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Most of the files on the site are not designed for use on mobile devices. If you can open rar files, read pdfs, and print from your mobile device, then you're in luck. If you cannot do all of these things, then we strongly recommend using a computer to print the files.
On this site, you will find papercraft models of Pokémon which you can print out and build yourself, with just a pair of scissors and little bit of glue.
Each individual post on this site represents one Pokémon model. At the bottom of every post you'll find a description and building tips related to that particular model, plus a download link.
The Download links are either in A4 or Letter size, depending on which country you are from, and from either of these links, you will receive a ZIP or RAR archive file, which can be opened with WINZIP or WINRAR (see list below)
It is possible to also use a Mac to do so, and download links for Mac are provided below labelled as such.
Before asking any questions regarding files not opening correctly, be sure to check the file extension. The files provided only open with the corresponding programs listed below. Match up the extension with the programs.
If a file is not opening properly, be sure that the right program is associated with the right file. If a download pack is opening up in browser and showing an abundance of text, it means you don't have a Rar program set to open Rar files.
If the files does open in Winrar and still gives an error, then that's a problem you should let us know about and we can fix it.
Within these files, you will find:
- several PDFs which you can print directly out using Adobe Reader, and
- a PDO file which can only be opened with Pepakura Viewer.
Recommended Programs to Open the Files:
Pepakura Viewer (.PDO)
Adobe PDF reader (.PDF)
Winzip (.ZIP)
Winrar (.ZIP & .RAR)
RAR (.RAR) for Android
iZip (.RAR & .ZIP) for iOS
Alzip (.ZIP) Freeware
Freerar (.RAR) Freeware
UnRarX (.RAR) Freeware for Mac/Apple OS
iZip (.RAR/.ZIP) Freeware for iOS
Common problems when opening files
If Pepakura keeps closing when you try to open a file, you probably installed Pepakura Designer instead of Pepakura Viewer. Since we lock our files, Designer can't open them and thus, close.
To download the models, you need to click, at the bottom of each post beside the "Download" text, the format of paper that you use, either A4 or Letter. A4 is the international format while Letter is mostly the American format. You can look at which one you use in your printer setting or on the pack of paper that you bought.
Clicking on either A4 or Letter will make you download an archive file which will either be a Zip or a Rar file. Those are NOT the templates to build the models, but are the "box" inside which you'll find the templates. You can find a list of programs used to open those archives above.
The Pdf files are opened with Acrobat Reader and are templates ready to be printed. The Pdo files are opened with Pepakura Viewer and are kind of 3d templates that can be used for instructions on how to build the models; you can also print the template from it. You can find how it work on Pepakura's website, with a quick google search. There's even a how-to video on Youtube. The Jpg/Png files are textures that can be use in Pepakura Viewer to change the look of the model, usually changing it to the Shiny form.
Options in Pepakura Viewer
- Unpack the files from the model's download pack into a folder.
- Open the PDO file in Pepakura Viewer.
- In the "Setting" menu, select "Texture Setting ..."
- Then click on "Specify Texture Image" and select the new texture (BMP, JPG, or PNG) located in the download file, and apply.
To print a template from Pepakura Viewer:
(Not alwys necessary since we usually include required PDFs)
- In the "File" menu, select "Print" and follow the instructions from your printer.
- You can also adjust the colour and thickness of the lines in the "Setting" menu, then select "Print Setting..."
To show the edge Ids
(numbers beside each tabs showing where the piece go. e.g.: tab #43 glue to edge #43)
- In the "View" menu, select "Show Edge Id".
- You can also adjust the size of the number and where they appear (inside/outside) in the "Setting" menu, then select "Other Settings...", then "General Settings".
- To Adjust, select "Place edge ID inside of face" and "Font size of Edge ID (pt)"
To add a colored border around the pieces.
(can reduce the appearance of "white lines" in a completed model)
- In the "View" menu, select "Overflow Paint".
- You can also adjust the size of the border or color the whole tabs (flaps) in the "Setting" menu, then select "Other Settings ...", then "General Settings"
- To change between Overflow Paint and Solid Colored Tabs, select "Paint flaps with neighboring face color instead of overflow paint". To change the width of Overflow Paint, input the desired amount with"Amount of Overflow Paint [_] mm".
1. Download the iZip app for iPad/iOS above
2. Load an Adobe Reader App from the ap-store, it's also free
3. Then go back to the Paperpokes website
4. It will not download from the Facebook link, Bing, or Google, it will only download from your browser
5. Then click on Letter or A4 next to Download on the model you wish to print to download
6. Close the site
7. Open iZip and click on your local files
8. Click on model name of the downloaded file
9. Double tap model name, it should be highlighted
10. Then click on one of the PDF files and the printable pages will appear
11. Click on "Open In" under the model pictures
12. Now click on the Adobe Reader Icon and the model should appear
13. Above that there is the small square shape icon with an arrow on it, click on that
14. Click "Print" and a print box will appear
15. Chose your printer device of choice
16. Make sure you DESELECT "Double sided", you don't want the pages back to back
17. Then click PRINT
A: This is what we would recommend:
1. Use decent paper - (NOT regular 80gsm printer paper) find some that is no less than 120gsm in weight
2. A good pair of sharp scissors
eg: Honey Bee non-stick precision Scissors
3. An used-up ball point pen or craft stylus to score/emboss fold lines with
eg: Pergamano small ball stylus
4. A small (~15cm) metal ruler - metal doesn't get damaged or dinted like plastic.
5. Decent acid-free paper glue - importantly it needs to be fast setting
eg: Power Pritt Multipurpose Extra Strong Gel or Aleene's Original Tacky Glue
6. Tweezers - preferably non-stick
7. A tooth-pick (wooden cuticle stick) for getting into those hard to reach places
8. A craft knife/scalpel which has replaceable blades
eg: x-acto knife
9. A large self-healing cutting mat
Q: How do you resize the templates?
1. One way would be using Photoshop or another image editing software to scale up (or down) the pages of the pdf, and printing them larger (or smaller). You would also have to split apart the pages like this too (if printing larger), and keep the same scale for every page when resizing.
2. The other way would be if you have access to a printer that can print pages like A1, or something larger or smaller depending on what you wish to do. Print with it, scale to page when asked. Each template page will then fit each printed page.
Pro-tip - How to Build a Good-Looking Model:
1. Score/emboss the fold lines of the template piece before you cut it out of the card stock. Otherwise you'll end up trying to keep fiddly pieces of paper still with one hand while trying to score/emboss with the other - it never end well.
___________________ Solid Lines are for cutting
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Dashed Lines are for Mountain Folds
— - — - — - — - — - — - — - Dashed/Dotted Lines are for Valley Folds
2. If you chose to do a lined template, once you have embossed/scored and cut out the piece, DO NOT fold along the crease lines. Instead, just glue it as if it were completely unembossed/unscored. This way, you allow the paper to bend naturally along the lines you have created, and the result is a much smoother build
3. The only exception to the above "do-not-fold" rule are:
- tabs, and
- if you have a fold that creates an angle that is <45º.
A: The Paperpokes Team members are (in alphabetical order):
- Brandon, USA, male
- Lyrin, Italy, female
- Paperbuff, USA, female
- Pixel-Kakashi, Mexico, male
- PMF, Canada, male
- POdragon, USA, female
- Skelekitty, Australia, female
A: We do not exactly know why this happens, but there are two ways to get around this issue.
1) Save the page as a browser file and then change the suffex to either .zip or .rar (depending on what your mouse/bottom of your browser says as you move the pointer across the download link). Or,
2) Use an alternate browser (e.g.: Explorer, Firefox, Safari, etc )
Q: Why does Pepakura instantly shut down when I try to open a PDO?
A: The reason for this is probably because you are trying to open our files in Pepakura Designer - You can only open our PDOs in Pepakura Viewer.
Q: Can I be a testbuilder for your team?
A: Maybe if we like your work, but don't ask. If we see your builds on deviantart, or you submit pictures to the Facebook Page and we think you would be a good addition to the team, we will invite you.


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I bought this ring to propose to my boyfriend. He said yes abs he loves the ring

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Brushed Silver Statement Earrings
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The perfect statement earrings to add to any wardrobe.
- Silver Plated Brass (nickel and lead-safe)
- 2.5", with sterling silver ear wires
- We hand select our natural materials, thus there may be slight variations in color and/or size that will not detract from the overall aesthetic
- Our unique handcrafted designer jewelry for women is made in America, each design created individually in our personal design studio in Floyd VA USA
- Free US shipping on orders over $75
- 30 day returns + exchanges
- Lifetime workmanship guarantee
- Our natural gemstones, Czech glass and crystals should be lightly cleaned of body oils and debris with mild soap and warm water applied directly to the stone.
- Store your jewelry in airtight jewelry boxes or zip-top plastic bags to decrease oxidation of metals.
- Keep in a cool, dry place. Avoid wearing your jewelry in water when swimming or showering.
- Due to the many different stones in our jewelry, we do not recommend using harsh cleaners on your jewelry or 'dipping' your jewelry in a solution.
- Use a polishing cloth to polish your sterling silver items. You should not use polishing cloths on the matte brass items as this could cause the plated external layer to eventually wear off.
We want to be as happy with your jewelry as possible, so we offer returns and exchanges within 30 days of your item's delivery. Simply contact us and let us know if you would like to return or exchange an item(s).
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We will gladly accept like-new product for return or exchange for any reason as long as it is shipped back) within 30 days of the order being delivered. Please note:
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Your refund will go back to the original method of payment used to make the purchase. We process returns quickly, but please allow up to 10 business days from when we receive the items for your account to be refunded.
International Customers: Unfortunately, we cannot offer exchanges on international orders at this time, but we do accept returns.
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Retailers: We're unable to process returns, exchanges, or price adjustments for merchandise purchased from third party retailers that sell Anne Vaughan Designs jewelry. Please consult the retailer directly to learn about their policies.
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Tired of losing track of the websites you visit (whether frequently or infrequently), along with all those usernames and passwords?
Once you fill your cart, you *should* see a store pick up option listed. If one doesn't pop up, it means that some items in your cart are available in one store and some available in our other store. If it doesn't give you the option, you can just enter a note at checkout about which store you'd like to pick up in. If it's trying to charge shipping, enter code PICKUP to waive the shipping cost or we'll just refund you for the cost if you pick up in store!
If it only gives you one store option to pick up in, it means those items are all available in that one store but, not to worry, we can get it to the other store for you if you prefer to pick up there. You guessed it, just enter a note at check out!
No matter what, we'll get you taken care of just as fast as we possibly can!


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Paul Beatty
Winner of the Man Booker PrizeWinner of the National Book Critics Circle Award in FictionWinner of the John Dos Passos Prize for LiteratureNew York Times BestsellerLos Angeles Times Bestseller Named One of the 10 Best Books of the Year by The New York Times Book ReviewNamed a Best Book of the Year by Newsweek, The Denver Post, BuzzFeed, Kirkus Reviews, and Publishers WeeklyNamed a "Must-Read" by Flavorwire and New York Magazine's "Vulture" BlogA biting satire about a young man's isolated upbringing and the race trial that sends him to the Supreme Court, Paul Beatty's The Sellout showcases a comic genius at the top of his game. It challenges the sacred tenets of the United States Constitution, urban life, the civil rights movement, the father-son relationship, and the holy grail of racial equality—the black Chinese restaurant.Born in the "agrarian ghetto" of Dickens—on the southern outskirts of Los Angeles—the narrator of The Sellout resigns himself to the fate of lower-middle-class Californians: "I'd die in the same bedroom I'd grown up in, looking up at the cracks in the stucco ceiling that've been there since '68 quake." Raised by a single father, a controversial sociologist, he spent his childhood as the subject in racially charged psychological studies. He is led to believe that his father's pioneering work will result in a memoir that will solve his family's financial woes. But when his father is killed in a police shoot-out, he realizes there never was a memoir. All that's left is the bill for a drive-thru funeral.Fueled by this deceit and the general disrepair of his hometown, the narrator sets out to right another wrong: Dickens has literally been removed from the map to save California from further embarrassment. Enlisting the help of the town's most famous resident—the last surviving Little Rascal, Hominy Jenkins—he initiates the most outrageous action conceivable: reinstating slavery and segregating the local high school, which lands him in the Supreme Court.


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A rock festival, considered synonymous with pop festival, is considered to be a large-scale rock music concert, featuring multiple acts performing an often diverse range of popular music including rock, pop, folk, electronic, and related genres. As originally conceived in the mid to late 1960s, rock festivals were held outdoors, often in open rural areas or open-air sports arenas, fairgrounds and parks, typically lasted two or more days, featured long rosters of musical performers, and attracted very large crowds – sometimes numbering several hundred thousand people.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article Rock festival, which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.


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Construction zones introduce a number of hazards, making them especially dangerous locations for motorists. The Federal Highway Traffic Safety Administration (FHTSA) reports that during the past five years, 4,400 people have died and 200,000 have been injured in construction zone crashes alone.
How Do Construction Zone Accidents Happen?
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of accident in construction zones, as many drivers will slam on their brakes when they see workers or lane shifts. These crashes occur most frequently in the summer and fall, and many fatal construction zone accidents occur on roads with speed limits higher than 50 mph.
Stopping Distances in Construction Zones
As reported by the FHTSA, stopping distances for an average passenger vehicle at 50 mph are:
- 300 feet on a dry roadway
- 400 feet on a wet roadway
- 1,250 feet on icy pavement
Keep in mind, however, that a fully-loaded 18-wheeler requires almost 50% more distance to stop than a standard car. If you are following directly behind one of these trucks, be sure to plan accordingly.
How to Reduce the Risk of a Traffic Crash in a Construction Zone
To minimize your risk of an accident, it is important to exercise extra care while driving through a work zone on the roadways. The FHTSA offers the following tips to drivers.
- Be patient–passing through a construction zone will take significantly more time than standard driving.
- Keep your headlights on.
- Stay alert and don't drive distracted. Give your full attention to the roadway and to driving your vehicle. Avoid changing the radio, operating a GPS, texting, making phone calls, eating, or any other activity that could take your attention off the road.
- Pay attention to the area around you. Watch the brake lights on the vehicle ahead, watch the movement of traffic to your sides, and keep an eye out for any posted signs.
- Don't tailgate. Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you in case they must unexpectedly hit their brakes.
- Obey the posted speed limit. Driving speeds are significantly reduced in construction zones for a reason. Traffic patterns may change, and workers may be present only feet away from your vehicle. Be prepared to slow down even further if necessary, and keep in mind that fines may be doubled for moving violations in construction zones.
- Merge into the proper lane. Traffic patterns can change daily in construction zones, so try to merge into the designated lane early on instead of waiting until the last second.
- Change lanes safely. Only change lanes when indicated by the pavement markings and when permitted by traffic flow.
- Follow all instructions from flaggers. They are there to keep both traffic and construction moving as smoothly as possible.
- Expect the unexpected. When you are traveling through a construction zone, work vehicles and equipment may suddenly enter your lane without warning. Additionally, other drivers may slow down, stop, or change lanes unexpectedly, so keep an extra sharp eye out for traffic changes.
Be Prepared in Case of an Accident
Despite all our best efforts, traffic accidents caused by someone else's negligence can happen in construction zones and anywhere on the roadways. For example, a driver who stops suddenly without reason can cause a chain reaction that can lead to a rear-end collision or even a multi-vehicle pileup.
Hope for the best but prepare for the worst by purchasing auto insurance with the coverage and policy limits you need. Many factors can affect the price of your policy, including your age, gender, vehicle, driving history, and the state where you live. No matter your situation, our knowledgeable agents can help you find the right car insurance policy to suit your needs at the best available rates.
Article originally posted on www.insuranceneighbor.com(opens in new tab)


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Our inventory warehouses for our products are based in Europe and Asia, so refunds may be permitted however we do not accept returns or exchanges unless the item you purchased is defective. This is also due to not having USA warehousing at the moment. However BellaBloome is in the process of branching out and expanding as rapidly as possible, and plans to have 100% USA shipping and inventory to allow much faster shipping times as well as returns and exchanges by the year 2021. If you receive a defective item, please contact us at email@example.com with details of the product and the defect.
Once a product defect is fully examined we will notify you via e-mail within a reasonable period of time, whether you are entitled to a refund or a replacement as a result of the defect. If you are entitled to a replacement or refund, we will replace the product or refund the purchase price, using the original method of payment.


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Sunday, February 7, 2010
Unfortunately, I have not had the time I would have wanted in order to continue with my writing simply due to work-related pressure. Added to this is pressure from my publisher to pull my finger out of my ear...
However, I recently made a change of direction with the content as I have realised that many African armies are using NATO/US/UK/old USSR approaches to strategy. Whereas many elements of these approaches remain relevant, they cannot be used as a template in African operational theatres.
This follows that many subsequent doctrines are in many instances also irrelevant to Africa. This can be attributed to many reasons which I shall not expound on here. Additionally, they have fallen into the trap of using buzz-words and catch-phrases that tend to create their own confusion – and do not contribute to resolving conflicts or wars.
Therefore, the focus of the book has now changed to strategic military operations in specifically Africa. The book will, however, also be of interest to military commanders and students studying conflicts and wars elsewhere across the world.
On the positive side, there is already interest in printing the book in Arabic, Spanish and Chinese. Also, I have been approached by two African Command and Staff Colleges who wish to use the book as a textbook.
I will try to keep you all updated on the progress.
71 comments:
- eet kreef said...
Good stuff - I'll be standing in line for a copy
- February 7, 2010 at 2:47 PM
- Unknown said...
Glad to hear about the book. Hopefully you'll continue blogging. I haven't seen a book focused solely on African military ops, so this could be THE standard text. I look forward to buying it.
- February 7, 2010 at 3:06 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
I am giving it my very best shot to make it something of value to African armies, Eet Kreef. Hopefully, it will be just that. The interest in it is however been quite phenomenal.
I look forward to seeing you in that line...
Eeben - February 7, 2010 at 3:39 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
I intend to continue blogging for as long as people continue reading the blog, Robert.
I certainly hope that it will be the standard text to guide armies in Africa – and beyond.
Eeben - February 7, 2010 at 3:41 PM
- Robby said...
I have long felt that anyone who solves the problem in the Congo will solve many of Africa's other disputes ......you have taken on a noble cause good luck brother
- February 7, 2010 at 3:44 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
Thanks Robby. Sadly though, the conflict in the Congo could have been solved a long time ago but the interests at play don't want it solved. One of the worst blunders ever in terms of so-called conflict resolution was to send the UN's peacekeeping forces there. That in itself was an indication that the problem needs to remain simmering and boiling.
Eeben - February 7, 2010 at 3:56 PM
- matt said...
Boy, I can't even imagine the complexity, time or organization it requires to produce a sound book on military strategy for Africa. Not to mention the gauntlet of military strategy experts pouring over the material and nitpicking every little thing. That is a tough crowd to please.
I am also fascinated with the idea of publishing the book in arabic, chinese, and spanish. I have no doubt that you would get some serious interest from the chinese market with this book. It would be cool to see an e-book version too.
Here is a question. How much of the book will you be dedicating to the subject of PMC's in Africa? Or is this purely military strategy, as applied to standing armies? Of course I don't want to ruin any surprises, or make your publisher mad. Take care. -matt - February 7, 2010 at 6:19 PM
- Jake said...
Sounds like a great area to focus on. I know we both agree that the coming century will put Africa and her resources in the cross-hairs between Eastern and Western powers. (Even more so than they already are.) Look forward to reading your book.
Jake - February 7, 2010 at 7:28 PM
- Fabio Di Caro said...
The peace keeping forces are nothing else but one of the systems ;one of the many ;to allow governments to recycle cash coming in through "external" activities , sending a peace keeping force is not intended as a final or effective solution , it's only principal goal is to justify the movement of large sums of money , we see in tremendous evidence that the commanders of these forces have no knowledge whatsoever of what or with who they are dealing with nor do they have a final destination , operationally intended as result of their presence , this causes losses and fodder for insurgents through kidnappings and ransom.Ciao Eeben - Regards , Fabio .PS-do not forget about my request , asseblief.
- February 7, 2010 at 8:36 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
I am expecting a lot of serious criticism on the book Matt, but my attitude is that those military strategy experts who wish to criticise should first show me where they have won a war (not just a firefight) and then I shall take note of what they say. War, as you know, is not purely a theoretical exercise. Despite what the media and the UN say, EO actually won 2 wars in Africa but the peace accords collapsed because of the UN and other Western involvements. Also, I am not writing the book to please the scholars and intellectuals who think they know about strategy, doctrine and tactics, I am writing it to help African armies shed a lot of the nonsense they have been taught.
The interest in other languages has taken me by surprise and I am mulling on the idea. The publisher wants to print only 1000 "collector's copies", leather-bound, A4 size, etc. The Command and Staff College editions will be specially printed for them and will be smaller with their emblems inside, etc.
Whereas the focus is mainly on standing armies, there will be a bit about PMCs in there.
Eeben - February 8, 2010 at 6:39 AM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
You are correct, Jake – it is something we discussed when we met and we both agreed on. I am very concerned at what I see on the ground and hear through the grapevine. Hopefully, the book will help some armies to overcome the current and future problems.
I hope your project is doing well?
Eeben - February 8, 2010 at 6:45 AM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
I suspect you might be correct, Fabio. I have yet to encounter a "peacekeeping force" that was driven to ensure peace. Instead, their involvement has simply added to the misery of those caught up in the conflicts – especially in Africa. As for the commanders...I know that some of them have their hands tied behind their backs but yet they remain in position without uttering too much protest. It truly boggles the mind.
I haven't forgotten your request – I will still get there.
Eeben - February 8, 2010 at 3:38 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
Yes, it has occurred to me, Private. As yet, nothing is cast in stone and I still have to complete the book. As for the book helping the Chinese conquest of Africa – this is already happening. It is just that no one has wanted to admit it. As for the others you mention: your point is taken but as I mentioned, nothing is cast in stone yet.
Eeben - February 8, 2010 at 3:42 PM
- matt said...
You know, on the whole Chinese thing, I have been trying to find out information about any PMC's they have, that are operating in Africa? Or maybe they call them something else?
I have read about arms deals that the Chinese have been doing, in places like the Sudan, but as far as actual companies on the ground, and providing armed security services, I have not been able to find out about. Do you know of any companies off the top of your head Eeben? Or if any of the commenters have stuff, I would love to check that out.
One thing I have heard of, is the Chinese using a country's standing army or police as protection, as part of some development or oil deal. Maybe that is all they are into. I found that stuff out of a book on the subject of China's involvement in Africa called 'China Safari'.
http://www.amazon.com/China-Safari-Beijings-Expansion-Africa/dp/1568584261 - February 8, 2010 at 9:32 PM
- Unknown said...
Hi Eeben, that's a real great idea…
and seems to me you're the only one able to write this book –and the only one with a true legitimity, as you understand and/or worked on (almost) every bright and dark sides of African wars.
I was reading this article last week:
http://tinyurl.com/ygvvtaj (in French). Interesting ideas in "Awélé" and "the traditional African village as an ancient view of our modern times global-earth-village".
By the way, regarding foreign publications of the book, don't forget about India… - February 8, 2010 at 11:41 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
I am not aware of any Chinese PMCs operating in Africa at the moment, Matt. However, I am aware that they are looking at establishing a PMC to deploy in Africa to protect Chinese interests. Currently they rely on the country where they are working to provide the necessary security but there are also Chinese troops deployed assisting those forces.
Of course, the weapons industry in Africa continues to flourish – and not only Chinese. I will see if I can find out more.
Eeben - February 9, 2010 at 12:29 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
I hope you are correct, Clarisse but I am afraid that only time will tell.
If I recall correctly, a British newspaper printed a similar article a while ago. (Thanks for giving us the link). Yes, there are many similarities between the ancient world and the modern one – much like warfare I suppose.
I haven't forgotten about the Indian market – but that is all in the hands of the publisher. I would however love to publish there...
Eeben - February 9, 2010 at 12:35 PM
- John said...
Interesting - I look forward to another enjoyable read with time for good clear thought. Executive Outcomes is almost complete from my end and if your next writing is of the same caliber I'll join the others in line (remotely of course)for a copy.
John - February 9, 2010 at 3:46 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
Thanks, John. I hope you have enjoyed the EO book? I was not too happy with the editing though but not being a publisher, I don't know much about that function.
Eeben - February 9, 2010 at 5:01 PM
- Alan said...
Great, great stuff! I hope you are able to integrate a bit of the history of the Portuguese Colonial War as well as the French experience in Africa. If I can be of assistance on this side, drop me a line.
Regards, Alan - February 9, 2010 at 7:26 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
Many thanks for your kind offer to assist, Alan. It is very much appreciated. Yes, I shall look at those wars but obviously not in great depth – rather in terms of strategy, doctrine and tactics and where things could have been done to improve the overall efforts.
Ideally though, I would like both senior officers and young officers and NCOs reading it and saying "Oh, that is what we ought to be looking at in terms of...." Given my experiences, the desire to learn is there but often the resources offering the learning had other intentions.
As Matt rightly pointed out, I am sure to get a lot of flak on how I see things from the armchair generals and strategists. However, when they can tell me where they won a war, I shall certainly take heed of their comments. Till then, I shall just plod on...
Eeben - February 9, 2010 at 8:02 PM
- Kaye said...
Sounds like something I'll want to read! But please hurry up. I've got a feeling we'll be ending up in Africa sometime soon.
We're already doing lots of training there and with more and more European countries pulling out of Afghanistan it'll be: Next Stop Africa.
We'll need a fresh look at our STANAG doctrines and their applicabillity under African circumstances. - February 9, 2010 at 9:34 PM
- John said...
I have very much enjoyed EO. This is a very serious work and a great resource for those interested in the modern PMC. I am just wondering where and how I post my full thoughts since it may not fit into any of your latest blog posts.
John - February 10, 2010 at 4:36 AM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
I work at it whenever I get a moment, Kaye, which isn't too much! I realise that more and more armies are training in Africa as I suspect it is the next big battleground. But, I can tell you that many doctrines are not applicable at all to Africa. If I only had time....
Eeben - February 10, 2010 at 5:41 AM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
Many thanks, Alan. I read it a while ago but it always helps to refresh the little grey cells!
Eeben - February 10, 2010 at 5:58 AM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
I am very pleased to know that, John. Please send your thoughts to the blog. If I feel it is totally irrelevant, I will contact you by alternate means.
Eeben - February 10, 2010 at 6:00 AM
- james said...
I sended you an message by e-mail but i dont know if it is arrived. Would you please let me know if you had mine message
Amsterdam - February 10, 2010 at 9:29 PM
- graycladunits said...
Dear Eeben:
Is it proper to draw the conclusion that because so many different strategy and tactical playbooks have been used that none of the armies in Afria have any clue as to what they are doing or are supposed to be doing? Or, are they all just a little off base with strategy and tactics?
Also, it's off topic, but what's your favorite rock group?
Curiously, GCU - February 10, 2010 at 11:09 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
My apologies James. I have had numerous problems with emails going astray and am almost at wits end.
Can you please resend?
Eeben - February 11, 2010 at 12:44 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
I don't perceive it as that, GCU. Instead, if one looks at the West's approach to strategy and tactics, use is made of Clausewitz, Jomini, Liddell Hart and so forth, using historical and more recent trends in European warfare. This has created a certain element of stagnation I believe. Africa is a very different operational environment that presents challenges that Europe doesn't have. Likewise, Afghanistan and Iraq present challenges that have some similarities with Africa.
Too many strategists want to work off a template and in the process neglect critical elements of influence. By doing this, it appears as though the Centre of Gravity is "assumed" instead of "confirmed".
Many African officers I know have attended military colleges in Europe and the US and quite frankly, I think that they were given the short end of the stick. Of course, added to this is the mixture of influences from the East – all impacting on their views. This doesn't make them off base at all but rather in doubt.
My band: The Rolling Stones.
Eeben - February 11, 2010 at 12:58 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
It seems as though you have had a torrid time, Private. Added to that is a weather pattern that would kill most of us down here.
As for being shadowy – I don't think I am that – more private and selective to who I see and don't. Also, no ridgebacks to protect us, although the increase in farm murders and crime is of great concern to most of us. But we all remain hopeful and try to do our little bit to make a change.
Eeben - February 11, 2010 at 1:03 PM
- Robby said...
Blackwater is really screwing up in the "integrity of PMC's" dept.
Blackwater accused of defrauding US government
Private security firm accused of charging US government for payments to prostitute
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/feb/11/blackwater-employees-us-fraud-accusations - February 12, 2010 at 2:07 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
As I have mentioned before, Robby, when a PMC has to earn its contract as opposed to being given its contract, we enter a totally different field of approach. I know if NO PMC that was given the silver plate who has delivered on everything they undertook to do. Operating in that environment also creates a very bumpy and uneven playing field. (Thanks for the link)
I hate to say that it was bound to happen that false invoicing would occur – but false invoicing seems to be occurring...
Eeben - February 12, 2010 at 3:19 PM
- John said...
I would hold judgement on Blackwater (Xe). The media has been very harsh in their criticism - familiar grounds it seems. It may or may not be deserved - only history will really tell the story, which must include the truth from other PMC working the field.
The modern media is not to be trusted at all.
Eeben - I should have comments on EO this weekend (very pertinent to this current thread)
John - February 12, 2010 at 3:55 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
You do have a point, John. I however still maintain that there is a vast difference between earning a contract and being given one. I do understand your comment re the media as I too have been down that road. Having said that, I also acknowledge that within any PMC – as within an army – there are good and bad apples (I admit that in EO we had them as well).
I look forward to your comments re the EO book – thanks for taking the time to write them up.
Eeben - February 12, 2010 at 5:40 PM
- James G - Death Valley Magazine said...
The Chinese are way interested in the inner workings of Africa because of the natural resources there. And they know that the instability there is a major fiscal threat if they spend millions improving infrastructure to support their operations in Africa.
That's why you see so many Chinese folks from the Chinese embassy (who also speak Arabic) in Iraq and every other oil producing country in the Middle East. Every time I fly 1st class in the 3rd world I could throw a tennis ball and hit 3 Chinese guys drinking Dom Perignon.
The Chinese also have a pretty decent sized educated middle class that would read a book like Eeben Barlow's just because it is interesting.
~James G
www.deathvalleymag.com - February 13, 2010 at 3:32 AM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
Yes, you are correct, James G. The Chinese are interested in Africa but so is the US, Europe and India. Everyone is falling over themselves to get a piece of the action and in the process, trouble looms on the horizon. We all know AFRICOM was established to counter Chinese influence in Africa but its approach has been somewhat dismal to say the least. In contrast, the Chinese are getting stronger by the day in Africa, the West weaker and the people poorer.
Since we sold the majority our weapons industry to the UK and Europe, our abilities in that field have gone so far downhill that we will never recover from it. I see African armies being lied to by the West's "training teams" and being given equipment by the Chinese. It is not for me to decide who is right and who is wrong but I take note of these things and fear for Africa.
PS: I like your site – I will be sure to punt it where I can. - February 13, 2010 at 7:42 AM
- Robby said...
Eeben ...
"I hate to say that it was bound to happen that false invoicing would occur – but false invoicing seems to be occurring..."
And that's my beef with Eric Prince and America's PMC's.They no doubt used EO and other's like Sandline etc as the model only problem they left out a few things morality and integrity.
I'm sure you know about Princes background rich kid with access to millions brought up in a very religious family where I have no doubt "morality and integrity" was something that he was very aware of from a young age I give him credit for becoming a Navy Seal however somewhere along the line he gave short shift to these things and now PMC's have to deal with a really bad PR problem.
I understand why you don't do religion and politics Prince on the other hand exploited both for what reason I can't explain ...he sure did not do it for the money his daddy's business sold for... 1.5 billlion dollars after his death - February 13, 2010 at 3:11 PM
- James G - Death Valley Magazine said...
Yes the US now has an interest in Africa for various financial reasons (natural resources are at the top of the list) but in my opinion there are several reasons why the US will never get a solid foothold financially in Africa.
1. Foreign Earned Income Taxation on Americans working overseas, to include property, wages, capital gains, cash savings, ect…
For those of you that don't know; all income and assets that Americans earn or possess overseas is taxed weather or not it is repatriated. Starting at around 84K USD the US government taxes the wages of Americans who work overseas at close to the highest rate possible.
Additionally if an American owns property, stocks, investments or any revenue producing venture it is taxed regardless of its value. This also includes any housing or living expenses an American would receive from their company.
Most of the in-country African based jobs that an American company would hire US citizens for would be Engineers, high level management and executives. These are all high paying positions filled by middle-age married people (and generally speaking Male) already making 6-figure salaries in the US.
Why would thousands of top-tier engineers, managers and executives leave their current 6-figure salary jobs and family behind to work in what they would consider a hostile environment (especially compared to working in an office in the US)?
3 to 10 times their salary is why – that is the only way a company can recruit top-tier personnel for jobs in Africa. Plus they have to add in attractive fringe benefits to retain their employees like 1st class travel and luxury expat housing. That is the same thing companies are currently doing in Iraq to recruit Engineers, paying them 300K a year or more – I know some IT engineers in Iraq that make 500K a year.
Spending over 12 million just in salaries, another 12 mil in fringe benefits and maybe another 6 mil in medical, K&R and life insurance for a lousy 50 employees (a total of 30 Million a year) in Africa just isn't fiscally responsible for a US based company.
And don't even expect smaller (less than 10 mil annually) US based businesses and entrepreneurs to even consider Africa. And this group would be the most valuable to rebuilding the business environment in a 3rd world country
No one can start a small profitable business with minimal capital, employing dozens of locally hired employees and starting from scratch faster than an American entrepreneur (and small businesses are the backbone of any thriving country).
So outside of the 1 or 2 American multi-billion dollar corporations that secure defense contracts with the US military - And maybe 2 other non-defense corporations that my drill for oil if they can even get a contract because of the restrictive US laws on how they conduct business overseas (see below) - no other corporations in the US will touch Africa with a ten foot Kerrie. - February 13, 2010 at 7:59 PM
- James G - Death Valley Magazine said...
2. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
This is one of Americas "Moral" laws pass way back in 1977 (back when beating your wife was legal in the US) that basically says a US corporation or individual can not give a financial reward (bribe) to any foreign government or person for the purposes of obtaining businesses.
To out it simply you can not give Minister Wong Lee 20 grand to get a contract selling feminine hinge products to the Democratic Republic of Coupeverytwoyearsanistan.
This law has mostly killed off non-defense business for US based corporations that wish to operate profitably overseas. Quite frankly you have to hand out bribes in the 3rd and developing world if you expect to win contracts, conduct business, acquire long term business visas for your expat employees or use the bathroom in a public toilet.
The Asians and Indians have no problem with throwing a few bucks to some local MP so they can get a multi-million dollar highly profitable contract. Bribes are a common business practice in 80% of the world, so like any intelligent business they adapt to the local market. The US does not.
If a US based corporation would do the same thing – it is a serious federal crime. Some US based corporations try to get around this by hiring local business "consultants" or going through non-US corporations that they have set us to handle the bribing, but this is also illegal according to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and can and does come back on them sometimes.
So most US corporations just can't compete overseas with foreign corporations that are willing to pay a bribe to secure contracts or operate in a 3rd world country – so they don't.
Over 30 years ago the US was the "it" country when it came to foreign experts, materials and construction projects - now we are probably close to the last choice.
This is the reason why you hardly see any US corporations with contracts in Southeast Asia, you only see S. Korean and Japanese companies building roads and skyscrapers. Almost all of the oil workers I know that from Texas who are working in Indonesia work for Chinese drilling companies.
In a region like Africa it would only be naive for the US to assume they can do any business at all without violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
Having a lightly regulated anarcho-capitalist business environment is not only historically normal for a country trying to establish itself financially - after a generation or two it turns into a friendly rule of law business environment.
Look at the US during the 'wild wild west' western expansion (the US is now the wealthiest country in the world) or Singapore after British Colonization (now the only place in Southeast Asia that has rule of law in its financial sectors) and even China today. All of those countries went through a "only the strongest and cleverest business survive by any means" phase.
But the US feels it is better to have silly moral laws that have absolutely nothing to do with today's real world business environment in the 3rd and developing world. And that is one of the main reasons why US based businesses will be nothing more than a speck on the African business radar. - February 13, 2010 at 8:00 PM
- James G - Death Valley Magazine said...
3. The past will come back to haunt the US
The US has had less than a stellar record on the Dark Continent, pretty much after uranium was found in Australia the US turned its back on Africa. And after that, all the US did there was support every tin pot dictator and AK toting a-hole that was anti-commie.
People don't forget these things no matter how poor they are.
The Africans know as soon as oil drops back down to 50 bucks a barrel they will no longer exist in the eyes of the US government. Our track record speaks for itself; the Hmong in Southeast Asia, the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan and even as far back as the genocide of the Native American tribes after the American revolution.
I suspect the people making decisions in Africa about who does business there would rather just take a fat bribe from a Chinese, S. Korean or Indian corporation that is upfront that their intention is to make money period – not stick their nose in local politicks, hand out nasty freeze dried crackers under the guise of caring and then pop-smoke.
4. Using the US Military to create a US presence in Africa before US corporations move in first
No one from a country that has been war torn for 500 years wants to see more white foreign solders in tanks in their streets. That hardly creates a "do business with the USA!" message to the local population.
I swear to god I think the people in the US that make foreign policies have never read a history book.
Well that is my African/US business rant…
Glad you like my blog man
~James G
www.deathvalleymag.com - February 13, 2010 at 8:00 PM
- userdude said...
I will be looking forward to this, Eeben.
- What will be the approach to organizing your work? In other words, will it be a framework, or a collection of guidelines, principles and situational analysis? (Maybe, both).
- Do you anticipate discussing philosophical and theoretical underpinnings, or will it be primarily a handbook for operations (strategy vs tactics)?
I'm just wondering how your approaching the material. It doesn't really matter the details, but I'm interested none the less.
Jared - February 14, 2010 at 5:47 PM
- John said...
Hello Eeben,
I wanted to drop over my thoughts on your work - Executive Outcomes, Against All Odds.
First I do want to set up how I look at things in life. I am not a veteran and have never served my country in the military. What I am is a systems engineer - I think in parallel paths whenever I study a problem or research a topic that I am interested in. This will likely give me a unique perspective on your writing.
First and foremost - I enjoyed the book. For anyone who wants to tackle it though they have to beware. The writing style jumps back and forth through time so a linear thinker will not be able to handle it, to truly glean the meaning of your work the reader has to finish it and collate all of what they have read.
I had to pull our Corporate Warriors and War Dog to bat chapters against each other while I read.
In the early sections it does flow well though - when I started I had no idea at all how extensive the EO network had to be to be successful. My assumption truly was you called up your old associates and trotted out to take on those foolish enough to challenge the vaunted veterans of the SADF - like an amateur boxing event - bad assumptions. I truly appreciate the bit of your history as you progressed from your military career through the intelligence world and final "retirement". I dropped all my assumptions and decided to explore the possibilities. What I found was EO to be a complete, self contained package, able to provide technical expertise, intelligence and logistics in an economical package. Your cost comparisons to the follow-up "efforts" by the UN and others in Angola and Sierra Leone, plus non efforts in Rwanda by the international community lead me to believe there is a lot more behind the scenes as EO was destroyed in the world media. I have a feeling that the UN needs to have Africa suffer to perpetuate its "power" while the entertainment industry has to have sob stories about Rwanda and Sierra Leone to get Oscars and money from an audience that is unwilling, or unable, to see more than what is spoon fed to them. Why is this important - the world governance people who will use any excuse, global climate change, humanitarian disasters, financial meltdowns, always come back to state that "your defense is socialized, why not everything else in your life (job, health, food supply, cars (or in some instances run as fascist entities))" - bunk. The current conflicts all over the world are being led mainly by national militaries, but they could not do their jobs without the vital cog of the PMC. If we talk PMC we have to get back in modern times to Executive Outcomes. The early formation of EO in the book seemed to just be an afterthought that grew into something huge (and recouped your CCB wages/expenses). I liked the style you used of jumping back and forth from the action in country to your issues keeping things running back in SA - though I had to pull out my other references texts (yes I even have Bloodsong though it seems you do not think highly of Mr. Hooper, his earlier works were better reads. I could see him running for his life for EO protection based on the style of writing in Bloodsong) to keep track of the story. I will be reading EO again with all my library/internet resources readily at hand to make sure I understand where everything is going. The segues over to post EO Angola and Sierra Leone were very disturbing for the lost peace brought humanitarian disasters. Rwanda is just plain disgusting - the UN needs to relocate in the Congo, maybe they would be interested in peace then.
Second thought to follow... - February 15, 2010 at 4:12 AM
- John said...
Continuing my previous thread
I very much enjoyed your jumps over to your logistics crew (who could have imagined running a war at a greater distance that your national military from your house) and a quick leap over to the classic RWC match delaying an offensive by a day (I have that match someplace in my archives - you saw it. An amazing grinding game for sure, Stransky was brilliant) Your last 10 chapters or so moved very quickly and I wonder if they may have been folded into your earlier chapters in a more linear flow - this part of the book was tough. It seems like there at least 200 more pages in this story that ended up on the publishers floor. I would definitely like to see more details on the remaining operations from Appendix A. I was also shocked by your afterword - I hope you don't leave your continent to burn in misery - EO, by all credible accounts I have read, ran an honorable business. This book could easily become a multi-volume text for use in war colleges.
Thoughts that have rattled around in my head ever since I finished:
The media could not lose the old meme of "mercenary bad' they used to successfully discredit paid fighters in the Congo in the 60's. They actually transferred their disinformation over to EO instead of looking at EO as an entire system intelligence, technical advice and logistics support. The old guard media is dying off due to its continual lies - now is the time to put them out of their misery. In that way maybe EO died to serve a greater cause. A simple supporting and refuting evidence argument can show the lies of the media in everything they touch. A free people have to have a truthful media to decide our own fates and not leave the decisions to those who are our superiors (in their minds) and frequently devolve into brutal dictatorships. In that way EO folds into the great struggle of free people against those who would oppress us.
How applicable is EO to the Iraq/Afghanistan experience. EO works for only legit governments yet gets pillaged, Blackwater is the current whipping boy for the media, being discredited just as EO was (some of it can be well deserved). Are the media lies perpetuated successfully on EO being also used to hammer Blackwater. This is the same game plan used on CIA ops in SE Asia (re: Air America, Hmong, Montagnard fighters etc.) with even the UN now equating paid technical security/intelligence experts (in their words mercenaries) to terrorists - pathetic. The UN, with their dogs in the fawning media, only wants power over free people. Will E. Prince write a similar extensive history of his firm such as you have? Only time will tell...
I do hope I have not rambled too much - my brain has been rattling around thoughts for days now. I think eventually some more cogent thoughts will come out but this is where I stand for the moment.
Thanks Again for taking the time to write this work.
John - February 15, 2010 at 4:13 AM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
Thanks, Private – I am going to have to start numbering the "Private's" soon. Keep well and good luck.
Eeben - February 15, 2010 at 4:04 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
False invoicing is always a problem, Robby but it is not restricted to the PMCs. However, if companies have a "blank cheque" to operate with, there will always be people who will exploit it.
As I have stated before, if companies earn their contracts as opposed to being given them – and they go through the procedure of quoting on a specific task, it becomes difficult to do this. There is no blank cheque to work with and an end result must be delivered at the quoted price.
Yes, I have read EP's story. But, I also know that he has been a target for some time and in that sense I can sympathise with him. If the latest stories are true, then my concern simply rises re the PR for the industry.
Eeben - February 15, 2010 at 4:11 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
False invoicing is always a problem, Robby but it is not restricted to the PMCs. However, if companies have a "blank cheque" to operate with, there will always be people who will exploit it.
As I have stated before, if companies earn their contracts as opposed to being given them – and they go through the procedure of quoting on a specific task, it becomes difficult to do this. There is no blank cheque to work with and an end result must be delivered at the quoted price.
Yes, I have read EP's story. But, I also know that he has been a target for some time and in that sense I can sympathise with him. If the latest stories are true, then my concern simply rises re the PR for the industry.
Eeben - February 15, 2010 at 4:11 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
Whereas you list several reasons why the US will encounter problems in Africa, James, but you also need to remember that as a whole Africa has been let down many times. I do however agree with your points but also need to add that AFRICOM was established primarily to assist with influence in Africa. Doing business in Africa isn't just about paying bribes – that was something the West (yes, the West) developed in Africa and the East has simply exploited it to the hilt. In part, this is what the resource race is now about – who will out-bribe the next...instead of showing what benefits will be forthcoming.
There are numerous smaller US companies doing successful business in Africa and I think that as the "resource war" hots up, more will try to enter to stake their claims. But of course, they need to ensure that their investments are protected. But, we also see a situation where the bad guys are getting good publicity and this in itself creates numerous problems.
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act I cannot comment but I am aware of its existence. Your points are this issue are well taken.
Your part3: Yes, the US believed (rightly so) that "my enemy's enemy is my friend" but this got out of hand. In fact, it is this very reason that led to what we saw in Zaire and elsewhere – using the US as an intimidation factor to those who did not agree with them. When those governments toppled, they dragged the US into their mess – and as you say, people don't forget.
Thanks for your summation – it was very good.
Eeben - February 15, 2010 at 4:38 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
I am trying to give some guidance in the book Jared but it will examine numerous factors in Africa that lead to war and how such wars can be successfully countered. I do however see it more as a text/guidebook on how to conduct operations in Africa.
I do briefly discuss the views of some of the classical strategists as they apply to Africa. I feel that these views do have a role to play but are not all important.
It is still early days for me but I am progressing well – in my mind, at least!
Eeben - February 15, 2010 at 4:42 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
Many thanks to you for taking the time to write such a critical analysis of the book, John. I am truly grateful. In my pitiful self-defence, remember that I am not a writer so my style – if one can even call it that – is not that of a classical writer. In fact, I only learnt how to use a computer when I started writing the book. Before that, I didn't even know where the "On" button was.
EO went through a very steep learning curve – and we had to do it rather quickly as we were bound by accepted contracts in terms of finances against end-goals and couldn't return with hat-in-hand stating we had run out of money.
Your feelings and mine coincide exactly on the UN. I have had the great misfortune of seeing them in several places – and witnessed their incompetence. Rwanda was a disgrace to say the least. DRC is beyond that at the moment yet still they continue. But no one seems to really take note of what is happening or even care.
The old men who ran our logistics were truly the unsung heroes. They worked tirelessly to support the men in the field and did an outstanding job, especially given how few they were and how much they had to do. But, many other people who were not mentioned in the book did equally well.
The Rugby World Cup delaying a strategic operation was indeed amusing to me when I was told that the advance would be delayed. But, I know then that the morale was good and after the historic win (Yes, Stransky was brilliant!) I just knew that the men would be successful.
Many pages did end up on the editor's floor but I could do nothing to stop that. I know put it down to "Lessons Learnt".
When I left EO – and even whilst writing the book – I had no intention of ever trying to help Africa resolve its problems. But, shortly after the book was published, I got a few calls asking me to help. These came from East, West and Central Africa. So, I swallowed my words, made peace with my undertakings and went back to help where I can.
The media (as you know) finally apologised in a full page article in the SA paper The Star. Too bad for us that they only realised years after they had led the disinformation campaign against us that they had been misled by those with vested interests. Whereas Blackwater may possibly deserve criticism (as EO did) the media are again leading the campaign. I hope Erik Prince will one day expose those who worked with false agendas. Regardless of the apology, I have no sympathy for the old guard media and they are now reaping what they sowed.
My sincere thanks to you for your comments.
Eeben - February 15, 2010 at 5:09 PM
- John said...
Great thread going here - will Erik Prince write an in depth account of Blackwater like EO?
I'll hold judgement until his in- depth explanation of his company comes out. There has to be alot more there than what he has agreed to release.
John - February 15, 2010 at 5:14 PM
- John said...
You are more than welcome - your book is a fabulous work and has been one of few that have affected me so much (China Pilot and Flying through Midnight are two others in the non-fiction world that have really made me pause for thought)that I had to write such a lengthy review.
This world, and why we are in constant conflict, is very complex and single line thinking will never solve anything - Africa's misery will unfortunately continue for decades until everyone comes to their senses. You have taken a very complex situation and written about it as well as anyone could have - and as a neophyte writer. That says something about your adaptability - probably why EO was a success.
I look forward to your next work
John - February 15, 2010 at 5:25 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
I can appreciate that Erik Prince will not be able to write everything he would like to write about, John, as I am sure that he will be bound by secrecy agreements – that I can understand and fully support. However, where he has been purposely maligned – he should expose those things – as well as name those involved.
There have been some really good comments from our friends here.
Eeben - February 15, 2010 at 5:27 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
I am still gobsmacked by your review, John. But, I need to hastily point out that EO was a success because of the men in the company. I simply sat in the tiger's saddle.
I love Africa despite its many problems. I have always been treated extremely well wherever I have gone and I have made many, many very good friends in African armies and governments. What I do know is that they are constantly lied to, deceived and cheated. If I can play a positive role in helping them resolve these conflicts, I will do it.
Thanks again.
Eeben - February 15, 2010 at 5:44 PM
- John said...
I do hope pleasantly surprised - that was my intent.
- February 15, 2010 at 6:41 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
More than just pleasantly, John. My wife says I now need a bigger hat!
Eeben - February 16, 2010 at 10:53 AM
- John said...
Now that is worth a chuckle! My wife performs that vital task for me as well as many others - Thank God.
I do look forward to your next work.
Thanks again,
John - February 16, 2010 at 3:24 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
I hope to have it up soon, JOhn.
Eeben - February 16, 2010 at 7:23 PM
- userdude said...
I'm sure that whatever the book will be, it will be worth consuming and understanding. I look forward to it's release - much to learn.
Jared - February 19, 2010 at 3:30 AM
- ZA TRADE said...
Hallo Eeben,
Do I miss something? For what reason would you give away knowledge to the world on how to make war in Africa and act thus against your own nation's interest... Money? War is fought with information technology today, yet you mentioned limited knowledge in this regard. I did not read any of your books yet but will soon try to do so. It sound very interesting but alarming for reasons mentioned above.
About the security business.
In South Africa today, we experience the population being motivated to imprison themselves with security in mind. Yet this security never seems to protect a sole but actually assist with monitoring and restricting residents movements. Thus empowering the criminals to make informed decisions, buy enough time, and operate uninterrupted? It reminds me of warnings during my school days, early 80's. Somehow our prescribed book of those days "Ons wag op die Kaptein" also relate to this issue.
With regards to the facebook Identity fraud, I would say that it is least of your problems. Since 2004 I stumbled on publications which seem to relate to you. At first I could not help smiling at the obvious lies born out of jealousy. The latest one though… claims Executive Outcomes is a private military company ….responsible for Afrikaner genocide.
It is a so-called top secret documents but traceable by anyone who google your name or use other search engines like Highbeam.
The potential EXECUTIVE OUTCOME of such betrayal situation maybe the best seller of all times and I guess someone else is already busy writing such a book . Sure will overshadow both Shapiro and Siener v Rensburg's capabilities. - February 19, 2010 at 10:58 AM
Good luck with the book Eeben. I have also started to put my recollections of 30 years military service on record. Not always easy as time fades the memory.
Please have a look at my blog and I intend to link to you if you dont mind.
Although I never served with you in EO I have fond and sometimes painful memeories of our time together at 32 Bn Recce Wing.
Take care and hang in there.
Mike Charlie (Romeo 3) - February 20, 2010 at 7:47 AM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
Thanks Jared. I can only try my best...
Eeben - February 20, 2010 at 10:28 AM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
Some interesting – if totally misguided comments, Lalie.
I hardly see anyone making money with 1000 books as that is what will be printed for the commercial market. However, there have been MANY books written on war and conflict in Africa as well as numerous other books on strategy and tactics. Also, I am not acting against the interest of my own nation – what a silly comment. If that is what you know, then you seem to know more about me – as do many others - than I do. Of course, judging by your comments you seem to also know a lot more about the conflicts and wars in Africa than I do but the reality is that ALL armies in Africa, regardless of where they are, have ways in which they do things. As for information technology, I am no technology wizard but I do understand "intelligence" and "intelligence gathering". I also understand that EO had to be stopped as we started exposing crimes involving senior (old SA) government officials – and that has been documented.
As for the current security situation in SA: As I don't work in SA, I don't feel I am qualified to answer your concerns. However, take a look at Europe and elsewhere – crime is on the rise and SA is no exception.
As for EO being responsible for Afrikaner genocide – I have never heard of such rubbish, unless of course you are referring to a certain "journalist" making comments on his blog, something he got from a South African intelligence operation. Ironically, I have been accused of many things and the basis thereof has always been "unnamed sources". Do you for one moment think that the Afrikaners who served in EO would act against their own? If that is what you believe, then you know your own even less than I do. However, the document you refer to is not a "new" one but was a deliberate operation executed by a certain Mr Stander and sold to the same Intelligence service he worked for. It has been in circulation for several years. The last I heard of him was that he was charged with fraud on numerous other issues unrelated to EO.
I would strongly suggest you make very sure of your facts before levelling accusations that are based on falsehoods. At least, the media had the courage to admit that they had been duped about EO. Unfortunately, there are those who would rather see the entire continent in chaos with no regard for the results thereof.
So, to answer your first question: Yes, you are missing something.
Eeben - February 20, 2010 at 10:59 AM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
I am thrilled that you are writing a book on your recollections, fatfox9. I believe that we should document history as we saw it and not as others would want the world to see it. It is very difficult as times does have a way of making things disappear.
I really enjoyed visiting and reading your blog and think it is very good reading. Thanks for passing your link to us.
I am intrigued. I am wracking my brain – Mike Charlie??? Were we in 32 Recce at the same time? Please put me out of my misery.
Eeben - February 20, 2010 at 11:08 AM
It's Mark Eeben.....you owe me one
- February 20, 2010 at 12:12 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
Mark, you old devil! I recall us once ambushing a FAPLA anti-aircraft team – being chased by their forces for several hours and then having no choice to charge headlong into a SWAPO base. You raced in to "extract" us after we did some extreme damage there – and then everyone was suddenly chasing us. We had to build an improvised pontoon to get our Buffels across the Cunene.
Many years later, I actually met the FAPLA and SWAPO commanders who we whacked and we had a good talk over what happened.
Yes, I do owe you and I really want you to write that book.
Eeben - February 20, 2010 at 1:22 PM
- ZA TRADE said...
Hallo Eeben
Thanks for your reply although most of it is angry. Guess I had it coming. Unfortunately I still do not get it.
Since when can any country's special force personnel sell their war strategies to foreigners? If this is happening in Africa as you say, I am very worried.
Crime is flaming up all over the world yes, South Africa is just the Crime Capital and statistics now available by street corner.
Maybe you should give the SA public access to your books, it will give them an equal opportunity.
Did you say your company exposed Apartheid Gov Officials? To whom, jail birds? and for which crime, having a backbone to actually act in the interest of it's citizens?
The Stander name you mentioned, sound to be a Boer. The docoment I refered to is hosted on Austrian server and written in afrikaans by a SA local but defenitaly not a Boer. Futher to this I do not think EO as company name was mentioned this time (sorry), only your name along with other afrikaners. Will try to trace it again and send the link.
Glad to hear the media fixed their wrong doings. Hope they publish it as eager a they did before. Never compare me with the media, I may ask a question which boils down to an unfair accusation, but I do it when concerned and maybe angry, not when out for a kill.
Lalie - February 20, 2010 at 9:17 PM
Good to be in contact with you Eeben. Yes the incident/s you recalled were rather fun weren't they?...lets stay in touch as you have just opened a closed file in my somewhat dormant brain.
Cheers and good luck,
PS: I am still in Beirut so I will be updating you on the next punch-up which is sure to start one day soon. - February 21, 2010 at 7:56 AM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
The document you refer to has been on the internet for years, Lalie, it is nothing new. In fact, it is on more than just on an Austrian server.
The Special Forces soldiers you refer to are not selling strategies. A strategy is something which is planned at government level and they are training a unit and sub-unit level. Besides, they are ex-SF members and ex-SADF members. After they were so viciously betrayed by the old government, would you rather they joined the ranks of organised crime? I think that would push our crime levels beyond anything possible at the moment.
As for EO exposing crime – I am not going to go into details but read the real history – stock-theft on Lesotho border, diamond smuggling into SA, illegal shipments organised form SA to Angola, etc, etc.
I have no problem with anyone's accusations re me and EO. All they have to do is provide substance to back up their allegations. Having been the subject of many police investigations based on misinformation, I am not sure what else I can be accused of.
Of course I am still angry. Some men in EO lost their lives because of people trying to hide agendas and even passing on information on EO to the rebels. Who wouldn't be angry?
Eeben - February 21, 2010 at 8:31 AM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
Well, I needed to go through a lot of stuff to unlock parts of my dormant brain, Mark.
Beirut? I am sure it has changed somewhat since I was there many years ago. A lovely but dodgy place.
Keep your head down and good luck – and keep writing your book.
Eeben - February 21, 2010 at 8:34 AM
Roger....will do.
Take care and I will be in touch,
Mark - February 21, 2010 at 12:03 PM


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Medscape physician burnout 2022 why burned out
As you may know, I have been splitting work- and living-time between the U.S. and the E.U., most recently living in and working from Brussels. In the month of September 2024, I'll be splitting time between London and other parts of the U.K., and Italy where I'll be working with clients on consumer health, self-care and home care focused on food-as-medicine, digital health, business and scenario planning for the future...
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Real Estate Market Trends
If you're like a lot of other consumers, trite slogans and marketing come- ons aren't convincing. Especially when it comes to the most expensive investment you may ever make; numbers are far pithier.
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Kids in the Kitchen!
The kitchen can be a fascinating place for young kids. They see grown-ups working in there, watch the steam rise from pots on the stove, and smell what's on the menu that night. Even older kids might be interested in how baked goods and meals come together. It isn't always convenient to invite them into the kitchen to help, but consider doing so when time allows.
Younger kids can watch what you're doing and help out with small tasks, like stirring something or setting the table. Older kids can be taught how to crack eggs or measure ingredients. Even teens might be lured into the kitchen if you tell them they can choose the dish and you'll help prepare it with them.
To the kids, it will seem like fun. But there are other benefits to this time together:
- Preschoolers see how the dishes they eat are put together — and they get hands-on experience, which is a great way to learn and feel like they are helping out.
- School-age kids can learn some cooking basics and use their math skills as they help combine ingredients for recipes. You also can use the time to talk about good nutrition and why you chose the ingredients you're using. It can lay the groundwork for healthy eating later on.
- Teens might appreciate the chance to improve their cooking skills — good preparation for when they'll need to cook for themselves. Teens also might be interested in trying different cuisines. Do they love Asian food? Visit an Asian market and put together something authentic.
Parents get something out of this kitchen togetherness, too. First, there's the quality time you'll share. Then there's the pleasure of sitting down at the table together to enjoy what you've whipped up.
Here are some tips for having fun and staying safe while you're cooking with kids.
Choose the Right Time
If you're going to have kids helping you in the kitchen, you don't want to be on a tight time schedule. Instead of involving them in a dinner you have to cook super-fast, enlist their help on a weekend afternoon when you don't feel crunched.
With younger kids, choose a time when they're well-rested and not easily frustrated. It's also a smart idea to have another adult in the kitchen to help you keep an eye on your junior chef.
Choose the Right Tasks
Plan ahead a little when deciding what you'll prepare together. For younger kids, consider starting with simple dishes with fewer than five ingredients. Then your child won't have to wait it out while you tackle a complicated step. A tossed salad or easy muffin recipe can be good starter projects. You also might set up a pizza-making assembly line where kids can choose their own mini-crusts, sauces, cheeses, and toppings. Older kids can take cooking to the next level and work with you on more challenging recipes.
When you've chosen a recipe, think about which steps your child can do independently. For instance, kids who can read can call out the ingredients from the recipe card while you put them out on the counter. A younger child can help you pour ingredients into a bowl. An older child might be able to measure out ingredients and add them unassisted.
Doing some prep work in advance, such as rinsing the berries for muffins, will make the process move more swiftly. If there's a lull in the action, you might consider giving your child a well-deserved break. Then you can call him or her back in when there's another kid-friendly task to do, or when it's time to taste what you made.
Stress Safety
Children need supervision when they're in the kitchen. Preschoolers must learn not to touch whirring electric beaters, hot pans, and stovetops.
Here are some safety tips:
- Give frequent reminders about what's OK to touch and what could hurt them.
- Talk about which kitchen tasks are for grown-ups and which are for kids.
- Set kitchen rules, such as washing hands and not touching stove knobs or knives.
Even older kids will need safety reminders, especially if they're working with appliances and knives, or at the stove.
Loosen Up
Kids cannot be counted on to be neat in the kitchen. Even adults have trouble with that. To make cooking together more enjoyable, allow for some extra mess and try to be patient. To prevent cooking disasters, be sure your child isn't measuring ingredients over the bowl — risking a big oops. Instead, you might measure them separately and put them in small bowls, like they do on cooking shows.
Even if everything doesn't go perfectly, try to keep the mood light. If the egg gets more smashed than cracked, offer some guidance and let your child try again. Little by little, kids will gain these skills — and feel great once they're mastered.
Last, but not least, be sure to compliment your assistant chefs on a job well done. Offer them first taste of whatever you cooked together — and ask what you should make together next time. Bon appetit!


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How to Provide Feedback For the W3C Markup Validator
There are many ways to send feedback or discuss the Markup Validator:
- If you need help on validation or Web authoring
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Your page doesn't validate, and you don't know why, or you have a question about HTML, stylesheets or validation?
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The two most common problems are:
Validating pages with
ampersands (&'s) in
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JavaScript: HTML
in a SCRIPT
If your problem isn't covered by one of the resources above, you can send it to one of the following forums:
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Each of these forums have plenty of experienced HTML authors who are willing to share their expertise. If you are commenting on a specific page, be sure to provide a URL when you ask your question!
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If you think the error messages in the Markup Validator's result pages could be improved, or are not comprehensible, you can send questions and suggestions to our mailing-list.
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If you just want to have an informal discussion with developers and users of the Validator, you may also join the IRC channel #validator on the freenode network (irc.freenode.net). However, please keep in mind that this is not a support channel.
Bug reports
The W3C maintains a public bug tracking database known as Bugzilla where developers and other technical users can log bug reports and feature suggestions directly. If you are not familiar with issue tracking systems in general or the Bugzilla bug tracker, send your feedback to the mailing list and someone on the W3C Validator Team will take care of logging your issue as appropriate.
Before you enter a new bug in this database, we strongly encourage you to check that it is not yet in the list of opened issues. Here are a few links that you can use:
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If you encounter an HTML 5 related issue in the W3C validator, before reporting it in the W3C Bugzilla, see if you can reproduce it also with Validator.nu. If you can, report it according to the Validator.nu bug reporting instructions instead. This inconvenience is because the W3C validator uses the Validator.nu engine which is developed and maintained by a different team than the W3C validator to validate HTML 5 documents, and addressing bug reports directly to the team working on the system in question is likely to result in better and more timely responses.


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BOYERTOWN, Pa. – A Pennsylvania school district says an aide has been suspended after she tricked students into eating pet snacks by telling them they were cookies.
About 75 fourth-graders at New Hanover-Upper Frederick Elementary School received the pet treats during recess Thursday. No injuries were reported.
Student Gabriel Moore tells WFMZ-TV the aide first joked they were dog treats, then told students they were actually cookies. Gabriel ate three.
Boyertown Area School District officials notified parents Friday. They didn't disclose the type of pet treat but said the ingredients would only be harmful to people with certain food allergies.
Still, Gabriel's father, David Moore, says the part-time aide should be "penalized pretty bad."
The aide has been suspended pending an internal investigation.


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