Giving the Running of the Bulls a Deeper Purpose

It is billed as the second biggest party in the world, just after Carnival in Rio.  Estimates say that 1.5 to 2 million people descend on this slice of northern Spain for 8 days of relaxation and revelry.  The event was actually founded in 1591 to honor the beheaded bishop, San Fermîn.  This is why everyone is asked to wear the red bandana, remembering his unfortunate end.  The festival itself is heavy with religious significance, and includes processions, special religious services, and a deep cultural reverence for the patron saint of Pamplona.  With that said, the Running of the Bulls has a well-earned reputation for non-stop revelry followed by mortal danger each morning as the bulls are run through the streets of ancient Pamplona.  

I first ran with the bulls in 2004, not having any clue that there was a religious festival going on, nor did I know that the bulls run on eight consecutive days, not just the most famous day of July 7th.  Having returned to Pamplona to produce a documentary, study Spanish, and start a business, I now see the big picture and am amazed at what the Running of the Bulls has become.  Of course, anytime you gather 2 million in a town of about 700,000, lots of interesting things tend to happen.  That's why we strive to get above the crowd and rent a balcony to watch the running of the bulls from a safe distance. 

It was such a fantastic experience that I decided to start a business offering bull runners and spectators housing, balconies, afternoon tapas and wine, and other amenities to help them enjoy the fiesta in style.  After a while, though, we felt that the party needed a purpose..  Relaxation is just fine, but we wanted to create a mechanism to do good while we had fun.  That's why we created Run With a Purpose (tm).  This program links vendors of balconies, apartments, and hotels in Pamplona with economic development projects in Latin America.  

We have decided to award all proceeds from the Pamplona balcony rental business to projects of PersonalPhilanthropy.org.   PersonalPhilanthropy.org is a non-profit corporation and oversees all aspects of the programs, so you can rest assured that the money is well-used.  If you'd like to do good while having fun, consider taking the trip of a lifetime and join us at the Running of the Bulls 2010 in Pamplona this July 6th through 14th.  

Thanks go to Chapman Air & Heat for their support of our projects!

Pamplona balconies and apartments for the Running of the Bulls

CHAPMAN AIR CONDITIONING RECEIVES THE PRESTIGIOUS TOP TEN AWARD FROM TRANE.

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:    Bryan Davenport
        Trane Residential Systems
        District Sales Manager
       

CHAPMAN AIR CONDITIONING RECEIVES THE PRESTIGIOUS TOP TEN AWARD FROM TRANE.


Dallas, TX – February 3, 2010 -- Trane Residential Solutions, a division of Ingersoll Rand. (NYSE:IR), announced that Chapman A/C of Dallas, Texas has been awarded the prestigious Top Ten Award by the North Texas Trane Sales Office.  The Top Ten Award is based on Trane purchase volume in the Replacement, New Construction and Light Commercial arenas. The Top Ten winners are the companies that have attended all the technical and business training and have implemented sound business growth strategies that are focused on Retail Selling.
Chapman Air & Heat was founded in 1981 by Marvin Chapman due to a desire to provide quality service to the Dallas Metroplex. Customers are Chapman's top priority, offering a number of very important services to keep them comfortable all year round. Chapman is proud to be a Trane Comfort Specialist Dealer, a member of the Better Business Bureau, Air Conditioning Contractors of America and a member of your community.

For more information about Trane’s products and services log on to www.trane.com

For more information about Chapman log on to www.chapmanair.com

Chapman Air Revolutionizing A/C service in Plano

Since 1981 Chapman Air & Heat has been on the Forefront of Air Conditioning & Heating service, repair and installations in Plano. With New technologies, and new training methods, Chapman has remained unparalleled in Service, professionalism and customer satisfaction.

in reference to:

"Chapman Air & Heat‎ - more info »1345 Jupiter Rd, Plano, TX‎ - (972) 618-7991‎4 reviews - Write a review - 1 coupon"We would like to thank Chapman Air & Heat for pushing through our installation. They really helped us and provided awesome customer service. ...""
- air conditioning plano - Google Maps (view on Google Sidewiki)

CertoPro Painters...5 STAR SERVICE

When was the last time you truly had 5 Star Service, and shouldn't you always receive 5 Star Service? We think you should and that is why we highly recommend Jerry and Deb Baker with CertaPro Painters of Plano. The Bakers understand what it takes to be the best, and they offer quality service and value at prices you can afford.

As Deb stated, "We offer free estimates for any interior or exterior residential, and small commercial jobs servicing the Plano zip codes. Our detailed estimates cover all aspects of the project so there are no surprises or hidden charges for our customers (much like Chapman!). Jerry brings his laptop to every estimate. The program and estimating process is pretty scientific, so the estimates are always consistent and fair. Proposals are delivered on the spot!


The CertaPro reputation is based on Certainty – your certainty of a job well done. We take pride in all our painting projects, and ensure you get a professional experience and a quality paint job. We strive for 5 out of 5 on our customer service ratings, and we do what it takes to earn it! A big part of our value proposition includes working with our customers to determine their 'living' needs. Our painters are respectful of the property and also the family routine, so if there is a better time to paint other than 8 - 5, we will do our best to accommodate. We're not the cheapest outfit out there, but we’re not the highest-priced either. We differentiate on quality, value, and service. We get great prices at Sherwin Williams because CertaPro is their biggest buyer nationwide!"


Something that is very impressive is the fact Jerry and Deb work around hectic schedules. As homeowners, they know what’s important when it comes to quality contracting. What a bonus!

For all your painting projects, call Jerry and Deb Baker/CertaPro Painters of Plano at 972.841.0245 or email jbaker@certapro.com

WHEN QUALITY IS A MUST...CALL THE BEST...FORGET THE REST

Having known Brent Taylor for almost 15 years, I can tell you first hand of what an excellent job he does cleaning carpets and floors. He has worked magic on our carpets when we just knew they were beyond cleaning. Brent had the carpet looking better than new.

Trust is vital when having people work in your home and we trust Brent and most importantly, our little Westie, Norman trusts him. He is honest, hard-working, dedicated and very affordable for the quality of work he does.  His customer's satisfaction is top priority.

So, when quality is a must, call QUALITY A MUST FLOOR RESTORATION.  Brent can be reached at 469.766.8150 or email btaylor194@verizon.net

SPARKLING POOLS

SPARKLING POOLS...KEEP YOURS THE ENVY OF YOUR NEIGHBORS!

Chapman Air and Heat is often asked by our customers if we know a good plumber, electrician, carpet cleaner, pool cleaner, pet sitter and the list goes on. When we get the opportunity to refer someone, you can rest assuredly we will only recommend the best.

The folks at Mirror Image Pool & Spa have been keeping pools pristine for many years. Having known the Owners for years, Chapman can attest to their honest reputation and quality of work. The excellent service they provide fits well within any budget.

Visit their website http://www.mirrorimagepools.com/ or call Amanda at 214.718.8123.

Profit or Non-Profit

Is Business for Profit Immoral??
Some folks from the left believe that capitalism and for profit businesses are immoral in nature. With the President encouraging public service, many of our college professors are voting for the leftist candidates and many of our youth are seeking not for profit jobs. At first glance, working for the government or non profits seems like a noble cause but could there be a more cynical political agenda at work here? Are community organizations the missionaries for the new Church of Government?

Executive Pay at Non-Profits in Question (UPI.com) Sept. 1, 09
A nonprofit organization (NPO) is an organization that does not distribute its’ surplus funds to owners or shareholders, but instead uses them to help pursue its’ meaningful goals. The amount of money a lot of these NPO executives are paid is in conflict with what most of us believe an NPO should stand for. For example: Sol Pelavin, Chief Executive Officer of AIR was paid $1.1 million and Stephen Moseley, President of AED, said his salary was $879,530. Both of these NPOs received taxpayer’s money from USAID… which is the United States Federal Government organization responsible for most non-military foreign aid with a budget of $39.5 billion dollars.

I would like to suggest that neither businesses nor profits are immoral. It is people and people without accountability which are more likely to become corrupt. With the non-profits becoming the fastest growing lobbyist in Washington receiving your donations through taxation, would you have chosen these charitable organizations? Is it moral that these non-profits and public service jobs be 8-20 times greater than the median annual household income of $50,233?

What’s your take on all this?