departmental committee which will provide its recommendations on issues such as distribution and retail sales by September, 2017, with an interim report set to be released this coming summer.
Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil has indicated that his province will be ready to start selling recreational cannabis by the anticipated July 1, 2018 federal roll-out date. The provincial Liberal party has repeatedly stated that a set of unified rules, which would include those relating to age, pricing and distribution ought to be implemented across Atlantic Canada. Mr. McNeil has also indicated that all four premiers from the Atlantic provinces are on the same page with respect to working together to create a set of unified rules.
With a population of under 150,000, P.E.I. has said it has no intention of taking the lead when it comes to setting rules relating to recreational cannabis. In fact, Premier Wade MacLauchlan has stated that P.E.I. will likely wait and see what other provinces do first. Mr. MacLauchlan has also indicated that he would like to see a clear and consistent approach among the provinces and territories, especially so among the four Atlantic provinces.
Andrew Parsons, who holds the positions of Minster of Justice and Public Safety, Attorney General and Government House Leader, among others, has indicated that he expects consultations with the public and stakeholders to commence within the next month.
The Government of the Northwest Territories has established a multi-departmental cannabis working group and has indicated that it intends to be ready for the federal roll-out date of July 1, 2018.
The Yukon has indicated that it supports legalization and regulation. The territory has also established a working group and has indicated that it intends to work closely with other provinces and territories in setting its legislation.
Meanwhile, in Nunavut things will likely be on hold for the time being. The legislative assembly dissolves on September 24, 2017, with a new election being held on October 30th. Sometime around mid to late November, a Premier, Speaker and the Cabinet will be elected. December to January brings a lengthy holiday period for the government. As such, the civil service is not expecting to receive any meaningful direction until at least February, 2018, if not later.
Cannabis Advertising and the Cannabis Act; What is Lifestyle Advertising?


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40 of the funniest jokes and one-liners from North West comedians on Lancashire Day
Camelot Rises: This is what the former theme park site looks like as it gets set for rebirth as 'zombie experience' attraction
What's OnArts and Entertainment
Joe's new show aims to be a gift from Bog
Why is an orange called an orange when a carrot is more orange than an orange?
Monday, 22nd August 2016, 12:39 pm
Updated Monday, 22nd August 2016, 1:44 pm
Funnyman Joe Pasquale is preparing for his show at Viva
It's questions like this that give an insight into the wonderful mind of Joe Pasquale. "It's one of those things that's a quandary, I lay at night thinking about it," the comedian laughs.
It's fair to say that Pasquale is a veteran of the comedy circuit and he brings his latest show 'One Man and his Bog' to Viva Blackpool on Thursday, September 1.
Explaining the interesting name for the show, the 54-year-old comic says: "It's called one man and his bog because it's me on my bog. I sit on a toilet with a little electric motor on it, it does 17mph and has brakes on it.
"I don't know how big the venue is, so I don't know how fast I'll be going on it."
He adds: "It's also called one man because it's just me, there's no support acts. It's me at the beginning, me in the middle and me at the end.
"Nobody really wants to see a support act, so I thought I'd do it myself and it just means you can take your time and enjoy yourself for a couple of hours."
Joe Pasquale is from Grays in Essex and has performed up and down the country, including an incredible five appearances at the Royal Variety, however a show in Blackpool is almost like a homecoming to him. He says: "I've been coming to Blackpool for the best part of 30 years so it's a bit like coming home for me. I love Blackpool.
"I've not done this place before [Viva], I've done the Opera House, I've done the Grand many times. I started my career in the 80s up in Blackpool so I did all the hotels like the Viking.
"Just being in Blackpool is a great atmosphere, it's the home of variety in Britain."
It's hard to believe that it's 12 years since Pasqual was crowned 'King of the Jungle'. He acknowledges that his appearance on 'I'm a Celebrity' brought him to the attention of a younger audience and it's with this in mind that he made the show suitable for the whole family,. He said: "We get people in from five to 95, but if you look like your passport photo, you're too ill to travel!"
Tickets are priced between £18.50 and £22.50 for adults, with children's tickets costing £6.50.
For tickets call on 01253 297297 or book online at www.vivablackpool.com

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Michigan DE Mike Morris' career so far, outlook for 2021
Will this be the year development meets production for Morris?
By Trevor Woods@WoodsFootball Jul 8, 2021, 11:30am CDT
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Set Number: X162852 TK1
Michigan's defense has a lot of question marks heading into the season — and their overall success will hinge on players who haven't played an abundance of snaps in their career to this point. One of those players is redshirt sophomore defensive end Mike Morris, who may be in line for an increase in snaps in 2021.
Morris hails from Delray Beach, Florida and attended American Heritage where he played along the defensive line and at tight end. Morris put up 13 sacks as a freshman, 84 tackles (31 for loss) and 4 sacks as a junior, 85 tackles (25 for loss) and five sacks as a senior. Morris' production led to a three-star ranking and being rated as the No. 27 strong side defensive end in the 2019 class.
Morris held offers from Michigan, Florida State, Tennessee, Florida, Oklahoma, Miami, and Clemson, among others and chose Florida State. However, Morris would eventually de-commit from FSU and chose Michigan.
"They really just say that I'm a very athletic and a hard nose football player. I'm working on my speed and power, so I can take over the game like Rashan Gary," Morris said in 2018. Morris hasn't had the impact that Gary had right out of the gate, which was to be expected. Morris has needed time to add weight to his 6-foot-6 frame.
After not receiving any playing time in 2019, Morris got onto the field against Wisconsin in 2020 and made his first and only tackle to this point in his career.
Outlook moving forward
Morris came to Michigan weighing around 255 pounds, and he's added over twenty pounds to his frame since then — and will need to be around 280-290 at the very least to be an anchor.
"He seems like a smart football player who understands his role as a defensive lineman. It's not just "see ball, chase ball" with Morris," The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner said in 2019. "But, ultimately, his offer sheet was impressive — I think — because he has quite a bit of athletic versatility. He's a Year 2 or 3 player, with everything dependent on how soon he can add weight and strength to his frame. But an underrated prospect on the surface."
Morris in now in Year 3, and he's added weight and strength to his frame, and if there's a year where he become a rotational piece along the d-line, it's going to be this season. With new defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald in the fold we could see Morris' play some snaps at outside linebacker as situational pass-rusher as well. If the talent is there, Morris will see the field in some capacity and add to his career total of 1 tackle.


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Well, a response from her staff anyway.
Earlier in October, I went to the Seattle Town Hall meeting to question Gregoire about her role in the letter signed by 13 governors to the U.S. congress calling for the H-1B cap to be raised. Among the things that she promised was a job "with a good employer, good salary, and good benefits" in the state of Washington. One of her staff had me fill out a card describing my issue and providing my contact information. What I got in response was a letter.
Thank you for attending the Town Hall meeting in Seattle. Governor Gregoire appreciates the time you have taken to share your views on not increasing the number of H-1B visas granted to foreign workers, and she is pleased to have the opportunity to work on behalf of the people of Washington.
Views and comments such as yours give the Governor and her staff valuable insights into the important issues facing people in communities around our state. We rely on the messages we receive to let us know where we must focus our priorities. The Governor has made your comments available to her Executive Policy Advisors, who will consider them as the Governor works to move Washington forward.
The Governor also encourages you to share your views and specific suggestions with your state legislators given their role in proposing and passing state laws. The toll-free Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000 offers a convenient way to contact your state Senator and Representatives.
Again, thanks for taking the time to attend the Town Hall. The continued involvement of citizens like you is critical to our state's success.
This entry was posted in H-1B and tagged employment, governor, Gregoire, H-1B, immigration, jobs, Town Hall, Townhall, Washington State Governor, Wasthington state on November 19, 2007 by Progressive Geek.
Rennie — thanks for the followup on this story. I find Gregoire's response totally inadequate. She promised to have a staffer find you one of those great Washington jobs, and then you get this letter?
Gregoire needs to held accountable for breaking promises that she made in public. What a liar!
Hope some of you that wander onto Rennie's great log also wander onto my website. My free email "Job Destruction Newsletter" will help keep you informed on H-1B and outsourcing.
I posted a link to the YouTube video and this website on our anti-offshoring website which is http://www.madnamerica.com – we are in the same battle here in the Northeast where the insurance companies and defense industry have used offshoring and outsourcing to H1bs as their modus operandi. Please check out our website and links and if possible add a link to us from this one. We are also giving away downloads of our recent mp3 called – you guessed it – Mad in America.


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Cleaning Our Waterways
Help from a higher power: EPA can spare century-old Gowanus Station from city's destruction, Feds say
Posted on March 13, 2018 By Julianne Cuba
Awaiting its fate: The Environmental Protection Agency could save the Gowanus Station building on the corner of Nevins and Butler streets.
Photo by Jason Speakman
This Protection Agency is doing double duty!
Federal officials overseeing the ongoing cleanup of the Gowanus Canal could save the so-called historic Gowanus Station building from the wrecking ball as city leaders seek to raze the structure in order to install a subterranean sewage tank on the land it occupies, according to the man spearheading the scrub.
"Because it's a Superfund site, if an underground tank is built at the location where the building stands, then that location becomes part of the site," said the Environmental Protection Agency's project manager Christos Tsiamis. "And the EPA's jurisdiction includes the fate of the building."
Last November, the city kicked-off its lengthy Uniform Land Use Review Procedure in an attempt to seize the privately owned Butler Street property and an adjacent Nevins Street parcel through eminent domain to make way for two underground vessels that would hold a combined 12-million gallons of raw waste and storm water so neither spills into the canal during rain storms.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission in December decided not to move forward with a request to protect the Gowanus Station building because its members claimed the brick Beaux Arts structure lacked architectural merit after undergoing several alterations since it was built in 1913.
The agency instead gave the city's Department of Environmental Protection the go-ahead to demolish the building that once supplied the city with water, and a spokesman for that department said it plans to bulldoze most of it and save only a few decorative elements, pending the outcome of the eminent-domain application.
"If DEP does acquire the property, we will look to save the Gowanus Station plaque as well as other ornamental features and incorporate them, where feasible, into the EPA–mandated retention-tank facilities," said Edward Timbers.
But the ultimate power to preserve any historically significant building within the Superfund site lies with the Feds as the overseer of the cleanse, and Environmental Protection Agency bigwigs will consult with their own archeologist to make a final call regarding Gowanus Station's fate, according to Tsiamis.
And the decision may differ or confer with the city's, according to the cleanup manager, who explained the process alongside reps from the state's Historic Preservation Office, the Environmental Protection Department, and the Landmarks Commission at a Feb. 27 meeting of local watchdog organization the Gowanus Canal Community Advisory Group.
"There's an archaeological component as part of the Superfund process, and so that is why the EPA is involved — it has an archaeologist who, in consultation with those agencies, makes his assessments as to how to proceed and eventually we, EPA, have to make a decision based on that input, and the public's, of course," Tsiamis said. "We are taking into account the public's wishes and the engineers' challenges, and trying to come up with something that makes sense."
The federal agency will make its decision on whether to save the building in the next few months, Tsiamis said, once it receives recommendations from its archeologist and city and state officials, who all will weigh in on how pricey and challenging it may be for engineers to preserve the entire structure.
"I will have to make a decision, then pass it onto the city," he said. "I made it very clear that, from an engineering point of view, it would be very expensive to try to save the building and put the retention tank in same parcel of land."
If the city doesn't acquire the private land on Nevins and Butler streets by 2020, the Feds will move forward with installing the sewage tanks where cleanup leaders originally proposed they go: in the grave of the nabe's beloved Double D pool, which must be exhumed in order to purge toxins buried beneath the play space, but will be rebuilt at its longtime site if the city's eminent-domain proposal passes.
And in other news on the canal, the slow-going cleanup that began in 2016 is inching along, according to Tsiamis, who said engineers are still installing bulkheads along the fetid waterway in order to resume a pilot dredging-and-capping program in March that was originally supposed to wrap this April, but was delayed when workers' too-powerful equipment started creating fissures in nearby land and buildings shortly after the job kicked-off last October.
State trying to backtrack on Gowanus cleanup: advocates
Environmental watchdogs demand better water quality for Gowanus Canal
Crown Heights street is more lake than roadway, residents say
Gowanus rezoning must not compromise canal cleanup: Feds


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Lindsay Lohan gets boot from 'Mean Girls' video game cover
Ah now, that's not fair.
"Mean Girls" is Lindsay's most famous role and the ass who came up with the video game version left her pretty face off the cover.
But her co-stars are on it, Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried and Lacey Chabert.
The game follows Lindsay's character from the 2004 movie, Cady, throughout the teenagers high school adventures and misadventures.
Some people suggest that Nintendo, who produced the game, left the party gal off the cover as she is currently such a bad example to young teenagers.
Still not fair i say.
She was the one who made that movie hot.


There are claimed paradoxes which are not actually true paradoxes – i.e., they do have rational explanations given enough information.
The "paradox" of truth and mercy existing together really isn't a paradox since this concept is solved in Christ's life, death, and resurrection.
The same thing can be said for God's creation of true freedom while not being responsible for what people choose to do with their freedom. This is not a true paradox or rational contradiction either… despite the efforts of some to make it appear that way.
Surely you understand the implications of what Ron has been trying to claim in this thread all along – that God is directly responsible for everything that happens. He is responsible for good and bad genetic mutations. He is the one who drives Darwinian-style evolution. It is His active will that things function as they do. It is by His deliberate design that gene pools change over time via genetic mutations and natural selection (a death-dependent mechanism).


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Brookfield Police searching for suspect in Piggly Wiggly theft
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Home AP News
South African president vows to end widespread power cuts
by AP News
in AP News, National
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By MOGOMOTSI MAGOME
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa's frequent power cuts and ailing economy have overshadowed the ruling African National Congress party's 108th anniversary festivities.
Far from being a celebratory speech to the party faithful, President Cyril Ramaphosa's address Saturday focused on the serious problem of nation-wide power cuts.
Ramaphosa said his government is working hard to restore the state power company, Eskom, to a stable provider of electricity to industry and residences.
"We will accelerate the process of transforming Eskom into an effective and reliable electricity supplier,"said Rampaphosa. Eskom generates more than 90% of South Africa's electricity but in the past year it has had not been able to provide adequate power and has resorted to widespread power cuts across the nation.
"We understand very clearly the concerns that South Africans have about load-shedding (power cuts) that we continue to have almost on a daily basis,' said Ramaphosa.
In December Ramaphosa promised South Africans that there would be adequate power during the holiday season, but the period was marked by several cuts. Eskom's chairman resigned Friday because of the persistent power shortages. More power cuts are expected in the coming weeks as factories and businesses return to full operations and increase the demand for electricity.
Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attended the ANC's birthday event in Kimberley, in the drought-stricken Northern Cape province, which remains one of South Africa's most least developed areas.
The ANC has governed South Africa since 1994 at the fall of the oppressive system of white minority rule known as apartheid. Support for the party has eroded as it has not succeeded in improving the lives of the country's poor black majority.
The crippling power cuts have weakened Ramaphosa, say analysts.
"We saw a president who was on the defensive, and who did not show that he is in control of anything," said Ralph Mathekga, a South African academic and commentator. "He is saying what everybody wants to hear and that is not always a good strategy."
The outlook for continued power shortages brought the World Bank to reduce its 2020 economic growth forecast for South Africa from 1.5% to 0.9%.
In an effort to improve South Africa's economy, Ramaphosa said his government would step up its investment drive, launch a massive infrastructure building program, reduce the cost of doing business in South Africa and improve opportunities for young people to find employment.
He also emphasized that his government would urgently launch a controversial land redistribution policy.
"We are going to move ahead with the decision to expropriate land without compensation because land still remains the sore and the wound that our people still carry over all these years," said Ramaphosa.
"All legislative efforts to accelerate the distribution of land to the people will be done in terms of our constitution," he said.
Ramaphosa vowed to continue his campaign against corruption. "Corruption at all levels will stop, and the stealing of money that is meant to serve the poor will be severely dealt with," he said.
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My Beautiful Life
How I Conquered Cancer Naturally
HEALTH & FITNESS / Women's Health
By: Mina Dobic
As a top academician, Mina Dobic led a privileged life, but that changed when she was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer that had metastasized to her liver, bones, and lymph system. Given two months to live by her physicians, Mina rejected conventional treatments and decided to adopt macrobiotics. Six months later, Mina Dobic was cancer free. My Beautiful Life both explains how Mina recovered from cancer and details how cancer can be prevented through diet and a philosophy of living in balance with nature.
"[Dobic] has written eloquently about her own natural path to cancer healing." —Energy Times
Mina Dobic was born and educated in the former Yugoslavia, where she was a professor of Linguistics and World Literature. In 1987, Mina came to the United States to study macrobiotics at Boston's Kushi Institute. She is now an acclaimed macrobiotics counselor who lectures throughout the world.
1 Roots of a Cherished Life
2 Loving What I Do
3 Private Bliss and Disappointment
4 My Cancer is a Blessing
5 Choosing the Macrobiotic Way
6 Home from the Hospital
7 A Celebration of Life!
8 Michio Kushi
9 The Phoenix Rises
10 Training for a Future Career
11 California Dream
12 Healing Stories
A. Back to Basics
B. Menu Used by Mina Dobic to Heal Her Cancer
Introduction or preface
The term "macrobiotic" was used in ancient Greece and comes from the root words "macro" originally meaning long or great and "bios" meaning life or living. It was found as far back as the fourth century B.C. in the writing of Hippocrates, the Father of Western Medicine. The term was used by other classical and Biblical writers to describe the importance of living in harmony with nature, eating a simple, balanced diet, and achieving a long, healthy life. In the Far East similar terms and concepts date back to the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, the principal medical text of ancient China and the I Ching, the Book of Changes. The ideogram for peace in the Far East is composed of two characters representing "grain" and "mouth." Ancient people intuitively knew that eating whole cereal grains produced physical health and vitality; a calm, clear mind; and sound judgement.
In the West the concept of macrobiotics continued through the Renaissance and enjoyed a brief resurgence of popularity in the eighteenth century. Dr. Christoph von Hufeland, a German medical doctor and physician to Goethe, published a book entitled Macrobiotics, or the Art of Prolonging Life in which he used new scientific discoveries and evidence, such as the shape of the teeth and the length of the intestines, to support a return to a more traditional way of eating and lifestyle. In the East macrobiotics was reintroduced in the late ninteenth century by Sagen Ishizuka, M.D., a Tokyo-based physician, who found that a diet centered on brown rice, miso, vegetables, and sea vegetables could help prevent and relieve the infectious diseases which were then sweeping Japan and the rest of the industrialized world.
In the early twentieth century, Yukikazu Sakurazawa (1893–1966) healed himself of advanced tuberculosis using Dr. Ishizuka's methods. Devoting his life to this method, the young Japanese joined and became the leader of the small health food society of grateful patients, readers, and associates of Dr. Ishizuka. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, Sakurazawa went to France to teach and write, and adopted George Ohsawa as his pen name. Later he revived the name "macrobiotics" to describe his teachings and he is now recognized as the Father of Modern Macrobiotics.
By the middle of the century, traditional diets had virtually disappeared in both East and West, along with the understanding of using food as medicine. In the modern era new analytical methods of healing were the rule, and modern medicine moved from treating underlying causes of sickness and disease to relieving symptoms and effects.
Ohsawa taught that with proper diet we can have a great life full of adventure, freedom, and endless joy and appreciation. He spent the better part of his life traveling and spreading macrobiotic principles and practices throughout the world, including Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe and, towards the end of his life, North America. His students, most notably Michio and Aveline Kushi, who settled in the United States in the early 1950s, modified the diet to take into account different environmental and climatic conditions in the West as well as accommodate the needs of a modern lifestyle.
Over the last half of the twentieth century, the Kushis have served as the leaders of the international macrobiotic community. In the 1960s they launched the modern natural food movement so that whole grains; beans and bean products, including miso, tofu, and tempeh; fresh, organically grown vegetables; sea vegetables and umeboshi plums, kuzu root, and other medicinal plants were made available in natural foods stores across the United States and Europe. At first the medical profession ridiculed their teachings that modern diet was the underlying cause of heart disease, cancer, and other degenerative disorders. But through seminars for medical professionals, scientific research at Harvard Medical School, the Framingham Heart Study and other research centers, and most of all, through case histories of ordinary people who recovered from serious illness with the help of macrobiotics, the Kushis initiated the diet and health revolution that today is changing the entire world.
By the early 1980s all of the major medical and scientific organi-zations issued dietary guidelines calling for substantial reductions in fatty foods as well as corresponding increases in whole grains, fresh vegetables, and other minimally processed foods. In the early 1990s the U.S. government introduced the Food Guide Pyramid replacing meat and dairy food, the staples of the Four Food Groups, with a diet centered around grains, cereal products, fresh vegetables, and fruit. While there are still some differences to be bridged, it is clear that the scientific and medical profession are moving in a macrobiotic direction. In 1995 a conference of several hundred medical researchers and nutritionists sponsored by the World Health Organization and Harvard University featured a macrobiotic banquet at the JFK Library in Boston with Michio Kushi as the guest of honor.
Today macrobiotic food is available at the Ritz-Carlton Hotels around the world, at the international Prince Hotels, in an exclusive dining room at the Northwestern University business school, and at numerous restaurants, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and other institutions. There is a Macrobiotic Society in the United Nations and, in 1994, Michio Kushi received the Award of Excellence from the UN Writers Society (awarded to the world's top authors) for his contribution to humanity. In 1999 the Smithsonian Institution exhibited the Michio Kushi Family Collection on Macrobiotics and Alternative Health Care, featuring the Kushis' personal papers, the literature of the natural foods and holistic health movements, and an exhibition of cookware and foods. The U.S. government has introduced national organic food standards for the first time, making better quality food widely available throughout the country.
Now, in the twenty-first century, the world is rediscovering whole, natural foods and moving towards a new model of health care. I am fortunate to have discovered this approach early, long before it became popular. Not only did it save my life but it also broadened and deepened my understanding, providing a new direction and common bond for my family and myself. I have had the privilege of helping countless others to heal. This is the story of my life, which led me to become a small part of this great health revolution.


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SRC Trial: Alleged forged documents need to be conclusively determined, says defence
New identification tags to curb fraudulent property sales
KUALA LUMPUR: The Board of Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents (Bovea) has started an exercise to register real estate negotiators (REN) via an issue of identification tags for all negotiators employed by real estate agents. This is to curb the problem of illegal agents and cases of fraudulent property sales, according to Bovea board member Eric Lim.
He was speaking at the official launch of the identification tags for real estate negotiators on Wednesday at the Sime Darby Convention Centre here.
"Beginning June 2014, every registered negotiator is required to wear the tag during the course of doing business," said Lim. "The tag contains a specially assigned REN number and quick response code, which can be verified against a database on any quick response code reader or mobile application. It also carries some security features to avoid imitation."
The negotiators will be required to display their REN numbers on their name cards and all other promotional materials, including newspaper advertisements and signboards. Failure to do so is an offence and liable to disciplinary action by Bovea.
"Negotiators are only allowed to put up signboards on the property itself. Signboards hanging from lamp posts, tree trunks and directional signages are the works of illegal agents or brokers. The public is urged not to respond to these illegal promotions or any other promotional materials which do not have a REN number," Lim warned.
Bovea in collaboration with the Malaysian Institute of Agents Malaysia (MIEA), the Association of Valuers, Property Managers, Estate Agents and Property Consultants in the Private Sector Malaysia (PEPS) and the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) had embarked on a registration exercise since last October to help negotiators to register by attending a one-day training course.
The exercise has attracted 16,243 attendees and almost 10,000 real estate negotiators have been registered by Bovea to date. From this month, those who wish to be a registered REN will have to attend the two-day Real Estate Negotiators Certification Course.
"Bovea has over the years received many complaints from the public. Many have been either cheated or misrepresented by brokers who act for them in property transactions. In many cases, the brokers run away with the monies or deposits collected. Those affected had limited or no recourse to claim back their monies from these brokers. Before the registration exercise, the public could not differentiate between negotiators who are employed by registered estate agency firms and illegal agents or brokers," said Lim.
Under the Valuers, Appraisers and Estates Agents Act 1981, only registered agents and negotiators are allowed to offer for sale, rent or lease any land or buildings or invite offers for such transactions. Anyone who contravenes the Act, is liable to be fined not exceeding RM300,000 or imprisoned for not more than three years, or both, upon conviction.
The event was attended by Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan.
"In 2013, the total transacted value of properties reached RM152 billion with over 381,130 transactions. It is estimated that 60% of the total transacted value of approximately RM91 billion was concluded by registered real estate firms and brokers who are illegal," he said.
"It is of great concern that brokers have mushroomed in the market and this does not augur well for the protection of the general public at large. To date, there are 1,797 registered estate agents with 959 firms employing some 10,000 RENs. The government recognises that the real estate agents are professionals and they are there to protect the interest of the public at large," said the minister.
While real estate negotiators only have to undergo a two-day course to be registered, a registered real estate agent must have completed a four-year diploma course.
Bovea will work closely with the police to go after illegal agents by submitting evidence of such activities.
"Ultimately, we expect the number of perpetrators to decline over time as this identification system will make it difficult to impersonate as agents or negotiators. By weeding them out, the real estate market can prosper further," said Lim.
Lim believes registration of real estate negotiators will curb fraudulent property sales.
This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on June 27, 2014.
Alstonea @ Subang Mas, Subang Heights
Subang Jaya, Selangor
by CYNTHIA SELVI
Double Storey, Desa Nilam Jalan Pasar Malam Kapar
Kapar , Selangor
by AIMAN


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Can We Improve Global Health while Preserving Wealth? Watch High-Level UHC Discussion Jan. 14
Photo credit: Todd Shapera
MSH President & CEO Dr. Quick on 9:30 AM panel; Watch webcast below
Hosted by the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), the one-day conference, "Universal Health Coverage in Emerging Economies," will feature Jim Yong Kim of the World Bank and other high-level panelists examining how universal health coverage (UHC) could improve health in low- and middle-income countries while preserving economic gains.
MSH President and CEO Dr. Jonathan D. Quick will join Ariel Pablos-Méndez of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Gina Lagomarsino of Results for Development, and Tim Evans of World Bank, for a 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. roundtable, moderated by Nellie Bristol of CSIS. Kim will give the opening keynote; Nils Daulaire of the US Department of Health and Human Services will address attendees during lunch.
How You Can Commemorate World AIDS Day 2013
Photo by Warren Zelman
Advancing a health systems strengthening approach to HIV & AIDS requires advocacy and education, especially of decision makers. In honor of World AIDS Day 2013 (December 1, observed in some places December 2) we invite you to commemorate the day wherever you are, and help our global family achieve an AIDS-free generation.
World Mosquito Day: What's the Buzz About?
A Rwandan mother and newborn rest under a bed net.Photo credit: Todd Shapera.
Over one hundred years ago on this date, (August 20, 1897), British scientist Sir Ronald Ross discovered that infected female mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans. (Like any vector borne disease, the malaria-causing parasite, Plasmodium, needs a specific host: in this case, the mosquito. The female mosquito needs blood to nourish her eggs; the male just eats nectar.) Dr. Ross received the Nobel Prize for his discovery that year. Today, we mark the day, August 20, as "World Mosquito Day."
What's all the buzz about?
A child in sub-Saharan Africa dies every minute as a result of malaria—more than 1,400 children globally every day. Malaria affects about 220 million people, with 80 percent of all cases occurring in just 17 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 660,000 people died from the disease in 2010; most in Africa. Two countries—Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Nigeria—hold 40 percent of the burden of malaria mortality. Despite these challenges, progress is being made: since 2000, malaria mortality rates have dropped 33 percent in Africa, and 25 percent globally (more on malaria from WHO).
Voices of Vietnam: Two People Living with HIV Discuss Transitioning to a Country-Led HIV & AIDS Program
HIV poster in Vietnam.Photo credit: Charles Fred via flickr
This post includes portions of the introduction, questions, and answers from the English edition of "Transition Forward, Issue 1, June 2013" (PDF).
Vietnam has made significant progress in recent years responding to the country's HIV & AIDS epidemic. Under the ongoing leadership of the Government of Vietnam (also known as Viet Nam), the international community has provided significant technical and financial support to the HIV & AIDS program. As country leadership and capacity to address the HIV epidemic has been strengthened, and as Vietnam's economy grows stronger, increasing emphasis is being placed on transitioning to a sustained country-led response.
This includes strengthening the health system and civil society, particularly to reach those most at risk.
Achieving Successful Universal Health Coverage Depends on Medicines Management
Photo credit: Rui Pires
Modern medicines, vaccines, and other health technologies have revolutionized health care. Yet these products haven't improved lives everywhere, often because health systems haven't made them accessible and affordable. In many developing countries, where health systems still rely heavily on out-of-pocket expenditure, patients face high costs at the point of service. Some people forgo necessary care; others endure financial hardship or even impoverishment. A majority of out-of-pocket spending goes towards medicines.
From Capitol Hill to Cambridge: Highlighting Community Health Workers and Maternal and Child Health in Fragile States
Dr. Florence Guillaume, Minister of Health of Haiti.Photo credit: MSH/Filmona Hailemichael
On June 7, Management Sciences for Health (MSH) and partners hosted Dr. Florence Guillaume, the Minister of Health of Haiti, and panelists for a Capitol Hill luncheon on community health workers in fragile states. The day before, MSH hosted Guillaume in Cambridge, MA, for a town-hall style event on improving maternal and child health. Revisit the two events through a "Storify" story of photos, text, and tweets.
[View the story "From Capitol Hill to Cambridge: Learning from Haiti and Other Fragile States on Importance of Community Health..." on Storify]
Interested in Supply Chain in Community Case Management? Join the Free Webinar Series
The Supply Chain Management Subgroup of the Community Case Management (CCM) Taskforce is organizing a webinar series, beginning May 15, 2013.
Hosted by the CORE Group, the May 15 webinar will "provide an overview of the common pitfalls and bottlenecks of the CCM supply chain and potential solutions to these challenges."
Jane Briggs, principal technical advisor for USAID's Systems for Improved Access to Pharmaceuticals and Services (SIAPS) at MSH, and Sarah Andersson, a country technical advisor for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's Supply Chain for Community Case Management (SC4CCM) at John Snow, Inc. (JSI), will present.
Visit the CORE Group website for the webinar link, or (if you miss it) to watch the recording.
New Evidence, New Thinking: Regional HIV Prevention Training for Program Managers Piloted in Swaziland
Jerusha Govender
Photo credit: BLC/MSH.
This post originally appeared on the Southern Africa HIV and AIDS Regional Exchange (SHARE) blog.
"All the people we need to make a difference in HIV globally are sitting in this room," said Paul Waibale, deputy director of the Building Local Capacity Project (BLC) for the Delivery of HIV Services in Southern Africa, during the opening of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) HIV prevention workshop, "New evidence, new thinking."
With funding from USAID, the week-long workshop on enhancing national and regional approaches to HIV prevention kicked off April 8, 2013, with 32 of Swaziland's key stakeholders in HIV prevention.
'Run 4 TB': Indonesia Commemorates World TB Day
Andrew Marsen
Photo credit: KNCV/TB CARE I
TB CARE I Indonesia, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and Indonesia's National TB Program (NTP) organized a mass-mobilization World TB Day event on March 24, 2013, called "Run 4 TB".
This 5K race drew thousands of runners, bikers, walkers, and observers.
(Photo credits: KNCV/TB CARE I)
Voice of America Interviews Dr. Stephen Macharia: On Tuberculosis in South Sudan (Audio)
Voice of America Interviews Dr. Stephen Macharia: On Tuberculosis in South Sudan (Audio).
On the eve of World Tuberculosis Day, Voice of America interviewed Dr. Stephen Macharia, the TB CARE I country director for South Sudan.
During the interview (transcript, PDF), Dr. Macharia discussed the TB epidemic in South Sudan, TB CARE I project achievements, and the way forward for improving funding for TB services and multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) control in fragile states, like South Sudan.
TB CARE I is a USAID-funded project, led by KNCV TB Foundation with partners, including Management Sciences for Health.
Voice of America, the official external broadcast institution of the United States federal government, produces nearly 1,500 hours of news and programs each week for an estimated global audience of 123 million people.


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Q: Drag and drop from gef viewer to editor I have a ScrollingGraphicalViewer containing a list of figures, let's call them "group figures", representing some business objects with relations between them. Each "group figure" may contain some other figures which are related. There are edit parts for every "group figure".
I want to be able to drag and drop any figure from the viewer into another editor. Right now, the viewer has a drag listener extending an AbstractTransferDragSourceListener class. Inside the listener, we get the viewer selection which is a corresponding EditPart of the selected group figure.
When there are many figures in the viewer and the vertical scrolling appears, I'm not able to detect the exact figure I dragged, based on the drag event and figure coordinates. How can I obtain the dragged figure?

A: There is a GEF tutorial on DnD. Here is is: https://eclipse.org/articles/Article-GEF-dnd/GEF-dnd.html
You can assume that you're dragging selected editparts I guess. Also you should set the transfer data for DnDing staff outside the viewer. The transfer data should most likely be the model object or image of the figure.
If you're DnDing not selected editparts then you'd have to figure out what exactly you're dragging from the mosule location coordinates at the drag start. Use viewer's
#findObjectAtExcluding(Point location, Collection exclusionSet, Conditional conditional)

method to find editpart under mouse. From the found editpart you can either get or the figure to set the appropriate transfer data.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Hurry y'all. Go see of he ever said anything about gay people you don't like or if he ever said the N word. Go!
What song is this yall?
Beautiful music , my ppl!!!!
Can't belie this dude is 50; he looks late 30s max.
Who the hell is you???
Have fun be safe. Merry Christmas 2018.
He dancing like a white dude now, start bleaching his skin soon.


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Argument preview: Finding the proper Article III forum
By Howard M. Wasserman
on Sep 28, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Howard M. Wasserman is a Professor of Law at FIU College of Law.
At next week's oral argument in Kloeckner v. Solis, the Court will consider which Article III court – the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit or a district court, with an appeal to a regional circuit – has jurisdiction to review certain decisions by the Merit Systems Protection Board ("MSPB"), the administrative body primarily responsible for reviewing adverse employment actions against federal employees by federal agencies. The answer will require the Court to parse a complex array of jurisdictional statutes.
Kloeckner is the first complicated procedural case of the new Term, about which this site's Amy Howe (channeling Justice Elena Kagan) might say, "if you understand anything I say, you have a law degree AND you had your cup of coffee." Indeed, the statutory and factual backgrounds are sufficiently complex, and the procedural background sufficiently central to the case, to warrant extended discussion.
Statutory framework
Under the Civil Service Reform Act ("CSRA"), federal employees who suffer adverse employment decisions, including termination, generally seek administrative review before the MSPB, with judicial review of the MSPB's order or decision. The Federal Circuit has exclusive jurisdiction to review a final order or final decision of the MSPB; under the CSRA, its review is fairly circumscribed. A petition for review by the Federal Circuit must be filed no more than sixty days after the employee receives notice of the "final order or decision of the Board."
A federal employee who suffers an adverse employment action and alleges that the basis for the action was discrimination prohibited by a number of federal statutes, including Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Rehabilitation Act, can also bring a "mixed case." Under Section 7703(b)(2) of the CSRA, discrimination cases – including mixed cases – can be pursued in accordance with the relevant employment discrimination law – that is, through a civil action in federal district court. The civil action must be filed within thirty days after the employee receives notice of the "judicially reviewable action"; in these cases, the district court resolves the disputed facts in a trial de novo and the court's decision can be appealed to the regional circuit court of appeals.
The CSRA also empowers the MSPB to hear cases involving discrimination, including mixed cases. The question is which Article III court has jurisdiction to hear an appeal of an MSPB decision in a mixed case: the Federal Circuit in accordance with Section 7703(b)(1) of the CSRA and the ordinary practice as to Board decisions, or a federal district court, in accordance with Section 7703(b)(2) and ordinary practice under federal employment discrimination laws? The prevailing approach in the lower courts turns on whether the MSPB reached and resolved the merits of the discrimination issue. If it resolved the merits, the case goes to the district court; if it decided the case on an issue of MSPB jurisdiction or procedure rather than on the merits of the discrimination issue, the Federal Circuit has exclusive jurisdiction.
The petitioner in this case, Carolyn Kloeckner, worked as a Senior Investigator for the Employment Benefits Security Administration of the Department of Labor (DOL). In June 2005, she left work, purportedly on a medical leave, and filed an administrative charge with DOL's civil rights office, alleging a hostile work environment and discrimination based on age and gender. While that administrative claim was pending, DOL charged Kloeckner with being absent without leave for a six-week period in which she allegedly was using paid and unpaid leave. She then amended her agency complaint to charge that DOL had retaliated against her for filing the original discrimination complaint. Both the original and amended complaints presented "non-mixed" claims involving only discrimination claims; when DOL's Civil Rights Center completed its investigation in June 2006, Kloeckner requested a hearing before an EEOC administrative law judge.
In July 2006, DOL fired Kloeckner, allegedly because of that six-week absence without leave. This converted the dispute into a "mixed case"; termination is a core adverse action that falls within the jurisdiction of the MSPB, although Kloeckner contended that the termination was a continuing part of the alleged discriminatory retaliation. This left her with two options: Appeal the termination to the MSPB or add the retaliatory termination claim to her pending civil rights complaint, now before the EEOC. Kloeckner initially chose the former option, but one month later – hoping to avoid overlapping administrative proceedings – she moved to dismiss the MSPB appeal without prejudice so that she could amend and pursue her EEOC complaint. The MSPB granted the motion and ordered her to refile her appeal, if necessary, by January 18, 2007. When that date arrived, however, proceedings in the EEOC were still ongoing as a result of delays in the discovery process, so she did not refile with the MSPB by the deadline. In April 2007, the EEOC ALJ canceled the proceedings as a sanction for Kloeckner's discovery misconduct, and the case was returned to the DOL for a Final Agency Decision. That final decision came in October 2007, when DOL upheld the removal and rejected claims of gender and age discrimination and retaliation.
This put Kloeckner back where she began: She could appeal the DOL's final decision to the MSPB or, having exhausted her remedies before the EEOC, she could file a suit in federal district court under Title VII and the ADEA. In November 2007, Kloeckner again chose the former option. An ALJ from the MSPB dismissed Kloeckner's appeal as untimely (because it came after the January 2007 deadline for refiling); that decision became the final MSPB order in April 2008. By this point, according to her brief, Kloeckner's various complaints had been pending in various administrative processes for 1012 days.
Rather than appeal the MSPB order to the Federal Circuit, Kloeckner filed a civil action in federal district court, asserting claims under Title VII and the Rehabilitation Act. Venue was transferred from the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to the Eastern District of Missouri, where Kloeckner had worked. The district court dismissed the action for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit affirmed.
Acknowledging a split among the circuits, the Eighth Circuit followed the prevailing approach. It held that because the MSPB dismissed Kloeckner's administrative appeal as untimely, the court lacked jurisdiction; she could only seek judicial review of the MSPB decision in the Federal Circuit.
Kloeckner's core argument relies on the interaction of four provisions, which collectively lead to the conclusion that mixed cases must always be heard in district court and can never be heard in the Federal Circuit. Section 7702(a)(1) of the CSRA defines mixed cases as those alleging both an adverse employment action and discrimination; Section 7702(a)(1)(B) requires only that the employee "allege[] that a basis for the [adverse] action was discrimination". Section 7703(b)(2) provides that "[c]ases of discrimination subject to section 7702" shall be filed in accordance with the applicable anti-discrimination law (i.e., in the district court). And Section 7703(b)(1) precludes Federal Circuit jurisdiction in cases governed by Section 7703(b)(2). The net effect of these four provisions, Kloeckner argues, is that allegations of discrimination immediately trigger district court review under Section 7703(b)(2), which in turn bars Federal Circuit review under Section 7703(b)(1). Thus, because Kloeckner alleged harassment and retaliation in her petition to the MSPB, Section 7703(b)(2) controlled, vesting the district court with jurisdiction and divesting the Federal Circuit of jurisdiction over any subsequent appeal.
The government counters with different language and different connections among the statutes. In its view, under Section 7703(b)(2), an employee challenging an MSPB determination in "[c]ases of discrimination" must do so within thirty days of receiving notice of the "judicially reviewable action under section 7702." Section 7702(a)(1) requires the Board in a mixed case to "decide both the issue of discrimination" and the issue of the agency's adverse employment decision within 120 days of filing. And Section 7702(a)(3) further defines the point at which "[a]ny decision of the Board under paragraph (1) of this subsection [§ 7702(a)(1)] shall be a judicially reviewable action." Putting those provisions together, the government argues that a "judicially reviewable action" in "cases of discrimination" means a "decision of the Board" that actually "decide[s] both" the discrimination and non-discrimination issues. Absent a decision of the Board on the merits of the discrimination issue, there has been no "judicially reviewable action," so Section 7703(b)(2) is not implicated. Instead, Section 7703(b)(1) controls and vests exclusive jurisdiction to review the MSPB decision with the Federal Circuit. Because in this case the Board rejected Kloeckner's appeal as untimely and never addressed the "issue of discrimination," there was no "judicially reviewable action under section 7702" that would trigger Section 7703(b)(2); instead, the default of Section 7703(b)(1) controlled, and jurisdiction fell exclusively within the Federal Circuit.
The parties also spar over the meaning of other parts of Section 7702, which allow a party to file a discrimination claim in the district court even when the MSPB has not issued a decision on the merits. For example, under subsection (a)(2), a party can bypass the MSPB altogether and go directly to the district court with a discrimination claim once the agency resolves a mixed case. Or, pursuant to subsection (e)(1)(B), having gone to the Board, a party can bring an action in district court if the Board fails to issue a "judicially reviewable action" within 120 days of filing. Kloeckner argues that these provisions all involve cases "subject to the provisions of section 7702" that are controlled by Section 7703(b)(2), requiring review in the district court (and precluding review in the Federal Circuit). It follows that a decision on the merits of the discrimination issue is never required to trigger district court review of a mixed case. The government responds that these provisions simply show that there are some cases in which judicial review may be sought in the district court in the absence of any final MSPB decision; they do not control a case in which the Board does hear a case but issues a final decision that does not reach the discrimination issue.
The parties then turn to the purposes of the CSRA and federal anti-discrimination law, again reaching conflicting conclusions. Congress sought to balance two competing interests: (1) developing a uniform body of law governing federal personnel matters and MSPB procedures by making the Federal Circuit the sole forum for judicial review of most Board decisions; and (2) protecting the right of federal employees to have discrimination claims adjudicated de novo in district court. The government argues that its narrower interpretation better balances those interests because it funnels all cases – including mixed ones – in which the Board decides matters of procedure and jurisdiction to the Federal Circuit, allowing it to develop the desired uniform body of MSPB procedural law. District courts only will adjudicate cases in which the MSPB actually decides the discrimination issue, so there is an issue of discrimination for judicial review. On the other hand, Kloeckner argues that allowing any mixed cases to go to the Federal Circuit for limited judicial review is inconsistent with federal anti-discrimination statutes, which are premised on adjudication de novo in the district court.
Kloeckner is not going to gain national media attention; do not expect "breaking news" banners the minute the Court issues its decision. But this is the type of case – involving federal procedure and statutory interpretation – that is more indicative of the bread and butter of the Supreme Court's work.
Posted in Merits Cases
Cases: Kloeckner v. Solis
Recommended Citation: Howard M. Wasserman, Argument preview: Finding the proper Article III forum, SCOTUSblog (Sep. 28, 2012, 12:33 PM), https://www.scotusblog.com/2012/09/argument-preview-finding-the-proper-article-iii-forum/


This is an editable quiz game presentation and works great for reviewing. There are 5 categories and 20 questions. Each presentation slide has a category title, point value, question, answer and a "return to the main page" arrow. Each category is a different color. The point values are 100, 200, 300, and 400.


Come casual and bring your coffee for an informal worship service at water's edge. The service includes prayer requests, a variety of Christian hymns and contemporary songs, an inspiring message and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Services are held outdoors, come rain or shine.
This traditional church setting offers a vibrant style of worship using inspirational song and motivational words. Childcare is available from 8:45-11:45 a.m. for parents attending church services.
This worship service welcomes a variety of spiritual leaders from around the world to preach. Worship is led by the Rev. Dr. Charlie Yoost, Lakeside's Director of Religious Life & Church Outreach, and the Chautauqua Choir regularly sings during these services. Children's Church meets at 10:30 a.m. in Hoover Auditorium, then proceeds to Bradley Temple.
This sunset service along the lake is led by Bonnie and John Wilke, leaders of the Middle Grade Madness program, and features praise music and traditional hymns. The service ends by 9 p.m.
Vespers by the Lake offers an end of the day worship experience. The Preacher of the Week provides the message on Tuesday, while Thursday features reflection and Eucharist.
At Lakeside, we work together to help one another experience the summer with days of rest and family renewal. God reminds us that, as stewards, we share our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness to our communities at home or in Lakeside.


It's an isolated farmhouse located 4 km. from Besalú, in the midst of nature in a quiet and easily accessible with ample outdoor spaces. It consists of two independent cottages that can be rented together or separately.
Each of the houses has 3 bedrooms and capacity for groups of 6 to 8 people, making it ideal for 2 or 3 couples with or without children.


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From Door to Door Salesman to International Leadership Consulting with John Murphy: Podcast #15
BY Michael Zipursky - Leave a Comment December 4, 2017
If the top of the CEO ladder doesn't satisfy like you hoped it would, it's time to create your own consulting success.
From Door to Door Salesman to International Leadership Consulting with John Murphy
I'm very excited to have with us John Murphy. John, welcome.
Michael, indeed it's a great pleasure to be here.
John, for those who don't know you, please explain where you're based and what it is that you do.
The company I have is called John Murphy International, which is probably not the most novel name you're giving your company to call it out to yourself but it does reflect an international element to the business. I've been doing that for thirteen years. My focus is helping global companies create winning teams. That's what I'm doing and that's my main focus. That's been a bit of an evolution from the time that I started thirteen years ago to where I am today, which is the history of most businesses where it pivots and changes at different times.
Where are you based right now?
I'm based in the south of France. With a surname like Murphy, it's a giveaway that I'm Irish. I'm originally from Dublin, Ireland. I spent most of my career in Dublin and started the business while I was still in Dublin. About six years ago, because of one of those pivots and changes in the business, I recognized that I did not need to be based there and I could base myself anywhere. We moved here to the south of France and we've been living here ever since. I travel a lot for business but it's a beautiful part of the world, it's a great place to live and I have the opportunity to travel internationally.
Let's rewind a little bit into your history before starting John Murphy International and before working with global organizations, helping them with their teams and so forth. What's your background? I know that you spent some time moving up the ranks in the corporate world. What were you doing before going out into consulting? What did that look like?
I did a very traditional corporate career in a sense. I started off in the insurance industry. I started off as a door-to-door salesman. Then I progressed from there and became a sales manager, a sales director, and then a marketing director. That was with a couple of different companies. The final role that I had was as a CEO of a life company. I did that for seven years. I really came through the organization in a very traditional way but moved through the ranks particularly from the sales and marketing side and then the rest to the CEO. I also discovered that while I have no gripe with corporate work because it was extremely good to me, and I hope I was good to it but it certainly was very good to me, I recognized when I got to that senior level that the journey was great but when I got there, the destination wasn't everything I thought it was going to be.
What do you mean by that?
I enjoyed the progression because I've always been ambitious. It was always the ambition to get to the next level, the next level and the next level. When you get to the board level and CEO level, then you say, "This is what I've been fighting for, scrapping for and working hard for. This was a big focus." You look around and say, "Am I really enjoying it now?" We had gone through a period of significant expansion and then it moved more towards a period of consolidation. I felt that just wasn't something that interested me and I didn't want to continue in that role. It's all very well in saying that I wanted to leave. As a senior level in the corporate world, you're well-paid, you're well-adapted, you've got all the benefits and the perks that go with that, so to step out and to start from scratch on your own can be a big ask. I'd have to say it wasn't as big as I thought it was going to be. It was almost something that I felt I was compelled to do.
It was always the ambition to get to the next level, the next level and the next level.
How, in advance of leaving the role of CEO and starting your own consulting business, did you start thinking about making that switch?
It probably was two years in the making. Because you go through a period and you say, "Maybe it's because I'm a bit bored or I'm a bit fed up or whatever it might be," that I get through it and I work through it and I find something else that can make me excited. Then I realized that fundamentally, I just didn't want to stay being an employee. There was nothing wrong with the company or wrong with the organization. I had changed and I recognized that I needed to do something on my own and create my own business because I never felt that I was the absolute corporate animal. I enjoyed the roles that I had because they were interesting and exciting and challenging and all of that. I always had this in the back of my head also, "I'd love to do something on my own. I'd love to do my own business." I made the decision to leave before I made the decision of what I would do when I left, if that doesn't sound like an odd way of doing it.
When you did leave though, when you finally made the decision to go out and start your consulting business, how did you go about getting clients? What was the first warrant to engagements? Where did they come from?
When I made the decision to leave and do what I was going to do, I have a very good friend in the consulting business and I thought I'd go and see him. We had a cup of coffee or lunch or whatever it was together. I told him what I was doing and he said to me, "Murphy, the world needs another consultant like a hole in the head," which filled me with joy. His addition to that was, "There's always room for a good one." I thought that was very relevant. The second thing he said to me was, "You won't get business from the places that you think you will and you will get business from very surprising places." That turned out to be exactly true. When I left, because I would have been very much associated with financial services, I was absolutely passionate that I was not going to get stuck in financial services and be seen as a consultant for financial services just because I came from there. I felt that what I was talking about and what I was doing was absolutely applicable to industries other than financial services. I worked terribly, terribly hard. I went to see every contact that I had, every connection that I had, to go and meet them and tell them what I was doing. I did a huge number of sales calls. It was very unscientific but I'm very much focused on non-financial services. I was very fortunate that one of my early successes in terms of getting work was with Johnson & Johnson, which was great and it was fantastic to get it but it also gave me a brand company that I could say that I worked for that was non-financial services that took me away from what I was afraid I would get stuck in.
Did that come from making calls and doing follow-up?
It did. It was very unscientific. To a large extent, I went back to my door-to-door selling insurance and said, "It's about numbers of calls." I went and I spoke to as many people I could. I asked everybody that I spoke to if they could recommend me to go and speak to somebody else. That was how that came about.
What percentage of those people were people that you had some relationship with already versus those that you had no relationship with?
I remember actually looking at it and in my first year, 50% of my business had come from people that I hadn't met before I started, and 50% had come from people that I'd met. Even the people that I'd met that I got business from, some of those would not have been on my, "I'll definitely get business there" type.
What percentage would you say of all the calls and all of the follow-ups and all the activities that you did would you say actually resulted in business?
Once I got to a real serious conversation rather than, "Hello, how are you? This is what I'm doing," my conversion rate was probably about one in three.
From all the people you reached out to even to get to the serious conversation, was there a lot of activity required?
Yes, there were a lot of activities.
I'm focusing on that a little bit, John, because I think that a lot of consultants, even when their business is a little bit more developed, if their goal is to win more business, they look at this idea of, "I'm an expert in my area or my team or my firm is an expert in a specific area," but a lot of people are uncomfortable with the idea of going out there and making the calls, doing the outreach, doing the follow-up. It's very clear from your story that you did. Were you afraid? Was there any fear? Was there any discomfort? What was going through your mind when you were having to make call after call or email after email or follow-up after follow-up?
There's no doubt that there were tough times. Don't forget that I had gone from one month getting a very healthy check going into my bank account as a salary, to the next month to zero. That focuses the mind hugely. Secondly, you believe that you can do it and you trust that you can do it, but you need to get some validation that what you're going out and the story you're selling, that people actually see that this is something that they would pay for. When you're doing an offer on calls and you're not getting anywhere, there is that little doubt that creeps into your mind of, "Have I got this right?" You've just got to keep on doing calls and keep at it. It was very unscientific. I very much went back to my day in selling insurance door-to-door where it was just volume of calls. Once you then get momentum, then you're able to refine it a little bit more but you still need to do that number of calls. To be very honest with you, it's not a lot different now; if you don't continuously crank up the prospecting and the connecting and all of those things. Thirteen years to fourteen years, you're doing it slightly differently but nevertheless, the same principle applies. If you're not doing it, you're going to end up with these peaks and troughs in your flow of income.
I know you and I have had these conversations about how important it is even for consultants that have successful and developed businesses to always be keeping a foot on that accelerator because the moment that you take it off, the moment that you become a bit complacent and feel like, "Things are good enough," is the moment that all of a sudden you start to see gaps. They might not appear right away but they start to appear and then you have to almost start from scratch or take a lot longer to get that momentum back. I want to switch a little bit now because I know that in your business, John, referrals have played a large role in new business as they do for many consultants. It seems like the vast majority of your business has come from referrals once you start getting clients as a consultant. What do you feel is the biggest factor in your case and maybe for others as well in being able to get a good stream of referrals? Here you are, even thirteen, fourteen years into your consulting business, and referrals still play a very big role for you.
I'd say it on two levels. One is that you're only going to get referrals if you're doing excellent work with the client that you're working with. That's the starter. You do have to have an attitude of you're always going to go the extra mile, that you're going to add value to the client that you're working with. That's got to be principle number one. I've worked with a lot of global organizations and the most important thing is that if you're doing good work in that organization, people will just refer you on to other people within that organization. It's important that you're doing that and that you get to know the organization terribly well. I'm not just talking about the work that I'm doing with the individual in organization but to find out what's happening in that organization, that alerts you to some changes over here, some changes over there, some changes in the organization where you can then readily see, "I could make a difference there or I could contribute there." If you're not spending the time and investing the time, not just in delivering the service that you're committed to and that you're contracted to, but also engaging in that conversation about what's happening in their organization. Both to help the people that you're talking to because then you know the context of the business that they're in but it's also giving you information about what's happening in their company that can alert you to other changes. I have loads of examples of that where in a conversation they'll say, "There's a change going on or there's been a restructuring over there." I very often will say, "Could you introduce me to the person who's doing that reorganization, that restructuring?" If you're doing good work, of course they will. That played a big part.
For you to identify those opportunities, is it a matter of having conversations with your clients and the people that you're working with? Is there some other approach that you've taken to be able to learn more and deeply understand what's going on in those organizations to find those opportunities?
It's very effective to make sure that you're having the conversations with the people that you're talking to about what's happening in the organization. There are other things you can do, alerts on Google and things like that that you can get flagged when things are going on in those organizations. Particularly in larger organizations, it's easier to do that with them. I would have alerts on Google for various companies that I'm doing business with so that I can get bits of information. The majority of times, it's not particularly relevant to what I'm doing or the space that I'm in, but it does help to keep you informed about that organization. Then you're able to speak to the people. For every client that I'm working with, even if it's a large corporate global company, the organization that they're dealing with, the more I know about that organization, the more I can help them. It feeds lots of different things within that. Having that market information about what's happening in the organization, who's moving, who's changing, where they're opening, where they're closing, where they're reorganizing, where they're restructuring, where they're investing, where they're divesting, all of that helps in the conversation. It makes you a much more informed adviser to those people.
Having that market information about what's happening in the organization helps make you an informed adviser to those people.
I think it's a great point that you're sharing because a lot of consultants consider getting new clients in different companies as the best way to grow their business. I would say that, in fact, what we call client development, which is what you've been doing so well here, looking for opportunities within your existing clients and within those existing relationships, is a far better way. You have the relationships already established and you're able to win business much more readily because you require significantly less time to work through that sales cycle. For everyone, if business development and if growth is something that is important to you, which likely it is and that's why you're here, what John is sharing is a great example that I would suggest everyone look at is, "What opportunities are there right now at your fingertips with your existing or even your past clients?" Even before you go out and think about new client acquisition, there are almost always opportunities that are there. John, things have been bubbling along. Your business has reached a nice level of success. Then you decide to leave Ireland and to go to France. What prompted that? Why leave your home base where you've built up this business and there's success happening? Why pick up and go to another country?
I can't say that it was a single event but what happened was, if you go back to the market around 2006, 2007 when the economic crash happened, a lot of the work that I've been doing beforehand was fairly big ticket stuff with clients. I've been fortunate in that I've been asked to do a lot more one-to-one coaching with CEOs and senior directors and companies, and that had evolved. I played with the model with that because the traditional model of where I go to your office on a Tuesday morning from 9 to 12 and we spend three hours, you don't have the time for that and nobody has. I was playing with that model and then I ended up doing it on Skype or variations of Skype because people were traveling and it was easier and it was more cost-effective and everything else. That was happening. That suddenly opened up my eyes and I said, "If I'm doing a lot of work on Skype and places like that, I don't have to confine myself to the geographical space that is the island of Ireland. I can really open that," which is where the international element is and said, "I can be broader than this." I also knew that if I didn't make the physical move out of the country, I would never have made the mental shift because it would have been too easy to stay where I was and do what I was doing.
The kids are grown up and they've moved away, so myself and my wife said, "Let's try it for two years. If it works, great. We're happy not just in the business but personally as well. If we don't, then we go back." Mentally, that was one of those pivots for us, "I can do business anywhere." I now started to look for companies outside of Ireland and I discovered companies in France, Germany, Spain, and Norway. Suddenly, the world becomes a bigger place and that then created its own pivot with the business. Part of the thinking was, "I can do this more internationally but if I stay where I am, I'll always be better known in that market and never make that move." To an extent, it was to force me to make that international element to it. I'm delighted that I did because it's enriched my experience and it's enabled me then, with my clients, to bring a much richer experience to them.
Did you have concerns? Some people would be exploring that idea themselves in their mind going, "I'd like to work from different places in order to travel more, whatever it might be, but I can't do that because my clients want to see me face to face." Were you concerned that you might lose business or lose opportunities? How did you handle that from a mindset perspective?
I did have some concern. I also recognized that I was limiting and that I wasn't going to be able to replicate everything I was doing in Ireland if I wasn't living there. I was going to have to make some tradeoffs. There was a bit of a gamble but I felt intuitively that it was right. I felt, "I need to do this now," had many false starts and went down cul-de-sacs and different avenues that didn't work out but I was absolutely determined that this can work and this is a model that I believe can work. I had converted some of my clients in the Ireland to work with me virtually. One or two were saying, "I don't know. I don't think that will work. I'm not sure that will work. I like to see you face-to-face." I said, "Try it." We tried and I generally didn't lose any clients in terms of saying, "I'm not going to do it because it's virtually." I didn't lose anybody doing that. Even in those five or six years, it's become a lot more acceptable. It was a bit of a risk and there was a bit of a, "Can I make it work?" but I'm also quite stubborn. I was absolutely determined to make this model work and then see where I could explore. It's not just all virtual. I do face-to-face work with people in different parts of the world, but the one-to-one coaching, I do it virtually.
That point that you made about when you got a rejection from a client saying, "We'd like to see you," some people would just give in to that and say, "I guess my clients aren't open to that idea of working virtually. This is not going to work," and they would stop there. The point that you made of how you came back and suggested, "Let's try it," you challenged back to your client is so important in so many aspects of building a consulting business. For everyone, remember there's a reason why you became a consultant or why you have a growing consulting firm. In many cases, it's because you want that freedom, you want that flexibility and you want to create what you want to create. Just because a buyer is used to something, whether it's your pricing, hourly model, moving to ROI and value or it's how you work with them or it's where you work with them, just because they come back with what they're used to doesn't mean that that's the way that it needs to be. John, that's a beautiful example of opening up their eyes and their mind to giving it a shot and then seeing that it can work out and you then being able to make that shift to working virtually successfully.
I spent a month in the US and I dealt with my clients that needed to be dealt with within that month. Some of them were aware I was in the US, some of them didn't know and it wasn't relevant.
What is the one biggest factor that you feel has helped you to stay at the top of your game? To continue to build your business, to get more clarity, to stay focused, what helped you?
One of the things that does help is accepting the fact that it is dynamic and it's always changing. That to me is scary but it's motivating. You always have to look at how you're evolving and changing the business. It doesn't stand still and you can't just say, "I've got that and that's it. That's what I'm going to continue doing." You always have to tweak it and tweak it. That's what makes it exciting and that's what keeps all of us fresh. You're trying new things and you're trying different things and you're seeing what works. It's about building your business but it's also about, "How can I give a better service to the clients that I'm dealing with and to the future clients that I'm dealing with?" That's one thing.
The work that you and I have done, Michael, in terms of having somebody like you who challenges me, "Why are you doing that or why aren't you doing that or what is it you're trying to achieve?" Working on your own, you can start to believe your own publicity and that your own opinions are always the right opinions. That's dangerous. Being part of working with somebody like yourself and being part of the group that you have, where you do have that mastermind group and you do have other people you can bounce off, and working with somebody like you where you're being challenged and you're kept on track, they're the things that keep it fresh and keep you energetic. I have a very low threshold of boredom and I have actually become a bit dangerous to myself than anybody else when I do get bored because I get sloppy. It is recognizing that it's always, always changing. It's looking outside your own industry. I spent some time when I was in the US going to a non-consulting conference that would open your eyes to other elements. It's all the time looking at what you can do to make your business more evolved. The instant thing is that what you helped me do is become more focused. It's not about making the approach broader. It's quite the opposite. That does help an awful lot. I would suggest that I wouldn't have done that on my own.
John, it's been a real pleasure. I really enjoyed having you share a bit of your story and your wisdom with everyone. What's the best way for people to learn more about you and to connect with you?
They can go to my site which is www.JohnMurphyInternational.com. They can find me on LinkedIn, Twitter and the usual places, but the website is probably the best place to go.
To everyone, I definitely suggest you check out what John's up to. John, thank you so much for coming on here and spending some time with us.
Mike, it's been a real pleasure and honor. I'm delighted to have the time with you.
Thanks, John.
John Murphy International
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Kellie, "Jessie" is so gorgeous! I just love the play of the fabrics that you used. Lots of beautiful movement there.
I've already glimpsed your new quilt in a couple of blogs from the spring market! Wow, what a beauty. And your kiddos have indeed grown A LOT! Enjoy Bali, still one of my all time favorite holiday spots.
It's so nice to hear that all is well! Your new quilt is just beautiful! Enjoy the rest in Bali and the warmer weather!
Oh my goodness that quilt is gorgeous! I just love the little birds among the flowers. Is that a border, table runner, or is the whole quilt like that? Please please please show a picture of the entire quilt.
Welcome back! I thought you completely abandoned this blog; I almost took it off my blog roll. Glad I didn't. 8) I thought of you the other day when I saw the complete line of your patterns at Cabbage Rose here in Fort Worth, TX. They have really given them pride of place!
So good to have you back! And your fabric and new quilt are fab!!
Thank goodness you're back! I've missed you and your beautiful quilt, and your new one is a stunner. But not as lovely as your not-so-wee-ones. No wonder you're busy!
Great photo of the four. Hoping a box has turned up at your place. We are off to QLD in 2 weeks ..... Warm weather yeh.
I love your work and blog updates, I dont use Facebook (holding out as long as I can!!!) so maybe still the odd update here???
I am so glad to see your blog post. You have encouraged me in so many ways to keep at my fmq'ing. I will head over to FB to find you. I was just searching for your blog this afternoon to get some tips on swirls. I'll post my fmq pics later tonight.
Credo che questo sito contiene alcune informazioni vero bene per tutti.
N lang tyd nie so 'n goeie artikel sien, en in die besonder dankie te deel, laat ons fees vir die oë, en laat weet ons meer kennis. .
I'm happy that you are back ! Your new quilt is gorgeous !
Danke für den schönen Blog. Es war sehr hilfreich für mich. Halten Sie den Austausch solcher Ideen in der Zukunft. Das war eigentlich das, was ich gesucht habe, und ich bin froh, hierher gekommen! Dank für die Aufteilung der solche Informationen bei uns.
Mahal ko ito! Mayroon kang ganoong creative mata at gumawa ng lahat ng iyong magkasama gumana.
Your new quilt looks gorgeous!
I'm not sure how else to contact you besides leaving a comment here. I ordered your Memories family tree pattern a few weeks ago, and I was wondering when I can expect to receive it. I'm making it as a framed wall hanging for my parents' 50th wedding anniversary in October, so I need to get started asap. Please let me know. Thanks!