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You are here: Home / Resources / Documents / WCC general secretary / Sermons / Sermon by the WCC general secretary at the ecumenical service in the Methodist church in Oslo (English)
Sermon by the WCC general secretary at the ecumenical service in the Methodist church in Oslo (English)
Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary, World Council of Churches, on the occasion of the WCC's 70th anniversary.
Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary, World Council of Churches
Sermon on Septuagesima Sunday, 26 August 2018
On the occasion of the WCC's 70th anniversary – ecumenical service and celebration in the Methodist Church at Grünerløkka, Oslo, Norway
Texts: 1 Cor. 3:4-11; Luke 17:3-10
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ!
This is a good day for highlighting and celebrating how the World Council of Churches (WCC) has fostered unity and community between the churches of the world, kindled people and heard their cries for justice and peace throughout the world for 70 years. On 23 August 1948, the Council was officially founded in Amsterdam at the first assembly. People from 147 churches in the world were gathered there. Both what would later be known as the United Methodist Church as well as the Church of Norway were well-represented and actively helping to prepare and implement this initiative. I want to thank you, along with the Christian Council of Norway and the Norwegian Church Aid, two important partners of WCC today, for taking the initiative for this wonderful celebration of a unique work tool in God's world garden.
On 23 August, last Thursday, many people were gathered in Neuwe Kerk, Amsterdam to celebrate the anniversary. We marched for peace through the busy streets of the city as we recalled the dramatic war history that was fresh in everyone's minds in 1948, not least how the Jews were persecuted—and exterminated. We also recalled how the Netherlands and Amsterdam have served as refuge for persecuted Christians for many centuries, as well as the colonial power and its hold on the world. We recalled important ecumenical leaders and initiatives, the fight against apartheid (a Dutch word that became ideology, politics and even theology in South Africa)—and we saw the churches today being used for purposes other than prayer and worship. And we saw what the Salvation Army is doing together with those living there today—including those in the famous Red Light District.
It offered a special opportunity to ponder what thoughts characterised those present in 1948, urging this on. The topic said a whole lot: "Man's disorder and God's design!" During the sermon at the opening service, the Methodist priest D. T. Niles from the Ceylon Methodist Conference (as it was known back then) preached about Moses' call to serve God. "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" "Who am I?"
They were facing tremendous challenges, and they set ambitious goals. And they were bold when they addressed the realities they were facing in their time: How to confront the immensely divisive forces and the violent racism and nationalism that had instigated the catastrophe? How to protect human dignity and fulfil the needs of millions of refugees and migrants? How to credibly preach the gospel about a merciful and loving God after everything that had happened—in part, supposedly in the name of God? How to build trust and unity between the churches? Back then, Catholics were prohibited from participating in ecumenical events. It was a call for reconciliation between peoples and churches alike. People were likely unfamiliar with one another—for example, the distance between Orthodox churches in the east and Protestant churches in the west was large.
"Who am I?" This question even resounds through the biblical texts concerning Septuagesima. But the question comes to us in slightly different ways.
"Increase our faith!" said the apostles (as they were called by Luke). They could feel that the mission on which they had been sent demanded more from them than they could give. Increase our courage, our faith in our usefulness!
D. T. Niles found strength in the answer from the God that called him: "I will be with you." "I am with you always, to the end of the age," Jesus said.
They dared believe that God was not unaffected by all the world's distress and cries from concentration camps, victims of war and refugees. They dared believe that God still loved this world. And they dared believe that they, personally, were called to demonstrate it through words and actions.
It was nothing new that people doubted their own strength and faith in the face of the life missions to which God calls us in different ways. Nor was it new that one found comfort and strength in the words of God. What was new in 1948 was them recognising more clearly than ever before that this is something we need to do together; we must dare together; we must share the faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour—together. We cannot muster what we are called to do if we continue to be divided, even working against each other. "We are committed to stay together." That is the message that sounded from Amsterdam to the churches and the world.
God's promise, "I am with you", was further interpreted and understood also as a verse they ought to share and give to each other: "We will be with each other" — "we are committed to standing together."
They knew what it meant to be separated and what it meant to be united in faith. One of the stories that established this feeling—and certainty—has been told about the bishop of Oslo, Eivind Berggrav. One Christmas, while under house arrest at his cabin in Asker during the Nazi rule of Norway, towards the end of the war, when the future looked darker than ever and he was burdened with doubt, he received a message: On Christmas Eve, the archbishop of Canterbury had prayed for him on BBC. That gave him the courage he needed to continue believing in both peace and justice. He felt in his heart what unity in the church meant. It was faith like a grain of mustard seed.
It cost something to be one, and it had value. The hard times had taught them that. And they, and we, would learn it from the WCC's work: It is hard work, and one does not always see results—certainly not right away. But that does not lessen the importance of doing it, together. On the contrary, that is exactly what matters. And that might be what Jesus means: When we ask for our faith to be increased, his response tells us to do what we are set to do. That is enough.
That might be what Paul contends with in his exhortations and admonitions to the church of Corinth, the global city and trade city that had become home to a very diverse Christian church—with many disagreements. The ecumenical problem became a reality early on. "What then is Apollos?" "What is Paul?" The church has always been followed by different groupings, leading to conflict and discord.
The ecumenical response is the same: We are called to the same mission, even if we are different and have different gifts and contributions to offer. We must focus on what binds us together in love. The foundation remains the same, and it has been laid: Jesus Christ. There is no one else, and we need no one else. The hostility and evil present in the world, in the church, and potentially in us all—is too strong for a divided church. We need each other, like the limbs of the same body need everything we have and everyone who belongs to the church of Jesus Christ on Earth. And it can only be kept together through love. Not through perfection. That does not exist. But through the good that we can give each other and give together through love. "For the love of Christ urges us on." (2 Cor. 5:14)
The tasks are there, waiting in front of us. Today as in 1948. A lot has changed, and some things are similar.
In the years following 1945, many important initiatives and declarations were made in response to the call, "Never more, never again." International cooperation through the UN, declarations of human rights, international laws and cooperation agreements were developed. Today, there are strong forces working against international cooperation and back towards powerful people doing what they want. Democratic nations are turning their backs on multilateral international cooperation, and the leader of the world's most powerful nation is inciting disunity, racism and contempt for others.
Those who founded the WCC and those who have been involved with the WCC have since helped promote contact and cooperation across all borders. During the Cold War, that became important. Today, it is important when we visit both Seoul and Pyongyang.
Many people in Norway have participated in the WCC's companion programme for justice and peace in Palestine and Israel. It is a demanding mission, but very important to those concerned.
The WCC's cooperation has taught one to say both "yes" and "no." That became very clear in the programme for fighting racism. The fight against apartheid made the cooperation with the WCC active and well-known in this country—to the Church of Norway and other Norwegian affiliates. It was a crossroads that greatly inspired many people's understanding of the church's role in the battle against injustice and for peace. Unfortunately, the fight against racism is not over, not on any continent or in any country. Not even in Norway and in Europe.
As early as in 1948, the WCC condemned the use of nuclear weapons, deeming them a sin against humanity and God. Last year, ICAN, of which the WCC is an active member, received the Nobel Peace Prize for its work to achieve an international ban on nuclear weapons. The threat posed by such weapons has unfortunately become very real once again.
30 years ago, the WCC initiated a decade of "Churches in solidarity with women." That had a great ripple effect, including in this country. The first ordained female priest in Norway was a Methodist (1954), and the first female bishop was a Methodist (Jorunn Wendel). Other churches (such as the Church of Norway) have followed suit. This was inspired by the WCC among others. But the efforts to create a fair community for women and men have by no means ended. Women are often the main sufferers during conflicts and after conflicts.
This week, I was in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as part of a joint delegation with representatives from the Vatican. Congo needs a fair election with free and reliable procedures. The churches there will now be cooperating towards this objective in this situation before the election in December. The relationship with the Catholic Church is completely different from in 1948. Pope Francis' visit to the WCC on June 21 on the occasion of its 70th anniversary was a clear celebration of this. The motto was: "Walking, praying, working together." One of the fruits was our ability to travel to Congo together in the name of peace and justice.
At the tenth assembly in Busan, Korea in 2013, a connection to 1948 was made by establishing: "We are committed to move together." The WCC has invited its member churches, other churches, and many others to be together as pilgrims for justice and peace. This is a renewal of the connection between our faith and the tasks that await us out there. However, it is also an expression for our need to be together as humans, with hands and senses open to what is needed. We do not have responses and solutions to every question, but we do have ourselves.
Today, it comes down to looking for those who are willing to walk with us on the path of peace and justice.
We will be walking, faith renewed that God will be walking with us.
Let us not forget what God has done. God has created us, saved us, and called us to life in meaningful tasks—together. Today, we thank God for all that has been done in the WCC during these years. Today, we give our thanks for everyone who has worked for unity, peace, and justice, having remained steadfast despite faltering motivation, strength and faith. Today, we give our thanks for the "fellowship of grace" in which we may live here in Norway, between the Methodist Church and the Church of Norway.
Today's service reminds us of our baptism, and we are grateful that the ecumenical conversations have led to our mutual recognition of each other's baptism. We belong to Christ through our baptism.
Today, we hope and pray that our cooperation may be strengthened, that we may be bolder together, and that we may take new steps together with everyone who wants to walk the path of peace and justice.
We are called to serve. Together. In the name of the God who has shown himself as creator, saviour and giver of life.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Filed under: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 1948, August 22-September 4, WCC first Assembly, Tveit, Olav Fykse (Rev.)(7th WCC General secretary, 2010-), Ecumenical decade of churches in solidarity with women, 1988-1998, WCC Organisation


How To Pass A Drug Test – Jezebel – Perhaps you've found yourself in a situation where you have to take a drug test. And perhaps you are a marijuana enthusiast or just sporadically partake in the pleasure.
On the other hand, a fit person who uses less frequently may pass a drug test the day after smoking. It takes the body a long time to break down THC, and as discussed earlier, since it is stored in body fat, reducing body fat to levels of a fit or athletic person is an important attribute in passing drug tests if you smoke marijuana.
Day of the test, mix one whole packet with a gallon of water or 32oz of Gatorade Drink slowly until 1 hour before the test You are then able to test clean of all drugs, Sure Jell does work for Cocaine drug test.
von André linken 08.11.2018 08.11.2018 das entwicklerstudio bioware hat zur feier des N7 day 2018 ein neues video veröffentli.
Ob der Titel im Bereich der funracer mithalten kann, verrät euch unser Test. gab es den Day-One-Patch bereits, zuvor soll.
Clear Test can help you learn how to pass a drug test so you can protect your job and your way of life. Whether you're trying to eliminate traces of marijuana, cocaine, opiates, or prescription drugs, we have a product that can help you get a clean result.
Never has clean pee been easier than with clean pee products sold by Ways To Pass A Drug Test. By creating a drug testing program to detect illicit substances such as PCP, the workplace can be a much safer place, and will live up to its full potential.
There are a number of articles on the Internet stating how a smoker of marijuana can pass a drug test. We have studied several ways by which one can do this in a detailed manner.


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The Gymternet
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The Gymnasts React to Balance Beam Finals
Lauren / October 12, 2014
Silver medalist Bai Yawen of China was almost taken out of the beam final and replaced with Shang Chunsong, who the Chinese coaches thought had a better shot at a medal.
In a controversial decision, Bai was replaced in the team final despite a solid performance on the event in qualifications. Thankfully, however, after Shang showed weakness during the all-around final, the coaching staff agreed to let Bai compete.
A good thing, too, as the hometown girl had a phenomenal medal-winning routine.
"I feel very happy," she said of her performance. "Because I didn't have a lot of confidence before the competition, I didn't think I could get into the top three, so I was very relaxed and that helped me."
With a surprise bronze medal after a rough routine, Aliya Mustafina of Russia called the results "sheer luck."
"I knew my beam routine was not the most difficult one and I had no expectations to make it to the podium today," she said. "My mind went blank before the competition. I knew the end was coming near, and I felt I had to stick it out until the very end. I am very pleased I got the bronze medal but I am even more pleased this competition is over and done with."
Kyla Ross of the United States won the silver medal on beam last year, but was unable to challenge this year due to a combination of lower difficulty, missed connections, and mistakes.
"I didn't come out as strong as I have in the past," Ross told the press. "I think it was more of a mental thing. I just needed to focus on doing my best, but I got a little shaky and a little bit nervous and I needed to be a little bit more confident. Hopefully I can work on that."
With three gymnasts falling before her, Ross' window of opportunity to earn a medal opened wide, with some saying this pressure was responsible for her mistakes. But Kyla said she "really wasn't paying much attention to anyone before [her]," adding: "I even went to the back gym to warm up [during the competition], so I was just really focused on myself."
For the future, she recognizes her low difficulty and cites it as something she needs to fix. "I know that my difficulty hasn't been as high as it was in the past on beam," she admitted. In response to a question about FIG president Bruno Grandi's statements about focusing more on artistry than acrobatics, she said that "it might help in some of my routines, especially on floor and beam, but I think I still really need to improve on some of my acrobatic skills to raise my difficulty."
Canada's Ellie Black placed seventh with a fall on her back handspring to tuck full. Earlier in the day, she said she'd be happy with no matter what happened, as she was thrilled to have made the finals, and remained in high spirits even after the fall, stating that she felt her routine was "pretty good except for the fall."
"I tried to stay on the beam," she added, "but I failed. I didn't feel much pressure, and I think I gained a lot of experience here. I showed my best and did what I can do. The final was a little different from the all-around, where you have four opportunities and in the beam final, you could only try once. I think that aspect made me feel more nervous and intense, considering beam is also a tough apparatus to compete on. But overall, I'm satisfied with what I did today."
The day after she won her uneven bars title, Yao Jinnan was unable to challenge in beam finals due to a fall on her flight series. She says she wishes she could have performed better, but seemed relieved Championships were over, adding that she "will just take it easy and keep working on getting better for next year."
During the beam final, Yao was giving a lot of encouragement to Iordache, echoing the friendly international spirit of this entire meet. "I think she has advantage in this event and she always makes mistakes when competing it…maybe because she is nervous. So I wished her a good performance, and then congratulated her."
For balance beam champion Simone Biles' reaction, please read the floor final interviews, as her press statements were done for both events at the same time.
Article by Lauren Hopkins
October 12, 2014 in 2014 World Championships, Aliya Mustafina, Bai Yawen, Canada, China, Ellie Black, Kyla Ross, Russia, United States, Yao Jinnan.
Russia Surprises with Team Silver
"I Can't Stop Myself From Crying": China's Worlds Team and Retirements
China Comes Up Short, Still Shows Major Improvement
← The Gymnasts React to Uneven Bar Finals
The Gymnasts React to Floor Exercise Finals →
3 thoughts on "The Gymnasts React to Balance Beam Finals"
Can anyone elaborate on why Ross dropped her difficulty this year? Strategy, injuries, growth spurt?? I know she had the injury leading up to worlds, but she had already dropped her difficulty much earlier in the year. Has she been dealing with other injuries I didn't know about. Also will she realistically be able to increase her difficulty next season. Not that I have a problem with low difficulty/awesome execution. Just curious on peoples thoughts.
Well, she's had two injuries this year, a back injury from the beginning of the year and a hip injury right before Worlds. At Worlds, she cut her back tuck in quals and efs after wobbling on her switch, and the rest of it was connections she didn't get credited with at Worlds. It definitely made sense in efs, but not in the other rounds to me. I think that, if she takes the right time off and properly deals with her injuries, upgrades on bars and beam are definitely possible. Vault pretty much most definitely not and probably not on floor either, other than maybe to get back her full-in.
Thank you for your reply!
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


It has been recognised for some time that there are deficiencies in Irish farm structures in terms of age profile, farm size and skill set that require commercial law. Farmers working in partnerships with their spouse or chidren on the family farm, or coming together with another farmer to work the two farms in a common structure, can help to overcome some of these issues. Furthermore You may want to transfer control of your farm or estate over to another family member. A family partnership lets you share or transfer control slowly, so the new owner has time to learn the ropes.
The advantage of farm partnerships is the possibility of sharing best farming and business management practice. Collaboration and partnership among farms will combine different skill sets to improve the performance of existing enterprises on the farm and opens up the possibility of expanding into alternative ventures with the possibility of a greater income potential.
Joint farming ventures can help to address the social challenge of the 'one man farm' model which is common in Irelad, making farming a more attractive occupation by reducing isolation, improving work-life balance, pooling skills and talents and helping to overcome setbacks such as injury and sickness.


A lovely example by this highly rated Northumbrian artist.
Titled verso with further inscription in artist's hand. Believed original frame.
Robert Jobling was born in Newcastle. He worked at his fathers glass works until he was sixteen whilst studying at the Newcastle School of Art at the same time. He painted marine and landscape subjects. He was the president of the Bewick Club in Newcastle. Exhibited locally and in London at the Royal Academy and the Royal Society of British Artists, Suffolk Street.


Im trying to set up two AI. One prey, one predator.
I am not at home so I cant link my actual code, but its basically identical to that.
I added some print strings to the output of the hit on each trace so that I could if and what they are "seeing".
When the player enters the volume, it can see and move toward me. But when I place the AI pawn for the prey, it doesnt report "seeing" anything.
The prey pawn is simply a sphere with simple floating movement, and a collision sphere. It is definately a pawn and yet it doesnt count as one for the multisphere trace.
What is the best way to have a large number of ai?
Why do none of the "move to" nodes in my custom behavior tree task make my AI character chase me, but the default "move to" does?
Only Half Sphere Trace Works?


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Your search for documents released in 2015-Aug returned 14 record/s.
Appointments to health panels of assessors
In accordance with the Health Ombudsman Act 2013, panels of assessors contribute to upholding professional standards by providing expert advice in response to questions of fact from judicial members who constitute the independent Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). QCAT deals with serious disciplinary matters which, if substantiated, may result in the cancellation or suspension of
Appointment Prostitution Licensing Authority
The Prostitution Act 1999 (the Act) prescribes a licensing and regulatory scheme for the operation of legal brothels in Queensland. As part of this scheme, the Act establishes the Prostitution Licensing Authority (the Authority). Section 102(1)(b) of the Act states that the Authority consists of the following members: the chairperson who is to be an independent, respected member of the community
Appointments to Screen Queensland
Screen Queensland is a Proprietary Company Limited by Shares, with the State of Queensland as the sole shareholder. The company's constitution sets out the objects of the company: to increase the level of film and television production in Queensland; to develop and maintain a creative infrastructure in Queensland for the film and television production industry; to develop and maintain an active
Appointment Wet Tropics Management Authority
The Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area is managed under the Wet Tropics World Heritage Protection and Management Act 1993 (the Queensland Act) and the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area Conservation Act 1994. These Acts implement Australia's international duty for the protection, conservation, presentation, rehabilitation and transmission to future generations of the World He
Appointments to Surveyors Board of Queensland
The Surveyors Board of Queensland is an independent statutory body whose purpose is to maintain public confidence in the surveying profession by ensuring surveys are carried out by registrants in a professional and competent way. The board's major functions include: prescribing competency frameworks for surveyors; assessing applications for all categories of registration and endorsements in surv
Industrial Relations Legislative Reform Reference Group
The Government's commitments on industrial relations reform included the establishment of the Industrial Relations Legislation Reform Reference Group to review Queensland's industrial relations laws and tribunals. The Industrial Relations Legislation Reform Reference Group will make recommendations to the Government for legislative reform. Cabinet approved the Terms of Reference for the Industrial
Implementation of Net Free Fishing Zones
The Sustainable Fishing Policy, released during the 2015 election, committed $10 million to introduce three Net Free Zones near Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton to grow the economic benefits from recreational and charter fishing. That commitment was also subsequently included in The Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan endorsed by the State and Commonweath Governments and submitted to the UNESCO
Queensland Government submission to Senate Inquiry into non-conforming building products
On 23 June 2015, the Senate referred an inquiry into non-conforming building products to the Senates Economics References Committee to be reported by 12 October 2015. The issue of non-conforming building products is a critically important and complex one of national proportions. The Queensland Government submission proposes four recommendations: Before any further regulation is contemplated, the
Renewal of the Partners in Government Agreement
The Partners in Government Agreement meets one of the Queensland Government's key election commitments to review the current Agreement, in consultation with the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), within the first six months after coming into office. The Partners in Government Agreement formalises a set of principles to guide the relationship between the State and Local Government,
Government Response to Domestic and Family Violence Report Not Now Not Ever
The Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland (the Taskforce), chaired by The Honourable Quentin Bryce AD CVO, was announced on 10 August 2014. The Taskforce provided its report, 'Not Now, Not Ever: Putting an End to Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland' to the Premier on 28 February 2015. The Report includes 140 recommendations to help eliminate domestic and family vio
Review of the Child Protection Act 1999
In July 2013, the Queensland Child Protection Commission of Inquiry released its report, Taking Responsibility: A Road Map for Queensland Child Protection. The Commission of Inquiry found that the child protection system was under immense stress and made 121 recommendations aimed at building a sustainable and effective child protection system over the next decade. In December 2013, the then Quee
State Infrastructure Plan
The absence of a State Infrastructure Plan (SIP) since 2011, and the decline in resource sector investment, has left industry calling for Government to help build confidence, and support a sustainable construction industry. In June 2015, the Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Trade released the Directions Paper – Del
Establishment of Stolen Wages Reparations Taskforce
From 1897, previous governments controlled the lives, earnings and savings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders under a range of 'Protection Acts'. This control included the underpayment of wages and mismanagement of savings accounts. The appointment of the Stolen Wages Reparations Taskforce meets a key election commitment for the Palaszczuk Government. The commitment includes th
Student Protection Reports - system error transmitting reports
On 30 July 2015, the Department of Education and Training (DET) became aware of a specific system error which resulted in certain student protection reports not being transmitted to the Queensland Police Service (QPS). As a result of this coding error, over the period from 18 January to 30 July 2015, 644 student protection reports were not transmitted to QPS. Further investigations were undertake


Borroum's Drug Store, located at 604 East Waldron Street on the square in Corinth, Mississippi, is a landmark in the northeastern part of the state. Borroum's has existed for nearly a century and a half and continues to serve as a site of tourism and a resource for local living history as well as to minister to the medical needs of Corinth residents.
The store was established in 1865 by Andrew Jackson Borroum, a doctor who had obtained his degree from Louisiana Medical School and served as an assistant surgeon in Company C of the 34th Mississippi Infantry in the Civil War. Convinced by a friend to settle in Corinth, Borroum began practicing and then opened a drugstore. He moved it to its present location in 1916.
The store has remained in the hands of family members and is presently owned and operated by the founder's great-granddaughter, Camille Borroum Mitchell, one of the first two female students to obtain pharmacy degrees from the University of Mississippi. Early in her involvement with the store, Mitchell recognized the importance of making it a tourist destination as well as a drugstore and added a museum that included old medicine bottles, antique fixtures, photographs of the early days of Corinth, family relics from the Civil War, and an arrowhead collection compiled by her father, James Lannes Borroum. The store also features a working 1926 cash register, Mitchell's portraits of the store's former owners, and a functioning antique soda fountain and Art Deco–style bar. The store has been featured on numerous television programs and in such magazines as Mississippi Farm Country and Southern Living. Along with tourists, customers continue to come to buy both prescription and over-the-counter drugs and to have sodas, phosphates, and malts at the soda fountain, making Borroum's Drug Store an intriguing combination of a historical artifact and living organism unique and important to the texture of Corinth and North Mississippi.


text:
#ifndef __DISTANCESUMMARYLINE_H__
#define __DISTANCESUMMARYLINE_H__

#include "Object.h"
#include "MyString.h"

class DistanceSummaryLine : public Object {
  // friend classes & functions

  // members
private:
  static int s_next_sequence;
private:
  MyString p_line;

  // private tools
private:
  static bool p_get_number(const char*& ptr, int& number);

  // constructors & the destructor
public:
  DistanceSummaryLine(const char* line);
  ~DistanceSummaryLine();

  // comparators
public:
  int compare(const DistanceSummaryLine* you) const;

  // I/O
public:
  void print() const;

  // member accessing methods

};

#endif /* __DISTANCESUMMARYLINE_H__ */

/* Local Variables:	*/
/* mode: c++		*/
/* End:			*/

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Facebook will broadcast Champions League matches for American Internet users under a deal with Fox Sports, which will host the live streams on its pages, the channel said Tuesday.
The partnership will involve two group matches per day, four round of sixteen games and the four quarter-finals of the 2017-18 season, in the social media giant's latest foray into sportscasting.
Facebook will act only as a host for the streams, with the images and content produced by Fox Sports.
A Fox Sports spokesman confirmed that the content would only be available to Facebook users in the United States.
Facebook has already signed partnership with the North American football league Major League Soccer, which will see around 20 matches broadcast in 2017, as well as an agreement with Liga MX, the Mexican championship, for some 40 games last season.
The social media giant, which announced Tuesday it had crossed two billion active monthly users, also signed a deal with Major League Baseball in May for 20 regular season games.
It also enjoys a relationship with the NBA which resulted in January in the broadcast of a game between Sacramento and Golden State, only available in India – a prized market for the North American basketball league.


Middle-aged people who do not get enough sun face a greater risk of early death, research suggests.
Scientists from the United States have found that a group of adults with an average age of 55 who had lower blood levels of vitamin D were twice as likely to die prematurely as those with higher levels.
Past studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of developing heart disease, bowel and breast cancer, multiple sclerosis and diabetes - and the latest findings add more weight to this argument.
The discovery is based on the association of low vitamin D with risk of premature death from all causes, not just bone diseases.
The research team from the University of California's San Diego School of Medicine looked at a total of 566,583 people from 14 countries. Subjects were an average age of 55 when the blood was drawn, while the typical follow-up length was nine years.
They observed that the blood level amount of vitamin D associated with about half of the death rate was 30 ng/ml.
Vitamin D, which is made by the body under the skin when it is exposed to sunlight, carries out several important functions, including helping to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body.
A deficiency can occur when there is not enough of the vitamin to properly absorb the required levels of calcium and phosphate. This can lead to a number of problems such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
Trips to sunnier climes can therefore be extremely beneficial, especially for middle-aged individuals, so people should find the time to go on holiday at least once a year, while vitamin D supplements can also help.
But don't forget travel insurance, as this can offer protection should anything go wrong on your travels.


Master's only: Intended for these searching for understanding in the location of unique education. The online Master of Education degree in Special Education: Specialization in Early Childhood Education prepares students to function with infants, toddlers, and preschool young children with a variety of delays and disabilities, and their households. Purdue University's on-line Master of Science in Education in Special Education degree system focuses on mild intervention, higher incidence disabilities, like high-functioning autism, emotional/behavior disability, mild intellectual disability, and learning disabilities.
On the web master's programs generally supply regions of specialization, such as gifted education, autism spectrum disorder, blindness/visual impairment, studying disabilities, and literacy. Texas Tech University received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Not surprisingly, some administrators and teachers have been caught doctoring student achievement test outcomes in order to stay away from college closures, teacher firings and losses of funds.Teacher merit or overall performance spend and charter schools are being offered as panaceas for improving public schools.
The program consists of instruction in laws and policies as effectively as identifying students with autism, establishing person education plans, and teaching and supervising students with autism. Particular education teachers can concentrate on operating with preschool students, K-12 students, adolescents, or adults. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota received accreditation from the Higher Understanding Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The College of Education and Human Development's programs received accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. The College of Education's applications received accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Students must complete the following courses: Education as an Advanced Field of Study, Culture, Power, Equity and Influence, and a capstone course.
Students can select from 4 concentrations: Special Education Unique Education with ALP (Added Licensure Program), Preschool to Grade 4 Specific Education with ALP, grades 4 to 12 and Unique Education with Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate. The University of Texas at Tyler College of Education received accreditation from the Texas Education Agency, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Upon completion, you should provide documentation evidencing completion of three years of profitable teaching encounter under a Normal NJ or out-of-state instructional certificate to be eligible for the endorsement. Old Dominion University, a public study university, offers more than 160 programs leading to bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees.
Have to hold a Certificate of Eligibility with Sophisticated Standing (CEAS), Provisional, or Regular NJ instructional certificate. Special education is a teaching discipline focused on supporting the academic, social, and vocational improvement of exceptional children with disabilities. The Unique Education master's degree meets requirements for particular education endorsements in Michigan.


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Notoxus bipunctatus är en skalbaggsart som beskrevs av Louis Alexandre Auguste Chevrolat 1777. Notoxus bipunctatus ingår i släktet Notoxus och familjen kvickbaggar. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Kvickbaggar
bipunctatus

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Location: Lafayette, Louisiana
Undergraduate Students: 16 000
Institution Type: Public university
Website: www.louisiana.edu
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette, ULL, or UL) is a coeducational, public, research university in Lafayette, in the U.S. state of Louisiana. It has the largest enrollment within the nine-campus University of Louisiana System and has the second largest enrollment in Louisiana.
Founded in 1898 as an industrial school, the institution developed into a four-year university during the twentieth century and became known by its present name in 1999. UL Lafayette evolved into a national research university as noted by its Carnegie R2 categorization as a "Doctoral University: Higher Research Activity." It offers Louisiana's only Ph.D. in francophone studies, Louisiana's only master's of informatics, and Louisiana's only industrial design degree. The university has achieved several milestones in computer science, engineering and architecture. It is also home to a distinct College of the Arts.
The vendor for the international insurance policy is Consolidated Health Plan.
International students are enrolled automatically in this insurance plan and premiums are added to the student's tuition fees.
If you are covered under another health insurance, either an individual or family plan, you may waive this insurance coverage
An online waiver form, which is located on the insurance vendor's website, must be completed.
Cost: $507.00 per semester
You may try and use our preferred insurance, AIG. Please contact Lafayette to ask if it is possible before purchasing.
Lafayette encourages all students to live on campus to better integrate into university life; however, international students are not required to live on campus. UL Lafayette has multiple housing options available to suit the needs of all students.
Living on-campus: On-campus housing is available on first-come first-served basis for undergraduate students.
Most of the residence halls on our campus are state of the art and allow students to become a part of the campus community. Students can select from a variety of suite styles, traditional housing, or family housing and meal plans are included in the cost.
Students are eligible to apply for on campus housing once they have been admitted to the University. If you are interested, please check out the website.
Visitor housing is available for J-1 students and scholars and IEP students who will be attending the University for short periods of time. To apply for visitor housing, click here.
Cost: $2,117.00-$6,293.00 per semester*
*Students living in residence halls must also purchase a meal plan please visit the website for more information. (Cost: $895.00-$2,059.00 per semester)
Off-campus Housing: If you choose to live off-campus, it is your responsibility to find accommodations. We recommend using apartment guides for the Lafayette area. There are also houses available for rent in the area surrounding campus.– $7,464.00*
*Students living in residence halls must also purchase a meal plan please visit the website for more information.
Apartments cost approximately $300 (shared) to $900 per month not including utilities (electricity, water, telephone, etc.).
The average budget per month is: $500-600
⟵Centenary College of Louisiana
SUNY Binghamton University⟶


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UK guides
German guides
Things to do in Munich
Culture in Munich
The Bavarian capital features a diverse array of museums. You can marvel at artwork spanning various epochs, delve into foreign cultures or get to grips with the city's history. The evening performances at the city's theatres are also sure to cast a spell on you.
Pinakotheken
Art lovers will be right at home in Munich. The Alte Pinakothek details the evolution of art from the Middle Ages through to the 18th century. If you're after contemporary art, the Neue Pinakothek has a marvellous collection. Works from the 20th and 21st century are displayed in the Pinakothek der Moderne. The Brandhorst Museum and Sammlung Schack are other galleries worth a visit.
Ägyptisches Museum
Delve into 5,000 years of Egyptian history! The carefully selected exhibits have been curated into thematic collections and give an extremely detailed insight into the country's culture. Modern touchscreens also provide further information. The museum, which is entirely underground, is bathed in natural light thanks to the sunken atrium.
Munich's German Museum is the world's largest science and technology museum. Covering around 50 topic areas from the field of natural sciences, there's something here to interest everyone. The extensive exhibitions are characterised by their range of interactive elements. As a result, there's a great deal to explore and discover for kids and adults alike.
BMW Welt
This Munich-based car manufacturer has now opened a unique BMW-themed centre just beside its headquarters. In the BMW Museum, you can relive the brand's history in a sprawling exhibition. The manufacturer's most significant and iconic cars, motorbikes and engines are sure to set the pulses of car lovers and technophiles racing.
Discover two millennia of European art and culture at Munich's Bavarian National Museum. The renowned sculpture collection is a highlight. Take a voyage into the past and marvel at the museum's vast collection of highly significant treasures and relics.
Münchner Stadtmuseum
Learn more about the city's history at the Munich Municipal Museum. Alongside a permanent exhibition on Munich's history, the museum also houses the municipal collection of musical instruments and a film museum. Thanks to original exhibits from the era of National Socialism, visitors can clearly trace Munich's role in that period.
Nationalmuseum
Nationaltheater München
The Nationaltheater, a building steeped in history, is home to the Bavarian State Opera and Bavarian State Ballet. It has twice been destroyed and rebuilt over the years. The entrance area of the Munich's National Theatre is characterised by its formidable stone columns. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the world's third-largest opera stage is the perfect venue for spectacular performances.
Munich Kammerspiele
Curtain up! This heritage-listed building gives around 700 audience members an outstanding view of the action. The performances are staged by a talented ensemble and often address current socio-political issues. The productions' innovative, contemporary staging is sure to impress you!
Residenztheater
The Residenztheater on Max-Joseph-Platz, at the very heart of Munich, is often dubbed "Resi" by locals. It is home to the Bayerische Staatsschauspiel, a leading ensemble which enthrals audiences with top-quality performances. The Residenztheater is one of the largest and most significant venues for straight theatre in Germany.


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"Try fingers, but hole": Why it pays to be funny in Elden Ring
Naughty messages are meta.
Jess Reyes
Elden Ring's difficult bosses and challenging enemies can get very frustrating, which is why it's extra important to "try fingers but hole." Leaving silly messages in a blood smear on the ground has become the new meta thanks to the laughs and the heals it offers along the way.
Like Dark Souls before it, Elden Ring incorporates a "Message" system that lets players leave notes for each other that they can "appraise" (a.k.a., rate). Appraisals seem designed to rate and boost helpful hints and other pieces of legitimate advice. However, more often than not, players instead use the system to applaud pranks, memes, and shitposts.
Just one of many kinds of "dogs" in Elden Ring.
Messaging templates have a limited selection of words to choose from to construct a sentence. Many offer a starting word like "blank ahead" or "try blank," and then give the option to select a few words relevant to the game like chest, passage, and horse. As a result, many messages are simple sentences like "behold, dog" or "try jumping" (typically down to your death). There's also a lot of "try rear and thrust" or "if only I had a giant pickle" to be found in the Lands Between.
Meme-ing with messages has been a tradition since the first Dark Souls. If someone appraises your message, then it heals you — sometimes when you need it most. So it pays to be funny in an otherwise bloodstained, monster-infested world where death is frequent. In fact, the messages don't even have to be good. Disliking a message still heals the writer, so like any online content, it's all about engagement. Hate clicks are still clicks. Write provocative material to hook a reader into rating your message, and you've got some major buffs headed your way.
Many players have shared their Pulitzer-worthy shitposts over social media, thanking the flow of memes for healing them through a boss fight.
The largest dog you will ever meet wears a Pope hat. Bandai Namco
"Love that Elden Ring messages that pop off heal you," one person wrote. "Like yeah I called a tortoise a dog 20 hours ago and now I have gained actual immortality."
Those playing Elden Ring will likely get the reference. Since launch, players have been calling animals of all kinds "dogs," even though they are clearly not dogs. It's unclear who started the trend, but it spread through the game (especially the starting areas) like wildfire. People apparently find it hilarious to leave messages like "behold, dog!" in front of tortoises, horses, donkeys, and basically any animal that won't kill you. Ironically, there aren't any actual dogs in Elden Ring, unless you count the wolfish bosses.
Calling animals "dogs" isn't the only way to gain functional immortality, either. One player reported that "behold, grass!" saved them a couple of times. Another said the same for "edge lord." Still, the most popular healing incantations seem to be sentences mentioning "dog" or "finger but hole." One writer even claimed that she received four appraisals in the span of one minute from her dog messages.
"fingers ahead ... therefore Offer hole." Bandai Namco / Twitter: @QuillerKween
Players who don't enjoy Elden Ring's silliest system can always play offline for a more dog-free experience where nobody talks about putting their fingers in their nether regions. However, those laughing along are free to enjoy the benefits.
"It's a simple system, but we expect that it will lead to new ways to play."
In a Famitsu interview about Elden Ring, Hidetaka Miyazaki said he thought of Messages as a "simple system" that could lead to "new ways to play."
"Phantoms, bloodstains, and messages were always left behind by some nameless player out of the masses, but by using groups this information will sort of belong to players you know," he told Famitsu (via Reddit translation). "Or by knowing that it will be used by those players, there may be some new meaning or emotion attached to it, that is our aim."
Apparently, that new meaning is middle school humor in a dark fantasy setting. If you want to join the jokesters, leave a message. Or, if you just need the heals, leave a message. Not everyone writes messages, especially if they don't think of a funny joke right away or don't want to use materials to make one. Like Miyazaki and his team intended, it's just another new way to play.
"Mindboggling" Launcher layoffs prompt outcry and tributes to WaPo gaming vertical
Hi-Fi Rush reveals a surprising strength of Xbox Game Pass
By Willa Rowe
Fire Emblem Engage needs to let its characters out of the closet
By Robin Bea


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What is Islam? -BY DR.BILAL PHILIPS
Islam is not a new religion, but the same truth that God revealed through all His prophets to every people. For a fifth of the world's population, Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the majority have nothing to do with the extremely grave events which have come to be associated with their faith.
Who are the Muslims?
One billion people from a vast range or races, nationalities and cultures across the globe - from the southern Philippines to Nigeria - are united by their common Islamic faith. About 18% live in the Arab world; the world's largest Muslim community is in Indonesia; substantial parts of Asia and most of Africa are Muslim, while significant minorities are to be found in the Soviet Union, China, North and South America, and Europe.
Muslims believe in One, Unique, Incomparable God (called Allah in Arabic); in the Angels created by Him; ; in the Angels created by Him; in the prophets through whom His revelation were brought to mankind; in the Day of Judgement and individual accountability for actions; in God's complete authority over human destiny and in life after death. Muslims believe in a chain of prophets starting with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist, and Jesus, peace be upon them. But God's final message to man, a reconfirmation of the eternal message and a summing-up of all that has gone before was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) through Angel Gabriel.
Simply by saying 'there is no god worthy of worship besides God (Allah), and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. By this declaration the believer announces his or her faith in all God's messengers, and the scriptures they brought.
What Is Ka'bah?
The Ka'bahah is the place of worship which God commanded Prophets Abraham and Ishmael to build over Four thousand years ago. The building was constructed of stone.
Who is Muhammad?
Muhammad (pbuh ) was born in Makkah in the year 570, at a time when Christianity was not yet fully established in Europe. Since his father died before his birth, and his mother shortly afterwards, he was raised by his uncle from the respected tribe of Quraysh. As he grew up, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity, so that he was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes. The historians describe him as calm and meditative.
Muhammad (pbuh) was of a deeply religious nature, and had long detested the decadence and idolatry of his society. It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hira near the summit of Jabal al-Nur, the 'Mountain of Light' near Makkah.
How did he become a prophet and a Messenger of God?
At the age of 40, while engaged in a meditative retreat, Muhammad ( pbuh ) received his first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel. This revelation, which continued for twenty-three years, is known as the Qur'an.
As soon as he began to recite the words he heard from Gabriel, and to preach the truth which God had revealed to him, he and his small group of followers suffered bitter persecution, which grew so fierce that in the year 622 God gave them the command to emigrate. This event, the Hijirah, [migration], in which they left Makkah for the city of Madeenah some 260 miles from Mekkah.
Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was the simplicity of its doctrine. Islam calls for faith in only One God worthy of worship. It also repeatedly instructs man to use his powers of intelligence and observation.
Within a few years, great civilizations and universities were flourishing, for according to the Prophet ( pbuh ) , 'seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim. The synthesis of Eastern and Western ideas and of new thought with old, brought about great advances in medicine, mathematics, physics, astronomy, geography, architecture, art, literature, and history. Many crucial systems such as algebra, the Arabic numerals, and also the concept of the zero (vital to the advancement of mathematics), were transmitted to medieval Europe from Islam. Sophisticated instruments which were to make possible the European voyages of discovery were developed, including the astrolabe, the quadrant and good navigational maps.
The Arabic word 'Islam' simply means 'submission', and derives from a word meaning 'peace'. In a religious context it means complete submission to the will of God. 'Mohammedanism' is thus a misnomer because it suggests that Muslims worship Muhammad ( pbuh ) rather than God. 'Allah' is the Arabic name for God, which is used by both Arab Muslims and Arab Christians alike.
Why does Islam often seem strange?
Islam may seem exotic or even extreme in the modern world. Perhaps this is because religion does not dominate everyday life in the West today, whereas Muslims have religion always uppermost in their minds, and make no division between secular and sacred. They believe that the Divine Law, the Sharee'ah, should be taken very seriously, which is why issues related to religion are still so important.
No. Together with Judaism, they go back to the prophet and patriarch Abraham, and their three prophets are directly descended from his sons - Muhammad from the eldest, Ishmael, and Moses and Jesus from Isaac. Abraham established the settlement which today is the city of Makkah, and built the Ka'bah towards which all Muslims turn when the pray.
God commanded Abraham to summon all mankind to visit this place, and when pilgrims go there today the say 'Here I am O Allah', in response to Abraham's summons.
What is the Qur'an?
The Qur'an is a record of the exact words revealed by God through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). It was memorized by Muhammad (pbuh) and then dictated to his Companions, handwritten down by scribes, who cross-checked it during his lifetime. Not one word of its 114 chapters, Suras, has been changed over the centuries, so that the Qur'an is in every detail the unique and miraculous text which was revealed to Muhammad (pbuh) fourteen centuries ago.
What is the Qur'an about?
The Qur'an, the last revealed Word of God, is the prime source of every Muslim's faith and practice. It deals with all the subjects which concern us as human beings: wisdom, doc-trine, worship, and law, but its basic theme is the relationship between God and His creatures. At the same time it provides guidelines for a just society , proper human conduct and an equitable economic system.
Yes, the sunnah, the practice and example of the Prophet (pbuh), is the second authority for Muslims. A hadith is a reliably transmitted report of what the Prophet (pbuh) said, did, or approved. Belief in the sunnah is a fundamental part of the Islamic faith.
Examples of the Prophet's sayings
The Prophet (pbuh) said:
'God has no mercy on one who has no mercy for others.'
'None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.'
'He who eats his fill while his neighbor goes without food is not a true believer.'
"The truthful and trusty businessman is associated with the prophets, the saints, and the martyrs.'
'Powerful is not he who knocks the other down, indeed powerful is he who controls himself in a fit of anger.'
'God does not judge according to your bodies and appearances but He scans your hearts and looks into your deeds.'
'A man walking along a path felt very thirsty. Reaching a well he descended into it, drank his fill and came up. Then he saw a dog with its tongue hanging out, trying to lick up mud to quench its thirst. The man saw that the dog was feeling the same thirst as he had felt so he went down into the well again and filled his shoe with water and gave the dog a drink. God forgave his sins for this action.' The Prophet (pbuh) was asked: 'Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals?' He replied, 'There is a reward for kindness to every living thing.'
From the hadith collections of Bukhaaree, Muslim, Tirmithee and Bayhaqee.
They are the framework of the Muslim life: faith, prayer, concern for the needy, self-purification, and the pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able.
There is no god worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is His messenger. This declaration of faith is called the Shaahadah, a simple formula which all the faithful pronounce. In Arabic, the first part is la ilaaha il - lal - 'laah-' there is no god except Allah'; ilaaha (god) can refer to anything which we may be tempted to put in place of God-wealth, power, and like. Then comes il - lal - 'laah:' except Allah', the creator of all things The second part of the Shahaadah is Muhammadun rasoolul-laah 'Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.' A Message of guidance has come through a man like ourselves.
Salaah is the name for the obligatory prayers which are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam and no priests, so the prayers, are led by a learned person who knows the Qur'an, chosen by the congregation. These five prayers contain verses from the Qur'an, and are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation, but personal supplication can be offered in one's own language. Prayers are said at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall, and thus determine the rhythm of the entire day. Although it is preferable to worship together in a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories and universities. Visitors to the Muslim world and struck by the centrality of prayers in daily life.
A translation of the Call to Prayer is:
Allah is most great. Allah is most great.
I testify that there is no god except Allah.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.
Come to prayer! Come to prayer!
Come to success (in the life and the Hereafter)! Come to success!
There is no god except Allah.
3. THE 'ZAKAAH'
One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakaah means both 'purification' and growth'. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.
Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakat individually. For most purposes this involves the payment each year of two and a half percent of one's surplus savings.
A pious person may also give as much as he or she pleases as sadaqah, and does so preferably in secret.
Although this word can be translated as voluntary charity' it has a wider meaning. The Prophet (pbuh) said
'even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is charity.'
The Prophet (pbuh) said: 'Charity is a necessity for every Muslim.' He was asked' What if a person has nothing?' The Prophet (pbuh) replied: 'He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity.' The Companions asked: 'What if he is not able to work?' The Prophet (pbuh) said: 'He should help poor and needy persons.' The Companions further asked, 'What if he cannot do even that?' The Prophet (pbuh) said' He should urge others to do good.' The Companions said 'What if he lacks that also?' The Prophet (pbuh) said' He should check himself from doing evil. That is also charity.'
4. THE FAST
Every year in the month of Ramadaan, all Muslim fast from first light until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations.
Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are pregnant or nursing are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year. If they are physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed. Children begin to fast (and to observe the prayer) from puberty, although many start earlier.
Although the fast is most beneficial to the health, it is regarded principally as a method of self purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry which leads to growth in one's spiritual life.
5. PILGRIMAGE (Hajj)
The annual pilgrimage to Makkah the Hajj - is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to perform it. Nevertheless, about two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another.
Although Makkah is always filled with visitors, the annual Hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year (which is lunar, not solar, so that Hajj and Ramadan fall sometimes in summer, sometimes in winter). Pilgrims wear special clothes: simple garments which strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before God.
The rites of the Hajj, which were begun by Prophet Abraham, include circling the Ka'bah seven times, and going seven times between the mountains Safaa and Marwah as Hager did during her search for water. Then the pilgrims stand together on the wide plain of 'Arafah and join in prayers for God's forgiveness, in what is often thought of as a preview of the Last Judgement.
In previous centuries the Hajj was an arduous undertaking. Today, however, water, modern transport, and the most up-to-date health facilities are provided for the millions who take part in the pilgrimage.
The close of the Hajj is marked bya festival, 'Eed al-Ad-haa, which is celebrated with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere. This, and the 'Eedal-Fitr, a feast-day commemorating the end of Ramadan, are the main festivals of the Muslims' calendar.
The Qur'an says:
Allah does not forbid you with regards to those who do not fight you for [your] faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them; for Allah loves those who are just. (Qur'an, 60:8)
It is one function of Islamic law to protect the privileged status of minorities, and this is why non-Muslim places of worship have flourished all over the Islamic world. History provides many examples of Muslim tolerance towards other faiths: when the caliph Omar entered Jerusalem in the year 634, Islam granted freedom of worship to all religious communities in the city.
Islamic law also permits non-Muslim minorities to set up their own courts, which implement family laws drawn up by the minorities themselves.
SIN: According to Islam, man is not born in 'original sin'. Every child is born with an innate disposition towards virtue, knowledge, and beauty. Islam considers itself to be the 'primordial religion', it seeks to return man to his original, true nature in which he is in harmony with creation, inspired to do good, and confirming the Oneness of God.
Muslims respect and revere Jesus (r), and await his Second Coming. They consider him one of the greatest of God's messengers to mankind. The Qur'an confirms his virgin birth (a chapter of the Qur'an is entitled 'Mary'), and Mary is considered the purest woman in all creation. The Qur'an describes the Annunciation as follows:
'Behold!' the Angel said, 'God has chosen you, and purified you, and chosen you above the women of all nations. O Mary, God gives you good news of a word from Him, whose name shall be the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, honored in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near to God. He shall speak to the people from his cradle and in maturity, and shall be of the righteous.'
She said: 'O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me?' He said: 'Even so; Allah creates whatever He wills. When He decrees a thing, He says to it, "Be!" and it is.' (Qur'an, 3:42-7)
Jesus (r) was born miraculously through the same power which had brought Adam (r) into being without a father:
Truly, the likeness of Jesus with God is as the likeness of Adam. He created him of dust, and then said to him, 'Be!' and he was. (3:59)
During his prophetic mission Jesus (r) performed many miracles. The Qur'an tells us that he said:
'I have come to you with a sign from your Lord: I make for you out of clay, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it and it becomes a bird by Allah's leave. And I heal the blind, and the lepers, and I raise the dead by Allah's leave.(3:49)
Neither Muhammad (r) nor Jesus (r) came to change the basic doctrine of the belief in One God, brought by earlier prophets, but to confirm and renew it. In the Qur'an Jesus (r) is reported as saying that he came:
'To attest the law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden you; I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear Allah and obey Me.'
The Prophet Muhammad (r) said:
'Whoever believes there is no god but God, alone without partner, that Muhammad (r) is His messenger, that Jesus is the servant and messenger of God, His word breathed into Mary and a spirit from Him, and that Paradise and Hell are true, shall be received by Allah into Heaven.'
(Hadith from Bukhaaree)
Why is the family so important to Muslims?
The family is the foundation of Islamic society. The peace and security offered by a stable family unit is greatly valued, and seen as essential for the spiritual growth of its members. A harmonious social order is created by the existence of extended families; children are treasured, and rarely leave home until the time they marry.
Islam sees a woman, whether single or married, as an individual in her own right, with the right to own and dispose of her property and earnings. A marriage dowry is given by the groom to the bride for her own personal use, and she keeps her own family name rather than taking her husband's.
Both men and women are expected to dress in a way which is modest and dignified. Women are required to cover all of their body except for the face and hands in order to protect their modesty and honor.
The Messenger of God (pbuh) said:
"The most perfect in faith amongst believers is he who is best in manner and kindest to his wife."
The religion of Islam was revealed for all societies and all times and so accommodates widely differing social requirements. Circumstances may warrant the taking of another wife but the right is granted, according to the Qur'an, only on condition that the husband is scrupulously fair.
A Muslim marriage is not a 'sacrament', but a simple, legal agreement in which either partner is free to include conditions. Marriage customs thus vary widely from country to country. As a result, divorce is not common, although it is not forbidden as a last resort. According to Islam, no Muslim girl or boy can be forced to marry against their will: their parents will simply suggest young men or women they think may be suitable.
In the Islamic world there are no old people's homes. The strain of caring for one's parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honor and blessing, and an opportunity for great spiritual growth. God asks that we not only pray for our parents, but act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless children they preferred us to themselves.
Mothers are particularly honored: the Prophet (pbuh) taught that 'Paradise lies at the feet of mothers'. When they reach old age, Muslim parents are treated mercifully, with the same kindness and selflessness.
In Islam, serving one's parents is a duty second only to prayer, and it is their right to expect it. It is considered despicable to express any irritation when, through no fault of their own, the old become difficult.
The Qur'an says: 'Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and be kind to parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, do not say 'Uff' to them or chide them, but speak to them in terms of honor and kindness. Treat them with humility, and say, 'My Lord! Have mercy on them, for they cared for me when I was little'. (17:23-4)
Like Jews and Christians, Muslims believe that the present life is only a preparation for the next realm of existence. Basic articles of faith include: Resurrection the Day of Judgment, Heaven and Hell.
When a Muslim dies, he or she is washed, usually by a family member, wrapped in a clean white cloth, and buried preferably the same day. Simple prayers following Muslims consider this one of the final services they can do for their relatives, and an opportunity to remember their own brief existence here on earth. The Prophet (pbuh) taught that three things can continue to help a person even after death; charity which he had given, knowledge which he had taught and prayers on their behalf by a righteous child.
Like Christianity, Islam permits fighting in self-defense, in defense of religion, or on the part of those who have been expelled forcibly from their homes. It lays down strict rules of combat which include prohibitions against harming civilians and against destroying crops, trees and livestock. As Muslims see it, injustice would be triumphant in the world if good men were not prepared to risk their lives in a righteous cause. The Qur'an says:
'Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits. God does not love transgressors.' (2:190)
If they seek peace, then you should also seek peace. And trust in Allah for He is the One that hears and knows all things. (8:61)
War, therefore, is the last resort, and is subject to the rigorous conditions laid down by the sacred law.
The term jihaad literally means' struggle', and Muslims believe that there are two kinds of jihaad. The outer struggle against the forces of evil and corruption and the inner struggle which everyone wages against egotistic desires, for the sake of attaining inner peace.
Although much simpler than the dietary law followed by Jews and the early Christians, the code which Muslims observe forbids the consumption of blood, pork and any kind of intoxicating substances. The Prophet taught that 'your body has rights over you', and the consumption of wholesome food and the leading of a healthy lifestyle are seen as religious obligations.
'Ask God for certainty [of faith] and well-being; for after certainty, no one is given any gift better than health!'
Freedom of conscience is laid down by the Qur'an itself: 'There is no compulsion in religion'. (2:256) The life and property of all citizens in an Islamic state are considered sacred whether a person is Muslim or not. Racism is incomprehensible to Muslims, for the Qur'an speaks of human equality in the following terms:
'O mankind! We created you from a single soul, male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. Truly, the most honored of you in Allah's sight is the greatest of you in piety. Allah is All-Knowing,
All-Aware. (49:13)
It is almost impossible to generalize about American Muslims: converts, immigrants, factory workers, doctors, all are making their own contribution to America's future. This complex community is unified by a common faith, underpinned by a countrywide network of more than a thousand mosques.
Muslims were early arrivals in North America. By the eighteenth century there were may thousands of them, working as slaves on plantations. These early communities cut off from their heritage and families, inevitably lost their Islamic identity as time went by. Today many Afro-American Muslims play an important role in the Islamic community.
The nineteenth century, however, saw the beginnings of an influx of Arab Muslims, most of whom settled in the major industrial centers where they worshipped in hired rooms. The early twentieth century witnessed the arrival of several hundred thousand Muslims from Eastern Europe: the first Albanian mosque was opened in Maine in 1915; others soon followed, and a group of Polish Muslims opened a mosque in Brooklyn in 1928.
In 1947 the Washington Islamic Center was founded during the term of President Truman, and several nationwide organizations were set up in the fifties. During the fifties through seventies there was a great influx of Muslims from India and Pakistan who today represent a major segment of immigrant American Muslims. From the early twenties until the seventies a few Pseudo-Islamic organizations have appeared among indigenous Muslims using Islamic terminology to cover racist un-Islamic teachings: The nation of Islam (commonly called "Black Muslims"), The Moorish Science Temple, The Ansarullah.
Although they have always remained a small but vocal minority, some of their spokesmen continue to tarnish the image of Islam until today. Today the Muslim population in America is estimated by researchers at five to eight millions.


text:
// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
//
// Copyright Microsoft Corporation
// Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
// you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
// You may obtain a copy of the License at
// http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
// Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
// distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
// WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
// See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
// limitations under the License.
// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

using Microsoft.Azure.Commands.Batch.Utils;
using Microsoft.WindowsAzure.Commands.ScenarioTest;
using System;
using System.Net.Http.Headers;
using System.Threading;
using System.Threading.Tasks;
using Xunit;

namespace Microsoft.Azure.Commands.Batch.Test.UtilsTests
{
    public class BatchAadTokenProviderTests : WindowsAzure.Commands.Test.Utilities.Common.RMTestBase
    {
        public BatchAadTokenProviderTests(Xunit.Abstractions.ITestOutputHelper output)
        {
            ServiceManagemenet.Common.Models.XunitTracingInterceptor.AddToContext(new ServiceManagemenet.Common.Models.XunitTracingInterceptor(output));
        }

        private class TestBatchAadTokenProvider : BatchAadTokenProvider
        {
            string fakeToken;

            public TestBatchAadTokenProvider(string fakeToken) : base(null)
            {
                this.fakeToken = fakeToken;
            }

            protected override string GetBatchAadToken()
            {
                return fakeToken;
            }
        }

        [Fact]
        [Trait(Category.AcceptanceType, Category.CheckIn)]
        public async Task BatchAadTokenProviderReturnsProperAuthHeaderWithProvidedToken()
        {
            string fakeToken = "fake token";
            BatchAadTokenProvider tokenProvider = new TestBatchAadTokenProvider(fakeToken);
            AuthenticationHeaderValue headerValue = await tokenProvider.GetAuthenticationHeaderAsync(CancellationToken.None);

            Assert.Equal("Bearer", headerValue.Scheme);
            Assert.Equal(fakeToken, headerValue.Parameter);
        }
    }
}


The last four hands have all involved all-in-shoves. The extreme short stack at the table started things off with two un-called shoves. Collecting the blinds on both hands almost doubled Alexandre Cote-St-Louis up!
Next it was Jamie Baker who shoved on the button. Terence Caulcutt took his time thinking about it, and eventually trusted his gut to make the call. It was a good read.
However, the board was dealt , and Jamie doubled up at Terence's expense. It was a good read – just bad luck. It didn't end Terence's night, but it did set him back 875,000, cutting his stack in half.
The next hand it was Alexandre who shoved preflop again, this his third time in four hands. However, this time he didn't collect the blinds, just 6th place and $3,270. His faced off in a losing battle against Grant Ellis' , with the board giving Grant two pair, Aces and Queens, and the rest of Alex's chips.
We say goodbye to Alexandre, and now only five players remain!


Good luck to all our dancers, taking part in Sundays charity event to raise funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity. The day opens as 12 noon, our performance starts at 1pm.
Looking forward to an enjoyable afternoon, with friends and family. Lets all ask for dry weather for a fun packed family day.


text:
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Council pays £53m to buy 'unloved' Colonnades centre
Posted on November 1, 2018	by insidecroydon
The business "brains" at Fisher's Folly have gone out and splurged £53million of public money to buy the freehold of the "unloved" and rarely visited Colonnades retail and leisure park – just as industry experts are warning that 200 such centres around the country are in danger of going bust.
Now council-owned: the £53m Colonnades, off the Purley Way
The purchase of the Colonnades, off the Purley Way, follows another council commercial investment, the buying of the freehold of the Croydon Park Hotel, near East Croydon Station.
There, it soon emerged that business geniuses at the council decided to pay £5million more for the hotel than the actual asking price.
The rationale behind the Colonnades purchase is much the same as for the hotel: the council is able to borrow millions of pounds from the government-run Public Works Loan Board at very low interest rates, and think that by owning the freehold and charging commercial rents, they can generate income towards the cost of providing services.
It is just that the Colonnades looks like a very bad buy.
Financial difficulties saw the City Limits leisure complex on the site forced to close in 2010.
The centre is so poorly visited that the Gypsy Moth, the Harvester-style pub and restaurant on the site, was shut at the end of 2017 due to poor business. Footfall is so poor, the 289 bus doesn't go there any more, though groups of travellers have been known to park up in the Colonnades from time to time.
Even the asset manager in charge of the property described it as "unloved".
Why Croydon Council would want to go into the retail and leisure centre business, just at a time when it continues to subsidise Boozepark and is cheerleading for the development of the £1.4billion rival Westfield shopping mall just up the road, also defies business wisdom.
The timing looks to be wrong, too, under any rational analysis of the retail sector.
In a report on under-threat, smaller scale retail centres published today by the the National Retail Research Knowledge Exchange Centre, it says that Britain has "an excess of shopping centres with similar retail offerings".
Nelson Blackley of the NRRKEC told the BBC, "We have too many of them, doing exactly the same – the same range of stores and products – and basically that's not attractive. New data suggests over 200 shopping centres in the UK are in danger of falling into administration, unless their owners secure fresh funding."
The Oxygen trampoline park has moved in to the Colonnades recently
The £53million price tag on the Colonnades looks steep, too.
Just two years ago, just up the road on the other side of the Purley Way, a tract of industrial estate changed hands in a £45.6million property deal. LaSalle Investment Management bought Purley Way Retail Park – which includes various light industry buildings, warehouses and stores, such as Currys and PC World – and was fully occupied.
The Colonnades last changed hands two years ago, when an unnamed London property firm bought the freehold for 160,000 sq ft of property from an Italian investment trust.
The site's tenants include Pizza Hut, Premier Inn and McDonald's. A trampoline park has moved in there recently, filling the long-vacant bowling alley space. Until it closed eight years ago, the City Limits leisure park also included a Laser Quest zone, amusement arcade and sports bar and night club.
The council's announcement this morning claimed, "The site currently has nine units, with an additional three being constructed to further enhance the facilities.
"The purchase is in two phases; the first will be for the nine existing units and the second, anticipated in May 2019, when the three additional units are completed and are generating income. The initial sale will include an obligation for the council to purchase the second phase of the estate development.
"A combined purchase price of £53million has been agreed."
The council adds, "Additional income-generating opportunities have been identified that could further enhance the value of the asset," though they fail to specify what those "income-generating opportunities" might be.
Simon Hall: 'investing in our borough'
The council states: "It is anticipated the purchase will provide an annual income of around £1.4million, net of interest and other costs. This will help to protect local services for residents. It is the first purchase since a £100million fund was approved as part of the Asset Investment Strategy signed off by the council last month.
"It is proposed the existing companies providing estate and asset management services for the estate will be retained and help develop further opportunities within the portfolio."
According to Simon Hall, the Labour-run council's cabinet member for finance, "We're investing in our borough, for our borough.
"This is a solid investment on a well-performing asset, enabling us to bring in additional income to fund core services. As government grant funding for local authorities remains uncertain, we're doing what we can to ensure we can provide services our residents expect and deserve."
Let's hope that those retailing experts and analysts quoted by the BBC are wrong, then, and Cllr Hall is right. Otherwise you can guess who will end up picking up the bill…
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This entry was posted in "Hammersfield", Boxpark, Business, Centrale, Croydon Council, Croydon Park Hotel, Property, Purley Way, Simon Hall, Waddon, Whitgift Centre and tagged Boxpark, Colonnades, Croydon Council, Hammersfield, Hammerson, Labour, London Borough of Croydon, Purley Way, Waddon, Westfield, Whitgift Centre. Bookmark the permalink.
11 Responses to Council pays £53m to buy 'unloved' Colonnades centre
centralcroydon says:
Assuming the money is borrowed on a maturity basis for 30 years, then the interest will be £1.542m per annum based on today's PWLB rate of 2.91%. They say it will generate a net surplus after interest of interest and other costs, so they will need to get a minimum of £3m in rent. Sounds like a lot for such a poorly used venue.
Hopefully it won't end up costing us taxpayers as much as the council's last venture on that site – the infamous Water Palace.
David Wickens says:
The history of this site is worth noting. Back In the late 1980s/early 1990s the Council built the Water Palace Leisure complex on part of the Purley Way playing fields. It was a design, build and operate contract that the operator walked away from. The Council were left with a white elephant that was knocked down, site sold and replaced with The Colonnades.
I doubt if the land sale recouped the cost of the building. Thus for the second time the Council are obtaining control of the site but this time at a significant cost.
As the article says investment in retail and the like must be seen as risky in the current climate and there are almost daily reminders in the media of the demise of this sector.
Bernard Winchester says:
I must admit that I miss the Water Palace: it was the only facility that ever got me to do anything sportive! It may not have been profitable, but it always seemed busy.
David Hamilton says:
The only way this purchase can make any ounce of sense is if those in the Croydon Council purchasing department have had a word with the Planning department. A nod and a wink to the development of say 200 flats and Croydon Council will possibly make a few quid.
Sounds a very silly deal to me.
Lewis White says:
It must be encouraging for those who seek a better life for all, that an American style highway-side mall is unpopular with the public.
These abysmal non-places, with their predictable line up of chain eateries, should never have been been given planning permission.
The Water-palace itself was a failure, probably due to location out on the edge of the town, and its huge size, like a Center Parcs, when most people just wanted to go for a swim. .
I would like to see the whole thing knocked down and replaced with a new selective grammar school for children from out-of-borough !! ……….. excuse me, a Freudian slip of the keyboard digit there…….No, what I meant to say is , replaced with ………….. er………. what?
Flats? Hotel ? ……..or a warehouse style housing complex for homeless people, based on the concept of those Japanese pod hotels ? Solve the rough sleeper crisis in one fell swoop !
A multi-storey vertical cemetery, modelled on the concept of a storage unit building where , for 75 years, your remains can be stored (prior to recycling) , with virtual reality holograms so that you can talk with your loved ones when ever they visit? Thereby solving Croydon's burial needs for the next 500 years.
No, I.ve got it…… a new council recycling centre allowing the good folk of Croydon to go and get rid of their recyclables and garden waste. Redevelop the Purley Oaks depot for housing and a small park . Make a modest profit
Eureka!.
Arno Rabinowitz says:
Madness, madness, madness, madness and then more madness. The Colonnades is a doomed retail graveyard destined to suck and destroy money from whichever source decides to become associated with it. I go there most days, to the Nuffield Gym, and its the gym and only the gym that is consistently busy. All the rest, including the mini-Mcdonalds, has a dribble of occasional custom. Costa Coffee is the exception and that is only because it is situated by half the parking. What on earth are they going to to with the space? One guess: one way or another hand it over to Brick by Brick which will wreak its residential magic thereupon….in other words, nothing for a long time and then nothing successful. At least our Council is consistent. Silly ideas followed by failure…always.
Keith Jones says:
All down to greed and hidden agendas. Parkside is already leaving us with half truths on the extent of the scheme, which is bigger than we were led to believe.Who gets the Back handers and benefits, not us.Wyevale Garden Centre is closing, what will they do with the grounds which has a listed diving board. We do not need housing there. The traffic is already horrendous on Waddon Way due to being a rat run.Footballers take over the weekend with their inconsiderate parking on both sides of the road and also on the bends.The ambulances have trouble getting through already, there is an ambulance station on Waddon Way which should have priorities.Numerous calls to Croydon Council due to footballers parking.
Neil Spellings says:
It's interesting reading the comments how people only view the one or two facilities they themselves use as the busy or successful ones. People clearly haven't queued to the door in the McDonalds, circled the car park looking for a space to visit Wickes or seen the hundreds of kids bouncing away at Oxygen during school holidays. McDonalds are supposedly expanding and moving to the larger plot where Gypsy Moth used to be (which WAS terrible if you ever had the misfortune to eat there, so not surprised it closed due to lack of custom) so clearly think the site has a good future. I think it's a great little complex with a good mixture of facilities (Gym, food, kids entertainment and retail) and now it's in public ownership it's in all best interests that it's a success.
I go to the Colonnades every day and have never seen the crowds as described….only once or twice at weekends.
Interesting to see the range of views above, and that some Inside Croydon contributors use the Colonnades facilities. Interesting too to read that Wyevale are to close the Garden centre. (sad for customers like me, and for the staff) .
We should be very mindful of the employment benefits of the Colonnades when looking at the future options. I am also wondering if Croydon will vet future tenants to exclude perceived "junk food" outlets ?
With the Purley Way playing fields nearby, potential housing development in these sites could be linked to create a green setting for new houses, far better and healthier than large swathes of Croydon where there is no open space to cleanse the air breathed by residents. So maybe we should look seriously at the housing potential as well as commercial.
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