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If you think of Northampton record label Signature Sounds as strictly a folk label, well, you may not have delved far into the catalogue. And the latest effort from Valley-based Jeffrey Foucault's side project Cold Satellite, Cavalcade, will singlehandedly go far in undoing that impression.
Foucault can and does handle an acoustic guitar with a whiskey-folk wistfulness, and he does so on Cavalcade. But the prevailing mood of the album is one of feedback- and overdrive-heavy rock. The first track, "Elegy (In a Distant Room)" bursts out of the speakers with a pounding beat and twin slabs of guitar, full of straightforward chords and whining lead. Over that relatively cacophonous background, Foucault offers a vocal with a searching, keening edge. It's a particularly poignant combination; the melodic brand of rock that results is nearly hypnotic in its simplicity, despite lots of moving parts. Much of Cavalcade works in a similar fashion, opting for stripped-down rock in sound and structure.
In a release accompanying the album, Foucault explains, "I tried pretty consciously this time around to write tunes that brought more of my upbringing and education in early rock 'n' roll into what I was doing. This record is a lot of four-on-the-floor rock, with only a couple blues and ballads. The first album I ever bought was Little Richard, and I wanted to make a record that reflected that."
What may seem most incongruous about "Elegy (In a Distant Room)" is its title, which sounds a lot more like a poem than a rock song. That is, of course, exactly what it is. The loose, free-verse nature of the words makes it clear, too:
All they find is a name
Moonlight on the strait
The San Juans at midnight
The iron waves
Valley poet and associate director of the UMass-Amherst MFA Program for Poets and Writers Lisa Olstein is an integral part of Cold Satellite, offering Foucault poems as starting points for his songwriting. The two, who are old friends, first collaborated in this way for the 2010 album Jeffrey Foucault: Cold Satellite.
Olstein says, "Jeffrey and I have been friends for years and each of us is interested in each other's genre: he reads a lot of poetry (and fiction, and history, et cetera) and music has always been a hugely important part of my life (as a listener).
"Back in 2007, I'd just published my first book of poems and he was between albums. I gave him some poems that didn't make the cut for my book but that I still liked, a few poem fragments, and also a piece I'd written intentionally to be song lyrics—an experiment for me. I figured, if anything, he'd mine the material for parts, but instead, what was interesting and musically productive for him was to use the words—mostly unchanged, although sometimes elided or rearranged—as leaping-off points."
Foucault's process transformed her words into songs quickly. "He'd read them fast, with a guitar in hand and a recorder on the table, letting them evoke mood and melody and rhythm," says Olstein. "He did this first with one poem that I'd taken out of my first book—just picked up a guitar in a hotel room in California and wrote while reading. He played a demo into my answering machine. We were both curious and moved forward from there."
For his part, Foucault says, "I curate the language, essentially. More often than not, I'm trying to reduce. Some songs on the new record, I cut out three or four verses and I took something she might have labeled 'chorus' or 'refrain' and made it a verse, and made one of the verses the chorus. The essential thing about what we do is that I don't ask her what the poems are about until well after the record has been recorded. I take those poems and fragments and lyrics, and most of the time I try not to even read them until I have a guitar in my hands."
Sometimes that leads to particularly interesting results. The second track, "Necessary Monsters," is a shuffling blues tune. Well after the song was recorded, Foucault asked Olstein what it was about.
The result? "…That's my first blues about pregnancy," says Foucault. "I try to sing it with conviction. But the ambiguity is important. It leaves room."
Olstein sends Foucault poems, but she's also undertaken writing words meant to be song lyrics. She offers a clue to which songs started as poems, which as lyrics—the lyrics rhyme, and the poems don't. In purely poetic terms, Olstein is very much a contemporary poet, mostly eschewing traditional bounds of form and regular meter for unhinged and sophisticated imagery that possesses a music with its own logic and rhythm, even if it's not the sort you'll find in sonnets of yore.
When Olstein speaks about the collaboration, it's clear that freedom from any particular form and a readiness for surprise are part of what she enjoys.
"I send along written pieces—poems I think might lend themselves to becoming lyrics, pieces written as lyrics with Jeffrey in mind…. We don't really talk it through—he chooses what he chooses of what I send, and I'm almost always surprised by where he takes things," Olstein says. "A lyric I'm sure is going to be a crooner ends up being a rocker and vice versa. So, for me, there's a feeling of blind faith—I trust Jeffrey's aesthetic and approach—and a certain amount of wonder. The process feels almost alchemical, where these two distinct parts come together and make something else, a third thing.
"I'm very often surprised by the life the words take on in the songs they get to become," she continues. "It can make for an excellent experience of prediction error signal: mostly I'm really delighted to encounter something unanticipated—isn't that part of what we need and want from art and from art-making?—and I value the way our collaboration forces that issue, makes it integral. Together we end up making something unlike what either of us makes on our own."
For Olstein, the widespread exposure that comes courtesy of Cold Satellite's Cavalcade is a particularly well-timed thing—her third book, Little Stranger, is due out in May from Copper Canyon Press. Reading Little Stranger is quite different from reading her lyrics in a CD sleeve. In it, Olstein's words arrive in a roomier context, and her poems take brain-tingling flight as self-sufficient pieces of writing; readers who start with Foucault's audio will find nothing lacking in her work on its own.
Olstein says working with Foucault in what she dubs a "collaboration at a distance" hasn't significantly changed how she thinks of or goes about writing. But, she says, "I do love having the possibility of this dynamic exchange and second life for some of the poems, and I also really enjoy writing song lyrics, too. It's provocative in terms of my thinking about genre, form, boundaries, rules, and, more significantly, in terms of what moves us and how and why.
"Plus, when I put in the disc and hear one of my favorite singer's new batch of songs, I already know all the words."•


text:
In this page you will find all the answers today's puzzles for 7 Little Words.
Sometimes it is difficult to pick up with all the daily updates of Secen Little Words, so when you cannot find the answers to a certain day please make a search on the homepage.
State of keen attention 7 little words
Answer: Alertness
Now just arrage the group of letters to match the answer.
Other puzzles for July 5 2018 7 little words
- Minimum 7 Little Words
- College newbie
- Black-and-white game tiles
- Extemporaneous 7 Little Words
- State of keen attention
- Set on fire 7 Little Words
- NFL Hall-of-Famer Howie
- Boris' dad 7 Little Words
- Radio presenter Janice
Related games:
If you liked Mystic Words, you will enjoy playing these other games:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Siamese Cat
Pets by Family Beast Felines Siamese Cat
Cat Carrier (Siamese)
Binds when used
Use: Teaches you how to summon this companion.
Binds when used
Use: Teaches you how to summon this companion.
Want it | Got it | Exclude — Community: 88.7% have it
Yawns, sits, and lies down.
Pit-pattering footsteps; vocalizations (on-click)
Emoting /sit while targeting it will cause it to walk over, jump onto your lap and lie down. This pet will sit on top of a summoned Pilfered Sweeper toy.
3 allowed
Patch 1.11.1 | Posted: April 1, 2007
This is one of the only pets that is both dropped and sold, making it a popular pet among both alliance and horde characters.
1-9 of 9
There are 17 different feline beasts with identical movesets. The only difference (battle wise) is the breed. For the 4 cats that have a breed choice, only the Sand Kitten and the Snow Cub cannot be mimicked by any other breed. The Cheetah Cub is the fastest with 390 speed. The most powerful is the Cornish Rex Cat with 341 power. The healthiest is the B/B Snow Cub with 1481 health. The amount of health restored from using Devour increases with power.
May 11, 2016 at 12:22am | Edits: 0 | Farstriders-US | Pets: 1145 | Score: 6840
Posted a ticket about this, Cookie has not dropped the Siamese Cat since Burning Crusade.
Apr 3, 2011 at 10:06pm | Edits: 1 | Deathwing-EU | Pets: 539 | Score: 2297
I'm a mage witch and immediately sought out some cat familiars to keep. This cat is one of my favorites. I named her Pyewacket. ;)
A virtual cookie goes out to anyone who gets the reference. LOL
A virtual cookie goes out to anyone who gets the reference. LOL
Oct 19, 2010 at 11:18pm | Edits: 0 | Moon Guard-US | Pets: 573 | Score: 2567
I love this cat. One of my favorite cats. It reminds me of my 19 years old cat, which died about a month ago. If I were to name this pet, I would name it my cats name, Marshan.
Jul 19, 2010 at 11:37pm | Edits: 1 | Emerald Dream-US | Pets: 450 | Score: 2148
You don't have to farm deadmines for this pet. You can buy him in Netherstorm for 60 silver.
Oct 24, 2009 at 8:04am | Edits: 0 | Burning Blade-EU | Pets: 526 | Score: 2502
I highly suggest getting this pet in Deadmines instead of Netherstorm. Think about it, why does a cat drop from the ships cook? if you don't get it, lets just say you're doing a very good deed by saving this cat from that fish-faced chef!
Oct 11, 2009 at 10:45am | Edits: 0 | Madoran-US | Pets: 775 | Score: 3678
With this cat, Mr. Bigglesworth lives on. In a Naxx raid full of jerks who insist on killing Kel'Thuzad's poor, innocent cat? Bust this little guy out and show them that he cannot be defeated! Mr. Bigglesworth will conquer!
Oct 3, 2009 at 12:50am | Edits: 0 | Kul Tiras-US | Pets: 499 | Score: 2303
I love this kitty, its eyes matches my Death Knight's. XD
Oct 1, 2009 at 12:45am | Edits: 1 | Tichondrius-US | Pets: 720 | Score: 3688
This is one of my favorite pets. It's old-school, I know. No flashy animations. No sound. No special effects. Just a pretty kitty whose colors remind me of my own Persian himmy.
Oh, and the "Breanni Says" above is based on real events - no joke, lol.
Oh, and the "Breanni Says" above is based on real events - no joke, lol.
Sep 26, 2009 at 10:52pm | Edits: 0 | Scarlet Crusade-US | Pets: 309 | Score: 1427
1-9 of 9
Known for its blue eyes. Also considered a delicacy by giant murlocs.


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A young actor takes infanticide and genocide in his stride.
As the secret heart of The Secret River, the actor Rory Potter carries the weight of hope on his slender shoulders.
His character, Dick, aged 10 or 11, must face the consequences of covertly befriending the indigenous boys on the Hawkesbury River - a beating (enacted offstage) by his father, a former convict, William Thornhill.
''That's a bit awkward because I have to yell,'' says the freckled 12-year-old, sitting next to his mother, Jackie May, at the Sydney Theatre Company before a performance.
''I see the story as being about how Australia's future and past could have been different if people like Thornhill had stood up and said this [killing] was wrong. I think people need to know what actually happened.''
Last week, Rory won the Sydney Theatre Awards' best newcomer honour, shared with Joseph Kelly, his co-star late last year in Belvoir Street Theatre's update of Euripides' Medea. Rory was then 11, Joseph 13.
Rory and his brother, Finn, 15, both have a flair for stage drama, despite neither parent being involved in theatre: their father, Nick, works in IT and May is an ABC Radio National journalist.
''He's reasonably extroverted and a bit of a show-off,'' May says, ''but he's got a very good nature so he can keep a lid on it.''
It was only last July that Rory, on the advice of Jack Youens, his drama teacher at Summer Hill Public School, enrolled in after-school acting classes at the Australian Theatre for Young People, where he saw a notice for Medea auditions.
Rory and Jospeh found themselves helping the Medea writers Kate Mulvany and Anne-Louise Sarks with the script, adding phrases (''I'm only little'') and suggesting and providing props such as Nerf guns and toy swords.
Medea is about a mother who kills her two children; The Secret River is about the slaughter of Aborigines. In both cases, May, her husband and the respective theatre companies talked Rory through these confronting issues, which he understands but seems unaffected by. Neil Armfield, the director of The Secret River, had seen Rory in Medea, which became the fledgling actor's audition for the Sydney Theatre's stage. However, it was the little Belvoir play that proved the harder of the two, given the extensive lines he had to learn.
The hardest part now is waiting in the wings but nerves seem to bother him little. ''Secret River is quite easy because you can't see anyone because of the bright lights,'' he says.
His favourite actors are Richard Roxburgh, whom he has not met, and his Secret River co-star Trevor Jamieson. He has met Hugo Weaving, who obligingly spoke Lord of the Rings Elvish to him.
Has he met Cate Blanchett? ''Yeah, she came into the dressing room but I was in the toilet at the time. I was getting changed, so I quickly had to get changed and run out.''
He is not easily starstruck. A keen AFL footballer and cricketer, the young actor thinks he might yet become a geneticist who helps sick animals. His present commitment is four nights a week, and his days off are spent with friends or playing with his Xbox.
''I don't know if I can make acting turn out because there are a lot of actors who have never really made it big,'' he says. ''A lot of actors don't have a steady income, so you need a back-up.''
The Secret River has a range of remarkable child actors: Bailey Doomadgee, Lachlan Elliott, Kamil Ellis, Callum McManis, James Slee and Tom Usher.


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smittyy wrote: Well yeah im a Christian, I don't care if people say, GODS FAKE LOSER. And they have "proof"
Don't know any atheists who would claim to have proof that god doesn't exist, with the possible exception of philosophers who try to show god to be inconsistent.
I'd say I have just as much proof, zero, that god doesn't exist as I do that Santa doesn't exist. Or Zeus, or unicorns.
it doesn't matter, im a born Christian, and I will stay that way for the rest of my life.
That's fine by me, if you can tell me why someone who claimed the same thing about unicorns wouldn't be written off as a loon:
It doesn't matter, I was raised to believe in unicorns, and I'll believe they exist for the rest of my life


text:
Kid-Friendly Lasagna Recipes
Reinvented Kiddie Food: Lasagna
Reinvented Kiddie Food: Lasagna
There's nothing like a bubbling lasagna for dinner, but sometimes the same old sauce, noodle, and cheese combo can get a bit old. Transform the basics into something really fun with a reinvented lasagna recipe the whole family will love. These pasta dishes are easy to make, whether you use unique ingredients or rely on nontraditional cooking techniques, and take lasagna to a whole new layered level. Click through for a reinvented lasagna recipe to try tonight.


text:
Kernel Plans
From Openmoko
This document explains the current kernel plan for the GTA01/GTA02 kernel. The idea is to share the motivations behind the actual decisions. This is a draft, and the relevant suggestions will be incorporated into it.
We would like to try this model for one or two months and if we find we are doing something wrong we will update the plans.
Patch review process
If the patch has not issues that we can tell and it is relevant it will be applied. If we can tell it is a good patch right away or that it is a critical fix we will just apply the patch.
Otherwise we will allow for two days before applying non-trivial patches to allow for community feedback and for feedback from subsystem maintainers. In the ideal case we would get ACKs from other developers (like "i like this patch") but we don't know if we can count on this.
Patchwork is a nice system. http://patchwork.kernel.org It does not replace a mailing list but it helps keep track of pending patches. We should use it.
We hope that developers actually care about the development branch. If they care, they will helps us reject patches that will likely cause trouble. We will also get more testing.
We will tag stable kernels in the repository.
We know that people like forks and code that does not change often, but the linear model is working with upstream kernel (with a lot more people involved of course).
Of course if you want to create a stable tree you do not need us. You can fork and cherry-pick changes. That's why the current Linux model works.
Upstream Linux kernel
We should have very basic GTA02 support upstream soon. Once we get to reach this milestone we will check what drivers can be included.
Issues to solve
Define how to keep track of the upstream kernel
How to move the kernel when new upstream versions are released.


text:
For anyone who wants to get as fit as possible in as little time as possible (frankly, who doesn't?), a new study, published in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, will make you rethink your gym routine.
The study divided 72 women, 60-74 years of age, into three groups. Group one did one cardio and one weight-training workout per week. Group two doubled the workout volume, performing cardio and weight-training workouts twice a week. The third group exercised six times a week; three cardio and three weight-training workouts.
The women started out as exercise novices, but by the end of the 16-week study they had progressed from 20-minute workouts done at 67 per cent of their maximum heart rate to 40 minutes at 80 per cent of their maximum heart rate. Most of the cardio was done on a treadmill.
The weight-training workouts consisted of two sets of 10 exercises performed 10 times per exercise. They started lifting 60 per cent and progressed to 80 per cent of their maximum weight.
Surprisingly, after 16 weeks there was no significant difference in all measures of fitness among the three groups. Weight loss, increases in fat free mass (muscle), strength and aerobic capacity remained similar despite the differences in training volume.
Some of these results came as no surprise to the researchers, who speculated that the four-times-a-week and the six-times-a-week groups would achieve similar results — despite the difference in training volume.
This educated guess was based on previous findings suggesting that too many workouts per week boosted stress hormones, causing a decrease in motivation and strength and an increase in fatigue, all of which diminishes fitness gains. What they didn't expect was that the group who exercised twice a week would prove to be just as strong and fit as the women who exercised two and three times more often.
Before you start dialing back your fitness commitment, keep in mind that all of the test subjects were older women. If the same study were done on a younger crowd and/or men, the results could be vastly different.
Understand, too, that the results could change dramatically if tested over a longer period of time than the four months this study was in progress. Novice exercisers post impressive fitness gains during the first few weeks of adopting a regular exercise routine. Unfortunately, those gains tend to level off over time with more experienced exercisers having to work harder to improve fitness.
That said, for middle-aged and older exercisers, the findings are promising, and not just in suggesting that impressive fitness results can be achieved in far less time than previously thought. What's really interesting about the study is the information it offered about what happens outside of the gym.
The goal of this study was actually to monitor the number of calories we burn daily, both in and out of the gym, something that slows down significantly as we age.
What the researchers found was that working out four times a week increased daily calorie burn outside of the gym by 224 calories a day compared to the six-times-a-day group, which experienced a 192-calorie-per-day drop in non-exercising energy expenditure. Those who exercised twice a week burned 127 calories more daily outside of the gym.
The researchers suggested that the drop in energy expenditure among the six-times-a-week exercisers was because they were more sedentary during the hours they weren't working out. This tendency to expend less energy outside of the gym wasn't because of fatigue, as the group didn't complain about a lack of energy, nor did their blood work show a physiological basis for fatigue. Nope, the researchers speculated that the frequent exercisers figured they got so much exercise in the gym that they could afford to put their feet up the rest of the week or that their workout schedule kept them too busy for any other active pursuits.
So what does this study tell us?
Well, it suggests more exercise isn't always the answer when it comes to improving fitness and daily calorie burn. And it reinforces the fact that what you do outside the gym is just as important as what you do at the gym. So if you're like the average person who spends 60 per cent of waking hours sedentary, you'll need to add more movement to your day.
It also suggests that the debate regarding how much exercise is enough is ongoing. That said, workout volume is largely determined by your goals, which can be as divergent as losing weight, improving flexibility, gaining strength and winning an Olympic medal. So don't wait around for a one-size-fits-all number.
Finally, it's a worthy reminder that study results can't be applied to all ages and fitness abilities. And there's no guarantee that results over the long term will match those achieved in the short term. Still, one more study confirming the fact that more exercise doesn't mean better results is good news for just about everyone.


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Berrie created in 1964 his first line of manufactured novelty collectible items. He came up with a line of stuffed plush animals and dubbed them the "Fuzzy Wuzzies." In the following year, he supplemented the Fuzzy Wuzzie franchise with the "Bupkis Family," a group of soft, rubbery dolls.
On the basis of the popularity of Russ figurines and collectibles, sales for Russ Berrie & Co. continued to grow throughout the company's first two years. In 1966, Berrie formally incorporated his enterprise. Also that year, the company moved locations. In 1968, as the company shifted quarters again, moving to Elmwood Park, New Jersey, Berrie introduced Sillisculpts, small statues with messages inscribed on them, and these too became popular items.
Key to the company's success was the maintenance of a steady flow of ever-changing merchandise. Stores that sold Russ Berrie products needed a constant stream of seasonal, holiday, and everyday items.
In the early 1980s, the Berrie & Co. continued to expand. In a reorganization of company activities, the firm split its operations into two units: Plush & Stuff: stuffed animals and fabric dolls, and Gift/Expression, which was responsible for figurines, collectibles like picture frames, greeting cards, magnets, mugs, etc.
The company doesn't exist anymore. Read here more about Russ Berrie and his foundation.
Mike - August 19, 2019
My mom's aunt who passed when I was little gave me a teddy bear that had a yellow t-shirt that read "god loves you" on it. I slept with it up until it vanished when I was a teenager (I think my mom nabbed it for sentimental purposes) I'd like to know, if possible, how long it was made (I was born in '82) and if I can find the exact one for my collection of plushes. thank y'all so much.
►reply: Hi there! Is this the one you're looking for? Take a look here: Russ Berrie God Loves You.
Kunuz - August 17, 2019
hello, i beg of you to help. I got the big size cat (light brown tripes and green eyes). I want that same but a smaller size. If you know where I find fine one then please !!
►reply: Here you'll find lots of cats, maybe you find the one you're looking for: Russ Berrie cats.
Josh - August 9, 2019
I'm looking for a specific russ berrie bunny rattle I got in 1998 when I was born. It's blue, i know there is a bear that is like it, but i'm looking for the bunny. I don't know how else to describe it but I have pictures.
►reply: Well, Russ Berrie made many rattles :) You could search for Russ Berrie Bunny Rattles, maybe you'll find one like yours.
Monica - July 19, 2019
I have a 4 1/2" bear.porcelain head hands and feet. Sift body,cute pink dress with knickers.Marked on tag 'Russ Berrie
►reply: Value is around 10-15 USD.
Astrid - July 18, 2019
I am looking for: more modern looking Russ (Bear?) with really long legs compared to rest, possibly bendable. Paws are kind of a clunmp. The photo I have only shows part of the tag "..berz". It is mainly light brown, has a dark brown spot around his right eye and ear, tail dark brown too. Area around mouth and nose is white. Any idea? I fell in love with the pictured animal but simply can't find it anywhere.
►reply: Not sure... Did you try Russ Berrie bears?
Eli - July 17, 2019
I am looking for PLUSH RUSS BERRIE TURTLE TUDDLES. They no longer have it in stock and my little girl lost hers and prays for him every night. If anyone knows how I can find one, PLEASE!
►reply: Sad to hear :-( They seem to be hard to find now... Check regularly this link: Russ Berrie Tuddles and maybe one will show up soon (hope so!)
Lisa - July 15, 2019
I have a few from the 70s I would love to sell
Joan - July 11, 2019
Have a golf mug - want more of them. How to order? Thanks
►reply: Hi, you can have a look here to see what's for sale right now: Russ Berrie golf mugs.
Louise - July 9, 2019
I have a dog he is 1975 I got it when I was a child
Susan - June 20, 2019
I would love to find a new large Samuel Spaniel dog. My daughter kept hers through college and he traveled everywhere with her. He was lost on her honeymoon cruise. He was her best friend.
►reply: How sad!! Try this page, maybe you'll find one for your daughter (hope so!): Russ Berrie Spaniel.
Katherine - June 10, 2019
My daughter likes Russ Berrie bears. She got her first Russ Berrie bear at a yard sale when she was 2 years old. My husband recently purchased four more Russ Berrie bears at a yard sale last week. But my daughter does not like the bear named Pudgy. Is the bear worth anything? Pudgy is beige coloured and has two soft leather strips for a tie. Item no. 4350. If someone can let me know if the bear is worth anything, it would be greatly appreciated.
►reply: Hi there, look on this page to find your Pudgy and values: Russ Berrie Pudgy.
Brandy - June 2, 2019
hello,I am trying to find information on an old vintage Russ Berrie tabby cat. I found a larger version K-50 or no 351. There is also a smaller version of that cat, and I believe that number is 7607. I am trying to find the production date, and cant find anything about this cat. Any help is appreciated.
►reply: Hmmm... no idea! You could try and search for Russ Berrie Tabby to see if you can find yours.
Jordan - May 11, 2019
Hi my fiance had a large dog with a love heart in its mouth she bought in the early 2000's unfortunately it was destroyed in a fire since then we managed to find a small version at a car boot but even online i cant find either the small or large version the small versions product number is 99086 if that helps any help will be greatly appreciated
►reply: Difficult to find! Keep looking for a Russ Berrie dog and hopefully one will show up one day...
Claudia - May 3, 2019
We bought a green caterpillar for my son while in New Zealand in 2007 we now live in Paraguay (South America), and wondering if they still sell them anywhere.
►reply: Ah, you mean 'Mili The Caterpillar' :-) Check this page: Russ Berrie Caterpillar for listings on eBay or if you prefer, you can also buy one on Amazon.com.
Sandy - May 2, 2019
I was a salesperson for Russ. What a great company to work for. The man was a good person and a friend to me for years. He helped me become a good salesperson, almost as good as Russ himself lol
►reply: Thanks for sharing Sandy, sounds like you learned a lot from Russ :-)
Janelle - April 17, 2019
I have been looking for a Russ Berrie Purple Bunny/Rabbit. I had got one back in 1990, the IN is 892 the name is Brucie. I would like to have another one and put the one up that I have for safe keeping. I would like some help please and thank you.
►reply: Look for Russ Berrie bunnies on this website and maybe you can find yours.
Del - March 19, 2019
I'm searching for a pair of Russ Berrie blue porcelain baby booties 'Anthony'. Any help will be greatly appreciated and I will pay a fair price plus all postage. Thank you.
►reply: Also try searching this site for Russ Berry Baby Booties.
Gayle - March 8, 2019
I am looking for a replacement Mr Snowman, for Winter Gatherings Salt and Pepper Shaker set. My husband broke Mr Snowman while putting him back in the box.Hearbroken i have had this set years.item number 33656. Would appreciate it if anyone can help.
►reply: Try this link: Russ Berrie snowman.
Terri - March 7, 2019
Hello! I searched everywhere on the Internet and can't find the Russ Berrie cow I have! It says "MOOZY" on the tag and has the nr. 495. It has a large wind up key on the side and plays "Old McDonald had a farm" AND her head slowly moves to the music! It is White with Pink and has yellow feet and ribbons on her head.Do you have any info about it? I just don't understand why I can't find it anywhere? Thank you!
►reply: I can't find anything about it either! Are you sure it's a Russ Berrie? The brand is now owned by Kid Brands, Inc.
Matthew - February 27, 2019
I am looking to replace a bear-item nr.3091 named "Canterbury"and is grey in colour, purchased in the late 1990's. I can provide pictures if needed. Any information would be much appreciated. Thank you!
►reply: Hi, have you tried searching for Russ Berry Canterbury?
Tom - February 19, 2019
I am looking to replace your 1973 Pip ducks. I have some yellow, pink, and neon green ducks. Did you ever make a larger version of this duck?
►reply: Hi there, I am not an official Russ Berrie site, sorry. I don't think they made larger versions.
Susan - January 27, 2019
Angel figurens
►reply: You can find angel figurines by searching for Russ Berrie Angels. Hope this helps!
Marta - January 19, 2019
Hello, I am looking for a teddy bear, with a pink flower in the head and another in the pink jumper. The item number on the tag is 3370Y.
►reply: Search for: Russ Berrie Bear Pink and Russ Berrie Flower, maybe you'll find them.
Lyndsey - December 12, 2018
Hello, I am looking for a stuffed mouse made by Russ Berrie. The item number on the tag is 7687. My sister lost hers, back in the 90's, when she was young. My boyfriend's childhood toy happens to be the same mouse. I am using the information on the tag of his mouse to hopefully find one for her.
►reply: You can try this link: Russ Berrie mouse or persuade your boyfriend to give her his mouse ;-)
Erika - August 26, 2018
I'm looking for the 4 angels, peace,hope,love,joy. They are holding hands, to make a circle. A large cylindrical candle goes in the center of the angel circle.
►reply: Try and search for russ berrie angel. Good luck!
Jeff - June 15, 2018
i am looking for the 26inch "jumbo size" curious george. this was made by russ berrie around 2006-2008. this was before gund, and applause had the license. i think these look the most like the original curious george, help me find one!
Joed - May 2, 2018
I am looking for Russ Berrie Luv Dog. Sparks. Sparky is a black and white Cocker Spaniel,15 cm. Grand Daughter has loved it to" Pieces" so seeking a replacement.
►reply: Also try to search for Russ Berrie Spaniel.
Rina - March 1, 2018
I am looking for item 23205 Russ Berrie Luv Dog Snaps for my grandson. He lost his, thanks
►reply: There is one for sale on eBay right now, take a look here.
Patty - February 6, 2018
I have a green turtle sitting up with the word SHY across his middle, right above his hands which are sewed together. The tag states "In your face" but the item number pulls up a completely different doll. Can you please tell where to look up the value of this particular one.
A - January 17, 2018
I am looking for a Russ plush cat I bought in 1989 to give my Mom who was in Intensive care. She loved it. When she died we kept it with her mementoes. UNFORTUNATELY someone accidentally gave it away. Sis and I were heartbroken. I am pretty sure it was Russ Number 259, and then another number 7977. I found (and have) a photo of it I found on a retail web site -- sadly it had been SOLD...
►reply: Sorry to hear this... You can try looking on this page for a Russ Berrie 259.
Irka - May 28, 2017
I've had a charisma blue scented unicorn for practically my whole life- it obviously has almost completely lost its scent nowadays and if anyone knows where I could find this jasmine-like scent or ANYTHING SIMILAR, pleeeeease tell me!!!!
►reply: No idea! That will be difficult... Either try and find another unicorn or buy a newer scented russ berrie.
Marsha - May 10, 2015
I found a teddy bear in storage. I remember seeing it in my deceased mom's home in the 1970s. It is approx. 25 inches and in perfect condition. The label says: Bennington machine washable, Russ Berrie
- March 21, 2015
I am looking for a White stuffed russ berrie cat. It has brown eyes, a small pink nose, and a plaid bow. I got it from a hospital gift shop in the late 90's. I found a grey one with a tag that says Frisky.
Lisa - December 14, 2014
I recently purchased a Russ Berrie and Company Rabbit / Bunny at an estate sale. It looks vintage, but I can't seem locate anything like it online. It's tan and white, with white fur between it's ears, black plastic eyes, red plastic nose and is holding a blue egg / ball. It was made in Korea and the tag reads (Pa Reg. No. 259, Maine No. 76, Mass. No. 200). Any information that you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
►reply: If it's an egg it could be a Russ Berrie easter rabbit. Check Google images if you can find yours.
Debbie - November 11, 2014
looking for a russ berrie bear that is tan in color is about 11" tall has a leather like nose with the name Honey on the tag perhaps made around 1983 thanks
►reply: Do you mean this bear?
Sarah - July 29, 2014
Looking for another russ Berrie dog puppet named "Spot".I have had first one for 27yrs and he's well loved.
►reply: Have you tried searching for: Russ Berrie Spot?
Pj - February 16, 2014
Can anyone tell me anything about a Russ Berrie "Harrison" Volkswagen bear,12"tall,dark blue jumper with vw motif,approx year of manufacture and if possible cost at manufacture/present? Someone said this bear was a rarity? .. Many thanks.
►reply: Nice bear, but I don't know if it's rare. One was sold on eBay UK for around 6 GBP last month.
Hans - November 30, 2013
i have 90 pc of russ berrie charisma unicorn all are factori sealed and never opend. Also 1 Kermit the broker mint with all tags. What ar they Worth to a collector?
►reply: One Charisma was sold for 21 USD last month, but used and without box. Can't compare because this was the only one. Try and sell one on eBay to see how much it can fetch. The Kermit I don't know.
Philip - June 17, 2013
could you please give me some information i have been given a yomiko patient number 259 item number 7976 could you tell me how old it is and has it any value
Julia - March 12, 2013
could someone tell me the year the Russ Baby Love victoria series #1622 was made they look like babies with christeing gowns on
Alexandra - February 28, 2013
Searching for a Russ Berrie vintage stuffed pink animal (chick or duck) named PIP made in 1973.
Bryony - February 19, 2013
I am looking for any information on two Russ Berrie toys, Tippy bear item number 7499 and Dinkie Dog item number 344
►reply: Cannot find a lot of info on them. Made in China, not worth much I'm afraid. Dinkie Dog around 10 GBP, Tippy bear maybe a few quid.
Terri - December 6, 2010
In 1980 I Purchased the entire set of Little Woman Dolls produced by the Russ Berrie Company. These dolls have never been displayed or played with and are still in their original boxes. I have looked high and low to find more but to no avail. Even Ebay only has a scattered few here and there but without certificates or boxes. I cannot find any information about the dolls or if there worth has increased in any manner. I suspect at one time the Avon Company acquired the rights to the dolls but am not positive about that. Can someone please tell me if these dolls are out of circulation and if so, how many were made. They were manufactured in Taiwan R.O.C. and have the style numbers as 1626. 1627, 1628, and 1629. Thank you.


text:
Writing Anchor Papers
In addition to rubrics, Exemplars performance material also includes annotated anchor papers for each assessment.
Samples of student work are provided at each of the four levels of the Exemplars rubric: Novice, Apprentice, Practitioner and Expert. The marked annotations identify imprortant distinctions for teachers to look for when assessing students.
These visual examples can be useful in providing students with a concrete understanding of what works meets the standard (and why). Anchor papers can also be used as a basis for student peer- and self-assessment and in staff development.
To view sample tasks and anchor papers in other subject areas and grade levels, click here.


text:
|2009-06-07, 14:50
|Link #982
At the end of this world
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Hungary, Europe
Age: 34
Damn, how impatient I am, I marathoned through so soon. Ah well, sometimes it was just too exciting to read it slowly and savor every lil' bit. It's too bad episode 5 isn't going to happen anytime soon probably (+the translation after that).
Spoiler for spoilers up to the end of episode 4. loooooong post:
@ Squirrellord
Spoiler for ch 16+:
Last edited by izmosmolnar; 2009-06-07 at 15:35. Reason: clarified spoilerinfo
|2009-06-07, 15:07
|Link #984
阿賀野型3番艦、矢矧 Lv173
Graphic Designer
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Belgium, Brussels
Age: 32
Spoiler for full ep4:
As chrono explained for Virgilia's fun comment, it isn't anything surprising: heck, even Ange and the rest talked about "Episode 1" incident etc. The term "episode" is also used instead of "game", and that happened already in ep3.
Last point: a huge mistake from our part. It is supposed to be "sumadera kasumi" obviously.
|2009-06-07, 15:19
|Link #987
At the end of this world
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Hungary, Europe
Age: 34
At least I was able to find a typo then . I didn't really know how to interpret it.
Well that was the first time I remember seeing it stated that some people are having memories of other Kakeras in Umineko. I'm puzzled why aren't they trying to act anything if those two can remember the events and their own determination going against Beatrice.
So he just borrowed it then... Well I wish he could have tried to state it that witches aren't real and just go home .
edit: Whoa. thanks for so many informative answers.
|2009-06-07, 15:24
|Link #988
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Buffer overflow
hmm..., I doubt he'd be satisfied about proving magic doesn't exist because he 'said something in red letters'... ... ... ...But it'd sure finish Beato off.
|2009-06-07, 16:06
|Link #989
do you know ベアトリーチェ様?
Join Date: Dec 2003
Age: 30
If he was happy with a conclusion like that, he'd just have taken the first opportunity he got in that tea party. Not happening, at this point at least.
My (current) theory on "Battler's sin":
I'm talking about it fairly definitively, but it's all conjecture. Pretend it's blue if you want.
|2009-06-07, 16:30
|Link #990
At the end of this world
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Hungary, Europe
Age: 34
It seems an alright theory, but I don't seem to realize the connection between Battler abandoning magical tuition to Maria, and the killings now.
According to Beato the murders now supposed to be a direct consequence of whatever action he did 6 years ago, but I don't believe that the whole thing was Maria's way to "revenge".
Another thing: Why is that whoever impersonated Beato in episode 3, made a bankaccount (or whatever it was) and deliberately choose Battler's birthday to start the account number with. Is it just sheer coincidence? Or is there some hidden meaning I don't clearly grasp? It must be like astronomical chances to have the same number on all the 4 (or possibly even more) bankaccount, and Battler's birthday.
Last edited by izmosmolnar; 2009-06-07 at 16:42.
|2009-06-07, 16:40
|Link #991
~ You're dead ^__^* ~
Graphic Designer
As if a child of 3 years old could remember a promise like that...
Don't forget that it was "officially" (since she can't remember Battler in the past) the first time Battler and Maria had met before at the airport (back in episode 1).
|2009-06-07, 17:26
|Link #992
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
While Battler's sin could be the magic thing, I don't see how people are dead becuase of that. Besides, it's strange that Maria doesn't seem to remember Battler too well in the beginning of ep1 if he's the one who made such an impact to her life...
|2009-06-07, 17:31
|Link #993
Senior Member
I don't think Battler's sin had anything to do with Maria (which would have indirectly influenced Beato I suppose). My guess is that, because of Battler's sin, the epitaph was written. Maybe Kinzo secretly looked at Battler, saw a bit of himself in the boy (or maybe Battler has six toes ._.), and decided "That is my heir"... then he left and Kinzo was like ";_; f*ck"
|2009-06-07, 17:35
|Link #994
The Great Dine
Join Date: Feb 2009
|2009-06-07, 17:37
|Link #995
~ You're dead ^__^* ~
Graphic Designer
It's indirect and not related to Beato at all...hmm...
But then again, the epitaph was not made 6 years ago (iirc).
|2009-06-07, 17:37
|Link #996
do you know ベアトリーチェ様?
Join Date: Dec 2003
Age: 30
She might be "unsure", like Beato, but not have outwardly expressed it. I took that into account. If you haven't seen someone for a really long time, even if they're important, and you see someone who might be them, do you run up and greet them in a familiar way? I sure wouldn't.
And I'd say the chances of a 3-year-old remembering something like that aren't too bad, especially if nobody would normally play with her, and to remember it for 6 years, all that had to happen was for her to be massively disappointed each time.
I mean, the details, maybe not, but that a friendly onii-chan told her about something called magic and promised to play with her next time, that's nothing difficult. And that he didn't show up? That's the sort of thing little kids remember the best, if you ask me.
I'm not gonna claim I've got the answer right here, but I wanted to bounce my idea off everyone.
|2009-06-07, 17:44
|Link #997
~ You're dead ^__^* ~
Graphic Designer
Still...I could swallow something if Maria was 6 at the time...but 3 is REALLY stretching it for me...colour me surprised if you end up being correct too.
There is still this thing about Beato being completely unimpressed by Battler for not remembering too and I can't say that upsetting Maria could have cause her to call up a bunch of hitman to kill the whole family.
|2009-06-07, 17:46
|Link #998
do you know ベアトリーチェ様?
Join Date: Dec 2003
Age: 30
Beato says it, it's a "one in a quadrillion chance" that he's the Battler she's looking for. She didn't assume, but thought there was a possibility.
I think I addressed your other points fine, too (regarding the connection), and hitmen wouldn't fit under the constraints given anyway.
|2009-06-07, 18:03
|Link #999
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
A theory I have read a while ago, which seems probable is related to that:
Spoiler for Battler's Sin?:
|2009-06-07, 18:06
|Link #1000
~ You're dead ^__^* ~
Graphic Designer
She also refused to state in red that the events that happened on the island was because he returned to the family after 6 years.
|Thread Tools


text:
Does androgen ablation therapy accelerate bone loss?
Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts,"
My father has been treated for prostate cancer for the past seven years with Lupron. He recently suffered a fractured vertebra. He has severe osteoporosis. He was prescribed Fosamax but now wonders what good that will do if he is still receiving the Lupron injections. I was wondering whether you might be familiar with this problem as the result of Lupron and what other options might be available to him.
David J Vaughn, MD, Medical Director of the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and Assistant Professor of Medicine, Hematology-Oncology at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, responds:
There is clearly data that androgen ablation therapy can accelerate bone loss (osteoporosis). If the bone loss is severe enough to start causing fractures, your father should be seeing a specialist in this area. Fosamax has been shown to increase the bone mineral density in some patients with severe osteoporosis. There is data that an intravenously administered medication in this same family of drugs (Pamidronate) can diminish this effect on bone densimetry studies. What has not yet been proven is that this "protection" translates into improved quality of life for patients. Studies are in progress to address this question. Even though your father is on Lupron therapy he should still consider treatment for his severe osteoporosis.


text:
When a user enters your website for the first time, they should be encouraged to give you their email address via a nice popup.
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text: Brunsviga 18RK 05 November 2010 david Blog I've bought a Brunsviga 18RK mechanical calculating machine, since it is a piece of computing history. Here it is: It is awesome and I can report that everything seems to work. It can't do negative numbers, so I have enjoyed doing things like entering 100 and then subtracting 150 to get a result of 9999999999950. That's called underflowing the accumulator, and a bell rings when you do it. In its honour, I have also written this C program: #include <stdio.h> int main(int argc, char *argv[]){ unsigned char test='A'; test-=66; printf("%d%c\n",test,7); return 0;} …which underflows an unsigned char, subtracting 66 from 65 to get a result of 255. For the sake of completeness I'm printing ACSII code 7 at the same time, so that a bell also sounds. I'm sorry.


text:
Philips probes possibilities of hi-tech pants
Make sure they're clean
Register Hardware can state with confidence that Philips' latest patent application really is total pants. The firm has designed a pair of briefs that supposedly monitor the wearer's blood pressure.
Philips' pants: monitor your blood pressure and keep you in place
The hi-tech undies have sensors sewn into the waistband that measure the wearer's pulse wave velocity – the rate at which pulses of blood stream through a person's circulatory system.
By measuring the time it takes for one pulse to pass between two sensors, the smalls will be able to calculate the wearer's blood pressure.
Philips' pants could even do away with the need for the traditional sphygmomanometer used to measure blood pressure. So, next time the doctor asks you to whip off your pants rather than roll up your sleeve, there's no need to fear the worst – he or she may simply want to check your blood pressure.


text:
BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's men's varsity lacrosse team continued its winning ways last week, beating host Bennett, 13-8, on Friday to improve to 5-3 on the season including a 4-1 Bayside South record.
The Seahawks got scoring from a variety of sources against the Clippers last Friday with Calvin Snyder leading the way with five goals. Ben Kelleher added three goals while Nick Abbaticchio and Matt Doherty pitched in two apiece.
The win completed a successful week for the Seahawks, who routed Wicomico, 20-0, in the pouring rain last Wednesday. Things get a little tougher for Decatur, however. The Seahawks play league leader and unbeaten Parkside at home this afternoon, followed by another road game against Easton next Wednesday.


text:
Diane Kruger at Louis Vuitton Party
Diane Kruger Celebrates Louis Vuitton's Latest With Joshua Jackson
Diane Kruger swung by Sirius XM in NYC yesterday to chat about her new movie, Farewell, My Queen, then changed into Louis Vuitton for a night out with her boyfriend, Joshua Jackson. The couple attended an event at the Whitney Museum to celebrate the launch of Louis Vuitton's collaboration with Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese artist known for her colorful prints. Diane and Josh mingled at the bash with other stylish stars like Dianna Agron, Sofia Coppola, and Margherita Missoni. There was a cocktail hour and dinner following the photocall, allowing Diane to catch up with other friends like British actress Alice Eve, as well as Margherita and Dianna.
The arty bash came after the NYC premiere of Farewell, My Queen on Monday. At the screening, Josh talked about seeing Diane all done up as Marie Antoinette while she was making the movie. He said, "I definitely made the effort to go see her in the full queen regalia. It's a one-time thing in an actor's life. It was sexy — period, full stop. I mean, it was kind of a kinky fetish thing with the wigs and the corsets. I don't know how [people] survived that period. Foreplay must've been a sonofab*tch. It takes a nation of millions to get those things on and off."


text:
Fire in Rocky Mountain National Park burns 300 acres
Grand County, CO Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park officials have released further information about a wildfire that was reported around 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9, approximately 2 miles west of Fern Lake Trailhead on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Following are excerpts:
The fire is west of Moraine Park, which is bisected by the
Bear Lake Road. As of 5 p.m. the fire was reported to be 300 acres and
burning to the north in steep, forested terrain. The fire is burning
up-slope toward alpine tundra. There are no structures threatened.
Park personnel are on scene and additional fire personnel and air support
have arrived. Due to steep, inaccessible terrain, crews will not be put on
the fire line tonight. Fire personnel will remain at the fire and will
monitor activity throughout the night. Fire crews and engines are on order
and one crew is expected to arrive after dark on Oct. 9.
Currently, Bear Lake Road, Upper Beaver Meadows Road and Moraine Park
Campground are closed. The campground was evacuated along with backcountry campsites and trails in the area of the fire. Trail Ridge Road, highway 34, remains open.
Trails west of Bear Lake Road and south of Trail Ridge Road are closed.
There have been no evacuations of residents in the Estes Park area, though
heavy smoke drifting over town has caused considerable concern. A fire
information number has been set up with a recorded message and will be
updated as conditions change. The number is 970-586-1381
An air tanker (SEAT) and heavy helitanker have arrived but due to cloudy
and turbulent conditions they are unable to fly.
Note: while the fire was very active this afternoon, it is expected that
fire activity will decrease as night approaches and unless conditions
change, this will be the only update this evening.
This story will be updated on Wednesday, Oct. 10.
Start a dialogue, stay on topic and be civil.
If you don't follow the rules, your comment may be deleted.


text:
The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group will welcome an Operation Enduring Freedom Monument to Strand Vista Park on Sunday as the monument nears the end of its journey from the East Coast to Camp Pendleton.
The monument is scheduled to arrive at 1 p.m. at the south end of the Strand Vista parking lot near Selva Road and Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point.
The monument is being transported on the back of a flatbed semitrailer driven by Navy veteran Henry Lafreniere as it arrives from its latest stop in Primm, Nev. The truck will be staying overnight at Strand Vista Park and will depart for Camp Pendleton at 8:15 a.m. Monday with a motorcycle escort by the Patriot Guard Riders.
The 7-by-8-foot, 7-ton granite monument, fabricated by Rock of Ages in Graniteville, Vt., was been making its way to Southern California since May 11.
The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group led a fundraising drive for a tribute to members of the regiment and related units killed in Afghanistan. The monument lists the names of 89 service members. Read them at danapoint5thmarines.com/oef#fallen.
For more information, call Alan Wickstrom at 949-842-0594.


text:
it's getting colder~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 19 Oct 2015 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
It is getting colder and we even had some snow last week. That means I finally get to wear my favourite coat!
I found this faux fur gem at a flea market and only paid 8€ for it. It's so cosy and warm. And it is definitely an eye catcher. I've been wearing it for the past two winters and it never gets boring, because it goes so well with every outfit. If you don't already have one, I would strongly advise you to get yourself a faux fur coat.
There is no other way to be this warm and stylish in winter ;)
What I am wearing:
Hat: Forever21
Tee: DIY
Pants: H&M
Shoes: Vans
Continue Reading


text:
Rwanda Population: 12,988,4232 VISITORS FROM HERE!
« Previous Country | Next Country » Back to Flag Counter Overview
|In 1959, three years before independence from Belgium, the majority ethnic group, the Hutus, overthrew the ruling Tutsi king. Over the next several years, thousands of Tutsis were killed, and some 150,000 driven into exile in neighboring countries. The children of these exiles later formed a rebel group, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), and began a civil war in 1990. The war, along with several political and economic upheavals, exacerbated ethnic tensions, culminating in April 1994 in a state-orchestrated genocide, in which Rwandans killed up to a million of their fellow citizens, including approximately three-quarters of the Tutsi population. The genocide ended later that same year when the predominantly Tutsi RPF, operating out of Uganda and northern Rwanda, defeated the national army and Hutu militias, and established an RPF-led government of national unity. Approximately 2 million Hutu refugees - many fearing Tutsi retribution - fled to neighboring Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, and former Zaire. Since then, most of the refugees have returned to Rwanda, but several thousand remained in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC, the former Zaire) and formed an extremist insurgency bent on retaking Rwanda, much as the RPF did in 1990. Rwanda held its first local elections in 1999 and its first post-genocide presidential and legislative elections in 2003. Rwanda in 2009 staged a joint military operation with the Congolese Army in DRC to rout out the Hutu extremist insurgency there, and Kigali and Kinshasa restored diplomatic relations. Rwanda also joined the Commonwealth in late 2009 and assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2013-14 term.
Landlocked; most of the country is savanna grassland with the population predominantly rural
|Central Africa, east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, north of Burundi
|Geographic coordinates:
| total: 26,338 sq km
land: 24,668 sq km
water: 1,670 sq km
Size comparison: slightly smaller than Maryland
|Land Boundaries:
|total: 930 km border countries (4): Burundi 315 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 221 km, Tanzania 222 km, Uganda 172 km
|0 km (landlocked)
|Maritime claims:
|none (landlocked)
|temperate; two rainy seasons (February to April, November to January); mild in mountains with frost and snow possible
|mostly grassy uplands and hills; relief is mountainous with altitude declining from west to east
|Elevation extremes:
|Natural resources:
|gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore), methane, hydropower, arable land
|Land use:
| agricultural land: 74.5% arable land 47%; permanent crops 10.1%; permanent pasture 17.4% forest: 18%
other: 7.5% (2011 est.)
|Irrigated land:
|96 sq km (2012)
|Natural hazards:
|periodic droughts; the volcanic Virunga Mountains are in the northwest along the border with Democratic Republic of the Congo volcanism: Visoke (elev. 3,711 m), located on the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is the country's only historically active volcano
|Current Environment Issues:
|deforestation results from uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel; overgrazing; soil exhaustion; soil erosion; widespread poaching
|International Environment Agreements:
| party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea
|^Back to Top
| noun: Rwandan(s)
adjective: Rwandan
|Ethnic groups:
|Hutu (Bantu) 84%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 15%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%
|Kinyarwanda only (official, universal Bantu vernacular) 93.2%, Kinyarwanda and other language(s) 6.2%, French (official) and other language(s) 0.1%, English (official) and other language(s) 0.1%, Swahili (or Kiswahili, used in commercial centers) 0.02%, other 0.03%, unspecified 0.3% (2002 est.)
|Roman Catholic 49.5%, Protestant 39.4% (includes Adventist 12.2% and other Protestant 27.2%), other Christian 4.5%, Muslim 1.8%, animist 0.1%, other 0.6%, none 3.6% (2001), unspecified 0.5% (2002 est.)
|12,988,423 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2016 est.)
|Age structure:
| 0-14 years: 41.53% (male 2,719,248/female 2,674,688)
15-24 years: 18.87% (male 1,226,141/female 1,225,009)
25-54 years: 32.93% (male 2,142,936/female 2,134,064)
55-64 years: 4.09% (male 249,447/female 282,225)
65 years and over: 2.58% (male 138,834/female 195,831) (2016 est.)
|Dependency ratios:
| total dependency ratio: 78.1%
youth dependency ratio: 73.1%
elderly dependency ratio: 5%
potential support ratio: 20.1% (2015 est.)
|Median age:
| total: 19 years
male: 18.7 years
female: 19.2 years (2016 est.)
|Population growth rate:
|2.53% (2016 est.)
|Birth rate:
|33.3 births/1,000 population (2016 est.)
|Death rate:
|8.8 deaths/1,000 population (2016 est.)
|Net migration rate:
|0.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2016 est.)
| urban population: 28.8% of total population (2015)
rate of urbanization: 6.43% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
|Major urban areas - population:
|KIGALI (capital) 1.257 million (2015)
|Sex ratio:
| at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 1 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 0.88 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2016 est.)
|Mother's mean age at first birth:
|23 note: median age at first birth among women 25-29 (2014/15 est.)
|Maternal mortality rate:
|290 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)
|Infant mortality rate:
| total: 56.8 deaths/1,000 live births male: 60.2 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 53.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2016 est.)
|Life expectancy at birth:
| total population: 60.1 years male: 58.5 years
female: 61.7 years (2016 est.)
|Total fertility rate:
|4.46 children born/woman (2016 est.)
|Contraceptive prevalence rate:
|51.6% (2010/11)
|Health expenditures:
|7.5% of GDP (2014)
|Physicians density:
|0.06 physicians/1,000 population (2010)
|Hospital bed density:
|1.6 beds/1,000 population (2007)
|Drinking water source:
| improved:
urban: 86.6% of population
rural: 71.9% of population
total: 76.1% of population
urban: 13.4% of population
rural: 28.1% of population
total: 23.9% of population (2015 est.)
|Sanitation facility access:
| improved:
urban: 58.5% of population
rural: 62.9% of population
total: 61.6% of population
urban: 41.5% of population
rural: 37.1% of population
total: 38.4% of population (2015 est.)
|HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
|2.89% (2015 est.)
|HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
|201,900 (2015 est.)
|HIV/AIDS - deaths:
|2,900 (2015 est.)
|Obesity - adult prevalence rate:
|3.3% (2014)
|Children under the age of 5 years underweight:
|11.7% (2011)
|Education expenditures:
|5% of GDP (2013)
| definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 70.5%
male: 73.2%
female: 68% (2015 est.)
|School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
| total: 11 years male: 11 years
female: 11 years (2013)
|Unemployment, youth ages 15-24:
| total: 4.5% male: 3.6%
female: 5.2% (2012 est.)
|^Back to Top
|Country name:
| conventional long form: Republic of Rwanda
conventional short form: Rwanda
local long form: Republika y'u Rwanda
local short form: Rwanda
former: Ruanda, German East Africa
etymology: the name translates as "domain" in the native Kinyarwanda language
|Government type:
|presidential republic
| name: Kigali
geographic coordinates: 1 57 S, 30 03 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
|Administrative divisions:
|4 provinces (in French - provinces, singular - province; in Kinyarwanda - intara for singular and plural) and 1 city* (in French - ville; in Kinyarwanda - umujyi); Est (Eastern), Kigali*, Nord (Northern), Ouest (Western), Sud (Southern)
|1 July 1962 (from Belgium-administered UN trusteeship)
|National holiday:
|Independence Day, 1 July (1962)
|several previous; latest adopted by referendum 26 May 2003, effective 4 June 2003; amended several times, last in 2015 (2016)
|Legal system:
|mixed legal system of civil law, based on German and Belgian models, and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court
|18 years of age; universal
|Executive branch:
| chief of state: President Paul KAGAME (since 22 April 2000)
head of government: Prime Minister Anastase MUREKEZI (since 24 July 2014)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a 7-year term (eligible for a second term); note - on December 18, Rwanda held a referendum on constitutional amendments that reduce the length of the terms for the president, senators, and Chief Justice and Deputy Chief from seven to five years; the reforms retained term limits, but included an exception for the current president that allows President KAGAME to serve another seven-year term in 2017, potentiallyy followed by two additional five-year terms; election last held on 9 August 2010 (next to be held in 2017); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Paul KAGAME reelected president; Paul KAGAME (RPF) 93.1%, Jean NTAWUKURIRYAYO (PSD) 5.1%, other 1.8%
|Legislative branch:
| description: bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate or Senat (26 seats; 12 members indirectly elected by local councils, 8 appointed by the president, 4 appointed by the Political Organizations Forum - a body of registered political parties, and 2 selected by institutions of higher learning; members serve 8-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies or Chambre des Deputes (80 seats; 53 members directly elected by proportional representation vote, 24 women elected by special interest groups, and 3 selected by youth and disability organizations; members serve 5-year terms)
elections: Senate - NA; Chamber of Deputies - last held on 16-18 September 2013 (next to be held in 2018)
election results: Chamber of Deputies percent of vote by party - Rwndan Front Coalition 76.2%, PSD 13%, PL 9.3%, other 1.5%; seats by party - Rwandan Front Coalition 41, PSD 7, PL 5, 27 members indirectly elected
|Judicial branch:
| highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief and deputy chief justices and 15 judges; normally organized into 3-judge panels); High Court (consists of the court president, vice-president, and a minimum of 24 judges and organized into 5 chambers note: Supreme Court judges nominated by the president of the republic after consultation with the Cabinet and the Superior Council of the Judiciary or SCJ (a 27-member body of judges, other judicial officials, and legal professionals), and approved by the Senate; chief and deputy chief justices appointed for 8-year nonrenewable terms; tenure of judges NA; High Court president and vice-president appointed by the president of the republic upon approval by the Senate; judges appointed by the Supreme Court chief justice upon approval of the SCJ; judge tenure NA judge selection and term of office: High Court of the Republic; commercial courts including the High Commercial Court; intermediate courts; primary courts; Gacaca and military specialized courts
subordinate courts: High Court of the Republic; commercial courts including the High Commercial Court; intermediate courts; primary courts; Gacaca and military specialized courts
|Political parties and leaders:
|Liberal Party or PL [Protais MITALI] Party for Progress and Concord or PPC [Christian MARARA] Rwandan Patriotic Front or RPF [Prosper HIGIRO] Social Democratic Party or PSD [Vincent BIRUTA]
|Political pressure groups and leaders:
|IBUKA (association of genocide survivors)
|International organization participation:
|ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CEPGL, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
|National symbol(s):
|traditional woven basket with peaked lid; national colors: blue, yellow, green
|National anthem:
| name: "Rwanda nziza" (Rwanda, Our Beautiful Country)
lyrics/music: Faustin MURIGO/Jean-Bosco HASHAKAIMANA
note: adopted 2001
|Diplomatic representation in the US:
| chief of mission: Ambassador Mathilde MUKANTABANA (since 5 July 2013)
chancery: 1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 418, Washington, DC, 2000
telephone: [1] (202) 232-2882
|Diplomatic representation from the US:
| chief of mission: Ambassador Erica BARKS-RUGGLES (since 26 January 2015)
embassy: 2657 Avenue de la Gendarmerie, Kigali
mailing address: B.P. 28, Kigali
telephone: [250] 252 596-400
|^Back to Top
Rwanda is a rural country with about 90% of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture and some mineral and agro-processing. Tourism, minerals, coffee and tea are Rwanda's main sources of foreign exchange. Despite Rwanda's fertile ecosystem, food production often does not keep pace with demand, requiring food imports. Energy shortages, instability in neighboring states, and lack of adequate transportation linkages to other countries continue to handicap private sector growth. The 1994 genocide decimated Rwanda's fragile economic base, severely impoverished the population, particularly women, and temporarily stalled the country's ability to attract private and external investment. However, Rwanda has made substantial progress in stabilizing and rehabilitating its economy to pre-1994 levels. GDP has rebounded with an average annual growth of 7%-8% since 2003 and inflation has been reduced to single digits. Nonetheless, in 2015, 39% of the population lived below the poverty line, according to government statistics, compared to 57% in 2006. Africa's most densely populated country is trying to overcome the limitations of its small, landlocked economy by leveraging regional trade; Rwanda joined the East African Community and is aligning its budget, trade, and immigration policies with its regional partners. The government has embraced an expansionary fiscal policy to reduce poverty by improving education, infrastructure, and foreign and domestic investment, and pursuing market-oriented reforms. In recognition of Rwanda's successful management of its macro economy, in 2010, the IMF graduated Rwanda to a Policy Support Instrument. The Rwandan Government is seeking to become a regional leader in information and communication technologies. In 2012, Rwanda completed the first modern Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kigali. The SEZ seeks to attract investment in all sectors, but specifically in agribusiness, information and communications, trade and logistics, mining, and construction.
|GDP (purchasing power parity):
| GDP (purchasing power parity): $21.97 billion (2016 est.) $20.73 billion (2015 est.) $19.39 billion (2014 est.)
note: data are in 2016 dollars
|GDP (official exchange rate):
|GDP (official exchange rate): $8.341 billion (2015 est.)
|GDP - real growth rate:
|6% (2016 est.) 6.9% (2015 est.) 7% (2014 est.)
|GDP - per capita (PPP):
| GDP - per capita (PPP): $1,900 (2016 est.) $1,800 (2015 est.) $1,800 (2014 est.)
note: data are in 2016 dollars
|Gross national saving:
|12.9% of GDP (2016 est.) 12.8% of GDP (2015 est.) 15.6% of GDP (2014 est.)
|GDP - composition, by end use:
| household consumption: 77.8%
government consumption: 11.4%
investment in fixed capital: 26.4%
investment in inventories: 0.6%
exports of goods and services: 13.6%
imports of goods and services: -29.8% (2016 est.)
|GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
| household consumption: 77.8%
government consumption: 11.4%
investment in fixed capital: 26.4%
investment in inventories: 0.6%
exports of goods and services: 13.6%
imports of goods and services: -29.8% (2016 est.)
|Agriculture - products:
|coffee, tea, pyrethrum (insecticide made from chrysanthemums), bananas, beans, sorghum, potatoes; livestock
|cement, agricultural products, small-scale beverages, soap, furniture, shoes, plastic goods, textiles, cigarettes
|Industrial production growth rate:
|6.9% (2016 est.)
|Labor force:
|6.03 million (2016 est.)
|Labor force - by occupation:
| agriculture: 90% industry and
services: 10% (2000)
|Unemployment rate:
|Population below poverty line:
|39.1% (2015 est.)
|Household income or consumption by percentage share:
| lowest 10%: 2.1%
highest 10%: 43.2% (2011 est.)
|Distribution of family income - Gini index:
|46.8 (2000) 28.9 (1985)
| revenues: $1.865 billion
expenditures: $2.279 billion (2016 est.)
|Taxes and other revenues:
|22.4% of GDP (2016 est.)
|Public debt:
|36.6% of GDP (2016 est.) 33.9% of GDP (2015 est.)
|Fiscal year:
|calendar year
|Inflation rate (consumer prices):
|Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.6% (2016 est.) 2.5% (2015 est.)
|Current account balance:
|-$1.385 billion (2016 est.) -$1.096 billion (2015 est.)
|$674.9 million (2016 est.) $683.7 million (2015 est.)
|Exports - commodities:
|coffee, tea, hides, tin ore
|Exports - partners:
|Democratic Republic of the Congo 19.8%, US 10.8%, China 10.3%, Swaziland 7.9%, Malaysia 7%, Pakistan 6.2%, Germany 5.9%, Thailand 5.5% (2015)
|$1.961 billion (2016 est.) $1.917 billion (2015 est.)
|Imports - commodities:
|foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, steel, petroleum products, cement and construction material
|Imports - partners:
|Uganda 15.7%, Kenya 11.8%, India 8.7%, China 8.7%, UAE 8.6%, Russia 6.6%, Tanzania 5.1% (2015)
|Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
|$756.3 million (31 December 2016 est.) $1.03 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
|Debt - external:
|$2.442 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $2.178 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
|Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
|$1.779 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $1.484 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
|Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
|$25.6 million (31 December 2016 est.) $25.6 million (31 December 2015 est.)
|Market value of publicly traded shares:
|Exchange rates:
|Rwandan francs (RWF) per US dollar - 787.9 (2016 est.) 720.54 (2015 est.) 720.54 (2014 est.) 680.95 (2013 est.) 616.6 (2012 est.)
|^Back to Top
|Electricity - production:
|500 million kWh (2014 est.)
|Electricity - consumption:
|500 million kWh (2014 est.)
|Electricity - exports:
|3 million kWh (2014 est.)
|Electricity - imports:
|95 million kWh (2014 est.)
|Electricity - installed generating capacity:
|100,000 kW (2014 est.)
|Electricity - from fossil fuels:
|34.3% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
|Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
|0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
|Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
|65.7% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
|Electricity - from other renewable sources:
|0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
|Crude oil - production:
|0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
|Crude oil - exports:
|0 bbl/day (2013 est.)
|Crude oil - imports:
|0 bbl/day (2013 est.)
|Crude oil - proved reserves:
|0 bbl (1 January 2016 es)
|Refined petroleum products - production:
|0 bbl/day (2013 est.)
|Refined petroleum products - consumption:
|6,000 bbl/day (2014 est.)
|Refined petroleum products - exports:
|0 bbl/day (2013 est.)
|Refined petroleum products - imports:
|5,979 bbl/day (2013 est.)
|Natural gas - production:
|0 cu m (2013 est.)
|Natural gas - consumption:
|0 cu m (2013 est.)
|Natural gas - exports:
|0 cu m (2013 est.)
|Natural gas - imports:
|0 cu m (2013 est.)
|Natural gas - proved reserves:
|56.63 billion cu m (1 January 2016 es)
|Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
|800,000 Mt (2013 est.)
|^Back to Top
|Cellular Phones in use:
|total: 8.76 million subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 69 (July 2015 est.)
|Telephone system:
| general assessment: small, inadequate telephone system primarily serves business, education, and government
domestic: the capital, Kigali, is connected to provincial centers by microwave radio relay and, recently, by cellular telephone service; much of the network depends on wire and HF radiotelephone; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone density has increas
international: country code - 250; international connections employ microwave radio relay to neighboring countries and satellite communications to more distant countries; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) in Kigali (includes telex and telefax service) (2015)
|Broadcast media:
|government owns and operates the only TV station; government-owned and operated Radio Rwanda has a national reach; 9 private radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)
|Internet country code:
|Internet users:
|total: 2.279 million percent of population: 18% (July 2015 est.)
|^Back to Top
|7 (2013)
|Airports (paved runways):
| total 4
over 3,047 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 1 (2013)
|Airports (unpaved runways):
| total 3
914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 1 (2013)
| total 4,700 km
paved: 1,207 km
unpaved: 3,493 km (2012)
|(Lac Kivu navigable by shallow-draft barges and native craft) (2011)
|Ports and terminals:
|lake port(s): Cyangugu, Gisenyi, Kibuye (Lake Kivu)
|^Back to Top
|Military branches:
|Rwanda Defense Force (RDF): Rwanda Army (Rwanda Land Force), Rwanda Air Force (Force Aerienne Rwandaise, FAR) (2013)
|Military service age and obligation:
|18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; Rwandan citizenship is required, as is a 9th-grade education for enlisted recruits and an A-level certificate for officer candidates; enlistment is either as contract (5-years, renewable twice) or career; retirement (for officers and senior NCOs) after 20 years of service or at 40-60 years of age (2012)
|Military expenditures:
|1.12% of GDP (2012) 1.19% of GDP (2011) 1.12% of GDP (2010)
|^Back to Top
|Transnational Issues
|Disputes - International:
|Burundi and Rwanda dispute two sq km (0.8 sq mi) of Sabanerwa, a farmed area in the Rukurazi Valley where the Akanyaru/Kanyaru River shifted its course southward after heavy rains in 1965; fighting among ethnic groups - loosely associated political rebels, armed gangs, and various government forces in Great Lakes region transcending the boundaries of Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DROC), Rwanda, and Uganda - abated substantially from a decade ago due largely to UN peacekeeping, international mediation, and efforts by local governments to create civil societies; nonetheless, 57,000 Rwandan refugees still reside in 21 African states, including Zambia, Gabon, and 20,000 who fled to Burundi in 2005 and 2006 to escape drought and recriminations from traditional courts investigating the 1994 massacres; the 2005 DROC and Rwanda border verification mechanism to stem rebel actions on both sides of the border remains in place
|Refugees and internally displaced persons:
|refugees (country of origin): 73,092 (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (2016); 84,120 (Burundi) (2017) IDPs: undetermined (fighting between government and insurgency in 1998-99; returning refugees) (2012)
|^Back to Top
« Previous Country | Next Country » Back to Flag Counter Overview
Source: CIA - The World Factbook


text:
Terry Eastland's piece on the Weekly Standard's web page reports on a federal class action lawsuit challenging the federal government's affirmative action program regarding its own employees. Eastland demonstrates the cynicism and absurdity of that program. Bill Clinton promised to "mend" affirmative action. Yet, the government apparently has preferred minority candidates over better qualified whtes where the overall representation of the minority group in the relevant job category was one-tenth of one percent less than what the bureaucrats deemed, based on census-type data, to be the "proper" level. To do so, the law requires these officials to find such slight differences a "manifest imbalance." This turns out to be no obstacle for the government. At least until the class action suit is decided.
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"Arise and take our stand for freedom as in the olden time." Winston Churchill
"Proclaim Liberty throughout All the land unto All the Inhabitants Thereof." Inscription on the Liberty Bell


text:
Aha ha
The Aha Ha is the common name for a species of wasp from Australia of the order Hammeburga, suborder Fryes.
The Aha Ha was named for amateur ornithologist Arny Monk. Aware of wasps' natural abilities as comedians, Monk was in the habit of attending live stand-up performances. Prior to the Equal Rights for Alternatively-Oriented Insects protests of the mid and late 1990s, the majority of wasps performed exclusively at gay bars. Monk's wife, suspicious of his behaviour, had his movements monitored by a private investigator and also by Alison DuCheyne, a part-time Subway Sandwich Artist. Driven insane by the subsequent loss of his wife, Monk became increasingly reclusive. His close friend, noted gastronomist B. B. Buffins, attempted to reverse his withdrawal from society by sending him a specimen of a recently discovered species of wasp possessing a comedic ability that was initially thought to be latent but eventually turning out to be merely non-existent, in the hope that Monk might nurture it. Instead, Monk taught himself to be funny and the resultant unremitting laughter ("AHA HA! AHA HA! AHA HA!") ironically inspired the name for the only species of wasp lacking in comedic talent. Entomologists often refer to this as "the sting in the tale".
Physical appearance[edit]
Unlike most wasps Aha Ha does not have a stinger. The Aha Ha, in some texts referred to as the "Handyman Wasp", features a small Phillips-head screwdriver at the tip of its abdomen. The abdomen itself has a somewhat "saggy" look to it, to the extent that the animal's rectum is slightly visible at the join between abdomen and thorax. It has great strength for its size, though it also has a comparatively small brain, often leading it to make mistakes in its attempts at nest construction (misjudging the strength of construction materials, building nests without an entrance, etc.). An as yet unidentified gland in the wasp's body can give it a somewhat offensive odour, particular in the summer months.
The larvae of the Aha Ha are relatively fast-moving and destructive, often reducing gardens to mangled dirt patches in a matter of minutes. Their progress is difficult to track due to their size and speed, even despite the high-pitched whining they make.
The adult Aha Ha is much slower-moving than the larvae. It is attracted to particular sounds and smells; the fumes from high-octane petrol, the yeast component in beer and the vibrational frequency produced by 12-volt power tools are major attractants. Mating rituals involve extended, repetitive dialogue between the male and female using a technique known as "slurring". The mating act lasts around three minutes and the female will usually wake up the following day and give birth to twins.
Societal traits[edit]
The Aha Ha is unique in that individual wasps seem to partake in a primitive form of barter system. The male has been known to spend weeks at a time performing odd jobs for other wasps in exchange for wood, paper, food and other materials before swapping all of it's hard-earned income for scraps of shiny material with no practical function, which it then attaches to its own nest, usually in inappropriate or intrusive places. Other wasps in the local population will then congregate around the newly upgraded nest until the process is repeated elsewhere.


text:
Human Rights Watch: Abusive System – Failures of Criminal Justice in Gaza
Human Rights Watch: Abusive System – Failures of Criminal Justice in Gaza
Introduction by Dr Gabi Weber: Readers of this new report by Human Rights Watch may take into consideration the fact that HRW is funded by George Soros´ Open Society Foundation as some Zionist right wing sources reveal.
You should also bear in mind that many of the NGOs operating in Palestine are also heavily supported by Soros´ Open Society and similar organisations.
If you want to learn more about Open Society Foundation´s goals in the Middle East (Arab Regional Office) click here. You will then be able to find out what are the liberal Zionist´s plans for the people of Arabia.
This is what interventionism is all about.
Gabi Weber
Human Rights Watch Report
This report highlights the failure of the criminal justice system in Gaza under Hamas rule, including security forces, prosecutors, and judges, to uphold the law and protect the rights of detainees and criminal defendants and hold those responsible for serious abuses accountable.
Based on interviews with former detainees, lawyers, human rights groups, and reviews of case files and court judgments the report documents how Hamas security services in Gaza routinely conduct arrests without presenting warrants, refuse to promptly inform families of detainees'whereabouts, deny detainees access to a lawyer and torture detainees in custody.
In August 2008, Abdel Karim Shrair was arrested by members of the al-Qassam brigades, Hamas's armed wing, which detained and allegedly tortured him at an unknown location for three weeks before transferring him to the custody of the police. The military prosecutor then ordered Shrair's detention and interrogation by the Internal Security service, and later charged him with collaborating with Israel, in part on the basis of information that his lawyer alleged was obtained under torture. Internal Security interrogators also tortured Shrair, his family said, and prevented them from seeing him until October. Shrair's mother said that when she was first able to see him, his legs and face were bruised, his feet were swollen, his hands and arms had rope marks and his chest had burn marks. The military courts did not adequately address Shrair's claims of torture. The courts held that the prosecutor, by subsequently ordering Shrair's detention and interrogation, had retroactively "corrected" prior gross violations including Shrair's warrantless arrest and incommunicado detention. Shrair was sentenced to death and executed by firing squad in May 2011. His mother said that Hamas authorities had prohibited the family from burying him, and that police beat her when she tried to hold his body during the interment.
Shrair's family members are among numerous witnesses who have reported that the Internal Security agency, the drugs unit of the civil police force, and police detectives all engage in the torture of detainees. The Independent Commission for Human Rights, a non-partisan Palestinian rights group that also monitors abuses in the West Bank, reported receiving 147 complaints of torture perpetrated by these forces in 2011. As a measure of how broken the system is, three criminal defense lawyers in private practice told Human Rights Watch that they had themselves been arbitrarily arrested and tortured in detention by Hamas security forces.
The abusive practices of the security services in Gaza flout human rights norms that Hamas has pledged to uphold, and also violate Palestinian laws. These laws require police to obtain judicial arrest and search warrants, and prohibit torture and the use of evidence obtained under torture. Security officers commonly arrest civilians and present them before Gaza's military judiciary, even though its remit should be limited to military offenses.
In the seven cases documented in this report, the judiciary in Gaza, which consists of civil and military branches, consistently failed to hold to account security services that operated outside the law or to uphold the rights of detainees. In the cases Human Rights Watch examined, the military judiciary did not throw out any criminal cases against detainees because of due process violations, and ignored or failed to investigate credibly detainees' claims that they had been tortured. Hamas officials claim to have disciplined hundreds of members of the security services for abuses since Hamas took power in 2007, but Hamas has never published any details about the officials involved or the disciplinary measures taken. Members of the Internal Security agency apparently continue to enjoy absolute impunity despite consistent allegations of severe abuse.
Former detainees who alleged they were abused by security services said they despaired of finding justice; several were afraid to describe what had happened to them in custody, even on condition that their identities would be kept confidential. Some men said they had needed medical care due to torture, and sought to obtain medical records as evidence that they had been tortured, but that hospital officials refused to provide them. Human Rights Watch is aware of at least three cases in which Hamas has executed prisoners whom judicial authorities sentenced without adequately reviewing credible claims that their convictions were based on evidence obtained under torture.
In previous research on intra-Palestinian political violence and abuses against detainees, Human Rights Watch found that the main factor underlying such human rights violations was the conflict between Hamas and its rival, the Palestinian Authority, which often prompted "tit for tat" abuses in Gaza and the West Bank. The intra-Palestinian political rivalry is still the root cause of many abuses against detainees, but there have been increasing reports of custodial abuse in Gaza against detainees accused of non-political crimes. Victims of alleged abuse whom Human Rights Watch interviewed include persons detained on suspicion of collaborating with Israel or the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, as well as alleged perpetrators of drug offenses and fraud. Human rights lawyers in Gaza said that they have continued to receive the same kinds of allegations of abuse from victims since Hamas and Fatah announced a political reconciliation in May 2011.
Human Rights Watch impartially documents abuses by governing authorities in Gaza, Israel and the West Bank. This report does not attempt to compare abuses by Hamas with abuses by the Palestinian Authority security forces in the West Bank, where Human Rights Watch has also documented arbitrary arrest, torture and impunity. As part of a potential reconciliation agreement, the Palestinian authorities in Gaza and West Bank should both ensure that victims of torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment are compensated appropriately and that members of security forces responsible for torture are brought to justice.
Given credible evidence of widespread and gross violations of due process as well as systematic ill-treatment and torture, Hamas should take meaningful steps to reform its justice system to strengthen the rule of law and protect the rights of detainees. Hamas should immediately declare a moratorium on executions in death penalty cases. In light of numerous cases of detention where family members and lawyers are not notified of or able to promptly determine which security forces have custody, Hamas should ensure that detentions are carried out only by security forces legally authorized to do so. It should halt the prosecution and trial of civilians by the military judiciary. (The Palestinian Authority significantly reduced such military arrests and trials of civilians in the West Bank in 2011.) Hamas should explicitly guarantee that all detainees have the right to contact their families and a lawyer immediately upon arrest and that their families and lawyers can visit them in a timely manner. It should ensure all detainees are brought promptly before an independent judge after being detained.
Hamas should also ensure that members of security services are held criminally liable for abuses against detainees, and it should sanction prosecutors and judges who turn a blind eye to violations, such as by issuing retroactive arrest warrants or accepting evidence that was credibly alleged to have been obtained under torture. Hamas authorities should strengthen oversight and complaints mechanisms intended to keep security services in check, including by allocating more resources to investigating and prosecuting security officers allegedly responsible for abuses. Hamas should facilitate the work of human rights groups in Gaza, including the Independent Commission for Human Rights, to monitor conditions of detention and examine alleged abuses.


text:
(written from a Production point of view)
Charlotte A. Parker is a hair stylist who worked on Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Enterprise. During the run of VOY she was also credited as Charlotte A. Gravenor, Charlotte Gravenor, and Charlotte Parker.
Her work on Star Trek earned her an Emmy Award and four Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Hairstyling for a Series:
- 1997 Emmy Award for the episode "Fair Trade", shared with Josée Normand, Suzan Bagdadi, Karen Asano-Myers, Monique DeSart, Jo Ann Phillips, Frank Fontaine, and Diane Pepper
- 1998 Emmy Award nomination for the episode "The Killing Game", shared with Josée Normand, Viviane Normand, Gloria Montemayor, Chris McBee, Mimi Jafari, Ruby Ford, Delree F. Todd, Laura Connolly, Hazel Catmull, Diane Pepper, Adele Taylor, Barbara Ronci, Lola 'Skip' McNalley
- 2000 Emmy Award nomination for the episode "Dragon's Teeth", shared with Josée Normand, Gloria Montemayor, Viviane Normand, and Jo Ann Phillips
- 2001 Emmy Award nomination for the episode "Prophecy", shared with Josée Normand and Gloria Montemayor
In addition, Parker won three Hollywood Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Guild Award for her Star Trek work; two in 2000 for the episodes "Bride of Chaotica!" and "Dragon's Teeth", shared with Josée Normand and Gloria Montemayor and one in 2001 for the episode "Tsunkatse", shared with Josée Normand, Gloria Montemayor, and Viviane Normand.
In 2004, Parker earned another Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Hairstyling for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special for her work on the television comedy Tracey Ullman in the Trailer Tales.
Prior and during her time on Star Trek she worked as hair stylist on the crime drama Golden Gate (1994), the comedy Getting Even with Dad (1994, with make-up artist Steven E. Anderson), the television mystery film Witch Hunt (1994), the horror film Village of the Damned (1995, with make-up artist Steven E. Anderson), the thriller Jade (1995, with Bruce Barlow), the comedy A Very Brady Sequel (1996, with make-up artist Todd McIntosh), the comedy series Style & Substance (1998, with Susan Zietlow-Maust), and the comedy The Out-of-Towners (1999, with make-up artists Janice Alexander, Kenny Myers, and Toni-Ann Walker).
Beside working as hair department head for the comedy series Family Affair (2002-2003), the sport drama Goal! The Dream Begins (2005), the comedy The Game Plan (2007, starring Dwayne Johnson and with make-up artists Jeff Dawn), the drma Trucker (2008), and the thriller Eagle Eye (2008, with make-up artist James MacKinnon), Parker also worked as hair stylist on the comedy Eulogy (2004, with Toni-Ann Walker), the crime comedy Be Cool (2005, with hair stylists Angela Gurule and Yolanda Toussieng and make-up artist Jeff Dawn), the comedy Just Like Heaven (2005), the comedy American Pie Presents Band Camp (2005), the thriller Fracture (2007, with make-up artist Clinton Wayne), the comedy Knocked Up (2007), the fantasy adventure Beowulf (2007), and an untitled television pilot (2009).


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The Islamic Council of NSW (ICNSW) was established in 1976. It is open to all Muslims (regardless of race, colour and ethnicity) and to any regional Islamic society, Muslim student's organisation and Muslim association in the state of New South Wales.
The primary aims and objectives of ICNSW are:
- advocate, support, assist and develop the Muslim communities of NSW;
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- foster and promote cooperation between Muslims and others; and
- promote peace, understanding and good relations amongst all people.
A Fundraising Dinner For YOUR Child's Islamic Education - 16/04/2010
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Red Bull Youth America's Cup selection trials
The first day of the Red Bull Youth America's Cup Selection Series provided an illustration of the massive expectations on the youth teams who have congregated in San Francisco for a shot at advancing to September's regatta.
The teams were put through their paces on shore by Sports Directors Roman Hagara and Hans-Peter Steinacher, where the physical demands of sailing an AC45 wing sail catamaran were made clear through an exhausting fitness evaluation.
"That's the hardest thing I've ever done," said Michael Ovenstone, a 22-year-old trimmer for South Africa's i'KaziKati team. "I really feel the burning in my arms," he said, while massaging the inside of his forearms. "I don't know what muscle that is, but it burns."
Along with the fitness testing, the teams were instructed on how to sail an AC45 and how, hopefully, to avoid capsizing.
"We're talking to them about the four most common scenarios that can lead to a capsize," said Darren Bundock, from Oracle Team USA, who is one of the coaches sharing his expertise. "But I imagine we could see some creativity over the course of these sessions in finding some new ways we haven't encountered yet."
At the beginning of the day, the six youth teams were welcomed by Russell Coutts, the CEO of Oracle Team USA and a driving force behind the creation of the Red Bull Youth America's Cup.
"The Red Bull Youth America's Cup is meant to be a way for you guys to show your talents and make it to the pro sailing ranks," Coutts told the group. "So work hard but also have fun and enjoy yourselves. This is some of the best and most fun racing I've done in years. I'm sure you'll enjoy it too."
Beginning Sunday, the teams will start on-the-water training in the AC45s, leading to race practice later in the week.
"We need to build towards the racing methodically," Hagara said.
"These boats are a handful for the most experienced, professional sailors," agreed his counterpart Steinacher. "So it's important that we take the right steps to allow everyone a chance to learn, develop and succeed as we move towards the racing at the end of the week and the eventual selection for September."
The six national teams taking part in the first session of the Red Bull Youth America's Cup Selection Series are:
AUS – Objective Australia
AUT – Team Austria
DEN – Danish Youth Vikings
GER – STG-NRV Youth Team
NZL – Full Metal Jacket Racing
RSA – Team i'KaziKati
The first group is on site at the Selection Series in San Francsico between February 9-15. Then, from February 18-24, a second group of youth crews will go through the same process, including the following teams:
ARG – Arg Youth Team
GBR – GBR Youth Challenge
ITA – Team Italy powered by Stig
POR – ROFF/Cascais Sailing Team
SUI – Team Tilt
At the end of the second session, at least four teams will be selected to proceed to the Red Bull Youth America's Cup taking place over 1-4 September, right before the America's Cup.