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Dili (Timor Leste) August 31, 2019 (SPS) - President of Timor Leste, Dr. Francisco Guterres, has reiterated the firm support to the Sahrawi people and their right to self-determination in speech on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the referendum of the self-determination of the Timorese people, delivered on Thursday at the reception in honor of the participating foreign delegations and diplomatic corps.
Yokohama (Japan) 31 August 2019 (SPS)- The President of the Saharawi Republic, Mr. Brahim Ghali, regretted Japan's complicity with Morocco in the illegal exploitation of Saharawi fishing resources, in a statement during a reception he granted on Saturday to members of Sahara-Japan Journalist Association (SJJA) in Yokohama, Japan.
Sidney (Australia) 31 August 2019 (SPS)- Australia Western Sahara Association (AWSA) announced the prominent organization of a visit and speaking tour to various Australian cities for a young Saharawi activist, Ms. Tecber Ahmed Saleh, which will take place from the 2nd to the 27th September 2019.
Yokohama (Japan), August 31, 2019 (SPS) - President of Republic, Secretary-General of the Frente POLISARIO, Brahim Ghali, said Friday in Yokohama, Japan, that his country's participation at the 7th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) is an "important asset in the process of incarnation of the Saharawi State status at the international level."
Brazil, August 29, 2019 (SPS) - In a meeting with the representative of the Frente POLISARIO in Brazil, Emboirik Ahmed, the Brazilian Center for Health Studies of the Federal District, stands in solidarity with the Saharawi cause and acquires the commitment to cooperate with Saharawi health in refugee camps and in actions to spread the real situation of the health sector in external fields.
Yokohama (Japan) 29 August 2019 (SPS)- The President of the Saharawi Republic, Brahim Ghali, participated on Wednesday and Thursday to the 7th TICAD Summit, organized in Yokohama, Japan.
The Summit was co-shared by the current Chairperson of the African Union, Egyptian President, Abdelfattah Sissi, and the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzō Abe, under the theme: "Advancing Africa's Development through People, Technology and Innovation".
Yokohama (Japan), August 27, 2019 (SPS) - The President of the Republic, Mr. Brahim Gali, arrived in Yokohama on Tuesday to participate in the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Union-Japan Partnership Summit, known as the Tokyo International Conference for African Development, which will be held in Yokohama from August 28 to 30, 2019, Under "Promoting the development of Africa through human resources, technology and innovation".
Salt Lake City (USA), August 27, 2019 (SPS) - The European delegate of General Workers Union of Saguia El-Hamra and Rio de Oro, UGTSARIO, Mahmoud Farragi Bouzid took part at the 68th edition of the Civil Society Conference of the UN, held from August 26 to 28 in Salt Lake City.
Yokohama (Japan) 27 August 2019 (SPS)- The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Salem Uld Salek, represented the Sahrawi Republic in the Ministerial Meeting of the 7th African Union-Japan Partnership Summit (TICAD), on Tuesday in Yokohama, Japan, accompanied by the Sahrawi Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Mr. Lamine Baali.
Yokohama (Japan) 26 August 2019 (SPS)- The seventh African Union-Japan Partnership Summit (TICAD) kicked off today in Yokohama, Japan, at the level of Senior Officials, to be followed tomorrow by a meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers, before the holding of the Summit that will be attended by the President of the Sahrawi Republic, Brahim Ghali.
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Copyright 2019. Sahara Press Service


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One True Love Boutique Gets a Fresh New Website!
After a bad experience with their old website they got a fresh new re-design. Nice working with you Tralove! Hope you enjoy the site.
I'm an internet marketer and web-developer. I create beautiful search-engine optimized sites that can help you promote your business, non-profit, or community organization. For more information please contact me for a free consultation.

subset: commoncrawl


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Parter International, Inc.
About Us
Our Services
Why Parter
Alan Parter
Elaine Mancini
Mark White
Robert Manasse
Michael Rubinger
Richard Kilner
Tadashi Hattori
Ann Willets
Mitch Arnowitz
Edyta Juda
Strategic Alliances
Where We Work
Our Expertise
Case Studies
Economic Development
Tourism Strategic Planning
Trade Promotion
Kawasaki Delegation
Investment Attraction
Marketing and Communications
US Market Entry
US Start-Up Package
Legal Services
Philanthropic Program
Houston Strategic Tourism Development Plan
The Strategic Tourism Plan is a result of an assignment from the Houston First Corporation (HFC), in light of a strategic alignment with the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. Parter International's task was to analyze the current tourism environment by assessing and evaluating leisure tourism activities, resources, and potential for Houston and its surrounding region. The 29-county region includes such cities as Houston, Beaumont, College Station, Huntsville, Victoria, and Galveston.
Houston is one of the fastest growing cities in America, with a vibrant local economy. The Houston area is "hot" when it comes to job and business growth. The combination of low real estate costs, high purchasing power, low corporate taxes, and a relaxed regulatory environment makes Houston an ideal place to work or to start a business.
Houstonians are rightfully proud of the growth, health, and success of the region. The area weathered the national economic downturn well and does not have to play "catch-up" with its infrastructure and services as many other cities must. An inspiring civic pride and "can- do" attitude is reflected in nearly all of the interviews conducted by the Parter International team.
However, despite a wide array of things to do, Houston and the region underperform as a leisure tourist destination in comparison to cities/regions of similar size and importance and Houston is not recognized as a premier vacation destination.
Product Attractions and Infrastructure - What improvements, enhancements and additions need to be made with respect to the region's attractions and tourism infrastructure to make it a competitive and successful leisure tourism destination?
Marketing - What strategies need to be identified and what activities need to be undertaken to enhance the region's marketing efforts in order to attract significantly more leisure tourists?
Organization - What organizational structure can most effectively and efficiently accomplish the objective of making the region a competitive leisure destination?
Ensure that tourism is a major contributor to the area's economic growth and prosperity
Enhance the area's quality of life
Improve Houston's overall image regionally, nationally, and internationally
Making leisure tourism more of a priority, expanding the promotion of leisure tourism, continuing to enhance the area's attractions and tourism infrastructure, and increasing the quality of visitor experience can provide an extraordinary opportunity for increased tax revenues, further diversification of the local economy, and improved media coverage and word of mouth references regarding Houston and the region as a vacation destination.


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Thursday, 12 April 2012
Syrian Rebels 'Using Turkish Refugee Camps as Base'
RT correspondent Sara Firth interviewed an anonymous source on the Syrian-Turkish border following the incident, who said that members of the Free Syrian Army were operating in the border region.
"They [Syrian rebels] cross the border, then they walk back again. Maybe the Turkish army finds some and takes them back to the camp, others just come by themselves. A lot of these people work with the Free Syrian Army," he said.
He added that the Turkish government turns a blind eye to their movements and "lets them go back to fight."
RT also spoke to a member of the Free Syrian Army operating in the area, who told her the opposition wanted to pressure the Turkish government into providing "arms and equipment from NATO."
According to media reports, Syrian regime troops who were pursuing insurgents after they attacked a military checkpoint opened fire across the border, killing one and injuring several people.
Turkey has been highly critical of the Assad regime, and has previously been accused of harboring and training Syrian rebels in the south of the country close to the border region.
Former FBI translator Sibel Edmonds wrote in December that US and NATO troops had been training insurgents in Hakkari, southern Turkey.
The world is NOT a simple place. Life is pretty straightforward, but when it comes to geopolitics we find hidden hands pushing various agendas in many situations.
Our problem, as observers, is that the western mainstream media does not like to point out these complexities since it implicates their own governments in schemes that lead to war and unnecessary suffering. They did a shameful job in their support of the Iraq WMD lies, and we are again seeing more of the same (in terms of biased, or uncritical, reporting).
As has been commonly the case, the paid TV presenters, the mainstream press writers and their corporate bosses don't want to rock the military-industrial boat that feeds them. Many are probably ignorant of what is happening, while others who are more critical get told to shut up or are fired - like what happened to mainstram TV host Phil Donahue before the 2003 Iraq War.
[Posted at the SpookyWeather blog, April 12th, 2012.]
2 comments:
- steven andresen said...
Do you know what the relationship between Turkey and Iran is like? I take it Turkey is willing to support wars against its muslim neighbors. Is this something that's peculiar to the Turkish government, or do the Turkish people want wars with Iran?
- 13 April 2012 at 18:21
- SpookyOne said...
In general I expect that the Turkish people don't want to have a war in Iran (or against other Muslim countries) but internal problems stop people from speaking out.
Turkey is a mostly secular state however in recent years there was a concern that the more fundamentalist Muslims were gaining too much power. I think there were rallies to show solidarity with the secular cause to ensure the continuity of their modern state.
In my view, the people don't want to rebel against the secular state (and powerful army) because they fear a slide into the hands of the fundamentalists. This situation is a balancing act tho. Too much overt corruption and there will be some reaction.
In terms of the Turkish Government and military.... they have strong ties to the West (being part of NATO), and there is a level of corruption too. And we know from many sources that Turkish intelligence is intimately involved with the West and the Israelis. It's a tangled web if you pay attention to some of the comments made by Sibel Edmonds.
When it comes to an actual war with Iran I think their Government will express a level of protest but will ultimately do nothing.
Spook !
- 14 April 2012 at 01:16


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Pinwheels For Kids
Did you know a report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds? (source)
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities who work together to prevent child abuse and neglect. Volunteers of America of Illinois is dedicated to providing the children we serve with a safe, nurturing, and happy home.
This year we are creating a garden of HOPE, full of pinwheels to raise awareness and support for the children we serve every day. Pinwheels are the national symbol that represent hope for every child to grow up in a home free of abuse and neglect.
Will you join us by purchasing a pinwheel to raise awareness and funds for the children we serve in our child welfare services program? Pinwheels can be purchased here and all funds raised will go directly to helping provide better lives for the children we serve.
How Can I Help?
- Purchase a pinwheel for our garden
- Begin the process of becoming a foster parent
- Wear blue of April 5th to show support of children and to spread the word about ending abuse
- Spread the word about child abuse prevention and attend an event in your local community
- Interested in opening your heart and home to a child in foster care who desperately needs stability? Please call
- Phone: 312-564-2400
- Fax: 312-564-2301
- email@example.com


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Not As Hot-Lanta
Local newsrooms were put to the test when a snowstorm blanketed Atlanta on March 1. Schools closed the next day as the city got around four inches, with significantly more in surrounding areas. WXIA received more than 3,000 storm photos from viewers. WSBTV.com tallied 4.2 million page views that day (a Sunday, no less), and posted a whopping 12 household rating/23 share at 11 p.m.
"Snow like that happens probably once every three years," says WSB VP/General Manager Bill Hoffman. "Snow events equal big ratings."
Cox's ABC affiliate is the abominable snowman of the market's ratings. With its wide geographic reach and high story count, WSB won morning and evening news in February, and its 7 rating/14 share at 11 easily topped the competition. But Fox O&O WAGA, on the air 60 years, is a strong No. 2, and the race is heating up between Gannett's NBC outlet WXIA and Meredith's CBS affiliate WGCL. Other players include Gannett's MyNetworkTV affiliate WATL, CBS-owned CW station WUPA, Time Warner "superstation" WPCH and Univision's WUVG.
Atlanta stations enjoy well-established owners. "The market is very good," says WAGA VP/General Manager Gene McHugh, "and competition is very strong."
Atlanta, which surpassed Washington in the fall of 2007 for the No. 8 Nielsen DMA spot, is feeling the economic hangover that's typical of many growth markets. Managers estimate business in the market, home to Home Depot and Delta, to be down in the double digits. Yet there are bright spots. McHugh says some auto dealers, seeing that the factories aren't spending on marketing, are coughing up their own dough to reach out to a market with infamously long commutes. "People like their cars here," he says.
Stations are extending their reach. WUPA has The Frank & Wanda Show, starring a pair of popular CBS radio personalities. VP/General Manager Steve Soldinger says the 11 p.m. show has changed WUPA's profile. "The station really looks alive now that we're doing more local programming," he says.
WGCL VP/General Manager Andy Alford credits his station's emergence to new heads of news and creative services, and launching local HD in January. Meredith will make WGCL the base for its entire group's business operations, and its Eastern stations' master control. "That's the big thing we're working toward now," Alford says.
As with many Gannett stations, WXIA is bullish on backpack journalism. "We're always looking for ways for our journalists to have more skills," says President/General Manager Bob Walker.
Managers hope Atlanta's considerable attributes, such as a vibrant arts scene and world-class airport, help it rebound. "Atlanta remains one of those places that people want to live in," WSB's Hoffman says, "and businesses want to migrate to."
E-mail comments email@example.com


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Home :: Ecopartytime Blog :: Blog ::
Confused on the proper way to incorporate chevron, into your eco-chic wedding? Let our Green Event Expert show you her tips and tricks of making today's hottest pattern part of your sustainable wedding.
Over the past few years as Ecopartytime's resident Green Event Expert, I have been amazed at how on-trend Ecopartytime keeps their green party inventory. From mustache bash to rustic-chic, Ecopartytime's inventory has you covered when it comes to earth-friendly and trendy party supplies, favors, and other green gifts.
As a green wedding planner, one of my most requested themes in 2014 has been the chevron. This hot little pattern has taken the wedding and event world by storm! The chevron is definitely the new damask. Depending on what other design elements you pair it with, it can be preppy, vintage or whimsical. The chevron can play either the supporting role as a unique neutral or be the "Darling Diva" of your design. Ecopartytime offers many chevron patterned options for your earth-friendly wedding, shower, or engagement party including an eco-chic plantable invitation suite which includes the invite, rsvp card, placecard, and favor tags. This delightful set comes in multiple colors including pink, yellow, blue, green, & purple. And after your guests come and celebrate, they can go home and plant their invites and other paper products and grow flowers!
Do you have your main color & theme set? Are you just looking for a design style to compliment it? Instead of using a solid black, blue or gray as a neutral, consider using chevron to balance to balance and highlight your main design. Use black or navy blue chevron for dramatic and bold themes, gray for soft and sweet ones. One of my favorite chevron-enhanced themes is nautical icons like gold or silver vintage compasses & anchors matched with navy blue chevron. Another favorite theme of mine is a fresh cut lavender theme enhanced with gray chevron touches.
On the other hand, if you want your chevron to be the star of your design, pick one or two of your favorite chevron colors and use those patterned colors in big ways, like table linens, backdrops, cake designs, invitations, candy buffets etc.
Your bold use of the chevron will really make your wedding details "POP!" in the eyes of your guests. Green and yellow chevrons can make a fabulous citrus inspired wedding theme. Or you could invoke an "oooh la la" French theme with pink and black chevrons.
Let's face it, no one wants to hear "yes, I went to a wedding this weekend and I think the theme was nautical chevron…but there was also some zebra stripes and dots too, so I don't know….?". Like any strong pattern, chevron makes the most impact when it is the only pattern present. Mixing it with another strong pattern like damask, zebra, houndstooth, or paisley will dilute the impact of both patterns and will obscure your wedding's theme from your guests. So take a tip from me and stick with one design. Pattern confusion isn't pretty! LOL
So that's my tips and tricks for making the perfect chevron wedding. The amazing news is you can purchase all of your eco-chic chevron party supplies directly from the Ecopartytime website. You can buy eco-friendly chevron goodie bags, cupcake wrappers, & bamboo utensils to match your plantable wedding invitations and finish off your fabulous design by adding our striped straws & striped cotton string.
However you decide to use your chevron, I know your wedding will be eco-fabulous! Make sure to send us pictures of your beautiful day! Until next time, my party people, I wish you "Love, Laughter & Happily Ever After. . ."
Image Credits: Emerald Events & Weddings, La Dolce Dough, Gabrial Ryan, Wendy Wilson
Melissa Wagner-Gens is Ecopartytime's Green Resident Expert. She is also a Green Event Educator, certified event planner & owner of Emerald Events and Weddings.


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Bamboo Bath & Sauna Mat
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Turn your bath or shower area into a five star spa with this simply exquisite Bamboo Bath & Sauna Mat. Made from premium Moso bamboo which is sustainably harvested in the Anji Mountains of China. Water-resistant surface and non-skid soft plastic feet make this an ideal product for usage in bath, spa, sauna or hot tub areas.
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- Slight color variations may occur due to the unique, natural qualities of the bamboo
- Clean surface with a damp, clean cloth
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Bamboo is remarkable in its renewability—many species can be harvested in as little as four years. By contrast, hardwoods like oak take at least 40 years to mature before they can be harvested. When bamboo is harvested, a new shoot will grow from its extensive root system with no need for additional planting or cultivation. The species of bamboo used in our products (Moso) is sustainably harvested in its native habitat in the Anji Mountains of China. Bamboo is also extremely durable—its fibers are far stronger than wood fibers and much less likely to warp from changing atmospheric conditions.


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Land‐Use Regulation and the Credit Crisis
"I am sick of everyone blaming the breakdown in the credit and housing markets on subprime loans," says D.C.-area homebuilder Michael Hill in the Washington Post. Subprime mortgages were only a symptom of the real problem, which is unaffordable housing.
But what made American housing unaffordable? Hill is silent on that question, but University of Washington economist Theo Eicher knows the answer: land‐use regulation. As reported in the Seattle Times, Eicher has just completed a study showing that land‐use planning is adding hundreds of thousands of dollars to the cost of homes in many states.
Eicher's research confirms my recent Cato policy analysis, The Planning Tax, which shows that growth‐management planning has made housing unaffordable in a dozen or so states, particularly Hawaii, California, Florida, Maryland, Oregon, Washington, and most of the New England states. Meanwhile, housing remains pretty affordable in most other states, including the fast‐growing states of Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas, because land‐use planners have not yet seized power in those states.
In many cities, Eicher's estimates of the cost of planning are very close to mine. For example, he estimates planning added $200,000 to the cost of a home in Seattle; my estimate was $180,000. For a detailed discussion of the differences between our two studies, see my blog, The Antiplanner.
Research by Harvard economist Edward Glaeser has shown that land‐use regulation not only drives up housing prices, it makes them more volatile too — more prone to crashes. It was just such a bubble and subsequent crash in property markets that has laid the Japanese economy low for more than a decade.
Sadly, planning advocates are trying to convince legislatures and city councils in most states that don't have growth‐management planning to pass such legislation and write such plans. Those plans not only deny the American dream of homeownership to low‐ and moderate‐income families, they put the U.S. economy increasingly at risk of a Japanese‐style crash.


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Justin Rhodes
Justin surrendered to ministry in September 1995. Since then he has served in various ministry roles with the past 8 years being in a pastoral role. Justin is a native of South Mississippi where he attended Southeastern Baptist College. He married Christie in August 2000. They have 2 daughters, Mckenzie & Mylie, and 1 son, Maddox. In his spare time, Justin enjoys golf, fishing, and video games. Justin and his family are beginning the process of church planting in Clinton, MS.


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The construction trade is one of the oldest and most well respected trades around and there is no end to the amount of services that a good construction firm can provide. And starting up a firm normally comes after many hard years on the job, learning your trade and developing your own list of independent clients whom will most likely fuel you're early business and help you to flourish. However, setting up a firm is never an easy task and effort is often the deciding make or break factor for smaller business owners in this trade as to whether they are ever successful in building up a strong company with a good reputation for excellent work.
However, there is more to this monumental task than merely putting your name on the yellow pages and getting a few ads set up, it takes careful consideration, time money and of course the right kinds of contacts and a decent flow of clients initially are all things that will benefit you in the long run, but normally your average tradie during his career will have picked up a fair few tips on exactly how to do this, but if you really are unsure of how to turn your skill at the job into an independent company, take a look at a few of our suggestions.
Good Labour
A lack of labour in the initial phases of a job can severely impact not only this particular jobs progressions and turnaround time but can also have a major impact on your ability to take on and executer new work to keep your company growing. So it's important that you have people on hand for any kind of eventuality. However unfortunately not all labourers were created equally, some labourers will be proactive and useful, able to quickly spot and carry out the work that needs doing and has the basis of knowledge to build on their skills, at least enough that they can get started with the more menial tasks while you plan and execute the more important or technically difficult work.
However, we all know what's being spoken about when I say that some laborers just don't want to put in the elbow grease needed to get the job done. Really this argument could be made for any industry or company but in the construction game, it becomes very apparent, very quickly who is pulling their weight and getting things done efficiently and who is a bit of a dead weight. Normally this is reserved for newer laborers to the trade and in some instances should be cut some slack, however if it looks like they aren't even trying to improve after the second week it's definitely time to find somebody new.
Gadgets and software
There are things that you will obviously need in your arsenal to get the larger or more difficult jobs done in an organized and efficient manner with every consideration given to the intricacies and small details of the job at hand and to give and get in return a comprehensive overview of the work that needs doing and what you will need to do it. Sometimes it pays to have a this equipment rented (normally larger earthmoving vehicles or things you won't have a need for outside of this particular job, like pressure jacks or elevation platforms) and for some of these things like scaffolding you will even need to hire the services of another contractor to help you out, which is often not the course of action most tradies want to take in any circumstances.
However some of the things that you will need, like the software for builders, that is specifically designed to help you in a wide variety of different ways from quickly evaluating the work required and what you will need to complete the job in terms of materials and tools, or things like cement mixers and electric meters to test the voltage running through a particular point and whether it's safe to drill or otherwise work are better to have on hand at all times rather than hiring or using somebody else's for the day. Often times you will find that with these things, due to their nature that they can be expensive, however, the initial investment pays off in efficiency and safety a lot of the time, giving you that extra peace of mind that the job will get done on time and that your workers are protected.


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Today I'm happy to be featuring Bittersweet Magic by Nina Croft! This followup to Bittersweet Blood is sure to please, but don't worry, it can easily be read as stand alone. Nina Croft's stories are Out of This World, so you won't want to miss this one!
Piers, the Head of the Order and an ancient vampire, is intrigued by the woman who comes to him for help. She's beautiful and seemingly kind, but she's hiding something. And he'll find out who she is and what she really wants once he uses his power to get inside her head. But Piers has no idea that Roz is immune to his mind-control...or that he is simply a pawn in her dangerous mission for freedom.
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Nina's writing mixes romance with elements of paranormal and science fiction.
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The ground breaking ceremony of the Assumpta Science Centre Ofekata Owerri (ASCO) has been performed. It commenced with an opening prayer conducted by the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, His Grace Most Rev. Anthony J.V. Obinna.
Commissioning the project, the Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu thanked the church for delving into Science and Technology.
He said that from all indications the science centre will help advance technology in the country. The Minister commended Rev. Fr. Dr. Tobechi Anyadike for attracting such an institution to Nigeria and Africa.
It would be recalled that the Assumpta Science Centre Ofekata-Owerri, is an initiative of the International University and Youth cooperation with Africa for the purpose of carrying out informed Science learning activities. Its main branch is located at Ofekata near Owerri Imo State with branches in other regions and countries. It is designed for sustainable development. The people of the area have been happy for the collaboration of the Nigerian government in the initiative ever since the papal nuncieture brought it to their attention.
The immediate past government, led by former President Goodluck Jonathan, approved the collaboration while the present administration has made the project a practical reality.
It would be recalled that it was in April 2016 that the Hon minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu visited and met with the Holy Father, Pope Francis at the Vatican and officials of the pontifical council on culture led by their president, Cardinal Ravas, struck the bulls eye of modalities for implementing the memorandum of understanding between the Nigerian government and the Holy See. It is meant for collaboration in realizing the ASCO initiative for Africa for promoting scientific culture and sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
According to Rev. Fr. Dr. Tobechi Anyadike, President of ASCO, this singular meeting rekindled enthusiasm and confidence in the Vatican officials in their commitment towards realizing the noble initiative.
According to him, that days event at Ofekata Orodo brings recognition to Africa and Nigerian governments and people as not wasting opportunities given to them but have shown capacity to provide local input to realize and maximize them. It would also be recalled that it was Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who launched the ASCO initiative in the first year of his pontificate to tackle lack in the development of science and technological culture as the base of African development. His successor, Pope Francis continued from where his predecessor stopped.
ASCO core activities in Africa include: talent hunt, using mobile vans in rural and remote areas of Nigeria to get students undertake careers in science, technology. To recreate the next Einstein, interactive hands and minds on exposure to functional experiences of science in real life for the public especially young people.
ASCO is a non-governmental, non-profit Association of universities which teaches students, youth and other volunteers from different parts of the world.
Members of the clergy of the Owerri Archdiocese and beyond were there in their numbers, as well as many other dignitaries who graced the occasion. They included, Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, representatives of government Transaction Committee Chairman, and Eze Imo, as well as Eze Ofekata I of Ofekata town union president.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Tobechi Anyadike thanked all who graced the occasion and received a handshake from Archbishop Obinna for facilitating the citing of the ASCO in Ofekata under the Archdiocese.
Progetto ASSUMPTA SCIENCE CENTER OWERRI.
Organizzazione: Associazione Assumpta Science Center Owerri (ASCO)
Banca: BANCA Prossima S.p.A.
Intestato a: ASSUMPTA SCIENCE CENTER OWERRI
Coord. bancarie per l'operatività italiana:
Coord. bancarie per l'operatività estera:
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where no stage has gone before!
Our revolutionary new All Terrain Staging can do just about anything and just about anywhere! All Terrain Staging by Intellistage™ goes where no stage has gone before! Use it outdoors, at the beach, on a sloped hill or just about anywhere you can imagine!
• Each stage is height adjustable from 24, 32, 40 and 48" heights.
• Supports up to 153 lbs per sq. foot (750 KGS/sq. Meter)
• Available in both weather resistant and waterproof finishes.
• Features All Terrain design that can easily be set-up on uneven ground (each stage leg adjusts independently).
• Lightweight, durable and rugged aluminum construction.
• Fast and easy assembly and disassembly.
• Modular design (stage platforms come in 4'x4' sections) allows stage to be expanded or configured as needed.
• Compact storage.
• Stairs, guardrails and skirting are available.
• Can be configured in various heights and configurations to form chair risers and choral risers.
copyright ©2020 intellistage.com all rights reserved


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What Should be Done With The Opera Centre?
For readers outside this town, let me explain what the Opera Centre is.
It's a city block in Limerick which was bought by a developer who wanted to build some shops. He came up with the name because a famous opera singer called Catherine Hayes was born in one of the houses. The deal fell through, and the thing was never constructed, with the result that the site fell into dereliction and became an appalling eyesore.
Before going any further with this, let me just point something out . I detest the title Opera Centre to describe what was going to be a shopping mall. I think it's crass, and in every way representative of the sort of people who drove our disastrous property boom. Shallow, under-educated and insensitive.
The cream of the country, in other words: rich and thick.
The fact that a famous opera singer happened to be born in one of the houses on the site is not a sufficient reason to call a supermarket the Opera Centre. If Edmund Hillary had been born there, would they call it the Mountaineering Centre? Of course not. If George Best was born there, would they call it the Football Centre? Don't be ridiculous.
But the fact that Catherine Hayes was born in the street was enough to persuade these ignoramuses to call it the Opera Centre. In their limited, money-driven world, the name lent the whole thing a bit of class, even though they probably wouldn't know what an opera is if you beat them over the head with a Valkyrie.
Because the title passed into popular use, I have to use it as shorthand for the moment but with any luck, it will soon disappear into oblivion.
With that out of the way, let's move on to the real story. Limerick City Council recently purchased the site and is now trying to come up with a plan for what to do with it. This is something that needs to be done in consultation with the citizens of Limerick, and not just a few officials or, even worse, the city councillors, one or two of whom can barely write their names, even when sober.
No. This needs to happen in the light of day, and not when some red-faced councillor is shouting down the legitimate concerns of those who elected him. This is our democracy, not your democracy, as one of them famously bellowed. Sadly, with a few exceptions, we are not represented by men and women of prodigious intellect. Worse — in some cases, we are represented by people who are barely able to read and write. That's democracy in Ireland, both local and national.
Transition Limerick is a group of people who have come together to find ways of helping our community to grow more resilient to the challenges we face now and in the future. They're holding a public meeting on Monday 19th December at 8pm at the Raggletaggle Consortium (on the corner of Sarsfield and Henry Street) and they want your views. If you live in Limerick and you think you have something to contribute, why not call in ? Make your views known. Be part of the city's rejuvenation.
Too many decisions in Ireland are made in back rooms with political conniving. This time, a light will be shone on the decisions that affect all of us. Go along and be part of that process. Some of these councillors could barely manage to scratch an X on a rock with a sharpened stone. Don't leave it in their hands. Many of them haven't yet evolved opposable thumbs.
This initiative isn't aimed at anyone gaining a political advantage or a slippery wad of cash. This initiative has nothing to do with clientelism and ward-heeling. No indeed. This initiative is about improving our city by legitimate means, based on the views of our people.
In that sense it's utterly revolutionary. Instead of asking some semi-literate councillor what he thinks, the movement aims to express the views of citizens up front. Here's what we think. Never mind what that fool of a councillor says. That's truly subversive. Imagine citizens having a say in their own affairs!
The site is a great opportunity to give Limerick a new heart and that needs to be done with imagination — not something our councillors are noted for. Our mayor, you might not be aware, recently attended a public function in Spain to honour writer Kate O Brien, whose house is now utterly derelict in Limerick. We need vision, and we won't find it among these people, as one glance at their CVs will tell you. We have to look to ourselves. We need spaces that enhance our lives, not dreary municipal plazas and soulless shopping malls.
Make yourself heard.
52 Responses to "What Should be Done With The Opera Centre?"
I wish I lived in Limerick! This was a most impassioned and thoughtful call to action, Bock! Too often people feel that what they say won't make a difference, but forget that their voice will become part of the public record and must be heard to make a difference. Even with the so called "Sunshine Laws" (meetings must be held with notice to the population, records/minutes must be made available, etc.) here in my little town, the Attorney General of the State had to come here and berate the Mayor and Council for their repeated failures to follow the law! All we can do is, as you said, make yourself heard! We have to hold elected officials accountable or vote the bastards out!
Well, Savannah, I think we've had enough of elected idiots making decisions in smoke-filled rooms. It doesn't take many people to elect these guys, and although they have almost no power, they do develop relationships with the officials who hold the budgets. That's human nature. Scratch my back …
I wrote this blog post about it a few weeks back. I don't have even a small fraction of the readership that you have (yet!), so if you don't mind, I am posting the link here. Feel free to delete.
In brief, I think that the Opera Centre (a title that should be dropped as soon as possible) represents a massive opportunity for Limerick, although for many that won't be immediately obvious. It's effectively an opportunity to change the direction of our city from one leading towards further dereliction and social problems to one leading towards a more positive future. It's unlikely that ever again an entire city block will come under the ownership of a single entity, and it just so happens that that entity is the State.
What is likely to happen with the development is that the city council will, in consultation with various vested interests, come up with a plan for the site (probably by April 2012). The public consultation process will then begin in the form of the part 8 planning process. Part 8 is a very flawed process and is ill-suited to this kind of development. What tends to happen is that the plan is presented, various individuals and organisations make their views known, and the plan is then tweaked and amended. The elected councillors (and we have a sorry bunch in this town) get the final say.
In my opinion, what must happen is that the consultation process begins before the plan is drawn up (radical, I know!). And it should be a proper consultation process that looks at the true potential of the site (not just it's potential as a retail facility) and is wide-ranging and inclusive of all of the stakeholders (citizens, , not just the vested interests. There are plenty of templates for this kind of consultation process and if utilised can lead to a very positive outcome. If we leave it to the few senior city council officials and various well-connected vested interests we will may end up with an Arthur's Quay Mark 2.
I completely agree.
Mutant Zebra
I'll be there on the 19th. Great initiative!
there's a few typos in my post above, but for some reason the edit facility is not working.
That's because I run this site for no payment and I haven't the time to fix everything. If people would like to contribute a small fee every week, these problems will go away. Otherwise, what can I say? I do my best.
I drive past both Kate O'Brien's house and the Opera Centre every time I come in to the city and feel sad at the sight of both. In 2007 I worked for a brief few weeks with a commercial property consultant in the city and was privy to some of the proposed plans for the city centre, including the pedestrianisation of O'Connell St up to Mallow St and the redevelopment of Arthur's Quay. They looked fantastic, and at the time seemed as if they would go full steam ahead. It's such a shame to see that our beautiful city never developed to its full potential. I know I'm biased being a Limerickonian, but I truly believe it is the most beautiful and interesting of all our cities.
Thanks for the info on the Mon 19th meeting. I am definitely going to try and make this. I totally agree the people of Limerick should have a say in what happens next. I was horrified to hear a rumour back in 2007 (which I can't believe to be true ) that certain property consultants/developers were recommending that many of the Georgian buildings in the city centre be replaced by purpose built office accommodation, their argument being that Limerick is the only Irish city where commercial rents are higher in the periphery that in the city centre. Major retailers, banks etc. are apparently slow to locate in Limerick because of the lack of modern retail/office space. At the time, I could only assume that what was recommended was an internal modernization of those buildings and not that they would be demolished! But it's hard to know what to believe these days. I was living abroad in the interim years but I understand the Opera Centre was the proposed solution to that (?) I would be interested to know what the plans for the centre look like. Was it purely retail or what else was planned for the centre?
I also heard that there were plans to commission a landmark building where the old Dunnes Stores at Arthur's Quay is, the idea being that it would dramatically improve the city skyline looking up the river. I supposed that is on hold as well.
I would personally love to see the Medieval Quarter developed into an artist's quarter. It's a beautiful part of the city and it's pretty dead.
Your efforts are much appreciated, Bock.
A few points on the subject at hand. It is not the councillors who ever really come up with plans or visions for the city. These are, more often than not, the notions of a few fairly anonymous and ill-qualified senior city council officials. They wield the real power in Limerick, and the councillors (bad and all as many of them are) are there merely to rubber-stamp what the officials and their departments, in their wisom, come up with.
Another point to note is that there is a mindset that says that because the development that fell through was to be a shopping mall, then so too must the new development. Indeed, the thinking of most people (and certainly those who have most influence) is that for Limerick to thrive we must build fancy shopping malls to draw people in from the surrounding region and suburbs to spend their money. We hear and read so much about how Limerick must entice a major retail chain to set up in the city centre as if it is the panacea to the ills of the city.
This is very flawed reasoning, and very much a case of putting the cart before the horse. The economy of the city centre will only thrive if there is a city centre based population that creates a vibrant economy here. It's all well and good to encourage out of towners to come to the city centre to shop (and bypass the retail parks on the outskirts), but the average County Limerick, Clare or Tipperary resident will only come to Limerick once every few weeks to spend their money, at best. But if there were people actually living in the city centre (and before anyone pipes up, there really aren't that many, i.e. we have a very low urban population density by Irish and international standards) they would spend their money every other day.
I think what needs to be done is for a series of impotent committees to be set up and funds repeatedly denied to the site, so that it will remain derelict and gradually decay, slowly driving people out of the city centre entirely into the competing shopping centres in the county so that the city itself is slowly choked to death by the indolence and incompetence of its governing officials.
Alternatively, you could turn it into a big two story car park and pedestrianise a few streets around it, but that would be far too forward thinking altogether.
What needs to be done is to concentrate on and manipulate our beautiful Shannon River, there should be bars and cafes from Arthur's Quay to Steamboat quay. It is one of the best river fronts in Europe. As for The Opera Centre, that could remain as a Georgian front for a while until a few quid starts floating around again,fair play for JP Mc Manus for throwing a few quid at it and cleaning it up though. But for now, I can't see any potential for it.
@Ronwan agreed that the river should be the focal point of the city. It's a beautiful river front. Lots of potential for the docklands area too.
The acquisition of the Opera Centre site by Limerick City Council presents a rare opportunity to do something special to help revitalise our city centre. Lets hope that this opportunity is not wasted.
Public consultations & meetings will certainly produce ideas for what should be included within the development ranging from the progressive & insightful to the weird, wacky and ridiculous. Who then decides what should be done? City Councillors or Senior Civil Servants?
My initial thoughts on this would be as follows:
1. Limerick City Council need to publish information about the site and background as to why it has been purchased. This publication should also include an outline as to timeline / what kind of money can be put into the site or even if they are thinking of going down the road of public / private partnership for funding the proposed development.
2. An informed Public can then put forward ideas for what would be good for the city and this particular site.
3. A development brief can then be formulated based on public input and indeed input from business and development professionals ( e.g. architects / tourism & marketing / IDA / heritage / arts etc)
4. The development brief can then be issued and a public DESIGN COMPETITION started. Participants in the competition will have to produce a detailed design concept to include broad construction cost estimates together with a viable business plan to include numbers on increased visits to the city & revenue spend. The design concept will need to include required amenities and an accommodation schedule which will be outliend in the development brief.
The desgn competition entries should be made public and public consultation should be required in the decision making process.
This way, Limerick will get to see, review and assess the imaginative and varied concepts which will no doubt be put forward.
For what its worth, my own opinion is that the development should be geared towards increasing tourist, both international and national, numbers to the city, whilst at the same time, providing the amenities and accommodation which will enhance our city centre.
If this is done right, surrounding areas will all of a sudden become economically viable for improvement & investment.
All feedback welcome :-)
Why would anyone be surprised at what this council does? Didn't they sell part of the People's Park to private developers?
The Opera Centre is destined for Residential, Entertainment and Hospitality. If they want it to be any use. Why develop something limited in this corner of the City with no infrastructure to support it ? The writing is on the wall for the rest of the City as can be seen clearly around the main under developed streets.
Retail should be niche or local. The space in the Opera Centre (stupid name right enough) would be limited, resulting in evrything squashed in to maximise profit per square foot, like A bigger Arthurs Quay (which is a badly designed shithole)
Consumers are voting with their feet and going where they can access easily, park easily, and for free, and be sheltered.
The modern consumer wants outlets, near infrastructure, retailers want cheap space, and loads of it. Everybody wants to park nearby for free, and then be able to get out again without queing for the priviledge of parting with your hard earned cash.
Smaller towns around Ireland and suburbs of Dublin have better facilities then Limerick.
Take the stupidity of trying to force Marks and Spencer where they don't want to go, they say fuck you and priortise opening in Cashel before Limerick.
The councillors of Limerick wouldn't know joined up planning if it bit them on the ass.
The public have voted with their Euros wake up and smell the future, as it has unfolded everywhere else.
Just an alternative view, can't see why it was ever going to be an attractive site to develop, Coonagh and Raheen have more potential, and the roads have been finished, and they have the space for the future to do something which will work longer term.
Imagine the stupidity of doing free parking only at Xmas in the City, control the parking some other way and encourage people to come in all year and spend their money, or watch them continue to shop and park, out of town.
What is the obsession with attracting the no.1 knicker seller to Limerick? All profits will be sent back to Britain. Is the city somehow incomplete without M&S knickers? Is it St.Munchins curse or are all native retailers condemned to failure? Is there an obsession with British retailers, Boots, Debenhams, Penny's at the expense of Irish or local Fergusons, Roches, Cannocks? The only rhing wissing from our high streets is the Nat West and Midlands banks and then the identykit would be complete. We don't need another retail giant in tthe city centre, we need to rejuvenate retail in the city centre. We are all free to shop where we want but if we want a city centre worth it's name then we as Limerick people need to shop there. We as a people have ran with gusto to the out of town centres and retail parks helping to create a doughtnut effect. Then we bitch that there is nothing to buty in the city centre. In short we are hypocrits.
Rutland / Patrick St. should, in my opinion, be developed as high quality family apartments. 2/3/4 bedroom apartments where families can live in the city, not rabbit hutches owned by some barrister looking for a return. The ground floor could be used for local businesses like the butcher, baker and candlestick maker. But then again we'd probably begrudge the occupants / retailers for having a nice place to live / making money. We as a people need to use our city or see it closed, we cannot continue to ignore it. Nor can we use the usual bullshit excuses of "Nowhere to park", "Nothing in there", "Full of scobes". The much revered Crescent is like Dale Farm on most Sundays. Support your city or lose it.
I agree. The last thing we need is another supermarket, but that's as far as our councillors' imaginations extend.
It's not just another Supermarket, and the reason the stupid Councillors are trying to push them in to their doomed site as anchor tenants is they will draw people in, as well as giving Dunnes and Tesco a run for their money, at the same time. I guess what you have never had you won't miss.
Thank god for the UK retailers they come, they compete, they conquer, the local guys were over priced,crap serivce, ripping people off for years. Not all the money goes to the UK, like the local suppliers they have to pay tax and employ locals. The local suppliers were probably investing their money in Spain and offshore anyway. And as you rightly point out people have chosen them over the locals for many good reasons. If no one shopped there they would have fucked off before now.
The problem of parking, Scobes, and the fact that there is nothing left in the City can't be ignored, just by saying it should be, a solution to these problems is required, people have choice now and have made their choice.
I'm not "revering" the Crescent it suffers many of the same problems as the City, and is a hodge podge of bad planning, but it has free parking. It's going to be limited in the future, and not only by bad council policies.
Labrat I don't decry the UK rtailers, they certainly provide jobs and did indeed get the locals to pull up their socks. Much as how the German discounters have upped the ante on both domestic and overseas retailers since their appearance. I sai that the profits are repatriated, not all the money. The locals were certainly over priced as were/are the UK retailers. The Crescent SC has all the soul of a shag on Catherine St. yet the people have chosen as is their want. I see that the Chamber of Commerce are urging us to shop locally while they promote and encourage their members to use a British company for certain servives, but that's for another day.
As I said people are free to shop where they wish, but when the city centre has ceased to exist it will be too late to complain. It's up to us.
Go along to that meeting and share your opinion. We don't want the doughnut effect in Limerick. Let's resist it. Make your views known.
I'm not certain what should be done with the site. But I do strongly believe that an effective and inclusive consultation process should be engaged so that the best solution is found, and that the vast bulk of people in the city can have confidence in.
All of us will have ideas. Many will be good, many not so good and some probably ambitious in the extreme. But whatever our thoughts and ideas, no matter how good, they are likely to fall on deaf ears unless there is an effective process in which they are thrashed out, thoroughly considered and agreed. That's what the meeting next Monday (19th Dec) is all about, and hopefully it will be the first of many.
For my part, I believe that the focus of the city council should be on making Limerick's city centre an attractive place to live rather than an attractive place to shop. Maybe that would involve renovating the upper floors of the Georgian buildings on the block into quality apartments that are suitable for families to live in, or maybe it would entail levelling the site and making a park out of the space. There are countless other possibilities, and we just cannot know at this stage, without engaging a thorough consultation process, what the right way forward is.
The focus of the Council must first and foremost be on creating a city centre that people want to live in. Thriving economies and vibrant cities are created by people, not by buildings or shops.
We've done enough levelling of our 18th-century heritage. Let's find a solution that doesn't involve further vandalism.
@No 8.
I wouldn't be too harsh on the people of the city for onset of the doughnut effect and the proliferation of peripheral retail centres such as the Crescent Shopping Centre. These outlets satisfy a regional demand, not a city one. People travel from all over the Mid-West and beyond to shop in the Crescent. As long as Ireland and the Mid-West has such a dispersed population (the highest in Europe, thanks to successive government policies that often encouraged rural settlement against all good planning sense), there will be a demand for shopping centres such as the Crescent.
Brian the people of Limerick cannot be exonerated for the decline in the city centre. It is us that use the shopping centres far more frequently than anyone else. But the lack of any coherent, joined up development plan in the Mid West by the councils of Limerick City, Co. and Co.Clare is/was a disaster. The traffic from Clare through Corbally Mon – Fri is a joke. Yet all we get from Clare is Cllr Crowe harping on about the lack of adequate roads in the city, no mention of the road(s) in from Clare.
Build the apartmets in Rutland / Patrick St. I for one would love to live in the city centre with all the attractions of a city on my doorstep.
I think the doughnut effect has happened, why resist it ? You say "we don't want it", but clearly people do ? How do you get round the limitations of the Opera Centre's location ?
Is their a better solution to the way people now choose to shop ? with their cars, in the dry ? The doughnut is the future for Limerick, just like every other major City.
I thought you were lookng for other suggestions for the Opera Centre which would work, and sustain it long term, but you appear to have your agenda for what you want for the people of Limerick already mapped out.
Limerick needs an innovative solution to making good use of it's 18th century heritage, building a big white elephant in the wrong corner of the City isn't it. And nobody is addresing the scobe and parking elephants in the room. Not to mention the limitations of the 18th Century heritage for retail, or for a long term sustainable future.
Shop local is fine, but back at reality people with no money shop where the best deal is to be had. It's such a load of nonsense, who would pay more in the current climate ?
"The doughnut is the future for Limerick, just like every other major City."
I think most other major city planners/population/citizens would disagree. Look at the efforts to rejuvenate Deroit.
"Not to mention the limitations of the 18th Century heritage for retail, or for a long term sustainable future."
Paris and Rome don;t seem to have suffered from having older heritage than Limerick, no parking and their fair share of scobes. We seem inacapable / unwilling to think laterally.
I very much doubt the doughnut is the future of every city. Car ownership is set to decline significantly as fuel costs rise. I've given up my own car this year, for financial reasons, and living in the city centre is the only option for me. Thankfully, I quite like it, but city life in Limerick could be improved a lot.
Comparing Paris to Limerick ?
Limerick is no Paris I'm afraid, at least their scobes speak French and like a fresh baguette.
I will admit I haven't been following Deroit /Detroits rejuvenation issues ?
Citizens have already decided, regardless of what the planners and others wanted for them. People don't really trek from artisan butcher shop, to artisan veg man shop anymore, even if somebody thought creating small artisan shops in the 18th century buildings to make good use of them, would be profitable for the artisans or the developer.
Why don't we just give up? Do you have any positive suggestions?
You said that the doughnut was the future for Limerick and every other major city, comparing Limerick to Paris in that instance was fair.
Are French speaking scobes any better than our own?
"People don't really trek from artisan butcher shop, to artisan veg man shop anymore"
Checkout the daily markets in Paris, Bordeaux, Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon and a host of other continental cities. It may not happen here, but then we've done our best to prevent it.
No reason to give up, and we now know what won't be discussed on the 19th
I'm just acknoledging the reality of whats currently happening.
I made some positive, realistic suggestions in earlier posts, based on what has happened in other cities, where the planners have embraced the future, they don't appear to be up for discussion.
Brian, I can see where your coming from with the giving up the car thing, Limerick doesn't have the infrastructure alternative to make that practical currently for a familly. I could see families giving up one car, but in all the donut shopping centres there are currently no shortage of cars, which have to be accomodated. The city centre currently is not somewhere I would want to bring up kids. And cycling around with the 2 kids and the shopping could prove to be a bit dangerous and wet.
Maybe, LabRat. I do notice that plenty of families of eastern European and African origin choose to live in the city centre, and they are doing the economy of the city a great service. I don't see how Irish families couldn't manage it, especially if a bit of thought and investment was put into the planning of the city with this in mind.
Thank god for the UK retailers they come, they compete, they conquer, the local guys were over priced,crap serivce, ripping people off for years"
How do you know? you in business yourself?, or is it just your perception?
A friend of my daughters (one of the few who has'nt emigrated) set up in business recently, he opened a Barber shop, so he rents a premises, signs a lease (upwards only, hey this is fucking Ireland) signs up for ESB etc., and, away he goes, last week he had a visit from the Rates guy, who informs him he will have to essentially give one haircut a day for to pay the City Manager his rates, and, I had to inform him, unfortunately, because he gives his clients a cup of coffee, and occasionally people want their hair washed, that does not include water rates. yeah he will be ripping people off, like fuck.
Talking to a friend of mine tonight about English retailers, he had a business close to one of the English high street chains, they used to "borrow" his forklift, yes "borrow" not hire, and he occasionally drove it himself, not only did all their stock come in from the U.K., but also, all their consumables, including toilet paper.
They pay minimum wage with short term contracts, was out there today, and the place was mobbed.
Retail in Limerick City or any Irish city/town?, it's over, so far this week we have had 3 deliveries from my children's online shopping, 1 from the U.K., 1 from Ireland, 1 from the U.S.A., although after being caught for €28.70 V.A.T. for the U.S. one, my son won't be shopping outside the EU in a hurry again.
The 1 Irish purchase was from a kid who has set up an online shop selling his own designs of tee-shirt, fair play to him.
We are not the shoppers of tomorrow, our children are.
To those of you who feel we have to destroy our Georgian heritage to accommodate a well known English retailer, well, this time last year, thanks to Micky O'Leary's dirt cheap air fares, herself and myself were enjoying the sunshine in the beautiful island of Malta, where naturally, herself dragged me into said English store in Valetta, did they demolish their architectural heritage to accommodate them ?, no, but with a few cleverly designed glass walkways, they connected 3 existing buildings together, giving a spacious one store feel to it., but then the Maltese respect their heritage, up to including the fact that 70 years ago the Italians and Germans bombed the shit out of them, and in the main they put the place back together much as it was.
As it happens I am in business, but more importantly I am a consumer, and I have been watching trends over the past 25 years, both here and in the UK.
Upwardly only rent review leases are mostly the banks fault for lending against the future income, which will prevent the government from doing anything about them.
It's a good point though as it is another good reason why the UK/Irish retailers are pulling out of the city Centre, to relocate in units which better meet their specifications for making money. They are also the fault of the people who still sign them. There will be very little rip off going on with people setting up in business now, if they want to stay in business for any length of time.
The evil UK retailers, have never made any secret of the fact they are in business to make money, if they hadn't bothered their backside to keep expanding there would be a lot more vacant units around Limerick, would that not be worse. ?
Good point also about Internet shopping, which should not be ignored. I was in a bookshop in town yesterday, and they did not have stock of a popular title, and would not have it till January. It was still available on Amazon, cheaper and delivered on time, where are you going to go?
There are very good examples of Georgian Heritage being put back to its original use, instead of lying empty after being rejected by the specific requirements of modern office and retailing. A mix of Boutique Hotels, restaurants,entertainment and residential has been successfully incorporated in the regeneration of other cities.
The UK / Irish retailers will not bother their tail trying to shoehorn business into the Georgian Heritage, so they will not be calling for it to be destroyed they have their alternative in place and working.
Maybe the UK supplier tried to buy consumables locally and found they were more expensive, and the guy never came when he said he would, as kept happening to me.
i think the whole of limerick should be flatten. one big fucker of a bomb would do the job. instant improvement.
Thanks for that stupid non-moment.
don't mention it
I have to say that I firmly believe that the future of Limerick is making it attractive to live in. Not just shop in. I have been blowing this horn for years. My father grew up in Joseph's street – Limerick was a big town (its status as a city is pretty irrelevant and unhelpful at times) where people lived. And shopped. And went to the many theatres and cinemas that were in town.
Very little of this remains. I live in O'Connell avenue and would happily be even further in the town – but we are lacking what could make it even more attractive – a city centre mainstream cinema for example.
Yes it wont solves all the problems but its identifying one that would help.
I think whatever happens to the buildings on patrick street, it should be people focused as well as shopping focused.
I would like the area to try and get people into the city after business hours.Small art house cinema, cafes, some type of local talent development centre, etc
Long John Silver
At Leftwinger – The Royal cinema is reopening soon, for the very reasons you outlined in you message.
Good news eh?
With regards to The Opera Centre. Why not some arts and craftsmen's workshops with a front of house sales area?
You know leather goods, Furniture, ironworks etc, and a good size theatre where we could watch live music…and wait for it, maybe even an opera or two! I know people will mention the University concert hall as having filled this void. But I don't except that. We need a good size theatre in the city centre for the citizens of limerick city and county to be proud of. One of the most disgraceful things that was every perpetrated against this great city of ours, was the demolition of the beautiful Savoy concert hall.
I know I might be banging a drum a little bit, but for any of the good suggestions to be viable (i.e. arthouse cinema, artisan craft shops, etc) there needs to be people living in the city centre. I really think it's the core of the problem.
With that in mind, how about dedicating a large section of the block to residential use? Well-designed, quality apartments suitable for families. Let's raise the bar a little bit.
How about incorporating a university faculty into the development? Throw in accomodation for the students. That would generate a huge amount of business for the city, and would also make it a more vibrant place too. There would be significant resistance to this from UL not least because they like to have everything contained on campus in Plassey (they have good reasons for this), but perhaps the case should be made to them that this is a massive opportunity for Limerick and the university itself could benefit greatly.
One faculty that springs to mind, which could be a nice fit for the city centre site is the School of Architecture. It is in need of a new building, and also architecture is one of the few courses that doesn't spread itself across many faculties. Where better to have a School of Architecture that in the heart of an ancient city?
I agree aspects of the University would be a good fit, and developing a City campus has been mooted before now. Howver you can't , sadly, mix Student accomodation with anyone else living nearby. This can be seen around Plassey and Castletroy, where it doesn't work for either party. This works very well in the South of the City of Edinburgh, and contributes greatly to the accomodation used by the Edinburgh Festival shows.
Long John Silver
@ Brian, Sorry, I don't buy this notion that for the city centre to work we all have to move into O Connell St or William St. Anybody living within a 10 to 15 minute walk of O Connell St is living in the City Centre. If you are living in Mayorstone, your in the city centre. If you are living in Janesboro your living in the city centre. Let them have the supermarkets and big department stores out in the Crescent and Childers Rd. I mean fuck it, there just eyesores. What makes the centre of any great city attractive? Supermarkets Bookies and Pound Shops? I doubt it says Croaker. Its the little craft shops, cafes, Bars with great live music. The Old architecture/buildings, Street theatre etc, etc. I am sure that for any of you who have lived abroad will know, you don't go into the centre of Paris on a Saturday or Sunday to buy the groceries or visit the pound shops or bookies. You go in to the centre to relax, have a coffee, maybe even a pastes, watch the street dancers or rustle around in the old junk shops or book shops. The notion of bringing life back into the city centre, requires us to turn it into a giant shopping mall is just fucken senseless.
@Long John Silver
I'm not suggesting that at all. Just saying the city centre itself needs a critical mass of people living there to generate sufficient business for any retail outlets, be they artisan craft shops or high street retail chains, to survive and ultimately thrive. This is true for any city in the world. The current push by city council is to attract people in from the wider Mid-West region (and suburbs) to shop in the city centre. That's a flawed policy. If they concentrated their energies on making the city an attractive place to live in, such that a significant shift in the population and demographic was brought about (over time) then Limerick would be a far better place to live in.
Long John Silver
@ Brian, Is there any data available that gives details of private residencies within the City Centre at present?
I think we are both saying the same thing really. Its just having grown up in an area similar in distance from the city centre, to both of the estates that I have mentioned. We always considered ourselves "City Centre Folks" as opposed to suburbanites. Maybe a campaign to reignite this sense of place would be worthwhile. Because we have such a small city centre to begin with, I don't think that more residence living in the City centre will make a real difference, I could be wrong though.
It might be wiser to move away from trying to attract big department stores and big supermarket chains – Not suggesting here that this would be your strategy by the way – and concentrate our energies on attracting the type of business's mentioned in my original post.
It would be a good thing to hold an architectural competition with a difference. Nobody would get the design job, but the submissions would serve as a nucleus of debate. And I think there's a fair number of talented local architects who would be willing to participate pro bono. Not a bad project for UL's architecture department to become involved in.
Lab Rat
There was a good idea on the BBC news this morning where they had regnerated a market by allowing people 3-6 months free in empty units the Council owned, to enable new businesses to set up. The only criteria was it had to be a business that was not already available.
In the current economic climate it's not like you could go to a bank and borrow some money to try something new.
There is also a report being presented to the Government in the UK today, among the suggestions, is a recommendation they abolish parking charges in city Centres, and control the parking problems differently. Take the responsibillity away from short term thinking councils who have a need to make money to pay for services, which result in bad short term decisions.
I'd like to go to this meeting, as I'd like to hear some other people's ideas about what should be done with this eyesore. However, I'm loathe to miss my last Monday night soccer before the Christmas season kicks in properly – something has to keep the gut away. Do ye reckon the meeting would still be going on at about ten past 9 or so?
No idea, but I'd imagine it would still be on.
I love the sound of this initiative. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity . We have a chance to build a new attractive futuristic city centre but one that looks back at its past also……. It can become somewhere that educated , highly skilled and creative people from all over the world will want to come to live and work.
Can I suggest that a timed agenda for the discussion be posted here. One that we follow strictly. It will provide a sense of achievement at the end of the night. Im not at all pretending a perfect solution will be found but at least it will be a good first stab
My suggestion is as follows ( please edit add or omit)
1. Introduction (5mins)
2. Short Background on the Site and its history ( history of area in general)(10mins)
3. Great things about Limerick at the moment (10mins)
4. Maintaining the remaining Georgian Architecture & Heritage benefits …the benefits . I believe that a soul and memory of a city is in its buildings (5mins)
5. The Urban Living Element on the site ( % of development / numbers/ standards) ( 10 mins)
6. The Employment element – possibilities, Business Units for Hi tech /IT/ Biotechology/ smart technology/ employers that can feed off graduates from UL and abroad
7. The Sports & Cultural Elements ( 15mins)
a) A Theatre on a the scale of Siamsa Tire in Tralee ( multifunctional with facilities for conferences & forum for visting dignatories to city and facilities for lectures or even films) The pubs , restaraunts and hotels would love a theatre …..i think. Look how well they do when UCH is booked out…..ahhhhh they dont actually
b)A Science Museum ( 15mins)
c)A School – There ws "TALK" recently about building new schools outside the city because buildings are falling down on the Sexton Street CBS complex.
Ive also heard talk of a Gaeilscoil going for planning off the Coonagh Roundabout. ( 5mins)
d)Sport Facilities- I live in the city and there's nowhere to have a game of squash /racketball/ handball within a 5km radius. I heard that the council demolished 6 outdoor handball courts in 10 years and replaced them with old peoples community centres.????? ( 10mins)
e) Artists Hub ( 5 mins)
f) Dance Studios/ Ballet School/ Music Rooms (5mins)
g) Indoor Playground & Creche ( 5mins)
h) Tourist Info for the Midwest (5mins)
8. Urban Space – Green areas / urban gardens (5mins)
What ever combination of elements go into this we can make it happen the way we want if we get the strategy right.
And there are plenty of examples across europe where similar projects were undertaken that rejuvanated cities. Do the research
hi James. I'm not the main organiser, but I've attended all of the Transition Limerick meetings so far, so can give you an idea of what it's about. Firstly, we've tended to be sharp enough about wrapping up the meetings. This one is different in that we've opened it up to whoever wishes to attend and we've asked a number of specific people to attend also (people who we know are doing good work on the ground in Limerick City), and there is a very focussed and relevant agenda, so I'd imagine it should still be going on after 9pm. In any case, the plan is that there will be further meetings. We'd like to see this become an open and inclusive forum for generating ideas about what should be done with the site. We'd like to take the debate a good bit further than what we've been hearing and reading in the local media (i.e. that a Marks & Spencers should go there, or it should be levelled to build a multi-story car park). We believe there are far more intelligent and creative solutions which could have a greater positive impact on Limerick and we think the only way to get those aired is to host a forum such as this. We also believe in taking a long term view, and for that reason we think the purchase of the block by the council presents a very great opportunity for Limerick City, far greater than is immediately obvious. It could be a real turning point for our city, and we need to impress that upon the decision makers.
foxy hunt
A La Boheme centre it certainly is not.


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Our Academy is fully committed to the welfare of every child. That is why we know how important it is to ensure the transition between every phase of school life is conducted with care and attention.
We achieve this by working in close partnership with parents, primary schools and existing staff members to ensure that every child feels confident, happy and informed about the next stage of their education.
Staff in our Science, Modern Foreign Languages and Performing Arts departments run outreach days at local primary schools to give children a flavour of secondary school life.
Year 6 students starting at the Academy in the autumn term are invited to attend special induction days at the Corndon Crescent campus. These are held in July and are designed to help pupils understand what to expect as they embark on an exciting Year 7 ahead.
For our SEND students and those who might need additional transition support, we understand that moving school can be a sometimes difficult and stressful time. We can arrange extra visits where necessary and our SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) works with other key staff members to make the change as smooth as possible.


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Summer still hasn't arrived in the Northeast, but that does not stop me from having "Hamburger Friday". Hamburger Friday is a make your own burger night where everyone makes their own dinner. The concept is to make your own burger with ingredients inside of the fridge.
Today we have Baron Hilliard, Managing Partner and COO of Together AsOne. His definition of Gourmet Food is a fried Bologna, egg and cheese sandwich (make sure you cut the edges so that it doesn't bubble in the middle.). One of his favorite dishes is Coriander Garlic Chicken from Nan King restaurant in South Plainfield, NJ. So we dug up the following 'super easy' recipe below and with a little help from the Gourmet Diva, Baron was able to make this dish and even add in some of his own twist.
Final Product - Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes
I went to a friends house the other day to work out, after biking 4 miles to her house she yells " I got a surprise".. I love surprises., What is it? I'm going to make blueberry pancakes and your going to help me. I can handle pancakes.
She shows me a recipe for Blueberry Ricotta pancakes . Yes, ricotta (the white cheese you usually see in lasagna). I'll give anything a try at least once.
We used the following recipe below.
I coached her threw a few techniques while she was making the pancakes:
1) How do I separate eggs? I use the egg shell method when I don't have an egg separator handy.
2) What do egg whites at medium peaks look like? When you beat them they start to froth and thicken up.
3) Why is there ricotta in here?! I asked the same thing, we had a guest show up at the house and we could not get him to eat the pancakes because we said 'ricotta'. Adding fresh ricotta to the batter makes these pancakes incredibly moist and light.
Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes with Real Maple Syrup
Hint: Don't tell anyone one that there is cheese in the pancakes beforehand
1 1/4 cup All Purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch Kosher salt
2 whole eggs, separated
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon 'pure' vanilla extract
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup fresh blueberries, if using frozen blueberries, thaw first
3 tablespoons unsalted butter – melted
Real maple syrup, as needed
In a large bowl sift together the dry ingredients. In a second bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients, minus the egg whites. In a very clean third bowl, whip the 2 egg whites until medium peaks. Slowly combine the dry mixture into the wet. Gently fold in the egg whites, only until just incorporated. Lastly, add the blueberries. Spray or butter a non-stick griddle or sauté pan. Place over medium heat until hot, and add 1/3 cup pancake mixture. Cook for 2 minutes on first side, gently flip the pancake, and cook for approximately 2 minutes on the second. The edges will be dry, and when lifted, the bottom should be light brown in color. Transfer to a plate, keep warm in an oven, and serve on heated plates with real maple syrup.n-stick griddle or sauté pan. Place over medium heat until hot, and add 1/3 cup pancake mixture. Cook for 2 minutes on first side, gently flip the pancake, and cook for approximately 2 minutes on the second. The edges will be dry, and when lifted, the bottom should be light brown in color. Transfer to a plate, keep warm in an oven, and serve on heated plates with real maple syrup.
Keept it simple for dinner tonight.. grilled up some burgers on my stove top grill and put some leftover Memphis bbq sauce from Firefly's. Added some American, cheddar, swiss cheese and a called it a night.
I love brownie sundaes, my favorite is "The Brick" from Fat Cat in Quincy, MA. I'm going to add the Five Nut brownie from Houston's to my list.
Common dilemma, you have a party, friends bring over wine and then leave you with 1/2 empty bottles of wine at your house.
July 2019


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"Finding the Student's Voice in the College Planning Process"
By Peter Van Buskirk
The college admission process is right around the corner. For many would-be college applicants, the next three months represent a critical staging period as they prepare their applications for admission. In the coming weeks I will use this space to provide guidance to students as they assemble their applications that will put them in the most competitive position possible. My objective: give them the tools and insight necessary to compete for admission at the schools that fit them best.
An important preamble to this discussion involves the question of ownership. Specifically, who is going to manage this process?
On the surface, the answer seems clear. The student should manage the process. After all, it is the student who is going to college. It is the student who will be committing to four years of new educational and social experiences. And it is the student who will be setting out on this new adventure in an environment set apart from everything that she has known thus far in life.
Yet, quite often as I watch families engage in college planning and listen to their conversations, the student's voice is noticeably absent. While parents talk excitedly about colleges "we've been hearing from" and the campuses "we have visited" with the conclusion that "we're leaning toward XYZ college," students shrink to the background. In this "committee of we," they have become spectators. Rather than making the things happen, they are resigned to allowing things to happen to them.
As a result, I find it enlightening—and instructive—to talk with the students without their parents present. I want to hear, in their voices, the perspective they have to give to their life experiences. It is good to hear about their joys and concerns as well as their aspirations as they contemplate an uncertain future. More importantly, it is good for them to hear their own voices on matters of such importance in their lives.
The choice of a college is intensely personal. Making that choice or, should I say, making a good choice, requires the engaged involvement of the person who will be most affected. It requires reflection, careful analysis, an attention to detail and a voice that speaks of ownership—all of which will power the decision-making process. It may be tempting for parents to simply charge ahead and manage the college application process in light of the student's relative lack of experience and/or the inevitably burdensome workload their student will encounter during the school year. When that happens, however, the student's voice is lost.
There is something to be said, then, for a partnered approach—an approach in which students are supported as they take ownership. This might be challenging for parents who are accustomed to taking the lead all the time. On the other hand, it is a good time (and opportunity) to begin vesting responsibility in the emerging young adult. While the short-term efforts (and outcomes) may be maddeningly erratic, the long-term benefits will be undeniable. By learning to take ownership of the process, including all of the potential frustrations and disappointments, the student will also find much greater satisfaction in the successes.
Finding the student's voice and encouraging its emergence is an underlying premise of student-centered college planning. It is at the core of my live programming and it frames my approach to the one-on-one discussions I have with students. It is my intent to empower them with insight about college admission as well as with self-awareness and confidence that will carry them through the college planning process.


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A Step-By-Step Guide To Writing A Research Paper On Childhood Depression
Do you need to write a research paper on childhood depression, but are not sure what can be done to get this right? Then a make sure you read this step by step guide on how to get this right. You'll see that with the tips mentioned here will help you by a big amount, and it will be possible to get a top grade in your assignment. Therefore, read on for the top tops on how to write a research paper on childhood depression.
- Selecting the perfect topic
- Provide solutions
- First draft
There are a number of ways that you have to select a topic, and if you only knew how to do so effectively, then you'll see to kick start any project it won't be that hard. In this case perhaps you have had some experience with childhood depression, or maybe there is a member of the family that has a child that is depressed. Taking advantage of this experience will prove to work in your favor. That's because it will you some great material to great the project on.
You have to provide some solutions to childhood depression in your work. It is important not only to name the different problems that are associated with the unfortunate problem, but also name the different solutions. To arrive at the solutions you have to do a lot of background reading. This in turn will allow you to figure out how to present them in a way that will be the most understandable.
It is a great idea to create a first draft very quickly. That's because once you have the first draft you can hire a proofreader to go over your work and fix up the mistakes. Another thing that you can do is go to your professor in order to go over the project together. They will give you some pointers that you can make in order to improve your work. As a result the final piece of work will be improved and a higher grade will be much more possible.
If you take the advice given in this article to heart, then you will have a successful project. You might even come to enjoy it and that would be a big bonus.


text: As part of the 2018 Harvest for All expansion, we have partnered with the International Rescue Committee's New Roots Program to take on the South King County harvest. The New Roots program at IRC is an initiative to support nutrition, food security, gardening, enterprise, and production activities for resettled refugees. The IRC will be leading the harvest efforts in Burien, Tukwila, Seatac, Renton, Des Moines and Kent. Through this partnership, City Fruit will take on the registration of trees and the communication with tree owners while the IRC will have full control of the harvest operations and the distribution decision-making.