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Fiji's Slow March Toward a Military Takeover
Commodore Frank Bainimarama (center). (Photo: Torsten Blackwood / AFP-Getty Images)
On Nov. 13, the Fiji Military Forces (F.M.F.) came up with a list of demands for the government. In a letter to Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, the army put forward the following demands:
- Public declaration by the government that the coups of 2000 were illegal. All those associated with them must be removed from office.
- Withdrawal of three contentious bills: The Racial Tolerance and Unity bill, the Qoliqoli bill and the Land Claims Tribunal bill.
- Investigations against Commodore Frank Bainimarama and senior army officers terminated.
- Police Commissioner Andrew Hughes contract terminated.
- No foreign intervention under the Biketawa Declaration of 2000.
- Disband the armed Police Tactical Response Unit.
- Review the commercial arm of the Native Land Trust Board (N.L.T.B.): the Vanua Development Corporation.
- Ministry of Home Affairs address RFMF concerns about force structure, allowances and promotions.
- Government of Fiji to institute good governance.
The chain of events that started with Bainimarama's independence day speech saw the army and the government caught in a dangerous standoff. Police Commissioner Andrew Hughes was drawn into this ongoing conflict after he refused to release the ammunitions that had arrived for the army at Suva harbor (The Fiji Times, Oct. 30). Under Schedule 5 of the Fiji Arms and Ammunitions Act, only the police commissioner can issue import licenses for any arms importations. On the morning of Nov. 1, heavily armed soldiers boarded the vessel and took possession of the ammunitions. However, there is a 1969 ordinance that exempts the military from seeking police approval.
On Oct. 31, Prime Minister Qarase sought audience with the Vice President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi and a decision was made to change command at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks at Nabua (Fijilive). Lt. Col. Meli Saubulinayau was summoned to the president's office with orders to take over as the new commander of the F.M.F. However, Col. Subulinayau declined, stating that he did not have the support of the army. With Cpmmodore Bainimarama away in the Middle East, Land Forces Commander Pita Driti, Acting Commander Esala Teleni and military spokesperson Maj. Neumi Leweni expressed deep concern over government moves to oust Bainimarama.
On Nov. 1, Qarase convened a National Security Council meeting, threatening that his government would resign if Bainimarama stayed on. The Police Tactical Squad guarded government buildings as Fiji's Pacific neighbors, Australia and New Zealand, upgraded travel warnings and sent warships and personnel for a possible evacuation of their citizens (AAP, Nov. 1). Meanwhile, the Fiji police came out with a press release confirming that investigations had started against Bainimarama for his outbursts against the government (The Fiji Sun, Nov. 1).
Bainimarama arrived in the country on Nov. 4 and remained silent over the events that transpired during his absence. The police, nevertheless, continued to press ahead.
With the police waiting to interview Bainimarama, the army lashed out at Australia for getting involved in Fijian affairs after Australian Defense Force chief, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, called on Bainimarama not to carry out his threat to force the resignation of Prime Minister Qarase's government. (Fijilive, Nov. 5). In addition, the F.M.F. alleged that Australia had covertly sent a Special Air Services team on Nov. 3 to Fiji to carry out reconnaissance for a possible "invasion" (The Fiji Times, Nov. 8). These allegations were strenuously refuted by the Australian High Commission media liaison officer, Matt Anderson.
On Nov. 7, the military called on the police commissioner to resign (The Fiji Times, Nov. 8) as the political drama unfolding in Suva shifted to the Great Council of Chiefs (G.C.C.), which met on Nov. 9 at the request of Prime Minister Qarase. On Nov. 8, Bainimarama broke silence and accused Qarase of lying.
"Let me say that corruption is about lies and in the indigenous context the greatest lie is when it is told by a P.M., a talatala [preacher] or a chief for personal gain for the simple reason that these are the three entities that we hold dear and look up to for advice … This was seen in 2000 in parliament when people in positions of leadership in our society lied to the people of this nation that George Speight was correct in all senses of the word when we knew that these were losers and opportunists jostling for positions and money.
"We in the R.F.M.F. represent the silent majority of this land and say we are tried of being lied to. Stop now or our children and grandchildren will suffer" (The Fiji Sun, Nov. 9).
Bainimarama boycotted the first day of the G.C.C. meeting, arguing that Qarase's move to bring in the high chiefs was a poor judgment on the part of the prime minister. On Nov. 10, Bainimarama addressed the chiefs and expressed personal disappointment with the leadership of Qarase. In response to the crisis, the G.C.C. formed a six member mediation committee, which was expected to report to the G.C.C. meeting in Levuka Dec. 12-14 (Islands Business, Nov. 10). The two day G.C.C. meeting passed seven resolutions:
The Bose Levu Vakaturaga (G.C.C.) remains committed to supporting at all times the legally elected government; the Bose Levu Vakaturaga upholds the role of Parliament in its law making process as stipulated in the Constitution; the Bose Levu Vakaturaga upholds the rule of law, respect for democracy as well as customary laws and strongly urges all citizens to respect, abide and protect these at all times; the Bose Levu Vakaturaga urges the two leaders to communicate and resolve their differences; the Bose Levu Vakaturaga has resolved that a committee chaired by the chairperson of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga with three members representing the three confederacies and two advisers to facilitate the mediation process between government and the military, as part of its term of reference , the committee will study the underlying causes of the strained relations which have developed between government and the Fiji Military Forces and the projected ultimate results of such serious strained relations (The Fiji Times, Nov. 11)
As both the F.M.F. and the government started the next phase of their maneuvers, it was becoming clear that both sides were dug in and not giving an inch. The minister for home affairs, Josefa Vosanibola, warned that the commodore was not above the law and should not be making any demands on an elected government (Fijilive, Nov. 16). On Nov. 19, Bainimarama told Fiji TV that the government was wrong to involve chiefs in the standoff between the military and the government and argued that most of the chiefs in the G.C.C. were involved in the 2000 coup and could not be "honest brokers." Bainimarama further criticized the government for attempting to oust him from office while he was overseas (The Fiji Daily Post, Nov. 20).
Bainimarama warned that if the Racial Tolerance and Unity, Qoliqoli and Lands Claim Tribunal bills were passed, the national security situation would deteriorate (The Fiji Daily Post, Nov. 16). On nov. 19, Bainimarama questioned the appointment of a psychiatrist, Selina Kuruleca, as an advisor to the special committee of the G.C.C. (Fiji Village News). On Nov. 20, Bainimarama gave two weeks notice to the government to acquiesce to his demands, warning that he would "clean up" the government himself (Fiji TV). On Nov. 21, Bainimarama flew to Auckland to attend the christening of his grand daughter. At Auckland airport, journalists, without success, sought clarification from Bainimarama on his "clean up" campaign (Fairfax).
Back in Fiji, Police Commissioner Hughes revealed on Nov. 23 that five senior officers including the commodore were likely to be charged with sedition. On the same day, police officers armed with summonses went and confiscated documents relating to the army from the office of the president (Fijilive, Nov. 25). In the ABC Lateline program the same night, Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, expressed new fears that a coup would occur within weeks (ABC, Nov. 24).
Word reached Bainimarama in New Zealand that the office of the president was searched by the police. He reacted angrily, arguing that a foreigner had violated the office of the president by not following traditional Fijian protocols and ordered Police Commissioner Hughes out of the country (Fijilive, Nov. 25).
Armed soldiers in full battle gear began patrolling the streets of Suva on Nov. 25. On Nov. 27, the New Zealand High Commission in Suva closed its doors and advised its citizens to leave Fiji. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs also made similar calls as fears of a coup escalated (Fiji Village News). Prime Minister Qarase called on citizens to work together and the home affairs minister reiterated that demands by the commodore to drop all investigations against him was contrary to the rule of law (Fijilive).
In a bid to thwart a coup, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs organized a Forum Foreign Ministers' meeting in Sydney on Dec. 1. Fiji TV on Nov. 27 reported that Qarase requested assistance from regional Pacific island states under the Biketawa Declaration. There was growing nervousness among government members as well as consular officials in Suva after a thousand members of the territorial forces were recalled to the army camp.
On Nov. 28, The Fiji Times reported that an arrest order was out for Commodore Bainimarama and that two police officers went to New Zealand to seek assistance from Interpol. The Fiji Village News reported that the police commissioner had moved his family to Australia and changed residence for security reasons (Nov. 28). Commissioner Hughes told Radio New Zealand that there was a real and credible threat from the army barracks to arrest him (The Age, Nov. 28). Meanwhile, Britain joined Australia and New Zealand in upgrading its travel warning (BBC, Nov. 27).
Rumors circulated that Bainimarama would place government ministers and the police commissioner under house arrest after arriving back in Fiji. Feeding the rumors was the apparent breakdown in the progress toward a multiparty governance framework. On Wednesday, Nov. 22, four Fiji Labor Party (F.L.P.) cabinet ministers voted against the 1997 budget. The F.L.P. leader, Mahendra Chaudhry, had warned earlier that all nine F.L.P. cabinet ministers must be present for the vote. However, five members were granted leave of absence by Prime Minister Qarase. Chaudhry was unhappy after the budget passed with 40 votes in favor and 26 against. On Friday, Nov. 24, Quarse came up with a compromise, which was rejected by Chaudhry. Qarase proposed that he would allow the four F.L.P. cabinet ministers to stay provided the F.L.P. did not take disciplinary action against the other five. Adding to the multiparty woes was the outburst by F.L.P. cabinet minister Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi, who attacked the police for raiding the president's office on Nov. 23 (Fiji TV, Nov. 27). On Nov. 28, three F.L.P. members, 'Atu Bain, Prem Chand and Vijay Singh, and two cabinet ministers, Krishna Datt and Poseci Bune, were expelled from the party (The Fiji Daily Post, Nov. 29). The fate of three other cabinet ministers, Adi Sivia Qoro, Gyani Nand and Dr Gunasagaran Goundar, was yet to be determined by the F.L.P. caucus (Fijilive).
Oxford academic Victor Lal argued that the government should acquiesce to the military's demands and urged the president to take a leadership role in resolving the crisis. If there was no consensus between the government and the army, then Lal suggested that the president suspend Parliament for three to six months and seek resolution between the disputing parties with a help of advisors (The Fiji Sun, Nov. 28).
The New Zealand government attempted to broker a peace deal, following private discussions on the security situation in Fiji between New Zealand's minister for foreign affairs, Winston Peters, and Commodore Bainimarama in Wellington. On Nov. 28, Prime Minister Qarase, chief executive in the prime minister's office Jiogi Kotobalavu and Police Commissioner Hughes went to Wellington after Bainimarama agreed to a meeting (The Australian, Nov. 28). With a diplomatic solution in sight, two Fiji politicians, cabinet minister Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi and opposition leader Mick Beddoes, urged police to drop all investigations against the Bainimarama for the sake of political stability (Fijilive).
United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan warned that more than 500 Fijian soldiers serving in peacekeeping duties in the Middle East would be sent home if the Bainimarama carried out his threat to oust an elected government in Fiji. The U.N. chief spoke to Prime Minister Qarase on Nov. 28 and refused to take calls from Bainimarama (Fiji TV). The European Union (EU) reaffirmed its support for the Qarase government as the diplomatic corps in Suva attempted without success to talk to senior army officers at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks.
In New Zealand, Bainimarama remained defiant and told Indo-Fijian Radio Tarana that his meeting with Qarase would be short (New Zealand Herald, Nov. 29). New Zealand's prime Minister, Helen Clark, remained optimistic. However, Bainimarama arrived at the meeting late and had to leave early to catch his flight to Fiji. Despite a two-hour discussion, a solution to the crisis was still not in sight as Qarase called for "good sense to prevail" (Fiji Village News). The Fiji Times reported that the army would start preparing for a "possible" invasion by Australia by holding military exercises. In a press statement released by military spokesperson Capt. Leweni, the army planned to secure strategic sites within the greater Suva area between midnight and 3 a.m.
Both Bainimarama and Qarase arrived in Fiji in the evening of Nov. 29 and did not make any comments to the media (Fiji TV). At 8:15 p.m., Bainimarama arrived at Nadi International Airport and left through the back gate to the Nadi military camp. Police Commissioner Hughes did not return with Qarase and took leave to be with his family in Australia: "A high-level source told the Herald that Mr. Hughes has suffered acute stress as a result of events in Fiji and will not be returning as commissioner" (Sydney Morning Herald, Nov. 30).
On Nov. 30, the military announced further exercises in Suva following news of an Australian Black Hawk helicopter crash near Fiji. The army alleged that the Australian Defense Force was planning an invasion from its navy ships (Fijilive). The army alleged that the Forum Foreign Ministers' meeting in Sydney on Dec. 1 would allow Australian intervention under the Biketawa Declaration of 2000.
At 11 a.m., Prime Minister Qarase met with the president and in the afternoon spoke with Vice President Madraiwiwi and F.L.P. leader Chaudhry. At 4:30 p.m., Qarase thanked the New Zealand's Prime Minister Clark, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Governor General Anand Satyanand for providing support and advice for the meeting between him and the Bainimarama in Wellington on Nov. 29. Qarase requested that the F.M.F. provide evidence against all those involved in the 2000 coup to the police for investigation.
Starting immediately, the Racial Tolerance and Unity, Qoliqoli and Land Claims Tribunal bills are suspended. An independent committee will be formed to determine whether any of the bills contravene the 1997 Constitution … Qarase said that his government cannot interfere in ongoing investigations against senior members of the army but … [would support dropping] charges against the army for the sake of national interest. Qarase confirmed that Police Commissioner Andrew Hughes' contract was due to expire soon and [that] any decision to renew it will be based on his performance in the past three years. … The Ministry of Home Affairs will review the armed Police Tactical Unit. The Native Land Trust Board (N.L.T.B.) will be directed through the Ministry of Fijian Affairs to review its commercial arm: Vanua Development Corporation. Starting immediately, Qarase will start work on leadership code, freedom of information legislation and anticorruption measures. Two Ministers from the Qarase government, Minister for Tourism Tomasi Vuetilovoni and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kaliopate Tavola, will attend the Forum meeting in Sydney on 1 Dec. 1. The two will request the Forum Island Countries (F.I.C.'s) to support New Zealand brokered dialogue between the Fiji government and the army. The United Nations' secretary general spoke to Qarase and has promised assistance for peacefully resolving the political impasse in Fiji. P.M. Qarase will write to Bainimarama and invite him to further talks (Radio Sargam, Nov. 30)
Commodore Bainimarama remained unimpressed. At a press conference in Suva on the evening of Nov. 30, the army commander gave the Qarase government until noon on Dec. 1 to "clean up" his government. Fiji TV, in its 10 p.m. report, stated that the army was ready to takeover and impose military rule. There were also rumors that the army would confiscate the business assets of those involved in the 2000 coup.
The military commander says he will hold the prime minister, the head of his department and the attorney general personally responsible if one of his soldiers is hurt or killed. He is confident the transition — set for one 1 p.m. N.Z.T. — will be peaceful, but there is a fear that if Bainimarama doesn't have the full backing of his men then his declaration could lead to bloodshed. Bainimarama's actions have drawn opprobrium from throughout the world (TV NZDec. 1).
New Zealand's Prime Minister Clark and Foreign Minister Peters expressed surprise at Bainimarama's statements, confirmed that discussions brokered by New Zealand were successful and warned Bainimarama not to depose an elected government. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Qarase told ABC that he hoped for "divine intervention" to resolve the crisis. Australian minister for foreign affairs Alexander Downer argued that a military coup would have a negative impact on the entire South Pacific region. At 10 a.m., Bainimarama visited the president and held discussions on the current situation for 40 minutes. He then went to the Post Fiji Stadium where senior army officers were briefed. At 11:30, the University of the South Pacific and a number of businesses closed for the day in the Suva City Business District (Legend FM, Dec. 1).
In another development, Legend FM confirmed that Police Commissioner Hughes had not resigned as earlier alleged by some news reports. Speaking live from Cairns in Northern Queensland, Australia, Hughes explained that the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (D.P.P.) could decide that it is not in the "public interest" to proceed with sedition charges against Bainimarama. Hughes further stated that he was monitoring the situation in Fiji and was scheduled to return on Dec. 18.
At noon, Bainimarama told journalists that since the government had failed to accede to his demands, he assumed that it was now up to him to start the "clean up" process (Radio SargamDec. 1). Meanwhile, Prime Minister Qarase confirmed that he would not resign, following rumors that the New Zealand government had offered him safe haven. Ministers in the Qarase government were taken to undisclosed location for fear of military action (Fijilive).
Prime Minister Clark cast doubt about whether New Zealand would continue making its $8.7 million a year contribution to Fiji. Worse, the European Union's $48 million aid was in jeopardy, as was nearly $12 million in United Nations payments for Fiji's peacekeeping duties overseas (The New Zealand Herald, Dec. 2). Following the Forum Foreign Minister's meeting, Australian Foreign Minister Downer, stated that the Australia-Fiji defense cooperation would be suspended, including $39 million in aid. On Dec. 1, Fiji TV reported that the United States had joined the chorus of protest against any military intervention (CBS News, Dec. 2).
On Saturday, Dec. 2, Vice President Madraiwiwi held separate meetings with Commodore Bainimarama and Prime Minister Qarase (Fijilive). Bainimarama remained defiant and told Qarase to resign or be removed. On Dec. 3, one of the options on the table was for Qarase to request the president to dissolve parliament (Fijilive). Qarase told Legend FM that a National Security Council meeting would be convened on Dec. 5 to discuss the current impasse. Meanwhile, Bainimarama reiterated that Qarase was no longer the prime minister as of noon, Dec. 1. The ongoing tensions between the army and the government started to hurt the hotel industry and Nadi landowners urged a quick resolution (Legend FM, Dec. 3).
The Fiji Trade Union leaders, Attar Singh and Felix Anthony, requested the army to uphold the constitution and the rule of law. Fijian lawyer Kitione Vuataki, SDL Sen. Tupeni Baba, former president of the Methodist Church Josateki Koroi and Fiji's supervisor of elections Semesa Karavaki expressed support for the elected government (Fiji TVDec. 3). The New Zealand Herald and Sydney Morning Herald, meanwhile, picked up a story from the Fiji Daily Post, which reported that:
Tomorrow [Dec. 4] at 0300 hrs., the capital city is expected to be blockaded by armed soldiers as they begin with the much-awaited clean up …
The intention is to shut down an effective operation of the Qarase government. Once it is immobilized, grounds for its dismissal will be satisfied. One can also expect interruptions to the telecommunication networks. Sources claim this is one of the scenarios the military is contemplating, there may be well others under consideration.
One mitigating factor in all of this would be the unity of the army and whether it will hold together or split apart with government loyalists versus the commander's rebels, sources said.
Meanwhile, some observers say the struggle for democracy in Fiji has a tribal dimension too with the House of Bau leading the overthrow. This is where the potential for bloodshed is most probable and the world may well see Fiji go the way of the Solomons, Tonga, or worse (Dec. 3).
Commodore Bainimarama clarified that there would be no army officers in any new interim government. "People that are interested in positions will be asked to apply. Whoever is fit will be part of it. A lot has been said about names of people we have chosen but we have no names in mind," he said. Bainimarama then referred to a time in 2000, when one of his senior officers suggested that he be appointed president: "I said it then and I will say it again, no military officer should and will benefit from the interim administration" (The Fiji Sun, Dec. 4).
On Dec. 4, armed soldiers went to the Police Tactical Response Units in Nasinu and Nasova and removed weapons from the armory (Legend FM). Land Forces Commander Driti confirmed that weapons in possession of police were removed so that they would not pose a threat to the military (Fijilive). Meanwhile, some 30 armed soldiers set up a military roadblock at Sawani near the Naitasiri province. At the checkpoint, soldiers disarmed the prime minister's bodyguards. At 3:30 p.m., The Fiji Daily Post closed its head office in Suva after reports that it was one of the "targets" in the army's "clean up" campaign.
At night, armed soldiers set up roadblocks throughout Suva and in the west. Prime Minister Qarase's residence was surrounded and he was not allowed to see Vice President Madraiwiwi (Fiji TV). On the morning of Dec. 5, the military tightened its grip on Suva city and confiscated the official vehicles of government ministers (Fiji Village News). At 11:30 a.m., Fijilivereported that the President Ratu Josefa Iloilo had dissolved parliament and given the army the go-ahead to take over government. Legend FM contradicted this news when reporter Vijay Narayan read a statement from the president's office at 4 p.m., which stated that "his Excellency neither condones nor supports the actions of the army."
At 6 p.m., Bainimarama assumed executive authority and established a military council to run the affairs of the country with the assistance of Interim Prime Minister Jona Baravilala Senilagakali.
Bainimarama said he had stepped into the shoes of the president and "in this capacity" under Section 101(1) of our Constitution … [dismissed] Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase.
He said the 1997 Constitution remained intact:
"We reiterate that while this cause of action is taken with great reluctance, it is necessary to steer our beloved nation into peace, stability and just solution and to preserve our Constitution. Therefore the constitution will remain in place except those parts as necessitated under the doctrine of necessity" …
Bainimarama said the takeover will not be permanent (Fijilive, Dec. 5)
On the evening of Dec. 5, The Fiji Times and Fiji TV were warned not to publish any "propaganda" from the deposed prime minster or any of his ministers. Fiji Broadcasting Limited, which operates Radio Fiji stations, including Radio Fiji One, Radio Fiji Two, Radio Fiji Gold and Radio Mirchi, had their evening news contents checked and cleared by the army before going on air (The Fiji Times). On Dec. 6, The Fiji Daily Post reported that the military was preparing to publish martial law decrees.
At 4:30 a.m. on Dec. 6, Prime Minister Qarase and his family were flown from his official residence in Suva to his home in Lau. That same day, G.C.C. chairman Ratu Ovini Bokini confirmed that the council meeting scheduled for Dec. 12-14 was postponed due to military takeover. Bokini stated that President Iloilo was still the head of state, even though Bainimarama had assumed the powers of the president. Meanwhile, the speaker of the House of Representatives, Pita Nacuva, revealed that he had received no directive from the president on the dissolution of parliament and as far as he was concerned, it was "business as usual" (Legend FM).
At about midday, armed soldiers surrounded the Parliament and detained Nacuva. Also taken into custody were Solicitor General Nainendra Nand and Public Service Commission chairman Stuart Huggett (Fiji Times). Acting Police Commissioner Moses Driver was taken by soldiers to the army barracks in Nabua and the Senate was adjourned indefinitely (AAP). The army declared a state of emergency and Bainimarama ordered all soldiers to march into camp so they could be deployed at various strategic locations. Bainimarama said the primary objective of the interim military government was to "take the country forward toward good governance, rid us of corruption and bad practices and, at the same time, promote the well being of Fiji and its people at the earliest possible opportunity" (Fijilive).
In response to the military takeover, Australia imposed an immediate ban on all travel by senior army officers and their families from Fiji and the Australia-Fiji Defense Cooperation program was suspended indefinitely. Britain, New Zealand and the European Union all imposed similar restrictions and sanctions, with Fiji once again on the brink of losing its membership in the Commonwealth (Fiji Times). At 5 p.m. on , Bainimarama swore Senilagakali into office as interim prime minister. At about 9 p.m., soldiers raided the SDL office on McGregor Road and 30 armed soldiers later detained ousted state minister for provincial development Ted Young. He was taken to the Queen Elisabeth Barracks in Nabua for questioning and later released (The Fiji Sun, Dec. 7)
Vice President Madraiwiwi was removed from office on Dec. 6 as well, sparking fears that the military had deposed the vice president, who was appointed by the G.C.C. Speaking on Radio Fiji Two, G.C.C. chairman Bokini hoped that Bainimarama would come back to the negotiation table to work with the council in finding a solution to the political mess.
On Dec. 7, the military sacked Police Commissioner Hughes, Public Service Commission (P.S.C.) chairman Stuart Huggett, P.S.C. C.E.O. Anare Jale, prime minister's office C.E.O. Kotobalavu , Solicitor General Nand, Acting Commissioner of Police Moses Driver and Assistant Commissioner of Police Kevueli Bulamainaivalu. The military warned that public servants not cooperating with relevant C.E.O.'s will also have their employment terminated (Fijilive).
The newly appointed interim prime minister, Senilagakali, gave an interview on ABC Radio and requested Australia and New Zealand not to interfere in the political situation. Senilgakali defended the takeover of the government as the only way to implement a corruption-free administration and to heal racial wounds caused by the previous three coups. Australian minister for foreign affairs Downer argued that the coup was an attempt by Commodore Bainimarama to scuttle investigations into the death of four rebel soldiers, who were supposedly "murdered" by soldiers loyal to the commander, following an attack on the army barracks in November 2000 (The Australian).
Fiji has had three military coups since independence from Britain in 1970. The first, on May 14, 1987, deposed the multiethnic government of Timoci Bavadra. Following the takeover, coup leader Lt. Col. Sitiveni Rabuka established a military council, abrogated the 1970 constitution and imposed martial law. On Sept. 25, Rabuka deposed the governor general and declared Fiji a republic. By December, an interim government was established under the leadership of Ratu Mara and Ratu Penaia Ganilau.
In 2000, George Speight, with the support of members of the army's Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit abducted the Peoples' Coalition government and held ministers hostage in Parliament for 56 days. George Speight's group argued that the government of Indo-Fijian Prime Minister Chaudhry was implementing policies detrimental to indigenous Fijians. Similar arguments were made by Rabuka in 1987.
This time around, the Dec. 5 coup was executed by army commander Bainimarama, who was involved in a five-year fight with the SDL over moves to bring Speight supporters into the government. Moreover, the tensions between the army and the government were further fueled by three controversial bills, the Racial Tolerance and Unity, Qoliqoli and Land Claims Tribunal bills, which were seen by the army as a threat to national security. Bainimarama usurped power by deposing President Iloilo and invoking the "doctrine of necessity" that had also allowed military intervention in Thailand and Pakistan.
As in previous coups, there are concerns that this one may not have support of the vanua (Fijian people). In 1987, Rabuka had their support ,and some sections of the community supported George Speight in 2000. Fiji's Council of Chiefs has come out strongly against the takeover, placing Bainimarama in a difficult and potentially dangerous situation. If there is a mass uprising of Fijians against the army, the coup may collapse as soldiers refuse to violently subdue popular protest.
View the Worldpress Desk's profile for Sanjay Ramesh.


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Are Sikh Women Allowed to Wax?
When Balpreet Kaur, a young Sikh American, discovered she was being widely mocked on the Internet for her facial hair, she proudly pushed back.
A picture of Ms. Kaur went viral on the Internet this week, with many commenting on the unusual amount of hair on her face.
For hormonal reasons, Ms. Kaur has far more facial hair than most women. For religious reasons, she says she's happy to look the way she does. She posted the following comment next to her picture, which had been uploaded on the website Reddit.
"I'm not embarrassed or even humiliated by the attention [negative and positve] that this picture is getting because, it's who I am. Yes, I'm a baptized Sikh woman with facial hair. Yes, I realize that my gender is often confused and I look different than most women. However, baptized Sikhs believe in the sacredness of this body - it is a gift that has been given to us by the Divine Being [which is genderless, actually] and, must keep it intact as a submission to the divine will." In an email, Ms. Kaur said she didn't want to discuss the issue further, at least not for the time being.
It is well known that, in accordance with their faith, Sikh men and women should avoid cutting their hair. Balwinder Singh Joura, a senior official from Amritsar's Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, the highest Sikh authority, explained this was a rule first introduced by Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th and last Sikh guru, based on the belief that the "human body is best preserved in its natural form."
The Sikh code of conduct, approved by the committee in the 1930s, forbids followers from "tempering with the hair with which the child is born."
But does this also apply to women's excess hair – facial or otherwise?
According to Mr. Joura, this rule means that Sikh believers, women included, should refrain from "chopping, trimming, shaving, waxing or even tweezing their hair."
While there are no penalties as such, doing otherwise is "considered disrespectful to the religion," says Mr. Joura.
A U.S.-based Sikh group, the Sikh Coalition, was of the same opinion. On its website, it said that "Sikhs are not supposed to cut hair from any part of their body. All Sikhs are thus supposed to have unshorn hair, and Sikh women are to maintain a separate identity and not shave." They blamed the fact many women flout this rule on "societal pressure."
For aesthetic reasons, Sikh women have enforced this rule far less strictly than men – many of them embracing shaving, waxing and the like.
But this doesn't always come guilt-free. A U.S.-based Sikh woman in 2011 told the Los Angeles Times that she felt "kind of like a sellout" for plucking her eyebrows.
Some Sikh women have openly opposed the guidelines, saying it should be a matter of personal choice. "It doesn't make me a sinner if I wax," says 33-year-old Gursharan Sandhu, who spends her weekends doing community service at a local Sikh temple in New Delhi. "These are century-old beliefs….We need to move on with changing times," she adds.
Neharika Kaur, a 25-year old based in Mumbai, says her "teenage years were particularly tough." Her parents, she explains, considered hair removal "taboo."
"I was ridiculed at school for my bushy eyebrows and unwaxed legs," says Ms. Kaur. "I don't think following the code was worth the emotional trauma," she adds.
Follow India Real Time on Twitter @indiarealtime.

subset: commoncrawl


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With remarkably poor timing, Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) teachers went on strike again today, roughly one week after Chicago's public school students had returned to school and nearly three weeks after many private and suburban public schools had already begun. As a result, an estimated 350,000 public school students who already had one of the shortest school days and the shortest school years in the country will be short-changed again.
Led by the feisty Karen Lewis, the 25,000-member strong Chicago Teachers Union claims it's all about the students, but of course it's not – it's about the teachers and their union. If it were about the students, more than Chicago's current fifteen percent of fourth graders would be proficient in reading and more than 56 percent of entering freshman would ultimately graduate from high school. (Thanks to National Review Online's John Fund for the proficiency and graduation figures.)
As prelude to their strike, CTU members rejected a twelve percent salary increase over the next four years; instead they want 30 percent. The CTU also objects to proposals regarding standardized tests and teacher assessment, merit pay, and a longer school day (for which Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel proposes to hire back an additional 500 or so teachers anyway). Perhaps this would be understandable in a full-employment economy, but in a nation with an official unemployment rate of 8.1%, a "U-6" underemployment rate of roughly 15%, a record one out of seven Americans on the equivalent of food stamps, and a national labor force participation rate at a thirty-year low of 63.5% it is incomprehensible.
It's not as if Chicago teachers aren't already well-paid. According to the Heritage Foundation, the average teacher in Chicago Public Schools makes $71,000 per year before benefits are included; Fund and the Chicago Public Schools themselves put the average at $76,000. And those extra benefits are substantial: a nine-month work year with liberal paid vacation days, generous health care, "bankable" sick days that can be accumulated and cashed in at retirement, and a generous retirement package that is beyond sustainability.
The CTU retirement package, which according to the Chicago Tribune currently accounts for more than half of the state's unfunded pension liabilities , pays a benefit equal to seventy-five percent of the teacher's average salary in the four highest consecutive years in the last ten years of teaching. Exact figures are hard to come by, but in 2010 The Illinois Policy Institute estimated the average Chicago Public School teacher's retirement benefits at roughly $65,000 annually. That's over four times a typical Social Security recipient's roughly $15,000 per year.
In exchange, teachers complain that they pay 9.4 percent of their salaries into their pension fund, but the rest of the civilian workforce annually making $110,100 or less effectively pays 12.4% into Social Security system (10.4% for 2012) plus another 2.9% (with no limit) for Medicare. (Economists generally agree that "the employers' share" of Social Security and Medicare would otherwise be available to the employee in the form of wages.) So Chicago teachers get a whole lot more pension benefit for a whole lot less.
One reason the number is so high is that, according to a poorly kept secret, teachers anticipating retirement are often promoted into higher-paying positions in their last few years in order to pad the base salary on which their pension will ultimately be based. Another is that the Illinois Pension Code provides an automatic annual increase of 3% for Chicago Teacher Pension Fund service retirement – and survivor benefits payable to a member's eligible spouse and/or children. And a third is that, unlike the rest of us, retired teachers – and other retired state of Illinois employees – don't pay Illinois state income tax, currently 5%, on their retirement earnings.
It's no wonder that, according to the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund's own website, taxpayers currently fund the retirement of 23,000 former teachers, roughly 92% as many as the number of active teachers. And it's also no wonder – again according to John Fund – that out of every new dollar in the past five years earmarked for public education, fully 71 cents has gone toward teacher retirement costs. In short, it pays to be a retired teacher, but first you have to be a well-paid teacher.
For all its grandeur, the City of Chicago faces very serious problems – financial, cultural, and educational – that substantially threaten the future of our city, our state, and our country. Adult illiteracy ranks high among them, and an unjustified Chicago Teachers Union strike won't help solve that. Instead of sound economics or even some kind of rough income justice, the closed-shop Chicago Teacher's Union strike represents the triumph of a coddled brute-force labor union mentality over compassion for kids or the wise expenditure of taxpayer dollars. It's time to start thinking about new solutions for the problem of public education.
(Photos taken today in downtown Chicago by Jim Lakely, Director of Communications, The Heartland Institute.)


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Swim team dyes hair preceding path to championships
Swimming may seem like an individual sport when it comes down to specific relays, yet the Neshaminy swim team brings forth a bond that makes it seem almost impossible for it to not be a team sport.
In 2011, a hair dying trend created by Mike Joseph and Ryan Kaisinger came into play for the team specifically in celebration of the Suburban One League championships and districts. In this tradition, male swimmers cut their hair into mohawks for the SOL and dye it pink for districts, while female swimmers dip dye their hair red for both meets.
"Hair is just hair, it grows back in a month, and I don't really care what people say about me," sophomore Chris Elliot said. "I love the team and I'll be able to look back and laugh at all of us buzzing our hair off and dying it pink. Swimmers are weird, you can't expect anything less from us."
Last season a number of members qualified for districts following prior senior David Kneiss who made it into states breaking three school records: the 200 yard freestyle, the 100 yard backstroke, and the 400 freestyle relay along with senior captain Josh Hartley, Mike Kalika, and John Stay.
"I think it's a great tradition it's fun to represent the team," Hartley said. "It kind of shows us as a brotherhood."
Making it into districts isn't as easy as it sounds- 55 school districts compete to fill about 45 spots per event. Each one of these 55 districts use four swimmers per event. This totals out to over 200 athletes competing for just 45 spots.
"Swimming is something that requires long hours of training and I think kids begin to feel more like family when they go to a big meet where there is an expectation of success in the end of the season," Head Coach Brian Suter said. "They know they're not swimming for themselves, they're swimming for the better[ment] of the program."
With practice before school three times a week and after school six times a week, preparation for districts never comes easy. The team also faces the disadvantage of not having a swimming pool within the high school. The team has to travel to Carl Sandburg to practice, using the school for its pool. This is something no other school within the area has to face except Bensalem High School. Typical before school practices consist of workouts at the hub, and after school is non-stop swimming.
"That's [another] tradition they do- the tradition of hard work is really embedded in the kids," Suter said. "It's really a deliberate hard effort that they put in everyday so I think our tradition of hard work is really evident."
The team is currently 3-9 and intends on continuing their traditions as they swim their way to SOL's and districts.


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So I was playing in a friendly church frisbee tournament this weekend, and you wouldn't believe what happened. I strained my left quad. I hurt it somewhat during our warm up when someone threw a frisbee too far out of reach, and I sprinted at top speed. I felt it right away and started stretching it just like A-Rod and Jeter did. At first it felt like it needed to just be stretched to stay good. After that I could still run, just not at top speed. But then a play came in the end zone in the Final Game of the tournament where I had to change directions, stiff arm an opponent, spin move around a group of defenders, and make a quick sprint past a diving blocker, and after a tremendous catch that made men cheer and ladies swoon, my quad was officially torn. I tried to do a fist pump but couldn't muster the proper leg propulsion necessary to get my fist high into the air. I got sent out for a sub, and I kept trying to jog on the sideline in hopes to get back into the game, but the damage was done. I could only limp along and watch the rest of the game.
So let this be a warning to all of you blog writers. The spirit of Marty Miller is after your quads, and the Great Yankee Quad Epidemic could reach you soon. If it happened to Jeter, it can happen to you.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Yankee Quad Strain Epidemic Spreads to Blog Writers
Posted by Fernando Alejandro at 11:07 AM
5 comments:
- TribeGirl said...
Maybe you can get hooked up with a golden thong and you'll feel better...
- May 19, 2008 at 12:20 PM
- Roberto E. Alejandro said...
what's funny is I also suffered a leg injury this weekend, though I don't know why or how. weird.
- May 19, 2008 at 12:39 PM
- TribeGirl said...
Ummmm....well, then I suppose you guys can share the golden thong like the Yankees do???
- May 19, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Why, are you twins?
- May 19, 2008 at 6:21 PM
- Fernando Alejandro said...
We're not twins, but apparently we have the same genetic defect that makes our legs susceptible to injury on Sunday afternoons.
- May 20, 2008 at 7:22 AM
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When you make a commitment to quality, good things happen every day. At Riverside, we're proud of the following stories of quality as told by our neighbors and friends.
Paul Orlando
No one wants to find themselves seriously ill and in an emergency situation, but if it does happen, you can only hope to be treated with the genuine concern and respect I received at Riverside Tappahannock Hospital. A few days after I'd returned home from having a left hip replacement in Richmond, my wife found me unresponsive with a 105 degree fever. We went to the RTH Emergency Room immediately. It was comforting to see Dr. Thomas Cleary, who had treated me previously. This situation was the most serious health issue I'd ever experienced, and I was so thankful to work with a team that knew exactly what they were doing; I had total confidence in everyone I met. Dr. Clearly determined I had a bacterial infection and then worked quickly to prevent the infection from spreading to my hip. The Riverside medical team reassured me that things were going to be okay and explained each step that was coming next, including transport to St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond by helicopter to receive the next phase of the specialized care I needed.
When I was back home, my primary care physician, Dr. Ryan Williams, was sure to follow up with me and stay updated on my condition. The communication between the hospital and Dr. Williams was seamless, taking that burden off of me. I also made it a point to stop by and thank Dr. Cleary for the exceptional care he provided. But I couldn't stay too long—spring is upon us and I'm back to work in my son's greenhouse!
--For more information: Visit Riverside Emergency Services.
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While Microsoft has confirmed that they will announce Windows Mobile 7 in the near future (many of us suspect that Mobile World Congress will be the place to do so), someone caught an image of the relatively old i-mate JASJAR running on what is tipped to be Windows Mobile 7, although there are no confirmations on whether this is an early build or the final, consumer-ready version. As for the specifications required to run Windows Mobile 7, there are many variations being bandied about the Internet at the moment – we prefer to wait until Microsoft issues an official statement.
Filed in Windows 7 and Windows Mobile 7.. Read more about
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Letter to Sarah Cole Deal
George Deal. November 9, 1862.
Camp Dennison Ohio
Nov 9/62
Dear Wife
I [illegible] my Self to [answer?] your kind letter whitch I recieved of you on last Tuesday A weeke and was glad to here frome you but I was [vary?] [sorowed?] to here you wer not all well but I hope these few lines will find you well fore it leves me well and hardy and my [going?] Soldering [illegible] if the Children dont get better I want you to take them [ofver?] to Dr [illegible] and see wat he can do fore them. we Expect to be paid upon next Thursday and if that is the case I wante
[p. 2]
you to call at the Express Office on next Sadersday I shall indever to send it thaire and you cane call and get it next Sadersday I think you better go on next Sadersd any how we intend to leave fore [illegible] as soon as we get our money Corneal Devenport got A letter from his wif last Thursday he and my self is on guard to day and it is a nice day fore standing guard well I have not much time fore to have much more writen (fore I have to go on Guard at 3 PM) we have bine having some good times here it is nice Soldering here fore my parte I would like to stay here all winter I thot I would be much pleasenter in camp here than in [illegible]
I shall Colse by saying that I send my best Respects to [Pernielius J. Cool?] and reserve a larger portion to your Self
Your Husband
George Deal
George Deal
20th Regiment [illegible]
Camp Dennison
[illegible] in leave of Capt [Updegraff?]
don't delay a moment in answer this letter fore I want to here frome you before I leave Write soon
My foote is well I can stand marching with the best of them
|Item Type
|Letter to Sarah Cole Deal
|Short Title
|Letter to Sarah Deal, 1862
|George Deal
|Publication Date
|November 9, 1862
|Call Number
|Newberry Vault Case MS 10030 Box 1, Folder 2
|Special Collections 4th floor


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Enter our MEN'S HEALTH questionnaire for your chance to win a 6 Win 1 of 3 Men's NIVEA Body & Face Wash Bundles. Each bundle includes:
2 x Nivea Men Cool Kick Shower Gel 250ml
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This survey is aimed at men only as part of a medical research campaign in support of a new men's health product launching in Spring 2017.
Don't forget to fill in your name and email address so we can notify you if you win the prize draw!
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News in Brief
Under Pressure, Okla. Hires New Vendor to Oversee Tests
Weeks after the abrupt withdrawal of a potential vendor, Oklahoma officials have steered past a potential crisis by reaching a deal with another company to deliver winter exams used to fulfill high school graduation requirements.
The state board of education on Oct. 17 entered into a contract worth $3.4 million with Dover, N.H.-based Measured Progress.
McGraw-Hill Education CTB, the company originally set to deliver the tests, recently withdrew from consideration in response to the state board of education's delay in approving its proposed contract. Oklahoma officials blamed CTB for not helping it avert a series of mishaps in its online assessments over the past two years.
Vol. 34, Issue 10, Page 4Published in Print: October 29, 2014, as Under Pressure, Okla. Hires New Vendor to Oversee Tests
We encourage lively debate, but please be respectful of others. Profanity and personal attacks are prohibited. By commenting, you are agreeing to abide by our user agreement.
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Welcome to the Hilltop!
To our new students: welcome! It's great to have you here on the Hilltop! We know you've had a busy few days with Orientation, but hopefully all of you (returning students included) have enough energy to make it through the start of classes this week! We hope you will take a breather for a minute to check out this FAQ we've prepared. It's a handy reference tool that should help you all (even returning students) get better acquainted with our wonderful library. Enjoy the first day of classes, and we hope to see you in here soon!
Posted by BSC Library blog at 9:36 AM No comments:
Monday, August 19, 2013
New Library Site!
Welcome back, athletes, and those of you still waiting to return, we hope to see you soon! As some of you may have noticed, the Library website has undergone a complete transformation. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the new site, as we hope it will be much easier and more intuitive for you to use. We have prepared a Quick Start Guide to help orient you to some of the new features of the site, so whenever you get a chance, please check it out!
Posted by BSC Library blog at 10:03 AM No comments:
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People like poker chips as they have come to symbolize the power of the free market and of course, money -- so it follows that custom poker chips are great for a variety of promotional uses. They can be given away at a variety of venues like tradeshows & car sales, corporate events and more. Can't find what you're looking for on this page? Use the search feature in the sidebar or the top of the page to find more-- We have thousands of promotional marketing items from which to choose!
How Custom Poker Chips are a Good Marketing Gamble
Poker is more popular than ever before. Whether it's poker shows on TV, poker scenes in movies, or even rapidly growing poker clubs in real life, it's clear that this classic game is making a serious comeback. However, it's not just casinos that are benefiting from this trend, and many ordinary businesses are finding that a lighthearted game of poker can be a great way to reach out to customers, particularly if that game features promotional poker chips.
Logo imprinted poker chips are basically the same as ordinary casino poker chips, but with the logo of your company printed in on them instead of the logo of a casino. They come in the standard set of colors associated with poker chips, while the center can be printed either with a single color or multiple color logo. It's possible to order chips individually, or as part of a complete poker set. Individual poker chips can work well as general giveaways or souvenirs for an event, while complete poker sets work better for those who need a more sizable gift or the equipment to throw a full poker event of their own. Logo imprinted poker sets do also have the advantage of having a logo printed on the box as well as the chips, allowing for more thorough branding.
Poker chips can make memorable gifts and tradeshow giveaways, but events are where they really shine. Poker tournaments are extremely popular at the moment, and logo imprinted poker chips give the companies that sponsor them the perfect way to brand the event. Events like casino nights are fun for everyone, regardless of skill level, and provide the same marketing opportunities for the businesses that hold them. After seeing the custom poker chips all over the event, and even possibly being given a few to take home as souvenirs, you can be sure that the participants won't forget the company that gave them their good time.
Promotional poker chips are a must-have for any company throwing a poker event, and they can work really well in a number of other situations as well. If you'd like your customers to associate your business with the fun and excitement of poker, this is the promotional item you're looking for.
Custom printed poker chips are not just for Atlantic City or Las Vegas Style Casino Resorts, riverboats, gaming bars, charity fundraising tournaments and private clubs. Poker chips can be logo printed with any business name and logo for a unique and fun way of advertising.


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We're here to help, so please get in touch with any questions you may have and we'll be happy to assist. From styling advice and specific product enquiries to learning about our special offers and events please use the contact form below.
Tel: 01628 485075
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat 9.30am – 5.30pm
Sunday 11.00am – 4:30pm
Our shop is located at:
6 Liston Court, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 1ER
Alternatively, use the contact form…


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Posted Wednesday, March 22nd, 2017
Morris County Vocational School Districts Continuing Education will host its 3rd annual Job/Career Fair on Wednesday, April 12 from 10:00am to 1:00pm, at 400 East Main St. in Denville. The free event will be in the gymnasium.
Representatives from over 40 organizations in and near Morris County will be available to meet with individuals seeking full time, part time and seasonal employees. Registered companies represent a wide range of fields, and include AFGA Corp., Air Group, Atlantic Health System, Barnabas Health, Cognizant, Harvest Restaurants, Hughes Engineering, Electrical/HVAC/Ironworkers Local Unions, Mars Chocolate NA, JAG Physical Therapy, Source4Teachers, Triangle Manufacturing, UPS, Ulta Beauty, Rite-Aid Pharmacy, and Walgreens Pharmacy, amongst others.
The community is encouraged to attend this free event and also participate in free workshops by NJ Department of Labor. The topics covered will include Handling Job Loss at 10:00am, Resume Writing/Interview Techniques at 11:00am, and Networking /Social Media at 12:00pm.
Pre-registration is not required. Dress professionally and bring resumes!
As a training facility for both high school and adult students, Morris County Vocational School District offers a wide array of programs in marketable skills and trades that lead individuals to viable career paths. Our Continuing Education courses are taught by seasoned professionals, in state-of-the-art facilities, at very reasonable tuition rates.
If you are not ready for employment, but need training to get to the next step, we welcome you to come in as well to check out the professional career programs we offer.
For more information, please contact Terry Schweon at 973-627-4601 ext. 208 or [email protected].


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Restaurant and Hospitality Accountants in London & Kent
Expert accountants to restaurants, pubs and bars, Perrys Accountants successfully guide hospitality professionals with a range of services tailored to the complex financial requirements of this industry.
With a wealth of experience, our professional team of certified accountants ensure you are fully supported with tailored and relevant advice. We understand the day to day demands of running a business within such a challenging industry, and our aim is to keep your business in-line with the latest changes to accountancy legislation.
Our helpful team provide a free, no obligation meeting to discuss the areas we can assist you with to meet your financial obligations. Our specialist accounting team will consider your business needs and tailor our services to your business needs. After this initial meeting you will be provided with a detailed accounting report to outline how we can help, and a clear fixed quote detailing the breakdown of costs.
Please contact us to find out more, and to arrange a no-obligation meeting.
Accounting for Public Houses, Bars and Restaurants
One of the biggest issues facing businesses, and especially those within the hospitality industry, is time. With busy daily management duties taking up most of your time, our accounting team are able to meet your monthly, quarterly, and yearly accounting commitments.
Our expert guidance can assist you in:
- Advisory and support tailored to your industry
- TRONC implementation for tips and gratuities
- Payroll services
- Auto-enrolment assistance
- VAT compliance and treatment of wet and dry supplies
- Stocktakes
- Management accounts, forecasting and budgeting, and monitoring KPIs and performance
- Preparation of statutory accounts
- Company secretarial matters
- Business and personal tax advice
- Audit services
Perrys Accountants clearly outline the necessary steps needed to keep your accounting in good order and are experienced in assisting business owners in the licensed trade. We can provide full-service accounting services or help you with the more time-consuming and complex matters such as capital gains tax, VAT, or income tax advice.
Understandable Tax Advice from Perrys Accountants
Your dedicated Perrys accountant is on-hand to explain and help you make sense of complex and time sensitive tax matters. Our advice is always given with your business in mind and gives you the opportunity to run your business without the added pressure of dealing with your financial and HMRC obligations.
To organise a meeting, please contact our hospitality specialist, Alex Skinner, at City office, London, on 020 7256 9339 or complete our contact form below.


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The Rover Air features removable CE-approved Level 1 Knox Micro-Lock armor at the knees and hips to absorb and dissipate blows, while enhancing the pant's fit and performance with hook-and-loop adjusters on leg cuffs. Connect a jacket for a waterproof full suit with the conjunction zipper.
- Poly mesh main construction
- Knee and saddle abrasion-resistant impact panels
- Waterproof, breathable, removable liner
- 2x zippered hand pockets
- 2x zippered thigh cargo pockets
- Easy access side leg zippers on both the outer shell and removable liner
- Waist side adjusters
- Hook-and-loop adjusters on leg cuffs
- Secure fly closure
- Jacket conjunction zipper
- Anti-slip saddle patches
- Reflective Accents
- Removable CE-approve Level 1 Knox Micro-Lock armor at the knees and hips
Like everything we do, our return policy is simple, fair, and easy: If you are not satisfied with the fit, function, styling, etc. in ANY way, you can return it within 30 days for an exchange or a refund. To be eligible for a return, you must meet the following criteria:
- Your return must be within 30 days of the original ship date (when we sent it). Sorry, but if your shipdate was older than 30 days prior, we cannot accept it, even if there are "special circumstances", such as forgetting the item in the closet, needing to wait for a full moon, or being away on a covert CIA mission;
- They must be 100% NEW, and not used outside or on the motorcycle;
- They must be in sellable condition. This means undamaged, unmarked, unwashed, untested, unmodified, clean, dry, odor free, with all hangtags, labels, and packaging intact and attached;
- Please, please please do not remove, destroy, bend, fold, spindle, or mutilate the packaging;
- The return must arrive to our warehouse within 14 days of the original RMA date. Once you request the return, please ship it back to us promptly;
- Returns must be pre-authorized and be assigned a return authorization number (RA#);
- The RA# must be clearly written on the outside of the return shipment;
- Customers are responsible for freight costs associated with returning their item to us.
That's it. As long as your return meets this criteria, we will process it promptly, for any reason, without any fees or hassles. Items returned in non-sellable condition may not be eligible for return. "Non-sellable condition" includes but is not limited to: riding or other use, dirt, scratches, stains, missing or damaged packaging, items that have been modified, items with missing or detached hangtags, missing parts, odors such as cologne or cigarette smoke, dog or cat hair, etc. In addition, if you can, it helps us if you fold and pack items neatly. Thank you for your consideration.
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|Entourage on LSD
The entourage consisted of: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
- 1 CPD squad car
- 1 City of Chicago tow truck
- 1 van with the city logo on it (supervisor perhaps?)
- 2 dump trucks
- 3 city workers on foot
|Men at Work
I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume each vehicle had only a driver - not any passengers. That is a total headcount of EIGHT (8) - probably on time and a half (Saturday). That would be great news if they were going to attack a 10 mile stretch of the drive.
I watched them for 40 minutes and they found and patched a total of THREE (3) small potholes and were on their way. I didn't follow them. Maybe they picked up the pace when they got further south.
Or, maybe NOT. There's got to be a better way, Rahm.


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October 28th, 2016
From Stonewall to AIDS, Framing Queer Desire
A recent forum at MoMA reveals a rich, often-overlooked thread of queer history and photography.
Between the Stonewall riots of 1969 and the height of the AIDS crisis in the 1990s, what did queer desire look like in photography? In September, the Museum of Modern Art convened a Forum on Contemporary Photography focused on the homoerotic trajectory across two decades of rebellion, liberation, and activism. "Photography has played a central role in the articulation of queer desire," said Chris Boot, executive director of Aperture Foundation. In his presentation at the forum, which also included panelists Vince Aletti, Philip Gefter, Sophie Hackett, and Lyle Ashton Harris, Boot discussed the work of American and British photographers who pushed the boundaries of representing queer lives and bodies.
"Looking back on the period between Stonewall and the onset of AIDS, we can see how particular photographers shaped a visual language that has become part of the vocabulary of male queer identity," Boot recalled. "It's is a thread of photo history we've looked at through a series of publications at Aperture—books by and about David Wojnarowicz, Jimmy DeSana, and George Dureau, and with a survey of the work of Peter Hujar coming out next spring. The discussion at MoMA revealed just how rich the subject is, and notwithstanding the attention that Mapplethorpe's work is getting at the moment, how much there is still to be done."
Click here to watch a video of the MoMA Forum, recorded on September 15, 2016.


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Devotees of this blog will recall a post I made about a month ago detailing an unexpected and hitherto unrevealed link between First Second Editorial Grand Poobah Mark Siegel's awesome ongoing webcomic Sailor Twain and my own historical graphic novel Journey into Mohawk Country (follow the link if you missed it).
Well, I'm a little late in reporting this (mainly due to the mother of all flu bugs laying me out cold since late last year) but in the December, 27th installment of Sailor Twain some very familiar faces made an appearance.
That's Harmen van den Bogaert, the author of Journey into Mohawk Country, flanked by his companions Jeronimus de la Croix and Willem Thomassen, as based on the below drawing by yours truly. Now we know what happened to our Dutch heroes after Journey concluded. Who knew Mermaids played a part?
Pretty cool stuff, if I may say so myself. It's really great that Mark has woven these two tales together like this, and I'll bet Harmen van den Bogaert is pretty high atop the list of characters least likely to be featured in two separate graphic novels. If you're not already reading Sailor Twain, I hope this convinces you to start.


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Before you get your underwear in a bunch over this post's title, take a deep breath and say, "jack likes Barack" ten times. Jack rogers is certainly no racist (did I just reference myself in the third person?).
This question is posed because of a Memorial Day conversation, when a relative suggested that she would not vote for Barack Obama, even though she prefers a Democrat, because he's too inexperienced. A breath later she said she believes Obama could be assasinated, if he wins. (Hmm, sound familiar?)
This got me to thinking. For the fence-sitters out there who might otherwise lean toward Obama over John McCain, what might ultimately change their minds on election day — Obama's inexperience or the fact that he's black?


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Snarky Mommy
If you haven't yet heard of Snarky Mommy, you've been seriously missing out. Your first order of business? Check out her blog. The second thing you need to do? Buy a copy of her self described memoir-ish memoir, Baby Bumps: The Almost, Barely, Not-Quite-True Story of Pregnancy, Bed Rest and One Batsh*t Crazy Family — immediately if not sooner. Let's just say they call her snarky for a (good) reason.
And her book, just like her blog, is refreshingly honest. As a mom, I get a certain amount of satisfaction from other moms willing to admit they're not perfect, to cop to their epic mom fails. Admittedly, it makes me feel better about myself as a mother because I'm reminded that there are others out there who some days can barely put one slipper in front of the other and other days, they think they can fly through the air in their Louboutins. Ain't Motherhood grand? But I digress, sort of.
About Baby Bumps
Let's start with the title of Amy Sprenger's book Baby Bumps: The Almost, Barely, Not-Quite-True Story of Pregnancy, Bed Rest and One Batsh*t Crazy Family. If that doesn't give you an indication of how entertaining the book you're about to dive into is, I don't know what does.
It all begins when Amy's doctor tells her she has an incompetent cervix and Amy's response is to be offended. And the doctor's response is to drop the bomb that if Amy wants to stay pregnant, she also needs to stay in bed for four months. Four months! Can you imagine? And so this is the story of those four months. A story that Amy says is basically true but embellished with her brand of humor and hilarity.
And as if being on bed rest isn't bad enough, to add insult to injury, Amy's mother moves in and she's rehabbing her house. And let's just say a lot of bedpans are involved.
You'll love Baby Bumps and will be laughing until you're crying as you read about the comic ups and downs of Amy's high risk pregnancy. Plus anyone who can make a high risk pregnancy funny has my vote.
Read more about pregnancy
Create the perfect pre-baby skin routine
10 Must haves for pregnant travels


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Название: Algorithms of informatics, Vol.2: Applications
Автор: Ivanyi A.
Издательство: mondAt Kft
Год: 2007
Страниц: 573
Формат: PDF
Размер: 5 Mb
Язык: Английский
It is a special pleasure for me to recommend to the Readers the book Algorithms of Computer Science, edited with great care by Antal Iványi. Computer algorithms form a very important and fast developing branch of computer science. Design and analysis of large computer networks, large scale scienti c computations and simulations, economic planning, data protection and cryptography and many other applications require e ective, carefully planned and precisely analysed algorithms.
Many years ago we wrote a small book with Péter Gács under the title algorithms. The two volumes of the book Algorithms of Computer Science show how this topic developed into a complex area that branches o into many exciting directions. It gives a special pleasure to me that so many excellent representatives of Hungarian computer science have cooperated to create this book. It is obvious to me that this book will be one of the most important reference books for students, researchers and computer users for a long time.


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The month of November is special in many ways. No shave November or Movember is one such reason. The annual event encourages people to grow their moustache or facial hair in order to raise awareness about different types of cancer – prostate being one. While sporting a beard or a moustache can rev up your personality, maintaining it can be a task. So if you are worried about your unkempt look, fret not. Here are few cricketers who have been sporting a beard for a long time and surely know how to leave a positive impression.
Cricketers Hashim Amla and Moeen Ali have been keeping a beard for a long time now. Moeen Ali has a Dutch style beard where he has allowed the beard to grow wild sans a moustache. On the other hand, Hashim Amla's style of maintaining facial hair is a bit different from Ali. Amla, with his Klingon style beard, has small extensions on both sides of the beard but no moustache.
Remember the WWE wrestler Hulk Hogan? The stand-out factor was his horseshoe moustache. Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson, too, sported this style a few months ago. With his lethal bowling and intimidating appearance, Johnson was successful in instilling fear in the minds of the batsmen.
Shikhar Dhawan's handle-bar moustache became a trend among the youngsters. His way of twirling the moustache after scoring a century indeed became a style statement. Inspired by Dhawan, teammates Ravindra Jadeja and Murali Vijay also sported the same style some time ago. Looking for something neat and clean? Something that would require less maintenance? KL Rahul's extended goatee and Indian Test captain Virat Kohli's long stubble are safe options.
If you are able to resist the urge of not shaving the entire month and are in love with your beard, here's how you can continue the affair. New Zealand cricketer Anton Devcich's Bandholz style requires high maintenance but if done in the right way, it would be worth the effort.


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My name is Ilaria Invitto. I'm 23 years old and I live in Battipaglia, Italy. I was only three months old when my strabismus presented itself. It suddenly appeared after a night during which I suffered from strong respiratory problems due to bronchitis. I've undergone strabismus surgery when I was six but that hasn't really resolved my vision problems on a functional level.
|Ilaria and her mother
|Ilaria and her sister Serena
MICHAEL: That sounds all too familiar. I only discovered how much I'd been missing as a young adult too. Do you feel as if your strabismus has put the brakes on your performance and stopped you from living up to your true potential?
ILARIA: It's as if you've taken the words right out of my mouth! I feel there's been a considerable lack of productivity compared to my potential. I know I have a good memory and I am quick to learn. Still, there's always been something wrong ever since I was a child. It is as if there's a 'fire wall' between me and the world. Something preventing me from interacting and learning freely.
MICHAEL: I completely identify. The mounting academic load led my partially developed vision to gradually disintegrate and break down, particularly during my University years. What has been your experience as you got older?
ILARIA: Currently I am pursuing a degree in 'Medicina e Chirurgia'. That is the Italian equivalent of Med school. To enter this branch of study one has to pass a demanding entry exam. Receiving the news that I had passed the test was the happiest moment of my life! It was also around that time I met my boyfriend. Things were good. I had a fairly normal life. My vision still didn't give me as much trouble as it does now. Everything seemed to be okay until I started to become unable to read and study. That was after my first year of Med school. That's when the real 'war' started.
This will be my fourth year of medical school attendance. Sadly however, in terms of exams, I am still working towards finishing up the second year. Studying Medicine normally takes six years in Italy so I'm still far from obtaining my degree. I'm very worried about my future...
MICHAEL: 'Numb, slow and old.' It's almost uncanny how I've used the exact same words in attempts to convey my situation to other people. Although it's hard for others to understand a twenty something with a burn out due to badly treated binocular vision problems/strabismus. Fortunately I discovered Fixing My Gaze on the internet. How did you break the dead lock?
ILARIA: After a class on the anatomy of the eye, I talked to my teacher Mrs Stefania Lucia Nori (University of Salerno) about my troubles. She's an ophthalmologist. She recommended for me to read Susan Barry's Fixing My Gaze. I discovered a whole new world. I can tell you that Fixing my Gaze, in a sense, saved my life! Even if the book wasn't able to provide an instant resolution of the problem, at least now I understood what was going on.
MICHAEL: What did you do with this new information?
ILARIA: Because of the perpetual and accute eye strain and headaches I started looking for ways to improve my vision. An ophtalmologist told me to look into a program called Revital Vision. It's a computer program containing eye exercises. A supervising orthoptist is to guide the patient through the program and track progress. The advantage would be that I didn't have to travel long distances to complete this treatment. One of the problems with Revital Vision however was that it was supposed to be a treatment for amblyopia. I'm strabismic but don't really have severe amblyopia. I've done these computer exercises at home for two or three months. I was very desperate, confused and was under a lot of pressure from my parents. I did those exercises in front of the computer with my good, fixating eye covered in order to enhance function of the deviating eye. Because of this fairly random treatment, I started to alternate between eyes frequently and experienced occasional double vision. I still remember when I used to see my teacher with two heads in the classroom at university! They said it was a good sign because my right eye was "waking up". Nevertheless, my headaches and the eye pain were getting worse whatever they might have said. In my opinion they didn't know what they were doing. That's when I decided that it might be worthwhile to travel long distances in order to get some proper advice. I even think that the changes induced by this treatment slowed down the actual Vision Therapy I participated in later on.
I started Vision Therapy in April, 2014. My Vision Therapist's name is Angelo Caniglia. He works in "Ottica Pisani", an optical shop/optometric center owned by an optometrist named Sabino Pisani. It is located in Castellanza, near Milan. Some famous athletes have been treated there for vision problems, such as for instance the football player Rino Gattuso.
A major issue for me is the traveling distance. I live in the south of Italy, near Naples. My optometrist is located in the north of Italy, near Milan. That's 900 kms from where I live. I have to travel 1800 kms using high speed trains to see my Vision Therapist. Originally I had to do it all in one day which was beyond exhausting. Luckily, recently my boyfriend moved to Milan for his job. That allows me to spread the commute which makes it more bearable. That was a happy coincidence!
ILARIA: Ever since I've seen sort of a hologram in the quoits vectogram, I totally trust my Vision Therapist. It was such an exciting and touching spectacle to see the stick in my hand passing through the circle. My Vision Therapist always explains why we are doing something and answers all my questions in a comprehensive fashion. I very much appreciate that.
MICHAEL: Wow, the floating circles are a very nice first step considering you only started VT in April. That's awesome.
ILARIA: Yes, it's not all good though. A few weeks back my therapist told me he thinks it would probably be better for me to give up the idea of central stereopsis. He'd suggest to reactivate the suppression in the right eye and develop only peripheral stereopsis. He says that there is no coherence between the surgically altered posture of my eyes and the perception of my right eye. For instance, the position of my eyes looks like exophoria but the underlying neurology reacts like an esotrope's. He's worried about the possibility of developing constant double vision. He also doesn't want to give me false hope as he doesn't know for certain whether he might be able to resolve my problems completely. I think it might be an attempt to manage my expectations because either way it's not going to be easy.
MICHAEL: Yeah, the physical re-positioning of the eyes through surgery can result in a mismatch with how your vision developed neurologically. That creates an entirely new host of problems. I understand that your Vision Therapist wants to be cautious... Although I'm not sure how one is to develop peripheral stereopsis without it leading to central stereopsis anyway? It sounds like a good idea to make sure your eyes move well enough before throwing suppression out completely, develop peripheral stereopsis and then zone in on central stereopsis. To me that sounds like a better game plan than stopping with a job half done.
ILARIA: I used to believe in the impossible. I'd do whatever it takes to achieve the goals I set for myself. Maybe I was wrong... He says that peripheral binocularity should help a lot with reading... but I'm scared! I thought that one day I would be able to see in three dimensions, but now what?
These days I'm suffering from severe headaches because I'm studying more in order to pass my upcoming exams. I don't know what to think. I only know that I want my life back! I've heard acquiring stereopsis is possible for people with surgically altered eyes. I can't accept that it might be impossible for me!
|Notice the lack of reflection
in the right eye
MICHAEL: I think your Vision Therapist underestimates how much you want this. Good luck with your exams by the way! I know how it is to sacrifice your health for a passing grade. Don't hurt yourself too much though because in the long run it's not worth it. Focus on your vision and the rest will straighten itself out all by itself.
ILARIA: You say "don't hurt yourself" but I have to! I want to fight against my terrible headaches and the other symptoms, because I totally reject the possibility of renouncing my greatest passion. I'm too much in love with medicine!
MICHAEL: I've fought that fight against my own body too. It's a fight you can't win without losing. I'm not suggesting you should renounce or give up, just postpone for a little while to come back even stronger.
ILARIA: I've seen my first vision improvements but the road is long. Literally and figuratively, considering the long train rides. Lately I'm feeling the exhaustion of the travel which slows down my progress and sometimes even makes me regress. I guess progress doesn't happen in a straight line.
MICHAEL: Yes, I'm afraid so. I just try to do what I have to do to solve the vision issue while avoiding and dismantling any potential secondary social or monetary problems. How are you coping with that?
ILARIA: It's hard to stay in that kind of 'reasonable problem solving mode'. One of the things that makes it particularly hard is the fact that my parents don't understand my vision problems and think I'm just being lazy. Often times I feel very anxious about this... or angry.
MICHAEL: It's very hard to be patient with people when they accuse you of being lazy while you are in fact maxed out by trying too hard. That always makes me furious. Fortunately I've always been able to control myself quite well. That reminds me. I've watched the Godfather recently. One of the Sicilian bodyguards warned Michael Corleone for women from the south of Italy. Allegedly they can be more dangerous than shotguns. Fact or fiction?
ILARIA: Hahaha. That might be true when being angry. Maybe the Corleone bodyguards have a point there.
However, to get back to your question. A specific activity that helps me cope with my vision problem is singing. I'm in a Vocal Ensemble and choral music is vital to me. I'm very passionate and I was soothed by singing in the choir during many bad times. It's the only thing on which I can focus without using these damn eyes!
MICHAEL: That's beautiful! I'm glad you are able to vent your frustrations and emotions in such a graceful way.
ILARIA: Yes, I need to upload some Italian or Latin songs now that I think of it.
MICHAEL: Italian does lend itself very well to singing indeed. I look forward to those videos and I wish you the best of luck with everything you're doing and with Vision Therapy in particular! Let me know how it goes. Arrivederci, Ilaria!


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Fabulous offer on the 4-star Rydges Kensington Hotel, including breakfast and wine. Now just £99 per night, reduced from £177. The hotel is located in one of the most exclusive areas of London, just a stone's throw away from Harrod's and the Natural History Museum.
London Kensington Hotel with Breakfast & Wine – 44% Off
The Rydges Kensington Hotel is located in a traditional Victorian building at the heart of London's Kensington district. The Natural History Museum, The Victoria & Albert Museum and the Science Museum are all easily reachable by foot.
Additionally, Kensington is home to many high-end restaurants, bars and shops, and is the perfect location for a London city break.
Best of all, the hotel is located less than 200 meters from Gloucester Road station, making it easy to get to from Heathrow Airport on the Piccadilly Line.
This exclusive offer is available until March 31st and lets you save up to 44% on the price of your stay. You'll also get a full English breakfast and a complimentary glass of wine on arrival.
Hotel Amenities
- Cocktail Bar
- Full-Service Gym & Fitness Centre
- Restaurant
- Laundry Service at Additional Charge
- Airport Transfers Available at Additional Charge
Room Amenities
You will be staying in a Superior Queen Room, with the option to upgrade to a King Executive Room for an additional £16. Superior Queen Rooms are located on the ground floor, while King Executive Rooms are located on higher floors. All rooms include free WiFi.
Superior Queen Rooms include:
- Queen-Sized Bed
- Air-Conditioning
- Flat-Screen TV
- Coffee & Tea-Making Facilities
- Minibar
- Personal Safe
- Fridge
- Iron & Ironing Board
- Free WiFi
- Bathroom Equipped with Luxury Toiletries
- Bathroom with Bathtub or Shower
Rydges Kensington Hotel
61 Gloucester Road
Kensington, London
How to Book
Read our London 5-Star Luxury Hotel Guide to find out more about London's 5-star luxury hotels and how to book the cheapest rates.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and we receive a commission on any sale generated from this post. You can read more about this on our Terms & Conditions page.


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Monday, October 14, 2013
Brigadier General William Barksdale
A veteran of the Mexican War and a member of the House of Representatives and a true hot head who beat another member of Congress with his cane over states rights issues entered the Civil War first in the Militia before taking command of the 13th Mississippi. He led the regiment through the first Battle of Bull Run, Peninsula Campaign and the Seven Days Battle before taking command of the whole brigade after Brigadier General Richard Griffith was mortally wounded at Savage Station and leading it on a doomed, but heroic charge up the Malvern Hill. Barkesdale now a Brigadier general commanding "Barksdale's Mississippi Brigade" joined Major General Lafayette McLaws Division where his brigade under his leadership became a well known tough fighting brigade in the battles of Battle of Antietam, (Sharpsburg), Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and finally Gettysburg where his brigade smashed through the Union forces at the Peach Orchard before being stopped at Plum Run. Barkesdale was leading his men from horseback at the front which inspired his men(and the painting), but left him dangerously exposed and led to his death by bullet in his knee, a cannon ball to the foot and final bullet to the chest which brought him down for good.
Thanks for viewing!:-)
Miniature Company-Redoubt Miniatures
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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:01 — 68.8MB) | Embed
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Starting a nonprofit is not easy. But starting a nonprofit in a foreign country… that shares a war-affected border… well, that is just down-right difficult. But that is what Jason Szolomayer is doing in Jordan.
How can regular people like you and me help tangibly with the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East? In this episode I talk with Jason Szolomayer about how 3D printing and 3D scanning technology can bring the "gift of hearing" to Syrian refugees and low-income individuals in the world's biggest war-torn hotspot.
Jason, the founder of 3DP4ME (3D Printing for Me/Middle East), shares the challenges he and his partner in Jordan are facing to create ear molds for hearing aids. Jason also shares info about the Hearing Express Project, which aims to provide 12,000 hearing aids over the next five years.
"In developing countries less than 3% of people who need a hearing aid are thought to have."
World Health Organization (WHO), 2013
This is an great story that is bound to inspire. I hope you like it.
Learn more at www.3dp4me.org


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City Guides >
For a modern capital city, Maseru is quite a strange place, as
tourists visiting Lesotho will soon find out. Way off the beaten
tourist track, the main commercial and administrative centre of
'The Kingdom of the Sky' is a sleepy, dilapidated city with a
distinct small-town feel. Most mid-range and budget accommodation
is basic, shopping opportunities are few, and the restaurant scene
isn't exactly sophisticated.
Maseru is, however, sited in one of the most beautiful regions
in the whole of Africa - in the foothills of the
prehistoric-looking Maluti Mountains, with a view of the jagged
peaks of South Africa's Drakensberg mountain range extending to the
east. Despite being situated in a slight valley (an area known as
Hlabeng-Sa-Likhama), Maseru is still 5,200 feet (1,600m) above
sea-leavel - a fact which, though contributing to harsh weather in
winter - makes for impossibly beautiful, clear and crisp skies, and
great mountain air.
Although there is not much to see and do in Maseru, outdoor
enthusiasts will soon come to view Lesotho as a giant playground of
sorts. A country full of walking and hiking trails, leading
tourists up into the mountains and past rural villages and hamlets
where life goes on in blissful disregard for modernity, there are
also some great outdoor activities for tourists to try their hands
at in Lesotho. Activities diverse as pony trekking, fishing,
birding, abseiling, skiing and even paragliding are available - and
these are well organised, and easy to get involved in (just enquire
at any upmarket hotel in Maseru).
For well-heeled travellers looking to do Lesotho in style, the
country also has a small but up-market selection of four and
five-star hotels, game lodges (such as Maliba Mountain Lodge) and
even a hotel/casino complex in the form of the Maseru Sun
International Hotel.
With a famously friendly local population, a slow pace of life
and outstanding natural scenery, Maseru can be a gentle
introduction to the African continent for foreign tourists - and is
a must-see place for those looking to try some outdoor activities
while on holiday in southern Africa.
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|View route
Everyone is always warmly welcome into this cafe – both, the local inhabitants of Cēsis, and the guests to the town who have arrived to Cēsis to catch up the breath of a genuine history. The philosophy of this cafe is based upon the local food, grown in Latvia, demonstrating how wide-ranging and qualitative a modern cuisine can be. The menus are being changed on seasonal basis to make the guests feel a constantly fresh bouguet of flavours, distinctive to the particular season.
Another reason worth visiting us is the 360 degree glass terrace that unveils the scenic view of the heart of Cēsis Town – Rožu Square.
This is the place where the Christmas Tree of the town is being lit up on the first Sunday of Advent every year. In summer, the fountain, which is situated in one of the corners of the square turns into a popular recreation place for families where on warm days children run about splashing the water. In the evenings, locals of the town, as well as, its guests keep gathering and chilling out here.
24a Rīgas iela, Cēsis, Cēsu novads, Latvija
+371 28811774
Cēsu Tūrisma informācijas centrs
Baznīcas laukums 1, Cēsis
Latvija, LV-4101
Tel. +371 firstname.lastname@example.com
Monday- Sunday 10:00 - 18:00.


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Wednesday, April 11, 2012
An Unusual Day to Say the Least!
12 comments:
- Boston Baked Beads said...
Congratulations on your post at Polymer Clay Daily! Awesome! Hope your back is feeling better.
- April 11, 2012 at 9:20 PM
- artybecca said...
Roberta, congrats! Love your new things! To see something really crazy, check your flickr stats or google analytics stats (if you are set up on that). An appearance on PCD will net you about 10 times your normal hits.
- April 11, 2012 at 10:10 PM
- Sarah Sequins said...
Roberta, those are both awesome pieces of news! You're incredibly talented, though, so I'm not a bit surprised. :)
- April 11, 2012 at 10:31 PM
- nanditark said...
very very very congrats ...!
- April 11, 2012 at 10:37 PM
Wonderful post Roberta. Your work is more than worthy of the mention and it felt like I'd had a "brush with fame"! All you say about Cynthia and her impact on the polymer clay community is so true too. Samunnat would not be in the form it is if it was not for her steady, strong support. She seeks no accolades and takes no credit but has had a profound impact on us. She made our website, features the ladies work, gives ideas and skills and connects us so that we feel a part of this lovely community that you talk about. A community that rejoices with one another like we all do with you. Good News to celebrate on Nepali New Year I think!!!! Congratulations Roberta.
- April 11, 2012 at 11:01 PM
- JuLee said...
Just got home from work and checked PCD. (my schedule is even more wacked than usual this week). Congrads on the PCD feature.
- April 12, 2012 at 3:10 AM
- Unknown said...
Wonderful Roberta. What a great thing to wake up to and a happy surprise as well. Congrats. I am loving the new work by the way...
- April 12, 2012 at 9:34 AM
- Roberta Warshaw said...
I know. Normally I get between 40-80 views a day in my Etsy shop. Today, 1375......yikes!
- April 12, 2012 at 10:41 AM
- Melobeau said...
WOW, congratulations! The accolades are so well deserved!
- April 14, 2012 at 3:40 PM
- Lori Anderson said...
This is absolutely gorgeous!
- April 17, 2012 at 9:48 AM
- Candace said...
Congrats! It's always nice to be recognized for your talents and accomplishments.
- April 18, 2012 at 1:00 AM
- Ann Gorbett said...
Roberta'I'm just seeing this now. Congrats-that is really cool to be showcased like that!
- April 24, 2012 at 4:02 PM