text:
Hi there!
I just launched my website this week and would really appreciate any feedback you may have. I have recieved some sales but am always looking for ways to improve so am open to any suggestions you may have.
Thank you for your help!
Courtney Michael
Hi Courtney,
Nice Site! Few things you can add to the site.
I see you're using Instagram so you should add the social icons to the bottom of your page.
Stay working hard on your social media...It will pay off as you grow followers.
Install this free app and put it in the lower left footer. https://apps.shopify.com/trust
It will help new potential buyers feel more trust in your site as they don't know you yet.
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Hey Courtney,
Dan here from the Guru team! Thanks for reaching out today through our forums. :) All in all I love the look of your site, it's very clean and sharp images. I would suggest a few things to improve it slightly. :) It's important to remember that people are more active on mobile devices, so a website should also be responsive and clearly visible to your customers and potential customers when viewing your store on either iPads or mobile phones. By having your "About Us" page as an image and not text, I found it difficult to read it on mobile. This is a quick fix through creating a page, adding in your images, then the content. You can also create a wrap around on your images so that the text can either be aligned to the left, right, of your images to give it the same effects that you currently have. I would also add in some social media links so people can check your items out on your social media accounts to attract more followers and more traffic to your site that can lead to more sales. :)
Another thing I noticed was that it was a bit hard to see the contact forum, also a quick adjustment of your color in your customize theme area. I would play around with it to see what works best so your customers can clearly see where the contact form fields are, and also where to add their email to your subscription in the footer. :)
I hope this helps, and thanks again for posting. :)
Dan | Shopify Guru
Hey Courtney,
First of all I must say I really liked your website.I think it looks consistent and generally follows best practices.
At the same time, I agree with Dan here. Making your website mobile responsive is incredibly important and putting up an image instead of text makes it difficult to read. One more thing I would suggest is to make the images on the home-page slide automatically rather than manually. I would also add CTA "Shop Now" on each slider image. Of course it is just a suggestion.
I would also suggest you to integrate reviews for the products with a reviews app because it adds lot of credibility for a new buyer. You can also make it more engaging to convert casual visitors into buyers. May be a chat window or a loyalty side-bar?
Also curious to know if and how you are monitoring the on-site activity, such as visitors, sales matrix and customer analytics.
Happy selling. :)
Hey Courtney,
Following up on SD - consider using Loox - Visual Reviews for product reviews. Loox helps you collect lots of customer reviews with photos on auto-pilot, and use them to drive more traffic, conversion and retention. Reviews are displayed in a visually stimulating gallery which is especially important for fashion sites like yours!
Feel free to check out our app page and let us know if you have any questions! Happy to help :)


text:
Article published in How We Made it in Africa, on 10th December 2018
Article also published at the NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies, on 7th September 2018
China occupies a prominent role in the economy of most African countries. In less than two decades, China became one of the most important trading partners and largest financier of infrastructure projects in Africa. From its early diplomatic efforts during the Cold War to derail any influence Taiwan and the Soviet Union could have on the continent, China shifted gears at the beginning of this century to focus on trade and economic development. Today, China's investments in Africa are spread through a range of sectors, taking on the most grandiose infrastructure projects that were put aside since Africa's colonial times. For all this, China's influence on the continent is unrivalled and only seems to grow.
Africa as China's battleground against Taiwan and the Soviet Union
In the decades since 1949, international relations between China and Africa developed following the independence of African states. China wished to prevent the expansion of Taiwan's influence abroad, pushing a One China agenda and curbing international relations between the island and the rest of the world. African support was also key for China's goal of ultimately gaining entry to the United Nations (UN). Countries in Africa became independent during this time and were facing extensive social and political upheaval. With African nations comprising one-third of the UN members by the mid- 1960s, Africa became a necessary ground for China's international recognition goals.
China's diplomacy towards Africa from the 1960s to the end of 1970s was mostly at an ideological level. China presented itself as anti-imperialist and as an ally against colonialism. Ironically, in the short time span of 20 years since independence spread across Africa, China managed to shift the support of most African countries from initially accepting Taiwan's independence from China, to supporting a One China policy. China got the recently independent African countries to withdraw their support for Taiwan's own independence. In the early 1960s, 56% of the already independent African states had recognized Taiwan. By the end of 1970s and after China gained a seat at the UN Security Council, only 9% of African countries recognized Taiwan's independence.
Country support to either China or Taiwan by African countries had switched depending on what best suited the supporting countries economically or politically. In fact, nine countries – Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Gambia, Lesotho, Liberia, Niger, Senegal and Central African Republic – have switched sides more than once, with the latter switching five times since 1962.[1]
Growing conflict between China and the Soviet Union during the same period also propelled the Asian nation on its diplomatic efforts in Africa. The continent became a battleground for proxy wars between the Soviet Union and China, with each state supporting opposing sides of post-independence conflicts in Africa. The civil wars that devastated Angola, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, and the Ogaden War between Somalia and Ethiopia, are some examples of proxy wars where China and the Soviet Union supported opposite sides.
Aside from ideological influence, China's presence in Africa through foreign aid and commercial exchanges remained negligible until the end of the Cold War. From that point onwards, China retreated from ideological frontlines and focused on economic development, which essentially was what gave the Asian nation legitimacy in the post-Cold War international arena.
China and Africa as business partners
The richness of Africa's natural resources was very attractive to China as it needed a constant inflow of raw material feedstock to fuel its growing manufacturing sector. Africa, with its large population, could also become a buyer of Chinese manufactured finished goods.
From the African perspective, doing business with China was an imperative. In the post-independence environment, African countries did not easily attract external investment. Most of its external trading was still done with their former colonial masters in Europe. China could provide a form of diversification on this aspect. In addition to that, the sheer size of the Chinese domestic market offered an unmatchable opportunity for African countries to grow their exports.
Following the example of Japan, which as early as 1993 started organizing the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), China organized a similar event in Beijing, in 2000. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) marked the beginning of the era of modern relations between China and African countries, with a focus on economic development rather than the spread of Communist ideology. The forum is hosted every 3 years, alternatively in Africa or in China, but mostly in the latter. Since the inception of FOCAC, international co-operation and economic and social affairs between the parties have increased significantly.
Africa's largest investor
Since the beginning of this century, China has significantly increased its lending to African countries, from US$130 million in loans in 2000 to over US$30 billion in 2016 alone (Figure 1). About 80% of these loans were utilised in the infrastructure, power and mining sectors, summing US$100 billion between 2000 and 2016. During the same period, Chinese loans towards humanitarian areas such as education and health, totalled US$2 billion (Figure 2).
Figure 1 – Total Annual Loan Value from China to African Countries.[2]
Figure 2 – Chinese Loans to Africa by Sector (2000 to 2016).[3]
China is now the single largest financier of infrastructure in Africa, having surpassed the African Development Bank, the European Commission, the European Investment Bank, the International Finance Corporation, the World Bank and the Group of Seven (G7) countries combined.[4] The Export-Import Bank of China announced in November 2013 that by 2025, China will have provided Africa with US$1 trillion in financing, including direct investment, soft loans and commercial loans.[5] Following this forecast, in 2015, China pledged US$60 billion in loans to Africa, and after the latest FOCAC, in April 2018, President Xi Jinping announced another US$60 billion to Africa in loans and other financing.[6]
This appetite for debt among African governments comes as the proceeds of commodity sales dwindled and economic growth slowed. African governments have had to borrow more to fill the gap in their budgets. An impetus for African countries to boost infrastructure, improve the investment climate on the continent, facilitate economic growth and attract investments have also helped raise the amount of borrowing by African nations. International investors seeking markets with higher returns are looking at Africa as the new frontier. The rapidly growing population with increased requirements for goods and services and an emergent middle class with growing spending power have attracted many foreign investors. It is in this context that China becomes important. With its deep pockets and in line with its ambitious infrastructure-driven Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has made infrastructure financing a key source of Sino-African debt.
The Belt and Road Initiative can be considered as one of the largest infrastructure and investment projects in history. It covers more than 68 countries, includes 65% of the world's population and 40% of the global GDP as of 2017. In its totality, it consists of US$900 billion of planned investments, making it probably the grandest investment drive put forward by a single country.[7] Some commentators are of the opinion that the total spend of the BRI will eventually, by 2049, fall within the range of US$4 trillion and US$8 trillion.[8]
The BRI (initially known as One Belt One Road, or OBOR) is a revival of the iconic land and maritime Silk Road trade routes and infrastructure network spanning East Asia to Western Europe and South through Africa. It consists of roads, railways, ports, pipelines, highways and every piece of infrastructure that can help improve trading between China and its business partners in Asia, Europe and Africa.
While projects under the BRI umbrella in Africa mainly encompass countries in East Africa, the Chinese investment arms spread through most of the continent. The reach and size of such have driven many African countries into risky high levels of debt. In 2018, even countries with small economies, such as Zimbabwe and Namibia, have discussed participation in the BRI with President Xi Jinping of China. Other countries in West Africa have also indicated their interest in becoming a participant in the BRI.
Raising Debt
The growing amount of funds lent to African countries in recent years is reflected in the rise of their debt-to-GDP ratio, which is an indicator of a country's ability to pay back its debts. The higher the debt-to-GDP ratio, the more likely a country is to default. In 2017, the average debt-to-GDP ratio of African countries reached 57%. Although this figure is smaller than levels observed between 1990s and early 2000s, it is a 20 percent increase from five years ago, which shows a dangerous upward trend.[9] In fact, as recently as in April 2018, the IMF warned that at least 40% of low-income countries in the region are either in debt distress or at high risk of it. Chad, Eritrea, Mozambique, Congo Republic, South Sudan and Zimbabwe were considered to be in debt distress at the end of 2017, while Zambia and Ethiopia were downgraded to "high risk of debt distress".[10]
Zambia, for example, currently has an outstanding public and publicly guaranteed (PPG) external debt of nearly US$8 billion (36.5% of GDP) compared to US$1.9 billion (8.4% of GDP) at the end of 2011. Of the current debt, US$771 million is guaranteed by Zambia's state-owned electricity utility company ZESCO and state-owned telecommunication company ZAMTEL. According to the IMF, Zambia faces a high risk of external debt distress, with the external debt-to-GDP ratio breaching the 40% threshold during 2019-23.[11] The extended period over which Zambia's external debt-to-GDP ratio is forecasted to remain over a safe threshold makes the country more sensitive to external shocks, which could possibly drive the economy into recession.
China's loans are centrepiece in the growth of Zambia's external debt. China now holds perhaps a quarter to a third of Zambia's external debt.[12] It has financed the upgrade of the Kafue Gorge hydropower plant through private channels, which reduces the transparency of the terms of the loan to the general public. In the past, much of the money was owed to the World Bank, the IMF and the Paris Club, an informal group of Western government creditors. This gave the funds the power to demand prudent economic reforms as a condition for help. Now China's influence has risen, and it puts much less emphasis on good governance. This situation can be improved if the country pursues fiscal consolidation, restraints itself from more non-concessional borrowing, and improves its debt and public investment management. In a bad case scenario where Zambia cannot honour its debts, the country may see the control of its state power utility company ZESCO or the state-owned telecommunication company ZAMTEL handed to China as collateral.
Why is African's Debt Increasing?
Among the factors that contributed to the ballooning debt levels in Africa, was the weakening of commodity prices of recent years. This was especially noticeable in crude oil prices, which remained low during 2014 to 2016 and severely affected the economy of nations such as Angola and Nigeria. These countries depend on oil export revenues to keep their economies running and pay their debt. Angola, which exports over 50% of its crude oil production to China[13], accumulated 30% of all government loans China has made to Africa between 2000 and 2017. [14]
Exchange rate depreciation also affected the ability of African countries to repay Chinese debt. Since most of the loans – including from China – to African countries are denominated in US dollar, the loss of value of African currencies means that these loans become more expensive to repay. However, this particular issue may start to change as African governments, central banks and China are studying the use of the Chinese yuan as reserve currency for Africa.[15] This shows the growing significance of Chinese relations with the continent.
Finally, another reason for the growing debt levels in African countries, where infrastructure is mostly financed by Chinese loans, is the lower than expected return on investment in some projects. However, it may still be early to judge the returns of large infrastructure projects such as ports and roads as they depend on further socio-economic development.
The Interesting Case of China's Influence in Djibouti
Djibouti is seemingly another example of how Chinese investment has taken a country hostage. Since the public sector engaged in large, externally-financed infrastructure projects, Djibouti's external public debt-to-GDP ratio increased from 50% in 2014 to 85% in 2016.[16]
In 2013, the government contracted large loans to finance the construction of the 756km Addis Ababa–Djibouti railway, connecting landlocked Ethiopia to the Arabian Sea, through Djibouti. The US$4 billion railway was inaugurated in January 2018 and was completely built with Chinese money.[17] However, the case of Chinese influence in Djibouti goes deeper than that.
Djibouti is located in the Horn of Africa, at a strategic site at the entrance to the Red Sea, where the strait of Bab-el-Mandeb separates Djibouti from Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula (Figure 3). In 2017, 17,845 vessels carrying 97.6 million tons of cargo crossed this narrow 20km-wide gap.[18] About 4.8 million barrels of oil are transported through the strait per day and the location is key for accessing the European and North African markets.[19]
Figure 3 – Djibouti Strategic Location
The geographic and economic importance of Djibouti drove China's investment in this tiny country of less than one million people. Besides the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, China funded a US$322 million water pipeline system that transports drinking water from Ethiopia to Djibouti;[20] a US$450 million airport in the city of Bicidley, south of Djibouti's capital;[21] and it has plans to build a US$4 billion natural gas complex with a cross-country gas pipeline, a natural gas liquefaction plant and an export terminal that will serve as a hub to sell liquid natural gas (LNG) from Ethiopia to the world.[22]
In 2018, Djibouti hosted the first Africa Economic Forum and Exhibition, which gathered over 800 business leaders, private sector investors and government economic officials from across Africa and China.[23] But more importantly, Djibouti is where China chose to build its first military base overseas. With a price tag of US$590 million, China's naval facility will join other countries that have already taken notice of Djibouti's sweet spot location. The country also hosts the largest US military base in Africa and leases out space for the Japan Self Defence Force, for the French Foreign Legion and it will soon have a Saudi military base.[24]
Most recently, a dispute arose about Djibouti's Doraleh Container Terminal (DCT) after the government unilaterally terminated the contract for the port's operation, which was managed by Dubai firm DP World. The concession was ended in February 2018 during a prolonged dispute over the operation of the facility, going back to 2012. DP World claims that the port's seizure is illegal and has begun new arbitration proceedings before the London Court of International Arbitration. The port handles around one million containers per year and seven million metric tons of cargo.[25]
Djibouti is expected to hand over control of the facility to Chinese companies amidst warming ties from all the investments China is making in the country. If that goes ahead, it will cement China's influence in this region to a greater extent. China would be able to restrict access to the port, which could affect resupplying the U.S. base in the country and the ability of American Navy ships to refuel there. The U.S. military base in Djibouti is home to about 4,000 personnel, including special operations forces, and it serves as a launch pad for operations in Yemen and Somalia.[26]
A white paper published in 2015 by the Chinese government lays out a broad military strategy for the country upholding a "holistic view of national security, balancing internal and external security". This was the first time that Chinese interests in the far seas were elevated to the level of national security.
The white paper states that "armed forces will actively participate in both regional and international security cooperation and effectively secure China's overseas interests." It presents a strategy that combines the defence of offshore waters with the protection of open seas, by building an "efficient marine combat force structure" and by directly stating that the traditional mentality that land outweighs sea must be abandoned.[27]
Building a base in Djibouti makes perfect sense in this context as it helps China secure its interests in the region. By acting in various regions, China is better positioned than the U.S. to spread its influence along such an important naval route as the Red Sea, which connects the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
Infrastructure Builder
Since long before launching its grandiose Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, China was already engaged in large infrastructure projects in Africa. The first of the type was the TAZARA Railway, linking Zambia to Tanzania, inaugurated in 1975. From that time to now, China has funded more than 6,200km of railways and over 5,000km of roads in Africa, according to China's foreign minister Wang Yi.[28]
China's bets on Kenya and Tanzania
A bit south from Djibouti, the US$3.2 billion 472km railway connecting Kenya's port city of Mombasa and its capital, Nairobi, has been operating since May 2017. China funded the project through concessionary loans with a 10-year grace period and repayment over 30 to 40 years. Similar to the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway, this one will also be operated and managed by Chinese employees before passing the baton to local management. [29]
Soon after the Mombasa-Nairobi railway started operating, China agreed to lend a further US$3.6 billion to Kenya to extend the railway to the city of Kisumu, at Lake Victoria. The railway lines are planned to eventually connect landlocked South Sudan, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and Ethiopia to the Indian Ocean.
Also in Kenya, the Lamu port deal was signed by the Kenya Ports Authority and China Communications Construction Company in 2014. After much delay, it is expected to have the first of its planned 32 berths ready by December 2018.[30],[31] The port is just a small part of the US$24 billion Lamu Port Southern Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor project, which comprises roads and railways connecting the port to Ethiopia and South Sudan. A Standard Gauge Railway of 1,720km will connect Lamu to Juba, the capital of South Sudan, and a two-lane highway will link the port to the cities of Isiolo, in the heart of Kenya, and Nakodok, on the border with South Sudan. Airports will be built in Lamu, Isiolo and in Lokichogio.
Directly competing with Kenya to become the main port in East Africa, Tanzania is planning to build a state-of-the-art port in Bagamoyo, not so far from Dar es Salaam (Figure 3). In May, China announced it was making good progress on negotiations with the Tanzanian government for the US$10 billion Bagamoyo mega-port and special economic zone, paving the way for the long-delayed construction work to begin.[32] China also invested US$154 million to expand the Dar es Salaam port from its current container throughput of 20 million tons per year to 28 million tons by 2020.[33]
It is interesting to note that by betting on both Kenya and Tanzania, the only sure winner of this "race" to become the gateway to East Africa, is China.
Figure 4 – China is investing in the main East African exporting corridors.[34]
Besides railways, roads and ports, another sector of the African economy that has caught China's interest is power generation and transmission. In the period between 2000 and 2015, Chinese contractors were responsible for 30% of the new power generation infrastructure being built in Sub-Saharan Africa. Between 2010 and 2020, China has and is tackling over 200 projects, from coal to renewables, with a total of 17 gigawatts (GW) of generation capacity in the region, which is equivalent to 10% of the existing installed capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In power transmission and distribution, Chinese companies are active in the entire power-grid chain, from cross-border transmission lines, like between Ethiopia and Kenya, to local urban and rural distribution networks, such as in Angola or Equatorial Guinea.
Between 2010 and 2015, foreign direct investment (FDI) from China in the Sub-Saharan Africa power sector, which includes power generation, transmission and distribution, amounted to US$13 billion, or around 20% of all investments in the sector in the region.
China ODA to Africa
China's strategy in Africa is centred on providing economic opportunity while ignoring systemic problems such as human rights violations and other social and political abuses observed across the continent. This strategy has been successful so far and it means China favours investing in projects that have clear and tangible returns rather than in official development assistance (ODA). In comparison, while the U.S. spent US$31.4 billion on ODA in 2015, [35] China devoted only US$2.9 billion in aid globally during that year.[36] In 2013, 46% of China's foreign aid was directed at Africa. [37]
In absolute terms, China's foreign aid is significant. However, the idea that China does not invest in advancing humanitarian projects probably comes from the fact that proportionally to its gross national income (GNI), China's development assistance is really small, as less than 0.03% of China's GNI was being used in foreign aid in 2015.[38] In comparison, China's foreign aid in 2015 was about the same size as Denmark's that year; however, for Denmark that amount constitutes 0.85% of its GNI.[39]
Instead of ODA, a preferred way China chooses to provide assistance to Africa is through debt relief. During the second FOCAC, in 2003, China signed protocols on debt relief and debt cancellation with 31 of the poorest countries in Africa, summing 10.5 billion Yuan (US$1.7 billion in current dollars).[40] In 2006, China added another US$1.4 billion in debt cancellation to African nations,[41] and again in 2009.[42] In 2015, China provided US$5 billion of grants in zero interest loans and US$35 billion in concessional loans.[43] Finally, in September, after FOCAC 2018, China said it would provide US$15 billion of aid, interest-free loans and concessional loans to African countries.[44]
By choosing debt relief instead of development assistance, China does not attach itself to humanitarian projects that could ultimately bring socio-political aspects to a negotiation table. Debt relief also does not necessarily come for free. Often it means the borrower gets the option to repay its debt with natural resources or through the transfer of ownership stakes in newly constructed infrastructure projects.
South Sudan, Oil and China
A different stance was taken in South Sudan though. China's involvement in what originally was only one country, Sudan, began in the late 1990s, with the goal of developing the country's oil industry while most of the West had worked to isolate the Sudanese government for human rights abuses and support for terrorism. Less daunted by security and political risks than most companies, the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) acquired a 40% stake in South Sudan's biggest oil fields and invested billions in oil-related infrastructure. Other Chinese companies followed suit, leading to closer bilateral political and diplomatic ties between Sudan and China. Following South Sudan's secession in 2011, Chinese companies, entrepreneurs, and small business owners soon descended on the new country, anticipating a rush of infrastructure projects, a flood of Chinese financing and few competitors, Western or otherwise.[45]
In 2012, there were as many as 10,000 Chinese nationals working in South Sudan, where most of the oil reserves are concentrated, and more than 100 Chinese companies registered, most of them private firms.[46] However, a civil war broke out the following year, disrupting oil production. China, having heavily invested in the new nation, assumed a pivotal role in mediating a peace deal.
Behind the scenes, Chinese diplomats became key players in facilitating a 2015 deal to cease fighting and to establish a transitional government that would bring stability to the region. However, China underestimated the complexity of the conflict. Just a few months after the deal was reached, rebels took over the oil fields. Tens of thousands were killed, and more than a million became refugees, helping make South Sudan home to one of the biggest refugee crisis in Africa today.
That was the first crisis diplomacy China faced and it certainly completely failed. Currenly, China decided to take the backseat, leaving the mediator's role to the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.[47] Today, the Chinese embassy in South Sudan estimates that of about 140 Chinese businesses in South Sudan, only half are still active and less than 500 Chinese expatriates remain in the country.
An Unmatchable Trading Partner
China is Africa's main trading partner, having reached this position in less than a decade since the promotion of the FOCAC in 2000. In that year, the trade of goods between Africa and China amounted close to US$10 billion. In 2017, this figure reached an impressive US$170 billion, a 14% increase on the previous year's figures, according to Chinese government data.[48]
While China mainly imports mineral resources, oil and semi-processed raw materials from Africa, most of its exports to the continent comprise of manufactured goods. Hence, the trade balance between African countries and China fluctuates according to commodity prices: when commodity prices are high, Africa runs an even balance or possibly a surplus, but when commodity prices are low, such as in 2015 and 2016, Africa runs a trade deficit (Figure 4).
Figure 5 – Africa's Trade Surplus with China. [49],[50]
China adopts a non-confrontational approach on issues such as human rights and in dealing with non-democratic regimes. This opens a much broader range of countries and governments Chinese businesses can deal with as compared to European Union companies, for example. As a result, China trades with all African countries.
In a report released in June 2017, McKinsey & Company estimated that Chinese companies currently manage 12% of Africa's industrial production – valued at approximately US$500 billion a year in total – and are responsible for nearly 50% of Africa's internationally contracted construction market. [51] The report also adds that most of Chinese companies operating in Africa are primarily focused on serving the needs of Africa's fast-growing markets rather than on exports.
Made in Ethiopia, by China
However, this is not the case in Ethiopia. Attracted by cheap labour and tax breaks, factories that once were located in China are expanding their businesses in this East African country. Since 2014, Ethiopia has opened four giant, publicly owned industrial parks and it plans to open eight more by 2020. According to the Ethiopian Investment Commission, the country will shift away from a strictly rural economy by adding 2 million jobs in manufacturing by 2025, with the help of heavy Chinese investment. The Hawassa Industrial Park had 56 identical hangar-sized sheds devoted to textile production built within 9 months by a state-owned Chinese company at a price tag of US$250 million.[52]
Ethiopia has embraced a labour-intensive, export-oriented manufacturing industry catering to developed markets, producing for brands like Guess, Calvin Klein, H&M, Levi Strass and clothes that are sold at Walmart stores in the U.S. Currently, most of the raw material used in these factories has to be imported due to the lack of domestic sourcing. The final products used to take a long route via roads to the port in neighbouring Djibouti, from where they are exported. This route was shortened when the Chinese-funded Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway began transporting cargo.
Labour costs and tax breaks may not be the only factors attracting Chinese factories to set up shop in Ethiopia. In late August 2018, the Trump administration raised a 10% tariff on imports of around 1,000 types of Chinese textile and apparel products, totalling US$4 billion.[53] To circumvent such additional costs, Chinese sellers are making use of the preferential treatment handed to African manufacturers through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by re-routing Chinese textile exports through African countries.
Signed into law by the Clinton administration in 2000 and extended by Obama in 2015 for an additional 10 years, AGOA was designed to provide African manufacturers with tariff-free access to the US market in an attempt to bolster flagging trade with the continent. Defenders argue that the legislation has proved a dynamic employment vehicle in signatory countries, driving the creation of as many as 350,000 direct jobs in Africa by removing tariffs on some 6,500 products, including vehicles, garments and metalwork.[54]
The claims that China is just using countries such as Ethiopia as a stepping stone to reach the American market are, however, simplistic and short-sighted. The Chinese shoe manufacturer Huajian Group opened its first factory in Ethiopia in 2012 and currently employs over 3,500 locals. The company has plans to invest US$2 billion and create 30,000 jobs in Ethiopia by 2020, turning the country into a shoe manufacturing base for exports to the U.S. and Europe.[55]
Similarly, Chinese companies that build factories in Africa and employ local workers are inevitably bringing manufacturing expertise that the continent previously lacked. Chinese firms, initially attracted by cheap labour, will still need to adhere to standards of quality control and high productivity if they want to stay competitive in a globalized market. In this process, African employees get trained and have the opportunity to move to local competitors for higher wages. In doing so, knowledge is disseminated, fuelling the development of a domestic manufacturing sector.
South Africa and China
South Africa is China's largest trading partner on the African continent and is the second-largest FDI recipient from China, after Nigeria. Diplomatic relations between China and South Africa began 20 years ago through the hands of Nelson Mandela, but bilateral trade only started accelerating by 2009. Today, trade between the countries amounts to US$39.17 billion and includes a diverse range of products.
In September 2017, South Africa became the first African country to export beef to China.[56] China also buys South African wine, which is considered a mid-price option for consumers in the Chinese market. The South African brand "La Motte", which has a French-sounding name that implies high quality wine, for example, is sold to middle and upper class Chinese consumers. The company has more customers in China than in its home country. [57] South African wines are responsible for 2% of all wine imports in China.[58]
Besides buying South African goods, China invests heavily in South Africa's manufacturing sector. Chinese major appliances company Hisense has built a manufacturing base in South Africa, producing 400,000 refrigerators and televisions a year. The company has created 700 direct and 2,000 indirect jobs locally and has a large market share in the South African appliances market.
State-owned Chinese automotive company, FAW Group Corporation, in 2014 built a vehicle assembly plant in the Coega Special Economic Zone, located in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality.[59] It produced 1,200 vehicles and employed 230 local workers in 2016. The same complex also houses the Beijing Automobile International Corporation (BAIC), another state-owned Chinese car manufacturer. The company has invested R11 billion (US$785 million) on a plant that will produce 3 types of cars for the South African market.[60] The plant will start operations in December 2018 and it expects to create 800 jobs.[61]
China is also present in the South African mining sector. In 2013, a consortium led by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) of South Africa and China's Hebei Iron & Steel Group purchased the Palabora Mining Company (PMC) in Limpopo. The consortium decided to further develop Palabora's copper and manganite mines, extending mining operation for further 20 years. The company employs 2,400 locals working in the mines.[62]
On the renewables sector, Chinese major solar technology company, JA Solar, is building a 86-MW solar plant, the Orange project, in the Northern Cape province together with two South African partners: Solar Capital and Black Enterprise Empowerment. The plant is expected to start producing electricity to the grid soon.[63]
Also in the Northern Cape province, Chinese Longyuan Power Group Corporation, the world's largest wind-power developer, has built two large-scale windfarms with 100 MW and 144 MW capacity. The plants started operating in November 2017 and created 700 direct and indirect jobs.[64]
China is present in the South African banking sector, represented by the Bank of China and the China Construction Bank. The two banks together hold assets of more than R80 billion (US$5.7 billion) in South Africa.[65] In 2008, one of China's biggest lenders, ICBC, acquired a 20% stake in South African Standard Bank, worth of R5.6 billion (US$400 million) and became its single largest shareholder. This was the biggest foreign acquisition by a Chinese commercial bank at the time.[66]
In July 2018, China announced it would be investing US$14.7 billion in South Africa. Among the deals, there is a US$2.5 billion loan to South Africa's state-run power company Eskom, which is burdened by massive debts and embroiled in graft allegations involving Zuma's government.[67]
On diplomatic relations, South Africa and China cooperate in the global arena by framing the participation of both countries on shared multilateral platforms. They also provide mutual support on multiple initiatives in global forums such as the BRICS, the UN and the G20.
Final Remarks
From infrastructure investments and concessional loans, in recent years China has expanded its reach in Africa towards more diverse fronts to include investments in the local industry and military support. China's considerable investments in Africa bring the possibility of economic transformation by boosting an industrial revolution on the continent and by creating avenues for export diversification. For this to happen, both African countries and China need to maximize the development impact of their partnership. There are successful experiences to build on, and African countries are interested to learn from China's own experience of generating growth and reducing poverty.
Africa has a lot to do in order to fully reap the benefits of Chinese investments though. Beginning by improving its institutions and rule of law, and by creating a transparent and corruption-free business environment. Improvements in the business climate will not only attract Chinese investments but will also elevate Africa to a position of global investment destination.
Partnerships between Chinese and African firms through joint ventures have the potential to spread technology, advance skills and knowledge transfer and develop pathways for African countries to reach global value chains. The benefits are countless. In the other hand, Africa needs to remain attentive to the sovereignty of its countries and never forget that China's first interest is economic focused, not altruistic.
The author, Otavio Veras, is a Research Associate of the NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies, a trilateral platform for government, business and academia to promote knowledge and expertise on Africa, established by Nanyang Technological University and the Singapore Business Federation. Otavio can be reached at email@example.com.
[1] Understanding Sino-African Relations: Neocolonialism or a New Era? (Timothy S. Rich and Sterling Recker, Journal of International and Area Studies Vol. 20, No. 1 (June 2013), pp. 61-76)
[2] Johns Hopkins SAIS China-Africa Research Initiative (Sep 2018)
[3] Johns Hopkins SAIS China-Africa Research Initiative (Sep 2018)
[4] Should Africa be wary of Chinese debt? (BBC News, Sep 2018)
[5] China to provide Africa with US$1tr financing (South China Morning Post, Nov 2013)
[6] China Promises Africa Debt Relief as Xi Counters Aid Criticism (Bloomberg, Sep 2018)
[7] China Says It's Building the New Silk Road. Here Are Five Things to Know Ahead of a Key Summit (Time, May 2017)
[8] Greening the Belt and Road Initiative (World Wide Fund for Nature WWF)
[9] The Debt Challenge to African Growth (IMF, May 2018)
[10] Should Africa be wary of Chinese debt? (BBC News, Sep 2018)
[11] Zambia Staff Report on the 2017 Article IV Consultation— Debt Sustainability Analysis (IMF, Sep 2017)
[12] Zambia's looming debt crisis is a warning for the rest of Africa (The Economist, Sep 2018)
[13] China-Angola Investment Model (MDPI Sustainability, 2018)
[14] Johns Hopkins SAIS China-Africa Research Initiative (Sep 2018)
[15] Top finance officials discuss possible use of Chinese yuan as reserve currency for eastern, southern Africa (Xinhua News, May 2018)
[16] Djibouti Staff Report for the 2016 Article IV Consultation—Debt Sustainability Analysis (IMF, Feb 2017)
[17] Chinese-built Ethiopia-Djibouti railway begins commercial operations (Xinhua News, Jan 2018)
[18] Suez Canal records highest ever revenues for 2017-18, official Egypt Independent, Jun 2018)
[19] Bab el-Mandeb: The U.S. Ignores the Most Dangerous Strait in the World at Its Peril (The National Interest, Jun 2018)
[20] China funds cross-border water project in Djibouti, Ethiopia (China Aid Data)
[21] China rapidly expands port, military base in Djibouti (UPI, Apr 2017)
[22] Djibouti signs preliminary deal with China's POLY-GCL for $4 bln gas project (Reuters, Nov 2017)
[23] First Africa Economic Forum in Djibouti: Private sector investment in sustainable infrastructures key to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (Arab States, Jul 2018)
[24] AFRICOM Chief Warns of Chinese Control at Port of Djibouti (The Maritime Executive, May 2018)
[25] China Merchants to revamp old port of Djibouti (JOC, Jul 2018)
[26] 'Significant' consequences if China takes key port in Djibouti: U.S. general (Reuters, Mar 2018)
[27] China's Military Strategy (The State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China, May 2015)
[28] What to know about China's ties with Africa, from aid to infrastructure (South China Morning Post, Jul 2018)
[29] Kenya opens Nairobi-Mombasa Madaraka Express railway (BBC News, May 2017)
[30] Chinese-built Lamu port on course to transform Kenya, E. Africa (Xinhua News, Jul 2015)
[31] First Lamu Port Berth to be complete by December (Construction Review Online, Jul 2018)
[32] China-Tanzania talks over Bagamoyo port project in progress: envoy (Xinhua News, May 2018)
[33] Tanzania signs $154 million contract with Chinese firm to expand main port (Reuters, Jun 2017)
[34] The race to become East Africa's biggest port (BBC News, Jun 2016)
[35] Net ODA (OECD data, 2018)
[36] Johns Hopkins SAIS China-Africa Research Initiative (Sep 2018)
[37] China vs. Africa: Give it a fish and teach it to fish (Sina Finance, May 2013)
[38] GNI current US$ (World Bank data)
[40] Forum on China-Africa Cooperation-Addis Ababa Action Plan (2004-2006) (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, 2004)
[41] How and why China became Africa's biggest aid donor (The Conversation, Apr 2016)
[42] Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Sep 2012)
[43] China's Xi pledges US$60 billion for development in Africa (The Straits Times, Dec 2015)
[44] China's Xi offers another US$60 billion to Africa, but says no to 'vanity' projects (Channel NewsAsia, Sep 2018)
[45] China's Foreign Policy Experiment in South Sudan (International Crisis Group, Jul 2017)
[46] There's at least one place in Africa where China's "win win" diplomacy is failing (Quartz Africa, Nov 2017)
[47] China used to stay out of other nations' politics. But not here. (The Washington Post, Jul 2018)
[48] China, Africa trade volume rises 14% to $170b (China Daily, Aug 2018)
[49] China, Africa trade volume rises 14% to $170b (China Daily, Aug 2018)
[50] Statistics on China-Africa Bilateral Trade in 2017 (Ministry of Commerce of PRC, Jan 2018)
[51] Dance of the lions and dragons (McKinsey&Company, Jun 2017)
[52] China Is Turning Ethiopia Into a Giant Fast-Fashion Factory (Bloomberg Businessweek, Mar 2018)
[53] Tariff concerns hang over New York textile trade show (The Telegraph, Aug 2018)
[54] 'Does AGOA unfairly benefit Chinese firms?' (African Business Magazine, Feb 2017)
[55] Trump factory jobs sent to China may never come back (AFP, Oct 2016)
[56] South Africa and China are beneficial partners (Pretoria News, Feb 2018)
[57] Is South Africa a gateway for China's investment in Africa? (Natalie Mao, May 2017)
[58] China's love affair with wine, and how SA can benefit (Farmer's Weekly, Aug 2017)
[59] Coega Development Corporation website
[60] BAIC Group announces R11-billion SA plant set to go live in 2018 Q4 – Job boost for locals, vehicle production to begin (Wheels24, Jul 2018)
[61] Who Is BAIC? (BAIC International Corporation)
[62] Palabora Mining Company (PMC) (Mining Global, Jul 2015)
[63] NERSA Public Hearing (Solar Capital)
[64] De Aar wind-power projects start feeding electricity to Northern Cape (Sunday Times, Nov 2017)
[65] Two state-owned Chinese banks are neck-and-neck with Capitec as they race to catch up to SA's big 5 (Business Insider, May 2018)
[66] ICBC to buy $5.6 billion stake in South African bank (The New York Times, Oct 2007)
[67] China to invest US$14 billion in South Africa (Straits Times, Jul 2018)

subset: commoncrawl


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Racine man stuck, killed by hit-and-run driver Christmas night
A Racine man, 45, was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver Thursday night, police said.
Police said Robert Castaneda was found lying in the roadway after he was hit in the 900 block of Romayne Avenue.
The driver left the scene, but was located a few blocks away and taken into custody.
Bradley Hayek, 31, faces hit and run resulting in death, homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, felony bail jumping and misdemeanor bail jumping charges.
A court commissioner set Hayek's bail at $50,000 Friday, and he remains in the Racine County Jail.
The commissioner ordered Hayek not to drink and to wear an alcohol monitoring device if he's released.
Hayek is scheduled to be back in court Monday for an initial appearance.
If anyone saw the crash or knows anything about it, they are asked to call 262-635-7828.


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This dramatised documentary takes as its central theme the last day of rider Franz Marc, who was killed in combat. An opportunity for the director to look back at the life and career of the painter.
Born in 1880, Franz Marc was interested in the various artistic movements of his time: Art Nouveau, Cubism, Fauvism and Expressionism. He combined all these influences into one brilliant synthesis. With Wassily Kandinsky and August Macke, he went on to create the Expressionist-inspired movement Der Blaue Reiter ("the Blue Rider"). His mystical closeness to nature was expressed through animals, which became his favourite models: first, his horses, but then cats, dogs, foxes and tigers, which he sketched in luminous flat areas of bright colours. After meeting Delaunay in Paris, on 1912, his art moved towards abstraction.
On the balcony, 36 Ainmillerstrasse, Munich, 1911-1912.
From left to right: Maria et Franz Marc, Bernhard Koehler, Heinrich Campendonk, Thomas von Hartmann and Wassily Kandinsky sitting in front. Photo: Gabriele Münter- und Johannes Eichner-Stiftung
Direction: Hedwig Schmutte, 2015
Production: Tag/Traum, Germany
French Version: Arte France
Duration: 52 min
Documentary screened at 3.30pm, every day of the exhibition Franz Marc / August Macke. The Adventure of the Blue Rider
Extra screening at 7:30 pm during the exceptional latenight openings from June 13 to 17.


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EU-Hong Kong Research Collaboration SchemeSave to favorites
ORGANISATION NAMEResearch Grants Council Hong Kong
ORGANISATION COUNTRYHong Kong
FUNDING TYPEFunding
DEADLINE DESCRIPTIONEnd of July
RESEARCH FIELDFormal sciencesHumanitiesNatural sciencesProfessions and applied sciencesSocial sciences
CAREER STAGEFirst Stage Researcher (R1) (Up to the point of PhD)Recognised Researcher (R2) (PhD holders or equivalent who are not yet fully independent)Established Researcher (R3) (Researchers who have developed a level of independence)Leading Researcher (R4) (Researchers leading their research area or field)
On 20 November 2015, the RGC Hong Kong launched the invitation for applications under the EC-RGC collaboration scheme for research and innovation 2016/17. The collaboration scheme aims to foster EU-Hong Kong collaboration in academic research and to support the participation of researchers in institutions funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC) in Hong Kong in joint research projects conducted under Horizon 2020. The RGC will reserve an annual budget of around HK$9 million (or 1 million euro) for the 2016/17 exercise. Hong Kong partners in a successful proposal submitted in response to the 2016-17 Horizon 2020 call can apply. The call covers both basic and applied research projects through "research project proposals" in science disciplines (viz biology and medicine, engineering and physical sciences) and "exchange proposals" in all disciplines. Applications should include a summary of the proposal submitted to the EC and research work undertaken by the Hong Kong team, to be signed by the coordinator of the Horizon 2020 project and the EC's official notification of the proposals being funded.
Hong Kong based researchers and research organizations
What is funded
The per-project ceiling of RGC's research project grants and exchange grants are HK$3 million and HK$0.5 million (or (both excluding on-costs) respectively.
The project duration should normally be not more than 5 years.
More Information
The responsibility for the funding offers published on this website, including the funding description, lies entirely with the publishing institutions. The application is handled uniquely by the employer, who is also fully responsible for the recruitment and selection processes.


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£18.00 – £55.00
resurfacing, anti-pollution powder exfoliant
This highly-active resurfacer delivers your smoothest skin ever, and helps fight the biochemical and environmental triggers known to accelerate skin aging. The advanced powder formula activates upon contact with water, releasing powerful enzymes, skin-smoothing alpha hydroxy acids and anti-pollution technology. Activated Binchotan Charcoal purifies the skin, helping to adsorb environmental toxins from deep within the pores, while Niacinamide, Red Algae and Tara Fruit Extract help guard against the damaging effects of pollution. Not recommended for users of medically-prescribed exfoliation products. Although there is no standard for establishing a gluten-free designation for topical skin care products, independent laboratory testing confirms that this formula surpasses the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) ingestible standards and can therefore be considered gluten-free. gluten-free Formulated without animal-derived ingredients vegan Formulated without artificial fragrances and colors no artificial fragrances and colors Formulated without Parabens paraben-free Certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny and PETA cruelty-free
AGE Smart works by impacting the main biochemical reactions that manifest the signs of skin aging: the formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS, also known as free radicals), the generation of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the development of Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs).
After cleansing, dispense about a half-teaspoon into very wet hands and create a creamy paste by rubbing hands together. Apply to face in circular motions, avoiding the eye area. Massage gently for one minute, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Use daily. For more sensitive skin, apply on alternate days until skin acclimates.
Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate,
Malic Acid, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Charcoal Powder, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Maltodextrin, Silica, Magnesium Oxide, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Sapindus Trifoliatus Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Oil, Zingiber Of cinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Rosmarinus Of cinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Salvia Of cinalis (Sage) Oil, Subtilisin, Lipase, Papain, Lactic Acid, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Xanthan Gum, Water/Aqua/Eau, Coconut Acid, Calcium Lactate, Capryloyl Glycine, Undecylenoyl Glycine, Cetrimonium Chloride, Limonene, Linalool.
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text:
Town Alerts
Town Alert 5: COVID-19 Issued April 7, 2020
Town Alert 5: COVID-19 Issued April 7, 2020 (Spanish)
Town Alert 4: COVID-19 Issued March 30, 2020
Town Alert 4: COVID-19 Issued March 30, 2020 (Spanish)
Town Alert 3: COVID-19 Issued March 23, 2020
Town Alert 3: COVID-19 Issued March 23, 200 (Spanish)
Town Alert 2: COVID-19 Issued on March 16, 2020
Town Alert 2: COVID-19 Issued on March 16, 2020 (Spanish)
Town Alert: COVID-19 Issued on March 13, 2020
Town Alert: COVID-19 Issued on March 13, 2020 (Spanish)
COVID-19 Suspended Services and Cancellations
Suspended Services (until further notice):
· Town Hall in-person services
· Use of Town Hall for community meetings
· Notary Services
· Bulk Trash Drop-Off
· Bulk Trash Curbside Pickup
· Police Ride-Along program and station tours
· Police fingerprinting service
Cancelled Meetings
Date specific:
· 3/23/20 – Town Council Special Legislative Session CANCELLED
· 3/23/2020 – State of the Town CANCELLED
· 3/23/2020-3/27/2020 – Town Census HUB in Town Hall CANCELLED
· 4/1/2020 – M-UTC Meeting CANCELLED
· Chief's Community Advisory Committee meetings and activities CANCELLED
· Green Team meetings and activities CANCELLED
· Centennial Planning Committee meetings CANCELLED
· Town Ethics Commission Meeting for the next 30 days or until further notice CANCELLED
· Town Board of Code Appeals Meeting for the next 30 days or until further notice CANCELLED
3/23/2020 Waggertail Dog Park is closed until further notice.
03/19/2020 - This week's Riverdale Park Farmers Market has been cancelled due to the Governor's Revised Executive Order announced earlier today. We are working to gain clarity on the Revised Executive Order as it relates to future Farmers Markets.
Many Town services such as reporting concerns with residential trash removal, applying for and inquiring about permits, licenses, and inspections can be completed through email and forms available on the Town's website at www.riverdaleparkmd.gov. Other non-police services can be arranged by telephone at 301.927.6381. Non-emergency police assistance is available at 301.927.4343. If you have an emergency, call 911.


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It had a budget that fell between $150- and $180-million, a 35-year build-up since the original Blade Runner, and a near-guarantee of being a hit at the box office. So what distinguishes Blade Runner 2049 from any other Hollywood blockbuster?
Answer: two Canadians.
"No one noticed that the movie was hijacked by two Canadians," says director Denis Villeneuve. The Montreal native, who cast compatriot Ryan Gosling in the movie's leading role, wasn't interested in making a typical American big-budget production. Instead, Villeneuve deftly weaves together elements of two genres–the art film and the blockbuster–to create a haunting landscape with an existential soul. This is no Bond movie.
At a running time of 46 minutes longer than the original, Villeneuve expected that his director's cut of Blade Runner 2049 would elicit pushback from its producers. The opposite happened: they loved it. Villeneuve told Maclean's that one of the producers pronounced it "the most expensive arthouse movie ever made!"
The film takes us back to a futuristic Los Angeles, three decades after the original Blade Runner takes place. The city is filled with toxic smog and a forlorn emptiness. In this setting, we watch K, an LAPD blade runner from the next generation hunt illegals, the non-human "replicants" hiding in the landscape.
It can be difficult to bring your own vision to a much-anticipated sequel, but Villeneuve had a clear vision of what he wanted the movie to look like. One element of that vision was a Canadian winter. The future version of L.A. depicted in the movie is covered in snow, the skies shrouded in a silvery-grey light.
"That's the way I was able to make it," Villeneuve has said. "I had to bring something from home to that universe. And we have a very intimate relationship with winter. The idea that California would be struggling with winter was a key element, a template for the movie."
The other key element? Ryan Gosling as LAPD blade runner K, the successor to Harrison Ford's Rick Deckard from the original. Villeneuve knew he needed someone who could anchor the movie's strong sense of alienation, of being an outsider. "You need a great actor, who's able to convey a character going through an existential crisis, and a lot of those emotions will be silent," Villeneuve said.
Gosling does, in fact, remain silent through the majority of the nearly-three-hour film. Nevertheless, he pulls off its emotions flawlessly. The New York Times described Gosling's "unhurried shuffle and downcast baby blues" as "impeccable casting… Mr. Gosling's ability to elicit sympathy while seeming too distracted to want it — his knack for making boredom look like passion and vice versa — makes him a perfect warm-blooded robot for our time."
Blade Runner 2049 opened to lines at the box office and positive critical reviews. It seems that this Canadian combination of a wintry chill and warm-blooded acting has more than a little to do with it.


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Craft Candy App Launch
We were very excited to be invited along to the Craft Candy App Launch last night and even more excited about the App. It's a fantastic App for finding markets/events and workshops in your local area. Here is our event on there:
Here is some information on Craft Candy and the App:
Make do and mend has just become a whole lot easier
This spring sees the exciting new launch of the brand 'Craft Candy', a website and accompanying App for the iPhone and Android market. Craft Candy is the first of its kind, a specialist craft listing website with an accompanying GPS based App making it a whole lot easier for people to find craft related workshops and events.
How does it work? Simple. Like many listing websites Craft Candy lists course, workshops and markets, but unlike other websites Craft Candy is only for the craft industry. The Craft Candy team have worked hard to embrace and integrate with social media, using tools which work best within the craft industry, namely, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and more. By connecting with people directly through social media, it is easier for people to find out what they need to know instantly, whether that be where a local knitting group is based, where they can buy haberdashery, or even what craft markets are on at the weekend; the Craft Candy team are available to help.
For Craft Candy the real icing on the cake lies in the App. Next year the Smartphone market is predicted to outgrow the use of desktop computers and excitingly the Craft Candy's new platforms offer a GPS location based App. In simple terms, it means you can stand anywhere, click the App and find out what is going on from markets, to workshops or local clubs near to where you are based, the App supplies a map and directions to the event. The App offers both convenience to the user and a simple way to be found for the businesses registered with Craft Candy.
The Craft Candy service is open to all size businesses and enterprises to use. However, Craft Candy team understand first hand the stresses which can occur when running a small or start-up business. Craft Candy has positioned itself as a marketing tool particularly accessible to small and medium sized businesses, with no long term contracts and simple pay as you go marketing packages, the emphasis of each advertising package it to drive traffic back to the businesses' websites.
Community falls at the heart of what the Craft Candy team do. The founder, Zoe Arch, is based in London and found it incredibly hard to find anything remotely crafty based near to where she lived. Finally, with
perseverance (and a lot of Google searching) she managed to find local resources and now wants to make it easier for you, by launching a free listing option available to local community groups, charities, clubs or markets. Zoe's motto is "if you don't charge to enter or take part, we won't charge you". The hope is that the Craft Candy website and App become a one stop shop and is accessible to all from the end user to the businesses and community groups.
Download onto Android
Download from the App store via your iPhone


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Founded in 2013, Golden Gate Admissions was incorporated with an objective to help students see the world, experience a new culture, dive into a world-class education – and prepare themselves for a truly global future. Nothing beats the immersive international experience one gets while studying and traveling abroad, and we want to help accelerate that journey. At Golden Gate Admissions, we leverage our experience as foreign University Alumni by sharing valuable information derived from personal experiences in selecting a University overseas, choosing a degree program, acquiring visa and pre-departure information.
Having worked and lived abroad for over a decade, we deeply appreciate diversity and help students unlock the value from studying abroad by helping them navigate through each process step and reach their academic goals with greater ease. Choosing to pursue a university program, or being part of an academic summer camp abroad are equally exciting opportunities and we want to be a part of your journey. We also know that it can feel a little daunting but with our vast experience in helping students and institutions like you, we can help smoothen that process. We will always help you understand your options so you can make the right choice for you!
Our mission is to strengthen global communities through education, training, and shared experiences. We provide students with educational pathways including advanced degree & university selection, internships, cultural exchange programs, summer camps and athletic training opportunities, by partnering with leading educational, government and business organizations. Our international network includes strategic relationships in USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Thailand.
While deciding to study overseas is exciting, we understand it could be an overwhelming procedure since there are a lot of factors to consider. We are here to provide you with accurate information, thorough guidance and dedicated support as you explore educational opportunities to study overseas. We work with selective Academic institutions that offer best-in-class programs and help their students discover new passions in and outside the classroom. We take pride in providing the most accurate and relevant information as we have Alumnus in our team who can assist you with various aspects of studying, working, traveling and living abroad. Our high standard of service and integrity has served us well in the past many years, as shown by the increasing number of referral cases we receive year after year through our students' word-of-mouth. Golden Gate Admissions will always treasure the trust and confidence shown by our past, present as well as future clients and we will work even harder to serve you better.
To provide step-by-step guidance and relevant information to students who are trying to broaden their horizon for better career opportunities by opting to study abroad.
Every student is different in terms of academic ability, study-interest, aspiration and financial background. Each student that comes to us for advice will be evaluated individually based on his or her set of conditions. We don't believe in a one-size-fits- all approach.
To undertake the responsibility of handling the entire application procedure for the student, which includes maintaining the checklist of all the documents required and keeping track of the deadlines.
To inform the students of waivers and scholarships available in the University and encourage them to apply.
To help students in preparing for Visa documentation preparation, Visa interviews and ensuring a smooth transition while they embark their journey.
To provide access to cultural tours and athletic programs across the world that are perfect for small and large groups for students of all ages.
We run recruitment campaigns for our academic partners to increase the volume and quality of international students on their campuses. Please get in touch if you would like us to partner with your academic institution in the capacity of an International advisor or as a part of the International Admissions outreach in order to promote, market and share information about your institution to a wider audience across Asia Pacific and a diverse agent network.
We can do spot evaluation at your door step for your prospect students who would like to pursue their higher education abroad. We can train you as well as your staff members to have a better understanding of application requirements as well as deadlines. Please get in touch if you would like us to partner with your business and gain access to our international network of strategic academic and business partners across the globe.
Help your students make the most of their primary education by providing access to a rich international experience. We can help customize and create a cultural, academic or advanced athletics group tour for your school that is perfectly designed for your students. We can accommodate most group sizes, age groups, academic objectives and budgets. Please get in touch if you would like us to partner with your school and provide a gateway to your students to the USA, Australia, New Zealand or Europe with a cultural camp tour.
We have partnered with a number of educational institutions offering traditional college, language and cultural programs where students can spend few weeks to engage with US Culture and academically enroll in workshops of their choice. This experience will let you explore and get a taste of how studying and living in US can feel like. Some of our featured programs are Robotics workshop, Entrepreneur camp, Environmental science group etc. We are happy to customize and tailor the summer programs per your student's choice.
We specialize in various sports training from coaches who are experts in their field. Sports category include: Tennis, Swimming, Cricket and many more as per school's requirement. The coaching program will be conducted by specialized coaches to provide maximum support to participants including cultural tours around the city.
Interning/Training at U.S Company is the perfect way to kick start your career. You can get a real world experience, skills and valuable insight into American business practices while making some friends for lifetime. You can potentially earn up to $2000 a month. Some of the industries we are focusing on are Engineering, Information Technology, Information Media and communication & Business Management, Commerce and Finance.
USA is secure, peaceful and rewarding country with excellent standards of living, friendly people and world class educational institutions. The United States has one of the world's finest university systems, with outstanding programs in virtually all fields. At the undergraduate level, excellent programs exist in traditional disciplines, as well as in professional fields. At the graduate level, students have the opportunity to work directly with some of the finest minds in their field of study, with the chance to become involved with exclusive research and educational opportunities. U.S. degrees are recognized throughout the world for their excellence.
Canada is known for its excellent education institutions, multiplicity of top quality education programs in various streams and an innovative economy. It is an enclave of diverse people, lifestyles and majestic landscapes, and is one of the safest destinations for pursuing education. A multicultural country with easy access to education and affordable living, thousands of international students flock to Canada each year for their higher studies. Canada fosters diversified study options at Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma and Master level.
Thailand officially known as the Kingdom of Thailand and formerly known as Siam, is a country in the centre of Southeast Asian Indochinese peninsula composed of 76 provinces. There are many universities in Thailand with affordable tuition fees and popular programs. There are opportunities for students to do 3+1 year in UK, US or Australia or 1+1 Masters degree programs. Plenty of internship opportunities in Thailand as well as abroad.
The United Kingdom is among the most popular study abroad destinations ;It's culturally diverse, welcoming and one of the best place to develop your English language skills. It's the ideal stepping stone for your future career. The UK's leading universities consistently rank among the best in the world. Plus, its research is renowned for being 'internationally excellent'. Choosing to study in UK gives you the freedom to develop your skills, knowledge and confidence.
Italy has played an important role in European higher education: it is one of the four countries that first engaged to create the so-called "European Area of Higher Education". It has many world class Universities. Life in Italy is secure, peaceful and rewarding. With excellent standards of living, friendly people and easy travel connections to virtually any country in the world.
Finland is a peaceful country with welcoming people. It is recognized as having one of the best education systems in the world, with almost half of its population holding at least a UG degree. A Well- organized country and nature is an integral part of the Finish way. Higher education has a significant role in Finnish society and the national innovation system. Finish higher education institutions may offer a small number of scholarships.
Germany is an ideal destination for studying. Higher education at world-class level, bustling cities, beautiful landscape and plenty of people from all over the world. Germany is the third most popular destination among international students in the world. More than 12% of students at German universities come from abroad. Germany is an attractive place to study, with degrees highly recognised worldwide.
Australia is a global education powerhouse with fantastic long-term opportunities. The infrastructure, facilities, teaching and networking experience in Australia is second to none. This is why studying in Australia has become popular. Moreover, the Australian government has been heavily involved in building a 'truly internationalised' education system that is driven by research to address the challenges of the future. Additionally, the diverse range of courses offered by Australian Universities has resulted in Australia being the 3rd most popular destination for international students.
New Zealand is becoming the first choice for an increasing number of international students seeking quality education & to explore new ideas in pioneering programmes that will put them at the front in the world job markets of the future. There are 10 levels of study in New Zealand schools and universities. The lowest level is a certificate and the highest is a doctoral degree.
We frequently attend education fairs, USIEF Alumni events, study abroad seminars, Agency fairs across India to engage with students directly and provide most updated information about the Universities and programs offered.
I would like to thank Golden Gate Admissions and especially Isha & Monisha mam who helped me in getting admission in a US university based in San Francisco, CA and they helped me with the visa preparation as well.They were always there to help me whenever I needed whether it was anything related to application requirements, admission related query or visa processing.
Nivedita Thilagraj
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text: This one appears to be a work of non-fiction. I'm a bit confused. Does the term Sin Strippers refer to the belief that those who would disrobe on stage to provide entertainment are of poor moral character? Or is a Sin Stripper a modern-day Carrie Nation attempting to strip society of sin through public awareness, axe wielding vandalism and bathing suit tops with mandatory nipple stars?


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256 Pireos
Ag. Ioannis Rentis 182 33
Athens School of Fine Arts
20 Students of the Visual Arts department and 11 students from the Theory and History of Art department of the postgraduate sections of the Athens School of Fine Arts present:
OPENSTUDIOS 2018 || Athens School of Fine Arts
"The process of creation, how a work is done, this is the content of art" Josef Albers
For second consecutive year, the postgraduate students of the Visual Arts department, open the door of their studios to the public for three days; this year for the first time in collaboration with the postgraduate students of the Theory and History of Art department of the Athens School of Fine Arts. This is an initiative of the students, for a joint collaboration between the two postgraduate departments of the School, which aims to create a fruitful dialogue between the artistic process and the curatorial practice.
The studio of the artist according to mythology and art history is mainly referred to as the place of concentration and meditation, as the place where the miracle of creation takes place. It is a place unreachable for the many, it is the sanctuary where only a few exclusive guests can enter. Furthermore, the studio has also been a place of teaching and apprenticeship of art, a meeting place for discussion and negotiation, a place for exhibiting artworks and even buying and selling them.
In the 16 working-studios of the postgraduate students, the visitor will be able to see the way in which each artist works. Each one of the studios is representative of the artist's personality and the uniqueness of his style. The purpose of OpenStudios is to make the process followed by each artist apparent, before the work of art has taken its final form. The peculiarity of such a visit lies in the extroversion of the studios, which reveal varied concepts of creativity in a space of daily coexistence.
In the context of this partnership, students of the Theory and History department support theoretically the works presented at each studio having discussed in depth with the artists themselves. All participants will attend the three-day event to discuss with the public.
Participating Artists: Giannis Amanatidis, MyrtoChristou, Stella Ν. Christou, Socrates Fatouros, AntonisKapnisis, Hara Kerasta, Eleni Kordali, Panagiotis Lianos, Thanos Makris, Lambrini Markou, Maria Mavropoulou, Renata Metheniti, Alexandra Nakou, Anna Papathanasiou, Ada Petranaki, LysimachosPolychronidis, Eleni Ragusini, Evi Roumani, MyrtoSarma
Participanting Theorists and Art Historians: KaterinaBousia – Alexaki, Sofia Chrysafopoulou, Valia Griba, Giannis Karadimas, Irene Karagiozidou, Mina Karatza, Alkistis-Maria Kontopoulou, Nikoleta Leventi, PolyxeniMarlitsi, Adrianos Trikas-Pandis, Christina Papoulia
General Info:
Opening: 3/05/2018 at 18:00
Duration: 3/05/2018 – 5/05/2018
Exhibition Opening Hours:
Thursday: 18:00 – 22:00, Friday, Saturday: 12:00 – 20:00
Admission: Free
Athens School of Fine Arts
Address: 256 Pireos, Ag. Ioannis Rentis,
182 33
Tel: +30 21 0480 1259
Media Sponsor: KROMA Magazine


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What if billionaires hold fast to bullion as ferociously as those of modest means cling to God and guns? Assuming history survives, what if it turns out America's permanent legacy comes down to 1) adoration of money and 2) avarice for stuff? No longer the progress that lifts humankind, not heroic confrontations with earth-shaking (climate) challenges, nary a Congressional vote for the greatest good for the greatest number. Nah, instead, our image a century or two out would depress the Founders, displaced by a tiny elite grasping for the global wealth sweepstakes, an illuminati lusting not for enlightenment but stock options.
At least Egyptian pharaohs (and their slaves) left the world awe-inspiring pyramids that outlive our noblest, oldest trees. Our now faded "beacon on the hill," awash with talk of freedom, democracy and opportunity, glories now in spreading the gospel of consumerism worldwide -- indeed, the worship of wealth for wealth's sake. And until we explode this weapon of mass destruction, systemic reform of predatory capitalism will be hard going. Break down the false narrative, I say, then break open the system. After all, who but the deranged think materialism alone informs the good life? Is clinging to stuff now, or pie-in-the-sky later, what life is about? What happened to Proverbs: "where there is no vision, the people perish"?
Well, the richest aren't perishing, nor backing off their self-serving fantasy: the greater their wealth, the greater the blessings to the "general welfare," now promoted everywhere like corn flakes, iPhones and baloney. Too bad the numbers don't add up, even less so as global population increases heat the planet. Not only can't we sustain "every man a king" (thanks, Huey Long), we scoff at the earth's carrying capacity, the ultimate "collective asset." In fact, money obsessions addict with the force of drink or tobacco: sell your first business for billions, then rush for another grand prize you can't spend. "How much is enough?" asks a terrific book by Robert and Edward Skidelsky, with this JM Keynes finale: "Once we allow ourselves to be disobedient to the test of an accountant's profit, we have begun to change our civilization." Imagine, economics not merely as crude Wall Street convenience but a "moral science."
Justification by Wealth Alone
Obscene fortunes spread pandemic infections, conspicuously here via toxic "money as speech" across primary campaigns, thus election choices. Echoing the Calvinist fantasy about the favored elect, if today's billionaires didn't anoint great wealth as self-justifying, how could they defend their presumption to govern? Even without Calvinism, global tycoons assume election to special status, nothing less than "justification by wealth alone." So much for acknowledging transparent "outside levers" like employee sweat equity, community infrastructure, technological wizardry, or fossil fuel-driven commerce, let alone WS pump-priming, cheap money, dismal regulations, and regressive taxation? Even the vagaries of good luck cut through "wealth by hard work and genius alone" patter.
To support this faux religion (and real cash), the top rung now purchase incredibly cheap insurance, even when combining costs for lobbyists and campaigns. In fact, the fabulous totals billionaires spend on influence-peddling fall short of ordinary sales taxes. If the infamous Sheldon Adelson tripled his estimated $100 million, election-year payola, that would still not equal 1% of his $32 billions. Were the craven Koch Bros. to multiply their palm-greasing, they'd still fall short of 5% of total fortunes. What mischief accrues from the other 95%? "Citizens United" divided the country but unified plutocratic kingpins, legalizing this "venture capital" to secure what's "ours stays ours." Thus bad wealth distribution corrupts politics, ravages the landscape and assaults majority rule, reinforced by bad morality (the void that is "compassionate conservatism") and bad religion (wealth is salvation). A trifecta of triumphalism.
Money Equals Wisdom, Too
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Union J are set for an explosive week, notching up their second top 10 hit, releasing their debut album and getting set to perform at Newcastle Racecourse's firework spectacular on Friday.
Beautiful Life, the follow up to the top 10 hit single Carry You, charted at number eight in Sunday's chart and is set to be a highlight when they take to the stage at Gosforth Park as part of Light Up!, an evening of entertainment and fireworks hosted by the racecourse and Real Radio North East.
The boy band, made up of Jamie 'JJ' Hamblett, Jaymi Hensley, Josh Cuthbert and George Shelley, also released their debut self-titled album this week and are set to give the crowds a taster of some of its highlights.
Earlier in the day, at 5pm, they will be signing copies of their new album at HMV Newcastle.
Union J first wowed audiences with their impressive vocal ability, pop harmonies and cheeky personalities during X Factor 2012 where they made it to the semi-finals.
Their career has got off to an exciting start clocking up a hit with Carry You, as well as gaining over 1.2 million Twitter followers, nine million views on YouTube and having released their first major book Union J: Our Story.
Union J's performance is set to be the highlight of a packed line-up of family entertainment hosted by Real Radio presenters Gary and Lisa.
Crowds will also get to enjoy fire eaters, stilt walkers and fairground rides and the event will culminate in a spectacular fireworks finale.
Tickets are on sale priced at £10 per adult and £8 for children (under 18s) with under 3s going free. Group tickets are also available for £30 for a maximum of four people (including at least one adult).
Gates open at 4.30pm with entertainment and DJ hosts Gary and Lisa from Real Radio on stage from 5.30pm followed by Union J at 7.15pm and the fireworks finale at 8pm.
For more information about Light Up! at Newcastle Racecourse's or to book tickets, call 0191 236 2020 or go to www.newcastle-racecourse.co.uk .


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Published: January 8, 2018
favorite0 forum0 poll673
By: Lindsay Buchignani, Cal State San Marcos
Category: Other
Hashtags: #climatechangeawareness
There were three speeches leading up to the large persuasive speech about my chosen topic of climate change. I first had to give a definition speech, community impact speech, and a multiple perspectives speech. My final speech was to persuade my audience to understand that we need to make changes in our daily lives to help combat climate change and to reach out to those in power to ask for help. I am very proud of how my speech was delivered.


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The Taché Fire Department in Landmark has recently purchased a 2012 International Pumper/Rescue fire truck manufactured by Acres Emergency Vehicles.
Local resident Kim Ellison reports that there are 30 firefighters in the Taché Fire Department as a whole, servicing Landmark, Lorette and Ste. Genevieve, as well as surrounding areas when required. Taché receives about 160 calls a year, for fire related emergencies and helped with the wildfires in Ross last fall.
This new pumper replaces the 1987 cube van that served as a rescue truck for many years. There are now three vehicles for fire rescue including the Rescue 2, a 2010 Dodge 2500 crew cab truck, for transporting more firefighters, the old Tanker 2, a 1994 model, and now the new Pumper/Rescue 2 truck.


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MDF doors for bespoke built-in bedroom storage. Panels are recessed by 6mm and the side bead detailing has been cut using a V bit and rounding over bit. Cabinet hinge holes cut in doors to make on site fitting quick and easy.
Address Unit 21, Upper Stoneham Farm, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 5RH
Phone 01273 480470
Mail firstname.lastname@example.com


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Lately I have found myself in the midst of others wisdom through their quotes. These words of wisdom not only fill us with knowledge, but they leave behind a legacy of those who spoke them. Here is one I found today that really shouted out to me.
"This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good. What I do today is important, because I'm exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something that I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, not loss; good, not evil; success, not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price I paid for it." Anonymous
God doesn't force us to live for Him. He gave us freewill. For each day is for us to do what we wish, but in doing so what are we giving up to make our day all about us? When we make our day all about us, we are leaving God in the backseat.
If yesterday is gone, and we have no idea about the future, all we have is this moment right now. So what do we do with our moment? Do we examine our lives and say, "I worked hard, and I deserve this"? Most of the things we think we deserve are not things God would have for us. I am learning this in my own life. If I really think about Him and all He is, I must come to the conclusion that I deserve nothing, and all I do have are blessings from Him.
When we choose to live for ourselves, we are accepting failure. When we choose to live for God we are accepting greatness. When I look at my past I clearly see how much time I have wasted, even yesterday I can see time wasted, so today is a new day that I can change all that. I don't have to look back, but if I choose to look at right now I am not going to miss out on anything God has for me. If I continue to live in the past or even wish for the future, I am missing the life He has for me now.
We watch our children grow and see how fast time really moves. We can look to our parents and wish we had more time left with them. We spend too much time looking back and forward. That is where all those, "What if's and If Only's", come in. If we just concentrate on today we will not miss out on anything.
I don't want to live in regret any longer. I look at my past and see regret, see time wasted, and time spent on me. I want to see Jesus in my life today. I want to make each moment all about Him, and too often than not I make it about me and my wants, not His will for me.
I love history. I love looking back at the wisdom of those who have come before us. If we can take in wisdom we will gain a better understanding of our lives today. No one know what the future will hold, what tomorrow will bring, or if there will be a tomorrow. So why do we find ourselves so caught up in what we are doing for the weekend, what our summer plans are, and what vacation site are we going to? Yes, its great to plan, but if we are not careful we get lost in those plans, only living for the weekend, or that girls night out, and we forget those little blessings we have right before us.
Life is precious and life is sweet. No matter what today is bringing forth we make sure of one thing. The Lord will be in it, and that is something I do not want to miss.


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DVD & Blu-ray » Facets » Cast and Crew » Laurie Holden
The Chronicle Mysteries stars Alison Sweeney (Murder She Baked) as Alex McPherson, a novelist and podcaster who loves the chase of solving any puzzle or mystery. Set to inherit the local paper, The Harrington Chronicle, from her uncle, Alex returns to the small town where she spe...nt her summers growing up. Episode 1 : Chronicle Mysteries: Recovered Alex McPherson is the host of a podcast who returns to her hometown of Harrington in Pennsylvania seeking answers to the disappearance of her school friend, Gina DeSavio, who went missing twenty years ago in 1998. She teams up with the local newspaper, The Chronicle, to research the case from old case files and interviews with locals to try and find out what happened to Gina. Episode 2 : Chronicle Mysteries: The Wrong Man The body of a woman who had been missing for three years is discovered. Her husband, acquitted for lack of evidence but now seen as guilty, asks Alex for help to clear his name. Episode 3 : Chronicle Mysteries: Vines That Bind Alex's friend and colleague at the newspaper, Eileen, enlists her help to look into the one year old, suspicious death of the owner of a vineyard. After his death by carbon dioxide poisoning, Colton Saunier's will divided the vineyard between his sons - Jackson and Gil but the discovery of a mysterious new will now leaves everything to only one son leading to new suspicious events as Alex, Drew and Eileen investigate.Read more
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Career con man Roy (Ian McKellen) sets his sights on his latest mark: recently widowed Betty (Helen Mirren), worth millions. And he means to take it all. But as the two draw closer, what should have been another simple swindle takes on the ultimate stakes. Legendary actors Mirren... and McKellen star together on screen for the first time in this suspenseful drama about the secrets people keep and the lies they live.Read more
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A football player and his friends travel to the planet Mongo and find themselves fighting the tyranny of Ming the Merciless to save Earth.
Season five stars Gina Rodriguez as Jane Villanueva, Andrea Navedo as Jane's mother Xiomara De La Vega, Ivonne Coll as Jane's grandmother Alba Villanueva, and Jaime Camil as Jane's father Rogelio De La Vega, with Justin Baldoni as Jane's lover and baby daddy Rafael Solano, Brett ...Dier as Jane's supposedly dead husband, Michael Cordero and Yael Grobglas as Rafael's ex-wife and other baby mama Petra Solano and Elias Janssen as Jane's son Mateo Solano Villanueva.Read more
In the villages of Midsomer there are strange murders to solve, new clues to examine and scores of suspects to suspect as D.C.I. John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) is joined by newcomer DS Jamie Winter (Nick Hendrix) to investigate a fresh collection of cases. Part 1 contains the first ...three episodes of Season 20: The Ghost of Causton Abbey, Death of the Small Coppers and Drawing Dead. Part 2 contains the final three episodes of Season 20: The Lions of Causton, Till Death Do Us Part and Send in the Clowns.Read more
Two imprisoned men bond over a number of years, finding solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency.
James Garner (TV's 'Maverick' and 'The Rockford Files'), in a decidedly different change-of-pace role, is a ruthless outlaw who leads his gang of thieves in search of a fortune in gold in this explosive western adventure. Sledge (Garner) learns of a gold cache stored in a prison ...fortress and gathers his gang to pursue the loot. Against a backdrop of double crosses, dirty dealings and revenge, their gold lust end in a hail of bullets, two-fisted action and cold-blooded murder. An offbeat spaghetti western in the tradition of Sam Peckinpah, A MAN CALLED SLEDGE was directed and co-written by famed screen heavy, actor Vic Morrow.Read more
Rick and Marty Lagina's lifelong dream of solving the 221-year Oak Island mystery may be on the verge of the greatest breakthrough yet. With over 450 tons of state-of-the-art technology and heavy digging machinery, this season the Lagina brothers are excavating the Money Pit a ma...nmade hole discovered in the late 1700s which is believed to be hiding a chest full of valuable items.Read more
Explore the complete combat history and evolving technology of a single American ship, often through multiple conflicts. These are the battleships, destroyers, aircraft carriers, submarines, and specialized ships that belong in the warship hall of fame. Archival footage and inter...views are punctuated by all-access inspections of the ship's battlestations, conducted by young, active Navy sailors. This collection explains the roles of each weapon and technology, the dramas that unfold in different rooms during the heat of battle, and the unique traditions and stories of each vessel.Read more
Hallmark Collection 7 is a 3-Film movie collection featuring: 1. Frozen in Love - Bad boy hockey player Adam and struggling book-store owner Mary must work together to help rehabilitate each other's image. Their mutual animosity, and attraction, sees them struggle to achieve thei...r goal. 2. Winter Castle - When Jenny attends her sister's winter wedding at an ice hotel, her heart melts over the best man, the problem is he unexpectedly brings a plus one, seemingly dashing her hopes for a wintery romance. 3. Amazing Winter Romance - When journalist Julia goes back home to find inspiration, she discovers her childhood friend has built a giant snow maze which prompts her to find her way to true love.Read more
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