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Jackson Trial Begins
The most complete account of Michael Jackson's final months is about to unfold in a cramped Los Angeles courtroom nearly four years after the pop superstar's death.
Lawyers for Jackson's mother will attempt to convince a jury that the company promoting the pop superstar's 2009 comeback concerts is responsible for his untimely death. The attorneys will try to prove that AEG Live hired and controlled the doctor convicted of involuntary manslaughter over Jackson's demise.
AEG Live denies any wrongdoing and contests that they hired the physician who for months was giving Jackson doses of a powerful anesthetic in the singer's bedroom to help him sleep.
Opening statements on Monday will provide a roadmap for a case that will delve into Jackson's addiction struggles and issues previously unexplored in court. Many of those in the singer's orbit – family, famous friends, doctors and his teenage children – may testify during the months-long trial.
Some of the stars listed on the witness list include Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Lou Ferrigno and Spike Lee. Both of Jackson's ex-wives, Lisa Marie Presley and Debbie Rowe, are also listed as potential witnesses.
Katherine Jackson sued in September 2010, claiming AEG failed to properly investigate her son's doctor, Conrad Murray. All but one of her claims has been dismissed, but millions and possibly billions of dollars are at stake. The trial pits the family of a global superstar against AEG Live, a private company that as part of the Anschutz Entertainment Group has helped spark the revitalization of downtown Los Angeles with its venue, the Staples Center.
Unlike the 2011 trial that ended with Murray's conviction, the civil trial will explore the troubled finances of both men – a situation that Katherine Jackson's attorneys say created a conflict of interest for Murray that AEG should have been aware of.
The Houston-based cardiologist was deeply in debt when he agreed to serve as Jackson's personal doctor for a series of 50 concerts in London dubbed "This Is It." The doctor had liens and owed back child support when he began working with Jackson, expecting a $150,000 a month salary. Jackson died of acute propofol intoxication before the contract was fully signed.
The trial is expected to include detailed testimony about other doctors' treatment of Jackson, a subject that was largely off-limits in the criminal case. Unlike Murray's trial, which was broadcast live, the civil case will play out without cameras in a courtroom with only 45 public seats.
AEG denies they hired Murray, and have contended he should be considered an independent contractor, a designation many hospitals deem surgeons and other physicians.
Katherine Jackson's attorneys, Brian Panish and Kevin Boyle, have repeatedly cited emails sent by top AEG executives referencing Murray's pay and his obligations to get Jackson to perform.
Marvin S. Putnam, an attorney for AEG who was not available to comment, has said the company could not have foreseen the circumstances that led to Murray's administration of propofol to Jackson as a sleep aide.
AEG has said in court filings that Jackson's family is seeking $40 billion in damages, but Panish denies that's the figure he's seeking.
"We've never asked for $40 billion," he said. "The jury is going to decide what the loss is."
The high figure, Panish said, is the company's attempt to "prejudice everybody against the Jacksons." He says the case isn't about money.
"It's about getting the truth," he said. "We'd like to get out all the evidence. The evidence is going to speak for itself that AEG had a lot of involvement and they completely deny responsibility."
Jackson's three children, Prince, Paris and Blanket are also listed as plaintiffs on the case.
Asked whether he and the Jacksons are concerned about the image of the "Thriller" singer that will emerge in court, Panish said the trial will show a different side of the superstar. "Mrs. Jackson and her grandchildren suffered a tremendous loss and AEG has never recognized that and continues to deny responsibility," he said. "The other side of the story hasn't been told."
A jury of six men and six women has been selected to decide the case.
Monday's remarks by Panish and Putnam will provide the jurors' their first true insight into the evidence they will likely hear, and once again pull back the veil of Michael Jackson's private life.


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These guys are guns and so affordable ! They work so efficiently and sure have the years of experience. They really go into detail and completed our interior painting with perfection. Look out for these guys and call Matt he is such a gentlemen. Well done guys great work, keep it up !
Painters Chippendale
Mi Painting is one of the well-recognised painting services in Chippendale with 40 yrs + experience. We are highly skilled painting contractors that specialise in creating unique and modern interior painting designs.
We offer painting services in the Chippendale region and make sure everyone knows the process. Our process starts with the proper preparation, planning, sanding, smoothing, then the first transparent coat of paint, then we take it from there.
Our Painting Company in Chippendale are well experienced with it comes to finishing the job with perfection.
Thorough planning is one of the most essential aspects of painting within our Painters Chippendale team, which we have perfected to a validated painting procedure.
Our surfaces are specially planned and our paints are well-known brands in the market. We are dulux accredited and our knowledge in the job of painting is at the utmost highest level. At every point, we not only offer excellent workmanship, we will keep you updated.
We work with the best colours…
Residential House Painters in Chippendale NSW 2008
If you're looking for "house painters near me", or even just the best painters in Chippendale – then for the first step of your painting project you should look no further than Mi Painting. We provide the best painting services in Sydney, from skirting boards to ceiling roses – our painting team provide a quality finish on all painting work.
Our painters in AZ are expert painters in their field.
At Mi Painting, our professional painting services come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. For any kind of residential painting project – our team will deliver only the best results.
Our team of fully licensed and public liability insured Painters in Chippendale are here for you. If you have a house painting project coming up, then Mi Painting are the Chippendale Painting Professionals can bring the most out of your interior painting project.
Whether it's a living room or you want the whole home painted, we will show you the best type of paint to your satisfaction.
Commercial Painters in Chippendale NSW
If you're looking for a Painting Professional with over 20 years experience, then Mi Painting are your answer. Whether you're looking to paint the exterior, or paint the interior of your commercial property, Mi Paintings team of Chippendale Painters will do a fantastic job. The Painting Services that we provide in the Chippendale come with a quality guarantee, ensuring attention to detail and complete customer satisfaction.
When you work with Mi Painting, your painting project starts with upfront and transparent quote. After you're happy with the price, we handle everything for you.
Our Chippendale Painters are well experienced and will approach your project with the motivation to complete another amazing job.
We at Mi Painting believe that planning is one of the most important aspects of painting. We have perfected our planning approach and painting procedures.
Our methodical and professional approach to your painting project is one of the many reasons we are highly recommended.
So when you work with Mi Painting, you can relax knowing our painters will do a great job. Our company is known for providing quality painting services and completing projects quickly and on time.
Affordable Painter Near You
Mi Painting offers quality and affordable painting services. With over 40 years of experience in the painting industry, our Residential Painters can get the job done for you.
We offer our Painting Services at fair and affordable prices. All costs are quoted upfront, with a full and inclusive quote – there are no hidden charges when working with Mi Painting.
But we don't compromise on quality. We guarantee what we offer, and that's our promise to every customer.
We provide Chippendale Painting Services in all these sectors…
✅ Strata and Commercial
✅ Schools & Colleges
✅ Hospitals & Medical Centers
✅ Governmental Projects
✅ Aged Care
✅ Heritage Painting
✅ Apartment Paintings
✅ Line Marking
✅ Residential Buildings
✅ Warehouse/ Factories
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✅ Entertainment Venues
Why Choose Mi Painting as your Painting Company?
Get Started, our friendly and professional team members are here to provide you with a free quote
The team at Mi Painting are a sweet team. Liked the colour scheme advise and how they painted our restaurant with such care and courtesy and at a fast speed. they were available 24 hours which made a life easier running a business. Thank you so much, we have no hesitation in recommending your services anywhere.
Matt from MI Painting was far the best painting contractor to deal with. They explained the whole painting process and completed our home painting project to perfection. Highly recommend.
Affordable Painting Services Chippendale
Affordable Painting Services FAQs Chippendale
The cost of hiring a painter is based on many different factors. Typically, you can expect to pay $300 -$400 per day for hiring a Sydney painter.
Mi Painting will give you a complete quote that covers all costs. This includes all of the paint needed for your interior or exterior painting job. As Mi Painting have commercial relationships, we are able to pass along any discounts we receive when buying your paint.
When your home requires interior or exterior painting, you might be tempted to complete the job yourself – but in the long run, this option usually costs more time and money. Hiring a professional painter is always worth the money spent, and guarantees the job will bee finished correctly the first time.
When you paint an entire room, start with the ceiling before moving on to the walls, and paint a large area like the walls before repainting the trim; working quickly when you're covering a large area can caused roller spatters, overspray and occasional errant brushstrokes.
The majority of interior paint jobs are priced by the square foot at around $3/sq. ft. While the average 3 bedroom house is around 1,300 square feet, the average painting cost is $3,900.
Emulsion paint is the most commonly used variety of paint for home interiors. It is essentially a water-based paint, so it has no odor at all. Moreover, it is much more durable than distemper because it features acrylic or vinyl to make it long lasting.
Chippendale is a small inner-city suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia on the southern edge of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of the City of Sydney. Chippendale is located between Broadway to the north and Cleveland Street to the south, Sydney Central railway station to the east and the University of Sydney to the west.
Give new life to your walls with Mi Painting
Get in touch today!
Covid-19 Update
We value the wellness of all our customer and employees. We have proper health care and generous paid time off which ensures that anyone showing symptoms of illnesses has the ability to seek medical attention as needed and take the time to recover at home to avoid the spread of disease.
Respecting our clients and their homes has given us the ability to represent the people of Sydney. We are committed to continuing with the follow-up guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and other governing agencies dedicated to the protection of our health and to comply with the protective measures laid down for the general public.
At this time, we're focused on remaining stable while the demand and desire for our services continues. We are available to do our best to ensure that our customer's needs are fulfilled in all situations.
Our Team Members will not shake your hand and will still strive to maintain the recommended acceptable distance at all times. We disinfect all the tools we use and all the surfaces we encounter in your house. Our staff has been advised to keep the minimum safe distance from others.
Job Posting
We are looking for qualified local painters in your area. Must be ready to working on a rotating rooster, willing to go through COVID-19 compliance. If you wish to apply please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com !

subset: commoncrawl


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Read our Reviews
Location & Hours
334 E Main st Anoka, MN 55303 |
(763) 421-4052
Tile Buyer's Checklist
is one of the most durable and natural choices for flooring. And because of the vast array of shapes and designs, you can easily create a custom look for your home.
Choosing tile flooring for your home is a major decision. Actually, it's a series of several decisions. There are so many aspects to consider, the task can be daunting. Although not exhaustive, this checklist will walk you step by step through the main considerations that will ultimately help lead you to the perfect tile flooring for your home.
Your home
When choosing flooring, discuss the following considerations with one of our specialists so he or she can help steer you to the best product for your particular home.
Consider who spends time in your home. Don't forget to include visitors and pets. Tile can last for decades, so consider future children or pets as well.
Taking into account your household and the daily use of your floors, rank the importance of your tile's scratch resistance, stain resistance and durability.
Consider your home's subfloor and plan for possible prep work. Tile installation requires a smooth, level and well-supported surface.
Familiarize yourself with the different types of tile and identify which product is best suited for your project. Both ceramic and porcelain tiles can be used on floors, walls and countertops. Stone and glass be used as accents on walls.
Familiarize yourself with the different tile formats and patterns. Tiles come in all sizes from fractions of an inch to slabs of 16 square feet or more. Different sizes can be combined to create an endless array of patterns, borders and medallions.
Identify your decorating style and gather samples of existing paint, fabrics and adjacent flooring. Also take photos of existing furniture and cabinets.
Consider the different categories of tile designs and choose your favorite look. Wood, stone, concrete, slate and even textile visuals are currently popular.
Determine what type of underlayment, adhesive and grout you might need for your tile. Underlayments can help even out your subfloor and prevent cracks. Quality adhesive and grout can also affect the success of your tile floor.
Measure your space to estimate your square footage. Multiply length times width of each room to equal square footage. To account for waste, add 10% to the total (multiply by 1.10) for a good working estimate.
Figure in tile price, underlayment, adhesive, grout, installation and additional fees to create a realistic budget and to accurately compare products.
Consider the type of shopping experience you want and then look for a retailer near you. Many stores sell flooring, but independent retailers are flooring experts with an emphasis on customer service.
Before you purchase, read all warranty information carefully to fully understand any requirements.
to one of our installation technicians. Quality installation can affect the longevity of your carpet, and many warranties require professional installation.
Prepare your home for installation. Move everything out of the room(s) and clear a generous path to the room(s), removing all breakables. Ensure subfloors are properly supported, level, clean and free of debris.
Read the manufacturer's literature to learn about proper care and maintenance for your new tile.
Print checklist
334 E Main st Anoka, MN 55303 |
(763) 421-4052
Luxury Vinyl - Waterproof
Cambria® Countertops
Hunter Douglas
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Request an appointment
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Bettertimes™ specializes in custom-printed silicon and latex swim caps for swimmers and teams who want to stand out from the crowd.
Bettertimes' latex swim caps and silicon swim caps are trusted by teams, swimmers and parents alike for their quality. Competition swim teams can create customized Bettertimes caps that display a team name, logo, or swimmers' names. Parents can use some of the company's more flashy caps to help their kids stand out in a crowded pool.
Teams and athletes can also order Bettertimes swim fins, Bettertimes buoys, Bettertimes kickboards, and other swimming accessories. Bettertimes handles team orders from across the country.


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- 1783 Catalog of Books
Thomas Jefferson's working list of the books in his personal library. Although the volume has been referred to as the '1783 Catalog' Jefferson started it circa 1775 and used it for many years to track volumes he owned as well as those he wished to purchase.
- 1789 Catalog of Books
This updated manuscript catalog compiled by Thomas Jefferson seems to be a list of titles he purchased, either for himself or others, while serving as minister plenipotentiary between 1785 and 1789.
- Declaration of Independence
A manuscript copy written by Thomas Jefferson represents the Declaration as drafted by the Committee of Five, before the Continental Congress revised it.
- Farm Book
Jefferson's records about his farm holdings, including Monticello, Shadwell, Lego and Poplar Forest. The volume spans from 1774 to 1824, and contains information about planting and harvesting schedules, workers (slaves), crop yields, livestock and farm equipment.
- Garden Book
Jefferson's records about his gardens at Monticello and Shadwell. The Volume spans from 1766 to 1824 and contains information about varieties of fruits and vegetables, sowing locations, harvesting dates, and notations about soil and weather conditions.
- Notes on the State of Virginia
The handwritten copy Thomas Jefferson loaned to the printer of the first published edition in 1785. This 142-page manuscript includes partial page additions and gives evidence of how the text evolved.
- Architectural Drawings
Architectural drawings, sketches and notes relating to designs of Monticello, the Virginia Capitol, President's House, and other buildings, as well as objects and machines.
- Additional Documents
Selections of additional single items (letters, notes, lists) from the Massachusetts Historical Society's Coolidge Collection of Thomas Jefferson Manuscripts, the second largest Jefferson collection in the country.
- Additional Volumes
Several additional manuscript volumes from the Coolidge Collection of Thomas Jefferson Manuscripts, including Jefferson's Account book and Weather recordings have been digitized and are linked to the collection guide.
Digital images made thanks to Save America's Treasures federal grant program.
Additional content funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Richard Saltonstall Charitable Foundation.


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Dealing with a car that just won't start up due to weather, collision, or electrical issues? With just one call, our towing specialists will be there to take the vehicle back to our shop for repair services. You'll appreciate our affordable towing services and our guarantee that your vehicle makes it back to our shop safely. For fast towing services, contact us at 610-847-1090.
Our towing services include:
Towing During Business Hours Only
Maybe you have been in an accident or perhaps your car has just failed to start up due to mechanical problems and you need to have it towed to the garage. If it is not an emergency, all you need is towing during business hours only. To have the car towed to the garage during business hours, contact Vanderlely's Auto Powertrain & Speed Parts LLC. At Vanderlely's Auto Powertrain & Speed Parts LLC, we offer professional towing services during business hours. Give us a call at 610-847-1090.
Towing to Our Shop
Auto breakdowns are often unavoidable - this is regardless of how new your car is or how carefully you drive. When your car breaks down, the best option is to have it towed to a professional auto repair shop for repairs. This way, you can be back on the road as quickly as possible. To have your broken down vehicle towed to a quality auto shop for repairs, contact Vanderlely's Auto Powertrain & Speed Parts LLC today. At Vanderlely's Auto Powertrain & Speed Parts LLC, we have a 'towing to shop only' service whereby we tow your disabled car to our auto shop for repair.
To learn more about our Towing services, call us at 610-847-1090 or request a quote by clicking below:
Request Quote


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Carl and his team at CWR Digital brought our firm squarely into the 21st Century. Their team has developed a robust and comprehensive digital marketing strategy for us including search engine optimization (SEO), social media as well as other areas of digital marketing. They are also great with bringing us new ideas and listening to and implementing ideas of our own. We've seen real results over the past two years that can be directly attributed to their work including a steady stream of new clients across our areas of practice as well as several lucrative cases and others with great promise. We recommend CWR digital to any business seeking to increase their digital visibility and revenue from potential clients looking to internet and mobile sources for their needs.
Pierce Blitch
Fleming & Nelson, LLP
On a scale of 1 to 10, CWR Digital is definitely an 11 when it comes to customer service and expertise!! Each member of their team is extremely knowledgeable and very quick to assist us with any questions that arise from our advertisers and sales teams. They are quick to come to the rescue any time we need their help with clients or don't fully understand something. If working with them the past 2 years has taught us anything, it's that you should stick with what works and we couldn't be happier that they are also the best!!
Sue Nelson
Regional Digital Specialist - Morris Multimedia
"We're excited to partner with CWR Digital. They've definitely given us the tools and training to compete in the marketplace with programmatic. It's important to provide our advertisers the solutions and performance their looking for. We saw huge revenue growth with our very first deployments. Customer support is super responsive to our needs and questions, and they take the time to explain the processes so you can be confident in your sales pitch."
Teri Manning
Promotions Director, Digital Media Sales - Lakeway Publishers, Inc.
I just wanted to let you know the results from the December 2, 2014 Columbia County Commission District 3 runoff between our client Mack Taylor and his opponent Trip Derryberry.
Mack was unquestionably the underdog going into the runoff, after finishing second in the General by a margin of 41% to 23%. I advised Mack to avoid using the usual and customary direct mail campaign and to instead go all digital. For the entire month between the General Election Day and the ensuing runoff, we fed targeted ads to voters in his commission district. The strategy melded well with our other media, plus the financial impact of this strategy was significant. The price of the digital campaign was less than the cost of a 2000 piece mailer, which translated into Mack spending more time with voters and less time raising money.
This tactic, along with his tremendous work ethic pushed him to a 58.2% to 41.8% victory. In political speak, he won by a landslide in a race he wasn't supposed to win.
Thanks to you and the rest of the team at CWR Digital for being on the Mack Taylor team. This was our first race together, but definitely not our last.
Jim Cox
Southeastern Marketing & Production
I have personally known Carl Rau for almost 20 years. He is a professional in his field of digital technology. CWR has been a tremendous asset to our agency with their digital services - but more importantly - their knowledge. It is nearly impossible to keep up with all the digital products offered, how they should be integrated into your business and what exactly you need or not need. That's why we depend heavily on CWR to keep us abreast of new products, services and how they can help us better serve our clients.
In addition, they do first class websites. They will critique your current website and make recommendations – even going as far to send over several examples, templates and ideas.
CWR has never "oversold" any of our clients' digital products that they do not need in their advertising and marketing efforts. Give them an opportunity. You'll be very happy with their services, you will learn a lot and you will have a lot more confidence in your digital presence in the market.
Donna Hall
Hall Marketing


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Date: 10/31/2012 Views: 1738
Take our tour of Atlantic City, NJ compliments of photographer Nick Valinote in partnetship with the AC Hotel Experts. See great shots of hotels and casinos, nightclubs, the beach and boardwalk as well as attractions and restaurants. Nick is a local photographer and our reservations office is in Atlantic City, hope you enjoy our gallery.
Album: Atlantic City Hotels Tour
Album: Steel Pier Helicopter Tour
Album: AC Nightclub Tour
Fun photos of nightclub action in Atlantic City.
Album: Video Tour – Atlantic City Aerial View
Awesome Helicopter Tour Over Atlantic City, NJ
Album: Hurricane Sandy Atlantic City Storm Pictures
Album: Videos After Hurricane Sandy
Album: Miss America
About Us | Articles | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Blog | Atlantic City Guy
All Site Contents & Code Protected by Copyright © 2006 - 2014 Atlantic City Hotel Experts LLC All Rights Reserved. 34 N. Mississippi Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 Local: 609-347-9000 Toll Free: 1-888-392-8288


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Update: Thank you all for your participation and comments on the giveaway. Today, I received an email from Bo-bo with one more surprise. Apart from entering the giveaway, now you can avail 50% off on any purchase from their online store. Enjoy the 50% discount by using the code: myowl50 at the time of checkout. The code is valid for Nov. 17th and 18th. Don't forget to enter the giveaway to win a camera strap for yourself and buy one at 50% off for your friend as a gift! Visit their store now to see all the products.
Please note: the discount will be applied towards the total purchase cost before the shipping and handling.
Update: I am sorry to all of you who were not able to use the code with success. The code has been fixed and working. Good news is that the coupon validity date has been extended till November, 20th. You still have time to get 50% off on any purchase from !Mo store.
Latest Update: Our winner is Mrs. Jones. Congratulations!


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Combination Adenovirus + Pembrolizumab to Trigger Immune Virus Effects (CAPTIVE)
The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details. |
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02798406 |
Recruitment Status :
First Posted : June 14, 2016
Last Update Posted : July 15, 2021
DNAtrix, Inc.
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Information provided by (Responsible Party):
DNAtrix, Inc.
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- Results Submitted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
Results Submitted - Not Posted on ClinicalTrials.gov
Results information has been submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the sponsor or investigator, but is not yet
publicly available (or "posted") on ClinicalTrials.gov. The submitted information may not be available if it is pending
Quality Control (QC) Review by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) or if issues identified during
QC review are being addressed or corrected by the sponsor or investigator. NLM's limited QC review
assesses for apparent errors, deficiencies, or inconsistencies. NLM staff do not verify the scientific
validity or relevance of the submitted information.
Recruitment Status : | Completed |
Actual Primary Completion Date : | March 17, 2021 |
Actual Study Completion Date : | June 30, 2021 |
Submission Cycle | Results Submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov | Results Returned after Quality Control Review |
1 |
July 13, 2022 | August 9, 2022 |
2 |
March 20, 2024 | April 16, 2024 |


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A Tunisian appeals court has freed rapper Ala Yaacoubi, who last month was sentenced to two years in prison for insulting police officers with his song "The Police Are Dogs."
Critics had said the arrest of Yaacoubi, 25, who performs under the name Weld El 15, was a sign of repression in Tunisia, where mass rallies overthrew former leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali at the start of the Arab Spring in 2011. As NPR reported that summer, several rap songs became anthems for that shift.
Yaacoubi was jailed on June 13. This week, the appeals court altered his punishment to a six-month suspended sentence.
The head of Tunisia's Islamist government, Prime Minister Ali Larayedh, says that Yaacoubi was punished because of what Larayedh calls an incitement to hatred and violence.
"He was not tried on the basis of his work, or the freedom of expression, but for inciting hatred and calling for the death of police and magistrates," Larayedh told TV channel France 24 Monday.
Middle East Online describes the scene today:
"As the ruling was announced, shouts of joy erupted outside of the court of appeal in Tunis where friends and supporters of the rapper had gathered.
"'Freedom for Weld El 15!' they shouted.
Yaacoubi's rap song was posted on YouTube earlier this year. It includes these lines: "Police, magistrates, I'm here to tell you one thing, you dogs; I'll kill police instead of sheep; Give me a gun I'll shoot them."
Yaacoubi has explained his song this way, as Reuters reports:
"In a separate Internet post earlier this year, he said: 'I was only using the language of the police. They have harassed me verbally and physically. As an artist, the only way I could answer them is through art. I gave them violent art.'"
The rapper's severe jail sentence drew wide attention to his video, which as of Tuesday morning had been viewed nearly 2 million times.
The news agency reports that Yaacoubi's attorney, Ghazi Mrabit, says the court's decision "means he will be freed now ... This is a historic victory for freedom of expression and democracy in Tunisia."
The suspension of Yaacoubi's sentence comes shortly before France's President Francois Hollande will visit Tunisia.
Last week, women representing the European activist group Femen were also released on appeal, after they had been jailed for a protest at a courthouse at which, like their other demonstrations, the Femen members were topless. Women from the group also jumped on Larayedh's car in Brussels last week.
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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The dough is a quick brioche which is started with warmed milk, yeast, and flour. That mixture is left to bubble and rise for 20 minutes before it's added to butter, sugar, salt, eggs, egg yolks, and flour in a food processor. There's a tiny error in the breakfast ring recipe. You are instructed to follow the quick brioche recipe through step six, but you should actually only follow it through step four. That was no problem though; it's obvious that you're done at step four. The mixed dough was then chilled for an hour after which it was rolled into a rectangle on a floured surface. The filling included softened butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, raisins, and chopped pecans, and that was spread over the rectangle of dough. The dough was rolled up jelly-roll style, transferred to a parchment-lined baking sheet, and then formed into a ring. Of course, I worried over the evenness of the circle. Where the ends meet, it forms a smaller cross-section that the rest of the ring, but a little coaxing and sculpting left it looking good enough.
The ring shape was smoothed and slightly flattened down from the top. Using scissors, cuts were made all around from the outside perimeter to about three-quarters of the way toward the center. Each piece was twisted to one side to expose the filling. You have to lift and pull a little to get the cut and turned pieces to sit nicely next to one another. After the twisting and flipping, the finished ring sat until doubled in size. An egg wash was applied, more chopped pecans were sprinkled on top, and it was baked. Once cool, it was dusted with confectioners' sugar. Happily, it was sturdy enough to be transferred to a clean tray, but I feared that step and took photos prior to moving it.
I couldn't wait to find out how it compared to the cinnamon rolls I've been making for years. Because of the ring shape, I couldn't exactly have a little sample before presenting it to our hosts. So, I crossed my fingers and off we went. At the brunch, I heard some positive reactions about it from other guests and hoped they weren't just being kind. Finally, I cut a piece for myself. The first bite informed me that it was good, second bite: yes, I like the raisins and pecans, third bite: ok, this dough is better than what I've been using for rolls, then no more thinking and just eating. The ring makes a nice presentation and is no more difficult than cutting rolls, but individual portions would be just as good. It was a definite keeper of a breakfast bread, and this tender brioche dough will be my new standard.
I'm submitting this to Yeastspotting where you'll find some seriously well-made bread.


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NPR's business news starts with a delay in Arctic drilling.
A controversial oil drilling project in Arctic waters off Alaska is being pushed back to next year. Oil giant Shell blames a combinations of problems with an oil containment device, drifting sea ice and the need for permits. This is the second delay this year in oil companies search for oil in the Arctic. In July, BP shelved its plans to drill in the Beaufort Sea because of new stricter safety standards. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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Is debt the D in our DNA? Seems to be. The day after a Stone Age genius invented the wheel, a fast-talking salesman was probably advertising hot deals—low cost financing!—on a new set of wheels. Going into debt—using someone else's money to buy something we want—is still how many of us pay for big-ticket items like cars, houses, and college educations. But should it be?
When we look at the most financially and emotionally confident Americans, they are long-term planners with clear and attainable goals who live within their means.
Maybe you're currently more of a Day to Day Decision Maker, Ambitious Spender, or Retirement Realist. That's OK. Learning the behaviors of the financially and emotionally confident, and becoming savvy about debt, can help you down the road to living confidently, no matter your DNA. Here are some tips to help you make smarter debt decisions:
Keep your mortgage payment to 15% (or less) of your gross monthly income. Let's say your household makes $60,000 in pre-tax income. That's $5,000 per month. So, you should try to keep your monthly mortgage payment at or below $750. Higher mortgage payments squeeze out your ability to save, can make it difficult to afford other necessities, and can tempt you to put those necessities on credit cards. Don't try to keep up with Joneses. The likelihood is that they are being crushed under the weight of the debt of their brick McMansion. Use a budget worksheet to find out what you can comfortably afford.
Don't rush to pay off your mortgage. Keep up with your payment schedule, but don't be in a hurry to pay off your entire loan. (Unless you're close to retirement – see below.) Mortgage interest rates are currently around 4%, and that's cheap money compared with other lending sources. Plus, mortgage interest is tax deductible, which helps you save money. If you can refinance at a significantly lower rate, go for it, providing the fees aren't too high.
Take big swings at credit card debt. For starters, stop using the card. Try to pay more than the minimum, and be on time. If you can't pay off your balance, try, for example, sticking to an amount above the minimum that you can afford and set up an automatic payment. Carrying a large balance forward on your credit cards is like pushing the same boulder up the mountain, month after month. You'll never get out from under the obligation. Also, you're subject to escalating fees for each late payment you make.
But don't strike out on protection. It's also important to remember that you still want to have protection measures in place, or at least be actively building them, while paying down your debt. This includes things like a six-month cash cushion and appropriate insurance coverage. Allocating every dollar towards paying off your debt without building up your savings cushion is a classic mistake. Why? You could pay down all your debt, then be hit by an unexpected expense, and go right back into debt again.
Ride into retirement debt-freeish. As you get older, your income typically decreases and major debt can become a problem. Try to pay off your mortgage before you retire. If you have credit cards with high interest rates, use them less frequently and pay them off promptly. The less you owe, the more confidence you can have that your retirement income will see you through.
Finally, get help if you need it. If you're struggling with debt, or just want to improve your financial outlook, there are experts who can help. Financial professionals are trained in the art of organizing your finances and can walk you through the steps to becoming financially and emotionally confident.
Brought to you by The Guardian Network © 2017. The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America®, New York, NY
2019-85400 Exp. 09/21


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Obama, Romney make last-minute pleas in close race
November 5, 2012
KASIE HUNT, Associated Press
NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press
LYNCHBURG, Va. (AP) — President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney made last-minute pleas for votes Monday, employing their last vestiges of energy, celebrity boosters and plenty of jet fuel to encourage every supporter and the few remaining undecideds to tip the 2012 election in their favor.
National polls on the eve of Election Day showed a neck-and-neck race. But the winner will be determined by which man gets 270 electoral votes, and Obama had more paths to get there.
Ohio looms large in both of their victory plans — it was the only state both candidates were visiting Monday. And Romney's campaign announced in the afternoon that the GOP nominee would come back on Election Day for a rally in the Cleveland area. Romney also planned a Tuesday stop in the Pittsburgh area.
The incumbent and the challenger, both fighting weariness and a hoarse voice, closed by arguing they could do more to lead the country out of the tough economic times that dominated Obama's term.
"This nation is going to begin to change for the better tomorrow," Romney said.
"Our work is not yet done," Obama told nearly 20,000 people who filled the street in front of the Wisconsin capital building.
Both men campaigned in states they need to win. Romney was in Florida, Virginia, and New Hampshire, while Obama was trying to protect Wisconsin from a late-breaking GOP challenge before heading to Iowa.
And in an indication of just how all-important Ohio was once again to the future occupancy of the White House, both candidates planned to be on the ground in Columbus in the evening for dueling rallies several hours and seven miles apart. The state has gone for the winner in every presidential election since 1964.
While Romney added more campaigning for Tuesday, Obama spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the president would stay in Chicago for his election night rally and reach swing-state voters through a series of radio and television interviews.
Both candidates were also hoping to benefit from some star power. Romney planned a final rally in the day's final hour in New Hampshire with Kid Rock while country rock performers The Marshall Tucker Band was joining him in Columbus.
Obama had actors Samuel L. Jackson and Chris Rock doing urban radio interviews, "Mad Men" star Jon Hamm making calls in Colorado, rapper Jay-Z joining him in Columbus and rock legend Bruce Springsteen as his traveling warm-up act.
"He promised me a ride on Air Force One," Springsteen said, strumming his guitar as he made a political pitch between songs.
The rivals planned to appeal to pro football fans in the eleventh hour, taping interviews with ESPN's Chris Berman that will air during halftime of the Monday Night Football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New Orleans Saints.
Both candidates predicted the winner would be determined by which of their operations can get the most supporters to the polls.
"This is going to be a turnout election," the president declared in an interview broadcast early Monday as he pleaded with urban radio listeners to get to the polls.
On the edge of an airport runway in Lynchburg, Va., Romney called on his supporters to "make sure we get everyone we know out to vote on Election Day."
"Every single vote," he said, speaking within view of Liberty University and after its chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. rallied the conservative faithful in the crowd.
Obama raised the possibility of defeat as he pleaded with listeners of The Rickey Smiley Morning Show to get to the polls.
"If we don't turn out the vote, we could lose a lot of the gains we've already made," Obama said.
It was one of two of the president's radio interviews airing Monday aimed at turning out minority voters, the other with a Spanish-language station in Ohio. The president is relying on black and Hispanic voters to help offset Romney's lead with white men in particular, but the risk for him is that some of those key supporters aren't as motivated to vote as they were in 2008.
"Four years ago, we had incredible turnout and I know people were excited and energized about the prospect of making history," Obama said. "We have to preserve the gains we've made and keep moving forward."
A final national NBC/Wall Street Journal Poll showed Obama getting the support of 48 percent of likely voters, with Romney receiving 47 percent. A Washington Post-ABC News tracking poll had Obama at 49 and Romney at 48. A Pew Research Center poll released Sunday showed Obama with a 3-point-point edge over Romney, 48 percent to 45 percent among likely voters.
Obama dispatched former President Bill Clinton to Pennsylvania Monday to keep the state in his column. First lady Michelle Obama went south to North Carolina and Florida. Vice President Joe Biden made a final reach in Virginia, while Romney running mate Paul Ryan was covering the most ground, flying to Nevada, Colorado, Iowa, Virginia and Wisconsin.
The hunt for swing voters was so concentrated that Biden and Romney crossed paths in northern Virginia, the vice president's motorcade pulling past Romney's plane on the tarmac at Dulles International Airport as the GOP nominee prepared to leave the aircraft. Stopping for lunch at Mimi's Cafe in nearby Sterling, Va., Biden confidently predicted: "It's all over but the shouting."
Meanwhile, about 30 million people have already voted in 34 states and the District of Columbia, either by mail or in person, although no ballots will be counted until Election Day, Tuesday. More than 4 million of the ballots were cast in Florida, where Democrats filed a lawsuit demanding an extension of available time. A judge granted their request in one county where an early voting site was shut down for several hours Saturday because of a bomb scare.


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A drawn-out political drama over whether to seat Democrat Charniele Herring (D-46) in the House of Delegates came to an end Monday after a panel of judges decided that the Alexandria Circuit Court had no authority to include 25 uncounted ballots absentee and improperly marked ones in a subsequent recount.
The recount revealed the same thin 16-vote margin originally recorded in the 46th District special election earlier this month. Shortly afterward, Herring was sworn in at the House in Richmond, where the Republican majority had previously refused to seat her until after the recount had been completed.
I am happy to finally put this process behind us and get to work for the men and women of Alexandria and Fairfax County, Herring said in a statement. These are challenging times for Virginia, and I am humbled to have earned their support.
Herrings challenger, Republican Joe Murray, brought the case to court after 25 ballots remained uncounted despite his lawyers arguing their legitimacy. Seventeen of the disputed ballots arrived after the polls for the special election had closed January 13, rendering them unusable according to Virginia law.
Alexandria Circuit Court Chief Judge Donald Haddock, Hampton Judge Will Taylor and Judge Pam Baskerville of Petersburg ruled that the Alexandria court had no jurisdiction; it is a matter for the General Assembly to decide whether the votes should count. Much of the debate was semantic, revolving around legislative language like return as opposed to received and cast as opposed to counted.
The determination of votes in the recount shall be based on votes cast in the election and shall not take into account the absentee ballots thought to be cast but ruled invalid and not cast in the election, Haddock said at the hearing.
The courts lack of jurisdiction now places the burden of controversy on the General Assembly. Virginia elections operate according to when absentee ballots arrive, not by their postmark. Seven of the 25 ballots in question came from overseas (one arrived from Egypt, postmarked before election day) and an undisclosed number of them likely originated from military installations, according to registrar officials. There is no way to tell for sure because the ballots must remain sealed. But some envelopes bore return addresses indicating they originated from Alexandria service people abroad.
In an election where a minute number of votes could have made a difference, the disenfranchisement of overseas voters, namely service members, could gain traction.
I hope the General Assembly will take up a change in the Election Code to ensure that absentee ballot voters, and especially military voters, such as those whose ballots were not counted in this election, will be able to have their votes counted in the future, Murray said in a statement after declining to contest the courts decision. He said at the trial, I support Charniele fully.
Herring was sworn in directly after the hearing and after Alexandrias West End and a portion of Fairfax County went nearly two weeks without representation in Virginias House. Herring attended the Richmond sessions since she was first declared the winner, sitting behind her soon-to-be peers in the back of the House, taking notes on how she would have voted if she were allowed. She plans to use her notes when she runs for reelection this November, filling in the voids for her constituents.


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Howard goes against the trend somewhat and announces the possible appearance of what he calls "Retro Marketing" . In a world where going against the current is what everybody tries to do it becomes terribly important to take a step back and evaluate (instead of simply reading and nodding) how the new world of marketing is being forged. Advertising is dead , marketeers lie , and such new mantras are often being perceived as absolutes. Howard rightly thinks that this too could very well change. Hence the "retro marketing" concept.
"I find myself wondering if the "new era" of marketing is quickly becoming the cluttered noise that it is hoping to rise above. The latest "Fad" based on a few case studies where a different approach proved successful."
The thing is that basically people love fundamentals, big concepts, and omnipotent ideas that replace/fix everything that came before. It's much easier to latch on to something that will "change your life" than something that will "make your life a little better over the years". This is how telemarketeers sell stuff and it's how Seth Godin sells stuff. "All marketeers are liars", etc…
You'll notice that every one of these gurus loves to be what can only be called a fundamentalist. You can't sell yourself as a "well, it depends on the situation" type of guy. A few days ago I read on a blog (I forget which one) that "airport billboards don't work". Never? Really? The last time I landed in Heathrow I selected Vodafone as my mobile network because of one. The fact is you can't turn "simple common sense" into a book, you can't make "eh, it depends…" sexy. What sells are things like "fire all clients that aren't exceptional!" or "make everyone the boss!". The world doesn't work in absolutes but it sure loves to listen to them.
My least favourite Seth "I refer to him a lot" Godin book has to be The Big Red Fez ("How To Make Any Web Site Better") specifically because it talks in those absolute terms. Throughout reading it I kept thinking things like "well, not ALWAYS but it works sometimes, if placed there, made smaller, or redesigned to look like this". It didn't work for me, it was targetting the lowest common denominator and trying to give answers which would suit most of the people most of the time. Ironically for Seth, much of the advice wouldn't make the websites outstanding, it would just about work, band-aid. Which isn't bad, or useless for that matter but just that. To become outstanding requires a lot more, even doing some "Retro Marketing".
The best one can do is look around, pick some good ideas and let his/her good judgement do the rest. At the end of the day it isn't meeting Tom Peters or reading a Seth Godin e-book that's going to make your business succesfull, it's you and the things you figure out before everyone else does.


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Why Must We Buy? Black Friday's Powerful Pull
By JESSE WASHINGTON
AP National Writer
November 24, 2012
BEAVER FALLS, Pa. (AP) - Gravy was still warm. Dallas Cowboys were still in uniform. Thanks were still being given across the country as the pilgrimages to the stores began, heralding a new era of American consumerism.
Lured by earlier-than-ever Black Friday sales, people left Grandma and Grandpa in search of Samsung and Toshiba. They did not go blindly: In dozens of interviews, people acknowledged how spending has become inseparable from the holidays. Older folks pined for the days of Erector Sets and Thumbelinas while in line to pay iPad prices. Even some younger shoppers said it felt wrong to be spending money instead of quality time on Thanksgiving.
"But we're still out here," said Kelly Jackson, a paralegal who was standing inside a Best Buy store in the Pittsburgh suburbs, a 32-inch television ($189) in her cart. It was a consolation prize: Despite four hours on line, she missed the cheaper 40-inchers ($179) that she had heard about while listening to Internet radio.
Jackson's resignation was common among those who flocked to capitalism's temples for the consumer equivalent of genuflecting. Many said that this Black Friday bled into Thursday crossed a line, that merchants should not intrude like this. Christmas is about the message of Jesus, the feeling went - not about the gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Yet amid these protests, people still talked about feeling powerless beneath the moment - as if they had no choice but to shop.
"You have to have these things to enjoy your children and your family," said Jackson's friend Ebony Jones, who had secured two laptops ($187.99 each) for her 7 and 11 year olds.
Why must we buy? To demonstrate our love for others? To add a few more inches to our televisions? To help America recover from a vicious recession that itself was born of the desire for more?
Such questions make Jones wince. "It shouldn't be that way, but in a sense there's no way around it," said Jones, a nurse. "Everything ends up with a dollar amount. Even your happiness."
Retailers have long capitalized on the holiday season's perfect storm of emotion and tradition. "We all want to be loved, we all like to give love," says Roger Beahme, director of the Center for Retail Innovation at the Wake Forest Schools of Business. Through a flood of advertising on TV, radio and newspapers, he says, retailers can create emotions.
"Will Rogers said it's the art of convincing people to spend money they don't have on something they don't need," Beahme says. Although advertising can serve useful purposes, he says, "there's some truth to that."
Many embrace the feeling - and have, in accelerating ways, for a generation and more. Without legions of believers, Black Friday never would have gotten this bold. Despite a surge of resistance as the sales drew near, with scolding editorials and protests by retail employees and reminders of frantic tramplings past, Black Friday's grip on America may have been proven stronger than ever this year.
"It's all part of the holiday - part of the tradition," said Dennis River, a truck driver who was in line for a television at the Walmart in Beaver Falls, a small community outside of Pittsburgh. Last year, he went out alone at midnight Thursday. This year, he brought his wife and daughter. They were in place by 7 p.m.
"You get up in the morning, cook, do your dinner and your football, then you go shopping," River said. "It's the new thing now. Everyone's afraid of change."
"If they wanna have sales today," he said, "I'm gonna go shopping today."
Walmart's cavernous store is always open, but the deals began at 8 p.m. As with most big retail stores, a police car was parked near the Beaver Falls store entrance. A uniformed officer was at the door, near a stand holding maps to "featured products" such as bikes, cookware, sheets, video game consoles, and eight different TVs.
The witching hour approached. Yellow CAUTION tape cordoned off the bargains and funneled a few thousand supplicants through aisles of ignored items - yarn, shower curtains, party hats, clocks. Balloons printed with dollar signs followed by low numbers floated above the treasures.
As the cell phones struck eight, a din arose. Excited voices mixed with the sound of boxes dropping into metal shopping carts. The balloons danced as people dug into stacks of leather ottomans ($29) and 5-by-5 foot bins of $5 DVDs.
The temperature climbed. An old man inched through the throng using a folding chair ($11.88) as a crutch. Traffic jammed. Complaints and a few curses echoed.
"I'm not an angry person, but I was angry for the 20 minutes I was in there," Danyel Coyne, a college student, said as she loaded a child booster seat ($12.98) into her trunk.
She and her boyfriend, Mike Yanke, had not come to shop. They needed a spare car seat to take Yanke's daughter back to Pittsburgh. Yet Yanke still had bought a red, battery-powered convertible ($129) at his dad's request.
"I wouldn't say Black Friday has taken over," said Dave Davies, a music producer who was part of the national parade of TVs (his was 50 inches and $399). "Shopping IS the holiday. That's all people care about - what are you gonna get?"
For some, the items themselves can even take a back seat to the simple act of shopping.
Childhood friends Jesse Bredholt, Ryan Seech and a few other buddies have camped out at Best Buy for four years straight. This year, they arrived a full week early, with a tent, sleeping bags, deodorizing mist sprayer, propane heater and battery power for their gadgets.
They had no idea what they would buy. That was not the point.
For this group of single men in their early 20s, part of a generation who mark the passage of time by their first cell phones and video games, the point is spending time with each other at the source of the products that have always defined their lives.
"Our family is here," said Bredholt, who works for a health-care company. "With five guys on one mattress, you gotta be family."
Karen Jefferson, 49, also has found family on line at Best Buy, beyond her husband and three children. She was there Wednesday, seated on a folding chair, clutching a rolled-up circular.
"I'm missing Thanksgiving, and my husband thinks I'm crazy," said Jefferson, who works at a mortgage insurance company. "But I do this every year . because I enjoy meeting people and the people that come when I do. I mean, you see the same people year after year. And I do get some very good deals."
What about studies that have shown better deals are available at other times of the year?
"Oh, really?" Jefferson said. "You just think, Black Friday! Oh, my gosh, that's the deal of the year."
"Maybe that's something I need to look into," she continued. "Because, I mean, if these aren't good deals, then what are we DOING then?"
Jesse Washington can be reached at http://twitter.com/jessewashington or jwashington(at)ap.org.
AP National Writer Allen Breed in Raleigh, N.C., contributed to this report.


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Photo gallery: Snook Inn on Siesta Key
A six-bedroom house on the northern tip of Siesta Key sold Monday for $10 million, the largest residential sale in Southwest Florida in nearly two years.
"Snook Inn," a 6,400-square-foot bayfront house on two acres with a guest house, boat house, 500 feet of seawall on Sarasota Bay and close proximity to Big Pass, was purchased by an unidentified family from New England.
The 3410 Flamingo Ave. property, sold by "Mickey" and Brooke Callanen, marks the latest and largest sale in a luxury market that has been re-energized in the past year.
Michel Saunders, whose real estate brokerage firm represented both the buyer and seller in the transaction, described the property as a "a private resort that can not be duplicated."
"It has privacy and solitude," Saunders said. "It is like having your own resort, 10 minutes from everything Sarasota has to offer. When you have something you can't duplicate, it is an important property."
Saunders agents Marcia Salkin and Paulene Soublis represented the Callanens, while Realtor Pam Charron negotiated on behalf of the buyer.
In addition to being the biggest Sarasota County sale since a $12.5 million deal for a Regent Court residence closed in April 2011, the Snook Inn deal marks one of the five top sales, based on price, in county history.
Of the others, three have been in Lido Shores on Lido Key, and the Regent Court transaction occurred on Longboat Key, according to a search of county records.
But the Snook Inn sale did not happen overnight. The Flamingo Avenue property has been on and off the market for much of the past six years, and it was originally listed for sale at nearly $20 million.
"The seller was prepared to wait until the right time to sell," Saunders said.
The house was built for Callanen, who in 1983 acquired the rights to manufacture and market Guess watches, by the late Michael Collingwood in 1999 and designed by architect Clifford Scholz in a "coastal resort" style.
The house's most recent list price was $12.5 million, records show.
"We worked on finding out where they wanted to be," said Charron, who worked with the buyers for two years after being referred to them by a past client. "Narrowing it down to Sarasota was a process."
But that process, culminating in such a large purchase price -- last year's largest sale, by comparison, of a waterfront home at 1486 Hillview Drive in Sarasota, topped out at $7.5 million -- is likely to ignite other, equally large transactions, real estate agents contend.
"This is a vitamin shot -- others will follow," said Carol Clark, an agent with Premier Sotheby's International Realty.
"It is people of great means saying, 'I believe in Sarasota and I am willing to spend my money here.'"
Other houses to sell for more than $10 million in Sarasota County:
1219 Westway Drive, Lido Shores, sold for $13.2 million, with the now-vacant lot next door, in 2003.
1067 Westway Drive, Lido Shores, sold for $13 million in 2004.
825 Longboat Club Road, Regent Court, sold for $12.5 million in April 2011.
1127 Westway Drive, Lido Shores, sold for $11 million in 2003.
SOURCE: Sarasota County property records


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Today I want to acknowledge and welcome the March 14th statement of the President of Georgia, Eduard Shevardnadze, pledging his commitment to religious freedom for all Georgians and promising the punishment of individuals complicit in mob attacks on religious minorities. (I am submitting the statement for the RECORD below.) President Shevardnadze made this pledge during an ecumenical service in Tbilisi's Evangelist-Baptist Cathedral Church, attended by leaders of the Georgian Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Baptist churches and many individuals from the diplomatic community. The U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, Richard Miles, also attended and addressed the gathering. Reportedly, so many people came that hundreds had to listen via loudspeakers in the churchyard.
The service was initially planned for late January, but defrocked priest Basil Mkalavishvili and his crowd of thugs assaulted worshipers and clergy an hour before it was scheduled to begin — as they have been doing with impunity since 1999. Individuals were beaten as they tried to leave, with rocks and stones being reportedly thrown. While President Shevardnadze quickly condemned that attack, ordering the Interior Minister, the Prosecutor General, State Chancellery Head, and the Security Council Secretary to investigate and punish the perpetrators, no arrests or prosecutions followed.
Despite Georgia's appalling record on religious tolerance for the last few years, I hope President Shevardnadze's speech at the Baptist church signals a new determination to arrest and aggressively prosecute the mob leaders and their henchmen. He promised that "as the President of Georgia and a believer, I shall not restrict myself only to a mere expression of resentment. I do promise that the President and the Authorities of Georgia will do their utmost to grant every person freedom of expression of faith." Driving home the point further, Mr. Shevardnadze declared, "the state will exert its pressure on whoever comes in defiance of this principle. You may stand assured that the aggressors will be brought to justice."
As Co-Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, over the past three years I have watched with increasing alarm the escalation of mob violence. On September 24th I chaired a Commission hearing focused on this disturbing pattern. The Jehovah's Witnesses have borne the brunt of attacks, along with Baptists, Pentecostals, Adventists and Catholics. Most disheartening has been the government's indifference; victims throughout the country have filed approximately 800 criminal complaints, without one criminal conviction.
Despite a series of statements by President Shevardnadze, Georgia's Minister of Interior and Prosecutor General appear unwilling to effectively enforce the rule of law, refusing to arrest mob leaders like Mkalavishvili and Paata Bluashvili and not attempting serious prosecutions. For example, the trial of Mkalavishvili has dragged on for more than a year, without a single piece of evidence considered yet. I would hope the provision of adequate and visible security, which took months to organize, will continue and that the prosecutor will begin his case shortly. Also, the inauguration of trial proceedings against Bluashvili in Rustavi is positive; I trust the delays and shenanigans seen in Mkalavishvili's trial will not be repeated there. I also urge the Government of Georgia to arrest and detain Mkalavishvili, Bluashvili and other indicted persons who continue to perpetrate violent criminal acts against religious minorities.
Undoubtedly, President Shevardnadze's presence at the March 14th service and his statement illustrate his personal commitment to religious tolerance and basic law and order. Yet, while I appreciate his gesture, it is time for real action. If the attacks are allowed to continue, it will only become more difficult to rein in this mob violence. If presidential orders are repeatedly ignored, it will only further weaken the government's ability to enforce the rule of law. And, of course, we must not forget the plight of minority religious communities that continue to live in a state of siege, without any real protection from their government. Ironically, it appears that minorities' religious communities are freer to profess and practice their faith in regions of Georgia not under the control of President Shevardnadze's government.
In closing, I urge President Shevardnadze to fulfill his most recent commitment to punish the aggressors, thereby restoring Georgia's international reputation and upholding its international commitments as a participating State in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. I and other Members of Congress are acutely interested in seeing whether the Government of Georgia will actually arrest the perpetrators of violence and vigorously prosecute them.
Speech of the President of Georgia, Eduard Shevardnadze, at the Evangelist-Baptist Cathedral Church
"Representatives of all Religions and Nations have to Raise Prayers for Peace Together"
Tbilisi, Georgia
March 14, 2003
My dear friends,
Dear Ambassadors!
I am here to give utterance to my contentment and admiration, which derives from seeing you, all Christians, or, to be more precise, representatives of all Christian folds, assembled here, under the same roof of this temple, in the capital of Georgia famed as the Virgin's lot.
I am happy to be a witness to this occurrence. I am happy because you are together, because we are together. But all of us have our own faith.
I am an Orthodox believer, but we are all Christians. It is what we should always bear in mind and keep intact this wholeness and unity.
Georgia is one of those countries on the planet whose roots go back the farthest in history. Tolerance has become particularly entrenched in its history and nature since the days we embraced Christianity.
Christ granted that we be together. And more than this: Georgia is a multinational country, where Muslims and followers of other confessions have dwelt along with Christians in the course of centuries.
We live presently in a world of stark contradictions. It remains anybody's guess when a bomb may blast. You probably understand what I mean. Therefore, we should pray for peace, and these prayers should be raised by all of us: Christians, Muslims, representatives of every religion, confession and nation.
But prayers alone will not keep us together. We have also to struggle, in order that, through our benevolence, faith, love and respect to one another, we may put up resistance to the eradicating processes of which I already made a mention.
As was customary with my great ancestors, I go to an Orthodox church. But nor do I keep distance from synagogues, mosques or churches of different Christian confessions.
I feel respect for all who have confident belief in kindness and its victory.
I am happy to see, along with Georgian citizens, the attendance of the distinguished ambassadors and diplomats accredited in Georgia, who have come this evening to share our happiness.
I cannot but express a deep sense of regret, even resentment at the gross infringement of our unity, mutual respect and freedom of faith by some of the aggressors.
As the President of Georgia and a believer, I shall not restrict myself only to a mere expression of resentment. I do promise that the President and the Authorities of Georgia will do their utmost to grant every person freedom of expression of faith.
The state will exert its pressure on whoever comes in defiance of this principle. You may stand assured that the aggressors will be brought to justice.
I would like to greet you once more and wish you happiness and advancement of goals. So as with Georgia, a multinational country of various religious confessions, my wishes are for joy, happiness and prosperity.