text:
The Union of Comoros is an emerging democracy ruled by President Azali Assoumani, who took power in a coup in April 1999 and subsequently was elected in April 2002 presidential elections described by international observers as free and fair. The country consists of three islands (Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli) and claims a fourth, Mayotte, which is governed by France. Legislative elections, scheduled for March, did not take place during the year. A December ministerial meeting resolved the few remaining issues pertaining to national reconciliation. Among the issues decided at the reconciliation talks was the date for legislative assembly elections, after which a committee will be formed to draft a new constitution. Local elections for the three islands are scheduled to take place in March 2004 with National Elections scheduled for April 2004. The Constitution provides for an independent judiciary, and it was independent in practice.
The Comorian Defense Force and the Gendarmerie are responsible for internal security under the President's direct control. The civilian authorities maintained effective control of the security forces. Some members of the security forces committed human rights abuses.
The economy was dominated by agriculture; the country's population was approximately 590,000. Revenues from the main crops continued to fall while the population grew at an annual rate of 2.7 percent. In 2001, per capita income was approximately $356. The country depended heavily on foreign assistance.
The Government generally respected the human rights of its citizens; however, there were problems in some areas. Prison conditions remained poor. Unlike in previous years, security forces and the separatist authorities on Anjouan did not use arbitrary arrest and detention during the year. The Government restricted freedom of religion, and security forces reportedly continued to threaten Christians. Societal discrimination against women and Christians continued to be serious problems. There were some instances of forced child labor.
a. Arbitrary or Unlawful Deprivation of Life
There were no reports of the arbitrary or unlawful deprivation of life by the Government or its agents during the year.
In addition to the police and the military, there were many armed groups on Anjouan, including paramilitary forces, militias, and civilians. There were no reported killings by these groups during the year.
b. Disappearance
There were no reports of politically motivated disappearances.
c. Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
The Constitution prohibits such practices, and there were no reports that government officials employed them.
On November 27, security forces reportedly forcibly dispersed a protest march (see Section 2.b.).
Prison conditions remained poor. A lack of proper sanitation, overcrowding, inadequate medical facilities, and poor diet were common problems. The Government has not taken action to remedy these problems.
Female prisoners were held separately from male prisoners. Juveniles were not imprisoned; they were returned to the custody of their parents. Pretrial detainees were not held separately from convicted prisoners.
The Government permitted prison visits by independent observers, and at least one such visit by the International Committee of the Red Cross occurred during the year.
d. Arbitrary Arrest, Detention, or Exile
The Constitution prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention; however, some people apprehended by the police were brought arbitrarily to military camps instead of jails and in some cases held without charge for over 24 hours, contrary to the law.
On Grand Comore, there were two police forces: The Gendarmarie, which was part of the national army and controlled by the national Government, and the local police forces, which were controlled by the local island governments and were also responsible for immigration. On Anjouan and Moheli, the Gendarmarie handled local policing.
The Constitution prohibits forced exile, and the Government did not use it.
e. Denial of Fair Public Trial
The Constitution provides for an independent judiciary, and the Government generally respected this provision. The Head of State appoints magistrates by decree.
The High Council, made up of four members appointed by the President, three members elected by the Federal Assembly, and a member of each island council, also served as the High Court of the Republic and ruled on cases of constitutional law. Trials were open to the public except for limited exceptions defined by law. The legal system incorporates Islamic law as well as French legal codes. There were very few lawyers in the country, making it difficult to obtain legal representation. Most disputes were presented to village elders for possible resolution before being taken to court.
There were no reports of political prisoners.
f. Arbitrary Interference with Privacy, Family, Home, or Correspondence
The Constitution prohibits such actions, and the Government generally respected these prohibitions in practice.
Section 2 Respect for Civil Liberties, Including:
a. Freedom of Speech and Press
The Constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press, and the Government generally respected these rights in practice.
There were two independent newspapers that published regularly and one semiofficial weekly Al-Watwan. The independent newspapers criticized the Government freely.
There were two national radio stations: The government-run radio station, Radio Comoros; and the opposition radio station, Radio Tropique. In addition, there were at least 10 regional and local stations, some of which were openly critical of the Government. Residents also received broadcasts from Mayotte Radio, as well as from French television, without government interference. A television station, whose construction was funded by the Chinese Government, was operational during most of the year but ceased operations by year's end. There were several private local television stations, and satellite antennas were popular. Amateur radio licenses were issued without restriction.
Foreign newspapers and books were available.
The Government did not restrict access to the Internet.
The Government did not restrict academic freedom.
b. Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association
The Constitution provides for the freedom of assembly, and the Government generally respected this right in practice. However, on November 27, police forcibly dispersed a march protesting government policies. At least 15 of the marchers were injured.
The Constitution does not provide specifically for the freedom of association; however, the Government generally respected this right in practice.
c. Freedom of Religion
The Constitution provides for freedom of religion; however, the Government restricted this right in practice.
The Constitution declares Islam the official religion, and the Government discouraged the practice of religions other than Islam. An overwhelming majority of the population was Sunni Muslim. Authorities restricted the right of Christians to practice their faith, and police regularly threatened and sometimes detained practicing Christians.
There were two Roman Catholic churches and one Protestant church; however, the Government restricted the use of these Christian churches to noncitizens. The Government permitted Christian missionaries to work in local hospitals and schools but did not permit them to proselytize.
There were no reports of Christians being detained on Anjouan during the year. Some community authorities on Anjouan banned Christians from attending any community events and banned Christian burials in a local cemetery.
There was widespread societal discrimination against Christians, who faced insults and threats of violence from members of their communities. Mobs harassed Christians in front of mosques, and religious authorities have summoned them for questioning. In some instances, families forced Christian members out of their homes or threatened them with a loss of financial support. Some Christians had their Bibles taken by family members. Local government officials, religious authorities, and family members attempted to force Christians to attend services at mosques against their will.
Unlike in the previous year, there were no reports that religious leaders on Anjouan and Grande Comore threatened Christians during radio broadcasts and sermons in mosques. Attempts have been made to isolate Christians from village life.
For a more detailed discussion, see the 2003 International Religious Freedom Report..
d. Freedom of Movement Within the Country, Foreign Travel, Emigration, and Repatriation
The Constitution provides for these rights, and the Government generally respected them in practice.
During the year, there continued to be reports that persons fled Grande Comore and Anjouan for Mayotte; many of these persons reportedly drowned when they attempted to reach Mayotte on rafts or by swimming.
The Constitution does not provide for the granting of asylum or refugee status to persons who meet the definition in the 1951 U.N. Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, and the Government has not formulated a policy regarding refugees or asylees. In practice, the Government provided protection against refoulement but did not routinely grant refugee or asylum status; it also provided temporary protection to certain individuals who do not qualify as refugees or asylees. The Government cooperated with the office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other humanitarian organizations assisting refugees.
Approximately 10 refugees from central Africa remained in the country, and they were awaiting placement by the UNHCR in other countries at year's end. There was one request for refugee status pending at year's end.
Section 3 Respect for Political Rights: The Right of Citizens to Change Their Government
The Constitution provides specifically for the right of citizens to change their government in regularly scheduled elections, and in practice they were allowed to do so in the April 2002 presidential elections, which were characterized as free and fair by international observers. Three candidates advanced from the primary to the general election in which President Azali was elected with approximately 75 percent of the vote. Under the terms of the Constitution, a president will be elected from a different island every 4 years, based on a rotating schedule.
The country has been prone to coups and political insurrection since its independence in 1975, including an attempted coup in February that resulted in the arrest of 12 soldiers and 2 Ministers. All those arrested were released quickly, except for the Minister of the Interior for the Government of Grande Comore Island, who allegedly led the coup. He was reportedly detained on February 13 and released on May 30.
In 2001, the Constitution, which calls for the reincorporation of Anjouan, Grande Comoros, and Moheli into a new federation that grants the islands greater autonomy, was approved overwhelmingly in a referendum described by international observers as free and fair. Each of the three islands that constituted the Union has a separate elected President. An agreement was reached in December in Moroni between the President of the Union and the individual island presidents concerning the division of powers between the competing presidencies.
The Constitution provides that the Legislative Assembly will be composed of 33 members. Of these, citizens will elect directly 18, and the Government will appoint 15 (5 per island). Legislative Assembly elections, scheduled for March, were postponed. As part of the agreement reached in December, local island elections are scheduled for March 2004, and national elections are scheduled for April 2004.
There were no bans in effect on political parties, which continued to criticize the Government openly. There were 21 political parties in the country; 5 parties represented the Government, and 16 parties represented the opposition.
Village chiefs and Muslim religious leaders tended to dominate local politics. Traditional social, religious, and economic institutions also affected political life in important ways.
There was one woman in the Cabinet. Two women hold senior government positions: One was the President of the Tribunal of First Instance, and the other was legal counsel to President Azali.
An overwhelming majority of the population was Sunni Muslim, and all citizens, including the small number of Christians in the country, identified themselves as Muslims for safety reasons (see Section 2.c.). There were no Christians in the Government.
Section 4 Governmental Attitude Regarding International and Nongovernmental Investigation of Alleged Violations of Human Rights
A few domestic and international nongovernmental organizations generally operated without government restriction, investigating and publishing their findings on human rights cases. Government officials generally were cooperative and responsive to their views. The Comorian Association of Human Rights was not active during the year due to a lack of funds. In July 2002, the newly formed Haki Association for Human Rights ran a series of human rights seminars open to all persons.
Section 5 Discrimination Based on Race, Sex, Disability, Language, or Social Status
The Constitution prohibits discrimination based on these factors; however, there was discrimination against women.
Domestic violence against women occurred, but medical authorities, the police, and women's groups believed that it was rare. A woman could seek protection through the courts in the case of violence, but the problem was addressed most often within the extended family or at the village level.
Prostitution is illegal, and most citizens did not consider it to be a problem.
Men have the dominant role in society. A matriarchal tradition afforded women some rights, especially in terms of landholding. Societal discrimination against women was most apparent in rural areas where women had farming and childrearing duties and fewer opportunities for education and wage employment. The status of women improved in the major towns, where growing numbers of women were in the labor force and generally earned wages comparable to those of men engaged in similar work; however, few women held positions of responsibility in business. The Constitution provides for equality of persons, and in general inheritance and property rights do not discriminate against women. For example, the house that the father of the bride traditionally provides to the couple at the time of their marriage remains her property in the event of divorce.
The Government has not taken any specific action to protect or promote children's welfare. Legal provisions that address the rights and welfare of children were not enforced because of a lack of inspectors.
Education was compulsory until the age of 10; however, attendance was not enforced. According to a 2002 UNICEF study, an estimated 69 percent of children attended primary school, while only 34 percent attended secondary school; 55 percent of boys attended school, and 45 percent of girls attended school.
Child abuse was rare but occurred.
Child prostitution and child pornography are illegal. Unmarried children under the age of 13 were considered minors, and they were protected legally from sexual exploitation, prostitution, and pornography.
Persons with Disabilities
There was no discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, education, or in the provision of other state services; however, there were no laws that mandate access to buildings for persons with disabilities.
Section 6 Worker Rights
a. The Right of Association
The Constitution provides for the right to unionize, and the Government has not prevented industries from unionizing. Most of the population was engaged in farming on small land holdings, subsistence fishing, and petty commerce. The wage labor force numbered less than 7,000 including government employees and less than 2,000 excluding them. Teachers, civil servants, and dockworkers were unionized. Unions were independent of the Government.
The Labor Code, which was rarely enforced, does not include a system for resolving labor disputes, and it does not prohibit anti-union discrimination by employers.
There were no restrictions on unions joining federations or affiliating with international bodies; however, no union was known to do so.
b. The Right to Organize and Bargain Collectively
The law protects workers from employer interference in their right to organize and administer their unions. Unions have the right to bargain collectively; however, employers set wages in the small private sector, and the Government, especially the Ministries of Finance and Labor, set them in the larger public sector.
The Constitution provides for the right to strike, and the Government generally respected this right in practice. In previous years, government workers, teachers, and hospital workers held strikes primarily because they were not paid for weeks at a time. There was one teachers' strike during the year. There were no laws protecting strikers from retribution, but there were no known instances of retribution.
There are no export processing zones.
c. Prohibition of Forced or Bonded Labor
The Constitution prohibits forced or bonded labor by adults; however, the Government did not prohibit forced and bonded labor by children, and there were some instances in which it occurred (see Section 6.d.).
d. Status of Child Labor Practices and Minimum Age for Employment
The Labor Code defines the minimum age for employment as 15 years of age. The Ministry of Labor had few resources to enforce this provision; however, child labor generally was not a problem due to the general lack of wage employment opportunities. Children generally worked in the informal sector for their families in the subsistence farming and fishing sectors.
Some families placed their children in the homes of others where they worked long hours in exchange for food or shelter. A 2000 UNICEF study found that approximately 15 percent of children worked at jobs for which they were not paid.
The Government has not ratified International Labor Organization Convention 182 on the worst forms of child labor; however, the Government adhered to its provisions in practice.
e. Acceptable Conditions of Work
There was no minimum wage. In previous years, the Government paid workers late or failed to pay them at all; however, during the year, government workers were paid more regularly.
The Labor Code specifies a workweek of 37½ hours with 1 day off per week plus 1 month of paid vacation per year.
There were no safety or health standards for the very small manufacturing sector.
The law protects legal foreign workers; however, there were no such provisions in the law to protect illegal foreign workers.
f. Trafficking in Persons
The law does not prohibit trafficking in persons; however, there were no reports that persons were trafficked to, from, or within the country.


text:
With stepped-up calls for an American intervention in Syria, will US military policy change toward a country increasingly being plunged into violence and chaos?
Top lawmakers on the Senate Armed Services Committee have warned that it must, because the more quickly the rebels win their battle, the better it is for US interests.
"Because we have refused to provide the rebels the assistance that would tip the military balance decisively against [Syrian President Bashar al] Assad, the United States is increasingly seen across the Middle East as acquiescing to the continued slaughter of Arab and Muslim civilians," wrote Republican Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Independent Sen. Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut.
They concluded in their letter, "This reluctance to lead will, we fear – like our failure to stop the slaughter of the Kurds and Shiites under Saddam Hussein in Iraq or of the Tutsis in Rwanda – haunt our nation for years to come."
Their reasons for intervention go beyond the purely philanthropic.
The US has "significant" national-security interests at stake in Syria, the lawmakers argue – interests, they add, that considerably surpass those in Libya.
"These include preventing the use or transfer of the regime's massive chemical- and biological-weapons stockpiles – a real and growing danger – and ensuring that Al Qaeda and its violent brethren are unable to secure a new foothold in the heart of the Middle East," they said.
Yet before deciding whether or not to intervene, James Dobbins, a Pentagon adviser and director of International and Defense Policy Center at the RAND Corp., said that policymakers should answer a couple of key questions: "Has the violence reached a level that both justifies and provides broad international support for intervention? Is there a reasonable prospect that such an intervention could succeed in ending the fighting on acceptable terms?"
Unless the answers to these questions are yes, he said in testimony earlier this month before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, "external military intervention to stop the fighting is unlikely."
That said, sufficient justification for military intervention does not automatically translate into practical feasibility, he added: "Peace-enforcement operations in Syria would be quite demanding."
That's because Syria "has a reasonably well-equipped and, so far, largely loyal army, relatively modern air defenses, and a large arsenal of chemical weapons," Mr. Dobbins warned. "It has at least one ally, Iran, and some support from Russia."
As a result, "I do not think that the United States should get out in front of the Syrian opposition, the Arab League, the major regional powers, and its European allies in publicly championing [intervention]," Dobbins said. "But I do believe that still-escalating violence in Syria will generate more serious consideration of an external intervention in each of these quarters. I believe the United States should not resist such a flow, but instead begin quietly trying to channel it, as the Obama administration ultimately did with respect to Libya."
Indeed, the Obama administration's intervention in Libya has become a model that even Republican lawmakers point to as a quintessential symbol of US military success.
What's more, the US relationships "with armed groups inside Syria now will be indispensable going forward," the three senators added.
For this reason, they suggest a US military strategy of reinforcing de facto rebel safe zones in some parts of Syria. "This would not require any US troops on the ground but could involve limited use of our airpower and other unique US assets," they wrote.
Yet deepening US involvement would also mean, they acknowledged, accepting no small US military risks "in the profoundly complex and vicious conflict."

subset: commoncrawl


text: You may use this form to obtain proof of your purchase from Osterman Jewelers for purchases made from January 1, 2000 to present. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to satisfy your request. To Obtain your proof of purchase, please provide the information below. When complete please press the "submit" button. Your request will be sent to our Customer Relations Department for processing. If we can locate the proof of purchase based on the information provided, we will mail it to you within 60 days. If we cannot complete your request, we will notify you by email. If you do not provide all the necessary information, it is unlikely that we will be able to locate your proof of purchase documentation.


text:
We all take great pride in our homes. These are the very special places where families are raised and friends are warmly welcomed.
Throughout the years we put our homes through a lot of traffic. As all those friends, visitors and family come and go, there is a chance for homeowners to step back and think about ways to make things just a little bit better around the house.
Perhaps you've been thinking about a more open kitchen with updated appliances and cabinets. Maybe you've always wanted to relax in a luxurious spa tub, or you've been dreaming of turning your basement into the perfect family room.
Wellman General Contracting is here to turn those dreams of your perfect home into a reality. We offer a wide range of services for any type of remodel or home make-over project. Whether it's one room or an entire house, we can take you step-by-step through the entire process. Spend a few moments on this site to see some of our work. We're proud of every job. Perhaps they will even inspire your next home remodeling project.
You can also follow us on Facebook and YouTube for exciting news about special upcoming promotions and discounts.
Even with the most perfect of "dream homes" there is always room for improvement! Let Wellman help you see the possibilities.
|Client Login
| Login


text:
It's shorter this month because no one is sending in their burnouts.
Send Stuff To Car Craft:
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
online: CarCraft.com
mail: 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048
fax: 323/782-2223
sorry: we can't return stuff you send to us
yes: we edit the material if you can't write
It looks better in the air than it does sitting still.
'55 Nomad?
Who: Frank Eveland
Where: Zanesville, OH
What: '83 Chevrolet Malibu wagon
Why: First of all, we love wagons reaching for the back bumper. Frank painted this thing like a '55 Chevy Nomad, dropped in a 402 big-block, and went racing. The timeslip read 11.61 at 112 with a nice 1.55 60-foot time.
Garage Thought:
"Check this out. It's a gas gauge on my new Cuisinart coffee pot. Now I know how much "fuel" remains in the tank. I might replace this with an aftermarket gauge. Think an Auto Meter Pro Comp II will fit?"
Greg, San Diego, CA
Admit it. This thing is so wrong, it's right.
Mopar Guy Head Turner
Who: Billy Budd Sullivan
Where: Pitt Bull Garage, Trego, MT
What: '70 Dodge Challenger R/T
Why: Just look at this thing. It is impossible to ignore. It's powered by a 0.030-over 440 that must be deafening, scoots with the help of a 727 TorqueFlite, and we're sure it has an 83/4 back there. Dig the seat covers?
You don't see these much anymore. We should shoot it just for technical accuracy.
Original Trans Am
Who: Chip Rollins
Where: Goodlettsville, TN
What: '79 Pontiac Trans Am
Why: Chip is the original owner of this car. He bought it in December 1978, drove it for 40,000 miles, and parked it in a garage. In addition to the 400ci engine and four-speed, it has WS6 four-wheel disc brakes.
We didn't see the interior, but this thing looks mint.
Mustang Survivor
Who: Robert L. Galla
Where: Dandridge, TN
What: '67 Ford Mustang
Why: According to Robert, this car is a completely original survivor (except for the wheels). It has a 390 FE with a Top Loader four-speed, and even the original carb.
Grrrreat whitewalls!
Car Craft
Who: Don Bennett
What: '64 Pontiac Tempest
Where: Fredericksburg, VA
Why: Don's buddy bought this and a '62 Impala SS convertible as a package deal. He had no room and made Don an offer he couldn't refuse. The car has 74,000 original miles and a 326 that runs like new.
He says: The only thing different from a '64 GTO is the extra set of doors and the price.
Send Your Smoke!
People! We are almost out of burnout photos to run in Car Craft. Gas isn't that expensive. Please, do a burnout and send it to Car Craft Burnout!! 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048 or fast mail at firstname.lastname@example.com with a photo that is at least 1 MB in size. Don't make us do it for you.


text:
Cropped slim fit jeans
High waist skinny jeans
Slim balloon fit jeans
Cargo jogger jeans
Mid-waist push-up jeans
High-waist skinny jeans
High waist mom jeans
Super high waist jeans
Balloon fit paperbag jeans
Balloon fit jeans
Ripped mid-waist jeans
Ripped skinny jeans
Balloon fit jeans with belt and shimmer
High waist flared jeans
Mom jeans with belt
Balloon fit jeans with tie belt
Cargo jeans with belt
Slim fit ripped jeans
Ripped skinny jeans with tie
Warm high-waist skinny jeans
Contrast balloon fit jeans
High waist skinny jeans with rips
Skinny jeans
Balloon fit cargo jeans
Low waist skinny jeans with rips
92233720368547758.07 - 0
Belted wide-leg jeans
Ripped high waist jeans
High waist button-front jeans
Belted High Waist Skinny Jeans
Straight jeans with turn-up hems
Ripped jogger jeans
Paperbag jeans
Mid-waist jeans with side taping
High-waist denim culottes
Boyfriend jeans with laser print
Ripped mom jeans
Super high waist skinny jeans
Low waist skinny jeans
Push-up jeans
High Waist denim jeggings
TENCEL® culottes
Cropped mid waist skinny jeans
Straight cropped mid waist jeans
High waist jeggings
Skinny high waist jeans
Flared high waist jeans
We've updated the information in our Privacy Policy on how we use your personal data.
We use our own and third-party cookies to improve your experience and our services by analysing the navigation of our website. If you continue browsing, we assume that you accept their use.
You have unsubscribed from our newsletter.
This will be processed within a maximum of 7 days.
You don't have an account? Sign up now
Bershka Beauty


text:
Please login first to complete purchase/ quotation request, view custom order reports, or create favorites list.
Don't have an account with us yet? Please set up an account to place order or obtain customer services.
mBBr is one of the most popular thiol-reactive fluorescent tags, and is widely used to detect various thiol-containing biomolecules such as glutathione in cells. It is fluorogenic upon reacting with thiol-containing molecules.
Copyright © 2002-2019 AnaSpec, Inc. All rights reserved. | Site Map | Terms & Conditions | 1-800-452-5530


text:
Arts & Culture
Arts & Culture
Good Reads
Interview: Meet Fashion Photographer Mark Drew.
Mark Drew is a self taught fashion and portrait photographer. Born in Los Angeles, raised in ...
MoMA Presents: Sanja Ivekovic: Sweet Violence
A feminist, activist, and video pioneer, Iveković came of age in the early 1970s during the ...
Meanwhile in Tokyo
House S is located in a quiet residential area in a center of Tokyo. ...
Creative Paper Cut Rolls by Anastasia Elias
French illustrator Anastasia Elias creates scenes from toilet paper rolls. ...
Friday, December 13th 2019
Meet 97-year-old Hal Lasko, The Pixel Painter.
Hal Lasko, better known as Grandpa, worked as a graphic artist back when everything was done by hand. His family introduced him to the computer and Microsoft Paint long after he retired.
Interview: Inside the World of Rubens Cantuni.
Italian illustrator Rubens Cantuni takes us on a trip of a lifetime, into the world of Tokyo Candies.
Illustration by Caroline Andrieu
Paris based fashion illustrator Caroline Andrieu publishes a new series entitled 'Spring 2013 Couture' illustrating the familiar faces off the Spring 2013 Couture runway shows including Lindsey Wixson, Ruby Jean Wilson and Roberta Narciso for Prada as well as many others.
A New Icon: 432 Park Avenue
The icons of the New York Skyline will soon have a new companion. Located on Park Avenue between 56th and 57th streets, 432 Park Avenue will be the tallest residential tower in the Western Hempishere upon its completion in 2015.
Miles Kane – Don't Forget Who You Are
Directed by filmmaker Dan Sully – who also created the video for the first album's single 'Come Closer'– this cinematic love letter to Liverpool offers a series of emotionally resonant vignettes shot in classic black and white.
The Ghurka Story
Founded in Connecticut in 1975, Ghurka has served as a symbol of superior American leather craftsmanship for almost forty years.
Interview: Ryan Yoon, Editor-in-Chief of the GROUND talks with Bloginity.
A young, creative and very intelligent business-oriented gentleman. Founder & Editor-in-Chief of The GROUND Ryan Yoon discusses new and upcoming projects as he shares his personal views on the state of print media, life and inspiration.
Wild Child, A Fashion Editorial by Sandra Fourqui
We all knew her in high school.. the girl who seemed to be on the wrong side of the tracks. A rebel. The "wild child." She skipped class often, but when she was there we couldn't take our eyes off of her.
Music Discovery: Big Old Big One
Boston-based music blog Big Old Big One produces and releases monthly music videos of national musical acts playing unplugged in various and unique locations.
"The Big Gamble" Show at Rehs Contemporary Galleries: A Packed House on 57th Street
The highly anticipated opening of Rehs Contemporary Galleries' exhibit, "The BIG Gamble," was beyond imagination.
Rehs Contemporary Gallery to host talents from Ani Art Academies.
In less than a week Rehs Contemporary Galleries will open its doors to premiere "THE BIG GAMBLE", a gallery exhibition featuring talents from the Ani Art Academies.
M/M Paris Exhibition at Gallery Air de Paris
Art as practiced by M/M (Paris) is a cumulative affair, spreading from medium to medium in a process of endless expansion.
Design Gallery: The Vitality and Diversity of Design
In the past twenty years, design has branched out in new directions, galvanizing young practitioners, sparking novel business models, and attracting worldwide attention.
Ermenegildo Zegna Launches New Website, Zegna.com
It is an exciting evening for gentlemen around the world. Ermenegildo Zegna has relaunched their online website, Zegna.com.
New Sounds: Carmen Villain
London-based Carmen Villain released her tempestuous debut album, Sleeper, last week on Smalltown Supersound.
May is for Mexico
Beginning in May, MCA Denver presents a new exhibition and corresponding program series showcasing contemporary Mexican art and culture.
New Sounds: Pale – Too Much
London duo Pale are set to release their debut single "Too Much" through 37 Adventures; the second artist to come from this exciting new label.
Paddle8: Somebody Sale of Contemporary Art and Photography
"Fame"-themed online auction to feature works by Avedon, Basquiat, Colen, Guyton, LaChapelle, Lowman, Phillips, Prince, Warhol and others
Above Gobi, A Photography Series by Jakob Wagner
Photographed by the very talented Jakob Wagner, "Above Gobi" is a breathtaking series shot at Gobi Desert, China and Mongolia throughout 2013.
Where Was I? A Series by Romain Laurent
A personal series shot by Romain Laurent in February 2013 in the streets of New York City.
Paris Fashion Week Fall 2013 Street Style
Street-style photographer Roza Sinaysky went wondering throughout the streets of Paris to document some of the outstanding moments in Fashion Week.
Musical Note: AACT RRAISER, Ghost Princess
Electronic lo-fi duo AACT RRAISER officially release their new single "Northern Lights" b/w "Ghost Princess" this Fall on Manimal, followed shortly by their debut full length album TBA.
Hand Signals: Digits, Fists, and Talons
Ranging from an armored gauntlet in a First World War poster by Ludwig Hohlwein to glistening talons advertising Japanese nail polish in the 1980s, the disembodied hands in this exhibition salute, menace, manipulate, and caress.
Alexander McQueen Fall 2013 Ready-to-Wear Collection
Historically the only rival to royal families in opulence could be the ecclesial world of yesteryear, which is what Burton used as inspiration for the Alexander McQueen ready-to-wear fall 2013 collection.
Givenchy Fall 2013 Ready-to-Wear Collection
The fall winter 2013 ready-to-wear collection was no different and did not disappoint. Innovative stylings and designs create a sense of wonderment, desire, and even lust.
Last »
© 2008 - 2019 Bloginity Networks.
Privacy Policy


text:
App Review: 3D Brick Breaker Revolution Takes Brick Breaker to the Next Level
by Dorothy on
March 23, 2009
Filed under Daily App Reviews, Games, Kids
Brick Breaking games have been popular for some time. With the introduction of 3D Brick Breaker Revolution for the iPhone by Digital Chocolate, the game has taken on a whole new meaning. The most obvious difference between this game and other brick breaking games is the introduction of the 3rd viewing dimension. While the 3D graphics are cool, I don't think that makes as big a difference as the other things that have been added to the game to make it what it is.
When you launch the app, you have the choice of three game modes. The Classic mode closely resembles the brick breaking games we are familiar with. The main difference is the bonuses that you get when you break some of the bricks. They appear as green rectangles falling from the broken bricks. Watch out for the red ones. Instead of a bonus, they will give you a penalty. With the gray rectangles, you take a chance. Some are good, some are bad. The bonuses include the usual unstoppable ball, larger paddle, or guns. However, Digital Chocolate added some new ones that are pretty cool. You can now get nukes, ball and chains, rockets, and more. These bonuses can really help you out and are fun to watch.
The second play mode is called Revolution Mode. This mode adds a very interesting twist to the game. Each level that you play works essentially the same as it does in Classic Mode. However, in each level there is a "Key" brick that shows up as a large green brick on the screen with a key over it. Once you hit this block, you unlock the passage into the next level. The top boundary of the level opens up. When you break enough bricks to get the ball to the top of the screen, it can pass right through the opening and into the next level. Sounds easy enough, but there are a couple of tricks. First, when the top of the screen opens up, your paddle for the next level also appears in the opening. This paddle mirrors the movements of the current one and can stop your ball from advancing. So, don't forget to move it out of the way. Also, once you advance to the next level, that doesn't mean you stay there. If you miss the ball it will fall back through the hole and take you back to the previous level. This back and forth flip-flop can be frustrating, but it is a fun twist. It keeps the game play going instead of making it stop when the ball is missed and lost. Revolution Mode actually adapts to your playing. The better you play, the harder the game gets.
The third mode is called Time Attack. Time Attack mode appears much like Revolution Mode. Now you must keep ahead of the clock though. If time runs out, your game is over. You start with 100 seconds on the clock. You add time to the clock by breaking bricks or advancing to the next level, but time is subtracted when you miss the ball. I have seen reviews where people have complained about the evil robot that you are trying to defeat being annoying. If he bothers you, you can easily skip over conversations with him and get back to playing the game.
3D Brick Breaker Revolution is a new twist on an old favorite. The 3D graphics, power-ups, and revolution mode of game play make this one unique. It is fun to play and, with lots of levels and achievements to earn, can keep you busy for hours.
3D Brick Breaker Revolution is $2.99 in the iTunes App Store. (There is also a free version.)
Note: There is an Epilepsy Warning on this game.
Developer Website: www.digitalchocolate.com


text:
When a website is serving up malware to unsuspecting visitors, it's often not too hard to find the culprit. In some cases however, it takes a bit more digging. When visiting a (not named on request) specific website, you're presented with the following message:
|Your browser contains MALWARE. You have to install Chrome Malware Removal tool
After some digging on the site, nothing was suspicious at first sight. However... It did have a EU cookie law pop-up/consent:
The script behind it is as follows:
... Which contains:
Both scripts contain the warning message and a redirect to the Google Chrome store:
lang = 'en';
var msg = 'Your browser contains MALWARE. You have to install Chrome Malware Removal tool.';
if (lang == 'es') msg = "Su navegador contiene malware. Usted tiene que instalar la herramienta de eliminación de malware Chrome.";
if (lang == 'it') msg = "Il tuo browser contiene malware. È necessario installare strumento di rimozione malware Chrome.";
if (lang == 'fr') msg = "Votre navigateur contient MALWARE. Vous devez installer l'outil de suppression de logiciels malveillants Chrome.";
if (lang == 'pt') msg = "Seu navegador contém malware. Você tem que instalar o Ferramenta de remoção Chrome Malware.";
if (lang == 'de') msg = "Ihr Browser enthält MALWARE. Sie müssen Chrome Malware Removal Tool zu installieren.";
if (lang == 'ru') msg = "Ваш браузер содержит вредоносный код. Вы должны установить расширение для блокировки вредоносного кода.";
if (lang == 'gr') msg = "Το πρόγραμμα περιήγησής σας περιέχει κακόβουλο λογισμικό. Θα πρέπει να εγκαταστήσετε το Chrome Malware εργαλείο αφαίρεσης.";
You can find both scripts on Pastebin here and here.
|Chrome Malware Removal Tool
At time of writing, it has over 22,000 users. You can find the malicious extension here.
UPDATE 27/07: the malicious extension has now been removed from the Chrome store.
To remove an extension from Chrome:
It is not clear whether the site offering the cookie consent script is hacked, or is in on the ploy.
You can find indicators (for what it's worth) as always on the AlienVault OTX.
Stay clear from scripts offered by 3rd party EU cookie consent websites and rather create your own pop-up. A trustworthy site to create this for example is cookie-script.
As always when managing a website, keep your CMS (if any) updated as well as any plugins that may be running.
You can find more tips on how to prevent, find (and remove) malicious scripts on your website here.


text:
Odvisni portleti
Odvisni portleti
Information Services
Information Services at Kristin encompasses our Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Library teams, both of which are located upstairs in the Library Information Centre.
An important part of daily life at Kristin, ICT is integrated into the curriculum at every year level through our school-wide Digital Learning Programme. Our ICT team provides technical support for both students and staff and is available to field general enquiries from parents in relation to this programme.
Staff and students can access technical assistance from Boost, our ICT Helpdesk and Information System. By logging in to boost.kristin.school.nz, users can register an IT issue and access online resources in the FAQ section. Alternatively, users can email their issue or question directly to Boost. Parents who require technical assistance should email ICT Services.
Our skilled and experienced Library team is passionate about books, reading and information. They care for our extensive library resources in both our Junior Library (The Hive) and Middle/Senior Library. The integration of our ICT and Library teams reflects the evolving nature of Information Services at Kristin. Recent developments to our library systems have enabled students to benefit from 24/7 access to the online library resources, including a growing range of eBooks and audio books. Students can simply login to library.kristin.school.nz to access our online library resources. Supporting this online evolution is our state-of-the-art fibre optic networking and a ubiquitous wireless network, developed to support the School's teaching and learning needs.
ICT Services (General enquiries and technical assistance for Parents)
Email ICT Services
09 415 9566 Ext 2414
Boost (Technical assistance for Students)
Email Boost
09 415 9566 Ext 2414
Email Library
09 415 9566 Ext 2323
Digital Learning Programme
Kristin is renowned for integrating innovation and technology in teaching across all year levels. A key component in our digital learning programme is the ability to incorporate the latest advances in technology into the classroom and apply this to each student's individual learning requirements. Our agile programme is one that encourages flexibility and personalised learning and allows students to have control over their device, allowing greater ownership of their schoolwork and choices as to how they deliver their content.
Developing our students' ability to manage themselves safely and appropriately online is a key component of the digital learning programme, with digital citizenship being taught across all year levels of the school.
Below is a summary of the school-wide Digital Learning Programme for 2015:
- Kindergarten-Year 3 – iPad Classroom Pods (the ratio is 3:1 students to devices)
- Year 3 – Optional BYO Tablet
- Year 4-6 – BYO-Tablet Programme
- Year 7-10 – BYO-Laptop Programme
- Year 11-13 – BYO-Device Programme
Junior School Digital Learning Programme >>
Middle School Digital Learning Programme >>
Senior School Digital Learning Programme >>
Student Use of Devices on Campus >>


text:
Women's Red Shoes T-Shirt
Strut your confidence in style with the chic and elegantly designed Red Shoes T-Shirt!
Features original design on front. Printed on high quality 100% cotton shirt for soft and comfortable fit. Shirts feature tight fit, recommended one size up for more relaxed fit. Available in small, medium, large, and x-large size. Available in V-neck, round neck and scoop neck style. Price: $30. Made to order. 100% handmade in Hungary. Ships worldwide.
V-Neck: Small - *W16.1" x **L25.2" (41cm x 64cm); Medium - 16.9" x 26.4" (43cm x 67cm); Large - 18.5" x 27.2" (47cm x 69cm); X-Large - 19.7" x 28" (50cm x 71cm).
Round Neck: Small - *W16.1" x **L22.8" (41cm x 58cm); Medium - 17.3" x 23.2" (44cm x 59cm); Large - 18.1" x 23.6" (46cm x 60cm); X-Large - 19.3" x 24" (49cm x 61cm).
Scoop Neck: Small - *W15.4" x **L22.8" (39cm x 58cm); Medium - 16.1" x 23.6" (41cm x 60cm); Large - 16.9" x 24.4" (43cm x 62cm); X-Large - 18.1" x 25.2" (46cm x 64cm).
*Width measured across chest
**Length measured from shoulder to bottom of shirt.
For every purchase, a portion of the proceeds will fund Designers Against AIDS to help raise AIDS awareness in the international media and towards the general public.
For US-based orders, $15 shipping on first item and $1 shipping for each additional item on all Dorinus Illustrations items. For rest of world orders, $20 shipping on first item and $1 shipping for each additional item for all Dorinus Illustrations items.
Products are 100% handmade and made-to-order; ships from Tatabanya, Hungary. Please allow 2-3 business days for processing and 3-5 business days for worldwide delivery via FedEx. Please include phone number at checkout to complete shipping process.
Recommended to wash shirt by hand, or in the wash at a temperature of 40C (104F). Turn shirt inside out when ironing to protect the print.
Request for returns on unwanted items is not a valid reason for a refund. If orders are returned to vendor due to incorrect address on package, items can be re-shipped but extra shipping cost would be paid for by customer.
No refunds are accepted. If items are damaged upon arrival, please send photos of item and packaging to email@example.com for replacement options.
Any additional costs (e.g. customs duties, taxes, additional postage) will be responsibility of buyer.
"Super cute tee, shipped promptly!"
- Valerie Kelly
Love it! Yet can't wear it...way too small! One of my nieces will love it!
- sderickson7965
"The quality of the t-shirt is very good and the print is fun."
- Victoria Bevin
"Beautiful tee! Lovely design and high quality fabric. True to size. Fast shipping!"
- Livia P.
"This is a BEAUTIFUL classy tee. Finest quality cotton, sooo soft, and gorgeous sophisticated graphic. I wore this to a San Francisco Fashion event and it got as much attention as some of the designs on the runway! Thank you so much!"
- jelenedra
"Dorina Nemeskeri is a 26-year-old girly-girl fashion artist from Hungary. In 2014, she created and founded her own brand, Dorinus Illustrations. Art has always been her passion, ever since her mother first placed a pencil in her hand. After a long journey between the fashion and art industry, Dorina decided to become a fashion illustrator, mixing two of her great passions together.
Dorka loves providing an extra touch to her paintings by adding a touch of glitter, rhinestones, or special paints to make it more unique and whimsical. As a one-woman project, Dorina is grateful for the love and support of her family, as she pursues her artistic career and turn her dream of founding an art company into a reality.
From small to large-scale projects, Dorina loves it all, because she appreciates each project as a worthwhile opportunity. Dorka enjoys coming up with new and creative ideas and seeing her illustrations come to life across a variety of unique mediums; whether if it's an everyday object, a canvas, a piece of apparel, and much, or if it's in collaboration with another artist or of her own vision. Dorina's experience has an artist and entrepreneur extends from small brands to more well-known companies, such as Estée Lauder to Anthropologie."
- Dorinus Illustrations


text:
There is No item(s) in your Cart
Anniversary Cakes To Shenoy Nagar, Chennai
Shop Anniversary cakes from Shenoy Nagar, Chennai Florist and send delicious cakes to Shenoy Nagar, Chennai through our online delivery services. Make it special for your loved ones with Anniversary cakes delivery including pineapple, vanilla, chocolate and much more.
₹ 1250Earliest Delivery: Today
₹ 1350Earliest Delivery: Today
₹ 1150Earliest Delivery: Today


text:
Falcao faces anxious wait after injury in cup tie
Radamel Falcao sustained a serious-looking knee injury in Monaco's Coupe de France win over Monts d'Or Azergues on Wednesday.
The Colombia international had scored the opening goal in Monaco's 3-0 victory, but was forced off before half-time after tangling with a home defender.
Falcao looked in considerable pain and had to be carried off the field on a stretcher.
If serious, the injury could keep him out for the rest of the season as Monaco look to make up a five-point gap to runaway Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain.
The setback also throws his participation in this year's FIFA World Cup into doubt, where he is set to be one of Colombia's key players.
A Monaco statement said: "The player Radamel Falcao was hit in the left knee.
"We must await further tests in the coming days to clarify the exact nature of the injury."
Colombia were drawn in Group C for the World Cup, along with Greece, Ivory Coast and Japan.


text:
When Snake Davis arrives at the hall he settles at the back dressed in cool black. He radiates a Zen-like stillness. After a few minutes he walks to the stage where a number of young boys are listening to the sound check. When they see him they fall silent. He courteously shakes hands with each one in turn, takes out a soprano sax, listens for a moment and begins to play. It is a startling transformation. A quietly confident man disappears and a being of blood and metal takes his place. I'm sitting with my friend and we look at each other, eyes wide.
Snake Davis has played with some of the biggest names in contemporary music. He's had a long collaboration with Heather Small of M-People, toured the world with Lisa Stansfield, Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart and played with James Brown, Paul McCartney, George Michael and Tina Turner to name but a few. He wrote the iconic sax solo on Take That's hit record A Million Love Songs. So that means he's really rich, right? Actually, he was paid as a session musician and famously earned the equivalent of £18 for his contribution to the single, which is regularly voted one of the most romantic love songs of all time!
Karen Ritson for Valley News
Photo by Ben Hodges


text:
A Path to Green StorageBy Virginia Citrano | Posted 2008-01-30 Print
Information lifecycle management helps companies handle the data deluge by providing a framework for classifying stored information, finding the right storage technology, creating retention guidelines and managing costs.
A Path to Greeen Storage
John Halamka, a self-professed Prius-driving vegan, is the kind of guy who would have found a path to green storage even without outside prompting. But the many hats he wears in business have made energy-efficient, long-term storage an absolute necessity.
Halamka is chief information officer for CareGroup Health System, a confederation of four Boston-area hospitals with more than 1,000 beds. He is also the
"Given that oil prices have hit $90 a barrel, telling senior management that we have to reduce our energy usage was pretty straightforward," Halamka says. And it wasn't just imported oil pressuring rates. The utility that CareGroup and Harvard Medical both rely on has a fixed capacity for power, heat and cooling, so when the plant gets to maximum capacity in summer months, it raises prices.
Halamka took a methodical approach to cutting storage power consumption at both of his institutions. First, he moved everything to 750-GB serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) drives. He noted in a recent blog post (geekdoctor.blogspot.com) that while many of his constituents were worried about how the slower SATA drives would perform, no one remarked on the change when it actually happened.
Then he took the eminently practical step of cutting back on how much data was stored. His backup systems now deduplicate files; if a document is attached to an e-mail sent to all 5,000 of his institutions' employees, only one copy of the document is stored. In doing so, he managed to cut the space needed for archiving by 50 percent.
Halamka also instituted hierarchical storage management, meaning data is prioritized based on importance and the frequency of it being accessed. As files age and access becomes less critical, they migrate from a high-availability, high-speed storage area network to network-attached storage (NAS) or content-addressed storage (
And even though Halamka has been rigorous in his ILM strategy, he concedes that managing the demand for storage is difficult. "We have tried to enforce e-mail and storage quotas, but it is much easier to just increase the supply of storage than limit demand," he says. "We're continuing to try to strike a balance."
Halamka, who uses a variety of
Halamka's strategy is aggressive, but he has an ambitious goal. "I want to stay under 200 kilowatts for the next five years," he says, "and I want to accommodate growth."
The same can be said for ILM. It may not have all the tools it needs and is exposed to human failings, but ILM has a lot of growth to accommodate.
IT Solutions Builder TOP IT RESOURCES TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD
Which topic are you interested in?
Data Storage
IT Management
What is your company size?
What is your job title?
What is your job function?
Searching our resource database to find your matches...
2013's Top Ten In-Demand Technology S...How does the sound of competing job offers—along with multipl...
Watch Now


text:
BISSAU (Reuters) - Jose Mario Vaz, Guinea-Bissau's former finance minister, will face Nuno Gomes Nabiam, a candidate seen closest to the army, in a May 18 presidential run-off due to complete the country's return to civilian rule.
The presidential and parliamentary vote is meant to offer the nation a fresh start after decades of instability since independence from Portugal. Its last vote in 2012 was abandoned after the military seized power between rounds of voting.
"Guinea-Bissau citizens have given a strong signal to the political class in coming out in huge numbers to exercise their civic rights," Augusto Mendes head of the election commission said on Wednesday, referring to a turnout of over 80 percent.
Vaz, candidate of the dominant party African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), secured 40.99 percent of the votes in the first round, according to election commission figures.
Nabiam, the former chair of Bissau's civil aviation agency, came second with 25.14 percent, the figures showed. Nabiam comes from the Balanta ethnic group and is seen as having the support of the army, which has a long history of meddling in politics.
Paulo Gomes, a former World Bank executive and newcomer to Bissau politics, came third with just under 10 percent.
Results from the parliamentary vote showed that the PAIGC won a majority, securing 55 of the 100 available seats. The PRS, PAIGC's traditional rival, came second with 41 seats.
"These results, if managed well by particularly the leaders of the two main political parties, will ensure that Guinea-Bissau finally has the stability that is essential for structural reforms in all sectors," Jose Ramos-Horta, U.N. Special Representative in Guinea-Bissau, said.
Weak state institutions, along with its array of islands and unpoliced mangrove creeks, have made the country a paradise for smugglers of Latin American cocaine destined for Europe.
Senior figures in the military have been linked to the trade and army chief General Antonio Indjai was accused by a federal grand jury in New York on cocaine and weapons-trafficking charges.
He denies the charges but was targeted in a U.S. sting operation in 2013, a year after he led the country's last coup.
No elected leader has completed a five-year term in Guinea-Bissau and analysts say donors and regional powers who have been bankrolling the interim administration are frustrated with the recurrent crises.
"I have had talks with the two main contenders and I'm confident that they will continue the same climate of civility," Ramos-Horta said.
Whoever wins the race will have to undertake sweeping reforms in almost every ministry, particularly finance and interior, if they are to tackle rampant graft and a sclerotic administration, according to a U.N. strategy document obtained by Reuters.
Writing by David Lewis; Editing by Eric Walsh


text:
Ayala's 'rocky road' leads to Legislature
HARTFORD -- Christina Ayala, a broad smile affixed, was formally sworn in and seated as a member of the state House of Representatives from Bridgeport on Wednesday.
"(A) rocky road, but here I am," Ayala, D-128, said afterward. "I'm ecstatic. I've been waiting for this for a while ... Here I am, ready to serve."
Rocky road is right.
During the opening ceremonies, outgoing Speaker Chris Donovan, D-Meriden, welcomed freshmen to the legislative family. If the House is a family, then Ayala, 27, is battling a reputation as the black sheep.
She arrived in Hartford under the cloud of two arrests and an elections probe.
Ayala was arrested for a hit-and-run collision in August just hours after winning her Democratic primary. There were two minors in the car with Ayala at the time.
Then in December, she and her boyfriend were arrested following a domestic dispute.
She had been scheduled to appear in court Wednesday on the second incident, but received an extension until next month so she could be sworn in as a legislator. Ayala will serve on the Appropriations Committee, the Children's Committee and the Housing Committee.
Ayala is also being investigated by the state Elections Enforcement Commission for possible voter fraud. The EEC was concerned about reports by Hearst Connecticut Newspapers that Ayala for at least the past year has been living in the 129th District even though she voted in the 128th District and claimed to have an apartment there in campaign documents.
Both of the police reports on her arrests stated she lived outside of her district, and when she applied for a restraining order, Ayala also used the out-of-district address.
Ayala and her family -- mother Santa Ayala is Bridgeport's Democratic registrar; father, Tito a Democratic power broker in town -- have refused to shed light on the residency question for Hearst.
But in recent days she showed House Democratic leaders a copy of a lease to prove she lives in her district.
Ayala also declined Wednesday to answer questions about where she has been living. She said she is cooperating with the EEC.
Asked if she is concerned her reputation will make it difficult as a freshman legislator to work with colleagues, lobbyists and others in Hartford, Ayala said it is a chance to prove herself.
"In all honesty, I believe this is the time for me to show what I can do in a positive note," she said.
Santa Ayala, who attended the swearing-in and is also under scrutiny as part of the EEC's probe, agreed.
"I think she's going to do a great job," Ayala said. "She has a lot to give. She has a lot to learn. She's very open-minded. She's a hard worker."
Following her second arrest, some Bridgeport Democrats suggested Ayala step down before being sworn in. The city for years has been battling a reputation for producing corrupt politicians.
Asked if her daughter seriously considered giving up her legislative seat, Santa Ayala said, "There was a moment when she felt she had to reconnect" and speak to supporters and constituents.
"Their response was so warm and genuine, that told her it was the right thing to do," Santa Ayala said.
Bridgeport state Rep. Donald Clemons, D-124, said Ayala has the opportunity to redeem herself.
"We all have shortcomings. Nobody's perfect. We all fall short of the glory," Clemons said. "One thing about life: There's opportunities to redeem yourself. She's young. I'm not condoning what she did, but hopefully she can repair her reputation."
email@example.com; 203-414-0712; http://twitter.com/blockhart1


text:
A Morenci Middle School student earned a Div. I rating at the solo and ensemble festival April 17 in Jonesville.
Eighth grade student Paige Mock was given a top rating for a piano solo and she also earned a Div. II rating in a flute solo.
Mock is a home-schooled student enrolled at the school for band class.
CONCERT—The spring awards concert for all levels of band is scheduled at 7 p.m. May 6.
The sixth grade beginning band, the seventh/eighth grade band, and the high school band will play a variety of music, and the concert will end with a combined band of all 96 band students.
A "warm-up" concert is scheduled Thursday afternoon at the elementary school.


text:
1. What's your name & Your Company Name: Linda Rice www.lynnscandles.com
2. Why did you decide to go into business? What was your motivation? How long have you been in business? I love making candles, started making candles back in the 80's for family and friends and one day thought why not try and sell them! Everyone was always telling me how good my candles smell and last long hours so I put them on Ebay and they started selling, then I made my own web site and it's been great! That's how I make my living; been going strong for 5 years now.
3. What products do you make and sell? I make tealights/tarts/votives, pillars/leave shape candles and other shapes a lot of Halloween shapes/ Easter eggs/ jar candles 12 oz/16 oz / 18 oz/ 22 oz and layered candles/zebra candles/ tealights are the big seller right now.
4. What are your business goals? To try and make my business grow, make a name for myself to keep making my candles better for my buyers. I am happy if my buyers are happy.
5. What are some products you use from Natures Garden; what are your favorite products from Natures Garden? I just love your scents they are the best and the strongest! Your colors are good (tried them all), your candle molds, your wicks love them all!
Your Website: www.lynnscandles.com
twitter: https://twitter.com/LTIGER698


text:
Series TR1280Y-1
Quality 10K 1.00 CTW Micro Pave Diamond Trio Sets,Yellow or White Gold. ( Available also in 14 kt. Gold on special order.)
Finish Polished
Description 10K 1.00 CTW Micro Pave Diamond Trio Sets
For assistance or further details, please call at. (773)-523-4667
This beautiful Trio Wedding Ring Set with the three matching rings you need for a traditional wedding, The ladies' engagement ring, Ladies' wedding band, and men's wedding band. The wearing of matching rings is a classic symbol of shared love and commitment and symbolize your union.
Item # TR1280Y-1
SPECIAL ORDER ITEM: Please allow 7-10 business days for delivery.
- TR1280Y-1: Please allow 7-10 business days for delivery.
Click To Enlarge
- Item #: TR1280Y-1
- Manufacturer: YELLOW GOLD
- Condition: New
Best Values
Related Items
Reviews (0) Write a Review
No Reviews. Write a Review


text:
A source close to the deal confirmed to Press Association Sport that it was "close" to being completed, with Mata expected to be in David Moyes' squad for the visit of Cardiff to Old Trafford on January 28.
Moyes refused to discuss Mata following Wednesday's Capital One Cup exit at the hands of Sunderland.
However, it is believed the 25-year-old has told Chelsea officials he will not be returning to the club, with the fee exceeding the ?30.75million Sir Alex Ferguson paid for Dimitar Berbatov in 2008.
United's morale could certainly do with a lift too after enduring yet another of those punches Moyes said he expected to take during his debut season.
And the Scot admitted the latest was the worst yet as his team contrived to gift Phil Bardsley a goal a minute from the end of extra-time when it seemed they were about to book a final meeting against Manchester City at Wembley on March 2.
Amazingly, Javier Hernandez responded almost immediately to take the tie to penalties, only for all United's takers to fail, with the exception of Darren Fletcher, as Sunderland advanced instead.
"We didn't play well enough," said Moyes.
"If we were (to go through), we were going to stumble over the line.
"With a minute or so to go we were almost there. We had opportunities to score a second goal and put ourselves in a better position but there is always going to be a loser in the semi-final and it was us."
Asked whether it was the most severe blow he had taken during his short tenure, Moyes said: "Yeah, I think it is part and parcel of the game."
It was tempting to think Mata might have been a useful presence in the penalty shoot-out, with Danny Welbeck, Adnan Januzaj and Phil Jones joining Rafael in failing to convert.
Moyes revealed Michael Carrick would almost certainly have taken a kick had he not succumbed to an ankle injury, whilst Hernandez - who has taken penalties for United before - was also ruled out after hurting himself celebrating his goal.
"Ideally, it wouldn't have been the group we had chosen," said Moyes.
"Javier would have taken a penalty but was injured and people like Michael Carrick would have been involved."
Source : PA
Source: PA


text:
Food Artisans: My Sweet Brigadeiros
A different New York artisan every week.
Paula Barbosa and Christina Bhan started their business, My Sweet, because they recognized that there was a market in New York for brigadeiros, the traditional Brazilian sweets.
Bhan describes the candies as "magical little balls" of chocolate, condensed milk, and butter cooked down to a smooth, creamy consistency, then rolled in sprinkles, nuts, or coconut. She adds that milk chocolate rolled in chocolate sprinkles is the most traditional, but dark chocolate rolled in raw nuts is the most popular offering in their line.
"It's a grandmother's kind of recipe," she explains. "Growing up, we'd have them at every single birthday party, every kind of event." Then, like many traditionally humble foods, the brigadeiro got a bit of a spiffing up. "They became elite," Bhan explains, "People had them at weddings and the ingredients changed and became more organic."
When they introduced them to the New York market, she says, she and Barbosa were lucky enough to have "the right product at the right time.
"It seemed like there was a need for it. For wedding favors or gifts, people wanted something new and ethnic." She adds, laughing, "Brazil is cool ethnic, I guess."
Maintaining a high level of quality has always been important to Bhan and Barbosa. "We brought something from our country, our home, to New York, and knew we'd have to meet the standards of New Yorkers," Bhan explains. "It couldn't be just any chocolate, it has to be the best."
Bhan and Barbosa learned that Callebaut imports raw materials from Brazil for some of their chocolate. So, while the chocolate used in the brigadeiros is processed in Belgium and France, it actually is Brazilian chocolate.
A week after they launched the business, Florence Fabricant featured the candies in her 2011 gift guide, and Barbosa and Bhan were inundated with orders. "We decided that we were going to say yes to everything," Bhan says, "Yes, we take credit cards! Yes, we ship all over the world!" They made it through that initial period of busy-ness and learning on their feet and today, through their website, are still taking credit cards and shipping their sweets all over the world.
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


text:
WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- U.S. House Speaker John Boehner said Friday "revenue is on the table" if it is part of a balanced approach to avoiding the so-called fiscal cliff.
Republican and Democratic congressional leaders said talks with President Barack Obama at the White House were a good first step on averting scheduled spending cuts and tax hikes.
Boehner, R-Ohio, said he outlined a framework that addresses reforming the tax code and reforming spending.
"I believe that the framework that I outlined [at] our meeting today is consistent with the president's call for a fair and balanced approach," Boehner said. "To show our seriousness we put revenue on the table as long as it's accompanied by significant spending cuts."
While revenue would remain on the table, Boehner said it would be "incumbent on my colleagues to show the American people that we're serious about cutting spending and solving our fiscal dilemma. I believe we can do this and avert the fiscal cliff that is right in front of us today."
"This is the first time we've dealt with these issues and feel we understand what the problem is. I felt very good about what we were able to talk about in there," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., told reporters after the White House meeting. "We have the cornerstones of being able to work something out."
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the meeting was constructive, but she said some attention needs to be paid to the short term.
"We should have a deadline. We should show some milestones of success so that confidence can build as we reach our solution," she said.
If nothing happens by the end of the year, many economists warn, the U.S. economy will go off the so-called fiscal cliff -- a confluence of deep across-the-board spending cuts and the expiration of lower tax rates enacted during President George W. Bush's administration -- and fall into another recession. The rates, if allowed to expire, would return to the levels in effect when Bill Clinton was president.
Leaders understand their responsibility, Pelosi said.
"We understand that it has to be about cuts. It has to be about revenue," Pelosi said. "It has to be about growth. It has to be about the future."
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., also said his party is "prepared to put revenue on the table provided we fix the real problem."
"Most of my members, I think without exception, believe that we're in the dilemma we're in not because we taxed too little, but because we spent too much," McConnell said.
Before the discussions began, Obama said everyone in the room was "aware that we have some urgent business to do. We've got to make sure that taxes don't go up on middle-class families."
Politicians and citizens of all political stripes share this agenda, he said before going into closed-door discussions.
"So our challenge is to make sure that we are able to cooperate together, work together, find some common ground, make some tough compromises [and] build some consensus to do the people's business," Obama said.
Obama urged Congress this week to extend the lower tax rates for the first $250,000 in income for all taxpayers, a move he said would carve into the fiscal cliff.
"We should not hold the middle class hostage while we debate tax cuts for the wealthy," Obama said.
"If we get that in place, we are actually removing half of the fiscal cliff. Half of the danger to our economy is removed by that single step."
Senate Health Committee Chairman Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, told The Hill Thursday Medicare and Medicaid should not be on the table as part of a plan to avoid the fiscal cliff.
"When it comes to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, the American people told us to protect and strengthen these programs, not cut them," Harkin said. "The American people want a change in the structure of who pays and making sure that we keep the programs that protect the poor, the disabled and the elderly."
Harkin spoke at an event in Washington intended to show opposition to social program spending cuts in the interest of deficit reduction.
The event also featured Sen. Bernie Sanders, Ind-Vt., who said, there are "fair ways to reduce the $1 trillion federal deficit and $16 trillion national debt, but balancing the budget on the backs of the elderly, the sick, the children and the poor is not among them."


text:
Saul Genendlis, an advocate for special education and a retired Baltimore City schools principal and administrator, died of heart disease Sept. 25 at his Hampstead home. He was 84.
Known by his students as Mr. G., he was once the city's acting superintendent for special education and a past principal of the William S. Baer and McMechen schools.
In 1976, he told a Baltimore Sun reporter that his schools had "no rejects" and that none of his students could be considered too much of a problem. "There can be no failures, on the part of the students or us," he said.
Born in Detroit, he worked with his father at a gas station and a car assembly line.
"He could play a tune on a clarinet upon hearing it for the first time," said his son-in-law, Phil Canter of Sykesville. "He began playing clarinet at age 10 and was invited to play with the Detroit Symphony at 11."
He played in dance bands and won medals for clarinet playing at competitions in Michigan. He recently played the clarinet at Beth Shalom Synagogue in Carroll County for Simchas Torah celebrations. "Few people were as patriotic as he," said his son-in-law. "He had a fine voice and sang 'The Star-Spangled Banner' on July 4."
While in a Detroit high school, he joined the ROTC. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1951 after joining the Army. After serving at Fort Gordon, Ga., he was assigned to Fort Meade, where on a blind date he met his future wife, Elaine Strauss, a Sinai Hospital X-ray technician.
He also served in Korea, and as a military police officer he provided security for entertainers Mickey Rooney, Walter Pidgeon and Debbie Reynolds. Mr. Genendlis left Korea in 1953 and later joined the Army Reserves in Baltimore. He attained the rank of major and served under William Donald Schaefer, then a colonel in the Reserves. He and Mr. Schaefer, who became mayor and governor, remained friends.
Mr. Genendlis used the GI Bill to attend the Johns Hopkins University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1956 and a master's degree in 1958. He belonged to the Phi Delta Kappa fraternity.
He joined the Baltimore schools system and taught at the Francis Scott Key School on Fort Avenue. In the mid-1960s, he became principal of the William Patterson Junior High School in Southeast Baltimore. A 1968 Sun story called the school "the court of last resort."
He enlisted representatives of Baltimore meat-packing and tile-setting industries to start courses. He said in a Sun interview that the courses reduced the dropout rate as his students took more of an interest in their work.
He later became principal of Carroll Park and Clifton Park junior high schools.
In 1976, he invited Edgar L. Jones, an Evening Sun editorial page columnist, to visit the Baer School, where Mr. Genendlis was then serving as principal.
"Mr. Genendlis has a hearty enthusiasm for the Baer School, which he radiates in an all-encompassing way," Mr. Jones wrote in The Evening Sun. "Children's faces light up when they see Mr. G, as they call him, in the corridors, and while he may not know all 260 pupils, ages 4 to 20, by name yet, the impression given is that he knows most of them and they all know him."
In September 1977, he was named principal of the George W.F. McMechen School, a newly opened school for children with multiple handicaps on Garrison Boulevard. He told a reporter that "happiness is being assigned to this school."
He officiated at the school's opening ceremonies, also attended by Mayor Schaefer, who brought the press along. Pantry Pride supermarkets donated $5,000 to the school to set up a simulated grocery store for students to learn to shop and make change.
"He truly cared about his kids and believed they should be taught life skills and could become productive members of society," said Mr. Canter.
In 1978, Mr. Genendlis was named by the school board to become acting superintendent for exceptional children. After leaving the city school system, he joined the Maryland State Department of Education as a special education supervisor responsible for four local school systems.
He also taught courses in special education at the University of Louisville during the summer.
After he retired, he and his wife traveled to the Caribbean and Alaska and to national parks. They also raised Bernese mountain dogs.
In addition to his wife of 60 years, survivors include two daughters, Mona Canter of Sykesville and Robin Korotki of Hampstead; three sisters, Rochelle Quaglia, Sandra Tannenbaum and Elaine Pons, all of Hialeah, Fla.; and two grandchildren.
Services were held Sept. 28 at Sol Levinson & Bros.


text:
On Iran's Inflation Bogey
With Friday's Iranian Presidential election fast approaching, there has been a cascade of reportage in the popular press about that opaque country. When it comes to economic data, Iran has resorted to lying, spinning and concealment – in part, because of its mores and history, and more recently, the ever-tightening international sanctions regime. In short, deception has been the order of the day.
The most egregious example of this deception concerns one of Iran's most pressing economic problems – rampant inflation. Indeed, while the rest of the world watched Iran's economy briefly slip into hyperinflation in October of 2012, the Statistical Centre of Iran and Iran's central bank both defiantly reported only mild upticks in inflation.
It is, therefore, rather surprising that the major international news outlets have continued to report the official inflation data without so much as questioning their accuracy. Even today, with official data putting Iran's annual inflation rate at a mere 31 percent, respectable news sources faithfully report these bogus data as fact.
As I have documented, regimes in countries undergoing severe inflation have a long history of hiding the true extent of their inflationary woes. In many cases, such as the recent hyperinflation episodes in Zimbabwe and North Korea, the regimes resort to underreporting or simply fabricating statistics to hide their economic problems. Often, they stop reporting economic data all together; or, when they do report economic statistics, they do so with such a lag that the reported data are of limited use by the time they see the light of day.
Iran has followed this course – failing to report important economic data in a timely and replicable manner. Those data that are reported by tend to possess what I've described as an "Alice in Wonderland" quality. In light of this, it is fair to suggest that any official data on Iran's inflation be taken with a grain of salt.
So, how can this problem be overcome? At the heart of the solution is the exchange rate. If free-market data (usually black-market data) are available, the inflation rate can be estimated. The principle of purchasing power parity (PPP), which links changes in exchange rates and changes in prices, allows for a reliable estimate. Indeed, PPP simply states that the exchange rate between two countries is equal to the rates of their relative price levels. Accordingly, if we can obtain data on free-market exchange rates, we can make a reliable estimate of the inflation rate.
In short, changes in the exchange rate will yield a reliable implied inflation rate, particularly in cases of extreme inflation. So, to calculate the inflation rate in Iran, a rather straightforward application of standard, time-tested economic theory is all that is required.
Using this methodology, it is possible to estimate a reliable figure for Iran's annual inflation rate. At present the black-market IRR/USD exchange rate sits at 36,450. Using this figure, and a time series of black-market exchange rate data that I have collected over the past year from currency traders in the bazaars of Tehran, I estimate that Iran's current annual inflation rate is 105.8 percent – a rate almost three and a half times the official annual inflation figure (see the accompanying chart).


text:
Very informative and trustworthy blog. Please keep updating with great posts like this one. I have booked marked your site and am about to email it to a few friends of mine that I know would enjoy reading.
Part indoor trainer, part science lesson, the Wattbike is a highly developed performance data gathering tool, and a very decent ride to boot. Just make sure you need all the information that it can throw at you: most riders won't get as much benefit from the numbers as they will from the exercise.
What's a Wattbike? well at the most basic level it's a static exercise bike. It's solidly constructed, with a steel frame covered by a plastic body, and instead of the metal flywheel of a spin bike you get an air resistance system coupled with a magnetic unit. And a freewheel. There's a strain gauge within the guts of the bike which can measure your power output, and this information is fed to a bar-mounted console with a good sized black and white LCD display. You can also hook the Wattbike to your laptop and run their proprietary software, either while you're riding or when you're done.
If you've ever been near a Concept 2 rower then you'll recognise the resistance system, an enclosed fan with a variable aperture. Like the Concept 2, it gives a good range of resistance and an excellent feel with a good curve as your speed increases. Like the Concept 2, it's rather noisy, louder than a friction belt spin bike or a good magnetic turbo. The adjustment lever simply shuts or opens the exhaust of the fan, so that it blows more or less air. Shut completely it simply spins the air inside the unit, with minimal drag. Wide open it pushes a lot of air and subsequently takes more effort. The lever is fairly easy to use, but it's a shame it doesn't protrude over the top of the fan housing, as it'd be much easier to adjust on the fly.
The riding experience of the Wattbike is very good. The fan gives good, progressive drag but it never feels choppy. The position, like a spin bike, is hugely adjustable making it a good fit for pretty much anyone. The wide saddle is a bit basic but easily replaced, likewise the chunky SPD/strap pedals, but even out of the box it's plenty comfy for an hour's hard graft. The LCD head unit is easy to read and the whole thing feels like a quality piece of kit; maybe not quite as durable as a top spin bike (the CycleOps 300PT for example) but plenty sturdy enough for gym use.
The fan won't simulate hard climbing so it's paired with a magnetic unit to ramp up the effort. You can get some serious out-of-the-saddle training with the climb dial set to seven, but it's not without its problems. Firstly the resistance curve is too steep: one through five don't do enough, it's hard to get exactly the feel you want out of six and seven. That job is made harder by the fact that the climb knob itself is pretty much impossible to adjust when you are riding the bike. It's badly placed and stiff, making on-the-fly adjustments a real faff. A redesign is needed there...
Information is power…
Wattbike make great play of the fact that the bikes are calibrated in the factory and that you can race against other users in real time or post your times for set distances on their site. The power is sampled via the cranks 100 times a second, meaning that previously unrecorded data is available to you. As well as standard power output, The Wattbike can show you the distribution of power over your pedal stroke, drawing it in a very nice visualisation as you go.
With practice it's possible to turn this graph, which is naturally a sort of skewed figure-of-eight, into a perfect circle, meaning that you're distributing your power equally on the down and up strokes. For the moment this poses as many questions as it answers. It's not really been possible to gather this data before outside of the lab, so I was at a bit of a loss to know what I should be aiming for; even the nice Wattbike people didn't really seem to know. I'd guess that different types of riding would require different power distributions for maximum efficiency, but the Wattbike defines 100% efficiency as the perfect circle.
As well as the power reading you can access a plethora of different measurements including cadence, speed, distance and heart rate (if you're wearing a compatible chest strap). Speed is a slightly odd one as it's nothing to do with the speed the fan wheel is turning but a direct calculation from your power input. This makes sense from the point of view that it allows direct comparison with another machine, either in the same place (racing leagues have already started) or on the Wattbike website's rankings for the standard events that are programmed into every unit. It's a bit odd when you're on your own, though: crank up the magnetic resistance and stomp up a climb on the pedals and you'll find yourself doing 50km/h, shut the fan and spin out on the flat and you'll only manage about 30.
The Wattbike software feels a bit like a work in progress. It's having to cope with masses of data and it manages that pretty well, but it doesn't feel as refined as other solutions such as CycleOps' PowerAgent or Tacx's Fortius. It's born out of the lab and you still feel you should be wearing a white coat while you look at it. That's not to say it doesn't work – it does – and it's offering extra data over other solutions, but you'll need to be sure you need it. British Cycling clearly think they do. Average Joe almost certainly doesn't, but if you're fighting a running battle at the top of your local ten rankings and you think you can eke out a bit more power by tweaking your pedal stroke, then the Wattbike is one to look at.
It's been difficult to come to an overall verdict for the Wattbike. It's clever, and great at gathering performance data, probably the best tool out there. The national team certainly seem to think so, and it's difficult to argue with an organisation that's currently so dominant.
The dilemma when evaluating its value to the rest of us is how far down the pyramid that extra functionality is going to make a difference. Leisure riders, sportive racers and even decent TTers are unlikely to benefit much. If you're at the top of your game, and you're into the maths of performance, it's definitely worth a look. If you're not and you really want to spend £1700, you might be better off spending it on the CycleOps 300PT which I think is the probably the best made spin bike you can buy, with the most usable software.
For the moneyed trier who just wants to exercise at home and isn't going to break any records – local or national – it's hard to see past VR machines like the Fortius and the Elite Real Tour. Even with a dedicated computer – even with a dedicated bike – you won't be spending Wattbike money.
If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website
Dave is a founding father of road.cc, having previously worked on Cycling Plus and What Mountain Bike magazines back in the day. He also writes about e-bikes for our sister publication ebiketips. He's won three mountain bike bog snorkelling World Championships, and races at the back of the third cats.


text: Bees provide vital benefits to people, including crop pollination and products such as honey and beeswax. But we're losing bees through colony collapse disorder (CCD). In this lesson, students are put at the cutting edge of research on declining bee populations. To date, CCD has not been concretely attributed to any single cause. Through a variety of clues, students will conclude that CCD results from a combination of factors. Have students play the role of worker bees and the teacher can play queen bee.


text:
Betty White cannot be stopped.
The former "Golden Girl" who, at 88, is undergoing an unprecedented career resurgence, will guest star on NBC's "Community" next season, playing a wacky anthropology professor.
White has been hot since appearing in the hit movie "The Proposal" last year. She was then propelled by a Facebook campaign into a guest hosting role on "Saturday Night Live" that drew raves and soon landed a new sitcom on TV Land, "Hot in Cleveland."
U.S. & World
On "Community," the Thursday-night comedy heading into its second season, White will play professor June Bauer.
This fall, White will appear in the movie "You Again," starring Kristin Bell.


text:
Remember Me
Forgot password?
Not a client yet? Sign up now, free.
America's Discount Real Estate Broker®
We offer Flat Fee MLS & Realtor.com in all
50 states & DC.
What is FLAT FEE MLS? Flat
Fee MLS is a model often used by For Sale By Owner (FSBO) sellers to offer Real
Estate through a Broker in the REALTOR®
Multiple Listing Service but in an à la carte capacity. A similar service
in the investment industry would be Schwab™ or eTrade™.
FSBO Sellers go to a Flat Fee Realtor® who for a low Flat Fee will
list their home in
the Realtor®
Multiple Listing Service. The reason the service is called Flat Fee MLS
is because unlike traditional listing real estate brokers, a Flat Fee MLS
listing broker is not compensated on a percentage of the sale or the rental
price for the listing side of the transaction. Instead that fee is
substituted with a low Flat Fee. MLS is a marketplace used by REALTORS® to exchange information about their
listed properties in very much the same way that stock brokers put shares of
stock they are selling on the NYSE or NASDAQ • With a Flat Fee Listing sellers can save tens of thousands of dollars selling real estate. The Flat
Fee Model is the real estate model of the future. • It's most appealing to Do-It-Yourselfers which encompasses most For Sale By Owner
Back to the seventies, studies have been
conducted to determine what percentage of houses sell through a REALTOR®
vs. For Sale By Owner (FSBO). The National Association of
(NAR) surveys show a consistent mean listing ratio of 85:15 (For Sale By REALTOR®
to For Sale By Owner respectively). A traditional REALTOR®,
MLS Listed property would attract on average 85% of the buyers and a For Sale By Owner
property would get on
average 15% of the market. Flat Fee MLS Listings have a distinct
advantage over both sales models as they get 100%? Flat Fee MLS Listed properties are offered to buyer working with
and without REALTORS®.
If the buyer is working with a REALTOR®,
the seller pays just the buyer's REALTOR'S®
side of the commission replacing the listing side with the low upfront pre-paid
fee. In contrast if the buyers is not working with a REALTOR®
then the buyer pays only the upfront low Flat Fee MLS listing fee.
The buyer saves between 50% and 100% of the commission he/she would normally pay
but attracts 100% of the market. Flat Fee MLS is a win-win
for any seller and similar for landlords too.
The goal
in marketing real estate is competitive bidding to drive up the price of the
property. The bigger the market, the greater the odds are of getting top
dollar. Why would anyone want 85% or 15% respectively when they could have
100% with a Flat Fee MLS listing.
When marketing real estate, focus on 100% exposure because that's what you deserve.
List Now
Add Site to Favorites
Join Affiliate Network
Site Index


text:
Donnybrook Hall is just minutes away from the RDS and most of the route is through lovely Herbert Park on uncrowded streets. Or, you can walk from Donnybrook Hall to the RDS through the Park in 15 minutes.
Located just minutes from Donnybrook Hall Guesthouse, the Royal Dublin Showgrounds offers a 42 acre complex well used by generations of Irish sports enthusiasts and conference organisers. Familiarly known as the RDS, the main hall and outdoor arena are favourites with generations of Dubliners.
Excellent rooms, great price, wonderful people, easy access – Trip Advisor Comment 2009
The new National Conference Hall opened in 2010, but for now the RDS remains Ireland's premier venue for meetings, conferences, exhibitions, entertainment and sporting events. The most famous of these is the Royal Dublin Horse Show in the summer of every year when the glitterati of Irish society join the throngs of equestrian sports lovers for the high point of the showjumping year.
With an outdoor stadium, bars, resident catering team and over 2,000 car parking spaces the RDS has a prime location, exceptional range of facilities and total flexibility. And Donnybrook Hall is mere minutes away on lovely Park roads.
Neighbourhood is upscale and I thoroughly recommend Donnybrook Hall to any Dublin visitors – Trip Advisor Comment 2008
Please do not hesitate to contact us via email firstname.lastname@example.com or telephone Rosemary on 01 269 1633 for information on upcoming events. The Showground's list of fixtures can be accessed here: RDS Calendar


text:
Looks like you are using an old version of Internet Explorer - Please update your browser
To gift a digital download, just enter the recipient's email address during the checkout delivery step.
This Curriculum Kit for year 3 quarter 3 The Church Begins includes Teacher Guides, Take Home Sheets, Flipcharts, plus teacher helps. With this Curriculum Kit, teachers can easily show preschoolers and kindergarteners that the Bible is true, and that Jesus is our Creator and Savior!
Our year 3 quarterly Teacher Guides make it easy to teach with background material, detailed lesson plans, and optional activities that will fit any Sunday school format. Includes a reproducible in-class worksheets, teacher helps, and multimedia resources, all conveniently included on a DVD-ROM.Buy Individually
Big and colorful, this sturdy year 3 quarterly flipchart contains oversize pages and is perfect for preschool teachers to easily present the Bible lesson to their students.Buy Individually
All 11 of the 4-page colorful student take home sheets for the year 3 single quarter are included in this pack. You will need one pack for each student in your class. These Student Take Home Sheets contain elements that will encourage family discussion during the week.Buy Individually
Checking for included items.
Checking for discount packs.
Checking for more in this series.
With this Curriculum Kit, teachers can easily show preschoolers and kindergartners that the Bible is true, and that Jesus is our Creator and Savior! Structured activity is critical when teaching youngsters, and ABC has plenty. Focus and movement help the solid Bible lessons to stick! Lessons feature original songs based on classic tunes. Give your students a life-long love for Jesus and the Bible!
Answers Bible Curriculum is a full-featured, chronological, 3-year Sunday school program, synchronized across seven age groups from preschool through adults. Each group covers Genesis through Revelation and learns the same material—but at different levels of depth—enabling exciting and easy discussion for the entire family! AnswersBibleCurriculum.com
Answers in Genesis is an apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.


text:
Pope Benedict XVI has spoken openly about the greatest achievements of the Second Vatican Council in his final address to the priests of the Diocese of Rome.
The Pope, who will step down on February 28, praised as "an act of providence" the Council's decision to make liturgy as the adoration of God, its first order of business, but he criticised what he called misunderstandings of the liturgical reform the Council fostered.
The Pope said that celebrating the Mass in a modern language does not suffice to make its mysteries intelligible and an external participation by the laity in worship does not necessarily produce "communion with the Church and thus fellowship with Christ."
Pope Benedict XVI also said the press mispresented the Council as a political struggle for "popular sovereignty" in the church. This "council of the media" was responsible for "many calamities, so many problems, so much misery," the Pope said. "Seminaries closed, convents closed, liturgy trivialised."
But the Pope said that the "true council" which was based on faith, is today "emerging with all its spiritual strength," and he called on his listeners to "work so that the true council with the power of the Holy Spirit is realised and the Church is really renewed."
The talk gave Pope Benedict a chance to underscore one of the major themes of his pontificate almost at its end. In a landmark speech during his first year as Pope, he had proclaimed the importance of reading Vatican II in continuity with the Church's millennial traditions, not as a radical break with the past. His efforts to promote such interpretations have culminated in the current Year of Faith, which opened last October on the 50th anniversary of the opening of Vatican II.
In his speech to the clergy, Pope Benedict highlighted some of the Council's greatest achievements as well as difficulties in their implementation. He praised the document Dei Verbum, on the interpretation of Scripture, as one of the Council's "most beautiful and innovative" documents, but said "there is still much to be done to arrive at a reading of Scripture that is really in the spirit of the council," because many scholars continue to read the Bible as a merely human book, without reference to faith or the Church's teaching authority.
The Pope also told an anecdote about the late Cardinal Josef Frings of Cologne who, when Blessed John XXIII once summoned him to Rome, "was afraid he had perhaps said maybe something incorrect, false and that he had been asked to come for a reprimand, perhaps even to deprive him of his red hat," the Pope said.
Instead, Cardinal Frings received Blessed John's praise, and later brought the future Pope Benedict with him to the Council as his personal adviser.
Before the Pope's talk, the several thousand priests in the Vatican's audience hall greeted him with a standing ovation and a shout of "Long live the Pope!"
Cardinal Agostino Vallini, the vicar of Rome, then read a short tribute to the Pope, likening the occasion to the departure of St Paul from Ephesus in the Acts of the Apostles.
The cardinal cried as he concluded, telling the Pope, "in the name of all the priests of Rome, who truly love the Pope, that we commit ourselves to pray still for you and for your intentions, so that our grateful love may become, if possible, even greater."