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RV and Campervan Rentals in New Zealand
here for Vehicle index page
New Zealand Depots:
Auckland - Christchurch -
Rates give you the very best available price for the motorhome you
want to rent. If you book early and there are plenty of motorhomes
available, you will pay a much lower price. If you book closer to departure
date or book for a high demand period then the rate will be higher.
However, once booked, should you need to amend the dates, the prevailing
rates will apply. We get advised of new flex rates each week. Therefore
each quote only valid until the end of each week.
Please Contact us for this weeks Great Flex Rates
Rates are
calculated per calendar day
• The
Flex rate for the entire duration of the rental is determined
by the
date of pick-up, location and date of booking. The daily
rate will not
change within one booking.
• Amendments prior to the vehicle collection date will be
at the flex rate applicable on the date of amendment. This
applies to
changing the vehicle type, reducing the number of rental
changing pick-up dates and/or changing the pick-up or drop-off
location. Where the number of rental days is being extended
prior to
pick-up (days are being added on at the end of the rental
with no
change to the original pick up date), or the bonus pack
is being added
to or removed from the booking, the original flex rate,
which applied
at the time of the original booking, will apply.
Rate Includes
* Goods
and Services Tax (GST) -
GST is a New Zealand Government imposed tax. GST is included
in all Britz rates
is currently 15%. Britz reserves the right to amend GST
upon Government intervention.
* Linen
and bedding includes: Pillows with pillowcases, Duvet (doona), Sheets, Towels, Bathmat & Blanket.
* Kitchen equipment includes: Cutlery & cooking utensils, China crockery - plates, bowls, cups, Wine glasses, Drinking glasses, Bottle / can opener, Mixing bowls, Colander, Saucepans & frying pan, Chopping board, Electric jug, Gas kettle, Electric toaster, Microwave storage containers & Tea towel.
* General Vehicle equipment includes: Biodegradable toilet chemicals & toilet roll (in vehicles with toilets), clothesline & pegs, clothes hangers, disposable gloves, dishwashing liquid sachet, dustpan / brush, dish brush, bin, bin liner (degradable), fire extinguisher, bucket & hose, matches, first aid kit (in vehicle - paid for when used).
All rentals 50 days or longer will have the added advantage of:
- Free Extra Linen per bed - Linen Exchange Service (exchange your linen and bedding at any Britz branch during your hire)
- Valet Service and Vehicle Safe Service Check (get your vehicle detailed at any Britz location; must be booked at least 48 hours in advance)
- LP Gas Bottle Exchange (exchange your LP Gas bottle at any Britz branch)
All Inclusive Option
The Britz Bonus Pack for 2WD campervan rentals is NZD
$55 per day (maximum charge of NZD $2,750 per
rental) and is in addition to the daily vehicle rate.
This option can only be booked in advance and is not available at pick-up.There are no long-hire discounts off this supplement and it is charged for a maximum of 50 rental days per hire.
The Britz All Inclusive Option component includes:
* Liability Reduction Option - This option reduces the excess for 2WD campervans from NZD $5,000 / NZD $7500 to NIL.
** these need to be reserved in advance with the booking
User Charge Recovery Fee
The Road User Charge Recovery Fee is included in
the Britz All Inclusive Option. If the All Inclusive Option has not been
selected the Road User Charge Recovery Fee will be
calculated and collected on return of the vehicle
based on the kilometres travelled during the hire and the category of vehicle being hired.
For any amounts, which are payable in NZD $ at the depot, the following sales taxes are charged on top: 15% GST. Britz reserves the right to amend the Road User Charge Recovery Fee in response to changes in Government Road User Charges.
One Way Rentals
Queenstown Fees
An additional location fee of NZD $95 applies to all
campervans picked up or dropped off in Queenstown (though
if the pick up and drop off both occur in Queenstown, only
one location fee will apply). This is in addition to the one-way
fee if applicable.
Additional Extras
The Bundle - Equipment Package
Equipment package (The Bundle) which is NZD $10 per day (maximum NZD $500 per rental), includes the following extras:
- Camping table
- Camping chair (per person)
- WiFi including 1GB data (per hire not per day).
- Extra driver fee
- Linen exchange
- Snow chains
- Baby / booster seat (on request and if booked in advance)
- Single Vehicle Rollover Cover (only when purchased with Liability Reduction Option)
Please note: the Single Vehicle Rollover cover included in The Bundle is only available in conjunction with the purchase of the Liability Reduction
Option. All other items in The Bundle are available whether you have purchased the Liability Reduction Option or not.
Express Return Option
- NZD $249 for HiTop & Voyager models - hires up to 15 days
- NZD $349 for HiTop & Voyager models - hires 16 to 24 days
- NZD $449 for HiTop & Voyager models - hires 25 days and over
- NZD $299 for all other britz vehicles - hires up to 15 days
- NZD $399 for all other britz vehicles - hires 16 to 24 days
- NZD $499 for all other britz vehicles - hires 25 days and over
It includes the following:
- First LP gas fill (you can return the gas bottle empty)
- A full tank of petrol / diesel (you can return the vehicle with the fuel tank empty)
- Toilet and waste water emptying service if applicable
- Road User Charge Revovery Fee
- Express key return *
* If you have booked the All Inclusive option or Liabilty Reduction option, you may simply return your keys to the counter when returning the vehicle without any need to do vehicle checks. This service only applies where no vehicle damage has occurred while on hire.
Pricing and inclusions are subject to change.
Booster & Child Seats
All children aged under seven years must travel in an approved child restraint.
The type of restraint required for your child depends on their age. Click here for our child seat policy 1.47mb PDF
Vehicle Pick-Up
This takes place at the booked depot and during Britz' opening hours. Please do not arrive any later than 30 minutes before closing time.
Vehicle Return
You can drop off your vehicle at the booked depot during opening hours but no later than 30 minutes before closing time. If the vehicle is returned earlier than agreed no refunds are possible.
The Customer will return the Vehicle in a clean condition with a full fuel tank and full bottles of gas (if applicable and subject to any pre-purchase fuel and/or pre-purchase gas option being taken), on the return date, time and location set out in the Rental Agreement. Failure to adhere to these requirements will result in additional charges. Should the Customer have the pre-purchase fuel and/or the pre-purchase gas option there is no refund for unused fuel and/or gas.
Britz reserves the right to charge the Customer a NZD $250 cleaning fee if the Vehicle is not returned in clean condition. This includes smoking related cleaning, as smoking is not permitted in the vehicle.
The toilet and wastewater tank (if applicable) must be emptied prior to the return of the Vehicle, or an additional NZD $125 soiling fee will be charged.
Late Drop Off:
If the Customer wishes to drop-off the Vehicle after business hours, they must irst get approval from Britz (call 0800 831 900). Failure to obtain authorisation for a drop off outside business hours will result in an additional daily fee of NZD $150 in addition to the daily rate being charged.
If the late drop-off is approved, a fee of NZD $150 is applicable and the Customer will be required to pay an extra day's Liability Reduction Option charge (if applicable) as they will be held responsible for the Vehicl up until the time that it is checked in by a Britz staff member the following day.
Your Protection - Vehicle Excess
New Zealand legislation provides limited coverage for personal injury. Britz does not accept any liability for personal injuries sustained during the rental, nor for any oss or damage to any personal belongings or property of the Customer (or any person or entity related to the Customer). Britz strongly recommends the Customer akes out personal travel insurance to cover any injury or loss.
# In the USA an excess is referred to as the "deductible".
Whilst "liability cover" insurance can be purchased from a third party* to protect you from cost of any liability in case of damage, it does not directly release you from the liability associated with hiring a Britz vehicle.
It is a mandatory requirement for you to accept liability directly with Britz by way of a liability deposit to cover the standard liability applicable to the Britz vehicle hired.
All vehicles are insured for damage to the vehicle or to the property of a third party. The daily rate includes standard liability whereby the hirer leaves a liability deposit of NZD $5,000 for the HiTop and Voyager and NZD $7,500 for all other campervans. This amount is debited to the hirer' s credit card at vehicle collection and is refunded (including the 2% credit card fee for Visa or Mastercard) at drop-off provided the vehicle is returned undamaged. In the case of vehicle or property damage, part or all of the liability deposit will be retained, however you can seek reimbursement from the third party* from whom you purchased the liability cover insurance.
* Third party refers to any insurance agent providing travel insurance cover which can include liability cover for rental vehicles.
This liability can be reduced to NIL by purchasing the Liability Reduction Option or the Britz Inclusive Pack in addition to the vehicle daily rental rate.
Liability Reduction Option
Vehicle Cost per day NZD $45 (max charge NZD $2,250) - Liability reduced to NIL
When the Liability Reduction Option has been purchased, the hirer will have no liability at all with the exception of the 'exclusions'.
Credit Card authority taken (no deposit required).
Liability Deposit
If the Liability Reduction Option or the Britz Inclusive Pack is not taken, the customer must pay the Liability Deposit. The Liability Deposit is NZD $5,000 or $7,500 and is applicable regardless if the hirer has purchased private travel insurance.
The customer must provide a valid credit card to pay the Liability Deposit and the amount will be debited to the customer's credit card on the day of vehicle collection. The credit card holder must be present and able to sign for the Liability Deposit upon vehicle collection. The credit card holder is jointly and severally liable for any damage to the rental vehicle. Any type of pre-paid travel card is not acceptable as a means to provide a Liability Deposit.
The Liability Deposit is subject to a 2% credit card administration fee in addition to the Liability Deposit amount when the credit card used is either a Visa or MasterCard, or 4.6% when the credit card used is American Express. The credit card administration fees are subject to change.
The Liability Deposit is fully refundable, including the credit card surcharge, if the card used to provide the Liability Deposit is a Visa or MasterCard credit card, provided the Vehicle is returned undamaged. Britz recommend that customers use a Visa or MasterCard credit card for the Liability Deposit, as the credit card administration fee that applies when using American Express is not refundable.
Tyre and Windscreen Damage
Where a nil excess
is present unlimited windscreen and tyres will be
covered for accidental damage.
The Customer acknowledges that the Liability Reduction Option will not apply, and that they are responsible for all costs arising out of, or incurred in connection with:
(a) any Damage caused by wilful misconduct (e.g. sitting or standing on the bonnet or roof of the Vehicle), or driving under the inluence of alcohol or drugs, or negligence;
(b) any loss or damage to any personal belongings or property of the Customer (or any person or entity related to the Customer);
(c) any Damage where the Customer is charged by local authorities for being careless, showing gross negligence or wilfulness in failing to abide by the loca road rules;
(d) retrieving or recovering a Vehicle which may include, but is not limited to, a Vehicle that has become bogged, submerged, caught, trapped, stuck or restricted in any way and/or has been abandoned, in each case in circumstances within the control of the Customer;
(e) replacing keys which have been lost, damaged or stolen, or retrieving keys which have been locked in the Vehicle;
(f) any overhead or underbody damage to the Vehicle however caused, except where the Liability Reduction Option is taken;
(g) any single Vehicle rollover except where The Bundle (in conjunction with the Liability Reduction Option) or the Britz Inclusive Pack has been purchased;
(h) Damage caused to the Vehicle because total load (kg) has exceeded recommended load as stated in vehicle manual;
(i) Damage caused by drivers not identiied on the rental agreement and/or drivers that have a licence that has been cancelled or suspended and/or drivers who have a licence that is classiied as a learner or probationary licence;
(j) any Damage caused to the Vehicle due to the use of snow chains; and
(k) any Damage associated with the incorrect use of fuel (fuel being diesel or petrol), which includes Bio- Diesel which should not be used, or water or other contamination of fuel.
Credit Cards
The Liability Deposit (plus any other credit card transactions) is subject to a 2% credit card surcharge for Visa and Mastercard and a non-refundable 4.6% for American Express in addition to the liability amount. This surcharge is refunded when the Liability Deposit is refunded for Visa and MasterCard holders. For American Express the surcharge is not refunded when the Liability Deposit is refunded. Only the Customer's credit card is acceptable to use for the purpose of the Liability Deposit. Don't forget to check that your credit card has the funds available and that the amount does not exceed your daily withdrawal allowance.
Drivers Licence & Age
A current and full (non-probationary) motor vehicle driver's licence is required and must be produced upon vehicle collection. Should a foreign licence be in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by an accredited English translation. The translation must be provided by a NZ Transport Agency, authorised translation service or a diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate, or the authority that issued your overseas licence. An International Driving Permit may be acceptable as a translation if in English.
Driver's must be 21 years of age or older.
Rental Duration
Rental days are calculated on a calendar day basis. When calculating the number of days the Vehicle is rented, the day of pick-up is counted as day one of the rental, regardless of pick-up time. The day of the Vehicle's return is counted as the final day of the rental regardless of drop-off time.
Minimum rental periods are subject to change, and any such change will be notified to you prior to booking confirmation.
Late pick-up or early return of the Vehicle does not entitle the Customer to any refund of the unused portion of the rental.
Road Restrictions
Britz Vehicles can only be driven on sealed / bitumen o well-maintained roads; and Vehicles are not permitted on Skippers Road (Queenstown), the Crown Range Road (Queenstown) Ball Hut Road (Mt. Cook), Ninety Mile Beach (Northland), North of Colville Township (Coromandel Peninsula) and all ski field access roads (from 01 June to 31 October). The Customer is responsible for all damage if travelling on these roads.
We value your well being, and for safety purposes, Britz reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to restrict Vehicle movements in certain areas due to:
(a) adverse road or weather conditions;
(b) the distance to nominated destinations in relation to the length of the hire period; and
(c) any concerns Britz, its employees or agents may have regarding driver experience or ability.
Britz will advise you on pick-up of any travel restrictions known at that time. We strongly recommend that you check for current road restrictions and closures during your rental by visiting the New Zealand Transport Authority's website at www.nzta.govt.nz.
Change of Drop-Off Destination
If the Customer wishes to change the drop off destination, they must first obtain authorisation from Britz (call 0800 831 900). Subject to the change being approved, an additional charge of up to NZD $750 may apply, which will be notified to you at time of approval and is required to be paid immediately via credit card. The fee may apply in all cases irrespective of the reason for location change.
Multiple Rentals
Should a Customer have more than one consecutive rental, the bookings can be combined to qualify for longer-term hire discounts off the daily vehicle rates. Consecutive campervan hire in South Africa for Britz an Maui; and in Australia and New Zealand for Britz, Maui and Mighty can be combined to qualify if travel is within a 3-month period.
Rental Extension
If the Customer wishes to extend the rental whilst on hire, they must irst obtain authorisation from Britz (call 0800 831 900). This is subject to availability. The extra cost of an extended rental must be paid by credit card on conirmation of the rental extension. Failure to obtain an authorisation for a rental extension will result in a late fee of NZD $150 per day in addition to the daily rental rate (plus Liability Reduction Option charges) for each day until the Vehicle is returned. The daily rental rate charged will be the rate applicable on the day of extension (which may differ from the original rate booked) per Vehicle for the extended rental period.
Freedom Camping, Toll and Traffic Offences
Britz reserves the right to charge the hirer for any speeding, toll way or parking fines and/or vehicle damage including Third Party property damage not reported on return of the vehicle. In addition to these costs, Britz reserve the right to charge for associated administration costs for processing the fines (irrespective of excess) and/or all insurance claims in the event of the customer not having a NIL excess. In addition to the costs associated per fine and/or insurance claim, an administration fee of NZD $60 per offence will be applicable.
Customer Care On Road Assistance
Britz provides 24 hour on-road assistance support. Please contact Britz on free call: 0800 788 558. Any problems associated with the Vehicle including equipment failure, must be reported to Britz within 24 hours in order to give Britz the opportunity to rectify the problem during the rental. Failure to do so may compromise any claims for compensation. Britz reserves the right not to accept liability for any claims submitted after this period.
The on-road assistance will cover, free of charge, any technical malfunction of the Vehicle arising from a manufacturing or material fault that directly renders the part concerned unit for operation during the Rental Period and for which a claim is not excluded. Claims will be excluded, and the Customer will be charged for any on-road assistance, where the malfunction was caused by the Customer's actions or omissions, or where the fault is not covered by the Vehicle manufacturer's guarantee.
This will include any on-road assistance for the following:
(a) The Vehicle running out of fuel
(b) The keys being locked inside the Vehicle or lost
(c) Flat batteries caused by incorrect usage of the batteries and or incorrect usage of any equipment that requires the batteries to operate
(d) A breakdown caused by damage caused in an accident
(e) A breakdown caused by wilful neglect
Maintenance & Repairs
Britz will reimburse the Customer for expenditure up to NZD $200 reasonably incurred in rectifying any mechanical or equipment failure of the Vehicle. For repairs costing over NZD $200, Britz will need to be informed and confirm the repair in advance. Repairs will be approved and reimbursement for expenditure will be made (where applicable) provided the Customer was not responsible for the damage. In all cases, receipts must be submitted for any repair or the claim will not be paid.
Unless the Customer has taken the Liability Reduction Option, the Customer will pay for the cost of repairing or replacing tyres damaged during the Rental Period except if the tyre is defective, and inspected and confirmed by a Britz authorised service centre.
Branches for Vehicle Collection and Return
Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown.
Branches are open 7 days a week from 08:00 to 16:30 hours. Britz requests that clients collecting or returning their vehicle to be in the ofice by 3:30pm
Open all public holidays except Christmas Day the 25 of December, when all Britz branches are closed.
Please note: NZD $100 public holiday surcharge for picking up and/or dropping off on the following National public holidays.
- Easter Monday (02 April 2018)
- ANZAC Day (25 April 2018)
- Queen's Birthday (04 June 2018)
- Labour Day (22 October 2018)
- Boxing Day (26 December 2018)
- New Year's Day (01 January 2019)
- Day after New Year's Day (02 January 2019)
- Waitangi Day (06 February 2019)
The surcharge is payable locally. The vehicle must be returned with a clean interior, otherwise a fee of NZD $250 will be charged. This includes smoking related cleaning, as smoking is not permitted in the vehicle. Waste water tanks and toilets must be emptied prior to drop-off, otherwise another fee of NZD $125 will apply.
Change of Vehicle
Britz will endeavour to supply the vehicle category selected, however should the Vehicle booked be unavailable through unforeseen circumstances, Britz reserve the right to substitute an alternative Vehicle without prior notiication. The alternative vehicle shall be as close a substitute for the booked Vehicle as possible.
Vehicle Category
Vehicles cannot be requested by make or model, only by vehicle category.
Voluntary Downgrade
Should the Customer decide to voluntarily downgrade their vehicle category from that booked, they will not be entitled to a refund.
The Customer will not allow any animals to be carried in the Vehicle, excluding registered guide dogs. Britz reserves the right to charge the Customer a NZD $250 cleaning fee for any animal related cleaning.
Shortening of Rental Period
If a renter shortens their hire period by more than a week - it may be treated as a cancellation of the whole booking and a re-booking. This depends on when the amendment takes place and how many days of hire are being cancelled. Please ensure you always have travel insurance in place.
Cancellation Policy
• If cancelled up to 91 days prior to pick-up - No Fee
• If
cancelled up to 90 to 22 days prior to pick-up - 10% of Rental Rates.
• If cancelled from 21 to 7 days prior to pick-up - 20% of
Rental Rates
• If cancelled 6 to 1 days prior to pick-up - 50% of Rental Rates
• If cancelled on day of pick up or No-Show - 100% of Rental Rates
• If vehicle is returned early for any reason whatsoever
there is no refund available for the unused days.
Booking Amendments
All amendments to bookings are subject to availability of vehicle and/or package. Different rates may apply based on the amendment made. Amendments prior to the vehicle collection date will be re-calculated at the flex rate applicable on the date of amendment. This applies to changing the vehicle type, reducing the number of rental days, changing pick-up dates and/or changing the pick-up or drop-off location. Where the number of rental days is being extended prior to the vehicle collection date (days are being added on at the end of the rental with no change to the original pick up date), or the Bonus Pack is being added to or removed from the booking, the original flex rate, which applied at the time of the original booking, will apply.
Exchange Rate / Currency Variations
All credit card transactions are conducted in New Zealand dollars. Due to exchange rate fluctuations and/or
bank transaction fees there could be some variance in the amount refunded compared to the amount initially
charged. Britz does not accept any liability for variances up or down.
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Motorhome Hire | New
Zealand Motorhome Hire
and Conditions
© 2004 Aus
and NZ Travel - A Division of BTEC Travel Pty Ltd.
Telephone: (+61 3) 9584 0896 Fax: (+61
3) 9584 0840 Toll-Free
Australia: 1300
663 854
Office Address: Office 3, 128 Balcombe Road, Mentone, VIC 3194,
Mailing Address: PO Box 5309, Mordialloc, VIC 3195, Australia
Licence Number: #32610


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071 958 7292
Benoni - Johannesburg (East)
Services 10am - 10pm unless pre arranged I REQUIRE AN HOUR NOTICE IF POSSIBLE BUT A MINIMUM 45 MINUTES RELAXING FULL BODY MASSAGE Concentrating on Upper leg, back, shoulders, neck, head and face. Happy ending is hand relief only. IF REQUIRED I wear a small, tight outfit to avoid temptation. Appropriate music to ensure complete RELAXATION and reduced stress and/or tension when you leave. WORKING GIRL SERVICES A fully catered for gfe. NO EXTRA CHARGES. I start my session with an erotic body2body and penis massage, ending with either hand relief or full house, entirely your decision. I don't offer Bareback, Cim or Greek In calls and travels MAX 3 HOURS Fetishes catered for X Dressing Foot Fetish Cum Shots Role play I'm open minded. Ask for your fantasy. Worst I can do is say no, Please mention you saw my add on sex4play.co.za

subset: commoncrawl


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Both Darren and I are feeling a bit under the weather--a little sick to our stomachs. This sounds like bad news, but is actually very good news.
See, Saturday evening, Matthew started violently throwing up time and time again. Our biggest fear was that it was another obstruction/adhesion (like the one that ended with emergency surgery and a 12 day hospital stay). It was quick moving, as he rallied on Sunday, but it was still lingering in the back of our minds that it could be more sinister than a stomach bug.
With us not feeling great today, we have greater hope that it was just a simple stomach bug. Bad news in that we've had it, and have potentially shared it with others, but very good news in that it is likely just a bug!
Monday, May 6, 2013
Good News That Sounds Like Bad
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You can spend 4 weeks in the summer studying abroad in France in one of several college-level programs available. This option will offer you the possibility of receiving 6 credits.
If you really want to get immersed in the culture of France, you can spend 1 or 2 semesters at the Université d'Orléans, our partner institution. For each semester abroad, you will receive up to 12 credits if you successfully complete your course requirements. In this exchange program, you pay your tuition towards UTM, but you study in France and not in Martin. Students are required to have a basic level of French before participating in a semester-long program.
If you would like to know more about these program, please contact Dr. Lucia Florido (email@example.com), Associate Professor of French.


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I save the coupons for Louisville Tire because they've always done right by us and our cars. They put a new set of coupons out every month and it looks like I faithfully tear each one out, stick it in the bottom of my purse and then forget about it. Time to either keep up with these coupons or realize that saving $10 on many hundreds of dollars is nice but not really making that much of a difference. Is it worth the clutter factor in the bottom of my purse?
And apparently every time I go to Whole Foods, I pick up a new vitamin loyalty card. Definitely time to take them all in and get them combined onto one card, use it and be done with it.
What coupons are lurking in the bottom of your bag? Do you ever use them or can they go?
© 2013 – 2018 Joyful Surroundings LLC. All rights reserved.
Joyful Surroundings LLC
Everything feels better with an organized home!


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2 Photographs of Vice Admiral Sir Vernon H.S. Haggard and Secretary Adams of the Navy Department
(Vice Admiral Sir Vernon H.S. Haggard)
New York City: Underwood, Image of Vice Admiral Haggard & Secretary Adams; here the Underwood credits state that (Haggard) "...Commander-in-Chief of the British America and West Indies Station, called on Secretary Adams of the Navy Department, after docking his cruiser 'Delhi' at the Washington Navy Yard...."; with another photograph of the Admiral in mufti as he arrived in Bermuda to assume the post of Commaner-in-Chief; Underwood credits & commentary tipped-on; no date but circa early 1930s; some light wear; very good condition. Very Good (Item ID: 14156)


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- Relations between the Trump administration and SA have historically been strained
- In 2017 SA was listed as one of the 10 least supportive countries of the Trump-led administration
- Relations between the two look set to worsen
PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed!
Ramaphosa has shown he is not the greatest Trump fan on more than one occasion. In 2017 SA was listed as one of the least supportive countries of the Trump administration and our President has been very vocal in his disappointment at Trump's withdrawal from Barack Obama's nuclear deal with Iran.
This is in contradiction with the country's Ramaphosa-led government which is primed to expand trade with Iran.
Predictions are now in that this relationship could go from strained to down-right sour with SA's latest decision to recall its ambassador to Israel. This decision was made by the government in light of over 50 Palestinians being killed after they protested the relocation of the American embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.
READ ALSO: What does Briefly.co.za stand for, according to our manifesto?
This decision by SA is a risky move on the part of our President, as our country benefits significantly from extensive trade agreements with the States.
Trump's announcement that South Africa wouldn't be given exemption from his recent unilateral hikes in tariffs on US imports of steel and aluminium could cost the country almost 7500 jobs and, says John J Stremlau, Visiting Professor of International Relations, University of the Witwatersrand, "the impact on the country's economy could be far worse if Trump moves against South African manufactured products that currently enjoy special access to US markets under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)."
In favour of the little guy
Trump should tread carefully though, adds Stremlau, as many could see SA vs the States as a case of David vs Goliath, with many favouring the little guy.
Not one to back down from a fight, Ramaphosa has his own plans in place and, in an attempt to uphold the iconic Nelson Mandela on the 100th birthday of this legend, has lobbied for SA's bid for another two-year term on the security council. It is believed that this will be affirmed next month.
In addition, it has been arranged the Barack Obama will visit SA to deliver the annual Mandela lecture which will also serve to highlight the vast differences between Trump and Mandela. There are numerous other elements which could see support for Ramaphosa increase.
READ ALSO: The President's Keepers TV series: Big budget with international actor
Briefly.co.za recently reported in an article called Numsa boss Irvin Jim calls President Cyril Ramaphosa SA's Donald Trump, that:
- Numsa secretary general Irvin Jim has accused President Ramaphosa of selling out black people to white monopoly capital
- He told a crowd at a Worker's Day rally in Bloemfontein that Ramaphosa was the Trump of South Africa
- Jim accused Ramaphosa of failing the working class
National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) secretary general Irvin Jim has accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of selling out black people in South Africa to white monopoly capital and labeled the president as South Africa's Donald Trump.
Jim addressed the crowd at a South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) Worker's Day rally in Bloemfontein on Tuesday. Jim said Ramaphosa was supervising the exploitation of black labour in the country.
"If he was serious about the minimum wage, he would tell those bosses to open the books so we can see how much they are making. Ramaphosa represents white monopoly capital in South Africa," he said.
Do you have a story to share with us? Inbox us on our Facebook page and we could feature your story.
To stay up to date with the latest news, download our news app on Google Play or iTunes today.
Christian churches in Africa are huge. So are the pastors. One pastor's charisma and divine calling unites and educates people in the church community. Unfortunately, some shameless individuals make it extra difficult to tell apart divine miracles and deliberate deception. Be careful with who and what you believe in!


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So c'mon, guys. Come stand up with us! The fight for contraception is your fight too. Together, we can win it.
love this!
Thanks so much. Yesterday I purloined your headline and video for my own blog. A quilter who visits has snatched to place on her FB page. A retired social worker in Calif. thinks we need to require more of men who seek Viagra. The beat goes on.
American politicians have to be told to stay out of a woman's womb unless they want to be reborn.
Love it!!! : )


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Review: 'We Happy Few' And The Could've Beens
We Happy Few is one of the games I was most excited about playing this year. I didn't have a chance to dig into it during its early access, but from what I've read, this final release of the game is what developer Compulsion Games wanted all along.
After a complete playthrough of the game (and by complete, I mean I went through most of the side missions, as well as the main missions), I now have seriously mixed feelings about this game. On one hand, it's almost perfect: it's unique, creative and a lot of fun. On the other hand, it needed a lot more developmental work before its release. But I'll get to that later. Let's start with the actual review, shall we?
In We Happy Few, players step into the shoes of three characters. Their stories are told in three separate chapters. These characters are not only well-fleshed out, but their stories connect in a way that works, although each chapter is its own separate entity. It's WWII and the Germans won: the Brits gave up all their children and now the adults are all high on Joy, a drug that makes them forget that there was ever a war (or children) in the first place. Arthur, Sally and Ollie are off of their Joy, though. And they are doing their best to escape from the town of Wellington Wells to go out into the world with their memories and lives intact.
Wellington Wells is both amusing and creepy. It's 1960s mod Britain, complete with the music and fashion that defined that era. Folks walking around happily on their Joy with masks that keep smiles on their faces permanently are disturbing. But there are still moments of that classic British-style humor. It works on pretty much all levels and sets up the game as something that is not just entertaining, but a lot of fun. Learning more about the world through found items and missions is all part of that journey. And I loved that journey immensely. At times, I got emotional (especially towards the end of each character's chapter).
Each character has their own set of skills, so learning how to play each character as effectively as possible requires learning what they can do and what their limitations are at the beginning of each chapter. It almost makes this feel like three games in one, and that, too, is a joy (pun intended) to play.
Visuals and Sound
We Happy Few is beautifully rendered and the various areas of the wide world of Wellington Wells are beautifully-thought out. You've got the rainbow streets of the main urban areas, which positively shine when the main character gets forced to take their Joy. Then you've got the darker areas of the Garden District, where plague victims roam around and even the regular people look forlorn and lost.
The game also has some really good original music that sounds like it came straight out of the 1960s. The score is pretty awesome and it's likely that you'll be humming those tunes after you hear them. The voice acting is also really good and at times, you'll find yourself emotionally connecting to the characters because of it.
Unfortunately, not all is perfect in the world of We Happy Few. Gameplay is pretty standard and anyone who has ever played a first-person action adventure will have no problems figuring out what to do. Items that can be interacted with glow when you look at them: you click on them and they do whatever it is they do, or you collect them for your inventory.
There's also a very robust crafting system that allows for the creation of tools, healing balms, suits and the like. Experience points allow players to customize their skill trees (although the trees for each character differ). Everything is pretty standard for these kinds of games, and that's good: the learning curve is low.
Resources throughout the environment are important, and here is where the game starts to break. Every game is different: items are randomly generated within the game, so you might not always get what you need. For example, Sally's unique skills allows her to use a syringe of chemicals to knock out opponents from behind. But you need very specific chemicals to craft that syringe. In my playthrough, I didn't find most of those components until almost the very end of her chapter, which meant that I had to have Sally fight her way through almost every encounter. And she's not a very good fighter (which is the point of her having the knockout juice). This happened often with each character: I had a lot of problems finding the items I needed to progress through missions.
But that's not the only problem with gameplay. The real problem is that this game needed more development time. It has more bugs than a garden in July. Some of those bugs can keep you from completing missions. Fortunately, those bugs only seemed to affect side missions, but for those of you who are like me and like 100% completion on a game, that's going to get frustrating. There are also countless times when NPCs get stuck in walls and floors or end up floating in the air.
Another huge problem with the game is its loading times. Upon starting the game, it takes over five minutes to get to the actual game itself (that's loading the intro screen, clicking on "x" to go to the main menu and then clicking on "continue" to load the last saved game). There are also a lot of loading screens within the game itself: traveling from one fast travel hatch to another requires a loading screen. Sometimes, just walking through an area brings up a loading screen.
The largest problem, though, is that this game crashes. And I'm not saying that it crashes a few times while you're playing it. This game crashes at least once per hour of play time, sometimes more. And when it crashes, you have to restart it from the very beginning with that five-minute loading time to get back to the game. Also, the crashing often corrupts saves and makes continuing a saved game crash. Yes, there are crashes within the crashes.
We Happy Few could have been the perfect game. I would have happily given it 5 stars based on its unique premise and setting. I also really enjoyed the title while I played it. I don't often sit down and play games for hours on end, but this one sucked me in, in spite of its problems.
But those problems are huge. The crashes, along with the insanely long loading times, makes me wish that Compulsion had spent another month or two testing the game out and making sure that it worked properly. Those issues are frustrating for players.
There is so much to love about We Happy Few, and I only wish I could take some Joy and forget the gameplay-related things that I hated about it. But it's hard to really enjoy any kind of game when you're waiting for it to load (again) after it has crashed for the third time in an hour.
Rating: (3 / 5)
Note: FanGirlConfessions.com received a review copy of episode one of We Happy Few for PlayStation 4.


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Who started Resilient Youth of Somerset County?
We are a group of advocates from all sectors of the community, working on behalf of children within Somerset County, NJ.
We are a sub-committee of Friends of Somerset County Youth, and our members include representatives from Children's Hope Initiative, Richard Hall Community Mental Health Center (RHCMHC), Somerville Public Schools, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Middle Earth, Somerset County Office of Youth Services and Family Support Organization (FSO).
What is our mission?
Our goal is to bring trauma informed care to Somerset County through education and outreach. We plan to educate youth stakeholders throughout our community on the effects of ACEs and the success of trauma informed care. Our goal is to provide TIC training to members of every Somerset County youth service organization by December 2020.
We recognize that there are thousands of youth stakeholders in Somerset County and that we can't individually educate everyone. We are hoping to educate as many people as we can, and through our outreach, be the catalyst to make Somerset County, NJ trauma informed.
Why is trauma informed care important?
Adverse Childhood Experiences impact a person's mental health, physical health and behavior by creating a heightened sense of awareness or a constant state of fight or flight.
Trauma Informed Care is an organizational structure, community mindfulness and treatment framework that understands, recognizes, and responds to the effects of all types of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences. Trauma Informed Care emphasizes physical, psychological and emotional safety, and helps survivors rebuild a sense of control and empowerment. (http://www.traumainformedcareproject.org)
How can you help?
Educate yourself on the effects of adverse childhood experiences and the success of trauma informed care. Our links are a great place to start! Help us spread the word about our important work, and bring trauma informed care into your daily interactions — lead with empathy!
Make sure to join our mailing list to stay informed of our progress!
Support Resilient Youth of Somerset with a donation today! To earmark your donation for RYS programming, just add your wish as a note on the donation page. Thank you!


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This crushingly witless dirge pitches Damon Wayans Jr and Jake Johnson as two thirtysomething losers who discover how much fun it is to impersonate a police officer; getting ogled and snogged by drunken party girls, feared and respected by thugs and hoodies. In the current climate, it's hard to imagine anyone laughing at the sight of cops zanily pulling guns, but Luke Greenfield's DOA dorkfest doesn't even have the strength of its loathsome comic convictions. After the inevitable bouts of stripping and mawkish male bonding, Let's Be Cops decides it's time to get serious and attempts to reinvent our slappable saps as bona-fide crime-fighting heroes. Alternately boring, exasperating and infuriating. Short prison sentences for all involved would seem fair.
Let's Be Cops review – criminally bad1 / 5 stars 1 out of 5 stars.
Luke Greenfield's cop-impersonation comedy is by turns boring, exasperating and infuriating


text:
Asplenium gueinzianum Mett. ex Kuhn
Asplenium gueinzianum Mett. ex Kuhn, Filic. Afr. 103. 1868; Boonkerd & Suksathan, Nat. Hist. J. Chulalongkorn University 9: 95. 2009. – Type: Gueinzius, South Africa, Port Natal (holotype B, Morton photograph 9714).
Asplenium laciniatum var. acutipinna Bir, J. Indian Bot. Soc. 43: 558. 1964.
Asplenium laciniatum var. subintegrifolium Bir, J. Indian Bot. Soc. 43: 558. 1964.
Rhizome short, erect, bearing fronds in a tuft; scales linear to oblong-lanceolate, gradually narrowing towards apex, about 3.5 by 0.5 mm, dark brown, clathrate, fimbriate to almost entire. Stipes 2–10 cm long, castaneous or stramineous upwards, glabrous, grooved above. Laminae pinnate, apex pinnatifid, about 5 by 3 cm at base; rachis green, grooved above, glabrous; pinnae shortly stalked, 12–24 pairs, with 3–6 segments below an indistinctly dissected apical portion, about 2 by 1 cm; ultimate segments spathulate, round and toothed at apex, cuneate at base, herbaceous, green, glabrous; proliferous on upper surface; veins forked, visible, each entering a tooth of ultimate segments. Sori elongated, 1 to 5 for each pinnule, up to 2–3 mm long; indusia membranaceous, almost entire .
Distribution in Thailand
NORTHERN: Chiang Mai.
Wider Distribution
S Africa, Ceylon, S. India, Himalaya, Sri Lanka, China, Indochina, Taiwan, Japan and Hawaii.
On muddy rocks in dense forests at 1800-2000 m alt.
Proposed IUCN Conservation Assessment
Least Concern (LC). This species is widespread and not under any known threats.
Site hosted by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Content managed by Stuart Lindsay, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore and David Middleton, Singapore Botanic Gardens. Last updated 24 January 2012


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As water bears salt : for vocal sextet with bells
by Michael Whiticker (1989, this version: 1990)
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From the CD laughter of mermaids
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As water bears salt : for vocal sextet with bells / Michael Whiticker.
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Work Overview
As Water Bears Salt takes its name and text from the poetry of Federico Garcia Lorca. It is in 3 movements. It began life in 1981 as a shorter work for vocal soloists but was fully recomposed in 1989 for the Sydney University Chamber Choir.
Work Details
Year: 1989, this version: 1990
Instrumentation: Soprano, mezzo-soprano, alto, 2 tenors, bass, bells.
Difficulty: Advanced
Contents note: Why shepherd? -- As water bears salt -- Sweet nails.
Text taken freely from Federico Garcia Lorca's three plays Yerma, Blood Wedding and The House of Bernarda Alba.
Review: Lament for A The Song Company 21 March 1993
Roger Covell
Source: Sydney Morning Herlad 24 March 1993
Performances of this work
Jun 89: Sydney University Chamber choir. Featuring Sydney University Chamber Choir, Nicholas Routley.
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text: Join Will and Coral of Cured and their amazing Culinary and Catering Team for an evening on the farm. With a menu inspired by all that Colorado has to offer in this most bountiful time of the year, Cured will highlight product from with both the Farmette and other partner farms, butchers, cheesemakers, and salumerias to highlight the finest ingredients with simple, elegant, yet playful presentations. Paired wines and beers from Cured's wine shop will be offered, benefitting GROWING GARDENS and making for a both delicious and charitable complement to an amazing evening on the Farmette. Dinner will be $115 per person with wine pairings offered at additional cost on site.


text: Event Details Neumos Presents Saturday Jan 20 Sam Lachow at Neumos 8:00PM | All Ages+Bar | $20 Adv. Buy Tickets With Special Guests Sam Lachow is a producer, songwriter, rapper, videographer, director, and editor of video and music. He is currently promoting the release of his latest collab EP with Raz Simone titled "5 Good Reasons". Lachow and his creative partner Maggie Brown produced the entire EP utilizing many live instruments from musicians based in Seattle and New York. The project, as well as his previous releases - debut album "Brand New Bike" and EP "Avenue Music" are available for free stream/download on samlachow.com, and feature many guest appearances from some of the most talented artists coming up in the Seattle music scene. Links Sam Lachow


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Poetry Out Loud at Eureka High School
- Details
- Published: Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Eureka High congratulates the December 8th winners of the EHS Poetry Out Loud competition. Twelve EHS students in 9th through 12th grades put on a remarkable show in the school's auditorium. Each student had memorized and recited some of their favorite poetry. At the conclusion of the event, EHS sophomore Catherine Holper emerged as champion. She recited "Art vs. Trade" by James Weldon Johnson and "Personal" by Tony Hoagland. The runners up were freshman Marina Benson and senior Helaina Stillman.
EHS invites the community to come out and support Catherine and Marina at the Humboldt County Regional contest at the Morris Graves Museum of Art at 10 a.m. on January 28th, where Catherine will vie for EHS's third consecutive regional title!
Photo: Back row: Judges Hilary Manion, Jess Haun, Julie Eccels-Benson, & Kaitlen Osburn
Front row: Catherine, Marina, & Helaina
Photo credit: Nanette Voss & Mauro Staiano, EHS Poetry Out Loud Coordinators


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Right now, I'm still working on a number of different projects for The Right Vidya. I figured I'd give my dear readers a heads-up on what I've got planned:
- I finally got a copy of Hatred. Since my previous essay on the game is what put me on the map (It appeared on Xenosystems, This Week in Reaction, and even got noticed by an award-winning developer!) I figure I'll post a full review of the game. My goal is to have that done by Monday, with a post going up that morning.
- Now that I've finished building my kickass gaming PC, I've been looking into streaming and video recording. While nothing is set in stone, I've been thinking about how many different right-wing themes are in Deus Ex, and how many conversation-starters there are in it. I'd be interested in streaming that, with some alt-right/NRx types being there to discuss it.
- I've been looking into the idea of a TheRightVidya youtube channel, but I'm not terribly certain what I'd want to put on it. If I had enough booze, I'd love to do a drunken let's play of Postal 2, one of my favorite edgy games. More realistically though, I'm considering a podcast in the vein of Common Filth's, where I maybe just talk about the week's big stories in video games and offer some right-wing commentary.
- In an outburst of frustration upon seeing how much money people will throw at idiots for their stupid shitlib opinions, I've sworn that I WILL colonize Patreon, planting the flag of the edgysphere there. When I start producing content, expect that to go up. I don't even care if you're all too smart to give money to bloggers. I'll find a way to make this blog a fiscal success, mark my words!
- I got my digital packet for the Hugos, I still need to get around to filling out my ballot. Hoping for a major Puppy victory!
So yeah, that's about three hundred words telling you what I'm up to. Hopefully my loyal readers are ready to become loyal watchers and listeners!


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It's been a strange offseason for the Houston Dash, in more ways than one. The last few months have been filled with peculiar decisions, many of which have baffled even the friendliest evaluators. And it's all truly come to a head now–just a couple weeks before the start of the season–with the breaking news that Christen Press (the supposed coup de grace of the whole offseason) would not be playing for the club.
In this column, I'm going to walk through some of the big decisions and try to explain them. That will be more difficult for some than others, and I won't shy away from calling out the bad and weird choices. But the overall theme of the column is simple: it's been a strange offseason, but maybe not quite as incoherent as many seem to think. I'm not ready to say that we should "trust the process," but I do think there is some method to the madness.
The New Coaching Staff
To begin, it's crucial to note the excellent pedigree of the new coaching staff. Head coach Vera Pauw has a strong record in the international game, having spent the last two decades coaching Scotland, the Netherlands, Russia, and South Africa. While she won no major trophies in those jobs, she achieved some real success, including a semifinals appearance at Euro 2009.
The Dash often seems to make decisions haphazardly, and with little attention to detail, but that doesn't appear to be the case here. Pauw was a strong hire, and that was augmented by the good decision to bring in Lisa Cole as the assistant coach. Transitioning from the international game to a domestic league is always somewhat difficult, and the NWSL is a special challenge—with roster limits, harsh spending caps, and byzantine transfer rules. Having someone with some experience in the league is a very good idea, and Cole fits the bill.
That said, some of the more confusing decisions this offseason do seem to reflect a poor understanding of the league structure and/or lack of familiarity with the current player pool. Still, some growing pains are to be expected. The question isn't whether Pauw has hit the ground running, but whether her overall vision is strong enough to handle the inevitable bumps in the road.
We won't really know the answer for a while. The Dash have been a mess for four years now, and realistically the best hope for 2018 is to patch together some of the major holes and get things in line for a strong push in 2019. Miracles can happen, of course, and the Dash certainly shouldn't treat this season as a lost cause before it starts. But in terms of setting expectations, it's probably more important to look for evidence of growth than to focus too much on results as such.
With that in mind, let's take a look at some of the big issues of the offseason and assess what they mean:
Trading Andressinha for Savannah Jordan
On its face, this is a tough one to explain. Andressinha is one of the best creative midfielders in the league and has a real chance of turning the corner to become a genuine superstar. Plus, it's not like Houston was overflowing with talent in this role and could afford to make a move. The step down from her to their next best option (Kristie Mewis?) is enormous. Meanwhile, Savannah Jordan is a good young talent but has yet to really show outside of college. Plus, Houston already has a boatload of young forwards with potential. Jordan could break out and become a star, but at the moment it's not even obvious that she's a starter.
So there's a lot to dislike about the trade. But it's worth considering two mitigating factors. First, if Andressinha wanted out (which seems to have been the case), there really wasn't anything Houston could do to stop it. The NWSL isn't a cartel and any player of sufficient ability can simply hop on a plane to Europe. Given that, Houston was over a barrel in trade negotiations. They not only had to find a deal they liked, they had to find a deal that the player would accept. If she said "Portland, or nothing," that would leave Houston with almost no leverage in trade negotiations. Better to get a good player by trading her to Portland than nothing at all.
Second, while Houston has plenty of forwards (more on that below), Jordan is a different type of player than most of their other options. They have a lot of technical attackers with blistering pace, but (apart from one year with Jess McDonald) they've never had much luck finding a true number nine. Jordan could be the answer. That's an even more pressing concern if the next-best option (Rachel Daly) might not be available on the forward line this year (again, more on that below).
The College Draft
Thanks to their eighth-place finish last year, Houston went into the draft with the third overall pick. Before the draft even started, though, they traded that pick to Washington, in exchange for Lindsay Agnew and the sixth pick. Once again, this was an initially puzzling move. Agnew is yet another forward, and while she has some experience at fullback it's hardly obvious that counting on a converted forward in that role was worth trading down in picks. That felt even truer when Washington used that number three pick to select Rebecca Quinn—precisely the sort of player that Houston desperately needs. Still, Agnew is a useful contributor, and Houston certainly need flexible players, so it's not impossible to understand the move.
With their picks in the draft, Houston did reasonably well, picking up one player who seems likely to fit right into a starting role (Haley Hanson) along with several others who could easily be real contributors. Moreover, the choices seem to indicate what sort of qualities Pauw values: grit, determination, and flexibility.
Houston's ethos has always been scrappy, but the fight has tended to drain away over the long doldrum periods each year when the team drifts aimlessly. It seems that Pauw may be focused on bolstering that spirit, bringing in fighters who will put everything on the line. There's some reason to think that doubling down on that attitude could bring positive results. Many "small" teams over the years have thrived by cultivating a strong collective ethos, one which allows them to punch above their weight.
It remains an open question whether Pauw is able to actually produce such a result. Initial results are promising but tell us relatively little; enthusiasm is always high in the preseason but lags once results start to drift away. We will need to check back in come July or August to see whether spirits remain high and whether the ethic of giving 100% for the team has persisted.
International Signings
Houston made two splashes into the international market this winter, picking up two young South African players—Thembi Kgatlana and Linda Motlhalo. The former is yet another forward, while the latter seems to be an attacking midfielder. I don't pretend to know enough about these players to say whether they are worthwhile gambles, but they are certainly known quantities to Pauw from her time coaching South Africa.
Perhaps they will be revelations, and evidence that bringing in a coach with more experience in the international game was a wise move. However, there's also a real possibility that they are dud signings. We have plenty of experience over the years of new coaches coming into jobs and immediately signing the players they know from their previous, worse team. It rarely goes well. When it does work, it's often because those new players fit well into a coach's preferred style and can help the other players integrate into that mold. It remains to be seen what exactly Pauw's style is, but once we've seen half a season, we'll be in a much better position to assess these moves.
Still, there's a problem above and beyond the question of whether these players are actually any good. Put simply: international slots are valuable and Houston is now committed to using two of them on players who (even in the best case scenario) only project as supplemental. Was there anyone else available willing to come to Houston? Maybe not. After all, that's the constant problem of bad teams: precisely because they're poorly run, it's hard to attract talent. Still, slots can be traded. Is it inconceivable that Houston could have dealt one or both of these slots to Seattle in exchange for some good defensive players?
It is possible that I'll be proven wrong, but this feels like a major case of Pauw failing to grasp the importance of NWSL rules and structure. International slots are useful commodities, and Houston simply is not extracting full value here.
The Dispersal Draft
Houston was given the sixth pick in the dispersal draft, which locked them out of some of the best players, but also gave them the 13th pick. Given the wealth of options available, they could be confident of picking up two extremely useful players that might plausibly fill some of the big holes in the defense and the midfield.
However, when their turn came, Houston did not choose a player like Angela Salem, Allysha Chapman, Julie King, or Christen Westphal—solid NWSL defenders with proven track records—but instead selected the rights to Kyah Simon. Notably, because Simon was not actually on Boston's roster, she did not come with the waiver attached to all the other Boston players. That means Houston will have to use an international slot and roster spot on her.
For those following along, this was an utterly baffling decision, made all that much harder to explain when Pauw suggested that they would have taken Simon second if they'd had the chance and that they were thankful that another team had voluntarily passed on her in order to let Houston get her. This feels like another example of extreme naiveté and has been roundly criticized. Then consider that Simon is a fine player, but hardly a game-changer, and that Houston already has a virtual clone of Simon in Kristie Mewis, and the decision feels even more inexplicable.
For a while, it wasn't even clear that they would be able to sign Simon, which would have turned a strange pick into a complete disaster. However, they were able to get the deal done. To add another layer, Simon came down with an injury and seems likely to miss a month or more of the season. When she eventually does make it back, many will be watching with great anticipation to see whether this enormous gamble will pay off.
With their 13th pick, Houston once again passed on Salem, opting instead for another young international: Lotta Okvist. The jury will have to remain out there for a while, but it once again felt strange to see Houston doubling down on young, unproven talent.
The Big Trade
Over the past two years, when Carli Lloyd started, the Dash played like a playoff contender, earning 23 points from 13 games. Without Lloyd, they managed 23 points in 31 games. For all her limitations, Lloyd made a big difference for this team. But she wanted out, leading Houston to get themselves involved in the single biggest offseason deal: sending Lloyd and Janine Beckie to Sky Blue in a three-way trade that netted them the rights to Christen Press.
As soon became clear, however, obtaining the rights to Press does not necessarily mean the same thing as obtaining Press herself. Doubts began to flow fairly quickly, as Press made no effort to even acknowledge the trade. Still, the front office insisted that she'd be playing for the Dash, and any claims to the contrary were just rumors. Little changed over the next seven weeks, with the season drawing ever nearer and Press apparently no closer to actually putting on a Houston kit. Still, the Dash continued to act as if she'd be joining them and there was never any clear evidence to the contrary.
All that changed on Friday evening, when Corey Roepken reported that she would not be joining the Dash.
This is obviously a huge blow to Houston, who appear to have traded one reluctant superstar (and a useful contributor, too) for an even more reluctant superstar. They may eventually be able to trade Press to a team she actually wants to play for, but (just as with Andressinha), it's hard to imagine them getting anything close to good value under these conditions.
So what happened here, and is there any good justification for Houston's decision-making process?
Well, it's not had to understand why they wanted her. As I've written before, Press is a true superstar and one who is far closer to her peak than Lloyd. There are few players in the world the equal of Press, and she would have been an excellent fit in the Houston system–providing a rock of stability in the middle of the attack, improving all the players around her, and pitching in plenty of wonder-goals in the process. Strictly in terms of player value, the trade made a ton of sense for Houston.
But unfortunately for Houston, players aren't just numbers on paper; they're human beings with free will. And Press just doesn't seem to have been willing to play for Houston.
At this point, one can't help but ask a few pointed questions. First, why did Press turn them down? It may not have anything to do with Houston in particular, but the general sense of chaos and confusion that surrounds this organization certainly can't have helped. Second, why didn't they get a commitment from the player before making the deal? There's some risk in every deal, but you can manage that risk significantly by looking before you leap. Third, even if they couldn't get a firm commitment, why didn't they negotiate some terms to the deal which provided them compensation if Press held out? Chicago made out like bandits in this deal; was there really no way that Houston could have extracted something else?
At the end of the day, Houston badly miscalculated here, on several levels. And while there are mitigating circumstances here, they can only mitigate so much.
Looking forward, will the Dash at least be able to make some lemonade out of these lemons? Possibly. Maybe Press will discover that holding out is harder than expected, and join the team in a month or two. Maybe they'll eventually get a deal they like from a team where Press is willing to play. Maybe US Soccer will step in and 'persuade' Press to make nice. Or maybe they'll provide Houston with some sort of competence-subsidy to make up for their blunder here. And least likely of all: maybe the league will hire a commissioner who will broker a deal that's acceptable to all parties.
Putting it All Together: What is the Logic Behind this Team?
Taking all these moves together, it feels difficult to isolate a motivating theme. What sort of team is Pauw building? One based on commitment and team effort…except from the big marquee signings? One based on a powerful attack that plans to win a bunch of 4-3 games, or a deep-defending squad that will lump balls up to the forwards and hope for a bit of individual genius? More bluntly: Why are they stockpiling forwards when the defense was (by far) the biggest weakness? Are they simply abandoning the idea of a strong central midfield spine? If so, how will they set up to compensate for the hole in the center of the pitch?
I have an idea here, which isn't quite a grand unified theory of the Houston offseason, but which does try to fit together all the available facts into a relatively coherent model. It goes like this: the Dash simply don't have the pieces to put together a rock solid roster for 2018, so there's no point in trying to fight on the level. Better to play a high-variance game and hope that some lottery tickets pay off.
Why trade for Press without any commitment that she'll play? Because Press is good enough to take the risk. Maybe she'll grit her teeth and play hard for the sake of her national team spot. Or maybe you'll even be able to convince her that Houston is a team on the rise and that she wants to be part of it. If so, you get a world class striker in a good trade. If not…well, nothing helps a team bond like adversity.
Why invest in so many forwards and hope that you're able to convert several to more defensive roles? Because forwards are generally the most skillful players, and it's easier to learn to defend than it is to learn how to create. It won't work for every player, but maybe you get lucky and find a clear conversion success story. They struck gold with Amber Brooks last year, maybe they'll do the same with Rachel Daly this year.
Why not sign or trade for any shuttling midfielders to fill the huge hole in the center of the pitch? That's a dangerous choice since all the attackers in the world won't accomplish much without decent suppliers. On the other hand, precisely because that job is so difficult, it's really hard to acquire those players. You can try to bring in cut-rate replacements, but they're likely to just get overrun. Given limited resources, then, it might make more sense to jump ship and focus on other strengths. After all, if you have the pace to burn and a target forward who can play with back to goal and draw in the rest of the attack (i.e. Christen Press), you might be able to get away with bypassing the midfield.
Why not get yourself a rock solid holding midfielder? Well…okay, I've got nothing here. I have no idea what they're doing. Perhaps they can use Okvist or Cari Roccaro? But yes, this seems like a huge problem, and it's very confusing why they haven't done anything to fix it.
The Bottom Line
The biggest problem with Houston's roster is the overabundance of C+ and B- players. These folks aren't bad, and they can be quite useful in the right circumstances. But Houston has a lot of them, and unless several make a big leap forward, they're simply going to have a weaker roster than most of their competition. That was true even when it seemed like they would be building around Press. It's even more true now.
Compounding that, it's also a strangely constructed group, overloaded with attackers and seeming to rely quite heavily on some questionable players in key roles. Can Janine Van Wyk do better? Maybe, if she's given a system in which her lack of pace and poor footwork isn't so exposed. If not, who else can play center back? Will Daly and/or Agnew successfully transition into rampaging fullbacks? Maybe. But if not, what's Plan B? Who exactly is going to supply all these forwards with the ball?
These are all fair questions, and it's not obvious if Pauw and her staff have the answers. But when push comes to shove, a team's success often has as much to do with attitude and execution as it does with pure ability. If Pauw can get the team playing for each other, and can instill a clear defensive structure, the Dash might end up far more solid than critics are expecting. On the other side, if they can find the right equations to get their attacking players working together, Houston might end up scoring quite a few goals.
Neither is a sure bet by any means, but if Houston is the consensus worst team in the league this year (which I think they probably are), they have a bigger variance than some of the similarly-situated teams of the last few years. That's hardly a ringing endorsement, but it's at least a word of caution to those already prepared to write them off. There is plenty to criticize about Houston's offseason. And chances are high that they will struggle. But there are some glimmers of daylight here, and it's worth giving them a chance to show what they've got before passing final judgment.


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A very warm Failte (welcome in Irish) as you contemplate the idea of joining us on a Celtic Retreat on the wild and beautiful Beara Peninsula in County Cork...
During this seven day Celtic Retreat at the Anam Cara Retreat Centre I will introduce you to Celtic Spirituality as an ancient, yet very much alive, Spirituality.
Each day we will have Celtic Gatherings where I share with you the Wisdom of our Celtic Spiritual Tradition through Poetry, Stories, Blessings, Poems, Music, Song, Celtic Chant and Celtic Ritual and Ceremony.
We will have a Celtic Gathering introducing you to Brigid - our Goddess and Celtic Saint with Brigid Fire and Water Rituals to cleanse and inspire, becoming familiar with poetry, blessings, song and chants calling Her Spirit close to ours.
During the week you will also journey around this wild and beautiful peninsula stopping for earthing Rituals at some of the Sacred Sites. You will experience mystical Celtic Practices - Practices that you can bring into your daily life.
There is time for personal inner reflection as you make a Journey inward with the Celtic Wisdom Tradition nurturing and inspiring you. Our Retreat takes place at a very special time in our Celtic Calendar..... at Samhain... the beginning of the Celtic New Year.
Following our New Year Gathering, and as sunset draws near on 31 October, we will stand within a Sacred Site on Beara and be part of a Ritual on this Sacred Day, and then a celebratory meal together and some traditional Irish Music.
On another of the evenings we will have the pleasure of being joined by a local seanachai (an Irish storyteller). There is the possibility of an Irish Traditional Music session in one of the pubs on one of the nights.
As we part ways at the end of the week you will travel home or onwards in Ireland with the Celtic Spirit within your hearts and on your lips.....
The cost of this Seven Day Celtic Retreat is 1850Euro per person. (1976US$ as of December 16 2016).
This includes my guiding you on this Celtic Retreat in the path of our ancient, yet very much alive, Celtic Spirituality and Wisdom Tradition for the week.
All accommodation and meals from Saturday evening through to the following Saturday breakfast. There are some single rooms available at Anam Cara, when they are full people stay in a single room with private bathroom in a local Bed and Breakfast in Eyeries village, a short walk away. Breakfast will be at your Bed and Breakfast or at Anam Cara, with lunch and dinner at Anam Cara.
A half day bus tour of the Beara Peninsula with visits to Sacred Sites, a visit to a Sacred Site on the Celtic New Year, an evening of Storytelling and other Retreat activities.
To reserve a place on this Celtic Retreat a 250Euro non-refundable deposit is required. Please contact firstname.lastname@example.com if you wish to reserve a place.
Balance is due July 30, 2017 The price does not include airfare, nor travel to and from Anam Cara Retreat Centre. Travel insurance is advised.
For further information about Anam Cara Retreat Centre check out the host's - Sue Booth-Forbes website www.anamcararetreat.com.
Read more about our Guided Celtic Retreats
Email us in Ireland on email@example.com
» For additional tour details please find Celtic Journey's contact information here
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THE RISE AND COLLAPSE OF THE KERRY-LAVROV AGREEMENT (September)
Aleppo under siege again
The Assad regime's policy towards Aleppo hardened again, this time, as HNC member Basma al-Kodbani said, "starve or surrender" became "surrender or we wipe you out."[1] With Russian backing, regime forces retook the al-Ramouseh military complex and adjacent areas by 6 September.[2] This enhanced their positions significantly as the eastern half of the city came under ever more intensive Russian bombing.
The rise and fall of Kerry-Lavrov agreement
Russia's intransigence, the rigidity of US generals and the apparent naiveté of John Kerry led to the collapse of efforts to find a diplomat solution to the war raging in Aleppo. Early in September, Kerry, Lavrov, Obama, Putin and De Mistura all expressed optimism that it might be possible to reach an agreement to stanch the bloodshed. Two key issues delayed the agreement: Russia's inability to get government forces to stop attacking opposition areas and the inability of the US to stop the opposition cooperating with Jabhet Fatah al-Sham, formerly JN.
On 10 September, a deal was reached. Five documents with a detailed appendix were prepared by Russian and U.S. experts. The agreement, the text of which was not released, demanded that the government would not bomb opposition areas agreed by the US and Russia. The aim was to stop the indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas, particularly in eastern Aleppo.
A comprehensive seven-day ceasefire was to begin on 12 September, coinciding with the start of the Eid al-Adha holiday, to allow humanitarian access. If the first two aspects of the agreement were successful, Russia and the US would establish a joint operations centre to coordinate attacks on ISIS and Fatah ash-Sham. The ceasefire would then become permanent and talks would resume in Geneva.[3]
There were to be two humanitarian aid corridors, Castello Road and the ar-Ramouseh route to get aid to civilians in Aleppo. Detailed plans for the demilitarising of the Castello road were agreed to open it to humanitarian convoys..[4]
For the first time since the conflict began, there were no recorded deaths for 24 hours in the areas covered by the ceasefire agreement. De Mistura said there had been no airstrikes on the first day, only sporadic shooting.[5] The initial ceasefire was renewed on 14 September. Violence decreased significantly but the implementation of the ceasefire failed, mostly due to the failure to get humanitarian access along the Castello Road for the trucks that had been waiting since August.
On the second day of the ceasefire, Russia station armed monitors along the road where they were attacked by an unknown opposition group. The attack was caught on camera and broadcast during a live broadcast by the Russian defence minister.[6] On 16 September, Russian military sources and the Syrian Observatory reported that government troops had withdrawn from the Castello Road. The Observatory said that as of that date, opposition troops were still in their positions and the violations continued from both sides.[7]
Humanitarian aid, which was in the buffer zone between Turkey and Syria, was still not allowed to enter the country. De Mistura said that according to the Russian-US agreement, the government was supposed to provide "facilitation letters" for the convoys to enter Syria but the UN never received the letters.[8] According to De Mistura, this failure was a "major disappointment," even for Russia.[9]
After the two 48-hours ceasefires ended, the U.S.-Russian agreement started falling apart and fighting resumed.
On the first day of Eid, Assad reiterated that "we are determined to retake every inch of Syria from the terrorists."[10] He was speaking from Daraya, a symbolic city for the opposition that has been under siege for four years and was recently evacuated. It signalled that there would be no let up in his insistence on a military solution.
Several key opposition groups also expressed discontent the agreement. A few days before the ceasefire, Ahrar ash-Sham's spokesman said "we will not be abide by the ceasefire … it is an U.S.-Russian agreement and we were not consulted about it."[11] On the first day of the truce, 21 armed groups including Jaish al-Islam and Failaq ash-Sham, released a statement saying the agreement was against the basic values of the revolution, it would allow the government to consolidate its positions and it had excluded Fatah ash-Sham without even mentioning the pro-regime sectarian militias.[12]
The agreement raised a critical question: do the U.S. and Russia really have leverage over their partners in Syria? The conflict resolution model that these two countries chose excluded not just the Syrian sides but also key regional actors. They even did not want to share the text of the agreement with their allies.[13] The inability to press Assad to issue the "facilitation letter" on the Russian side and opposition's rejection of the deal on the U.S. side are good indications of their weakness. If they cannot pass these "simple" orders how were they supposed to stop the regime from flying its airforce in its own country and separate Fatah ash-Sham from their allies?
The failure of this deal also exposed a major gap between the diplomats and the generals in the United States. Top officials from CIA and Pentagon publically defied Kerry and even Obama by refusing to share information with Russia.[14] In this way, they rejected one of the important pillars of the Kerry-Lavrov agreement. A similar pattern could be found in Moscow. From the very first day of the ceasefire, high ranking Russian officers such as the Defence Minister and the General Staff, blamed the US for not fulfilling its obligations.[15] They seemed eager to abandon the agreement, although many analysts took this as not so much the sign of a split in the Putin administration but that they had been leading the US along and had no intention of implementing the agreement.
As of 18 September, there were still hopes of reviving the ceasefire but two incidents blew up the entire effort.
On 17 September, coalition jets bombed Syrian army positions near the Der al-Zor airport killing at least 60 soldiers. Amidst Russian and Syrian accusations, officials from the Central Command said that the strikes were unintentional and were due to confusion over ISIS positions.[16] This is not very convincing because this was a fixed position which has always been under regime control (except January-March 2016).[17] Even though there is no solid evidence, the timing of this attack inflamed suspicions that it was a deliberate act.
The second blow came on 20 September, when a humanitarian convoy was targeted in eastern Aleppo countryside. The United States and the Syrian opposition groups immediately blamed Russia and Syrian regime for carrying an airstrike, something later borne out by a UN investigation.[18]
These two incidents turned the UNSC into a battlefield between Russian and U.S. Ambassadors Churkin and Power. The next day, on 22 September, Kerry and Lavrov assembled the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) in Geneva to save the ceasefire but they could not reach an agreement. In this way, the second most serious attempt to reduce the level of violence in Syria collapsed only a few days after its implementation. Perhaps this was the last chance for Obama and Kerry to achieve a historic deal in Syria until a new administration is in place in Washington in January.
The aftermath
The collapse of the agreement was marked by an unprecedented level of bombing and shelling of eastern Aleppo. An AFP journalist said: first fighter jets strike, then the helicopters drop barrel bombs and then the cannons start.[19] This shelling campaign was meant to pave the way for a rare ground offensive against eastern Aleppo. As of 30 September, government troops supported by foreign militias and air cover took control of Handarat Camp in the northern outskirts.[20] These forces also took the al-Farafira neighbourhood in the Old Town near the Aleppo Citadel.[21]
It is unlikely that the government will be able to take Aleppo by force of arms. The aim now is to starve it into submission, as it has done in other areas. The Local Aleppo Council and many armed groups are concerned that Aleppo is going to be a larger example of what happened in Daraya near Damascus and al-Waer in Homs. After many years of siege and devastation the residents and armed groups agreed to lay down their arms and leave in return for safe passage to opposition areas. There is a strong opinion that the government is trying to clear rebel presence around Damascus and Aleppo while leaving the northwest of the country to the rebels.[22] But this will not be an easy task because eastern Aleppo hosts about 250,000 residents and at this stage of the conflict it symbolizes the revolution. The rebels will not give up easily.
There are some signs that the collapse of the ceasefire might put an end to U.S.-Russian cooperation on Syria. There are some meetings in the corridors between U.S. and their allies suggesting that they are thinking about a "plan B" without Russia. This plan may include suspending the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) that is co-chaired by U.S. and Russia; more sanctions on Moscow and Damascus; more intelligence and military support to the opposition; and a no-fly zone.[23] Such "plan B-s" have been discussed many times but did not have a major impact on the ground.
Nour ad-Din al-Zanki, one of the most important groups in Aleppo supported by the U.S., joined the Jaish al-Fatah coalition on 24 September. According to their statement, this move was to enhance the unity of the rebels.[24] The timing, however, suggests that it was also due to the collapse of the ceasefire and once more underlines the importance of this coalition in northern Syria. Especially, that before this announcement the speaker of Ahrar ash-Sham said that there will be unification within the ranks of Jaish al-Fatah. If this trend continues, this coalition where radical groups like Ahrar ash-Sham, Jaish al-Islam and Fatah ash-Sham dominate, may emerge as the main representative of those in the northwest of the country.
Opposition's vision of future Syria
Riad Hijab, the HNC general coordinator, spoke of their vision of Syria's future at a conference organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. His vision did not differ much from what the resolution 2254 suggests. First, a comprehensive ceasefire, negotiations for six months and unhindered humanitarian aid. Second, an 18-month transitional period governed by a constitutional declaration. The noteworthy in this plan was that the opposition agreed to negotiate with Assad in the first six months but Hijab insisted that he will not have a place in the transitional period under any circumstances. [25]
Turkish terrorist-free zone in north Syria
In the shadow of the developments in Aleppo, the Turkish Armed Forces helped their partners in the opposition to gain more territory from ISIS in northern Syria. Within a week the attacking forces cleared ISIS from the Turkish-Syrian border by creating a buffer zone ranging between two and twenty kilometres deep.[26] In this way ISIS lost an important gateway to the outside. It relied on the Turkish border to smuggle out oil and receive fighters. It also pushed back ISIS firing positions used to target Turkish cities. Ankara also announced that 50 U.S. soldiers arrived in Turkey to operate the newly-deployed High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).[27] This will enhance the security of Turkish cities.
During September, Turkish and Syrian forces did not engage with Kurdish forces in the area. On 30 August, the spokesman of U.S. Central Command said that Turkish forces and YPG/YPJ agreed to focus their fire on ISIS rather than against each other.[28] Despite a Turkish denial of any ceasefire, there have not been any major battles. After this period of calm, YPG/PYJ began their withdrawal from Mnbej.[29]
Turkey is aiming to create a 5,000 km2 "terrorist-free zone" (meaning ISIS and YPG/YPJ) including al-Bab, an ISIS stronghold. Erdogan expressed happiness that some Syrians had already returned to their country and hoped that many more would be able to do the same in the future.[30] According to another Turkish official, the free zone will be defended by about 3,000 Syrian rebel fighters with the help of the Turkish military[31] This suggest a long term Turkish military presence in Syria because the opposition forces will not be able to hold out against ISIS alone.
Humanitarian situation
In just six days between 19 and 24 September, Russian and Syrian forces killed 323 civilians in eastern Aleppo, according to the local civil defence.[32] In one night, airstrikes put two hospitals out of use. Now about 250,000 eastern Aleppo residents are left with only 6 hospitals.[33]
Some of the facilities of the White Helmets, or the Civil Defence Force, were destroyed. Three out of four of their centres were damaged by airstrikes. According to one of the rescuers, they could not respond to all requests for help because many vehicles were out of order. This unprecedented targeting of the White Helmets comes after a documentary film was released about their life-saving work in Aleppo. Damascus was also upset because the organization was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.[34]
Aleppians have gotten used to having no water. After the bombing of eastern Aleppo the water pumping station in Bab an-Nayrab was damaged on 25 September. In retaliation, the opposition closed down the Suleiman Halabi station, depriving all of Aleppo from clean drinking water. UNICEF reported that people were forced to drink from contaminated wells.[35]
[1] Miles, Tom. "Syrian opposition says Aleppo battle hides 'cleansing' of siege towns." Reuters. 1 September 2016. Accessed 29 September 2016. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-kodmani-idUSKCN1175OC
[2] Aljazeera English. "Syrian forces renew siege on rebel-held Aleppo." 4 September 2016. Accessed 29 September 2016. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/syrian-forces-renew-siege-rebel-held-aleppo-160904170726594.html
[3] See Kerry-Lavrov press conference right after the agreement was reached. Ruptly "LIVE: Lavrov and Kerry to hold Syria talks in Geneva – Press conference." 9 September 2016. Accessed 27 September 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw7oNE_gukE. min 10:50-18:00
[4] Miles, Tom and Brunnstorm, David. "U.S., Russia clinch Syria deal, aim for truce from Monday." Reuters. 10 September 2016. Accessed 27 September 2016. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-kerry-idUSKCN11F0HC
[5] Hume, Tim and Elwazer, Schams. "Syrian ceasefire appears to hold, but aid deliveries are on standby." CNN. 14 September 2016. Accessed 27 September 2016. http://edition.cnn.com/2016/09/13/middleeast/syria-ceasefire/
[6] Roth, Andew and Sily, Liz. "Watch a Russian officer dodge bullets live on TV while praising Syria's cease-fire." The Washington Post. 13 September 2016. Accessed 27 September 2016. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/09/13/watch-a-russian-soldier-shot-at-on-live-tv-while-praising-the-new-syria-ceasefire/
[7] Reuters. "Syria ceasefire deal in balance as Aleppo aid plan stalls." 16 September 2016. Accessed 27 September 2016. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKCN11L1MF
[8] Reuplty. "LIVE: Staffan De Mistura and Jan Egeland give update on humanitarian situation in Syria." 15 September 2016. Accessed 27 September 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BQprrqm-KA min 22:50
[9] Reuplty. "LIVE: Staffan De Mistura and Jan Egeland give update on humanitarian situation in Syria." 15 September 2016. Accessed 27 September 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BQprrqm-KA min 36:20
[10] Aljazeera English. "Syria's Assad delivers defiant Eid message from Daraya." 12 September 2016. Accessed 27 September 2016. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/syria-assad-delivers-defiant-eid-message-darayya-160912112928715.html
[11] All4Syria. "The Speaker of Ahrar ash-Sham: we won't abide the ceasefire." 11 September 2016. Accessed 28 September 2016. http://all4syria.info/Archive/343775
[12] To read the original statement see: Qasiun News. "FSA slaps the international community … no for targeting Fatah ash-Sham." 13 September 2016. Accessed 28 September 2016. http://www.qasioun.net/ar/news/show/36980/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1_%D9%8A%D8%B5%D9%81%D8%B9_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AC%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%B9_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84%D9%8A_%D9%84%D8%A7_%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%87%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%81_%D9%81%D8%AA%D8%AD_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%85
[13] For instance, France was demanding US to share the entire text of the agreement. A US official, however, said that they "cannot compromise the operational security of the agreement" therefore refused to share the details of the deal. See: Reuters. "Russia says U.S. refuses to share Syria truce deal with U.N. council." 16 September 2016. Accessed 28 September 2016. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-un-idUSKCN11M2IP
[14] Cooper, Helene and Sanger, David. "Details of Syria Pact Widen Rift Between John Kerry and Pentagon." The New York Times. 13 September 2016. Accessed 28 September 2016. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/14/world/middleeast/syria-john-kerry.html?_r=0
[15] Russia Today. "Russia says US failing to deliver on Syria ceasefire deal, wants details declassified." 15 September 2016. Accessed 28 September 2016. https://www.rt.com/news/359424-syria-deal-details-dispute/ ; Sputnik News. "Russian MoD: US Fails to Fulfill Obligations Amid Syria Rebels' Truce Violations." 17 September 2016. Accessed 28 September 2016. https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160917/1045406916/russia-syria-truce.html
[16] Reuters. "U.S.-led jets kill dozens of Syrian soldiers: Russia, monitor." 17 September 2016. Accessed 28 September 2016. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-usa-idUSKCN11N0PT
[17] Balanche, Fabrice. "The U.S. Strike in Deir al-Zour: Implications on the Ground." Washington Institute for Near East Policy. 19 September 2016. Accessed 28 September 2016. http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/the-u.s.-strike-in-deir-al-zour-implications-on-the-ground
[18] Aljazeera English. "Syria: Deadly aid convoy bombing as ceasefire ends." 20 September 2016. Accessed 28 September 2016. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/syria-deadly-aid-convoy-bombing-ceasefire-ends-160919194433498.html
[19] Al-Hayat. "Aleppo in hell and Damascus prepares for a ground attack with Russian backing." 24 September 2016. Accessed 29 September 2016. http://www.alhayat.com/Articles/17539862
[20] Reuters. "Pro-Syrian government forces control Aleppo's Handarat camp-rebel." 29 September 2016. Accessed 29 September 2016. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-aleppo-idUSKCN11Z1G6?il=0
[21] AFP. "Syrian army retakes Aleppo district as bombs rain down." 27 September 2016. Accessed 29 September 2016. http://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/syrian-army-retakes-aleppo-district-bombs-rain-down
[22] See for example: Hmaidi, Ibrahim. "Russian and allies plans in 'beneficial Syria' to fortify Damascus and take Aleppo." Al-Hayat. 28 September 2016. Accessed 30 September 2016. http://www.alhayat.com/Edition/Print/17607250/
[23] Hmaidi, Ibrahim. "US and allies discuss series of military and diplomatic options against Russia." Al-Hayat. 30 September 2016. Accessed 30 September 2016. http://www.alhayat.com/Edition/Print/17643651/-
[24] Enab Baladi. "Nour ad-Din al-Zanki joins Fatah al-Sham." 24 September 2016. Accessed 30 September 2016. https://www.enabbaladi.net/archives/105455
[25] Aljazeera Mubashar. "Riad Hijab: the first step is that Assad and his collaborators must leave." 7 September 2016. Accessed 30 September 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el8NkuEFBQw
[26] Hume, Tim and Narayan, Chandirka. "Turkey says ISIS cleared from Turkish-Syrian border" CNN. 5 September 2016. Accessed 28 September 16. http://edition.cnn.com/2016/09/04/middleeast/turkey-syria-tanks-al-rai/
[27] Ergan, Ugur. "Around 50 US soldiers arrive in Turkey to use newly-deployed HIMARS system." Hurriyet Daily. 5 September 2016. Accessed 28 September 2016. http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/around-50-us-soldiers-arrive-in-turkey-to-use-newly-deployed-himars-system.aspx?pageID=238&nID=103581&NewsCatID=358
[28] Aljazeera English. "Turkey and Syrian Kurdish forces 'reach ceasefire deal.'" 30 August 2016. Accessed 28 September 2016. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/08/turkey-operations-continue-northern-syria-160830152146879.html
[29] Reuters. "Turkey welcomes withdrawal of Syrian Kurdish fighters from Manbij: Deputy PM." 26 September 2016. Accessed 30 September 2016. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUSKCN11W12T
[30] Yeginsu, Ceylan. "Erdogan, at United Nations, Defends Turkey's Move Into Syria." The New York Times. 20 September 2016. Accessed 28 September 2016. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/21/world/europe/erdogan-turkey-unga-2016-united-nations.html
[31] Hmaidi, Ibrahim. "Turkey on its way to create a 'safe zone'" al-Hayat newspaper. No. 19516. p.3.
[32] Orient News. "323 civilians killed in Aleppo in 6 days." 25 September 2016. Accessed 2 October 2016. http://orient-news.net/en/news_show/123803/0/civilians-killed-in-Aleppo-in-days
[33] Aljazeera English. "Deadly air strikes hit two Aleppo hospitals." 28 September 2016. Accessed 2 October 2016. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/air-strikes-put-aleppo-hospitals-service-160928102656036.html
[34] Malsin, Jared. "How the White Helmets of Syria Are Being Hunted in a Devastated Aleppo." Times. 25 September 2016. Accessed 2 October 2016. http://time.com/4507009/aleppo-offensive-syria-white-helmets-attack/
[35] Middle East Monitor. "2 million people without running water in Aleppo, says UNICEF." 26 September 2016. Accessed 2 October 2016. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20160926-2-million-people-without-running-water-in-aleppo-says-unicef/