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The ZIMBABWE Situation
Our thoughts and prayers are with Zimbabwe
- may peace, truth and justice prevail.
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Farm Invasions and Security Report - Monday 23rd July 2001 & Thursday 26th July 2001
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Farm Invasions and Security Report
Thursday 26th July 2001
This report does not purport to cover all the incidents that are taking place in the commercial farming areas. Communication problems, the fear of reprisals and matters of higher priority prevent farmers from reporting all that happens. Farmers names, and in some cases farm names, are omitted to minimise the risk of reprisals.
The owner and his family of Sandringham Farm in Nyabira were severely beaten and their dogs killed by a large group of aggressive illegal occupiers.
2 farm workers were assaulted by illegal occupiers on Rusimbiro in Harare South and medial reports given to the police.
PLEASE NOTE: Illegal occupiers occupying commercial properties in Mwenezi South of the Bubi River on the main Masvingo / Beit Bridge Road are reported to have been stopping and robbing vehicles. These people have been wearing police reflective uniforms and motorists should be cautioned.
There were no reports received from Matabeleland Region.
Mashonaland Central
Horseshoe - There has been an increase in tree cutting and hut building. Ternanog was fast tracked. A large group of illegal occupiers gathered outside the homestead on Camsasa, chanting and shouting until late evening after finding that the farm owner was absent when they demanded to see him. Illegal occupiers threatened to shut down Nyamsewe Farm in retaliation for the arrest of illegal occupiers who had assaulted a farm driver. The accused illegal occupiers had, in fact, paid admission of guilt fines and the situation on the farm is now quiet. Illegal occupiers on Rungudzi demanded that the owner remove his bulls from a paddock in which they intend to build huts. The DA visited Nyamfuta and Rushpeak to advise the owners that the farms will be shut down at the end of the season. Tobacco grading has been permitted but no further land preparation is to be carried out on these farms.
Victory Block - The DA advised the owner of Mutendamambo that the farm will not continue to operate this year and the owner notified farm workers to the effect, giving them 30 days notice of retrenchment. The farm workers have been referred to the DA by illegal occupiers to establish their future. 100 ha of grazing was accidentally burnt out on the farm by illegal occupiers clearing land to build a homestead. This fire spread to Under Cragg damaging part of a gum plantation and illegal occupiers complained that thatching grass had been burned in the process of back-burning to control the fire. Illegal occupiers on Msitwe River Ranch broke into the workshop area in response to the owner's refusal to leave the farm by September. Farm workers reacted and the owner had to intervene to defuse the situation. Police were advised. Rural District Councillor Hombasha, ordered the burning of about 100 ha on Muir of Ord so that plots could be allocated. Large amounts of fencing has been stolen and re-erected around plots in a land prepared for tobacco. Only tobacco grading is taking place on the farm at present. Illegal occupiers responsible for evicting elderly parents of the owner of Rusumbi remain to be charged, yet the farm guard who was assaulted at the time has had to pay a fine. DDF tractors are ploughing on Disi and scotch carts are removing indigenous timber on a daily basis, while cattle are being driven onto the farm and poaching of fish and game continue.
Mvurwi - The situation at Hariana deteriorated further when an ALB Representative who responded to the situation, was held hostage, until the intervention of police in the afternoon. The owner and manager have not returned to the farm and SPCA have removed small domestic animals. The situation remains unresolved.
Shamva - Citrus picking at Nyamwanga, which was the last remaining activity permitted, has now been prevented and illegal occupiers are reaping and stealing the produce on a large scale. Illegal occupiers demanded keys to a house on the farm so that they could move in. The owner declined and called the police. Illegal occupiers then demanded police search the house, as they believed that there was something dangerous inside. Police carried out a search and found nothing. Agritex officials arrived to fast track the farm after police left.
Mashonaland West North
Trelawney / Darwendale - The owner of Vooruitzich Farm was prevented by illegal occupiers from laying out irrigation pipes in tobacco lands. The grading sheds on Maponda, Harefield and Shirleigh Farm have been completely shut down.
Banket - Illegal occupiers are moving onto Mapandaguta.
Chinhoyi - 2 illegal occupiers moved into a homestead on Long Valley Farm and the owner reported the incident to the police. 2 cows in calf were slaughtered on Highlands Farm. Illegal occupiers told the owner of Kapfundi to remove his cattle off the farm as there was not enough water for both the cattle and the illegal occupiers. The owner reported the incident to Murureka police who refused to take a statement. Illegal occupiers are moving cattle and goats on Maysma Farm and police refuse to react are siding with the illegal occupiers.
Tengwe - Agritex officials pegged Taysa Farm and told farm workers to vacate the farm village. Illegal occupiers are erecting huts on Chobeni Farm.
Doma - A new group of illegal occupiers have moved onto Chimanimani, Chipri and Chitatu. Work stoppages and building of huts is occurring on these farms. Illegal occupiers are stealing oranges on Chipri Farm, and snaring is occurring on all 3 farms. There is a minimum amount of reaction and co-operation from police. Illegal occupiers are preventing the owner of Revonia Farm from carrying out work on tobacco seedbeds and land preparation. Illegal occupiers are building huts on Laramie Farm. The owner's court case was thrown out of court due to lack of evidence.
Nyabira - The owner of Sandringham Farm and his family were severely beaten and forcibly removed from their farm after over an hour of interrogation and beatings by a large group of aggressive illegal occupiers. This resulted from the owner and his wife assisting Mr & Mrs Stobart-Vallaro in evacuating their homestead. The illegal occupier wounded on Mr Stobart-Vallaro's farm is a relative of Mr Chinotimba. Illegal occupiers killed the family's border collie dogs, despite the family's effort to prevent it. Chinotimba has made it clear to the owner that he has lost the farm. Police refuse to respond with offering armed protection for the family. 6 illegal occupiers remain surrounding the homestead and have warned the owner.
Mashonaland West South
General - Pegging is taking place on farms irrespective of whether the farm is listed, unlisted or conceded. All security and production issues, when reported to the police, are referred directly to the DA.
Norton - Illegal occupiers continue to prevent management on Serui Source Farm from taking anything onto or off the farm, causing a great concern due to the lack of stock feed for the pigs. Police are very evasive and refer matters to the DA, as does the Governor. Police refuse to assist the owner of Wilbered Farm after illegal occupiers chased farm workers off the farm, and no production is able to continue.
Chegutu - War vet Chinotimba, went to Bonduelle factory and intervened in labour issues, creating a lock-in for most of the night. A work stoppage occurred on Mendick Farm and the owner has moved all cattle off, and is slaughtering all his sheep. On Farnham the pigs which have been in the owners garden for a week now have been allowed back into their sty's.
Chakari - Over 90% of white owned farms have been pegged by Agritex and DDF. Farm owners have all been told by the lands committee, chaired by the DA Kadoma, that they are not allowed to continue with land preparation.
Mashonaland East
Beatrice - Illegal occupiers broke down a fence on Silver Oak and have been holding all night pungwes. Only when 2 police details stayed on the property, did the pungwes cease. Illegal occupiers approached the owner and asked to use his vehicle to go to Beatrice to get more food as theirs had run out. At first the owner refused but when they threatened to continue their all night pungwe, he let the driver take them to Beatrice.
Bromley / Ruwa / Enterprise - Section 5 Orders continue to be delivered.
Featherstone - An extra 24 illegal occupiers moved onto Versailles farm. The owner of Gelukverwacht was asked by illegal occupiers to move cattle off the farm.
Harare South - 2 farm workers were assaulted by illegal occupiers on Rusimbiro. The farm workers obtained medical reports which they submitted to the police. A vehicle with covered registration number plates drove through the boom on Dunnotar farm, and cut the padlock on the boom when leaving the farm.
Marondera North - A work stoppage occurred on Norfolk when illegal occupiers destroyed some seedbeds. The situation was resolved. Cambridge farm is still incurring a work stoppage. Most farmers in the area have commenced work again.
Macheke / Virginia - Irrigation equipment was stolen from Blue Gums farm. The owner of Shavanoya farm was told to vacate the farm within 30 days. Farm workers on Mignon were instructed by illegal occupiers to vacate their houses within 12 hours but there was no follow up to this demand. Farm workers were further threatened the following day after the owner advised illegal occupiers that the farm had been delisted and illegal occupiers proceeded to physically assault farm workers that evening in the farm village. The owner of Wheatlands was instructed to remove his cattle off the farm as they were destroying illegal occupiers pegs. DDF drilling teams have been at work on Mug and Craigielea farms. The owners of Bimi and Highlands had to remove cattle off the farm due to demands from illegal occupiers.
Wedza - Several cattle have been slashed by illegal occupiers on Saltash. The owner of Farm Bravo had to move his cattle into a central area after illegal occupiers threatened him. There are a still a number of farm workers who have not been able to return to their homes after being chased out by illegal occupiers, and are currently residing in a barn on the farm.
Nyazura - DDF tractors are ploughing on Chingati Farm.
Mutare - Mr Phillip Bezuidenhout is due to appear in court on the 1st August is applying for bail today. The owners of Brooksville and Welverdein farms are farming from a distance. The owners of Dairy Farm, Premier Estates and Green Valley are having to spend the evenings away from the farm due to the situation being tense.
Chimanimani - An Israeli girl has been missing in the Chimanimani mountains since Saturday 21st July 2001. Chimanimani farmers formed a search party as helicopters are unable to go up in the present weather. The search party failed to find her and Chipinge farmers formed another search party which also failed to find her. The parents of the girl and the Israeli Ambassador are due to arrive in Chimanimani where the search continues.
Chipinge - The occupants in 2 vehicles drove onto Watershed Estate and proceeded to shout and tell the owner to get off the farm, but when the farmer came out to talk to them the vehicle drove off. A cow was slaughtered and another slashed by illegal occupiers on Groenvlei farm. Illegal occupiers butchered a cow on Glenree farm. War vet leader, Andrew Ndlovu, posted a sign in the local butchery issuing a death threat to all farmers. Illegal occupiers stole a sheep and asbestos roofing from Wolfscrag Farm.
General - In Chiredzi, DDF tractors are ploughing on farms in the district and government drilling teams have had little success in drilling boreholes. Many cattle are illegally being moved onto farms and threats of damage to alleged illegal occupiers crops by owners cattle continue. Cattle and game sections of Triangle Private Limited have been invaded. An illegal occupier applied for electricity but was frightened off by the high installation costs. Illegal occupiers are moulding bricks to build permanent structures. Poaching and snaring has resulted in a total loss of game in some areas. Due to massive increase in stock theft, there is added expense to farm owners of kraaling and security guards.
Masvingo East & Central - There has been an escalation in the numbers of illegal occupiers and veld fires on Pitlochrie Farm. 13 head of cattle are missing on Lochinvar Farm. Illegal occupiers removed the swimming pool pump, are dismantling a cottage situated next to the pool and knocked down a shed.
Chiredzi - About 100 illegal occupiers accompanied by police, demonstrated in front of Whitron Engineering complaining that their choppers had been confiscated due to an incident on a surrounding farm. DDF officials uplifted a monopump on Palm River Ranch and illegal occupier Makaro, claimed it, stating the owner had given him the pump. He also claimed that everything on the farm belonged to him. Makaro later admitted that he had taken the monopump without anyones permission. A base commander delivered a letter to the owner of Faversham Ranch demanding that owner give 10 head of cattle to each illegal occupier on the property. The owner submitted the letter to the police. Agritex officials are pegging Woodridge. Employees and their families from Triangle and Hippo, are the main illegal occupiers on surrounding ranches. Communal people are invading farms closer to communal lands. A veterinary department official has put illegal occupiers on some farms for the sole purpose of poaching. Contrary to the very strict rules of the Surveyor Generals Department, unqualified people are being used to conduct official pegging and surveying. 4 head of cattle are missing on Chingwisi Section Nuanetsi Ranch.
Save Conservancy - Blatant poaching is occurring in the conservancy. All 3 farms of the old Angus Ranch have been heavily invaded. Mkwasine Ranch was almost completely burnt out. During a recent rhino ear notching exercise, a rhino was seen snared and pulling a log. The rhino has not been located yet.
Gutu / Chatsworth - Harassment to farmers by illegal occupiers to move their cattle off farms or out of paddocks, tree cutting, ploughing, pegging and poaching continue unabated. Government drilling teams were unsuccessful when drilling a borehole on Merlin Farm. 5 structures have been erected by illegal occupiers.
Mwenezi - Illegal occupiers are obtaining cattle movement permits with ease allowing them to move cattle anywhere they please and using the permits to authorise stock theft. Gwanda provincial veterinary office are confused with the area brands, which are being put onto cattle in anticipation of the agreement over movement of veterinary areas. This is also assisting stock thieves who are obtaining export permits to Mozambique. A Beitbridge Agritex official, Farmer Malagise, is pegging "stands" on Swanscoe and Safari Ranch and illegal occupier Makado is selling "stands" on Swanscoe. About 70 head of red zone cattle were moved onto Bar G Ranch without a permit. The owner of Mkumi Ranch declined a Section 5 Preliminary Notice which government officials tried to serve him, as the farm listed is not the portion he owns, although it is called Mkumi. The officials left the letter lying on the ground outside the owner's homestead gate. An illegal occupier is claiming compensation from the owner of Sonop Ranch after his donkey died.
Gweru - Veld fires, started by illegal occupiers, are still a major problem.
Gweru East / Lalapanzi - Illegal occupiers on one farm, who have been destroying fences and cutting wood on a neighbouring farm to build houses, have been told they are doing wrong by the police.
Kwe Kwe - Irrigation pipes have been stolen from Louville Estates. A meeting held on Bonsted resulted in farm workers being told that they are to be moved to another area. Farm workers complained, saying their ancestors were buried on the farm from 40 years ago. The DA informed them that the remains of their ancestors would be dug up, and they could take them to their new area. Barn doors were broken down, electrical equipment stripped and stolen and police responded quickly, and apprehended the suspects. A teenager from the farm village was buried in the farm cemetery. The war lord on the farm ordered the body be uplifted and removed as it had been buried on his plot. The locals resisted the order. A meeting was held on the farm, with about 150 attendants from farms and resettlement, who were wanting to know about their plots. Illegal occupiers complained that their plots had been sold by the DA to Mbizo and Amaveni township folk. They then wanted to slay the DA. The DA advised them that it was the previous DA who had done this. A bulldozer was hired, from a heavy equipment operator by a town businessman and about 10 ha of prime forest was destroyed for bush clearing. The DA and DDF officials pegged plots of about 50 x 100 metres in size around the perimeter of farm lands on Belgrave farm. 64 plots have so far been allocated, and are waiting for the winter crop to be taken off. The DA and DDF officials informed the owner of Forestvale that the farm was to be pegged and that they will not be allowed to plant a summer crop and must leave. Surveying of plots is taking place. 250 head of cattle belonging to the owner of Luzane were forcibly removed by illegal occupiers onto a neighbouring farm, causing the death of 2 head of cattle which were snared.
Somabhula - A beef producer has been told to move all his cattle off the farm.
Farm Invasions and Security Report
Monday 23rd July 2001
This report does not purport to cover all the incidents that are taking place in the commercial farming areas. Communication problems, the fear of reprisals and matters of higher priority prevent farmers from reporting all that happens. Farmers names, and in some cases farm names, are omitted to minimise the risk of reprisals.
Demands on farmers and workers to vacate their properties are being reinforced by barricading them into homesteads for up to 5 days and the driving of livestock into the security fenced area. Farmers so barricaded are subjected to continuous harassment by singing, drum beating, stones on the roof and many more.
Fires have burnt extensive areas of grazing and timber.
Interference with dipping and grazing procedures is hampering cattle management and culminating on demands for the stock to be removed from the farm entirely.
There were no reports received from Matabeleland Region.
Mashonaland Central
Victory Block - Illegal occupiers demanded that the owner of Msitwe River Ranch move off the farm by September.
Mvurwi - Cattle belonging to the owner of Msonneddi were driven by illegal occupiers into their crops in order to claim compensation for crop damage. Illegal occupiers retained 8 head of cattle in exchange for compensation. Illegal occupiers damaged seedbed tents on Vigilia. 100 ha of grazing was burnt by illegal occupiers on Wendiri. Work on seedbeds at Mandindindi was prevented, when illegal occupiers threatened to destroy plastic covers. Illegal occupiers accused the owner of Welmode of destroying a patch of beans allegedly planted in a land recently harrowed. Farm workers went on strike at Hariana when a labour dispute blew out of proportion, causing a total work stoppage. The owner and manager were forced to vacate the farm for safety reasons. ALB and NEC have intercepted.
Mutepatepa - Illegal occupiers intervened in a labour dispute on Brockley and barricaded the owner in his homestead. ALB and NEC responded and resolved the matter. Illegal occupier Chimbondi, lost control of a fire on Dundry resulting in about 100 ha of grazing and gum plantation being destroyed, damage to a borehole and telephone lines. Chimbondi has been trying to gain access to a game conservancy in the area so he can build houses on it.
Shamva - About 20 illegal occupiers continue to steal oranges on Nyamwanga farm in the evenings. A farm security guard caught an illegal occupier and police reacted and arrested her. That afternoon, about 20 illegal occupiers assaulted 2 farm guards and told them the farm belonged to them as did the oranges and then marched them to a neighbouring farm and told them not to return or they would be killed. A report was made to the police. Illegal occupiers continue to restrict grazing areas for cattle and only the owners cows remain on the farm.
Mashonaland West North
Chinhoyi - Agritex officials pegged 90 ha on Glenside Farm with intention to peg the other half at a later date. CID visited the owner of Portelet Estate carrying a search warrant for firearms. The owner produced his licence, which was in order. A poacher was caught on Magog Farm and when the owner tried to drive the accused to the police station, illegal occupiers barricaded the owner in the security fence. The owner drove through the gate and the accused is due to appear in court shortly. The manager of Koodoovale Farm was accused of pointing a firearm at illegal occupiers and arrested.
Lions Den - Illegal occupiers are burning large amounts of grazing on farms in the area.
Banket - Banket police and the chief war vet visited the owner of Wonnock Glen and accused the owner of disrupting the land resettlement exercise, and would now be bringing 65 families with a chief to settle on the farm. Lion Kop has recently been pegged and the owner was told that he would have to negotiate with illegal occupiers if he wishes to grow tobacco.
Trelawney / Darwendale - About 32 aggressive illegal occupiers prevented work on Wichens Farm. About 12 aggressive drunk illegal occupiers from Shirleigh and Mpanda farms forced their way through the security gate, threatened and demanded that the owner of Harefield farm stop work and vacate the farm as it now belonged to them. Police responded.
Doma - The owner of Makamba Farm was assaulted and beaten by illegal occupiers after he refused to give them about 2200 litres of free fuel. Illegal occupiers demanded that the owner of Makoppa Farm remove all cattle off the farm.
Karoi - About 48 illegal occupiers instructed farm workers to vacate their homes on Dixie Farm. Illegal occupiers then persuaded 90% of the farm workers to demand gratuities from the owner and demand to be employed as casual workers. The owner was then held hostage in the workshop area for 2 hours. Police were informed and took 2 hours to respond. About 50 farmers in the district responded to the call and waited on the main road for backup after being told illegal occupiers had threatened the owners life if farmers responded and verbally abused the owners wife who was barricaded in the farm homestead. NEC and ALB are dealing with farm workers demands. Illegal occupiers and farm workers from Dixie proceeded to Peveril Farm with the same intentions and proceeded to set up a roadblock on the Majunge Road to prevent farmers in the district from responding. Police were notified but were unable to respond due to lack of transport and 2 details were collected from the police station. Police were confronted with about 30 illegal occupiers at the roadblock and refused to make an arrest, due to it being a political situation. About 120 illegal occupiers started a fire on Chiuwa farm in a maize land that the owner was combining. Despite fireguards, about 60 ha of maize was burnt and a large area of grazing. A report was made to the police. Illegal occupiers on Kankombe Farm continue to demand that the owner remove about 550 head of cattle off the farm and refuse to allow the owner to dip or to remove about 60 weaners. The DA agreed to the dipping and if need be, support unit will make sure the owner is able to dip cattle. About 100 illegal occupiers are currently occupying Moyale Farm and when 9 of them were found at an irrigation pump, the owner was threatened and told to vacate the farm within 48 hours. Illegal occupiers moved about 50 head of cattle onto homestead garden. There has been an increase of maize theft, irrigation piping and tree cutting, with no response from police. About 40 illegal occupiers herded cattle off Moy Farm onto the main Kariba road and prevented the owner from moving them back. The owner made a report to the police, who refused to respond, and the owner has had to relocate his cattle. 600 ha of grazing was burnt and a water trough destroyed on Kupeta Farm by illegal occupiers. The owner has filed 11 reports to police with regards to theft of fencing, maize, tree felling, stock feed and irrigation pipes, and 13 reports related to work stoppages, verbal abuse, death threats and demands to vacate the farm by illegal occupiers. Police refuse to respond. Illegal occupiers set fire to grazing paddocks on The Ridges. The incident was reported to police who refused to respond. Illegal occupiers burnt a further 100 ha of grazing and gum plantations, resulting in half the farm being destroyed by fire. Police refuse to respond, as they say orders must come from the DA to stop these activities.
Mashonaland West South
Chakari - Agritex officials moved onto Newbiggin Farm and pegged in cattle paddocks. An aggressive illegal occupier leader demanded that the owner remove cattle out of the paddocks as this was now "their property", and that the owner must vacate his homestead.
Norton - The owner of Serui Source has been unable to remove anything off the property. In an attempt to resolve the situation, the owner met with the second in command of Norton police and illegal occupiers from the farm. Immediately after the meeting the owner was arrested and charged with inciting violence. The owner was made to share a cell with 14 others and 7 blankets to share between them. The following day, police countered the bail application in the Norton Magistrates Court on the grounds that "he was on the run", and would abscond. After several hours the owner was given bail under stringent conditions. Illegal occupiers chased farm workers off Wilbered Farm. Police have responded twice, but the threats continue. The owner, who is over 80 years old, is unable to continue farming operations after receiving death threats from illegal occupiers.
Kadoma - Agritex officials pegged Hellaby Farm and illegal occupiers prevented the owner from giving stover to his cattle.
Chegutu - Police and lands committee refuse to respond to the report made by the owner of Farnham Farm, where illegal occupiers pushed pigs into the owner's homestead garden and are threatening to beat the pigs if they are returned to their stys.
Mashonaland East
Beatrice - The owner of Silver Oaks farm was barricaded in his home after a large group of aggressive illegal occupiers destroyed the homestead fence and prevented the owner from feeding cattle. Illegal occupiers on Maas Plein demanded that the farm store close, as they are taking it over. The owner of Goldilands was instructed by illegal occupier Chinotimba to vacate the farm. After the owner was barricaded in his home and a threatening situation developed, the owner left. If the owner wishes to return, he has to seek permission from Zhou, the Joyce Mine base commander.
Bromley / Ruwa / Enterprise - A new invasion occurred on Fourdyce farm. Section 5 Orders have been served on several farms.
Featherstone - In an attempt to prevent a work stoppage, illegal occupiers chased farm workers out of the grading shed on Nebo farm. Illegal occupiers prevented the owner of Dunkirk from milking cattle. A large number of farms in the district have deliberately been burnt by illegal occupiers, resulting in some farms being totally burnt.
Harare South - The owner of Walmer farm was instructed to vacate the farm by illegal occupiers, and told to open the kitchen and toilets for a motor cross track on the farm, which the owner refused as the track belonged to a club. Illegal occupiers proceeded to break into the facility. Police responded the following day. Illegal occupiers informed the owner that they wished to move their cattle onto the farm. Illegal occupiers arrived on Auks Nest, and informed the manager they were surveying the land, as they were due to be resettled there. The boundary fence on Rusimbiro was cut by illegal occupiers who informed the manager that they were not to interfere.
Marondera - A tense and dangerous situation arose when the owner of Monora farm was barricaded in her homestead, but was resolved.
Marondera North - Illegal occupiers chased farm workers out of their homes on Loquat Grove. The owner of Rapid and a farmer leasing a section of the farm were instructed by illegal occupiers to vacate the farm.
Macheke / Virginia - Illegal occupiers are selling plots on a farm in the district for $2000. Illegal occupiers chased farm workers on Riverlea out of their homes. A borehole drilling team arrived on Craiglea. 40 illegal occupiers arrived on Murrayfield farm in a UNP vehicle with the DA and proceeded to Camdale. On Second Chapter, 4 illegal occupiers took over a home in the farm village. Illegal occupiers on Glen Somerset have erected fences around their huts. Illegal occupiers in a lorry drove onto Nyadema and deposited 3 dog kennels behind the managers house and almost ran the managers wife over when she went out to ask them what they were doing. About 10 illegal occupiers stole gum poles off Malda Farm. Illegal occupiers moved cattle out of the dipping area on Wheatlands. Mignon farm was recently delisted and when the owner advised illegal occupiers to leave, they refused. The owner reported the incident to the police who responded and the majority of illegal occupiers vacated the farm.
Wedza - Illegal occupiers on Collace told the manager that they needed access into the house and garden to take an inventory of all assets. They were not given access and left saying they would return. Illegal occupiers on Farm Bravo seriously assaulted 4 farm workers, and the owner verbally abused whilst attending to the farm workers injuries, before taking the farm workers to hospital. Poachers with dogs and spears killed an Ostrich, Tsessebe and Kudu on Welton farm. There has been extensive pegging on several farms. There are now 6 farms in the district where farm workers have been forced to stop work and move out of their homes and are either camping in the bush or living in the barns and grading sheds. 3 farmer owners received unofficial letters and threats that they must leave the farm, stop production and remove property and grids off the farm. There was a tense situation on Farm Alpha when illegal occupiers rounded up farm workers, broke into the farm premises smashing the gate and harassed farm workers in the complex during the night. That farm incurred a complete work stoppage and the foreman was given 30 minutes to leave the farm.
Mutare - A tense situation arose when illegal occupiers surrounded the owner and his son on En Avante Farm. Police reacted and diffused the situation. Illegal occupiers prevented the owner of Welverdened Farm from moving his cattle. A number of farmer owners have been unable to return to their homesteads at night.
Odzi - On Green Valley Farm the owner and his family were unable to return to the farm as illegal occupiers dug trenches and barricaded off all farm roads.
Nyazura - DDF officials are active on farms in the district and there has been an increase of poaching and crime.
Headlands - Ruanda Farm was fast tracked last week, leaving the owner with 400 ha. 3 cattle have been slaughtered and a calf stolen. 11 permanent houses have been built for illegal occupiers.
Chimanimani - There was a visitation by Minister Chombo, Air Vice Marshall Muchena, war vet leader, MIC Matanga and various other dignitaries to Charleswood. They arrived in about 18 vehicles with armed escort to see how the land reform programme was progressing and informed the owner that the whole farm would be pegged including the standing coffee plantation.
Masvingo East & Central - Theft, cutting down of trees, pegging and ploughing continues unabated. Mwenezi - About 20 illegal occupiers moved onto Swanscoe Ranch in an area that is highly concentrated with wildlife. There has been much movement of illegal occupiers on Kleinbegin Ranch with civil servants farming whilst off duty. 2 gates have been broken open on the farm from the reserve next door and the owner was instructed by police not to replace the gates. 5 police officials responded to an attempted assault charge that illegal occupier Makado made against the owners wife after she asked him to remove himself from a pile of bricks and taken a photograph of him. Makado laid the assault charge after the DA instructed him to do so. At 2 water points on Flora and Fauna Ranches, 80 snares made with stolen wire and cable were recovered over a 2 day period. Recent remains of 2 giraffe, 1 Kudu and 1 Eland were recovered and less recent remains of 11 giraffe were recovered. 1 Poacher has been apprehended. A herd of goats have been moved from the red into the green zone on the Mateke Hills Road. Veterinary and police set up an ambush and arrested 2 people. A total number of 45 fires started by illegal occupiers on farms in the district occurred over the weekend.
Gutu / Chatsworth - Farm owners continue to receive harassment and threats from illegal occupiers to remove cattle off the farm or out of certain paddocks. 4 farm owners in the district have been threatened by illegal occupiers with threats of cattle being pushed into homestead gardens.
Chiredzi - Poaching, building of permanent structures, felling of trees and stealing of firewood continue unabated.
Chivhu - Pegging, poaching and stock theft continue.
Gweru - Illegal occupiers claim to be clearing the land with the use of fire, but have been responsible for veld fires becoming out of control and refuse to assist in putting out the fires.
Kwe Kwe - A farmer received an acquisition notice and his farm was pegged and
illegal occupiers are expected to move onto the property soon.
Shurugwi - A neighbour assisted a farmer in the area who has had to evacuate his farm and both have received threats and violence from local war vets Lovemore Sakahuwa and alias Gunpowder. The manager of Killarney and his family have been ordered to vacate the farm by next week.
Somabhula - Illegal occupiers threatened to take over the homestead on Sonambhula Farm if the owner did not dismiss 2 farm workers.
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text: I'd think that doing this to / while it's mounted is a *REALLY* bad idea... I did, on both trinity and duality (i386 and hp300, respectively), and it worked fine. However, you should do it from single-user and reboot immediately afterward; the MNT_RELOAD that is done automatically by fsck(8) is not enough in the case where the format was updated (though this could probably be fixed easily). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

subset: commoncrawl


text: ok i just got my WD 120gb 8mn 7200rpm drive today (yeay) and now to install it, i downloaded the datelifeguard tools and make a disk with it, restarted my system, told it to boot from floppy and restarted agian, it checks the disk then continues to load windows. had this happened to anyone before and how can i fix it??? oh yea the data lifeguard tool is ver 10


text:
So much for the theory of the criminal mastermind.
The incident started a few minutes before midnight.
An anonymous caller told a 911 dispatcher someone was shot Sunday near 18th Avenue and East Yesler Way.
Seattle police who responded to the scene found no victim or witnesses, but did see a black 2008 Hyundai fleeing the area.
They followed it, but the man didn't pull over.
After about a 10-minute pursuit that trailed across the Central District, police backed off.
Police generally continue chases for serious felonies, said department spokesman Jeff Kappel, who gave some preliminary incident details.
"But we had no victim or and no complainant," he said. Had officers known the man fleeing was involved in a shooting, Kappel said they likely would have kept going.
Apparently, the bad guy did.
A few minutes after officers stopped the chase, police received word that the black Hyundai wrecked in the Leschi neighborhood.
Kappel said the driver tried to break into a nearby house, but failed. He then tried to run down the street and was caught by police.
"Now we've got him at least on investigation of hit and run, fleeing the scene and attempted burglary," Kappel said.
No injuries were reported. And police still hadn't found a shooting victim by the time the Hyundai driver was arrested.


text:
Woody hauls out at north end
Sep/18/10 09:01 PM
Throughout the afternoon today, Seal Sitters followed Woody's movements as he surfaced briefly on beaches from the north end to the south end of Alki Beach. Too many people on the beach prevented him from getting his rest and he kept returning to the water. However, an adult seal was seen about 20 yards off the beach just as he re-entered the water about 2 pm. The adult and pup were spotted together rounding the point by the lighthouse. Our volunteer followed them with binoculars as they made their way the length of Constellation Beach, the pup desperately trying to haul out. Finally, the pup came ashore amidst a number of people and boaters; but mom stayed nearby, her head popping up out of the waves periodically, as Woody was able to gain strength on shore. Seal Sitters taped off the beach. Thanks so much to the respectful people who moved away from Woody so the mother would not be scared away - and most especially to the "Disorganized Dive Club" who chose to relocate their dive to another beach so that Woody could get some rest! The pup returned to the Sound early evening. Seeing the mom and pup together swimming offshore, and her protective behavior, was a real treat and rarity.


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Home > ITU-D > Conferences > World Telecommunication Development Conferences > WTDC 2014 > World Telecommunication Development Conference 2014
Mr. Chairman, Mr. Secretary-General, Ministers, Excellencies, ITU elected officials, and respected colleagues. On behalf of Avanti Communications Group Plc, I thank the government of the United Arab Emirates for their generosity and hospitality and I congratulate the International Telecommunication Union and the Government of UAE for organsing this important conference and welcoming us to the amazing city of Dubai. Mr. Chairman, we wish you the best, we are confident you will be able to guide this conference to establish the work of the ITU Development Sector for the next four years. Mr. Brahima Sanou, as Director of the BDT, we thank you for your tireless efforts at the ITU and your dedicated work for the preparation of this landmark WTDC conference. Dr Hamadoun Touré we thank you for the hard work, commitment and achievements over the years as ITU Secretary General.
Avanti Communications is a satellite operator providing innovative and affordable satellite data communications services in Ka-band to telecoms companies to supply broadband services in many countries of ITU Region 1 and 3. Our collective challenge these two weeks at WTDC-2014, and going forward, is to harness the tremendous power of Broadband and ICT to unleash sustainable growth and innovation across all sectors of society. Discussions at this WTDC-14, will set out to hone global ICT and Broadband development priorities, and agree the projects and initiatives to implement them for the next four years.
Encouragingly, we see active steps being taken by the ITU and various Member States to recognise the important role of satellite systems to help bridge the digital divide, and to extend the full benefits of satellite broadband services for inter-alia rural and suburban / urban communities. This is evidenced by the introduction in this WTDC of three contributions from three major regions, the CEPT, ATU and CITEL of proposed WTDC Resolutions in which satellite systems are recognised as playing a significant role in providing Broadband services. Clearly, these regions bring success stories from their member countries around the world of lessons that can be learned of the benefits of satellite broadband systems and services. The ITU-D provides the perfect platform to discuss these practices and Avanti looks forward to WTDC-2014 setting the development agenda of the ITU-D. We come together with the knowledge that we all benefit when new communities and users are connected to Broadband services. This can only be achieved if a technology neutral infrastructure investment approach is adopted that includes satellite systems to complement and supplement terrestrial networks in the provision of Broadband services. We therefore hope that WTDC-14 will recognise that satellite technology is a long-term sustainable enabler for development of Broadband.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
© ITU All Rights Reserved


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All quotes by Jennifer Rodriguez
(17 quotes found)
"I wasn't expecting to medal. This definitely is not my favorite race. My start is just too slow. I was hoping to get some good laps in, which I did."
"My lap time, if you take away my start, was one of the fastest except for the top girls. I was really happy with that. Going into the 1,000 meters, you need to have some fast laps."
"So, what we added that a normal bride wouldn't was just an insert about the vendors that were available. On the back of the CD program, you've got a list of the vendors in the hopes that the guests will be interested and pursue some more information."
"I'm very disappointed. I came out and it was like half-empty, or half-full, depending on how you look at it. But I feel like the Olympics should be sold out."
"I would feel very bad if I was an Italian skater. You expect to hear the roar of the crowd. It's a little bit dead out there."
"He'll say one sentence and I'll say one sentence. It takes me forever to pop out that one sentence. It's horrible. I could kill him now."
"What my family did for me, I hope that I am the outcome of that, that I am the success story of that."
"It's very disappointing to walk in and it's half empty. I can't believe this is the Olympics. It almost felt like a World Cup meet. The Olympics should be sold out."


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NEW YORK (Aug. 5)
A former German concentration camp in Norway has been converted into a "children's city" for Jewish children threatened by tuberculosis, the Norwegian Information Service revealed here.
The children will be accommodated at the camp at Holmestrand for about eight months, after which they will proceed to Israel if their health permits. The "city" will accommodate 200 children at a time and it is expected that a total of 600 will be treated there.


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Harry Potter's Blog
We are your Harry Potter connection.
Top Harry Potter Blogs:
Harry Potter News, Books and Films – The Leaky Cauldron
Mar 7, 2010 … The best source for all things Harry Potter: news, images, video, … Talk about Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and … www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/ – Cached – Similar
Welcome to Harry Potters Blog. Add your comments to the latest news and discussions here.
www.harrypottersblog.com/ – Cached – Similar
Wizard Potter News Blog – Harry Potter News Blog – Beyond Hogwarts
Sep 14, 2009 … Home > Harry Potter News Blog. The latest news, information and rumors about Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Eragon and Twlight, … www.beyondhogwarts.com/harry–potter/blog/ – Cached – Similar
Deathly Hallows Part 2
http://blog.twitter.com/2009/12/top-twitter-trends-of-2009.html … Wizarding World of Harry Potter DVD preview from The Half-Blood Prince … danradcemmaw.blogspot.com/ – Cached – Similar
The Harry Potter Blog – Harry Potter News, Movies, and Books
David Yates again takes the director's chair for the sixth installment of the Harry Potter series. As Harry returns to Hogwart's school of wizardry for … harrypotter.savvy-cafe.com/ – Cached – Similar
HARRY POTTER BLOGSPOT | harrypotterfan777 on Xanga
HARRY POTTER BLOGSPOT … If you want to download all 7 harry potter books you can do so from the following link. http://www.sendspace.com/file/y5bd10 … harrypotterfan777.xanga.com/…/harry–potter–blogspot/ – Cached – Similar
The Daily Prophet – Harry Potter blog – timesunion.com – Albany NY
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II" has an official release date, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The curtain will rise on July 15, 2011; … blog.timesunion.com/harrypotter/ – Cached – Similar
Harry Potter
Deathly Hallows
Harry Potter Pez
Posted 06/25/2013 Source: FoxNews.com
Listen up all you Muggles and Pez heads.
After eight blockbuster films, several Harry Potter-themed destinations, including a major Orlando theme park attraction, as well as countless spell-bound toys, food and products — you can soon add another American icon to the Harry Potter merchandise clan.
Notoriously tight-lipped, Pez candy company rarely reveals themes that are in production. But CEO and president, Joseph Vittoria, speaking exclusively to FoxNews.com, let a magic secret slip that's sure delights fans and collectors.
"I'll give you one for 2015," speaking about which new Pez dispensers are on the horizon. "It's taken me about five years to get it. And that's Harry Potter." He didn't detail what it would look like.
It typically takes about a year and a half and lots of planning to bring the 6.5 inch dispensers to life. From Mickey Mouse to Santa Claus and Darth Vader in between, the list of larger-than-life characters immortalized by the company is long.
Vittoria says they've already begun designing the Harry Potter dispensers. Like other limited-edition sets, all 250,000 of the dispensers designed like the boy wizard will be numbered.
Pez also piqued the interest of collectors when it collaborated with John Ratzenberger to create set of custom Pez dispensers to celebrate all of the Pixar characters voiced by the actor, better known as Cliff from "Cheers."
"We are selective in that we try to create pieces that are fun; pieces that you'll remember," says Vittoria.
Other popular collector sets have included Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and most recently, the U.S. presidents, each of which Vittoria had a hand in brining to life.
"It makes me feel like I am a kid again. It also gives me a sense of being part of history at the end of the day," he says.
Vittoria, who took the CEO reins in 2004 ago after trying and failing to buy the company outright, has turned the North American headquarters in Orange, Conn. into a mecca for Pez pilgrims. He opened a visitor's center in 2011, complete with a viewing area onto the factory floor and the world's largest Pez dispenser.
Pez, short for the German word "pfefferminz" or peppermint in English, was first introduced in Austria by Eduard Haas, III in 1927 as a breath mint for adult smokers. The "headless" dispenser was patented in 1948. The privately-held, family-owned company ships about 100 million dispensers to more than 80 countries around the world. It's most popular in the U.S., where Americans eat more than 3 billion of the tiny "bricks" of candy annually.
But according to Pez collector Shawn Peterson, the candy and its dispensers didn't take off in the U.S. until the 1950s.
"Somebody in marketing said, you know what let's change it from peppermint flavors to fruit flavors and put a cartoon head on it. This is something kids would like," he says.
Peterson, who has written three books about Pez collecting and now oversees the Connecticut visitor center, says his passion for the novelty item began 25 years ago when he began grow his collection of dispensers at weekend flea markets. Peterson owns nearly all of the memorabilia on display in the nearly 6,000ft shrine to the miniature marvels–which are on display in case upon case.
"I lost count many years ago. It's thousands of dispensers. I can at least say that everything that was offered at retail. I at least have an example of it."
Over the years collecting Pez products has become a serious and expensive business. "Some people buy cars, some people buy art work, some people buy Pez dispensers," says Peterson.
He points to the 2012 sale of a rare Democratic donkey and Republican elephant that a private collector bought for a reported $20,000. He says only three of the donkey dispensers, originally created as part of a larger set as a gift for President Kennedy in 1961, are known to exist. The set is reportedly in Austria, but hasn't been seen since.
If someone happened to find what Peterson calls "the holy grail for collectors?" "I could see (it going for) $25,000 plus. All it takes is two people getting into a bidding war and the sky's the limit."
And just like high-end design brands, such as Louis Vuitton, people are finding ways to make a quick buck off of counterfeiting the novelty item. For example, a clear, gun-shaped dispenser from the 1950s that sold in 2006 on Ebay for about $13,000 ended up being a fake.
Pez executives says while they're flattered, they go to great lengths to protect the brand because it's one of a kind. "We really don't have a competitor, we are unique in what we do. There are other products but nothing works or operates or is shaped like a Pez dispenser," Peterson says.
While touring other displays at the visitor center, it's easy to see the evolution of the dispenser's technology. From its original basic flip head to the more recent removable car model, it's clear that Vittoria has something a little unexpected up his sleeve for the company's future.
"We would love to build a Pez phone that is a smart phone or a nice unit that is a small computer chip when the technology is right, and I think it's real close."
Could Apple have a little competition from a candy company?
But Santa Claus and Harry Potter aside, it seems that even saving your run-of-the-mill plastic Pez dispenser may pay off.
"In 30 years from now you'll say, 'Gee, I've got that piece, let me see if I still have it.' And lo and behold it's worth a few thousands dollars," says Vittoria.
Sweet stuff.
Newest Wizarding World Expansion Set To Open Summer 2014
Posted 06/04/2013 Source: The-Leaky-Couldron.org
Hypable is hypothesizing the opening date of the Wizarding World expansion will fall between June 14 and August 14. This prediction stems from unusual black out dates to Power Pass holders, that have appeared on the Universal web page. These black out dates would prevent Power Pass holders from entering the park and promote crowd control. Screamscapes predicted the site would open the week of June 11, but said that the date could easily shift for an opening that large. Hypable reports:
"Universal has blocked those with the Power Pass (one of their annual passholder levels) from entering Universal Studios Florida beginning Saturday, June 14 through Saturday, August 14. Those with the Power Pass may enter the neighboring park Islands of Adventure, which houses the original Wizarding World, during that time."
"This two-month block out period isn't normal for those with the Power Pass. This year, the same annual pass is only blocked from entering during the month of July. The purpose of the passholder black out is to help control crowd size."
"This blockout period falls perfectly in line with an April report which said Universal is planning to open the Diagon Alley land the week around June 11."
April Report:
"Screamscape, a reliable source for theme park information, cites a source who says the Diagon Alley expansion is aiming to open by June 2014; specifically, the week of June 11. "With over a year left in the construction timetable, a lot can happen and dates can shift, especially with a project of this size, involving the construction of an entire new land with several buildings, and the Hogwarts Express to run between the two parks," Screamscape notes."
Many thanks to Hypable–We hope their predictions are correct!
When Harry Left Hogwarts Documentary Now Online
Posted 11/21/2011 Source: The-Leaky-Couldron.org
The "When Harry Left Hogwarts" documentary, which features footage from the filming of the final two movies, is now available to watch online. The documentary was filmed by BAFTA recipient Morgan Matthews and can be viewed in two parts here and here or below.
Bringing a Wizard's Dark World to Life
Posted 11/19/2010 Source: WSJ.com
Over the past 10 years, Stuart Craig has designed a sprawling gothic boarding school campus as the setting for the Harry Potter films. For the seventh film, which moves away from theHogwartsSchool, he gave the franchise a darker look.
For the seventh Potter film, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1," released Friday, Mr. Craig, 68, faced a new challenge: None of the action takes place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the primary setting of the first six Harry Potter movies. Mr. Craig needed to create nearly 2½ hours' worth of new settings, and give the franchise a darker look. The film unfolds like a road movie, with the characters traveling through bleak, barren countryside and facing mortal dangers in burning houses and cobwebbed castles.
At the movie'sLondon premiere last week, Mr. Craig noted with satisfaction that the audience visibly shuddered when Harry jumped into an icy pond in a lifeless, moonlit forest. "It was giving an extreme sense of discomfort," he said.
In reality, the scene was shot entirely at Leavesden Studios in Watford, nearLondon, where all the Harry Potter movies were made. Leavesden is also home to the fictional Ministry of Magic, which is supposed to sit beneath a real street in theLondon government district of Whitehall. To create the ministry, which first appeared in "Harry Potter and the Order of thePhoenix" in 2007, Mr. Craig studied underground structures such as theLondon andMoscow subway stations.
For the new film, Mr. Craig added a towering monument to the ministry's atrium. The Soviet-style sculpture shows wizards crushing cowering muggles—people without magic powers—and bears an engraving that says "Magic Is Might." The totalitarian aesthetic, Mr. Craig says, highlights the theme of a world dominated by evil. He used seemingly long, winding corridors to give the ministry a Kafkaesque feel. As the characters explore the building, including an upstairs office and a basement courtroom, viewers soon feel as if they know their way around the place.
Mr. Craig designed his first set as a teenager inEngland, when he painted theTower ofLondon as a background for a school production of Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Yeomen of the Guard." Years later, in 1983, Mr. Craig won his first Academy Award for his work on "Gandhi." He won two subsequent Oscars for "Dangerous Liaisons" and "The English Patient."
One afternoon in 1999, Mr. Craig was decorating the bedroom of his soon-to-be-born grandson when director Chris Columbus called and invited him toLos Angeles to discuss a film version of the first Potter novel. Mr. Craig rushed out to buy the book and got on the plane. Reading it, he felt "a slight sense of panic." He had to invent a complex world, based in reality but with magical elements. Many readers had firm images of that world already in their heads.
For theHogwartsCastle, he studied Norman and Gothic cathedrals. The school's Great Hall was based onChristChurchCollege atOxford. In the first six movies, the Hogwarts exterior that audiences see is a scale model built at 1/24th of the size shown on screen, that sat inside the studio, a former aircraft hangar. For the final film, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2," scheduled for release next year, Hogwarts was made digitally. Visual effects experts scanned the model and then scanned surfaces of real buildings, including cracks and crumbling masonry. Those images were then laid over those of the model, creating a more weathered texture and more architectural detail. The improved castle walls allowed for more action close to the building—essential for the final film, which revolves around Hogwarts.
In "Hallows: Part 1," Mr. Craig's favorite scene doesn't use elaborate visual effects. Harry's friend Hermione Granger leaves her family's middle-class home to join her companions on a dangerous journey. After erasing her parents' memories of her, she walks out of a cozy living room and onto a coldly lit street.
"We wanted to show a place that's hard to leave," Mr. Craig said.
Deathly Hallows trailer debuts at Cinema Expo, to play in front of Eclipse in theaters
Posted 6/24/2010 Source: MuggleNet.com
UPDATE: We've now learned that the trailer will debut online Monday, June 28th at 7 PM ET/4 PM PT!
This information has once again been confirmed by an entertainment and media analyst who caught the trailer at Cinema Expo International in the Netherlands earlier today. Moreover, he says the Deathly Hallows trailer is the best trailer of the year and contains footage from Parts 1 and 2: New Harry Potter teaser will play with Twilight's #Eclipse next week and includes footage of both part I & II. Best trailer of year so far! Based on the FANTASTIC teaser at CinemaExpo, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, 2D looks amazing in itself– no need for 3D. We have heard rumors that the trailer may debut online as early as June 28th. However, this is NOT official yet. At the least, you can expect to see the trailer with The Twilight Saga: Eclipse in theaters on June 30th!
Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Finally Open, Get Your Quidditch On!
6/19/2010 Source: CinemaBlend.com
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is finally open at Universal Studios in Orlando, and by all accounts, demand is both unprecedented and a little bit nuts, with reports of four to six hour-long lines to just enter the park. The park opened around 9:30am, but thousands of fans arrived days in advance, with fans camping out overnight along the interstate. We're all excited to ride a broomstick or two, right?
Early-bird fans who were there for the very start of the day's festivities bore witness as Daniel Radcliffe drew open the curtain and officially opened the park, joined at the opening by Warwick Davis (who plays Filius Flitwick), Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) and Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore).
Okay, okay. You want to know what you can find inside–we get it. The big centerpiece of the park is Hogwarts castle, which towers over the other Islands of Adventure. Inside the castle is the all-new, specifically crafted Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (eat your heart out, Cinderella's Castle). The ride promises to be a "greatest hits" tour through the spots you'd expect, including a brief drop-in Quidditch match, a throwdown with the Whomping Willow, and an attempt at surviving a dragon attack.
Outside the castle, you can pretty much have the full Diagon Alley experience, from a pint at the Hog's Head pub right on through to picking up a Marauder's Map or three at Filch's. There's also the intriguingly-named "Flight of the Hippogriff" attraction, which I REALLY HOPE involves "The Flight of the Bumblebee" as played on a large instrument (let's say a tuba), and another dozen or so attractions, from roller coasters on down.
Despite being less than a day old, the fan community is abuzz with what's next for the park, as its popularity leads to inevitable expansion. MTV's got a fun little piece on suggestions for themed rides coming down the pike, and, for those of you with an interest in homebrewing, the Christian Science Monitor has an in-depth interview with J.K. Rowling about the painstaking process of bringing butterbeer into real life. Happy wizarding, everybody!
Warner Bros Says 'Harry Potter' Set Fire No Cause For Alarm, That Set 'Was Due To Be Rebuilt'
Posted 3/22/2010 by Adam Rosenberg in News
There was news out of the UK yesterday that a fire on the set of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" left Hogwarts in ruins. The truth is not quite that dramatic, but it makes for compelling copy, right? All of the "Harry Potter" films have been shot at Leavesden Film Studios, near Watford, Hertfordshire. Local paper Watford Observer reports that the fire started while second unit shooting was underway on Friday evening, on a courtyard scene that factors into a battle sequence — presumably the climax — in the second of the final two "Potter" films. The pyrotechnics-heavy work being done got a little bit out of control, leading to the fire. Warner Bros has already confirmed that none of the principal cast members were present, no one was injured and no equipment was damaged. In a statement, a "Potter" rep said of the incident: "It was a big special effects scene. Unfortunately, there was a small fire as a result of that. As a precaution, as we had already mobilized our own in-house fire team who had it under control, the fire brigade was called and it was put out in under an hour." The statement went on to confirm that Leavesden wasn't damaged at all by the fire and that the fire-plagued set was already going to be rebuilt anyway. "The scene was where the set was being destroyed and then it was to be rebuilt for a new scene, as part of a battle for Deathly Hallows part two." The "Potter" team responded following early reports that the cost of the damage was somewhere in the neighborhood of £100,000. While those early reports also made mention of the incident causing production delays for Warner, so far the planned release dates of November 19, 2010 and July 15, 2011 remain unchanged.
Tags harry potter and the deathly hallows
Harry Potter's Hogwarts set destroyed as explosions trigger blaze
THE Hogwarts set for the final Harry Potter adventure has been destroyed in a blaze as filming for the final battle scene went disastrously wrong. Explosives set light to scenery at the school of magic as cast and crew shot the Battle of Hogwarts climax for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Fire crews battled for 40 minutes to bring the flames under control but the set was wrecked. Six fire engines raced to Leavesden Film Studios, near Watford, Hertfordshire, in the drama on Friday evening. A source said: "We were shooting the scenes where Hogwarts gets blown up during the battle. But fire managed to catch hold of the set and it went up in flames. It was completely out of control at one point." It's understood that the main cast members including Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Emma Watson (Hermione) or Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) were not there at the time. There were about 100 crew members and some cast on set and all escaped without injury. One source estimated damage at £100,000. Warner Bros confirmed the incident and insisted production was still going ahead but it will be a setback for the schedule, with the first part of the story due out towards the end of the year. The Battle of Hogwarts scenes involve Harry raising an army of students to defend the school from evil wizard Voldemort. A fire service spokesman said: "There was a big battle scene involving a lot of pyrotechnics and explosions. There was a mocked-up castle made of timber, steel and plastic and somehow it caught alight.' Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the final instalment of the franchise. It will be released in 3D, with the first part out on November 19 and the second on July 15, 2011.


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A fabulous table setting for a party.
- An example of fabulous is a fantasy tale.
- An example of fabulous is a very extravagant party.
- An example of fabulous is a perfect date.
The definition of fabulous is someone or something that is imaginary, hard to believe or very good.
- of or like a fable; imaginary, fictitious, or legendary
- hard to believe; incredible; astounding
- Informal very good; wonderful
Origin of fabulousMiddle English from Classical Latin fabulosus, fabled from fabula
- Extremely pleasing or successful: a fabulous vacation.
- Barely credible; astonishing: the fabulous endurance of a marathon runner.
- a. Of the nature of a fable or myth; legendary.b. Told of or celebrated in fables or legends.
Origin of fabulousMiddle English mythical from Old French fabuleux from Latin fābulōsus from fābula fable ; see fable .
Related Forms:
- fab′u·lous·ly
- fab′u·lous·ness
(comparative more fabulous, superlative most fabulous)
- of or relating to fable, myth or legend.
- characteristic of fables; marvelous, extraordinary, incredible, unbelievable, absurd, extreme, or exaggerated.
- fictional or not believable; made up.
- known for telling fables or falsehoods; unreliable.
- very good; outstanding, wonderful.
Usage notes
- In the sense of wonderful, the word may become associated with gay men. This may be the direct result of its former usage among valley girls.


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by ALAConnect Helpdesk (staff) on Fri, Jun 7, 2013 at 01:25 pm
Saturday, June 29, 2013
4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, US/Central
4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, US/Central
If you're new to ALSC or if this is your first Annual Conference as a children's librarian, then this program is for you! We'll provide you with information about the perks of ALSC membership, tips on how to get involved, and tricks of the trade for navigating Annual Conference. We'll also be raffling off some great ALSC prizes!
- Download to my calendar
- Log in to post comments
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New Students
Dear First-Year Resident Student:
Congratulations again on your acceptance to Bloomfield College!
We would like to officially welcome you to the Residential Education & Housing program and hope you have a productive and rewarding academic experience.
Below, you will find a few items that you may find useful before you come to campus.
Housing Questionnaire For Incoming Freshman and Transfers Students
Please note: You must financially settle your account with Student Financial Services and submit all required immunization records to the Office of Health Services in order to check-in and receive your room key. A room key WILL NOT be issued to any student who has not settled his/her financial account and/or submitted all REQUIRED health records to the Office of Health Services.
If you have any questions about housing in the future please feel free to contact the Office of Residential Education & Housing at 973-748-9000 ext. 1247 or via email at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Holiday Gift Guides- Gifts for Him
posted in: Holiday Gift Guides | 0
Happy Friday everyone! Did you all have a great Thanksgiving? Are you out shopping this weekend? While you have gifting on your mind, I wanted to share a handmade gift guide for the hardest people to shop for on my … Continued


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The Schenectady Symphony Orchestra partners with the Schenectady County Community College's Culinary Institute Sunday, Nov. 4th at SCCC.
Prepared by gourmet chefs in training, the four-course meal will be served with six different "select" wines and musical accompaniment (see complete menu, wine list and performance schedule below). Seats are $100 per person, a portion of which is a tax-deductible donation to the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra.
Due to limited seating, it is requested that all reservations be made by Friday, Oct. 29th. For event and reservation info, e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com, or call the Symphony's box office at 372-2500.
Menu for "Tasting Notes":
Antipasto — Reception featuring imported and domestic cheese board and crudités with dip. Music: smooth jazz. Wine selection: crisp Caposaldo Prosecco Brut, Veneto, I.G.T.
Primo — Orecchiette pasta in a light tomato and three cheese sauce. Music: Serenade No. 10 for Flute and Harp, by Vincent Persichetti, movements I – VI. Wine selection: 2007 Sequoia Grove Chardonnay, Carneros, Napa Valley.
Contorno – Autumnal spinach salad tossed with sun-dried cranberries, caramelized pears, toasted hazelnuts and champagne vinaigrette. Music: Quintet for Winds, Op. 43 by Carl Nielson. Wine selection: 2009 Wild Rock "Elevation", Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand.
Secondo — Choice of Petit Filet with a chimichurri rub with grilled shrimp, served with roasted potatoes and a medley of zucchini, yellow squash and red pepper or Grilled Vegetable Tower of seasonal fresh vegetables served on a bed of wilted spinach and drizzled with a balsamic reduction. Music: L.A. Tango by Michael Wicks and St. Paul Suite by Gustav Holst. Wine selections: 2007 Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir, Napa Valley and 2007 Tenuta di Cabreo "Il Borgo", Toscana, I.G.T.
Dolce – Fall Fruit Crumble of apples, pears and cranberries baked with a brown sugar and oatmeal topping, finished with cinnamon whipped cream. Music: Tales from the Vienna Woods by Johann Strauss II. Wine selection: Croft Pink Port, Douro, Portugal.


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I am sure you have been wanting to know how i was able to create that incredible stamped background you have seen on some class detail shots and on the love of my life layout i recently posted for an SMU Challenge. well, drop on by the Tattered Angels Educator Blog and you can find out how....I have posted a step by step guide to show you how you can create this awesome background. here is a card a made for the Tip today..
WARNING: this technique may cause a severe purchasing of more Tattered Angels stamps and glimmer mists... :)) haha!! dont say i didnt warn you :)))
you can use this technique for any card, layout, mini album, or altered project. This technique was so highly welcomed by the stores in which i design for, that I have turned this into stamping technique classes. Fell free to browse my side bar for upcoming classes in London, Ontario. I would love to see your creative works using this technique..I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. thank you for dropping by !


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Recycling Will be Available At CM 2009
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Rising Sun Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 3,606
Recycling Will be Available At CM 2009
There will be recycling at Slickrock Campground this year!
Finally, a place for those empty bottles and cans!
Solutions of Moab (
all-volunteer trail cleaning and recycling
program in Moab will be placing bins at the Slickrock Campground, picking up full containers and bringing us empties as needed. All this is FREE
to us (I will be taking up a collection to buy them a tank of gas - $1-$2 will help)
So, please use the recycling bins and help out by not putting any trash in them.
Fine Print: I did this with no sanction from the CM Committee (I ran out of time) so if anything goes wrong I am responsible.
Here's how this all came to be: Before driving home from CM 2008 I was looking to drop off a bunch of bottles and cans. The Town recycling center is closed on Sundays
. Ever resourceful
, I "found" some bins in town . . . and promptly met
Dave the owner of the Baja Grill
-- they were his privately paid for recycling bins (
). After some good schmoozing (i.e.,
), he became sympathetic to the cause, did not make me take back the bottles (visions of Alice's Restaurant) and told me about Sara and Solutions of Moab. To make a long story short(er), Solutions of Moab has now coordinated with the Slickrock Campground to allow the FIRST EVER
placement of recycling containers at the Slickrock Campground and CM. Sara also plans to write an article for their website, and I'd like to see one in one or more of our great Toyota publications!
See you all tomorrow in Moab.
Daniel Markofsky -
Denver, Colorado, TLCA # 9972,
1993 FZJ80 "enhanced",
re-built Engine, and prototype GOBI Stealth roof rack
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text: We live in Virginia but were doing a road trip, timing our stay in Albuquerque to coincide with the Balloon Festival. Considering this event, the rates at the Hawthorne were very cheap. No complaints at all, everything was dandy, and the buffet breakfast was very good, a real cooked breakfast and the link sausages were absolutely great, would love to... More


text:
Cam Lewis and his Team Adventure USA are featured in this video that takes a look at the danger and excitment of "extreme" sports competitions. His team is shown sailing an 85-foot catamaran, the Explorer, in the San Francisco Bay. Ken Warby, an Australian hydroplane driver, is also featured. Warby has raced on the water at speeds up to 317 miles per hour. Even though others have died trying to beat his record, it's Warby's dream to beat it himself. Warby took three years to build his new jet-powered boat, a 28-foot hydroplane that he hopes is up to the record-breaking challenge.
Add this movie to your queue to receive more information about
Speed Demons: Wild Water and we will let you know when it becomes available.


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Hey Oliver. Thanks for doing this interview. Tell us a little bit about your background and how you got into the industry.
Hey man how are you? Thanks so much for asking me to do this, its a great pleasure.
I basically got into this industry by mistake, i have always been online since i can remember but i was never online to make money, purely to have fun. I used to be a big participant on music and hip hop forums back in the day, but my passion was cooking and i trained and qualified as a chef. However it wasn't until 3-4 years ago i started thinking if i had a site similar to the ones i was on, then I'm sure i could make some great money from it. I then did the typical newbish thing that everyone has to do and banged up 4-5 sites on different platforms, but mainly forums.
They were fine but they didn't last, although i don't regret them at all even tho i may have lost money i still learnt from every single one, and what people don't realise is you need that experience of experimenting and learning to stumble upon something successful, it hardly ever happens overnight.
So i had several forums and websites going and i was thinking how i could monetize the sign ups, via networking online i was introduced to CPALead and the whole gateway concept. I devised a plan to make money via offering any new sign ups a free VIP membership in return for filing out a few incentive offers on the gateways. I also wrote and ebook about the method and it was a big success within the vBulletin community! I will re right it soon btw :)! After several mediocre sites i started to network via CPALead chatroom and met some great people, 2 years later and many campaigns and tested sources on i founded Okenyon Webs and now I'm here talking to you.
You own CPAFix.com – can you tell us what it is all about?
CPAFix is my baby, after making some great friends on CPALead i decided that something was missing. They had a chatroom but it can be very buggy and temperamental, so i decided to stick to what i know (forums) and create a place for me and my friends to discuss in confidence money making methods and better ourselves. It was about 2 weeks after i launched it and the guys had signed up that i started receiving multiple inbox messages, emails, skypes etc from people asking me if they could sign up, and not just affiliates, networks and industry veterans. So i decided to open the doors, and from that day forward i vowed to give my 110% all to the project.
This industry is an amazing place but i STRONGLY believe there was a massive gap in it, you have on one side the rich affiliate who's posting up pictures of his car and the other the poor affiliate doing anything he can to learn from the big guy. The sad thing is the big guy doesn't want to know anymore, so i decided to build a platform that connects the two in matrimony! CPAFix is so much more than an affiliate forum now and my goal is to continue to grow it into the central pivot of affiliate marketing, one big place that allows everyone from all backgrounds to come together for one purpose, to help each other get richer.
Ive worked so hard with my team creating and adding revolutionary sectors on the site, just this week we released another industry first in our "Platform membership", giving the big CPA platforms a voice on the forums where they can offer 100% free support to everyone who needs it! Within a week we have signed up, 7Search, PoF, Clicksor, ExoClick, JuicyAds and Sitescout! We have come so far but we still have so much more to do, were heading in the right direction.
What made you want to start a forum for affiliates when there are already a few in existence?
True, but theres nothing like what we are doing. Ill tell you what happens with forums and sites like this, the owner gets a good idea, throws up a forum and they either get bored and abandon it or try and squeeze every penny out of it exploiting the members. Just look at warrior forum, you really believe in all this WSO bullshit? The owners are no where to be seen, making money from people who don't know better everyday (with a minor exceptions).
I wanted to create something bigger and better, the thing about CPAFix is we are slowly bringing in different memberships that allow EVERY single angle of affiliate marketing to have a presence on the site. From your network owner and affiliate manager to your beginner publisher to your multi millionaire super affiliate. Want to know the best part? It's 100% FREE to everyone and i have not to this day tried to sell my members any sort of bullshit WSO or product.
What makes CPAFix different and how have you guys grown so quickly?
I think what makes us different and without sounding soppy is "we care". Like i explained above you have no idea how much thought and effort is going into this project on a daily basis, i have personally now taken almost a year off affiliating and given most of my time into establishing my dream with CPAFix.
I don't think people took me serious to begin with but it shows now in how many compliments and the respect i get from people who i would call industry veterans, just for example a quote that was written on the blog about us this week.
"Thanks for the interview, I really appreciated it. I've always held Oliver to the highest regard and I've always respected him and taken him seriously. I can't help but look in astonishment with how far he has come with this operation – he's making an empire in front of my eyes.
Long Live CPAFix! Long Live Oliver!"
– Ryan Eagle,
Another thing thats helped no end is the fact that I was and still am to some extent in the same shoes as some of my members, Ive never claimed to be a super affiliate I've just always told the truth, i earn a living online and via affiliate marketing but i still have so much more to learn and achieve, so i think people can relate with me because i share my every step and I'm aware of what the users need out of this platform as the reason i built it was because theres a massive gap in the industry and i want to bridge it.
Where do you see the affiliate industry and CPAFix going in the next few years?
Everyones talking about mobile, and personally i haven't really touched it yet (soon to change). I think you can see by all these platforms creating mobile sectors and networks introducing more and more mobile offers. I also see networks really tightening up, i think they learnt from all this rebill drama and charge backs that they can't run before they crawl. Im sure we will see a few more of the recently established networks come to nothing, and the so called stable ones will be a little more cautious.
As far as CPAFix this is just the beginning, i project us doubling in size in this year alone. We are constantly brainstorming more and more ways to grow and become a better platform and we have big things on the cards. This is no fly by night site and i see big things for us in the near future. For now I'm just working hard each day to provide a better platform for everyone.
We want to get to a certain size and then introduce some exciting ways that we and our members can profit together. I don't want to make money from my members id rather make it worth them. Thats the goal!
What do you enjoy about running a forum and what is the most interesting challenge you guys have faced thus far?
For me its giving back, this industry has enabled me within the last two years to establish my own company, buy my first property and live my dream of being a full time entrepreneur. So what pushes me is helping other achieve the same, like i said above i have long term goals that i want to introduce schemes and programs that make my members money without exploiting them. Thats what i enjoy! I also love being apart of a family, I'm attending my first affiliate conference in September in London and you wouldn't believe the amount of offers I've had to take some of our members out for dinner etc! The people i work with are awesome and i love this industry.
As far as challenges of course, its hard when your starting a project and you haven't got something to go by. Meaning i was relatively unknown when i started CPAFix so of course you get your haters and people who try to instantly put you down but i guess that just makes you stronger and makes you realise that your onto something good! Ive been pretty sensible tho and reinvested everything I've earn into the project, so I'm grateful for where we are today and i can't wait for the future.
Thanks for a great interview, Oliver. Running a forum and especially starting one from scratch and having it be successful is no easy task. I am sure my readers got a lot out of your insight and if nothing else at least a new found resource for taking their affiliate marketing skills and networking to the next level at CPAFix.com. If you haven't checked it out already, what are you waiting? Go snag a copy of his affiliate marketing ebook just for registering.


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By: Jennifer Koshan
PDF Version: Hate Speech and Human Rights in Alberta
Motion commented on: Motion 502 (Alberta Legislative Assembly, March 17, 2014)
It was a tumultuous time in the Alberta Legislature last week, culminating with the resignation of Alison Redford as Premier (for an excellent recap see Susan on The Soapbox). And of course there were significant events at the national level as well, with the resignation of Jim Flaherty as finance minister and the Supreme Court of Canada's decision that Marc Nadon was ineligible for appointment to its ranks. Readers therefore may be forgiven if they missed last week's debate in the Alberta Legislature on the repeal of section 3(1)(b) of the Alberta Human Rights Act, RSA 2000, c A-25.5 (AHRA).
Section 3(1)(b) provides that "No person shall publish, issue or display … before the public any statement, publication, notice, sign, symbol, emblem or other representation that … is likely to expose a person or a class of persons to hatred or contempt because of the race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation of that person or class of persons." The debate about repeal occurred in the context of a motion introduced by Wildrose Justice Critic Shayne Saskiw, which stated: "Motion 502: Be it resolved that the Legislative Assembly urge the government to introduce legislation to repeal section 3(1)(b) of the Alberta Human Rights Act to restore the freedom of speech of all Albertans" (Alberta Hansard, March 17, 2014 at 280).
Previous posts on ABlawg have discussed judicial decisions concerning the constitutional validity and application of section 3(1)(b) (Lund v Boissoin, 2009 ABQB 592, aff'd on other grounds 2012 ABCA 300 (see here and here)), as well as the justifiability of a similar provision in the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, SS 1979, c S-24.1 as a reasonable limit on freedom of expression (Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission v Whatcott, 2013 SCC 11 (see here)). In spite of decisions upholding the constitutionality of human rights based hate speech provisions, however, the political discourse around repeal has not abated (see e.g. here and here). The arguments of the critics are often tied to broader allegations about human rights commissions and tribunals as "kangaroo courts" (see e.g. here). Most recently, the federal government repealed the equivalent hate speech provision in the Canadian Human Rights Act, RSC 1985, c H-6, section 13, which will take effect in June 2014 (see An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting freedom)).
In support of Motion 502, Saskiw referred to section 3(1)(b) as "hurt feelings legislation", and noted that (now former) Premier Redford had promised to repeal the section during her leadership campaign on the basis that it interfered with freedom of expression. He also noted that hate speech is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code, RSC 1985, c C-46, section 319, and argued that this is sufficient protection. Moreover, criminal complaints will be investigated by the RCMP and adjudicated by "real Queen's Bench judges" (as opposed to what he called "state-controlled commissions [which] are not part of our justice system"). He also claimed that "If we repeal paragraph 3(1)(b), we have the opportunity to make Alberta the freest place in Canada" (Alberta Hansard, March 17, 2014 at 280-281).
Justice Minister Jonathan Denis spoke next. He noted that "section 3 complaints to the Human Rights Commission are relatively rare", with less than 1 per cent of all complaints citing section 3 in 2012, and only 1 or 2 complaints a year citing section 3 before that. He also referred to the Alberta Court of Appeal decision in Lund, which criticized the language of section 3(1)(b), noting that its "lack of clarity will cast a chill on the exercise of the fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression and religion." (2012 ABCA 300 at para 94). Minister Denis questioned "whether or not having a section like this works against its intended purpose by drawing more attention to the hateful views of an individual than if they had not been prosecuted" (though it should be noted that individuals are not actually "prosecuted" under the AHRA). He pointed out that organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Civil Liberties Association and the Sheldon Chumir Foundation, "hardly bastions of right-wing thought", support changes to section 3 of the AHRA. Although he recounted the hatred experienced by his German family members in the 1940s and 1950s, which led to them leaving their community in Saskatchewan, Minister Denis indicated that he would support the motion. (Alberta Hansard, March 17, 2014 at 281-282).
New Democrat Opposition House Leader Rachel Notley then weighed in to oppose Motion 502. She quoted from the Supreme Court decision in Whatcott, where the Court said that "Hate speech is antithetical to [democracy] in that it shuts down dialogue by making it difficult or impossible for members of the vulnerable group to respond, thereby stifling discourse." (2013 SCC 11 at para 117). Notley also argued that Motion 502 was part of a "three-plank effort … through the combined efforts of this Conservative government and the Wildrose opposition, to undermine human rights in this province." She referred to the other planks in this strategy as the introduction of section 11.1 of the AHRA in 2008, which requires school boards and teachers to notify students of curriculum content involving issues of sexuality, sexual orientation and religion, as well as the failure of the government to include reference to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in the preamble to the Education Act. She argued that the criminal response to hate speech was not an adequate alternative, as the standard of proof is much higher, it is punitive rather than remedial, and it operates at the discretion of the police, to whom only a fraction of hate speech cases are reported. She also noted that a "broad range of different minority communities" were present in the Legislature for the debate, who "concluded that section 3 in our human rights code continues to serve a very, very important purpose in our province and that its removal will result in more discrimination, more discriminatory acts, and fewer opportunities to resolve those issues." (Alberta Hansard, March 17, 2014 at 282-283, and see the blog Disability Action Hall).
Then followed Raj Sherman, Leader of the Liberal Opposition, who spoke about the hatred he had experienced as a child immigrant to Canada in the 1970s and how words have the power to do serious harm. His speech is available on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUpJuZkcDjE. Sherman spoke of a competing freedom to freedom of expression: "we must be allowed to walk freely without being called bad names and horrible names that promote hatred and contempt." He urged all members of the Legislature to vote against the motion, and closed by stating: "I would say that all of those who aren't coloured in this Assembly, who aren't visibly different – you know what, I'm not even going to stand up and vote on this, Mr. Speaker. I think everyone else who isn't a visible minority should be the ones standing up fighting for this." (Alberta Hansard, March 17, 2014 at 283-284).
In a short statement, Official Opposition House Leader Rob Anderson noted that hate speech could also be directed at religious minorities, and expressed his view that hate speech should be dealt with "in the court of public opinion" rather than under human rights legislation. (Alberta Hansard, March 17, 2014 at 284).
Teresa Woo-Paw, the Associate Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations, was the first Conservative MLA to speak in favour of section 3(1)(b). She argued that "the Alberta Human Rights Commission serves an important role that cannot be substituted by the criminal justice system at the current time", noting the remedial functions of the commission and the ability "for those on the receiving end of hateful incidents to seek recourse and justice." She quoted extensively from a paper prepared by the Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary in support of section 3(1)(b), and noted that "When we discuss hate speech, we also need to understand and recognize that power is not equally shared in our society, that certain groups continue to have more power than others, that men continue to make more money than women, that people of colour are at greater risk of discrimination, that members of the LGBTQ communities are more likely to be victims of violence than straight people, and that people with disabilities face greater barriers to employment than those without disabilities. … Hate speech serves to further marginalize and silence groups who are already marginalized and leads to conditions where hatred and violence against minority groups are acceptable." (Alberta Hansard, March 17, 2014 at 285).
Short statements in opposition to the motion were also made by MLAs Laurie Blakeman (Liberal – Edmonton Centre), Frank Oberle (Deputy Government House Leader) and Deron Bilous (New Democrat – Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview), and in support of the motion by Rick McIver (Minister of Infrastructure). (Alberta Hansard, March 17, 2014 at 286-287).
Motion 502 was subject to a free vote, and the results were 38 votes against and 8 votes for the motion. Former Premier Redford did not vote on the motion, and current Premier Dave Hancock voted against. (Alberta Hansard, March 17, 2014 at 287).
Despite the Justice Minister's support of Motion 502, it is unlikely that the government will introduce legislation to repeal section 3(1)(b) this term, especially in light of recent events surrounding the leadership of the PC party. But this debate is likely to rear its head again at some point. My hope is that people in this province will take the time to inform themselves about the critical role of human rights legislation and procedures in this province, including the important role played by section 3(1)(b) of the AHRA. When our next election rolls around – perhaps sooner than we thought a week ago – it is important to have an informed debate on the subject of hate speech and human rights, and the protection of human rights more broadly.
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Good morning! It is a good one as it's finally starting to get warmer! Woo hoo. Today's sexy Man Candy Monday is Derek Hough from Dancing with the Stars and the all new NY Spring Spectacular with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. Derek has won 5 Dancing with the Stars competitions and also won an Emmy for his choreography for the show.
I think Derek would be a good Jase if JUST ONE NIGHT was adapted for a movie or television show. Don't you?
By 1AV8TRIX (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Speaking of Jase, JUST ONE NIGHT is part of the Lucky 7 Brazen Bachelors Contemporary Romance Box Set which is specially priced at 99 cents for a limited time. I've got a little video teaser for you today for the book! Please click here if you can't see the JUST ONE NIGHT trailer below.
You can purchase the Lucky 7 Brazen Bachelors Box Set at the following e-tailers!
Amazon: http://bit.ly/7BrazenAMZ
Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/7BrazenUKAMZ
Amazon CA: http://bit.ly/7BrazenCAAMZ
Nook: http://tinyurl.com/pdmkhg5
Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/p5mmrtk
iBooks: http://tinyurl.com/poykr9c


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Maroon 5 release radio-ready, catchy new single, 'Cold'
The new Maroon 5 single, featuring Future, comes after the No. 1 single "Don't Wanna Know"
Always a top contender in today's pop music realm, Los Angeles pop rock outfit Maroon 5 have released their almost enigmatic, catchy, and tuneful new single. "Cold" is the bouncy new song, which is a collaboration between the band and Atlanta based rapper Future (known for his most recent hits "Jumpman" and "Low Life"), that follows up the group's previous hit single "Don't Wanna Know", featuring Kendrick Lamar, each rumored to appear on a new Maroon 5 album in the coming months.
It's here! Our new single #COLD, feat. @1Future is now on @AppleMusic. Be one of the first to listen- https://t.co/irTR4ifQsF pic.twitter.com/lFGuCk4KWq— Maroon 5 (@maroon5) February 14, 2017
"Cold" is as upbeat, radio-ready, and bouncy as "Don't Wanna Know", and echoes similar sounds heard on Maroon 5's two previous full-lengths (Overexposed and V). It has the hand-clap-then-stomp vibe as heard on "Maps", the group's 2014 top-ten hit, and the same spacy, crooning-esque singing style frontman Adam Levine presents on the band's controversial 2015 arena-inspired song "This Summer's Gonna Hurt". But is "Cold" a step forward for the band or is it a simple cash-check track released for the public to eat up?
In a recent interview Adam Levine had with Apple Music's Beats 1 program, in October, the musician, who is also ready to star as a coach on the 12th season of NBC's hit show The Voice, said about Maroon 5's future as a band: "The band loves making pop music. We're never gonna stop doing that, but at the end of the day, as long as what we are doing feels fresh and feels like something like we haven't quite done before, but stills fits in with the concept of who we are; it doesn't feel forced and doesn't feel like we're stretching too far, then to me that's how we win, like 'Oh cool, it's a little different', but it's still us, and you still know it's us."
Levine, as well as fellow band member and guitarist James Valentine, have been teasing the world about what Maroon 5's music will sound like on their highly anticipated sixth LP, which is expected to come out in 2017. Just last year, Valentine spoke to Huffington Post about the band's next project. "The last couple of records we have experimented with a lot more electronic, more dance-oriented sounds and we've talked about making a record that was maybe a little more organic, back to the Songs About Jane sort of approach, but we'll have to see."
Is "Cold" supposed to be this Songs About Jane feel Valentine claims to be saying here? Maybe "Cold" and "Don't Wanna Know" are placeholders for the impatient who really need a new Maroon 5 record. To make a record such as Maroon 5's multi-platinum, soul-funk&B album Songs About Jane, you need time, effort, and a lot of brainstorming. Maybe these two radio-ready singles are just gifts from Maroon 5 for us to feast off of until we get a real nostalgic, classic Maroon 5 comeback.
The band will be performing "Cold" (with or without the song's guest rapper Future) on The Ellen Degeneres Show later this week on Wednesday, February 15th. Check your local listings. "Cold" is currently available on digital retailers (iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play) and will also available to stream worldwide on Tuesday (Apple Music, Spotify, TIDAL). The song will begin impacting top40/contemporary radio airplay on February 21st.
Stream "Cold" now on Apple Music:
YouTube stream: