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Skip to comments.Iranian Alert - October 24, 2004 [EST]- IRAN LIVE THREAD - "Americans for Regime Change in Iran"
Posted on 10/23/2004 9:00:24 PM PDT by DoctorZIn
The US media still largely ignores news regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran. As Tony Snow of the Fox News Network has put it, this is probably the most under-reported news story of the year. As a result, most Americans are unaware that the Islamic Republic of Iran is NOT supported by the masses of Iranians today. Modern Iranians are among the most pro-American in the Middle East. In fact they were one of the first countries to have spontaneous candlelight vigils after the 911 tragedy (see photo).
There is a popular revolt against the Iranian regime brewing in Iran today. I began these daily threads June 10th 2003. On that date Iranians once again began taking to the streets to express their desire for a regime change. Today in Iran, most want to replace the regime with a secular democracy.
The regime is working hard to keep the news about the protest movement in Iran from being reported. Unfortunately, the regime has successfully prohibited western news reporters from covering the demonstrations. The voices of discontent within Iran are sometime murdered, more often imprisoned. Still the people continue to take to the streets to demonstrate against the regime.
In support of this revolt, Iranians in America have been broadcasting news stories by satellite into Iran. This 21st century news link has greatly encouraged these protests. The regime has been attempting to jam the signals, and locate the satellite dishes. Still the people violate the law and listen to these broadcasts. Iranians also use the Internet and the regime attempts to block their access to news against the regime. In spite of this, many Iranians inside of Iran read these posts daily to keep informed of the events in their own country.
This daily thread contains nearly all of the English news reports on Iran. It is thorough. If you follow this thread you will witness, I believe, the transformation of a nation. This daily thread provides a central place where those interested in the events in Iran can find the best news and commentary. The news stories and commentary will from time to time include material from the regime itself. But if you read the post you will discover for yourself, the real story of what is occurring in Iran and its effects on the war on terror.
I am not of Iranian heritage. I am an American committed to supporting the efforts of those in Iran seeking to replace their government with a secular democracy. I am in contact with leaders of the Iranian community here in the United States and in Iran itself.
If you read the daily posts you will gain a better understanding of the US war on terrorism, the Middle East and why we need to support a change of regime in Iran. Feel free to ask your questions and post news stories you discover in the weeks to come.
If all goes well Iran will be free soon and I am convinced become a major ally in the war on terrorism. The regime will fall. Iran will be free. It is just a matter of time.
Iranian alert ping
October 24, 2004
BRITAIN, France and Germany have presented Iran with a package of economic and political incentives as part of a last-ditch attempt to persuade Tehran to abandon its nuclear enrichment program.
With only a month to go before a key meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Europeans promised to help Iran build a civilian nuclear industry, as long as it abandons what many regard as efforts to assemble an atomic bomb.
The proposal, contained in a seven-page memorandum, calls on Iran to "suspend all enrichment and reprocessing" activities. Experts fear that this part of Iran's nuclear program could enable Tehran to produce enough enriched uranium for use in a nuclear warhead as early as next year.
If Tehran complies with the offer, the Europeans are ready to help Iran build a light-water reactor and to sell the Iranians nuclear fuel, as long as it is reprocessed outside the country.
The Europeans are also prepared to boost Tehran's trade ties with the West and to help it work within the World Trade Organisation.
But the letter contains a "stick" as well as a "carrot". The Europeans warned that their 15-month-long attempt at "constructive engagement" will cease if Iran turns down the offer. In that case, the Europeans would support America's policy of referring Iran to the UN Security Council, which could impose punitive measures and give nuclear inspectors more intrusive rights.
There were no negotiations yesterday. The Iranian side simply accepted the European offer and sent the document back to Tehran, where the leadership must decide which course to take. The Iranian delegation predicted they could have their answer ready in days and a second meeting in Vienna now seems likely.
Hopes of a breakthrough are slim, however. President Mohammad Khatami said on Wednesday that Iran "would not give up our rights" to acquire nuclear technology. The Bush administration, which has long argued that oil-rich Iran does not need nuclear power but only wants to acquire the atomic bomb, predicted that the European initiative would probably fail.
Colin Powell, the US Secretary of State, said earlier this week that he was waiting for the Europeans to "call us as soon as you have finished".
But his spokesman later suggested that Washington was not holding its breath. "At this point Iranian compliance does not seem likely ... based on Iran's history and their current expressions and the things they are saying and doing right now," said Richard Boucher, the State Department spokesman.
WASHINGTON - Israel has not ruled out a military strike against Iran's uranium enrichment facilities in the event of failure of diplomatic means to persuade Tehran to dismantle them, senior military officials and analysts said.
Israel would prefer a diplomatic agreement to shut down Iran's uranium enrichment programme, but if Tehran was approaching a "point of no return", it would not be deterred by the difficulty of a military operation, a media report said on Saturday quoting officials.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his top aides have been asserting for months that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose a clear threat to Israel's national security and existence in the highly-volatile region.
They have repeatedly threatened, in elliptical but unmistakable terms, to use force if diplomacy and the threat of sanctions fail.
"All options" were being weighed to prevent Iran from achieving nuclear weapons capability, Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz was quoted as saying by the local media, while his Army Chief of Staff Moshe Yaalon declared that "We will not rely on others," the Los Angeles Times reported.
Iran presents "a combination of factors that rise to the highest level of Israeli threat perception," the report quoted Gerald Steinberg of the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies as saying.
Israel's concerns are magnified by the fact that Iran already possesses the medium-range Shahab-3 missile, which is capable of reaching Israel with either a conventional or non-conventional warhead. Iran said this week that it had test-fired an upgraded, more accurate version of the missile.
Filed at 11:35 a.m. ET
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Despite urging U.N. nuclear chief Mohamed ElBaradei to step down after two terms, the Bush administration may be unwilling to undertake an all-out political battle to oust him, U.S. officials and diplomats say.
ElBaradei, who has worked at the International Atomic Energy Agency for 20 years, officially announced his interest in a third term late last month, rebuffing President Bush's team, which said it hoped he would step down and allow the appointment of a new leader.
A senior U.S. official said: ``We'd rather see an elegant way out for everybody. What we're seeking is a resolution that doesn't force the issue.''
Bush and Democratic candidate Sen. John Kerry have both declared that keeping nuclear weapons out of the hands of terrorists would be their first priority after the Nov. 2 election, and the IAEA is a key player in efforts to halt the spread of weapons of mass destruction.
IAEA directors-general traditionally have not had term limits. But western countries have discussed the need for limits and the White House affirmed its preference for a two-term cap.
Bush administration hard-liners, led by Undersecretary of State John Bolton, fault ElBaradei and the IAEA for not being tough enough on states seeking to develop weapons of mass destruction, including Iran and North Korea.
In the runup to the Iraq war, Elbaradei stoked U.S. anger by saying IAEA inspectors had found no evidence of a continuing nuclear program in Iraq. Bush and top aides insisted the program existed as they made the case for an invasion, but evidence to support the existence of such a program has not been found.
ElBaradei would have made it easy for his critics if he had agreed to step aside.
His decision to stand for a third term means Washington could provoke an all-out international political battle if it seeks his ouster when the issue comes to a head next year. The IAEA board normally likes to make decisions by consensus.
The U.S. strategy will turn on who wins the presidential election. Bush charted a bold, largely unilateralist, foreign policy course during much of his first term. Kerry has promised to work more closely with allies.
The Massachusetts Democrat has not evolved positions on such issues as the IAEA director-general appointment, campaign sources say.
But a Democratic insider told Reuters that, while some Kerry advisers may like to see ElBaradei replaced, ``We'd have to look at the political consequences.''
Senior Bush officials said there is no obvious alternative candidate to ElBaradei and there is a reluctance, at least in some quarters, to try and forcibly oust an Egyptian-born diplomat from a top U.N. job.
The Clinton administration engineered the ouster of former U.N. Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, also from Egypt, after one term.
Some U.S. officials predict an effort to kick out another prominent Egyptian -- ElBaradei was considered this year for a Nobel Peace Prize -- would fan new anti-American feelings in the most populous Arab country.
Egypt's president, Hosni Mubarak, is a close U.S. ally and an important intermediary in the Middle East peace process.
Asked if the Bush administration would actually vote against ElBaradei, another senior official said he did not know.
If Bolton stayed in his current job or were promoted, he might persuade the administration to fight ElBaradei on a third term and this ``could be ``nasty,'' that senior U.S. official said.
The last IAEA director-general, Hans Blix, was in his job for 16 years, and the administration believes these appointments should not be open-ended, officials said.
Once elections take hold in Iraq and W wins in the US, I am confident that Iran is one of our next targets. It is the administration's hope that freedom to their east and west will topple the government, but military force could be necessary. However, we might choose to deal with Syria first.
Posted Saturday, October 23, 2004
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PARIS, 23 Oct. (IPS) 20 leading European online news sites have rallied to join Reporters Sans Frontieres, or Reporters Without Borders in support of colleagues in Iran as the fifth journalist was arrested on 18 October in a crackdown against the online media.
They are calling for the release of Shahram Rafizadeh, Hanif Mazroui, Rouzbeh Mir Ebrahimi, Omid Memarian and Javad Qolam Tamayomi.
The five journalists, as well as Mehdi Derayati, Masoud Qoreyshi and Ahmad Vatankhah are accused by the leader-controlled Judiciary of contributing to reformist news websites or having created their own independent weblogs. In the past few months, the regime has also tightened filtering of most internet sites, blocking access to several dozen online publications, political, social or cultural weblogs.
"We want to demonstrate our solidarity with our Iranian colleagues, imprisoned simply for doing their jobs", the media said in a statement, adding, "At a time when the Internet has become one of the main sources of news, protecting online journalists and publications is the key to defending press freedom".
Tens of journalists, lawmakers, scholars, artists, intellectuals and politicians as well as families of imprisoned journalists attended on Wednesday a protest meeting called by the Association of Iranian Professional Journalists (AIPJ) and Iranian Association for de Defence of Journalists (IADJ) to denounce the arrests, the largest since the mass crackdown on Iranian media three years ago.
Ordered by Ayatollah Ali Khamenehi, the leader of the Islamic Republic that the Paris-based RSF has awarded as one of the worlds most dangerous predator on freedom of the press, the Iranian Judiciary shut more than 100 newspapers, weeklies and other publications that had flourished after the first election of Mohammad Khatami as president in May 1979 as well as the arrest of most leading journalists.
These arrests would not stop the free flow of news and information, but helps rumour mill to play a more important role, noted Mr. Mashaallah Shamsolvaezin, the spokesman for the IADJ, while expressing concern for the situation of both the independent press and newsmen.
Mr. Mostafa Tajzadeh, a former Deputy Interior Minister who is now in charge of the reformist internet site Emrooz (Today) also warned that the closing of internet sites and weblogs would lead to the expansion of nigh letters, or clandestine publications that, in his view, would be more dangerous than an open press.
"We are living in a country that wanted to become a model of freedom and democracy, but it has become a place were people are jalous of other nations", he added.
As for Mr. Ali Mazroui, the Head of the AIPJ and the father of Hanif, living as a free person and alive has become very difficult (in Iran), he pointed out, asking why the (Islamic Republic) spends so much money crushing and muzzling the press?
We have fought for democracy and freedom of the expression and the result is that now we stand as accused, he said, as other speakers touched on the appalling situation of students.
"To attract the attention of the authorities to this sad state, 103 journalists and political activists wrote a letter to the leader, but as usual, there was no answer from Mr. Khameneh'i", Mr. Isa Saharkhiz, an outspoken professional journalis told the Persian serive of Germany's State-run Deutsche Welle, adding, "to tell the truth, we didn't expect any answer, since no senor official ever responded to any request".
The crackdown on pro-reform students started after police, revolutionary guards and special security units backed by plainclothes islamist vigilantes stormed students dormitories on the night of 18 July 1999, killing at least one student and wounding and arresting many others, including some who were thrown out of windows three floors under.
As a result, students took to the streets for six consecutive days in the Islamic Republics worst anti-regime demonstrations, shut in blood by the revolutionary guards and basij (volunteer) forces.
In recent months, particularly after the ruling conservatives took over the control of the Majles, or parliament, pressures on students and the civil society also increased, targeting mostly women and the youngs.
In a country where television, radio and newspapers are heavily censored, the Internet is, despite censorship, the only source of independent news and information, the international press watchdog said in a statement.
Families of the arrested journalists have, in a letter to the Judiciary, asked for explaination in regard of the long time that their relatives are held without trial.
A sopkesman for the Judiciary power has said the detainees have not asked to be defended by lawyers have responded, saying they have not been allowed to meet with their clients.
List of online publications taking part in the campaign:
France - Courrierinternational.com, lefigaro.fr, lemonde.fr, nouvelobs.com, lexpress.fr, telerama.fr, zataz.com
Spain- elpais.es, elmundo.es, abc.es, larazon.es, lavanguardia.es, elperiodico.com, periodistas-es.org, pressnetweb.com,
Germany - dw-world.de, netzeitung.de, politik-digital.de spiegel.de, sueddeutsche.de, telepolis.de, de.internet.com
Italy - internazionale.it, unita.it
UK - indexoncensorship.org
Bush asking Iran to eliminate all access to nuclear technology: Gary Sick
Tehran Times Political Desk
TEHRAN (MNA) The Columbia University Professor Gary Sick took part in a telephone interview with the Mehr News Agency on the Bush Administration policy toward Iran, the relations between U.S. and Europe and the U.S. presidential election. The text of the interview follows: Q: What is your assessment of President George W. Bushs policy toward Iran?
A: I think it is extremely unlikely that the Bush administration will take any preemptive military action against Iran, at least under the present circumstances. As you very well know the United States is very heavily occupied in Iraq and Afghanistan and I think the Bush administration knows very well that any attempt to intervene in Iran would in fact be a much bigger problem and probably much more difficult than the operation in Iraq and for that reason I think that is not likely to happen.
There is a real possibility of an accidental escalation either because of Iranian activities or U.S. activities in the region. Whether theres a clash of some sort accidentally in Iraq or along the Iran-Iraq border or at some point in the Persian Gulf. I think an example of that is the Iranian arrest of those British on the river some time ago. Incidents like that which probably are not regarded as aggressive on either sides can escalate into a conflict and I think accidental confrontation is in some ways a danger but clearly the United States is going to keep up its pressure as much as possible on Iran to try to get it to accept a less threatening version of its nuclear program, particularly focusing on enrichment and reprocessing as very dangerous and trying to persuade Iran to give up both of those in ways that would in fact give Iran the capacity to build a nuclear weapon not necessarily to try to stop Iran from building nuclear power plants. Q: What is the role of Iran in establishing stability in Iraq?
A: Yes, I think events in Iraq are going to be very important and particularly as we come up to the elections supposedly in January, if there are outbreaks of fighting, if there is a Shia opposition to the election and if Iran supports the Shia opposition, I think that could in fact lead to very serious differences of views between Iraq and Iran and also between the Unites States and Iran.
Q: The unilateral policy of the U.S. has hurt the relations between the United States and its European allies. Europe has a different approach than that of the current Bush administration but, Mr. Kerry has said his policy is different from that of Bush and he has sought the support of the former allies of the United States. So the Europeans prefer Kerry rather than Bush. What is your opinion in this regard? A: There has been some difference of opinions in the past between Europe and the United States. The Bush administration has taken a very hard line position asking Iran to eliminate all access to nuclear technology. The Europeans were more willing to compromise and to negotiate based on limited Iranian access to nuclear technology particularly peaceful access, nuclear technology that did not immediately threaten the possibility of building a nuclear weapon.
Those differences I think have in fact narrowed very much. The European position and the American position are still different but they are not as different as they used to be. The Europeans are in fact taking a much tougher line with regard to Iran because of this difference of opinion about enrichment of uranium and reprocessing of plutonium.
The Europeans, especially the three countries that have been negotiating with Iran have begun to take a much more demanding view about Irans program so the differences are not that great. The big difference it seems to me between Mr. Kerry and Mr. Bush is that Mr. Kerry says quite clearly that he would favor a direct dialogue with Iran and he does not say that because he intends to praise Iran or that he has any illusion about differences of views but he does believe that the way to deal with those differences is to address them directly. Mr. Bush does not say that.
The real issue in my mind if Mr. Kerry becomes president is whether Iran itself is preparing for a direct dialogue and that is not clear to me. In the past the United States has proposed talking to Iran, has proposed an opening for discussions and Iran has rejected it. So, I never make any predictions about this because I cant predict who will win in the election, but if Kerry should win the election I think he will in fact propose direct conservation with Iran in some point next year.
I cannot also predict how Iran may respond because in the past some people in Iran said they would like to have direct conservations with United States but others said no, only at very extreme circumstances where pre-conditions were made that the United States has to lift all the sanctions, that the U.S. has to do a whole series of things first then they would be prepared to talk.
To me at this stage its not really predictable, but I do believe that the Unites States and the Europeans will continue to cooperate at some level in terms of their policies which they have been doing up until now. Each takes a different position but they have been in fact coordinating their policies and talking about them and I would expect that to continue not with Europe breaking away from the United States but rather Europe taking a more collaborative view with Iran wanting to talk and the U.S. resisting such operations but both sides talking to each other and collaborating about their view with regard to Iran.
Professor Gary Sick is Adjunct Professor of International Affairs and Acting Director of the Middle East Institute at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University. Gary Sick served in the National Security Council under presidents Ford, Carter and Reagan and is the author of two books on U.S.-Iranian relations. He is also the executive director of Gulf 2000, an international research project on political, economic and security developments in the Persian Gulf.
Iran will wait until after the Nov. 2 U.S. elections before responding to a European proposal to provide the country with nuclear fuel before supporting its entry into the World Trade Organization.
The deal would include giving Tehran a light-water reactor that produces less fissionable material than the heavy-water reactor Iran plans to build, reports Al-Jazeera. In exchange, Iran would suspend all of its own uranium-enrichment activities.
The U.S. is pushing for the International Atomic Energy Agency to send the matter to the U.N. Security Council for possible sanctions. The European proposal is seen as a last-ditch effort to avoid sanctions.
But analysts are now saying that Iran is factoring in a possible Kerry victory.
"I think if Kerry wins, Iran would strike a compromise that would essentially delay the issue until early next year," says Gary Samore of the London think-tank International Institute of Strategic Studies.
Iran's goal, says Samore, is to have the international community concede it's claim to a right to enrich uranium. It may agree to a temporary suspension and await the outcome of the election.
"I don't get a sense that Iran is ready to agree to the suspension. I could see the Iranians restoring the suspension for only a brief period of time," Samore said.
As WorldNetDaily has reported, John Kerry has proposed giving nuclear fuel to Iran to test its intentions.
During the first presidential debate, Kerry said, "I think the United States should have offered the opportunity to provide the nuclear fuel, test them, see whether or not they were actually looking for it for peaceful purposes."
The same policy of accommodation toward Iran's nuclear aspirations is clearly outlined on Kerry's campaign website as well.
Iranians voted for a secular regime in 1953 under Dr. Mossadeqh. We were strongly fooled by the selfish brits who were worried about their oil supplies and convinced Einsenhower Dr. Mossadeqh was a 'Communist'. Dr. Mossadeqh was the farthest thing from a Communist immaginable. In fact, he consistently denounced the Communist funded parties in Iran including the Tudeh and the Islamist-Marxist MKO. The overthrow eventually became the biggest foreign policy blunder by the US government ...ever.
TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran on Sunday turned down a European Union proposal that it stop enriching uranium in return for nuclear technology.
Diplomats had said that if Iran rejected the proposal, most EU countries would back a U.S. demand that Tehran be reported to the U.N. Security Council for possible economic sanctions when the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) meets on Nov. 25.
"The EU proposal is unbalanced ... unlimited uranium suspension is unacceptable for Iran," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi told a news conference.
Washington accuses oil-rich Iran of using its nuclear program as a veil for developing an atomic arsenal. Tehran says it only wants to generate electricity.
French, British and German officials are to meet Iranian negotiators on Wednesday to discuss the European offer.
The EU "big three" have led a European effort at compromise that would avoid sending Iran's case to the U.N. Security Council.
The IAEA, the U.N. atomic watchdog body, has been investigating Iran's nuclear program for more than two years.
It has uncovered many previously hidden activities that could be related to a weapons program but has found no "smoking gun."
by Jill Stewart
Sam Kermanian is one of many Jewish Republicans in Los Angeles reaching out to immigrants on behalf of President Bush, yet perhaps the biggest news of all is that such committed immigrant activists in the Republican Party are no longer red hot news.
Kermanian, an Iranian Jewish immigrant, is still rawly aware of how peoples lives in his native Iran are under the strict control of Islamist radicals.
We understand what the president is doing, and we support him strongly, said Kermanian, who stepped down as chairman of the Iranian American Jewish Federation in Los Angeles to join the Bush 04 campaign team. Immigrants look at how the world really is, so they no longer support just the Democrats.
It was no surprise, then, when Bush spoke several words of Spanish during his nomination acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in New York City. The gesture went virtually unremarked by the media and caused nary a ripple of discernible backlash in his party.
Ten years ago, veering outside the English language to appeal to a special group of mostly Democratic voters would have been front-page news across the land, but today the imagery of the Republican leadership reaching out to heavily Democratic immigrants is not only commonplace, its indicative of a major shift in views and strategy.
When Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told his up-by-his-bootstraps tale at the RNC, it was not merely a personal story from the Republican Partys most famous moderate. It was also a direct appeal to immigrants, using the GOPs message of personal responsibility and eventual triumph.
These two RNC moments are indicative of an almost imperceptible change inside the Republican Party to not only reach out to immigrants but to target the message and explain the GOP philosophy as never before. There may be only minor dividends to show for it this November, but Republicans are energized about their chance to make inroads with traditionally Democratic immigrant voters.
Going after the potentially huge vote among Latino immigrants, a heterogeneous group with many contradictory and nuanced views on both policy and values, has become a key focus of the GOP in California. But even among Jewish immigrants, who form only a tiny percentage of voters in California, the GOP has become energized.
Hector Barajas, director of grass-roots development at the California Republican Partys Burbank headquarters, has been building an outreach program to Latinos, who were largely ignored by Republicans for decades. Barajas noted that today, he oversees a massive computerized list of experts and speakers who spread the partys message far beyond Latinos, to niche immigrants of every persuasion.
Were not saying youve got to become a Republican today, but its just: Please listen to the message we are bringing forth, he said of the outreach strategy. Of course we seek the major group, which is Latinos, but now we outreach to Asians, Filipinos and all the various language groups.
We have a group that only goes out to Middle Eastern immigrants, including Jewish immigrants, he continued. We have a spreadsheet of people who speak all the various languages, so if I need to find an Asian American woman teacher who speaks Cantonese, because somebody wants to hear a speech from such a person, I can find somebody right here.
Barajas, who grew up in heavily Mexican-American Echo Park, said, We no longer use this one-size-fits-all method, sending out the Caucasian face or the English speaker to a group who doesnt relate to that.
One of the strongest volunteers to reach out to Jewish immigrants is attorney Paul Weisman, who oversees 350 precinct walkers who are familiar with heavily Jewish areas in Hancock Park and on the Westside.
Noted Barajas, Paul has put his law practice aside, basically, to do this, and his energy level is being replayed in many other urban areas where Jewish Republicans are now a force.
Nobody believes the Republicans will score huge gains among immigrant groups this year. But there are signs that immigrant interest in the Democratic Party is not what it once was. If Republicans can shift even a modest percentage of immigrants to their side, the Democrats could face trouble in coming years even in California.
The voter registration gap between Democrats and Republicans in California is the narrowest it has been since the 1930s, with Democrats holding only an 8 percentage point lead over Republicans. Last Octobers election of Austrian immigrant Schwarzenegger as governor has not only helped pour millions of extra fund-raising dollars into Republican coffers, it has also made voter signup easier.
Now its the Democrats who are sweating, not the once-divided Republicans. Lately, noted Republican pollster Stephen Kinney, large numbers of Latinos especially Latinas have begun registering as decline-to-state voters and rejecting the Democratic Party.
Kinney and many others believe the Democrats have taken immigrants for granted for too long. Nobody knows if the move by Latinos toward decline to state is a harbinger of a sea change in immigrant voter sympathies in other immigrant groups, but Kinney noted, Its definitely not good news for the Democrats.
With immigrant interest in the Democrats waning somewhat, some GOP groups and activists are using the opening to interest immigrants in voting for and contributing money to Bush. Although Latinos get much of the attention, because they represent a potentially vast voting bloc, the Iraq War has enlivened Middle Eastern immigrant groups as well, and some are clearly siding with the GOP.
Kermanian typifies the Republican Jewish immigrants who are speaking out for Bush in 2004. He noted that no polls have been conducted that break out the Iranian Jewish vote for president. However, a poll by the American Jewish Committee shows Jewish support for Bush has jumped from less than 20 percent during the 2000 election to 24 percent now, a roughly 25 percent gain, laid in part to support from Jewish immigrants.
Iranian Jews make up about 30,000 to 35,000 of the half million Iranians in California, Kermanian said, and he estimated 75 percent back Bush.
Our group takes the threat of terror and the militant Islamist ideology a lot more seriously than average Americans and average Jewish Americans, he said. We had to live with it for generations.
Despite working so high up in the GOP effort for Bush in California, however, he does not yet see a fully engaged outreach to Middle Eastern and other immigrant groups, largely because they make up too small a percentage of voters. However, he said, the Republicans now see immigrants as up for grabs, while the Democrats appear to be assuming that they have a lock on the majority of immigrant voters.
Change could come if Republicans effectively spread the Bush message of keeping more of your own money and giving less of it to government, and achieving your aims and your childrens aims with the very values that made you immigrate to the United States, he said.
Si Frumkin is a well-known journalist for Panorama newspaper and political activist in the Russian Jewish community, whose column also runs in three papers in Israel and two in the former Soviet Union. Frumkin is among the growing number of voices urging Jewish immigrants to get involved in politics through the GOP.
Frumkin noted that at a recent Bush-Cheney organizing event at the Sportsmens Lodge in the San Fernando Valley, within the group of about 50 volunteer activists who attended, several were immigrants and six were Jews from the former Soviet Union.
People keep getting in touch with me to register and to get the forms so they can sign up voters, Frumkin said. He said that decades ago, when he arrived in the United States, he and other Russian Jewish immigrants were shocked by the left-leaning views of American Jews.
But todays Russian Jewish immigrants, who he said lean heavily Republican, have gotten over the surprise and are much more eager to speak out than before. American Jews were shocked and horrified at [Ronald] Reagan for calling the former Soviet Union an evil empire, but immigrant Jews knew it was an evil empire. When you go to a party now where the vodka flows, people stand up for America and love America and are real flag wavers.
While there are probably fewer than 100,000 Russian Jews in Southern California, Frumkin noted that they are often very successful in business. What they lack in voting numbers, they make up for in financial contributions to George Bush.
Frumkin, a Holocaust survivor who has lectured at the Wiesenthal Center, said the GOP has also lightened up somewhat, loosening its tie so to speak, in reaching out to immigrants who didnt relate as well to the old, more formal version of the party.
We like to enjoy the campaign fight and say whats on our mind, he said. I like to say, My God, I cannot see Teresa Heinz as the first lady.
The California Republican Party is indeed no longer in the hands of a hard-right faction that dominated its voter registration effort and platform throughout the 1990s. That far-right wing became the tail that wagged the dog of a party that probably has fewer than 20 percent very conservative voters. The hard right drove many voters away from Californias GOP, handing the Democrats their biggest statewide voting victories in 40 years in 2000.
Schwarzeneggers election has helped marginalize the far right in California. But even before Schwarzenegger announced his candidacy in the summer of 2003, the California Republican Party elected two moderates, Duf Sundheim and Mario Rodriguez, as its chairman and vice chairman, in the spring of 2003.
Five years ago, Rodriguez, a hip, bilingual, former military brat who owns a successful printing business, had little chance of being elected to such a post in the GOP. Now, hes in such demand as a public speaker for the Republicans at Latino and other immigrant events, that it can take weeks to book him.
Rodriguezs popularity has not gone unnoticed by outreach czar Barajas, who is making Republican immigrants available as speakers in dozens of different languages, no longer ceding even the high school crowd to the Democrats.
The GOP used to be invited into the high school government classes to give their version of politics and government, and the GOP would not even bother, while the Democrats spoke to all the kids, Barajas said. Now we are there, and we dont shrink from explaining the tough stuff, like why we oppose drivers licenses for illegal immigrants. These kids are the future voters.
Among a dozen top public and private pollsters in California, none believes Bush can win the state. But with a Republican president whos as comfortable in a monied group of Middle Eastern business leaders as with Latinos at a rally in the Southwest, it may be only a matter of time before Democrats have to fight back in order to hang on to immigrants. n
Jill Stewart is a syndicated political columnist. She can be reached at www.jillstewart.net.
Iran called a European proposal seeking indefinite suspension of its nuclear activities "unbalanced," but said Sunday the Europeans had chosen the right path of engaging in dialogue over the issue.
In talks Thursday in Vienna, Austria, envoys from Britain, France and Germany offered civilian nuclear technology and a trade deal to the Iranians reportedly in return for Iran permanently giving up all uranium enrichment activities - technology that can be used to produce nuclear fuel or nuclear weapons.
"The proposal by the Europeans is unbalanced," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi told a press conference. "However, the Europeans have chosen the correct path of dialogue."
Britain, Germany and France have warned that most European countries will back Washington's call to refer Iran's nuclear dossier to the UN Security Council for possible economic sanctions if Iran doesn't give up all uranium enrichment activities by the Nov. 25 meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna.
Iran, Asefi said, was still studying the European proposal.
"We think we have to reach a solution acceptable to both sides so that European concerns are eased and, at the same time, our rights under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty are recognized and met," Asefi added.
The spokesman said Iran had its own proposals but refused to discuss details.
Detailed talks with the three key European powers would resume Wednesday, he said.
Asefi said Iran would not accept a permanent suspension of its nuclear activities, and maintained that the Europeans didn't want that either.
"The discussion is not about permanent suspension of enrichment. The Europeans have proposed indefinite suspension until an agreement is reached. They didn't call for a permanent suspension," he said.
Iran insists its nuclear activities are peaceful and geared solely toward generating electric power. The United States contends it is running a covert atomic weapons program.
Last month, the IAEA unanimously passed a resolution demanding Iran freeze all work on uranium enrichment and related activities, such as uranium reprocessing and the building of centrifuges used for enrichment. The UN nuclear watchdog is to judge Iran's compliance at the Nov. 25 meeting.
Iran already has defied the IAEA resolution by continuing to build centrifuges and by converting a few tons of raw uranium into hexafluoride gas, a stage before enrichment.
Iran has said the agency has no authority to ban it from enriching uranium, a right granted under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. However, while not prohibited from enrichment activities under that treaty, Iran faces growing international pressure to suspend them.
|Iran likely to answer to EU nuclear proposal: parliament speaker
|www.chinaview.cn 2004-10-24 23:02:11
TEHRAN, Oct. 24 (Xinhuanet) -- Iranian Majlis (Parliament) Speaker Gholam Ali Haddad Adel said Sunday that Iran was likely to answer to the European Union (EU)'s nuclear proposal late this week, the official IRNA news agency reported.
"Iran's envoys to Vienna talks are likely to take part in a meeting late this week and extend Tehran's reply to the proposal of the three European countries (France, Germany and Britain)," Adelwas quoted as saying.
On Saturday, Sirous Nasseri, Iran's delegation member to Thursday's negotiation in Vienna, said the second round of talks between the two sides was to be held next Wednesday.
The European trio made a proposal during Thursday's negotiation, which was aimed at encouraging Iran to halt its fuel cycle work.
According the proposal, Iran would get access to imported nuclear fuel and other offers, including a light-water reactor, in return for a complete suspension of its uranium enrichment.
Adel said Tehran was considering the proposal.
"Iran was still insisting on its past position on peaceful implementation of nuclear technology," Adel stressed."
The proposals of the Europeans would mean violation of the constitution of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and ignorance of rights of the Iranian nation if it stopped Iran from using nuclear technology for peaceful purposes," Adel said.
The speaker also reiterated that Iran would never suspend uranium enrichment activities unlimitedly.
"Iran was against such proposals which would deprive Iran from its legitimate rights," he said, stressing that Iran is a country which would "never yield to pressures to quit its scientific achievements."
"However, at present time Iran was keen to suspend enrichment activities to get the chance to start negotiations for finding a solution," Adel added.
Earlier in the day, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi said the EU proposal was "unacceptable" and "unbalanced".The IAEA last month adopted a resolution, urging Iran to suspend all uranium enrichment-related activities and fully cooperate with inspectors to clear up all related issues.
The resolution set Nov. 25 as the deadline for Iran's nuclear case. If Iran fails to satisfy the IAEA before this date, its case may be referred to the United Nations Security Council for possible sanctions.
The resolution was criticized and rejected by Iran, which termed it as "illegal".
Tehran has been denying the US accusation of developing secret nuclear weapons, asserting that the accusation is politically motivated and Iran's nuclear research is fully peaceful. Enditem
Journal Messenger Columnist
Of course, he wasn't being entirely truthful, either. And when he said, earlier in the campaign, that many foreign leaders would prefer dealing with a Kerry administration rather than the current occupant of the White House, again he wasn't kidding. But he neglected to mention who the foreign leaders were, which is understandable.
The Talking Monument has explained and re-explained his various foreign policy positions so often that many voters, I suspect, don't really understand where the Democratic nominee actually stands on matters crucial to our survival. They know he would do things differently than George Bush, that he would employ some kind of a "global test" before going to war, that he would be more sensitive, that he sounds like he's smarter than Bush, and that he likes the word "nuance."
What they don't know is that the foreign policy difference between the Monument and the President is not just a matter of how best to achieve a shared goal, it's what that goal should be.
The President believes that terrorism is such a threat to our national security that the terrorists need to be killed and captured and that the regimes that sponsored them need to either stop sponsoring them or be changed. To achieve that end he has set in motion the War on Terror, and he has chosen to fight that war where the terrorists live rather than here.
He's had considerable success. Prior to the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the State Department identified seven regimes that funded, supported, and/or provided safe haven for international terrorists - Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria. Two of those regimes, Afghanistan and Iraq, no longer exist, and a third, Libya, has agreed to stop its terrorist activities. The Bush administration's war on terror used military force to remove the Taliban in Afghanistan and Saddam Hussein in Iraq, which apparently scared the pants off of the Libyan leader Qadhafi, who now wants to play nice with the civilized world.
In addition to reducing the number of terrorist regimes from seven to four, the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq brought an end to the Iraqi/UN oil for food scam, disrupted the money flow to terrorist cells throughout the world, and shed unfortunate light on the scoundrels who run the United Nations.
John Kerry, however, would have done everything differently. Following the advice of Michael Moore and other foreign policy advisors, Kerry would not conduct a war on terror, at least not in a military sense. Sensitive and nuanced as he is, the Talking Monument disclosed in a recent New York Times interview that he would like to see terrorism reduced to a nuisance, sort of like prostitution and illegal parking. Both he and Michael Moore do not see terrorism as the threat the Bush administration does. Following a terrorist act, Kerry would prosecute terrorists as criminals while sensitively negotiating and nuancing with the four remaining terrorist regimes.
I suspect this might be the reason why the Monument is reluctant to tell the American people who the foreign leaders are who would like to see him as Leader of the Free World, and why he has no comment concerning accusations that the mullahs in Iran are helping fund his presidential campaign.
A group of Iranian expatriates, the Student Movement Coordinating Committee for Democracy in Iran (SMCCDI), has accused Kerry presidential campaign fund-raiser Hassan Nemazee, a New York-based investment banker, of using his position to advance the agenda of the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to SMCCDI that agenda includes normalizing relations between Iran and the United States and opening trade and investment with the terrorist regime. The group has called Nemazee one of "Iran's American propagandists."
Political scientist Jerome Corsi, who co-authored the best-seller "Unfit for Command," stated recently that "The Democratic Party and John Kerry have been funded by pro-mullah groups who have Israel as their sworn enemy. They are funding insurgents to go against our troops in Iraq, and John Kerry wants to give them nuclear fuel."
In a speech before the Council on Foreign Relations last December, Kerry said: "As president, I will be prepared early on to explore areas of mutual interest with Iran, just as I was prepared to normalize relations with Vietnam a decade ago."
I don't know if he has any relatives preparing to do business with Iran.
Ken Concannon is a resident of Prince William County. E-mail him at firstname.lastname@example.com.
President Bush? Yes!
Those who would replace President Bush are working to shore up the enemies of America and the Iranian populace
October 24, 2004
As the American electorate enters the last couple of weeks before the 2004 presidential elections the American left are stepping up their propaganda war against President Bush. The closer the election gets, the more desperate the left gets in their attempt to undermine President Bush's presidency and his doctrine for a free, democratic Middle East. In the 1980's the Democrats were highly critical of President Reagan's initiative in Eastern Europe to wrist control from the Communists and install democratic regimes. Decades later Eastern Europe is home to some of the worlds strongest democracies.
Today, once again, the Democrats are condemning President Bush's doctrine for a free, democratic Mid-East. Decades from now the left will once again see that they were wrong. The Iranian-American community must understand that these vocal critics of President Bush are no friends to the Iranian populace. In fact, in order to achieve their agenda they will back any radical group including the hard-liners in Iran. Some of the financial fuel for this agenda comes from US based Iranian-American organizations that have questionable ties to the Iranian government and millions of dollars to disperse throughout the Iranian-American community.
Eyeing the President's broadening lead over John Kerry and witnessing the possible downfall of the legitimacy of a failed Iranian government these groups have strongly broadened their scope. They are actively and desperately turning over every leaf in order to find damaging information on President Bush. To some extent these groups have successfully silenced the historically Republican Iranian-American community. Using propaganda, fear tactics, hysteria and sometimes outright lies they've scared the Republican Iranian-American community to the side of John Kerry.
Some of the accusations fronted by these organizations against Republicans are support for the MKO, military action against Iran, and support for establishing relations with the Iranian government. None of these accusations are even mildly true, but they've been effectively used by covert groups to distance the community from the Republican Party.
That's a real shame because the Republican discussion boards are consistently filled with words of praise for Iranian students, condemnation of human rights violations in Iran, and support for those seeking freedom, and democracy in the region. For example, an American Republican with no family ties to Iran started his own website in support of Iranian students. He favors moral and financial support to the students in Iran. You can visit his website at regimechangeiran.com.
Unlike the Republicans, the Democrats have consistently condemned Iranian student demonstrators as stooges of the CIA on their discussion boards, held their ears to the consistent human rights violations in Iran, lambasted the Iranian opposition movement, and often filled their discussion boards with downright racist and hateful comments such as claiming Iranians are too backwards to accept democracy.
Senator Sam Brownback (R)-KS one of virtually all Republicans who have endorsed Iranian students and their fight for freedom and democracy had this to say:
"Recently, President Bush praised the Iranian people who kept up protests for over a week in the face of government sponsored thugs who beat innocent women with chains. The president called these protests 'heroic' and indeed, they are.
"Just as it was an important rhetorical step for President Reagan to dub the Soviet Union an 'Evil Empire,' so too it is important for us to recognize the current regime in Iran for what is - an illegitimate, ruling elite that stifles the growth of genuine democracy, abuses human rights and exports terrorism...
"To the Iranian people, I offer my continued support. This is how history is made - one brave act at a time. The battle for your freedom will be long and hard. Stay strong, and know that America supports you, and will be there to help you rebuild your beautiful land. Hopefully, next July - as America again celebrates its independence, we can rejoice with you in celebrating a free Iran as well."
Not only has the Democratic Party avoided the issue, but Senator John Kerry has publicly and openly widely condemned any sort of support for Iranian students, endorsed negotiations with the Iranian government in support for their hand in Afghanistan and Iraq, and assured the Iranian government that if they aid in those countries the US will stay silent as the Islamic Republic crushes the pro-Democracy opposition.
A recent letter from an Iranian student organization sums it up best:
On behalf of the Iranian student movement and the Iranian diaspora around the world, especially our oppressed countrymen, we extend our sincerest appreciation for your leadership and efforts to promote long term peace and democratic rule in the world.
We also want to use this opportunity to express, once again, our deepest gratitude for your consistent and open support of our people in their quest for true freedom and democracy.
Indeed, your tireless support of our subjugated and tyrannized people has touched millions of Iranians and they view you as an ardent defender of freedom and a source of hope. As one of the few world leaders that fully appreciates and openly supports the aspirations and goals of our subjugated country, we extend our thanks. Let us assure you, as you plan for the conquest of Mars, that you have already succeeded in conquering the hearts and souls of millions of Iranians. It is, therefore, imperative that you are re-elected this November, and you can count on our constant support, and votes, in the upcoming election.
Even as the Iranian people take steps to wrest control of their own country and lives from the religious extremists who have ruthlessly dominated them for decades, John Kerry and the Democrats are putting them in serious danger.
Those who would replace President Bush are working to undermine his policies and shore up the enemies of America and the Iranian populace, the extremists in control of Iran. To them, nothing matters more than taking power in this country, even if they have to prevent democracy from taking root in Iran.
Don't get me wrong I'm against direct foreign intervention in Iranian politics. Iran's internal affairs are for Iran, but the Iranian people deserve moral support. Also, I'm one of the few who'd accept an Islamic Republic establishment in Iran, as long as it was supported in a referendum. My point is that we should let the Iranian people choose whatever that choice may be, but they certainly deserve moral support in having that choice. Therefore, this election season I merely ask you to reason through and seek the truth. Don't let bias steal your vote.
My guess is that if the Iranian-American community understood the issues similar to the Cuban-American community, over 70% would support President Bush.
Very Good article!
Strange. Gary Sick says almost nothing in this whole interview. He never answers, "Q: What is the role of Iran in establishing stability in Iraq? " The rest of the answers he gives are vague generalities and references to the past.
Thanks for the ping.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


text:
Tempering on a cool (marble) work surface
The purpose of tempering chocolate is to pre-crystallise the cocoa butter in the chocolate, which is related to the working temperature of the chocolate. During tempering, the cocoa butter in the chocolate changes into a stable crystalline form. It ensures the hardness, shrinking force and gloss of the finished product after it has cooled. If the chocolate is melted in the normal way (between 40 and 45 °C) then left to cool to working temperature, the finished product will not be glossy. If you make the effort of using a special way of bringing chocolate up to the right working temperature, you are guaranteed to get the desired end result. And that is what we mean by tempering: bringing chocolate up to the right working temperature so that there are sufficient stable crystals. The 3 factors which are important during tempering are time, temperature and movement.
Melt the chocolate at a temperature between 40 and 45 °C in a double boiler or melting pan.
Pour 2/3 of the melted chocolate onto the cool marble surface.
Keep the chocolate moving by stirring continually with a spatula and a scraper.
Continue to do so until the chocolate starts to thicken (when its temperature is 4 to 5 degrees lower than its working temperature): crystallisation takes place. You will see that 'peaks' are formed when the chocolate is allowed to fall from the spatula.
Pour the pre-crystallised chocolate into the rest of the melted chocolate and stir until it forms an even mixture.
The chocolate is now ready to work with. However, if the chocolate is too thick, reheat it until it becomes liquid again, but is still pre-crystallised. Take a sample: put the tip of a knife into the chocolate. If the chocolate is correctly tempered, it will harden evenly within 3 minutes at an ambient temperature of +/- 20 °C.
All chocolate should be tempered before you use it to
mould/pour, to use for creating blown figures, for coating cakes or
pralines. In short, whenever chocolate needs to have a perfect
sheen and be hard.
When you add chocolate to dishes to add flavour (when preparing mousses or Bavarian creams for instance), it usually suffices to melt the chocolate. Tempering is not required in these instances. All recipes will indicate clearly if the chocolate should be tempered or not.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Montana State Office
|Release Date: 10/24/12
BLM October Oil and Gas Lease Sale Generates over $16 million
BILLINGS – Bonus bids at the Bureau of Land Management's Oct. 23 oil and gas lease sale in Billings totaled $16,047,064. Nearly half of the bid and rental receipts will go to the State of Montana.
The highest single-parcel bid was $684,000 submitted by Donco, Inc. of San Antonio, Texas, for a 2,280-acre parcel located in McCone County, Montana. Bakken Assumptions, LLC of Indianapolis, Indiana, submitted the highest per-acre bid at $1,500 per acre for a 40-acre parcel in Richland County, Montana.
A total of 244 of the 248 parcels offered, totaling just under 97,375 acres, received bids. A total of 237 parcels were located in Montana, with the remaining seven parcels located in South Dakota.
Additional information regarding competitive sale lists, detailed results of sales, and the leasing process is available by writing the Bureau of Land Management, 5001 Southgate Dr., Billings, Mont. 59101, by calling (406) 896-5004, or at www.blm.gov/mt.
Oil and gas leasing is driven by consumer demand, and competitive oil and gas lease sales are conducted on a quarterly basis at BLM's Montana/Dakotas State Office. Receipts from federal oil and gas leases are shared with the state or county where the lands are located. All leases are issued for a 10-year term.
Potential environmental effects that could result from exploration and development are analyzed before any leases are offered for sale. All leases come with conditions on oil and gas activities to protect the environment that can include limits on when drilling can occur or restrictions on surface occupancy. Once an operator proposes exploration or development on a BLM-issued lease, further environmental analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act is conducted to determine the site-specific need for various types of impact-limiting or mitigation measures. In addition, many operators routinely use Best Management Practices such as remote monitoring of producing wells and multiple wells per pad to minimize surface impacts.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of Americas public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. In Fiscal Year 2015, the BLM generated $4.1 billion in receipts from activities occurring on public lands.
Montana State Office 5001 Southgate Dr. Billings, MT 59101
|Last updated: 10-24-2012
|USA.GOV | No Fear Act | DOI | Disclaimer | About BLM | Notices | Social Media Policy
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text:
adidas NEO SE Daily Mid-Top Sneaker - Mens
Sorry, this item is sold out!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
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Item # 271067
The SE Daily Mid men's sneaker by adidas®is certain to be the shoe you'll reach for every time you want an upscale laid-back look with a little height.
- Suede and synthetic upper
- Foam rubber midsole for comfort
- Herringbone sole for grip and style
- Imported
- View more adidas
By: gurisa
Location: Glen Rock NJ -march 2012
May 15, 2013
very nice
"my son loved the shoes...everything very nice , the grey color is nice and the orange neon nice pop of color not too wild, comfy and all ..unfortunately we decided to return them since he saw a pair ( same style) in blue that he thought he will use more... we wish we could keep both pairs but we cant $$$$..one pair of nice sneakers at a time. Teenagers grow their feet way too fast to have a closet full of sneakers!"
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text:
Chapter 12
Jeremiah complains of the prosperity of the wicked—If other nations learn the ways of Israel, they will be numbered with Israel.
1 Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the
3 But thou, O Lord,
4 How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end.
5 ¶If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
6 For even thy
7 ¶I have
8 Mine heritage is unto me as a lion in the forest; it crieth out against me: therefore have I hated it.
9 Mine heritage is unto me as a speckled bird, the birds round about are against her; come ye, assemble all the
10 Many
11 They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man
12 The spoilers are come upon all high places through the wilderness: for the sword of the Lord shall devour from the one end of the land even to the other end of the land: no flesh shall have peace.
13 They have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns: they have
14 ¶Thus saith the Lord against all mine evil neighbours, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit; Behold, I will pluck them out of their land, and pluck out the house of Judah from among them.
15 And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have
16 And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The Lord liveth; as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built in the midst of my people.
17 But if they will not


text:
Rory McIlroy has four wins this season and Tiger Woods three, but neither of them can match South African Branden Grace - he now has five.
- Related Content
Little-known outside his home country a year ago, the new sensation of the European Tour added the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews to his amazing list of achievements on Sunday.
"It feels awesome," said Grace, who has risen from outside the world's top 300 to inside the top 40 and might even yet deny number one McIlroy the European money list title next month.
He is up from 12th to third and added: "It's definitely in my sights."
Grace, who began the week with a Tour record-equalling 60 at Kingsbarns, claimed the £491,000 first prize with a tournament record 22-under-par total.
But if starting the final round with a four-stroke lead and ending it two ahead of Dane Thorbjorn Olesen sounds a comfortable day's work, then think again.
After the Pretoria golfer dropped a shot on the seventh, Olesen birdied the next two and when Grace three-putted the short 11th for another bogey they were level.
It was then, however, that he showed the class that had already brought him the Joburg Open, Volvo Champions, China Open and, on his home circuit last Sunday, the Origins of Golf titles in 2012.
Grace birdied the following three holes from 10, 12 and 14 feet and when Olesen bogeyed the next, the gap was back to four.
Even then it was not a cruise to the line.
Olesen birdied the 16th and he bogeyed the Road Hole 17th, but when Olesen came up a fraction short with his eagle attempt through the Valley of Sin on the last, Grace had two putts for victory from four feet - and needed only one of them.
It made him the first wire-to-wire winner of the Tour season, but was the second time he has won back-to-back.
Like Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel, Grace is a product of the Ernie Els Foundation and the current Open champion has already tipped him to be another major champion.
Winning at the Home of Golf, as Oosthuizen did in the 2010 Open, will do for the time being, though.
"I've really dreamt of this moment my whole life," he said. "I had goosebumps thinking this morning about Louis and the possibility of holding a trophy here myself.
"It was a tough day, but the putter started working and that's all I needed to do."
Grace's caddie Zack Rasego was on Oosthuizen's bag two years ago and, after asking him to start reading the lines with him on the back nine, he took control again.
Using a new driver after his usual one cracked last week, Grace shot a closing 70, while Olesen's 68 left him two ahead of Swede Alex Noren.
Scot Stephen Gallacher, whose only Tour victory in nearly 400 starts came in the event eight years ago, finished in a seven-way tie for fifth after running up a quadruple-bogey eight at the 16th.
The 37-year-old, lying fourth on his own at the time, went to what he thought was his drive and hit it, only to discover it was actually the ball of Danny Willett's amateur partner Steve Halsall.
It cost Gallacher a two-stroke penalty and his was then found in the left-hand rough.
"It never even crossed my mind because he was looking 50 yards further up. Obviously I'm a bit disappointed, but what can you do?"
He also incurred a penalty in Thursday's opening round when, in taking a practice swing, he clipped a divot and it hit his ball.
Gallacher still earned £81,415, but with a par on the last hole he would have taken home a cheque for £184,660.
Three of the victorious European Ryder Cup side were in the field, but Martin Kaymer and Peter Hanson both managed only 34th place, while Paul Lawrie missed the cut.
- Grace was tipped up pre-tournament by our David John at 50/1.
Click here for a completely free £10 golf bet with Sky Bet


text:
G by GUESS Lovebug Flat Sandal
Sorry, this item is sold out!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Item # 267018
The G by Guess Lovebug is cute as can be. The metallic shine of these casual flat sandals can be dressed up or down for the perfect look.
- Faux leather upper with metallic thread trim
- Heel strap with adjustable buckle
- Synthetic sole
- Imported
- View more Women's G by Guess Shoes
By: MissVacation
Location: Boston
November 30, 2013
Another great sandal from Guess
"This is another pair of my favorite sandals from Guess! It looked very cute and very comfortable, can't wait to wear them for vacation!"
By: Urbina29
Location: Anthony NM
October 28, 2013
Nice summer sandals
"I bought these guess sandals in white. They are so pretty. Really happy with this purchase. I love guess."
By: SHSW1
Location: Washington State
September 02, 2013
My new go-to sandal!
"These GUESS Lovebug sandals are absolutely to die for! They are so classy and trendy in an understated sort of way. You can dress them up or dress them down, but they always bring a little bit of that fun chic factor to whatever you're wearing.These are definitely my new go-to sandal!"
By: rjna
Location: King of prusia
August 25, 2013
Not so comfortable
"I bought this in white color.I like the style,but is not that comfortable."
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text:
Canada places fourth at U23 Pan Am Cup
LANGLEY, British Columbia (September 30, 2012) - The Trinity Western men's volleyball team, representing Canada, was held off the podium at the U23 Pan American Cup as it lost to the Dominican Republic 25-23, 25-15, 25-23 in the bronze medal match Sunday at the Langley Events Centre.
Brazil won the gold medal defeating Argentina 25-18 25-13, 25-17 in the final.
After beating the Dominicans in straight sets in the round robin, the Spartans were unable to duplicate the feat Sunday as they finished the tournament with three straight losses, a 2-3 record and a fourth place finish overall. The Dominicans finished the tournament with a 2-3 record and the bronze medal.
The Spartans were led by Lucas Van Berkel (Edmonton), who had six kills and five blocks, Brad Kufske (Abbotsford, B.C.), who had nine kills and Nick Del Bianco (Surrey, B.C.), who had five kills and two blocks.
"It's really hard to beat a good volleyball team twice in a row and we saw that tonight," said Spartans coach Ben Josephson. "The first night (during the round robin) we got a win and probably surprised them, but over the last few days they watched us and prepared for us and cleaned up some of things we did well in the first match. Their service reception today was spectacular. We weren't able to get much going until the third game but credit to the Dominican Republic coaching staff and players on a good match."
"The Dominican Republic played a great game today," Spartans captain Jarrod Offereins said. "They were much more prepared for us this time around. They executed well. They took it to us and we fell apart in different parts of different sets. Tonight it wasn't a good performance again. Two nights in a row, it's tough to take, but we'll learn from it and get ready to start the season."
For more information: www.norceca.net, www.volleyball.ca, http://twu.ca/athletics/


text:
The Manti LaSal National Forest, Arapeen OHV Trail System has some of the best OHV trails in the Western United States. The Arapeen Trail System provides scenic high mountain desert riding opportunities. The system has riding opportunities that are directed towards riders of all skill levels.
In 2001, members from various clubs, both locally and statewide recognized the need to bring all of the resources together from the various organizations to assist the US Forest Service in managing responsible OHV use. Resulting from this concept was the birth of the Arapeen Trail Council.
The Arapeen Trail Council is composed of 8-10 members. The council members are representatives from the Castle County OHV Association, the Southeastern Utah OHV Association, the Utah Trail Machine Association and the Sage Riders Motorcycle Club. The members respectfully represent each of the aforementioned clubs and organizations in management issues on the Manti LaSal Forest and San Rafael desert with the council. In essence the ATC represents hundreds of users from four different organizations.
The purpose of this committee is to provide an organization to assist the Manti National Forest Service in managing, maintaining and patrolling the off highway routes on the forest. The council has monthly meetings wherein the Manti Forest recreation staff and supervisor attend. At these meetings, management issues, concerns, educational needs and volunteer projects are coordinated between the forest service staff and the club representatives.
The goal of the ATC is to assist public land managers in providing acceptable off highway recreational opportunities while protecting the resource and environment. Over the last six years the ATC has created a very positive partnership with the forest service and has been successful in achieving our goal.
One major project that was undertaken by the ATC was the creation of the Arapeen Trail System. A core and founding principle of the ATC is that motorized impacts on public lands are minimized by a universal marking system, education and maintenance. This system is the second largest ATV system in Utah (second to the Paiute ATV system). The Arapeen Trail System is entirely on the Manti National Forest.
The Arapeen Trail system requires a large amount of volunteer effort to preserve the environment and the integrity of the system. Because of staff shortages, the forest service relies heavily upon the associated clubs with the ATC to provide the necessary maintenance. The ATC and represented clubs provided an average of 1,550 hours of volunteer service for 2006 on the Manti Forest and the Arapeen Trail System. The ATC and associated clubs by far are the most active in terms of volunteering in the State of Utah and possibly the nation. The ATC has been instrumental in protecting access to hundreds of miles of off highway trails on the Manti Forest.
In April, the Arapeen Trail Council in conjunction with the Castle County OHV Association applied for a grant from Polaris. On June 18, Polaris announced the Arapeen Trail Council/Castle Country OHV Association had been awarded a grant in the amount of $8,500.
This grant will be used to protect and preserve current trail systems on the Manti National Forest and the San Rafael Swell. Several projects have been identified in conjunction with the associated public land managers that this grant will help fund.
This grant was awarded through the Polaris TRAILS program. The TRAILS program makes funds available to not-for-profit national, state and local organizations in the United States to ensure the future of ATV riding.
T.R.A.I.L.S. stands for: T=trail development, R=responsible riding, A=access, I =initiatives, L=lobbying, and S=safety.
The grant program encompasses two main objectives - promoting safe and responsible riding, and preserving access. Funds can be used by organizations for trail development and maintenance projects, safety and education initiatives, lobbying and other projects to increase and maintain land access.
This is the third round of 'TRAILS' grant recipients, with grants totaling $105,320 for a grand total of $500,458 granted to national, state and local ATV clubs since the program was launched in 2006. In this round, Polaris issued grants to 12 organizations in 12 states. To date, Polaris has assisted 59 ATV organizations in 35 states across the U.S.
The first of its kind in the ATV industry, the 'TRAILS' grant program was launched in January 2006 for ATV clubs, associations and grass roots groups. ATV riders and the trails they use are the lifeblood of the sport and Polaris aimed to create a program to help.
The grants ranged from $3,000 to the maximum $10,000 and will be applied toward: land acquisition, trail mapping, marking and maintenance; trail development, stabilization and reforestation; bridge building; Bureau of Land Management, National Forest Service and State Forest ride area enhancements and trail mapping projects.
With annual 2006 sales of $1.7 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, Victory motorcycles and the Polaris Ranger for recreational and utility use.
Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry; and one of the largest manufacturers of ATVs in the world. Victory motorcycles, established in 1998 and representing the first all-new American-made motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years, are rapidly making impressive in-roads into the motorcycle cruiser marketplace.
Polaris also enhances the riding experience with a complete line of pure Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships.
Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories is available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime from the Polaris home page at www.polarisindustries.com.
The Arapeen Trail Council is encouraged by the commitment Polaris has made to the Arapeen Trail System and the San Rafael Swell. This grant shows Polaris takes seriously the preservation of OHV recreation while protecting the resource.
The Arapeen Trail Council would welcome OHV users that have an interest in preserving OHV recreation to get involved with a club that is represented with the council.
Most of all, they would encourage users to join, participate and donate.


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From Belgium 02 5511122
Live ChatFrom Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to 7:00pm
Alghero Flights
Discover Alghero, the tourism capital of the Riviera del Corallo, with exciting travel offers from Alitalia.
Visit the website to book your flight to Alghero—also known as the "Barceloneta" of Italy thanks to its prominent Catalan community— and purchase your tickets, check-in online and reserve a seat on board one of our aircraft.
The Alghero Fertilia Airport is just 10 kilometers from the city center and is the ideal place to stop over before continuing on to any one of Sardinia's popular holiday destinations.
Be sure to visit: the Tower of the Portal to Alghero, the Tower of Saint Joan, the Tower Espero Rejal, the Tower of St Jaume and the Bastione della Maddalena.
Don't miss: the Cattedrale di Santa Maria (Alghero Cathedral) and the Chiesa di San Francesco. Other points of interest include the Argentiera and Neptune's Grotto at the foot of the Capo Caccia cliffs, which offer spectacular views of the sea, not to mention the Nuragic complex of Palmavera and the necropolis of Anghelu Ruju.
If you're looking for an exciting travel experience, Alitalia will be happy to take you to this magnificent city.
Alitalia Newsletter
From Belgium: 02 5511122
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text: A luxury bedding collection in champagne, the Calvin Klein Champagne bedding ensemble will transcend the beauty of any bedroom decor to give an elegant and chic aesthetic. Adorned in a glossy color, the Calvin Klein Home Champagne bedding ensemble evokes a contemporary ambience with a romantic look. Enhance the Champagne bedding ensemble look with the available sheet sets in Twin, Queen, King, and California King sizes. The sheet sets include a flat sheet, fitted sheet and a standard or king pillowcase pair in printed sateen with a micro chevron ground scattered with tonal dots made with 100-percent combed cotton in champagne color.


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Nike Air Flex Trainer II Cross Training Shoe - Womens
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Item # 264792
Maintain your goal of getting back into shape with the help of the Air Flex Trainer 2 from Nike®.
- Breathable and lightweight mesh upper with supportive overlays for a secure fit
- Padded collar and tongue
- Breathable mesh lining with removable sockliner
- Full-length Phylite midsole with encapsulated heel Air-Sole unit for great underfoot cushioning
- Phylite and solid rubber sole is lightweight and offers great flexibility and comfort
- More colors available
- Imported
- View more Women's Nike Shoes
By: Flynners
Location: Michigan
April 15, 2013
Great work shoe
"I am on my feet most of the day, and my feet take a beating. These shoes, while a little narrow, are very comfy and cute. They provide good traction and grip, and stand up to my long hours. I would have liked a little wider of a shoe, for when I wear thicker, warmer socks, but overall a very nice shoe."
By: smashleys
Location: pennsylvania
April 10, 2013
Nike Air flex trainer II - Love !
"Love the colors, love the fit, love the feel, very lightweight too!"
By: Tee2121
Location: Silver Spring, MD
April 08, 2013
Great Sneaker
"I brought this shoe to replace an old pair. They are very comfortable. You can walk and run errands all day with no issues. I would definitely recommend these shoes."
By: bowtiesarecool11
Location: Austin
April 04, 2013
"These shoes are excellent. Light weight and comfortable."
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Reviewed By Joseph B (MARIETTA, PA) Reviewed for a 2014 Ford Fiesta —9/3/2014 7:37 AM
While I'm not sure I believe in performance gains, when installing on the ST Fiesta the sound gain is amazing! Be warned though, until you can delete the Symposer the cabin is rather loud with lots of whooshing and turbo blow back noise. Which are completely different noises than you hear when you just open all of the windows.


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This activity has GetYourGuide's stamp of approval! Exceptional customer service, knowledgeable staff, and a great time guaranteed.
Likely to sell out
Sugar Loaf Mountain Half Day Morning Tour
Duration: 4 hours
Experience the thrill of a cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf mountain where the views of Rio de Janeiro and the Atlantic are spectacular.


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The mission of the Noncredit Student Success and Support Program Advisory Committee is to engage in active planning that produces a stable educational environment and provides awareness of continuing opportunities for all GCC students, both credit and noncredit, to take advantage of all appropriate Matriculation support services. This subcommittee will report to the Student Affairs Committee and will share information with the Credit Student Success and Support Program Advisory Committee, as appropriate.
Glendale Community College
is not responsible for the content of external sites. Thank you for visiting the
Glendale Community College


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The origins of red velvet cake are a mystery, but it's been popular in the southern United States since the early 1900s. The smooth-as-silk and buttery-rich frosting is extra delicious.
In a pinch for time but still want to make this impressive layer cake? You can replace the homemade frosting with 3 containers (12 oz each) Betty Crocker® Whipped fluffy white frosting.
You also can use Betty Crocker SuperMoist red velvet cake mix in place of the devil's food cake mix.
Make red velvet cake batter using water, egg and oil amounts as called for on package. Omit unsweetened baking cocoa and red food color.


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Poppie Jones Space Dyed Stripe Legwarmer
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Item # dsw12prod4160263
Keep your legs warm and stylish this season with the perfect accessory from Poppie Jones. The Space Dyed Stripe Legwarmer is perfect for adding a splash of style to any outfit or shoe!
- Knit legwarmer
- 90% polyester, 10% spandex
- One size
- Imported
Tell us what you think!
Everyone has an opinion. Here's your chance to share yours! Be the first to write a review of this product and help your fellow shoppers pick the best of the best.


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MARSEILLES, Ill. — Mr. James "JJ" Hauge, 43, of Marseilles, Ill., passed away Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013, at OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa, Ill.
Funeral services will be at noon Wednesday, Jan. 16, at Seals-Campbell Funeral Home, 1009 E. Bluff St., Marseilles, with the Rev. James Brown of the First Congregational United Church of Christ officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to Noon Wednesday at the funeral home. Inurnment will be in the Shrine of Rest in Oak Park Memorial Park.
Seals-Campbell Funeral Home, Marseilles, is in charge of arrangements. For additional information, call (815) 795-5151 or log onto www.sealscampbell.com.


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The Kuhner Report
About The Kuhner Report
Jeffrey T. Kuhner, "Liberalism's Worst Nightmare," is the host of The Kuhner Report. He is a conservative nationalist, who champions God, country and family. His show deals with cutting-edge, hot-button political, social and foreign policy issues. Read more
Call the show at 617-266-6868
Email Jeff at email@example.com
02/13/2017 - 1:29pm
By Jeff Kuhner
02/13/2017 - 1:07pm
By Jeff Kuhner
02/13/2017 - 12:34pm
By Jeff Kuhner
02/13/2017 - 11:52am
By Jeff Kuhner


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Rebels Coral Fringe Bootie
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Item # 259438
Combine two of the season's hottest trends in the Coral fringed ankle boot from Rebels! Fringe and beads make this casual bootie the perfect way to spice up your fall wardrobe.
- Suede upper
- Fringe and bead detailing
- Synthetic sole
- Imported
By: BeverlyL
Location: Pennsylvania
September 21, 2013
Size Up
"I ordered 1/2 size larger and it fits perfectly. Not the best quality suede but really cute! I pull them on by grabbing under the panel where the fringe is."
By: hellogrrrl
Location: So.Cal
September 15, 2013
Super Cute...
"I just received these booties yesterday, and I'm in LOVEE! After reading the reviews I was a little hesitant of getting them. I decided to get them half a size bigger, and they fit perfect! I think it might be a little hard for you to put the boot in if you have wide-ish feet, but if you don't then maybe go a half size up and they'll fit fine :)"
By: northernbluejay
Location: Niagara Region, Ontario Canada
August 22, 2013
These went back ...
"The opening to get your foot in these is way too small. I struggled to get my foot in this moc for a good 5 mins ... and i have tiny feet size 5 ... it should not take that long to get a moccasin on ..these def need a zipper or button or something .. too bad as they look great .. just can't get them on ... back they went"
By: sandy6021
June 20, 2013
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Hand-poured in the US, the Predator Swimbait Company Umbrella Rig Swimbaits are the perfect addition to any umbrella rig. Featuring a very soft yet remarkably durable composition, the Predator Umbrella Rig Swimbaits also come equipped with extra-large paddle tails and rigged bodies for maximum water disturbance. Extremely versatile, they are also a great choice as chatterbait or swim jig trailers. Available in variety of proven colors, the Predator Swimbait Company Umbrella Rig Swimbaits are the perfect compliment to your A-rigs, and one Predator that doesn't mind being at the bottom of the food chain.
0 Colors
Customer Reviews
Comments: Awesome bait AWESOME!! Tons of tail kick durability is excellent..fish these however.. But swim jig trailer is my preference..price seems high but once you see how it looks after a couple fish 11 bucks isn't that bad.. I have caught roughly 15 fish on one go orange belly on the back of a 3/4 oz OK craw hack jig..
From: Joey: USA 7/2/15
Comments: There is no wrong way to rig these. I love them on spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, bama rigs, oh. swim jigs esp!!! The thump that tail puts out in the water is the deal. It get's chewed! They are very durable as well.
From: Ryan: Evansville, IN 4/28/14
Comments: best swimjig trailer on the market these have a wobble to them thats unreal n the fish choke them i dont commit much onbaits but shaun n billy knocked it out of the park on this one
From: Jason: santa barbara ca
Comments: Awsome baits! They are great for the A-rig, all the way down to a trailer for your chatter bait !!!!!! Big thumping tail, it has lots of vibration!!!! They also come in the best colors!!!! Thanks for another amazing product!!!!! I will be getting more!!!!!! Everyone has to try these!!!!!!!!!!
From: Andrew: Saratoga Springs, Utah


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Mechanics Files
Where the best mechanics rise to the top
Summerfield Auto Repair
- 234 E Cama St , Charlotte, NC 28217, us
- (704) 307-4406
- Is this YOUR shop? Claim it and stay up to date!
Questions Jump to reviews
|They are always honest (4.20)
|They are competent (4.20)
|Their repair price is reasonable (4.20)
|They complete the work in a timely manner (4.80)
|They respond well when they screw something up (3.75)
|They take the time to explain the problems and necessary repairs (4.20)
|They treat male and female customers in the same manner (4.00)
|I would use this mechanic again (3.50)
|I would recommend this mechanic to others (3.50)
Other facts you may want to know
|They fix the problem the first time (4.00)
|The shop is located in a safe neighborhood (4.60)
|The hours of operation are convenient for customers (4.60)
|They are near public transportation (or provide loaners, shuttle bus, rides as needed) (4.50)


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Prices and availability are subject to change from the time and date that you print this page.
3/1/2017 1:39:38 PM. For Customer Service, please call 800.933.9904
Don't go changing for us. But if you do, you'll definitely want to check out our exclusive changing pad covers. They come in a host of appealing, easy to coordinate colors. And are easy to clean. Don't forget to buy at least a couple in case the other(s) are in the wash. Yes, change is in the air.
Details, details
- Cover features large white dots on a blue background
- 200-thread count cotton percale
- Lightly quilted for softness
- Elastic band keeps cover in place
- Two side slits to accommodate safety belts
Show 'em what you're made of
- Changing Pad Cover: Shell is 100% organic cotton percale; Fill is 100% cotton
Care instructions
- Machine wash cold
Extras! Extras!
- Coordinates with our Make a Splash whale Crib Bedding
The Land of Nod Guarantee
At The Land of Nod, nothing is more important to us than providing safe, high-quality products to you and your family. We believe that kids' products should be able to handle everything kids throw their way (literally and figuratively). That's why all of our products have an 18-year quality guarantee. And, hopefully, your kids will no longer be sleeping in bunk beds by then.
Knock, Knock.
Who's there?
Danielle who?
Danielle, I can hear you.
Who's there?
Danielle who?
Danielle, I can hear you.
Dot Changing Pad Cover
Make a Splash Crib Bedding
Changing Pads
Our Designers Recommend
Change It Up Changing Table (White) $369.00More Colors Available
Andersen Crib (American Walnut) $1,199.00More Colors Available
Make a Splash Crib Bedding $24.00 - $89.00
I Think I Canvas Mega Sorter $25.00 each
Reed Between the Basket Collection $29.00 - $79.00More Colors Available
Hi-Fi Toy Box (Walnut) $299.97reg. $399.00More Colors Available
aden + anais Giraffe and Monkey Burpy Bib... $22.00More Colors Available


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Address 2049 West Street
Brooklyn, New York 11223
United States
Brooklyn, New York 11223
United States
|Law School
|Florida International University, College of Law
|Juris Doctorate
|Most recent firm
|Hilco Streambank, New York, NY
|Relevant Jobs
Entry Level Legal Assistant
USA-NY-New York City
Midtown law firm seeks legal assistant to support several attorneys. Minimal experience required. Candidate must have excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills with a broad kno...
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OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL Division of Economic Justice Consumer Frauds - Assistant Attorney General - Albany Reference No. CFP_AAG_ALB_2013R [Replaces Reference No. CFP_AAG_ALB...
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Assistant Counsel, Trademark, Legal The candidate work closely with senior trademark counsel to provide legal advice on all aspects of trademark and copyright law. Review and analyze trademark search...
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A. Harrison Barnes is a well-known attorney throughout the United States. As a member of the Malibu community, Harrison is committed to serving the needs of Malibu residents and businesses in legal matters.


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Only 112 of the Top 500 retailers now collect sales tax.
Paul Demery
With the U.S. Senate's passage this week of long-awaited sales tax legislation, the effort to broadly expand the number of retailers subject to tax collection responsibility has proceeded further than ever before. If the measure, entitled the Marketplace Fairness Act, passes the House of Representatives and is signed into law, it could bring a significant change to the way many merchants operate if they sell into states outside of their own.
As many as 388 of those merchants are in the new 2013 edition of the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide to online retailers. That's because there are 388 Top 500 retailers who don't already collect sales tax in all of the 45 states with a sales tax law.
There are 19 merchants that don't collect sales tax in any states, in some cases because the items they sell, such as contact lenses, are not subject to sales tax. How they're treated would depend on how the legislation acts to harmonize sales tax laws across the 9,600 jurisdictions that impose sales tax in the U.S.
President Barack Obama has come out in favor of the bill. But its fate in the House is uncertain. Speaker of the House John Boehner (R, OH) said on a Bloomberg Television news report yesterday, a video of which is on the Internet, said he would "probably not" support the bill because states have not done enough to simplify tax collection, leaving small retailers with a "big burden." Rep. Bob Goodlatte, a Virginia Republican who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, which will consider the bill, has expressed reservations about the measure.
The Senate legislation grants authority to states to mandate sales tax collection by all retailers that do at least $1 million in remote sales, or sales in states where they don't have a physical presence like stores or distribution centers. Under existing federal law, all retailers are exempt from collecting sales tax in states where they have no physical presence.
If it becomes law, the legislation wouldn't directly impact the operations of more than a fifth of Top 500 retailers, or 112, who already collect tax in all 45 states with a sales tax. Among the 161 retail chains listed in the Top 500, 66 already collect tax in all 45 states; among 184 web-only retailers in the Top 500, 13 collect tax in all 45 states.
That leaves scores of merchants of all types within the Top 500 who would be subject to new tax-collection duties if the Marketplace Fairness Act becomes law.
Among retail chains, 95 Top 500 retailers collect from fewer than 45 states; there are 16 who collect in five or fewer states, including 10 who collect in only one.
Among web-only Top 500 retailers, 155 collect in three or fewer states.
Retailers express varying opinions on the impact a new sales tax law would have on their business as well as on the retail industry as a whole.
Proponents, including Amazon.com Inc. and large retail chains—many of whom already collect in most if not all sates with a sales tax—say the law will establish a fairer way for all retailers to compete for customers and grow sales at a time when consumers are shopping across online and offline retail channels. "Retailers compete on many different levels, distribution channels and fronts, including service and selection, but they cannot complete on sales tax," says Stephen Sadove, chairman and CEO of retail chain Saks Inc., No. 37 in the Top 500. "Congress needs to address this sales tax disparity and allow retailers to compete freely and fairly." Sadove is also chairman of the National Retail Federation, an industry organization that supports the legislation. Amazon is No. 1 in the Top 500.
But Jonathan Johnson, a senior executive of Overstock.com Inc., No. 31 in the Top 500, says the Senate legislation leaves retailers open to uncertainty in how states could enforce a final sales tax law. He notes the Senate version of the Marketplace Fairness Act, under the bill's Section six on preemption, says the federal legislation would not preempt any existing state laws that conflict with the federal law. That leaves the door open, he adds, for online retailers to face the costs of abiding by additional versions of tax collection and remittance rules that could raise operating costs and make it more difficult to compete on price.
Other Top 500 retailers either didn't immediately return a request for comment or declined to discuss the impact on their business of a new sales tax law. A 2010 study by e-commerce technology company GSI Commerce, now a unit of eBay Inc., found that one of its client retailers took a 12% hit to sales after it started charging sales tax. But a study last year by Forrester Research Inc. and Bizrate Insights found that only 8% of online shoppers say sales tax makes a big difference in whether they buy online.
To read previous Top 500 Insider stories, click here.