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Corruption in the Ethiopian JUST US Sector
For the past several months, I have been commenting on the findings of the World Bank's "Diagnosing Corruption in Ethiopia", a 448-page report covering eight sectors (health, education, rural water supply, justice, construction, land, telecommunications and mining). In this my sixth commentary, I focus on "corruption in the justice sector". The other five commentaries are available at my blog site.
Talking about corruption in the Ethiopian "justice sector" is like talking about truth in Orwell's 1984 Ministry of Truth ("Minitrue"). The purpose of Minitrue is to create and maintain the illusion that the Party is absolute, all knowing, all-powerful and infallible. The purpose of the Ministry of Justice in Ethiopia is to create the illusion that the ruling regime under the command and control of the Tigrean People's Liberation Front (TPLF) masquerading as the Ethiopian People's Democratic Front (EPDRF) is absolute, all knowing, all-powerful and infallible.
I have long caricatured the "justice sector" of the TPLF/EPDRF as a kangaroo justice system founded on a sham, corrupt and whimsical legal process. What passes off as a "justice system" in Ethiopia is little more than a marketplace where "justice" is bought and sold in a monopoly controlled by one man supported by a few nameless, faceless and clueless men who skulk in the shadows of power. It is a justice system in which universal principles of law and justice are disregarded, subverted, perverted and mocked. It is a system where the poor, the marginalized, the audacious journalists, dissidents, opposition and civic society leaders are legally lynched despite the criticism and bootless cries of the international community. It is a system in which regime leaders, their families, friends and cronies are above the law and spell justice "JUST US".
My first critique of the TPLF/EPDRF "justice system" appeared in 2006 when I wrote a 32-page analysis titled, "Keystone Cops, Prosecutors and Judges in a Police State." It was written in the first year of what has become my long day's journey into the dark night of advocacy against human rights violations in Ethiopia and Africa. The piece was intended to be a critical analysis of the trial of the so-called Kality defendants consisting of some 130 or so major opposition leaders, human rights advocates, civic society activists, journalists and others in the aftermath of the 2005 election. I tried to demonstrate that the show trial of those defendants was little more than a third-rate theatrical production staged to dupe the international community. I also tried to show how a dysfunctional and bankrupt judicial system was used to destroy political opposition and dissent. I described the "judicial proceedings" of the Kality defendants as "an elaborate hoax, a make-believe tribunal complete with hand-picked judges, trumped up charges, witless prosecutors, no procedures and predetermined outcomes set up to produce only one thing: a monumental miscarriage of justice."
A glossy "diagnosis" of corruption in the Ethiopian justice sector
The WB's "diagnosis" of corruption in "Ethiopia's justice sector" is based on "interviews of 60 individuals" including "federal judges and prosecutors", police, private attorneys, etc. in the capital and at another location. No ordinary citizens were included in the interview panel or the smaller focus groups. The study is intended to "explore the incidence of corruption in Ethiopia's justice sector (including not only the courts but also several other organizations)." The "justice sector" includes, among others, "courts, police, prosecutors, administrative agencies with quasi-judicial powers, and public and private attorneys, prisons, and those in the executive and legislative branches responsible for enacting the laws and regulations governing their operations".
The report begins with unusual disclaimers and apologia. The author proclaims that "this report begins from an agnostic standpoint—attempting only to document reality in Ethiopia's justice sector and to compare it… with the situation elsewhere in African and other countries…" It is not clear what she means by "an agnostic standpoint", but her analysis is frontloaded with servilely apologetic language manifestly intended not to offend or appear to point an accusatory finger at the ruling regime in Ethiopia. The report appears to have been written with some trepidation; perhaps the author was afraid of a backlash (tongue-lash) from the regime. The author timorously tiptoes around well-established and notorious facts about corruption in the regime's justice sector. In light of the many disclaimers, reservations and contingencies in the report, it is obvious that the author does not want to call a spade a spade, so she calls the spade a bucket. But corruption by any disclaimer is still corruption; and Ethiopia's justice sectors reeks of corruption.
The author claims an examination of "corruption in the justice sector is important because it undermines the peaceful resolution of conflicts, the control of corruption in other sectors, the strengthening of the normative framework underlying private and public actions (the rule of law), and the creation of a predictable environment for public and private transactions." According to the study, corruption in the Ethiopian justice sector "takes one of two forms: (a) political interference with the independent actions of courts or other sector agencies, or (b) payment or solicitation of bribes or other considerations to alter a decision or action." The study claims the "most common form of corruption involves bribes solicited by or offered to police to ignore a criminal offense, not make an arrest, or not bring witnesses or suspects to court (which can cause a provisional adjournment of the case). Traffic police are the worst offenders." Another "common form of corruption" involves "payment of court staff to misplace case files or evidence" (a practice that has nearly disappeared because of new judicial policies on archive management introduced under a Canadian International Development Agency program".
The author provides a catalogue of corrupt practices which she claims are disputed by various respondents in her study but include "(a) sales of judgments or other judicial actions in civil disputes; (b) lawyers' solicitation of "bribes" that never reached the bench; (c) prosecutors' misuse of their own powers, in response to bribes or political directives, to advance or paralyze a case; and (d) the corrupt actions of various officials entrusted with enforcement of judgments, especially in civil cases." She attributes the divergence in viewpoints to a "likely gap between perceptions and reality [which] are partly a function of the persistent lack of transparency in personnel policies."
What is remarkable about the WB "justice sector" study is the fact that the author, by focusing on the "most common form of corruption" (i.e. petty police, particularly traffic police, corruption), fails to critically probe grand corruption involving party officials and regime leaders and their cronies who routinely subvert the justice system through political interference and pressure to protect their political and economic interests. She circumvents serious inquiry into grand corruption in the "justice sector" by providing catalogues of "potential forms of criminal and civil corruption" and "corruption risks". She appears averse to investigating high-level corruption that occurs in the process of judicial appointment of handpicked party loyalists and hacks, laws written to aid certain elites in society, or in the debasement and corruption of the integrity and independence of the judiciary. She ignores the type of justice corruption that occurs in "state capture" where economic elites develop cozy relationships with political and judicial officials through whom they obtain favorable judicial decisions to advance their own advantage. For instance, on the issue of political interference in the judicial process, the author demonstrates her "agnosticism" by reporting that "the one who came closest eventually admitted that 'there was some [political interference], but it was very rare.'" Other responses ranged from 'a moderate amount' (limited to the bad apples) to the extreme of holding that 'every civil judgment is sold.'"
Curiously, the author points an accusatory finger at petty corruption as the "most common form of corruption" distracting attention from the systemic and structural corruption in the justice sector. The importance of petty corruption must not be understated because of the serious impact it has on the lives and livelihoods of ordinary citizens interacting with police, prosecutorial and other petty judicial officials. There is ample anecdotal evidence of petty corruption in which ordinary Ethiopian citizens and businesspersons are "shaken down" by traffic cops or minor functionaries in the judicial or state bureaucracy seeking small bribes. However, though petty corruption may be easier to detect, the real focus should be on grand corruption which is systemic, structural and difficult to detect and nearly impossible to punish. Structural and systemic corruption in the legal institutions, rules, and norms and those who are practitioners in the system create, maintain and sustain a culture of corruption in the justice sector, which the author appears to overlook.
Justice corruption is primarily a systemic failure of judicial institutions, lack of political will and capacity to manage judicial resources, maintain integrity of institutions. The author makes abstract references to the usual catalogue of corruption variables but does not seek to gather data to illuminate the scope, breadth and gravity of the problem of political interference and lack of accountability in the justice system. Grand corruption in the justice sector stems from the fact that political officials have wide authority over judicial officials (from appointment to management of judicial functions); and political officials have little accountability and incentive to maintain the integrity of the justice sector. There are few functional formal systems of control in the relationship between the judicial and political processes in Ethiopia. If there ever were control systems, they have been broken for a long time making it nearly impossible to administer fairly the laws while maintaining accountability in the form of a robust reporting system and transparency in the form of robust management practices. Such institutional decay has promoted the growth of a culture of corruption in the justice sector and continues to undermine not only the broad adjudicatory role of justice sector institutions but also public confidence in the integrity of the justice system itself.
Justice sector in a police state?
Justice in a dictatorship is to justice as military music is to music. No reasonable person would consider martial law (military rule) to produce justice. By definition dictatorship — a form of government in which absolute power is concentrated in the hands of a dictator or a small clique — is the quintessential definition of injustice. Any form of government that operates in flagrant disregard of the rule of law is inherently corrupt.
I have on previous occasions tried to expose such corruption in Ethiopia's "justice sector" with anecdotal evidence of arbitrary administration of justice or denial of fair trial to those accused of "terrorism", "treason" and even "corruption", opposition leaders, human rights advocates, journalists, etc. In the kinder and gentler police state that Ethiopia has become, any petty "law enforcement" official of the regime has the power to arrest and jail an innocent citizen. As I argued in my February 2012 commentary, "The Prototype African Police State", a local police chief in Addis Ababa felt so arrogantly secure in his arbitrary powers that he threatened to arrest a Voice of America reporter stationed in Washington, D.C. simply because that reporter asked him for his full name during a telephone interview. "I don't care if you live in Washington or in Heaven. I don't give a damn! But I will arrest you and take you. You should know that!!", barked the impudent police chief Zemedkun. If a flaky policeman can exercise such absolute power, is it unreasonable to imagine those at the apex of power have the power to do anything they want with impunity. The regime in Ethiopia is the petri dish of corruption and living proof that power corrupts and an absolute power corrupts absolutely.
In my view, denial of due process (fair trial) is the highest form of corruption imaginable in the "justice sector" because it results in the arbitrary deprivation of a person's life, liberty and property. Could anyone (other than those politically connected) really expect to get a fair trial in the regime's kangaroo courts or fair treatment in the pre-trial process?
The systemic corruption in the "justice sector" is that the law of the land is ignored, disregarded and perverted at the whim and fancy of those in power. For instance, the presumption of innocence (Eth. Const. Art. 20(3)) is openly flouted. The late leader of the regime used to routinely and publicly talk about the guilt of opposition leaders, journalists and others standing trial without so much of an awareness of the suspects' right to a presumption of innocence or appreciation of the risk of prejudicial pretrial publicity emanating from such inflammatory statements which are prohibited under the Constitution and other international human rights regimes (e.g. Article 11 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 14(2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Article 7(b) of the African Charter on Human and People's Rights (ACHPR)). In 2011, the late leader of the regime proclaimed the guilt of freelance Swedish journalists Johan Persson and Martin Schibbye on charges of "terrorism" while they were being tried and he was visiting Norway. He emphatically declared the duo "are, at the very least, messenger boys of a terrorist organization. They are not journalists." Persson and Schibbye were "convicted" and sentenced to long prison terms.
Show trials by publicity and demonization are another hallmark of the regime's justice system. Following the 2005 election, the late leader of the regime publicly declared that "The CUD (Kinijit) opposition leaders are engaged in insurrection — that is an act of treason under Ethiopian law. They will be charged and they will appear in court." They were charged, appeared in "court" and were convicted. In December 2008, the late leader railroaded Birtukan Midekssa, the first female political party leader in Ethiopian history, without so much as a hearing let alone a trial. He sent her straight from the street into solitary confinement and later declared: "There will never be an agreement with anybody to release Birtukan. Ever. Full stop. That's a dead issue." In making this statement, the late leader proclaimed to the world that he is the law and the ultimate source of justice in Ethiopia. His words trump the country's Constitution!
In 2009, one of the top leaders of the regime labeled 40 defendants awaiting trial as "desperadoes" who planned to "assassinate high ranking government officials and destroying telecommunication services and electricity utilities and create conducive conditions for large scale chaos and havoc." They were all "convicted" and given long prison sentences.
Violations of the constitutional rights of those accused of crimes by the regime are rampant. Article 20 (2) provides, "Any person in custody or a convicted prisoner shall have the right to communicate with and be visited by spouse(s), close relatives and friends, medical attendants, religious and legal counselors." Internationally celebrated Ethiopian journalists including Reeyot Alemu, Woubshet Taye and many others were denied access to legal counsel for months. Ethiopian Muslim activists who demanded an end to religious interference were jailed on "terrorism" charges were also denied access to counsel. They were mistreated and abused in pretrial detention. Scores of journalists, opposition members and activists arrested and prosecuted (persecuted) under the so-called anti-terrorism proclamation were also denied counsel and speedy trials and have languished in prison for long periods. Suspects are interrogated without the presence of counsel and coerced confessions extracted. Yet, Article 19 (5) provides, "Everyone shall have the right not to be forced to make any confessions or admissions of any evidence that may be brought against him during the trial."
Article 19 (1) provides, "Anyone arrested on criminal charges shall have the right to be informed promptly and in detail… the nature and cause of the charge against him… Article 20 (2) provides, "Everyone charged with an offence shall be adequately informed in writing of the charges brought against him. Recently, the regime arrested members of its officialdom and their cronies on suspicion of corruption and kept the suspects in detention for months without informing them "promptly and in detail the charges against them". Although the regime's "top anti-corruption official" claimed that the corruption "suspects have been under surveillance for two years", on their first court appearance, the prosecutors requested a 14-day continuance to gather more evidence! There is no judicial system in the world where suspects are arrested of committing crimes after being investigated for 2 years and then the prosecution asks for endless continuances to gather additional evidence.
Injustice impersonating justice
The 2012 U.S. State Department Human Rights report concluded, "The law provides for an independent judiciary. Although the civil courts operated with a large degree of independence, the criminal courts remained weak, overburdened, and subject to political influence." The WB could have done a much better job of "diagnosing corruption" in Ethiopia's "justice sector". Candidly speaking, any deficiency in the report should not reflect exclusively on the World Bank or its consultants but on Ethiopians, particularly the Ethiopian intelligentsia, who do not seem find it worth their time or effort to read, challenge and supplement such reports. It seems few, very few, Ethiopian scholars and analysts take the time and effort to locate, study and critically analyze such important studies done by international institutions and other private research institutions.
I doubt the WB justice sector study will be of much value to policy makers, scholars or the casual reader. Having said that, the burden is on Ethiopian scholars in Ethiopia and abroad to work collaboratively and carefully document corruption in Ethiopia's justice and other sectors. No study of Ethiopia's justice sector is worthy of the title if it does not rigorously evaluate the factors that are at the core of corruption in the "justice sector" – absence of the rule of law, lack of independence of the judiciary, absence of due process, lack of impartiality and neutrality in the judicial process, the culture of corruption and impunity and the lack of accountability, transparency and confidence in the legal system. Such a study is the principal responsibility of Ethiopians, not the World Bank or its consultants. On the other hand, when the sword of justice is beaten into a sledgehammer of injustice, it is the supreme duty of ordinary citizens to expose it!
Professor Alemayehu G. Mariam teaches political science at California State University, San Bernardino and is a practicing defense lawyer.
Previous commentaries by the author are available at:
Amharic translations of recent commentaries by the author may be found at:


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The Kentucky Derby – Pretty Women in Big Hats
Here's a photo of Kim Kardashian sporting the obligatory big hat at last year's Kentucky Derby. When I was invited last year by Axe Shower Gel I was thrilled at the chance to check out Churchill Downs and the Derby. Immediately you think about the thrill of the race, betting on the horses and hoping to see the first leg of an eventual Triple Crown winner. You also know that there will be a ton of drinking and partying on the infield and in the stands.
I was also aware of the tradition of dressing up for the Derby (if you're in the stands), and how most women would wear big hats and elegant dresses for the event. I guess I just wasn't prepared for just how many pretty women would be there, and how sexy they would look in their big hats! They were everywhere, and they dresses like that all weekend. Everywhere you went on that weekend, you'd see hot babes in big hats. The whole Southern Belle theme was alive and well, and it gave us some great ideas for future photo shoots! We have to do a model search in Kentucky around the Derby!
You can see more pics of pretty women in these big hats from the Kentucky Derby here, here and here. Now, go study the horses and get ready for the race!
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Posted in: Lifestyle, On Location, Sports, Travel, Vices
Tags: Axe Shower Gel, Axe Shower Gel Kentucky Derby, betting the horses, big hats at Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs, gambling, horse racing, hot babes in sexy hats, Kentucky, Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Derby hats, Kentucky Derby infield partying, Kim Kardashian, Kim Kardashian Kentucky Derby, Kim Kardashian photo, party events, party time, The Fixers, The Fixers Kentucky Derby, wagering, woman in hats

subset: commoncrawl


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A journal reflect the personality of an individual and the ideals he believes in. This giving season, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's has 2012 Giving Journal campaign. It is a celebration of a giving effort that has changed the lives of many Filipinos.
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Chu said that last year they were able to send eight scholars to college. This year, they are hoping and the goal is to beat this number and give education to more scholars.
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Clive Barker's Undying Cheat Codes: ------------ Update by: ranjith ravindran Submitted by: nightraider Cheat mode: ----------- Press [Tab] to open chat window, then type any of the following codes: Effect Code ----------------------------------------------- God mode - eh Unlimited health - satan All weapons and spells - addall Spawn donkey joke - assall Toggle extra light - becomelight [0 or 1] Set game speed - slomo [1-5] Set health to 999(1) - set aeons.patrick health 999 Set mana to 999 - set aeons.patrick mana 999 Toggle unlimited mana - infinitemana [0 or 1] Enemies do not attack - invisible [0 or 1] Level select - start [map name] Toggle third person view - behindview [0 or 1] Set jump height; default is 250 - setjumpz [0-2000] Flight mode - flight Increase selected spell's level - ampattspell Invisible weapon - renderweapon Show stealth factor - showstealth Display event triggers - showall Display frame rate - showfps Spawn indicated item - bring [item name] Spawn indicated weapon - giveme [weapon name] Set ground speed - setgroundspeed [number] No clipping mode - astral Disable no clipping mode - walk Decrease current spell level - deampattspell Patrick has maximum ammo - woo Restore mana to maximum - pie 1. Note: Your health must be less than 100 to proceed past the Boss battles. Problem Fighting Bosses with Cheat Codes: ----------------------------------------- If the game detects you have a health over 100, the Boss Creatures will not attack. Since you must exploit weaknesses during their attack, you will be unable to proceed. Use the health cheat to set your health back to 100 before confronting bosses. Map Names: ---------- Using these map cheats, you can jump to any level within the game. The "CU_nn" maps are cutscenes, and "playground" and "SmokeTest" are test levels. Enter these cheats the same way as other codes. start Aeons start Catacombs_Cisterns start Catacombs_Cliffs start Catacombs_Entrance start Catacombs_Exit start Catacombs_Exit_After start Catacombs_LairOfLizbeth start Catacombs_LairOfLizbethPostCU start Catacombs_LowerLevel start Catacombs_SaintsHall start Catacombs_Tunnels start Catacombs_WellRoom start Catacombs_WindChamber start CU_01 start CU_02 start CU_03 start CU_04 start CU_05 start CU_06 start CU_07 start CU_08 start CU_09 start CU_10 start CU_11 start CU_12 start CU_13 start Entry start EternalAutumn_FinalFight_Arch start EternalAutumn_FinalFight_Arena start EternalAutumn_FinalFight_ArenaBattle start EternalAutumn_FinalFight_Ruins start EternalAutumn_Ravines_Airie_Interior start EternalAutumn_Ravines_Bridge start EternalAutumn_Ravines_Chase start EternalAutumn_Ravines_Chieftain start EternalAutumn_Ravines_Forest start EternalAutumn_Transition start EternalAutumn_Waterfall_Dwellings_Lower start EternalAutumn_Waterfall_Dwellings_Upper start EternalAutumn_Waterfall_Gauntlet start Grounds_Cottage start grounds_dock_night start Grounds_Lighthouse start Grounds_Mausoleum_Approach start Grounds_Mausoleum_Entrance start Grounds_Mausoleum_Tunnels start Grounds_OldCemetery start Manor_CentralLower start Manor_CentralLower_After start Manor_CentralLower_night start Manor_CentralLower_storm start Manor_CentralUpper start Manor_CentralUpper_After start Manor_CentralUpper_PostOneiros start Manor_CentralUpper_storm start Manor_Chapel start Manor_Chapel_night start Manor_Crypt start Manor_EastWingLower start Manor_EastWingLower_After start Manor_EastWingLower_night start Manor_EastWingUpper start Manor_EastWingUpper_After start Manor_EastWingUpper_night start Manor_EntranceHall start Manor_EntranceHall_FromKitch start Manor_EntranceHall_Intro start Manor_EntranceHall_Night start Manor_EntranceHall_night_ReturnfromCove start Manor_EntranceHall_Storm start Manor_EntranceHall_ToKitch start Manor_FrontGate start Manor_FrontGate_night start Manor_FrontGate_Night_Return start Manor_Gardens start Manor_Gardens_night start Manor_Gardens_storm start Manor_GreatHall_night start Manor_GreatHall_Storm start Manor_InnerCourtyard start Manor_InnerCourtyard_Storm start Manor_NorthWingLower start Manor_NorthWingLower_After start Manor_NorthWingLower_night start Manor_NorthWingLower_storm start Manor_NorthWingUpper start Manor_NorthWingUpper_night start Manor_NorthWingUpper_PostOneiros start Manor_NorthWingUpper_storm start Manor_PatricksRoom start Manor_TowerRun_night start Manor_TowerRun_storm start Manor_WestWing start Manor_WestWing_Hall1 start Manor_WestWing_Night start Manor_WidowsWatch_storm start Monastery_Past_Church start Monastery_Past_Exterior start Monastery_Past_Interior start Monastery_Past_LivingQuarters start Monastery_Present_Church start Monastery_Present_Cove start Monastery_Present_Entrance start Monastery_Present_InnerSanctum start Monastery_Present_Tunnels start Oneiros_Amphitheater start Oneiros_City1 start Oneiros_City2 start Oneiros_HowlingWell start Oneiros_Intro start Oneiros_Oracle start Oneiros_RetreatBath start Oneiros_RetreatExterior start Oneiros_RetreatSecondFloor start Oneiros_RetreatStudio start Oneiros_ZigguratInterior start Oneiros_ZigguratLower start Oneiros_ZigguratUpper start PiratesCove_Barracks start PiratesCove_Exterior start PiratesCove_Pier start PiratesCove_Pool start PiratesCove_TreasureRoom start playground start SmokeTest start StandingStones_FirstVisit start StandingStones_KingFight start start Jump Higher: ------------ If you want to jump higer type "setjumpz #" where # is a number (example: setjumpz 900). Put more than 2000 and you will jump 2 fast and you will rest on the floor... normal jump is in range of 200-300. Easter Eggs: ------------ Shooting Gallery: ----------------- - Begin the game, walk into the house, and get the short tour from the maid. - Afterwards, walk to the end of the hall, towards the door near which there lies a health pack. - Shoot the two square panels near the top of the door. - The door should open, and inside you'll be treated to a 10 level mini-shooting gallery. It's pretty hard (not much time to play balance easter eggs) Miniature Theater: ------------------ - Hit Tab - Enter "Open Manor_EntranceHall_FromKitch" - Head towards the paintings on your left - Jump and try to reach the top of the two outermost paintings. They will become slightly recessed and you will hear a click when you're successful. - Watch the show! Giant Sheep: ------------ - Hit Tab - Enter "Open Monastery_Present_Cove" - Play through the level until you have jumped into the ruined building (from the barn) - Head to the upper level of this building - Look for a plank that is extended towards the farm (this is where some howlers were jumping around when you first got into the building) - Jump up and down at the end of the plank a few times, and you'll see our version of the staypuft marshmallow man... Disco of Death: --------------- - Hit Tab - Enter "Open Oneiros_HowlingWell" - Fly up to the big building. Walk in, and down the stairs. Look for a square button on the wall (near the big purple magic field thingy). Uh, push it. - Go back outside. Fly up onto the roof of the building and scrye. Look for a small purple haze, and fly towards it. - Getchur groove on... Patrick Strikes Out: -------------------- - Hit Tab - Enter "Open Manor_Entranchall_night_ReturnFromCove" - Walk through the first set of doors, and hang a left. A maid will come out. After you've talked to her, follow her and hang around for a bit. Perhaps she's not doing anything later tonight.. besides exercising, that is. Saving mana: ------------ Use the following trick to not waste Mana to the frenetic Scythe attack. Select the Scythe as your main weapon, then attack. When you are in the middle of the attack, press [Action] (or the key that activates the weapon special). The Scythe will sound as if a frenetic attack was made. This will not waste your Mana, and will restore your health as normal. Item names: ----------- Use one of the following entries with the bring code. Note: When summoning spells, they will not be visible in front of you. You will need to walk directly forward in order to "pick them up". -=Weapons=- dynamite molotovammo phoenix revolver scythe shotgun speargun tibetianwarcannon ammunition bulletammo silverbulletammo shotgunammo phosphorusshellammo spearammo -=Items=- amplifier (increase selected spells level by 1) arcanewhorls (scroll that improves the mana regain rate) ethertrap (temporarily trap spirits) health (spawn Health Pack) healthvial lantern (spawn lantern that gives off light equivalent to a flashlight) manawell (increase your manapool; maximum of 200) -=Spells=- dispelmagic haste invoke lightning mindshatter (normally unavailable in the game) scrye shield skullstorm ward (normally unavailable in the game) -=Enemies=- howler monto (flying heads that first appears on Aaron's paint room) trsantiwitch (girls that casts shield to protect themselves) sleed (snake-like creatures that make a lot of noise and bite) rat bethany (may crash game) lizbeth (immortal, may crash game) Item names: ----------- Use one of the following entries with the giveme code. The corresponding weapon will be summoned directly into your character's inventory. scythe shotgun speargun tibetianwarcannon Magic and Weapons: ------------------ The spells are that you acquire are just as vital to winning the game as the weapons. Scrye: It serves 2 purposes. It lets you see images hidden from normal eyes and lets you see around dark areas. It has no attack uses. Ectoplasm: Great for short range attacks. Especially effective on magical creatures like Howlers, Scarrows and Monto'Shonoi. Worthless over longer distances. Dispel: Useful for dispelling the Mind Shatter spell cast by the Sil Lith bird creatures. Make sure to use the spell on the creature that cast the spell before you kill it. Invoke: Useful for killing Trsanti Warrior by causing them to commit suicide. It also can also resurrect most human-like creatures to fight by your side. Useful if you find yourself in a melee with several creatures. No effect on Trsanti Witches. Haste: Useful for jumping over long distances and dodging the faster creatures. Almost necessary when battling Aaron. Shield: Limited use. It can prove helpful when facing against a distant foe. Skull Storm : Throw some amplifiers in to this spell and you've got devastation. Attack is fast and deadly against most magical creatures. Not as useful against humanoid creatures. Most effective against distant foes like the Verago. Lightning: By itself, Its not especially useful and takes a lot of manna to use. Aiming is not accurate. If employed with Spear Gun, will cause a measure of devastation. Flight: Necessary for some parts of the game. Useful for finding hidden goodies. Gel'ziabar Stone: Can force enemies off cliff edges. Will amply any spell by an additional point. Useful if you are being swamped by incoming monsters. Tibetan War Cannon : Will slow down most melee attackers. A full blast will knock out a Jile in one shot. Scythe: At full use, will suck health from enemies and send it to you. When used, will suck up your manna and leave you vulnerable as it processes life force. Weapons and Monsters: --------------------- The game requires a little strategy to get around the monsters. Picking the right weapon will be important to winning. Revolver: Good for long range attacks. Effective against humans and howlers. Ineffectual against scarrows and skeletons. Shotgun: Has minor impact on Howlers and humans. Phosphor Shells create fire damage that will eventually kill. Enemy will have time to attack while you reload. Ice Cannon: Slows down most creatures. If used in conjunction with Mana Attack, its' effective against scarrows, humans, and howlers. Scythe: If aimed properly, will take most creatures out. If you behead a skeleton, it will still rise again to attack you. Another Tip: Guns only work on howlers if you wait for them to raise in to attack stance and shoot them in the head.
Spotlight NEW Version CheatsBook DataBase 2014
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Last year, Kansas became the first state in the nation to completely eliminate arts funding. Republican Gov. Sam Brownback has always said he supports the arts, but when the state was facing a tight budget, he said Kansas needed to cut back.
"As we look to grow Kansas' economy and focus state government resources to ensure the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars, we must do all we can to protect the core functions of state government," he said.
Eliminating state funding last year affected hundreds of arts organizations. Arts supporters did not take kindly to the proposal.
A rally opposing the cut drew hundreds to the Statehouse, and this year, Brownback's administration reversed course and restored some funding for the arts. It proposed a new group called the Creative Arts Industries Commission. The governor's office says the focus of the new organization will be economic growth through art.
Day-To-Day At The Arts Center
At the Lawrence Arts Center, dozens of children, mostly grade-school and middle-school age, flood in for summer programs. Just down the hall, about 50 children practice a song from The Wizard of Oz.
The arts center sustained a $24,000 cut and Margaret Morris says it had to cut a handful of jobs and find private funds to help cover the loss. She says it can be easier to find money to help sponsor high-profile programs and children's programs, but it's more difficult to pay day-to-day costs.
"The hard place to find money for is things like toilet paper, paper towels, electricity bill, your water, things like that," Morris says. "So that's where that Kansas Arts Commission money really came into play for a lot of places."
When the state cut around $700,000 in funding, it meant that Kansas was no longer eligible for more than a million dollars in matching funds from the federal government and a regional arts agency. Some smaller arts groups are still struggling.
"It was a big impact for us, and actually, for this next year, we will be operating at a 10-percent deficit for the first time in the history of the choir," says Jane Roesner Graves, executive director of the Lawrence Children's Choir.
Her group will soon be asking the City of Lawrence for money to help cover the shortfall.
'Their Voices Were Heard'
The reinstatement of funding is "very much an example of how the people spoke and their voices were heard," says Sarah Fizell, with the advocacy group Kansas Citizens for the Arts.
"I mean, this was thousands of advocates who worked really hard over the last year and a half to explain why the arts were important in their communities, to explain what this meant in their lives," she says. "And I really believe that that voice was heard by the governor and by legislators."
But there's still plenty of uncertainty. The move puts Kansas back on track to restore matching funds, but arts groups could still have a difficult year ahead. Kansas likely won't be eligible for arts matching funds until mid-2013.
Kansas last year became the first state in the nation to completely eliminate arts funding.
Copyright 2012 Kansas Public Radio


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Pacific Northwest Association of Rail Shippers
The Pacific Northwest Association of Rail Shippers' general membership comes from the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia and the states of Northern California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. Membership dues are included in meeting registration fees.
Seminars are held in the spring and fall of each year, generally alternating between Portland and Seattle. The one day seminars have a theme appropriate to current transportation trends and provide up to date and timely education for the transportation and shipping industry.


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Binarycent FAQ
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Binarycent Account
How can I fund my trading account?
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You can choose BUY or SELL options, depending on your market forecasts.
It's not permitted to trade CFD, if total account loss is exceeding total amount of deposits on the account.
When trading CFD, if balance drops to the level of bonus, an automatic closing of all open trades takes place - Margin call.
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In case of negative trading results, risk-free trades are compensated in the form of a trading bonus based on bonus provision rules. To use this service, you have to contact your account manager and get a prior confirmation.
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Binarycent uses SSL (Secure Socket Layer) technology to encrypt your transactions and keep your personal information as secure as possible. This automated technology is used by major banks and other financial companies who have information on the web. Most browsers support SSL encryption, however, if for any reason your browser is not able to support the technology, you will receive an instant notification. You can verify whether web page is SSL compliant by checking the address. It should start with "https://..." - the "s" stands for "secure". - Language


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Curator Katrina Schwarz interviews David Shrigley about his taxidermy works, focusing on his 2009 work, Ostrich. This is an excerpt from the full interview, which is printed in Animals, the catalogue that accompanies the British Council Touring Exhibition Lose Your Mind.
This exhibition finds quite an icon in your taxidermy sculpture Ostrich. The flightless bird that buries his head in the sand has not only lost his head, he is now, by virtue of entering a touring collection, destined to fly far and wide! Is this an appropriately absurd fate for your creation?
Ostrich is really a continuation of a series of works I have made of animals that have their heads removed; or rather of animals that are made to look as if they never had heads. I've made a headless cat, a headless monkey, the headless ostrich and there might be a headless dog at some point in the future.
Since I got my own dog there's been a sort of moratorium on my taxidermy work, perhaps for obvious reasons. In the case of the ostrich, its behaviour of burying its head in the sand can invite this other reading of headlessness, but I'm wary of obvious puns.
For me the proposition is about an animal that doesn't have a head, doesn't have a brain; it never had one and doesn't need one. Like a lot of the works I make, the meaning is ambiguous to start with, but as you make a piece and time passes, you see it in different contexts and its meaning can change and develop. That, for me, is what is nice about showing my work in a different cultural context.
The ostrich is a bird that isn't native to where we are from, and I am very pleased it has found its way into the British Council Collection because it means it will be looked after, its story will continue to be told and its meaning will evolve." - David Shrigley
How and where does one source an ostrich, and other taxidermy, specimens?
Well, you let it be known that you would like a specific creature. The taxidermist is in contact with veterinary practices, with zoos, farms and other places that keep animals.
It took a few weeks, or maybe a few months, to source the ostrich. He came from a farm and passed away from natural causes, a donation was made to the farm and they let us have the carcass. There is no grave-robbing or killing to order, it is all very above-board. I wouldn't want to make a work if any animals were harmed in the process.
As for the specifics, I made drawings of how I wanted the thing to look. I generally send a drawing, in this case of an ostrich with no head, and there is always a discussion with the taxidermist about the practicalities of making it; is there enough skin to do it properly and to make it look as I want it to look, which is weirdly absurd.
The taxidermist, Robert Sinclair, is apparently the go-to guy in the UK and his company (Get Stuffed) has been around for a long time. I have never actually visited his shop and I have never met him although I have spoken to him a few times on the phone.
I am in the process of moving to Brighton so I might get to see him (London being quite close) although it may coincide with me not wanting to make taxidermy anymore. We'll see how that pans out. I've been living in the countryside among farms and farmers for the last few months so maybe I will become less squeamish about dead animals. We will see...


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Product Description:
Compact, lightweight, and close-focusing, the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM from Canon is a unique wide-angle prime mixing the versatility of a general wide lens with the specialty of a 1:2 macro optic. An advanced optical design is benefitted by a Super Spectra coating, which helps to control flare and ghosting for greater contrast and color accuracy when working in bright or backlit conditions. Capable of focusing down to 6.7″ at half life-size, this lens is ideal for photographing everything from close-ups of plants to street scenes and landscapes. The bright f/1.8 maximum aperture offers increased control over depth of field and also suits working in a variety of lighting conditions. Complementing this is a five stop-effective image stabilization, which minimizes the appearance of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting. Also, an STM motor affords impressively quiet and smooth autofocus performance and full-time manual focus override. Additionally, a configurable Control Ring lets you adjust exposure settings, including ISO, aperture, and exposure compensation, from the lens itself.


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Pick An Egg To WIN Free Leads!
One of these eggs has free motivated seller leads hidden inside!
The first 25 to answer correctly and comment with their favorite lead source, win a list of motivated sellers leads in their area...
To place your vote just tap the green up arrow next to the egg of your... More then let us know your favorite lead source for discounted real estate in the comment section.
The first 25 to answer correctly and comment will have the chance to participate in a special "Pre-mls Scavenger Hunt", where they could win unlimited access to PiN! (6 Month Nationwide Subscription, over a $1500 value.) Less
Posted: 04/18/19
Last updated: 2 days ago
- By: Connected Investors
- from Wilmington, NC
- in Finding Deals
- 15345 Views


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Welcome Circle Care Services
Rider University is proud to partner with Circle Care Services to provide a 20% tuition reduction to eligible employees for undergraduate and graduate study. Part-time and full-time online, on-campus and hybrid options are available.*
Harness your potential with Rider's nationally recognized, career-focused degree and certificate options. We understand that an education takes flexibility, so our programs are built to fit the schedules of busy professionals.
Check with the Human Resources Office at Circle Care Services to be sure your program of interest is eligible for tuition reimbursement.
Some other things you should know:
- Rider offers courses designed to advance your career at Circle Care Services in areas like Applied Behavior Analysis and Organizational Leadership. View a complete list: rider.edu/gradstudy.
- Thinking about completing your bachelor's degree? Rider offers personalized learning evaluations so you can earn your degree quickly and affordably.
- You will have an advisor from the minute you submit your application until the day you graduate to help you with every step of the process.
How to Get Started
- Complete an Inquiry Form - You'll receive more information about your program of interest.
- Apply to Rider University as Undergraduate (Full-time), Undergraduate (Part-time) or Graduate. As a Circle Care Services partner, your application fee is waived.
- Verify your employment by emailing [email protected] from your company email address and include your company ID.
Questions about Rider's programs or the application process?
Contact Rider Admissions
Director of Graduate, Continuing Education Admission, and University Partnerships
Ciambelli Hall
selevin [at] rider.edu
609-896-5000 ext. 7754
*Tuition discount applies to eligible partner employees and their immediate family members who are under the age of 24 (if applicable) for undergraduate and graduate study. Partnership-based tuition reductions may not be combined with other Rider University discounts, including, but not limited to, scholarships, graduate assistantships and other institutional aid. Proof of employment is required prior to discount issuance. Discounts cannot be applied to coursework completed at Rider before employee verification regardless of employment status.


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Sarasota Opera serves up rollicking Rossini with an inspired "Barber"
For a work as popular as Il barbiere di Siviglia, it's striking how rarely this opera comes off successfully. Singers need to not only tackle Rossini's music with tonal elegance and polished technique but also bring some real comic ability to the table. Likewise, getting the music right in the pit can be a challenge for conductors and too often stage directors equate frantic running around with Rossinian wit.
Unlike the previous evening's Flying Dutchman, which felt miniaturized vocally and otherwise, Sarasota Opera's Barber of Seville proved ideally suited to the scale of the house. Indeed, Friday's enjoyable matinee produced one of the company's most inspired shows of recent seasons, vocally superb, genuinely funny and often hilarious.
Much of the credit must go to director William Gustafson, who came up with consistently creative comic stage business that came out of the characters and situations rather than relying on mere silliness and hoary slapstick.
Marco Nistico has more often tackled serious Verdi roles for Sarasota, but the Italian baritone showed an inspired off-center comic touch as the wily Figaro, throwing off a worthy "Largo al factotum" and always vocally at ease in the fast ensembles.
Chrystal E. Williams made a most impressive Sarasota debut as Rosina. The young mezzo-soprano possesses a creamy instrument with fine flexibility, throwing off a confident "Una voce poco fa." She also handled the comedy with flair and sailed through the coloratura flights with style and assurance.
Company regular Hak Soo Kim was an excellent Almaviva, dispatching his Act 1 arias with vibrant tone and bel canto elegance. Giving the character his final showpiece arias can slow up the action near the end needlessly. Yet the Korean tenor made these a delightful bonus, delivering a dazzling seminar in Rossini style with effortless top notes and remarkable dexterity in the high-flying roulades. Kim also showed comic panache in the Count's various masquerades, especially as annoyingly redundant music teacher.
Steven Condy was a worthy comic foil as the blustery Bartolo, hilarious in his "castrato aria." The baritone threw off the tongue-twisting buffo patter with ease if at an almost inaudible volume. Matthew Burns was consistently funny as Basilio, delivering a sturdy "La Calumnia."
Two Studio Artists filled out the comic comprimario roles. Alexandra Batsios was a wonderful, big-voiced Berta, delivering the maid's Act 2 aria with relish. George Ross Somerville was equally amusing as the narcoleptic Ambrogio. Keith Brown was a capable Fiorello.
Jeffrey W. Dean's picturesque scenic design and Howard Tsvi Kaplan's colorful costumes added to the afternoon's pleasures.
Marcello Cormio made a notable conducting debut. After a rough-hewn overture, the young Italian drew vital and spirited playing, with the fizzing ensembles exciting yet with a fine balancing of solo voices, chorus and orchestra.
There are two more performances of Barber of Seville March 15 and March 21. sarasotaopera.org
Posted in Performances
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Indeed, a thoughtful and entirely memorable expression of love abounds in this fabulous arrangement designed with orange roses, magenta carnations, solidago and eucalyptus—all in a graceful purple passion vase. Measures 13"H X 9"L.
Order by 2:00 PM EST for same day pickup or delivery!
* Fee charged in addition to the Standard Delivery Fee
Enter full name. We'll ask for delivery information at checkout.
Box of Assorted Chocolates.
Add a cute plush from our plush selection. Selected plush will vary.
18" Happy Birthday Mylar Balloon. Styles may vary.
18" Happy Anniversary Mylar Balloon. Styles may vary.
18" I Love You Mylar Balloon. Styles may vary.


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Enjoy an evening wake-up call for a chance to watch the nocturnal hawksbill turtle swim to shore and lay hundreds of clutches of eggs.
Accommodations are spread around the island. Rooms include sea views, wraparound terraces, and outdoor garden showers. Suites include soaking tubs and sea or beach views, with select suites offering private pools. Villas offer multiple bedrooms, privates pools, and beach access.
Offering views of the island landscape, The Estate House combines classic fare with modern West Indies flavors. The Jumby Bay Veranda features an Italian seaside trattoria menu. The Pool Grille serves casual bistro fare by the oceanfront infinity pool.
The resort offers three pools, including an infinity pool with Caribbean Sea vistas. The Jumby Bay Spa combines modern therapeutic practices with healing remedies of the West Indies and African cultures. The Herbal Poultice Massage uses an herbal blend of lemongrass, ginger, and coconut.
Go snorkeling or try water skiing, paddle boarding, or sailing. Visit the island's Waterfowl Sanctuary. Bicycle around the island and see Blackhead Persian Sheep, whose relatives have lived on the island for 400 years.
St. John's, Antigua
V.C. Bird International Airport.
†Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
Looking for more? See all our luxury hotels in St. John's, Antigua
Valid only for new Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings made through Platinum Travel service, Centurion Travel service, American Express Travel Online (where available) or any American Express Travel location. Payment must be made in full with an American Express Card in the Platinum Card Member and Centurion Member's or Centurion® Member's name. Available for Platinum Charge Cardmembers and Centurion® Members only, and excludes Platinum Credit Cardmembers who are not also Platinum Charge Cardmembers. Cardmember must travel on itinerary booked to be eligible for benefits described. Noon check-in and room upgrade are based on availability and are provided at check-in. Certain room categories are not eligible for room upgrade; call Platinum Travel service or Centurion Travel service for details. Breakfast amenity varies by property, but will be, at a minimum, a Continental breakfast. Complimentary In-Room Wi‑Fi is provided and Wi‑Fi will be provided in a common space on property. In the case where a property includes cost of Wi‑Fi in a mandatory resort fee, the Cardmember will receive a daily credit from the property in the standard amount that the property charges for Wi‑Fi. The credit will be issued on the Cardmembers final bill upon check-out. Benefit restrictions vary by Fine Hotels + Resorts property and cannot be redeemed for cash, and may not be combined with other offers unless indicated. Benefits and additional Fine Hotels + Resorts promotions are only applied at check-out and expire at check-out. Limit one benefit package per room, per stay. Three room limit per Cardmember, per stay.
© American Express.


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Lucky Clip
One of our favorite jaw clips. Big enough to hold a full head of hair and functional enough to wear from morning to night. No pull, no headache, just fun and healthy hair. Use this clip on dry or wet hair.
• Color: Lucky Clip
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Annual General Meeting of Holcim Ltd
- 871 shareholders attending voted in favor of all motions proposed by the Board of Directors
- Approval of payout from capital contribution reserves of CHF 1.30 per registered share
- Remuneration report approved by shareholders in advisory vote
Representing around 66 percent of the company's share capital, the 871 shareholders attending the 103rd ordinary Annual General Meeting of Holcim Ltd today approved all motions proposed by the Board of Directors.
The shareholders approved the payout from capital contribution reserves of CHF 1.30 per registered share. The payment will take place on April 17, 2015. The annual report and the annual financial statements of the Group and of Holcim Ltd also received approval from shareholders.
The remuneration report was approved by shareholders in an advisory vote. Shareholders also approved in two separate binding votes the total maximum amount of compensation for the members of the Board covering the period from the 2015 Annual General Meeting to the 2016 Annual General Meeting and the total maximum amount of compensation in respect of 2016 for the members of the Executive Committee.
The shareholders also approved revisions to the articles of incorporation, particularly to comply with the Ordinance against Excessive Compensation in Public Corporations (OaEC). The broad approval by 95.94 percent reflects the trust shareholders place in Holcim's approach to corporate governance.
In line with the OaEC, each member of the Board of Directors and the members of the Nomination & Compensation Committee proposed by the Board of Directors were re-elected individually by the shareholders for a term of office of one year until the Annual General Meeting 2016. Wolfgang Reitzle was re-elected as the Chairman of the Board of Directors with 98.75 percent of the vote.
The mandate of Ernst & Young Ltd as auditors was confirmed, and Thomas Ris was elected as independent proxy.
Composition of the bodies:
Board of Directors:
Wolfgang Reitzle (Chairman), Beat Hess, Alexander Gut, Adrian Loader, Jürg Oleas, Thomas Schmidheiny, Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen, Dieter Spälti, Anne Wade
Nomination & Compensation Committee:
Adrian Loader, Wolfgang Reitzle, Thomas Schmidheiny, Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen
* * * * * * *
Holcim is one of the world's leading suppliers of cement and aggregates (crushed stone, gravel and sand) as well as further activities such as ready-mix concrete and asphalt including services. The Group holds majority and minority interests in around 70 countries on all continents.
* * * * * * *


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Part Number: 125W-TCK
Manufacturer: Ameresco Solar
Our custom solar power telecom systems have been deployed around the world to power communication equipment. We now offer solar power telecom kits for microwave repeater sites, base transmission stations (BTS), rural telephony, VSATs, two-way radio, telephone exchanges, satellite earth stations, and more.
Our TCM kits include everything but the pole. Enclosure and panel(s) easily mount to a schedule 40 pole for quick setup.
The 125W TCK includes:
- 1 – 125W VLS polycrystalline solar panel
- 1 – Backplate assembly with all necessary electronics (e.g., charge controller, breakers, etc.) securely mounted
- 2 – MK Battery 12V 108Ah deep cycle battery (100 hour rate)
- 1 – VLS aluminum battery enclosure (white powder-coat is standard, aluminum finish also available)
- 1 – Pole mounting bracket and hardware (side or top mounts available)
- Required wiring and cables
The TCK's rugged aluminum enclosure houses an industry leading Morningstar SunSaver charge controller and a durable MK Battery. Coupled with our anodized aluminum VLS solar panel frame and our proven success of integrating quality components that work seamlessly, you can expect reliable service from our kits.


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This optional sidebar can display various types of content, including menus, text, and a list of filterable product tags.
You can use this popup to promote newsletter signups, but that's not all! You could also omit the form and include action buttons linked to your pages and products instead. Or, use the popup to present an 'agree-to-terms' message that must be accepted before a visitor enters your shop!


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Terms & Conditions
This page (together with the documents referred to on it) tells you the terms and conditions on which we supply any of the products (Products) listed on the website www.britishwildflowermeadowseeds.co.uk (Website) to you. Please read these terms and conditions carefully before ordering any products. You should understand that by ordering any of the products, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.
About Us
This Website is owned and operated by Habitat Aid Limited (We or Us). We are registered in England and Wales under company number 6708769. Your complete satisfaction is very important to Us. If you have any suggestions or comments or if you need to contact Us, please email Us using the contact form or use the details below.
Our Contact details: British Wildflower Seeds Hookgate Cottage South Brewham Somerset BA10 0LQ Phone: 01749 812355
Email: email@example.com
Making a Purchase
Making a purchase could not be easier. Just browse the Website, and add any items that you wish to buy to the shopping cart. After you have finished your selection, click on 'Checkout' and you will be asked for a few details that We need to be able to complete the order.
If you have made a mistake in your order and cannot correct it in the shopping cart, contact Us and We will correct the mistake.
By placing an order through the Website, you warrant that you are:
- legally capable of entering into binding contracts; and
- at least 18 years old.
Service Availability
If you are shopping from outside the United Kingdom (UK), place your order and your card company will convert the transaction to the relevant national currency. Please note, however, that We only ship to the UK (see shipping and handling below).
After placing an order, you will receive an email from Us acknowledging that We have received your order. When confirmation of your order is received, this is to indicate that We have received your order. It does not indicate that a contract exists between you and Us. Your order constitutes an offer to Us to buy a Product. We will indicate acceptance of your order, and hence a contract between you and Us, when We send you payment confirmation (Dispatch Confirmation). The contract between you and Us (Contract) will only be formed when We send you the Dispatch Confirmation. The Contract will relate only to those Products whose dispatch We have confirmed in the Dispatch Confirmation. We will not be obliged to supply any other Products which may have been part of your order until the dispatch of such Products has been confirmed in a separate Dispatch Confirmation.
The price of any Products will be as quoted on the Website from time to time, except in cases of obvious error. Prices are liable to change at any time, but changes will not affect orders in respect of which We have already sent you a Dispatch Confirmation.
The Website contains a large number of Products and it is always possible that some of the Products listed on the Website may be incorrectly priced. We will normally verify prices as part of the dispatch procedures so that, where a Product's correct price is less than the stated price, We will charge the lower amount when dispatching the Product to you. If a Product's correct price is higher than the price stated on the Website, We will normally, at our discretion, either contact you for instructions before dispatching the Product, or reject your order and notify you of such rejection. We are under no obligation to provide the Product to you at an incorrect (lower) price, even after We have sent you a Dispatch Confirmation, if the pricing error is obvious and unmistakeable and could have reasonably been recognised by you as a mis-pricing.
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, and Paypal. We do not charge for any Product until it is ready for dispatch. This is particularly relevant for plants. Backordered items are not charged until they are shipped. If you do not wish to pay online, you may send your card information via phone, fax or by post.
Shipping and Handling Delivery costs to mainland addresses within England, Wales, and parts of Scotland are included in the price. Except for certain postcodes, all consignments of perishable products are sent on a next day delivery schedule for arrival between 8am and 5pm. There are extra charges for timed or weekend deliveries - please contact Us. Please note that deliveries to parts of Scotland and all offshore locations (Isle of Wight, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands) will be subject to a delivery surcharge and customers requiring delivery to those locations are advised to contact Us in advance of ordering. The amount of any surcharge will vary depending upon the location and Product(s) ordered. We apologise for this added cost but it is due to courier charges. Non persihable products, including seeds, are sent by Royal Mail. We regret that We cannot deliver to addresses outside the UK.
Delivery Schedule
We will endeavour to despatch your order as soon as possible, usually within 10 working days. However, many of the Products are seasonal and this means that when an order is placed out of the relevant Product's season there will be a delay in delivery. Any Product order out of its delivery season will be treated as a back order (see below). Bare root trees, for example, are only available in the winter months, and there may also be a delay in delivery due to adverse weather conditions. Orders placed from March to August will be reconfirmed in September.
You must inform Us within two working days if any Products are lost or damaged in transit so that We can make a prompt claim against the delivery company and correct the problem. Please quote your order number in all correspondence.
You agree that proof of delivery supplied by the delivery company is sufficient evidence to establish that Products have been received.
Back Orders
If your Product is not in stock, We will back order the Product for you. You will always be emailed with the option to cancel your order if you would rather not wait.
Tax Charges
Please note that you will be responsible for paying any duties and taxes including the Value Added Tax (VAT) relating to or stemming from the purchase or transportation of the Product. We include VAT of 20% in the price of all our Products where applicable.
Credit Card Security When the order is placed through the Website, credit card numbers are encrypted using 128 bit encryption. They are only decrypted after they reach our computer. They are not held in clear text on any web site.
We believe that all plants are supplied in good condition and are of reliable quality. The Company will not be responsible for their health and welfare after the acceptance of delivery nor will the Company be responsible for the replacement of any plants which fail to grow due to unsuitable soil conditions, adverse weather conditions, vandalism, damage, neglect or any other cause beyond our control. Consignments must be carefully examined on receipt and any complaint notified by telephone within 24 hours and confirmed in writing within 7 days. Our liability for plants supplied is limited, at our option, to the replacement of those plants or to a refund of the price paid.
Limitation of Liability
Please note that although We have taken care to present the Products as accurately as possible on the Website, due to the nature of the Products images on the Website will vary from the actual Products.
Some of the Products are not suitable for children. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times whilst using the Products. We do not accept any responsibility for any injury or damage caused whilst Products are being used by children unsupervised unless such injury or damage can be shown to have been caused by our negligence.
We promise you that any Product purchased from Us through the Website is of satisfactory quality and reasonably fit for all the purposes for which products of the kind are commonly supplied.
Our liability for losses you suffer as a result of Us breaking any Contract is strictly limited to the purchase price of the Products purchased under that Contract.
Nothing in these terms and conditions limits in any way our liability:
" for death or personal injury caused by our negligence;
" under section 2(3) of the Consumer Protection Act 1987;
" for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; or
" for any matter for which it would be illegal for Us to exclude, or attempt to exclude, our liability.
We are not responsible for indirect losses which happen as a side effect of the main loss or damage however arising and whether caused by tort (including negligence), breach of contract or otherwise, even in foreseeable, including, without limitation, loss of income or revenue, loss of business, loss of profits or contracts, loss of anticipated savings, loss of data, or waste of management or office time.
Privacy Policy
We do not disclose buyers' information to third parties other than when order details are processed as part of the order fulfilment. In this case, the third party will be required not disclose any of the details to any other third party.
Cookies are used on this shopping site to keep track of the contents of your shopping cart, to store delivery addresses if the address book is used and to store your details if you select the 'Remember Me' option. Cookies are also used after you have logged on as part of that process. You can turn off cookies (in Microsoft Internet Explorer) within your browser by going to 'Tools | Internet Options | Privacy' and selecting to block cookies. If you turn off cookies, you will be unable to place orders or benefit from the other features that use cookies.
Data collected by this site is used to:
- take and fulfil customer orders;
- administer and enhance the site and service; and
- disclose information to third-parties for goods delivery purposes.
Returns Policy Your right to return the Products are protected under the EU Distance Selling Directive.
You are entitled to cancel your order and return the Products within 7 working days for a full refund, including the cost of delivery. Do this by contacting Us by email or telephone and quoting the order number supplied to you. Your refund will be paid within 30 days. You are responsible for the cost and risk of loss or damage when returning the goods, so you should take out enough postal insurance to cover their value. This cancellation policy does not affect your rights when We are at fault (for example, if goods are faulty or mis-described).
Any goods returned, other than those which are faulty, should be returned in a saleable condition.
Force Majeure
We will not be liable or responsible for any failure to perform, or delay in performance of, any of our obligations under any Contract that is caused by events outside our reasonable control (Force Majeure Event). Our performance under any Contract is deemed to be suspended for the period that the Force Majeure Event continues, and We will have an extension of time for performance for the duration of that period. We will use reasonable endeavours to bring the Force Majeure Event to a close or to find a solution by which our obligations under any Contract may be performed despite the Force Majeure Event. Written communications When using the Website, you accept that communication with Us will be mainly electronic. We will contact you by email or provide you with information by posting notices on our Website. For contractual purposes, you agree to this electronic means of communication and you acknowledge that all contracts, notices, information and other communications that We provide to you electronically comply with any legal requirement that such communications be in writing.
All notices given by you to Us must be given to the postal address stated above. We may give notice to you at either the email or postal address you provide to Us when placing an order or on our Website. Notice will be deemed received and properly served immediately when posted on our Website, 24 hours after an email is sent, or three days after the date of posting of any letter. In proving the service of any notice, it will be sufficient to prove, in the case of a letter, that such letter was properly addressed, stamped and placed in the post and, in the case of an email, that such email was sent to the specified email address of the addressee.
Any Contract between you and Us is binding on you and Us and on our respective successors and assigns. You may not transfer, assign, charge or otherwise dispose of a Contract, or any of your rights or obligations arising under it, without our prior written consent. We may transfer, assign, charge, sub-contract or otherwise dispose of a Contract, or any of our rights or obligations arising under it, at any time during the term of the Contract.
Third Party Rights
A person who is not a party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it or by virtue of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 except where such rights are expressly granted. Notwithstanding the foregoing the rights of the parties to terminate, rescind or agree any variation, waiver or settlement under this agreement is not subject to the consent of any person that is not a party to this agreement.
If We fail, at any time during the term of a Contract, to insist upon strict performance of any of your obligations under the Contract or any of these terms and conditions, or if We fail to exercise any of the rights or remedies to which We are entitled under the Contract, this shall not constitute a waiver of such rights or remedies and shall not relieve you from compliance with such obligations.
A waiver by Us of any default shall not constitute a waiver of any subsequent default. No waiver by Us of any of these terms and conditions shall be effective unless it is expressly stated to be a waiver and is communicated to you in writing.
If any of these terms and conditions or any provisions of a Contract are determined by any competent authority to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable to any extent, such term, condition or provision will to that extent be severed from the remaining terms, conditions and provisions which will continue to be valid to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Entire Agreement
These terms and conditions and any document expressly referred to in them represent the entire agreement between you and Us in relation to the subject matter of any Contract and supersede any prior agreement, understanding or arrangement between you and Us, whether oral or in writing.
Each party acknowledges that, in entering into a Contract, neither party has relied on any representation, undertaking or promise given by the other party or can be implied from anything said or written in negotiations between the parties prior to such Contract except as expressly stated in these terms and conditions.
Neither party shall have any remedy in respect of any untrue statement made by the other, whether orally or in writing, prior to the date of any Contract (unless such untrue statement was made fraudulently) and the other party's only remedy shall be for breach of contract as provided in these terms and conditions.
We have the right to revise and amend these terms and conditions from time to time. You will be subject to the policies and terms and conditions in force at the time that you order Products from Us, unless any change to those policies or these terms and conditions is required to be made by law or governmental authority (in which case it will apply to orders previously placed by you), or if We notify you of the change to those policies or these terms and conditions before We send you the Dispatch Confirmation (in which case We have the right to assume that you have accepted the change to the terms and conditions, unless you notify Us to the contrary within seven working days of receipt by you of the Products).
Law and Jurisdiction Contracts for the purchase of Products through the Website and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or their subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims) will be governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with such Contracts or their formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales. Nothing in these terms and conditions limits the right of to bring proceedings against you arising out of or in connection with your use of the Services in any other court of competent jurisdiction or concurrently in more than one court of competent jurisdiction.
Statutory Rights
None of these terms affect your legal rights and these are not diminished in any way. If any term is held to be invalid under any applicable statute or rule of law, that term is automatically omitted from the terms to minimum extent necessary to comply with the law and without affecting the validity or enforceability of the remainder.