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Barbara Grover
Barbara has been dancing since the age of ten and was originally trained at the Frank and Peggy Spencer school in Penge.
She formed a partnership with Robert Grover in the late sixties and they later became World, UK and European Ballroom Champions.
Barbara holds Highly Commended Fellowship qualifications in Ballroom and Latin American and was trained by Elizabeth Romain and features on her Technique on Video series.
She is currently coaching and lecturing and adjudicates at major Ballroom and Latin American Championships throughout the world. In addition she runs a social dance school in Beckenham, Kent, with her husband, Robert, where they promote regular ISTD medal tests.
As well as currently being a member of the Modern Ballroom Faculty, Barbara also represents the ISTD at the British Dance Council.
Grand council: Grand Council Member


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ivacademy organizing European Fundraising Summit, an professional development event focusing on cutting-edge fundraising strategies and initiatives, offering the latest national and international news about grants, also a opportunity for profit, government and nonprofits organizations to network.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
For free Get online help #FreeLiveChat with Life & Business Coach Nicolae Cirpala author, counselor coach and business consultant just CALL Now Skype Watsap, Viber, Tel: +7 995 996 81 60 chat online at www.ivacademy.net
IVA, Intern or volunteer by international social work and travel low cos...
Currently we are looking for youth and partners worldwide.
Volunteer Academy relies on the efforts of interns and volunteers to make its programs work for good and therefore we are very flexible and easy to work with. Having 14 years + experience we are looking for people with strong written and verbal communication skills with an interest in international relations, social enterprise development, peace building, fundraising, NGOs or simply with an interest to have fun and travel.
Groups of any size are also welcome.
Interning or volunteering is unpaid work but you will gain a lot of precious knowledge and experience for your life. Volunteer Academy is able to arrange housing accommodations and provide you with various cultural excursions and experiences. Also by request we could organize business, study, scientific, research, student exchange, youth exchange, school exchange, medical, religious, visiting holy places, history, wine, food, natural fruits and vegetables, rural, ecologic etc. programs and tours. Prominent applicants could apply for virtual placements, by CV competition.
We do, however, ask for a one time donation of 40 US $ (additional to local fees) to cover the administration costs (local fees differ from country to country and program to program but are the cheapest in the world also some countries are hosting volunteers for free and some of them even provide sponsorships to volunteers, see below detailed info about).
1. Russia. Internships and volunteer positions for high moral standard youth, based on CV competition are wonderful opportunities to travel and explore Russia, study Russian language while gaining practical knowledge in a work environment. You will be able to learn about the logistics of a English language school, teach English and experience life in a fast developing former USSR country, and even take weekend excursions within Russia or in neighboring countries in few hours to Moscow, EU big cities, Kiev, Bucharest, Odessa, Crimea etc.
2. V. Volunteer or Internship Virtually. (For students and youth who need to intern or volunteer for their studies, make researches etc.) All our placements for internships and volunteer virtual opportunities:-Media, social media, video and photo reporting , filmmaking, writing articles etc. media work;- Fundraising- Project research and creation - Writing and proof reading grant proposals, researching and contacting sponsors,- researching grant opportunities;- NGOs;- Public Relations, PR, Image maker - making booklets, creating video spots, creating thematic photos, creating promotional materials;-Social enterprise, Business development;-International relationships and communication -researching and contacting potential International partners, international or local research or studies:- Web development, IT etc about it.;- And more, just contact us! Virtual placements have the same privileges as field positions.
3. Volunteer in Moldova, All inclusive. Are you looking for a worthwhile project? Do you want to help disadvantaged children? You can volunteer in an orphanage in the capital city Chisinau, providing children with love, attention and the knowledge that someone cares about them. The project runs all year round but volunteers are particularly in need from Autumn- Spring. 2 meals a day and accommodation is provided and the participation fee is:-2 weeks = 500 EUR, 1 month = 950 EUR.
4. Volunteer in Israel, All inclusive. Organization Experienced in hosting volunteers for 3 years. Fees: $ 60 /day, $ 420/week, $ 1500 /month, $ 15,000/year. Additionally we have internships in aspects of education, youth at risk, environment and so on. There are a guide who will lead the volunteers, make trips for the volunteers around Israel, visits and sport activities.
5. Volunteer in Morocco, All inclusive. 5 years experience in hosting volunteers. Fees: /day15EURO,/week80EURO,/month 230euro,/year2860 EURO. Volunteer opportunities and jobs Child Care & Nursery School Program in Marrakech city.
6. Volunteer in Pakistan. No Local fees. Hosting international volunteers since last four years and serve them in youth led activities and in association with national volunteers. Our organization does not charge any participation fee from volunteers. There are field visits for community development projects, engaging volunteers in social action projects and meetings with community, youth groups, orientations, participation in volunteer training and workshop, engagements in humanitarian assessments and participatory rural appraisals. Internships are also available.
7. Volunteer in Uganda, All inclusive .Volunteer work include: Teach English, Mats, plant trees, coffee farms, building classrooms, paint walls, make school furniture, work in community health center etc. 14 years experienced organization. Fees: 10$/day, 50$/week, 240$/month, 1800$/year.
8. Volunteer in Indonesia, All inclusive. Volunteer work Education, Eco-Environmental work . Internships positions: Business field : Accounting, IT, Nurse, Doctor, TV/Radio Presenter, Education field : Teaching medical /math/biology/ teach English/ exact Science in local school/ local college. Participation fee cover : Official invitation, air port pick up and transfer, Accommodations, Local transportation, Placement arrangements, laundry, Indonesian language and cultural orientation, 1.000 US $ /month, local excursion during their day off ( 4 different tourism objects/month).
9. Volunteer in Cameroon No Fees .10Years experience in hosting volunteers. We offer administrative support to all our volunteers and accommodation in terms of scholarship. Our Volunteer and Internships positions are Health services and Educational services. Volunteers are performing diversified community services 7 hours daily from Monday to Friday. Volunteers will be accommodated during their stay and their safety remains our priority also. In weekends we offer Tours for our guests.
10. NIGERIA 2. Full support for volunteers' placement. Hosting international volunteers for 5 years, our visitors have enjoyed staying with us in volunteer lodge at the first floor of our building. No fee for volunteers. We offer transportation, accommodation, health care and feeding. Volunteer opportunities, acquire more skills and networking. Internships positions: Clerical agents, Health delivery, Field work, Camp visitation, Educational services. Working from Monday to Friday, six hours daily. We stay in permanent contact with our volunteers and we support them with health insurance, provide daily allowance. We offer site seeing for volunteers
11. GHANA Full support for volunteers. Five year experienced organization. Participation fee for 1 volunteer to host is 934Euro/month. Volunteers will work with community development projects, working with children and youth, sports, etc. Internships are also available.
12. Nepal Full support for volunteers. Ten years experienced volunteer hosting organization invite you to experience this country with and fee for a week 200 Dollars or/month 400 Dollars to teach health issues and orphanage. Also available internships in medical and health area.
13. Ghana 2, Full support for volunteers. 7 years experiences working as a volunteer coordinator in the one Region of Ghana, our team have been trained to provide a warm, safe, and clean environment for volunteers and they all has a lot of experience working with volunteers. For one month the fee is $1159- cover: Official invitation , Accommodation is with a host family, Includes Airport Pick up and transportation to the project site, Meals , 24/ 7 in-country support. Program Options include, Civil Society Volunteer Program, Teaching in local schools, Computer training, Orphan Care, Farming Advisor Program, Sports coaching, Health education (HIV/AIDS), Volunteers may also come up with their own personalized project. Volunteers work general work a Monday to Friday week, although days may vary depending on the program selected. All volunteers get a minimum of two days off to use how they wish, whether it be for travel, participating in community events, time to themselves, etc.
14. Sri Lanka, Full support for volunteers. Specialist in Income generating activities, Fundraisers, Management Advisors, English Language Teachers for Kids and Youths, Working with disabled persons organizations, Work with youths. For internship, available opportunities are teaching English for youths. After arrival in Sri Lanka, one of our staff members will pick them at the airport. Two days stay at Colombo ( for one week volunteers this will be an half a day program) and have an orientation about country, nature of the work, nature of the organization, program for the period of staying in Sri Lanka, food and drinks, own safety, do's and don't do's, reporting necessities, Prevention and cure from troubles etc. Every volunteer can contact chief Executive Officer 24 hours of the day. Trips: - If volunteer going to stay more than 3 months, arrange 3 days 2 nights exposed trip, selected by the volunteer or the group. One week – 443US$, One month - (without trip) 665US$ , One month – (with trip) 1065.50US$ , Three months - (without trip) 1327.50US$ , Six months – (with trip) 2,455 US$
15. Volunteer in Afghanistan No local fees. Four years experienced organization in hosting volunteers. Since we are working in a remote and under developed regions of eastern Afghanistan and natural disasters like flood, earthquake and explosion, etc occur therefore our volunteer actively work for their people without any charges. We are responsible for provision of medicine to victims, first aid like tents, food by collecting free donation from merchants, influential tribal elders and the richest residents of the society, cleaning the environment, seedling of plants etc. Our associations have got sport facilities like cricket, food ball and volley ball teams and we provide all the outfits and all sorts of outdoors activities.
16. Volunteer in Somaliland. Five years experienced organization in hosting volunteers. Participation fee for 1 volunteer to host is $4750/ 3 month (Food ( 3 months), Accommodation (3 months)). Hosting organization is responsible for: Invitation letter, Visa issuance, local transportation from residence to the office and field works, Arrange placement into a program, Office space to work.
17. INDIA, Full support for volunteers. Organization experience in hosting volunteers is 5 Years. Total fees/ month are USD 2000. Honoree of USD 1000 Per Month to the successful participants for continuously three terms. Volunteer opportunities/jobs: Language and Information Technology Training, Livelihood Research and training to the poor rural Indian People. Internships positions Train the Trainers / Rural Youth Training /Livelihood Training. Except accommodation and Living an Honoree of USD 150 is paid to the interns in monthly basis. Volunteer week: three days theoretical class room training, two days participation in field work and two holidays.
18. Costa Rica. All inclusive. Latin American Program. Organization experience in hosting volunteers 15 yrs. Participation fees: $305/week, US$1350/month (fees cover: Accommodations, Placement arrangements, Administrative fee, Living, Food). Volunteer opportunities/jobs are two kinds: sea turtle conservation projects: 1.In-water studies volunteers in this project support our scientists in collecting data about local sea turtle population. 2. Beach projects: In our beach projects on the Caribbean coastline volunteers work to help with the night patrols, hatchery shifts and beach clean-ups. We have internships positions as Research Assistants. Volunteer week: At all the projects, there is a fix time for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The workload of a volunteer is about 30 hours per week. Additional to program services for volunteers, common free time activities are swimming depending on the conditions of the sea, relaxing in the hammock, trips into the forest, mangrove (kayak), playing soccer or beach volleyball. Costar Rica is a developing country and projects locations are places with basic conditions. Living in a tropical paradise, with forever green forest and clean blue ocean water volunteers will have a great experience. Not only improving their knowledge also their education and respect for the nature.
In order to apply, send your telephone number, resume, country and position request to email@example.com and firstname.lastname@example.com
-Travel, study and experience the World in the most fanny way by Internship or Volunteer program at
International Volunteer Academy, IVA www.volunteeracademy.blogspot.com dedicated to
enhancing the lives of the people (happy people–happy world).
-Begun in 1998 the International Volunteer Academy is a branch of an incredibly fast-growing international movement, which now boasts all over the world. Please help this group grow by spreading the word! So, why not "pay it forward" and
tell 3 (or more) people how wonderful volunteeracademy.blogspot.com is!
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subset: commoncrawl


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Public broadcasting is the only television service specifically designed to touch and teach, stimulate the imagination, inform, and entertain and to do so in a non-commercial environment.
For more information contact:
Charlie Deville
Underwriting Account Executive
Phone Number: (218) 788-2814
Businesses and organizations have the unique opportunity to support public television in the form of underwriting. Program underwriters assist WDSE•WRPT in meeting the ever-rising costs of quality programs.
Funding local public television through underwriting serves both a business and the community. While an underwriting credit visually connects a business with valued programs unique to public television, it also helps provide funding that affects the quality of life for everyone in our area.
What is Underwriting?
Businesses, corporations, foundations and organizations support programming on WDSE•WRPT by underwriting specific programs or time periods. By funding local public television, managers cost-effectively achieve public relations and marketing goals - while enhancing the quality of life in their community.
Although similar to traditional advertising, underwriting differs from opportunities available with commercial media primarily in the presentation of the message and in the way potential customers perceive the underwriters. Compared to other venues, WDSE•WRPT offers a uniquely dignified environment that is both attractive and effective. Through consistent application of PBS guidelines, credits stand out in an uncluttered medium that emphasizes a balanced presentation. Approximately on-fourth of commercial broadcast time is dominated by ads and promotions, but pubic broadcasting allocates only a few minutes of each hour to underwriting credits and promotion of upcoming programs.
Consumers see public television supports as committed to quality and excellence and as industry leaders. Furthermore, a recent national survey confirms that the public television brand remains a leader in developing and maintaining connections with the consumer. Because public television serves the community through its quality programming and outreach initiatives, association with this valued institution enhances image, while it heightens awareness of product or service.
Underwriters on public television receive recognition with an 8-10 second visual and audio identification. The credit can include a brief audio tag, the sponsor's logo, address and contact information. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), PBS guidelines, and WDSE-TV policies govern on-air acknowledgement of all underwriters. Although regulated in order to provide a balanced environment, the creative elements of an on-air credit can take many unique and exciting forms.


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Just a few miles below the point where the region's major sewage treatment plant pours treated wastewater into the Blackstone River, the broken remains of an unwanted dam stretch across the waterway in Millbury.
Engineers, regulators and even its owner, National Grid, want the Millbury Dam to come down so the Blackstone can once again run free through its channel.
Yet the dam — reportedly built in 1828 — remains, and a key reason lies buried under the water next to it.
"The hard nut to crack there, which is typical of any dam on the Blackstone, is the sediment behind the dam," said Christopher Hatfield, a project manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which recently revived studies of what it would take to remove the Millbury Dam. "These dams have captured a lot of contaminated soils over the years. The river is challenging as it is, and a lot of the contaminated stuff has been covered up over the years by cleaner stuff. You can't expose that."
The impact of dams weighs on the river as the Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District is contemplating costly upgrades to its sewage treatment plant in Millbury. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wants the facility to reduce levels of phosphorus and nitrogen in treated water discharged to the Blackstone River. The district's officials from Worcester and surrounding towns argue their efforts could cost $208 million and do nothing to improve a river blocked by multiple dams that trap the troublesome nutrients.
Yet the cost of dredging and removing sediments loaded with arsenic, metals and other contaminants from the river's industrial past complicates any calculation. A 2007 study by the firm Fuss & O'Neill of West Springfield estimated it could cost $2.2 million to $4.8 million to remove the Millbury Dam.
In addition, many of the 18 major dams stretching from Millbury to Pawtucket, R.I., sit in districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
At least four dams — in Northbridge, Blackstone, Woonsocket, R.I., and Cumberland/Central Falls, R.I. — are federally licensed hydropower facilities. Four more in Rhode Island are seeking to start hydropower operations.
Fisherville Dam in Grafton holds back a pond that has become a wildlife habitat for migrating birds.
"Each dam is its own story, and yes, a lot of the dams are not going to go away because people are invested in that pond, that resource," said Peter G. Coffin, coordinator for the Blackstone River Coalition in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Yet, he added, "if it can't be taken down, you have to manage the dam."
The Blackstone River's modern history and health are inextricably intertwined with its dams.
Entrepreneurs built dams on the river as early as the 18th century to harness water power for mills. Their enterprises turned a tumbling waterway stretching about 48 miles from Worcester to estuaries in Rhode Island into a slower river dotted with ponds and watery areas called impoundments. At the peak of dam construction, the river contained about one dam for every mile it flowed.
Factories dumped waste into the river, which became so foul-smelling that mill owners eliminated windows from their riverside buildings.
"There are horror stories that parents would tell their kids: 'Don't fall in the river. Your skin will fall off,' " said Chuck Arning, a National Park Service ranger with the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor.
The Blackstone River is far cleaner today, yet the dams grip the sediments of the industrial past. They also trap sediments loaded with phosphorus, which feeds plants in freshwater. As plants decompose, microbes rob the river of dissolved oxygen that fish need to survive.
"Those are the effects that dams have on river quality," said Beth Lambert, manager of the river restoration program for the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration. "In urban environments, because rivers are already stressed, those impacts become magnified."
Robert L. Moylan Jr., Worcester's commissioner of public works and chairman of the Upper Blackstone district, has called the structures the "damn dams." When groups proposed adding hydropower facilities to several Blackstone River dams in Rhode Island, the district tried to intervene in the permitting process last year, arguing "the dams are the single most important factor regarding — and primary impediment to — the attainment of water quality standards on the Blackstone River." The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rejected the argument, saying the district missed the deadline to seek a rehearing.
Although funding for dam removal and cleanup is difficult to assemble, state officials have learned how to manage expenses by participating in 20 dam removals since 2007, according to Tim Purinton, director of the state's Division of Ecological Resources. Massachusetts is on pace to remove nine dams this year and six to seven dams next year, he said.
"We're doing more and more projects in these urban areas," Mr. Purinton said. "What's neat is those costs are being driven down."
At the Fisherville Dam area in South Grafton, multiple studies have uncovered contaminants ranging from metals to hazardous chemicals called polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs. Fisherville Redevelopment Corp., which controls about 32 acres of land and the pond's water rights, has spent close to $2 million cleaning up pollutants since it acquired the property in 2004.
Its tactics include an "Eco-Machine" that uses fungi and other natural elements in multiple tanks to filter and cleanse contaminated river water.
"I think we need to figure out long-term solutions that are incremental and do continuous improvement in the environment," said Eugene N. Bernat, vice president of Fisherville Redevelopment. "It took us 200 years to get to this point. For us to expect we can do this in six months, two years, two decades even, given a limited pot of money, is naive."
Contact Lisa Eckelbecker at email@example.com


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Sustainable Fisheries
Ending Overfishing from OCEAN2012
32% of the world's fisheries are overexploited, depleted or recovering, which threatens the health, economy, and livelihoods of communities all over the world. The global fishing fleet is estimated to be 250% larger than needed to catch what the ocean can sustainably produce.
» Demand for fish hits record high - UN report shows that the global consumption of fish hits a record high, while the status of the world's fish stocks have not improved. [The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2010 UN report]
» Aquacalypse Now - The End of Fish
There are a number of issues that need to be addressed quickly in order to preserve fish stocks as a natural resource. These include among others:
Overfishing, formally defined as "situations where one or more fish stocks are reduced below predefined levels of acceptance by fishing activities", means that fish stocks are depleted to the point where they may not be able to recover. Areas such as the eastern coast of Canada and the northeastern coast of the U.S. have fished certain species to collapse, which consequently caused the fishing communities that relied on those stocks to collapse.
In some cases, depleted fish stocks have been restored; however, this is only possible when the species' ecosystem remains intact. If the species depletion causes an imbalance in the ecosystem, not only is it difficult for the depleted stocks to return to sustainable levels, other species dependent on the depleted stocks may become imbalanced, causing further problems.
Access agreements through government deals are helping fisheries in developing nations negotiate better agreements with rich countries that will help protect the marine environment and livelihoods of fishing communities. These local people rely on fish to sustain their health and their livelihoods.
Fish stocks recover as conservation measures take effect, analysis shows (July 2009
Foreign fishing fleets of enormous size and power from rich countries can overwhelm local people and deplete the fish stocks, causing further harm to the marine environment by disrupting the food chain. The more fish stocks become overexploited, the more fisheries must search for productive waters which are then quickly depleted.
The seafood industry, like all industries, is largely market driven. Seafood consumers are increasingly aware of the threats to global fish stocks, yet greater awareness is needed so that the market demands sustainable products from well-managed fisheries. A potentially powerful intervention is being implemented by organizations such as Blue Ocean Institute and the Monterey Bay Aquarium by publishing seafood guides to help consumers make informed choices when buying seafood. Furthermore, recent legislation requires fish sellers to identify the source of seafood. Some retail outlets such as Whole Foods Market are supposedly committed to preserving the ocean's resources by raising awareness and selling only products from well-managed fisheries. Organizations such as the WWF have worked with corporations such as Unilever, one of the world's largest consumer food companies, to form the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), which provides a mechanism for identifying and certifying sustainable fisheries.
Seafood Summit brings together global representatives from the seafood industry and conservation community for in-depth discussions, presentations and networking with the goal of making the seafood marketplace environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.
Fish2fork is the world's first website to review restaurants according to whether their seafood is sustainable, and not just how it tastes. It is brought to you by the people behind the film, The End of the Line.
An independent, global charity, the MSC is headquartered in London and works to promote sustainable marine fisheries, and responsible, environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable fishing practices. This is accomplished by the development of a set of standards, the MSC Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Fishing, to assess and certify fisheries. These standards are based on scientific data and were developed with relevant stakeholders. Third-party certifiers are used to assess MSC certified products. The MSC "seal of approval" should allow consumers to purchase fish and other seafood from well-managed sources though Daniel Pauly wrote in September, 2009 in his article titled Aquacalypse Now - The End of Fish:
At first, the MSC certified only small-scale fisheries, but lately, it has given its seal of approval to large, controversial companies. Indeed, it has begun to measure its success by the percentage of the world catch that it certifies. Encouraged by a Walton Foundation grant and Wal-Mart's goal of selling only certified fish, the MSC is actually considering certifying reduction fisheries, with the consequence that Wal-Mart, for example, will be able to sell farmed salmon shining with the ersatz glow of sustainability. (Given the devastating pollution, diseases, and parasite infestations that have plagued salmon farms in Chile, Canada, and other countries, this "Wal-Mart strategy" will, in the long term, make the MSC complicit to a giant scam.)
» Ecolabel credibility put to the test - Healthy Oceans Blog
Source: Fix.com
Take Action Against Overfishing
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Start or join a discussion below about this page or send us an email to report any errors or submit suggestions for this page. We greatly appreciate all feedback!
Help Protect and Restore Ocean Life
Help us protect and restore marine life by supporting our various online community-centered marine conservation projects that are effectively sharing the wonders of the ocean with millions each year around the world, raising a balanced awareness of the increasingly troubling and often very complex marine conservation issues that affect marine life and ourselves directly, providing support to marine conservation groups on the frontlines that are making real differences today, and the scientists, teachers and students involved in the marine life sciences.
Support us with a monthly donation today.
With your support, most marine life and their ocean habitats can be protected, if not restored to their former natural levels of biodiversity. We sincerely thank our thousands of members, donors and sponsors, who have decided to get involved and support the MarineBio Conservation Society.


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Road to "Geneva -2" : Will divided Syrian opposition attend?
Al-Akhbar - Suhaib Anjarini
The road to the upcoming " Geneva -2 " conference appears full of barriers and surprises. If the leaked reports that reached Al-Akhbar – holding that the United States and Russia have reached a deal to allow the Syrian National Coalition to form the opposition's delegation – are true, then leading Syrian opposition figures are likely to boycott the meeting.
Syrian opposition sources have told Al-Akhbar that members of the diplomatic team of US Ambassador Robert Ford confirmed there was an American-Russian understanding to let the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces (SNC) form the opposition's delegation to the Geneva II conference. Other sources linked this development to Saudi intelligence chief Bandar bin Sultan's visit to Moscow.
But what if some opposition elements refuse to participate under the SNC's umbrella?"We know that an agreement of some kind was reached during Bandar's visit to Moscow, but we don't have any clear details," one independent Syrian opposition figure who declined to be named said. He added, "If true, this will be a consolation prize offered to Saudi Arabia in order to hold the conference, and the Saudis in return will have to consent to Iranian participation."
Speaking to Al-Akhbar, SNC member Khaled Nasser said, "I have no information about whether such an agreement has taken place or not yet, but that we will form the opposition's delegation is inevitable, and this is what the communiqué of the Friends of Syria meeting in London last month stated." Nasser stressed that for the SNC to be in charge of forming the delegation is a principal condition for going to Geneva, albeit not the only condition, saying, "The most important prerequisite is obtaining guarantees to form a transitional authority with full powers, including supervision of the army and security."
Interestingly, Nasser was keen to mention the caveat "if Geneva takes place" in his statement. When asked what pushes him to believe the conference may not be held despite all indications otherwise, Nasser chose to repeat the mantra, "The regime is obstructing efforts to hold it," adding that "[the regime] must implement confidence-building measures, end the siege on blockaded cities, release prisoners, and stop bombing Syrians."
Nasser's remarks were echoed by the position declared by the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood. In a statement issued on Sunday, December 8, the Islamist group said, "As the regime continues to aggravate humanitarian conditions, this hinders the formation of a favorable political climate, and makes all talk about Geneva II futile." Aiming high, the Brotherhood then called for "compelling the regime to go to Geneva under an agreement governed by Chapter VII [of the UN charter], specifying the details of a transitional authority with full powers in which [the regime] has no role."
Hussein believes that Geneva "will not be a Syrian conference with international sponsorship, but an American-Russian conference attended by Syrians."Returning to Nasser's remarks, the SNC member concluded by stressing his group's right to form the opposition delegation, in which he claimed participation would be open to various opposition components. But what if some opposition elements refuse to participate under the SNC's umbrella? "This will be the problem of those who refuse [to participate], and the problem of the party sponsoring the conference, and not our problem," Nasser replied, claiming that "the coalition is the most popular in the Syrian street."
However, the above is in sharp contrast with what Haytham Manna of the opposition National Coordination Committee for Democratic Change (NCC) told Al-Akhbar. Manna said, "Several months ago, the UN conducted a survey and found that the SNC at best had the support of 5 percent of Syrians, while the NCC had more than 13 percent support. Another survey was conducted two months later, and found that the SNC's popularity declined to 3 percent, while the NCC's rose to more than 20 percent."
The problem, in Manna's view, is not about holding Geneva II but is about whether or not it will succeed. He said, "To make it a success, a number of conditions must be satisfied, both subjective and objective. The most important subjective factor is that the opposition should form a convincing and competent delegation, and the most important objective factor is that obstacles to putting together a delegation that has the legitimacy of representing the largest possible segment of the Syrian people should be removed."
Manna continued, "There are other important objective factors; the European community must lift economic sanctions on the Syrian people, and the regime must allow food to reach everyone and release all detainees. The militants must also release all hostages, including the two bishops, the nuns, and the women who were kidnapped in the northern countryside of Latakia."
Manna explained that the American-Russian deal over Geneva stipulated that "the Russians would handle the regime's delegation, and the Americans the opposition's delegation, while each side has veto power and the right to request changes through Lakhdar Brahimi." But at the same time, Manna denied knowing anything about a new American-Russian accord over this issue, and added, "If an agreement of this kind were indeed to be reached, then we will not go to a conference that is being thwarted in advance."
According to reports, the list of invited countries is almost complete, and the only thing it now lacks is an accord over the participation of Iran and Saudi Arabia.In turn, head of the Building the Syrian State movement Louay Hussein declared a stance similar to the NCC's. He told Al-Akhbar, "The Americans and their allies are endeavoring to have the delegation headed by the SNC. The Americans and the Russians called on us to participate under this arrangement, but we refused."
Nevertheless, Hussein denied knowing about a new deal to entrust the task of forming the opposition delegation to the SNC. He said, "What we know is that the Americans requested for the SNC to head the delegation, while the Russians are urging the rest of the factions to refuse this."
Hussein believes that Geneva "will not be a Syrian conference with international sponsorship, but an American-Russian conference attended by Syrians." He then added, "Our position is clear: Our condition for participation is for us to be part of a delegation not chosen by either the Russians or the Americans. Otherwise, we will not participate. So far, we are not optimistic about the actual influence Syrians will have at the conference, and we believe that it will be nothing more than a platform to launch the agreements being hammered out now."
"In this sense," he continued, "We seek to be present in the ongoing efforts for Geneva by pressuring all international parties to dissuade them from completely marginalizing the Syrian will. I believe we have been able to prove something in that direction."
Preparations for Geneva: Singing a Different Tune
On the other hand, it seems that the international train is steaming steadily toward holding Geneva II in a way that suggests Syrian opposition attitudes will do little to change its course. Al-Akhbar has learned that the Russians and Americans have agreed on the text of the invitation to be sent to out to the countries that will participate in the conference.
The invitation will include references to "counter terrorism" that the United States has consented to at Russia's request. Al-Akhbar's sources confirmed that the first day of the conference would be attended by delegations from 30 countries. On the second day, the meetings will be attended by the two Syrian delegations exclusively, in addition to Brahimi, with each delegation to consist of 9 to 15 members.
Although the specific form of the opposition's delegation has yet to be decided, it is understood that armed factions (with the exception of al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) would be represented in it by at least two members. In addition to the two official delegations, technical advisory committees will meet in an adjacent hall, each official delegation choosing its advisers respectively. But some Syrian civilian organizations are advocating participation of independent advisory committees on human rights issues, transitional justice, democracy, and education.
According to reports, the list of invited countries is almost complete, and the only thing it now lacks is an accord over the participation of Iran and Saudi Arabia. It is likely that the two countries will receive an invitation to attend the peace conference after a December 20 preparatory meeting in Geneva, in their capacity as members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Needless to say, the five permanent members of the U.N Security Council will attend, led by the United States and Russia. Lebanon and Jordan will also attend as two neighbors of Syria, in addition to the countries that attended the previous meeting in Geneva: Qatar, Turkey, Iraq, Egypt, Algeria, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, and Indonesia. Brazil, India, and South Africa will attend from the BRICS group, in addition to the European Union and the Arab League.
On Sunday, U.N Secretary General " Ban Ki-moon " announced that the invitations for Geneva II would be sent out on December 20, indicating that the aim of the conference was to to form a transitional government with executive powers as agreed to in Geneva I.


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All items > Knives > Custom Knives > Mikkel Willumsen (Custom)
- Overall Length:8.625"
- Blade Length:3.625"
- Blade Thickness:0.15"
- Blade Material:154CM
- Blade Style:Tanto
- Blade Grind:Flat
- Finish:Acid Stonewash
- Edge Type:Plain
- Handle Length:5.00"
- Handle Thickness:0.69"
- Handle Material:G-10
- Color:Black, Yellow
- Weight:7.25 oz.
- User:Right Hand
- Pocket Clip:Tip-Up
- Knife Type:Automatic
- Opener:Push Button
- Lock Type:Plunge Lock
- Brand:Mikkel Willumsen
- Model:Maddox
- Designer:Mikkel Willumsen
- Best Use:Tactical
- Country of Origin:China
- Product Type:Knife
The Urban Tactical Maddox is a push button automatic from Mikkel Willumsen. The 154-CM steel blade features acid washed grinds and satin flats. The blade has a flat ground main and a thick secondary grind on both sides. The Maddox features G-10 handles with an open build. This one has a yellow/black layered G-10 scale on front. The handle is outfitted with a bead blast finished pocket clip.


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partial solar eclipse early in the morning (which i didn't see in person)...
plus protest from conservatives for LADY GAGA's supposedly one day concert which turned out to be a 2 day event due to high demands, even with high ticket prices and in a brand new MOA stadium with 70,000 capacity...
municipal uniform, black boots (beethoven), black wayfarer (rayban), stainless steel watch (hugo boss)
at 7am... not much of an eclipse... just the sun!
someone sells stuffed crabs for lunch...
and then i thought of LADY GAGA!
indian mango! with 3 dips!
soy sauce
brown sugar!
fish sauce!
TOMORROW: LSB at MULAWIN!
TOMORROW: LSB at MULAWIN!


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How many here rely on good documentation?
"The importance of the TFM in supporting the operation of a secure computer system cannot be over estimated. Even if one assumes, hypothetically, that all users of a system and their applications are trusted, and that they will use all of the available protection mechanisms correctly, the system may still be administered and operated in an insecure manner. This may be especially true when administrative users lack the skill, the care, or the interest to use the system properly. ~ NCSC-TG-016 "


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Traditional incandescent lighting keeps your trailer visible to help prevent collisions. This lightweight, yet rugged, PVC light bar is easy to connect to your trailer using the attached four U-bolts or four 20"L rubber straps (included). This light features sealed stop/tail/turn lights, rectangular reflectors, and endlights to provide greater visibility. 40"L, 7-way plug style. 7 lb.
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Your bag is empty.
Sorry, this product has sold out!
If you would like ARCHFASHION to try to and find it for you complete the form below.
Give those official meetings a new twist with our kimono dress. You will love the relaxed fit of our new vintage kimono dress. It has kimono style sleeves and can be tied at the waist, below the bust or not at all. Dress it up with heels or use as a layering piece with ponti pants and a long sleeved tee. Length: 97cm shoulder to hem. Fabric: vintage kimono silk. Due to the age of the vintage kimonos, the majority are preworn and preloved. It is normal, and is to be expected, that vintage panels from the kimonos show minor imperfections consistent with age. Check our size chart for sizing detail.


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Yoga / Pilates
Yoga Equipment and Pilates Equipment had been brought together all in one place on the IRON COMPANY website to provide our customers with the ease or finding the exact products they are shopping for.
Yoga Exercise involves simultaneously strengthening the body and the mind. Unlike normal workouts and exercise that concentrate more on the muscles, Yoga equipment and training focuses on every part of the body. Yoga originated in India over 5,000 years ago and is an ancient system of exercises and personal development for the body, mind and spirit. Yoga exercises incorporate Yoga exercise equipment such as Yoga blocks, exercise mats and weighted exercise balls.
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Tyrone Braxton needed a new button or icon design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 102 designs submitted by 31 freelance designers.
A community of space enthusiasts who get together around the world to share ideas.
passionate, smart, tech savy folks on the cutting edge who like to get together for events
looking for iconic designs with the word LAUNCH above or beneath
need a multicolor and a single color version, and would prefer that the design work well in a 1 color version for printing shirts etc


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You can return ← Home or search for the page you were looking for.
Once you submit your info, you can pay securely online by PayPal or credit card.
Before you go, how about signing up for eNews & Updates from The LandReport.com?
Join the official LinkedIn Group for
The Magazine of the American Landowner
and expand your networking opportunities.
I'll join later, take me to
The Land Report homepage


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Madalene necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 50 diseños de 18 diseñadores freelance.
Ageless, Aesthetic Medical Center
We are a two person office consisting of a American Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and a Registered Nurse who is a Certified Medical Esthetic Practitioner.
We have an amazing New York loft style penthouse office on the 17th floor of a 1930's medical building,1 block off Union Square in the center of downtown San Francisco. We have been working together for 3 years helping our patients look as good as they feel.
We provide laser skin care treatments, medical grade skin care products, medical peels, microdermabrasion, Botox, Fillers. We also offer surgical consults when more moderate approaches are not getting the job done. We provide very personal and individualized care. We listen to each individuals concerns and do everything we can to help them achieve the best results realistically and safely. Helping our patients to be truly "Ageless" is our goal. We are known for really taking time with each patient and creating a trusting and friendly rapport.
We invision a simple elegant design, perhaps a line drawing of the female form (most of our pts are female but not all), perhaps using the A in Ageless? We want to convey warm, caring service with an elegant and 'exclusive' atmosphere, in a simple, chic modern way.
Our current website colors are deep plum and smoky grey, with tones of organic green.
Anyone interested in looking their best using the most modern and affordable technology available, adminisitered by friendly, well trained and experienced professionals.
We are really aiming for any age group from 18-75+, mostly females. In this field trust is huge, but also people want the 'cutting edge' technology. Being a service industry they expect excellence from appointment booking, reception area to the final results.
We would like a simple, chic, elegant and modern design which could be used for our Website, business cards and letterhead. We would like it to be easy to read and catch the eye without being overdone.
Our colors again are deep plum, smokey grey, but we are open to better ideas.
Check out our website http://www.agelessinsf.com to get a better idea of who we are and the potential your logo can have. Please note our Website is still in progress and the chosen logo will be used in lieu of what is currently online.
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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In the News
Original journalism from the Center's OpenSecrets News
NRA leader, Jack Abramoff and GOP operative tied to alleged Russian spy Maria Butina have long history as foreign agents lobbying together
December 10, 2018 | NRA leader David Keene, Jack Abramoff and GOP operative Paul Erickson have a long history as foreign agents lobbying together over a decade before alleged Russian spy Maria Butina.
National Republican Congressional Committee the biggest loser among 2018 outside groups
November 30, 2018 | With a 25% success rate, the honor of "biggest loser" this general election cycle goes to the National Republican Congressional Committee.
The usual suspects placed bets on this year's most competitive races
November 28, 2018 | Winning Democratic challengers and losing incumbent Republicans drew from very different sources of funding during the 2018 election.
The Koch network's integrated strategy for social transformation
October 26, 2018 | The Koch network and its libertarian allies have battle-tested strategy for holding the line on a forgotten front in the info-wars.
Deval Patrick PAC outperforms other potential 2020 contender PACs
October 20, 2018 | By Maggie Mulvihill and Jenny Rollins Donations to a political action committee aimed at boosting Democratic candidates while also testing former Massachusetts' Gov. Deval Patrick's White House ambitions have far outpaced contributions made to PACs formed by other potential 2020 presidential contenders, newly released data from the Center for Responsive Politics shows. The Reason to…
Qatar Spent Nearly $5 Million on U.S. Influence Campaigns Following its Isolation by Saudi Coalition
October 13, 2017 | Qatar has hired seven American lobbying firms and spent nearly $5 million on U.S. lobbying and media campaigns in an effort to fight its isolation by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, and others in June. The Saudi-led coalition began its economic and diplomatic boycott of Qatar on June 5 after the country's…
Tribal battles make for well-fed lobbyists
May 31, 2017 | In April, another skirmish broke out in Indian Country when the Kalispel Tribe of Indians filed a federal lawsuit to stop the Spokane Tribe of Indians from building a casino. The Kalispel claim the gaming operation would draw business away from their own casino, located only two miles away from the would-be Spokane one, and thereby…
Add another to the list of former Trump campaign staffers lobbying for foreign clients
May 24, 2017 | Former Trump campaign officials haven't exactly been bashful about cashing in on their ties to the president in the lobbying sphere. Take Corey Lewandowski, Trump's former campaign manager. Shortly after the election, he cofounded a lobbying and consulting firm, Avenue Strategies, boasting to domestic and foreign clients of his administration ties. He left the firm…
Flurry of spending in Kansas 4th
April 10, 2017 | When President Trump tapped the Koch brothers' darling, Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.), as CIA director, there didn't seem to be much reason to believe the District 4 seat would be filled by anybody other than another member of the GOP. Still, though the southern Kansas district has been represented by a Republican since 1994, and…
Oilmen, pro-development financiers and Sarah Palin in the queue for Interior
November 28, 2016 | Update: In early December, Trump announced he would nominate Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke (R) to run Interior. Read more about Zinke here. While names were announced for a slew of appointments to President-elect Donald Trump's administration last week, there are still some significant posts left — like running the Interior Department, which is in charge…
HHS contenders: A crop of politicians with major funding from health sector
November 18, 2016 | Nov. 29 update: President-elect Donald Trump named Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) as his pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Unsuccessful GOP presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson declared Tuesday that he has no interest in a position in the Trump cabinet and instead wants to serve the administration as an outside advisor because he…
Fundraising histories and lots of experience in speculative Clinton Cabinet
October 28, 2016 | Washington thrives on speculation and now, after months of guessing at things like primary contenders and vice presidential picks, it's time to draft potential cabinets. With no shortage of well-educated guesses on who might lead the various executive departments, certain names crop up more often than others, often officials and bureaucrats with substantial political and policy…
Corporate sponsorships of Olympics make political investments look like a very good deal
August 5, 2016 | If you thought there was a lot of corporate money in politics, you haven't seen the amount of cash that goes into sponsoring the U.S. Olympic games. Eleven multinational corporations each paid the International Olympic Committee an estimated $100 million for a four-year partnership that gives them coveted advertising rights during the global sporting competition. (International Olympics Committee…
The Hillary Clinton of the Maryland 8th?
March 11, 2016 | This story was cross-posted on TIME.com. Wrapped around D.C.'s northern tip and barely a precious stone's throw from the U.S. Capitol, Maryland's 8th Congressional District is one of the nation's wealthiest: Census Bureau figures show its residents have a median household income of more than $94,000. Plenty of cash there, then, to fund the numerous…
Tobacco, rum and other interests lobby on Cuba as restrictions ease
February 8, 2016 | It may seem a country long in love with cigars has little need for Swedish Snus dipping tobacco. But Swedish Match, by its own measure the third-largest manufacturer of the tobacco pouches in the U.S., doesn't see it that way: Since 2011, the company has lobbied Congress more heavily than any other on trade with Cuba. Last week, the…
Apple's appetite for Washington influence keeps growing
January 28, 2016 | When you type "Tim Cook not" into Google, one of the first phrases to pop up is "Tim Cook is not a visionary." He may be no Steve Jobs, but with the company's growth slowing, Apple Inc.'s CEO clearly has a vision — one where Apple is a major player in federal lobbying. This week…
A "big ideas" State of the Union speech — but which ideas?
January 11, 2016 | He can't pass a substantive bill in an election year with a Republican Congress, the thinking goes. So President Obama wants to talk above politics in his final State of the Union address Tuesday night. Obama introduced the "big things" theme for his speech last week: "That's what I want to focus on in this…
Hybrid PACs collectively beat fundraising records of past election cycles
August 17, 2015 | The 2012 election cycle saw the birth of little-known hybrid PACs, also known as Carey committees, which can maintain two separate accounts; one for contributions to federal candidates and parties, and the other for independent expenditures, to which unlimited contributions can be made. The committees, which emerged as a result of the case Carey v. FEC, collectively raised…
Jewish Conservatives Form Infrastructure of Graham's Potential 2016 Donor Base
May 18, 2015 | Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) confirmed Monday on CBS's This Morning that he will be running for president in 2016 in part because he thinks "the world is falling apart." Graham, who is expected to officially launch his campaign on June 1, can take comfort in knowing that there are some major donors who may be…
Friends Helping Friends: Melgen's Contributions Came Early and Often for Menendez
March 9, 2015 | The Justice Department reportedly is on the brink of filing criminal corruption charges against Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) for allegedly pushing the interests of a Florida ophthalmologist in exchange for gifts and contributions. Menendez says he's done nothing wrong, and that Salomon Melgen's generosity over the years was spurred because the two are friends. Friends…
In the Garden of Dark Money, the Thorny Case of Rosebush Corp.
January 22, 2015 | Ever since news broke in 2013 that the IRS had targeted the exemption applications of tea party and some other politically-oriented groups for extra scrutiny, conventional wisdom had it that the agency throws up roadblocks for organizations trying to obtain its seal of approval. But much evidence indicates the IRS backs down without much fuss…
American Future Fund Goes to the Islands
September 12, 2014 | A politically active nonprofit that spent more than $25 million on ads to help Republicans in the 2012 elections has stepped into a messy dispute between the government of Puerto Rico and a bank that claims the commonwealth owes it money — not something that fits neatly with the group's activities in previous election cycles.…
Immigration, Net Neutrality Help Trigger Big Spending Increases in 2nd Quarter Lobbying
July 30, 2014 | Lobbying filings for the second quarter show that the public debate often seeps into the advocacy efforts of companies. This year: immigration, net neutrality and the right to channel a broadcast program using a tiny antenna have caused several companies to spend big in order to influence legislators. Meanwhile, some topics, including gun rights and defense spending,…
Millennials: Are Your Favorite Brands Influencing Politics?
July 29, 2014 | Studies have confirmed several statistics about the group known as millennials, the generation born between 1980 and 2000. They're on track to be the most educated generation to date, they're getting married significantly later in life, and they're in debt. They're also the most civically engaged generation the United States has ever seen. Millennials are…
Organizing for Action: Who's Giving to Obama-Linked Nonprofit?
June 17, 2014 | Since the beginning of the 2014 campaign cycle last year, 14 donors — running the gamut from a hedge fund manager to a gay rights activist to a little-known Salt Lake City venture capitalist — have given $100,000 or more to President Barack Obama's avowedly un-campaign committee, Organizing for Action. Another 26 have ponied up…
Wellspring's Flow: Dark Money Outfit Helped Fuel Groups on Political Front Lines
November 5, 2013 | From 2008 to 2011, a mysterious dark money group called Wellspring distributed more than $17 million to front-line political groups across the country. An OpenSecrets.org and National Public Radio investigation into the group details who is organizing this group and how far and wide the group's money has been sent.
The Gun Money Behind Opponents to the Arms Trade Treaty
October 1, 2013 | On Wednesday, Secretary of State John Kerry signed the U.N. Arms Trade Treaty, igniting a wave of criticism from pro-gun members of Congress. A closer look shows most of those opponents depend on the gun lobby for campaign cash.
Bill to End Horse "Soring" Draws Lobbying, War of Words
July 29, 2013 | The Prevent All Soring Tactics Act (H.R. 1518, or the PAST Act), sponsored by Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.), aims to do away with the painful practices that give some walking horses their high-stepping gait. Lobbyists on both sides of the issue have saddled up.
Malinowski Removed from 2007 and 2008 Lobbying Reports
July 11, 2013 | Just about all reports mentioning the administration's pick for a key State Department post, Tom Malinowski of the group Human Rights Watch, say he was barred from getting the job in 2009 because he was a registered lobbyist. Turns out, though, that he didn't need to be registered, and HRW was erasing his name from the records right around the time he was being considered in '09.
The Money in the Great Ape Debate
July 11, 2013 | Animal welfare groups recently won a major victory when the head of the National Institutes of Health announced the agency would significantly curtail its use of great apes in scientific research. NIH's action follows the failure of congressional legislation in a climate where animal rights groups could never keep up with groups -- including drugmakers -- that opposed the bill, particularly when it came to spending on lobbying and campaign contributions.
LGBT Interests, Celebrating Court Rulings, Also Increasingly Active as Donors
June 26, 2013 | LGBT groups and those affiliated with them, celebrating their Supreme Court victories today, have been active political donors, and Democrats are almost always the beneficiaries.
Computer Industry, Unions Big Donors to Immigration Bill Supporters
June 24, 2013 | Senators who voted for cloture on a key amendment to the comprehensive immigration overhaul bill tended to receive much more money from the computer industry, human rights groups and labor unions. The 27 senators who voted against the amendment, which strengthens border security but is also a step towards passing the overall immigration package, on average received very little money from those three types of groups, but did receive heavy support from donors in the agribusiness industry.
Pro-Plan B Groups' Pro-Obama Investments Seeming Well-Placed
June 12, 2013 | Women's issues advocacy groups and those favoring abortion rights -- which invested heavily in Obama's re-election -- were pleased with the Justice Department's announcement that it would stop legal efforts to keep younger teens from being able to buy Plan B One-Step without a prescription.
Revolving Door Works for Staffers, Too
February 27, 2013 | A new analysis by Remapping Debate and the Center for Responsive Politics shows that 41 high-ranking staffers for new members of Congress came from organizations that have a lobbying presence in Washington.
The Politics of Super Bowl XLVII
February 1, 2013 | NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the top brass of the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens tilt Republican, though not dramatically. The same goes for the extremely well-funded NFL Gridiron PAC.
Farm Bill Still Hanging: More Than 70 Groups Lobby on Food Stamps
December 3, 2012 | This year's Farm Bill, including its food stamp provisions, stalled in the House before the election. But the program has a big constituency, and it's not just poor people -- something lawmakers looking for budget cuts might want to keep in mind.
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 30: Lobbying on Syria, Biden Goes to COSTCO, and More
November 30, 2012 | Lobbying on issues related to Syria has ramped up as the conflict in the war-torn nation has intensified. South Dakota's Tim Johnson begins to put his campaign in gear. And Biden pays a visit to a new COSTCO store, where any Democrat is likely to get a friendly reception.
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 28: Protesters Strip in Boehner's Office, Special Election Dates Announced in Illinois, and More
November 28, 2012 | Are nude protestors listed on lobbying reports? Also, Illinois governor moves forward to replace Jackson, and Buffet nominates Dimon for Treasury.
Drones: Despite Problems, A Push to Expand Domestic Use
November 27, 2012 | Privacy and safety questions remain unresolved, but a law pushed by makers of unmanned aerial vehicles requires the Federal Aviation Administration to open up airspace to the devices. Police departments, universities, private corporations -- everyone wants one.
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 19: California Republicans Struggle, Digital Fundraising and Burma Lobbying
November 19, 2012 | California has a liberal reputation, and indeed the Golden State's Republicans are struggling -- at the polls and at campaign fundraising; President Barack Obama rides high on digital fundraising and the president's visit to Burma prompts a look at who's lobbying on the U.S. relationship with the former military dictatorship.
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 13: Gay Rights Groups Back History, Prolific Paul Ryan and More
November 13, 2012 | The freshly declared victory of the woman who will be the first openly bisexual member of Congress shows the strength of gay rights and women's groups. Also, the evolution of Paul Ryan as a national figure, as seen through campaign finance data.
Super PAC Supporting Pro-Gay Marriage Republicans Makes First Expenditure
September 28, 2012 | A super PAC set up to back pro-gay marriage Republicans appears finally to be joining the fray, releasing an attack ad targeting a challenger to Rep. Judy Biggert (R-Ill.). American Unity PAC, which had $1.8 million in the bank as of the end of August, drops a $500,000 ad buy on Biggert's Democratic challenger, Bill Foster.
Liberal Group With Ties to Unions Ends Donor Disclosure
August 23, 2012 | Patriot Majority's latest series of attack ads targets the conservative billionaires pumping money into the secretive world of right-wing non-profits, but offers few clues about who is funding its own activities. In a striking example of how the most ambitious actors in the realm of political funding have begun taking advantage of a shift in the legal landscape since 2010, the trail connecting Patriot Majority to its well-known progressive funders has all but melted away. Almost all of Patriot Majority's activities are now being carried out through a nonprofit that, under section 501(c)(4) of the tax code, doesn't have to disclose its donors.
Culture Wars Skip K Street
May 2, 2012 | Talking heads and culture warriors have been working overtime in 2012 on both sides of the abortion, birth control, religious freedom and gun rights issues. But for all the talk about how much -- or how little -- say the government should have on key social issues, the battles haven't spilled onto K Street. According to OpenSecrets.org data, lobbying on ideological issues was down nearly across the board for the first three months of 2012.
Newt Gingrich's Openly Gay, Half-Sister Supports Obama, But Not With Cash
December 8, 2011 | On Wednesday night, Candace Gingrich-Jones, the openly gay half-sister of GOP presidential candidate Newt Gingrich, appeared on MSNBC's The Rachel Maddow Show and endorsed President Barack Obama.
Barney Frank, Top Democrat on Powerful House Financial Services Committee, to Retire
November 29, 2011 | Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) announced earlier today that he would not seek re-election. Frank, who is in his 16th term in the U.S. House of Representatives, is the highest ranking Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee. In recent years especially, he's been a prolific fund-raiser, often raising huge sums from the industries that the Financial Services Committee regulates.
The Politics of Netflix, Tyco Splits Again and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 20
September 20, 2011 | Netflix Chief Executive Officer Reed Hastings announced Sunday that the company would separate its online streaming and DVD services, with the latter operating under the name Qwikster.
Will Republican Michele Bachmann's Opposition to Gay Rights Motivate Her Donor Base?
July 19, 2011 | Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) is facing the fury of gay rights groups after her husband's remarks on a Christian talk show were recently publicized. Although Bachmmann's presidential campaign is trying to distance itself from the event -- and Marcus has claimed his quote was taken out of context -- angering the gay community could, in turn, energize some of Bachmann's key supporters.
Dueling Donations: Lobbyists Lining Pockets of Both Democratic and Republican Party Committees
June 22, 2011 | A notable group of federal lobbyists -- 22 individuals to be exact -- made personal contributions to national party committees on both sides of the isle, according to an analysis of 2010 campaign donation records by the Center for Responsive Politics. But a notable few -- 22 individuals to be exact -- made personal contributions to national party committees on both sides of the isle, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Shareholder Battle for Transparency Continues, the Gay Pride Lobby and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 7
June 7, 2011 | Last week, shareholders of Home Depot gathered in Atlanta, where one of the orders of business was a resolution pushed by Boston-based NorthStar Asset Management for the company to provide detailed information about their political spending each year.
From Plumbers to Bankers, Anthony Weiner Long Enjoyed Diverse Campaign Cash Support
June 6, 2011 | Weiner's top donors hailed from his home state and belonged to the real estate and law industries, as well as the securities and investment and television and music industries.
Federal Judge Reverses Ban on Direct Corporate Contributions
May 27, 2011 | A federal judge in Virginia declared on Thursday that the long-standing ban on corporations contributing directly to candidates running for federal office was unconstitutional.
Campaign Finance Reform Advocates, Opponent Spar During Senate Committee Hearing
April 13, 2011 | High-profile advocates for and against campaign finance reform debated the merits of recent -- and potential -- changes to federal law.
From Slaves to Pornographers, Campaign Contribution Records Rife With Characters
March 31, 2011 | Freedom fighters, pornographers and self-proclaimed evil rich men are among the cast of characters appearing in federal campaign finance documents stretching back more than two decades, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Unions, Businesses Vie to Fill Democratic Pocketbook
March 16, 2011 | Even as many Democrats have stood in solidarity with workers whose collective bargaining rights have come under fire in Wisconsin and elsewhere across the country, at the federal level, Democratic candidates and groups have increasingly relied on the business community for support.
New Study: More Than 130 Top Congressional Staffers Are Former Lobbyists
March 2, 2011 | At least 130 current congressional chiefs of staff and legislative directors are former lobbyists, new research by the Center for Responsive Politics and Remapping Debate indicates.
The Red Cross Lobby, Congressman Beats Jeopardy! Computer and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 2
March 2, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Titan of Fund-Raising, Jeremy Bernard, Named Barack Obama's White House Social Secretary
February 25, 2011 | President Barack Obama today elevated Jeremy Bernard to the role of White House social secretary. In doing so, Obama named one of his top money men for the position. Bernard, along with his business partner and lover Rufus Gifford, helped raise tens of millions of dollars for Obama's 2008 presidential campaign through their consulting firm B&G Associates.
OpenSecrets.org Provides 2011 Legislative Preview Ahead of Barack Obama's State of the Union Address
January 25, 2011 | OpenSecrets Blog offers a preview on the legislative priorities destined to shape political discourse throughout 2011.
Capital Rivals: U.S. Chamber of Commerce vs. SEIU
December 28, 2010 | This edition of Capital Rivals takes an intimate look at two of the biggest big players in politics: the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Service Employees International Union.
'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Lobbying Surges As Repeal Fight Nears Climax
December 3, 2010 | From January through September, 29 unique groups have lobbied on the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on openly gay service members, according to a Center for Responsive Politics review of federal lobbying reports explicitly mentioning the measure.
Gay Rights Political Donations Plummet Amid Contentious Congressional Session
November 30, 2010 | The years leading up to the 2010 midterm election have been an important stretch for gay rights advocates, but you wouldn't necessarily know it by gauging the amount of money invested this cycle by gay and lesbian rights groups and their donors.
Contrary to Linda McMahon Campaign's Assertions, World Wrestling Entertainment Lobbied on Legislation
October 4, 2010 | Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Linda McMahon, who has repeatedly challenged the truthfulness of her Democratic opponent, Richard Blumenthal, has had her own problems with splitting hairs.
Decreasing Gay Rights Donations, Crist Keeps GOP Cash and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 23
September 23, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics: GAY RIGHTS CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS DOWN IN CONTENTIOUS YEAR: Gay and lesbian advocacy groups have had a chaotic week. Gay rights advocates won big Wednesday with Florida overturning a ban on gay adoption for infringement of Constitutional rights. But on Tuesday, despite Lady Gaga's best efforts, a Republican filibuster blocked the Senate from repealing the "don't ask, don't tell" ban on gay military members serving openly.
College Professors, Administrators Heavily Invested in Midterm Political Elections
September 22, 2010 | Geriatric medicine. Woodworking. Business. Psychology. Educators may have varied academic interests. But some of the most politically active of them share one thing in common: the habit of donating huge sums of money to federal candidates, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of federal campaign records indicates.
Capital Rivals: Koch Brothers vs. George Soros
September 21, 2010 | OpenSecrets Blog is here to investigate the numbers behind these bold-faced names in our new feature, Capital Rivals.
Craigslist Leader, Under Government Fire for 'Adult Services' Postings, Financially Tied to Numerous Democrats
September 5, 2010 | Craigslist.com founder Craig Newmark -- under fire by government officials and human rights organizations who believe his namesake website's "adult services" section facilitates prostitution and child sex trafficking -- has donated tens of thousands of dollars to Democratic candidates and committees, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis indicates.
New York Politico David Mejias, Jailed on Multiple Misdemeanors, Frequent Donor to Prominent Democrats
September 3, 2010 | David L. Mejias, a domestic violence lawyer and former Democratic congressional candidate who's now running for a New York State Senate seat, faces menacing, stalking and reckless endangerment charges stemming from an incident Thursday with an ex-girlfriend. Mejias, who says he's innocent, also has a history of contributing to prominent Democrats in Congress.
Gay-Friendly Companies: Is GOP Senate Candidate Sharron Angle Trying to Have it Both Ways With Their Money?
August 9, 2010 | Angle, to date, hasn't raised a dime from any corporate PAC, but according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis, she has taken at least $8,900 from leaders of companies known to offer employee benefits to same-sex spouses or that operate in jurisdictions that recognize marriage between same-sex couples.
Lobbyists Bet on Harry Reid, DCCC Plans Ad Offensive and More in Capital Eye Opener: August 4
August 4, 2010 | K street lobbyists seem to be betting Senate majority leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), donating big sums to his campaign chest. Reid collected $56,000 in individual donations from registered lobbyists in just a few weeks.
Van Hollen, 'Corporate Candidate' Murray Hill Spar Over Political Rights of Businesses
July 21, 2010 | SILVER SPRING, Md. -- Mike Hensal, the designated human delegate of public relations firm Murray Hill Inc., basked in the newfound political influence corporations enjoy.
Gay Rights Lobby Sees Victories and Room for More Action after Votes on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Policy
May 28, 2010 | During the first quarter of 2010, only a handful of organizations reported lobbying on the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy regarding gays in the military, according to a Center for Responsive Politics review of lobbying reports that explicitly mentioned this measure. Most of the groups identified by the Center supported a repeal of the policy.
Monied Lobbying Forces Gird for Immigration Reform Battle
April 27, 2010 | Hundreds of lobbyists are primed to swarm Capitol Hill to advocate on behalf of a wide variety of business interests and ideological groups, all of which have a stake in immigration reform policy – Congress' focus du jour.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Defending Newfound Political Influence with Aggressive Federal Lobbying Efforts
April 22, 2010 | With some of the most expensive ticket prices in sports, a television audience that reaches millions, and -- yes -- its own reality television show, Ultimate Fighting Championship is captivating a new generation of sports fans. But in addition to waging battles atop caged, octagonal fighting canvasses, the wildly popular organization is also grappling with politicos on Capitol Hill.
Formaldehyde, Guns and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 19
April 19, 2010 | Who knew the Formaldehyde Council was a K street regular? For the past 10 years, the Environmental Protection Agency has been trying to change the classification of formaldehyde from a "probable" to a "known" carcinogen. However, the agency has encountered relentless opposition throughout the process.
Dems Take Heat from All Sides As They Strive to Maintain Status Quo on Abortion
March 23, 2010 | One of the lawmakers President Barack Obama's executive order won over was Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), who led a bipartisan fight in November to include stricter anti-abortion language in the House's version of the health reform legislation. By the Center for Responsive Politics' tally, Stupak is the only Democratic incumbent in the House to receive any money from special interest groups that oppose abortion so far this election cycle -- with a $500 contribution coming from the Right to Life of Michigan PAC.
Double Trouble for Bart Stupak, SeaWorld Makes Waves in D.C. and more in Capital Eye Opener: March 19
March 19, 2010 | Two recent articles in Politico highlight the precarious position in which Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) now finds himself as a result of his opposition to health care reform legislation that's primed for a vote Sunday.
Murray Hill the Corporate Candidate, Bank of America's Transparency Move and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 15
March 15, 2010 | If corporations sported body parts, Murray Hill Inc. would this week have its tongue intractably implanted in its cheek.
Democrats and Lobbyists Party in Miami, 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Gets Bombed and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 4
February 4, 2010 | MONEY IN MIAMI: Democratic senators and K Street lobbyists hit the beach over the weekend at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee retreat at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach Resort, an event with the purpose of raising money for Democratic Senate candidates in the 2010 election.
OpenSecrets.org Offers 2010 Legislative Preview Ahead of Barack Obama's State of the Union Address
January 27, 2010 | The past year proved to be a legislative whirlwind in Washington, with a new administration, and expanded Democratic majorities in Congress, tackling an ambitious legislative agenda against the backdrop of two wars and an economic meltdown. Twelve months later, the story is much the same.
Assessing Health Reform, Addressing Don't Ask Don't Tell and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 26
January 26, 2010 | OBAMA MAY ADDRESS DADT IN SOTU: Senate Armed Forces Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) announced Monday that he would postpone a hearing slated for this week on the military's controversial "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy. News outlets are now reporting that Levin was asked to postpone the hearing until after President Obama's State of the Union address on Wednesday, so that Obama could weigh in on the subject.
Two Dozen Bankrollers-Turned-Ambassadors Bundled At Least $10 Million For Barack Obama
November 18, 2009 | Like Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton before him, President Barack Obama continues to reward donors, fund-raisers and other loyalists with plum diplomatic posts. The two-dozen bundlers elevated by Obama to serve as ambassadors raised a minimum of $10.7 million for Obama's committees, the Center for Responsive Politics has found.
Capital Eye Opener: Monday, November 9
November 9, 2009 | JUST WAIT UNTIL THE SENATE GETS STARTED: Heckuva lotta drama Saturday night in the House of Representatives finally passed its version of health care reform. We were up with them, glued to C-Span and crunching numbers all the while.
Gay Democratic Fund-raiser Says Money Should Only Support Candidates Who Back Equality
November 6, 2009 | A well-heeled Democratic fund-raiser is calling on donors to stop the "gay ATM" to politicians who don't fully support equality for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people. Once named the most powerful gay man in America by Newsweek, David Mixner is angered by the hands-off approach of President Barack Obama and the Democratic National Committee concerning a failed ballot measure in Maine that would have allowed same-sex couples to marry. He says he's also troubled by Obama not quickly fulfilling his campaign promises regarding rights for gays and lesbians.
Supporters of Moderate Republican in NY-23 Special Election Weigh Where to Place Their Loyalties After Candidate Quits
November 2, 2009 | With Republican Diedre Scozzafava ending her bid in for Congress and endorsing her Democratic opponent Bill Owens, Owens and Conservative Party nominee Doug are now vying to win over Scozzafava's supporters, including those who lent financial support to her campaign.
Barack Obama Nominates Politically Connected Ambassadors for Hungary, New Zealand
October 15, 2009 | Politically connected ambassadors will soon represent the United States in Hungary and New Zealand. President Barack Obama has nominated philanthropist and real estate developer Eleni Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis to be ambassador to Hungary, while he nominated lawyer David Huebner to serve as the nation's top diplomat in New Zealand and Samoa. The Center for Responsive Politics has found that both Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis and Huebner have been active donors to federal politicians over the past 20 years.
Capital Eye Opener: Tuesday, October 13
October 13, 2009 | HEALTH INSURERS RELEASE NEW REPORT: On Sunday, a new study commissioned the health insurance industry group America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) claimed that the health reform legislation authored by Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) "will increase premiums above what they would increase under the current system." The Senate Finance Committee, which is chaired by Baucus, is set to vote today on its version of health insurance reform legislation.
Panel Rules Against Challenger in "Blood Money" Speech Dispute Against Lawmaker Backed By Turkish Interests
October 8, 2009 | Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio) is one of the top recipients of money from Turkish-American groups. But the Ohio Election Commission has ruled that her 2008 third-party challenger David Krikorian made a false statement when he claimed Schmidt took money from "Turkish sponsored" political action committees.
Bill to Grant Federal Marriage Benefits to Gay & Lesbian Couples Faces Uphill Battle
September 15, 2009 | Democratic Congressman Jerrold Nadler of New York introduced a bill today to repeal the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. Groups advocating for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues and rights, however, face an uphill battle on K Street and Capitol Hill to pass it.
Major Obama Campaign Bundlers Nominated for Ambassador Posts in Australia, Luxembourg
September 15, 2009 | Of three ambassadorial nominees President Barack Obama announced late Friday night, two of them are major political fund-raisers, bundling more than half a million dollars for Obama's presidential campaign.
Supreme Court Poised to Overhaul Parts of Campaign Finance System
September 9, 2009 | If the Supreme Court is currently the dam blocking the flow of unlimited corporate funds used for political expenditures, today's re-hearing of the campaign finance case Citizens United v. the Federal Election Commission indicated that the justices may be poised to put at least a few holes in that barricade.
Rep. William Jefferson, convicted of corruption, received handsome donations from legal community
August 6, 2009 | Former U.S. Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.) is now an infamous scofflaw who now faces decades in prison after a federal jury Wednesday convicted him of 11 counts of racketeering, solicitation of bribery and money laundering. An ironic footnote: Lawyers and law firms are by far Jefferson's largest campaign donors during his now ruined congressional career, which began in 1990 when he became Louisiana's first elected black congressman since Reconstruction, and ended in December when the embattled politico lost reelection.
Barack Obama's Obscure Ambassadors Bring Experience, Campaign Cash
July 17, 2009 | President Barack Obama has tapped 19 ambassadors to represent the United States in international organizations or act as the top statesman in issue-based arenas. Seventeen of these have contributed about $323,900 to federal candidates and committees since 1989.
Unlikely Groups Enter Federal Health Care debate
July 9, 2009 | Though health care companies and consumer advocacy organizations are the most active players in the nation's debate over health care reform, non-medical groups are also lobbying to promote pet causes. They are shelling out considerable cash in the hope of influencing the direction of reform this summer.
Power Players: Despite Industry Funds, Frank Cracks Down on Bailout Recipients
January 22, 2009 | Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., continues his role as chair of the House Financial Services Committee this year in the midst of an economic recession. But the money he's received from the finance sector hasn't won his unconditional support of doling out bailout cash to floundering companies.
Justice, Defense Department Employees At Odds Over Next Leader
October 23, 2008 | 2008 appears to be the first race in recent presidential elections where there is a clear partisan preference among campaign contributors who work in the federal government, as well as in state and municipal government--and even a distinct preference within major federal agencies, including the high-profile departments of Justice and Defense. Barack Obama has collected nearly three times more than John McCain from civil servants and public officials ranging from U.S. attorneys to small-town mayors.
Despite Indictment, Stevens is GOP's Pick
August 28, 2008 | What does it take to be your party's candidate-of-choice for the Senate even after you've been indicted in a scandal? Apparently it takes $4.2 million and 39 years in Congress already under your belt. Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) won his party's primary race Tuesday, despite being indicted for allegedly failing to report $250,000 in gifts from the embattled oil services company Veco. Veco employees have given Stevens $28,500 for his re-election funds. Stevens's competitors in the primary were self-financed and came nowhere near bringing in his haul.
Seeking Stimulation
January 31, 2008 | Industries are sending in lobbyists with their wish lists as Congress and the president debate a package to revive the ailing economy.
Lawmakers Divest Because of Darfur
December 20, 2007 | Congress supported divestment from Sudan this week, but some lawmakers still have a financial stake in companies tied to the genocidal regime.
Border Patrol Series: Immigration & Construction
June 14, 2007 | Providing first jobs for generations of immigrants, the construction industry seeks to keep the labor stream flowing.
Border Patrol Series: Immigration & Agribusiness
June 14, 2007 | Heavily reliant on immigrant workers, the farming industry is largely united in support of the immigration bill.
Border Patrol Series: Immigration & Human Rights
June 14, 2007 | Immigrant rights groups suddenly find their issue in the spotlight.
Border Patrol Series: Immigration & Business
June 14, 2007 | Business speaks with a loud voice, but its sub-industries have varying views.
Border Patrol Series: Immigration & High-Tech
June 14, 2007 | The technology industry's need for highly skilled workers is often overlooked in the immigration debate.
Border Patrol Series: Immigration & Health
June 14, 2007 | As the U.S. population ages, the health sector wants to be able to recruit caregivers from abroad.
Border Patrol Series: Immigration & Labor
June 14, 2007 | Unions are generally pleased that the immigration bill puts illegal workers on a path to citizenship—and potentially union membership.
Border Patrol
June 14, 2007 | As lobbyists for industries and interest groups monitor and try to influence Congress's debate over immigration, Capital Eye analyzes the key players involved.
Congressional Preview
April 7, 2007 | New leadership in the 110th Congress means newfound influence for interests friendly to Democrats By Miranda Blue and Lindsay Renick Mayer January 04, 2007 | With the changing of the guard on Capitol Hill comes a shift in lobbying efforts. In December, the Republican-led 109th Congress closed with a late-night flurry of bills to appease…
State of the Union Preview
January 22, 2007 | Global warming, the Iraq war and balancing the budget are likely to be among the issues the president addresses. By Lindsay Renick Mayer January 22, 2007 | When President Bush takes the podium on Tuesday night to deliver his annual address, he will do so before a nation that is far less supportive of his…
Feel free to distribute or cite this material, but please credit the Center for Responsive Politics. For permission to reprint for commercial uses, such as textbooks, contact the Center: firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
I haven't seen anything clear out of comic con. Didn't seem like they showed any new clone wars figures (other than realistic styling). Anybody there and hear anything about the future of this line?
CLONE WARS Commander Fox will be the last Clone Wars figure for 2012. Hasbro does plan on continuing to strongly support the series and releasing 20+ figures in 2013. There is no arachnid Darth Maul planned for release at the present time due to the size of the figure, but General Pong Krell is very much in their radar. Another Maul is slated for release outside the Target battle pack version. We think Spidey Maul is a perfect piece for an exclusive
There is a big part of me that's hoping that they will be announcing the death of this sub-line at C6.
I watched some stop motion video on youtube some kid made recently, there was the dropship! I've never seen one, how'd this kid get it?
Also those early Clone Wars clones (1st head sculpt) with green stripes that IIRC, were only found on eBay. Star Wars Clone Wars Grey Clone Trooper Green
Page created in 0.055 seconds with 17 queries.


text:
San Diego Break Seattle in Women's Final
After two days of competition, the San Diego Surfers have been named the 2012 Women's Club 7s Champions. A second-half surge saw San Diego not only erase a halftime deficit, but pile on 26 unanswered points against the Seattle Breakers. Emilie Bydwell was named MVP, and deservedly so, contributing two tries in the final to cap a fantastic tournament.
It was no easy road to the final, as the Surfers suffered a pool play loss to the DC Furies on day one. The team couldn't have responded any better and initiated their playoff campaign with a 10-5 sudden-death overtime win over defending champion Berkeley. San Diego's youngest player, 20-year-old Hannah Lopes, ran in both five-pointers.
Then came the Youngbloodz, whose hard-hitting pair of Sylvia Braaten and Stacey Bridges re-dedicated San Diego to a wide-open game. Ryan Carlyle, Cara Nocera and Bydwell helped produce a 19-5 win a berth to the final.
Meanwhile, Seattle outlasted the Emerald City Mudhens 17-12 in the Cup quarterfinals, then eliminated NOVA 1 12-5 for the title shot. The Breakers took a 12-7 lead into half, as powerful ballcarriers like Megan Sanders, Carrie White and Parisa Asgharzadeh needed multiple defenders to bring them down, thereby opening lanes to the tryline.
But San Diego did well to keep their heads up and come back in the second half, getting two quick tries from Bydwell and Katie Lorenz.
"All season we've been really good about getting up after we've been scored upon," Bydwell said. "That try that put us up two points really turned it around for us. We hadn't seen them at all; we didn't know what to expect. We needed a little bit of time to figure them out, get into, and once we had our lead, we were set."
Bydwell and Mollie Martin padded the lead for their first title.
"It just felt like this was the year," Bydwell said. "It just feels really right. All the people who are relatively new - me, Katie, Ryan - we feel really lucky to be here."
The Youngbloodz celebrated their inaugural year with a third place finish, defeating NOVA 17-0. Katie Johnson and Christy Ringgenberg were particularly impressive on the day. Both are such dynamic playmakers, and routinely set up their teammates for success, when of course they weren't scoring on their own.
After bowing out of the Cup bracket prematurely, Berkeley rebounded with the Plate Championship, topping the DC Furies 24-10. Lucy Croy was the star of the All Blues' final match, logging a hat trick and delivering monstrous hits on a NOVA side that struggled to finish on their opportunities. Emerald City finished their day on a win, taking 7th place with a 22-7 victory over Chicago North Shore.
In the Bowl competition, the Belles did exactly what they needed to do to erase a disappointing day one. Last year's finalist went 1-2 in pool play, but responded with three victories on day two and a Bowl championship. The only points scored on the Belles occurred during the final, as NOVA II's Kathryn Hemlock dotted down in the 33-7 decision.
Berkeley II finished in 11th after a 33-7 victory over the Falcons; Philadelphia won the Shield over Belmont Shore, 17-12; and Morris took 15th with a forfeit win over Sacramento.
San Diego 33-12 Seattle
3rd Place
Youngbloodz 17-0 NOVA
Seattle 12-5 NOVA
San Diego 19-5 Youngbloodz
Seattle 17-12 Emerald City
NOVA 7-0 DC Furies
San Diego 10-5 Berkeley (OT)
Youngbloodz 14-0 Chicago North Shore
Berkeley 24-10 DC Furies
7th Place
Emerald City 22-5 Chicago North Shore
Berkeley 29-7 Chicago North Shore
DC Furies 24-5 Emerald City
Boston Belles 33-7 NOVA II
11th Place
Berkeley II 33-7 Falcons
Boston Belles 22-0 Falcons
NOVA II 22-7 Berkeley II
NOVA II 24-0 Philadelphia
Berkeley II 26-7 Morris
Falcons 38-5 Belmont Shore
Boston Belles 28-0 Sacramento Amazons (fft)
Philadelphia 17-12 Belmont Shore
Morris 28-0 Sacramento Amazons (fft)


text:
Message to Charles Barron: You just weren't fit for prime time.
That bashing-white- folks stuff might play on Pitkin Avenue, but under the big lights of Washington, where powerbrokers make big decisions about municipal aid and job creation, that kind of talk only makes you look like a lightweight.
That way of thinking didn't find an ounce of support throughout most of New York's 8th Congressional District, where yesterday, Hakeem Jeffries beat you like you stole something.
"The people spoke in one loud voice, and that's why we're going to Washington, DC," Jeffries said at his victory party.
You remember Jeffries. He's the other black candidate, whom you all but painted as an Uncle Tom just because he had moderate supporters.
But come on, Councilman. Could you really blame them? Some voters admire your passion, your fight-for-the-little-guy spirit, but let's be real. No one expects Jeffries to walk into the House chamber with his arm around Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Don't expect him to bawl over the graves of any bloodthirsty, terrorist dictators.
Moammar Khadafy, Councilman? Really?
And what's so bad about getting along?
"I think we need new young leadership," said Elizabeth Calvin, a homeowner on Lefferts Place, right after she voted for Jeffries.
She insisted she doesn't have anything against you, Councilman, and I almost believed her.
"This community is not just one group of people," Calvin said. "We need someone to represent the broader base."
She put that very nicely, don't you think? She wasn't saying — like others have — that you're a race-baiting demagogue who's wants to pass laws to lock up white people.
She just liked the other guy better.
Yvonne Zabriskie, a teacher from Clinton Hill, didn't sugarcoat it.
"I've read a lot of things about his militancy," Zabriskie said. "I don't know if I'm comfortable with that. He's too radical. I don't know how much that's going to work."
Zabriskie, of course, was referring to the endless stories about how you eulogized Khadafy, escorted Zimbabwe's ruthless dictator, Robert Mugabe, into the City Council chambers and called Israel "the biggest terrorist in the world."
Then there was this gem you delivered at a hearing on reparations.
"I want to go up to the closest white person and say, 'You can't understand this, it's a black thing,' and then slap him, just for my mental health."
Even some of your supporters, Councilman, had reservations over that.
Joe Brown, a construction consultant, said he voted for you.
Basically, he just wanted to know if you're more than just talk.
"The only way to find out if he's 100 percent legitimate is to put his feet to the fire," Brown said.
"I need to know he's not full of hot air. I know it's a gamble, but life's a gamble."
So is politics. This time, you lost.


text:
First-Time Home Buyer Pre-Certification Session
Where: West Cook Homeownership Center
7740 Madison Street
Forest Park, IL 60130 (On the south of street)
When: Saturday, September 10th
Time: 10:00 A.M - 12:00 P.M
Contact: email@example.com or call Erica Muhammad at (708)-771-6801
In Partnership With:
First Midwest Bank and Stable Project
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