Datasets:

cfli
/

ssss

Dataset card Data Studio Files Files and versions Community

Split (1)

train · 73.3k rows

question stringlengths 18 1.2k	facts stringlengths 44 500k	answer stringlengths 1 147
'Liquor amnii' is normally found in?	Liquor amnii - definition of liquor amnii by The Free Dictionary Liquor amnii - definition of liquor amnii by The Free Dictionary http://www.thefreedictionary.com/liquor+amnii Noun 1. amnionic fluid - the serous fluid in which the embryo is suspended inside the amnion; "before a woman gives birth her waters break" bodily fluid , body fluid , liquid body substance , humour , humor - the liquid parts of the body amniotic cavity - the fluid-filled cavity that surrounds the developing embryo Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content . Link to this page: References in periodicals archive ? Liquor amnii analysis in the management of the pregnancy complicated by rhesus sensitization. Copyright © 2003-2017 Farlex, Inc Disclaimer All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.	Pregnancy
What colour/color is the second 'O' in the standard original Google logo?	Article in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 89(8):1074-7 · September 1964 with 1 Reads DOI: 10.1016/0002-9378(64)90301-1 · Source: PubMed 2nd G.W. Pennington Abstract 1. 1. The normally occurring concentrations of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in liquor amnii at the end of pregnancy have been investigated in a series of 18 patients. A range of values between 0 and 2,400 I.U. per liter with a mean of 731 ± 180 I.U. per liter have been observed. 2. 2. In hydrops fetalis, the maternal serum gonadotropin level is raised. Because of the intimate contact between the placenta and liquor amnii, the liquor chorionic gonadotropin concentrations were investigated in a series of 16 Rh-sensitized women. A range of values were found between 0 and 1,100 I.U. per liter with a mean of 409 ± 82 I.U. per liter. There was no statistical difference between the two series. 3. 3. In one case, where a stillborn hydropic fetus was delivered the HCG concentration was within normal limits. This suggests that there is little correlation between serum and liquor levels, and supports the data of other workers. 4. 4. It is concluded that estimation of the HCG content of liquor does not provide a means of determining fetal damage due to Rh-immunization prior to delivery. CitationsCitations11	i don't know
The fuel injection system replaced what traditional device for blending air and fuel in car combustion engines?	Illumin - Fuel Injection Tags: chemical engineering , transportation The introduction of fuel injection to the automobile has been a major factor in increasing the power available to engines in recent years. However, its introduction was initially slow due to the inherent complexities of the system. Computer integration revolutionized the design of this automotive subsystem and has become the onboard controller of the fuel injection system itself. Modern automobiles are forced to meet stringent emissions and fuel efficiency standards since the institution of the clean air mandates of the 1970's, and these have for the most part been achieved through improvements in the engine fuel entry systems. We begin with an examination of the basic concepts of the automotive combustion engine and discuss the function and the principles behind the injection system. We then see how intelligent computer controls for fuel-injection system have effectively forced the carburetor into obsolescence. Introduction The desire to create powerful automobiles is a driving force in the advancement of engine technology. Until the early 1970's additional horsepower came from larger and more costly engines [1], which came from the belief that burning more gasoline was the best way to increase available power. However, by the outset of the 1970's cities and countrysides were beginning to be blanketed by thick black smog, a byproduct of the combustion [2]. In an attempt to reverse this, US governmental regulations were enacted that raised minimum fuel efficiency requirements of automobiles. To meet these new standards, car manufacturers were forced to reduce the chassis and engine size in an attempt to decrease overall weight, ultimately increasing fuel efficiency. This resulted in a significant loss of power and "pep." However, with the emergence of computer-automated controls, auto manufacturers are finding that it is possible to build smaller engines with power to spare by increasing the efficiency of the combustion process [1]. Most of these advancements have come from precise timing of the fuel entering the combustion chamber, as well as timing of the ignition itself [3]. The Otto Cycle The principles underlying the combustion engine focus on one concept: burning a chemical to obtain energy and then using this energy to do work. This energy is obtained by burning the gasoline that is put into the automobile. In an automobile, a controlled process called the 4-stroke cycle, or Otto cycle, is utilized to extract the work from the gasoline. The Otto cycle can be viewed as four individual steps: 1. Intake: The piston moves from top to bottom, creating a slight vacuum. This pulls fuel and air into the chamber. When the piston reaches the bottom of its course, the fuel intake valve is closed. This position is normally called bottom dead center. 2. Compression: The intake valve is then closed, and the piston moves upward and pressurizes the air/fuel mixture. An electrical spark is ignited to burn the gasoline. The mixture burns very quickly and the expansion of the exhaust gases causes a rapid rise in the pressure of the system 3. Power: As the pressure increases, the piston is forced downward. This is the only point during the cycle that usable power is actually generated by the engine. 4. Exhaust: The piston then begins to move upward. Simultaneously, a valve is opened to let the exhaust gases leave [3]. Armchoir/Wikimedia Commons Figure 1: Depiction of the Otto cycle. When the engine goes through steps 1-4 once it is called a cycle (Fig. 1), and by repeating cycle after cycle the engine can use the energy gained from many small ignitions to move the vehicle. The movement of the actual vehicle is the result of transferring the cyclic movement of the piston into the rotary movement of the wheels. This distribution is facilitated through the use of a crankshaft, which is connected directly to the pistons. As the pistons go up and down, the crankshaft is forced to rotate. This rotation is then indirectly coupled to the wheels by the front and rear differentials after being geared by the transmission. Ultimately, the result is that as the engine cycles the wheels can be made to turn by putting the car "in gear." Driver Control of the Cycle We can now look at this process with regards to the familiar responses of the car while driving. By pressing the gas you are telling the car to allow a larger volume of gasoline and air into the piston. Then, as you release the pedal, less gas is allowed in. Through this mechanism the driver is then able to control the amount of energy acquired by the engine and thus the energy converted into movement. Until recently, the device that controlled the fuel intake mechanism was the carburetor. However, the fuel injection system has since proven to be more efficient and reliable and has made the carburetor obsolete. These devices each control fuel intake by opening or closing a device called the throttle valve, which regulates the precise volume of gasoline and air admitted into the piston. Traditional Methods to Increase Available Power from the Otto Cycle In pre-1970 automobiles, more energy was acquired from each stroke using two mechanisms: by increasing piston size and the amount of oxygen available during the combustion cycle. Larger Pistons By increasing piston size, we can in turn increase the stroke size [4]. There are actually two benefits to doing this: 1. by making the stroke larger, more gasoline can be delivered, and 2. the delivered gasoline can be compressed more, yielding more energy. This is where we get numbers like 450cc (cubic centimeters) or 2.3 liter-these numbers refer to the displacement, which is the difference of the piston volume between BDC (lowest) and its highest position. However, to make the stroke larger the piston chamber must also be made larger. Larger engines require more raw materials, mostly steel, and thus become prohibitively costly. Also, much of the extra energy acquired by increasing the piston's size is lost. This is because more energy is required to change the direction of a more massive piston from up to down during the cycle, decreasing overall fuel efficiency [4]. In addition, fuel efficiency may drop so much that it would fall below the federally mandated minimums, in which case the car could not be considered "sellable" in the United States. More Oxygen The second alternative is to increase the efficiency of the actual combustion process. During the combustion process not all of the fuel actually burns [5]. This is called incomplete burn and results in a loss of efficiency. Oxygen is required to make things burn quickly and also efficiently. You can observe this when you blow on a burning match or fire gently and the flame grows larger. Normally, air and fuel enter the combustion chamber due to the pressure gradient (a reduced pressure inside the piston due to the downward motion of the first step of the Otto cycle), but can be expedited with the use of turbo and superchargers [5]. This is a much easier way to get a relatively large amount of energy from the engine without adding a significant burden. Since inefficiently burned fuels are commonly associated with harmful emissions like carbon monoxide and sulfides, adding devices to increase the fuel efficiency has additional benefits by creating cleaner running cars [5]. Fuel Injection Systems Despite the efficiency benefits that can be gained by increasing oxygen flow to the engine, there are definite limitations that cannot be overcome by brute force. One reason is that charged (e.g. turbo or supercharged) engine systems are made of pumps to force the oxygen into the piston before ignition [5]. The pumps require a substantial amount of energy to function and have a serious problem with overheating. Because of this they often fail as a result of heat fatigue and thus require costly maintenance to remain operational. A system that works in concert with the charging mechanisms to increase efficiency is fuel injection [6]. The concept behind fuel injection is to spray a fine mist of gasoline (like that from an aerosol can) into the piston, in contrast to the large drops that traditional fuel intake carburetor valves provide [6]. By injecting fuel in this manner, more oxygen is injected "between" the mist particles. Ultimately, this increases the efficiency of combustion and the available power. Because of these overwhelming advantages, carburetors have been completely phased out from all US production automobiles since 1990 and replaced with fuel injection systems [7]. Fuel injection works on a commonly known principle: it is much easier to burn the smaller twigs and leaves (i.e. misted gasoline delivered using fuel injection) than it is to burn a large log (a large droplet from standard intake valves). There is, however, a practical and optimal limit to the size of the mist particles-about 10 micrometers (about one-half the width of human hair) [5]. Because of the desire to obtain the highest efficiency from the burned gasoline as possible-constrained by precise technical conditions like particulate size-fuel injection systems have become very complicated. This explains the slow development of such systems until recently when computers could be utilized to model their behavior. Divergence of Fuel Intake Systems Buschtrommler/Wikipedia Commons Figure 2: Engine Type M88 from a BMW M1. With the introduction of an injection system a new degree of freedom was simultaneously introduced, causing a divergence in the types of combustion engines. The first is called homogenous. This type of combustion engine is the kind discussed so far, where the gasoline is simply let into the piston via a simple port intake mechanism. It then diffuses to create a homogenous [5] mixture of fuel and oxygen throughout the chamber. In contrast, the fuel injection system allows the manufacturer to precisely control temporal (the exact time during step 1 of the Otto cycle that fuel is injected) as well as spatial placement (the shape of the jet that is sprayed by the injector) of the fuel spray. This new type of engine is called the stratified charge engine [5]. In these engines, "the aim is to stratify the charge in the combustion chamber, i.e. to have a pocket of rich (fuel) within a larger body of weak air/fuel mixture, and to ensure that the rich, easily ignitable area surrounds the spark at the point of ignition" [5]. In general these engines produce highly desirable results, however are limited to some degree by the "precise mixture control and manufacturing costs" [5]. Computers and Fuel Injections Computer Aided Design (CAD) While the industry pursued serious research in fuel injection early in the mandates to reduce pollution and increase fuel economy, in general, major developments came through the process of trial and error [8]. However, the introduction of the microcomputer age removed this hurdle in the design and implementation of fuel injection systems because the systems could now be simulated in a virtual stroke in a computer and then modified to run with new parameters in minutes; this is a process that would have taken weeks or months as dies were cut and re-cast under traditional industrial practice [9]. Design was further aided by complex models, which predicted how the fuel and oxygen would interact in the piston and calculate the efficiency of the burn [10]. In addition to these fabrication benefits, direct increases in efficiency were soon seen. For instance, one major advance in improving efficiency was introduced when computer simulations found that by injecting fuel at various angles a much finer and more controlled mist could be obtained [10]. Computer Aided Implementation (CAI) Digital logic, and more specifically micro-controllers (small computers), also revolutionized the actual implementation of fuel injection systems. Previously, the actual delivery mechanism of fuel was mechanical and was generated from the injector forcing gasoline though a comb filter, producing a relatively inconsistent mist. However, with the advent of modern processing technology, the timing of one, or even several separate injectors can be precisely controlled in each piston. In addition, the timing and amount of fuel released can be varied depending on the demands placed on the engine by the driver. Honda has introduced this injection technology in force through their trademarked VTEC line. VTEC stands for Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control and is a system that constantly monitors the demands placed upon the engine. It then adjusts not only the fuel injection timing but also other relevant factors such as the intake valve open duration, called its "pulse width". According to Honda, "[VTEC] technology solves the age-old compromise between tuning an engine for peak torque or peak horsepower, and provides the best of both worlds. With VTEC, the engine delivers ample low-rpm torque and high-rpm power without sacrificing either." Additions like VTEC bring us nearer to an emergence of a modernized hot-rod. Cars will be equipped with computer-designed fuel injection systems and employ the latest computer sensors and enjoy improved functionality. This will eventually return to them the power and muscle they once possessed and that American drivers desire, while reducing harmful emissions and increasing the overall efficiency of each gallon of gasoline burned. References [1] Antique Chevy Trucks Historical Site, History of Chevy Engines. [October 24, 2001]. [2] F. Schafer and R. van Basshuyen. Reduced Emissions and Fuel Consumption in Automobile Engines. New York: Springer-Verlag, 1993. [3] William B. Ribbens. Understanding Automotive Electronics. Boston: Newnes, 1998. [4] David Vizard. How to Build Horsepower. Osceola WI: Motorbooks International, 1990. [5] M. Poulton. Fuel Efficient Car Technology. Boston: Computational Mechanics Publications, 1997. [6] Pettitt [7] How Stuff Works, How Fuel Injection Systems Work. [October 28, 2001]. [8] Linda Trego. "Rapid Prototyping Developments." Automotive Engineering, pp. 110-111, September 1996. [9] Linda Trego. "Concurrent Engineering Tools." Automotive Engineering, pp. 100-108, November 1996. [10] Al Demmler. "Designing a Fuel Injection Control Solenoid." Automotive Engineering, pp. 63, November 1997. [11] Southwest Research Institute, 03 Spray Technology Brochure. [October 23, 2001].	Carburetor
A Pelton wheel converts what power into usable energy?	Fuel Map or Fuel Table Fuel Map or Fuel Table Fuel Map or Fuel Table Modern automotive technology relies on electronically controlled devices to monitor and operate the car’s engine. An important process that determines the performance of the engine is the fuel injection process. Fuel injection is the process that causes combustion in an engine by combining fuel and air. In the past, internal combustion engines used carburetors to mix the fuel and air. As cars became more complex and government regulations related to exhaust emissions became stricter, today’s engines use computer controlled systems with electronic fuel injection which can more precisely control the flow of fuel to the engine, allowing for precise mixing of fuel and air. This results in optimum engine performance, better fuel economy, and lower exhaust emissions, or more power and torque , depend what you want. The efficiency and precision of the fuel injection system will also determine how well the engine runs and ultimately how well the car performs. Gas pedal is no longer a simple way of directly moving the throttles on the engine, because the ECU replaced traditional Bowden cable between the pedal and throttle with pedal position sensor and a map. Such maps are now restricted to tire type, so just three maps are allowed: for wet weather, intermediate and dry tires. Previously, different maps could be selected for the race start and other race situations. The regulations also enforce other restrictions on the pedal, for example no detents or other means can be used to aid the driver in holding a specific position, such as holding revs steady at the race start. 5.5 Power unit torque control : 5.5.4 The accelerator pedal shaping map in the ECU may only be linked to the type of the tyres fitted to the car : one map for use with dry-weather tyres and one map for use with intermediate or wet-weather tyres. The fuel map is the electronic fuel injection system's setting for regulating the air/fuel mix and is created by engineers during construction and tests of an engine. Fuel map is not a peace of paper, but an engine computer sets of settings. You can imagine a fuel map as a graph paper with an X and Y axis on it. X axis is one going horizontally from left to and one Y axis going up and down. The numbers along the X axis represent the engine's revolutions per minute (rpm), and numbers on Y axis represents the load on the engine, or the energy required by the engine to do the task required by the driver. Now, if you can imagine a lot of points scattered all around that graph paper that represent different driving situations, you will get a fuel map. At each point, and there are hundreds of possible combinations, the ECU decides what to tell the fuel injectors to do at some specific situation and combination of RPM-s and torque demand. This is only simplified explanation to give you an idea. Normally, in any modern fuel injected engine, the ECU uses a numerical map, or 3 dimensional graphical map to determine how much fuel to give, and how much advancement in ignition timing. A typical fuel map looks like this: Graphical 3D fuel map The axis on the right is RPM. The axis on the left is engine load. For naturally aspirated engines, the engine load is typically the same as your TPS (throttle positioning sensor) reading, which is essentially how much gas pedal you give it. With pedal position changed, manifold pressure is changed and measured in Kg/cm2. For turbo or other force induction engines, the engine load is typically the same as your Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) reading, which is the vacuum or boost pressure of your engine. The mountain you see is how much fuel the ECU is giving the engine, or Volumetric efficiency. Numerical fuel map In this picture you can see typical numerical two dimensional map for 1995 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 Spyder, with load (torque) in vertical axis and RPM-s in horizontal axis. Numbers represents duration of open injector or actual consumption. When choosing a value from any of the fuel or ignition tables, the ECU interpolates between the currently used cell and surrounding cells to ensure smoothness. In a fuel map, fuel consumption (g/kWh or g/s) is expressed as a function of engine speed and engine torque. Fuel maps are covering the whole engine working area with engine speed from idling up to the maximum RPM-s and with torque from full engine braking , negative torque, up to full load and the main purpose is to tune the engine for all sort of different situations and allow it to run at its optimum level and at its highest potential at each possible variation of load and RPM. Tuning the engine to achieve maximum efficiency is a huge part of getting the best performance out of the race cars. Making adjustments to the fuel injection system to change the amount of fuel and injections time, and utilizing many available engine sensors can all have a great impact on engine horsepower and efficiency. Sensors located in the engine and throughout the rest of the vehicle send information to the ECU. The ECU interprets this information and uses it to keep the car working at its best. For example, the ECU uses the oxygen sensor in conjunction with the pre programmed fuel tables to calculate how much fuel is needed for your engine. Also, ECU looks through the tables and, depending on engine speed and intake manifold vacuum, selects a length of time that the injectors will stay open. There are a more sensors involved in creating and deploying a fuel map. For example Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor measures the amount of air coming into the engine. Less air is drawn into the engine when it's idling, so less fuel is needed, and opposite, when engine is on higher RPM-s more fuel is needed from the injectors. Oxygen (O2) Sensor is located in the exhaust system and detects the amount of unburned oxygen so ECU can adjust the amount of fuel injected into the engine to burn all available oxygen and increase efficiency. Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) tells the computer how hard driver pushes on the gas pedal. The farther and faster the pedal is pushed, the wider open the throttle moves, increasing the amount of fuel that needs to be added to the engine for speed. Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor measures changes in the engine's manifold pressure, which tells the ECU how much load the engine needs to bear (towing or going uphill or downhill) and how fast it needs to happen (speeding up or slowing down). If the sensor reads high pressure, the ECU will lower the engine vacuum and add more fuel. If there is low pressure, the ECU will raise the vacuum and reduce the fuel injection. Last bun not least, there is a Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) which tells the ECU how fast the car is moving to adjust the fuel accordingly. The fuel map inside the ECU is able to adjust the air/fuel mix for maximum efficiency and performance in any condition as long as the sensors are giving it the right information. All of the above sensors and parameters are controlled by the car’s ECU. The ECU have an incorporated fuel injection control systems (driver) which sends signals to the fuel injectors, indicating when to open and how long to remain open in order to reach the maximum efficiency. The fuel is added to the air mixture at the latest possible time (right before combustion). The ideal air to fuel ratio, called the stoichiometric value, is 14.68 parts air to one part fuel (AFR is 14.68:1 by mass). This is the ratio of air to fuel that allows the oxygen and fuel to burn completely. However, conditions are never ideal so the most efficient AFR depends on the temperature, the engine’s rpm, and the load on the engine (how much work the engine is doing). So, ECU receives and process data from many sensors in order to make constant small corrections so the engine’s ability is optimized. The ECU also sends a signal to the spark coil so that it sparks at exactly the right time to ignite the fuel (more or less when compression within the cylinder is greatest). The spark coil generates high voltage needed for the spark to initiate, causing the spark in the spark plugs , which in turn ignite the fuel-air mixture. Using this data, different tables including volumetric efficiency and ignition advance can be created and adjusted to reach maximum horsepower. Fuel injection mapping really is the process of systematically adjusting the fuel/air ratio at all operating points of the engine at specifics situations. The car user could have one of many goals. For normal user concern could be emissions, fuel economy, or some compromise between balance of performance, emissions and noise. For racing it would be no compromise, only power. At the track we are only tuning for power and torque. The mapping results would be very different. To know more about mapping, check my other articles: Books to read Some useful links: - f1technical.net , a great site with a lot of technical information’s and explanations. Site is updated daily with news from F1 word. - autosport.com , This site is a legend. A bible for racing lovers. News from all around the word. Unfortunately, to get access to all news, interviews and to open the site completely you should be subscribed to Autosport magazine. Anyway, great read. - JA.F1 site (or blog) ovned by ITV Sport’s lead commentator on Formula 1 James Allen - joesaward is the Joe Saward official blog about Formula 1 world. Joe is an journalist, who write primarily about politics in and around motorsport, specifically on the FIA Formula 1 World Championship - vitalf1.com/ is another great site for Motor Sports fan’s like me. Site is relatively new, but great fun, with great discussion forum , Formula 1 news and forum . - f1.gpupdate.net , Site with fresh news from Formula 1 - planetf1 , another site with many different articles, news and statistics. Biased toward British teams, but anyway good read. - gurneyflap.com , Great history site. You can learn a lot from this site. Pictures, cars and many many more. Great. - 4ormula1 is a database of Formula 1 history and statistics of drivers, teams, grand prix, and all results since 1950 - Racecar Engineering , an online magazine with a lot to learn from, a lot of technical information’s and explanations - fia.com , La Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, representing the interests of motoring organisations and motor car users. Head organisation and ruler in auto sport. - wikipedia.org , I don’t believe that I have to tell you anything about this site. It’s not about Formula 1 technology, but you can learn a lot about that too. - carbibles.com , a great site for normal car users. Here you can find explanations of almost everything about your car and how it works. Technical reviews and explanations of some in-car gadgets. - Daretobedifferent.org Susie Wolff and UK governing body of UK motorsport have joined forces to launch Dare To Be Different, a high-profile new initiative which is about increasing female participation, not just on the track but in all aspects of the sport.	i don't know
As at 2012 what 115-island Indian Ocean nation has the smallest population (about 86,000) of any African country?	Fijian, Filipino, Finnish, French - Information on Languages by Country for Translation * A * B * C * D * E * F * G * H * I * J * K * L * M * N * O * P * Q * R * S * T * U * V * W * X * Y * Z Language:Fijian Fijian is an Austronesian language of the Malayo-Polynesian family spoken in Fiji. It has 450,000 first-language speakers which is more than half the population of Fiji, but another 200,000 speak it as a second language. The 1997 Constitution established Fijian as an official language of Fiji, along with English and Hindustani, and there is discussion about establishing it as the "national language. Fiji: Fiji officially the Republic of Fiji is an island country in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean about 1,100 nautical miles northeast of New Zealand's North Island. Its closest neighbors are Vanuatu to the west, France's New Caledonia to the southwest, New Zealand's Kermadec to the southeast, Tonga to the east, the Samoas and France's Wallis and Futuna to the northeast, and Tuvalu to the north. Language: Filipino Filipino is a prestige register of the Tagalog language, based on the dialect of Manila, and is the name under which Tagalog is designated the national language and one of two official languages of the Philippines. Tagalog is a first language of about one-third of the Philippine population; it is centered around Manila but is spoken to varying degrees nationwide. Philippines: The Philippines officially known as the Republic of the Philippines is a sovereign island country in Southeast Asia situated in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan; west across the South China Sea sits Vietnam; southwest is the island of Borneo across the Sulu Sea, and to the south the Celebes Sea separates it from other islands of Indonesia; while to the east it is bounded by the Philippine Sea and the island-nation of Palau. Its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire and close to the equator make the Philippines prone to earthquakes and typhoons, but also endows it with abundant natural resources and some of the world's greatest biodiversity. The Philippines is the 73rd-largest country in the world, consisting of an archipelago of 7,107 islands that are categorized broadly under three main geographical divisions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Language: Finnish Finnish is the language spoken by the majority of the population in Finland and by ethnic Finns outside Finland. It is one of the two official languages of Finland and an official minority language in Sweden. In Sweden, both standard Finnish and Meänkieli, a Finnish dialect, are spoken. The Kven language, a dialect of Finnish, is spoken in Northern Norway. Finland: Finland officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden to the west, Norway to the north, Russia to the east, and Estonia to the south across the Gulf of Finland.About 5.4 million people live in Finland (end of 2012), with the majority concentrated in its southern regions. In terms of area, it is the eighth largest country in Europe and the most sparsely populated country in the European Union. Politically, it is a parliamentary republic with a central government based in the capital of Helsinki, local governments in 336 municipalities and an autonomous region, the Åland Islands (making Finland a federacy). About one million residents live in the Greater Helsinki area (consisting of Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen, and Vantaa) and a third of the country's GDP is produced there. Other larger cities include Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Jyväskylä, Lahti, and Kuopio. Language: French French or la langue française is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the provinces of Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick (Acadia region) in Canada, the Acadiana region of the U.S. state of Louisiana, the northern parts of the U.S. states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont in the New England region, and by various communities elsewhere. Other speakers of French, who often speak it as a second language, are distributed throughout many parts of the world, the largest numbers of whom reside in Francophone Africa. In Africa, French is most commonly spoken in Gabon (where 80% report fluency), Mauritius (78%), Algeria (75%), Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire (70%). French is estimated as having 110 million native speakers and 190 million more second language speakers. Belgium: Belgium, officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal monarchy in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters as well as those of several other major international organisations such as NATOBelgium covers an area of 11,790 sq miles, and it has a population of about 11 million people. Benin: Benin officially the Republic of is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Togo to the west, by Nigeria to the east and by Burkina Faso and Niger to the north. A majority of the population live on its small southern coastline on the Bight of Benin. The capital of Benin is Porto-Novo, but the seat of government is in Cotonou, the country's largest city. Benin covers an area of approximately 42,000 sq miles, with a population of approximately 9 million. Benin is a tropical, sub-Saharan nation, highly dependent on agriculture, with substantial employment and income arising from subsistence farming. Burkina Faso: Burkina Faso also known by its short-form name Burkina, is a landlocked country in West Africa around 105,900 sq miles in size. It is surrounded by six countries: Mali to the north; Niger to the east; Benin to the southeast; Togo and Ghana to the south; and Ivory Coast to the southwest. Its capital is Ouagadougou. In 2011, its population was estimated at just under 16 million. Burundi: Burundi officially the Republic of Burundi is a landlocked country in the Great Lakes region of Eastern Africa, bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Its capital is Bujumbura. Although the country is landlocked, much of the southwestern border is adjacent to Lake Tanganyika.The Twa, Hutu and Tutsi peoples have lived in Burundi for at least five hundred years and, for over two hundred years, Burundi was ruled as a kingdom. At the beginning of the twentieth century, however, Germany and Belgium occupied the region and Burundi and Rwanda became a European colony known as Ruanda-Urundi. Social differences between the Tutsi and Hutu have since contributed to political unrest in the region, leading to civil war in the middle of the twentieth century. Presently, Burundi is governed as a presidential representative democratic republic. Cameroon: Cameroon, officially the Republic of Cameroon is a country in the west Central Africa region. It is bordered by Nigeria to the west; Chad to the northeast; the Central African Republic to the east; and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo to the south. Cameroon's coastline lies on the Bight of Bonny, part of the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean. The country is often referred to as "Africa in miniature" for its geological and cultural diversity. Natural features include beaches, deserts, mountains, rainforests, and savannas. The highest point is Mount Cameroon in the southwest, and the largest cities are Douala, Yaoundé and Garoua. Cameroon is home to over 200 different linguistic groups. The country is well known for its native styles of music, particularly makossa and bikutsi, and for its successful national football team. French and English are the official languages. Canada: Canada is a country in North America consisting of 10 provinces and 3 territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean. At 10 million square kilometers in total, Canada is the world's second-largest country by total area, and its common border with the United States is the world's longest land border shared by the same two countries.The land that is now Canada has been inhabited for millennia by various Aboriginal peoples. Beginning in the late 15th century, British and French colonial expeditions explored, and later settled, the region's Atlantic coast. France ceded nearly all of its colonies in North America to the United Kingdom in 1763 after the French and Indian War, which was essentially the North American theatre of the Seven Years' War. The population grew steadily in subsequent decades, the territory was explored and additional self-governing Crown colonies were established. On July 1, 1867, three colonies federated, forming a federal dominion that established Canada. Central African Republic: The Central African Republic is a landlocked country in Central Africa. It borders Chad in the north, Sudan in the northeast, South Sudan in the east, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo in the south and Cameroon in the west. The CAR covers a land area of about 240,000 sq miles and has an estimated population of about 4.4 million as of 2008. The capital is Bangui.France called the colony it carved out in this region Oubangui-Chari, as most of the territory was located in the Ubangi and Chari river basins. It became a semi-autonomous territory of the French Community in 1958 and then an independent nation on 13 August 1960, taking its present name. For over three decades after independence, the CAR was ruled by presidents or an emperor, who either were unelected or who took power by force. Local discontent with this system was eventually reinforced by international pressure, following the end of the Cold War. Chad: Chad officially the Republic of Chad, is a landlocked country in Central Africa. It is bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon and Nigeria to the southwest, and Niger to the west.Chad is divided into multiple regions: a desert zone in the north, an arid Sahelian belt in the centre and a more fertile Sudanese savanna zone in the south. Lake Chad, after which the country is named, is the largest wetland in Chad and the second-largest in Africa. Chad's highest peak is the Emi Koussi in the Sahara, and N'Djamena, (formerly Fort-Lamy), the capital, is the largest city. Chad is home to over 200 different ethnic and linguistic groups. Arabic and French are the official languages. Islam and Christianity are the most widely practiced religions. Comoros: The Comoros officially the Union of the Comoros is a sovereign archipelago island nation in the Indian Ocean, located at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel off the eastern coast of Africa, between northeastern Mozambique and northwestern Madagascar. Other countries near the Comoros are Tanzania to the northwest and the Seychelles to the northeast. Its capital is Moroni, on Grande Comore.At 720 sq miles, excluding the contested island of Mayotte, the Comoros is the third-smallest African nation by area. The population, excluding Mayotte, is estimated at 798,000. The name "Comoros" derives from the Arabic word قمر qamar ("moon"). As a nation formed at a crossroads of many civilizations, the archipelago is noted for its diverse culture and history. The Union of the Comoros has three official languages – Comorian, Arabic and French – though French is the sole official language on Mayotte. Côte d'Ivoire: Ivory Coast or Côte d'Ivoire officially the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire is a country in West Africa. It has an area of 124,503 sq miles, and borders the countries Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana; its southern boundary is along the Gulf of Guinea. The country's population was 15,500,000 in 1998 and was estimated to be 20,500,000 in 2009. Ivory Coast's first national census in 1975 counted 6.7 million inhabitants. Democratic Republic of the Congo: The Democratic Republic of the Congo sometimes referred to as DR Congo, Congo-Kinshasa or the DRC, is a country located in Central Africa. It is the largest country in Sub-Saharan Africa by area and the eleventh largest in the world. With a population of over 75 million, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the nineteenth most populous nation in the world, the fourth most populous nation in Africa, as well as the most populous officially Francophone country. Djibouti: Djibouti officially the Republic of Djibouti, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is bordered by Eritrea in the north, Ethiopia in the west and south, and Somalia in the southeast. The remainder of the border is formed by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden at the east.In antiquity, the territory was part of the Land of Punt. The Djibouti area, along with other localities in the Horn region, was later the seat of the medieval Adal and Ifat Sultanates. In the late 19th century, the colony of French Somaliland was established following treaties signed by the ruling Somali and Afar Sultans with the French. It was subsequently renamed to the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas in 1967. A decade later, the Djiboutian people voted for independence. This officially marked the establishment of the Republic of Djibouti, named after its capital city. Djibouti joined the United Nations the same year, on September 20, 1977. In the early 1990s, tensions over government representation led to armed conflict, which ended in a power sharing agreement in 2000 between the ruling party and the opposition. Equatorial Guinea: Equatorial Guinea officially the Republic of Equatorial Guinea is a small country located in Central Africa, with an area of 11,000 sq miles. It has two parts, an insular and a mainland region. The insular region consists of the islands of Bioko (formerly Fernando Pó) in the Gulf of Guinea and Annobón, a small volcanic island south of the equator. Bioko island is the northernmost part of Equatorial Guinea and is the site of the country's capital, Malabo. The island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe is located between Bioko and Annobón. The mainland region, Río Muni, is bordered by Cameroon on the north and Gabon on the south and east. It also includes several small offshore islands (such as Corisco, Elobey Grande, and Elobey Chico). France: France officially the French Republic is a sovereign country in Western Europe that includes overseas regions and territories. Metropolitan France extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea, and from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of only three countries (besides Morocco and Spain) to have both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. Due to its shape, it is often referred to in French as l’Hexagone ("The Hexagon"). Gabon: Gabon officially the Gabonese Republic is a sovereign state on the west coast of Central Africa. Located on the equator, Gabon is bordered by Equatorial Guinea to the northwest, Cameroon to the north, the Republic of the Congo on the east and south, and the Gulf of Guinea to the west. It has an area of nearly 100,000 sq miles and its population is estimated at 1.5 million people. Its capital and largest city is Libreville. Guinea: Guinea officially the Republic of Guinea is a country in West Africa. Formerly known as French Guinea (French: Guinée française), it is today sometimes called Guinea-Conakry to distinguish it from its neighbor Guinea-Bissau and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. It has a population of 10 million and an area of 95,000 sq miles. Forming a crescent as it curves from its western border on the Atlantic Ocean toward the east and the south, it shares its northern border with Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, and Mali, and its southern border with Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Côte d'Ivoire. The sources of the Niger River, Gambia River, and Senegal River are all found in the Guinea Highlands. Haiti: Haiti officially the Republic of Haiti is a Caribbean country. It occupies the western, smaller portion of the island of Hispaniola, in the Greater Antillean archipelago, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Ayiti ("land of high mountains") was the indigenous Taíno name for the island. Its capital is Port-au-Prince. Haitian Creole and French are the official languages.Haiti's regional, historical, and ethno-linguistic position is unique for several reasons. When it gained independence in 1804, it was the first independent nation of Latin America and the Caribbean, the first black-led republic in the world, and the second republic in the Americas. Its successful revolution by slaves and free people of color lasted nearly a decade; all the first leaders of government were former slaves. Haiti is the only predominantly Francophone independent nation in the Americas. It is one of only two independent nations in the Americas (along with Canada) to designate French as an official language; the other French-speaking areas are all overseas départements, or collectivités, of France. Luxembourg: Luxembourg, officially the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (Luxembourgish: Groussherzogtum Lëtzebuerg, French: Grand-Duché de Luxembourg, German: Großherzogtum Luxemburg), is a landlocked country in Western Europe. It is bordered by Belgium to the west and north, Germany to the east, and France to the south. It is comprised of two principal regions: the Oesling in the north as part of the Ardennes massif, and the Gutland ("good country") in the south. Luxembourg has a population of 524,853 (as of October 2012) and an area of 1000 sq miles, making it one of the smallest sovereign nations in Europe. Madagascar: Madagascar, officially the Republic of and previously known as the Malagasy Republic, is an island country in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern coast of Africa. The nation comprises the island of Madagascar (the fourth-largest island in the world), as well as numerous smaller peripheral islands. Following the prehistoric breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana, Madagascar split from India around 88 million years ago, allowing native plants and animals to evolve in relative isolation. Consequently, Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot; over 90 percent of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth. The island's diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife are threatened by the encroachment of the rapidly growing human population. Mali: Mali officially the Republic of Mali is a landlocked country in West Africa. Mali is bordered by Algeria to the north, Niger to the east, Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire to the south, Guinea to the south-west, and Senegal and Mauritania to the west. Its size is just over 480,000 sq miles with a population of 14.5 million. Its capital is Bamako.Mali consists of eight regions and its borders on the north reach deep into the middle of the Sahara, while the country's southern part, where the majority of inhabitants live, features the Niger and Sénégal rivers. The country's economic structure centers on agriculture and fishing. Some of Mali's prominent natural resources include gold, being the third largest producer of gold in the African continent, and salt. About half the population lives below the international poverty line of US$1.25 a day. Mauritius:Mauritius officially the Republic of Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean about 1,200 miles off the southeast coast of the African continent. The country includes the islands of Mauritius, Rodrigues (560 kilometres (350 mi) east of the principal island), the islands of Agalega and the archipelago Saint Brandon. Mauritius claims sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago situated 1,287 kilometres (800 mi) to the north east; the United Kingdom excised the archipelago from Mauritian territory prior to Mauritius' independence and gradually depopulated it. The islands of Mauritius, Rodrigues and Réunion, 170 km (110 mi) south west, form part of the Mascarene Islands. The area of the country is 2040 km2. Its capital is Port Louis. Monaco: Monaco officially the Principality of Monaco, is a sovereign city-state, located on the French Riviera in Western Europe. It is bordered by France on three sides; one side borders the Mediterranean Sea. It has an area 0.78 sq miles, and a population of 36,400, making Monaco the second smallest, and the most densely populated, country in the world. Monaco has a land border of only 4.4 km, a coastline of 4.1 km, and a width that varies between 1,700 and 349 m. The highest point in the country is a narrow pathway named Chemin des Révoires on the slopes of Mont Agel, in the Les Révoires district, which is 161 metres above sea level. Monaco's most populous Quartier is Monte Carlo, and the most populous Ward is Larvotto/Bas Moulins. Monaco is known for its land reclamation, which has increased its size by an estimated 20%. Niger: Niger officially the Republic of Niger, is a landlocked country in Western Africa, named after the Niger River. It borders Nigeria and Benin to the south, Burkina Faso and Mali to the west, Algeria and Libya to the north and Chad to the east. Niger covers a land area of almost 1,270,000 sq/km, making it the largest nation in West Africa, with over 80 percent of its land area covered by the Sahara desert. The country's predominantly Islamic population of 17 million is mostly clustered in the far south and west of the nation. The capital city is Niamey, located in the far-southwest corner of Niger. Republic of the Congo: The Republic of the Congo, also referred to as Congo-Brazzaville, is a country located in Central Africa. It is bordered by Gabon, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Angolan exclave of Cabinda. The region was dominated by Bantu-speaking tribes, who built trade links leading into the Congo River basin. Congo-Brazzaville was formerly part of the French colony of Equatorial Africa. Upon independence in 1960, the former colony of French Congo became the Republic of the Congo. The People's Republic of the Congo was a Marxist-Leninist single-party state from 1970 to 1991. Rwanda: Rwanda officially the Republic of Rwanda (Kinyarwanda: Repubulika y'u Rwanda; French: République du Rwanda), is a sovereign state in central and east Africa. Located a few degrees south of the Equator, Rwanda is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. All of Rwanda is at high elevation, with a geography dominated by mountains in the west, savanna in the east, and numerous lakes throughout the country. The climate is temperate to subtropical, with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons every year. Senegal: Senegal officially the Republic of Senegal is a country in West Africa. It owes its name to the Sénégal River that borders it to the east and north. Senegal is externally bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, and Guinea and Guinea-Bissau to the south; internally it almost completely surrounds the Gambia, namely on the north, east and south, except for Gambia's short Atlantic coastline. Senegal covers a land area of almost 76,000 sq miles, and has an estimated population of about 13 million. The climate is tropical with two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. Seychelles:Seychelles officially the Republic of Seychelles is a 115-island country spanning an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, some 930 miles east of mainland Africa, northeast of the island of Madagascar. Other nearby island countries and territories include Zanzibar to the west, Mauritius, Rodrigues, Agaléga and Réunion to the south, and Comoros and Mayotte to the southwest. Seychelles, with an estimated population of 86,000, has the smallest population of any African state. It has the highest Human Development Index in Africa and the highest income inequality in the world, as measured by the Gini index. Seychelles is a member of the African Union. Switzerland: Switzerland officially the Swiss Confederation, is a federal parliamentary republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western and Central Europe,[note 4] where it is bordered by Germany to the north, France to the west, Italy to the south, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. Togo: Togo is a country in West Africa bordered by Ghana to the west, Benin to the east and Burkina Faso to the north. It extends south to the Gulf of Guinea, where its capital Lomé is located. Togo covers an area of approximately 22,000 sq miles with a population of approximately 6.7 million.Togo is a tropical, sub-Saharan nation, highly dependent on agriculture, with a climate that provides good growing seasons. Togo is one of the smallest countries in all of Africa. The official language is French, with many other languages spoken in Togo, particularly those of the Gbe family. The largest religious group in Togo are those with indigenous beliefs, and there are significant Christian and Muslim minorities. Togo is a member of the United Nations, African Union, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone, La Francophonie and Economic Community of West African States. Vanuatu: Vanuatu officially the Republic of Vanuatu is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. Vanuatu was first inhabited by Melanesian people. The first Europeans to visit the islands were a Spanish expedition led by Portuguese navigator Fernandes de Queirós, who arrived in Espiritu Santo in 1605; he claimed the archipelago for Spain and named it Espiritu Santo (the Spanish term for Holy Spirit). In the 1880s France and the United Kingdom claimed parts of the country, and in 1906 they agreed on a framework for jointly managing the archipelago as the New Hebrides through a British–French Condominium. An independence movement arose in the 1970s, and the Republic of Vanuatu was founded in 1980. Offices worldwide to serve you! Language Marketplace Inc. Translation USA Toll Free: 1-888-918-5455	Seychelles
Which country has the international telephone dialling code 27?	Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar - SkyscraperCity Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar As a general reminder, please respect others and respect copyrights. Go here to familiarize yourself with our posting policy. Page 1 of 51 Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar Seychelles: Seychelles (Listeni/seɪˈʃɛlz/ say-shelz; French: [sɛʃɛl]), officially the Republic of Seychelles (French: Rï¿½publique des Seychelles; Creole: Repiblik Sesel), is a 115-island country spanning an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, some 1,500 kilometres (932 mi) east of mainland Africa, northeast of the island of Madagascar. Other nearby island countries and territories include Zanzibar(Tanzania) to the west, Mauritius, Rodrigues, Agalï¿½ga and Rï¿½union to the south, and Comoros and Mayotte to the southwest. Seychelles, with an estimated population of 86,525, has the smallest population of any African state.[4] It has the highest Human Development Index in Africa and the highest income inequality in the world, as measured by the Gini index. Seychelles is a member of the African Union. Last edited by Rain Drops; November 25th, 2013 at 05:38 AM. Posts: 18,577 Madagascar Madagascar, officially the Republic of Madagascar (Malagasy: Repoblikan'i Madagasikara [republiˈkʲan madaɡasˈkʲarə̥]; French: Rï¿½publique de Madagascar) and previously known as the Malagasy Republic, is an island country in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern coast of Africa. The nation comprises the island of Madagascar (the fourth-largest island in the world), as well as numerous smaller peripheral islands. Following the prehistoric breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana, Madagascar split from India around 88 million years ago, allowing native plants and animals to evolve in relative isolation. Consequently, Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot; over 90 percent of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth. The island's diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife are threatened by the encroachment of the rapidly growing human population. Initial human settlement of Madagascar occurred between 350 BCE and 550 CE by Austronesian peoples arriving on outrigger canoes from Borneo. These were joined around 1000 CE by Bantu migrants crossing the Mozambique Channel. Other groups continued to settle on Madagascar over time, each one making lasting contributions to Malagasy cultural life. The Malagasy ethnic group is often divided into eighteen or more sub-groups of which the largest are the Merina of the central highlands. Until the late 18th century, the island of Madagascar was ruled by a fragmented assortment of shifting socio-political alliances. Beginning in the early 19th century, most of the island was united and ruled as the Kingdom of Madagascar by a series of Merina nobles. The monarchy collapsed in 1897 when the island was absorbed into the French colonial empire, from which the island regained independence in 1960. The autonomous state of Madagascar has since undergone four major constitutional periods, termed Republics. Since 1992 the nation has officially been governed as a constitutional democracy from its capital at Antananarivo. However, in a popular uprising in 2009 the last elected president Marc Ravalomanana was made to resign and presidential power was transferred in March 2009 to Andry Rajoelina in a move widely viewed by the international community as a coup d'ï¿½tat. Posts: 18,577 Mauritius Mauritius Listeni/məˈrɪʃəs/ (French: Maurice), officially the Republic of Mauritius (French: Rï¿½publique de Maurice) is an island nation in the Indian Ocean about 2,000 kilometres (1,200 mi) off the southeast coast of the African continent. The country includes the islands of Mauritius, Rodrigues, 560 kilometres (350 mi) east of the principal island, the islands of Agalï¿½ga and Saint Brandon. The islands of Mauritius, Rodrigues and the French department of Rï¿½union 170 km (110 mi) form part of the Mascarene Islands. The area of the country is 2040 km2, its capital is Port Louis. I'm amazed with all the nature beauties that these countries have. __________________ ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ Bajï¿½o ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½	i don't know
What length is the shortest side of a right-angled triangle whose longest sides are 4cm and 5cm?	Grade 8 Problems and Questions on Triangles with Solutions and Explanations The sum of the three angles in triangle ABC is equal to 180ï¿½. Hence 72 + angle ACB + angle ABC = 180 In the given isosceles triangle, angles ACB and ABC have equal measure. Hence 72 + 2 angle ABC = 180 2 angle ABC = 180 - 72 = 108 angle ABC = 54ï¿½ The perimeter of an equilateral triangle is equal to 210 cm. What is the length of one side of this triangle? Solution The three sides of an equilateral triangle have equal lengths. If x is the length of one side of an equilateral triangle, then its perimeter is equal to 3x. Hence 3x = 210 Find x so that the triangle shown below is a right triangle. . x2 = 1/4 x = 1/2 What will be the vertices of the triangle obtained by reflection on the a axis of the triangle defined by the vertices (1,2), (2,-3) and (4,-1)? Solution When a point of coordinates (x , y) is reflected on the x axis, its y coordinates changes sign and the coordinates become (x , - y). Hence when the vertices of the given triangle are reflected on the x axis, they become. (1,-(2)), (2,-(-3)) and (4,-(-1)) Simplify (1,-2), (2,3) and (4,1) The two triangles shown below are similar. Find the length of the hypotenuse of the larger triangle. . Solution In similar triangles, the corresponding sides have lengths in the same proportion. If h is the hypotenuse of the small traingle and H is the hypotanuse of the larger traingel, then 8 / 15 = h / H 8H = 150 H = 18.75 A 13 foot ladder is leaning against a vertical wall. The lowest point of the ladder is 4 feet from the wall. What is the height of the point where the ladder touches the wall? (round your answer to the nearest tenth of a foot). Solution The ladder, vertical wall and the ground make a right triangle whose hypotenuse is the ladder with length equal to 13 feet. One side of this triangle is 4 feet. If x is the other side, Pythagora's theorem may be used to find its length as follows x2 + 42 = 132 x = 12.4 feet (rounded to the nearet tenth) x is also the height of the point where the ladder touches the wall. The length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle is 40 cm. The size of one of its angles is 45 degrees. What are the exact lengths of the other two sides of the triangle? Solution A right triangle with the size of one angle equal 45ï¿½ will also have the second angle with size equal to 45ï¿½ since the sum of all 3 angles must be equal to 180ï¿½. So this triangle is right and isosceles and therefore its side lengths are equal. Let x be the length of one of its side. Use Pythagora's theorem. x2 + x2 = 402 x2 = 800 = 2ï¿½400 x = sqrt(2ï¿½400) = 20 sqrt(2) Triangle ABC is an isosceles triangle. The length of the base is 20 meters and the corresponding height is 24 meters. Find the perimeter of ABC. (round your answer to the nearest tenth of a meter). Solution The isosceles triangle ABC is shown below. Height AM is drawn. Triangles AMB and AMC are congruent since they have two congruent sides AB and AC and AM is common. Plus angles B and C are equal in size and the right angles are also equal. Hence the lengths of AM and CM are equal and therefore the length of MC is equal to 10 meters. . We now use Pythagora's theorem to find length x of side AB x2 = 242 + 102 = 676 x = 26 meters. The perimeter of the triangle is equal to length of side AC + length of side AB + length of side BC = 26 + 26 + 20 = 72 meters A triangle has an area of 90 square cm. Find the length of the base if the corresponding base is 3 cm more then the height. Solution Let b be the length of the base and h be the length of the height. Hence the area A of the triangle is gievn by A = (1/2) ï¿½ base ï¿½ height = (1/2)ï¿½ b ï¿½ h = 90 length of base is 3cm more that the height. Hence b = h + 3 Substitute b by h + 3 in the equation (1/2)ï¿½ b ï¿½ h = 90 to write (1/2))ï¿½ (h + 3) ï¿½ h = 90 Cross multiply the above equation (h + 3) ï¿½ h = 180 Expand and rewrite with right side equal to 0. h2 3h - 180 = 0 Factor and solve the equation. (h - 12)(h + 15) = 0 h = 12 b = 12 + 3 = 15 cm The perimeter of a triangle is 74 inches. The length of the first side is twice the length of the second side. The third side is 4 inches more than than the first side. Find the length of each side of the triangle. Solution Let x be the length of the second side. The first side is twice the second. Hence the first side is equal to 2x The third side is 4 inches more that the first side. Hence the third side is equal to 2x + 4 The third side is 4 inches more that the first side. Hence the third side is equal to Perimeter = side 1 + side 2 + side 3 = 2x + x + 2x + 4 = 5x + 4 But perimeter is known to be 74. Hence 5x + 4 = 74 side 1: 2x = 2 * 14 = 28 inches side 2: x = 14 inches side 3: 2x + 4 = 28 + 4 = 32 inches. Detemine the area of the triangle enclosed by the lines y = -4, x = 1 and y = -2x + 8: Solution The three lines are drawn in a standard system of axes and the three vertices of the traingle are A, B and C. To find the area of the the triangle, we need to find the lengths of the height and base. To find the height and base , we need to find the coordinates of points A and C. . Point A is the intersection of lines x = 1 and y = -2x + 8. So point A has x coordinates x = 1. Hence the y coordinate is found by substitution x by 1 in the equation of line y = -2x + 8. y = -2(1) + 8 = 6 Let yA be the y coordinate of point A and yB the y coordinate of point B. The length of height AB is given by. AB = \|yA - yB\| = \|6 -(-4)\| = 10 Point B is the intersection of lines y = - 4 and y = -2x + 8. So point B has y coordinates y = - 4. Hence the x coordinate is found by substitution y by - 4 in the equation of line y = -2x + 8. - 4 = -2x + 8 Solve for x. x = 6 Let xB be the x coordinate of point B and xC the x coordinate of point C. The length of base BC is given by. BC = \|xC - xB\| = \|6 - 1\| = 5 The area A of the triangle ABC is given by. (1/2) ï¿½ AB ï¿½ BC = (1/2)ï¿½ 10 ï¿½ 5 = 25 square units Show that the the triangle with vertices A(-1,6), B(2,6), C(2,2) is a right triangle and find its area. Solution We first find the square of the distances between the points and then use the converse of Pythagora's theorem to see if the triangle is right AB2 = (2 - (-1))2 + (6 - 6)2 = 9 , hence AB = 3 BC2 = (2 - 2)2 + (2 - 6)2 = 16 , hence BC = 4 CA2 = (-1 - 2)2 + (6 - 2)2 = 25 , hence CA = 5 It is clear that CA2 = BC2 + AB2 which is Pythagora's theorem. So triangle ABC is a right triangle and its hypotenuse is CA (longest of all 3 sides). It area A is given by (1/2) ï¿½ AB ï¿½ BC = (1/2) ï¿½ 3 ï¿½ 4 = 6 square units	3 distance
A framework beam - a fink - that supports a wide-spanning roof is also known as a '(what nationality) truss'?	Grade 8 Problems and Questions on Triangles with Solutions and Explanations The sum of the three angles in triangle ABC is equal to 180ï¿½. Hence 72 + angle ACB + angle ABC = 180 In the given isosceles triangle, angles ACB and ABC have equal measure. Hence 72 + 2 angle ABC = 180 2 angle ABC = 180 - 72 = 108 angle ABC = 54ï¿½ The perimeter of an equilateral triangle is equal to 210 cm. What is the length of one side of this triangle? Solution The three sides of an equilateral triangle have equal lengths. If x is the length of one side of an equilateral triangle, then its perimeter is equal to 3x. Hence 3x = 210 Find x so that the triangle shown below is a right triangle. . x2 = 1/4 x = 1/2 What will be the vertices of the triangle obtained by reflection on the a axis of the triangle defined by the vertices (1,2), (2,-3) and (4,-1)? Solution When a point of coordinates (x , y) is reflected on the x axis, its y coordinates changes sign and the coordinates become (x , - y). Hence when the vertices of the given triangle are reflected on the x axis, they become. (1,-(2)), (2,-(-3)) and (4,-(-1)) Simplify (1,-2), (2,3) and (4,1) The two triangles shown below are similar. Find the length of the hypotenuse of the larger triangle. . Solution In similar triangles, the corresponding sides have lengths in the same proportion. If h is the hypotenuse of the small traingle and H is the hypotanuse of the larger traingel, then 8 / 15 = h / H 8H = 150 H = 18.75 A 13 foot ladder is leaning against a vertical wall. The lowest point of the ladder is 4 feet from the wall. What is the height of the point where the ladder touches the wall? (round your answer to the nearest tenth of a foot). Solution The ladder, vertical wall and the ground make a right triangle whose hypotenuse is the ladder with length equal to 13 feet. One side of this triangle is 4 feet. If x is the other side, Pythagora's theorem may be used to find its length as follows x2 + 42 = 132 x = 12.4 feet (rounded to the nearet tenth) x is also the height of the point where the ladder touches the wall. The length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle is 40 cm. The size of one of its angles is 45 degrees. What are the exact lengths of the other two sides of the triangle? Solution A right triangle with the size of one angle equal 45ï¿½ will also have the second angle with size equal to 45ï¿½ since the sum of all 3 angles must be equal to 180ï¿½. So this triangle is right and isosceles and therefore its side lengths are equal. Let x be the length of one of its side. Use Pythagora's theorem. x2 + x2 = 402 x2 = 800 = 2ï¿½400 x = sqrt(2ï¿½400) = 20 sqrt(2) Triangle ABC is an isosceles triangle. The length of the base is 20 meters and the corresponding height is 24 meters. Find the perimeter of ABC. (round your answer to the nearest tenth of a meter). Solution The isosceles triangle ABC is shown below. Height AM is drawn. Triangles AMB and AMC are congruent since they have two congruent sides AB and AC and AM is common. Plus angles B and C are equal in size and the right angles are also equal. Hence the lengths of AM and CM are equal and therefore the length of MC is equal to 10 meters. . We now use Pythagora's theorem to find length x of side AB x2 = 242 + 102 = 676 x = 26 meters. The perimeter of the triangle is equal to length of side AC + length of side AB + length of side BC = 26 + 26 + 20 = 72 meters A triangle has an area of 90 square cm. Find the length of the base if the corresponding base is 3 cm more then the height. Solution Let b be the length of the base and h be the length of the height. Hence the area A of the triangle is gievn by A = (1/2) ï¿½ base ï¿½ height = (1/2)ï¿½ b ï¿½ h = 90 length of base is 3cm more that the height. Hence b = h + 3 Substitute b by h + 3 in the equation (1/2)ï¿½ b ï¿½ h = 90 to write (1/2))ï¿½ (h + 3) ï¿½ h = 90 Cross multiply the above equation (h + 3) ï¿½ h = 180 Expand and rewrite with right side equal to 0. h2 3h - 180 = 0 Factor and solve the equation. (h - 12)(h + 15) = 0 h = 12 b = 12 + 3 = 15 cm The perimeter of a triangle is 74 inches. The length of the first side is twice the length of the second side. The third side is 4 inches more than than the first side. Find the length of each side of the triangle. Solution Let x be the length of the second side. The first side is twice the second. Hence the first side is equal to 2x The third side is 4 inches more that the first side. Hence the third side is equal to 2x + 4 The third side is 4 inches more that the first side. Hence the third side is equal to Perimeter = side 1 + side 2 + side 3 = 2x + x + 2x + 4 = 5x + 4 But perimeter is known to be 74. Hence 5x + 4 = 74 side 1: 2x = 2 * 14 = 28 inches side 2: x = 14 inches side 3: 2x + 4 = 28 + 4 = 32 inches. Detemine the area of the triangle enclosed by the lines y = -4, x = 1 and y = -2x + 8: Solution The three lines are drawn in a standard system of axes and the three vertices of the traingle are A, B and C. To find the area of the the triangle, we need to find the lengths of the height and base. To find the height and base , we need to find the coordinates of points A and C. . Point A is the intersection of lines x = 1 and y = -2x + 8. So point A has x coordinates x = 1. Hence the y coordinate is found by substitution x by 1 in the equation of line y = -2x + 8. y = -2(1) + 8 = 6 Let yA be the y coordinate of point A and yB the y coordinate of point B. The length of height AB is given by. AB = \|yA - yB\| = \|6 -(-4)\| = 10 Point B is the intersection of lines y = - 4 and y = -2x + 8. So point B has y coordinates y = - 4. Hence the x coordinate is found by substitution y by - 4 in the equation of line y = -2x + 8. - 4 = -2x + 8 Solve for x. x = 6 Let xB be the x coordinate of point B and xC the x coordinate of point C. The length of base BC is given by. BC = \|xC - xB\| = \|6 - 1\| = 5 The area A of the triangle ABC is given by. (1/2) ï¿½ AB ï¿½ BC = (1/2)ï¿½ 10 ï¿½ 5 = 25 square units Show that the the triangle with vertices A(-1,6), B(2,6), C(2,2) is a right triangle and find its area. Solution We first find the square of the distances between the points and then use the converse of Pythagora's theorem to see if the triangle is right AB2 = (2 - (-1))2 + (6 - 6)2 = 9 , hence AB = 3 BC2 = (2 - 2)2 + (2 - 6)2 = 16 , hence BC = 4 CA2 = (-1 - 2)2 + (6 - 2)2 = 25 , hence CA = 5 It is clear that CA2 = BC2 + AB2 which is Pythagora's theorem. So triangle ABC is a right triangle and its hypotenuse is CA (longest of all 3 sides). It area A is given by (1/2) ï¿½ AB ï¿½ BC = (1/2) ï¿½ 3 ï¿½ 4 = 6 square units	i don't know
The Turbans, The Five Satins, and The Diamonds helped establish what musical style?	Various Artists - The Only Doo-Wop Collection You'll Ever Need [2 CD] - Amazon.com Music The Only Doo-Wop Collection You'll Ever Need [2 CD] Audio CD, January 18, 2005 "Please retry" $16.99 Free Shipping for Prime Members \| Fast, FREE Shipping with Amazon Prime In Stock. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available. Frequently Bought Together Add all three to Cart Add all three to List Buy the selected items together This item:The Only Doo-Wop Collection You'll Ever Need [2 CD] by Various Artists Audio CD $16.99 In Stock. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. FREE Shipping on orders over $49. Details The Very Best Of Doo-Wop - Various by Various Artists Audio CD $11.39 In Stock. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. FREE Shipping on orders over $49. Details 50s Jukebox Hits by VARIOUS ARTISTS Audio CD $15.11 In Stock. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. FREE Shipping on orders over $49. Details Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1 This shopping feature will continue to load items. In order to navigate out of this carousel please use your heading shortcut key to navigate to the next or previous heading. Page 1 of 1 Start over Sponsored Products are advertisements for products sold by merchants on Amazon.com. When you click on a Sponsored Product ad, you will be taken to an Amazon detail page where you can learn more about the product and purchase it. To learn more about Amazon Sponsored Products, click here . Ad feedback Special Offers and Product Promotions Save Big On Open-Box & Pre-owned: Buy "The Only Doo-Wop Collection You'll Ever Need [2 CD]â from Amazon Warehouse Deals and save 41% off the $20.98 list price. Product is eligible for Amazon's 30-day returns policy and Prime or FREE Shipping. See all Open-Box & Pre-owned offers from Amazon Warehouse Deals. Your cost could be $0.00 instead of $16.99! Get a $50 Amazon.com Gift Card instantly upon approval for the Amazon Rewards Visa Card Apply now Editorial Reviews Considering this 2-CD set was put together by a lot of the same guys who created Rhino's Doo Wop Box , the title might be right! There sure is no doubt that all 37 tracks here are peak vocal group performances, cross-licensed from everywhere: Why Do Fools Fall in Love Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers; A Teenager in Love Dion & the Belmonts; 16 Candles Crests; Since I Don't Have You Skyliners; Earth Angel Penguins; Little Darlin' Diamonds; The Great Pretender Platters; In the Still of the Nite Five Satins; I Only Have Eyes for You Flamingos; Speedoo Cadillacs; Little Star Elegants; Sincerely Moonglows; Get a Job Silhouettes; Blue Moon Marcels; Denise Randy & the Rainbows; Island of Love Sheppards; Rama Lama Ding Dong Edsels; I Do Marvelows; There's a Moon Out Tonight Capris; So Fine Fiestas; Unchained Melody Vito & the Salutations; When You Dance Turbans; My True Story Jive Five; Daddy's Home Shep & the Limelites, and more. Track Listings 1. Why Do Fools Fall In Love - The Teenagers, featuring Frankie Lymon 2. I Wonder Why - Dion & The Belmonts 3. Come Go With Me - The Dell Vikings 4. In The Still Of The Nite - The Five Satins 5. Since I DonÂt Have You - The Skyliners, With Lenny Martin & The Orchestra 6. Sincerely - The Moonglows 7. The Great Pretender - The Platters 8. Trickle, Trickle - The Videos 9. 16 Candles - The Crests 10. Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine) - The Penguins 11. When You Dance - The Turbans 12. Goodnite Sweetheart, Goodnite - Spaniels 13. Speedoo - The Cadillacs, With Jesse Powell Orchestra 14. Get A Job - The Silhouettes 15. Island Of Love - The Sheppards 16. For Your Precious Love - Jerry Butler & The Impressions 17. Little Star - The Elegants 18. So Fine - The Fiestas Disc: 2 1. A Teenager In Love - Dion & The Belmonts 2. ThereÂs A Moon Out Tonight - The Capris 3. Remember Then - The Earls 4. DaddyÂs Home - Shep & The Limelites 5. I Only Have Eyes For You - The Flamingos 6. At My Front Door - The El Dorados 7. My True Story - The Jive Five, With Joe Rene & Orchestra 8. Hushabye - The Mystics 9. Little DarlinÂ - The Diamonds 10. Rama Lama Ding Dong - The Edsels 11. You Belong To Me - The Duprees 12. Unchained Melody - Vito & The Salutations 13. I Do - The Marvelows 14. Step By Step - The Crests 15. Blue Moon - The Marcels 16. Denise - Randy & The Rainbows 17. Over The Mountain, Cross The Sea - Johnnie & Joe With Rex Garvin & His Orchestra 18. Duke Of Earl - Gene Chandler 19. Those Oldies But Goodies (Remind Me Of You) - Little Caesar & The Romans Product Details Audio CD (January 18, 2005) Original Release Date: January 18, 2005 Number of Discs: 2	Doo-wop
What psychological condition was named after Greek legend of a beautiful hunter who fell in love with his own reflection?	YouTube History of Music: Birth of Rock & Roll 3: Doo Wop The use of nonsense syllables in vocal harmony long preceded doo wop. It was 1931 when the Mills Brothers first recorded their version of the barbershop quartet ('Tiger Rag'). Their parents actually owned a barbershop and first christened the group The Four Kings of Harmony. The brothers were Donald (lead tenor), Harry (baritone), Herbert (tenor) and John Jr. (guitar and bass vocal). Barbershop harmony was in its heyday during the first two decades of the 20th century, largely fading away during the Roaring Twenties. The Mills Brothers were thus rather something of barbershop music revivalists who gave it a whole new swing while making a cappella harmony very popular. The group appeared in its first film, 'The Big Broadcast', in 1932. In 1934 they played for King George V and Queen Mary in England, becoming popular not long after on the Continent as well. The Mills Brothers recorded into the seventies, their last song to place in the Top Forty being 'Cab Driver' in 1968 at No. 23 in the United States. They continued in various configurations upon the death of John Jr. in 1936 of pneumonia. Harry died in 1982, Herbert in 1989, and Donald in 1999 of pneumonia. Donald's last recording had been 'Still...There's You' in November that year. The group continued for a time with Donald's son, John II, they no longer touring as of this writing. The Mills Brothers 1931 Source: Three Perfect Minutes Long before anyone had any notion of rock and roll the Ink Spots were performing music that would develop into the doo wop limb of R&B that gave rise to rock and roll. Originally consisting of Orville Jones, Ivory Watson, Jerry Daniels and Charlie Fuqua, the Ink Spots made their first recordings in 1935 with 'Mama Don't Allow It' and 'Swingin' On the Strings'. Daniels was replaced as lead tenor in 1936 by Bill Kenny, with whom the group would experience its heydays. Beginning with 'We Three' in 1940, the Ink Spots managed to place 18 songs in the Top Ten before 1950. Other nonoriginal configurations of the Ink Spots arose, but the group Kenny led dissolved after its final performance at the Bolero Bar in Wildwood New Jersey, in July of 1954. The Ink Spots with Bill Kenny were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an influence in 1989. Their 1939 issue of 'If I Didn't Care' was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame the same year. They were elected into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. The Ink Spots 1935 Source: Singers Another swing era vocal group predating but contributing to the rise of doo wop was the Delta Rhythm Boys , first recording in 1940. Consisting of Otha Lee Gaines (bass vocals), Essie Adkins (bass vocals), Traverse Crawford (second tenor) and Elmaurice Miller (first tenor), the group first came together in 1934 at Langston University in Oklahoma. In 1936 they moved to New Orleans to attend Dillard University. They there picked up arranger and pianist, Rene DeKnight, to make the quartet a quintet. Other personnel changes were made such that at the time of the group's first recording it consisted of DeKnight, Gaines and Crawford, with Adkins and Miller replaced by Harry Lewis and Clinton Holland. The Boys' initial record release was 'Chilly & Cold' b/w 'Gimme Some Skin'. Becoming highly popular in Europe upon their first tour there in 1948, the group migrated across the Atlantic in 1956 and would later make Paris home base. The Delta Rhythm Boys performed well into the eighties with various personnel changes, Gaines the only original member of the group upon his retirement in 1986 and death the following year. Delta Rhythm Boys 1940 Like the Ink Spots, the Brown Dots preceded doo wop but made a major contribution to its development. They were formed upon Ivory "Deeks" Watson leaving the Ink Spots in 1944. Other members: Pat Best (baritone and guitar), Jimmy Gordon and Joe King. 'Sentimental Reasons' (unfound) was among the four songs the Brown Dots recorded at their first session for Manor Records in 1945. King was replaced by Jimmie Nabbie later in the year. In 1946 the Sentimentalists were formed upon Best, Gordon and Nabbie severing from Watson. The Sentimentalists would record with Savannah Churchill before changing their name to the Four Tunes (or 4 Tunes) later that year. As for Watson, he put a new Brown Dots together, continuing to record, and also joined other configurations of the Ink Spots while fading into obscurity. Watson died in 1969 in Washington DC. The Brown Dots 1945 Source: Homoerratic Radio Show The basic structure of the doo wop group was a lead, two tenors and a baritone. Jimmy Ricks, however, had one of the deepest bass voices in music, which proved to be an advantage to the Ravens which first recorded in 1946 and became one of the earliest doo wop groups. In addition to Ricks, the Ravens fundamentally consisted of Malthe Marshall (replacing Henry Jones), Warren Suttles and Leonard Puzey. Of six tracks recorded in June of '46 'Honey' and 'Lullaby' were the first to be released by Hub Records. The group changed personnel a bit through the years, until finally dismantling in 1958. They had attained the No. 4 position on the R&B chart in 1952 for 'Rock Me All Night Long', not again to notably chart. The Ravens were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998. The Ravens 1946 Source: Vocal Group Harmony When Joe King, Pat Best and Jimmy Gordon left the Brown Dots they got together with Danny Owens to form the Sentimentalists in 1946. Jimmie Nabbie replaced King later that year. They recorded that year for the Manor label, backind Savannah Churchill 's recording of 'I Want to Be Loved'. Briefly afterward they changed their name to the Four Tunes upon request by swing band leader Tommy Dorsey , known as 'The Sentimental Gentleman Of Swing', thinking the Sentimentalists might rival his banner. Such presented no problem, so that the group began backing Churchill in 1948 as the Four Tunes. Notable in 1953 was 'Marie' rising to No. 2 on the R&B chart. 'I Understand (Just How You Feel)' attained to No. 6 on Billboard's pop chart the next year. The early fifties were the heydays for the 4 Tunes, though Nabbie would lead the group until 1963, various configurations continuing over the following decades. The Four Tunes were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004. The Four Tunes 1948 Source: Marv Goldberg In 1948 the Orioles , released their first recording, 'It's Too Soon to Know', written by Deborah Chessler, their manager, They didn't dally about getting popular, as that charted at No. 1. The Orioles consisted of Sonny Til (lead tenor), Alexander Sharp (high tenor), George Nelson (baritone), Johnny Reed (bass vocals and double bass)and Tommy Gaither (guitar). The group began dropping away after Carroll replaced Nelson in 1953. 'Crying in the Chapel' hung around at No. 1 on the R&B chart for five weeks afterward that year, but the fundamental Orioles had made their run and gone past tense by the time their manager, Chessler, left in February of 1955. Further configurations arose into the new millennium, but by then the group had long since an oldies attraction. The Orioles 1948 Source: Discogs Among the earliest doo wop groups (not to be confused with the much later Chicago Blenders ) was the Blenders . A New York City group, they made their professional debut in 1949. Their first four milk shakes were 'I Can Dream, Can't I', 'Why Is It You', 'Come Back Baby Blues' and 'Why Does A Good Man Get Kicked Around'. The group consisted of Ollie Jones, James DeLoach, Tommy Adams and Abel DeCosta. The Blenders took on some stiff competition in the fifties when Hamilton Beach was appearing at 5 & 10s, Woolworths and soda fountains everywhere throughout the nation. But that didn't ruffle the Blenders. They mixed right back with 'Don't Play Around With Love' in 1953. They did an alternate take of that called 'Don't Fuck Around With Love', telling Hamilton Beach to get out of town. The latter replied "So what" and stirred on everywhere just as before. Hamilton Beach proved the big dog and the Blenders were unplugged in 1954, disbanding that year. The Blenders 1949 Bobby Day Bobby Day (Robert Byrd) was born in Fort Worth Texas, in 1930. In 1945 he headed for Los Angeles, changed his name from Byrd to Day in 1957, then formed the (Hollywood) Flames In 1949. The group's first gig was at the Barrelhouse Club, owned by Johnny Otis , where the Robins were formed about the same time. The Flames' first single was 'Young Girl', recorded in January of 1950. The Flames recorded under various names (such as the Hollywood Four Flames) for several years, and Day was very popular locally. But he didn't arrive to substantial national recognition until reforming the Flames into the Satellites and recording 'Rockin' Robin' in 1958 (a less successful version released the year before by the Valiants, another doo-wop group). Day was also part of the duo called Bob and Earl with Earl Nelson in the early sixties. (He was replaced by Bob Relf with whom the Bob and Earl duo released 'Harlem Shuffle' in 1963.) Day's biography with that of the Flames during the sixties is as complex as it is missing. Suffice it to say that Day released numerous recordings for several labels in various capacities, not again to achieve his earlier success with 'Rockin' Robin'. The Flames, having been through multiple names and personnel changes, last recorded in 1965 and was disbanded by 1967. Day toured Australia and New Zealand, thought in the latter sixties, returning to Florida in the States perhaps in the early seventies. After a time he returned to Los Angeles, soon becoming an oldies attraction. Day toured the United Kingdom in 1989, the year before his death of cancer in July 1990. Bobby Day 1953 Source: Lara Petersson Music The Robins was a doo wop group that came together at the Barrelhouse Club owned by Johnny Otis in Los Angeles, the same place that Bobby Day formed the Flames about the same time. Original members consisting of Bobby Nunn, Terrell Leonard, Billy Richard and Roy Richard, the Robins had first recorded as the Bluebirds in 1949. They did one side for the Excelsior label: 'My Baby Done Told Me'. They released 'Around About Midnight'/'You Sure Look Good To Me' the same year, followed by 'Don't Like the Way You're Doing'/'Come Back Baby'. The Robins were reconfigured as the Coasters in 1956. As usual, the tracks below are in alphabetical sequence by year, not ordered by date. The Robins 1949 The Cardinals , among the major doo-wop groups, first formed in 1946 as the Mellotones. They changed their name to the Cardinals in 1950, the year they released 'Shouldn’t I Know', peaking at No. 7 on Billboard's R&B chart that year. The group began to go through personnel changes in 1951, before releasing 'The Door Is Still Open (To My Heart)' in 1953, again charting at No.7 on Billboard's R&B. The Cardinals performed in one configuration or another into the sixties, disappearing with not a few doo wop groups as the British Invasion proceeded to largely wipe out the genre. The Cardinals 1951 Source: Last FM Billy Ward and the Dominoes first recorded with 'Do Something For Me' in 1951. Billy Ward had been born in Savannah, Georgia, and had studied at Juilliard in New York. At first called the Ques, the original Dominoes consisted of Clyde McPhatter (lead tenor), Charlie White (tenor), Joe Lamont (baritone) and Bill Brown (bass). Ward was the group's arranger and pianist. 'Do Something For Me' took the No. 6 spot on Billboard in 1951. 'Sixty Minute Man' reached No. 1 later that year. The Dominoes also backed Little Esther Phillips that year on several tracks for Federal Records. Some think of it as the first rock n roll record for its demographics, the first time an R&B release sold to as many Caucasians as blacks. In 1953 Jackie Wilson replaced Clyde McPhatter as lead. In 1957 the Dominoes released their 12th and last single to crack the Top Ten on Billboard's U.S. R&B, 'Star Dust' at #5. That was fairly much the group's last hurrah, Jackie Wilson leaving later that year to shape a solo career. The Dominoes performed into the sixties before drifting apart. Ward died in February of 2002 in Inglewood, CA, before the Dominoes were elected into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2006. The Dominoes 1951 Source: OSML The Five Keys released their first single, 'With a Broken Heart' b/w 'Too Late', in 1951. The Five Keys had originated as the Sentimental Four in 1945 in Newport News, Virginia. The Sentimental Four was a gospel quartet of two pairs of brothers, all yet in school: Rudy and Bernie West with Raphael and Ripley Ingram. Numerous personnel changes, however, were soon to occur. The Sentimental Four were rechristened the Five Keys upon their first performance as such at the Apollo Theater in August of '49 (Billie Holiday headlining). Apollo manager, Isaac Burton, decided upon the name upon a set of five skeleton keys falling to the floor. After the Keys' release of 'With s Broken Heart' in 1951 they issued 'The Glory of Love' the same year, to sit atop Billboard's R&B chart at No. 1. Maryland Pierce joined the group in 1954, he and Rudy the group's main lead singers. 1955 saw two Five Keys songs reach Billboard's #5 tier: 'Close Your Eyes' and 'Ling, Ting, Tong'. The Keys enjoyed a strong run into the sixties, collapsing into an oldies group a year or so after the Beatles first invaded. Doo wop had begun to fade in popularity in the sixties all by itself, but the British invasion put out its lights as a contemporary genre. The Five Keys variously reunited into the seventies before dropping out of sight altogether. Rudy West died in 1998. The group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002. Maryland Pierce has yet been active performing well into the new millennium. Bernie West is thought to yet reside in Newport News, Virginia, where it all began, as of this writing. The Five Keys 1951 Source: Doo-Wop Blog Lead tenor, JC Ginyard, first formed the Du Droppers to be a gospel group in 1952. Switching to R&B, their first record release was in December that year, a response to the Dominoes', 'Sixty Minute Man': 'Can't Do Sixty No More'/'Chain Me Baby'. The record label was Red Robin, also a record shop in New York. The Du-Droppers moved to RCA to release 'I Found Out' in June of 1953. The group released its last plate in August 1955: 'You're Mine Already' b/w 'I Wanna Love You', after which Junior Ginyard returned to gospel with the Golden Gate Quartet. The Du-Droppers 1952 It was 1947 when the Bachelors first got together as the Cavaliers in Washington DC. The group consisted of Waverly Mason (lead), James Walton (first tenor), Walter Taylor (second tenor), Herbert Fisher (baritone) and John Bowie (bass). (Only Walton, Fischer and Bowie remained with the Bachelors for the photo, circa 1956, to the right.) They soon changed their name to the Jets, under which they first recorded in 1953 ('Drag It Home, Baby). But as there was another group called the Jets, they began recording as the Bachelors the same year. Personnel changes brought about the dismantling of the Bachelors and the formation of the Links in 1958. Titles below are in alphabetical order by year. The Bachelors 1953 Source: Marv Goldberg Hank Ballard was born John Henry Kendricks in Detroit in 1927. He was working an assembly line at the Ford Motor Company when he was invited to replace Lawson Smith in the Royals. (The Royals had made their first recording in 1952 with Charles Sutton at lead: 'Every Beat of my Heart'.) It was 1953 when Ballard made his first recording with the Royals: 'Get It'. In 1954 they changed their name to the Midnighters to avoid confusion with other bands named the Royals. It was with the Midnighters that Ballard released 'The Twist' in 1959. But it was Chubby Checker 's cover in 1960 that got the publicity via Dick Clark's 'American Bandstand'. The Midnighters would take doo wop into the sixties when it ceased to be a popular musical style, disbanding in 1965. Ballard then pursued a solo career until he reformed the Midnighters in the eighties. That group performed until 2002. Ballard died in March of 2003 of throat cancer in Los Angeles. Hank Ballard 1954 Source: Marv Goldberg The Castelles (not to be confused with the later pop vocal harmony group from Santa Rosa, CA, the Castells) began coming together in 1949 while yet kids. They were a a group of junior and high school students busking on the streets of Philadelphia as the Royal Castelles by the time they took on manager, Lucille McCord. She took them to see Herb Slotkin and Jerry Ragovoy who decided to found Grend Records with them. The group dropped "Royal" from their name and issued their debut 45 in October of 1953: 'My Girl Awaits Me'/'Sweetness'. At that time the group was comprised of George Grant (lead tenor), Octavius Anthony (first tenor), Billy Taylor (first & second tenor/baritone), Ron Everett (bass) and Frank Vance (guitar). In 1955 both Everett and Vance were replaced by Clarence Scott for the 1956 issue of 'Happy and Gay'/'Hey Baby Baby'. That record going nowhere, Grant shut down operations. George Grant and Billy Taylor (not, by the way, the jazz pianist ) continued their musical careers. In 1991 Grant released 'Surrender To Love'/'Baby Please Don't Stop' as George Grant & the Castelles. That is thought to be a misprint, the Calvanes the actual group. The Castelles 1953 The Charms was a group led by Otis Williams (not the same Otis Williams as in the Temptations ) which original members were Bob Smith (tenor - later replaced by Donald Peak), Rolland Bradley (tenor), Joe Penn (baritone/tenor) and Richard Parker (bass). The group first recorded in 1953: 'Heaven Only Knows'. Several more releases were made until 'Hearts of Stone' reached No. 1 on Billboard in 1954 and went gold. The Charms saw their dissolution upon Williams getting drafted into the Army in 196o, though earlier recordings were yet released. Williams pursued a solo career upon his discharge from military service in 1962. The Charms 1953 The Drifters first recorded in 1953, Clyde McPhatter , their lead singer, having been with the Dominoes . Their release of 'Money Honey' b/w 'Lucille' in '53 was by ensembles of different personnel, "Lucille' recorded at their first session, 'Money Honey' at their second. They would soon install a rotating door for changes in personnel, McPhatter leaving the group in 1954. Two more lead vocalists (David Baughn and Bobby Hendricks) were employed by the group until joined by Johnny Moore in 1955 to become the Drifters' mainstay. 'Up on the Roof' in 1962 placed No. 5 on Billboard, followed in 1963 by 'On Broadway'. 'Up on the Roof' had been too windy so they moved 'Under the Boardwalk' in 1964 to chart at No. 4. It remained on Cash Box at No. 1 for three weeks. The album by the same title released in 1964 also achieved Billboard's No. 4 tier. But the Drifters ceased to chart well in the States after that, so they floated off to the UK in 1972 where they remained a huge draw. Their last to break the Top Ten in the UK was 'You're More than a Number in My Little Red Book', peaking at No. 5 in 1976. Moore left the Drifters in 1982, after which the group has remained active despite infinite personnel changes. The Drifters 1953 The Five Blue Notes began to put their act together as the Blue Jays in high school in Washington DC in 1950. That group consisted of Andy Magruder (lead), Waymond Mooney (first tenor), Robert Stroud (second tenor), Moise Vaughn (baritone/bass) and Melvin Lee (guitar). The Blue Jays made their first demos in 1953 at the Park Lane Pharmacy in DC, next to the Circle Recording Studio on Pennsylvania Avenue. Costing a $!.25 per side, the Blue Jays are thought to have recorded at least thirty. They became the 5 Blue Notes to avoid confusion with another group by that name in 1953. Their first recording session as such was in October of 1953. Of those tracks, promos were made of 'My Gal Is Gone' and 'Ooh Baby'. Sabre Records (Chance imprint) delayed release of those until December, during which time Magruder got impatient and joined the Marines. The tracks were released locally and charted at #1 in Washington DC. 'The Beat Of Our Hearts'/'You Gotta Go Baby' was issued in June of 1954. But by that time Vaughn had left the group that March, also for the Marines. No more was heard of the 5 Blue Notes until Magruder left the Marines in 1958 to resurrect them as Robert Stroud, Moise Vaughn, Jackie Shedrick and Louis Smalls as lead tenor. Onda issued 'My Special Prayer'/'Somethin' Awful' in 1958, changing the flip side to 'The Thunderbird' in 1959. The group permanently dissipated that year, Magruder, joining the Spaniels the next year. The Five Blue Notes 1953 It was 1950 when a Harlem group called the Dovers formed. Harlem would figure big in doo wop, producing countless groups. The Dovers recorded nothing. In 1953 personnel got sifted as the group became the Five Willows . Members at that time were Tony Middleton （lead), Richie Davis （tenor), Ralph Martin （tenor), Joe Martin （baritone) and John Steel （bass). Their debut release was 'Lay Your Head On My Shoulder' b/w 'Baby, Come A Little'. The group renamed itself simply the Willows in 1954. Notable in 1956 was their release 'Church Bells May Ring', reaching No. 12 on Billboard's R&B. The Diamonds ' version of that song the same year charted at #14. The Willows tied it up in 1965, having never released an album. (A compilation called 'The Willows featuring Tony Middleton' was issued in 1988.) Sporadic reunions occurred into the nineties until prior Willows' members began dying off. New configurations continued into the millennium. The Five Willows 1953 Source: Soul Music HQ Doo wop group, the Flamingos , were originally a bunch of dirty little birds called the Swallows. They tried a couple more names until deciding on the Flamingos in 1953. Members at that time were Jacob Carey, Ezekial (Zeke) Carey, Paul Wilson, John Carter and Sollie McElroy. The Flamingos issued their first record, 'If I Can't Have You'/'Someday Somewhere' in 1953, followed by 'That's My Desire' with 'Hurry Home Baby' flipside. In 1955 'I'll Be Home' reached the No. 5 tier on Billboard's R&B. 'I Only Have Eyes For You' grabbed Billboard's #3 position in R&B, and #11 in the US overall, in 1959. But that would be the last the group approached the Top Ten. The Flamingos, which members could seem to change one day to the next, made its last recordings in the seventies, Jacob, Ezekial and Wilson yet members. The Flamingos 1953 Source: All Music Upon release from the Army in 1949, Harvey Fuqua was twenty years old, born in 1929 in Louisville, Kentucky. He and friend, Bobby Lester, began their music careers by forming a duo together. In 1951 they put together a doo wop group, the Crazy Sounds. Radio host Alan Freed became their manager in 1953 and suggested the group change its name to the Moonglows . (Fuqua went by Moondog.) Other members of The Moonglows were Alexander Graves, Prentiss Barnes, Billy Johnson and William Westbrooks. They first recorded for the Champaign label in 1952. Lead was in general split between Lester and Fuqua, with Lester doing the doo wop ballads and Fuqua fronting the more rock n roll oriented material. (Fuqua leads on the group's first release below. Lester leads on 'Sincerely' and 'The Ten Commandments of Love'.) The Moonglows were also known as the Moonlighters when they recorded with Chess Records in 1955 and 1956. Fuqua's first solo issue is thought to have been 'I Want Somebody' b/w 'Da Da Goo Goo' in 1958. During the period that Fugua was with the Moonglows six of their songs reached the Top Ten on Billboard's R&B, including 'Sincerely', topping the chart in March of 1955. In 1959 he split from the Moonglows to form Harvey and the New Moonglows, of which Marvin Gaye was a member. In 1961 Fuqua began work on his own record labels, Tri-Phi Records and Harvey Records, handling, for example, the Spinners . In 1962 he recorded with the Quails. (The Quails were a group with small impact, formed in 1957. Their debut releases that year, with Mercury Records, are thought to be 'Hop Scotch Rock' and 'Jungle Baby'.) Bobby Lester died at the relatively young age of 49 in 1980, of cancer. Fuqua died in 2010 (perhaps of Detroit, where I've been, so I'd know.) The Moonglows 1953 Based in Los Angeles, the Lamplighters consisted of Willie Ray Rockton, Matthew Nelson, Thurston Harris and Al Frazier. They released their first vinyl in 1953, making their recording debut in November that year for Federal Records: 'Part of Me' b/w 'Turn Me Loose'. In September that year they issued 'Be-Bop Wino' backed by 'Give Me'. The Lamplighters also recorded as the Tenderfoots in 1955, as the Sharps with Thurston Harris in 1957 ('Little Bitty Pretty One' and 'Do What You Did') and the Rivingtons in the early sixties ('Poppa Ooh Mow Mow'). Neither the Lamplighters nor any of their other incarnations ever scored on a Billboard chart with the exception of the Rivingtons approaching the Top Forty a couple times ('The Bird's the Word' did peak at #27 on Billboard's R&B in 1963). Big splash that they were in Los Angeles, the Lamplighters never acquired the national spotlight. The Lamplighters 1953 Source: Discogs The Platters , made their first record release in 1953 as Tony Williams and the Platters: 'Give Thanks' with 'Hey Now'. That group began shifting into the one that it's largely known by in 1953 due to taking up songwirter, Buck Ram, as a manager. Ram shaped the Platters into Tony Williams, Herb Reed, Paul Robi, David Lynch and Zola Taylor, which ensemble remained intact until 1960. The Platters issued a stream of recordings for Federal Records into 1955 but caught no fish. Ram then moved the group to Mercury Records, upon which they shot to Billboard's top tier with 'Only You'. (The Platters had recorded an earlier version at Federal, but it wasn't issued.) The Platters repeated that success the same year with 'The Great Pretender', forcing me to make a list of their Top Ten singles in the months they peaked: 1955 Source: Antorcha First formed in Gary, Indiana (scenic drive along I-90 for who like looking at industry), in 1952, the Spaniels are said to have pioneered the method of using two microphones during stage performances, one for the group and one for the lead singer. Its original members, all since deceased were, Thornton James "Pookie" Hudson (driving mainstay), Ernest Warren, Willie Jackson, Opal Courtney and Gerald Gregory. The Spaniels released their first wax in May of 1953 with 'Baby It's You' b/w 'Bounce', reaching #10 that June on Billboard's R&B chart. That was released by Vee-Jay Records before the Spaniels had even played their first professional gig at Park City Bowl, a skating rink in Chicago. They attained their highest position on Billboard's R&B the next year with 'Goodnite Sweetheart, Goodnite', peaking at No. 5. The Vee-Jay label went out of business in 1966, a convenient though not exactly true marker for the end of the Spaniels as well, as they made their last releases with Vee-Jay in 1960 ('I Know' b/w 'Bus Fare Home', rising to #23 on Billboard's R&B), then moved on to other labels. Hudson resurrected the group to record for Buddha Records in December of '69, then formed his own record label, North American, in 1970. Future versions of the group with Hudson recorded as late as 1995 ('All the Places I've Been'/'Sloppy Drunk'). The Spaniels 1953 Source: New York Times The first recordings by the Cadillacs , formed in Harlem in 1953 as the Carnations, were in 1954: 'Gloria' and 'I Wonder Why'. 'Speedoo' peaked on Billboard's R&B at #3 in 1955, the only instance of the Cadillacs breaching a Top Ten chart. The group separated in 1957, the less successful Four Cadillacs then forming as lead singer and original member, Earl Carroll, became the Cadillacs' mainstay through its early heydays. Once the Cadillacs divided again in 1960 personnel began to require a revolving door, especially upon Carroll leaving to join the Coasters in 1963. Later configurations of the Cadillacs performed into the seventies. Carroll remained with the Coasters into the early nineties, after which he reformed the Cadillacs to perform into the new millennium. Carroll passed away in 2012. The Cadillacs 1954 Source: Doo-Wop Blogg Out of Los Angeles, the Calvanes first recorded as the Dundees in 1954, releasing 'Never'/'Evil One' on the Space label that October. When Carlyle Dundee made his exit the Dundees became the Wonders, issuing 'Little Girl'/'Bop Bop Baby' in November of '54, again with Space. The group released their first vinyl as the Calvanes in September 1955 ('Don't Take Your Love From Me' with 'Crazy Over You' back side). In 1957 the Calvanes' personnel consisted of Herman Pruitt, Lorenzo "Bobby" Adams, Stewart Crunk and Freddy Willis. Never managing to do well on Billboard, they changed their name to the Nuggets in 1961 for one last spurt of several singles that year. Neither did any of those affect a lot, the group breaking up in 1962. In 1989 the Calvanes were resurrected by Pruitt, Adams and Willis, adding Jimmy Corbitt as bass, and recording in various capacities into the new millenium. The Calvanes 1955 The Dells first got together in high school in Chicago in 1952 as the El Rays. They were yet the El Rays when they produced their first recording in 1954: 'Darling I Know'. The changed their name to the Dells in 1955, then signed up with Vee-Jay Records the next year. The group consisted of Mickey McGill, Marvin Junior, Verne Allison, Johnny Funches and Chuck Barksdale at that time. The Dells were among the more successful doo wop groups, charting in the Top Ten several times. Their first was 'On What a Night' in 1956, peaking at #4 on Billboard's R&B. As late as 1974, long since doo wop's wane in popularity as a genre, 'I Miss You' climbed all the way to #8 on Billboard's R&B. They reached the Top Forty again in 1980 with 'I Touched a Dream'. 'A House For Love' snagged the thirteenth tier on Billboard's R&B in 1991, making the Dells one of the most enduring doo wop groups. They continued recording into the new millennium (albeit Funches died in 1998), performing until 2012 (albeit Carter died in 2009). Marvin Junior passed away in 2013. The El Rays 1954 Source: Marv Goldberg Formed in Chicago in 1952 as Pinkie Lee and the Five Stars, the El Dorados were thus christened in 1954 upon the return of lead vocalist, Pirkle Lee Moses Jr., to the group after a time in the Air Force. Other members were Louis Bradley, Arthur Basset, Jewel Jones, James Maddox and Richard Nickens. The El Dorados first found themselves on vinyl in 1954, 'Annie's Answer', among their early singles. 'At My Front Door' reached Billboard's top tier in R&B in 1955. 'I'll Be Forever Loving You' peaked at #8 the next year, after which the group began to splinter. First Besset and Nickens abandoned ship, then Pirkle Moses was left to form another El Dorados altogether in 1957 (out of the Kool Gents). The other members went on to form the Tempos. Moses began his own career as a name act in 1958, then formed a new El Dorados in 1969. Another El Dorados had been formed about the same time by Tempos member, Johnny Carter, the two to merge in the seventies until Moses' death in 2000. Since that time the Pirkle Lee Moses Jr's El Dorados yet occasionally tour as of this writing. The El Dorados 1954 The Penguins are said to have named themselves such as a way of remarking they were cool. The original group was comprised of Cleveland Duncan (lead and mainstay), Curtis Williams, Dexter Tisby and Bruce Tate. The Penguins released their first record in 1954. 'Hey Senorita' is the tune they were pushing, until a disc jockey somewhere flipped the record and played 'Earth Angel', whence upon it soared to the #1 spot on Billboard's R&B where it remained for three weeks. The Penguins reached to No. 15 in 1957 with 'Pledge of Love' before falling off the charts altogether. The group disbanded in 1962. Later configurations of the Penguinse were led by Duncan until his death in 2012 in Los Angeles. The Penguins 1954 Source: Longshot's Blog Based in Detroit, Nolan Strong formed the Diablos in 1950. Other than Strong the group originally consisted of Juan Guitierrez (tenor), Willie Hunter (baritone), Quentin Eubanks (bass) and Bob Edwards (guitar). The Diablos began releasing records in 1954, 'Adios My Love' their first recording for the Fortune label. 'The Way You Dog Me Around' reached Billboard's #12 spot in R&B in 1956 (released in '55). Strong was drafted into the Army in 1956 and served two years until resuming with the Diablos in 1958. ('Mambo of Love', below, released in 1957, had been recorded earlier.) The Diablos dissolved in 1964, whence upon Strong and a couple other members of the Diablos made several recordings as the Velvet Angels , their first plate was 'I'm In Love' with 'Let Me Come Back', followed by 'Blue Moon' with 'Fools Rush In' on back. Although Strong died in Detroit in 1977 a new configuration of the Diablos called Nolan Strong's Diablos was formed as recently as 2007 by Jay Johnson, a member of the group since 1956. The group yet tours as of this writing. Nolan Strong & the Diablos 1954 Another Harlem doo wop band, the Valentines , first came together as the Mistletoes, then the Dreamers, in 1952. The group was comprised of Raymond Briggs (first tenor), Carl Hogan (second tenor), Mickey Francis (baritone) and Ronnie Bright (bass). That quartet became a quintet with the addition of Richard Barrett (composer/lead) in 1954. Then becoming the Valentines, the group released its first single in latter 1954 with Old Town Records: 'Tonight Kathleen' b/w 'Summer Love'. The Valentines gave their last performance in 1958 at the Apollo Theater in NYC, having never charted on Billboard. Barrett turned his attentions to managing Frankie & the Teenagers and became a record producer. He is credited with the discovery of the Chantels , Little Anthony & the Imperials , the Isley Brothers and the Three Degrees . The Valentines 1954 Source: Marv Goldberg It was 1955 when baritone vocalist Brice Coefield and Sheridan "Rip" Spencer formed the Sabers in Los Angeles with bass vocalist, Walter Carter, and a first tenor known only as Herbie. They recorded 'Always Forever', then recruited first tenor, Billy Spicer ( Billy Storm ). The Sabers released 'Always Forever' b/w 'Cool Cool Christmas' on the Cal-West label in 1955. Coefield sang lead on 'Cool Cool Christmas'. As that issue affected little, the Sabers rechristened themselves the Chavelles, also recruiting Squires member, Chester Pipkin. Coefield sang lead on 'Valley Of Love' b/w 'Red Tape', released on Vita in '56. But the Chavelles accurred little as well, so they became the Gents in 1957, releasing 'Happenin' After School'/'My Unfaithful Love' on both Aladdin and Lamp. As not a lot happened of that the Gents became the Valiants. They fared a little better, but after several releases they still couldn't place on the R&B Top 40 so Keen Records terminated their contract. It was at this time that Spicer changed his name to Billy Storm , got together with some Squires members and recorded his first Top 40 song, 'I've Come of Age' (#28 US in April 1959). Coefield meanwhile formed the Untouchables, yet with Spencer, Pipkin and Storm in the larger group. Coefield sang lead on 'Raisin' 'Sugar Cane'/'Do Your Best' and 'You're On Top'/'Lovely Dee' released in 1961. He also sang lead on 'Papa'/'My Baby (Loves A Medicine Man)' in 1962 (sharing lead on 'Papa' with Chester Pipkin). Unable to chart with the Untouchables, Coefield then joined the Alley Cats in 1962 with Spencer and Gary Pipkin (not Chester) part of the larger group, Spencer a partner since the Sabers. Coefield finally made the Top 40 when the Alley Cats' released, 'Puddin' n' Tain', placing at #21 in 1962, backed with 'Feel So Good'. In 1963 Coefield and Spencer, again with Chester Pipkin from the Untouchables, released 'Summertime Nights'/'Papa, Shame' with the Happy Tones ('Summertime Nights' recorded in '61). In 1966 Coefield sang lead on 'Mary Mary' with the Electras, Storm, Spencer and Chester Pipkin also in the group. Coefield issued a solo record that year for Omen as well: 'Ain't That Right'/'Just One More Night'. Coefield was found with Africa in the latter sixties. Storm , Spencer, and Chester and Gary Pipkin were also part of the larger group. With Africa, Coefield sang lead on 'Here I Stand'/'Widow' (1968) and 'From Africa With Love'/'Savin' All My Love' (1969). Lead was shared with Billy Storm on 'Here I Stand'. Tracks below are alphabetical, not chronological, by year. (More of the Valiants and Untouchables under Billy Storm .) Brice Coefield 1955 From Brooklyn, the Fi-Tones were originally the Cavaliers formed in 1952. They acquired Tommy Robinson for a manager and released 'You Thrill Me So' b/w 'Dynaflow'' for Atlas in 1953. (Atlas misspelled their name as the Caverliers.) Their first session had been followed by another the same day in which they backed Roscoe Thorne on 'Dolores' and 'Peddler of Dreams'. At that time the Cavaliers consisted of Leroy Randolph (lead), Cecil Holmes (1st tenor/baritone), Lester Gardner (tenor/piano), Ron Anderson (bass) and Marlowe Murray (1st tenor). At the time the Cavaliers became the Fi-Tones and recorded their first single, original personnel consisted of Lloyd Davis (baritone/guitar), Cecil Holmes (1st tenor/baritone), Gene Redd Jr. (tenor/piano), Ron Anderson (bass) and Marlowe Murray (1st tenor). The Fi-Tones made their first record release in September of 1955: 'Foolish Dreams' b/w 'Let's Fall In Love'. They unleashed a stream of recordings into 1959 but never managed to place on Billboard's national charts. The group was reconfigured in 1964 and became the Lloyd Davis Orchestra in the seventies, employed as the house band at the Blue Morocco Lounge in Bronx. Ron Anderson went another way, forming the Versatiles. The Cavaliers 1953 Source: D00-Wop Blogg Formed in 1953 in Jamaica Queens, the Hearts changed their name to the Heartbeats to avoid confusion with a female doo wop group by that name. Its original members were Vernon Sievers (baritone), Wally Roker (bass), Albert Crump (first tenor), Robbie Tatum (second tenor) and lead vocalist, James Sheppard. 'Crazy For You' and 'Rockin-N-Rollin-N-Rhythm-N-Blues-N' was their first release in September 1955. In December of 1956 the group released 'A Thousand Miles Away' b/w 'Oh Baby Don't', the former to achieve a No. 5 spot on Billboard's R&B. That was, however, the Heartbeats' last arrival to Billboards' national charts. A succession of issues into 1959 failed to affect a lot, the Heartbeats hanging their hat that year. Sheppard continued onward to form the Limelites. That group recorded until 1965 and performed until Sheppard's death in January 1970. The Heartbeats 1955 Lead tenor Billy Storm (Billy Spicer) was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1938. He began his recording career in 1955 with Brice Coefield and the Sabers: 'Always Forever'/'Cool Cool Christmas'. Lead on those were Rip Spencer and Coefield respectively. He, Spencer, Coefield and Chester Pipkin then formed the Chavelles. Rather swiftly deciding that the Chavelles weren't the equation they were seeking, the four then recorded 'Happenin' After School'/'My Unfaithful Love' in 1957 as the Gents. They then formed the Valiants. In 1958 while with the Valiants Storm changed his name from Spicer to Storm. During his time with the Valiants he also sang with the Squires. After several releases the Valiants couldn't rise to the R&B Top 40, so the formula was changed yet again to the Untouchables. (It is said trumpeter Herb Alpert made his recording debut on 'Papa' in 1961. Judging by the track below, one wouldn't know it.) While singing with the Untouchables Storm launched a solo career, finally releasing his first Top 40 song, 'I've Come of Age', in 1959. Storm sang with the Electras, a group formed by Chester Pipkin, in 1961: 'You Lied'/'Ten Steps To Love'. (They were called the Electras on the Infinity label, the Freedoms on Constellation.) In 1962 he recorded 'Just A Friend'/'Cap Snapper' with the Nuggets as William Jones. 1964 found him grooving 'Flamingo'/'Someone's In The Kitchen With Dinah' with a group called the Charades. Storm first recorded with Africa in 1966: 'Please Don't Mention Her Name'/'The Warmest Love'. Storm appeared with the Brothers and Sisters on the Bob Dylan album, 'Dylan's Gospel', in 1969. (More of the Valiants and Untouchables under Brice Coefield .) Tracks below are chronological only by year, alphabetical thereafter. Billy Storm 1955 Source: Russ & Gary's It was 1955 in Philadelphia when the Turbans signed their first recording contract with Herald Records. Formed in 1953, original Turbans personnel were Al Banks (lead tenor), Matthew Platt (second tenor), Charlie Williams (baritone), and Andrew "Chet" Jones (bass). Their first release was 'Let Me Show You' with 'When You Dance' on rear. That climbed to Billboard's peak position in R&B, after which the Turbans never charted again to speak of ('When You Dance' at #114). Shuffling from label to label to not a lot of affect, the Turbans issued their last recording, 'I Wonder'/'The Damage Is Done', in 1962. The Turbans 1955 Source: Doo-Wop Blogg The Cleftones originally formed in 1955 as the Silvertones at Jamaica High School in Queens. They recorded their first song that same year, 'You Baby You' with 'I Was Dreaming' flip side, released in 1956. 'Little Girl of Mine' peaked on Billboard's R&B at #8 later that year. In 1961 'Heart and Soul' climbed that chart to #10. Personnel at that time was Gene Pearson, Charles James, Pat Spann, Warren Corbin and Herb Cox (in order respective to the photo to the right). Spann, the group's only female vocalist, had joined the Cleftones in 1959 and departed in '67 to be, by then, the mother of a couple children. After 'Heart and Soul' the Cleftones pretty much ceased to chart, though various configurations of the group continued into the new millennium. Herb Cox & Cleftones released 'My Angel Lover'/You Lost The Game Of Love' as late as 1990. The album, 'Live Today', again with Cox, was released in 2002. The Cleftones 1956 Source: Marv Goldberg It was 1956 when the Dubs released their first record as the Marvels ('I Won't Have You Breaking My Heart'/'Jump Rock And Roll'). The Dubs' original members were Richard Blandon (lead), Cleveland Still (first tenor), Billy Carlisle (second tenor), James Miller (baritone) and Thomas Gardner (bass), replaced in 1957 by Tommy Grate. Their first releases as the Dubs were 'Don’t Ask Me To Be Lonely' and 'Could This Be Magic'. 'Could This Be Magic' was their only song to place in the Top Forty at No. 23 on Billboard's US chart. The Dubs wrapped up business in November of '58, though Blandon, who was singing with the Vocaleers, reconfigured the group in '59, various formations occurring into the nineties even after Blandon's death in 1991. The Marvels 1956 The Five Satins , formed in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1954, released their first single, 'All Mine'/'Rose Mary' in 1956 on the Standord label (recorded 1955). 'In the Still of the Nite' followed in '56 with 'The Jones Girl' A side, reaching the No. 3 spot on Billboard's R&B. The group consisted at that time of Jim Freeman, Fred Parris, Ed Martin, Nat Mosley and Al Derby, but personnel would soon continuously alter. 'To the Aisle' in 1957 stopped rising at #5. In 1958 Fred Parris briefly formed the Scarlets to issue 'The Voice' and 'She's Gone' on Klik Records. (That Scarlets is not to be confused with the earlier Scarlets which issued 'Dear One', 'Love Doll' and 'Darlin' I'm Yours' in 1954.) Though 'To the Aisle' was the Five Satins' last song to chart on a Billboard Top Ten, indeed, nigh at all, they yet occasionally perform as of this writing nearly six decades later, led by Fred Parris and Richie Freeman (part of the Scarlets crew, later a long-standing member of the Five Satins). The Five Satins 1956 Source: Tunes Zone The Four Tops were among the first of what would come to be called the Motown sound, a subgenre of R&B in the sixties and disco in the seventies. The Motown sound came to be due much to record producer, Berry Gordy, who founded Tamla, then Motown Records, in Detroit in 1959. Numerous Motown groups besides the Four Tops would be handled by Gordy at Motown: Smokey Robinson & the Miracles , the Contours , the Supremes , the Temptations , Martha & the Vandellas , to name but several. The Four Tops were formed in high school in Detroit with baritone, Levi Stubbs, as lead. They first recorded in 1956 on the Chess label as the Four Aims: 'Could It Be You' and 'Kiss Me Baby'. The Aims soon changed their name to the Four Tops to avoid confusion with a pop group called the Ame Brothers. A favorite rival to the Temptations , the Four Tops were among the most successful four-part harmonies in early rock n' roll. But it would take them until 1964 to begin placing in the Top Ten, 'Baby I Need Your Loving' reaching No. 4. 'I Can't Help Myself' topped both the R&B and US charts in May of 1965. 'Reach Out I'll Be There' did the same in September of 1966. Numerous visits to Billboard's Top Ten were made until 1981 (above twenty) when 'When She Was My Girl' claimed No. 1 on the R&B. They would thereafter have to be satisfied with the Top Forty in the States, their last to so rise in 1988 being 'If Ever a Love There Was' at #31. 1988 also saw their last to score in the Top Ten in Great Britain with 'Loco In Acapulco' rising to #7. Among the factors that made the Four Tops such a huge success is that they stuck together. Their original personnel of Levi Stubbs, Abdul Fakir, Renaldo Benson and Lawrence Payton remained the same for the several years that they got nowhere while honing their craft, and they performed together until 1997 when Payton died, personnel changes thereafter occurring into the new millennium. The Four Tops were elected into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. They were elected into the newly formed R&B Hall of Fame in 2013. 'Billboard' magazine has placed them at #77 on their Top 100 Artists of All Time. 'Rolling Stone' has placed them at #79 on their 100 Greatest list. The Four Tops 1956 Originally the Charlemagnes, that group became the Blue Notes in 1954 with Harold Melvin its lead singer for a time. Melvin was a self-taught pianist born in 1939 in Philadelphia, which would become a hub for soul music as Melvin reached his prime years. The Blue Notes released their first single in 1956: 'If You Love Me'. Melvin's Blue Notes at that time consisted of Bernard Williams, Roosevelt Brodie, Jesse Gillis Jr. and Franklin Peaker at lead. It would be another four years until the group charted on Billboard's R&B in 1960 with 'My Hero' reaching No. 19. Not until the seventies did the Blue Notes arrive to their glory days. Part of that equation was the replacement of lead singer since the mid sixties, John Atkins, with Teddy Pendergrass in 1970. Pendergrass had been a drummer with the Cadillacs . In 1972 'I Miss You' peaked at #7 on Billboard's R&B. 'If You Don't Know Me By Now' topped that chart the same year. 'The Love I Lost' topped the chart in 1973, 'Wake Up Everybody' in 1975. The meanwhile releasing other Top Ten singles, their last was 'Reaching for the World' in 1977. Pendergrass, become the group's main draw, had left the Blue Notes in '77 prior to that to pursue a solo career. He'd been replaced by David Ebo, with whom the group released its last Top Forty as well, 'Playin'', in 1980. Gil Saunders assumed Ebo's place at lead from '82 to '92, but by then the Blue Notes had seen their day. Melvin endured a stroke in 1996, dying the next year in March. Pendergrass, who had enjoyed a spectacular career into the nineties, died relatively young as well, at age 59 in January of 2010 of respiratory failure. Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes 1956 Source: Neil Sedaka From Brooklyn, the Linc-Tones were formed in 1956 by high school students Hank Medress, Neil Sedaka . Eddie Rabkin and Cynthia Zolitin. They released their first recordings in 1956 ('While I Dream/I Love My Baby' their debut), after which they reshaped into the Tokens (as in "tokens of affection"). It took them several years to begin appearing on Billboard's charts. 'Tonight I Fell In Love' placed at #15 On Billboard's US in 1961. Later that year 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' topped Billboard's US #1 (Billboard's R&B at #7). That was a major success tough to follow. The group sporadically placed in the Top Forty until 1969, 'She Let's Down Her Hair' the last to do so, peaking at #34 on Billboard's AC (Adult Contemporary). The Tokens were another of those doo wop groups that evolved through so many personnel changes that one requires quantum computing to keep track of it. Suffice it to say that of the original Linc-Tones the core members of the Tokens were Medress and Sedaka , the latter soon leaving to pursue a solo career. The group had well run its course by the time Medress left in 1973. New configurations of the group arose into the new millennium, notably that formed by Jay Siegel, with the group since 1956. The Tokens yet perform as of this writing. Below, as the Linc-Tones, Sedaka sings lead on 'While I Dream', Rabkin sings lead on 'I Love My Baby' and Zolitin takes lead on 'Lover Lips'. Included below are a couple tracks by Darrell & the Oxfords, a group formed by Mendress and Tokens member, Jay Siegel. The Linc-Tones 1956 Source: Blog de Rock en Mexico Frankie Lymon , from Harlem, was born in 1942 to a maid and a truck driver. He was the elder brother of Louie Lymon . According to Frankie, in an interview with 'Ebony Magazine', he was pimping at age ten to augment income earned as a bagger at a grocery store. Howsoever, he released his first recording with the Teenagers at age 14 in 1956: 'Why Do Fools Fall In Love', recorded for Gee Records in '55. That was one of five singles he placed on Billboard's R&B Top Ten that year. The others were 'Who Can Explain?' (#7), 'I Want You to Be My Girl' (#3), 'I Promise to Remember' (#10) and 'The ABC's of Love' (#8). He continued into the Top Ten in 1957 with 'Out In the Cold Again' peaking at Billboard's #10 spot. That was the year Lymon left the Teenagers for a solo career that wasn't nearly so spectacular. Nor was that of the Teenagers, phantoms by the early sixties. Drafted into the Army in 1965, Lymon was dishonorably discharged in 1967 for multiple AWOL charges as he attempted to stay active with gigs. He had wed Emira Eagle earlier that year. He died at the age of only 25 of a heroin overdose in his grandmother's bathroom, having first used the drug at age fifteen. Frankie Lymon 1956 Source: Rocker Stomp Originally the Quintones first recorded in 1956, backing Jimmy Witherspoon 's 'Still In Love' and 'My Girl Ivy'. At that time the group was comprised of Freddy Brown (first tenor), Donald Lawrence (first/second tenor), Dusty Moye (second tenor), Gerald Johnson (baritone) and Leon McClain (bass). They changed their name to the Quinns in 1957 to avoid confusion with other bands called the Quintones. Their first release as the Quinns was 'Oh Starlight' b/w 'Hong Kong'. At that time personnel was Freddy Brown, Donald Lawrence, Richie Brown, Gerald Johnson and Leon McClain. As neither could the the Quinns gain position on a Billboard chart, they abandoned ship in 1965. The Quintones 1956 The Velours , from Brooklyn, were originally the Troubadours, formed in 1953. They changed their name to the Velours in 1956. They released their first dish, 'My Love Come Back' with 'Honey Drop' flip side, in July 1956 for the Onyx label. At that time the group consisted of Jerome Ramos (tenor), John Cheatdom (first tenor), Donald Haywoode (second tenor), Marvin Holland (bass) and Kenneth Walker (lead tenor). Personnel changes would rapidly occur, including the addition that year of piano player, Calvin McClean, the replacement at baritone by John Pearson, and at bass by Charles Moffitt. The Velours claimed Billboard's US chart at No. 83 twice in 1957 and 1958 with 'Can I Come Over Tonight' and 'Remember'. They wouldn't chart again. By 1961 things were getting discouraging, group members falling away. By 1967 it was Ramos, Haywoode, John Cheatdom and new tenor, Richard Pitts. The end of the Velours that year was a surprise, finding themselves billed as the Fabulous Temptations on a tour of the UK. They billed themselves as the Fantastics on their next tour there the next year, also beginning to record as such in 1968. Pitts left in 1972. Moffitt resurrected the Velours in 1975. He ran the group until he was shot to death in 1986. Eulis Mason assumed his place and may yet be performing as of this writing. As for Cheatdom, after the Fantastics he went on to put the Realistics together in 1976, touring internationally until 1983. The Velours 1956 Source: Marv Goldberg The Belmonts portion of Dion and the Belmonts were so named because two pairs of the group lived near a Belmont Avenue, one in Bronx, the other in Brooklyn. Dion DiMucci was himself born in Bronx in 1939. DiMucci gave his first performance at age fourteen in Philadelphia on the 'Teen Club' television show. In 1957 DiMucci bought some studio time to record four singles for his mother as a Valentines Day gift. Those caught the attention of Irv Spice at Mohawk Records who teamed DiMucci with a group called the Timberlanes. Mohawk released 'The Chosen Few' with 'Out In Colorado' in 1957 for air time, then handed it over to Jubilee for distribution. Also releasing their first record with Mohawk that year was a trio called the Belmonts. Consisting of Freddie Milano (2nd tenor with Dion), Carlo Mastrangelo (bass/baritone with Dion) and Angelo D'Aleo (1st tenor with Dion), they issued 'Teenage Clementine'/'Santa Margherita' with Milano as lead on 'Teenage Clementine' and D'Aleo as lead on 'Santa Margherita'. Dimucci hadn't known the Timberlanes when he recorded with them. Thinking them not his style, he was teamed with the Belmonts for their first release in 1957 as Dion & the Belmonts: 'We Went Away'/'Tag Along', also for Mohawk. The group then moved to Laurie Records where 'I Wonder Why' reached Billboard's #22 spot in 1958, after which they found themselves on Dick Clark's 'Saturday Night Beechnut Show'. 'No One Knows' reached Billboard's #12 in R&B the same year. The group enjoyed two Top Ten singles in 1959: 'A Teenager in Love' at #5 and 'Where Or When' at #3. The Belmonts split from DiMucci in 1960, their first issue for Laurie apart from him was 'We Belong Together'. DiMucci continued onward to a solo career, releasing the album, 'Alone With Dion', in 1960. In 1961 DiMucci saw 'Runaround Sue' go gold, topping Billboard at #1. He then left the band to go solo, using the Del Satins for a backup group. He then began to tour internationally and entered his blues period in the latter sixties. DiMucci reunited with the Belmonts in 1966 for the release of the LP, 'Together Again', in 1967, to small success. They reunited again in 1972, recording a live album at Madison Square Garden. A final reunion was held at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island in 1973. DiMucci turned to Catholicism in 1979, releasing gospel into the eighties. He was back with rock in 1987 for a concert at Radio City Music Hall in NYC (released on CD in 2005). In 1988 Dimucci issued his autobiography, 'The Wanderer', written with assistance from Davin Seay. In 1989 he was elected into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame per his solo career. (He'd placed nine songs on Billboard's US Top Ten between 1961 and 1968.) Dion & the Belmonts were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2000. DiMucci has performed well into the new millennium, releasing 'Tank Full of Blues' in 2012. Dion and the Belmonts 1957 Source: Bons Tempos The Bobbettes were among a number of doo wop bands hailing from Harlem in the fifties. The group included Reather Dixon, Laura Webb, Helen Gathers and sisters, Emma and Jannie Pought. They first came together as the Harlem Queens. Upon finding a manager, James Dailey, he changed their name to the Bobbettes before signing up the girls with Atlantic. They released their first single, 'Mr. Lee' in 1957, backed with 'Look At the Stars'. 'Mr. Lee' topped Billboard's R&B chart and placed at #6 on its US chart. Several other releases made their way into the Top 100, 'I Don't Like It Like That' their last in 1961 at #72. The group eventually disbanded in 1974 to tour the oldies circuit. As of this writing Emma Pought remains the last surviving member of the Bobbettes. The Bobbettes 1957 Source: Marv Goldberg Originally called the Thrilltones upon formation in 1956, the Charts were a Harlem group that released its first single, 'Deserie', in May of 1957. The original ensemble consisted of Joe Grier (lead), Stephen Brown (first tenor), Glenmore Jackson (second tenor), Leroy Binns (baritone) and Ross Buford (bass). Grier was drafted into the Army in 1958, after which he pursued the saxophone (featured on 'Wobble Wobble' in 1962 by the Soul Rockers). Brown and Binns kept the Charts, which never charted, performing into the eighties. Grier resurrected the group with new members in 1985. He and Binns performed with another version of the group on the PBS broadcast of 'Red, White and Rock' in 2002. The Charts 1957 Source: Shady Dell Music The Isley Brothers were a little unusual as doo wop goes in that they not only remained intact, approaching sixty years now, but have been a stellar soul group nigh the whole time. The Brothers were originally a Gospel group of four: O'Kelly, Rudolph, Ronald and Vernon, until Vernon died at age thirteen (struck by a car as he was riding his bicycle). The group began releasing records in 1957 ('The Cow Jumped Over The Moon'/'Angels Cried' for Teenage Records). But it wasn't all that successful until the release of 'Twist and Shout' in 1962, reaching #2 on Billboard's R&B. From that time until 2001 the Isley Brothers placed 26 songs in the R&B Top Ten alone (their last being 'Contagious' in 2001). That's only the Top Ten in R&B, not counting the Top Twenty, Thirty and Forty, nor Billboard's US and UK charts. Their first to top Billboard's R&B at No. 1 was 'It's Your Thing' in 1969. Younger brothers, Ernie and Marvin, as well as brother-in-law, Chris Jasper, were made members in 1973. 'Fight the Power' topped the R&B chart in 1975, 'The Pride' in 1977. 'Take Me to the Next Phase' reached Billboard's top tier in R&B in 1978, followed by 'I Wanna Be With You' in 1979. The Isley Brothers did it again in 1980 with 'Don't Say Goodnight'. O'Kelly died in 1986. In 1989 Rudolph quit the group to become a minister. Ronald, the last surviving original Isley, yet performs as of this writing. All tracks below from 1985 onward are music videos. The Isley Brothers 1957 Source: Doo-Wop Blogg Formed in Newark, New Jersey, someone might have been serving cheese when the Kodaks decided what to call themselves. The original quartet was Jimmy Patrick (lead/first tenor), William Franklin (second tenor), Larry Davis (baritone) and William Miller (bass) until Pearl McKinnon replaced Patrick as lead, making the Kodaks a quintet. The Kodaks released their first record in late 1957 with the Fury label: 'Teenager's Dream' with 'Little Boy and Girl' flip side. Their second release, "Oh Gee, Oh Gosh" b/w "Make Believe World," was in the spring of 1958. That summer Davis and Franklin were replaced by Richard Dixon and Harold Jenkins, present on 'My Baby and Me' b/w 'Kingless Castle' and 'Runaround Baby' b/w 'Guardian Angel'. The Kodaks never attained to national recognition, remaining an East Coast act not large enough for Kodak to sue if it was even aware of the group using its name. They made two more attempts in '58 with 'My Baby and Me'/'Kingless Castle' and 'Guardian Angel'/'Runaround Baby' before Patrick left the group to briefly join the Monotones . Then McKinnon ran off to get married in 1959. The Kodaks continued onward with the J&S and Wink labels but dissolved in 1961. McKinnon formed Pearl & the Deltars in '61, recording a single for Fury to small success. She later became lead singer for a reformation of Teenagers in the seventies. The Kodaks 1957 The Mello-Kings were a white quintet formed in high school in 1956. Called the Mellotones at first, they consisted of brothers Jerry and Bob Scholl, Eddie Quinn, Neil Arena and Larry Esposito. The Mello-Kings released their first record, 'Tonite Tonite' with 'Do Baby Do', in 1957. (Some thousand copies had been released as the Mellotones before discovery that that name was taken, the group thereat changing its identity.) 'Tonite Tonite' shook no trees though charted at #77 on Billboard's US. Several recordings afterward scored no fruit either, personnel already beginning to alter in '58, thereafter on a continual basis. The group was a trio by the time it released 'But You Lied'/'Walk Softly' in October of '62, after which they acknoledged the writing on the wall. Flashback and Lana Records each later released one disc of earlier recordings to no affect in '65 and '66. The Mello Kings were refashioned in 1966 by Eddie Robbins (Eddie Rabinowitz), performing, though not recording, until 1973. The Mello-Kings 1957 Norman Fox & the Rob Roys took their name after the cocktail (scotch, vermouth, bitters). Formed in 1956 in the Bronx, the Rob Roys consisted of Norman Fox (lead), Bob Trotman (first tenor), Andre Lilly (second tenor), Robert Thierer (baritone) and Marshall Helfand (bass). The group released its first record in 1957 for Backbeat: 'Tell Me Why' b/w 'Audry'. The Rob Roys were popular on the East Coast but never rose to the national spotlight. Their last disc, 'Pizza Pie'/'Dream Girl', was released by Capitol in 1959. Their last recordings for Backbeat followed, but weren't issued until the eighties. One version or another of the Rob Roys reunited on rare occasions as late as the nineties, also recording four released songs for Starlight in both '91 and '93. Norman Fox and Robert Thierer have kept the group performing into the new millennium, yet giving shows as of this writing. Norman Fox & the Rob Roys 1957 Source: White Doo-Wop Collector The Schoolboys were a group of Harlem kids consisting of Leslie Martin (lead), Roger Hayes (tenor), James McKay (baritone) and Renaldo Gamble (bass) upon formation in 1957. Their debut release for Okeh that year was ‘Please Say You Want Me’ b/w ‘Shirley’. The former peaked on Billboard's R&B at #13, the latter at #15. Which was the last the group saw of the national charts, releasing only three more records: 'Mary'/'I Am Old Enough' and 'Pearl'/'Carol' in 1957, then 'Angel Of Love’ b/w 'The Slide' in 1958. They then forged a pink Permission to Be Absent slip and went back to class. The Schoolboys 1957 Source: Music AmneZia Based in Brooklyn, the Shells gathered together in 1957 as Nate Bouknight (lead) Randy Shade Alston (tenor), Bobby Nurse (tenor), Danny Small (bass) and Gus Geter (baritone). They released their first record the same year on the Johnson label: 'Baby oh Baby' with 'Angel Eyes' behind. 'Baby Oh Baby' charted on Billboard's US at #23. And that was it. The group issued 13 more records until the summer of '63 (though the list at 45cat is not entire), also sharing an LP with the Dubs that year. But the bear wouldn't share any honey and the Shells disappeared before appearing. The Shells 1957 The forming of the Silhouettes returns to 1954 with the Balladeers which, amidst personnel changes, became the Gospel Tornadoes, then the Thunderbirds, then finally the Silhouettes: Rick Lewis, Earl Beal, Bill Horton and Raymond Edwards. Their first release occurred in November 1957 on the Junior label: 'Get a Job' and 'I Am Lonely'. 'Get a Job' foretold their future when it reached the top of Billboard's R&B the next year. But they didn't believe in signs and stubbornly persisted, not again to chart nationally, though releasing numerous recordings into 1968. In 1961 Horton and Edwards quit the group, the Silhouettes reemerging in 1962 with Cornelius Brown and John Wilson filling their spots. No luck. But they still wouldn't get a job. Not until their last disc in '68 for Goodway Records ('Not Me Baby'/'Gaucho Serenade') did they finally concede to the possibility of getting a job. Even Horton, who'd begun a solo career in '64, admitted about the same time that a job might work better. Can't blame them, want ads eternally depressing. But gee whiz, what kind of clue does it take if a #1 on Billboard ain't clear enough? The Silhouettes, even yet rebellious, reformed in 1982 to release an album of original material titled (what else?) 'Workin' Hard'. The group last performed together in 1993. None of the original Silhouettes are yet living. As for Brown, he passed away in 1991. John Wilson became a minister in 2009. The Silhouettes 1957 Source: Brian Lee's Colorradio Most doo wop groups were from the Northeast, but the Slades were from Austin, Texas. Comprised of Don Burch, Bobby Doyle, John Goeke and Tommy Kasper, the Slades first recorded with Atlantic Records as the Spades in 1957: 'Baby' b/w 'You Mean Everything to Me'. Unfortunately, though their calling card referred to the playing card there were objections to their name registered by various radio stations (racial connotations). Atlantic made what it thought to be the less expensive decision, stopped press, then reissued the record with the group renamed the Slades. Mattered not. The Slades never could grab a spot on Billboard's national Top Forty, though 'You Cheated' came close at #42 in 1958.In 1961 the Slades shook it up a bit, recording with Joyce Harris . 'I Cheated' with Harris is thought to be their last record release. As of this writing all the original Slades are yet living except Doyle, who was blind, dying in July of 2006 in Austin. The Spades 1957 Based in the Bronx, the Tonettes (not to be confused with the later Tonettes recording for Volt in 1962) first recorded in 1957 as the Claremonts: 'Why Keep Me Dreaming' with 'Angel of Romance' back side. By 'Oh! What a Baby' in 1958 they were the Tonettes. Consisting of Diana and Sylvia Sanchez with Josephine Allen, they got together with Vince Castro in 1958 to release several records, beginning with 'Bong Bong'. The Tonettes made their last recordings in 1958, retiring in 1962. Though well-known on the East Coast they never rose to national acclaim nor Billboard's Hot 100. The Claremonts 1957 The Edsels were originally called the Essos, after the oil company. The group consisted of George Jones Jr. (lead), Larry Green (first tenor), James Reynolds (second tenor), Harry Green (baritone) and Marshall Sewell (bass). Their first release in 1958 came off the press erroneously titled 'Lama Rama Ding Dong'. But the public wouldn't have it until it was spelled right. It was released again in 1961 with the correct title, 'Rama Lama Ding Dong', and rose to the #21 spot at Billboard. The Edsels released several more records into 1962, but they were whales on the beach by then. They released a couple discs of new material in 1965, then flapped one last fin one last time in 1968 for Tammy Records: 'Hide And Seek'/'Another Lonely Night'. Reynolds performed with his sons as recently as 2006 on their CD, 'The Reynold Brothers'. The current group, Eddie & the Edsels, has no relation to the Edsels herein. The Edsels 1958 Source: Rock Is Power Formed in 1958, the Elegants consisted of Vito Picone (lead singer), Carman Romano (baritone), James Moschella (bass), Arthur Venosa (first tenor) and Frank Tardogano (second tenor). They wasted no time with Billboard, their first single in 1958, 'Little Star', topping both Billboard's R&B and US charts. That was, however, the last they saw of Billboard's national charts. After the release of 'Belinda'/Lazy Love' in 1965 the Elegants released no records until Picone reformed the group to issue 'It's Just A Matter Of Time'/'Lonesome Weekend' in 1974 on the Bim Bam Boom label. The group then released nothing until Picone decided their first and only album was due per 'A Knight With the Elegants' for the Crystal Ball label in 1981. In 1982 'Ghetto Slide'/'Hypnotized' was released by Real Music. There have been personnel changes but the Elegants have done the distance, performing at Radio City Music Hall eight times. They are yet active today with Picone leading the group. Tracks below are in alphabetical by year. The Elegants 1958 Source: Deco Sound The Equadors were formed in 1955 as the Chants, consisting of Al Turner (lead), Oscar Drummond (first tenor), Rilly Foreman (second tenor), Lynn Thomas (baritone) and Reginald Grant (bass). The group also employed Mitchell Robinson on guitar and Billy Davis on drums. The Chants made an unreleased demo with 'Linda' and 'Daddy Rock' before changing their name to the Equadors. Their first issue was an EP in 1958 with 'Sputnick Dance'/'I´ll Be The One' A side and 'A Vision'/'Stay A Little Longer' B side. Release on an EP made it a pain in the neck for DJs to play only the first song on either side. That might have been a good way to get the second song on either side played. Then again, it may have gotten the group less airtime due to presenting disc jockeys with a hassle. Howsoever, that problem was addressed by RCA Victor upon issuing "A Vision' with 'Sputnik Dance' on a regular 45. Released with the same EP number, no documentation is found to distinguish such from the EP, but we'll take Marv Goldberg 's word for it. The Equadors isued 'Someone To Call My Own'/'You're My Desire' in 1961, but they had been renamed the Modern Ink Spots in 1960 by the Jolly Joyce Booking Agency to play supper clubs. In 1962 they took up bassist, Gary Evans, who was a good lead on James Brown numbers. Also that year Billy Davis was replaced by Claude Higgs on drums. Saxophonist, Charlie Gilbert, would also join the group that year. The only record the group released as the Modern Ink Spots was 'Spotlight Dance'/'Together (In Your Arms)' in 1962. was They also briefly attempted to capitalize on the earlier fame of the Cardinals in 1963. Booked for gigs in Quebec, the existence of another Canadian group called the Modern Ink Spots forced them to change their name to the Cardinals. They recorded 'Why Don't You Write Me'/'Sh-Boom' as such before leaving Canada to become the Modern Ink Spots again. The group eventually folded in 1965 when lead, Al Turner, decided to become a policeman (yet a sergeant as of this writing). The group continued without Turner about another year, then dispersed. The Equadors 1958 Source: Mental Itch From Newark, New Jersey, the original Fiestas were Tommy Bullock (lead vocals), Eddie Morris (tenor), Sam Ingalls (baritone) and Preston Lane (bass). Their first record release in 1958 was actually two, one version of 'So Fine'/'Last Night I Dreamed' with piano introductions and a ZTSP number on the label, another of the same the same year without piano introductions and missing a ZTSP number. Be as may, 'So Fine' reached the #3 spot on Billboard's R&B, #11 on its pop US. 'Broken Heart' peaked at the #18 spot in R&B in 1962, which is the last the Fiestas danced onto Billboard's Hot 100. That, however, wasn't the end of the Fiestas, continuing to record in one manifestation or another as late as 1978, 'ESP'/'One More Chance' and 'Thanks For the Sweet Memories'/'One More Chance' for Arista that year. Bullock was the last original member with a later reformation of the group in 1996. Another configuration, none original, were active in 2002. The Fiestas 1958 From Brooklyn, the Five Discs were formed as the Flames in 1954 by Mario DeAndrade (lead), Andy Jackson (bass), Joe Barsalona (baritone), Paul Albano (first tenor), Tony Basile (second tenor) and Joe Brocco. Joe Albano was an ambulance driver who became the group's manager. The Flames recorded their first demo in 1957, but changed their name to the Five Discs before their first release for Emge Records in 1958: 'I Remember' b/w 'The World Is a Beautiful Place'. 'I Remember' charted in NYC at #28 and Boston at #2. (When talking about charts with the Five Discs one talked regional. They never charted nationally.) The group began shifting personnel in 1960, Lenny Hutter and John Russell replacing DeAndrade and Andy Jackson respectively. That trend continued, too numerous to keep track, though the addition of Eddie Pardocchi in 1961 is particularly mentionable. along with that of changing record labels. Neither was changing managers of assistance. The Five Discs simply weren't popular. So they tried to fool the world into thinking they were the Boyfriends in 1964. Because you have to be popular to be a boyfriend. But they were found out, so not allowed to go national. When Albano, Barsalona and Pardocchi put another quintet together in 1972 they went ahead and admitted that they were the Five Discs. But not even being honest about it helped. That group quickly disbanded, only for another Five Discs to arise in 1980 per Pardocchi, disband in 1982, then arise yet again in the nineties per Pardocchi. The Five Discs 1958 Source: Doo-Wop Blogg Formed in 1958 in Brooklyn, the Impalas consisted of Joe Frazier, Richard Wagner, Lenny Renda and Tony Carlucci. They were discovered by DJ, Alan Freed, who helped the group sign up with MGM Records on its Cub label. The Impalas released their first record the same year ('58): 'Sorry (I Ran All the Way Home)' b/w 'Fool, Fool, Fool'. 'Sorry' went gold, #2 on Billboard's US, #14 on it's R&B, #28 in the UK. But the Impalas were one of doo wop's numerous drive-by groups, disbanding the next year. Frazer went on to join Love's Own in 1973. He resurrected another version of the Impalas in 1980 with which he toured. The Impalas 1958 In 1957 there existed a group in Brooklyn called the Chesters consisting of Clarence Collins, Tracy Lord, Nathaniel Rogers, and Ronald Ross. They were joined by Anthony Gourdine as lead, who had sang with the Duponts. The Chesters released 'The Fires Burn No More'/'Lift Up Your Head' in 1957 for Apollo Records. The group became the Imperials in 1958, Gourdine christened Little Anthony by DJ, Alan Freed. Little Anthony and the Imperials recorded 'Tears on My Pillow' in '58. The song achieved the #2 spot on Billboard's R&B, #4 on the US. The Imperials would become a world-class doo wop and soul group, rivaling those so prominent as the Isley Brothers . They visited the Top Ten again in 1964 with 'I'm On the Outside' reaching #8 on the R&B, followed by 'Goin' Out of My Head' at #6. The group's last to visit the Top Ten was 'Hurt So Bad' in 1965 at #3. That was also the year of their last Top Forty on the Billboard US, at #34 with 'I Miss You So'. Their last Top Forty on the R&B was 'I'm Falling In Love With You' at #25 in 1974. That was also their last to reach the Top 100 on Billboard's US. Not until 2002 did the Imperials issue a live album: 'Up Close & Personal', the album, 'Pure Acapella', also released that year. Among other awards, the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. Though the Imperials have seen not a few personnel changes over the decades they're yet active touring with Gourdine yet at helm. The Chesters 1957 Source: Google Play Sam Gooden, Richard Brooks and Arthur Brooks left Chattanooga for Chicago where they formed the original Impressions with Jerry Butler and composer, Curtis Mayfield , releasing their first wax in 1958: 'For Your Precious Love'/'Sweet Was the Wine'. 'For Your Precious Love' hung out its laundry at #3 on Billboard's R&B, #11 on its US. Jerry Butler left the Impressions in 1960-61, leaving Curtis Mayfield as lead singer on 'Gypsy Woman', reaching the #2 tier on Billboard's R&B in 1961. They then proceeded to become among the most prominent R&B groups for the next thirty years. Endeavoring to list the number of songs they placed in the Top Ten is futile because I can't count that high. It's plenty to list only those that topped Billboard's R&B at No. 1: 'It's Alright' in 1961. 'Keep On Pushing' in 1964, followed by 'Amen', 'We're a Winner' in 1967 and 'Choice of Colors' in 1969. They were still making the Top Forty in 1977 with 'This Time' at #40 on the R&B. The group's first LP was 'The Impressions' as of 1963. Mayfield left the group after its recording of the album, 'Check Out Your Mind', in 1970, after which personnel altered fairly often, Sam Gooden the mainstay to this day. The group released their first single in over three decades in 2013 with Daptone Records: 'Rhythm!' on a 7" with 'Star Bright' back side. (Daptone records on analogue tape.) The Impressions 1958 It was 1955 in Detroit where Smokey Robinson came together with what would later become the Miracles. The career of Robinson & the Miracles coincides with what would come to be called the Motown sound, a subgenre of R&B in the sixties and disco in the seventies. The Motown sound came to be much due to record producer, Berry Gordy, who founded Tamla, then Motown Records, in Detroit in 1959. Numerous Motown groups would be handled by Gordy at Motown: the Four Tops , the Contours , the Supremes , the Temptations , Martha & the Vandellas , to name but several. At first called the Five Chimes, its original members were Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, Ronald White, Clarence Dawson and James Grice. They soon changed their name to the Matadors and recorded an acetate demo in 1955. (That found release in the sixties on an album titled 'Roadhouse Presents The Great Unreleased Group Sounds', credited as Smokey and Group.) The Silhouettes made a big stink in January of 1958 with 'Get a Job'. A lot of responses were recorded: 'I Found a Job' by the Heartbeats , 'I Got a Job' by the Tempos and 'I Got Fired' by, my kind of group, the Mistakes. In 1958 the Miracles released their own response with their first single for End Records: 'Got a Job'. By that time the group consisted of Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, Ronald White, Bobby Rogers and Claudette Robinson, the last whom Smokey would wed in November 1959. The Miracles placed in Billboard's Top 100 but the month before with 'Bad Girl' at #93. 'Shop Around' topped Billboard's R&B in 1960, #2 on the US. Happy day for Berry Gordy who had founded Motown Records only the year before, 'Shop Around' to sell a million copies. (Gordy had founded Tamla Records in 1959 prior to Motown.) From that point onward the Miracles became one of the brighter burning stars in the rhythm and blues galaxy. Like most groups, an appearance on Dick Clark's 'American Bandstand' was requisite to going national. Dick Clark decided many a career, an arbiter of who was or wasn't the best talent, exercising huge prestige in the industry. Coinciding with such publicities was the billing of the Miracles as the "Motown" (Detroit) sound, to become a subgenre of R&B. By 1965 it required the release of a double album, 'From the Beginning', to compile the Imperials' greatest hits. The group was grossing about $150,000 a year about that time from investments and royalties. They were commanding between $100,000 and $250,000 a night on tour. The Miracles consistently placed in the Top Ten and Forty until 1975 when 'Gemini' peaked at only #43. But they still reached #5 on Billboard's R&B that year with 'Love Machine' (#1 on the US). Their list of Top Ten songs in R&B alone would too bloat this paragraph, perhaps to bursting. For safety purposes I will risk mention of only of those which topped at No. 1: After 'Shop Around' came 'You've Really Got a Hold On Me' in 1962. 'I Second That Emotion" topped in 1967. 'The Tears of a Clown' followed in 1970, also peaking at #1 on the US. Smokey left the Miracles in 1972 along with Claudette. His final concert performances with the Miracles were released by Tamla on an album titled 'Smokey Robinson & The Miracles: 1957–1972'. The Miracles continued onward with Bobby Rogers, Pete Moore, Ronnie White and Billy Griffin to release the album 'Renaissance' in 1973. Griffin had a solo career to return to in 1980 and Moore wanted off the road. Rogers and White carried on with Dave Finley and Carl Cotton as the New Miracles until 1983. In 1993 Rogers, White and Finley reformed with Sydney Justin. White died in 1995 of leukemia but the Miracles performed in one formation or another into the new millennium. Bobby Rogers died in March 2013. As for Robinson, his career after leaving the Miracles in 1973 was as remarkable as it had been with the Miracles. He started that year with 'Sweet Harmony' at #31 on Billboard's R&B. Then 'Baby Come Close' placed at #7 later that year. Only to list all the songs Robinson placed in the Top Ten of R&B alone (his last being 'Everything You Touch' in 1990 peaking at #4) courts danger alike filling a tire with too much air. Again, for safety purposes I hazard only Robinson's No. 1 titles on Billboard's R&B (certainly not the pop charts): 'Baby That's Backatcha' was spelled poorly but topped the R&B in 1975 anyway. 'Being With You' followed in 1981. 'Just to See Her' topped Billboard's AC (Adult Contemporary)in 1987. Robinson was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame that year as well. As recently as 2014 Robinson peaked on Billboard's album chart at #12 with 'Smokey & Friends', a suite of duets with such as Elton John, Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor. Smokey Robinson & the Miracles 1958 In 1958 lead vocalist, Jimmy Beaumont, got together with Wally Lester, Jack Taylor, Joe Verscharen and Janet Vogel to form the Crescents in Pittsburgh, which name was changed to the Skyliners briefly before making their first record release in December of 1958 for Calico. They were named by their manager, Joe Rock, after the song, 'Skyliner', by Charlie Barnet . Their initial issue, 'Since I Don’t Have You' (b/w 'One Night, One Night') peaked at #3 on Billboard's R&B (#12 on the US) in February of '59. Later that year 'This I Swear' saw #20 on the R&B, #26 on the US. 'Pennies From Heaven' charted on the US at #24 in May of 1960. 'The Loser' peaked at #34 in 1965, which is the last the Skyliners saw of Billboard. Taylor was the first original member to leave the Skyliners, drafted into the Army in 1965. Lester and Verscharen hung with group until 1972. The album, 'The Skyliners', was released in 1978. At that time the group consisted of Jimmy Beaumont, Janet Vogel, Jimmie Ross and Bobby Sholes. Vogel committed suicide in 1980 (age 37). Longtime manager and producer, Joe Rock, died in 2000 upon unsuccessful heart surgery. Verscharen passed away in 2007 of cancer. Lester died of pancreatic cancer in April 2015. Beaumont, however, yet performs with the Skyliners, consisting of Nick Pociask, Rick Morris and Donna Groom as of this writing. Donna Groom's husband, Mark Groom, has been a drummer with the Skyliners a quarter of a century. The Skyliners 1958 Source: Marv Goldberg Joining together in 1956 in Cincinnati, the Students consisted of Leroy King (lead), Dorsey Porter (first tenor), Roy Ford (second tenor), John Bolden (baritone), Richard Johnson (bass) and Ralph Byrd (guitar). The students released their debut single in 1958: 'I'm So Young' b/w 'Every Day Of The Week'. That didn't grab a lot of attention until its reissue on Argo Records in 1961, peaking at #26 on Billboard's R&B. But the several brief years that the Students went to school were apparently not that great, or there were other factors, as they dropped out in 1962. Not the most prolific of recording artists, with issued originals one could count on one hand, their only other issued tracks after '58's 'I'm so Young' disc were 'My Vow To You' b/w 'That's How I Feel' in 1959. (They also backed Jimmy Coe on 'Wazoo!!' in '58.) I myself dispute that the Students ever ran the Chaperones out of town before they dropped out of school, and they were certainly not more civilized. But that's what it says below. Howsoever, Johnson yet performs with the newest formation of the Students as of this writing. The Students 1958 Source: Joe Troiano Unfortunately, the Students were unable to behave. Therefore, the Chaperones . From Long Island, the Chaperones were originally the Sharptones and Fairlanes, said to have changed their name to better associate with a dance and prom theme. Original members were Tony Amato (lead), Roy Marchesano (first tenor), Tommy Ronca (second tenor), Nick Salvato (baritone) and Dave Kelly (bass). It is believed the Chaperones cut their gums in the recording studio backing up Lee Adrian on 'Barbara, Let's Go Steady' in 1959. Their debut release on their own was 'Cruise to the Moon' b/w 'Dance With Me' in 1960, Rich Messina replacing Kelly as bass. Upon disciplining the Students too severely, the Students made sure to run the Chaperones out of town before they quit school in 1962. (Who find that dubitable are being disagreeable on purpose.) The Chaperones released their last recordings in 1961: 'Blueberry Sweet'/'The Man From The Moon'. Their only other record issue had been 'My Shadow And Me'/'Shining Star' in 1960, following 'Cruise to the Moon'. All said, the Chaperones might have released a single or so more than their charges, but they never charted and shouldn't have messed around with the Students . Yet, not learning their lesson even then, the Chaperones remained active performing at nightclubs, behaving no better than the Students , who always were and always will be more civilized. Ronca yet performs with a new formation of the group as of this writing, caring not a whit about such ironies, nor that some would insist that it is the Chaperones, not the Students , who always were and always will be more civilized. Howsoever, Salvato owns the Chaperones trademark since 1987, which rights he shares among original members. Amato died in 1990. Marchesano died in 1994. The Chaperones 1959 The Eternals were five Puerto Ricans from the Bronx. The original members of the group were Charlie Girona, Ernie Sierra, Alex Miranda, Fred Hodge, and Arnie Torres. The Eternals (not to be confused with the later Canadian group) were originally the Gleamers and the Orbits, changing to the Eternals before the release of their first record on the Hollywood label in 1959: 'Rockin' In The Jungle' with 'Rock & Roll Cha Cha' on back. 'Rockin'' peaked at #78 on Billboard's R&B in July of 1959, after which the Eternals disappeared from the charts. After 'Rockin'' the group issued a total of four singles that weren't reissues before twinkling away in '62: 'Babalu's Wedding Day'/'My Girl' in 1959 and 'Blind Date'/'Today' in 1961. The Eternals were reformed in 1972 by original members, Sierra and Torres. The newest configuration, yet performing as of this writing, is led by Sierra. The Eternals 1959 Source: White Doo-Wop Collector The original members of the Impacts were Steve Liebowitz, Horace Brooks, Robert Barber, Kenneth Seymour and Helen Powell. Liebowitz and Powell would marry. The Impacts are thought to have released their first record on the Watts label in 1959, recorded in '58: 'Now Is the Time' b/w 'Soup'. That was followed, with Charles Mattocks replacing Liebowitz, by 'Croc-O-Doll'/'Bobby Sox Squaw' and 'Canadian Sunset'/'They Say' in 1959. Powell and Baber were replaced by Paul Fulton and Sammy Strain to release 'Help Me Somebody'/'Darling Now You're Mine' in 1961. The group reconstituted as the Blue Chips for about a year in 1961 with Bert Can replacing Fulton. Their initial record as such was 'Puddles Of Tears'/'The Contest', followed by 'Let It Ride'/'Adios Adios', also in 1961. In 1962 the Blue Chips released 'Promise' b/w 'One Hen'. A new formation of the Impacts issued 'Just Because'/'Pigtails' and 'Wishing Well'/'Heartaches' in 1965. Their next and last issue was 'Could You Love Me'/'My World Fell Down' in 1967. The Impacts 1959 The Mystics were formed in Brooklyn in 1958, releasing their first recording in 1959: 'Hushabye' backed by 'Adam and Eve'. 'Hushabye' peaked at #20 on Billboard's US that May. At that time the group was composed of Al Contrera (bass), Al Cracolici (baritone), Phil Cracolici (lead), George Galfo (2nd tenor) and Bob Ferrante (1st tenor). 'Don't Take the Stars' reached #98 on the US in October of '59, after which the Mystics dropped off Billboard's Top 100 for good. Both Paul Simon and Jay Traynor would sing lead with the Mystics in 1960, but both would soon leave to pursue their careers otherwise, Simon to resume his partnership with Art Garfunkel as Tom and Jerry , Traynor to form Jay & the Americans . The Mystics were another of numerous doo wop groups very popular on the East Coast while existing in stealth beneath the national spotlight. You'd might not have heard of them if you lived in Flagstaff, Arizona. But if you lived in NYC and followed music you'd have definitely known who they were. Their last release for Laurie was 'Sunday Kind Of Love'/'Darling I Know How' in 1961, after which they exchanged nightlife for day jobs, all but Galfo becoming recording engineers. A later reformation of the group by the Cracolici brothers and Al Contrera released 'Now That Summer Is Here'/'Prayer To An Angel' in 1982. Those were included on the album of the same year, 'Crazy For You'. Original member, George Galfo, released a CD in 2004 titled 'Hushabye Again' with a later configuration of the group. He yet runs the newest manifestation of the Mystics as of this writing. The Mystics 1959 Source: Rock Tour Database Not to be confused with Cleve Duncan & the Radiants, this Radiants originally formed as a gospel group in Chicago in 1960. (Cleveland Duncan was lead singer for the Penguins . He released a couple records in '59 and '60 with his own formation of the Radiants. There was also a Jan & the Radiants, a Randy & the Radiants and a Maurice & the Radiants, only the last of any relation to this Radiants.) Consisting of Maurice McAlister (lead), Wallace Sampson (baritone), Jerome Brooks (second tenor), Elzie Butler (bass) and Charles Washington (first tenor), the Radiants released their first record in 1962: 'Father Knows Best' b/w 'One Day I'll Show You'. 'Father Knows Best' attained to the #100 tier on the Billboard US. Personnel began switching in 1964, McAlister and Sampson continuing with Leonard Caston Jr.. That formation issued 'Voice Your Choice' in 1964 (R&B #5) and 'Ain't No Big Thing in '65 (R&B #14). Caston was replaced by James Jameson in 1965 to issue "Baby You've Got It'. The group was comprised of Sampson, Jameson, Mitchell Bullock and Victor Caston when it issued 'Don't It Make You Feel Kinda Bad' in 1967 (R&B #47). The group also took the R&B #37 spot with 'Hold On' in 1968, their last release. The Radiants continued performing until 1972. The Radiants 1962 Source: Doo-Wop Blogg The Chiffons were named after a sheer fabric in a plain weave, upgraded from "old rag" in French: chiffe. Those hand-me-up girls were originally a trio of Judy Craig, Patricia Bennett and Barbara Lee, formed at James Monroe High School in Bronx in 1960. Sylvia Peterson was added and the group made its first release in 1960: 'Tonight's the Night'. That rose to only #76 on the Billboard US that September. (The Shirelles ' version did much better the same month at #14 on the R&B and #39 on the US.) In February of 1963 the Chiffons nearly squashed Billboard's R&B when 'He's So Fine' plopped on top, reaching #1 on the US as well. Billboard's R&B was crushed from the 6th level down in June that year upon 'One Fine Day', the song at #5 on the US. The Chiffons tried to flatten the charts altogether in November as well, but Billboard's R&B resisted at level 6 again, #36 on the US. As if that weren't bad enough, the album, 'He's So Fine' sumoed both the R&B and US charts at #1. Who knows that the Chiffons didn't chew Doublemint Gum, for they were a double group in 1963 as well, releasing 'My Block'/'Dry Your Eyes' and 'When The Boy's Happy'/'Hockaday Part 1' for the Rust label as the Four Pennies. Not real successful as the Pennies, they continued as the Chiffons, smashing Billboard's US from the 10th level down (#31 UK) with 'Sweet Talkin Guy'. Billboard wearied of having to rebuild all the time so it wouldn't let them near the Top Forty evermore in the States. In the UK, however, they released another version of 'Sweet Talkin Guy' in 1972. The UK Singles Chart didn't see it coming and got crunched from the 4th tier down. It thought it was safe upon Judy Craig being the first to abandon the group in 1970, leaving it only a trio as it continued into the seventies. The group has variously resurrected, Judy Craig yet performing on the East Coast. Barbara Lee passed away of heart attack in May of 1992. The Chiffons 1963 The Cruisers , from Philadelphia, released their first record, 'Miss Fine/If I Knew', in 1960. There is no connection between the Cruisers and the 1983 film, 'Eddie and Cruisers'. So far as known, there never was an actual group called Eddie and the Cruisers beyond the film itself. The Cruisers consisted of Eugene Williams (lead), McKinley Anthony (2nd tenor), Paul Long and Randy Hamilton. Their initial vinyl was in 1960 on the V-Tone label: 'Miss Fine' b/w 'If I Knew' and 'Don't Tease Me' b/w 'Crying Over You'. 'If I Knew' reached the #102 tier on Billboard's US, after which the Cruisers never visited the national charts again. The Cruisers performed on the East Coast another seven years before making their next recording in '67, now on the Gamble label: 'I Need You So'/'Take A Chance'. They then waited two years to issue their last release in 1969, also on Gamble: 'Picture Us'/'Mink and Sable Mable'. The Cruisers then faded into obscurity, but for the later film having no relation to them. The Cruisers 1960 Source: Randy & the Rainbows Have I reached the party to whom I am speaking? Apparently not if the Dialtones are still on the phone. From Queens, the group consisted of Rosalie Calindo (lead), Frank Safuto (first tenor), Dominick Safuto and Eddie Scalla. The Dialtones released their first vinyl in 1960, 'Til I Heard It From You' with 'Johnny' B side. Formed in 1959 when Dominick Safuto was only 12 years old, the Dialtones were yet another of the many fly-by-night doo wop ensembles, recording no more after 1961 upon backing Billy Daye on 'Twenty Four Hours'. Dominick, then in high school, would go on to form other groups such as the Encores, the Counts and the Rainbows. The Dialtones 1960 Source: Doo-Wop Blogg There were actually two Jordan & the Fascinations . The first was formed in Akron, Ohio, by Jordan Zankoff (Jordan Christopher) with Gene Blackford, Darrel McDonald and Phill DiMascio, all students at Buchtel High School. That group released one 45 on the Sure label in 1960: 'It's Midnight'/'Doom Bada Doom'. Prior to that a group in Queens, New York, called the Debonairs had became the Boulevards (releasing 'Delores'/'Chop Chop In the Wall' in 1959 for the Everest label). The Boulevards recruited Zankoff upon his moving to NYC in 1961 (removing his mustache with his last name, becoming Jordan Christopher). The second Jordan & the Fascinations was created with members, Frankie Zazzo, Lou Adessa and Jim Alessandria. Their first release is thought to have been: 'I'll Be Forever Loving You'/'My Imagination' in 1961, followed by 'My Baby Doesn't Smile Anymore'/'Love Will Make Your Mind Go Wild' and 'Give Me Your Love'/'Once Upon A Time'. The group completed its total catalogue of eight singles in 1962 with 'If You Love Me Really Love Me'/'I'm Goin' Home'. Zankoff then moved onward to join the Wild Ones playing at the Peppermint Lounge in NYC. The Wild Ones, with Zankoff, would issue 'Wild Thing' in 1965, but it was the Troggs who topped Billboard's chart with it the next year. The Boulevards 1959 The O'Jays , from Canton, Ohio, drew their name from DJ, Eddie O'Jay, who named them after himself. They had small clue when they formed as the Triumphs in 1958 that they would become one of R&B's most successful groups. Originally consisting of Eddie Levert (lead), Walter Williams, Bobby Massey, Bill Isles and William Powell on drums, they changed their name from the Triumphs to to the Mascots to make their first recordings for King: 'Story Of My Heart'/'Do The Wiggle' and 'Lonely Rain'/'That's The Way I Feel'. The group was already recording as the O'Jays by the time of their release in 1961. Dispute remains as to the release of their first recordings as the O'Jays. Our best guess is that 'Miracles'/'Can't Take It' was first released on Daco in Detroit in 1960, then reissued in 1961 by Apollo. The O'Jays made their first move on Billboard's Top 100 in 1963, placing 'Lonely Drifter' at the #93 spot on their US chart. Their first to rank on Billboard's R&B Top Forty was 'Let It All Hang Out' in 1965 at #28. Their initial Top Ten in R&B was 'I'll Be Sweeter Tomorrow' in 1967 at #8. Due the multiplicity of their songs that reached the Top Ten alone, much less top Forty, we list only those that topped the charts at No. 1: "Backstabbers' in 1972, 'Love Train' in 1973, 'Give the People What They Want' in 1975, followed by 'I Love Music'. 1976 saw three of their efforts at the top of the R&B: 'Stairway to Heaven', 'Livin' For the Weekend' and 'Message In Our Music'. 'Darlin' Darlin' Baby' stood atop the R&B in 1977, then 'Used to Be My Girl' in 1978. 'Lovin' You' reached No. 1 in 1987, then 'Have You Had Your Love Today' in 1989. Due to listing only their No. 1 singles there is no more room for the O'Jays in this paragraph. Luckily, by inverting condensation to expansion we can continue: the O'Jays didn't cease placing in the Top Ten until their last in 1991, 'Keep On Lovin' Me' peaking on the R&B at #4. That was the O'Jays' 25th title to rank in the Top Ten. Their last to achieve the Top Forty wasn't until 1997 with 'Baby You Don't Know' at #34. The O'Jays kept in the Top 100 until their last in 2004: 'Make It Up' reaching the #74 spot. Apparently not limited by linear space-time, the O'Jays yet perform as of this writing with Eric Grant and original members, Levert and Williams. (Isles and Massey left the group in 1972. Powell died of cancer in 1977.) The O'Jays were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. The O'Jays 1958 Source: Penny Liberty The Astors were from Memphis, Tennessee, formed in 1958 as the Duntinos. The Duntinos changed their name to the Chips in honor of producer, Chips Moman, then released 'You Make Me Feel So Good'/'As You Can See' in 1961 for the Stax label. Their first release as the Astors was also for Stax in 1963: 'Just Enough To Hurt Me'/'What Can It Be?'. Upon their issue of 'Candy' b/w 'I Found Out' in 1965 'Candy' peaked at #12 on Billboard's R&B that July (#63 on the US). Which is the last the Astors saw of a national chart. At that time the group yet consisted as it had upon becoming the Astors: Curtis Johnson, Elihue Stanback, Sam "Byrnes" Jones and Richard Harris. The group issued it's last record in 1967: 'Daddy Didn't Tell Me'/'More Power To You'. Johnson would become a member of Brothers Unlimited. In 1991 and '95 Ace Records issued a number of titles previously unreleased by the Astors on CDs titled 'Stax Revue' ('Candy' live), '2000 Volts of Stax' and 4000 Volts of Stax'. The Chips 1961 Source: Doo-Wop Blogg The Contours were an early manifestation of what would come to be called the Motown sound, a subgenre of R&B in the sixties and disco in the seventies that such as the Supremes and the Temptations would put on the R&B map. The Motown sound came to be due much to record producer, Berry Gordy, who founded Tamla and Motown Records in 1959. Gordy handled numerous groups besides the Contours at Motown: the Four Tops , Smokey Robinson & the Miracles , the Supremes , the Temptations , Martha & the Vandellas , to name but several. In 1959 Joe Billingslea and Billy Gordon formed a group in Detroit briefly called the Blenders. Upon becoming the Contours other members were Billy Hoggs, Leroy Fair and Hubert Johnson. The Contours released their first vinyl on Motown: 'Whole Lotta Woman' b/w 'Come On and Be Mine', in January 1961, after which the group began going through so many personnel changes over the years that even Deep Blue replied "No way" upon being dared to attempt to track it. Suffice it to say that at the time of the group's greatest success ('Do You Love Me') the group consisted of Joe Billingslea, Billy Gordon (lead), Billy Hoggs, Sylvester Potts and Hubert Johnson. 'Do You Love Me' was the Contours' first to chart on Billboard, reaching No. 1 on the R&B in August of 1962. The Contours released several more records that placed in the Top Forty until their last in 1967, 'It's So Hard Being a Loser' peaking at #35. After the Contours dropped off the charts Billingslea kept one form or another of the group locally performing at clubs in Motown (Detroit) in the seventies and eighties. Keeping the group going worked out real well when 'Do You Love Me' was used in the 1988 film, 'Dirty Dancing', to a resurgence of popularity, the remix rising to #11 on the US chart that year. Billingslea then took his Contours on a 'Dirty Dancing' concert tour, then released the album, 'Flashback', in 1990. That big fuss, however, was brief, the Contours soon joining the oldies circuit again. Both Billingslea and Potts had left the Contours in 1964, Potts to return the next year. Each yet perform as of this writing with two different formations of the Contours. Latter members we'll not pursue, but as for the Contours' other original members, Leroy Fair was replaced by Benny Reeves (brother to Martha Reeves ) in 1961. Hoggs left the group in 1964 to become a minister. He's currently retired in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Billy Gordon, who kept the group going when all its members dropped out in '64, was replaced in 1965 by Joe Stubbs (brother of the Four Tops ' Levi Stubbs). He died in 1999. Hubert Johnson committed suicide in 1981 in Detroit, age forty. He had left the group in 1964. The Contours were inducted into the Doo Wop Hall of Fame in 2010. The Contours 1961 Source: WOW It is thought the Crystals consisted of Barbara Alston, Delores (Dee Dee) Kenniebrew, Mary Thomas, Patricia Wright and Delores Brooks (replaced in 1962 by Myrna Gerrard) at the time the group grooved its first vinyl in 1961: 'There's No Other (Like My Baby)'/'Oh Yeah, Maybe Baby'. 'There's No Other' soared to the #5 tier on Billboard's R&B that November (#20 on the US). The Crystals never did claim the top of a national chart, but it issued multiple titles into the Top Ten: 'He's a Rebel' (#2 R&B #1 US September 1962), 'Da Doo Ron Ron' (#5 R&B #3 US April 1963) and 'Then He Kissed Me' (#8 R&B #6 US August 1963). The group's last to climb to the Top Forty in the United States was 'All Grown Up' at #27 on Billboard's R&B in July of 1964. Of note to remark is that neither 'He's a Rebel' nor 'He's Sure the Boy I Love' (#18 R&B #11 US) in 1962 were recorded by Crystals. Those were performed by Darlene Love & the Blossoms, nevertheless credited to the Crystals by Phil Spector (a case of ghost singing alike ghost writing). The Ronettes also recorded several songs that Spector credited to the Crystals on their 1963 album, 'The Crystals Sing The Greatest Hits, Volume 1': 'The Twist', 'The Wah Watusi', 'Mashed Potato Time' and 'Hot Pastrami'. The Crystals pulverized in 1965, dropping a jaw or two when Goofus accidentally blew them off a table where they'd been ready to go. They resurrected for about a decade in the early seventies on the oldies circuit. Other formations have since then variously occurred, its latest a trio with original member, Dee Dee Kenniebrew, thought to yet perform as of this writing. The Crystals 1961 Source: White Doo-Wop Collector Formed in Manhattan in 1958, the original five Del Satins took their name in honor of the doo wop groups, the Dells and the Five Satins. The original group had already going through rapid personnel changes by the time of its first release in 1961. It was Stan Ziska (lead), Fred Ferrara (baritone), brother Tom Ferrara (bass), Leslie Cauchi (first tenor) and Bobby Failla (second tenor) who appeared on the group's debut record, 'I'll Pray For You'/'I Remember The Night' (credited to the Dell Satins by End Records). The group began backing Dion DiMucci of Dion & the Belmonts fame in 1961, DiMucci having left that group for a solo career. Of the numerous titles the Del Satins released, none saw Billboard's national charts. They did, however, chart with Dion as the uncredited backup on 'Runaround Sue' (#4 R&B #1 US), 'The Majestic' (#36 US) and 'The Wanderer' (#2 US) in 1961. The Del Satins issued it's last 45 in 1967: 'Love, Hate, Revenge'/'A Little Rain Must Fall'. By the time they issued their debut album, 'Out to Lunch', in 1972 the group had long since been through multiple personnel changes. One says "debut album" because Stan Zisca reshaped the Del Satins and released the LP, 'Still Wandering', in 1991. He would go on to form the group, Tangerine. Zisca, Cauchi, and brothers Fred and Tom Ferrara, occasionally reincarnated the Del Satins over the years. They yet tour to this day with the exception of Fred who died in 2011. The Del Satins 1961 Larry Chance chose the name, the Earls , at random from a dictionary. The Earls had earlier been the Hi-Hatters. From Bronx, the Hi-Hatters were singing in front of a subway station in New York City in 1959 when Johnny Powers of Rome Records asked them to record some tracks. They recorded four, were paid, but little else came of it. Not until 1961 did the Hi-Hatters, now the Earls, release their first single, 'Life is But a Dream' b/w 'It's You". To small fanfare that, the group issued 'Remember Then' in '62, which peaked at #29 on Billboard's R&B, #24 on the US. The Earls issued numerously thereafter, their last 45 thought to be in 1977: 'Tonight' b/w 'Meditation'. The Earls didn't make a giant spectacle. but after numerous configurations over the decades they yet perform as of this writing. Per below, 'Borders, Language, Culture', is performed live with radio opinion monger, Michael Savage. The Earls 1961 Source: All Music Formed in Brooklyn, the Jive Five released their first record, 'My True Story' b/w 'When I Was Single' in 1961. 'My True Story' rose to #1 on Billboard's R&B, #3 on the US. The groups put three more titles in the Top Forty during its career: 'These Golden Rings' (1962 #27 R&B), '' (1965 #26 R&B #36 US) and 'Sugar' (1968 #34 R&B #119 US). The Jive Five's last 45 release was in 1970: 'I Want You to Be My Baby', reaching only the #50 spot on Billboard's R&B. Original members were Eugene Pitt, Jerome Hanna, Richard Harris, Thurmon Prophet and Norman Johnson. The group has naturally seen personnel changes over the decades. Eugene Pitt yet performs well into the new millennium, releasing an album of shag and beach music as late as in 2009: 'Steppin' Out'. The Jive Five 1961 Source: Doo-Wop Blog First formed in 1959 in Pittsburgh, the Marcels became rich upon their very first record release in 1961, a cover of 'Blue Moon' that topped the R&B, US and UK charts. ('Blue Moon' was a ballad originally composed by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1934.) The Marcels issued one more title to place in the Top Ten that year, 'Heartaches (#19 R&B #7 US), then began to fade into obscurity. The Marcels were named after a hairstyle called the Marcel wave accomplished with a curling iron (popular in the twenties along with the bob cut). Original members were Cornelius Harp (lead), bass Fred Johnson (bass), Gene Bricker, Ron Mundy and Richard Knauss. The group began splintering in August of 1961, thereafter to embrace multiple personnel over the years as it continued recording into and throughout the eighties. Gene Bricker died in 1983. Harp, Johnson, Knauss and Mundy appeared on the PBS special, 'Doo Wop 50' in 1999. The Marcels were elected into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002. Lead singer, Harp, died in 2013. The Marcels continue to tour as a quartet with a couple of its older members. Though none original, current member, Richard Harris, has been with the Marcels since 1962. The Marcels 1961 Source: El Caobo Internacional A Motown group alike the Supremes , the Marvelettes also rivaled the Supremes . The group came together, first as a quintet, in high school in 1960. Members were Gladys Horton, Katherine Anderson, Georgeanna Tillman, Juanita Cowart, and Georgia Dobbins. Wanda Young would replace Dobbins before the release of 'Please Mr. Postman' in 1961 and assume lead in 1965. Cowart would abandon the group in '63, leaving it a quartet. As a Detroit group, what else but that Berry Gordy at Tamla Records should produce them. (Gordy founded Motown Records briefly after Tamla the same year. Motown would handle the biggest Motor City groups: the Four Tops , Smokey Robinson & the Miracles , the Contours , the Supremes , the Temptations , and Martha & the Vandellas , to name but several that made Gordy a happy man in addition to the singular most important force behind the Motown sound that in itself became a subgenre of R&B in the sixties and of disco in the seventies.) The Marvelettes released their first song in 1961: 'Please Mr. Postman' b/w 'So Long Baby'. Released in August, 'Mr. Postman' topped both the R&B and US charts the next month. The group never produced another title at No. 1, but their songs in the Top Ten alone are a pain in the brain to list: 1961 September #1 R&B #1 US 1962 May #4 R&B #7 US 'Someday, Someway' August #7 R&B #17 US 'Strange I Know' December #10 R&B #49 US 1963 'As Long As I Know He's Mine' November #3 R&B #47 US 1964 'Too Many Fish In the Sea' November #5 R&B #25 US 1966 January #3 R&B #7 US 1967 January #1 R&B #13 US 'When You're Young and In Love' April #9 R&B #23 US 'My Baby Must Be a Magician' December #8 R&B #17 US Which doesn't account for seven more that the Marvelette's placed in the Top Twenty, three more in the Top Thirty. Their last song to reach the Top Forty was 'Destination: Anywhere' in 1968 at #28 on the R&B. The Marvelettes issued their premier album in 1961: 'Please Mr. Postman'. The group began splintering in 1969 upon Horton's departure prior to the recording of 'My Baby Must be a Magician'. The Marvelettes' last album together was released in 1969: 'Full Bloom'. The LP, 'The Return of The Marvelettes', in 1970 was produced by Smokey Robinson and featured only Wanda Young backed by the Andantes. By that time the Marvelettes were through. Original member, Georgeanna Tillman, died of lupus in January 1980. Gladys Horton died of stroke in a California nursing home in January of 2011. Katherine Anderson currently resides in Inkster, Michigan, and mentors vocal groups. Wanda Young (Wanda Rogers) presently lives in Westland, Michigan. Dobbins (who arranged 'Please Mr. Postman', though didn't participate in its recording) and Cowart yet reside in Inkster as of this writing. The Marvelettes 1961 The Monterays, formed in the Bronx in 1958, produced their first demo that year: 'Santa Claus (He Gained More Weight)' with 'Christmas Time Angel'. They couldn't catch fish with that so they changed their name to the Desires and recorded 'I Ask You' with 'Story Of Love' flip side. Likely recorded in 1958 (for Seville), that record wasn't released until June of 1962. Not to be confused with the Los Angeles Regents active about the same time, this Regents consisted of Guy Villari (lead), Sal Cuomo (first tenor), Charles Fassert (second tenor), Danny Jacobuccia (baritone) and Tony Gravagna (bass) at the time of their first record release in 1960 for the Kayo label: 'That's What I Call A Good Time' b/w 'No Hard Feelings'. In 1961 'Barbara-Ann' peaked #7 on the R&B chart, #13 on the US. Two months later in July 'Runaround' reached #30 on the R&B, #28 on the US. The Regents [not certain of personnel at this time]began recording as the Runarounds in 1961, releasing 'Mashed Potato Mary' b/w 'I'm All Alone'. In 1962 the Runarounds were a quartet spelled Run-A-Rounds consisting of Guy Villari, Chuck Fassert, Ronnie Lapinsky and Sal Corrente. The group recorded 'Unbelievable'/'Hooray For Love', after which Corrente dropped out. The Run-A-Rounds issued one more 45 in 1963, 'Let Them Talk'/'Are You Looking For a Sweetheart'. Perhaps "Run-A-Rounds" required too many dashes, as it was the Runarounds that released 'Carrie (You're an Angel)'/'Send Her Back' in 1964. Be as may, the Runarounds issued only two more 45s: 'Perfect Woman'/'You're a Drag' in 1966 and 'You Lied'/'My Little Girl' in 1967. The Regents have been twice resurrected by Villari with new members in 1973 and 1995. The Monterays 1958 The original Supremes were one of the few doo wop ensembles with pretentious names who actually were supreme, they to become one of the most popular female vocal groups in the history of music, any kind. Formed as the Primettes in 1959 in Detroit (Motor City: Motown), they consisted of Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard and Betty McGlown. They recorded their first and only record as the Primettes in 1960: 'Tears of Sorrow'/'Pretty Baby', after which McGlown left the group to concentrate on the delights of a new bride. Their first four singles as the Supremes, now a trio, occurred in 1961 for Tamla Records: 'I Want a Guy' b/w 'Never Again' and 'Buttered Popcorn' b/w 'Who's Loving You'. Their first to chart on Billboard's R&B was in 1962 with 'Let Me Go the Right Way'. The Supremes first acquired position in the Top Ten in 1963 with 'When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes' peaking at #2. Upon that the Supremes spent the next nine years consistently charting in the R&B Top Ten, their last in 1972 at #5 with 'Floy Joy'. A list of #1 singles in the months they peaked on Billboard's R&B and US charts alone is as to brave infinity, stepping into the dark descents of a bottomless pit as I type: 1964 'Where Did Our Love Go' July #1 R&B #1 US 'Baby of Love' October #1 R&B #1 US 'Come See About Me' November #2 R&B #1 US 1965 'Stop! In the Name of Love' February #2 R&B #1 US 'Back In My Arms Again' May #1 R&B #1 US 'I Hear a Symphony' October #2 R&B #1 US 1966 August #1 R&B #1 US 'You Keep Me Hangin' On' October #1 R&B #1 US 1967 'Love Is Here and Now You're Gone' January #1 R&B #1 US 'The Happening' April #12 R&B #1 US 1968 October #2 R&B #1 US 1969 October #1 R&B #1 US 1970 'Stoned Love' November #1 R&B #7 US Barbara Martin replaced McGlown from 1960 to 1962. When McGlown departed Ross, Ballard and Wilson carried on as a trio. In 1967 Cindy Birdsong came aboard, replacing Ballard. Ballard briefly attempted a solo career but it didn't go. She'd received nigh $140,000 in earnings and royalties upon severance from the Supremes, yet is said to have died in poverty in 1976 of coronary thrombosis, only age 32. The Supremes released several records with the Temptations in 1968 and '69, their first for Motown: 'I'm Gonna Make You Love Me'/'A Place In The Sun'. Ross left the Supremes in latter 1969. Her last television appearance as a Supreme was on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' in December of that year. She was replaced by Jean Terrell in time for the 1970 album: 'Right On'. Ross' first solo release in 1969 was 'Someday We'll Be Together'. Though neither Birdsong nor Wilson participated it got billed as Diana Ross & the Supremes. The group without Ross went on to issue a couple records with the Four Tops in 1970 and '71: River Deep-Mountain High'/'Together We Can Make Such Sweet Music" and 'You Gotta Have Love In Your Heart'/'I'm Glad About It'. Lynda Laurence replaced Birdsong, becoming a mother, in 1972. Terrell was replaced by Scherrie Payne in 1973 in time for the disco single, 'He's My Man'. Birdsong returned that year as well to replace Laurence. The group yet consisted of Birdsong, Payne and mainstay through it all, Mary Wilson, upon issuing the album, 'The Supremes', in 1975. Birdsong was replaced again, this time due conflict with management, in 1976 by Susaye Greene. Greene participated in the last two Supremes albums, 'High Energy' and 'Mary, Scherrie & Susaye'. The Supremes gave their final concert at Drury Lane Theater in London in June of '77. The Primettes 1960 Source: Girls Play Music Motown group, the Temptations , were to become among the most successful combinations to grow out of doo wop, their career much coinciding with that of the Supremes , their closest female counterpart in what was called the Motown sound, with the exception that the Temptations didn't retire in 1977, but have continued well into the new millennium to the present day. The roots of the Temptations can be traced clear back to 1955 when teenagers, Paul Williams and Eddie Kendricks, were with a group called the Cavaliers that became the Primes. The course is a little labored to get from there to when the Temptations released their first vinyl. Suffice it to note that Otis Williams is thought to have made his first record release as Otis Williams & the Siberians in 1958: 'Pecos Kid'/'All Of My Life'. Elbridge Bryant was a member of that group. Upon some shifting of personnel a group was configured titled the Distants. (They were also known as the Elgins at a club they worked about that time.) Enter Melvin Franklin to join what was now gathered as the original Temptations in the Distants. Two other members of that group wouldn't be joining the Temptations. One, Richard Strick, carried on with Distants. James Crawford, who had had a recording career before the Distants, then disappeared from the music industry. That group released a few singles in 1960: 'Come On', 'Always' and 'Open Your Heart'. At the time of the Temptations' initial recordings it consisted of Otis Williams, Elbridge Bryant, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams. The Temptations released their first record in 1961: 'Oh, Mother Of Mine'/'Romance Without Finance' and 'Check Yourself'/'Your Wonderful Love'. One of the ways in which the Temptations were similar to the Supremes was their enormous popularity. The Temptations first visited Billboard's national R&B in 1962 with 'Dream Come True' rising to #22. As like with the Supremes , it is a fearsome descent into a pitch black abyss as I type this, yet again intimidated by the prospect of listing only the months and years that the Temptations placed, not in the Top Forty, nor in the Top Ten, but only at the apex of the Billboard R&B or US: 1964 'The Way You Do the Things You Do' February #1 R&B #11 US 1965 January #1 R&B #1 US 1966 February #1 R&B #29 US 'Ain't Too Proud to Beg' May #1 R&B #13 US 'Beauty Is Only Skin Deep' August #1 R&B #23 US 'I'm Losing You' November #1 R&B #8 US 1968 'I Wish It Would Rain' January #1 R&B #8 US 'I Could Never Love Another' March #1 R&B #3 US 1969 February #1 R&B #1 US 'I Can't Get Next to You' August #1 R&B #1 US 1971 February #1 R&B #1 US 1972 'Papa Was a Rollin' Stone' October #5 R&B #1 US 1973 February #1 R&B #7 US 'Let Your Hair Down' December #1 R&B #27 US 1974 December #1 R&B #40 US 1975 'Shakey Ground' March #1 R&B #26 US It took until 1989 for the Temptations to place their last on the Top Ten of the R&B: 'Special' at #10. That was in the States. Their last to rise to the Top Ten in the UK wasn't until 1992 with 'My Girl' at #2. The Temptations placed in the Top Forty as late as 2000 with 'I'm Here' at #40. Naturally, personnel has undergone changes with a group that has been around so long, mainstay, Otis Williams, yet touring the States as of this writing with the latest formation of the Temptations: Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks, Joe Herndon, Bruce Williamson. They're backed by as many instrumentalists. We can't here lend space to midterm members, but as to its originals other than Otis, Bryant was fired in 1963, replaced by David Ruffin in time for the Temptations' first album, 'Meet the Temptations' in early 1964. (Ruffin's first lead was 'My Girl' in latter '64. Dennis Edwards replaced him in time for the December 1968 album, 'Live at the Copa'.) Bryant had gotten the shoo fly shoo for bashing Paul Williams in the head with a beer bottle. He continued performing in the music business locally until his death in 1975 in Florida of liver cirrhosis (only age 36). The Temptations' Motown sound was getting blended with what was billed as "psychedelic soul" in the latter sixties and early seventies. Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams recorded lead on 'Just My Imagination', released January 1971, before Kendricks left the group. Paul Williams followed him the next May. Kendricks died of lung cancer in Birmingham in 1992. Franklin died upon a brain seizure in February of 1995. The Distants 1960 Source: Klissete Fingers It was 1960 when the Del-Phis first appeared on vinyl, backing Mike Hanks on 'When True Love Comes To Be' and 'The Hawk' on the Mah's label. The Del-Phis were Gloria Williams, Rosalind Ashford and Annette Sterling. In 1961 the Del-Phis released 'I'll Let You Know' with 'It Takes Two' with Checkmate, Martha Reeves now in the group. They tried again as the Vels in 1962 with 'There He Is (At My Door)' and 'You'll Never Cherish a Love So True'. About the same time Martha Reeves was with Saundra Mallett & the Vandellas. That group released 'Camel Walk'/'It's Gonna Be Hard Times' and 'Stubborn Kind Of Fellow'/'It Hurts Me Too' (the latter backing Marvin Gaye ) with Tamla in 1962. It was upon Vels singer, Mary Wells, taking ill that Reeves replaced her. Williams declined to continue when Berry Gordy offered the group a promotion from Tamla to Motown Records. Gordy was founder of Tamla Records in 1959, then Motown Records the same year, then pretty much the whole genre that would come to be called the Motown sound. Gordy figured 'I'll Have To Let Him Go'/'My Baby Won't Come Back' would be a good first release for Martha & the Vandellas in 1962. It was March of 1963 when the Vandellas first alighted on Billboard's wire. As for myself, it is as being pulled into an infinitely dense black hole from which there may be no escape as I risk listing only the songs and months that the Vandellas placed on Billboard's Top Ten. Though that's plenty threatening, my equations tell me I've good odds of surviving so long as I don't attempt the Top Twenty and my suit doesn't leak. I am, naturally, going in alone, that the ship not face danger. I've been assured that it's not because I'm expendable: 1963 'Come and Get These Memories' April #6 R&B #29 US "Heatwave' August #1 R&B #4 US 'Quicksand' November #7 R&B #8 US Sterling is replaced by Betty Kelly after this. 1964 April #6 R&B #44 US 'Dancing In the Street' August #8 R&B #2 US 1965 February #5 R&B #8 US 1966 January #3 R&B #22 US 'I'm Ready For Love' October #2 R&B #9 1967 February #1 R&B #10 'Honey Chile' November #5 R&B #11 US Exactly as I had calculated, I've been able to return in perfect, if not disturbed, condition, to not a few dropped jaws at the deed accomplished. As for the Vandellas, Kelly was fired in 1967 (after 'Honey Chile'), she and Reeves rubbing the wrong way, and was replaced by Lois Reeves (Martha's sister). The group placed on Billboard's R&B Top Forty as late as 1972 with 'Tear It On Down' peaking at #37. The Vandellas gave their farewell concert at Detroit's Cobo Hall in December of 1972. Reeves moved onward to a solo career, releasing the album, 'Martha Reeves' in 1974. She would become a Christian in 1977. Original members, Ashford and Beard, remain active in the music business as of this writing. The Vandellas were nominated into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame by the rock group, the B-52s, in 1995. They were received into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003. 'Rolling Stone' magazine has ranked the Vandellas #96 on their list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. The Del-Phis 1961 The Blenders from Chicago are thought to have released their first plate in 1962 for Cortlandt Records: 'Everybody's Got A Right'/'What Have You Got'. The group consisted of Harold Jones, Albert Hunter, Goldie Coates, Delores Johnson and Gail Mapp singing lead. (Though the group released records as Baby Jane & the Blenders and Goldie Coates & the Blenders, Gail Mapp remained lead.) In 1963 'Daughter' made Billboard's US chart at No. 67. They issued several more records that went nowhere, also recording as the Candles on a disc for Nike Records in 1964. The group's last release is thought to be 'Love Is A Good Thing Going'/'Your Love Has Got Me Down' in 1966 for Mar-V-Lous Records. Not to be confused with the much earlier NYC Blenders . The Blenders 1957 Source: Discogs The Corvairs were comprised of Joe Shepard (tenor), Nelson Shields (second tenor), Prince McKnight (tenor), Ronald Judge (baritone) and Billy Faison (bass). The group released its first record in 1962: 'True True Love' b/w 'Hey, Sally Mae'. The Corvairs released 'Don't You Know'/'No Tears Left For Crying' 1963, accidentally credited to the Westsiders. 'Ain't No Soul (In These Old Shoes)' b/w 'Get A Job' was the Corvairs last release in 1966 for a total of eight singles in their catalogue of issues plus two as the Westsiders. ('I Don't Wanna Be Without You Baby'/'Girl With The Wind In Her Hair' was released in '63, 'Swinging Little Government'/'Love, Love My Friend' in '66.). The Corvairs, though, had trouble making wind. Maybe it was their car. The Corvairs 1962 Source: Blog de Rock en Mexico The original members of the Duprees were Michael Arnone, Joe Santollo, John Salvato, Tom Bialoglow and lead singer Joey Canzano (Joey Vann). Personnel changes would ensue, Vann replaced in 1965 by Mike Kelly. The Duprees released their first recording, 'You Belong to Me' b/w 'Take Me As I Am' in 1962. 'You Belong to Me' peaked at #7 on Billboard's US chart that August. The group landed three other singles in the Top Ten as well: 'My Own True Love' (October 1962 #2 AC #13 US), 'Why Don't You Believe Me' (August 1963 #10 AC #37 US), and 'Have You Heard' (November 1963 #8 AC #18 US). From '63 throughout the sixties the Duprees issued numerous titles to disappointing results, thus renaming themselves the Italian Asphalt and Pavement Company in 1970 and released 'Check Yourself'. That group is said to be performing to this day, though with no original members. The original Duprees were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2006. All of the original members of the Duprees, as well as Kelly, have since died, Santollo and Vann in the early eighties. Only Bialoglow continues to perform as of this writing, singing with Joe Zisa & Friends in what is called the 'Jersey Tribute Show'. The Duprees 1962 Originally formed in 1960 by Martha Reeves and Shirley Walker, the Fascinations were also comprised of Fern Bledsoe and sisters, Joanne and Bernadine Boswell. Reeves left the group for the Del-Phis before the Fascinations made their first recording. That record was in late 1962: 'Mama Didn't Lie'. The Fascinations released several records into 1967, only one them charting to speak of: 'Girls Are Out to Get You' peaking at #13 on Billboard's R&B, #92 on the US. (Thanks to Collectors Frenzy for some of the above. Collectors Frenzy buys and sells very expensive records worth more than my car.) The Fascinations 1962	i don't know
Which corporation suffered embarrassment after sponsoring and naming the weather system which caused multiple fatalities across Eastern Europe in Feb 2012?	The Pegasus Daily Bulletin \| Crap, the Name Escapes Me! Crap, the Name Escapes Me! A comfortable place to hang ~ chat ~ debate ~ have fun! ~~ Etch a Sketch ~~ Post by on Jan 29, 2012 10:45:50 GMT -5 Good morning Miss Who, Sus, Peg and Tuxy Flying Horse Gabber Extraordinaire I am sorry to be posting this. i am FH's son jeff, my Mom passed away last night peacefully. Posts: 16,236 Post by Flying Horse on Jan 29, 2012 14:07:49 GMT -5 Good afternoon from Tuxy :)This is the 29th day of 2012 with 336 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 2:03 p.m., it's partly cloudy , temp 37ºF [Feels like 26ºF], winds WSW @ 13 mph, humidity 52%, pressure 29.94 in and falling, dew point 21ºF, chance of precipitation 10%. Today in History: 1777--Americans retreat from Fort Independence in Bronx County, NY. 1820--Britain's King George III died insane at Windsor Castle. 1834--Andrew Jackson became the first president to use federal troops to quell labor unrest. 1843--William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States, and the first president to ride in a car, was born in Niles, Ohio; assassinated 1901 and Vice Pres. Teddy Roosevelt became president. 1846--Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven" was first published, in the New York Evening Mirror. 1850--Henry Clay introduced in the Senate a compromise bill on slavery that included the admission of California into the Union as a free state. 1856--Britain's Queen Victoria introduced the Victoria Cross to reward military acts of valor during the Crimean War. 1861--Kansas became the 34th state of the Union, entering as a free state. 1891--Liliuokalani proclaimed queen of Hawaii. 1900--the American League, consisting of eight baseball teams, was organized in Philadelphia. 1919--the ratification of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, which launched Prohibition, was certified by Acting Secretary of State Frank L. Polk. 1929--The Seeing Eye, a New Jersey-based school which trains guide dogs to assist the blind, was incorporated by Dorothy Harrison Eustis and Morris Frank. 1936--the first five members of baseball's Hall of Fame, Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Matthewson and Walter Johnson, were named in Cooperstown, N.Y. 1963--the first members of pro football's Hall of Fame were named in Canton, Ohio. 1964--Stanley Kubrick's black comic masterpiece, Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb opened. 1979--Pres. Carter welcomed Chinese Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping to the White House following the establishment of diplomatic relations. 1990--former Exxon Valdez skipper Joseph Hazelwood went on trial in Anchorage, Alaska, on charges stemming from the 1989 oil spill. 1998--a bomb exploded at an abortion clinic in Birmingham, Ala., killing an off-duty policeman and severely wounding a nurse. 2002--in his first State of the Union address, Pres. Bush said terrorists were still threatening America — and he warned of "an axis of evil" consisting of North Korea, Iran and Iraq. 2006--ABC "World News Tonight" co-anchor Bob Woodruff and a cameraman were seriously injured in a roadside bombing in Iraq. 2007--Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was euthanized because of medical complications eight months after his gruesome breakdown at the Preakness. 2007--a Palestinian suicide bomber killed three Israelis at a bakery in Eilat in the first such attack inside Israel in nine months. 2009--the Illinois Senate voted to remove Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office. 2010--abortion opponent Scott Roeder was convicted of murder by a jury in Wichita, Kan., in the shooting death of Dr. George Tiller, one of the only doctors to offer late-term abortions in the U.S. 2011-- Egyptian Pres. Mubarak named his intelligence chief, Omar Suleiman, as his first-ever vice president as chaos engulfed Cairo. World News Capsules: 1. Former Taliban officials say US talks started. ....Former officials said Taliban negotiators traveled to Qatar for discussions with American officials that included a possible prisoner transfer. 2. AUSTRALIAN OPEN: Djokovic wins longes Sam final ever. ....No. 1 seed Novak Djokovic outlasts Rafael Nadal in six-hour Aussie Open final. 3. At war with São Paulo's establishment, black paint in hand. ....The São Paulo authorities have tried for years to stop pichação, graffiti that reflects urban decay and deep class divisions in Brazil. 4. Chinese crackdown seals off ethnic unrest. ....Confronting an outbreak of Tibetan protest in western Sichuan Province, Chinese authorities have cordoned off the area. 5. Beltway lobbyists drop Egypt's government as client. ....Tensions have grown since a crackdown by Egyptian authorities on several American nonprofit organizations. 6. In cradle of games, a new Olympic trial: debt. ....Greece has scrapped extra financing for training, athletes say aid they are supposed to receive is frequently late, and many training centers have fallen into disrepair or closed. a. Greek debt talks again seem to be on the verge of a deal. ....Greece and its private sector creditors have made new progress toward an agreement on how much of a loss the creditors would be willing to accept on their bond holdings. 7. Will Israel attack Iran? ....For the first time since the Iranian nuclear threat emerged, the conditions for an Israeli assault have been met. a. Israeli drone crashes in ball of fire. .... An unmanned Israeli airplane capable of reaching parts of Iran crashed during an experimental flight Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces said. 8. UPDATE: Stormy seas delay recovery of liner's fuel. ....Officials in Italy said the conditions might keep them from resuming work until midweek. 9. Russian liberals growing uneasy with alliances. ....n the effort to drive out the paramount Russian leader Vladimir V. Putin, the opposition, driven by liberal and middle-class Russians, has tentatively reached out to nationalists. 10. Spanish airline Spanair goes bust, strands passengers. ....Spanish airline Spanair went bust early Saturday, forcing many passengers to find seats on flights with other airlines at short notice. 11. Sudan: Rebels kidnap 70 workers, including Chinese nationals. ....Militants attacked a construction site and captured 70 workers, including Chinese nationals, in Sudan's volatile South Kordofan state, military officials said. 12. In Davos, Switzerland, Europe is pressed for debt crisis solution. ....Echoing comments by American officials, leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos said that aid to the euro zone from the rest of the world would be contingent on a larger commitment by Europe. 13. Sharp rise in violence halts monitoring by League in Syria. ....The Arab League said a harsh new crackdown by the government made it too dangerous to proceed with its observer mission and was resulting in the deaths of innocents across Syria. a. More Syrian killings reported incrackdown. ....At least 58 people were killed in Syria Sunday, according to an opposition activist group -- and as Russia calls for more monitors to be sent to the violence-ridden country. b. In Rankous, barely holding on. ....Free Syria Army tries to hold on to Rankous, a town located near Damascus. 14. Yemeni leader arrives in US for medical treatment. ....Pres. Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen is seeking treatment for injuries sustained when the presidential palace was bombed in June. US News Capsules: 1. Occupy: 100s arrested at Occupy Oakland protest; protesters break into City Hall. ....A U.S. flag was burned by a group of protestors inside City Hall, according to City Council President Larry Reid. City officials also said three police officers and one protester were injured during Saturday's events. Oakland Mayor Jean Quan said: "Once again, a violent splinter group of the Occupy Movement is engaging in violent actions against Oakland. The Bay Area Occupy Movement has got to stop using Oakland as their playground." The statement also said there were reports of damage to exhibits inside City Hall during the protest. 2. Private snoops find GPS trail legal to follow. ....Sales of GPS tracking devices, for a variety of largely unregulated uses, are growing fast, raising new questions about privacy and testing a legal system that has not kept pace with technology. 3. The bookstoe's last stand. ....Barnes & Noble, the giant that put so many independent booksellers out of business, now finds itself locked in the fight of its life, with Amazon.com lurking in the background/ 4. The blackberry, trying to avoid the hall of fallen giants. ....Some tech gadgets that once seemed indispensable have been mercilessly superseded over the years, and Research in Motion is trying to avoid that fate for its BlackBerry. 5. Slow resonses cloud a winoow into Washington. ....Courts have ruled that government agencies must respond to Freedom of Information Act requests in 20 days, but delayed responses have left some requests approaching 20 years old. 6. In Tucson, finding a game to replace the one that took its ball and left. ....Tucson, abandoned as a spring training site for Major League Baseball, hopes to rebound with spring training for Major League Soccer. 7. New report by agency lowers estimates of natural gas in US. ....The Energy Information Administration estimated that there are 482 trillion cubic feet of shale gas in the US, down from the 2011 estimate of 827 trillion cubic feet. 8. At least 9 dead in Florida in highway pileups. ....At least nine people were killed in a series of overnight accidents in northern Florida, blamed on poor visibility from smoke from a nearby brush fire, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office said. POLITICS: 1. Romney 15 points ahead of Gingrich in Florida race. ....The former Massachusetts governor appears poised for a decisive victory in a key Republican primary, with Santorum in third place and Paul in fourth. a. The calculations that led Romney to the warpath. ....In the hours after Mitt Romney's double-digit loss to Newt Gingrich in the South Carolina primary, the Romney team outlined a new aggressive approach to deal with Gingrich. 2. Gingrich vows long fight and gets Cain's backing. ....Newt Gingrich picked up the endorsement of Herman Cain, his former rival, as he barreled through a series of speeches and town-hall-style meetings Saturday on Florida's "Treasure Coast." a. Gingrich questions Romney's suitability for presidency. ....Newt Gingrich today accused front-running Mitt Romney of waging a dishonest campaign, saying the former governor is trying to cover up liberal stances in his past. 3. A governor still trying to become a politician. ....Gov. Rick Scott of Florida, who approaches the job of governor as the corporate chieftain he once was, is trying to soften his approach to politics. 4. In nonstop whirlwind of campaigns, Twitter is a critical tool. ....The candidates’ teams can reach voters, gather data and respond to charges immediately, but the brief posts also carry danger. Today's Headlines of Interest: Arctic snowy owls soar south in rare mass move. Bird enthusiasts are reporting rising numbers of snowy owls from the Arctic winging into the lower 48 states this winter in a mass southern migration that a leading owl researcher called "unbelievable." 1000s of the snow-white birds, which stand 2 feet tall with 5-foot wingspans, have been spotted from coast to coast, feeding in farmlands in Idaho, roosting on rooftops in Montana, gliding over golf courses in Missouri and soaring over shorelines in Massachusetts A certain number of the iconic owls fly south from their Arctic breeding grounds each winter but rarely do so many venture so far away even amid large-scale, periodic southern migrations known as irruptions. "This is the most significant wildlife event in decades," said Denver Holt, head of the Owl Research Institute in Montana, who has studied snowy owls in their Arctic tundra ecosystem for two decades. Holt and other owl experts say the phenomenon is likely linked to lemmings, a rodent that accounts for 90% of the diet of snowy owls during breeding months that stretch from May into September. The largely nocturnal birds also prey on a host of other animals, from voles to geese. An especially plentiful supply of lemmings last season likely led to a population boom among owls that resulted in each breeding pair hatching as many as seven offspring. That compares to a typical clutch size of no more than two, Holt said. Greater competition this year for food in the Far North by the booming bird population may have then driven mostly younger, male owls much farther south than normal. Research on the animals is scarce because of the remoteness and extreme conditions of the terrain the owls occupy, including northern Russia and Scandinavia, he said. The surge in snowy owl sightings has brought birders flocking from Texas, Arizona and Utah to the Northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest, pouring tourist dollars into local economies and crowding parks and wildlife areas. The irruption has triggered widespread public fascination that appears to span ages and interests. But accounts of emaciated owls at some sites — including a food-starved bird that dropped dead in a farmer's field in Wisconsin — suggest the migration has a darker side. And Holt said an owl that landed at an airport in Hawaii in November was shot and killed to avoid collisions with planes. Holt also said snowy owl populations are believed to be in an overall decline, possibly because a changing climate has lessened the abundance of vegetation like grasses that lemmings rely on. This winter's snowy owl outbreak, with multiple sightings as far south as Oklahoma, remains largely a mystery of nature. "There's a lot of speculation. As far as hard evidence, we really don't know," Holt said. Thought for Today "Misquotations are the only quotations that are never misquoted." —-Hesketh Pearson, British biographer (1887-1964). Today's flower: Robinia pseudoacacia or black locust - highly prized as an urban street specimen, because it tolerates air pollution very well. The graceful white flower racemes that hang from the branches are extremely fragrant and perfume the air for shopping pedestrians. "We find comfort among those who agree with us, growth among those who don't." - Frank Howard Clark Flying Horse Gabber Extraordinaire I am sorry to be posting this. i am FH's son jeff, my Mom passed away last night peacefully. Posts: 16,236 Post by Flying Horse on Jan 30, 2012 15:40:18 GMT -5 Good afternoon from Tuxy :)This is the 30th day of 2012 with 335 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 12:52 p.m., it's cloudy , temp 19ºF [Feels like 12ºF], winds NW @ 13 mph, humidity 61%, pressure 29.37 in and falling, dew point 27ºF, chance of precipitation 10%. Today in History: 1649--England's King Charles I was beheaded by Parliamentarians in the English civil war. 1798--a brawl broke out in the House of Representatives in Philadelphia, as Matthew Lyon of Vermont spat in the face of Roger Griswold of Connecticut. 1862--the ironclad USS Monitor was launched from the Continental Iron Works in Greenpoint, N.Y. 1882--Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd Pres. of the US, was born; died 1945 at age 63 just months after the start of his 4th term; succeeded by Vice Pres. Harry Truman. 1883--James Ritty and John Birch received a US patent for the first cash register. 1933--the first episode of the Lone Ranger was broadcast on radio station WXYZ in Detroit. 1933--Adolf Hitler became chancellor of Germany. 1948--Indian political and spiritual leader Mohandas K. Gandhi, 78, was murdered in New Delhi by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu extremist. 1962--two members of "The Flying Wallendas" high-wire act were killed when their 7-person pyramid collapsed during a performance at the State Fair Coliseum in Detroit. 1968--Vietnam Conflict: the Tet Offensive began as Communist forces launched surprise attacks against South Vietnamese provincial capitals. 1969--The Beatles performed in public for the last time in a 45-minute gig on the roof of their Apple Records headquarters in London. 1972--13 Roman Catholic civil rights marchers were shot to death by British soldiers in Northern Ireland on what became known as "Bloody Sunday." 1981--an estimated two million New Yorkers turned out for a ticker-tape parade honoring the freed American hostages from Iran. 2002--Afghan leader Hamid Karzai visited the World Trade Center site and placed a wreath of yellow roses by a memorial wall. 2003--Richard Reid, a British citizen and al-Qaida follower, was sentenced to life in prison by a federal judge in Boston for trying to blow up a trans-Atlantic jetliner with explosives hidden in his shoes. 2005--Iraqis voted in their country's first free election in a half-century. 2006--Coretta Scott King, civil rights advocate & the widow of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., died at age 78. 2007--a propane tank explosion leveled the Flat Top Little General Store in Ghent, W.Va., killing four people. 2007--two gunmen shot and killed Mellie McDaniel, the wife of the Jackson County, Fla., sheriff and a deputy sent to check on her; other deputies opened fire and killed the assailants. 2011--Rachid Ghanouchi, leader of the long-outlawed Tunisian Islamist party, returned home after two decades in exile. 2077--Novak Djokovic won his 2nd Australian Open title, breezing past Andy Murray 6-4, 6-2, 6-3. World News Capsules: 1. Afghan kin accused of killing wife who failed to have son. ....The Kunduz Province authorities say that a woman, 22, was strangled by her husband and mother-in-law three months after she gave birth to a third girl. 2. General strike grips Belgium. [/img]....Belgium was paralyzed by a national strike Monday as unions, angry at austerity measures, timed their protest to coincide with a one-day meeting of European Union leaders in the capital, Brussels. 3. China says it curbed spill of toxic metal in river. ....Despite what appears to have been a disaster averted, the incident highlighted China’s continuing struggle against contamination of its waterways. a. WTO ordrs China to stop export taxes on minerals. ....The appeals panel’s ruling, a victory for United States, said that China distorted international trade through dozens of export policies on raw materials. 4. Egypt's military seeks advice on early handing of power to civiliams. ....After a week of major protests demanding an immediate end to military rule, the request may be an attempt to calm the unrest. a. US Embassy in Cairo shields 2 Americans. ....The Americans are being protected from potential arrest by the Egyptian authorities as part of a politically-charged probe into the activities of four American-backed nongovernmental organizations. 5. Sarkozy unveils tax raises but not a re-election bid. ....Insisting he was not acting as a candidate, Pres. Nicolas Sarkozy said he would raise consumer taxes to make French companies more competitive and reduce the budget deficit. 6. Greek coalition is said to back more austerity. ....A deal that would erase $130 billion in debt owned by private creditors is expected within days, while Greece's government positions itself for a second bailout/ 7. . Iran offers to extend UN nuclear inspection. ....Iran’s foreign minister was reported to have offered to extend a three-day visit to his country by UN inspectors. 8. [US drones patrolling its sides provoke outrage in Iraq[/i]. ....The use of unarmed craft to protect American buildings and personnel may foreshadow an expansion of such operations to the US government's diplomatic arm. a. Sunnis end boycott of Iraqi parliament, but crisis remains. ....In the first sign that Iraq’s leaders may yet halt a sectarian political crisis that has raised fears of civil war, Iraq’s Sunni leaders said that they would end their boycott of Parliament. 9. Hamas leader takes rare trip to Jordan. ....Khaled Meshal's trip comes just days after he abandoned his base in Damascus, Syria, and marked the first official visit to Jordan by Hamas's leader since 1999. 10. To mend ties after clash, Kazakhstan makes an offer. ....In the six weeks since police officers killed 17 oil workers on strike, senior officials have acknowledged errors and begun a sweeping program to offer jobs to the strikers. 11. Myanmar's Suu Kyi calls for changes to constitution. ....Opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi called for changes to Myanmar’s military-drafted constitution, on her first political trip since announcing plans to run for Parliament 12. Spanish economy shrinks. ....The Spanish economy contracted in the fourth quarter after a stagnant third quarter, official data showed, 13. Sudan says it freed some kidnapped Chinese workers. ....The Sudanese military said that it freed 14 kidnapped Chinese workers who were captured over the weekend by Sudanese rebels. 14. Fighting excalates in Syria as opposition rejects Russian plan. ....Heavy clashes were reported as troops and tanks were sent to vanquish rebels, in suburbs of Damascus and Russia indicated it would oppose any effort to have President Bashar al-Assad step down US News Capsules: 1. Ruling on contraception draws battle lines at Catholic colleges. ....Many Catholic colleges are pushing back against a ruling by the Obama administration that the new health care law requires insurance plans at Catholic institutions to cover birth control. 2. Search for aliens is on again, but next quest is finding money. ....Operating on money and equipment scrounged from the public and from Silicon Valley millionaires, a band of astronomers recently restarted the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. 3. US banks tally their exposure to Europe's debt maelstrom. ....Some banks, using credit-default swaps, are more hedged than others against the possibility of a debt cascade in Europe. 4. Facebook users to put political views up in lights on Times Square. ....A new application will allow Facebook users to share their political views on digital billboards in Times Square. 5. Segregation curtailed in US cities, study finds. ....Residential segregation in metropolitan America has been significantly curtailed in the last 40 years, according to a study by two economics professors. 6.. In a gang-ridden city, new efforts to fight crime while cutting costs. ....Aggressive measures helped reduce gang violence in Salinas, Calif., a city that is notorious for it. Then the budget cuts came. 7. Pay rises, but workers don't spend - and that's bad for the economy. ....Americans caught a break in their paychecks in December — and the money went right into their saving accounts. 8. 62 below: Deep freeze grips much of Alaska. ....Even if it has been warmer than usual in much of the US, there's no denying Alaska is seeing a real winter, even by its standards. Anchorage is shivering through one of its coldest January's on record, while in Fairbanks, folks preparing for a sled dog race were being tested by temperatures nearly 50 degrees below zero. Farther inland, Fort Yukon has ranged from -50ºF to -62ºF degrees over the last three days, getting close to its record of -78ºF. ARTS: 1. A studio's rel-life drama. ....Its first chunk of investor funding is almost gone, and DreamWorks, which garnered 10 Oscar nominations this year from two of its films, must find more, or reduce its ambitions. 2. With Homeland, Showtime makes gains on HBO. ....As Showtime edges closer to its competitor's subscriber numbers, HBO is ready to counter with a spate of big projects over the next six months. 3. Sundance documentaries transform data into stories. (A scene from The House I Live In, directed by Eugene Jarecki) ....The standout documentaries at the Sundance Film Festival included the grand jury prize winner, about the war on drugs, and a second filmmaker’s work on the West Memphis Three. POLITICS: 1. OCCUPY: Occupy DC faces 'noon' deadline to end camping. ....The National Park Service said in a flier released Friday that it would begin enforcing regulations prohibiting camping and the use of temporary structures for camping at McPherson Square and Freedom Plaza. Individual violators may be subject to arrest and their property subject to seizure as evidence, the flier said. 2. Years of despair add to uncertainty in Florida race. ....As the Republican primary campaign picks up, the mood of many Florida voters was sour, focused on one thing: the state's troubled economy. Few expect any quick solutions. a. Polls show Romney rolling to victory in Florida. ....Gingrich vows to fight on, but upcoming primaries schedule works against his campaign. b. A Florida Bush stays silent, and to many, that says a lot. ....With Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich making final appeals to Florida voters, Jeb Bush has been noticeably - and, friends say, purposefully - absent from the conversation. 3. Romney and Gingrich scrap amid shifting fortunes. ....Newt Gingrich sought to rally his grass-roots coalition against the heavy campaign machinery of a resurgent Mitt Romney. a. With polls on his side, Romney stays on the attack. ....With a new poll showing him with a commanding lead in Florida, Mitt Romney hammered Newt Gingrich a day before the primary even as rivals turned their attention to later contests/ 4. Democratic senators to push 'Buffett rule.' ....Democratic senators say they will introduce legislation this week codifying Pres. Obama’s principle that the superrich should pay at least the tax rate of middle-class workers. Today's Headlines of Interest: How do we keep candidates from telling lies? After a presidential debate, even before the debate has ended, we're able now to read fact-checks from Pulitzer Prize-winning PolitiFact and many news organizations. But shouldn't the candidates get their facts straight and tell the truth in the first place? "American politics has become a battle of talking points," said Bill Adair, editor of PolitiFact and Washington bureau chief for The Tampa Bay Times. "Once candidates find a talking point they like, they often stick with it — even when fact-checkers say it's wrong." Perhaps the first questions in the next presidential debate should be something along these lines... For Newt Gingrich: Former Speaker Gingrich, in debate after debate, you've taken credit for balancing four federal budgets when you were the speaker of the House. As has been pointed out repeatedly by fact-checking organizations, the four years of balanced budgets were fiscal 1998 through 2001, but you were in office for only the first two of those budgets. You left the House in January 1999 and had no role in crafting the budgets for the subsequent two years. In addition, you opposed the two tax-raising deals that were largely responsible for balancing the budget. Similarly, you said that people can use food stamps "to go to Hawaii," claimed that the ethics charges against you were conducted by "a very partisan political committee," and said that "no federal official at any level is allowed to say 'Merry Christmas.'" All these statements were false, according to PolitiFact. Here are specific follow-up questions for each of the current Republican candidates, as well as Pres. Obama, based on fact-checking by PolitiFact and the major newspapers: For Mitt Romney: In every debate so far, you've said something like, "Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were a big part of why we have the housing crisis." But studies have shown that Fannie and Freddie were late to invest in subprime mortgages, following the lead of Wall Street firms that you never mention. The unspoken narrative in your comments, and those of the other candidates, panders inaccurately to those who want to believe that loans to unworthy minorities, driven by the Community Reinvestment Act, caused the financial crisis. In fact, most subprime loans were made by lenders who were not covered by the CRA, but who were driven by the need for profits to satisfy their Wall Street investors. Are you trying to deflect blame from Wall Street? Similarly, you have said repeatedly that Pres. Obama "went around the world and apologized for America," said "I don't have lobbyists running my campaign," and claimed that President Obama's health care law "represents a government takeover of health care." All false, according to PolitiFact. For Rick Santorum: You have repeatedly criticized Gov. Romney's health insurance program in Massachusetts for the so-called individual mandate, for requiring individuals to buy health insurance. Why not mention that in 1994, when you were running for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania, you supported an individual mandate. Similarly, you said that an Obama administration policy prohibits people who work with at-risk youth from promoting marriage as a way to avoid poverty, claimed that "a third of all the young people in America are not in America today because of abortion," and said, "Any child born prematurely, according to the president, in his own words, can be killed." All false, according to PolitiFact. For Ron Paul: You've said that the United States "is bankrupt." The country isn't unable to pay its debts, nor is it impoverished. The credit rating of the United States is AA+ at Standard & Poor's (one step below the top of a 20-step scale), and AAA at the other rating agencies. Similarly, you claimed that only a few sentences in your racist and conspiratorial newsletters were inflammatory, that the majority of the American people believe we should go back on the gold standard and that you never vote for legislation unless it's specifically authorized in the Constitution. All false, according to PolitiFact. And in the general election, maybe the first question to the incumbent could start something like this: For Pres. Barack Obama: You've said that most of the money for your campaign came from small donors, that you've excluded lobbyists from policy-making jobs, that you haven't raised taxes once. All false, according to PolitiFact. You've claimed that your opponents plan to cut funding for Israel to zero. PolitiFact rated that claim "Pants on Fire," its lowest rating. "One theme we've seen in Obama's statements," says PolitiFact's Bill Adair, "is that he is exaggerating how he has fulfilled promises. We know this, of course, because we keep track of all 500+ promises on our Obameter." For all candidates: As you prepare for a debate, is part of your preparation to remind yourself, whatever I say, I should play it straight with the American people? Aren't you embarrassed to repeat statements that any 8th-grader could look up in 20 seconds and discover have been proven untrue? Or do you calculate that it's acceptable to twist the facts to win an election? Is it any wonder that the American electorate has become increasingly distrustful of all politicians? And the higher the office they are running for, the more deceitful they become. 5 things to watch for in this year's Super Bowl ads. We know who’s playing in the Super Bowl. Now it’s time to turn our attention to an equally pressing matter — who’s going to win the Ad Bowl? Several brands, including Chevy, Doritos and VW, have gone into launch mode two weeks prior to the kick-off. So since the brands have fired their first salvos, it seems like the perfect time to give you a little guide on what to look for on the NFL and Madison Avenue’s biggest stage. Celeb-a-palooza From the A-list to the D-list, brands are lining the pockets of celebrities and tasking them with shilling for their brands. For this year’s Super Bowl look for the following peeps: Troy Aikman, David Beckham, Mark Cuban, Jillian Michaels, Motley Crue, Apolo Ohno, Danica Patrick, Pussycat Dolls, Joan Rivers, Andy Samberg, Deion Sanders, John Stamos and a whole lot more. Also look for a surprise cameo as everyone tries to come up with the “next Betty White” as Snickers masterfully did in last year’s game. Car wars We’ve come a long way from a few years ago when automakers stayed on the sidelines and licked their bankrupt wounds. This year, Detroit, the Germans, the Japanese and the Koreans will duke it out for spot supremacy. Look for ads from Audi, Cadillac, Chevy, Chrysler, Honda, Hyundai, Lexus and Toyota. Plus related car services including Bridgestone tires and Cars.com. I screen, you screen, we all screen … The multi-screen era of Super Bowl watching is upon us. Now between gazing at our flat screens, sipping beer and munching chips and seven-layer dip, we’ll be tweeting and texting with our smart phones and tablets. Chevy is embracing this multi-screen reality with their downloadable Game Time app. This app will ask relevant trivia questions about the game and even the commercials. It will also connect consumers to all manner of prizes from Chevy and other brand partners. Clydesdales, dogs and meerkats, oh my! Who let the dogs out? As mentioned above, VW has already launched some canine antics with their Star Wars-themed teaser. Look for a charming bulldog for Sketchers in the big game. There might also be some horses and hamsters too if Bud and Kia stay true to their brands. I’m also predicting there will be a new iconic animal to replace the chimp as animal rights groups are really pressuring agencies to stop using apes and monkeys. I see a resurgence of the bear. And the emergence of something new like a meerkat or a lemur. A little song, a little dance, a whole lot of seltzer down your pants Slapstick and visual humor will rule the day. Also look for a few examples of situational comedy with dialogue as everyone is always trying to create the next “Whassup.” Finally look for a few musical numbers to capitalize on the country’s obsession with shows like Dancing with the Stars, Glee and X-Factor. Look for an amazing game - this might be one of those years where the game is actually more exciting than the commercials. Or not. Miss Piggy and Kermit fire back at FOX. All things considered, it's wisest not to mess with The Muppets. Specifically, Miss Piggy. Eric Bolling of FOX Business' "Follow the Money" took The Muppets to task last December as an example of how "liberal media" tries to "brainwash our kids" against big business -- specifically big oil. Well, at a recent press conference in the United Kingdom to promote the film, frog and pig fought back. Asks Kermit: "If we had problems with oil companies, why would we have spent the entire film driving around in a gas-guzzling Rolls Royce?" But Piggy took the sharpest shot: "(The brainwashing charges are) almost as laughable as accusing Fox News of being ... news." After which, Kermit predicted correctly that, "Boy, that's going to be all over the Internet!" Thought for Today "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death." —-Harold Wilson, British prime minister (1916-1995). Today's flower: Peltophorum africanum or Blckwood, African wattle, weeping wattle - a small to medium-size semi-deciduous to deciduous tree of about 15 ft to 30 ft tall, with a spreading crown, frequently branched from near the ground or 2- to 3-stemmed from ground level. [/color][/size][/color] "We find comfort among those who agree with us, growth among those who don't." - Frank Howard Clark Flying Horse Gabber Extraordinaire I am sorry to be posting this. i am FH's son jeff, my Mom passed away last night peacefully. Posts: 16,236 Post by Flying Horse on Jan 31, 2012 17:42:02 GMT -5 Good afternoon from Tuxy :)This is the 31st day of 2012 with 334 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 3:21 p.m., it's fair , temp 54ºF [Feels like 54ºF], winds WSW @ 14 mph, humidity 49%, pressure 29.91 in and falling, dew point 35ºF, chance of precipitation 10%. Today in History: 1606--Guy Fawkes, convicted for his part in the Gunpowder Plot against the English Parliament and King James I, was executed 1734--Gouverneur Morris, American founding father& senator from New York (1800-1803), was born. 1865--the House of Representatives passed the 13th amendment to abolish slavery. 1865--Robert E. Lee was named general-in-chief of the Confederate armies. 1917--Germany announced a policy of unrestricted submarine warfare 1919--Jackie Robinson, who made history in 1947 by becoming the first black baseball player in the major leagues, was born; died 1972 at age 53. 1938--Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands was born. 1944--U.S. forces began a successful invasion of Kwajalein Atoll and other parts of the Japanese-held Marshall Islands. 1945--Private Eddie Slovik became the only U.S. soldier since the Civil War to be executed for desertion. 1949--the first TV daytime soap opera, [t]These Are My Children[/t], was broadcast by the NBC station in Chicago. 1950--Pres. Truman announced that he had ordered development of the hydrogen bomb. 1958--the US entered the Space Age with its first successful launch of a satellite into orbit, Explorer I. 1961--NASA launched Ham the Chimp aboard a Mercury-Redstone rocket from Cape Canaveral and was safely recovered after his 16 1/2 minute suborbital flight. 1968--the Viet Cong attacked the US Embassy in Saigon. 1971--astronauts Alan Shepard, Edgar Mitchell and Stuart Roosa blasted off aboard Apollo 14 on the 3rd successful mission to the moon. 1972--North Vietnam presented a 9-point peace proposal. 1990--McDonald's Corp. opened its first fast-food restaurant in Moscow. 2000--an Alaska Airlines jet plunged into the ocean off Southern California on a flight from Mexico to San Francisco, killing all 88 people on board. 2002--the Bush administration handed abortion opponents a symbolic victory, classifying a developing fetus as an "unborn child" as a way of extending prenatal care to low-income pregnant women. 2007--nine blinking electronic devices planted around Boston threw a scare into the city in what turned out to be a marketing campaign for a late-night cable cartoon. 2001--a federal judge in Florida declared the Obama administration's health care overhaul unconstitutional, siding with 26 states that argued people cannot be required to buy health insurance. 2011--Egypt's military promised not to fire on peaceful protests and recognized "the legitimacy of the people's demands. 2011--Myanmar opened its first parliament in more than two decades. World News Capsules: 1. Fearing Taliban talks, Afghan women keep pushing to have their voices heard. ....With increased pressure for a US and NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan by the end of 2014 and potential peace talks with the Taliban, many Afghan women fear their newfound rights could be jeopardized. 2. Dozens freeze to death as 'extreme cold' grips Europe. ....A severe and snowy cold snap has killed at least 48 people across central and eastern Europe. Officials have responded with measures ranging from opening shelters to dispensing hot tea, with particular concern for the homeless and elderly. 3. Forget Iran, Iraq is threatening oil prices. ....The deteriorating situation in Iraq is leading some analysts to worry that the country may not be able to meet its lofty goals for rapidly ramping up oil production. 4. Militant attacks kill 8 Pakistani soldiers. ....100s of militants stormed military checkpoints in northwest Pakistan, killing at least eight soldiers and injuring 10 others, military and government officials said -- the latest in a string of attacks against security forces. 5. Militant group kicks aid group out of regions in Somalia. ....The Somali militant group Al-Shabaab says it has banned the International Committee of the Red Cross from operating in the regions it controls, accusing the organization of distributing expired food. 6. Arab League urges Security Council to take 'rapid action' on Syria. ....Western and Arab nations launched a major diplomatic offensive at the UN in hopes of overcoming Russia's opposition to a resolution demanding that Syrian Pres. Bashar Assad relinquish power. a. Assad: President defined by violence. ....Bashar al-Assad promised a more democratic Syria when he succeeded his father in 2000, but his presidency is becoming defined by his regime's violent crackdown. 7. 'Canelled and annulled': Disgraced UK banker stripped of his knighthood. ....The UK took the rare step of stripping former Royal Bank of Scotland chief Fred Goodwin of his knighthood, following intense criticism of his role in RBS' near-collapse during the 2008 credit crisis, and public anger towards wealthy bankers. 8. 9 killed in suspected drone strikes in Yemen. ....Three suspected drone strikes hit militant targets in southern Yemen Monday night and Tuesday morning, killing at least nine people believed to be linked to al Qaeda, Yemeni security officials said. a. Yemeni minister escapes assassination. ....Ali al-Amrani, Yemen's information minister, escaped an assassination attempt unharmed Tuesday, his office manager said US News Capsules: 1. US spy chief says Syria's Assad cannot hold power. ....Syrian leader Bashar Assad cannot sustain his hold on power and it is a matter of time before his leadership falls, U.S. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper told a US Senate intelligence committee. a. Al-Qaida in decline but threats to US multiply. ....Iran's leaders seem prepared to attack U.S. interests overseas, particularly if they feel threatened, U.S. intelligence director tells senators. 2. Ex-L.A. teacher charged with molesting 23 children. ....Mark Berndt, 61, a former elementary school teacher has been charged with molesting 23 children after an investigation by authorities uncovered more than 40 photographs showing victims with their eyes blindfolded and mouths covered with tape, possibly inside a classroom. 3. Report: uS deficit falls slightly to $1.1 trillion. ....A new budget report predicts the government will run a $1.1 trillion deficit in the fiscal year that ends in September, a slight dip from last year but still very high by any measure. A previous estimate was for $973 billion. 4. Komen cancer charity halts grants to Planned Parenthood. ....End to partnership has led to a bitter rift linked to the natinoal abortion debate between two key women's organizations. Planned Parenthood says the cutoff, affecting grants for breast exams, results from Komen bowing to pressure from anti-abortion groups. Komen says the key reason is that Planned Parenthood is under investigation in Congress — a probe launched by a conservative Republican who was urged to act by anti-abortion activists. 5. America is becoming a nation of renters. ....There was fresh data from the government showing that the American dream of owning a home is fading fast. The number of housing units occupied by renters rose by 749,000 in the fourth quarter compared to a year earlier; some 91,000 fewer homes were occupied by owners. 6. Probe: Air Force illegally punished Dover whistleblowers. ....Air Force officials violated whistleblower laws when they retaliated against four civilian workers who reported the mishandling of war remains at the military mortuary at Dover Air Force Base, Del., independent federal prosecutors said. POLITICS: 1. As Florida votes, Mitt Romney poised to regain frontrunner status. ....Mitt Romney could reassert his status as the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination with a win Tuesday night in Florida, where the former Massachusetts governor has waged a pitched battle against Newt Gingrich. 2. Native Americans, given less time to vote for president, sue S.D. ....Members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, a heavily Democratic group, are getting only six days for early voting in the presidential primary election, while the rest of the state gets 46, so they are suing Jason Gant, S.D. Secretary of State (oversees elections in the state) and is the treasurer of a Republican Party PAC. 3. UPDATE: Park poice can enforce caming ban, judge rules. ....Living in a public park as a means of protest is not protected by the First Amendment, a federal judge said Tuesday in rejecting an Occupy DC demonstrator's request to keep park police from enforcing a ban on camping. Today's Headlines of Interest: New airline rules give meaning to price tags; other industries should follow. Cry as it might about the new federal rules designed to clarify flight ticket prices, the airline industry brought this on itself. The hidden fees and “after charges” encountered by flying consumers had reached such absurdity that one might rightly call them an attack on the English language. Consumers have had enough, and now the Department of Transportation has, too. Could similar rules for other industries, such as cell phones or pay television, be far behind? New consumer-friendly federal Department of Transportation rules have kicked in that require airlines to quote prices including all required fees and taxes. The airlines aren't happy and have filed lawsuits over the requirement. For example, in the past, you might typically see an ad for a $199 one-way fare that in reality cost $245 after security fees, taxes, and other tack-on charges were applied. Now, airlines must use the $245 figure in an ad. The rules do not require inclusion of "optional" fees, such as checked luggage costs, in the advertised price -- so consumers still have a lot of homework to do when they are shopping around for the best deal on a ticket. "Now there are no more '$9 fare' sales. Airlines have to advertise the full price," said Christopher Elliot, a travel writer and author of “Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals." “(For some airlines) deception has been their business model. It's definitely not only the airlines who were doing this kind of thing, but they have made an art out of it." Edgar Dworsky, who operates Mouseprint.org, cheered the changes and said other federal regulators should consider similar requirements."The car rental industry is notorious for quoting a low daily rates, but when you add up the fees and everything else, the price comes out to 20, 30, even 40% above the stated price," he said. He also cited a friend in New York who recently signed up for cable television and Internet service after answering an ad claiming the price would be $99 per month. “His bill was $147. He didn't realize he would be charged extra for a box in every room, and goodness knows what else." Tack-on fees are huge business for the airlines. Domestic carriers collected nearly $5.7 billion in baggage and change fees alone in 2010, according to Consumers Union. So naturally, the airline industry is hardly going down without a fight. Spirit Airlines is risking the wrath of regulators by railing against the new rules with a large pop-up notice placed on its home page labeled "Warning." The notice accuses regulators of planning to "carry out their hidden agenda and quietly increase their taxes...And if they can do it to the airline industry, what's next?" Industry trade associations are also complaining about the change. Steve Lott, a spokesman for the Air Transport Association, has complained in several publications that "basic economics" dictate consumers will shy away from flying because prices appear to be higher. In reality, price transparency is essential for economic activity, and it's just as likely that more clarity will lead to more purchases, not fewer. Sadly, the new airline rules go only half-way toward real price transparency in the airline industry. The Spirit Airlines "passenger usage fee" still rates as optional in this new system, so it would not be included in advertised prices. The simplest form of consumer protection in America would be a rule that simply forbids all firms from advertising a price for any item -- monthly cable service, airplane tickets, or a telephone line -- that is impossible to get. The problem is so rampant that many industries, such as auto sales, have adopted twisted language like "out-the-door-price” or “OTD price" to distinguish between fake price tags and real ones. The Department of Transportation has taken one small step in this direction; other regulators should take notice. Who's behind that outbreak? Sometimes, CDC won't say. ....When government health officials wrapped up a three-month investigation of a salmonella Enteritidis outbreak that sickened 68 people in 10 states, the final report on Jan. 19 included nearly every detail -- except the name of the place that sold the food. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has refused to identify the source, other than as “Restaurant Chain A,” a Mexican-style fast-food chain. That’s the second time in a little more than a year that the agency has masked the source of foodborne illness at a similar chain. In August 2010, a final CDC report found that 155 people in 21 states were sickened by two rare strains of salmonella traced to an anonymous Mexican-style fast-food chain eventually identified as Taco Bell. Food safety advocates say the practice keeps the public in the dark about which firms have been linked to illness. “It will eventually come out and it will be the company that looks bad,” said Doug Powell, a professor of food safety at Kansas State University and author of a food safety blog. “A lot of these problems could be reduced if government agencies were more transparent about how they decide when to go public.” “The longstanding policy is we publicly identify a company only when people can use that information to take specific action to protect their health,” said Dr. Robert Tauxe, the CDC’s deputy director of the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases. “On the other hand, if there’s not an important public health reason to use the name publicly, CDC doesn’t use the name publicly.” But critics such as Bill Marler, a Seattle food safety lawyer, say that the government owes the public early and full disclosure during illness outbreaks. “In today’s society, where transparency is so important for decision-making, I just don’t think government has the right to withhold that information from the public,” said Marler, who has pushed hard for the CDC to identify the firm behind the latest outbreak. If Taco Bell were indeed the entity involved in the latest outbreak, the information would allow consumers to decide whether they wanted to continue eating at a fast-food chain implicated in similar outbreaks in 2006 and 2010, Marler said. In the case of the outbreak of commercially produced salmonella Typhimurium that sickened 109 people between August 2010 and June 2011, including one man who died, the CDC withheld the specific strain that caused the illnesses. The victims of "strain X" were mostly clinical and teaching microbiology lab students and their families, but they could have spread the germs to the general public on contaminated lab coats and cells phones, investigators suggested. It was those lapses in lab practice, not the particular strain of bacteria, that caused most concern, officials said. "No one is happy, and that's largely because there are no guidelines people can at least point to, whether they agree with the guidance or no," Powell said. Tauxe acknowledged there’s no written policy or checklist that governs that decision, only decades of precedent. “It’s a case-by-case thing and all the way back, as far as people can remember, there’s discussions of ‘hotel X’ or ‘cruise ship Y,” he said. That just doesn’t pass muster, said Marler and other critics. “If the CDC has a good, rational reason for doing what they’re doing, fine,” he said. “Then write it down and hold it up for people like you and I to scrutinize.” So much for the promise of government transparency. Thought for Today "Mystics always hope that science will some day overtake them." — Booth Tarkington, American author-dramatist (1869-1946). Today's flower: Clusia rosea or autograph tree - widely grown as an ornamental in tropical regions of the world. In Hawaii, C. rosea is commonly planted as a street, parking lot, or specimen tree. "We find comfort among those who agree with us, growth among those who don't." - Frank Howard Clark Flying Horse Gabber Extraordinaire I am sorry to be posting this. i am FH's son jeff, my Mom passed away last night peacefully. Posts: 16,236 Post by Flying Horse on Feb 1, 2012 18:37:39 GMT -5 BLACK HISTORY MONTH :)This is the 32nd day of 2012 with 333 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 5:52 p.m., it's mostly cloudy , temp 43ºF [Feels like 36ºF], winds WSW @ 14 mph, humidity 68%, pressure 30.01 in and rising, dew point 33ºF, chance of precipitation 10%. Today in History: 1790--the U.S. Supreme Court convened for the first time in New York. (However, since only three of the six justices were present, the court recessed until the next day.) 1861--Texas voted to secede from the Union at a Secession Convention in Austin. 1862--"The Battle Hymn of the Republic," a poem by Julia Ward Howe, was published in the Atlantic Monthly. 1896--Puccini's opera La Boheme premiered in Turin, Italy. 1902--Langston Hughes, poet and prominent figure of the Harlem Renaissance, was born; died 1967 at age 65. 1920--the Royal Canadian Mounted Police was established. 1922--in one of Hollywood's most enduring mysteries, movie director William Desmond Taylor was shot to death in his Los Angeles home; the killing has never been solved. 1941--Joy Philbin of TV's The View turns 71 today. 1942--the Voice of America broadcast its first program to Europe, relaying it through the facilities of the BBC in London. 1943--one of America's most highly decorated military units, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, made up almost exclusively of Japanese-Americans, was authorized. 1946--Norwegian statesman Trygve Lie was chosen to be the first secretary-general of the UN. 1960--four black college students began a sit-in protest at a lunch counter in Greensboro, N.C., where they’d been refused service. 1962--the Ken Kesey novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest was first published by Viking Press. 1968--Saigon's police chief, Nguyen Ngoc Loan, executed a Viet Cong officer with a pistol shot to the head. 1979--Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini received a tumultuous welcome in Tehran as he ended nearly 15 years of exile. 1982--Late Night with David Letterman premiered on NBC. 1991--34 people were killed when an arriving USAir jetliner crashed atop a commuter plane on a runway at Los Angeles International Airport. 1999--former White House intern Monica Lewinsky gave a vidotaped deposition for senators weighing impeachment charges against Pres. Clinton. 2002--Pres. Bush responded to the collapse of Enron by proposing regulation reforms of 401(k) retirement plans. 2002--actress Winona Ryder was charged with four felony counts stemming from her shoplifting arrest at a Saks Fifth Avenue store in Beverly Hills, Calif. 2002--the NCAA placed Alabama on five years' probation, jolting the program with a two-year bowl ban and heavy scholarship reductions. 2003--the space shuttle Columbia broke up during re-entry, killing all seven of its crew members. 2004--singer Janet Jackson's breast was briefly exposed during the Super Bowl halftime show. 2007--Pres. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad launched anniversary celebrations for Iran's Islamic Revolution with a defiant promise to push ahead with the country's controversial nuclear program. 2007--Gian Carlo Menotti, Pulitzer Prize-winning opera composer (Ahmal and the Night Visitors) died in Monaco at age 95. 2011--Egyptian Pres. Mubarak announced he would not run for a new term but rejected protesters' demands he step down immediatelyafter a dramatic day in which a quarter-million Egyptians staged their biggest protest to date calling on him to go. World News Capsules: 1. Afghans fear downturn as foreigners withdraw. ....The withdrawal of foreign troops, aid workers and billions of dollars in assistance has the potential to undo the fragile progress Afghans have made under the occupation. a. Panetta sets end to Afghan combat role for US in 13. ....Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta cast the decision as an orderly step in the planned withdrawal, but it was the first time the US had put a date on stepping back from its central role in the war. 2. Help wanted to Apple plant, Chinese line p. ....On Monday, tens of thousands of people lined up outside a job agency to apply for an estimated 100,000 new jobs Foxconn, a key mnufacturer for Apple, is seeking to fill at its factory in Zhengzhou, the capital of central Henan province. Why? - “If they don’t work for Apple, those workers don’t have anywhere to shed their sweat and blood.” a. Residents vote in Chinese village at center of protest. ....Less than two months after staging a bold protest against official corruption, thousands of people in the village of Wukan cast their first ostensibly independent votes. 2. 73 killed in clashes after Egypt soccer match. ....Multiple fatalities and hundreds of other injuries resulted from violence following a soccer match in Port Said, where fans flooded the field seconds after a match against a rival team was over, Egypt's Health ministry said. Fans of rival teams attacked each other with fists, stones, fireworks and bottles in one of the worst incidents of sports violence in Egypt in decades. a. Humble museum aims for rebirth. ....The Egyptian Museum of Modern Art houses works by more than 1,500 Egyptian artists but has been overshadowed by the country's pharaonic and medieval Islamic heritage. 3. Helicopters used to evacuate, send food in Europe freeze. ...In Serb villages, 'snow is up to five meters high in some areas, youcan only see rooftops.' a. Making it worse in Europe. ....European Union leaders agreed to sign a new measure to enforce fiscal austerity and restrict stimulus, which could be a dangerous approach. 4. UN nuclear inspectors hail 'good' talks with Iran. ....'We are committed to resolve all the outstanding issues ... And the Iranians said they are committed, too,' Herman Hackaerts, deputy director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency and mission leader says. Inspectors will return to Iran on Feb. 21, suggesting that some common understanding had been reached regarding the country’s position regarding scrutiny of its nuclear program. a. As Syria wobbles under pressure, Iran feels the weight of an alliance. ....Some American officials and political analysts say the downfall of Syria’s leader could also undermine Iran as its economy reels under sanctions. 5. Rare earth metal refinery nears approval. ....The opening of a plant in Malaysia appears imminent, even after street demonstrations over radiation worries, regulatory challenges and the withdrawal of a supplier worried about safety. 6. Pakistan and NATO officials downplay Taliban report. ....NATO and Pakistan leaders were scrambling to downplay a leaked report Wednesday featuring testimony by Taliban detainees who claim they are winning the war in Afghanistan, and poised to take over again once international forces leave, thanks in large measure to help from Pakistan’s security services. 7. At UN, pressure is on Russia for refusal to condemn Syria. ....As Arab and Western states confronted Russia over its refusal to sign on to a call for Pres. al-Assad to leave power, violence continued without pause in Syria. a. Putin concedes he may not win in 1st round. ....While acknowledging that he may not win the presidency in the first round, Vladimir V. Putin said that a second round of voting would lead to political turbulence. 8. To combat modern ills, Korea looks to the past. .....Confucian academies, or seowon, are drawing more students in a growing campaign to reawaken interest in Confucian teachings. a. US Envoy pushes for improved ties between Koreas. ....A senior American diplomat said that Washington wanted North Korea to improve ties with South Korea before it would resume talks with leaders in Pyongyang. 9. In Spanish village, everyone's a winner, almost. ....All but one household in Sodeto, Spain, held at least a piece of a winning ticket in the Christmas lottery's huge first prize of $950 million, the biggest ever. 10. Soldier says Syrian atrocities forced him to defect. ....Ammar Cheikh Omar, who returned to his parents’ homeland from Germany, said he was forced to shoot at protesters and witness torture. a. Fighting intensifies in Syria. ....An anti-Assad group known as the Free Syrian Army, composed partly of army defectors, has attacked and violently resisted loyalist forces. b. Drones for human rights. ....With use of drones, the world could get clear, instant evidence of atrocities in Syria. 11. New twists and turns in Turkey's head-scarf debate. ....A television program featuring a woman in a head scarf driving a car set off a storm in Turkey. 12. UK Islamists who targeted US Embassy admit London bomb plot. ....Four British men pleaded guilty to involvement in an al-Qaida-inspired plot to bomb the London Stock Exchange and several other high-profile targets, including the American Embassy, in December 2010. a. WikiLeaks founder appeals extradition at Britain's supreme court. ....Julian Assange was set to appear on Wednesday at Britain’s Supreme Court to appeal an order approving his extradition to Sweden US News Capsules: 1. Beatboxing cellist astounds audiences. ....Kevin Olusola, a 23-year-old, multitalented, overachieving, “cello-boxing,” Mandarin-speaking, saxophone-playing, pre-med Yale graduate who came in second in a Yo-Yo Ma cello competition and first on NBC’s a cappella show The Sing-Off, who has revolutionized the cello, but his head hasn’t swelled. 2. American Airlines may cut up to 15,000 jobs. ....American Airlines officials were meeting with their three major unions amid reports that the bankrupt airline company is making plans to eliminate up to 15,000 jobs. 3. High times in the Bronx: 593 marijuana plants found. ....New York police raided a five-story Bronx building that they believe was being used as a massive marijuana farm with hundreds of plants in an elaborate growing system, seizing 593 plants (some as tall as 7 feet), as well as 76 pounds of dried, cut and packaged marijuana. 4. Breast cncer surgery rules are called unclear. ....Nearly half of lumpectomy patients who had second operations may not have needed them, a new study finds/ 5. Personal data's value? Facebook is set to find out. ....At long last, the Holy Grail of Internet IPOs is here: Facebook files to raise $5 billion in an initial public offering. As of December 31, it had 845 million daily active users. The social network's stock offering, expected to value the company at $80 billion to $100 billion, is bound to raise even more concerns about privacy and other issues. 6. After a delay, MF Global's missing money is traced. ....While the authorities have traced hundreds of millions of dollars from MF Global, investigators do not know whether they can retrieve the money. 7. Letterman anniversary is like a low-key guest. ....David Letterman on Wednesday will celebrate 30 years as a late-night host - but don't expect to see much mention of it on his show or elsewhere. 8. After workers are fired, an immigration debate roils California campus. ....At Pomona College, dining hall employees were fired after questions about their residency status, prompting a debate over what it means to be a liberal college. 10. Indiana governor signs 'Rght to Work' law. ....The state becomes the 23rd in the nation to bar union contracts from requiring non-union members to pay representation fees POLITICS: 1. Why Romney's poverty gaffe could hurt him. ....Today Mitt Romney uttered the words: "I'm not concerned bout the very poor.We have a safety net there. If it needs repair, I'll fix it...But my campaign is focused on middle income Americans. My campaign – you can choose where to focus. You can focus on the rich. That's not my focus. You can focus on the very poor. That's not my focus."(In fact, according to the non-partisan Tax Policy Center, the largest benefits of Romney's tax plan go to the wealthy, not the middle class.) a. Romney, eye still on GOP foes, turns to face Obama. ....The commanding win offered a forceful response to the questions that were raised about Mitt Romney’s candidacy 2. Gingrich accuses Romney of denying kosher meals to Holocaust survivors. ....A Gingrich robo-call said, "As governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney vetoed a bill paying for Kosher foods for our seniors in nursing home -- Holocaust survivors, who for the first time were forced to eat non-kosher because Romney thought $5 was too much to pay for our grandparents to eat kosher," a man says in the robo call. "Where is Mitt Romney's compassion for our seniors? Tuesday, you can end Mitt Romney's hypocrisy on religious freedom with a vote for Newt Gingrich. Paid for by Newt 2012." 3. Pro-Ron Paul PAC misses $$$ deadline, blames credit card co. ....A Super PAC supporting Ron Paul was the only major presidential fundraising operation to miss Tuesday's federal deadline for disclosing its donors. The Revolution PAC blamed an error by its credit card company. Because of bad information provided by the company, the PAC told the Federal Election Commission, it didn't know who its donors were. Two other PACs supporting Paul did file their reports on time. 4. Obama proposes $5-10 billion for home refinancing, with Romney in mind. ....Pres. Obama called on Congress to approve a $5 billion to $10 billion effort to help U.S. homeowners refinance as part of a wider package of proposals to shore up the depressed housing market, including a tax on banks to pay for the plan that Republicans rejected. The proposal is an lternative to those - namely Mitt Romney - who contend that the market must bottom out. 5. Oregon Democrats retain House seat. ....Democrats held on to an open Congressional seat as returns in a special election showed that Suzanne Bonamici would complete the term of former Representative David Wu. Today's Headlines of Interest: Automakers start year with strong sales. People are trading in their older cars after delaying purchases during the economic downturn. Car sales zoomed ahead in January, with many automakers reporting solid sales at the start of a year expected to show a steady gain in vehicle purchases. Chrysler, now privately held and majority owned by Italy’s Fiat, was the notable standout for the month, with a 44% rise in U.S. auto sales, led by gains for its Jeep brand, while its larger domestic rival General Motors lost ground in a month marked by modest growth. Chrysler’s sales blew past some analysts’ expectations of a 35 percent increase, demonstrating the remarkable comeback of the smallest U.S. automaker nearly three years after its taxpayer-funded bankruptcy restructuring. It also reported its first full-year profit since 1997. GM, the largest U.S. automaker, reported a 6% drop in sales for the month, while Ford posted sales that were 7% higher, spurred by a 60% jump in sales of the Focus. Japan’s Toyota said its January sales in the U.S. rose 7.5% as momentum from the fourth quarter of last year picked up speed. Older cars, which now average a record 11 years old, are helping to boost new car sales as people trade them in after delaying purchases during the economic downturn. Volkswagen and Nissan reported sales gains for January. VW sales rose 48% to 27,209 vehicles, buoyed by the introduction of its Passat sedan. It was the German automaker’s best sales month in decades. Nissan’s U.S. sales rose 10.4% to 79,313. Thought for Today "Facts and truth really don't have much to do with each other." —-William Faulkner, ANobel laureate novelist and poet (1897-1962). Today's flower: Prunus subhirtella or Higan cherry - a medium sized deciduous tree growing to 40-50-ft tall. It is a naturally occurring hybrid from Japan that generally features non-fragrant pale pink to white flowers in spring, pea-sized blackish fruits in late summer and ovate to lanceolate green leaves "We find comfort among those who agree with us, growth among those who don't." - Frank Howard Clark Flying Horse Gabber Extraordinaire I am sorry to be posting this. i am FH's son jeff, my Mom passed away last night peacefully. Posts: 16,236 Post by Flying Horse on Feb 2, 2012 19:58:59 GMT -5 Happy Groundhog's Day :)This is the 33rd day of 2012 with 332 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 6:03 p.m., it's cloudy , temp 29ºF [Feels like 23ºF], winds NNW @ 6 mph, humidity 78%, pressure 30.20 in and rising, dew point 24ºF, chance of precipitation 10%. Today in History: 1536--Buenos Aires,, Argentina was founded. 1653--New Amsterdam - now New York City - was incorporated. 1812--Staking a claim to the riches of the Far West, Russians establish Fort Ross on the coast north of San Francisco. 1847--the 1st Donner Party member dies. 1848--the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, ending the Mexican War. 1876--the National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs was formed in New York. 1882--James Joyce, the Irish author of Ulysses, was born near Dublin; died 1941 at age 59. 1887--Groundhog Day, featuring a rodent meteorologist, was celebrated for the first time at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa. 1912--Frederick R. Law parachuted from the torch of the Statue of Liberty in a stunt filmed by Pathe News. 1942--a Los Angeles Times column by W.H. Anderson urged security measures against Japanese-Americans, arguing that a Japanese-American "almost inevitably ... grows up to be a Japanese, not an American." 1942--Quisling becomes prime minister of the puppet Nazi regime in Norway. 1943--the remainder of Nazi forces from the Battle of Stalingrad surrendered in a major victory for the Soviets. 1949--the US rejected a proposal for a conference with Stalin. 1961--hijackers of a Portuguese ocean liner, the Santa Maria, allowed the passengers and crew to disembark in Brazil, 11 days after seizing the ship. 1970--Antiwar protestors sued Dow Chamical. 1971--Idi Amin assumed power in Uganda following a coup. 1979--punk rock musician Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols died of a drug overdose at age 21. 1990--South African President F.W. de Klerk lifted a ban on the African National Congress and promised to free Nelson Mandela. 2002--inside the World Economic Forum in New York, foreign economic leaders criticized the United States for protectionist policies while outside, 1000s of protesters demonstrated against global capitalism. 2007--a grim report from the world's leading climate scientists said global warming has begun, is "very likely" caused by humans and will be unstoppable for centuries. 2007--Texas Gov. Rick Perry issued an order making Texas the first state to require that schoolgirls get vaccinated against HPV, a sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer. 2009--Hillary Rodham Clinton was sworn in as U.S. secretary of state. 2011--supporters of President Hosni Mubarak charged into Cairo's central square on horses and camels brandishing whips while others rained firebombs from rooftops in what appeared to be an orchestrated assault against protesters trying to topple Egypt's leader of 30 years. World News Capsules: 1. Taliban captives dispute US view on Afghanistan war. ....A NATO report based on interrogations portrays an insurgency convinced it is winning even as the US and its allies enter what they hope will be the Afghan war's final phase. 2. China considers offering aid in Europe's debt crisis. ....Prime Minister Wen Jiabao said China might be willing to help finance Europe’s stabilization by working with the International Monetary Fund. 3. Many Egyptians blame military for the soccer riots that killed more than 70. ....At least 73 people died in a brawl, refocusing attention on the failure of the government to re-establish order and threatening to provoke a new crisis during a political transition. a. Fury at soccer game deaths drives new clashes. ....Egypt began three days of official mourning after at least 73 people were killed in a soccer brawl that underscored the interim government’s failure to re-establish order. 4. Olympic housing crunch: London landlords evict tenants to gouge tourists. ....Landlords in Britain's capital are evicting tenants so they can cash in on this summer's Olympic Games by charging tourists many times the usual rent. Homes in the east London boroughs where many events are to be held are fetching between five and 15 times their typical rates as properties are rebranded as short-term "Olympic lets." Some landlords are also enforcing expensive "penalty" clauses for tenants who want to remain during the gathering of the world's top athletes. a. Questions on haking gor Times of London. ....The hacking scandal at Rupert Murdoch’s British newspapers widened on Thursday when a lawmaker said police investigations had spread to the flagship Times of London. 5. A testament from Guatemala's war years. ....As Guatemala brings genocide charges against a former military leader, Jean-Marie Simon prepares to reissue her seminal book of photographs from that country's bloodiest era. 6. Effort to rebrand Arab Spring backfires in Iran. ....Iran invited young activists to Tehran for a conference on the 'Islamic Awakening,” but the fact that no one from Syria’s opposition was invited disrupted the whole script. 7. Israel warns Iranian missiles might threaten US. ....A senior official tried to make the point that the Iranian nuclear program is not a threat only to Israel but, as he put it, “a nightmare for the free world.” 8. North Korea renews demands for improved relations with South. ....North Korea issued a long list of strident demands that it said South Korea should meet before ties could improve between them. 9. Pakistan court to charge prime minister with contempt. ....Pakistan’s highest court said it would charge Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani with contempt of court for refusing to reopen a corruption case against Pres. Asif Ali Zardari. 9. Protesters in Gaza throw shoes and sticks at UN chief. ....Demonstrators in the Gaza Strip threw sticks and slippers at a vehicle carrying the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, accusing him of bias, witnesses said. 10. More than 200 rescued after ferry sinks off Papua New Guinea. ....It's happened again - another ferry sinking! The vessel, the MV Rabaul Queen, went down off Papua New Guinea’s northeast coast. 11. Philippine officials say raid killed militants. ....In an early-morning raid, the government killed a top leader of a regional terror network with links to Al Qaeda, as well as other suspects wanted by the US. 12. For latest anti-Putin rally, fight the cold as well as the Kremlin. ....The temperature was expected to drop to 10 degrees below zero, and protest organizers are offering winter fashion advice as well as promising to keep the speeches short. 13. South Korean indicted over twitter posts from North. ....South Korean prosecutors indicted Park Jung-geun, a social media and freedom of speech activist this week for reposting messages from the North Korean government’s Twitter account. 14. Open borders and wealth lure thieves to Geneva, Switzerland. ....In Geneva, a city known for tranquility and safety, reported cases of property theft rose 23 percent last year, to about 61,000. 125 Diplomats at UN work on revisions to Syria resolution. ....Ambassadors worked on a revised Syria resolution, as bartering focused on the conditions under which Pres. Bashar al-Assad could be asked to step down/ US News Capsules: 1. Big jobless claims drop reflects improving labor market. ....New claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected in the latest week, showing that the labor market continues to improve, albeit slowly and in fits and starts. "This is certainly a positive in front of non-farm payrolls and further supports the view that the U.S. economy is creating more jobs with the prospect for a lower unemployment rate. Perhaps we can break below 8 percent by year end," BNY Mellon senior currency strategist Michael Woolfolk stated. 2. From founders to decorators, Facebook riches. ....Among the venture capitalists who'll benefit from Facebook's IPO, there's a graffiti artist who took Facebook shares for his painting the walls of the social network's first headquarters. 3. Key Internet operator VeriSign hit by hackers. ....VeriSign Inc, the company in charge of delivering people safely to more than half the world's websites, has been hacked repeatedly by outsiders who stole undisclosed information from the leading Internet infrastructure company. 4. Snow heading for central US, but not areas north. ...One of the few snowy stormfronts so far this winter is about to hit the central U.S., but snow-starved areas in the north -- from Minnesota to New England -- won't be getting any. 5. 550 sexual abuse claims filed against Milwaukee Archdiocese. ....About 550 people are asking for restitution for alleged sexual abuse by clergy in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee — more than in any of the other U.S. dioceses that have filed for bankruptcy protection, according to a lawyer involved in the Milwaukee case. 6. Bloomberg pledges $250,000 donation to Planned Parenthood. ....Billionaire New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg pledged on Thursday to give $250,000 of his own money to the Planned Parenthood Federation of America after breast cancer charity Susan G. Komen for the Cure withdrew funding for the group. "Politics have no place in health care. Breast cancer screening saves lives and hundreds of thousands of women rely on Planned Parenthood for access to care," Bloomberg said in a statement. "We should be helping women access that care, not placing barriers in their way." 7. Path is found for the spread of Alzheimer's. ....The discovery in studies of mice solves a mystery surrounding the disease's grim march and has immediate implications for developing treatments, researchers said. 8. In networks' race for ratings, chicanery is on the schedule. ....Strategies include front-loading national commercials early in a show and extending hit shows a minute or two into the following hour. 9. Brutal crimes grip an Indian reservation. ....On a huge stretch of scrubland in central Wyoming, a two-year federal crime-fighting initiative has made little difference on the rambling stretch of scrub in central Wyoming the size of Rhode Island and Delaware combined. Wind River has a crime rate five to seven times the national average and a long history of ghastly homicides. 10. ART: Note to Christo: Don't start hangng te fabric yet. ....Federal land managers have approved a proposal to drape fabric over nearly six miles of the Arkansas river for an art project, but some local residents are not happy. POLITICS: 1. In the realm of 'who cares'? Sources say Trump to endorse Romney. ....Just what we need - another rich white guy (with his famous hair) who is not concerned about the poorer little people. 2. Committee to Attorney Geneeral Holder - 'Give us the documents'. ....Attorney General Eric Holder squared off with Republicans on a House committee who are demanding that the Justice Department turn over documents about its handling of congressional inquiries into a flawed gun-smuggling investigation known as Operation Fast and Furious. 3. Secrecy shrouds 'Super PAC' funds in latest filings. ....Newly disclosed details of the millions of dollars flowing into political groups highlight not just the scale of donations from corporation and unions but also the secrecy surrounding "super PACs." 4. Mortgage relief plan aims at refinancing. ....Pres. Obama said a new package of legislation would make it easier for millions of homeowners to refinance at today's historically low interest rates. 5. Downturn and upstarts transform Nevada's GOP caucuses. ....Economic hardship and the Tea Party have changed the political landscape of a state that Mitt Romney won in 2008. 6. For GOP, pipeline is central to agenda. ....Keystone XL, the Canadian pipeline, has become a centerpiece of the Republican economic and political agenda, and the party’s preferred truncheon against Pres. Obama. 7. In Massachusetts, little PAC money for Warren or Brown. ....A report on fourth-quarter donations shows that the two leading Senate candidates in Massachusetts got most of their money from individual donors/ Today's Headlines of Interest: Chaotic scenes as injured soccer fans return to Cairo after riot. The head of Egypt's ruling military council, Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, vowed Thursday to track down those behind soccer violence that killed at least 74 people in Port Said, speaking in a rare phone call to an Egyptian TV channel. "These kind of events can happen anywhere in the world but we will not let those behind this get away," Tantawi said, speaking to the sports television channel owned by Al Ahly, one of the teams playing. He said victims would receive compensation after their cases were examined. At least 47 people were arrested in connection with the melee, Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim said. Now, isn't that a typical teen? Texting while being transported, by plane, to the hospital. Obama signals an end to the war in Afghanistan. Republicans pounce, but Obama could be giving himself a strong talking point ahead of November's vote. There is a growing sentiment within the Obama administration that its approach to Iraq, where the official end of U.S. combat operations came 16 months before the final U.S. troop withdrawal in December, may provide a useful model for winding down operations in Afghanistan.” This is a big deal on a number of fronts. But politically, consider this: It gives President Obama the ability to say -- by his convention speech in early September -- that the two wars he inherited are over or on the road to being mostly over. Komen CEO denies politics behind cuts to Plnned Parenthood. Faced with growing criticism, Nancy G. Brinker rejects accusations that the breast cancer research group bowed to political pressure. Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker said that the decision was made to revamp and strengthen the way the organization makes grants. Her comments were challenged by Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., who accused Brinker of trying to “change the story,” in which officials first said that Planned Parenthood funds were being cut because of pending investigations. “This is a complete revisionist comment she is making about why suddenly Planned Parenthood lost this funding,” Boxer said. Planned Parenthood provides abortion, birth control and other health services to women. It had received about $700,000 annually from Komen to provide access to mammograms for low income women. The grants provided screening services to about 170,000 women in the past five years, Senator Boxer said. The Komen foundation, known for its Race for the Cure fundraisers, has collected more than $1.9 billion for breast cancer research and programs. It has affiliates in more than 100 U.S. cities and 50 countries. Thought for Today "Mistakes are the portals of discovery." —-James Joyce, Irish author (1882-1941) Today's flower: Bauhinia blakeana or orchid tree - a tropical tree, with large thick leaves and striking purplish red flowers. The fragrant, orchid-like flowers are usually 4-5 inch across "We find comfort among those who agree with us, growth among those who don't." - Frank Howard Clark Flying Horse Gabber Extraordinaire I am sorry to be posting this. i am FH's son jeff, my Mom passed away last night peacefully. Posts: 16,236 Post by Flying Horse on Feb 3, 2012 15:48:30 GMT -5 Good afternoon from Tuxy :)This is the 34th day of 2012 with 331 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 12:52 p.m., it's cloudy , temp 35ºF [Feels like 29ºF], winds WNW @ 8 mph, humidity 62%, pressure 30.46 in and falling, dew point 21ºF, chance of precipitation 21%. Today in History: 1783--Spain formally recognized American independence. 1809--Felix Mendelssohn, German composer & pianist was born; died 1847 at age 38. 1865--Pres. Lincoln and Confederate Vice Pres. Alexander H. Stephens held a shipboard peace conference off the Virginia coast; the talks deadlocked over the issue of Southern autonomy. 1874--Gertrude Stein, American expatriate author 7 literary stylist, was born; died 1946 at age 72 in Paris, France. 1809--the territory of Illinois was created. 1913--the 16th Amendment to the Constitution, providing for a federal income tax, was ratified. 1917--the US broke off diplomatic relations with Germany, which had announced a policy of unrestricted submarine warfare. 1924--Woodrow Wilson, the 28th president of the United States, died in Washington, D.C., at age 67. 1930--the chief justice of the US, William Howard Taft, resigned for health reasons. (He died just over a month later.) 1943--the US transport ship Dorchester, which was carrying troops to Greenland, sank after being hit by a German torpedo; of the more than 900 men aboard, only some 230 survived. 1959--rock 'n' roll stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson died in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa. 1959--an American Airlines Lockheed Electra crashed into New York's East River, killing 65 of the 73 people on board. 1966--the Soviet probe Luna 9 became the first manmade object to make a soft landing on the moon. 1971--Apollo 14 astronauts Alan B. Shepard Jr. and Edgar D. Mitchell landed on the lunar sufrace during the 3rd successful manned mission to the moon. 1971--New York City police officer Frank Serpico, who had charged there was widespread corruption in the NYPD, was shot and seriously wounded during a drug bust in Brooklyn. 1972--the XI Olympic Winter Games opened in Sapporo, Japan. 1988--the US House of Representatives rejected Pres. Reagan's request for more than $36 million in aid to the Nicaraguan Contras. 1994--the space shuttle Discovery blasted off with a woman, Air Force Lt. Col. Eileen Collins, in the pilot's seat for the first time. 1998--a US Marine plane sliced through the cable of a ski gondola in Italy, sending the car plunging hundreds of feet, killing all 20 people inside. 2002--former Enron chairman Kenneth Lay backed out of testifying before Congress about the collapse of the energy giant. 2002--more than 40 people were killed in an earthquake in Turkey. 2006--an Egyptian passenger ferry sank in the Red Sea during bad weather, killing more than 1,000 passengers. 2007--Pres. Bush designated four central Florida counties disaster areas in the wake of tornadoes that had ripped through the region, leaving 21 dead. 2007--a suicide truck bomber struck a Baghdad market in a predominantly Shiite area, killing 137. 2011--tens of thousands of protesters staged unprecedented demonstrations against Yemen's autocratic president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, a key U.S. ally in battling Islamic militants. World News Capsules: 1. 3 die in Egypt protests as anger at deadly riot spills into 2nd day; US tourists freed. ....Police in Cairo fired salvos of tear gas and birdshot at rock-throwing protesters on a second day of street violence that left three people dead and more than 1,500 injured, doctors and health officials said. a. 2 American tourists kidnapped in South Sinai released. ....South Sinai Police Chief Maj. Gen. Mohammed Naguib said that he has sent a car to pick up the two American women after the deal was made following negotiations with Egyptian Bedouin tribesmen. Naguib said earlier the kidnappers wanted the release of fellow tribesmen who were arrested but he isn't releasing details. 2. British hackers: We intercepted FBI - Scotland Yard call. ....a sensitive conference call between the FBI and Scotland Yard was recorded by the very people they were trying to catch, the hacking group known as Anonymous claimed. Anonymous also published an email purportedly sent by an FBI agent which gave details and a password for accessing the call. 3. Mexico's 'super labs' send meth pouring into US. ....The number of methamphetamine “super labs” seized by Mexican authorities has rocketed in the last five years but shipments of the drug across the border have also continued to grow, according to government statistics. The increase highlights how Mexico’s cartels have diversified beyond their traditional focus of exporting cocaine, heroin and marijuana by transforming their operations to also make methamphetamines on an industrial scale. 4. UN: Somali famine over but 2.3 milion still at risk. ....The UN said that conditions have improved enough to downgrade the country's famine, but the world body's Food and Agricultural Organization warned that continued assistance is needed to stop the region from slipping back. US News Capsules: 1. Komen cancer charity reverses, will fund Planned Parenthood. ....Decision comes after top Komen official resigns in protest over move. "We want to apologize to the American public for recent decisions that cast doubt upon our commitment to our mission of saving women's lives." 2. Jobless rate falls to 8.3%, lowest in almost 3 years. ....The U.S. economy created jobs at the fastest pace in nine months in January and the unemployment rate dropped to a near three-year low, offering a hopeful sign for hiring in the year ahead. a. Strong job report drives NASDAQ to 11-year high. ....U.S. stocks rose, propelling the NASDAQ index to an 11-year high and sending the Dow Jones industrial average to its highest in nearly five years. 3. Major winter storm pummels Colorado, closing roads. ....A powerful winter storm swept across Colorado on Friday as it headed east, bringing blizzard warnings to eastern Colorado and western Kansas, and winter storm warnings for southeast Wyoming and western Nebraska. The Colorado Department of Transportation closed portions of Interstate 70 and Interstate 25, the two main arteries crisscrossing the state. The National Weather Service said snow was falling at 2 inches an hour on the Eastern Plains, producing blizzard conditions. 4. Too crazy to kill? Supreme Court might decidel. ....Edwin Haart Turner robbed a gas station near Carrolton, Miss. and fatally shot a clerk in the face and a customer in the head, but his lawyers say, it’s almost certain that he was – and still is – mentally unbalanced. For that reason, says Turner’s attorney, Jim Craig of the Louisiana Capital Assistance Center, Turner should not be put to death. 5. No, really: 'Candy Land' game to be movie. ....You remember "Candy Land" the board game. Everyone played it when they were too young to read. We all loved it as a game, but really, a movie? Really? Adam Sandler will star, and his Happy Madison production company will make the film. <And it probably will be a major hit, shudder> POLITICS: 1. Partisan reaction to jobs data mixes carping and cheering. .... What’s likely to be a boost to Pres. Obama’s chances of winning a 2nd term, nonfarm payroll employment jumped by 243,000 last month as the unemployment rate fell to its lowest level since February of 2009. 2. Congress may OK short-term stimulus to avoid problems, but fiscal train wreck looms. ....The signs look hopeful for a short-term accord in Congress on extending the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits. But right after Election Day, a lame-duck Congress will face a horrific fiscal train wreck: sharp tax increases, combined with automatic spending cuts -- and scanty reserves of political goodwill to help clinch a deal to avert that outcome. 3. House ready to consider Senate-passed insider trader ban. ....With members of Congress convinced their political survival depends on their image, the House is wasting no time in considering a Senate-passed bill that would ban insider trading by lawmakers and thousands of executive branch officials. 4. As Republicans battle, Obama keeps eye on independents. ....The bruising Republican primary battle has allowed President Obama and his campaign to craft and refine their re-election message, tailoring it to win over a bloc with which the president faces his most glaring vulnerability: independents. Today's Headlines of Interest: Where the (good) jobs are coming from. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) this week released a detailed forecast for how it expects the job market to change in the current decade (the '10s?). Among the findings: Jobs that require some sort of postsecondary degree for entry are expected to grow at the fastest clip from 2010 to 2020. The report found that jobs that require a masters’ degree or more are projected to grow by 21.7% over that decade, to a little more than 2.4 million total jobs, compared with just 12.2% growth in jobs that require only a high school diploma. The number of jobs that require a doctoral or professional degree will grow by 19.9%, to nearly 5.3 million, while the number that require a college degree is expected to grow 16.5% to a total of 25.8 million. The BLS predicts that by 2020 about 69.7 million jobs, or nearly 43% of the total, will only require a high school diploma to get in the door. Many of the net new jobs to be added in coming years will be in health care and social assistance fields, reflecting our aging population and increased medical needs. Other industries expected to see big job growth will be playing catch-up from the recession. For example, the outlook calls for about 1.8 million new construction jobs to be created in coming years, making it one of the sectors with the highest job growth. But the BLS notes that even if the projections are correct and construction employment reaches nearly 7.4 million, that will be fewer jobs than before the recession began in 2007. Cold case: 1940s starlet's death is a mystery. (Jean Elizabeth Spangler, a television actress, went missing in 1949.) It was one of those cases that seemed straight out of pulp fiction, a noir mystery written by one of those hard-boiled scribes who liked to surround damsels in distress with mobsters and movie stars. Yet it was real life. And it defied solution. Not because there were no clues. Perhaps because there were too many--all pointing in different directions. "It's absolutely a classic noir mystery," said Denise Hamilton, a former LA Times reporter turned novelist. She reveals that her mystery, The Last Embrace, was inspired by the Spangler case. The late 1940s was a time when the studios still reigned over Hollywood, the mob ruled the Sunset Strip, and crooked politicians and police brass ran Los Angeles. A divorced mother of a 5-year-old, Spangler was still looking for her big break, and making time for an active social life. "She's a party girl. She goes out with a lot of people: gangsters, movie stars, Hollywood executives. They found her little black book after she disappeared, and there were a lot of prominent names in it," said Hamilton. She was last seen near her Park LaBrea area apartment on the Friday evening of Oct. 7, 1949. Over that weekend, a Griffith Park Ranger found a purse near the entrance to Ferndell. Inside was Spangler's ID, and also a cryptic note addressed to someone named Kirk. "Kirk: Can't wait any longer," it began. "Going to see Dr. Scott. It will work best this way while mother is away." Perhaps it was written in a hurry. It was not signed. "Well, the supposition was that she was pregnant by this Kirk and that she was going to have an abortion," said Hamilton. One acquaintance said Spangler was coming to the end of the first trimester. The most famous Kirk then in Hollywood was the actor Kirk Douglas, who had just finished filming, Young Man with a Horn, in which Spangler had a small role. Douglas spoke twice with LAPD investigators, insisting there was no personal relationship. Detectives believed him, and Douglas was cleared. Since abortion was then illegal, it was assumed that Dr. Scott was a phony name, and who he might have been was never pinned down. Hamilton speculates there may have been a medical complication, perhaps it was fatal, and perhaps Dr. Scott--whoever he was--decided to hide the remains. This was less than three years after the infamous Black Dahlia murder. The remains of victim Elizabeth Short had been surgically severed. The Black Dahlia case has never been solved officially. And the possibility Spangler died during an illegal abortion remains a possibility never proven. Detectives at the time pursued other leads. Shortly before her disappearance, Spangler had been seen partying in Las Vegas with two hoods named Frank Niccoli and Davey Ogul, henchman for LA mob boss Mickey Cohen. They also disappeared about the same time. Like Spangler, they were never found. Perhaps Spangler got caught in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time. Possible, but never proven. Spangler had spoken of expecting to come into some money, prompting speculation that perhaps she was planning to blackmail someone. Perhaps that someone responded by killing her. Again, possible, never ruled out, but never proven. Finally, there were ongoing tensions with her ex-husband, Dexter Benner. After their divorce, the child custody dispute over their daughter had been fierce. Benner accused Spangler of being an "unfit mother," and the sensational headlines in the local papers gave her more name recognition than she had gotten for her budding movie career. Hamilton suspects we may never learn what happened to Spangler. That of course, is part of the enduring fascination. "The Jean Spangler case is a cautionary tale for all of us," Hamilton said. And we're drawn to the darkness like moths to a flame." ACLU sues library for not allowing access to online porn The American Civil Liberties Union is suing a Washington state library district for not offering access to online porn, Seattle's King 5 TV reports. When a user logs on to a computer at the Wenatchee public library, for example, and types "porn" into the search engine, the list of results will appear as if porn doesn't exist, according to King 5. The search censorship by the North Central Regional Library also means some websites -- such as Google Images and YouTube -- are blocked too. The board decided the filter serves its mission to promote reading and lifelong learning. "We believe having pornography in public places hurts our ability to accomplish our mission," Dan Howard, director of public services, told King 5. The ACLU is representing three library users and a nonprofit organization, and argues that federally funded libraries should disable their filters upon the request of an adult. “This case is about an overly broad filtering policy that has restricted an adult student from using the Internet for a class assignment and a professional photographer from accessing art galleries online,” ACLU cooperating attorney Duncan Manville said in a statement. The North Central Regional Library district, which is the largest in the state and represents 28 libraries in the central part of Washington, admits its policy puts it in the minority among the state's libraries. For example, despite repeated complaints from women about men watching porn in full view of their children, the Seattle Public Library held fast to its policy of unrestricted online access for adults, according to the Seattle Post Intelligencer. The paper says the King County Library System has a similar policy: it only filters kids' access on computers. The American Library Association endorses the same stance. "Sometimes, in a library, you're going to see information that's going to make you uncomfortable," Barbara Jones, director of the association's intellectual freedom office, told radio station KUOW Wednesday. The district won the case in the state Supreme Court two years ago, but the case is now pending in a federal court. As much as I dislike the idea, I have to say that I agree with the practice of adult access to whatever they want and restrictions putting on minor's viewing. Thought for Today "The path of civilization is paved with tin cans." —-Elbert Hubbard, author & publisher (1856-1915). Today's flower: Ochna thomasiana or bird's eye bush/Mickey Mouse plant - originates in tropical Africa with the Ochna species in Vietnam called "Mai" which is the Spring flower of Vietnam. "We find comfort among those who agree with us, growth among those who don't." - Frank Howard Clark a Post by on Feb 4, 2012 8:12:08 GMT -5 Good morning Miss Who, Sus, Peg and Tuxy! Flying Horse Gabber Extraordinaire I am sorry to be posting this. i am FH's son jeff, my Mom passed away last night peacefully. Posts: 16,236 Post by Flying Horse on Feb 4, 2012 15:30:03 GMT -5 Good afternoon from Tuxy :)This is the 35th day of 2012 with 330 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 10:52 p.m., it's cloudy , temp 35ºF [Feels like 31ºF], winds N @ 6 mph, humidity 71%, pressure 30.30 in and falling, dew point 26ºF, chance of precipitation 10%. Today in History: 1783--Britain's King George III proclaimed a formal cessation of hostilities in the American Revolutionary War. 1789--electors chose George Washington to be the first president of the US. 1861--delegates from six southern states that had recently seceded from the Union met in Montgomery, Ala., to form the Confederate States of America. 1902--Charles A. Lindbergh, the American aviator who became the first man to fly the Atlantic solo nonstop from the US to Europe, was born; died 1974 at age 72. 1932--New York Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt opened the Winter Olympic Games at Lake Placid, NY. 1938--the Thornton Wilder play Our Town opened on Broadway. 1941--the United Service Organizations (USO) came into existence. 1946--Pres. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet leader Josef Stalin began a wartime conference at Yalta. 1948--the island nation of Ceylon - now Sri Lanka - became an independent dominion within the British Commonwealth. 1962--a rare conjunction of the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn occurred. 1962--St. Jude Children's Research Hospital was founded in Memphis, Tenn., by entertainer Danny Thomas. 1972--Mariner 9, orbiting Mars, transmitted images of the red planet. 1974--newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst was kidnapped in Berkeley, Calif., by the Symbionese Liberation Army. 1976--more than 23,000 people died when a severe earthquake struck Guatemala with a magnitude of 7.5. 1977--the album Rumours by Fleetwood Mac was released. 1982--Pres. Reagan announced a plan to eliminate all medium-range nuclear missiles in Europe. 1983--pop singer-musician Karen Carpenter died at age 32 of anorexia in Downey, Calif. 1997--a civil jury found O.J. Simpson liable for the deaths of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman. 1999--four plainclothes New York City police officers fired 41 bullets at West African immigrant Amadou Diallo in front of his Bronx home after mistaking his wallet for a gun and killed him. 2002--Pres. Bush proposed a $2.13 trillion budget, including billions for fighting terrorism. 2002--the World Economic Forum concluded five days of meetings in New York. 2003--Yugoslavia was dissolved and replaced with a loose union of its remaining two republics, Serbia and Montenegro. 2004--the Massachusetts high court declared that gays were entitled to marry. 2004--the social networking website Facebook was launched. 2011-- Pres. Obama appealed to Egyptian Pres. Mubarak to focus on his legacy and begin an orderly process to relinquish the power he'd held for 30 years. World News Capsules: 1. UN: Afghan civilian deaths in war hit record high. (Begging for alms during snowstorm) ....3,021 civilians killed last yer, a rise of 8% - 'Behind these numbers is real suffering and loss for families in Afghanistan. a. Driven away by a war, now stalked by winter's cold. ....In the past month, at least 22 Afghan children under the age of 5 have frozen to death in refugee camps in Kabul, prompting deep concerns among aid workers. 2. In Beijing's building frenzy, even an 'immovable cultural relic' is not safe. ....The demolition of a historic house in the imperial city, once home to famous architects who championed historic preservation, is a cruel blow to conservationists. 3. Protests over soccer match riot continue in Egypt. ....By Saturday, at least 11 people had been killed around the country in the clashes, The Associated Press reported. a. As clashes continue, Egypt socceer riot becomes metaphor for government failure. ....Five people were killed on the second day of clashes between protesters and the police as demonstrators questioned the ruling military council’s ability to run the country. 4. Panetta and Clinton seek to reassure Europe on defense. ....Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton sought to reassure Europe that the US was not abandoning its partners across the Atlantic. a. As Europe shivers, Russia and Ukraine point fingers over natural gas supply to the West. ....Low supplies in Western Europe have caused tension to the east during an especially frigid winter. 5. Departure of British official shakes Cameron's coalition. ....Chris Huhne, the energy and climate chief, is accused of perverting the course of justice in a 2003 speeding case. 6. Greek premier faces impasse over demand to cut private wages. ....Prime Minister Lucas Papademos faces a deadlock over proposed demands by Greece’s foreign lenders to reduce private-sector wages in exchange for aid the country needs to prevent default 7. UN nuclear inspectors' visit to Iran is a failure, West says. ....The assessment came as Iran's supreme leader lashed out at the US, vowing to retaliate against oil sanctions and threats of military action. 8. Israeli defense minister implies strike on Iran is near. ....Tensions between Israel and Iran are on the rise after a group of top Israeli leaders engaged in a round of saber-rattling on Thursday and Iran’s Supreme Leader answered on Friday with a pledge to "remove" Israel. 9. In Myanmar, Karen rebels deny signing a cease-fire. ....The defiant stance of the rebels’ leadership appears to be a significant setback for the government’s efforts to end ethnic and civil conflicts that have divided the country for decades. 10. Nepal releases 1000s of former fighters as part of peace deal. ....The fate of the Maoist fighters, who had been living in encampments under guard for the past six years, has been a key sticking point in Nepal’s still incomplete peace process. 11. Russia's biggest protesst in 20 years? Vast crowd protests Putin's power. ....'Real Russian patriots should stay at home and make babies... not loiter at demonstrations,' Russia's deputy prime minister said amid continuing anger over disputed elections, as tens of thousands of Russians defied bitter cold in Moscow to demand fair elections. a. From success at Putin's side to exposing corruption. ....Sergei Kolesnikov became a prosperous businessman and part of the crony capitalist web surrounding Vladimir V. Putin. Now he is waging a risky campaign to expose corruption. 12. 'Campaign of killing': UN weighs call for Syria's Assad to step down. ....UN Security Council ambassadors on Saturday debated a draft resolution backing an Arab League call for Syrian President Bashar Assad to step down. a. UN resolution fails as Syrian violence worsens. ....Russia, China veto measure calling for Pres. Assad to step down; activists say more than 200 killed in city of Homs. b. Damascus avoids blood of uprising, but not pain. ....Life is growing harder in the Syrian capital, President Bashar al-Assad's stronghold, as residents complain about electricity rationing, shortages of food and gas, and soaring prices. c. Waiting in the wings, a survivor of three decades of Syrian politics. ....Farouk al-Shara, 74, vice president and loyal disciple of Pres. Bashar al-Assad, would almost certainly become temporary president under an Arab League peace proposal. US News Capsules: 1. Struggling for warmth. ....In a Maine winter, the need for heating oil is vital, and some families have been unable to sufficiently heat their homes. 2. In fuel oil country, cold that cuts to the heart. ....Cuts in a federal energy-assistance program have left some families struggling to pay for oil to heat their homes. 3. Activists fight green projects, seeing UN plot. ....Suspicious of government initiatives, protesters linked to the Tea Party are denouncing all manner of measures they equate with a 1992 United Nations resolution, Agenda 21. 4. Texas drought forces a town to sip from a truck. ....The well of Spicewood Beach in central Texas is among 13 public water systems throughout the state that are projected to run out of water in 180 days or less. 5. Tax break increases deficit, but may have sislver lining. ....A tax break added billions to the federal government's current deficit, but the government says it should recoup 80% of the shortfall in the future. 6. Job gains reflect hope a recovery is blooming. ....The front wheels have lifted off the runway. Now, Americans are waiting to see if the economy can truly get aloft. a. Obama's magic number may be 150,000 jobs per month. ....With 243,000 jobs created in January, the economy is starting to look more positive. That might be a plus for the president in the November election. 7. The $1.6 billion woman, staying on message. ....Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s No. 2 executive, considers herself a role model for women. But her call isn’t simply about mentoring and empowering, it’s also a business strategy. POLITICS: 1. GOP candidates are told, don't use the verses, it's not your song. ....Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich are just the latest Republicans to stop using songs at their rallies after songwriters complained that the campaigns had played the pieces without permission. 2. Florida mega-casino bill is withdrawn. ....A big-money measure fails its first legislative test and its backers must wait at least until next year to try again. 3. Gingrich's deep ties to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. ....Newt Gingrich’s record as speaker shows that his ties to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae run deeper and farther back than he has acknowledged. 4. In Las Vegas, making sure the caucuses accommodate. ....As the number of Orthodox Jews in Nevada continues to grow, a special Republican caucus has been organized for Saturday night, and is expected to draw a few hundred Sabbath observers. 5. Republican candidates wrangle over Nevada. ....With polls showing a double-digit lead over Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney met with business leaders in northern Nevada. Mr. Gingrich, meanwhile, cast himself as the insurgent spoiler at a Las Vegas rally. 6. House approves 4 years of funds for aviation programs. ....After several years of stopgap financing, a longterm plan will help pay for such items as airport expansion Today's Headlines of Interest: For mentally ill inmates, health care beind bars is often out of reach. In an overwhelmed incarceration system, it's often cheaper and easier to just leave detainees untreated, experts say. According to criminal justice experts, many jails and prisons have struggled to adequately handle mentally ill inmates. Few areas of the country, they say, have the money and resources and staff to handle such a challenging population. "The Supreme Court has established that you have a constitutional right to a basic level of adequate health care, which now includes mental health care," Thomas Hafemeister, an associate professor at the University of Virginia School of Law, said "They've recognized that there tends to be limited resources in this setting. As long as a qualified professional has examined the inmate and exercised his or her judgment as to what needs to be done, that's all that is required." Nationwide, prevalence of severe mental illness among inmates is at least 15 %, said Richard Bonnie, director of the University of Virginia’s Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy. “There are many factors at work here, but many us involved in this field are convinced that diversion from the criminal justice system into mental health services … can alleviate the problem without compromising public safety,” he said, Jail diversion options include drug courts, where a substance abuse program is worked out instead of a jail sentencing; mental health courts, where a behavioral contract including drug tests and treatment appointments is drawn up; and sometimes, assignment to a mental health probation officer who is trained to handle mental issues and knows how to direct someone to health services. And it doesn't always have to be expensive to divert those with mental issues, added Osher."What many systems are coming to realize is if you provide alternatives, then you can reduce length of stay. You can actually have this be a resource-neutral event. It doesn't necessarily require an infusion of dollars," he said. "We're spending tons of money warehousing, having people in a revolving door without producing good outcomes." Thought for Today "The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children." —-Dietrich Bonhoeffer, German theologian (1906-1945). Today's flower: Calodendrum capense or cape chestnut flowers - It is not only a tree of the Cape, but also a tree of Africa. It occurs along the south and east coast of southern Africa, North West and Northern Province and into tropical Africa as far north as Tanzania and Ethiopia. [/i][/size][/color] "We find comfort among those who agree with us, growth among those who don't." - Frank Howard Clark Flying Horse Gabber Extraordinaire I am sorry to be posting this. i am FH's son jeff, my Mom passed away last night peacefully. Posts: 16,236 Post by Flying Horse on Feb 5, 2012 16:26:18 GMT -5 Good afternoon from Tuxy :)This is the 36th day of 2012 with 329 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 2:25 p.m., it's partly cloudy , temp 33ºF [Feels like 29ºF], winds SW @ 5 mph, humidity 54%, pressure 30.15 in and falling, dew point 19ºF, chance of precipitation 10%. Today in History: 1631--the co-founder of Rhode Island, Roger Williams, and his wife, Mary, arrived in Boston from England. 1762--an estimated 30,000 Sikhs were slain by Muslims in Punjab in present-day India. 1783--Sweden recognized the independence of the US. 1811--George, the Prince of Wales, was named Prince Regent due to the mental illness of his father, Britain's King George III. 1881--Phoenix, Ariz., was incorporated. 1887-Verdi's opera Otello premiered at La Scala. 1917--the US Congress passed, over Pres. Wilson's veto, a law severely curtailing the influx of Asians. 1914--Mexico's constitution was adopted.. 1937--Pres. Roosevelt proposed increasing the number of Supreme Court justices; critics charged Roosevelt was attempting to “pack” the court. 1958--Gamel Abdel Nasser was nominated to become the first president of the new United Arab Republic, a short-lived union of Syria and Egypt. 1971--Apollo 14 astronauts Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell stepped onto the surface of the moon in the first of two lunar excursions. 1988--the Arizona House of Representatives impeached Gov. Evan Mecham, who was later convicted in the state Senate and removed from office. 1988--Panamanian military leader Gen. Manuel Noriega was indicted on bribery and drug trafficking charges in Florida. 1989--the Soviet Union announced that all but a small rear-guard contingent of its troops had left Afghanistan. 1994--white separatist Byron De La Beckwith was convicted in Jackson, Miss., of murdering civil rights leader Medgar Evers in 1963. 2001--four followers of Osama bin Laden went on trial in New York in the 1998 bombings of two U.S. embassies in Africa. 2002--a federal grand jury indicted John Walker Lindh, the so-called "American Taliban," of conspiring with the Taliban to kill Americans. 2007--Pres. Bush unveiled a $2.9 trillion budget which proposed a big spending increase for the Pentagon while pinching domestic programs. 2007--NASA astronaut Lisa Nowak was arrested in Orlando, Fla., accused of trying to kidnap a perceived rival for the affections of a space shuttle pilot. 2011--the leadership of Egypt's ruling party stepped down as the military figures spearheading the transition tried to placate protesters without giving them the one resignation they were demanding, that of Pres. Mubarak. World News Capsules: 1. US plans shift to elite units as it winds down in Afghanistan. ....In ending its combat role in Afghanistan a year earlier than expected, the US will rely more on special forces that hunt insurgent leaders and train local troops, officials say. a. Afghan suicide attack targets police in Kandahar. ....Sunday’s attack was the fourth such bombing or attempted bombing in Kandahar in almost a month. 2. China fires 7 officials after spill. ....The spill, which affected 200 miles of the Longjiang River in southern China, was caused by two companies that accidentally released tons of cadmium. a. 3 Tibetan herders self-immolate in anti-Chinese protest. ....The latest cases bring the total self-immolations by ethnic Tibetans over the past year to 19. 3. US pro-democracy workers face trial in Egypt. ....Nineteen Americans, including Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's son, referred for criminal trials in a politically charged dispute over the activities and funding of pro-democracy groups, judicial sources said, deepening a row with the US. a. Egyptian forces appear to end siege of ministry. ....Security forces erected two walls bisecting streets that had been central battlegrounds between security forces and protesters calling for the end of military rule. b. Protests over soccer match riot continue in Egypt. ....A standoff between police and protesters ended with stone throwing and tear gassing. 4. Greek talks at a delicate point. ....The Greek finance minister said that debt talks on a second rescue deal were “on a razor’s edge,” with major issues unresolved ahead of a crucial deadline. 4. Qaddafi's arms, appropriated by old allies, reinvigorate rebel army in Mali. ....After fighting for Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, 100s of Tuareg rebels helped themselves to some of his weapons and returned to Mali to continue a longstanding rebellion. 6. In biting cold, protesters pack the center of Moscow. ....A 3rd huge rally was undeterred by the arctic cold or by the near certainty that Vladimir V. Putin will win a six-year term as Russia's president next month. 7. ANC keeps suspension of a leader. ....A party appeals panel upheld the five-year suspension of the firebrand youth leader Julius Malema from the African National Congress Youth League. 8. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton lambastes 'travesty' of UN veto on Syria. ....Clinton called Sunday for "friends of democratic Syria" to unite and rally against President Bashar Assad's regime, previewing the possible formation of a formal group of likeminded nations to coordinate assistance to the Syrian opposition. US News Capsules: 1. Killers' families left to confront fear and shame. ....In a society where headlines of violence are almost commonplace, the families of the perpetrators are largely unheard from. But now some relatives have decided to share their stories. a. The murderer's shadow. ....To the family members of his victims, Ronnie Lee Gardner was a violent killer. To Mr. Gardner’s own family, he was a father and soul mate whose destructive personality left deep emotional scars. 2. The upside of dyslexia. ....The condition makes it harder to learn to read. But it also seems to offer visual advantages. 3. Taking more seats on campus, foreigners also pay the freight. ....At the University of Washington, 18% of the freshmen are foreigners, and each pays about three times as much as students from Washington State. 4. Pennsylvania schools' financing fight pits district against 'charter on steroids'. ....The Chester Upland district's fiscal woes – so severe that it cannot afford to pay teachers past the end of this month – are compounded by a charter school with which it shares its financing. 5. With levees rated 'Unacceptable,' officials along the Mississippi fight back. ....Officials and residents in the Mississippi River flood plain known as the American Bottom say the Army Corps of Engineers overreacted after Hurricane Katrina. 6. MUSIC: Jubilees and living histories. (The Beach Boys) ....The Rolling Stones, the Chieftains, the Beach Boys and El Gran Combo, all 50 years old and still relevant. 7. DANCE: Tharp's new tale, woven in dance. ....Twyla Tharp tackled the task of building a narrative ballet from the ground up. The result was a fantastical work based on a story by George MacDonald and set to music by Schubert. 8. A mortgage tornado warning, unheeded. ....Inspired by a personal experience, a businessman began delving into the practices of the mortgage industry, including Fannie Mae. His findings have been prescient. 9. Facebook users ask, "Where's our cut?" ....Without the free content created by its 850 million users, Facebook would surely not be on the verge of a multibillion-dollar initial public offering, 10. Do manufacturers need special treatment? ....Government manufacturing policies must go beyond the belief that it’s better to produce “real things” than services. People value health care and haircuts as much as washing machines and hair dryers. 11. Take this mitt, and pass me the broadsword. ....Curt Schilling, the former Boston Red Sox pitcher, left baseball to start 38 Studios, a video game company, maker of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. POLITICS: 1. Romney wins Nevada caucus with broad GOP support, solidifying momentum. ....In winning the Nevada Republican caucuses, Mitt Romney added another victory in a campaign built on organization and momentum. 2. Gingrich patron could have a Plan B: Romney. ....The casino magnate Sheldon Adelson has relayed assurances that he will donate millions more toward defeating Pres. Obama even if his candidate is not the nominee, associates said. Today's Headlines of Interest: Not on Sunday. Thought for Today "Impatience is the mark of independence, not of bondage." —-Marianne Moore, poet (1887-1972). Today's flower: Dillenia indica - native to southeastern Asia, flowers are large, 5-8 inche-diameter, with five white petals and numerous yellow stamens. "We find comfort among those who agree with us, growth among those who don't." - Frank Howard Clark Flying Horse Gabber Extraordinaire I am sorry to be posting this. i am FH's son jeff, my Mom passed away last night peacefully. Posts: 16,236 Post by Flying Horse on Feb 12, 2012 20:49:00 GMT -5 Good evening from Tuxy :)This is the 43rd day of 2012 with 322 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 12:52 p.m., it's cloudy , temp 20ºF [Feels like 20ºF], winds WNW @ 3 mph, humidity 59%, pressure 29.89 in and rising, dew point 10ºF, chance of snow70%. Today in History: 1554--Lady Jane Grey, who had claimed the throne of England for nine days, and her husband, Guildford Dudley, were beheaded after being condemned for treason. 1733--English colonists led by James Oglethorpe founded Savannah, Ga. 1795--the University of North Carolina became the first US state university to admit students. 1809--Abraham Lincoln, 15th Pres. of the US, was born in present-dy Larue County, Ky.; died 1865 at age 56 (shot by Southern sympathizer John Wilkes Booth). 1809--Charles Darwin, English naturalist who originated the theory of evolution by natural selection, was born in Shrewsbury; died 1882 at age 73. 1818--Chile officially proclaimed its independence, more than seven years after initially renouncing Spanish rule. 1870--women in the Utah Territory gained the right to vote. 1880--John L. Lewis, labor leader who founded the United Mine Workers and the CIO, was born; died 1969 at age 89. 1908--the first round-the-world automobile race began in New York. (It ended in Paris the following July with the drivers of the American car, a Thomas Flyer, declared the winners over teams from Germany and Italy.) 1909--the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded in New York City. 1912--Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, abdicated, marking the end of the Qing Dynasty. 1915--the cornerstone for the Lincoln Memorial was laid in Washington, D.C., a year to the day after groundbreaking. 1940--the radio play The Adventures of Superman debuted with Bud Collyer as the Man of Steel. 1959--the redesigned Lincoln penny — with an image of the Lincoln Memorial replacing two ears of wheat on the reverse side — went into circulation. 1973--Operation Homecoming began as the first release of American prisoners of war from the Vietnam conflict took place. 1999--the US Senate voted to acquit President Bill Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. 2000--Charles M. Schulz, creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip, died at age 77. 2001--the NEAR spacecraft touched down on Eros, completing the first landing on an asteroid. 2002--the war crimes trial of former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic began in The Hague. 2002--Pakistan charged three men in connection with the kidnapping of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in Karachi (they and a fourth man were later convicted of Pearl's murder). 2002--an Iranian passenger jet crashed, killing all 119 on board. 2004--defying a California law, San Francisco officials began performing weddings for same-sex couples. 2007--teen gunman Sulejman Talovic shot 9 people, killing 5, at a Salt Lake City mall before he was shot and killed by police. 2007--car bombs shattered Baghdad's oldest and largest market, killing at least 78 people. 2009--a commuter plane crashed into a suburban Buffalo, N.Y., home, killing all 49 aboard and a person in the house. 2011--1000s of Algerians defied government warnings and dodged barricades in their capital, demanding democratic reforms. World News Capsules: 1. Risks of Afghan war shift from soldiers to contactors. ....More civilian contractors working for American companies than American soldiers died in Afghanistan last year for the first time, and some survivors are left uncompensated. a. In Afghanistan, a Soviet past lies in ruins. ....Kabul holds many glimpses of its Soviet past hidden in plain sight around its jumbled hillsides - sobering artifacts that now confront the US and its allies as they begin pondering what their own legacy might be. 2. In charged moment, China's political heir tries introducing himself to the US. ....Xi Jinping, China's vice president and presumptive next president, will make a cross-country swing and be scrutinized for hints of future stances on crucial issues. 3. Hacking cases focus on memo to a Murdoch. ....Discovered just three months ago, an e-mail from June 2008 sent to James Murdoch discussed in frank terms the potentially disastrous scale of phone hacking at News International. Eight arresed on "suspicion of corruption" included five employees of The Sun tabloid. 4. Rioting spreads as Greek lawmakers OK deeply unpopular austerity bill. ....The legislation will allow the country to cut debt; violence breaks out in several cities. 5. Strike ends as Israel and unions reach pact. ....Israel’s first general strike in five years ended with an agreement that improves conditions for nonunionized contract workers used by government agencies. 6. Libya asks Niger to extradite Qaddafi son after remarks. ....During a televised phone interview, Col. Qaddafi’s son Saadi called on Libyans to prepare for a “coming uprising." 7. Arab League wants UN peacekeepers to assist Syria. ....Arab League called for the UN Security Council to create a joint peacekeeping force for Syria, the latest effort by the regional group to end the 11-month old crisis that has killed more than 5,000 people. US News Capsules: 1. Greece will put stocks' rally to the test tomorrow. .....Wall Street will debate whether this is beginning or end of eurozone's debt crisis. 2. Even critics of safety net incrasingly depend on it. ....The government safety net was created to keep Americans from abject poverty, but the poorest households no longer receive a majority of government benefits. 3. A newspaper, and a legacy, reordered. ....The Washington Post, shrinking its scope as it looks to a digital future, is undergoing one of the most sweeping reorientations of any newspaper in the country. 4. Struggling cities turn to a crop for cash. ....Sometimes lost in the discussion of medical marijuana is the extent to which it has become a small but growing source of new tax revenue to cities and states. 5. European crude drives up US gas prices. ....A sharp increase in the price of North Sea oil helped drive US gasoline prices up about 12 cents a gallon since late January, according to a new nationwide survey. POLITICS: 1. After three losses, Romeny edges pass Paul in Maine. ....Mitt Romney won 39% of the vote in Maine's nonbinding caucuses, winning a small margin over Ron Paul and averting embarrassment after losses in three states. a. Romney's path to 'Pro-Life' position on abortion. ....After supporting abortion rights early in his political career, Mitt Romney is working to reinforce his credentials among conservatives. 2. For Gingrich, choice between wooing voters or donors. ....Newt Gingrich is making a detour to California this week in search of money to keep his campaign going, but that will limit the time he has to spend with voters 3. Occupy movement regroups, preparing for its next phase . ....With encampments largely gone, the challenge is to keep the Occupy cause alive through methods like strikes and protests, which risk alienating people rather than galvanizing them. 4. Bishops reject White House's new plan on contraception. ....The US Conference of Catholic Bishops said a compromise offered by President Obama on birth control coverage did not go far enough in protecting religious liberty. a. Lew defends new contraception policy. ....White House Chief of Staff Jacob Lew stood by the administration’s recent policy change on contraception coverage Sunday, arguing the new plan ensures women can keep their “right to preventive care” while religious institutions can respect their principles. Thought for Today "Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still." —Harry S. Truman, 33rd Pres. of the US (1884-1972). Today's flower: Blueberry candy daylily - A repeat bloomer, it also is heavily budded, with many flowers opening on the stem at once. "We find comfort among those who agree with us, growth among those who don't." - Frank Howard Clark Flying Horse Gabber Extraordinaire I am sorry to be posting this. i am FH's son jeff, my Mom passed away last night peacefully. Posts: 16,236 Post by Flying Horse on Feb 13, 2012 19:13:16 GMT -5 Good afternoon from Tuxy :)This is the 44th day of 2012 with 321 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 12:52 p.m., it's partly cloudy , temp 27ºF [Feels like 27ºF], winds S @ 3 mph, humidity 61%, pressure 29.86 in and falling, dew point 25ºF, chance of precipitation 10%. Today in History: 1542--the 5th wife of England's King Henry VIII, Catherine Howard, was executed for adultery. 1635--the Boston Public Latin School, the first public school in what is now the US, was founded. 1741--Andrew Bradford of Pennsylvania published the first American magazine. The American Magazine, or A Monthly View of the Political State of the British Colonies lasted three issues. 1861--Abraham Lincoln was officially declared winner of the 1860 presidential election as electors cast their ballots. 1891--Grant Wood, painter, was born; died 1942 at ge 50. 1914--the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) was founded in New York City. 1920--the League of Nations recognized the perpetual neutrality of Switzerland. 1935--a jury in Flemington, N.J., found Bruno Richard Hauptmann guilty of first-degree murder in the kidnap-death of the infant son of Charles and Anne Lindbergh. 1945--allied planes began bombing the German city of Dresden. 1945--the Soviets captured Budapest, Hungary, from the Germans. 1947--the NCAA's all-time winningest basketball coach, Mike Krzyzewski of Duke, was born. 1960--France exploded its first atomic bomb in the Sahara Desert 1961--the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York announced that three statues in its collection, supposedly Etruscan terra cotta warriors, were, in fact, forgeries. 1980--the 13th Winter Olympics opened in Lake Placid, N.Y 1991--during Operation Desert Storm, allied warplanes destroyed an underground shelter in Baghdad that had been identified as a military command center; Iraqi officials said 500 civilians were killed. 2000--Charles Schulz's final Peanuts comic strip ran in Sunday newspapers, the day after the cartoonist died at age 77. 2002--Britain's Queen Elizabeth II made former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani an honorary knight. 2002--country singer Waylon Jennings died in Chandler, Ariz., at age 64. 2005--Ray Charles won eight posthumous Grammy awards for his final album, Genius Loves Company. 2007--former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney officially entered the 2008 presidential race in Michigan, the place of his birth. 2008--seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens denied having taken performance-enhancing drugs in testimony before Congress. 2011--Egypt's military leaders dissolved parliament, suspended the constitution and promised elections in moves cautiously welcomed by protesters who'd helped topple Pres. Mubarak. World News Capsules: 1. Bahrain youths and police clash. ....Youths lob gasoline bombs at the police near Manama as violence escalated ahead of the anniversary of the uprising last year. 2. Apple iPads seized by China in name dispute. ....Authorities have seized Apple iPads from retailers in a city in northern China due to a dispute with a domestic company that says it owns the iPad name. The Chinese company said it is asking for similar action in more than 20 other cities. The move threatens to complicate Apple's efforts to sell the iPad in its fastest-growing market. a. Apple asks outside group to inspect factories. ....Apple said the Fair Labor Association had begun auditing working conditions at Chinese factories where Apple products are made. The first inspections involved a Shenzhen factory known as Foxconn City, b. Hong Kong, China battle over anchor baby births. ....A growing global phenomenon driven by Chinese with wherewithal and wealth as a China that – even as it continues to grow and open up to the rest of the world – still faces a restrictive enough present and an uncertain enough future that they choose to give birth outside of China. 3. Release near of Islamic preacher held by Britain. ....Abu Qatada, whose real name is Omar Othman, was cleared for release after a judge signed off on harsh bail conditions early Monday. 4. Rage against cuts: Athens rioters burn 45 buildings. ....One in five civil service jobs will be axed and minimum wage will be slashed by more than a fifth. a. As Greece inches toward bailout, obstacles remain. ....A host of technical, legal and political problems still confront the architects of a rescue that is unpopular both in Greece and in its creditor nations. 5. Indonesia court accuses militant in Bali blast. ....An Indonesian court indicted Umar Patek on charges including premeditated murder for his alleged role in the 2002 terrorist bombings on the resort island of Bali. 6. For Iraqis, aid to rebels in Syria repays a debt. ....Syrians sent money and weapons to Iraq and accepted its refugees just a few years ago; now Iraqis hope to return the favor. 7. Israel accuses Iran of bombings in India, Georgia. ....Israel's prime minister on Monday accused Iran of being behind a pair of car bombings against Israeli diplomatic targets in India and Georgia. 8. Political turmoil threatens archaeological treasures in Maldives. ....Amid the recent political turmoil that has racked the nation, a half dozen men stormed into a museum last Tuesday and ransacked a collection of coral and lime figures. 9. Pakistani leader indicted. ...Pakistan's highest court indicts Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on charges of contempt of court. 10. TV in Putin's Russia: Jesters, strivers and a longing for normalcy. ....After a decade of Vladimir V. Putin’s rule, Russian television has shed its dispirited past and embraced a more playful self-awareness, with hints of the country’s harsher realities. 11. Arab League steps up pressure on Syria and calls for UN help. ....The Arab League's foreign ministers called on Arab nations to sever diplomatic relations with Syria in an effort to pressure it to end the violence there. a. UN rights chief deplores inaction over Syrian assault. ....Navi Pillay publicly castigated Syria’s leaders, accusing them of intensifying their deadly crackdown after the Security Council failed to reach a solution. 12. Three executed by militants for helping US in Yemen. ...Islamists in southern Yemen said they beheaded two Saudis and one Yemeni for working with Saudi intelligence services, helping the US to target drone strikes. US News Capsules: 1. Adele wins big with 6, Whitney is honored at Grammys. ....Late singer's death turns music awards show into bittersweet occasion. Soul singer Adele triumphed in her return to music's stage on Sunday, scooping up six Grammys and winning every category in which she was nominated including album of the year for 21 and best record with "Rolling In the Deep." 2. Winner yet to claim Powerball $336 million jackpot in Rhode Island. ....The winner of Saturday's $336.4 million Powerball jackpot bought the ticket at a Stop & Shop supermarket in Newport, Rhode Island Lottery officials say. The winning numbers were 1-10-37-52-57 and the Powerball was 11 and was the third largest in Powerball history. 3. 'Tragic accident': Pastor's daughter shot at Florida church ....Worshpper accidentally fired gun through wall and shot the pastor's daughter in the head at the Grace Connection Church in St Petersburg, Fla. Moises Zambrana was showing his gun in a small closet to another church member interested in buying a firearm. Zambrana reportedly took out the magazine of the Reuger 9mm weapon but did not know there was a bullet in the chamber. 4. Washington governor signs gay marriage bill into law. ....The measure takes effect June 7 to become the 7th state to allow gay couples to wed, but opponents plan challenges on multiple fronts. 5. Police: Houston found unconscious and underwater. ....Los Angeles assistant chief coroner Ed Winter said his office has not discussed with Houston's family whether prescription medications and drowning played a role in in her death. The autopsy began Sunday, but tess to detect thepresence of alcohol or drugs could take several weeks to complete. 6. Admiral seeks freer hand in deployment of elite forces. ....Adm. William H. McRaven, who leads the Special Operations Command, is seeking new authority to move his forces more quickly and outside normal deployment channels. 7. Mooresville's shining example (It's not just about the laptops). ....A North Carolina school district has quietly emerged as a model digital school, with thousands of laptops issued to students and test scores up across the board. 8. Pentagon wants to raise some retirees' health fees. ....Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta proposed nearly quadrupling the health insurance fees of many working-age military retirees to reduce Pentagon spending. 9. With tips from whistle-blowers, more hands on deck on pollution cases. ....Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta proposed nearly quadrupling the health insurance fees of many working-age military retirees to reduce Pentagon spending. POLITICS: 1. Obama budget plan includes big tax increase - on millionaires. ....Obama will propose that millionaires pay a minimum tax rate of 30%t and will project a budget deficit of $901 billion in FY2013, representing 5.5% of gross domestic product (GDP), down from $1.33 trillion, or 8.5% of GDP this year. a. Republicans see broken promises and gimmicks in Pres. budget. ....Republicans savaged the president’s proposed budget for fiscal 2013 as weak on deficit reduction and strong on gimmicks. 2. Romney survives two weekend challenges. ....Perhaps the best way to view Mitt Romney’s weekend is that he survived - won the Maine caucuses and the CPAC straw poll after his “severely conservative” line. a. Romney runs as an outsider but makes room for lobbyists . ....Mitt Romney is running against the entrenched interests of Washington with help from some of its most prominent insiders. 3. As stock market rallies, so do the odds of Obama's reelection. ....Pres. Obama’s odds of re-election later this year are growing alongside the Standard & Poor’s 500 index’s biggest rally to start a year since 1991, suggesting that investors are growing more confident in the U.S. economy. The broad stock market gauge has climbed as much as 7.5 percent in 2012, the most in 21 years. At the same time, unemployment is falling and the Federal Reserve has promised to spur growth by keeping interest rates near zero through 2014. 4. Obama to propose community college aid. ....Pres. Obama will propose an $8 billion program with the goal of training two million workers for well-paying jobs in high-demand industries, officials said. Today's Headlines of Interest: Super PAC supporting Ron Paul is operated by a 9/11 'truther'. As libertarian Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul looks for a state he can win, some of his supporters have turned to a new theme: voting fraud. A Super PAC supporting Paul has pledged to monitor the vote in all the remaining states, using an army of exit pollsters to fight what it calls results that are "outrageous, unacceptable and patently un-American." As with many other so-called "independent" Super PACs, which can receive unlimited donations outside the normal rules of campaign finance, the Revolution PAC is operated by people with close ties to the candidate. The leader of the group, its founder, chairman and treasurer, is Gary Franchi, a promoter of conspiracy theories and sophisticated social-media entrepreneur in the resurgent movement known as the Patriots. The 34-year-old political activist from the Chicago suburbs said that his goal is a "non-violent intellectual revolution, which results in a full restoration of the federal Constitution." Franchi has supported the 9/11 Truth Movement, which supports the idea that the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, werean inside job to create a pretext for a reduction in American liberty, or at least involved a cover-up, with the World Trade Center brought down by a planned U.S. demolition, instead of terrorist-controlled airplanes. Franchi is one of the leading promoters of a resurgent Patriot conspiracy theory that alleges the government is creating concentration camps for U.S. citizens." In 2009 he co-wrote and co-produced the video "Camp FEMA: American Lockdown," which claims that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is creating concentration camps on air bases and in vacant buildings to house political dissenters when the federal government proclaims martial law. Franchi operates Restore the Republic, which opposes the Federal Reserve, the IRS and the income tax, decries the control of the economy by the Rockefellers and the "banking cartel," and warns of government plans to plant RFID microchips into all Americans. Paul has had a vague and uncertain connection with fringe views and conspiracy peddlers for decades. In several cases he has welcomed their support, neither repudiating their views nor explicitly endorsing them. And this is the man that some otherwise rational people are willing to vote as the potential GOP candidate for president of the United States? As much as I hate to say it, the more I see and read about the various GOP candidates, the better Romney looks as the only one with rtional plans for the country. 'Habitable' planets could become stripped dry. Alien planets might experience tidal forces powerful enough to remove all their water, leaving behind hot, dry worlds like Venus, researchers said. These findings might significantly affect searches for habitable exoplanets, scientists explained. Although some planets might dwell in regions around their star friendly enough for life as we know it, they could actually be lifelessly dry worlds. The tides that we experience on Earth are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. Our tides are nothing compared to what we see elsewhere in the solar system — the gravitational pull Europa experiences from Jupiter leads to tidal forces roughly 1,000 times stronger than what Earth feels from our moon, flexing and heating Europa. Heat is a major factor in how capable a planet might be of supporting life as we know it. What scientists call the habitable zone of a star is defined by whether liquid water can survive on its surface, given that life exists virtually wherever there is liquid water on Earth. Too far from a star, and the lack of light makes a world too cold, freezing all its water; too close to a star, and all that blazing heat makes a world too hot, boiling all of its water off in what is known as a runaway greenhouse effect. Venus is often thought to have experienced a runaway greenhouse effect. Eventually, solar radiation broke up all of Venus's vaporized water into hydrogen and oxygen, which leaked away from the planet entirely. Now scientists find that stellar heat is not the only thing that can trigger a runaway greenhouse climate catastrophe. Tidal heating can too, for what they call "tidal Venuses." "This has fundamentally changed the concept of a habitable zone," said researcher Rory Barnes, a planetary scientist and astrobiologist at the University of Washington. "We figured out you can actually limit a planet's habitability with an energy source other than starlight." Tidal Venuses could not occur around stars like our sun because the effects of tides fall off rapidly with distance, Barnes noted. However, tidal Venuses could occur around dimmer and much less massive bodies — main-sequence stars less than a third the mass of our sun, for instance, or failed stars known as brown dwarfs, or dead stars such as white dwarfs. These bodies have been of interest to astrobiologists because their dim nature means their habitable zones are theoretically very close. Planets near their stars eclipse them more often, making them easier to detect than planets that are farther away — for that reason, researchers had thought dim, low-mass stars could be ideal places to find habitable worlds, As terrestrial worlds are found around dim bodies, factoring these findings into searches for habitable exoplanets could result in scientists wasting less time on dry worlds. "As candidates for habitable worlds are found, tidal effects need careful attention," Barnes said. "You don't want to waste time on desiccated planets." Barnes noted that more work needed to be done analyzing how the effects of tidal heating might actually manifest themselves. "We'll have to be careful when assessing objects that are very near dim stars, where the tides are much stronger than we feel on present-day Earth," said planetary scientist Norman Sleep at Stanford University, who did not take part in this research."Even Venus now is not substantially heated by tides, and neither is Mercury." It could be that instead of triggering a runaway greenhouse effect, tidal heating might actually warm otherwise frigid planets enough for them to have liquid water on their surface, Sleep added. "Whether or not something could stay habitable or not through this mechanism is unclear to me," he cautioned. The next step "is to consider how multiplanet systems affect the results," Barnes said. "We've looked at just a single star and a single planet evolving together, but when you have additional planets, you introduce gravitational perturbations, and how will that affect orbits and tidal heating and habitability? They could very well increase the threat of catastrophic tidal heating." As any reader of my daily bulletins must realize, I'm fascinated by anything having to do with the investigation of our universe. It often puts the specualtion found in science fiction to shame, opening up magnificent vistas for speculation of all manner of things. And, naturally, I have been and will continue to be a strong supporter of NASA or any other comparable space exploration agency. Where is Uno? What 5 Westminster winners do now. Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show winners typically bow out of their show careers after taking the prestigious prize and go on to produce puppies, become therapy dogs or just master the art of sofa lounging. Here’s a look at how five past champs now spend their time. 1. 2011 - Hickory the Scottish deerhound has babies and chases bears. Motherhood was the path taken by GCh. Foxcliffe Hickory Wind, the elegant Scottish Deerhound owned by Dr. R. Scott and Cecilia Dove of Virginia. After becoming the first in her breed to take Best in Show in the history of Westminster, Hickory has since produced nine puppies, who are currently four months old. Also, she runs for miles every day on the family farm, in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Although she's normally calm and serene, once outdoors, Hickory turns into a keen coursing dog, who has even been known to drive a bear up a tree. 2. 2010 winner: Sadie the Scottish terrrier kicks back at home . As with many champions, the next stage for Sadie involved puppies., giving birth to five pups in March 2011. Since then, Sadie has become more of a homebody, living with handler Gabriel Rangel in Rialto, Calif. It's been reported that Sadie enjoys watching her favorite TV channel — Animal Planet, of course. She also relishes curling up in a dog bed with Rangel’s Chihuahua, Tad, and snacking on her favorite treat: hot dogs. 3. 2009 winner: Stump the Sussex spaniel spends time with friends. Sussex Spaniel Ch. Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee recently celebrated his thirteenth birthday. At age 10, he was the oldest dog to take the top title at Westminster — and he was the first of his breed to do so. Now he is enjoying a well-deserved retirement with handler Scott Sommer of Texas. In other words, this lucky dog does pretty much whatever he wants, which mainly means hanging out with pal J. R. (Ch. Special Times Just Right), the Bichon Frise who won Best in Show in 2001. 4. 2008 winner: Uno the beagle reflects on past glories. Uno had one of the busiest post-Westminster lives. Accompanied by Westminster announcer David Frei, Uno crisscrossed the country as an ambassador for his pet cause: canine therapy work. Since then, he has simply lived the life of a dog says co-owner Eddie Dziuk, chief operating officer of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. “He lives with his co-owner, Caroline Dowell, and he’s a full-time house dog,” says Dziuk. “He sleeps in her bed, and hangs out with other Beagles.” 5. 2007 winner: James the English springer spaniel focused on pet therapy. James was nearly seven years old when he won Best in Show, making him one of the oldest Springer Spaniels to take top honors at Westminster. After his win, he focused on a career in pet therapy with his owner, Teresa Patton, of Amissville, Va. The duo worked with Angel on a Leash and other pet therapy organizations, as well as raised nearly $15,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association by doing memory walks. “James had been doing pet therapy since he was seven months old, and he and I just picked up where he left off,” says Patton. He finished four rally titles and his first obedience title., but died last May, at age 11, from an aggressive form of lymphoma. His loss is still raw, says Patton, but his memory lives on in her garden, which is planted with purple and gold roses and sprinkled with his ashes. She will soon have a more tangible remembrance in the form of a litter due in March that was accomplished via a surgical implant. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will air February 13 and 14 on the USA Network and CNBC. I'll be watching. Thought for Today :)This is the 45th day of 2012 with 320 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 1:12 p.m., it's cloudy , temp 36ºF [Feels like 32ºF], winds SSW @ 5 mph, humidity 76%, pressure 29.9 in and falling, dew point 29ºF, chance of precipitation 60%. Today in History: 278--Valentine, a holy priest in Rome in the days of Emperor Claudius, was beheaded. 1778--the American ship Ranger carried the recently adopted Stars and Stripes to a foreign port for the first time as it arrived in France. 1779--Patriots defeated Loyalists at Kettle Creek, Ga. 1779--Capt. James Cook, the great English explorer and navigator, is murdered by natives of Hawaii during his3ird visit. 1859--Oregon was admitted to the Union as the 33rd state. 1862--Confederate Pres. Jefferson Davis signed a proclamation making Arizona a Confederate territory. 1864--Union Gen. Sherman entered Meridian, Miss. 1876--inventors Alexander Graham Bell and Elisha Gray applied separately for patents related to the telephone. (The U.S. Supreme Court eventually ruled Bell the rightful inventor.) 1886--the first trainload of oranges left Los Angeles. 1895--Oscar Wilde's final play, The Importance of Being Earnest, opened at the St. James's Theatre in London. 1903--the Department of Commerce and Labor was established and split into two in 1915. 1912--Arizona became the 48th state of the Union. 1919--Pres. Woodrow Wilson presents the draft of the covenant for the League of Nations 1920--the League of Women Voters was founded in Chicago; its first president was Maud Wood Park. 1929--the "St. Valentine's Day Massacre" took place in a Chicago garage as seven rivals of Al Capone's gang were gunned down. 1929--Sir Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered penicillin. 1943--German Gen. Rommel and his Afrika Korps launched an offensive against an Allied defensive line in Tunisia, North Africa in the battle of the Kasserine Pass. 1949--Israel's Knesset convened for the first time. 1962--first lady Jacqueline Kennedy conducted a televised tour of the White House. 1962--Pres. Kennedy authorized US advisors in Vietnam to fire in self-defense. 1979--Adolph Dubs, the U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, was kidnapped in Kabul by Muslim extremists and killed in a shootout. 1989--the Ayatollah Khomeini called on Muslims to kill Salman Rushdie, author of The Satanic Verses, a novel condemned as blasphemous. 1989--In Nicaragua, the Sandinistas agreed to free elections. 2000--a series of tornadoes moves through southern Georgia, wreaking havoc and killing 18 people. 2002--former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic justified his actions as a "struggle against terrorism" and said he was a victim of twisted facts and "terrible fabrication." 2007--ConAgra recalled all Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter made at a Georgia plant because of a salmonella outbreak. 2011--protesters took to the streets in Iran, Bahrain and Yemen, inspired by the popular uprising in Egypt that brought down Pres. Mubarak. World News Capsules: 1. Aiming at Asian competitors, China limits foreign TV. ....A new set of regulations seek to restrict comedies, dramas and movies from abroad, and ban all imported programs during prime time. a. Critics question record of monitor selected by Apple. ....The Fair Labor Association, the firm that Apple has hired to examine worker conditions at the plants of its suppliers, has been criticized by labor groups as ineffective. 2. French candidate assails plan for Greece. ....The Socialist candidate for the French presidency, François Hollande, criticized European policy on Greece, saying that mandatory austerity measures were too severe. 3. Athens shaken by riots aftr vote for austerity. ....Many buildings burned and stores were looted after the measures passed, and some politicians were expelled from their parties after they broke ranks on the austerity vote. 4. US to meet North Koreans for new talks. ....The meeting in Beijing will be the first since Kim Jong-un assumed power and will see whether negotiations can be resumed on ending the North’s nuclear program. 5. Portugal's debt efforts may be a warning for Greece. ....By the broadest measure of a country’s ability to repay its debts, Portugal is going deeper into the hole, because its economy is shrinking. 6. Russia radio shake-u- follows Putin criticism. .....The editor of a radio station known for criticizing the Kremlin stepped down from the station’s board after its government-controlled owners removed its only two independent members. a. On Russian TV, it isn't all about the strongman. ....In the prelude to March 4 elections in Russia, newscasts are enjoying unaccustomed freedoms as they mix loyal, often staged reports with coverage of the opposition. 7. Arab nations eye arming Syria rebels as civilians flee Assad's attacks. ....Syrian government forces attacked opponents of President Bashar al-Assad in cities and towns across the country on Tuesday and Arab officials confirmed that regional governments would be ready to arm the resistance if the bloodshed did not cease. 8. Bangkok blasts wound Iranian attacker, 4 others. ....An Iranian man carrying grenades blew off his own legs and wounded four civilians Tuesday after an earlier blast shook his house in Bangkok, Thai authorities said. a. Explosions in Bangkok add to suspicions about Iran. ....The explosions came a day after bombers attacked Israeli Embassy personnel in the capitals of India and Georgia. Israel accused Iran of being behind the attacks, which the Tehran government denied. US News Capsules: 1. No public memorial for Whitney Houston, family says. ....Singer Whitney Houston's family has decided against a public memorial for her at a New Jersey sports arena, and will hold an invitation-only service at the church where she first sang publicly, and where her mother, singer Cissy Houston, still attends. services. 2. Obama greets China VP with friendly words, firm stance. ....China’s vice president, Xi Jinping, began a visit to the United States on Tuesday that amounts to a get-to-know-you exercise for the man seen as China’s next leader. a. Backers of Iran sanctions make an appeal to China. ....A group of former national security advisers took the occasion of the Chinese vice president’s visit to the United States to make their case. 3. Let's move, the first lady said - and we have. ....In just two years, Michelle Obama's campaign against childhood obesity has prompted legislation and begun to change how food companies do business. 4. What happens when a 911 emergency call goes silent? ....Open-line calls in which no one speaks are perplexing to 911 dispatchers, as in a recent case in Texas in which the fatal shooting of a family was unfolding. 5. What's New? Exuberance for novelty has benefits. ....Novelty-seeking, a personality trait long associated with trouble, turns out to be one of the crucial predictors of emotional and physical well-being. 6. At Volcker rule deadline, a strong pushback from Wall St. ....Regulators in charge of writing the Volcker Rule, which would ban banks from trading with their own money, were inundated with complaints and suggestions from the financial industry. 7. Small-cap stocks surge ahead of the big names. ....The surge in small-cap stocks may indicate that investors' appetite for risk is growing. 8. Michigan militia defended as 'social club' at trial of seven. ....Members of the Hutaree amassed weapons only to defend themselves, not to plot a war against the government, a lawyer for one defendant said. 9. Answering for taking a driller's cash. ....The Sierra Club’s secret acceptance of $26 million in donations from Chesapeake Energy has drawn fierce criticism from some environmental groups on ties to corporations. 10. Rather than flirt with audience, Oscar producers play hard to get. ....The producers Brian Grazer and Don Mischer are keeping quiet about their plans for this year’s Academy Awards ceremony. POLITICS: 1. Romney, Santorum tied as splits emerge among voters. ....Support for the leading GOP presidential hopefuls appears to be dividing between genders and between white-collar and blue-collar workers, a new CNN/ORC International Poll shows. a. Here we go again: Santorum soars in new polls. ....So apparently all it took were wins in the non-binding caucuses of Colorado and Minnesota, as well as the beauty contest of Missouri, to catapult Rick Santorum into a virtual tie with Mitt Romney, according to THREE national polls. 2. California set to send many new faces to Washington. ....Between redistricting and a growing number of retirements, the face of California's 53-member Congressional delegation is set to get younger. 3. House Republicans yield on extending payroll tax cut. ....A surprise announcement called for separating a proposed extension from negotiations over jobless benefits and Medicare reimbursements. 4. Military cuts and tax plan are central to Obama budget. ....Pres. Obama's final budget request of his term amounts to his agenda for a desired second term, with tax increases on the affluent and cuts in spending to reduce deficits and pay for priorities like education. a. Republicans say President's proposed savings look bigger than they are. ....The indignation that greeted the budget seemed to be amplified by the presidential election, debt crises and the sheer size of the additional debt envisioned by the plan. b. Money urged for colleges to perform job training. ....Pres. Obama proposed an $8 billion program with the goal of training two million workers for well-paying jobs in high-demand industries. 5. Voter rolls are rife with inaccuracies, report finds. ....Registration in the US is decentralized, putting the burden on voters, and largely paper based, which makes errors more likely. Today's Headlines of Interest: Can a dalmatian win best in show tonight? More than 101 Dalmatians have tried to become America's most prized pooch and failed, but that could end tonight when a sprightly package of polka dots called Ian takes to the final ring at Madison Square Garden. He'll be joined by a wobblaing, crowd-pleasing Pekingese, a Germn shepherd named Capt. Crunch and a spirited wire-haired dachshund (last night's winners of the toy, herding and hound groups - Ian won the non-sporting group). Tonight the terrier, sporting and working group winners will be chosen. Then comes the Best in Show ring of 7 dogs. More than 2,000 entries in 185 breeds and varieties were at the 136th Westminster. Still to show early Tuesday: a wire fox terrier who won the National show and a standard poodle who took the Eukanuba event. There's also a black cocker spaniel who was the No. 1 show dog last year — he's named Beckham, maybe a good omen since a 12-story ad featuring soccer star David Beckham posing in his underwear is painted on a building that overlooks the Garden. Beckham the dog, by the way, beat out Malachy the Peke as the country's top-winning show dog in 2011. The xoloitzcuintli (shoh-loh-eets-KWEEN'-tlee), formerly known as the Mexican hairless, is among six new breeds at this year's show. "Pronounce it!" a couple of fans playfully called out when the name appeared on the scoreboard. Also there was a dog from Norway breed to catch puffins (until they became endangered) on the rocky mountains of Norway. He has 6 toes on each foot to help him get traction while climbing. So tune in at 8 p.m.to the USA Network to see who wins. I'll be watching every minute. Go Ian!! Santorum's stone-age view of women. Taken together with statements made in his 2005 book, It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good, his opposition to contraception (as well as to abortion, even in the case of rape) seems part and parcel of a deep hostility toward efforts to empower women and enhance their status. He has shown nothing but contempt for what his book called the "radical" feminist "pitch" that "men and women be given an equal opportunity to make it to the top in the workplace." So perhaps it's not surprising that at the time of publication he did not list his wife as a co-author or contributor, although when asked last week about this and other comments on working mothers, he now says his wife wrote that part of the book. The Santorums' apparent hostility to women's educational and professional advancement, as outlined in their book, is insulting and out of touch with today's world. But it is also odd in light of their purported interest in the welfare of children. It turns out that the most powerful single influence on a child's educational success is not the mother's marital status but her own level of education and her educational aspirations for her children, according to education researcher W. Norton Grubb. Educated parents find more time to spend with their children by reducing time dedicated to home-based activities that involve little interaction with children. They spend less time on sleep and personal grooming, less time doing housework, and less time watching television than their less educated counterparts, regardless of their employment status. Every family must make its own, sometimes difficult, decisions about what best fits their particular needs and preferences. We don't need politicians like Rick Santorum or, as he now somewhat unchivalrously claims, his wife -- making those decisions more painful by suggesting that women who choose to pursue careers are worse mothers than those who do not. Are Republican women listening to what this man says? And if they are, how can they possibley vote for him? Thought for Today Post by Flying Horse on Feb 15, 2012 16:06:23 GMT -5 Good afternoon from Tuxy :)This is the 46th day of 2012 with 319 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 4:02 p.m., it's cloudy , temp 37ºF [Feels like 37ºF], winds WNW @ 3 mph, humidity 65%, pressure 30.20 in and steady, dew point 26ºF, chance of precipitation 30%. Today in History: 1764--the city of St. Louis, Mo. was established by Pierre Laclede and Auguste Chouteau. 1776--Nova Scotia governor sends word of potential American invasion. 1812--American jeweler Charles Lewis Tiffany, the founder of Tiffany & Co., was born in Killingly, Conn. 1898--the U.S. battleship Maine mysteriously blew up in Havana Harbor, killing more than 260 crew members and bringing the US closer to war with Spain. 1903--the 1st teddy bear goes on sale. 1915--mutiny broke out among Indian soldiers in Singapore. 1933--Pres.-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt escaped an assassination attempt in Miami that mortally wounded Chicago Mayor Anton J. Cermak; gunman Giuseppe Zangara was executed more than four weeks later. 1942--the British colony Singapore surrendered to Japanese forces. 1952--a funeral was held at Windsor Castle for Britain's King George VI, who had died nine days earlier. 1953--Tenley Albright became the first American woman to win the world figure skating championship, held in Switzerland. 1961--73 people, including an 18-member US figure skating team en route to the World Championships in Czechoslovakia, were killed in the crash of a Sabena Airlines Boeing 707 in Belgium. 1965--Canada's new maple-leaf flag was unfurled in ceremonies in Ottawa. 1982--84 men were killed when a huge oil-drilling rig, the Ocean Ranger, sank off the coast of Newfoundland during a fierce storm. 1992--a Milwaukee jury found that Jeffrey Dahmer was sane when he killed and mutilated 15 men and boys. 1998--Dale Earnhardt finally wins the Daytona 500. 2002--Pres. Bush approved Nevada's Yucca Mountain as the site for long-term disposal of thousands of tons of highly radioactive nuclear waste. 2002--officials awarded Canadian pairs figure skaters Jamie Sale and David Pelletier a gold medal, while letting the Russian pair, Elena Berezhnaya and Anton Sikharulidze, keep their gold medal as a way to resolve a judging controversy that had dominated the Winter Games in Salt Lake City. 2007--National Guardsmen in Humvees ferried food, fuel and baby supplies to 100s of motorists stranded on Interstate 78 in eastern Pennsylvania because of a monster storm. 2011--protesters swarmed Wisconsin's capitol after Gov. Scott Walker proposed cutbacks in benefits and bargaining rights for public employees. World News Capsules: 1. NATO acknowledges bombing killed eight young Afghans. ....NATO officers described it as a “very sad event,” and vowed to try to help the isolated home village of the boys who were killed. 2. With edge, China's heir apparent is greeted in the US. ....China's vice pres., Xi Jinping, was met with blunt criticism from Vice Pres. Joseph R. Biden Jr., who declared that the US and China could cooperate "only if the game is fair." a. US to share cautionary tale of trade secret theft with Chinese official. ....China's next leader, Xi Jinping, will hear the case of an American company that saw 70% of its business evaporate after an employee was enticed to sell its technology to China. b. For China's vice president, afternoon tea and a return to Americana. ....Vice President Xi Jinping returned to Muscatine, Iowa, where 27 years ago he mingled with locals on an agricultural research trip. c. In China, an instant star and an emerging symbol. ....Jeremy Lin’s stunning success with the Knicks over the last week and a half has captured the imagination of China, from Communist Party bosses to the often-persecuted Christian minority. 3. Egyptian official vexes ruling generals and US by pressing investigation. ....Fayza Abul Naga, an Egyptian cabinet minister, is pressing the indictment of 16 Americans in a case that is shaking the American-Egyptian alliance. 4. 357 dead in Honduras prison fire, officials say. ....A massive fire swept through a prison in Honduras and killed close to 360 people, including many inmates trapped inside their cells, officials said. 5. Iran claims 2 major moves to nuclear self-sufficiency. ....Iran claimed that it has taken two major steps toward mastering the production of nuclear fuel, a defiant move in response to increasingly tough Western sanctions over its controversial nuclear program. a. US aircraft carrier has close encounter with Iranian patrol boat. ....An Iranian navy patrol boat came within two miles of the USS Abraham Lincoln, part of the Bahrain-based 5th Fleet, as it sailed through the strait with the destroyer Cape St. George and a guided missile cruiser. The U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet always has at least one supercarrier at sea accompanied by scores of jets and a fleet of frigates and destroyers. b. Iran issues threat to oil buyers in Europe. ....Besieged by sanctions over its nuclear program, Iran warned its six largest European buyers that they risked immediate cutoffs in their Iranian oil imports. 6. Israel says Iran's 'acts of terror' are clear. ....Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged nations to draw “red lines against Iranian aggression” following the arrest of Iranians in Bangkok and bombing attempts in India and Georgia. a. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu claims Iran destablizing the world. ....Security camera images show three men who Thai police suspect were involved in bomb blasts in Bangkok on Tuesday. b. From overseas visitors, a browing demand to study the HOlocaust. ....At Yad Vashem, Israel’s memorial and museum to the Holocaust, educators have found that lessons about individuals help illustrate the Holocaust’s universal lessons to non-Jewish visitors. 7. In Italy, facing the end of the lifetime job. ....When Prime Minister Mario Monti remarked that having a job for life in today’s economy was no longer feasible for young people, he laid bare one of the tenets of Italian society that is now at risk. a. Italy appeal seeks retrial of American in '07 killing. ....Italian prosecutors filed an appeal to the country’s Supreme Court four months after Amanda Knox’s 2009 murder conviction was overturned. 8. Mexico says supplier for top drug trafficker is caught. ....Jaime Herrera Herrera is accused of being a crucial link in the Sinaloa drug gang led by Joaquín Guzmán, Mexico’s most wanted man. 9. With cities under fire, Assad sets date for Syrian referendum. ....Pres. Assad set Feb. 26 for a vote on a new constitution as residents of some Syrian cities said life is ever more unbearable. US News Capsules: 1. [Westminster's new winner - Malachy a Pekingese. ....Malachy competed in the Best in Show group last year but lost to Hickory the Scottish Deerhound. But the Pekingese rose to the occasion this year, making him the first Pekingese to take the title since 1990. Malachy beat out more than 2,000 dogs from 185 breeds who were entered overall this year, including finalistss Ian the Dalmatian, Emily the Irish Setter, Cinders the Wirehaired Dachshund, Fifi the Doberman, Capi the German Shepherd, and Chelsey the Kerry Blue.. I was rooting for Ian or Chelsey. 2. Amid shortages, strict rules force hopitals to trash scarce drugs. ....Hospital pharmacists say they find themselves caught between following government regulations for storage and safety — or throwing away lifesaving medications. 3. 19 years and £1 Million Later, a Past Catches Up. ....Edward Maher, a suspect in a million-pound robbery in England in 1993, was arrested last week in a mostly rural corner of southwest Missouri. 4. Hip implants US rejected sold overseas. ....Johnson & Johnson recalled the hip device, and a similar one sold in the United States, in 2010 after data showed a disturbingly high failure rate. 5. $5 billion in grants offered to revisit teacher policies. ....The Obama administration’s proposed program would seek to bring together officials, union leaders and educators to address issues such as tenure and salaries. 6. Chess coach to leave Texas Tech with her team's best in tow. ....Susan Polgar and her institute are moving to Webster University in St. Louis because of funding issues, she said. The grandmaster’s top 10 players are also switching schools. 7. Yahoo faces stalled deal and fight over board. ....The developments raised questions about whether Yahoo would be able to reverse years of missteps and make itself relevant in an Internet landscape now dominated by Google and Facebook. 8. Kellogg to buy Procter & Gamble's Pringles group. ....Procter & Gamble has agreed to sell the chip brand for $2.695 billion to Kellogg, after its deal with Diamond Foods fell apart. POLITICS: 1. Tentative deal reached to preserve cut in payroll tax. ....Republicans and Democrats both claimed a measure of victory as the tax reduction was extended without spending cuts to pay for it. 2. Economic growth gives lift to Obama in NYT/CBS poll. ....Pres. Obama's approval rating reached the 50% mark, while Republican voters expressed a desire for more alternatives in their race. 3. Support is found for birth control coverage and gay unions. ....Majorities in the New York Times/CBS News poll backed an insurance requirement for religiously affiliated employers and legal status for same-sex unions. a. Obama shift on providing contraception splits critics. ....Leaders of several large Catholic organizations have welcomed the president’s plan on birth control coverage, but bishops have continued to voice strong objections. 4. Conservatives sowed idea of health care mandate, only to spurn it later. ....The requirement in Pres. Obama’s health care law that individuals buy insurance was first proposed by conservative economists and backed by Republicans, who now shun it. 5. Texas primary must be pushed back. ....A battle over redistricting spills over and affects the Republican presidential primary, which was scheduled for April 3rd. [ Post by Flying Horse on Feb 17, 2012 16:55:51 GMT -5 Good afternoon from Tuxy :)This is the 48th day of 2012 with 317 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 4:39 p.m., it's fair , temp 40ºF [Feels like 33ºF], winds W @ 12 mph, humidity 51%, pressure 29.96 in and rising, dew point 23ºF, chance of precipitation 30%. Today in History: 1782--the American-allied French navy begins a 14-month-long series of five battles with the British navy in the Indian Ocean. 1801--the U.S. House of Representatives broke an electoral tie between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr, electing Jefferson president; Burr became vice president. 1820--the US Senate passed the Missouri Compromise in an attempt to deal with the dangerously divisive issue of extending slavery into the western territories. 1864-- the Union ship USS Housatonic was rammed and sunk in Charleston Harbor, S.C., by the Confederate hand-cranked submarine HL Hunley, which also sank. 1865--Columbia, SC, burned as the Confederates evacuated and Union forces moved in. (It's not clear which side set the blaze.) 1874--Thomas J. Watson, Sr., the American industrialist who built I.B.M., was born; died 1956 at age 82. 1889--H. L. Hunt, oil tycoon, was born; died 1974 at ge 85. 1897--the forerunner of the National PTA, the National Congress of Mothers, convened its first meeting, in Washington. 1904--the original two-act version of Giacomo Puccini's opera Madama Butterfly was poorly received at its premiere at La Scala in Milan, Italy. 1916--in World War I, the German zepplin L-4 crashed into the North Sea. 1933--Newsweek was first published by Thomas J.C. Martyn under the title News-Week. 1942--Huey P. Newton, civil rights activist who co-founded the Black Panthers, was born; died 1989 at age 47. 1944--US troops landed on Eniwetok atoll in the Pacific. 1957--Andre Gromyko became the Soviet foreign minister. 1959--the US launched Vanguard 2, a satellite which carried meteorological equipment on board. 1964--the US Supreme Court, in Wesberry v. Sanders, ruled that congressional districts within each state had to be roughly equal in population. 1966--Gen. Maxwell Taylor testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Operation Rolling Thunder in Vietnam. 1972--Pres. Nixon departed the White House with his wife, Pat, on a historic trip to China, which he called "a journey for peace." 1972--the VW beetle overtook the Ford Model T as the world's all-time best-selling car. 1986--Johnson & Johnson announced it would no longer sell over-the-counter medications in capsule form, following the death of a woman who had taken a cyanide-laced Tylenol capsule. 1988--Lt. Col. William Higgins, a Marine Corps officer serving with a UN truce monitoring group, was kidnapped in southern Lebanon by Iranian-backed terrorists (he was later slain by his captors.) 1992--serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer was sentenced in Milwaukee to life in prison. 1993--approximately 900 people drown when a passenger ferry, the Neptune, overturned near Port-au-Prince, Haiti. 1996--Garry Kasparov defeated Deep Blue, IBM's chess-playing computer, winning a six-game match. 2002-- the new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) took over supervision of aviation security from the airline industry and the Federal Aviation Administration. 2007--Senate Republicans foiled a Democratic bid to repudiate Pres. Bush's deployment of 21,500 additional combat troops to Iraq. 2007--at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Marine Lance Cpl. Robert B. Pennington was sentenced to 8 years in military prison for his role in the kidnapping and killing of an Iraqi civilian. 2009--Pres. Obama signed a $757 billion economic stimulus package into law. 2011--a group of Democratic Wisconsin lawmakers blocked passage of a sweeping anti-union bill, refusing to show up for a vote and then abruptly leaving the state in an effort to force Republicans to the negotiating table. World News Capsules: 1. After scuffle in Afghan embassy, a spotlight on connections. ....An office argument in Washington ended with a staff member — the son of Afghanistan’s attorney general — punching another, but so far there has been no reprimand, an official said. 2. Scandal may topple party official in China. ....Bo Xilai, a Communist Party official in Chongqing, may suffer fallout from a corruption inquiry into his top law enforcement official, with implications for the installation of the next generation of leaders. 3. Dutch Prince Friso in hospital after being buried in Austria ski avalanche. ....An avalanche buried and seriously injured Prince Friso, the 2nd son of Dutch Queen Beatrix, while he skied in Austria and he was rushed to the intensive care unit of an Innsbruck hospital. 4. Egyptian party threatens to review treaty with Israel. ....The Muslim Brotherhood said it would review the 1979 peace treaty with Israel if the US cuts off Egypt’s aid over a crackdown on nonprofit groups. 5. German president resigns in 'favors' scandal. ....Germany’s president announced his resignation on Friday after prosecutors asked Parliament to strip him of his immunity from prosecution over suspected improper ties to businessmen. a. Germany vs. the rest of Europe. ....The German economy is faring well during a downturn, and resentment is rising among other euro zone countries. 6. Murdoch offers reassurances to Sun Newsroom. ....Rupert Murdoch visited the London headquarters of his British newspaper arm, News International, where reporters and editors at the Sun were in a state of ferment against him. 7. Cries for justice amid the tears in Honduras. ....Among the inmates locked inside Comayagua national prison, where a fire killed at least 350 people, fewer than half had been convicted of a crime. 8. Bank telecommunications group moves closer to expulsion of Iran. ....The network known by its acronym Swift said it was prepared to expel Iranian banks, in what could amount to a potentially crippling sanction of the Iranian banking system. 9. Inquiry widens on suspected Iranian plot on Israel. ....The criminal inquiry into a suspected Iranian plot targeting Israelis overseas with magnetized bombs expanded on Thursday, with police in Thailand and investigators in India getting involved.. 10. Brother, can you spare $5 trillion? ....Italy arrested eight people on charges related to the seizure of $6 trillion in fake US Treasury bonds, in a scam that stretched from Hong Kong to Switzerland. 11. Meeting in Pakistan reveals tensions over Afghan peace talks. ....The leaders of Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan met in Islamabad to begin two days of talks with Taliban peace negotiations leading the agenda. Hina Rabbani Khar, Pakistan’s foreign minister, described as “preposterous” Afghan demands that her country deliver the insurgent leadership to the negotiating table. 12. US sends drones into skies over Syria, offcials say. ...."A good number" are monitoring the attacks against opposition forces and innocent civilians alike, U.S. officials say 13.Vatican is shaken by leaks. ....The Vatican has become embroiled in an embarrassing scandal that has drawn back the curtains on the Church’s inner workings/ US News Capsules: 1. Mountain man breaks into remote cabins, lives in luxury. ....He's eluded authorities for more than five years, a mountain man who roams the wilderness of southern Utah, breaking into remote cabins in winter, living in luxury off hot food, alcohol and coffee before stealing provisions and vanishing into the woods. In this undated photo provided by the Iron County Sheriff's Office in January, a man is seen walking past a cabin in the remote southern Utah wilderness near Zion National Park. Authorities believe the man in the photo, captured by a motion-triggered surveillance camera sometime in December, is a suspect responsible for more than two dozen cabin burglaries over the past five years. 2. Hospitals sramble for scarce kdis cancer drug. ....Ben Venue Laboratories, an Ohio drugmaker, began releasing limited supplies of a crucial medication to treat childhood leukemia Thursday, sending hospital pharmacists facing life-threatening shortages scrambling for their share. a. FDA still wary of diet pill's side effects. ....The Food and Drug Administration said it was worried about possible heart problems and birth defects with Qnexa, a weight-loss drug. 3. Man planning to bomb US Capitol arrested in sting operation. Post by Flying Horse on Feb 18, 2012 14:40:43 GMT -5 Good afternoon from Tuxy :)This is the 49th day of 2012 with 316 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 12:10 p.m., it's cloudy , temp 32ºF [Feels like 26ºF], winds S @ 6 mph, humidity 80%, pressure 29.90 in and falling, dew point 27ºF, chance of precipitation 60%. Today in History: 1516--Mary Tudor, future Mary I of England, was born to King Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. 1546--Martin Luther, leader of the Protestant Reformation, died in Eiselben, Germany. 1564--the artist Michelangelo died in Rome 1848--Louis Comfort Tiffany, a craftsman and designer who made significant advancements in the art of glassmaking, was born; died 1933 at age 85 1861--Jefferson Davis was sworn in as president of the Confederate States of America in Montgomery, Ala. 1885--The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain was published. 1930--photographic evidence of Pluto was discovered by Clyde W. Tombaugh at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Ariz. 1931--Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison was born. 1970--five of the Chicago Seven were found guilty of intent to incite a riot at the 1968 Democratic national convention. (The convictions were later overturned.) 1972--the California Supreme Court struck down the state's death penalty. 1977--the space shuttle Enterprise, sitting atop a Boeing 747, went on its maiden flight above the Mojave Desert. 1984--Italy and the Vatican signed an accord under which Roman Catholicism ceased to be the state religion of Italy. 2001--NAXCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Sr., 49, died from injuries suffered in a crash at the Daytona 500. 2001--FBI agent Robert Hanssen was arrested, accused of spying for Russia for more than 15 years. (Hanssen pleaded guilty and is serving life in prison without parole.) 2002--Andrea Yates went on trial in Houston, charged with two counts of capital murder for the drownings of three of her five children, ages 6 months to 7 years. 2006--American Shani Davis won the men's 1,000-meter speedskating in Turin, becoming the first black athlete to win an individual gold medal in Winter Olympic history. 2006--a Hamas-dominated Palestinian parliament was sworn in in Gaza. 2007--twin car bombs blew up in a mostly Shiite area of Baghdad, killed at least 62 people. 2007--a pair of bombs on a train headed from India to Pakistan killed 68 people. 2010--software engineer A. Joseph Stack III crashed his single-engine plane into a building containing IRS offices in Austin, Texas, killing one person besides himself. 2011--the US vetoed a U.N. resolution that would have condemned Israeli settlements as illegal and called for a halt in all settlement building; the 14 other Security Council members voted in favor of the measure. World News Capsules: 1. China detains Tibetans after trip to India, rights group says. ....Several hundred Tibetans who had attended teaching sessions overseen by the Dalai Lama were being forced to undergo political re-education, Human Rights Watch said. a. China's leader in waiting heads home after a little Laker magic. ....Vice Pres. Xi Jinping gets a jersey with his name on it and leaves declaring his visit 'fully successful'. b. Chinee labor, cheap no more. ....The low-cost labor that has made China's factories nearly unbeatable is not so cheap anymore. 2. Murdoch visits downcast tabloid, with other son in tow. ....Rupert Murdoch visited The Sun with his son Lachlan in a signal that James, the heir apparent until the phone hacking scandal last summer, may have ceded his place. a. Murdoch to launch new Sun on Sunday paper amid crisis. ....Media magnate Rupert Murdoch seeks to rein in a crisis over alleged misconduct at the embattled Sun newspaper, part of his huge News Corp. empire, telling staffers at The Sun (Britain's best-selling paper) that the company will launch a Sunday edition. 3. Negotiations with Iran over nuclear rogram may resume. ....An offer by Iran for talks came as a telecommunications network vital to the global banking industry prepared to expel Iranian banks. 4. Report: Kim Jong II's eldest son falls on hard times. ....Kim Jong Nam, 41, the wayward eldest son of former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, has been kicked out of his luxury lodgings in the gambling mecca of Macau after failing to pay $15,000 in arrears, according to a report. 5. Meeting in Pakistan reveals tensions over Afghan talks. ....Hina Rabbani Khar, Pakistan’s foreign minister, described as “preposterous” Afghan demands that her country deliver the insurgent leadership to the negotiating table. 6. Palestinian's trial shines light on military justice. (Islam Dar Ayyoub was taken from his home, then pressed to inform on his relatives, neighbors and friends. His brother Omar, in the picture above, is in prison) ....As a grass-roots leader goes on trial, having been incriminated by a teenager, questions are being raised about the legal system Palestinians are placed into. 7. Police raid Moscow bank owned by Putin critic. ....Federal agents conducted a search of the National Reserve Bank owned by Aleksandr Y. Lebedev, a billionaire tycoon who owns a newspaper critical of the Kremlin. 8. Despite safety worries, work on deadly flue to be released in Switzerland. ....Most of a group of experts meeting in Geneva felt any risk of a modified bird flu virus's use by terrorists was outweighed by the "real and present danger" of similar viruses in the wild. 9. Syrian forces fire on vast crowd of mourners near Assad's palace. ....Crowd of up to 30,000 people began protesting at funeral of three young people killed by Assad loyalist troops. a. Momentum builds for Syria action ahea of Tunis conference. ....Backers of an Arab League peace plan said Friday that they were seeking new ways to aid opponents of President Bashar al-Assad and to ensure next week’s conference puts additional pressure on him. b. Times correspondent Anthony Shadid's death puts focus on difficulties of covering a secretive Syria. ....The uprising in Syria has become, for journalists, one of the most difficult assignments in many years, with reporters sneaking in to bear witness at great personal risk. 10. Islamists' ideas on democracy and faith face test in Tunisia. ....In an article he wrote before his death from asthma on Thursday, Mr. Shadid examined how a party shaped by repression hopes to act as a regional model after being voted into power in Tunisia. 11. Pope makes NY's Timothy Dolan a cardinal. ....Pope Benedict, putting his mark on the Catholic Church's future, on Saturday inducted 22 men — including New York's Archbishop Timothy Dolan — into the exclusive club of cardinals who will one day elect one of their own to succeed him, a. Vatican's celebratory mood is dampened by leaks. ....Letters have exposed the church’s inner workings in a scandal seen as stemming from a power struggle. 12. Music meets Chavez politics, and critics frown. ....Pres. Hugo Chávez’s embrace of the musical education program El Sistema has angered some of its supporters and provoked rare criticism of two of Venezuela’s most celebrated figures. US News Capsules: Post by Flying Horse on Feb 19, 2012 18:54:05 GMT -5 Good evening from Tuxy This is the 50th day of 2012 with 315 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 6:49 p.m., it's cloudy , temp 28ºF [Feels like 21ºF], winds NNW @ 7 mph, humidity 69%, pressure 30.05 in and steady, dew point 21ºF, chance of precipitation 10%. Today in History: 1473--the astronomer Copernicus was born in Torun, Poland.; died 1543 at age 70. 1777--the Continental Congress overlooked Benedict Arnold for promotion. 1803--Congress voted to accept Ohio's borders and constitution. 1807--former vice president Aaron Burr was arrested for treason. 1846--the Texas state government was formally installed in Austin, with J. Pinckney Henderson taking the oath of office as governor. 1847--the first rescuers reached surviving members of the Donner Party, emigrants stranded by snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on their way to California. 1878--Thomas Edison received a patent for "an improvement in phonograph or speaking machines." 1881--Kansas became the first state to prohibit all alcoholic beverages. 1884--37 tornadoes swept across the Southeast US, killing 167 people and injured another 1,000. 1912--Stan Kenton, the American bandleader who was an innovator in the progressive jazz style of the 1950's, was born; died 1979 at age 67. 1915--British and French battleships launch a massive attack on Turkish positions at the entrance to the Dardanelles, 1940--R&B singer, songwriter Smokey Robinson was born. 1942--Pres. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which authorized the U.S. military to exclude people from designated areas. (The order was used to relocate and intern American residents of Japanese ancestry, a majority of whom were native-born U.S. citizens.) 1942--Japanese warplanes raided the Australian city of Darwin; at least 243 people were killed. 1945--some 30,000 US Marines landed on the Western Pacific island of Iwo Jima and began a month-long battle to seize control of the island from Japanese forces. 1959--an agreement was signed by Britain, Turkey and Greece granting Cyprus its independence. 1960--Prince Andrew, 2nd son of Queen Elizabeth II, turns 52. 1976--calling the issuing of Executive Order 9066 "a sad day in American history," Presi. Ford issued a proclamation confirming that the order had been terminated with the formal cessation of hostilities of World War II. 1983--13 people were found shot to death at a gambling club in Seattle's Chinatown in what became known as the Wah Mee Massacre. 1984-- Cale Yarborough wins his fourth Daytona 500. 1992--Irish Republican Army member Joseph Doherty was deported from the US to Northern Ireland following a ten-year battle for political asylum. (Doherty was imprisoned for killing a British army commando in 1980; he was freed in 1998 under the Good Friday Agreement.) 1997--Deng Xiaoping, the last of China's major Communist revolutionaries, died in Beijing at age 92. 2002--NASA's Mars Odyssey spacecraft began mapping the Red Planet. 2004--former Enron Corp. CEO Jeffrey Skilling was charged with fraud, insider trading and other crimes in connection with the energy trader's collapse. 2007--New Jersey became the third state to offer civil unions to gay couples. 2008--an ailing Fidel Castro resigned the Cuban presidency after nearly a half-century in power. 2010--golfer Tiger Woods admitted infidelity and acknowledged receiving therapy. 2010--the FBI concluded that Army scientist Bruce Ivins acted alone in the 2001 anthrax mailings that killed five people, and formally closed the case. 2011--security forces in Libya and Yemen fired on pro-democracy demonstrators as the two hard-line regimes struck back against the wave of protests. 2011--the world's dominant economies struck a watered-down deal on how to smooth out trade and currency imbalances blamed for a global financial crisis. World News Capsules: 1. In struggle with Taliban, on guard for Charlatans. ....A so-called senator may have been a spy, and an Afghan hailed as a defector has raised suspicions that he is faking. 2. In race to run Hong Kong, scandal taints Beijing's choice. ....The candidate who is favored by Beijing to take Hong Kong’s top government position is facing increased pressure to end his campaign because of a series of missteps. a. An ambivalent China affirms the charisma of the Dalai Lama . ....China’s efforts to turn the Dalai Lama’s hometown into a tourist attraction highlight the contradictory attitude toward Tibet’s spiritual leader, whom the government has derided as a separatist. b. Foxconn plans to lift pay sharply at factories in China. ....One of the biggest suppliers for Apple, Dell, Hewlett-Packard and other electronics companies said salaries for many workers would immediately jump by 16 to 25%. b. China takes new step to prime its slowng economy. ....The People's Bank of China lowered the amount of capital banks must keep in reserve in a move to buoy economic growth. 3. Trial of Americans in Egypt shakes ties between the nations. ....A politically charged inquiry into foreign funding of nonprofit groups has plunged relations between Egypt and the US to the lowest point in three decades. 4. As old Francs expire, France makes a small mint. ....The French treasury banked some 550 million euros for doing nothing — simply letting the French franc, created in 1360, finally perish in exchange for the euro. 5. Court in Iran starts trial in bank fraud. ....The trial of 32 defendants in a $2.6 billion bank fraud case, described as the biggest financial swindle in the country’s history, has begun. 6. Car bomber kills 13 in attack on Baghdad police. ....A suicide car bomber struck at the gates of Baghdad’s police academy, leaving 15 dead and 21 wounded. 7. Emperor Akihito of Jpan is stable after bypass surgery. ....The emperor, 78, was expected to leave the hospital within two weeks. 8. Latvians reject Russian as 2nd language. ....The vote defeated a constitutional referendum that underscored ethnic and political tensions that remain. 9. South Africans suffer as graft saps provinces. 4img]http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2012/02/19/world/SOUTHAFRICA/SOUTHAFRICA-sfSpan.jpg[/img] ....Officials in Limpopo Province overspent their budget by about $250 million, much of it on questionable or fraudulent payments and contracts with businesses linked to the province's politicians. 10. Syria rebels plan Damascus 'day of defiance.' ....Police and militia patrols fanned out in the Merze district of Damascus to try to prevent protests that have threatened President Assad's grip on the capital. a. frustrated protesters fill the streets in Syria's capital. ....Hundreds of people braved scattered gunfire in the biggest such march near the heart of Damascus since the country's uprising started 11 months ago. b. For Syria, reliant on Russia for weapons and food, old bonds run deep. ....The Kremlin, seemingly undeterred by an international outcry, has worked frantically to preserve its relationship with the government of Pres. Assad. US News Capsules: 1. Bonds baked by mortgages regain allure. ....Spurred by predictions of profits even in the worst forecasts, big-money investors are returning to the same complex loan pools that nearly washed away the financial system. 2. 60 lives, 30 kidneys, all linked. ....A record chain of kidney transplants resulted from mix of medical need, pay-it-forward selflessness and lockstep coordination among 17 hospitals over four months. A Good Samaritan kidney donation by a California man began a progression of kidney retrievals and transplants, as 30 donors gave their organs to 30 strangers on behalf of their loved ones. a. Lack of unified systemp hampers kidney transplant efforts. ....More than a decade after the first organ swap in the US, the transplant world remains disjointed, as competing private registries operate with little government regulation. 3. 2 senators suggest helping Syrian rebels. ....Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham laid out proposals that would put the US squarely behind the movement to topple Pres. Bashar al-Assad. 4. For space mess, scientists seek celestial broom. ....A group has warned that extraterrestrial clutter has reached a point where, if nothing was done, a cascade of collisions would eventually make low-Earth orbit unusable. 5. Justices sit on highest court, but still live without top security. ....With many American officials blanketed by protection, Supreme Court justices are the unfettered, mostly unrecognized exceptions. 6. Budget woes prompt erosion of public jobs, with a heavy toll in Silicon Valley. ....San Jose, Calif., a growing city in the heart of Silicon Valley has had to lay off about a fifth of city employees and reduce services sharply. 7. The warmth of winter is casting a chill on ice fishing. ....The weather is causing officials in Lake Minnetonka, Minn. and other spots nationwide to cancel programs and impose bans on ice fishing. 8. When a county runs off the cliff. ....For all the talk in Washington about taxes and deficits, Jefferson County, Ala., is a place where government finances, and government itself, have simply broken down. 9. Data collection arms race feeds privacy fears. ....Latest lapses have prompted criticism from privacy advocates and lawmakers, along with apologies from the companies POLITICS: 1. Santorum questions education system; criticizes Obama. ....His candidacy surging, Rick Santorum said government-run schools were “anachronistic” and waded into what he called the “phony theology” of Pres. Obama’s environmental agenda. 2. Romney Arizona co-chair resigns amid allegation. ....Paul Babeu stepped down as a co-chairman of Mitt Romney’s Arizona campaign after allegations that he threatened to deport a former boyfriend. Today's Headlines of Interest: Not on Sunday Thought for Today This is the 52nd day of 2012 with 313 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 12:17 p.m., it's fair , temp 30ºF [Feels like 22ºF], winds SSW @ 8 mph, humidity 51%, pressure 30.07 in and falling, dew point 17ºF, chance of precipitation 70%. Today in History: 1828--the Cherokee received their 1st printing press. 1848--former Pres. John Quincy Adams suffered a stroke on the floor of the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. (He died two days later.) 1848--Karl Marx published his Communist Manifesto in London. 1862--the North and South clashed at the Battle of Valverde near Fort Craig in New Mexico Territory, the 1st major engagement in the Far West. 1862--Nathaniel Gordon, captured at sea with nearly 900 Africans aboard his ship, the Erie, became the first and only American slave-trader to be executed under the U.S. Piracy Law of 1820 as he was hanged in New York. 1878--the 1st telephone directory was issued, by the District Telephone Co. of New Haven, Conn. 1885--the Washington Monument was dedicated. 1893--Andres Segovia, the Spanish musician who established the guitar as an important concert instrument, was born; died 1987 at age 94. 1912--the Great 5th Ward Fire broke out in Houston, Texas with over $3 million in loses, but no lives. 1916--the Battle of Verdun began in France as German forces attacked (the French were able to prevail after 10 months of fighting.) 1925--the New Yorker magazine made its debut. 1926--glamorous, husky-voiced Swedish actress, Greta Garbo's first American film, The Torrent opened. 1944--Hideki Tojo, prime minister of Japan, took over as army chief of staff, giving him direct control of the military. 1945--during the battle of Iwo Jima, the escort carrier USS Bismarck Sea was sunk by kamikazes with the loss of 318 men. 1947--Edwin H. Land publicly demonstrated his Polaroid Land camera, which could produce a black-and-white photograph in 60 seconds. 1948--the National Association for Stock Car Racing (NASCAR) wais officially incorporated, becoming one of America's most popular spectator sports, as well as a multi-billion-dollar industry. 1965--Malcolm X, 39, African American nationalist and religious leader, was assassinated by member of the Nation of Islam as he was about to addresshis Orangization of Afro-American Unity in New York City's Audubon Ballroom in Wasington Heights. 1970--Kissinger began secret negotiations wth North Vietnam. 1972--Pres. Nixon began his historic visit to China. 1973--Israeli fighter planes shot down Libyan Airlines Flight 114 over the Sinai Desert, killing all but five of the 113 on board. 1986--Larry Wu-tai Chin, the first American found guilty of spying for China, killed himself in his Virginia jail cell. 1988--TV evangelist Jimmy Swaggart tearfully confessed to his congregation in Baton Rouge, La., that he was guilty of an unspecified sin, and said he was leaving the pulpit temporarily. (Reports linked Swaggart to a prostitute.) 1989--Pres. Bush called Ayatollah Khomeini's death warrant against Satanic Verses author Salman Rushdie "deeply offensive to the norms of civilized behavior.") 1995--Chicago stockbroker Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean in a balloon, landing in Canada. 2002--the State Department declared that Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl was dead, a month after he'd been abducted by Islamic extremists in Pakistan. 2007--Prime Minister Tony Blair announced Britain would withdraw around 1,600 troops from Iraq; Denmark said it would withdraw its 460 troops. 2011--deep cracks opened in Moammar kadhafi's regime, with Libyan government officials at home and abroad resigning, air force pilots defecting and a major government building ablaze after clashes in the capital of Tripoli. 2011--Yemen's embattled leader, Pres. Ali Abdullah Saleh, rejected demands that he step down. World News Capsules: 1, Afghans rage as NATO apologizes for Koran burning. ....Afghan demonstrators used slingshots and fired guns in the air while U.S. helicopters responded with flares, after thousands of angry people gathered to protest the alleged burning of copies of the Quran at the main U.S. military base in Afghanistan. The NATO commander in Afghanistan issued a fervent apology on Tuesday for foreign troops having “improperly disposed” of Korans and Islamic materials. 2. Dossier details Egypt's case against Democracy groups. ....The Egyptian prosecution’s summary of the case against at least 16 Americans and others from five democracy and human rights groups focuses largely on the testimony of their accusers. 3. Strauss-Kahn held over alleged prostitution links. ....Former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn was taken in for questioning by police investigating an alleged prostitution ring run out of the northern French city of Lille, Strauss-Kahn can be held for up to 48 hours and may then be placed under formal investigation for benefiting from misappropriated company funds. Investigators are trying to find out whether French executives used corporate expense accounts to fund sex parties with prostitutes. 4. Deal done: Europe seals $170 million Greek bailout to avoid chaotic default. ....After months of tough negotiating, Europe and the International Monetary Fund sealed a deal to hand Greece €130 billion ($170 billion) in additional bailout loans to save it from a default that threatened the viability of the euro, undermining global economic confidence. a. In latest Greek bailout, warning signs for Erope. ....Greece's €130 billion bailout highlights the weaknesses in Europe's response to the sovereign debt crisis, problems that could flare up and undermine recovery efforts in countries like Italy, Spain, Ireland and Portugal. 5. Iran warns US as Syria intensifies crackdown. ....Two Iranian warships docked in a Syrian port as a senior Iranian lawmaker denounced American calls for arming the opposition. a. Iranian ships reported to leave Syria. ....Two Iranian warships that docked in a Syrian port were reported to have left, with their cargo and mission still unclear. 6. US in accord with Mexico on drilling. ....The accord along the maritime border in the Gulf of Mexico would potentially open more than a million acres to deepwater drilling 7. Poland leads wave of Communist-Era reckoning. ....After decades of resisting, Poland and many of its neighbors in Central and Eastern Europe have decided the time is right to deal with their Communist past. 8. For Russia, a new kind of presidential candidate; a billionaire ....Mikhail D. Prokhorov, a fresh face in Russian politics, must overcome suspicions about the rich and a powerful opponent, Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin. 9. Saudi Arabia names ambassador to Iraq. ....Saudi Arabia has moved to repair a long-fractured relationship, naming its first envoy to Iraq in more than two decades, Iraq’s foreign minister said. 10. Spike in rhino poaching threaens survival of species. ....In South Africa, home to three quarters of the last remaining rhinos on the planet, conservationists, private game reserve owners and security forces are waging a desperate battle against poachers intent on killing the country’s rhinos for their lucrative horns. “It is an epidemic. It’s a war that right now we’re losing,” Graeme Rushmere said. “It’s not a South African issue as such, it’s really a global issue.” 11. Yemen's President cedes authority with election, but hopes to retain influence. (A woman shows her ink-stained finger after voting) ....Ali Abdullah Saleh signaled his hope to retain some degree of influence on his country's affairs a day before an election in which his vice president is the only candidate on the ballot. a. Yemen votes to formally remove president. ....Yemenis voted on Tuesday to remove Pres. Saleh in a rare move for an Arab state where popular dissent unseated a dictator. US News Capsules: 1. EEK! "Scream" expected to fetch $80 million at Sotheby's auction. ....Version is just one of four known and the last to be held privately and will be auctioned off in New York on May 2nd. 2. Race-based admissions? Supreme Court to hear Texas case. ....The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas, A federal appeals court upheld the Texas program at issue. 3. 4.0 earthquake in Missouri shakes 9 states. ....USGS geophysicist says he's heard reports of cracks in sidewalks and walls, some broken windows, and minor household damage. 4. Catolic hospitals expand, religious strings attached. ....Some financially strong Catholic-sponsored medical centers are joining with smaller secular hospitals, in some cases limiting access to treatments like contraception and abortion. 5. HIgher crime, fewer charges on Indian land. ....Violent crimes on Indian reservations, which occur at a higher-than-average rate, are prosecuted at a disproportionately low rate in federal court, new Justice Department data show. 6. Ultrasound abortion bill nears vote in Virginia. ....The controversial bill requiring a woman to get an ultrasound before having an abortion is poised to pass the legislature this week. 7. Settlement talks pick up ahead of BP oil spill trial. ....BP and other defendants are stepping up negotiations in an effort to avoid potential liabilities that some experts have estimated at $40 billion. 8. . ....The deaths of four people in avalanches Sunday are the latest examples of what can happen when backcountry skiing meets high-country snow. 9. New guidelines planned on school vending machines. ....The Obama administration, in a continuation of its efforts to curb childhood obesity, plans to set nationwide guidelines to promote healthy choices in schools. 10. A slow stroll to the Supreme Court. ....An appeals court decision striking down California’s ban on same-sex marriage has scrambled the legal strategies on both sides, especially about whether to seek Supreme Court review. 11. Workouts may not be the best time for a snack. ....There is no end to the crazy foods people will eat at endurance events, but do they actually raise performance? 12. Aging of eyes is blamed for range of health woes. ....New research supports a largely unrecognized culprit in circadian rhythm disturbances: the gradual yellowing of the lens and the narrowing of the pupil that come with age. THE ARTS: 1. A musician or a Poet? Yes to both. ....Kevin Gordon, a singer-songwriter from the wilds of East Nashville who has a master’s in poetry, just released “Gloryland,” his first album since 2005. 2. Berkeley's artwork loss is a museum's gain. ....A huge carved relief by the African-American sculptor Sargent Johnson, misplaced by the University of California, has become a prized item in the Huntington Library’s collection. 3. In reality and film, a battle for schools. ....As new “parent-trigger” laws seem poised to allow parents to take over failing schools, they’re already the stuff of Hollywood drama. POLITICS: 1. Coming up: The most important 7 days of Romney's political life. ....With the Michigan and Arizona primaries looming — and fundraising slowing down — the ex-Massachusetts governor faces a crossroads in his campaign. 2. Michigan voters: Santorum connects better than Romney. ....Santorum's growing connection with Michigan conservatives risks embarrassing Romney in his home state. Romney was counting on a strong finish in Michigan's presidential primary on Feb. 28 to carry him into the big, multistate round of voting a week later on Super Tuesday. 3. GOP campaigns grow more dependent on 'Super PAC' aid. ....Intense campaigning in the early-nominating states has left the leading Republican presidential candidates increasingly reliant on millions spent on their behalf by outside groups. 4. Rev. Graham: Obama seen as 'son of Islam.' ....Rev. Franklin Graham, the son of evangelist Billy Graham and a prominent evangelical leader in his own right, waded into contentious waters when asked for his views on the religious beliefs of Pres. Obama and the GOP hopefuls. Graham said he couldn't say for certain the Obama is a Christian. he couldn't "categorically" say Obama wasn't a Muslim, in part, because Islam has gotten a "free pass" under Obama. Graham also said the Muslim world sees Obama as a "son of Islam," because the president's father and grandfather were Muslim. Obama has said again and again that he is a Christian, both as a presidential candidate and as president. Today's Headlines of Interest: Santorum defends 'theology' remark, Hitler inference; blames media. Facing newfound scrutiny as a frontrunner in the Republican presidential race, Rick Santorum today fired back at national media who he says have given undue attention to comments he made this weekend questioning the president's theology. He also defended comments about World War Two that some saw as linking Hitler and President Obama. Santorum told a Tea Party crowd, "It's not about you. It's not about you. It's not about your quality of life. It's not about your job. It's about some phony ideal, some phony theology. Oh, not a theology based on the Bible, a different theology, but no less a theology. " But in front of a crowd of more than 500 people here on Monday, he said the comments were not meant to question the president's religious beliefs, rather a critique of what he called the "extreme" environmental regulations of the Obama administration. "I referred to it the other day,” he said, “and I got criticized by some of our less than erudite members of the national press corps. You may want to call it a theology; you may want to call it secular values,” Santorum said. “Whatever you want to call it, it’s a different moral values. And the president of the United States is exercising his values and trumping the values of the church.” Today, Santorum did not use the word "theology," instead attacking the president's "ideology." He was also asked about comments made last night in Georgia that compared America now to Europe during World War Two. Santorum defended the comments today. "It’s a World War Two metaphor,” Santorum said. “It's one I've used 100 times." In response to whether he meant to compare the president to Hitler, Santorum said, "No, of course not." Those comments were not the only ones from the weekend that the former Pennsylvania senator found himself explaining. In front of the Ohio Christian Alliance, he said the 2010 health-care bill signed by the president encourages aborting children with disabilities by requiring prenatal testing that can detect if a child will not be born healthy. It is an assertion he did not back down from. "I was criticized for making the comment about prenatal testing when it came to amniocentesis,” he said. “Amniocenteses are done by-in-large later in pregnancy whether the child in the womb has a disability.” And he claimed, “ s we all know, 90% of Down Syndrome children in this country are aborted once the mother and father find out that that child is going to be less than what they wanted it to be.” This is the 52nd day of 2012 with 313 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 12:17 p.m., it's fair , temp 30ºF [Feels like 22ºF], winds SSW @ 8 mph, humidity 51%, pressure 30.07 in and falling, dew point 17ºF, chance of precipitation 70%. Today in History: 1828--the Cherokee received their 1st printing press. 1848--former Pres. John Quincy Adams suffered a stroke on the floor of the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. (He died two days later.) 1848--Karl Marx published his Communist Manifesto in London. 1862--the North and South clashed at the Battle of Valverde near Fort Craig in New Mexico Territory, the 1st major engagement in the Far West. 1862--Nathaniel Gordon, captured at sea with nearly 900 Africans aboard his ship, the Erie, became the first and only American slave-trader to be executed under the U.S. Piracy Law of 1820 as he was hanged in New York. 1878--the 1st telephone directory was issued, by the District Telephone Co. of New Haven, Conn. 1885--the Washington Monument was dedicated. 1893--Andres Segovia, the Spanish musician who established the guitar as an important concert instrument, was born; died 1987 at age 94. 1912--the Great 5th Ward Fire broke out in Houston, Texas with over $3 million in loses, but no lives. 1916--the Battle of Verdun began in France as German forces attacked (the French were able to prevail after 10 months of fighting.) 1925--the New Yorker magazine made its debut. 1926--glamorous, husky-voiced Swedish actress, Greta Garbo's first American film, The Torrent opened. 1944--Hideki Tojo, prime minister of Japan, took over as army chief of staff, giving him direct control of the military. 1945--during the battle of Iwo Jima, the escort carrier USS Bismarck Sea was sunk by kamikazes with the loss of 318 men. 1947--Edwin H. Land publicly demonstrated his Polaroid Land camera, which could produce a black-and-white photograph in 60 seconds. 1948--the National Association for Stock Car Racing (NASCAR) wais officially incorporated, becoming one of America's most popular spectator sports, as well as a multi-billion-dollar industry. 1965--Malcolm X, 39, African American nationalist and religious leader, was assassinated by member of the Nation of Islam as he was about to addresshis Orangization of Afro-American Unity in New York City's Audubon Ballroom in Wasington Heights. 1970--Kissinger began secret negotiations wth North Vietnam. 1972--Pres. Nixon began his historic visit to China. 1973--Israeli fighter planes shot down Libyan Airlines Flight 114 over the Sinai Desert, killing all but five of the 113 on board. 1986--Larry Wu-tai Chin, the first American found guilty of spying for China, killed himself in his Virginia jail cell. 1988--TV evangelist Jimmy Swaggart tearfully confessed to his congregation in Baton Rouge, La., that he was guilty of an unspecified sin, and said he was leaving the pulpit temporarily. (Reports linked Swaggart to a prostitute.) 1989--Pres. Bush called Ayatollah Khomeini's death warrant against Satanic Verses author Salman Rushdie "deeply offensive to the norms of civilized behavior.") 1995--Chicago stockbroker Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean in a balloon, landing in Canada. 2002--the State Department declared that Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl was dead, a month after he'd been abducted by Islamic extremists in Pakistan. 2007--Prime Minister Tony Blair announced Britain would withdraw around 1,600 troops from Iraq; Denmark said it would withdraw its 460 troops. 2011--deep cracks opened in Moammar kadhafi's regime, with Libyan government officials at home and abroad resigning, air force pilots defecting and a major government building ablaze after clashes in the capital of Tripoli. 2011--Yemen's embattled leader, Pres. Ali Abdullah Saleh, rejected demands that he step down. World News Capsules: 1, Afghans rage as NATO apologizes for Koran burning. ....Afghan demonstrators used slingshots and fired guns in the air while U.S. helicopters responded with flares, after thousands of angry people gathered to protest the alleged burning of copies of the Quran at the main U.S. military base in Afghanistan. The NATO commander in Afghanistan issued a fervent apology on Tuesday for foreign troops having “improperly disposed” of Korans and Islamic materials. 2. Dossier details Egypt's case against Democracy groups. ....The Egyptian prosecution’s summary of the case against at least 16 Americans and others from five democracy and human rights groups focuses largely on the testimony of their accusers. 3. Strauss-Kahn held over alleged prostitution links. ....Former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn was taken in for questioning by police investigating an alleged prostitution ring run out of the northern French city of Lille, Strauss-Kahn can be held for up to 48 hours and may then be placed under formal investigation for benefiting from misappropriated company funds. Investigators are trying to find out whether French executives used corporate expense accounts to fund sex parties with prostitutes. 4. Deal done: Europe seals $170 million Greek bailout to avoid chaotic default. ....After months of tough negotiating, Europe and the International Monetary Fund sealed a deal to hand Greece €130 billion ($170 billion) in additional bailout loans to save it from a default that threatened the viability of the euro, undermining global economic confidence. a. In latest Greek bailout, warning signs for Erope. ....Greece's €130 billion bailout highlights the weaknesses in Europe's response to the sovereign debt crisis, problems that could flare up and undermine recovery efforts in countries like Italy, Spain, Ireland and Portugal. 5. Iran warns US as Syria intensifies crackdown. ....Two Iranian warships docked in a Syrian port as a senior Iranian lawmaker denounced American calls for arming the opposition. a. Iranian ships reported to leave Syria. ....Two Iranian warships that docked in a Syrian port were reported to have left, with their cargo and mission still unclear. 6. US in accord with Mexico on drilling. ....The accord along the maritime border in the Gulf of Mexico would potentially open more than a million acres to deepwater drilling 7. Poland leads wave of Communist-Era reckoning. ....After decades of resisting, Poland and many of its neighbors in Central and Eastern Europe have decided the time is right to deal with their Communist past. 8. For Russia, a new kind of presidential candidate; a billionaire ....Mikhail D. Prokhorov, a fresh face in Russian politics, must overcome suspicions about the rich and a powerful opponent, Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin. 9. Saudi Arabia names ambassador to Iraq. ....Saudi Arabia has moved to repair a long-fractured relationship, naming its first envoy to Iraq in more than two decades, Iraq’s foreign minister said. 10. Spike in rhino poaching threaens survival of species. ....In South Africa, home to three quarters of the last remaining rhinos on the planet, conservationists, private game reserve owners and security forces are waging a desperate battle against poachers intent on killing the country’s rhinos for their lucrative horns. “It is an epidemic. It’s a war that right now we’re losing,” Graeme Rushmere said. “It’s not a South African issue as such, it’s really a global issue.” 11. Yemen's President cedes authority with election, but hopes to retain influence. (A woman shows her ink-stained finger after voting) ....Ali Abdullah Saleh signaled his hope to retain some degree of influence on his country's affairs a day before an election in which his vice president is the only candidate on the ballot. a. Yemen votes to formally remove president. ....Yemenis voted on Tuesday to remove Pres. Saleh in a rare move for an Arab state where popular dissent unseated a dictator. US News Capsules: 1. EEK! "Scream" expected to fetch $80 million at Sotheby's auction. ....Version is just one of four known and the last to be held privately and will be auctioned off in New York on May 2nd. 2. Race-based admissions? Supreme Court to hear Texas case. ....The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas, A federal appeals court upheld the Texas program at issue. 3. 4.0 earthquake in Missouri shakes 9 states. ....USGS geophysicist says he's heard reports of cracks in sidewalks and walls, some broken windows, and minor household damage. 4. Catolic hospitals expand, religious strings attached. ....Some financially strong Catholic-sponsored medical centers are joining with smaller secular hospitals, in some cases limiting access to treatments like contraception and abortion. 5. HIgher crime, fewer charges on Indian land. ....Violent crimes on Indian reservations, which occur at a higher-than-average rate, are prosecuted at a disproportionately low rate in federal court, new Justice Department data show. 6. Ultrasound abortion bill nears vote in Virginia. ....The controversial bill requiring a woman to get an ultrasound before having an abortion is poised to pass the legislature this week. 7. Settlement talks pick up ahead of BP oil spill trial. ....BP and other defendants are stepping up negotiations in an effort to avoid potential liabilities that some experts have estimated at $40 billion. 8. . ....The deaths of four people in avalanches Sunday are the latest examples of what can happen when backcountry skiing meets high-country snow. 9. New guidelines planned on school vending machines. ....The Obama administration, in a continuation of its efforts to curb childhood obesity, plans to set nationwide guidelines to promote healthy choices in schools. 10. A slow stroll to the Supreme Court. ....An appeals court decision striking down California’s ban on same-sex marriage has scrambled the legal strategies on both sides, especially about whether to seek Supreme Court review. 11. Workouts may not be the best time for a snack. ....There is no end to the crazy foods people will eat at endurance events, but do they actually raise performance? 12. Aging of eyes is blamed for range of health woes. ....New research supports a largely unrecognized culprit in circadian rhythm disturbances: the gradual yellowing of the lens and the narrowing of the pupil that come with age. THE ARTS: 1. A musician or a Poet? Yes to both. ....Kevin Gordon, a singer-songwriter from the wilds of East Nashville who has a master’s in poetry, just released “Gloryland,” his first album since 2005. 2. Berkeley's artwork loss is a museum's gain. ....A huge carved relief by the African-American sculptor Sargent Johnson, misplaced by the University of California, has become a prized item in the Huntington Library’s collection. 3. In reality and film, a battle for schools. ....As new “parent-trigger” laws seem poised to allow parents to take over failing schools, they’re already the stuff of Hollywood drama. POLITICS: 1. Coming up: The most important 7 days of Romney's political life. ....With the Michigan and Arizona primaries looming — and fundraising slowing down — the ex-Massachusetts governor faces a crossroads in his campaign. 2. Michigan voters: Santorum connects better than Romney. ....Santorum's growing connection with Michigan conservatives risks embarrassing Romney in his home state. Romney was counting on a strong finish in Michigan's presidential primary on Feb. 28 to carry him into the big, multistate round of voting a week later on Super Tuesday. 3. GOP campaigns grow more dependent on 'Super PAC' aid. ....Intense campaigning in the early-nominating states has left the leading Republican presidential candidates increasingly reliant on millions spent on their behalf by outside groups. 4. Rev. Graham: Obama seen as 'son of Islam.' ....Rev. Franklin Graham, the son of evangelist Billy Graham and a prominent evangelical leader in his own right, waded into contentious waters when asked for his views on the religious beliefs of Pres. Obama and the GOP hopefuls. Graham said he couldn't say for certain the Obama is a Christian. he couldn't "categorically" say Obama wasn't a Muslim, in part, because Islam has gotten a "free pass" under Obama. Graham also said the Muslim world sees Obama as a "son of Islam," because the president's father and grandfather were Muslim. Obama has said again and again that he is a Christian, both as a presidential candidate and as president. Today's Headlines of Interest: Santorum defends 'theology' remark, Hitler inference; blames media. Facing newfound scrutiny as a frontrunner in the Republican presidential race, Rick Santorum today fired back at national media who he says have given undue attention to comments he made this weekend questioning the president's theology. He also defended comments about World War Two that some saw as linking Hitler and President Obama. Santorum told a Tea Party crowd, "It's not about you. It's not about you. It's not about your quality of life. It's not about your job. It's about some phony ideal, some phony theology. Oh, not a theology based on the Bible, a different theology, but no less a theology. " But in front of a crowd of more than 500 people here on Monday, he said the comments were not meant to question the president's religious beliefs, rather a critique of what he called the "extreme" environmental regulations of the Obama administration. "I referred to it the other day,” he said, “and I got criticized by some of our less than erudite members of the national press corps. You may want to call it a theology; you may want to call it secular values,” Santorum said. “Whatever you want to call it, it’s a different moral values. And the president of the United States is exercising his values and trumping the values of the church.” Today, Santorum did not use the word "theology," instead attacking the president's "ideology." He was also asked about comments made last night in Georgia that compared America now to Europe during World War Two. Santorum defended the comments today. "It’s a World War Two metaphor,” Santorum said. “It's one I've used 100 times." In response to whether he meant to compare the president to Hitler, Santorum said, "No, of course not." Those comments were not the only ones from the weekend that the former Pennsylvania senator found himself explaining. In front of the Ohio Christian Alliance, he said the 2010 health-care bill signed by the president encourages aborting children with disabilities by requiring prenatal testing that can detect if a child will not be born healthy. It is an assertion he did not back down from. "I was criticized for making the comment about prenatal testing when it came to amniocentesis,” he said. “Amniocenteses are done by-in-large later in pregnancy whether the child in the womb has a disability.” And he claimed, “ s we all know, 90% of Down Syndrome children in this country are aborted once the mother and father find out that that child is going to be less than what they wanted it to be.”	BMW
Named after Hantan River, South Korea, hantaviruses typically infect humans through transfer from bites, waste, etc., of?	The Pegasus Daily Bulletin \| Crap, the Name Escapes Me! Crap, the Name Escapes Me! A comfortable place to hang ~ chat ~ debate ~ have fun! ~~ Etch a Sketch ~~ Post by on Jan 29, 2012 10:45:50 GMT -5 Good morning Miss Who, Sus, Peg and Tuxy Flying Horse Gabber Extraordinaire I am sorry to be posting this. i am FH's son jeff, my Mom passed away last night peacefully. Posts: 16,236 Post by Flying Horse on Jan 29, 2012 14:07:49 GMT -5 Good afternoon from Tuxy :)This is the 29th day of 2012 with 336 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 2:03 p.m., it's partly cloudy , temp 37ºF [Feels like 26ºF], winds WSW @ 13 mph, humidity 52%, pressure 29.94 in and falling, dew point 21ºF, chance of precipitation 10%. Today in History: 1777--Americans retreat from Fort Independence in Bronx County, NY. 1820--Britain's King George III died insane at Windsor Castle. 1834--Andrew Jackson became the first president to use federal troops to quell labor unrest. 1843--William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States, and the first president to ride in a car, was born in Niles, Ohio; assassinated 1901 and Vice Pres. Teddy Roosevelt became president. 1846--Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven" was first published, in the New York Evening Mirror. 1850--Henry Clay introduced in the Senate a compromise bill on slavery that included the admission of California into the Union as a free state. 1856--Britain's Queen Victoria introduced the Victoria Cross to reward military acts of valor during the Crimean War. 1861--Kansas became the 34th state of the Union, entering as a free state. 1891--Liliuokalani proclaimed queen of Hawaii. 1900--the American League, consisting of eight baseball teams, was organized in Philadelphia. 1919--the ratification of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, which launched Prohibition, was certified by Acting Secretary of State Frank L. Polk. 1929--The Seeing Eye, a New Jersey-based school which trains guide dogs to assist the blind, was incorporated by Dorothy Harrison Eustis and Morris Frank. 1936--the first five members of baseball's Hall of Fame, Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Matthewson and Walter Johnson, were named in Cooperstown, N.Y. 1963--the first members of pro football's Hall of Fame were named in Canton, Ohio. 1964--Stanley Kubrick's black comic masterpiece, Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb opened. 1979--Pres. Carter welcomed Chinese Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping to the White House following the establishment of diplomatic relations. 1990--former Exxon Valdez skipper Joseph Hazelwood went on trial in Anchorage, Alaska, on charges stemming from the 1989 oil spill. 1998--a bomb exploded at an abortion clinic in Birmingham, Ala., killing an off-duty policeman and severely wounding a nurse. 2002--in his first State of the Union address, Pres. Bush said terrorists were still threatening America — and he warned of "an axis of evil" consisting of North Korea, Iran and Iraq. 2006--ABC "World News Tonight" co-anchor Bob Woodruff and a cameraman were seriously injured in a roadside bombing in Iraq. 2007--Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was euthanized because of medical complications eight months after his gruesome breakdown at the Preakness. 2007--a Palestinian suicide bomber killed three Israelis at a bakery in Eilat in the first such attack inside Israel in nine months. 2009--the Illinois Senate voted to remove Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office. 2010--abortion opponent Scott Roeder was convicted of murder by a jury in Wichita, Kan., in the shooting death of Dr. George Tiller, one of the only doctors to offer late-term abortions in the U.S. 2011-- Egyptian Pres. Mubarak named his intelligence chief, Omar Suleiman, as his first-ever vice president as chaos engulfed Cairo. World News Capsules: 1. Former Taliban officials say US talks started. ....Former officials said Taliban negotiators traveled to Qatar for discussions with American officials that included a possible prisoner transfer. 2. AUSTRALIAN OPEN: Djokovic wins longes Sam final ever. ....No. 1 seed Novak Djokovic outlasts Rafael Nadal in six-hour Aussie Open final. 3. At war with São Paulo's establishment, black paint in hand. ....The São Paulo authorities have tried for years to stop pichação, graffiti that reflects urban decay and deep class divisions in Brazil. 4. Chinese crackdown seals off ethnic unrest. ....Confronting an outbreak of Tibetan protest in western Sichuan Province, Chinese authorities have cordoned off the area. 5. Beltway lobbyists drop Egypt's government as client. ....Tensions have grown since a crackdown by Egyptian authorities on several American nonprofit organizations. 6. In cradle of games, a new Olympic trial: debt. ....Greece has scrapped extra financing for training, athletes say aid they are supposed to receive is frequently late, and many training centers have fallen into disrepair or closed. a. Greek debt talks again seem to be on the verge of a deal. ....Greece and its private sector creditors have made new progress toward an agreement on how much of a loss the creditors would be willing to accept on their bond holdings. 7. Will Israel attack Iran? ....For the first time since the Iranian nuclear threat emerged, the conditions for an Israeli assault have been met. a. Israeli drone crashes in ball of fire. .... An unmanned Israeli airplane capable of reaching parts of Iran crashed during an experimental flight Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces said. 8. UPDATE: Stormy seas delay recovery of liner's fuel. ....Officials in Italy said the conditions might keep them from resuming work until midweek. 9. Russian liberals growing uneasy with alliances. ....n the effort to drive out the paramount Russian leader Vladimir V. Putin, the opposition, driven by liberal and middle-class Russians, has tentatively reached out to nationalists. 10. Spanish airline Spanair goes bust, strands passengers. ....Spanish airline Spanair went bust early Saturday, forcing many passengers to find seats on flights with other airlines at short notice. 11. Sudan: Rebels kidnap 70 workers, including Chinese nationals. ....Militants attacked a construction site and captured 70 workers, including Chinese nationals, in Sudan's volatile South Kordofan state, military officials said. 12. In Davos, Switzerland, Europe is pressed for debt crisis solution. ....Echoing comments by American officials, leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos said that aid to the euro zone from the rest of the world would be contingent on a larger commitment by Europe. 13. Sharp rise in violence halts monitoring by League in Syria. ....The Arab League said a harsh new crackdown by the government made it too dangerous to proceed with its observer mission and was resulting in the deaths of innocents across Syria. a. More Syrian killings reported incrackdown. ....At least 58 people were killed in Syria Sunday, according to an opposition activist group -- and as Russia calls for more monitors to be sent to the violence-ridden country. b. In Rankous, barely holding on. ....Free Syria Army tries to hold on to Rankous, a town located near Damascus. 14. Yemeni leader arrives in US for medical treatment. ....Pres. Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen is seeking treatment for injuries sustained when the presidential palace was bombed in June. US News Capsules: 1. Occupy: 100s arrested at Occupy Oakland protest; protesters break into City Hall. ....A U.S. flag was burned by a group of protestors inside City Hall, according to City Council President Larry Reid. City officials also said three police officers and one protester were injured during Saturday's events. Oakland Mayor Jean Quan said: "Once again, a violent splinter group of the Occupy Movement is engaging in violent actions against Oakland. The Bay Area Occupy Movement has got to stop using Oakland as their playground." The statement also said there were reports of damage to exhibits inside City Hall during the protest. 2. Private snoops find GPS trail legal to follow. ....Sales of GPS tracking devices, for a variety of largely unregulated uses, are growing fast, raising new questions about privacy and testing a legal system that has not kept pace with technology. 3. The bookstoe's last stand. ....Barnes & Noble, the giant that put so many independent booksellers out of business, now finds itself locked in the fight of its life, with Amazon.com lurking in the background/ 4. The blackberry, trying to avoid the hall of fallen giants. ....Some tech gadgets that once seemed indispensable have been mercilessly superseded over the years, and Research in Motion is trying to avoid that fate for its BlackBerry. 5. Slow resonses cloud a winoow into Washington. ....Courts have ruled that government agencies must respond to Freedom of Information Act requests in 20 days, but delayed responses have left some requests approaching 20 years old. 6. In Tucson, finding a game to replace the one that took its ball and left. ....Tucson, abandoned as a spring training site for Major League Baseball, hopes to rebound with spring training for Major League Soccer. 7. New report by agency lowers estimates of natural gas in US. ....The Energy Information Administration estimated that there are 482 trillion cubic feet of shale gas in the US, down from the 2011 estimate of 827 trillion cubic feet. 8. At least 9 dead in Florida in highway pileups. ....At least nine people were killed in a series of overnight accidents in northern Florida, blamed on poor visibility from smoke from a nearby brush fire, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office said. POLITICS: 1. Romney 15 points ahead of Gingrich in Florida race. ....The former Massachusetts governor appears poised for a decisive victory in a key Republican primary, with Santorum in third place and Paul in fourth. a. The calculations that led Romney to the warpath. ....In the hours after Mitt Romney's double-digit loss to Newt Gingrich in the South Carolina primary, the Romney team outlined a new aggressive approach to deal with Gingrich. 2. Gingrich vows long fight and gets Cain's backing. ....Newt Gingrich picked up the endorsement of Herman Cain, his former rival, as he barreled through a series of speeches and town-hall-style meetings Saturday on Florida's "Treasure Coast." a. Gingrich questions Romney's suitability for presidency. ....Newt Gingrich today accused front-running Mitt Romney of waging a dishonest campaign, saying the former governor is trying to cover up liberal stances in his past. 3. A governor still trying to become a politician. ....Gov. Rick Scott of Florida, who approaches the job of governor as the corporate chieftain he once was, is trying to soften his approach to politics. 4. In nonstop whirlwind of campaigns, Twitter is a critical tool. ....The candidates’ teams can reach voters, gather data and respond to charges immediately, but the brief posts also carry danger. Today's Headlines of Interest: Arctic snowy owls soar south in rare mass move. Bird enthusiasts are reporting rising numbers of snowy owls from the Arctic winging into the lower 48 states this winter in a mass southern migration that a leading owl researcher called "unbelievable." 1000s of the snow-white birds, which stand 2 feet tall with 5-foot wingspans, have been spotted from coast to coast, feeding in farmlands in Idaho, roosting on rooftops in Montana, gliding over golf courses in Missouri and soaring over shorelines in Massachusetts A certain number of the iconic owls fly south from their Arctic breeding grounds each winter but rarely do so many venture so far away even amid large-scale, periodic southern migrations known as irruptions. "This is the most significant wildlife event in decades," said Denver Holt, head of the Owl Research Institute in Montana, who has studied snowy owls in their Arctic tundra ecosystem for two decades. Holt and other owl experts say the phenomenon is likely linked to lemmings, a rodent that accounts for 90% of the diet of snowy owls during breeding months that stretch from May into September. The largely nocturnal birds also prey on a host of other animals, from voles to geese. An especially plentiful supply of lemmings last season likely led to a population boom among owls that resulted in each breeding pair hatching as many as seven offspring. That compares to a typical clutch size of no more than two, Holt said. Greater competition this year for food in the Far North by the booming bird population may have then driven mostly younger, male owls much farther south than normal. Research on the animals is scarce because of the remoteness and extreme conditions of the terrain the owls occupy, including northern Russia and Scandinavia, he said. The surge in snowy owl sightings has brought birders flocking from Texas, Arizona and Utah to the Northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest, pouring tourist dollars into local economies and crowding parks and wildlife areas. The irruption has triggered widespread public fascination that appears to span ages and interests. But accounts of emaciated owls at some sites — including a food-starved bird that dropped dead in a farmer's field in Wisconsin — suggest the migration has a darker side. And Holt said an owl that landed at an airport in Hawaii in November was shot and killed to avoid collisions with planes. Holt also said snowy owl populations are believed to be in an overall decline, possibly because a changing climate has lessened the abundance of vegetation like grasses that lemmings rely on. This winter's snowy owl outbreak, with multiple sightings as far south as Oklahoma, remains largely a mystery of nature. "There's a lot of speculation. As far as hard evidence, we really don't know," Holt said. Thought for Today "Misquotations are the only quotations that are never misquoted." —-Hesketh Pearson, British biographer (1887-1964). Today's flower: Robinia pseudoacacia or black locust - highly prized as an urban street specimen, because it tolerates air pollution very well. The graceful white flower racemes that hang from the branches are extremely fragrant and perfume the air for shopping pedestrians. "We find comfort among those who agree with us, growth among those who don't." - Frank Howard Clark Flying Horse Gabber Extraordinaire I am sorry to be posting this. i am FH's son jeff, my Mom passed away last night peacefully. Posts: 16,236 Post by Flying Horse on Jan 30, 2012 15:40:18 GMT -5 Good afternoon from Tuxy :)This is the 30th day of 2012 with 335 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 12:52 p.m., it's cloudy , temp 19ºF [Feels like 12ºF], winds NW @ 13 mph, humidity 61%, pressure 29.37 in and falling, dew point 27ºF, chance of precipitation 10%. Today in History: 1649--England's King Charles I was beheaded by Parliamentarians in the English civil war. 1798--a brawl broke out in the House of Representatives in Philadelphia, as Matthew Lyon of Vermont spat in the face of Roger Griswold of Connecticut. 1862--the ironclad USS Monitor was launched from the Continental Iron Works in Greenpoint, N.Y. 1882--Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd Pres. of the US, was born; died 1945 at age 63 just months after the start of his 4th term; succeeded by Vice Pres. Harry Truman. 1883--James Ritty and John Birch received a US patent for the first cash register. 1933--the first episode of the Lone Ranger was broadcast on radio station WXYZ in Detroit. 1933--Adolf Hitler became chancellor of Germany. 1948--Indian political and spiritual leader Mohandas K. Gandhi, 78, was murdered in New Delhi by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu extremist. 1962--two members of "The Flying Wallendas" high-wire act were killed when their 7-person pyramid collapsed during a performance at the State Fair Coliseum in Detroit. 1968--Vietnam Conflict: the Tet Offensive began as Communist forces launched surprise attacks against South Vietnamese provincial capitals. 1969--The Beatles performed in public for the last time in a 45-minute gig on the roof of their Apple Records headquarters in London. 1972--13 Roman Catholic civil rights marchers were shot to death by British soldiers in Northern Ireland on what became known as "Bloody Sunday." 1981--an estimated two million New Yorkers turned out for a ticker-tape parade honoring the freed American hostages from Iran. 2002--Afghan leader Hamid Karzai visited the World Trade Center site and placed a wreath of yellow roses by a memorial wall. 2003--Richard Reid, a British citizen and al-Qaida follower, was sentenced to life in prison by a federal judge in Boston for trying to blow up a trans-Atlantic jetliner with explosives hidden in his shoes. 2005--Iraqis voted in their country's first free election in a half-century. 2006--Coretta Scott King, civil rights advocate & the widow of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., died at age 78. 2007--a propane tank explosion leveled the Flat Top Little General Store in Ghent, W.Va., killing four people. 2007--two gunmen shot and killed Mellie McDaniel, the wife of the Jackson County, Fla., sheriff and a deputy sent to check on her; other deputies opened fire and killed the assailants. 2011--Rachid Ghanouchi, leader of the long-outlawed Tunisian Islamist party, returned home after two decades in exile. 2077--Novak Djokovic won his 2nd Australian Open title, breezing past Andy Murray 6-4, 6-2, 6-3. World News Capsules: 1. Afghan kin accused of killing wife who failed to have son. ....The Kunduz Province authorities say that a woman, 22, was strangled by her husband and mother-in-law three months after she gave birth to a third girl. 2. General strike grips Belgium. [/img]....Belgium was paralyzed by a national strike Monday as unions, angry at austerity measures, timed their protest to coincide with a one-day meeting of European Union leaders in the capital, Brussels. 3. China says it curbed spill of toxic metal in river. ....Despite what appears to have been a disaster averted, the incident highlighted China’s continuing struggle against contamination of its waterways. a. WTO ordrs China to stop export taxes on minerals. ....The appeals panel’s ruling, a victory for United States, said that China distorted international trade through dozens of export policies on raw materials. 4. Egypt's military seeks advice on early handing of power to civiliams. ....After a week of major protests demanding an immediate end to military rule, the request may be an attempt to calm the unrest. a. US Embassy in Cairo shields 2 Americans. ....The Americans are being protected from potential arrest by the Egyptian authorities as part of a politically-charged probe into the activities of four American-backed nongovernmental organizations. 5. Sarkozy unveils tax raises but not a re-election bid. ....Insisting he was not acting as a candidate, Pres. Nicolas Sarkozy said he would raise consumer taxes to make French companies more competitive and reduce the budget deficit. 6. Greek coalition is said to back more austerity. ....A deal that would erase $130 billion in debt owned by private creditors is expected within days, while Greece's government positions itself for a second bailout/ 7. . Iran offers to extend UN nuclear inspection. ....Iran’s foreign minister was reported to have offered to extend a three-day visit to his country by UN inspectors. 8. [US drones patrolling its sides provoke outrage in Iraq[/i]. ....The use of unarmed craft to protect American buildings and personnel may foreshadow an expansion of such operations to the US government's diplomatic arm. a. Sunnis end boycott of Iraqi parliament, but crisis remains. ....In the first sign that Iraq’s leaders may yet halt a sectarian political crisis that has raised fears of civil war, Iraq’s Sunni leaders said that they would end their boycott of Parliament. 9. Hamas leader takes rare trip to Jordan. ....Khaled Meshal's trip comes just days after he abandoned his base in Damascus, Syria, and marked the first official visit to Jordan by Hamas's leader since 1999. 10. To mend ties after clash, Kazakhstan makes an offer. ....In the six weeks since police officers killed 17 oil workers on strike, senior officials have acknowledged errors and begun a sweeping program to offer jobs to the strikers. 11. Myanmar's Suu Kyi calls for changes to constitution. ....Opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi called for changes to Myanmar’s military-drafted constitution, on her first political trip since announcing plans to run for Parliament 12. Spanish economy shrinks. ....The Spanish economy contracted in the fourth quarter after a stagnant third quarter, official data showed, 13. Sudan says it freed some kidnapped Chinese workers. ....The Sudanese military said that it freed 14 kidnapped Chinese workers who were captured over the weekend by Sudanese rebels. 14. Fighting excalates in Syria as opposition rejects Russian plan. ....Heavy clashes were reported as troops and tanks were sent to vanquish rebels, in suburbs of Damascus and Russia indicated it would oppose any effort to have President Bashar al-Assad step down US News Capsules: 1. Ruling on contraception draws battle lines at Catholic colleges. ....Many Catholic colleges are pushing back against a ruling by the Obama administration that the new health care law requires insurance plans at Catholic institutions to cover birth control. 2. Search for aliens is on again, but next quest is finding money. ....Operating on money and equipment scrounged from the public and from Silicon Valley millionaires, a band of astronomers recently restarted the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. 3. US banks tally their exposure to Europe's debt maelstrom. ....Some banks, using credit-default swaps, are more hedged than others against the possibility of a debt cascade in Europe. 4. Facebook users to put political views up in lights on Times Square. ....A new application will allow Facebook users to share their political views on digital billboards in Times Square. 5. Segregation curtailed in US cities, study finds. ....Residential segregation in metropolitan America has been significantly curtailed in the last 40 years, according to a study by two economics professors. 6.. In a gang-ridden city, new efforts to fight crime while cutting costs. ....Aggressive measures helped reduce gang violence in Salinas, Calif., a city that is notorious for it. Then the budget cuts came. 7. Pay rises, but workers don't spend - and that's bad for the economy. ....Americans caught a break in their paychecks in December — and the money went right into their saving accounts. 8. 62 below: Deep freeze grips much of Alaska. ....Even if it has been warmer than usual in much of the US, there's no denying Alaska is seeing a real winter, even by its standards. Anchorage is shivering through one of its coldest January's on record, while in Fairbanks, folks preparing for a sled dog race were being tested by temperatures nearly 50 degrees below zero. Farther inland, Fort Yukon has ranged from -50ºF to -62ºF degrees over the last three days, getting close to its record of -78ºF. ARTS: 1. A studio's rel-life drama. ....Its first chunk of investor funding is almost gone, and DreamWorks, which garnered 10 Oscar nominations this year from two of its films, must find more, or reduce its ambitions. 2. With Homeland, Showtime makes gains on HBO. ....As Showtime edges closer to its competitor's subscriber numbers, HBO is ready to counter with a spate of big projects over the next six months. 3. Sundance documentaries transform data into stories. (A scene from The House I Live In, directed by Eugene Jarecki) ....The standout documentaries at the Sundance Film Festival included the grand jury prize winner, about the war on drugs, and a second filmmaker’s work on the West Memphis Three. POLITICS: 1. OCCUPY: Occupy DC faces 'noon' deadline to end camping. ....The National Park Service said in a flier released Friday that it would begin enforcing regulations prohibiting camping and the use of temporary structures for camping at McPherson Square and Freedom Plaza. Individual violators may be subject to arrest and their property subject to seizure as evidence, the flier said. 2. Years of despair add to uncertainty in Florida race. ....As the Republican primary campaign picks up, the mood of many Florida voters was sour, focused on one thing: the state's troubled economy. Few expect any quick solutions. a. Polls show Romney rolling to victory in Florida. ....Gingrich vows to fight on, but upcoming primaries schedule works against his campaign. b. A Florida Bush stays silent, and to many, that says a lot. ....With Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich making final appeals to Florida voters, Jeb Bush has been noticeably - and, friends say, purposefully - absent from the conversation. 3. Romney and Gingrich scrap amid shifting fortunes. ....Newt Gingrich sought to rally his grass-roots coalition against the heavy campaign machinery of a resurgent Mitt Romney. a. With polls on his side, Romney stays on the attack. ....With a new poll showing him with a commanding lead in Florida, Mitt Romney hammered Newt Gingrich a day before the primary even as rivals turned their attention to later contests/ 4. Democratic senators to push 'Buffett rule.' ....Democratic senators say they will introduce legislation this week codifying Pres. Obama’s principle that the superrich should pay at least the tax rate of middle-class workers. Today's Headlines of Interest: How do we keep candidates from telling lies? After a presidential debate, even before the debate has ended, we're able now to read fact-checks from Pulitzer Prize-winning PolitiFact and many news organizations. But shouldn't the candidates get their facts straight and tell the truth in the first place? "American politics has become a battle of talking points," said Bill Adair, editor of PolitiFact and Washington bureau chief for The Tampa Bay Times. "Once candidates find a talking point they like, they often stick with it — even when fact-checkers say it's wrong." Perhaps the first questions in the next presidential debate should be something along these lines... For Newt Gingrich: Former Speaker Gingrich, in debate after debate, you've taken credit for balancing four federal budgets when you were the speaker of the House. As has been pointed out repeatedly by fact-checking organizations, the four years of balanced budgets were fiscal 1998 through 2001, but you were in office for only the first two of those budgets. You left the House in January 1999 and had no role in crafting the budgets for the subsequent two years. In addition, you opposed the two tax-raising deals that were largely responsible for balancing the budget. Similarly, you said that people can use food stamps "to go to Hawaii," claimed that the ethics charges against you were conducted by "a very partisan political committee," and said that "no federal official at any level is allowed to say 'Merry Christmas.'" All these statements were false, according to PolitiFact. Here are specific follow-up questions for each of the current Republican candidates, as well as Pres. Obama, based on fact-checking by PolitiFact and the major newspapers: For Mitt Romney: In every debate so far, you've said something like, "Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were a big part of why we have the housing crisis." But studies have shown that Fannie and Freddie were late to invest in subprime mortgages, following the lead of Wall Street firms that you never mention. The unspoken narrative in your comments, and those of the other candidates, panders inaccurately to those who want to believe that loans to unworthy minorities, driven by the Community Reinvestment Act, caused the financial crisis. In fact, most subprime loans were made by lenders who were not covered by the CRA, but who were driven by the need for profits to satisfy their Wall Street investors. Are you trying to deflect blame from Wall Street? Similarly, you have said repeatedly that Pres. Obama "went around the world and apologized for America," said "I don't have lobbyists running my campaign," and claimed that President Obama's health care law "represents a government takeover of health care." All false, according to PolitiFact. For Rick Santorum: You have repeatedly criticized Gov. Romney's health insurance program in Massachusetts for the so-called individual mandate, for requiring individuals to buy health insurance. Why not mention that in 1994, when you were running for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania, you supported an individual mandate. Similarly, you said that an Obama administration policy prohibits people who work with at-risk youth from promoting marriage as a way to avoid poverty, claimed that "a third of all the young people in America are not in America today because of abortion," and said, "Any child born prematurely, according to the president, in his own words, can be killed." All false, according to PolitiFact. For Ron Paul: You've said that the United States "is bankrupt." The country isn't unable to pay its debts, nor is it impoverished. The credit rating of the United States is AA+ at Standard & Poor's (one step below the top of a 20-step scale), and AAA at the other rating agencies. Similarly, you claimed that only a few sentences in your racist and conspiratorial newsletters were inflammatory, that the majority of the American people believe we should go back on the gold standard and that you never vote for legislation unless it's specifically authorized in the Constitution. All false, according to PolitiFact. And in the general election, maybe the first question to the incumbent could start something like this: For Pres. Barack Obama: You've said that most of the money for your campaign came from small donors, that you've excluded lobbyists from policy-making jobs, that you haven't raised taxes once. All false, according to PolitiFact. You've claimed that your opponents plan to cut funding for Israel to zero. PolitiFact rated that claim "Pants on Fire," its lowest rating. "One theme we've seen in Obama's statements," says PolitiFact's Bill Adair, "is that he is exaggerating how he has fulfilled promises. We know this, of course, because we keep track of all 500+ promises on our Obameter." For all candidates: As you prepare for a debate, is part of your preparation to remind yourself, whatever I say, I should play it straight with the American people? Aren't you embarrassed to repeat statements that any 8th-grader could look up in 20 seconds and discover have been proven untrue? Or do you calculate that it's acceptable to twist the facts to win an election? Is it any wonder that the American electorate has become increasingly distrustful of all politicians? And the higher the office they are running for, the more deceitful they become. 5 things to watch for in this year's Super Bowl ads. We know who’s playing in the Super Bowl. Now it’s time to turn our attention to an equally pressing matter — who’s going to win the Ad Bowl? Several brands, including Chevy, Doritos and VW, have gone into launch mode two weeks prior to the kick-off. So since the brands have fired their first salvos, it seems like the perfect time to give you a little guide on what to look for on the NFL and Madison Avenue’s biggest stage. Celeb-a-palooza From the A-list to the D-list, brands are lining the pockets of celebrities and tasking them with shilling for their brands. For this year’s Super Bowl look for the following peeps: Troy Aikman, David Beckham, Mark Cuban, Jillian Michaels, Motley Crue, Apolo Ohno, Danica Patrick, Pussycat Dolls, Joan Rivers, Andy Samberg, Deion Sanders, John Stamos and a whole lot more. Also look for a surprise cameo as everyone tries to come up with the “next Betty White” as Snickers masterfully did in last year’s game. Car wars We’ve come a long way from a few years ago when automakers stayed on the sidelines and licked their bankrupt wounds. This year, Detroit, the Germans, the Japanese and the Koreans will duke it out for spot supremacy. Look for ads from Audi, Cadillac, Chevy, Chrysler, Honda, Hyundai, Lexus and Toyota. Plus related car services including Bridgestone tires and Cars.com. I screen, you screen, we all screen … The multi-screen era of Super Bowl watching is upon us. Now between gazing at our flat screens, sipping beer and munching chips and seven-layer dip, we’ll be tweeting and texting with our smart phones and tablets. Chevy is embracing this multi-screen reality with their downloadable Game Time app. This app will ask relevant trivia questions about the game and even the commercials. It will also connect consumers to all manner of prizes from Chevy and other brand partners. Clydesdales, dogs and meerkats, oh my! Who let the dogs out? As mentioned above, VW has already launched some canine antics with their Star Wars-themed teaser. Look for a charming bulldog for Sketchers in the big game. There might also be some horses and hamsters too if Bud and Kia stay true to their brands. I’m also predicting there will be a new iconic animal to replace the chimp as animal rights groups are really pressuring agencies to stop using apes and monkeys. I see a resurgence of the bear. And the emergence of something new like a meerkat or a lemur. A little song, a little dance, a whole lot of seltzer down your pants Slapstick and visual humor will rule the day. Also look for a few examples of situational comedy with dialogue as everyone is always trying to create the next “Whassup.” Finally look for a few musical numbers to capitalize on the country’s obsession with shows like Dancing with the Stars, Glee and X-Factor. Look for an amazing game - this might be one of those years where the game is actually more exciting than the commercials. Or not. Miss Piggy and Kermit fire back at FOX. All things considered, it's wisest not to mess with The Muppets. Specifically, Miss Piggy. Eric Bolling of FOX Business' "Follow the Money" took The Muppets to task last December as an example of how "liberal media" tries to "brainwash our kids" against big business -- specifically big oil. Well, at a recent press conference in the United Kingdom to promote the film, frog and pig fought back. Asks Kermit: "If we had problems with oil companies, why would we have spent the entire film driving around in a gas-guzzling Rolls Royce?" But Piggy took the sharpest shot: "(The brainwashing charges are) almost as laughable as accusing Fox News of being ... news." After which, Kermit predicted correctly that, "Boy, that's going to be all over the Internet!" Thought for Today "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death." —-Harold Wilson, British prime minister (1916-1995). Today's flower: Peltophorum africanum or Blckwood, African wattle, weeping wattle - a small to medium-size semi-deciduous to deciduous tree of about 15 ft to 30 ft tall, with a spreading crown, frequently branched from near the ground or 2- to 3-stemmed from ground level. [/color][/size][/color] "We find comfort among those who agree with us, growth among those who don't." - Frank Howard Clark Flying Horse Gabber Extraordinaire I am sorry to be posting this. i am FH's son jeff, my Mom passed away last night peacefully. Posts: 16,236 Post by Flying Horse on Jan 31, 2012 17:42:02 GMT -5 Good afternoon from Tuxy :)This is the 31st day of 2012 with 334 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 3:21 p.m., it's fair , temp 54ºF [Feels like 54ºF], winds WSW @ 14 mph, humidity 49%, pressure 29.91 in and falling, dew point 35ºF, chance of precipitation 10%. Today in History: 1606--Guy Fawkes, convicted for his part in the Gunpowder Plot against the English Parliament and King James I, was executed 1734--Gouverneur Morris, American founding father& senator from New York (1800-1803), was born. 1865--the House of Representatives passed the 13th amendment to abolish slavery. 1865--Robert E. Lee was named general-in-chief of the Confederate armies. 1917--Germany announced a policy of unrestricted submarine warfare 1919--Jackie Robinson, who made history in 1947 by becoming the first black baseball player in the major leagues, was born; died 1972 at age 53. 1938--Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands was born. 1944--U.S. forces began a successful invasion of Kwajalein Atoll and other parts of the Japanese-held Marshall Islands. 1945--Private Eddie Slovik became the only U.S. soldier since the Civil War to be executed for desertion. 1949--the first TV daytime soap opera, [t]These Are My Children[/t], was broadcast by the NBC station in Chicago. 1950--Pres. Truman announced that he had ordered development of the hydrogen bomb. 1958--the US entered the Space Age with its first successful launch of a satellite into orbit, Explorer I. 1961--NASA launched Ham the Chimp aboard a Mercury-Redstone rocket from Cape Canaveral and was safely recovered after his 16 1/2 minute suborbital flight. 1968--the Viet Cong attacked the US Embassy in Saigon. 1971--astronauts Alan Shepard, Edgar Mitchell and Stuart Roosa blasted off aboard Apollo 14 on the 3rd successful mission to the moon. 1972--North Vietnam presented a 9-point peace proposal. 1990--McDonald's Corp. opened its first fast-food restaurant in Moscow. 2000--an Alaska Airlines jet plunged into the ocean off Southern California on a flight from Mexico to San Francisco, killing all 88 people on board. 2002--the Bush administration handed abortion opponents a symbolic victory, classifying a developing fetus as an "unborn child" as a way of extending prenatal care to low-income pregnant women. 2007--nine blinking electronic devices planted around Boston threw a scare into the city in what turned out to be a marketing campaign for a late-night cable cartoon. 2001--a federal judge in Florida declared the Obama administration's health care overhaul unconstitutional, siding with 26 states that argued people cannot be required to buy health insurance. 2011--Egypt's military promised not to fire on peaceful protests and recognized "the legitimacy of the people's demands. 2011--Myanmar opened its first parliament in more than two decades. World News Capsules: 1. Fearing Taliban talks, Afghan women keep pushing to have their voices heard. ....With increased pressure for a US and NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan by the end of 2014 and potential peace talks with the Taliban, many Afghan women fear their newfound rights could be jeopardized. 2. Dozens freeze to death as 'extreme cold' grips Europe. ....A severe and snowy cold snap has killed at least 48 people across central and eastern Europe. Officials have responded with measures ranging from opening shelters to dispensing hot tea, with particular concern for the homeless and elderly. 3. Forget Iran, Iraq is threatening oil prices. ....The deteriorating situation in Iraq is leading some analysts to worry that the country may not be able to meet its lofty goals for rapidly ramping up oil production. 4. Militant attacks kill 8 Pakistani soldiers. ....100s of militants stormed military checkpoints in northwest Pakistan, killing at least eight soldiers and injuring 10 others, military and government officials said -- the latest in a string of attacks against security forces. 5. Militant group kicks aid group out of regions in Somalia. ....The Somali militant group Al-Shabaab says it has banned the International Committee of the Red Cross from operating in the regions it controls, accusing the organization of distributing expired food. 6. Arab League urges Security Council to take 'rapid action' on Syria. ....Western and Arab nations launched a major diplomatic offensive at the UN in hopes of overcoming Russia's opposition to a resolution demanding that Syrian Pres. Bashar Assad relinquish power. a. Assad: President defined by violence. ....Bashar al-Assad promised a more democratic Syria when he succeeded his father in 2000, but his presidency is becoming defined by his regime's violent crackdown. 7. 'Canelled and annulled': Disgraced UK banker stripped of his knighthood. ....The UK took the rare step of stripping former Royal Bank of Scotland chief Fred Goodwin of his knighthood, following intense criticism of his role in RBS' near-collapse during the 2008 credit crisis, and public anger towards wealthy bankers. 8. 9 killed in suspected drone strikes in Yemen. ....Three suspected drone strikes hit militant targets in southern Yemen Monday night and Tuesday morning, killing at least nine people believed to be linked to al Qaeda, Yemeni security officials said. a. Yemeni minister escapes assassination. ....Ali al-Amrani, Yemen's information minister, escaped an assassination attempt unharmed Tuesday, his office manager said US News Capsules: 1. US spy chief says Syria's Assad cannot hold power. ....Syrian leader Bashar Assad cannot sustain his hold on power and it is a matter of time before his leadership falls, U.S. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper told a US Senate intelligence committee. a. Al-Qaida in decline but threats to US multiply. ....Iran's leaders seem prepared to attack U.S. interests overseas, particularly if they feel threatened, U.S. intelligence director tells senators. 2. Ex-L.A. teacher charged with molesting 23 children. ....Mark Berndt, 61, a former elementary school teacher has been charged with molesting 23 children after an investigation by authorities uncovered more than 40 photographs showing victims with their eyes blindfolded and mouths covered with tape, possibly inside a classroom. 3. Report: uS deficit falls slightly to $1.1 trillion. ....A new budget report predicts the government will run a $1.1 trillion deficit in the fiscal year that ends in September, a slight dip from last year but still very high by any measure. A previous estimate was for $973 billion. 4. Komen cancer charity halts grants to Planned Parenthood. ....End to partnership has led to a bitter rift linked to the natinoal abortion debate between two key women's organizations. Planned Parenthood says the cutoff, affecting grants for breast exams, results from Komen bowing to pressure from anti-abortion groups. Komen says the key reason is that Planned Parenthood is under investigation in Congress — a probe launched by a conservative Republican who was urged to act by anti-abortion activists. 5. America is becoming a nation of renters. ....There was fresh data from the government showing that the American dream of owning a home is fading fast. The number of housing units occupied by renters rose by 749,000 in the fourth quarter compared to a year earlier; some 91,000 fewer homes were occupied by owners. 6. Probe: Air Force illegally punished Dover whistleblowers. ....Air Force officials violated whistleblower laws when they retaliated against four civilian workers who reported the mishandling of war remains at the military mortuary at Dover Air Force Base, Del., independent federal prosecutors said. POLITICS: 1. As Florida votes, Mitt Romney poised to regain frontrunner status. ....Mitt Romney could reassert his status as the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination with a win Tuesday night in Florida, where the former Massachusetts governor has waged a pitched battle against Newt Gingrich. 2. Native Americans, given less time to vote for president, sue S.D. ....Members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, a heavily Democratic group, are getting only six days for early voting in the presidential primary election, while the rest of the state gets 46, so they are suing Jason Gant, S.D. Secretary of State (oversees elections in the state) and is the treasurer of a Republican Party PAC. 3. UPDATE: Park poice can enforce caming ban, judge rules. ....Living in a public park as a means of protest is not protected by the First Amendment, a federal judge said Tuesday in rejecting an Occupy DC demonstrator's request to keep park police from enforcing a ban on camping. Today's Headlines of Interest: New airline rules give meaning to price tags; other industries should follow. Cry as it might about the new federal rules designed to clarify flight ticket prices, the airline industry brought this on itself. The hidden fees and “after charges” encountered by flying consumers had reached such absurdity that one might rightly call them an attack on the English language. Consumers have had enough, and now the Department of Transportation has, too. Could similar rules for other industries, such as cell phones or pay television, be far behind? New consumer-friendly federal Department of Transportation rules have kicked in that require airlines to quote prices including all required fees and taxes. The airlines aren't happy and have filed lawsuits over the requirement. For example, in the past, you might typically see an ad for a $199 one-way fare that in reality cost $245 after security fees, taxes, and other tack-on charges were applied. Now, airlines must use the $245 figure in an ad. The rules do not require inclusion of "optional" fees, such as checked luggage costs, in the advertised price -- so consumers still have a lot of homework to do when they are shopping around for the best deal on a ticket. "Now there are no more '$9 fare' sales. Airlines have to advertise the full price," said Christopher Elliot, a travel writer and author of “Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals." “(For some airlines) deception has been their business model. It's definitely not only the airlines who were doing this kind of thing, but they have made an art out of it." Edgar Dworsky, who operates Mouseprint.org, cheered the changes and said other federal regulators should consider similar requirements."The car rental industry is notorious for quoting a low daily rates, but when you add up the fees and everything else, the price comes out to 20, 30, even 40% above the stated price," he said. He also cited a friend in New York who recently signed up for cable television and Internet service after answering an ad claiming the price would be $99 per month. “His bill was $147. He didn't realize he would be charged extra for a box in every room, and goodness knows what else." Tack-on fees are huge business for the airlines. Domestic carriers collected nearly $5.7 billion in baggage and change fees alone in 2010, according to Consumers Union. So naturally, the airline industry is hardly going down without a fight. Spirit Airlines is risking the wrath of regulators by railing against the new rules with a large pop-up notice placed on its home page labeled "Warning." The notice accuses regulators of planning to "carry out their hidden agenda and quietly increase their taxes...And if they can do it to the airline industry, what's next?" Industry trade associations are also complaining about the change. Steve Lott, a spokesman for the Air Transport Association, has complained in several publications that "basic economics" dictate consumers will shy away from flying because prices appear to be higher. In reality, price transparency is essential for economic activity, and it's just as likely that more clarity will lead to more purchases, not fewer. Sadly, the new airline rules go only half-way toward real price transparency in the airline industry. The Spirit Airlines "passenger usage fee" still rates as optional in this new system, so it would not be included in advertised prices. The simplest form of consumer protection in America would be a rule that simply forbids all firms from advertising a price for any item -- monthly cable service, airplane tickets, or a telephone line -- that is impossible to get. The problem is so rampant that many industries, such as auto sales, have adopted twisted language like "out-the-door-price” or “OTD price" to distinguish between fake price tags and real ones. The Department of Transportation has taken one small step in this direction; other regulators should take notice. Who's behind that outbreak? Sometimes, CDC won't say. ....When government health officials wrapped up a three-month investigation of a salmonella Enteritidis outbreak that sickened 68 people in 10 states, the final report on Jan. 19 included nearly every detail -- except the name of the place that sold the food. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has refused to identify the source, other than as “Restaurant Chain A,” a Mexican-style fast-food chain. That’s the second time in a little more than a year that the agency has masked the source of foodborne illness at a similar chain. In August 2010, a final CDC report found that 155 people in 21 states were sickened by two rare strains of salmonella traced to an anonymous Mexican-style fast-food chain eventually identified as Taco Bell. Food safety advocates say the practice keeps the public in the dark about which firms have been linked to illness. “It will eventually come out and it will be the company that looks bad,” said Doug Powell, a professor of food safety at Kansas State University and author of a food safety blog. “A lot of these problems could be reduced if government agencies were more transparent about how they decide when to go public.” “The longstanding policy is we publicly identify a company only when people can use that information to take specific action to protect their health,” said Dr. Robert Tauxe, the CDC’s deputy director of the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases. “On the other hand, if there’s not an important public health reason to use the name publicly, CDC doesn’t use the name publicly.” But critics such as Bill Marler, a Seattle food safety lawyer, say that the government owes the public early and full disclosure during illness outbreaks. “In today’s society, where transparency is so important for decision-making, I just don’t think government has the right to withhold that information from the public,” said Marler, who has pushed hard for the CDC to identify the firm behind the latest outbreak. If Taco Bell were indeed the entity involved in the latest outbreak, the information would allow consumers to decide whether they wanted to continue eating at a fast-food chain implicated in similar outbreaks in 2006 and 2010, Marler said. In the case of the outbreak of commercially produced salmonella Typhimurium that sickened 109 people between August 2010 and June 2011, including one man who died, the CDC withheld the specific strain that caused the illnesses. The victims of "strain X" were mostly clinical and teaching microbiology lab students and their families, but they could have spread the germs to the general public on contaminated lab coats and cells phones, investigators suggested. It was those lapses in lab practice, not the particular strain of bacteria, that caused most concern, officials said. "No one is happy, and that's largely because there are no guidelines people can at least point to, whether they agree with the guidance or no," Powell said. Tauxe acknowledged there’s no written policy or checklist that governs that decision, only decades of precedent. “It’s a case-by-case thing and all the way back, as far as people can remember, there’s discussions of ‘hotel X’ or ‘cruise ship Y,” he said. That just doesn’t pass muster, said Marler and other critics. “If the CDC has a good, rational reason for doing what they’re doing, fine,” he said. “Then write it down and hold it up for people like you and I to scrutinize.” So much for the promise of government transparency. Thought for Today "Mystics always hope that science will some day overtake them." — Booth Tarkington, American author-dramatist (1869-1946). Today's flower: Clusia rosea or autograph tree - widely grown as an ornamental in tropical regions of the world. In Hawaii, C. rosea is commonly planted as a street, parking lot, or specimen tree. "We find comfort among those who agree with us, growth among those who don't." - Frank Howard Clark Flying Horse Gabber Extraordinaire I am sorry to be posting this. i am FH's son jeff, my Mom passed away last night peacefully. Posts: 16,236 Post by Flying Horse on Feb 1, 2012 18:37:39 GMT -5 BLACK HISTORY MONTH :)This is the 32nd day of 2012 with 333 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 5:52 p.m., it's mostly cloudy , temp 43ºF [Feels like 36ºF], winds WSW @ 14 mph, humidity 68%, pressure 30.01 in and rising, dew point 33ºF, chance of precipitation 10%. Today in History: 1790--the U.S. Supreme Court convened for the first time in New York. (However, since only three of the six justices were present, the court recessed until the next day.) 1861--Texas voted to secede from the Union at a Secession Convention in Austin. 1862--"The Battle Hymn of the Republic," a poem by Julia Ward Howe, was published in the Atlantic Monthly. 1896--Puccini's opera La Boheme premiered in Turin, Italy. 1902--Langston Hughes, poet and prominent figure of the Harlem Renaissance, was born; died 1967 at age 65. 1920--the Royal Canadian Mounted Police was established. 1922--in one of Hollywood's most enduring mysteries, movie director William Desmond Taylor was shot to death in his Los Angeles home; the killing has never been solved. 1941--Joy Philbin of TV's The View turns 71 today. 1942--the Voice of America broadcast its first program to Europe, relaying it through the facilities of the BBC in London. 1943--one of America's most highly decorated military units, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, made up almost exclusively of Japanese-Americans, was authorized. 1946--Norwegian statesman Trygve Lie was chosen to be the first secretary-general of the UN. 1960--four black college students began a sit-in protest at a lunch counter in Greensboro, N.C., where they’d been refused service. 1962--the Ken Kesey novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest was first published by Viking Press. 1968--Saigon's police chief, Nguyen Ngoc Loan, executed a Viet Cong officer with a pistol shot to the head. 1979--Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini received a tumultuous welcome in Tehran as he ended nearly 15 years of exile. 1982--Late Night with David Letterman premiered on NBC. 1991--34 people were killed when an arriving USAir jetliner crashed atop a commuter plane on a runway at Los Angeles International Airport. 1999--former White House intern Monica Lewinsky gave a vidotaped deposition for senators weighing impeachment charges against Pres. Clinton. 2002--Pres. Bush responded to the collapse of Enron by proposing regulation reforms of 401(k) retirement plans. 2002--actress Winona Ryder was charged with four felony counts stemming from her shoplifting arrest at a Saks Fifth Avenue store in Beverly Hills, Calif. 2002--the NCAA placed Alabama on five years' probation, jolting the program with a two-year bowl ban and heavy scholarship reductions. 2003--the space shuttle Columbia broke up during re-entry, killing all seven of its crew members. 2004--singer Janet Jackson's breast was briefly exposed during the Super Bowl halftime show. 2007--Pres. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad launched anniversary celebrations for Iran's Islamic Revolution with a defiant promise to push ahead with the country's controversial nuclear program. 2007--Gian Carlo Menotti, Pulitzer Prize-winning opera composer (Ahmal and the Night Visitors) died in Monaco at age 95. 2011--Egyptian Pres. Mubarak announced he would not run for a new term but rejected protesters' demands he step down immediatelyafter a dramatic day in which a quarter-million Egyptians staged their biggest protest to date calling on him to go. World News Capsules: 1. Afghans fear downturn as foreigners withdraw. ....The withdrawal of foreign troops, aid workers and billions of dollars in assistance has the potential to undo the fragile progress Afghans have made under the occupation. a. Panetta sets end to Afghan combat role for US in 13. ....Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta cast the decision as an orderly step in the planned withdrawal, but it was the first time the US had put a date on stepping back from its central role in the war. 2. Help wanted to Apple plant, Chinese line p. ....On Monday, tens of thousands of people lined up outside a job agency to apply for an estimated 100,000 new jobs Foxconn, a key mnufacturer for Apple, is seeking to fill at its factory in Zhengzhou, the capital of central Henan province. Why? - “If they don’t work for Apple, those workers don’t have anywhere to shed their sweat and blood.” a. Residents vote in Chinese village at center of protest. ....Less than two months after staging a bold protest against official corruption, thousands of people in the village of Wukan cast their first ostensibly independent votes. 2. 73 killed in clashes after Egypt soccer match. ....Multiple fatalities and hundreds of other injuries resulted from violence following a soccer match in Port Said, where fans flooded the field seconds after a match against a rival team was over, Egypt's Health ministry said. Fans of rival teams attacked each other with fists, stones, fireworks and bottles in one of the worst incidents of sports violence in Egypt in decades. a. Humble museum aims for rebirth. ....The Egyptian Museum of Modern Art houses works by more than 1,500 Egyptian artists but has been overshadowed by the country's pharaonic and medieval Islamic heritage. 3. Helicopters used to evacuate, send food in Europe freeze. ...In Serb villages, 'snow is up to five meters high in some areas, youcan only see rooftops.' a. Making it worse in Europe. ....European Union leaders agreed to sign a new measure to enforce fiscal austerity and restrict stimulus, which could be a dangerous approach. 4. UN nuclear inspectors hail 'good' talks with Iran. ....'We are committed to resolve all the outstanding issues ... And the Iranians said they are committed, too,' Herman Hackaerts, deputy director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency and mission leader says. Inspectors will return to Iran on Feb. 21, suggesting that some common understanding had been reached regarding the country’s position regarding scrutiny of its nuclear program. a. As Syria wobbles under pressure, Iran feels the weight of an alliance. ....Some American officials and political analysts say the downfall of Syria’s leader could also undermine Iran as its economy reels under sanctions. 5. Rare earth metal refinery nears approval. ....The opening of a plant in Malaysia appears imminent, even after street demonstrations over radiation worries, regulatory challenges and the withdrawal of a supplier worried about safety. 6. Pakistan and NATO officials downplay Taliban report. ....NATO and Pakistan leaders were scrambling to downplay a leaked report Wednesday featuring testimony by Taliban detainees who claim they are winning the war in Afghanistan, and poised to take over again once international forces leave, thanks in large measure to help from Pakistan’s security services. 7. At UN, pressure is on Russia for refusal to condemn Syria. ....As Arab and Western states confronted Russia over its refusal to sign on to a call for Pres. al-Assad to leave power, violence continued without pause in Syria. a. Putin concedes he may not win in 1st round. ....While acknowledging that he may not win the presidency in the first round, Vladimir V. Putin said that a second round of voting would lead to political turbulence. 8. To combat modern ills, Korea looks to the past. .....Confucian academies, or seowon, are drawing more students in a growing campaign to reawaken interest in Confucian teachings. a. US Envoy pushes for improved ties between Koreas. ....A senior American diplomat said that Washington wanted North Korea to improve ties with South Korea before it would resume talks with leaders in Pyongyang. 9. In Spanish village, everyone's a winner, almost. ....All but one household in Sodeto, Spain, held at least a piece of a winning ticket in the Christmas lottery's huge first prize of $950 million, the biggest ever. 10. Soldier says Syrian atrocities forced him to defect. ....Ammar Cheikh Omar, who returned to his parents’ homeland from Germany, said he was forced to shoot at protesters and witness torture. a. Fighting intensifies in Syria. ....An anti-Assad group known as the Free Syrian Army, composed partly of army defectors, has attacked and violently resisted loyalist forces. b. Drones for human rights. ....With use of drones, the world could get clear, instant evidence of atrocities in Syria. 11. New twists and turns in Turkey's head-scarf debate. ....A television program featuring a woman in a head scarf driving a car set off a storm in Turkey. 12. UK Islamists who targeted US Embassy admit London bomb plot. ....Four British men pleaded guilty to involvement in an al-Qaida-inspired plot to bomb the London Stock Exchange and several other high-profile targets, including the American Embassy, in December 2010. a. WikiLeaks founder appeals extradition at Britain's supreme court. ....Julian Assange was set to appear on Wednesday at Britain’s Supreme Court to appeal an order approving his extradition to Sweden US News Capsules: 1. Beatboxing cellist astounds audiences. ....Kevin Olusola, a 23-year-old, multitalented, overachieving, “cello-boxing,” Mandarin-speaking, saxophone-playing, pre-med Yale graduate who came in second in a Yo-Yo Ma cello competition and first on NBC’s a cappella show The Sing-Off, who has revolutionized the cello, but his head hasn’t swelled. 2. American Airlines may cut up to 15,000 jobs. ....American Airlines officials were meeting with their three major unions amid reports that the bankrupt airline company is making plans to eliminate up to 15,000 jobs. 3. High times in the Bronx: 593 marijuana plants found. ....New York police raided a five-story Bronx building that they believe was being used as a massive marijuana farm with hundreds of plants in an elaborate growing system, seizing 593 plants (some as tall as 7 feet), as well as 76 pounds of dried, cut and packaged marijuana. 4. Breast cncer surgery rules are called unclear. ....Nearly half of lumpectomy patients who had second operations may not have needed them, a new study finds/ 5. Personal data's value? Facebook is set to find out. ....At long last, the Holy Grail of Internet IPOs is here: Facebook files to raise $5 billion in an initial public offering. As of December 31, it had 845 million daily active users. The social network's stock offering, expected to value the company at $80 billion to $100 billion, is bound to raise even more concerns about privacy and other issues. 6. After a delay, MF Global's missing money is traced. ....While the authorities have traced hundreds of millions of dollars from MF Global, investigators do not know whether they can retrieve the money. 7. Letterman anniversary is like a low-key guest. ....David Letterman on Wednesday will celebrate 30 years as a late-night host - but don't expect to see much mention of it on his show or elsewhere. 8. After workers are fired, an immigration debate roils California campus. ....At Pomona College, dining hall employees were fired after questions about their residency status, prompting a debate over what it means to be a liberal college. 10. Indiana governor signs 'Rght to Work' law. ....The state becomes the 23rd in the nation to bar union contracts from requiring non-union members to pay representation fees POLITICS: 1. Why Romney's poverty gaffe could hurt him. ....Today Mitt Romney uttered the words: "I'm not concerned bout the very poor.We have a safety net there. If it needs repair, I'll fix it...But my campaign is focused on middle income Americans. My campaign – you can choose where to focus. You can focus on the rich. That's not my focus. You can focus on the very poor. That's not my focus."(In fact, according to the non-partisan Tax Policy Center, the largest benefits of Romney's tax plan go to the wealthy, not the middle class.) a. Romney, eye still on GOP foes, turns to face Obama. ....The commanding win offered a forceful response to the questions that were raised about Mitt Romney’s candidacy 2. Gingrich accuses Romney of denying kosher meals to Holocaust survivors. ....A Gingrich robo-call said, "As governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney vetoed a bill paying for Kosher foods for our seniors in nursing home -- Holocaust survivors, who for the first time were forced to eat non-kosher because Romney thought $5 was too much to pay for our grandparents to eat kosher," a man says in the robo call. "Where is Mitt Romney's compassion for our seniors? Tuesday, you can end Mitt Romney's hypocrisy on religious freedom with a vote for Newt Gingrich. Paid for by Newt 2012." 3. Pro-Ron Paul PAC misses $$$ deadline, blames credit card co. ....A Super PAC supporting Ron Paul was the only major presidential fundraising operation to miss Tuesday's federal deadline for disclosing its donors. The Revolution PAC blamed an error by its credit card company. Because of bad information provided by the company, the PAC told the Federal Election Commission, it didn't know who its donors were. Two other PACs supporting Paul did file their reports on time. 4. Obama proposes $5-10 billion for home refinancing, with Romney in mind. ....Pres. Obama called on Congress to approve a $5 billion to $10 billion effort to help U.S. homeowners refinance as part of a wider package of proposals to shore up the depressed housing market, including a tax on banks to pay for the plan that Republicans rejected. The proposal is an lternative to those - namely Mitt Romney - who contend that the market must bottom out. 5. Oregon Democrats retain House seat. ....Democrats held on to an open Congressional seat as returns in a special election showed that Suzanne Bonamici would complete the term of former Representative David Wu. Today's Headlines of Interest: Automakers start year with strong sales. People are trading in their older cars after delaying purchases during the economic downturn. Car sales zoomed ahead in January, with many automakers reporting solid sales at the start of a year expected to show a steady gain in vehicle purchases. Chrysler, now privately held and majority owned by Italy’s Fiat, was the notable standout for the month, with a 44% rise in U.S. auto sales, led by gains for its Jeep brand, while its larger domestic rival General Motors lost ground in a month marked by modest growth. Chrysler’s sales blew past some analysts’ expectations of a 35 percent increase, demonstrating the remarkable comeback of the smallest U.S. automaker nearly three years after its taxpayer-funded bankruptcy restructuring. It also reported its first full-year profit since 1997. GM, the largest U.S. automaker, reported a 6% drop in sales for the month, while Ford posted sales that were 7% higher, spurred by a 60% jump in sales of the Focus. Japan’s Toyota said its January sales in the U.S. rose 7.5% as momentum from the fourth quarter of last year picked up speed. Older cars, which now average a record 11 years old, are helping to boost new car sales as people trade them in after delaying purchases during the economic downturn. Volkswagen and Nissan reported sales gains for January. VW sales rose 48% to 27,209 vehicles, buoyed by the introduction of its Passat sedan. It was the German automaker’s best sales month in decades. Nissan’s U.S. sales rose 10.4% to 79,313. Thought for Today "Facts and truth really don't have much to do with each other." —-William Faulkner, ANobel laureate novelist and poet (1897-1962). Today's flower: Prunus subhirtella or Higan cherry - a medium sized deciduous tree growing to 40-50-ft tall. It is a naturally occurring hybrid from Japan that generally features non-fragrant pale pink to white flowers in spring, pea-sized blackish fruits in late summer and ovate to lanceolate green leaves "We find comfort among those who agree with us, growth among those who don't." - Frank Howard Clark Flying Horse Gabber Extraordinaire I am sorry to be posting this. i am FH's son jeff, my Mom passed away last night peacefully. Posts: 16,236 Post by Flying Horse on Feb 2, 2012 19:58:59 GMT -5 Happy Groundhog's Day :)This is the 33rd day of 2012 with 332 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 6:03 p.m., it's cloudy , temp 29ºF [Feels like 23ºF], winds NNW @ 6 mph, humidity 78%, pressure 30.20 in and rising, dew point 24ºF, chance of precipitation 10%. Today in History: 1536--Buenos Aires,, Argentina was founded. 1653--New Amsterdam - now New York City - was incorporated. 1812--Staking a claim to the riches of the Far West, Russians establish Fort Ross on the coast north of San Francisco. 1847--the 1st Donner Party member dies. 1848--the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, ending the Mexican War. 1876--the National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs was formed in New York. 1882--James Joyce, the Irish author of Ulysses, was born near Dublin; died 1941 at age 59. 1887--Groundhog Day, featuring a rodent meteorologist, was celebrated for the first time at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa. 1912--Frederick R. Law parachuted from the torch of the Statue of Liberty in a stunt filmed by Pathe News. 1942--a Los Angeles Times column by W.H. Anderson urged security measures against Japanese-Americans, arguing that a Japanese-American "almost inevitably ... grows up to be a Japanese, not an American." 1942--Quisling becomes prime minister of the puppet Nazi regime in Norway. 1943--the remainder of Nazi forces from the Battle of Stalingrad surrendered in a major victory for the Soviets. 1949--the US rejected a proposal for a conference with Stalin. 1961--hijackers of a Portuguese ocean liner, the Santa Maria, allowed the passengers and crew to disembark in Brazil, 11 days after seizing the ship. 1970--Antiwar protestors sued Dow Chamical. 1971--Idi Amin assumed power in Uganda following a coup. 1979--punk rock musician Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols died of a drug overdose at age 21. 1990--South African President F.W. de Klerk lifted a ban on the African National Congress and promised to free Nelson Mandela. 2002--inside the World Economic Forum in New York, foreign economic leaders criticized the United States for protectionist policies while outside, 1000s of protesters demonstrated against global capitalism. 2007--a grim report from the world's leading climate scientists said global warming has begun, is "very likely" caused by humans and will be unstoppable for centuries. 2007--Texas Gov. Rick Perry issued an order making Texas the first state to require that schoolgirls get vaccinated against HPV, a sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer. 2009--Hillary Rodham Clinton was sworn in as U.S. secretary of state. 2011--supporters of President Hosni Mubarak charged into Cairo's central square on horses and camels brandishing whips while others rained firebombs from rooftops in what appeared to be an orchestrated assault against protesters trying to topple Egypt's leader of 30 years. World News Capsules: 1. Taliban captives dispute US view on Afghanistan war. ....A NATO report based on interrogations portrays an insurgency convinced it is winning even as the US and its allies enter what they hope will be the Afghan war's final phase. 2. China considers offering aid in Europe's debt crisis. ....Prime Minister Wen Jiabao said China might be willing to help finance Europe’s stabilization by working with the International Monetary Fund. 3. Many Egyptians blame military for the soccer riots that killed more than 70. ....At least 73 people died in a brawl, refocusing attention on the failure of the government to re-establish order and threatening to provoke a new crisis during a political transition. a. Fury at soccer game deaths drives new clashes. ....Egypt began three days of official mourning after at least 73 people were killed in a soccer brawl that underscored the interim government’s failure to re-establish order. 4. Olympic housing crunch: London landlords evict tenants to gouge tourists. ....Landlords in Britain's capital are evicting tenants so they can cash in on this summer's Olympic Games by charging tourists many times the usual rent. Homes in the east London boroughs where many events are to be held are fetching between five and 15 times their typical rates as properties are rebranded as short-term "Olympic lets." Some landlords are also enforcing expensive "penalty" clauses for tenants who want to remain during the gathering of the world's top athletes. a. Questions on haking gor Times of London. ....The hacking scandal at Rupert Murdoch’s British newspapers widened on Thursday when a lawmaker said police investigations had spread to the flagship Times of London. 5. A testament from Guatemala's war years. ....As Guatemala brings genocide charges against a former military leader, Jean-Marie Simon prepares to reissue her seminal book of photographs from that country's bloodiest era. 6. Effort to rebrand Arab Spring backfires in Iran. ....Iran invited young activists to Tehran for a conference on the 'Islamic Awakening,” but the fact that no one from Syria’s opposition was invited disrupted the whole script. 7. Israel warns Iranian missiles might threaten US. ....A senior official tried to make the point that the Iranian nuclear program is not a threat only to Israel but, as he put it, “a nightmare for the free world.” 8. North Korea renews demands for improved relations with South. ....North Korea issued a long list of strident demands that it said South Korea should meet before ties could improve between them. 9. Pakistan court to charge prime minister with contempt. ....Pakistan’s highest court said it would charge Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani with contempt of court for refusing to reopen a corruption case against Pres. Asif Ali Zardari. 9. Protesters in Gaza throw shoes and sticks at UN chief. ....Demonstrators in the Gaza Strip threw sticks and slippers at a vehicle carrying the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, accusing him of bias, witnesses said. 10. More than 200 rescued after ferry sinks off Papua New Guinea. ....It's happened again - another ferry sinking! The vessel, the MV Rabaul Queen, went down off Papua New Guinea’s northeast coast. 11. Philippine officials say raid killed militants. ....In an early-morning raid, the government killed a top leader of a regional terror network with links to Al Qaeda, as well as other suspects wanted by the US. 12. For latest anti-Putin rally, fight the cold as well as the Kremlin. ....The temperature was expected to drop to 10 degrees below zero, and protest organizers are offering winter fashion advice as well as promising to keep the speeches short. 13. South Korean indicted over twitter posts from North. ....South Korean prosecutors indicted Park Jung-geun, a social media and freedom of speech activist this week for reposting messages from the North Korean government’s Twitter account. 14. Open borders and wealth lure thieves to Geneva, Switzerland. ....In Geneva, a city known for tranquility and safety, reported cases of property theft rose 23 percent last year, to about 61,000. 125 Diplomats at UN work on revisions to Syria resolution. ....Ambassadors worked on a revised Syria resolution, as bartering focused on the conditions under which Pres. Bashar al-Assad could be asked to step down/ US News Capsules: 1. Big jobless claims drop reflects improving labor market. ....New claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected in the latest week, showing that the labor market continues to improve, albeit slowly and in fits and starts. "This is certainly a positive in front of non-farm payrolls and further supports the view that the U.S. economy is creating more jobs with the prospect for a lower unemployment rate. Perhaps we can break below 8 percent by year end," BNY Mellon senior currency strategist Michael Woolfolk stated. 2. From founders to decorators, Facebook riches. ....Among the venture capitalists who'll benefit from Facebook's IPO, there's a graffiti artist who took Facebook shares for his painting the walls of the social network's first headquarters. 3. Key Internet operator VeriSign hit by hackers. ....VeriSign Inc, the company in charge of delivering people safely to more than half the world's websites, has been hacked repeatedly by outsiders who stole undisclosed information from the leading Internet infrastructure company. 4. Snow heading for central US, but not areas north. ...One of the few snowy stormfronts so far this winter is about to hit the central U.S., but snow-starved areas in the north -- from Minnesota to New England -- won't be getting any. 5. 550 sexual abuse claims filed against Milwaukee Archdiocese. ....About 550 people are asking for restitution for alleged sexual abuse by clergy in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee — more than in any of the other U.S. dioceses that have filed for bankruptcy protection, according to a lawyer involved in the Milwaukee case. 6. Bloomberg pledges $250,000 donation to Planned Parenthood. ....Billionaire New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg pledged on Thursday to give $250,000 of his own money to the Planned Parenthood Federation of America after breast cancer charity Susan G. Komen for the Cure withdrew funding for the group. "Politics have no place in health care. Breast cancer screening saves lives and hundreds of thousands of women rely on Planned Parenthood for access to care," Bloomberg said in a statement. "We should be helping women access that care, not placing barriers in their way." 7. Path is found for the spread of Alzheimer's. ....The discovery in studies of mice solves a mystery surrounding the disease's grim march and has immediate implications for developing treatments, researchers said. 8. In networks' race for ratings, chicanery is on the schedule. ....Strategies include front-loading national commercials early in a show and extending hit shows a minute or two into the following hour. 9. Brutal crimes grip an Indian reservation. ....On a huge stretch of scrubland in central Wyoming, a two-year federal crime-fighting initiative has made little difference on the rambling stretch of scrub in central Wyoming the size of Rhode Island and Delaware combined. Wind River has a crime rate five to seven times the national average and a long history of ghastly homicides. 10. ART: Note to Christo: Don't start hangng te fabric yet. ....Federal land managers have approved a proposal to drape fabric over nearly six miles of the Arkansas river for an art project, but some local residents are not happy. POLITICS: 1. In the realm of 'who cares'? Sources say Trump to endorse Romney. ....Just what we need - another rich white guy (with his famous hair) who is not concerned about the poorer little people. 2. Committee to Attorney Geneeral Holder - 'Give us the documents'. ....Attorney General Eric Holder squared off with Republicans on a House committee who are demanding that the Justice Department turn over documents about its handling of congressional inquiries into a flawed gun-smuggling investigation known as Operation Fast and Furious. 3. Secrecy shrouds 'Super PAC' funds in latest filings. ....Newly disclosed details of the millions of dollars flowing into political groups highlight not just the scale of donations from corporation and unions but also the secrecy surrounding "super PACs." 4. Mortgage relief plan aims at refinancing. ....Pres. Obama said a new package of legislation would make it easier for millions of homeowners to refinance at today's historically low interest rates. 5. Downturn and upstarts transform Nevada's GOP caucuses. ....Economic hardship and the Tea Party have changed the political landscape of a state that Mitt Romney won in 2008. 6. For GOP, pipeline is central to agenda. ....Keystone XL, the Canadian pipeline, has become a centerpiece of the Republican economic and political agenda, and the party’s preferred truncheon against Pres. Obama. 7. In Massachusetts, little PAC money for Warren or Brown. ....A report on fourth-quarter donations shows that the two leading Senate candidates in Massachusetts got most of their money from individual donors/ Today's Headlines of Interest: Chaotic scenes as injured soccer fans return to Cairo after riot. The head of Egypt's ruling military council, Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, vowed Thursday to track down those behind soccer violence that killed at least 74 people in Port Said, speaking in a rare phone call to an Egyptian TV channel. "These kind of events can happen anywhere in the world but we will not let those behind this get away," Tantawi said, speaking to the sports television channel owned by Al Ahly, one of the teams playing. He said victims would receive compensation after their cases were examined. At least 47 people were arrested in connection with the melee, Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim said. Now, isn't that a typical teen? Texting while being transported, by plane, to the hospital. Obama signals an end to the war in Afghanistan. Republicans pounce, but Obama could be giving himself a strong talking point ahead of November's vote. There is a growing sentiment within the Obama administration that its approach to Iraq, where the official end of U.S. combat operations came 16 months before the final U.S. troop withdrawal in December, may provide a useful model for winding down operations in Afghanistan.” This is a big deal on a number of fronts. But politically, consider this: It gives President Obama the ability to say -- by his convention speech in early September -- that the two wars he inherited are over or on the road to being mostly over. Komen CEO denies politics behind cuts to Plnned Parenthood. Faced with growing criticism, Nancy G. Brinker rejects accusations that the breast cancer research group bowed to political pressure. Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker said that the decision was made to revamp and strengthen the way the organization makes grants. Her comments were challenged by Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., who accused Brinker of trying to “change the story,” in which officials first said that Planned Parenthood funds were being cut because of pending investigations. “This is a complete revisionist comment she is making about why suddenly Planned Parenthood lost this funding,” Boxer said. Planned Parenthood provides abortion, birth control and other health services to women. It had received about $700,000 annually from Komen to provide access to mammograms for low income women. The grants provided screening services to about 170,000 women in the past five years, Senator Boxer said. The Komen foundation, known for its Race for the Cure fundraisers, has collected more than $1.9 billion for breast cancer research and programs. It has affiliates in more than 100 U.S. cities and 50 countries. Thought for Today "Mistakes are the portals of discovery." —-James Joyce, Irish author (1882-1941) Today's flower: Bauhinia blakeana or orchid tree - a tropical tree, with large thick leaves and striking purplish red flowers. The fragrant, orchid-like flowers are usually 4-5 inch across "We find comfort among those who agree with us, growth among those who don't." - Frank Howard Clark Flying Horse Gabber Extraordinaire I am sorry to be posting this. i am FH's son jeff, my Mom passed away last night peacefully. Posts: 16,236 Post by Flying Horse on Feb 3, 2012 15:48:30 GMT -5 Good afternoon from Tuxy :)This is the 34th day of 2012 with 331 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 12:52 p.m., it's cloudy , temp 35ºF [Feels like 29ºF], winds WNW @ 8 mph, humidity 62%, pressure 30.46 in and falling, dew point 21ºF, chance of precipitation 21%. Today in History: 1783--Spain formally recognized American independence. 1809--Felix Mendelssohn, German composer & pianist was born; died 1847 at age 38. 1865--Pres. Lincoln and Confederate Vice Pres. Alexander H. Stephens held a shipboard peace conference off the Virginia coast; the talks deadlocked over the issue of Southern autonomy. 1874--Gertrude Stein, American expatriate author 7 literary stylist, was born; died 1946 at age 72 in Paris, France. 1809--the territory of Illinois was created. 1913--the 16th Amendment to the Constitution, providing for a federal income tax, was ratified. 1917--the US broke off diplomatic relations with Germany, which had announced a policy of unrestricted submarine warfare. 1924--Woodrow Wilson, the 28th president of the United States, died in Washington, D.C., at age 67. 1930--the chief justice of the US, William Howard Taft, resigned for health reasons. (He died just over a month later.) 1943--the US transport ship Dorchester, which was carrying troops to Greenland, sank after being hit by a German torpedo; of the more than 900 men aboard, only some 230 survived. 1959--rock 'n' roll stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson died in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa. 1959--an American Airlines Lockheed Electra crashed into New York's East River, killing 65 of the 73 people on board. 1966--the Soviet probe Luna 9 became the first manmade object to make a soft landing on the moon. 1971--Apollo 14 astronauts Alan B. Shepard Jr. and Edgar D. Mitchell landed on the lunar sufrace during the 3rd successful manned mission to the moon. 1971--New York City police officer Frank Serpico, who had charged there was widespread corruption in the NYPD, was shot and seriously wounded during a drug bust in Brooklyn. 1972--the XI Olympic Winter Games opened in Sapporo, Japan. 1988--the US House of Representatives rejected Pres. Reagan's request for more than $36 million in aid to the Nicaraguan Contras. 1994--the space shuttle Discovery blasted off with a woman, Air Force Lt. Col. Eileen Collins, in the pilot's seat for the first time. 1998--a US Marine plane sliced through the cable of a ski gondola in Italy, sending the car plunging hundreds of feet, killing all 20 people inside. 2002--former Enron chairman Kenneth Lay backed out of testifying before Congress about the collapse of the energy giant. 2002--more than 40 people were killed in an earthquake in Turkey. 2006--an Egyptian passenger ferry sank in the Red Sea during bad weather, killing more than 1,000 passengers. 2007--Pres. Bush designated four central Florida counties disaster areas in the wake of tornadoes that had ripped through the region, leaving 21 dead. 2007--a suicide truck bomber struck a Baghdad market in a predominantly Shiite area, killing 137. 2011--tens of thousands of protesters staged unprecedented demonstrations against Yemen's autocratic president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, a key U.S. ally in battling Islamic militants. World News Capsules: 1. 3 die in Egypt protests as anger at deadly riot spills into 2nd day; US tourists freed. ....Police in Cairo fired salvos of tear gas and birdshot at rock-throwing protesters on a second day of street violence that left three people dead and more than 1,500 injured, doctors and health officials said. a. 2 American tourists kidnapped in South Sinai released. ....South Sinai Police Chief Maj. Gen. Mohammed Naguib said that he has sent a car to pick up the two American women after the deal was made following negotiations with Egyptian Bedouin tribesmen. Naguib said earlier the kidnappers wanted the release of fellow tribesmen who were arrested but he isn't releasing details. 2. British hackers: We intercepted FBI - Scotland Yard call. ....a sensitive conference call between the FBI and Scotland Yard was recorded by the very people they were trying to catch, the hacking group known as Anonymous claimed. Anonymous also published an email purportedly sent by an FBI agent which gave details and a password for accessing the call. 3. Mexico's 'super labs' send meth pouring into US. ....The number of methamphetamine “super labs” seized by Mexican authorities has rocketed in the last five years but shipments of the drug across the border have also continued to grow, according to government statistics. The increase highlights how Mexico’s cartels have diversified beyond their traditional focus of exporting cocaine, heroin and marijuana by transforming their operations to also make methamphetamines on an industrial scale. 4. UN: Somali famine over but 2.3 milion still at risk. ....The UN said that conditions have improved enough to downgrade the country's famine, but the world body's Food and Agricultural Organization warned that continued assistance is needed to stop the region from slipping back. US News Capsules: 1. Komen cancer charity reverses, will fund Planned Parenthood. ....Decision comes after top Komen official resigns in protest over move. "We want to apologize to the American public for recent decisions that cast doubt upon our commitment to our mission of saving women's lives." 2. Jobless rate falls to 8.3%, lowest in almost 3 years. ....The U.S. economy created jobs at the fastest pace in nine months in January and the unemployment rate dropped to a near three-year low, offering a hopeful sign for hiring in the year ahead. a. Strong job report drives NASDAQ to 11-year high. ....U.S. stocks rose, propelling the NASDAQ index to an 11-year high and sending the Dow Jones industrial average to its highest in nearly five years. 3. Major winter storm pummels Colorado, closing roads. ....A powerful winter storm swept across Colorado on Friday as it headed east, bringing blizzard warnings to eastern Colorado and western Kansas, and winter storm warnings for southeast Wyoming and western Nebraska. The Colorado Department of Transportation closed portions of Interstate 70 and Interstate 25, the two main arteries crisscrossing the state. The National Weather Service said snow was falling at 2 inches an hour on the Eastern Plains, producing blizzard conditions. 4. Too crazy to kill? Supreme Court might decidel. ....Edwin Haart Turner robbed a gas station near Carrolton, Miss. and fatally shot a clerk in the face and a customer in the head, but his lawyers say, it’s almost certain that he was – and still is – mentally unbalanced. For that reason, says Turner’s attorney, Jim Craig of the Louisiana Capital Assistance Center, Turner should not be put to death. 5. No, really: 'Candy Land' game to be movie. ....You remember "Candy Land" the board game. Everyone played it when they were too young to read. We all loved it as a game, but really, a movie? Really? Adam Sandler will star, and his Happy Madison production company will make the film. <And it probably will be a major hit, shudder> POLITICS: 1. Partisan reaction to jobs data mixes carping and cheering. .... What’s likely to be a boost to Pres. Obama’s chances of winning a 2nd term, nonfarm payroll employment jumped by 243,000 last month as the unemployment rate fell to its lowest level since February of 2009. 2. Congress may OK short-term stimulus to avoid problems, but fiscal train wreck looms. ....The signs look hopeful for a short-term accord in Congress on extending the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits. But right after Election Day, a lame-duck Congress will face a horrific fiscal train wreck: sharp tax increases, combined with automatic spending cuts -- and scanty reserves of political goodwill to help clinch a deal to avert that outcome. 3. House ready to consider Senate-passed insider trader ban. ....With members of Congress convinced their political survival depends on their image, the House is wasting no time in considering a Senate-passed bill that would ban insider trading by lawmakers and thousands of executive branch officials. 4. As Republicans battle, Obama keeps eye on independents. ....The bruising Republican primary battle has allowed President Obama and his campaign to craft and refine their re-election message, tailoring it to win over a bloc with which the president faces his most glaring vulnerability: independents. Today's Headlines of Interest: Where the (good) jobs are coming from. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) this week released a detailed forecast for how it expects the job market to change in the current decade (the '10s?). Among the findings: Jobs that require some sort of postsecondary degree for entry are expected to grow at the fastest clip from 2010 to 2020. The report found that jobs that require a masters’ degree or more are projected to grow by 21.7% over that decade, to a little more than 2.4 million total jobs, compared with just 12.2% growth in jobs that require only a high school diploma. The number of jobs that require a doctoral or professional degree will grow by 19.9%, to nearly 5.3 million, while the number that require a college degree is expected to grow 16.5% to a total of 25.8 million. The BLS predicts that by 2020 about 69.7 million jobs, or nearly 43% of the total, will only require a high school diploma to get in the door. Many of the net new jobs to be added in coming years will be in health care and social assistance fields, reflecting our aging population and increased medical needs. Other industries expected to see big job growth will be playing catch-up from the recession. For example, the outlook calls for about 1.8 million new construction jobs to be created in coming years, making it one of the sectors with the highest job growth. But the BLS notes that even if the projections are correct and construction employment reaches nearly 7.4 million, that will be fewer jobs than before the recession began in 2007. Cold case: 1940s starlet's death is a mystery. (Jean Elizabeth Spangler, a television actress, went missing in 1949.) It was one of those cases that seemed straight out of pulp fiction, a noir mystery written by one of those hard-boiled scribes who liked to surround damsels in distress with mobsters and movie stars. Yet it was real life. And it defied solution. Not because there were no clues. Perhaps because there were too many--all pointing in different directions. "It's absolutely a classic noir mystery," said Denise Hamilton, a former LA Times reporter turned novelist. She reveals that her mystery, The Last Embrace, was inspired by the Spangler case. The late 1940s was a time when the studios still reigned over Hollywood, the mob ruled the Sunset Strip, and crooked politicians and police brass ran Los Angeles. A divorced mother of a 5-year-old, Spangler was still looking for her big break, and making time for an active social life. "She's a party girl. She goes out with a lot of people: gangsters, movie stars, Hollywood executives. They found her little black book after she disappeared, and there were a lot of prominent names in it," said Hamilton. She was last seen near her Park LaBrea area apartment on the Friday evening of Oct. 7, 1949. Over that weekend, a Griffith Park Ranger found a purse near the entrance to Ferndell. Inside was Spangler's ID, and also a cryptic note addressed to someone named Kirk. "Kirk: Can't wait any longer," it began. "Going to see Dr. Scott. It will work best this way while mother is away." Perhaps it was written in a hurry. It was not signed. "Well, the supposition was that she was pregnant by this Kirk and that she was going to have an abortion," said Hamilton. One acquaintance said Spangler was coming to the end of the first trimester. The most famous Kirk then in Hollywood was the actor Kirk Douglas, who had just finished filming, Young Man with a Horn, in which Spangler had a small role. Douglas spoke twice with LAPD investigators, insisting there was no personal relationship. Detectives believed him, and Douglas was cleared. Since abortion was then illegal, it was assumed that Dr. Scott was a phony name, and who he might have been was never pinned down. Hamilton speculates there may have been a medical complication, perhaps it was fatal, and perhaps Dr. Scott--whoever he was--decided to hide the remains. This was less than three years after the infamous Black Dahlia murder. The remains of victim Elizabeth Short had been surgically severed. The Black Dahlia case has never been solved officially. And the possibility Spangler died during an illegal abortion remains a possibility never proven. Detectives at the time pursued other leads. Shortly before her disappearance, Spangler had been seen partying in Las Vegas with two hoods named Frank Niccoli and Davey Ogul, henchman for LA mob boss Mickey Cohen. They also disappeared about the same time. Like Spangler, they were never found. Perhaps Spangler got caught in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time. Possible, but never proven. Spangler had spoken of expecting to come into some money, prompting speculation that perhaps she was planning to blackmail someone. Perhaps that someone responded by killing her. Again, possible, never ruled out, but never proven. Finally, there were ongoing tensions with her ex-husband, Dexter Benner. After their divorce, the child custody dispute over their daughter had been fierce. Benner accused Spangler of being an "unfit mother," and the sensational headlines in the local papers gave her more name recognition than she had gotten for her budding movie career. Hamilton suspects we may never learn what happened to Spangler. That of course, is part of the enduring fascination. "The Jean Spangler case is a cautionary tale for all of us," Hamilton said. And we're drawn to the darkness like moths to a flame." ACLU sues library for not allowing access to online porn The American Civil Liberties Union is suing a Washington state library district for not offering access to online porn, Seattle's King 5 TV reports. When a user logs on to a computer at the Wenatchee public library, for example, and types "porn" into the search engine, the list of results will appear as if porn doesn't exist, according to King 5. The search censorship by the North Central Regional Library also means some websites -- such as Google Images and YouTube -- are blocked too. The board decided the filter serves its mission to promote reading and lifelong learning. "We believe having pornography in public places hurts our ability to accomplish our mission," Dan Howard, director of public services, told King 5. The ACLU is representing three library users and a nonprofit organization, and argues that federally funded libraries should disable their filters upon the request of an adult. “This case is about an overly broad filtering policy that has restricted an adult student from using the Internet for a class assignment and a professional photographer from accessing art galleries online,” ACLU cooperating attorney Duncan Manville said in a statement. The North Central Regional Library district, which is the largest in the state and represents 28 libraries in the central part of Washington, admits its policy puts it in the minority among the state's libraries. For example, despite repeated complaints from women about men watching porn in full view of their children, the Seattle Public Library held fast to its policy of unrestricted online access for adults, according to the Seattle Post Intelligencer. The paper says the King County Library System has a similar policy: it only filters kids' access on computers. The American Library Association endorses the same stance. "Sometimes, in a library, you're going to see information that's going to make you uncomfortable," Barbara Jones, director of the association's intellectual freedom office, told radio station KUOW Wednesday. The district won the case in the state Supreme Court two years ago, but the case is now pending in a federal court. As much as I dislike the idea, I have to say that I agree with the practice of adult access to whatever they want and restrictions putting on minor's viewing. Thought for Today "The path of civilization is paved with tin cans." —-Elbert Hubbard, author & publisher (1856-1915). Today's flower: Ochna thomasiana or bird's eye bush/Mickey Mouse plant - originates in tropical Africa with the Ochna species in Vietnam called "Mai" which is the Spring flower of Vietnam. "We find comfort among those who agree with us, growth among those who don't." - Frank Howard Clark a Post by on Feb 4, 2012 8:12:08 GMT -5 Good morning Miss Who, Sus, Peg and Tuxy! Flying Horse Gabber Extraordinaire I am sorry to be posting this. i am FH's son jeff, my Mom passed away last night peacefully. Posts: 16,236 Post by Flying Horse on Feb 4, 2012 15:30:03 GMT -5 Good afternoon from Tuxy :)This is the 35th day of 2012 with 330 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 10:52 p.m., it's cloudy , temp 35ºF [Feels like 31ºF], winds N @ 6 mph, humidity 71%, pressure 30.30 in and falling, dew point 26ºF, chance of precipitation 10%. Today in History: 1783--Britain's King George III proclaimed a formal cessation of hostilities in the American Revolutionary War. 1789--electors chose George Washington to be the first president of the US. 1861--delegates from six southern states that had recently seceded from the Union met in Montgomery, Ala., to form the Confederate States of America. 1902--Charles A. Lindbergh, the American aviator who became the first man to fly the Atlantic solo nonstop from the US to Europe, was born; died 1974 at age 72. 1932--New York Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt opened the Winter Olympic Games at Lake Placid, NY. 1938--the Thornton Wilder play Our Town opened on Broadway. 1941--the United Service Organizations (USO) came into existence. 1946--Pres. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet leader Josef Stalin began a wartime conference at Yalta. 1948--the island nation of Ceylon - now Sri Lanka - became an independent dominion within the British Commonwealth. 1962--a rare conjunction of the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn occurred. 1962--St. Jude Children's Research Hospital was founded in Memphis, Tenn., by entertainer Danny Thomas. 1972--Mariner 9, orbiting Mars, transmitted images of the red planet. 1974--newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst was kidnapped in Berkeley, Calif., by the Symbionese Liberation Army. 1976--more than 23,000 people died when a severe earthquake struck Guatemala with a magnitude of 7.5. 1977--the album Rumours by Fleetwood Mac was released. 1982--Pres. Reagan announced a plan to eliminate all medium-range nuclear missiles in Europe. 1983--pop singer-musician Karen Carpenter died at age 32 of anorexia in Downey, Calif. 1997--a civil jury found O.J. Simpson liable for the deaths of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman. 1999--four plainclothes New York City police officers fired 41 bullets at West African immigrant Amadou Diallo in front of his Bronx home after mistaking his wallet for a gun and killed him. 2002--Pres. Bush proposed a $2.13 trillion budget, including billions for fighting terrorism. 2002--the World Economic Forum concluded five days of meetings in New York. 2003--Yugoslavia was dissolved and replaced with a loose union of its remaining two republics, Serbia and Montenegro. 2004--the Massachusetts high court declared that gays were entitled to marry. 2004--the social networking website Facebook was launched. 2011-- Pres. Obama appealed to Egyptian Pres. Mubarak to focus on his legacy and begin an orderly process to relinquish the power he'd held for 30 years. World News Capsules: 1. UN: Afghan civilian deaths in war hit record high. (Begging for alms during snowstorm) ....3,021 civilians killed last yer, a rise of 8% - 'Behind these numbers is real suffering and loss for families in Afghanistan. a. Driven away by a war, now stalked by winter's cold. ....In the past month, at least 22 Afghan children under the age of 5 have frozen to death in refugee camps in Kabul, prompting deep concerns among aid workers. 2. In Beijing's building frenzy, even an 'immovable cultural relic' is not safe. ....The demolition of a historic house in the imperial city, once home to famous architects who championed historic preservation, is a cruel blow to conservationists. 3. Protests over soccer match riot continue in Egypt. ....By Saturday, at least 11 people had been killed around the country in the clashes, The Associated Press reported. a. As clashes continue, Egypt socceer riot becomes metaphor for government failure. ....Five people were killed on the second day of clashes between protesters and the police as demonstrators questioned the ruling military council’s ability to run the country. 4. Panetta and Clinton seek to reassure Europe on defense. ....Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton sought to reassure Europe that the US was not abandoning its partners across the Atlantic. a. As Europe shivers, Russia and Ukraine point fingers over natural gas supply to the West. ....Low supplies in Western Europe have caused tension to the east during an especially frigid winter. 5. Departure of British official shakes Cameron's coalition. ....Chris Huhne, the energy and climate chief, is accused of perverting the course of justice in a 2003 speeding case. 6. Greek premier faces impasse over demand to cut private wages. ....Prime Minister Lucas Papademos faces a deadlock over proposed demands by Greece’s foreign lenders to reduce private-sector wages in exchange for aid the country needs to prevent default 7. UN nuclear inspectors' visit to Iran is a failure, West says. ....The assessment came as Iran's supreme leader lashed out at the US, vowing to retaliate against oil sanctions and threats of military action. 8. Israeli defense minister implies strike on Iran is near. ....Tensions between Israel and Iran are on the rise after a group of top Israeli leaders engaged in a round of saber-rattling on Thursday and Iran’s Supreme Leader answered on Friday with a pledge to "remove" Israel. 9. In Myanmar, Karen rebels deny signing a cease-fire. ....The defiant stance of the rebels’ leadership appears to be a significant setback for the government’s efforts to end ethnic and civil conflicts that have divided the country for decades. 10. Nepal releases 1000s of former fighters as part of peace deal. ....The fate of the Maoist fighters, who had been living in encampments under guard for the past six years, has been a key sticking point in Nepal’s still incomplete peace process. 11. Russia's biggest protesst in 20 years? Vast crowd protests Putin's power. ....'Real Russian patriots should stay at home and make babies... not loiter at demonstrations,' Russia's deputy prime minister said amid continuing anger over disputed elections, as tens of thousands of Russians defied bitter cold in Moscow to demand fair elections. a. From success at Putin's side to exposing corruption. ....Sergei Kolesnikov became a prosperous businessman and part of the crony capitalist web surrounding Vladimir V. Putin. Now he is waging a risky campaign to expose corruption. 12. 'Campaign of killing': UN weighs call for Syria's Assad to step down. ....UN Security Council ambassadors on Saturday debated a draft resolution backing an Arab League call for Syrian President Bashar Assad to step down. a. UN resolution fails as Syrian violence worsens. ....Russia, China veto measure calling for Pres. Assad to step down; activists say more than 200 killed in city of Homs. b. Damascus avoids blood of uprising, but not pain. ....Life is growing harder in the Syrian capital, President Bashar al-Assad's stronghold, as residents complain about electricity rationing, shortages of food and gas, and soaring prices. c. Waiting in the wings, a survivor of three decades of Syrian politics. ....Farouk al-Shara, 74, vice president and loyal disciple of Pres. Bashar al-Assad, would almost certainly become temporary president under an Arab League peace proposal. US News Capsules: 1. Struggling for warmth. ....In a Maine winter, the need for heating oil is vital, and some families have been unable to sufficiently heat their homes. 2. In fuel oil country, cold that cuts to the heart. ....Cuts in a federal energy-assistance program have left some families struggling to pay for oil to heat their homes. 3. Activists fight green projects, seeing UN plot. ....Suspicious of government initiatives, protesters linked to the Tea Party are denouncing all manner of measures they equate with a 1992 United Nations resolution, Agenda 21. 4. Texas drought forces a town to sip from a truck. ....The well of Spicewood Beach in central Texas is among 13 public water systems throughout the state that are projected to run out of water in 180 days or less. 5. Tax break increases deficit, but may have sislver lining. ....A tax break added billions to the federal government's current deficit, but the government says it should recoup 80% of the shortfall in the future. 6. Job gains reflect hope a recovery is blooming. ....The front wheels have lifted off the runway. Now, Americans are waiting to see if the economy can truly get aloft. a. Obama's magic number may be 150,000 jobs per month. ....With 243,000 jobs created in January, the economy is starting to look more positive. That might be a plus for the president in the November election. 7. The $1.6 billion woman, staying on message. ....Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s No. 2 executive, considers herself a role model for women. But her call isn’t simply about mentoring and empowering, it’s also a business strategy. POLITICS: 1. GOP candidates are told, don't use the verses, it's not your song. ....Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich are just the latest Republicans to stop using songs at their rallies after songwriters complained that the campaigns had played the pieces without permission. 2. Florida mega-casino bill is withdrawn. ....A big-money measure fails its first legislative test and its backers must wait at least until next year to try again. 3. Gingrich's deep ties to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. ....Newt Gingrich’s record as speaker shows that his ties to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae run deeper and farther back than he has acknowledged. 4. In Las Vegas, making sure the caucuses accommodate. ....As the number of Orthodox Jews in Nevada continues to grow, a special Republican caucus has been organized for Saturday night, and is expected to draw a few hundred Sabbath observers. 5. Republican candidates wrangle over Nevada. ....With polls showing a double-digit lead over Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney met with business leaders in northern Nevada. Mr. Gingrich, meanwhile, cast himself as the insurgent spoiler at a Las Vegas rally. 6. House approves 4 years of funds for aviation programs. ....After several years of stopgap financing, a longterm plan will help pay for such items as airport expansion Today's Headlines of Interest: For mentally ill inmates, health care beind bars is often out of reach. In an overwhelmed incarceration system, it's often cheaper and easier to just leave detainees untreated, experts say. According to criminal justice experts, many jails and prisons have struggled to adequately handle mentally ill inmates. Few areas of the country, they say, have the money and resources and staff to handle such a challenging population. "The Supreme Court has established that you have a constitutional right to a basic level of adequate health care, which now includes mental health care," Thomas Hafemeister, an associate professor at the University of Virginia School of Law, said "They've recognized that there tends to be limited resources in this setting. As long as a qualified professional has examined the inmate and exercised his or her judgment as to what needs to be done, that's all that is required." Nationwide, prevalence of severe mental illness among inmates is at least 15 %, said Richard Bonnie, director of the University of Virginia’s Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy. “There are many factors at work here, but many us involved in this field are convinced that diversion from the criminal justice system into mental health services … can alleviate the problem without compromising public safety,” he said, Jail diversion options include drug courts, where a substance abuse program is worked out instead of a jail sentencing; mental health courts, where a behavioral contract including drug tests and treatment appointments is drawn up; and sometimes, assignment to a mental health probation officer who is trained to handle mental issues and knows how to direct someone to health services. And it doesn't always have to be expensive to divert those with mental issues, added Osher."What many systems are coming to realize is if you provide alternatives, then you can reduce length of stay. You can actually have this be a resource-neutral event. It doesn't necessarily require an infusion of dollars," he said. "We're spending tons of money warehousing, having people in a revolving door without producing good outcomes." Thought for Today "The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children." —-Dietrich Bonhoeffer, German theologian (1906-1945). Today's flower: Calodendrum capense or cape chestnut flowers - It is not only a tree of the Cape, but also a tree of Africa. It occurs along the south and east coast of southern Africa, North West and Northern Province and into tropical Africa as far north as Tanzania and Ethiopia. [/i][/size][/color] "We find comfort among those who agree with us, growth among those who don't." - Frank Howard Clark Flying Horse Gabber Extraordinaire I am sorry to be posting this. i am FH's son jeff, my Mom passed away last night peacefully. Posts: 16,236 Post by Flying Horse on Feb 5, 2012 16:26:18 GMT -5 Good afternoon from Tuxy :)This is the 36th day of 2012 with 329 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 2:25 p.m., it's partly cloudy , temp 33ºF [Feels like 29ºF], winds SW @ 5 mph, humidity 54%, pressure 30.15 in and falling, dew point 19ºF, chance of precipitation 10%. Today in History: 1631--the co-founder of Rhode Island, Roger Williams, and his wife, Mary, arrived in Boston from England. 1762--an estimated 30,000 Sikhs were slain by Muslims in Punjab in present-day India. 1783--Sweden recognized the independence of the US. 1811--George, the Prince of Wales, was named Prince Regent due to the mental illness of his father, Britain's King George III. 1881--Phoenix, Ariz., was incorporated. 1887-Verdi's opera Otello premiered at La Scala. 1917--the US Congress passed, over Pres. Wilson's veto, a law severely curtailing the influx of Asians. 1914--Mexico's constitution was adopted.. 1937--Pres. Roosevelt proposed increasing the number of Supreme Court justices; critics charged Roosevelt was attempting to “pack” the court. 1958--Gamel Abdel Nasser was nominated to become the first president of the new United Arab Republic, a short-lived union of Syria and Egypt. 1971--Apollo 14 astronauts Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell stepped onto the surface of the moon in the first of two lunar excursions. 1988--the Arizona House of Representatives impeached Gov. Evan Mecham, who was later convicted in the state Senate and removed from office. 1988--Panamanian military leader Gen. Manuel Noriega was indicted on bribery and drug trafficking charges in Florida. 1989--the Soviet Union announced that all but a small rear-guard contingent of its troops had left Afghanistan. 1994--white separatist Byron De La Beckwith was convicted in Jackson, Miss., of murdering civil rights leader Medgar Evers in 1963. 2001--four followers of Osama bin Laden went on trial in New York in the 1998 bombings of two U.S. embassies in Africa. 2002--a federal grand jury indicted John Walker Lindh, the so-called "American Taliban," of conspiring with the Taliban to kill Americans. 2007--Pres. Bush unveiled a $2.9 trillion budget which proposed a big spending increase for the Pentagon while pinching domestic programs. 2007--NASA astronaut Lisa Nowak was arrested in Orlando, Fla., accused of trying to kidnap a perceived rival for the affections of a space shuttle pilot. 2011--the leadership of Egypt's ruling party stepped down as the military figures spearheading the transition tried to placate protesters without giving them the one resignation they were demanding, that of Pres. Mubarak. World News Capsules: 1. US plans shift to elite units as it winds down in Afghanistan. ....In ending its combat role in Afghanistan a year earlier than expected, the US will rely more on special forces that hunt insurgent leaders and train local troops, officials say. a. Afghan suicide attack targets police in Kandahar. ....Sunday’s attack was the fourth such bombing or attempted bombing in Kandahar in almost a month. 2. China fires 7 officials after spill. ....The spill, which affected 200 miles of the Longjiang River in southern China, was caused by two companies that accidentally released tons of cadmium. a. 3 Tibetan herders self-immolate in anti-Chinese protest. ....The latest cases bring the total self-immolations by ethnic Tibetans over the past year to 19. 3. US pro-democracy workers face trial in Egypt. ....Nineteen Americans, including Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's son, referred for criminal trials in a politically charged dispute over the activities and funding of pro-democracy groups, judicial sources said, deepening a row with the US. a. Egyptian forces appear to end siege of ministry. ....Security forces erected two walls bisecting streets that had been central battlegrounds between security forces and protesters calling for the end of military rule. b. Protests over soccer match riot continue in Egypt. ....A standoff between police and protesters ended with stone throwing and tear gassing. 4. Greek talks at a delicate point. ....The Greek finance minister said that debt talks on a second rescue deal were “on a razor’s edge,” with major issues unresolved ahead of a crucial deadline. 4. Qaddafi's arms, appropriated by old allies, reinvigorate rebel army in Mali. ....After fighting for Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, 100s of Tuareg rebels helped themselves to some of his weapons and returned to Mali to continue a longstanding rebellion. 6. In biting cold, protesters pack the center of Moscow. ....A 3rd huge rally was undeterred by the arctic cold or by the near certainty that Vladimir V. Putin will win a six-year term as Russia's president next month. 7. ANC keeps suspension of a leader. ....A party appeals panel upheld the five-year suspension of the firebrand youth leader Julius Malema from the African National Congress Youth League. 8. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton lambastes 'travesty' of UN veto on Syria. ....Clinton called Sunday for "friends of democratic Syria" to unite and rally against President Bashar Assad's regime, previewing the possible formation of a formal group of likeminded nations to coordinate assistance to the Syrian opposition. US News Capsules: 1. Killers' families left to confront fear and shame. ....In a society where headlines of violence are almost commonplace, the families of the perpetrators are largely unheard from. But now some relatives have decided to share their stories. a. The murderer's shadow. ....To the family members of his victims, Ronnie Lee Gardner was a violent killer. To Mr. Gardner’s own family, he was a father and soul mate whose destructive personality left deep emotional scars. 2. The upside of dyslexia. ....The condition makes it harder to learn to read. But it also seems to offer visual advantages. 3. Taking more seats on campus, foreigners also pay the freight. ....At the University of Washington, 18% of the freshmen are foreigners, and each pays about three times as much as students from Washington State. 4. Pennsylvania schools' financing fight pits district against 'charter on steroids'. ....The Chester Upland district's fiscal woes – so severe that it cannot afford to pay teachers past the end of this month – are compounded by a charter school with which it shares its financing. 5. With levees rated 'Unacceptable,' officials along the Mississippi fight back. ....Officials and residents in the Mississippi River flood plain known as the American Bottom say the Army Corps of Engineers overreacted after Hurricane Katrina. 6. MUSIC: Jubilees and living histories. (The Beach Boys) ....The Rolling Stones, the Chieftains, the Beach Boys and El Gran Combo, all 50 years old and still relevant. 7. DANCE: Tharp's new tale, woven in dance. ....Twyla Tharp tackled the task of building a narrative ballet from the ground up. The result was a fantastical work based on a story by George MacDonald and set to music by Schubert. 8. A mortgage tornado warning, unheeded. ....Inspired by a personal experience, a businessman began delving into the practices of the mortgage industry, including Fannie Mae. His findings have been prescient. 9. Facebook users ask, "Where's our cut?" ....Without the free content created by its 850 million users, Facebook would surely not be on the verge of a multibillion-dollar initial public offering, 10. Do manufacturers need special treatment? ....Government manufacturing policies must go beyond the belief that it’s better to produce “real things” than services. People value health care and haircuts as much as washing machines and hair dryers. 11. Take this mitt, and pass me the broadsword. ....Curt Schilling, the former Boston Red Sox pitcher, left baseball to start 38 Studios, a video game company, maker of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. POLITICS: 1. Romney wins Nevada caucus with broad GOP support, solidifying momentum. ....In winning the Nevada Republican caucuses, Mitt Romney added another victory in a campaign built on organization and momentum. 2. Gingrich patron could have a Plan B: Romney. ....The casino magnate Sheldon Adelson has relayed assurances that he will donate millions more toward defeating Pres. Obama even if his candidate is not the nominee, associates said. Today's Headlines of Interest: Not on Sunday. Thought for Today "Impatience is the mark of independence, not of bondage." —-Marianne Moore, poet (1887-1972). Today's flower: Dillenia indica - native to southeastern Asia, flowers are large, 5-8 inche-diameter, with five white petals and numerous yellow stamens. "We find comfort among those who agree with us, growth among those who don't." - Frank Howard Clark Flying Horse Gabber Extraordinaire I am sorry to be posting this. i am FH's son jeff, my Mom passed away last night peacefully. Posts: 16,236 Post by Flying Horse on Feb 12, 2012 20:49:00 GMT -5 Good evening from Tuxy :)This is the 43rd day of 2012 with 322 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 12:52 p.m., it's cloudy , temp 20ºF [Feels like 20ºF], winds WNW @ 3 mph, humidity 59%, pressure 29.89 in and rising, dew point 10ºF, chance of snow70%. Today in History: 1554--Lady Jane Grey, who had claimed the throne of England for nine days, and her husband, Guildford Dudley, were beheaded after being condemned for treason. 1733--English colonists led by James Oglethorpe founded Savannah, Ga. 1795--the University of North Carolina became the first US state university to admit students. 1809--Abraham Lincoln, 15th Pres. of the US, was born in present-dy Larue County, Ky.; died 1865 at age 56 (shot by Southern sympathizer John Wilkes Booth). 1809--Charles Darwin, English naturalist who originated the theory of evolution by natural selection, was born in Shrewsbury; died 1882 at age 73. 1818--Chile officially proclaimed its independence, more than seven years after initially renouncing Spanish rule. 1870--women in the Utah Territory gained the right to vote. 1880--John L. Lewis, labor leader who founded the United Mine Workers and the CIO, was born; died 1969 at age 89. 1908--the first round-the-world automobile race began in New York. (It ended in Paris the following July with the drivers of the American car, a Thomas Flyer, declared the winners over teams from Germany and Italy.) 1909--the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded in New York City. 1912--Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, abdicated, marking the end of the Qing Dynasty. 1915--the cornerstone for the Lincoln Memorial was laid in Washington, D.C., a year to the day after groundbreaking. 1940--the radio play The Adventures of Superman debuted with Bud Collyer as the Man of Steel. 1959--the redesigned Lincoln penny — with an image of the Lincoln Memorial replacing two ears of wheat on the reverse side — went into circulation. 1973--Operation Homecoming began as the first release of American prisoners of war from the Vietnam conflict took place. 1999--the US Senate voted to acquit President Bill Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. 2000--Charles M. Schulz, creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip, died at age 77. 2001--the NEAR spacecraft touched down on Eros, completing the first landing on an asteroid. 2002--the war crimes trial of former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic began in The Hague. 2002--Pakistan charged three men in connection with the kidnapping of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in Karachi (they and a fourth man were later convicted of Pearl's murder). 2002--an Iranian passenger jet crashed, killing all 119 on board. 2004--defying a California law, San Francisco officials began performing weddings for same-sex couples. 2007--teen gunman Sulejman Talovic shot 9 people, killing 5, at a Salt Lake City mall before he was shot and killed by police. 2007--car bombs shattered Baghdad's oldest and largest market, killing at least 78 people. 2009--a commuter plane crashed into a suburban Buffalo, N.Y., home, killing all 49 aboard and a person in the house. 2011--1000s of Algerians defied government warnings and dodged barricades in their capital, demanding democratic reforms. World News Capsules: 1. Risks of Afghan war shift from soldiers to contactors. ....More civilian contractors working for American companies than American soldiers died in Afghanistan last year for the first time, and some survivors are left uncompensated. a. In Afghanistan, a Soviet past lies in ruins. ....Kabul holds many glimpses of its Soviet past hidden in plain sight around its jumbled hillsides - sobering artifacts that now confront the US and its allies as they begin pondering what their own legacy might be. 2. In charged moment, China's political heir tries introducing himself to the US. ....Xi Jinping, China's vice president and presumptive next president, will make a cross-country swing and be scrutinized for hints of future stances on crucial issues. 3. Hacking cases focus on memo to a Murdoch. ....Discovered just three months ago, an e-mail from June 2008 sent to James Murdoch discussed in frank terms the potentially disastrous scale of phone hacking at News International. Eight arresed on "suspicion of corruption" included five employees of The Sun tabloid. 4. Rioting spreads as Greek lawmakers OK deeply unpopular austerity bill. ....The legislation will allow the country to cut debt; violence breaks out in several cities. 5. Strike ends as Israel and unions reach pact. ....Israel’s first general strike in five years ended with an agreement that improves conditions for nonunionized contract workers used by government agencies. 6. Libya asks Niger to extradite Qaddafi son after remarks. ....During a televised phone interview, Col. Qaddafi’s son Saadi called on Libyans to prepare for a “coming uprising." 7. Arab League wants UN peacekeepers to assist Syria. ....Arab League called for the UN Security Council to create a joint peacekeeping force for Syria, the latest effort by the regional group to end the 11-month old crisis that has killed more than 5,000 people. US News Capsules: 1. Greece will put stocks' rally to the test tomorrow. .....Wall Street will debate whether this is beginning or end of eurozone's debt crisis. 2. Even critics of safety net incrasingly depend on it. ....The government safety net was created to keep Americans from abject poverty, but the poorest households no longer receive a majority of government benefits. 3. A newspaper, and a legacy, reordered. ....The Washington Post, shrinking its scope as it looks to a digital future, is undergoing one of the most sweeping reorientations of any newspaper in the country. 4. Struggling cities turn to a crop for cash. ....Sometimes lost in the discussion of medical marijuana is the extent to which it has become a small but growing source of new tax revenue to cities and states. 5. European crude drives up US gas prices. ....A sharp increase in the price of North Sea oil helped drive US gasoline prices up about 12 cents a gallon since late January, according to a new nationwide survey. POLITICS: 1. After three losses, Romeny edges pass Paul in Maine. ....Mitt Romney won 39% of the vote in Maine's nonbinding caucuses, winning a small margin over Ron Paul and averting embarrassment after losses in three states. a. Romney's path to 'Pro-Life' position on abortion. ....After supporting abortion rights early in his political career, Mitt Romney is working to reinforce his credentials among conservatives. 2. For Gingrich, choice between wooing voters or donors. ....Newt Gingrich is making a detour to California this week in search of money to keep his campaign going, but that will limit the time he has to spend with voters 3. Occupy movement regroups, preparing for its next phase . ....With encampments largely gone, the challenge is to keep the Occupy cause alive through methods like strikes and protests, which risk alienating people rather than galvanizing them. 4. Bishops reject White House's new plan on contraception. ....The US Conference of Catholic Bishops said a compromise offered by President Obama on birth control coverage did not go far enough in protecting religious liberty. a. Lew defends new contraception policy. ....White House Chief of Staff Jacob Lew stood by the administration’s recent policy change on contraception coverage Sunday, arguing the new plan ensures women can keep their “right to preventive care” while religious institutions can respect their principles. Thought for Today "Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still." —Harry S. Truman, 33rd Pres. of the US (1884-1972). Today's flower: Blueberry candy daylily - A repeat bloomer, it also is heavily budded, with many flowers opening on the stem at once. "We find comfort among those who agree with us, growth among those who don't." - Frank Howard Clark Flying Horse Gabber Extraordinaire I am sorry to be posting this. i am FH's son jeff, my Mom passed away last night peacefully. Posts: 16,236 Post by Flying Horse on Feb 13, 2012 19:13:16 GMT -5 Good afternoon from Tuxy :)This is the 44th day of 2012 with 321 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 12:52 p.m., it's partly cloudy , temp 27ºF [Feels like 27ºF], winds S @ 3 mph, humidity 61%, pressure 29.86 in and falling, dew point 25ºF, chance of precipitation 10%. Today in History: 1542--the 5th wife of England's King Henry VIII, Catherine Howard, was executed for adultery. 1635--the Boston Public Latin School, the first public school in what is now the US, was founded. 1741--Andrew Bradford of Pennsylvania published the first American magazine. The American Magazine, or A Monthly View of the Political State of the British Colonies lasted three issues. 1861--Abraham Lincoln was officially declared winner of the 1860 presidential election as electors cast their ballots. 1891--Grant Wood, painter, was born; died 1942 at ge 50. 1914--the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) was founded in New York City. 1920--the League of Nations recognized the perpetual neutrality of Switzerland. 1935--a jury in Flemington, N.J., found Bruno Richard Hauptmann guilty of first-degree murder in the kidnap-death of the infant son of Charles and Anne Lindbergh. 1945--allied planes began bombing the German city of Dresden. 1945--the Soviets captured Budapest, Hungary, from the Germans. 1947--the NCAA's all-time winningest basketball coach, Mike Krzyzewski of Duke, was born. 1960--France exploded its first atomic bomb in the Sahara Desert 1961--the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York announced that three statues in its collection, supposedly Etruscan terra cotta warriors, were, in fact, forgeries. 1980--the 13th Winter Olympics opened in Lake Placid, N.Y 1991--during Operation Desert Storm, allied warplanes destroyed an underground shelter in Baghdad that had been identified as a military command center; Iraqi officials said 500 civilians were killed. 2000--Charles Schulz's final Peanuts comic strip ran in Sunday newspapers, the day after the cartoonist died at age 77. 2002--Britain's Queen Elizabeth II made former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani an honorary knight. 2002--country singer Waylon Jennings died in Chandler, Ariz., at age 64. 2005--Ray Charles won eight posthumous Grammy awards for his final album, Genius Loves Company. 2007--former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney officially entered the 2008 presidential race in Michigan, the place of his birth. 2008--seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens denied having taken performance-enhancing drugs in testimony before Congress. 2011--Egypt's military leaders dissolved parliament, suspended the constitution and promised elections in moves cautiously welcomed by protesters who'd helped topple Pres. Mubarak. World News Capsules: 1. Bahrain youths and police clash. ....Youths lob gasoline bombs at the police near Manama as violence escalated ahead of the anniversary of the uprising last year. 2. Apple iPads seized by China in name dispute. ....Authorities have seized Apple iPads from retailers in a city in northern China due to a dispute with a domestic company that says it owns the iPad name. The Chinese company said it is asking for similar action in more than 20 other cities. The move threatens to complicate Apple's efforts to sell the iPad in its fastest-growing market. a. Apple asks outside group to inspect factories. ....Apple said the Fair Labor Association had begun auditing working conditions at Chinese factories where Apple products are made. The first inspections involved a Shenzhen factory known as Foxconn City, b. Hong Kong, China battle over anchor baby births. ....A growing global phenomenon driven by Chinese with wherewithal and wealth as a China that – even as it continues to grow and open up to the rest of the world – still faces a restrictive enough present and an uncertain enough future that they choose to give birth outside of China. 3. Release near of Islamic preacher held by Britain. ....Abu Qatada, whose real name is Omar Othman, was cleared for release after a judge signed off on harsh bail conditions early Monday. 4. Rage against cuts: Athens rioters burn 45 buildings. ....One in five civil service jobs will be axed and minimum wage will be slashed by more than a fifth. a. As Greece inches toward bailout, obstacles remain. ....A host of technical, legal and political problems still confront the architects of a rescue that is unpopular both in Greece and in its creditor nations. 5. Indonesia court accuses militant in Bali blast. ....An Indonesian court indicted Umar Patek on charges including premeditated murder for his alleged role in the 2002 terrorist bombings on the resort island of Bali. 6. For Iraqis, aid to rebels in Syria repays a debt. ....Syrians sent money and weapons to Iraq and accepted its refugees just a few years ago; now Iraqis hope to return the favor. 7. Israel accuses Iran of bombings in India, Georgia. ....Israel's prime minister on Monday accused Iran of being behind a pair of car bombings against Israeli diplomatic targets in India and Georgia. 8. Political turmoil threatens archaeological treasures in Maldives. ....Amid the recent political turmoil that has racked the nation, a half dozen men stormed into a museum last Tuesday and ransacked a collection of coral and lime figures. 9. Pakistani leader indicted. ...Pakistan's highest court indicts Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on charges of contempt of court. 10. TV in Putin's Russia: Jesters, strivers and a longing for normalcy. ....After a decade of Vladimir V. Putin’s rule, Russian television has shed its dispirited past and embraced a more playful self-awareness, with hints of the country’s harsher realities. 11. Arab League steps up pressure on Syria and calls for UN help. ....The Arab League's foreign ministers called on Arab nations to sever diplomatic relations with Syria in an effort to pressure it to end the violence there. a. UN rights chief deplores inaction over Syrian assault. ....Navi Pillay publicly castigated Syria’s leaders, accusing them of intensifying their deadly crackdown after the Security Council failed to reach a solution. 12. Three executed by militants for helping US in Yemen. ...Islamists in southern Yemen said they beheaded two Saudis and one Yemeni for working with Saudi intelligence services, helping the US to target drone strikes. US News Capsules: 1. Adele wins big with 6, Whitney is honored at Grammys. ....Late singer's death turns music awards show into bittersweet occasion. Soul singer Adele triumphed in her return to music's stage on Sunday, scooping up six Grammys and winning every category in which she was nominated including album of the year for 21 and best record with "Rolling In the Deep." 2. Winner yet to claim Powerball $336 million jackpot in Rhode Island. ....The winner of Saturday's $336.4 million Powerball jackpot bought the ticket at a Stop & Shop supermarket in Newport, Rhode Island Lottery officials say. The winning numbers were 1-10-37-52-57 and the Powerball was 11 and was the third largest in Powerball history. 3. 'Tragic accident': Pastor's daughter shot at Florida church ....Worshpper accidentally fired gun through wall and shot the pastor's daughter in the head at the Grace Connection Church in St Petersburg, Fla. Moises Zambrana was showing his gun in a small closet to another church member interested in buying a firearm. Zambrana reportedly took out the magazine of the Reuger 9mm weapon but did not know there was a bullet in the chamber. 4. Washington governor signs gay marriage bill into law. ....The measure takes effect June 7 to become the 7th state to allow gay couples to wed, but opponents plan challenges on multiple fronts. 5. Police: Houston found unconscious and underwater. ....Los Angeles assistant chief coroner Ed Winter said his office has not discussed with Houston's family whether prescription medications and drowning played a role in in her death. The autopsy began Sunday, but tess to detect thepresence of alcohol or drugs could take several weeks to complete. 6. Admiral seeks freer hand in deployment of elite forces. ....Adm. William H. McRaven, who leads the Special Operations Command, is seeking new authority to move his forces more quickly and outside normal deployment channels. 7. Mooresville's shining example (It's not just about the laptops). ....A North Carolina school district has quietly emerged as a model digital school, with thousands of laptops issued to students and test scores up across the board. 8. Pentagon wants to raise some retirees' health fees. ....Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta proposed nearly quadrupling the health insurance fees of many working-age military retirees to reduce Pentagon spending. 9. With tips from whistle-blowers, more hands on deck on pollution cases. ....Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta proposed nearly quadrupling the health insurance fees of many working-age military retirees to reduce Pentagon spending. POLITICS: 1. Obama budget plan includes big tax increase - on millionaires. ....Obama will propose that millionaires pay a minimum tax rate of 30%t and will project a budget deficit of $901 billion in FY2013, representing 5.5% of gross domestic product (GDP), down from $1.33 trillion, or 8.5% of GDP this year. a. Republicans see broken promises and gimmicks in Pres. budget. ....Republicans savaged the president’s proposed budget for fiscal 2013 as weak on deficit reduction and strong on gimmicks. 2. Romney survives two weekend challenges. ....Perhaps the best way to view Mitt Romney’s weekend is that he survived - won the Maine caucuses and the CPAC straw poll after his “severely conservative” line. a. Romney runs as an outsider but makes room for lobbyists . ....Mitt Romney is running against the entrenched interests of Washington with help from some of its most prominent insiders. 3. As stock market rallies, so do the odds of Obama's reelection. ....Pres. Obama’s odds of re-election later this year are growing alongside the Standard & Poor’s 500 index’s biggest rally to start a year since 1991, suggesting that investors are growing more confident in the U.S. economy. The broad stock market gauge has climbed as much as 7.5 percent in 2012, the most in 21 years. At the same time, unemployment is falling and the Federal Reserve has promised to spur growth by keeping interest rates near zero through 2014. 4. Obama to propose community college aid. ....Pres. Obama will propose an $8 billion program with the goal of training two million workers for well-paying jobs in high-demand industries, officials said. Today's Headlines of Interest: Super PAC supporting Ron Paul is operated by a 9/11 'truther'. As libertarian Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul looks for a state he can win, some of his supporters have turned to a new theme: voting fraud. A Super PAC supporting Paul has pledged to monitor the vote in all the remaining states, using an army of exit pollsters to fight what it calls results that are "outrageous, unacceptable and patently un-American." As with many other so-called "independent" Super PACs, which can receive unlimited donations outside the normal rules of campaign finance, the Revolution PAC is operated by people with close ties to the candidate. The leader of the group, its founder, chairman and treasurer, is Gary Franchi, a promoter of conspiracy theories and sophisticated social-media entrepreneur in the resurgent movement known as the Patriots. The 34-year-old political activist from the Chicago suburbs said that his goal is a "non-violent intellectual revolution, which results in a full restoration of the federal Constitution." Franchi has supported the 9/11 Truth Movement, which supports the idea that the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, werean inside job to create a pretext for a reduction in American liberty, or at least involved a cover-up, with the World Trade Center brought down by a planned U.S. demolition, instead of terrorist-controlled airplanes. Franchi is one of the leading promoters of a resurgent Patriot conspiracy theory that alleges the government is creating concentration camps for U.S. citizens." In 2009 he co-wrote and co-produced the video "Camp FEMA: American Lockdown," which claims that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is creating concentration camps on air bases and in vacant buildings to house political dissenters when the federal government proclaims martial law. Franchi operates Restore the Republic, which opposes the Federal Reserve, the IRS and the income tax, decries the control of the economy by the Rockefellers and the "banking cartel," and warns of government plans to plant RFID microchips into all Americans. Paul has had a vague and uncertain connection with fringe views and conspiracy peddlers for decades. In several cases he has welcomed their support, neither repudiating their views nor explicitly endorsing them. And this is the man that some otherwise rational people are willing to vote as the potential GOP candidate for president of the United States? As much as I hate to say it, the more I see and read about the various GOP candidates, the better Romney looks as the only one with rtional plans for the country. 'Habitable' planets could become stripped dry. Alien planets might experience tidal forces powerful enough to remove all their water, leaving behind hot, dry worlds like Venus, researchers said. These findings might significantly affect searches for habitable exoplanets, scientists explained. Although some planets might dwell in regions around their star friendly enough for life as we know it, they could actually be lifelessly dry worlds. The tides that we experience on Earth are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. Our tides are nothing compared to what we see elsewhere in the solar system — the gravitational pull Europa experiences from Jupiter leads to tidal forces roughly 1,000 times stronger than what Earth feels from our moon, flexing and heating Europa. Heat is a major factor in how capable a planet might be of supporting life as we know it. What scientists call the habitable zone of a star is defined by whether liquid water can survive on its surface, given that life exists virtually wherever there is liquid water on Earth. Too far from a star, and the lack of light makes a world too cold, freezing all its water; too close to a star, and all that blazing heat makes a world too hot, boiling all of its water off in what is known as a runaway greenhouse effect. Venus is often thought to have experienced a runaway greenhouse effect. Eventually, solar radiation broke up all of Venus's vaporized water into hydrogen and oxygen, which leaked away from the planet entirely. Now scientists find that stellar heat is not the only thing that can trigger a runaway greenhouse climate catastrophe. Tidal heating can too, for what they call "tidal Venuses." "This has fundamentally changed the concept of a habitable zone," said researcher Rory Barnes, a planetary scientist and astrobiologist at the University of Washington. "We figured out you can actually limit a planet's habitability with an energy source other than starlight." Tidal Venuses could not occur around stars like our sun because the effects of tides fall off rapidly with distance, Barnes noted. However, tidal Venuses could occur around dimmer and much less massive bodies — main-sequence stars less than a third the mass of our sun, for instance, or failed stars known as brown dwarfs, or dead stars such as white dwarfs. These bodies have been of interest to astrobiologists because their dim nature means their habitable zones are theoretically very close. Planets near their stars eclipse them more often, making them easier to detect than planets that are farther away — for that reason, researchers had thought dim, low-mass stars could be ideal places to find habitable worlds, As terrestrial worlds are found around dim bodies, factoring these findings into searches for habitable exoplanets could result in scientists wasting less time on dry worlds. "As candidates for habitable worlds are found, tidal effects need careful attention," Barnes said. "You don't want to waste time on desiccated planets." Barnes noted that more work needed to be done analyzing how the effects of tidal heating might actually manifest themselves. "We'll have to be careful when assessing objects that are very near dim stars, where the tides are much stronger than we feel on present-day Earth," said planetary scientist Norman Sleep at Stanford University, who did not take part in this research."Even Venus now is not substantially heated by tides, and neither is Mercury." It could be that instead of triggering a runaway greenhouse effect, tidal heating might actually warm otherwise frigid planets enough for them to have liquid water on their surface, Sleep added. "Whether or not something could stay habitable or not through this mechanism is unclear to me," he cautioned. The next step "is to consider how multiplanet systems affect the results," Barnes said. "We've looked at just a single star and a single planet evolving together, but when you have additional planets, you introduce gravitational perturbations, and how will that affect orbits and tidal heating and habitability? They could very well increase the threat of catastrophic tidal heating." As any reader of my daily bulletins must realize, I'm fascinated by anything having to do with the investigation of our universe. It often puts the specualtion found in science fiction to shame, opening up magnificent vistas for speculation of all manner of things. And, naturally, I have been and will continue to be a strong supporter of NASA or any other comparable space exploration agency. Where is Uno? What 5 Westminster winners do now. Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show winners typically bow out of their show careers after taking the prestigious prize and go on to produce puppies, become therapy dogs or just master the art of sofa lounging. Here’s a look at how five past champs now spend their time. 1. 2011 - Hickory the Scottish deerhound has babies and chases bears. Motherhood was the path taken by GCh. Foxcliffe Hickory Wind, the elegant Scottish Deerhound owned by Dr. R. Scott and Cecilia Dove of Virginia. After becoming the first in her breed to take Best in Show in the history of Westminster, Hickory has since produced nine puppies, who are currently four months old. Also, she runs for miles every day on the family farm, in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Although she's normally calm and serene, once outdoors, Hickory turns into a keen coursing dog, who has even been known to drive a bear up a tree. 2. 2010 winner: Sadie the Scottish terrrier kicks back at home . As with many champions, the next stage for Sadie involved puppies., giving birth to five pups in March 2011. Since then, Sadie has become more of a homebody, living with handler Gabriel Rangel in Rialto, Calif. It's been reported that Sadie enjoys watching her favorite TV channel — Animal Planet, of course. She also relishes curling up in a dog bed with Rangel’s Chihuahua, Tad, and snacking on her favorite treat: hot dogs. 3. 2009 winner: Stump the Sussex spaniel spends time with friends. Sussex Spaniel Ch. Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee recently celebrated his thirteenth birthday. At age 10, he was the oldest dog to take the top title at Westminster — and he was the first of his breed to do so. Now he is enjoying a well-deserved retirement with handler Scott Sommer of Texas. In other words, this lucky dog does pretty much whatever he wants, which mainly means hanging out with pal J. R. (Ch. Special Times Just Right), the Bichon Frise who won Best in Show in 2001. 4. 2008 winner: Uno the beagle reflects on past glories. Uno had one of the busiest post-Westminster lives. Accompanied by Westminster announcer David Frei, Uno crisscrossed the country as an ambassador for his pet cause: canine therapy work. Since then, he has simply lived the life of a dog says co-owner Eddie Dziuk, chief operating officer of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. “He lives with his co-owner, Caroline Dowell, and he’s a full-time house dog,” says Dziuk. “He sleeps in her bed, and hangs out with other Beagles.” 5. 2007 winner: James the English springer spaniel focused on pet therapy. James was nearly seven years old when he won Best in Show, making him one of the oldest Springer Spaniels to take top honors at Westminster. After his win, he focused on a career in pet therapy with his owner, Teresa Patton, of Amissville, Va. The duo worked with Angel on a Leash and other pet therapy organizations, as well as raised nearly $15,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association by doing memory walks. “James had been doing pet therapy since he was seven months old, and he and I just picked up where he left off,” says Patton. He finished four rally titles and his first obedience title., but died last May, at age 11, from an aggressive form of lymphoma. His loss is still raw, says Patton, but his memory lives on in her garden, which is planted with purple and gold roses and sprinkled with his ashes. She will soon have a more tangible remembrance in the form of a litter due in March that was accomplished via a surgical implant. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will air February 13 and 14 on the USA Network and CNBC. I'll be watching. Thought for Today :)This is the 45th day of 2012 with 320 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 1:12 p.m., it's cloudy , temp 36ºF [Feels like 32ºF], winds SSW @ 5 mph, humidity 76%, pressure 29.9 in and falling, dew point 29ºF, chance of precipitation 60%. Today in History: 278--Valentine, a holy priest in Rome in the days of Emperor Claudius, was beheaded. 1778--the American ship Ranger carried the recently adopted Stars and Stripes to a foreign port for the first time as it arrived in France. 1779--Patriots defeated Loyalists at Kettle Creek, Ga. 1779--Capt. James Cook, the great English explorer and navigator, is murdered by natives of Hawaii during his3ird visit. 1859--Oregon was admitted to the Union as the 33rd state. 1862--Confederate Pres. Jefferson Davis signed a proclamation making Arizona a Confederate territory. 1864--Union Gen. Sherman entered Meridian, Miss. 1876--inventors Alexander Graham Bell and Elisha Gray applied separately for patents related to the telephone. (The U.S. Supreme Court eventually ruled Bell the rightful inventor.) 1886--the first trainload of oranges left Los Angeles. 1895--Oscar Wilde's final play, The Importance of Being Earnest, opened at the St. James's Theatre in London. 1903--the Department of Commerce and Labor was established and split into two in 1915. 1912--Arizona became the 48th state of the Union. 1919--Pres. Woodrow Wilson presents the draft of the covenant for the League of Nations 1920--the League of Women Voters was founded in Chicago; its first president was Maud Wood Park. 1929--the "St. Valentine's Day Massacre" took place in a Chicago garage as seven rivals of Al Capone's gang were gunned down. 1929--Sir Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered penicillin. 1943--German Gen. Rommel and his Afrika Korps launched an offensive against an Allied defensive line in Tunisia, North Africa in the battle of the Kasserine Pass. 1949--Israel's Knesset convened for the first time. 1962--first lady Jacqueline Kennedy conducted a televised tour of the White House. 1962--Pres. Kennedy authorized US advisors in Vietnam to fire in self-defense. 1979--Adolph Dubs, the U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, was kidnapped in Kabul by Muslim extremists and killed in a shootout. 1989--the Ayatollah Khomeini called on Muslims to kill Salman Rushdie, author of The Satanic Verses, a novel condemned as blasphemous. 1989--In Nicaragua, the Sandinistas agreed to free elections. 2000--a series of tornadoes moves through southern Georgia, wreaking havoc and killing 18 people. 2002--former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic justified his actions as a "struggle against terrorism" and said he was a victim of twisted facts and "terrible fabrication." 2007--ConAgra recalled all Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter made at a Georgia plant because of a salmonella outbreak. 2011--protesters took to the streets in Iran, Bahrain and Yemen, inspired by the popular uprising in Egypt that brought down Pres. Mubarak. World News Capsules: 1. Aiming at Asian competitors, China limits foreign TV. ....A new set of regulations seek to restrict comedies, dramas and movies from abroad, and ban all imported programs during prime time. a. Critics question record of monitor selected by Apple. ....The Fair Labor Association, the firm that Apple has hired to examine worker conditions at the plants of its suppliers, has been criticized by labor groups as ineffective. 2. French candidate assails plan for Greece. ....The Socialist candidate for the French presidency, François Hollande, criticized European policy on Greece, saying that mandatory austerity measures were too severe. 3. Athens shaken by riots aftr vote for austerity. ....Many buildings burned and stores were looted after the measures passed, and some politicians were expelled from their parties after they broke ranks on the austerity vote. 4. US to meet North Koreans for new talks. ....The meeting in Beijing will be the first since Kim Jong-un assumed power and will see whether negotiations can be resumed on ending the North’s nuclear program. 5. Portugal's debt efforts may be a warning for Greece. ....By the broadest measure of a country’s ability to repay its debts, Portugal is going deeper into the hole, because its economy is shrinking. 6. Russia radio shake-u- follows Putin criticism. .....The editor of a radio station known for criticizing the Kremlin stepped down from the station’s board after its government-controlled owners removed its only two independent members. a. On Russian TV, it isn't all about the strongman. ....In the prelude to March 4 elections in Russia, newscasts are enjoying unaccustomed freedoms as they mix loyal, often staged reports with coverage of the opposition. 7. Arab nations eye arming Syria rebels as civilians flee Assad's attacks. ....Syrian government forces attacked opponents of President Bashar al-Assad in cities and towns across the country on Tuesday and Arab officials confirmed that regional governments would be ready to arm the resistance if the bloodshed did not cease. 8. Bangkok blasts wound Iranian attacker, 4 others. ....An Iranian man carrying grenades blew off his own legs and wounded four civilians Tuesday after an earlier blast shook his house in Bangkok, Thai authorities said. a. Explosions in Bangkok add to suspicions about Iran. ....The explosions came a day after bombers attacked Israeli Embassy personnel in the capitals of India and Georgia. Israel accused Iran of being behind the attacks, which the Tehran government denied. US News Capsules: 1. No public memorial for Whitney Houston, family says. ....Singer Whitney Houston's family has decided against a public memorial for her at a New Jersey sports arena, and will hold an invitation-only service at the church where she first sang publicly, and where her mother, singer Cissy Houston, still attends. services. 2. Obama greets China VP with friendly words, firm stance. ....China’s vice president, Xi Jinping, began a visit to the United States on Tuesday that amounts to a get-to-know-you exercise for the man seen as China’s next leader. a. Backers of Iran sanctions make an appeal to China. ....A group of former national security advisers took the occasion of the Chinese vice president’s visit to the United States to make their case. 3. Let's move, the first lady said - and we have. ....In just two years, Michelle Obama's campaign against childhood obesity has prompted legislation and begun to change how food companies do business. 4. What happens when a 911 emergency call goes silent? ....Open-line calls in which no one speaks are perplexing to 911 dispatchers, as in a recent case in Texas in which the fatal shooting of a family was unfolding. 5. What's New? Exuberance for novelty has benefits. ....Novelty-seeking, a personality trait long associated with trouble, turns out to be one of the crucial predictors of emotional and physical well-being. 6. At Volcker rule deadline, a strong pushback from Wall St. ....Regulators in charge of writing the Volcker Rule, which would ban banks from trading with their own money, were inundated with complaints and suggestions from the financial industry. 7. Small-cap stocks surge ahead of the big names. ....The surge in small-cap stocks may indicate that investors' appetite for risk is growing. 8. Michigan militia defended as 'social club' at trial of seven. ....Members of the Hutaree amassed weapons only to defend themselves, not to plot a war against the government, a lawyer for one defendant said. 9. Answering for taking a driller's cash. ....The Sierra Club’s secret acceptance of $26 million in donations from Chesapeake Energy has drawn fierce criticism from some environmental groups on ties to corporations. 10. Rather than flirt with audience, Oscar producers play hard to get. ....The producers Brian Grazer and Don Mischer are keeping quiet about their plans for this year’s Academy Awards ceremony. POLITICS: 1. Romney, Santorum tied as splits emerge among voters. ....Support for the leading GOP presidential hopefuls appears to be dividing between genders and between white-collar and blue-collar workers, a new CNN/ORC International Poll shows. a. Here we go again: Santorum soars in new polls. ....So apparently all it took were wins in the non-binding caucuses of Colorado and Minnesota, as well as the beauty contest of Missouri, to catapult Rick Santorum into a virtual tie with Mitt Romney, according to THREE national polls. 2. California set to send many new faces to Washington. ....Between redistricting and a growing number of retirements, the face of California's 53-member Congressional delegation is set to get younger. 3. House Republicans yield on extending payroll tax cut. ....A surprise announcement called for separating a proposed extension from negotiations over jobless benefits and Medicare reimbursements. 4. Military cuts and tax plan are central to Obama budget. ....Pres. Obama's final budget request of his term amounts to his agenda for a desired second term, with tax increases on the affluent and cuts in spending to reduce deficits and pay for priorities like education. a. Republicans say President's proposed savings look bigger than they are. ....The indignation that greeted the budget seemed to be amplified by the presidential election, debt crises and the sheer size of the additional debt envisioned by the plan. b. Money urged for colleges to perform job training. ....Pres. Obama proposed an $8 billion program with the goal of training two million workers for well-paying jobs in high-demand industries. 5. Voter rolls are rife with inaccuracies, report finds. ....Registration in the US is decentralized, putting the burden on voters, and largely paper based, which makes errors more likely. Today's Headlines of Interest: Can a dalmatian win best in show tonight? More than 101 Dalmatians have tried to become America's most prized pooch and failed, but that could end tonight when a sprightly package of polka dots called Ian takes to the final ring at Madison Square Garden. He'll be joined by a wobblaing, crowd-pleasing Pekingese, a Germn shepherd named Capt. Crunch and a spirited wire-haired dachshund (last night's winners of the toy, herding and hound groups - Ian won the non-sporting group). Tonight the terrier, sporting and working group winners will be chosen. Then comes the Best in Show ring of 7 dogs. More than 2,000 entries in 185 breeds and varieties were at the 136th Westminster. Still to show early Tuesday: a wire fox terrier who won the National show and a standard poodle who took the Eukanuba event. There's also a black cocker spaniel who was the No. 1 show dog last year — he's named Beckham, maybe a good omen since a 12-story ad featuring soccer star David Beckham posing in his underwear is painted on a building that overlooks the Garden. Beckham the dog, by the way, beat out Malachy the Peke as the country's top-winning show dog in 2011. The xoloitzcuintli (shoh-loh-eets-KWEEN'-tlee), formerly known as the Mexican hairless, is among six new breeds at this year's show. "Pronounce it!" a couple of fans playfully called out when the name appeared on the scoreboard. Also there was a dog from Norway breed to catch puffins (until they became endangered) on the rocky mountains of Norway. He has 6 toes on each foot to help him get traction while climbing. So tune in at 8 p.m.to the USA Network to see who wins. I'll be watching every minute. Go Ian!! Santorum's stone-age view of women. Taken together with statements made in his 2005 book, It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good, his opposition to contraception (as well as to abortion, even in the case of rape) seems part and parcel of a deep hostility toward efforts to empower women and enhance their status. He has shown nothing but contempt for what his book called the "radical" feminist "pitch" that "men and women be given an equal opportunity to make it to the top in the workplace." So perhaps it's not surprising that at the time of publication he did not list his wife as a co-author or contributor, although when asked last week about this and other comments on working mothers, he now says his wife wrote that part of the book. The Santorums' apparent hostility to women's educational and professional advancement, as outlined in their book, is insulting and out of touch with today's world. But it is also odd in light of their purported interest in the welfare of children. It turns out that the most powerful single influence on a child's educational success is not the mother's marital status but her own level of education and her educational aspirations for her children, according to education researcher W. Norton Grubb. Educated parents find more time to spend with their children by reducing time dedicated to home-based activities that involve little interaction with children. They spend less time on sleep and personal grooming, less time doing housework, and less time watching television than their less educated counterparts, regardless of their employment status. Every family must make its own, sometimes difficult, decisions about what best fits their particular needs and preferences. We don't need politicians like Rick Santorum or, as he now somewhat unchivalrously claims, his wife -- making those decisions more painful by suggesting that women who choose to pursue careers are worse mothers than those who do not. Are Republican women listening to what this man says? And if they are, how can they possibley vote for him? Thought for Today Post by Flying Horse on Feb 15, 2012 16:06:23 GMT -5 Good afternoon from Tuxy :)This is the 46th day of 2012 with 319 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 4:02 p.m., it's cloudy , temp 37ºF [Feels like 37ºF], winds WNW @ 3 mph, humidity 65%, pressure 30.20 in and steady, dew point 26ºF, chance of precipitation 30%. Today in History: 1764--the city of St. Louis, Mo. was established by Pierre Laclede and Auguste Chouteau. 1776--Nova Scotia governor sends word of potential American invasion. 1812--American jeweler Charles Lewis Tiffany, the founder of Tiffany & Co., was born in Killingly, Conn. 1898--the U.S. battleship Maine mysteriously blew up in Havana Harbor, killing more than 260 crew members and bringing the US closer to war with Spain. 1903--the 1st teddy bear goes on sale. 1915--mutiny broke out among Indian soldiers in Singapore. 1933--Pres.-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt escaped an assassination attempt in Miami that mortally wounded Chicago Mayor Anton J. Cermak; gunman Giuseppe Zangara was executed more than four weeks later. 1942--the British colony Singapore surrendered to Japanese forces. 1952--a funeral was held at Windsor Castle for Britain's King George VI, who had died nine days earlier. 1953--Tenley Albright became the first American woman to win the world figure skating championship, held in Switzerland. 1961--73 people, including an 18-member US figure skating team en route to the World Championships in Czechoslovakia, were killed in the crash of a Sabena Airlines Boeing 707 in Belgium. 1965--Canada's new maple-leaf flag was unfurled in ceremonies in Ottawa. 1982--84 men were killed when a huge oil-drilling rig, the Ocean Ranger, sank off the coast of Newfoundland during a fierce storm. 1992--a Milwaukee jury found that Jeffrey Dahmer was sane when he killed and mutilated 15 men and boys. 1998--Dale Earnhardt finally wins the Daytona 500. 2002--Pres. Bush approved Nevada's Yucca Mountain as the site for long-term disposal of thousands of tons of highly radioactive nuclear waste. 2002--officials awarded Canadian pairs figure skaters Jamie Sale and David Pelletier a gold medal, while letting the Russian pair, Elena Berezhnaya and Anton Sikharulidze, keep their gold medal as a way to resolve a judging controversy that had dominated the Winter Games in Salt Lake City. 2007--National Guardsmen in Humvees ferried food, fuel and baby supplies to 100s of motorists stranded on Interstate 78 in eastern Pennsylvania because of a monster storm. 2011--protesters swarmed Wisconsin's capitol after Gov. Scott Walker proposed cutbacks in benefits and bargaining rights for public employees. World News Capsules: 1. NATO acknowledges bombing killed eight young Afghans. ....NATO officers described it as a “very sad event,” and vowed to try to help the isolated home village of the boys who were killed. 2. With edge, China's heir apparent is greeted in the US. ....China's vice pres., Xi Jinping, was met with blunt criticism from Vice Pres. Joseph R. Biden Jr., who declared that the US and China could cooperate "only if the game is fair." a. US to share cautionary tale of trade secret theft with Chinese official. ....China's next leader, Xi Jinping, will hear the case of an American company that saw 70% of its business evaporate after an employee was enticed to sell its technology to China. b. For China's vice president, afternoon tea and a return to Americana. ....Vice President Xi Jinping returned to Muscatine, Iowa, where 27 years ago he mingled with locals on an agricultural research trip. c. In China, an instant star and an emerging symbol. ....Jeremy Lin’s stunning success with the Knicks over the last week and a half has captured the imagination of China, from Communist Party bosses to the often-persecuted Christian minority. 3. Egyptian official vexes ruling generals and US by pressing investigation. ....Fayza Abul Naga, an Egyptian cabinet minister, is pressing the indictment of 16 Americans in a case that is shaking the American-Egyptian alliance. 4. 357 dead in Honduras prison fire, officials say. ....A massive fire swept through a prison in Honduras and killed close to 360 people, including many inmates trapped inside their cells, officials said. 5. Iran claims 2 major moves to nuclear self-sufficiency. ....Iran claimed that it has taken two major steps toward mastering the production of nuclear fuel, a defiant move in response to increasingly tough Western sanctions over its controversial nuclear program. a. US aircraft carrier has close encounter with Iranian patrol boat. ....An Iranian navy patrol boat came within two miles of the USS Abraham Lincoln, part of the Bahrain-based 5th Fleet, as it sailed through the strait with the destroyer Cape St. George and a guided missile cruiser. The U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet always has at least one supercarrier at sea accompanied by scores of jets and a fleet of frigates and destroyers. b. Iran issues threat to oil buyers in Europe. ....Besieged by sanctions over its nuclear program, Iran warned its six largest European buyers that they risked immediate cutoffs in their Iranian oil imports. 6. Israel says Iran's 'acts of terror' are clear. ....Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged nations to draw “red lines against Iranian aggression” following the arrest of Iranians in Bangkok and bombing attempts in India and Georgia. a. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu claims Iran destablizing the world. ....Security camera images show three men who Thai police suspect were involved in bomb blasts in Bangkok on Tuesday. b. From overseas visitors, a browing demand to study the HOlocaust. ....At Yad Vashem, Israel’s memorial and museum to the Holocaust, educators have found that lessons about individuals help illustrate the Holocaust’s universal lessons to non-Jewish visitors. 7. In Italy, facing the end of the lifetime job. ....When Prime Minister Mario Monti remarked that having a job for life in today’s economy was no longer feasible for young people, he laid bare one of the tenets of Italian society that is now at risk. a. Italy appeal seeks retrial of American in '07 killing. ....Italian prosecutors filed an appeal to the country’s Supreme Court four months after Amanda Knox’s 2009 murder conviction was overturned. 8. Mexico says supplier for top drug trafficker is caught. ....Jaime Herrera Herrera is accused of being a crucial link in the Sinaloa drug gang led by Joaquín Guzmán, Mexico’s most wanted man. 9. With cities under fire, Assad sets date for Syrian referendum. ....Pres. Assad set Feb. 26 for a vote on a new constitution as residents of some Syrian cities said life is ever more unbearable. US News Capsules: 1. [Westminster's new winner - Malachy a Pekingese. ....Malachy competed in the Best in Show group last year but lost to Hickory the Scottish Deerhound. But the Pekingese rose to the occasion this year, making him the first Pekingese to take the title since 1990. Malachy beat out more than 2,000 dogs from 185 breeds who were entered overall this year, including finalistss Ian the Dalmatian, Emily the Irish Setter, Cinders the Wirehaired Dachshund, Fifi the Doberman, Capi the German Shepherd, and Chelsey the Kerry Blue.. I was rooting for Ian or Chelsey. 2. Amid shortages, strict rules force hopitals to trash scarce drugs. ....Hospital pharmacists say they find themselves caught between following government regulations for storage and safety — or throwing away lifesaving medications. 3. 19 years and £1 Million Later, a Past Catches Up. ....Edward Maher, a suspect in a million-pound robbery in England in 1993, was arrested last week in a mostly rural corner of southwest Missouri. 4. Hip implants US rejected sold overseas. ....Johnson & Johnson recalled the hip device, and a similar one sold in the United States, in 2010 after data showed a disturbingly high failure rate. 5. $5 billion in grants offered to revisit teacher policies. ....The Obama administration’s proposed program would seek to bring together officials, union leaders and educators to address issues such as tenure and salaries. 6. Chess coach to leave Texas Tech with her team's best in tow. ....Susan Polgar and her institute are moving to Webster University in St. Louis because of funding issues, she said. The grandmaster’s top 10 players are also switching schools. 7. Yahoo faces stalled deal and fight over board. ....The developments raised questions about whether Yahoo would be able to reverse years of missteps and make itself relevant in an Internet landscape now dominated by Google and Facebook. 8. Kellogg to buy Procter & Gamble's Pringles group. ....Procter & Gamble has agreed to sell the chip brand for $2.695 billion to Kellogg, after its deal with Diamond Foods fell apart. POLITICS: 1. Tentative deal reached to preserve cut in payroll tax. ....Republicans and Democrats both claimed a measure of victory as the tax reduction was extended without spending cuts to pay for it. 2. Economic growth gives lift to Obama in NYT/CBS poll. ....Pres. Obama's approval rating reached the 50% mark, while Republican voters expressed a desire for more alternatives in their race. 3. Support is found for birth control coverage and gay unions. ....Majorities in the New York Times/CBS News poll backed an insurance requirement for religiously affiliated employers and legal status for same-sex unions. a. Obama shift on providing contraception splits critics. ....Leaders of several large Catholic organizations have welcomed the president’s plan on birth control coverage, but bishops have continued to voice strong objections. 4. Conservatives sowed idea of health care mandate, only to spurn it later. ....The requirement in Pres. Obama’s health care law that individuals buy insurance was first proposed by conservative economists and backed by Republicans, who now shun it. 5. Texas primary must be pushed back. ....A battle over redistricting spills over and affects the Republican presidential primary, which was scheduled for April 3rd. [ Post by Flying Horse on Feb 17, 2012 16:55:51 GMT -5 Good afternoon from Tuxy :)This is the 48th day of 2012 with 317 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 4:39 p.m., it's fair , temp 40ºF [Feels like 33ºF], winds W @ 12 mph, humidity 51%, pressure 29.96 in and rising, dew point 23ºF, chance of precipitation 30%. Today in History: 1782--the American-allied French navy begins a 14-month-long series of five battles with the British navy in the Indian Ocean. 1801--the U.S. House of Representatives broke an electoral tie between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr, electing Jefferson president; Burr became vice president. 1820--the US Senate passed the Missouri Compromise in an attempt to deal with the dangerously divisive issue of extending slavery into the western territories. 1864-- the Union ship USS Housatonic was rammed and sunk in Charleston Harbor, S.C., by the Confederate hand-cranked submarine HL Hunley, which also sank. 1865--Columbia, SC, burned as the Confederates evacuated and Union forces moved in. (It's not clear which side set the blaze.) 1874--Thomas J. Watson, Sr., the American industrialist who built I.B.M., was born; died 1956 at age 82. 1889--H. L. Hunt, oil tycoon, was born; died 1974 at ge 85. 1897--the forerunner of the National PTA, the National Congress of Mothers, convened its first meeting, in Washington. 1904--the original two-act version of Giacomo Puccini's opera Madama Butterfly was poorly received at its premiere at La Scala in Milan, Italy. 1916--in World War I, the German zepplin L-4 crashed into the North Sea. 1933--Newsweek was first published by Thomas J.C. Martyn under the title News-Week. 1942--Huey P. Newton, civil rights activist who co-founded the Black Panthers, was born; died 1989 at age 47. 1944--US troops landed on Eniwetok atoll in the Pacific. 1957--Andre Gromyko became the Soviet foreign minister. 1959--the US launched Vanguard 2, a satellite which carried meteorological equipment on board. 1964--the US Supreme Court, in Wesberry v. Sanders, ruled that congressional districts within each state had to be roughly equal in population. 1966--Gen. Maxwell Taylor testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Operation Rolling Thunder in Vietnam. 1972--Pres. Nixon departed the White House with his wife, Pat, on a historic trip to China, which he called "a journey for peace." 1972--the VW beetle overtook the Ford Model T as the world's all-time best-selling car. 1986--Johnson & Johnson announced it would no longer sell over-the-counter medications in capsule form, following the death of a woman who had taken a cyanide-laced Tylenol capsule. 1988--Lt. Col. William Higgins, a Marine Corps officer serving with a UN truce monitoring group, was kidnapped in southern Lebanon by Iranian-backed terrorists (he was later slain by his captors.) 1992--serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer was sentenced in Milwaukee to life in prison. 1993--approximately 900 people drown when a passenger ferry, the Neptune, overturned near Port-au-Prince, Haiti. 1996--Garry Kasparov defeated Deep Blue, IBM's chess-playing computer, winning a six-game match. 2002-- the new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) took over supervision of aviation security from the airline industry and the Federal Aviation Administration. 2007--Senate Republicans foiled a Democratic bid to repudiate Pres. Bush's deployment of 21,500 additional combat troops to Iraq. 2007--at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Marine Lance Cpl. Robert B. Pennington was sentenced to 8 years in military prison for his role in the kidnapping and killing of an Iraqi civilian. 2009--Pres. Obama signed a $757 billion economic stimulus package into law. 2011--a group of Democratic Wisconsin lawmakers blocked passage of a sweeping anti-union bill, refusing to show up for a vote and then abruptly leaving the state in an effort to force Republicans to the negotiating table. World News Capsules: 1. After scuffle in Afghan embassy, a spotlight on connections. ....An office argument in Washington ended with a staff member — the son of Afghanistan’s attorney general — punching another, but so far there has been no reprimand, an official said. 2. Scandal may topple party official in China. ....Bo Xilai, a Communist Party official in Chongqing, may suffer fallout from a corruption inquiry into his top law enforcement official, with implications for the installation of the next generation of leaders. 3. Dutch Prince Friso in hospital after being buried in Austria ski avalanche. ....An avalanche buried and seriously injured Prince Friso, the 2nd son of Dutch Queen Beatrix, while he skied in Austria and he was rushed to the intensive care unit of an Innsbruck hospital. 4. Egyptian party threatens to review treaty with Israel. ....The Muslim Brotherhood said it would review the 1979 peace treaty with Israel if the US cuts off Egypt’s aid over a crackdown on nonprofit groups. 5. German president resigns in 'favors' scandal. ....Germany’s president announced his resignation on Friday after prosecutors asked Parliament to strip him of his immunity from prosecution over suspected improper ties to businessmen. a. Germany vs. the rest of Europe. ....The German economy is faring well during a downturn, and resentment is rising among other euro zone countries. 6. Murdoch offers reassurances to Sun Newsroom. ....Rupert Murdoch visited the London headquarters of his British newspaper arm, News International, where reporters and editors at the Sun were in a state of ferment against him. 7. Cries for justice amid the tears in Honduras. ....Among the inmates locked inside Comayagua national prison, where a fire killed at least 350 people, fewer than half had been convicted of a crime. 8. Bank telecommunications group moves closer to expulsion of Iran. ....The network known by its acronym Swift said it was prepared to expel Iranian banks, in what could amount to a potentially crippling sanction of the Iranian banking system. 9. Inquiry widens on suspected Iranian plot on Israel. ....The criminal inquiry into a suspected Iranian plot targeting Israelis overseas with magnetized bombs expanded on Thursday, with police in Thailand and investigators in India getting involved.. 10. Brother, can you spare $5 trillion? ....Italy arrested eight people on charges related to the seizure of $6 trillion in fake US Treasury bonds, in a scam that stretched from Hong Kong to Switzerland. 11. Meeting in Pakistan reveals tensions over Afghan peace talks. ....The leaders of Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan met in Islamabad to begin two days of talks with Taliban peace negotiations leading the agenda. Hina Rabbani Khar, Pakistan’s foreign minister, described as “preposterous” Afghan demands that her country deliver the insurgent leadership to the negotiating table. 12. US sends drones into skies over Syria, offcials say. ...."A good number" are monitoring the attacks against opposition forces and innocent civilians alike, U.S. officials say 13.Vatican is shaken by leaks. ....The Vatican has become embroiled in an embarrassing scandal that has drawn back the curtains on the Church’s inner workings/ US News Capsules: 1. Mountain man breaks into remote cabins, lives in luxury. ....He's eluded authorities for more than five years, a mountain man who roams the wilderness of southern Utah, breaking into remote cabins in winter, living in luxury off hot food, alcohol and coffee before stealing provisions and vanishing into the woods. In this undated photo provided by the Iron County Sheriff's Office in January, a man is seen walking past a cabin in the remote southern Utah wilderness near Zion National Park. Authorities believe the man in the photo, captured by a motion-triggered surveillance camera sometime in December, is a suspect responsible for more than two dozen cabin burglaries over the past five years. 2. Hospitals sramble for scarce kdis cancer drug. ....Ben Venue Laboratories, an Ohio drugmaker, began releasing limited supplies of a crucial medication to treat childhood leukemia Thursday, sending hospital pharmacists facing life-threatening shortages scrambling for their share. a. FDA still wary of diet pill's side effects. ....The Food and Drug Administration said it was worried about possible heart problems and birth defects with Qnexa, a weight-loss drug. 3. Man planning to bomb US Capitol arrested in sting operation. Post by Flying Horse on Feb 18, 2012 14:40:43 GMT -5 Good afternoon from Tuxy :)This is the 49th day of 2012 with 316 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 12:10 p.m., it's cloudy , temp 32ºF [Feels like 26ºF], winds S @ 6 mph, humidity 80%, pressure 29.90 in and falling, dew point 27ºF, chance of precipitation 60%. Today in History: 1516--Mary Tudor, future Mary I of England, was born to King Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. 1546--Martin Luther, leader of the Protestant Reformation, died in Eiselben, Germany. 1564--the artist Michelangelo died in Rome 1848--Louis Comfort Tiffany, a craftsman and designer who made significant advancements in the art of glassmaking, was born; died 1933 at age 85 1861--Jefferson Davis was sworn in as president of the Confederate States of America in Montgomery, Ala. 1885--The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain was published. 1930--photographic evidence of Pluto was discovered by Clyde W. Tombaugh at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Ariz. 1931--Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison was born. 1970--five of the Chicago Seven were found guilty of intent to incite a riot at the 1968 Democratic national convention. (The convictions were later overturned.) 1972--the California Supreme Court struck down the state's death penalty. 1977--the space shuttle Enterprise, sitting atop a Boeing 747, went on its maiden flight above the Mojave Desert. 1984--Italy and the Vatican signed an accord under which Roman Catholicism ceased to be the state religion of Italy. 2001--NAXCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Sr., 49, died from injuries suffered in a crash at the Daytona 500. 2001--FBI agent Robert Hanssen was arrested, accused of spying for Russia for more than 15 years. (Hanssen pleaded guilty and is serving life in prison without parole.) 2002--Andrea Yates went on trial in Houston, charged with two counts of capital murder for the drownings of three of her five children, ages 6 months to 7 years. 2006--American Shani Davis won the men's 1,000-meter speedskating in Turin, becoming the first black athlete to win an individual gold medal in Winter Olympic history. 2006--a Hamas-dominated Palestinian parliament was sworn in in Gaza. 2007--twin car bombs blew up in a mostly Shiite area of Baghdad, killed at least 62 people. 2007--a pair of bombs on a train headed from India to Pakistan killed 68 people. 2010--software engineer A. Joseph Stack III crashed his single-engine plane into a building containing IRS offices in Austin, Texas, killing one person besides himself. 2011--the US vetoed a U.N. resolution that would have condemned Israeli settlements as illegal and called for a halt in all settlement building; the 14 other Security Council members voted in favor of the measure. World News Capsules: 1. China detains Tibetans after trip to India, rights group says. ....Several hundred Tibetans who had attended teaching sessions overseen by the Dalai Lama were being forced to undergo political re-education, Human Rights Watch said. a. China's leader in waiting heads home after a little Laker magic. ....Vice Pres. Xi Jinping gets a jersey with his name on it and leaves declaring his visit 'fully successful'. b. Chinee labor, cheap no more. ....The low-cost labor that has made China's factories nearly unbeatable is not so cheap anymore. 2. Murdoch visits downcast tabloid, with other son in tow. ....Rupert Murdoch visited The Sun with his son Lachlan in a signal that James, the heir apparent until the phone hacking scandal last summer, may have ceded his place. a. Murdoch to launch new Sun on Sunday paper amid crisis. ....Media magnate Rupert Murdoch seeks to rein in a crisis over alleged misconduct at the embattled Sun newspaper, part of his huge News Corp. empire, telling staffers at The Sun (Britain's best-selling paper) that the company will launch a Sunday edition. 3. Negotiations with Iran over nuclear rogram may resume. ....An offer by Iran for talks came as a telecommunications network vital to the global banking industry prepared to expel Iranian banks. 4. Report: Kim Jong II's eldest son falls on hard times. ....Kim Jong Nam, 41, the wayward eldest son of former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, has been kicked out of his luxury lodgings in the gambling mecca of Macau after failing to pay $15,000 in arrears, according to a report. 5. Meeting in Pakistan reveals tensions over Afghan talks. ....Hina Rabbani Khar, Pakistan’s foreign minister, described as “preposterous” Afghan demands that her country deliver the insurgent leadership to the negotiating table. 6. Palestinian's trial shines light on military justice. (Islam Dar Ayyoub was taken from his home, then pressed to inform on his relatives, neighbors and friends. His brother Omar, in the picture above, is in prison) ....As a grass-roots leader goes on trial, having been incriminated by a teenager, questions are being raised about the legal system Palestinians are placed into. 7. Police raid Moscow bank owned by Putin critic. ....Federal agents conducted a search of the National Reserve Bank owned by Aleksandr Y. Lebedev, a billionaire tycoon who owns a newspaper critical of the Kremlin. 8. Despite safety worries, work on deadly flue to be released in Switzerland. ....Most of a group of experts meeting in Geneva felt any risk of a modified bird flu virus's use by terrorists was outweighed by the "real and present danger" of similar viruses in the wild. 9. Syrian forces fire on vast crowd of mourners near Assad's palace. ....Crowd of up to 30,000 people began protesting at funeral of three young people killed by Assad loyalist troops. a. Momentum builds for Syria action ahea of Tunis conference. ....Backers of an Arab League peace plan said Friday that they were seeking new ways to aid opponents of President Bashar al-Assad and to ensure next week’s conference puts additional pressure on him. b. Times correspondent Anthony Shadid's death puts focus on difficulties of covering a secretive Syria. ....The uprising in Syria has become, for journalists, one of the most difficult assignments in many years, with reporters sneaking in to bear witness at great personal risk. 10. Islamists' ideas on democracy and faith face test in Tunisia. ....In an article he wrote before his death from asthma on Thursday, Mr. Shadid examined how a party shaped by repression hopes to act as a regional model after being voted into power in Tunisia. 11. Pope makes NY's Timothy Dolan a cardinal. ....Pope Benedict, putting his mark on the Catholic Church's future, on Saturday inducted 22 men — including New York's Archbishop Timothy Dolan — into the exclusive club of cardinals who will one day elect one of their own to succeed him, a. Vatican's celebratory mood is dampened by leaks. ....Letters have exposed the church’s inner workings in a scandal seen as stemming from a power struggle. 12. Music meets Chavez politics, and critics frown. ....Pres. Hugo Chávez’s embrace of the musical education program El Sistema has angered some of its supporters and provoked rare criticism of two of Venezuela’s most celebrated figures. US News Capsules: Post by Flying Horse on Feb 19, 2012 18:54:05 GMT -5 Good evening from Tuxy This is the 50th day of 2012 with 315 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 6:49 p.m., it's cloudy , temp 28ºF [Feels like 21ºF], winds NNW @ 7 mph, humidity 69%, pressure 30.05 in and steady, dew point 21ºF, chance of precipitation 10%. Today in History: 1473--the astronomer Copernicus was born in Torun, Poland.; died 1543 at age 70. 1777--the Continental Congress overlooked Benedict Arnold for promotion. 1803--Congress voted to accept Ohio's borders and constitution. 1807--former vice president Aaron Burr was arrested for treason. 1846--the Texas state government was formally installed in Austin, with J. Pinckney Henderson taking the oath of office as governor. 1847--the first rescuers reached surviving members of the Donner Party, emigrants stranded by snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on their way to California. 1878--Thomas Edison received a patent for "an improvement in phonograph or speaking machines." 1881--Kansas became the first state to prohibit all alcoholic beverages. 1884--37 tornadoes swept across the Southeast US, killing 167 people and injured another 1,000. 1912--Stan Kenton, the American bandleader who was an innovator in the progressive jazz style of the 1950's, was born; died 1979 at age 67. 1915--British and French battleships launch a massive attack on Turkish positions at the entrance to the Dardanelles, 1940--R&B singer, songwriter Smokey Robinson was born. 1942--Pres. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which authorized the U.S. military to exclude people from designated areas. (The order was used to relocate and intern American residents of Japanese ancestry, a majority of whom were native-born U.S. citizens.) 1942--Japanese warplanes raided the Australian city of Darwin; at least 243 people were killed. 1945--some 30,000 US Marines landed on the Western Pacific island of Iwo Jima and began a month-long battle to seize control of the island from Japanese forces. 1959--an agreement was signed by Britain, Turkey and Greece granting Cyprus its independence. 1960--Prince Andrew, 2nd son of Queen Elizabeth II, turns 52. 1976--calling the issuing of Executive Order 9066 "a sad day in American history," Presi. Ford issued a proclamation confirming that the order had been terminated with the formal cessation of hostilities of World War II. 1983--13 people were found shot to death at a gambling club in Seattle's Chinatown in what became known as the Wah Mee Massacre. 1984-- Cale Yarborough wins his fourth Daytona 500. 1992--Irish Republican Army member Joseph Doherty was deported from the US to Northern Ireland following a ten-year battle for political asylum. (Doherty was imprisoned for killing a British army commando in 1980; he was freed in 1998 under the Good Friday Agreement.) 1997--Deng Xiaoping, the last of China's major Communist revolutionaries, died in Beijing at age 92. 2002--NASA's Mars Odyssey spacecraft began mapping the Red Planet. 2004--former Enron Corp. CEO Jeffrey Skilling was charged with fraud, insider trading and other crimes in connection with the energy trader's collapse. 2007--New Jersey became the third state to offer civil unions to gay couples. 2008--an ailing Fidel Castro resigned the Cuban presidency after nearly a half-century in power. 2010--golfer Tiger Woods admitted infidelity and acknowledged receiving therapy. 2010--the FBI concluded that Army scientist Bruce Ivins acted alone in the 2001 anthrax mailings that killed five people, and formally closed the case. 2011--security forces in Libya and Yemen fired on pro-democracy demonstrators as the two hard-line regimes struck back against the wave of protests. 2011--the world's dominant economies struck a watered-down deal on how to smooth out trade and currency imbalances blamed for a global financial crisis. World News Capsules: 1. In struggle with Taliban, on guard for Charlatans. ....A so-called senator may have been a spy, and an Afghan hailed as a defector has raised suspicions that he is faking. 2. In race to run Hong Kong, scandal taints Beijing's choice. ....The candidate who is favored by Beijing to take Hong Kong’s top government position is facing increased pressure to end his campaign because of a series of missteps. a. An ambivalent China affirms the charisma of the Dalai Lama . ....China’s efforts to turn the Dalai Lama’s hometown into a tourist attraction highlight the contradictory attitude toward Tibet’s spiritual leader, whom the government has derided as a separatist. b. Foxconn plans to lift pay sharply at factories in China. ....One of the biggest suppliers for Apple, Dell, Hewlett-Packard and other electronics companies said salaries for many workers would immediately jump by 16 to 25%. b. China takes new step to prime its slowng economy. ....The People's Bank of China lowered the amount of capital banks must keep in reserve in a move to buoy economic growth. 3. Trial of Americans in Egypt shakes ties between the nations. ....A politically charged inquiry into foreign funding of nonprofit groups has plunged relations between Egypt and the US to the lowest point in three decades. 4. As old Francs expire, France makes a small mint. ....The French treasury banked some 550 million euros for doing nothing — simply letting the French franc, created in 1360, finally perish in exchange for the euro. 5. Court in Iran starts trial in bank fraud. ....The trial of 32 defendants in a $2.6 billion bank fraud case, described as the biggest financial swindle in the country’s history, has begun. 6. Car bomber kills 13 in attack on Baghdad police. ....A suicide car bomber struck at the gates of Baghdad’s police academy, leaving 15 dead and 21 wounded. 7. Emperor Akihito of Jpan is stable after bypass surgery. ....The emperor, 78, was expected to leave the hospital within two weeks. 8. Latvians reject Russian as 2nd language. ....The vote defeated a constitutional referendum that underscored ethnic and political tensions that remain. 9. South Africans suffer as graft saps provinces. 4img]http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2012/02/19/world/SOUTHAFRICA/SOUTHAFRICA-sfSpan.jpg[/img] ....Officials in Limpopo Province overspent their budget by about $250 million, much of it on questionable or fraudulent payments and contracts with businesses linked to the province's politicians. 10. Syria rebels plan Damascus 'day of defiance.' ....Police and militia patrols fanned out in the Merze district of Damascus to try to prevent protests that have threatened President Assad's grip on the capital. a. frustrated protesters fill the streets in Syria's capital. ....Hundreds of people braved scattered gunfire in the biggest such march near the heart of Damascus since the country's uprising started 11 months ago. b. For Syria, reliant on Russia for weapons and food, old bonds run deep. ....The Kremlin, seemingly undeterred by an international outcry, has worked frantically to preserve its relationship with the government of Pres. Assad. US News Capsules: 1. Bonds baked by mortgages regain allure. ....Spurred by predictions of profits even in the worst forecasts, big-money investors are returning to the same complex loan pools that nearly washed away the financial system. 2. 60 lives, 30 kidneys, all linked. ....A record chain of kidney transplants resulted from mix of medical need, pay-it-forward selflessness and lockstep coordination among 17 hospitals over four months. A Good Samaritan kidney donation by a California man began a progression of kidney retrievals and transplants, as 30 donors gave their organs to 30 strangers on behalf of their loved ones. a. Lack of unified systemp hampers kidney transplant efforts. ....More than a decade after the first organ swap in the US, the transplant world remains disjointed, as competing private registries operate with little government regulation. 3. 2 senators suggest helping Syrian rebels. ....Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham laid out proposals that would put the US squarely behind the movement to topple Pres. Bashar al-Assad. 4. For space mess, scientists seek celestial broom. ....A group has warned that extraterrestrial clutter has reached a point where, if nothing was done, a cascade of collisions would eventually make low-Earth orbit unusable. 5. Justices sit on highest court, but still live without top security. ....With many American officials blanketed by protection, Supreme Court justices are the unfettered, mostly unrecognized exceptions. 6. Budget woes prompt erosion of public jobs, with a heavy toll in Silicon Valley. ....San Jose, Calif., a growing city in the heart of Silicon Valley has had to lay off about a fifth of city employees and reduce services sharply. 7. The warmth of winter is casting a chill on ice fishing. ....The weather is causing officials in Lake Minnetonka, Minn. and other spots nationwide to cancel programs and impose bans on ice fishing. 8. When a county runs off the cliff. ....For all the talk in Washington about taxes and deficits, Jefferson County, Ala., is a place where government finances, and government itself, have simply broken down. 9. Data collection arms race feeds privacy fears. ....Latest lapses have prompted criticism from privacy advocates and lawmakers, along with apologies from the companies POLITICS: 1. Santorum questions education system; criticizes Obama. ....His candidacy surging, Rick Santorum said government-run schools were “anachronistic” and waded into what he called the “phony theology” of Pres. Obama’s environmental agenda. 2. Romney Arizona co-chair resigns amid allegation. ....Paul Babeu stepped down as a co-chairman of Mitt Romney’s Arizona campaign after allegations that he threatened to deport a former boyfriend. Today's Headlines of Interest: Not on Sunday Thought for Today This is the 52nd day of 2012 with 313 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 12:17 p.m., it's fair , temp 30ºF [Feels like 22ºF], winds SSW @ 8 mph, humidity 51%, pressure 30.07 in and falling, dew point 17ºF, chance of precipitation 70%. Today in History: 1828--the Cherokee received their 1st printing press. 1848--former Pres. John Quincy Adams suffered a stroke on the floor of the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. (He died two days later.) 1848--Karl Marx published his Communist Manifesto in London. 1862--the North and South clashed at the Battle of Valverde near Fort Craig in New Mexico Territory, the 1st major engagement in the Far West. 1862--Nathaniel Gordon, captured at sea with nearly 900 Africans aboard his ship, the Erie, became the first and only American slave-trader to be executed under the U.S. Piracy Law of 1820 as he was hanged in New York. 1878--the 1st telephone directory was issued, by the District Telephone Co. of New Haven, Conn. 1885--the Washington Monument was dedicated. 1893--Andres Segovia, the Spanish musician who established the guitar as an important concert instrument, was born; died 1987 at age 94. 1912--the Great 5th Ward Fire broke out in Houston, Texas with over $3 million in loses, but no lives. 1916--the Battle of Verdun began in France as German forces attacked (the French were able to prevail after 10 months of fighting.) 1925--the New Yorker magazine made its debut. 1926--glamorous, husky-voiced Swedish actress, Greta Garbo's first American film, The Torrent opened. 1944--Hideki Tojo, prime minister of Japan, took over as army chief of staff, giving him direct control of the military. 1945--during the battle of Iwo Jima, the escort carrier USS Bismarck Sea was sunk by kamikazes with the loss of 318 men. 1947--Edwin H. Land publicly demonstrated his Polaroid Land camera, which could produce a black-and-white photograph in 60 seconds. 1948--the National Association for Stock Car Racing (NASCAR) wais officially incorporated, becoming one of America's most popular spectator sports, as well as a multi-billion-dollar industry. 1965--Malcolm X, 39, African American nationalist and religious leader, was assassinated by member of the Nation of Islam as he was about to addresshis Orangization of Afro-American Unity in New York City's Audubon Ballroom in Wasington Heights. 1970--Kissinger began secret negotiations wth North Vietnam. 1972--Pres. Nixon began his historic visit to China. 1973--Israeli fighter planes shot down Libyan Airlines Flight 114 over the Sinai Desert, killing all but five of the 113 on board. 1986--Larry Wu-tai Chin, the first American found guilty of spying for China, killed himself in his Virginia jail cell. 1988--TV evangelist Jimmy Swaggart tearfully confessed to his congregation in Baton Rouge, La., that he was guilty of an unspecified sin, and said he was leaving the pulpit temporarily. (Reports linked Swaggart to a prostitute.) 1989--Pres. Bush called Ayatollah Khomeini's death warrant against Satanic Verses author Salman Rushdie "deeply offensive to the norms of civilized behavior.") 1995--Chicago stockbroker Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean in a balloon, landing in Canada. 2002--the State Department declared that Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl was dead, a month after he'd been abducted by Islamic extremists in Pakistan. 2007--Prime Minister Tony Blair announced Britain would withdraw around 1,600 troops from Iraq; Denmark said it would withdraw its 460 troops. 2011--deep cracks opened in Moammar kadhafi's regime, with Libyan government officials at home and abroad resigning, air force pilots defecting and a major government building ablaze after clashes in the capital of Tripoli. 2011--Yemen's embattled leader, Pres. Ali Abdullah Saleh, rejected demands that he step down. World News Capsules: 1, Afghans rage as NATO apologizes for Koran burning. ....Afghan demonstrators used slingshots and fired guns in the air while U.S. helicopters responded with flares, after thousands of angry people gathered to protest the alleged burning of copies of the Quran at the main U.S. military base in Afghanistan. The NATO commander in Afghanistan issued a fervent apology on Tuesday for foreign troops having “improperly disposed” of Korans and Islamic materials. 2. Dossier details Egypt's case against Democracy groups. ....The Egyptian prosecution’s summary of the case against at least 16 Americans and others from five democracy and human rights groups focuses largely on the testimony of their accusers. 3. Strauss-Kahn held over alleged prostitution links. ....Former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn was taken in for questioning by police investigating an alleged prostitution ring run out of the northern French city of Lille, Strauss-Kahn can be held for up to 48 hours and may then be placed under formal investigation for benefiting from misappropriated company funds. Investigators are trying to find out whether French executives used corporate expense accounts to fund sex parties with prostitutes. 4. Deal done: Europe seals $170 million Greek bailout to avoid chaotic default. ....After months of tough negotiating, Europe and the International Monetary Fund sealed a deal to hand Greece €130 billion ($170 billion) in additional bailout loans to save it from a default that threatened the viability of the euro, undermining global economic confidence. a. In latest Greek bailout, warning signs for Erope. ....Greece's €130 billion bailout highlights the weaknesses in Europe's response to the sovereign debt crisis, problems that could flare up and undermine recovery efforts in countries like Italy, Spain, Ireland and Portugal. 5. Iran warns US as Syria intensifies crackdown. ....Two Iranian warships docked in a Syrian port as a senior Iranian lawmaker denounced American calls for arming the opposition. a. Iranian ships reported to leave Syria. ....Two Iranian warships that docked in a Syrian port were reported to have left, with their cargo and mission still unclear. 6. US in accord with Mexico on drilling. ....The accord along the maritime border in the Gulf of Mexico would potentially open more than a million acres to deepwater drilling 7. Poland leads wave of Communist-Era reckoning. ....After decades of resisting, Poland and many of its neighbors in Central and Eastern Europe have decided the time is right to deal with their Communist past. 8. For Russia, a new kind of presidential candidate; a billionaire ....Mikhail D. Prokhorov, a fresh face in Russian politics, must overcome suspicions about the rich and a powerful opponent, Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin. 9. Saudi Arabia names ambassador to Iraq. ....Saudi Arabia has moved to repair a long-fractured relationship, naming its first envoy to Iraq in more than two decades, Iraq’s foreign minister said. 10. Spike in rhino poaching threaens survival of species. ....In South Africa, home to three quarters of the last remaining rhinos on the planet, conservationists, private game reserve owners and security forces are waging a desperate battle against poachers intent on killing the country’s rhinos for their lucrative horns. “It is an epidemic. It’s a war that right now we’re losing,” Graeme Rushmere said. “It’s not a South African issue as such, it’s really a global issue.” 11. Yemen's President cedes authority with election, but hopes to retain influence. (A woman shows her ink-stained finger after voting) ....Ali Abdullah Saleh signaled his hope to retain some degree of influence on his country's affairs a day before an election in which his vice president is the only candidate on the ballot. a. Yemen votes to formally remove president. ....Yemenis voted on Tuesday to remove Pres. Saleh in a rare move for an Arab state where popular dissent unseated a dictator. US News Capsules: 1. EEK! "Scream" expected to fetch $80 million at Sotheby's auction. ....Version is just one of four known and the last to be held privately and will be auctioned off in New York on May 2nd. 2. Race-based admissions? Supreme Court to hear Texas case. ....The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas, A federal appeals court upheld the Texas program at issue. 3. 4.0 earthquake in Missouri shakes 9 states. ....USGS geophysicist says he's heard reports of cracks in sidewalks and walls, some broken windows, and minor household damage. 4. Catolic hospitals expand, religious strings attached. ....Some financially strong Catholic-sponsored medical centers are joining with smaller secular hospitals, in some cases limiting access to treatments like contraception and abortion. 5. HIgher crime, fewer charges on Indian land. ....Violent crimes on Indian reservations, which occur at a higher-than-average rate, are prosecuted at a disproportionately low rate in federal court, new Justice Department data show. 6. Ultrasound abortion bill nears vote in Virginia. ....The controversial bill requiring a woman to get an ultrasound before having an abortion is poised to pass the legislature this week. 7. Settlement talks pick up ahead of BP oil spill trial. ....BP and other defendants are stepping up negotiations in an effort to avoid potential liabilities that some experts have estimated at $40 billion. 8. . ....The deaths of four people in avalanches Sunday are the latest examples of what can happen when backcountry skiing meets high-country snow. 9. New guidelines planned on school vending machines. ....The Obama administration, in a continuation of its efforts to curb childhood obesity, plans to set nationwide guidelines to promote healthy choices in schools. 10. A slow stroll to the Supreme Court. ....An appeals court decision striking down California’s ban on same-sex marriage has scrambled the legal strategies on both sides, especially about whether to seek Supreme Court review. 11. Workouts may not be the best time for a snack. ....There is no end to the crazy foods people will eat at endurance events, but do they actually raise performance? 12. Aging of eyes is blamed for range of health woes. ....New research supports a largely unrecognized culprit in circadian rhythm disturbances: the gradual yellowing of the lens and the narrowing of the pupil that come with age. THE ARTS: 1. A musician or a Poet? Yes to both. ....Kevin Gordon, a singer-songwriter from the wilds of East Nashville who has a master’s in poetry, just released “Gloryland,” his first album since 2005. 2. Berkeley's artwork loss is a museum's gain. ....A huge carved relief by the African-American sculptor Sargent Johnson, misplaced by the University of California, has become a prized item in the Huntington Library’s collection. 3. In reality and film, a battle for schools. ....As new “parent-trigger” laws seem poised to allow parents to take over failing schools, they’re already the stuff of Hollywood drama. POLITICS: 1. Coming up: The most important 7 days of Romney's political life. ....With the Michigan and Arizona primaries looming — and fundraising slowing down — the ex-Massachusetts governor faces a crossroads in his campaign. 2. Michigan voters: Santorum connects better than Romney. ....Santorum's growing connection with Michigan conservatives risks embarrassing Romney in his home state. Romney was counting on a strong finish in Michigan's presidential primary on Feb. 28 to carry him into the big, multistate round of voting a week later on Super Tuesday. 3. GOP campaigns grow more dependent on 'Super PAC' aid. ....Intense campaigning in the early-nominating states has left the leading Republican presidential candidates increasingly reliant on millions spent on their behalf by outside groups. 4. Rev. Graham: Obama seen as 'son of Islam.' ....Rev. Franklin Graham, the son of evangelist Billy Graham and a prominent evangelical leader in his own right, waded into contentious waters when asked for his views on the religious beliefs of Pres. Obama and the GOP hopefuls. Graham said he couldn't say for certain the Obama is a Christian. he couldn't "categorically" say Obama wasn't a Muslim, in part, because Islam has gotten a "free pass" under Obama. Graham also said the Muslim world sees Obama as a "son of Islam," because the president's father and grandfather were Muslim. Obama has said again and again that he is a Christian, both as a presidential candidate and as president. Today's Headlines of Interest: Santorum defends 'theology' remark, Hitler inference; blames media. Facing newfound scrutiny as a frontrunner in the Republican presidential race, Rick Santorum today fired back at national media who he says have given undue attention to comments he made this weekend questioning the president's theology. He also defended comments about World War Two that some saw as linking Hitler and President Obama. Santorum told a Tea Party crowd, "It's not about you. It's not about you. It's not about your quality of life. It's not about your job. It's about some phony ideal, some phony theology. Oh, not a theology based on the Bible, a different theology, but no less a theology. " But in front of a crowd of more than 500 people here on Monday, he said the comments were not meant to question the president's religious beliefs, rather a critique of what he called the "extreme" environmental regulations of the Obama administration. "I referred to it the other day,” he said, “and I got criticized by some of our less than erudite members of the national press corps. You may want to call it a theology; you may want to call it secular values,” Santorum said. “Whatever you want to call it, it’s a different moral values. And the president of the United States is exercising his values and trumping the values of the church.” Today, Santorum did not use the word "theology," instead attacking the president's "ideology." He was also asked about comments made last night in Georgia that compared America now to Europe during World War Two. Santorum defended the comments today. "It’s a World War Two metaphor,” Santorum said. “It's one I've used 100 times." In response to whether he meant to compare the president to Hitler, Santorum said, "No, of course not." Those comments were not the only ones from the weekend that the former Pennsylvania senator found himself explaining. In front of the Ohio Christian Alliance, he said the 2010 health-care bill signed by the president encourages aborting children with disabilities by requiring prenatal testing that can detect if a child will not be born healthy. It is an assertion he did not back down from. "I was criticized for making the comment about prenatal testing when it came to amniocentesis,” he said. “Amniocenteses are done by-in-large later in pregnancy whether the child in the womb has a disability.” And he claimed, “ s we all know, 90% of Down Syndrome children in this country are aborted once the mother and father find out that that child is going to be less than what they wanted it to be.” This is the 52nd day of 2012 with 313 days left in the year. Today in NY's Finger Lakes at 12:17 p.m., it's fair , temp 30ºF [Feels like 22ºF], winds SSW @ 8 mph, humidity 51%, pressure 30.07 in and falling, dew point 17ºF, chance of precipitation 70%. Today in History: 1828--the Cherokee received their 1st printing press. 1848--former Pres. John Quincy Adams suffered a stroke on the floor of the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. (He died two days later.) 1848--Karl Marx published his Communist Manifesto in London. 1862--the North and South clashed at the Battle of Valverde near Fort Craig in New Mexico Territory, the 1st major engagement in the Far West. 1862--Nathaniel Gordon, captured at sea with nearly 900 Africans aboard his ship, the Erie, became the first and only American slave-trader to be executed under the U.S. Piracy Law of 1820 as he was hanged in New York. 1878--the 1st telephone directory was issued, by the District Telephone Co. of New Haven, Conn. 1885--the Washington Monument was dedicated. 1893--Andres Segovia, the Spanish musician who established the guitar as an important concert instrument, was born; died 1987 at age 94. 1912--the Great 5th Ward Fire broke out in Houston, Texas with over $3 million in loses, but no lives. 1916--the Battle of Verdun began in France as German forces attacked (the French were able to prevail after 10 months of fighting.) 1925--the New Yorker magazine made its debut. 1926--glamorous, husky-voiced Swedish actress, Greta Garbo's first American film, The Torrent opened. 1944--Hideki Tojo, prime minister of Japan, took over as army chief of staff, giving him direct control of the military. 1945--during the battle of Iwo Jima, the escort carrier USS Bismarck Sea was sunk by kamikazes with the loss of 318 men. 1947--Edwin H. Land publicly demonstrated his Polaroid Land camera, which could produce a black-and-white photograph in 60 seconds. 1948--the National Association for Stock Car Racing (NASCAR) wais officially incorporated, becoming one of America's most popular spectator sports, as well as a multi-billion-dollar industry. 1965--Malcolm X, 39, African American nationalist and religious leader, was assassinated by member of the Nation of Islam as he was about to addresshis Orangization of Afro-American Unity in New York City's Audubon Ballroom in Wasington Heights. 1970--Kissinger began secret negotiations wth North Vietnam. 1972--Pres. Nixon began his historic visit to China. 1973--Israeli fighter planes shot down Libyan Airlines Flight 114 over the Sinai Desert, killing all but five of the 113 on board. 1986--Larry Wu-tai Chin, the first American found guilty of spying for China, killed himself in his Virginia jail cell. 1988--TV evangelist Jimmy Swaggart tearfully confessed to his congregation in Baton Rouge, La., that he was guilty of an unspecified sin, and said he was leaving the pulpit temporarily. (Reports linked Swaggart to a prostitute.) 1989--Pres. Bush called Ayatollah Khomeini's death warrant against Satanic Verses author Salman Rushdie "deeply offensive to the norms of civilized behavior.") 1995--Chicago stockbroker Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean in a balloon, landing in Canada. 2002--the State Department declared that Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl was dead, a month after he'd been abducted by Islamic extremists in Pakistan. 2007--Prime Minister Tony Blair announced Britain would withdraw around 1,600 troops from Iraq; Denmark said it would withdraw its 460 troops. 2011--deep cracks opened in Moammar kadhafi's regime, with Libyan government officials at home and abroad resigning, air force pilots defecting and a major government building ablaze after clashes in the capital of Tripoli. 2011--Yemen's embattled leader, Pres. Ali Abdullah Saleh, rejected demands that he step down. World News Capsules: 1, Afghans rage as NATO apologizes for Koran burning. ....Afghan demonstrators used slingshots and fired guns in the air while U.S. helicopters responded with flares, after thousands of angry people gathered to protest the alleged burning of copies of the Quran at the main U.S. military base in Afghanistan. The NATO commander in Afghanistan issued a fervent apology on Tuesday for foreign troops having “improperly disposed” of Korans and Islamic materials. 2. Dossier details Egypt's case against Democracy groups. ....The Egyptian prosecution’s summary of the case against at least 16 Americans and others from five democracy and human rights groups focuses largely on the testimony of their accusers. 3. Strauss-Kahn held over alleged prostitution links. ....Former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn was taken in for questioning by police investigating an alleged prostitution ring run out of the northern French city of Lille, Strauss-Kahn can be held for up to 48 hours and may then be placed under formal investigation for benefiting from misappropriated company funds. Investigators are trying to find out whether French executives used corporate expense accounts to fund sex parties with prostitutes. 4. Deal done: Europe seals $170 million Greek bailout to avoid chaotic default. ....After months of tough negotiating, Europe and the International Monetary Fund sealed a deal to hand Greece €130 billion ($170 billion) in additional bailout loans to save it from a default that threatened the viability of the euro, undermining global economic confidence. a. In latest Greek bailout, warning signs for Erope. ....Greece's €130 billion bailout highlights the weaknesses in Europe's response to the sovereign debt crisis, problems that could flare up and undermine recovery efforts in countries like Italy, Spain, Ireland and Portugal. 5. Iran warns US as Syria intensifies crackdown. ....Two Iranian warships docked in a Syrian port as a senior Iranian lawmaker denounced American calls for arming the opposition. a. Iranian ships reported to leave Syria. ....Two Iranian warships that docked in a Syrian port were reported to have left, with their cargo and mission still unclear. 6. US in accord with Mexico on drilling. ....The accord along the maritime border in the Gulf of Mexico would potentially open more than a million acres to deepwater drilling 7. Poland leads wave of Communist-Era reckoning. ....After decades of resisting, Poland and many of its neighbors in Central and Eastern Europe have decided the time is right to deal with their Communist past. 8. For Russia, a new kind of presidential candidate; a billionaire ....Mikhail D. Prokhorov, a fresh face in Russian politics, must overcome suspicions about the rich and a powerful opponent, Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin. 9. Saudi Arabia names ambassador to Iraq. ....Saudi Arabia has moved to repair a long-fractured relationship, naming its first envoy to Iraq in more than two decades, Iraq’s foreign minister said. 10. Spike in rhino poaching threaens survival of species. ....In South Africa, home to three quarters of the last remaining rhinos on the planet, conservationists, private game reserve owners and security forces are waging a desperate battle against poachers intent on killing the country’s rhinos for their lucrative horns. “It is an epidemic. It’s a war that right now we’re losing,” Graeme Rushmere said. “It’s not a South African issue as such, it’s really a global issue.” 11. Yemen's President cedes authority with election, but hopes to retain influence. (A woman shows her ink-stained finger after voting) ....Ali Abdullah Saleh signaled his hope to retain some degree of influence on his country's affairs a day before an election in which his vice president is the only candidate on the ballot. a. Yemen votes to formally remove president. ....Yemenis voted on Tuesday to remove Pres. Saleh in a rare move for an Arab state where popular dissent unseated a dictator. US News Capsules: 1. EEK! "Scream" expected to fetch $80 million at Sotheby's auction. ....Version is just one of four known and the last to be held privately and will be auctioned off in New York on May 2nd. 2. Race-based admissions? Supreme Court to hear Texas case. ....The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas, A federal appeals court upheld the Texas program at issue. 3. 4.0 earthquake in Missouri shakes 9 states. ....USGS geophysicist says he's heard reports of cracks in sidewalks and walls, some broken windows, and minor household damage. 4. Catolic hospitals expand, religious strings attached. ....Some financially strong Catholic-sponsored medical centers are joining with smaller secular hospitals, in some cases limiting access to treatments like contraception and abortion. 5. HIgher crime, fewer charges on Indian land. ....Violent crimes on Indian reservations, which occur at a higher-than-average rate, are prosecuted at a disproportionately low rate in federal court, new Justice Department data show. 6. Ultrasound abortion bill nears vote in Virginia. ....The controversial bill requiring a woman to get an ultrasound before having an abortion is poised to pass the legislature this week. 7. Settlement talks pick up ahead of BP oil spill trial. ....BP and other defendants are stepping up negotiations in an effort to avoid potential liabilities that some experts have estimated at $40 billion. 8. . ....The deaths of four people in avalanches Sunday are the latest examples of what can happen when backcountry skiing meets high-country snow. 9. New guidelines planned on school vending machines. ....The Obama administration, in a continuation of its efforts to curb childhood obesity, plans to set nationwide guidelines to promote healthy choices in schools. 10. A slow stroll to the Supreme Court. ....An appeals court decision striking down California’s ban on same-sex marriage has scrambled the legal strategies on both sides, especially about whether to seek Supreme Court review. 11. Workouts may not be the best time for a snack. ....There is no end to the crazy foods people will eat at endurance events, but do they actually raise performance? 12. Aging of eyes is blamed for range of health woes. ....New research supports a largely unrecognized culprit in circadian rhythm disturbances: the gradual yellowing of the lens and the narrowing of the pupil that come with age. THE ARTS: 1. A musician or a Poet? Yes to both. ....Kevin Gordon, a singer-songwriter from the wilds of East Nashville who has a master’s in poetry, just released “Gloryland,” his first album since 2005. 2. Berkeley's artwork loss is a museum's gain. ....A huge carved relief by the African-American sculptor Sargent Johnson, misplaced by the University of California, has become a prized item in the Huntington Library’s collection. 3. In reality and film, a battle for schools. ....As new “parent-trigger” laws seem poised to allow parents to take over failing schools, they’re already the stuff of Hollywood drama. POLITICS: 1. Coming up: The most important 7 days of Romney's political life. ....With the Michigan and Arizona primaries looming — and fundraising slowing down — the ex-Massachusetts governor faces a crossroads in his campaign. 2. Michigan voters: Santorum connects better than Romney. ....Santorum's growing connection with Michigan conservatives risks embarrassing Romney in his home state. Romney was counting on a strong finish in Michigan's presidential primary on Feb. 28 to carry him into the big, multistate round of voting a week later on Super Tuesday. 3. GOP campaigns grow more dependent on 'Super PAC' aid. ....Intense campaigning in the early-nominating states has left the leading Republican presidential candidates increasingly reliant on millions spent on their behalf by outside groups. 4. Rev. Graham: Obama seen as 'son of Islam.' ....Rev. Franklin Graham, the son of evangelist Billy Graham and a prominent evangelical leader in his own right, waded into contentious waters when asked for his views on the religious beliefs of Pres. Obama and the GOP hopefuls. Graham said he couldn't say for certain the Obama is a Christian. he couldn't "categorically" say Obama wasn't a Muslim, in part, because Islam has gotten a "free pass" under Obama. Graham also said the Muslim world sees Obama as a "son of Islam," because the president's father and grandfather were Muslim. Obama has said again and again that he is a Christian, both as a presidential candidate and as president. Today's Headlines of Interest: Santorum defends 'theology' remark, Hitler inference; blames media. Facing newfound scrutiny as a frontrunner in the Republican presidential race, Rick Santorum today fired back at national media who he says have given undue attention to comments he made this weekend questioning the president's theology. He also defended comments about World War Two that some saw as linking Hitler and President Obama. Santorum told a Tea Party crowd, "It's not about you. It's not about you. It's not about your quality of life. It's not about your job. It's about some phony ideal, some phony theology. Oh, not a theology based on the Bible, a different theology, but no less a theology. " But in front of a crowd of more than 500 people here on Monday, he said the comments were not meant to question the president's religious beliefs, rather a critique of what he called the "extreme" environmental regulations of the Obama administration. "I referred to it the other day,” he said, “and I got criticized by some of our less than erudite members of the national press corps. You may want to call it a theology; you may want to call it secular values,” Santorum said. “Whatever you want to call it, it’s a different moral values. And the president of the United States is exercising his values and trumping the values of the church.” Today, Santorum did not use the word "theology," instead attacking the president's "ideology." He was also asked about comments made last night in Georgia that compared America now to Europe during World War Two. Santorum defended the comments today. "It’s a World War Two metaphor,” Santorum said. “It's one I've used 100 times." In response to whether he meant to compare the president to Hitler, Santorum said, "No, of course not." Those comments were not the only ones from the weekend that the former Pennsylvania senator found himself explaining. In front of the Ohio Christian Alliance, he said the 2010 health-care bill signed by the president encourages aborting children with disabilities by requiring prenatal testing that can detect if a child will not be born healthy. It is an assertion he did not back down from. "I was criticized for making the comment about prenatal testing when it came to amniocentesis,” he said. “Amniocenteses are done by-in-large later in pregnancy whether the child in the womb has a disability.” And he claimed, “ s we all know, 90% of Down Syndrome children in this country are aborted once the mother and father find out that that child is going to be less than what they wanted it to be.”	i don't know
As at 2012 what country is the world's largest democracy?	Two Largest Democracies of the World - Fair Observer Two Largest Democracies of the World Flickr M. Dutta WE BRING YOU PERSPECTIVES FROM AROUND THE WORLD. HELP US TO INFORM AND EDUCATE. YOUR DONATION IS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE. Professor Dutta reports the highlights of the Obamas’ visit to India. He writes about the merits of democracy, non-discrimination and diversity and their importance in the past and future of both the US and India. President Barack Obama and the first lady arrived in Mumbai, India and checked into the Taj Hotel. This is the hotel where jihadists from Pakistan committed the tragic act of terrorism, killing so many innocent men and women. The terrorists from no country could be allowed to control our travel plan, President Obama proclaimed. He invited the Pakistani authorities to condemn the acts of terrorism, as it originated in their country. In Mumbai he visited the Gandhi Museum, and faithfully recalled the date of visit to the Museum by Reverend Martin Luther King. Mahatma Gandhi was a hero to the world, not only to India, he had reminded the entire world. The peoples of all countries salute the Mahatma for his message of peace and non-violence. President Obama next arrived in New Delhi and his visit to the Humayun Tomb became a high point. The Sakas, the Huns, the Pathans, the Moguls came to India and over time became a part of India. Indian civilization became all embracing. All who came from remote lands as invaders found their final resting place in Indian soil. President Obama reminded the world that India was the second largest Moslem country, after Indonesia. In New Delhi, he took his shoes off and walked the short distance to pay homage at the Gandhi Samadhi, the memorial to Gandhi and a key destination for public figures to visit. India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife hosted a reception for the President and Mrs. Obama. It became a very, very cordial event. The spicy food was much relished. The Prime Minister of the world’s largest democracy comes from the minority Sikh religious community of predominantly Hindu India while the President of the world’s second largest democracy rose to office from the minority community of African American heritage in a country where the White immigrants of European heritage constitute some 85% of the population. Next came the state dinner, hosted by India’s president, Mrs. Pratibha Patil. She had the privilege to propose the toast in honor of the President of the world’s second largest democracy. President Obama in his eloquent response praised the democratic rule of India and India’s efforts in promoting global peace. In his address to the Indian Parliament, President Obama made his case for India’s seat as a permanent member on the Security Council of the United Nations The 1.2 billion people of the Indian democracy rose to applaud him. It merits a mention that democracy in America, based on one person-one vote, came long after the Proclamation of Emancipation, signed by President Lincoln in 1853; even though the law went into effect in 1863. For millions of Americans of African American heritage, emancipation came only in the 1960s when President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act and then the Voting Rights Act. India had its democratic rule, based on one-person-one vote, with no bar for race, sex and religion some ten years sooner than the US did. President Obama returned home after brief stops in Indonesia and Japan. His visit to South Asia, South East Asia, and North East Asia, with his earlier visit to the Peoples’ Republic of China, Central Asia, invited the rest of the world to recognize the increased importance of the Asian family. With half the population of the world in this family with diversities of language, religion, life styles, plus its huge resource base, the time has come to welcome the Asian Century. Economic engagement between India and the USA – trade and investment- is increasing but is yet to reach its potential. American investors would be well advised to explore the Indian market, given the fact that India offers a free market with well-managed macroeconomic policies. Availability of high-tech labor is a big plus for India. In addition, English, the world’s business language, is one of India’s official languages… The Reserve Bank of India, India’s central bank, has managed monetary policy successfully, with both inflation and foreign exchange reserves remaining stable. Fiscal policy has increasingly given greater incentives for business investment. The Presidential visit helped promote US exports to India, especially in sectors like air-transport and nuclear power. The American business leaders accompanying the President welcomed the opportunities for joint ventures with Indian investors, and also for foreign direct investment in India. A new paradigm of political/economic relationship is beginning between the two largest democracies.	India
In 2012 Josefina Vazquez Mota became a presidential candidate for the ruling National Action Party (PAN) in which country?	What is the largest democracy in the world? \| Reference.com What is the largest democracy in the world? A: Quick Answer India is the largest democracy in the world. It has a population of more than 1 billion and a land mass that takes up an entire subcontinent. Full Answer Many people associate democracy with thriving economies, but that is not always the case. While everyone in India who is over the age of 18 has the right to vote, almost 450 million of the country's population lives in dire poverty. Parts of the economy in India are booming and new housing developments are going up every day, but the disenfranchised portion of the country struggles to earn proper representation in the Indian parliament.	i don't know
Emil Boc resigned as prime minister of which European country in Feb 2012?	Emil Boc, Romanian Prime Minister, Resigns Amid Protests - The New York Times The New York Times Europe \|Romanian Prime Minister Resigns Amid Protests Search Continue reading the main story BERLIN — After weeks of protests , Romania ’s prime minister resigned Monday, the latest European leader to fall victim to a mood of public outrage over austerity measures and stagnant growth. Thousands of Romanians took to the streets across the country last month to protest austerity measures. The prime minister, Emil Boc, said Monday that he was stepping down because it is important to preserve the stability of the country. The president, Traian Basescu, immediately named the current justice minister, Catalin Predoiu, as interim prime minister. After a meeting on Monday afternoon with leaders from the main political parties, Mr. Basescu announced that he was nominating Mihai Razvan Ungureanu, a former foreign minister who now heads Romania’s foreign-intelligence service, as Mr. Boc’s replacement, pending parliamentary approval. Mr. Basescu said negotiations would begin Tuesday for the appointment of a new government. “The No. 1 priority of the government is the effort to improve the standard of living of the people,” Mr. Basescu said. Romania is by many statistical measures the second-poorest member of the European Union. Parliamentary elections were already scheduled for later this year, by law no later than November, and the government had fallen below 20 percent approval rating in recent opinion surveys. Advertisement Continue reading the main story The economy had begun growing again after a deep recession in 2009 and 2010, but Mr. Boc’s popularity suffered after he raised taxes sharply and made steep cuts in government wages to comply with a rescue program from the International Monetary Fund. With his resignation, Mr. Boc joined leaders from around the European Union who have left office: in countries that have received bailouts, like Portugal, Greece and Ireland; in those on shaky ground like Spain and Italy; and in more fiscally stable countries like Finland, Denmark and Slovakia. President Nicolas Sarkozy of France hopes to avoid seeing his name added to the list of ousted leaders when voters go to the polls this spring, but the public has shown a voracious appetite for political change as difficult economic conditions persist. Even as Europe’s attention remains focused on the debt negotiations in Athens and its repercussions for the euro, Mr. Boc’s resignation served as a stark reminder of the troubles facing countries outside of the euro currency area. The Hungarian national airline, Malev, halted all flights Friday, as creditors began seizing its planes parked on foreign soil over unpaid debts. Hungary, which has also been the scene of large-scale demonstrations, is seeking further assistance from the International Monetary Fund. Photo Prime Minister Emil Boc left the Democratic Liberal Party headquarters in Bucharest after resigning on Monday. Credit Robert Ghement/European Pressphoto Agency Romania suffered a sharp reversal of fortune as the global financial crisis worsened and foreign lending tightened up. After the economy grew 7.3 percent in 2008, it shrank a painful 6.6 percent in 2009, according to Eurostat , the European Union’s statistics agency. The country was forced to turn to the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the European Union in 2009 for emergency loans totaling $27 billion at the exchange rates at the time. Unlike Hungary, however, which is also struggling to stabilize itself and has had bumpy negotiations with the I.M.F., Romania is “on track” in goals of improving economic growth while maintaining fiscal and financial stability, according to an assessment of the country’s progress under the loan program released Sunday by staff members from the monetary fund, World Bank and European Union. “I don’t anticipate the change in government would necessarily cause any major changes in that,” said Jeffrey Franks, the fund’s mission chief for Romania , in a telephone interview from Bucharest. “The key focus is to maintain the hard-fought, hard-won economic stability that Romania has achieved at some considerable sacrifice in recent years.” Please verify you're not a robot by clicking the box. Invalid email address. Please re-enter. You must select a newsletter to subscribe to. Sign Up Privacy Policy The fund had been in discussions with opposition as well as governing parties, and Mr. Franks said there was “broad political support for the main issues in the program.” Austerity has become a controversial topic in Europe as the debt crisis has worsened. From Greece to Ireland, opponents have criticized a philosophy pushed by Germany and Chancellor Angela Merkel, for what they see as painful cutbacks in services and public employment to pay for bad decisions by financial institutions and mismanagement by governments. Many economists, particularly in the United States, argue that tightening spending at a time of stagnation or even outright recession only prevents robust recovery. Mr. Franks said that the I.M.F. assistance provides a lifeline and gives countries like Romania more time to make necessary changes. “In the end, for small countries like Romania, particularly emerging markets, the ability to run large fiscal deficits is constrained by the willingness of someone to lend,” Mr. Franks said. Advertisement Continue reading the main story Political analysts said Mr. Boc’s resignation did not come as a surprise. “From a political point of view, the ruling coalition was already exhausted,” said Dorel Sandor, a political analyst and consultant in Bucharest. Mr. Sandor said that the demonstrations revealed a deep disappointment with all political parties and not just the government. “The common people in the streets react against everybody,” he said, “and this could be a sign of real trouble for the political environment in Romania.” Protests have continued over the past week, albeit on a smaller scale. Demonstrators said the resignation of a popular health official (which proved short-lived) and the proposed reform of the health care system only provided the spark for the protests, which quickly grew to reflect a broader discontent with their wages and pensions, with employment prospects and deep-seated corruption. “I took this decision to defuse the political and social situation in the country, but also in order not to lose what Romanians have won with so much suffering — the economic stability of the country,” Mr. Boc said. Mihai Radu contributed reporting from Bucharest. A version of this article appears in print on February 7, 2012, on Page A4 of the New York edition with the headline: Premier Quits In Romania Amid Outcry Over Austerity. Order Reprints \| Today's Paper \| Subscribe	Romania
Lisa del Giocondo is better known as what famous characterization?	Romanian politics: Free falling \| The Economist Romanian politics Tweet THE year started badly for Emil Boc, the now-former prime minister of Romania. A public row between Traian Basescu, the president, and Raed Arafat, a popular health-care official, over a proposed health reform sparked violent protests in January that eventually led to a government retreat on the new plans and a series of resignations. That was followed by his party's loss of the Senate last week, when two lawmakers deserted to the opposition. And now Mr Boc himself has stepped down, along with his cabinet, in an effort to "diffuse social tensions" and maintain "economic stability". Mr Boc's Democratic Liberal Party has slipped to less than 15% support in the polls, while support for the opposition has soared. This is in part due to austerity measures taken by the government, part of a €20 billion EU-IMF-World Bank bail-out deal that Mr Boc admits has been "painful". But, he insists, the measures have also worked. The country has returned to growth and GDP is expected to rise by more than 1.5% this year. It has been revealed that Mr Boc "carefully prepared" his resignation so as not to coincide with the IMF mission to Bucharest, which ended on Sunday with praise for the government's actions and only a slight cut in the fund's growth forecast for the country, due to the persisting euro-zone troubles. Mr Boc now hopes to rebuild support for his party ahead of the next general election, scheduled for November. But this could come sooner than planned. The president has appointed Catalin Predoiu, the outgoing justice minister, to take over for Mr Boc on an interim basis, and he has nominated Mihai Razvan Ungureanu, the head of the country's foreign-intelligence service, as the new prime minister. Mr Ungureanu and his ministers are likely to be approved, as the ruling coalition still holds a majority in the lower house. But the opposition has promised to continue a boycott of parliament started last week. "We are not going anywhere with this new government," said Crin Antonescu, head of the Liberal Party. For him and his like-minded colleagues, the only way forward is an early vote.	i don't know
The Aquino, Arroyo and Cojuangco families have in recent times ruled what country?	Facts Filipinos never wanted to know about the Aquinos and Cojuangcos - Get Real PostGet Real Post Facts Filipinos never wanted to know about the Aquinos and Cojuangcos November 7, 2011 by benign0 Those who went out and did point-by-point “rebuttals” of the now famous gone-viral YouTube video AQUINO COJUANGCO: FACTS THEY DONT WANT YOU TO KNOW HD miss the point. The point, in my opinion, is that there is a whole swath of information and history that is not routinely highlighted by mainstream media. Yet, blogger Marck Ronald Rimorin makes it sound as if the mega-wealthy Aquinos and Cojuangcos are the hapless victims in this situation… But in peddling a lie, the video misrepresents itself as fact with people gobbling it up: while it fails in its function as a historical resource, it more than succeeds in its function as a cog in the machine of anti-Aquino, Marcos-apologetic, self-mortifying propaganda. …and calls up the scary spectre of a possible “misrepresentation” of the cherished “identity” of the Filipino (an “identity” the coming to terms with I might remind, is in itself a headscratcher of an exercise)… The fact that the video is untrue brings our history to imbalance, and along with it our identity, our connection with our past, and our visions of the future. The fact that the video has less historical rigor than expected and demanded should have consequences in the way we see ourselves, and effects in how we build our nation. Oh, how easy it would be to divide the world between “evil oligarchs” and “good intellectuals.” The world is more complex — much more complex — than that. We might recall that it was the Aquinos (like any other Filipino political dynasty on a mission to grab power) that bulldozed over sensible evaluation of political candidates with a presidential campaign that heavily-leveraged pedigree over platform and emotionalism over logical rigour. Rimorin who describes his day job as being “in advertising” should talk. Advertising is all about creating emotional hooks that don’t necessarily have direct moorings in the facts of the product being pitched. That part of the job is left to the ability of the average consumer to grapple with an abundance of choice, while advertisers are left free to apply the creative license that gets them paid the big bucks. Tough luck for Da Pinoy in that cognitive department. Consider how the Philippine presidential campaign of 2010 offered the political equivalent of a supermarket of choice to the average Filipino voter. Lots of publicists — a.k.a. “media consultants” — made a lot of money off that one. Thus it is no surprise that the candidate who pound-for-pound, fact-for-fact was the most unqualified among the lot for the job of President of the Republic of the Philippines was chosen. That says a lot about the power of advertising. So who is really the “victim” here? Even by the longest stretch of the imagination can we not picture the Aquinos and the Cojuangcos — with their deep and extensive network of lieutenants permeating Philippine Media (and even some so-called “research” firms ) — as the underdogs in a “contest” of influence. My colleague Ben Kritz was one of the first to highlight the fundamental con underlying the Aquino campaign of 2009 in his seminal piece The Non-Platform of Noynoy Aquino published back in August of 2009 where he summarises the (non)essence of then candidate Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s pitch to the Filipino voter… Aquino states that “attempts to weaken our democracy,” “government excesses and misgovernance,” “attempts to impose a repressive government,” and “lack of access of the powerless and the oppressed” are the problems he wishes to address. This is simply grim rhetoric in search of definitions or examples, not a valid statement of the problems or issues. Likewise his plan of action is devoid of, well, action — instead, Aquino vows to “continue to hold government to account,” “oppose attempts to impose a repressive government,” and “be the voice of” a certain vaguely-defined constituency. And why will he pursue these meaningless “objectives?” Who knows? Aquino doesn’t trouble himself or the electorate with a rationale. Indeed, one of the more pompous and self-righteous “promises” in the pseudo-platform that, at the time, was published on Noynoy’s campaign site comes across as a bit quaint today… “Be the voice of the powerless and the oppressed, those who do not have access to our government and are, thus, victims of injustice.” This sounds not too different from the way we supposedly “simplify the complexities of our history to the cleave of Rich Against Poor, Landed Against Unlanded, we no longer tell history: we tell history the way we want to because it entertains, because it evokes emotion, because it looks good” — evvvillll things that Rimorin the self-described Ad Man accuses the producers of AQUINO COJUANGCO: FACTS THEY DONT WANT YOU TO KNOW HD of doing. And, as history had revealed since, Aquino’s spectacular win at the polls was pulled off on the back of the very “propaganda” that our Mr Ad Man now puts up as our society’s greatest evil. Unlike those of us who are accused of “re-writing” history to suit our preferred views of the world, Aquino and his team of publicists have extensive histories of simply erasing evidence. Shortly after Kritz’s piece (and a few more that followed it) invited scrutiny into Noynoy’s claims of a “platform” he plans to run on, the information simply disappeared, leaving behind this quaint error message: In my brilliant investigative reporting piece Noynoy’s platform: HTTP 404 — File not found , I wrote… I can’t help but highlight yet another irony that escapes the collective mind of the Philippine political establishement and its cadre of “expert” analysts. Aquino’s glossing up of his website and the disappearance of the only section in it that would have housed the only semblance of substance underpinning his candidacy is symbollic of our society. YouTube publisher PinoyMonkeyPride who produced the video only evens the score and scored one big for the real underdogs in this game. Tit for tat. One world view is presented and another to counter it is tabled as well. That’s when debate begins. Is either side up to the task of teasing out The Truth? That remains to be seen. Filipinos after all have an extensive track record of keeping The Truth under wraps. As I said earlier, those who cry “foul” over what is nothing more than a presentation of alternative views completely miss the point. The point is that there is an alternative take on history. Everyone was aware of what was going on. We just chose not to know. I’m no fan of the Aquinos or Cojuangcos but, to be fair to them, I can’t really say that there is anything in their history that they did that warrants their being made out to be any more villainous than the average oligarch. After all, vast tracts of land and fabulous amounts of wealth aren’t acquired by being nice guys. All we need is a big bunch of suckers who are willing to sell and a handful of savvies who are wanting to buy. And that pretty much sums up Philippine history. We are, ultimately, a society of sellouts ruled by an elite cadre of investors. As I once quipped : Great nations were not built on good intentions. They were built on business sense. Real change in Pinoy society will never be achieved through the “sacrifice” of altruistic “heroes”. True change will be driven by people who find no shame in expecting a buck for their trouble. Perhaps if the Aquinos and Cojuangcos just lose the whole bullshit about their being God’s prayerful gift to the Filipino and just take a more real perspective with regard to their true place in our society — as the shrewd landowners and cutthroat capitalists that make modern economies out of substistence societies imprisoned by their heritage of smallness — then perhaps we’d all get along and stop fooling ourselves. Then again, is it really a case of the Aquinos and Cojuangcos not wanting us to know certain “facts”? If you ask me, I think Filipinos prefer to simply remain comfy in the bliss of their ignorance, look up to the sky, open their mouths wide, and pray.	Philippines
In the human body the hypophysis is better known as what gland?	Benigno Aquino, Jr. - Wikipilipinas: The Hip 'n Free Philippine Encyclopedia Benigno Aquino, Jr. For the municipality, see Sen. Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat Benigno Simeon Aquino, Jr.(November 27, 1932 – August 21, 1983), popularly known as Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. and by his nickname Ninoy, was a former Philippine senator , governor , vice governor and mayor and a leader of the opposition to the rule of Ferdinand Marcos . He was assassinated at the Manila International Airport (later renamed in his honor) upon returning home from exile in the United States. His death catapulted his widow, Corazon Aquino , to the limelight and subsequently to the presidency, replacing the 20-year Marcos regime. Contents Early life and career Ninoy when he was young and as a journalist (Screenshot from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PKYquAw_bA Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. was born in Concepcion, Tarlac , to a prosperous family of hacienderos (landlords). His grandfather, Servillano Aquino , was a general in the revolutionary army of Emilio Aguinaldo while his father, Benigno S. Aquino, Sr. (1894-1947) was a prominent official in the World War II Japanese-organized government of José P. Laurel . His mother was Doña Aurora Aquino-Aquino (who was also his father's third cousin). His father died while Benigno Aquino was in his teens amid rumors of collaboration with the Japanese during the occupation. Aquino was educated in private schools-- St. Joseph's College , Ateneo de Manila , and De La Salle College . He finished high school at San Beda College . Aquino took his tertiary education at the Ateneo de Manila to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree, but he interrupted his studies.<ref name="mvs"> NINOY: IN THE EYE OF MEMORY , Maximo V. Soliven</ref> At age 17, he was the youngest war correspondent to cover the Korean War for the newspaper The Manila Times of Joaquin "Chino" Roces. Because of his journalistic feats, he received a Philippine Legion of Honor award from President Elpidio Quirino at age 18. At 21, he became a close adviser to then defense secretary Ramon Magsaysay . Ninoy took up law at the University of the Philippines , where he became a member of the Upsilon Sigma Phi . He interrupted his studies again however to pursue a career in journalism. According to Maximo V. Soliven , Aquino "later 'explained' that he had decided to go to as many schools as possible, so that he could make as many new friends as possible."<ref name="mvs"/> In early 1954, he was appointed by President Ramon Magsaysay to act as personal emissary to Luis Taruc , leader of the Hukbalahap rebel group. After four months of negotiations, he was credited for Taruc's unconditional surrender. He became mayor of Concepcion in 1955 at the age of 22. In the same year he married Corazon "Cory" Cojuangco, and they had five children; Maria Elena , Aurora Corazon , Benigno Simeon III (Noynoy) , Victoria Eliza (Viel) , and actress and TV host Kristina Bernadette (Kris) . Ninoy with his wife Cory when they get married Political career Benigno Aquino was no stranger to Philippine politics. He came from a family that had been involved with some of the country's political heavyweights. His grandfather served under President Aguinaldo while his father held office under Presidents Manuel L. Quezon and Jose P. Laurel . Benigno Aquino became the youngest municipal mayor at age 22, and the nation's youngest vice-governor at 27. He became governor of Tarlac province in 1961 at age 29, then secretary-general of the Liberal Party in 1966. In 1967 he made history by becoming the youngest elected senator in the country's history at age 34. He was the only "survivor" of the Liberal Party who made it to the senate, where he was inevitably singled out by Marcos and his allies as their greatest threat. In 1968, during his first year in the Upper House, Aquino warned that Marcos was on the road to establishing "a garrison state" by "ballooning the armed forces budget", saddling the defense establishment with "overstaying generals" and "militarizing our civilian government offices"--all these caveats were uttered barely four years before martial law. In myriad ways Aquino bedeviled the Marcos regime, chipping away at its monolithic facade. His most celebrated speech, insolently entitled "A Pantheon for Imelda", was delivered on February 10, 1969, and assailed the first lady's first extravagant project, the P50 million Cultural Center, which he dubbed "a monument to shame". An outraged President Marcos called Aquino "a congenital liar". The First Lady's friends angrily accused Aquino of being "ungallant". These so-called "fiscalization" tactics of Aquino quickly became his trademark in the senate. During his tenure as senator, he was selected by the Philippine Free Press magazine as one of the nation's most outstanding senators. His achievements at such a young age earned him the moniker "Wonder Boy" of Philippine politics. No chance Aquino was seen as a contender by many for the highest office in the land, the presidency. Surveys during those times showed that he was the number one choice among Filipinos, since President Marcos by law was prohibited to serve another term. Martial law, hunger strike Ninoy and Marcos . It was not until the Plaza Miranda bombing however--on August 21, 1971 (12 years to the day before Ninoy Aquino's own assassination)--that the pattern of direct confrontation between Marcos and Aquino emerged. At 9:15 p.m., at the kick-off rally of the Liberal Party, the candidates had formed a line on a makeshift platform and were raising their hands as the crowd applauded. The band played, a fireworks display drew all eyes, when suddenly there were two loud explosions that obviously were not part of the show. In an instant the stage became a scene of wild carnage. The police later discovered two fragmentation grenades that had been thrown at the stage by "unknown persons". 8 people died, 120 others were wounded, many critically. Aquino was absent at the incident. Although suspicions pointed to the Nacionalistas (the political party of Marcos), Marcos allies sought to deflect this by insinuating that, perhaps, Aquino might have had a hand in the blast in a bid to eliminate his potential rivals within the party. Later, the Marcos government presented "evidence" of the bombings as well as an alleged threat of a communist insurgency, suggesting that the bombings were the handiwork of the growing New People's Army . Marcos made this a pretext to suspend the Writ of Habeas Corpus , vowed that the killers would be apprehended within 48 hours, and arrested a score of known "Maoists" on general principle. Ironically, the police captured one of the bombers, who was identified as a sergeant of the firearms and explosive section of the Philippine Constabulary , a military arm of the government. According to Aquino, this man was later snatched from police custody by military personnel and the public never heard from him again. President Marcos declared martial law on September 21, 1972 and he went on air to broadcast his declaration on midnight of September 23. Aquino was one of the first to be arrested and imprisoned on trumped-up charges of murder, illegal possession of firearms and subversion . On April 4, 1975, Aquino announced that he was going on a hunger strike, a fast to the death to protest the injustices of his military trial. Ten days through his hunger strike, he instructed his lawyers to withdraw all motions he had submitted to the Supreme Court. As weeks went by, he subsisted solely on salt tablets, sodium bicarbonate, amino acids and two glasses of water a day. Even as he grew weaker, suffering from chills and cramps, soldiers forcibly dragged him to the military tribunal's session. His family and hundreds of friends and supporters heard Mass nightly at the Santuario de San Jose in Greenhills, San Juan , praying for his survival. Near the end, Aquino's weight had dropped from 180 to 120 pounds. Aquino nonetheless maintained the ability to walk throughout his ordeal. On May 13, 1975, on the 40th day, his family and several priests and friends, begged him to end his fast, pointing out that even Christ fasted only for 40 days. He acquiesced, confident that he had made a symbolic gesture. But at 10:25 p.m. on November 25, 1977, the government-controlled Military Commission No. 2 headed by Major-General Jose Syjuco found Aquino guilty of all charges and he was sentenced to death by firing squad. However, Aquino and many others believed that Marcos, ever the shrewd strategist, would not let him suffer a death that would surely make Aquino a martyr. 1978 elections, bypass surgery, exile In 1978, from his prison cell, he was allowed to take part in the elections for Interim Batasang Pambansa (Parliament). Although his friends, former Senators Gerry Roxas and Jovito Salonga preferred to boycott the elections, Aquino urged his supporters to organize and run 21 candidates in Metro Manila . Thus his political party, dubbed Lakas ng Bayan (People's Power), was born. The party's acronym was "LABAN" (the word laban means "fight" in the Filipino language, Tagalog). He was allowed one television interview on Face the Nation (hosted by Ronnie Nathanielsz) and proved to a startled and impressed populace that imprisonment had neither dulled his rapier-like tongue nor dampened his fighting spirit. Foreign correspondents and diplomats asked what would happen to the LABAN ticket. People agreed with him that his party would win overwhelmingly in an honest election. Not surprisingly, all his candidates lost due to widespread election fraud. In mid-March 1980, Aquino suffered a heart attack, possibly the result of seven years in prison, mostly in a solitary cell which must have taken a heavy toll on his gregarious personality. He was transported to the Philippine Heart Center where he suffered a second heart attack. The doctors administered ECG and other tests and found that he had a blocked artery. The surgeons were reluctant to do a coronary bypass because of their unwillingness to be involved in a controversy. Additionally, Aquino refused to submit himself to the hands of local doctors, fearing possible Marcos "duplicity", preferring to either go to the United States for the procedure or to return to his cell at Fort Bonifacio and die. On May 8, 1980, Imelda Marcos made an unannounced visit to Aquino at his hospital room. She asked him if he would like to leave that evening for the U.S., but not before agreeing on two covenants: 1.) That if he leaves, he will return; 2.) While in America , he should not speak out against the Marcos regime. She then ordered General Fabian Ver and Mel Mathay to make necessary arrangements for passports and plane tickets for the Aquino family. Aquino was shoved in a closed van, rushed to his home on Times Street to pack, hustled to the airport and put on a plane bound for the U.S. that same day accompanied by his family. Aquino was operated on at a hospital in Dallas , Texas . He made a quick recovery, was walking within two weeks and making plans to fly to Damascus , Syria to contact Muslim leaders, which he did five weeks later. When he reiterated that he was returning to the Philippines , he received a surreptitious message from the Marcos government saying that he was now granted an extension of his "medical furlough". Eventually, Aquino decided to renounce his two covenants with Malacañang "because of the dictates of higher national interest". After all, Aquino added, "a pact with the devil is no pact at all". Aquino spent three years in self-exile, setting up house with Cory and their kids in Newton, Massachusetts , a suburb of Boston . On fellowship grants from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology , he worked on the manuscripts of two books and gave a series of lectures in school halls, classrooms and auditoriums. He traveled extensively in the U.S. delivering speeches critical of the Marcos government. Marcos and his officials, aware of Aquino's growing popularity even in his absence, in turn accused Aquino of being the "Mad Bomber" and allegedly masterminding a rash of bombings that had rocked Metro Manila in 1981 and 1982. Aquino denied that he was advocating a bloody revolution, but warned that radicalized oppositionists were threatening to use violence soon. He urged Marcos to "heed the voice of conscience and moderation", and declared himself willing to lay his own life on the line. Planning return File:Ninoy being escorted by military.gif Throughout his years of expatriation, Aquino was always aware that his life in the U.S. was temporary. He never stopped affirming his eventual return even as he enjoyed American hospitality and a peaceful life with his family on American soil. After spending 7 years and 7 months in prison, Aquino's finances were in ruins. Making up for the lost time as the family's breadwinner , he toured America; attending symposiums, lectures, and giving speeches in freedom rallies opposing the Marcos dictatorship, with the most memorable held at the Wilshire Ebell Theater in Los Angeles , California on February 15, 1981.<ref> YouTube - An NATv EXCLUSIVE: Ninoy Aquino's memorable speech in Los Angeles! (1 of 9) . Youtube.com. Retrieved on 2009-01-15 .</ref> Ninoy's body in the Airport. In the first quarter of 1983, Aquino was receiving news about the deteriorating political situation in his country combined with the rumored declining health (due to lupus ) of President Ferdinand Marcos. He believed that it was expedient for him to speak to Marcos and present to him his rationale for the country's return to democracy, before extremists took over and make such a change impossible. Moreover, his years of absence made his allies worry that the Filipinos might have resigned themselves to Marcos' strongman rule and that without his leadership the centrist opposition would die a natural death. Aquino decided to go back to the Philippines, fully aware of the dangers that awaited him. Warned that he would either be imprisoned or killed, Aquino answered, "if it's my fate to die by an assassin's bullet, so be it. But I cannot be petrified by inaction, or fear of assassination, and therefore stay in the corner..."<ref> BBC ON THIS DAY \| 21 \| 1983: Filipino opposition leader shot dead </ref> His family, however, learned from a Philippine Consulate official that there were orders from Ministry of Foreign Affairs not to issue any passports for them. At that time, their visas had expired and their renewal had been denied. They therefore formulated a plan for Ninoy to fly alone—to attract less attention—and the rest of the family to follow him after two weeks. Despite the government's ban on issuing him a passport, Aquino was able to acquire one with the help of Rashid Lucman , a former congressman from Mindanao . It carried an alias, Marcial Bonifacio (Marcial for martial law and Bonifacio for Fort Bonifacio, his erstwhile prison).<ref> Services - INQUIRER.net . Archived from the original on 2006-05-16 .</ref> He eventually obtained a legitimate passport from a sympathizer working in a Philippine consulate. The Marcos government warned all international airlines that they would be denied landing rights and forced to return if they tried to fly Ninoy to the Philippines. Aquino insisted that it was his natural right as a citizen to come back to his homeland, and that no government could prevent him from doing so. He left Logan International Airport on August 13, 1983, took a circuitous route home from Boston , via Los Angeles , Malaysia , Hong Kong , and Taipei , before heading towards Manila. He had chosen Taipei as the final stopover when he learned the Philippines had severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan . This made him feel more secure; the Taiwan authorities could pretend they were not aware of his presence. There would also be a couple of Taiwanese friends accompanying him. It would have been perfectly convenient for the Marcos government if Aquino had stayed out of the local political arena, however Ninoy asserted his willingness to suffer the consequences declaring, "the Filipino is worth dying for."<ref> 1998 Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding - Corazon Aquino </ref> He wished to express an earnest plea for Marcos to step down and seek a peaceful regime change and a return to democratic institutions. Anticipating the worst, during a pre-return interview held in his suite at the Taipei Grand Hotel , he revealed that he would be wearing a bullet-proof vest , but he also said that "it's only good for the body, but for the head there's nothing else we can do". Sensing his own doom, he told the journalists accompanying him on the flight that they "have to be ready with your (hand) camera because this action can become very fast... in a matter of 3 or 4 minutes it could be all over... and I may not be able to talk to you again after this...."<ref> YouTube - Ninoy Aquino: Worth Dying For (the last interview!) ORIGINAL UPLOAD . Youtube.com. Retrieved on 2008-10-06 .</ref> In his last formal statement that he wasn't able to deliver, he said, "I have returned to join the ranks of those struggling to restore our rights and freedom through nonviolence. I seek no confrontation." Assassination Deaths 2 Despite a convoy of security guards (all assigned to him by the Marcos government) a contingent of 1,200 military and police personnel on the tarmac, and three armed bodyguards personally escorting him, Aquino was fatally shot in the head as he was escorted off the airplane. The government claimed that Aquino was killed by a Communist hitman named Rolando "Rolly" Galman, who was shot dead at the scene by the aviation security. However, politicians and diplomats found evident contradictions between the claim and the photos and the videotape footage that documented the time before and after the shooting. The footage had circulated throughout the Philippines at that time.<ref>" Test of Wills ", Time (magazine), 1983-10-24. Retrieved on 2007-08-21 . </ref> Everyone from the Central Intelligence Agency , to the United Nations , to the Communist Party of the Philippines to First Lady Imelda Marcos was accused of conspiracy. President Marcos was reportedly gravely ill, recovering from a kidney transplant when the incident occurred. Theories arose as to who was in charge and who ordered the execution. Some hypothesized that Marcos had a long-standing order for Aquino's murder upon the latter's return. Aquino's funeral procession on August 31 lasted from 9 a.m.--with a funeral mass officiated by the Catholic archbishop of Manila, Jaime Cardinal Sin , and held at Santo Domingo Church—to 9 p.m., when his body was interred at the Manila Memorial Park . No effort was made to disguise a bullet wound that disfigured his face. Two million people lined the streets during the procession which was aired by the Church-sponsored Radio Veritas , the only station that covered the procession. The procession reached Rizal Park , where the Philippine flag was brought to half-staff. "...The greatest president we never had ..."<ref name="autogenerated1" /> Investigation Meanwhile, President Marcos immediately created a fact-finding commission, headed by Supreme Court Chief Justice Enrique Fernando, to investigate the Aquino assassination. However, the commission lasted only in two sittings due to intense public criticism. President Marcos issued on October 14, 1983, Presidential Decree No. 1886 creating an independent board of inquiry. The board was composed of former Court of Appeals Justice Ma. Corazon J. Agrava as chairman, Amando Dizon, Luciano Salazar, Dante Santos and Ernesto Herrera. The Agrava Fact-Finding Board convened on November 3, 1983. But, before it could start its work President Marcos charged the communists for the killing of Senator Aquino: “The decision to eliminate the former Senator, Marcos claimed, was made by none other than the general-secretary of the Philippine Communist Party, Rodolfo Salas. He was referring to his earlier claim that Aquino had befriended and subsequently betrayed his communist comrades." The Agrava Board conducted public hearings, and invited several persons who might shed light on the crimes, including AFP Chief of Staff Fabian Ver and Imelda Marcos. In the subsequent proceedings, no one actually identified who pulled the trigger of the gun that killed Aquino, but Rebecca Quijano, another passenger, testified that she saw a man behind Aquino (running from the stairs towards Aquino and his escorts) point a gun at the back of his head, then there was the sound of a gunshot. A post-mortem analysis disclosed that Aquino was shot in the back of the head at close range with the bullet exiting at the chin at an angle which supported Quijano's testimony. More suspicions were aroused when Quijano described the assassin as wearing a military uniform. After a year of thorough investigation – with 20,000 pages of testimony given by 193 witnesses, the Agrava Board submitted two reports to President Marcos – the Majority and Minority Reports. The Minority Report, submitted by Chairman Agrava alone, was submitted on October 23, 1984. It confirmed that the Aquino assassination was a military conspiracy but it cleared Gen. Ver. Many believed that President Marcos intimidated and pressured the members of the Board to persuade them not to indict Ver, Marcos’ first cousin and most trusted general. Excluding Chairman Agrava, the majority of the board submitted a separate report – the Majority Report – indicting several members of the Armed Forces including AFP Chief-of-Staff Gen. Fabian Ver, Gen. Luther Custodio and Gen. Prospero Olivas, head of AVSECOM. Later, the 25 military personnel, including several generals and colonels, and one civilian were charged for the murder of Senator Aquino. President Marcos relieved Ver as AFP Chief and appointed his second-cousin, Gen. Fidel V. Ramos as acting AFP Chief. After a brief trial, the Sandiganbayan acquitted all the accused on December 2, 1985. Immediately after the decision, Marcos re-instated Ver. The Sandiganbayan ruling and the reinstatement of Ver were denounced by several sectors as a “mockery” of justice. After Marcos was ousted in 1986, another investigation was set up by the new government. The men on the tarmac, the rank and file of the military, were found guilty and sentenced to life at National Bilibid Prison . They recently filed an appeal to have their sentences reduced after 22 years, claiming the assassination was ordered by a Marcos crony and business partner (and Corazon Aquino's estranged cousin), Eduardo Cojuangco, Jr. , who was eventually cleared by the Aquino family. Through the years, some have been pardoned, others have died in detention, while yet others have had their terms commuted and then served these out. As of March 2009, the last remaining convicts have been released from prison. Aftermath Ninoy Aquino's actual bloodied safari jacket, pants (folded), belt and boots that he wore upon his return from exile are on permanent display at the Aquino Center in Tarlac. The death of Benigno Aquino transformed the Philippine opposition from a small isolated movement to a massive unified crusade, incorporating people from all walks of life. The middle class got involved, the impoverished majority participated, and business leaders whom Marcos had irked during martial law endorsed the campaign—all with the crucial support of the military and the Catholic Church hierarchy. The assassination showed the increasing incapacity of the Marcos regime—Ferdinand was mortally ill when the crime occurred while his cronies mismanaged the country in his absence. It outraged Aquino's supporters that he, if not masterminding it, allowed the assassination to happen and engineered its cover-up. The mass revolt caused by Aquino's demise attracted worldwide media attention and Marcos' American contacts, as well as the Reagan Administration , began distancing themselves. There was global media spotlight to the Philippine crisis, and exposés on Imelda's extravagant lifestyle (most infamously, her thousands of pairs of shoes) and "mining operations", as well as Ferdinand's dictatorial excesses, came into focus. The assassination thrust Aquino's widow, Corazon "Cory" Aquino, willingly or unwillingly, into the public eye. Convinced by leaders of the opposition that she was the person to best Marcos, Cory Aquino went on to campaign tirelessly in the 1986 snap elections which were called by Marcos to pacify rampant public discontent. In 57 days of trying to win people's votes before the February 7, 1986 election, her UNIDO party took to the streets, visiting all but a few of the Philippine provinces. On the campaign trail, Mrs. Aquino was greeted by throngs of people throwing confetti and cheering "Cory! Cory! Cory!". Despite the Marcos-controlled Commission on Election's declaration of a Marcos' victory, the majority of the Filipino people refused to accept the allegedly fraudulent outcome, prompting the People Power Revolution that drove Marcos into exile and placed Cory Aquino in the seat of power. While no Filipino president has ever been assassinated, Benigno Aquino is one of three presidential spouses who have been murdered. Aurora Quezon was killed along with her daughter and son-in-law in a Hukbalahap ambush in 1949, while Alicia Syquia-Quirino was murdered by the Japanese along with three of her children during the Battle of Manila in 1945. Legacy Ninoy Aquino's monument beside the Philippine Stock Exchange building. In Senator Aquino's honor, the Manila International Airport (MIA) where he was assassinated was renamed Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and his image is printed on the 500-peso bill . The Philippine Congress enacted Republic Act (R.A.) 9256, declaring August 21, the anniversary of his death, as "Ninoy Aquino Day", an annual public holiday in the Philippines. Several monuments were built in his honor. Most renowned is the bronze memorial in Makati City near the Philippine Stock Exchange , which today is a venue of endless anti-government rallies and large demonstrations, with another one bronze statue in front of the Municipal Building of Concepcion, Tarlac . Although Aquino was recognized as the most prominent and most dynamic opposition leader of his generation, in the years prior to martial law he was regarded by many as being a representative of the entrenched familial bureaucracy which to this day dominates Philippine politics. While atypically telegenic and uncommonly articulate, he had his share of detractors and was not known to be immune to ambitions and excesses of the ruling political class. However, during his seven years and seven months imprisoned as a political prisoner of Marcos, Aquino read a book entitled Born Again by convicted Watergate conspirator Charles Colson and it inspired him to a religious awakening. As a result, the remainder of his personal and political life would undertake a distinct spiritual sheen. He emerged as a contemporary counterpart of the great Rizal , who was among the world's earliest proponents of the use of non-violence to combat a repressive regime. Some remained skeptical of Aquino's redirected spiritual focus, but it ultimately had an effect on his wife's political career. While some may question the prominence given Aquino in Philippine history, it was his assassination that was pivotal to the downfall of a despotic ruler and the eventual restoration of democracy in the Philippines. As part of Republic Act No. 9256, the Monday nearest August 21 was declared (SECTION 1. Section 26, Chapter 7, Book I of Executive Order No. 292, otherwise known as the Administrative Code of 1987) a nationwide special holiday ( Ninoy Aquino Day ) by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines and approved on July 25, 2007 by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo , President of the Philippines.<ref> - Republic Act No. 9256 </ref> Timeline of the murder case August 21, 1983 - Benigno Aquino, Jr. was assassinated after disembarking a China Airlines plane at the Manila International Airport . Also killed was Rolando Galman . August 24, 1983 – Ferdinand Marcos sent a fact-finding commission headed by Supreme Court Chief Justice Enrique Fernando to investigate the Aquino murder (composed of 4 retired Supreme Court Justices who resigned, after its composition was challenged in court and thereafter, Arturo M. Tolentino declined appointment as board chairman. August 31, 1983 - More than 2 million people lined up the streets and joined Ninoy's funeral procession, which was the biggest in Philippine history. The procession lasted for 11 hours, from the Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City to Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City . October 22, 1983 – Marcos created another fact-finding committee known as the Agrava Fact-Finding Board, headed by former Court of Appeals Justice Corazon Agrava, with lawyer Luciano E. Salazar, businessman Dante G. Santos, labor leader Ernesto F. Herrera and educator Amado C. Dizon, as members. October 22, 1984 – Agrava Board released the reports concluding that military officers, including then Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Fabian Ver , conspired to kill Ninoy Aquino and the Supreme Court assigned the case to the Sandiganbayan . December 2, 1985 – Following trial, the Sandiganbayan acquits all the accused. September 12, 1986 – The Supreme Court, newly re-organized following the 1986 Edsa Revolution , orders a retrial of the accused. Warrants of arrests are subsequently issued by the Sandiganbayan for 25 military men, led by General Ver, and one civilian. September 28, 1990 – The Sandiganbayan convicts 16 of the suspects and sentences them to reclusion perpetua . Convicted of the crime were the Avsecom chief, Brig. Gen. Luther Custodio, Capt. Romeo Bautista, 2nd Lt. Jesus Castro, and Sergeants Claro L. Lat, Arnulfo de Mesa, Filomeno Miranda, Rolando de Guzman, Ernesto Mateo, Rodolfo Desolong, Ruben Aquino and Arnulfo Artates, gunman Constable Rogelio Moreno, M/Sgt. Pablo Martinez, C1C Mario Lazaga, A1C Cordova Estelo and A1C Felizardo Taran. No mastermind was named. July 23, 1991 – The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction. November 21, 1998 – Ver died of a lung ailment in Bangkok . March 8, 2005 – The Supreme Court denied the petition of the accused (filed on August 2004) to re-open the case. August 21, 2007 – The 24th anniversary of Ninoy’s murder. Chief Justice Andres Narvasa appealed for the closure of the case; Juan Ponce Enrile asked for the review for clemency in favor of the 14 convicts; Palawan Bishop Pedro Arigo, chairman of the CBCP ’s Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care (ECPPC) asked pardon for the convicts; Corazon Aquino and Benigno Aquino III forgave the 14 soldiers but opposed their appeals for clemency or parole (which Sec. Raul Gonzales submitted to the President on 2004); Eduardo Ermita stated that the Bureau of Pardons and Parole had recommended a grant of executive clemency.<ref> Inquirer.net, Pardon for Ninoy Aquino’s killers now in Arroyo’s hands </ref><ref> GMA NEWS.TV, Bishop to ask clemency for convicts in Ninoy case </ref><ref> Lawphil.net, G.R. No. 72670, September 12, 1986 </ref> August 24, 2007 - Eduardo Ermita officially announced that due to political implications, the appeal for clemency by the 14 soldiers was archived, even if the Bureau of Pardons and Parole presently reviews the plea. The executive secretary refused to give a time frame for the review.<ref> Abs-Cbn Interactive, Palace mulls clemency for 14 soldiers in Aquino-Galman slay . Archived from the original on 2007-09-26 .</ref> November 22, 2007- After more than 21 years, Pablo Martinez, one of the convicts in the Aquino-Galman double murder case in 1983 was released from the National Bilibid Prisons after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo pardoned him for humanitarian reasons. Martines stated: "Kung nakikinig man kayo Madam Cory Aquino patawarin ninyo ako sa nagawa kong pagkakasala noon." ("If you are listening Madame Cory Aquino, forgive me for the wrongdoings that I did before.")<ref> gmanews.tv, Aquino-Galman murder convict freed by Arroyo </ref> March 14, 2008- Former Cpl. 1st Class Mario Lazaga one of the 16 convicted soldiers died of hypertension at the National Bilibid Prisons (NBP) in Muntinlupa City . Two other convicts had already died in detention since M/Sgt. Pablo Martinez’s pardon.<ref> Abs-Cbn Interactive, Another Aquino-Galman convict dies </ref> February 2009 - A1C Felizardo Taran and Sgt. Rolando de Guzman, whose sentences were commuted by former President Fidel V. Ramos and President Arroyo respectively, completed their prison terms and were released.<ref> Timeline: Double murders on tarmac - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos </ref> March 4, 2009 - The remaining 10 convicts, Rogelio Moreno, Ruben Aquino, Arnulfo Artates, Romeo Bautista, Jesus Castro, Arnulfo De Mesa, Rodolfo Desolong, Claro Lat, Ernesto Mateo and Filomeno Miranda walked out of the National Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City Wednesday, more than two decades after they were found guilty of the Aug. 21, 1983 killings at the former Manila International Airport .<ref> 10 Aquino-Galman convicts free finally - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos </ref> References Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino: In the Eye of Memory by Maximo V. Soliven , Mr.& Ms. Publishing Co., 1984 Ninoy: The Heart and The Soul by Teodoro Benigno Ninoy Aquino: the Man, the Legend by Alfonso Policarpio, Cacho Hermanos, 1954 "The last time I saw Ninoy" by Corazon C. Aquino , Philippine Daily Inquirer , August 21, 2003 <ref> The last time I saw Ninoy . Archived from the original on 2006-05-16 .</ref> External links	i don't know
The Bedouin people are so named because they originated in?	Our Bedouin Tribe - Bedouin Adventures Our Bedouin Tribe Our Bedouin Tribe Our Bedouin Tribe: Culture and Tradition The Bedouin are the heart of the Arab peoples. Forged from the desert, the Bedouin have adapted to the harsh conditions before them and thrived to become one of the most well known and most respected cultural peoples in the world. They are the force behind so many achievements in the Middle East. They are world renowned for their honour, courage and hospitality, which are very dominant in all Bedouin. The Bedouin people are bound by a strict code of honour. This is the central focus to their society and dictates all law and custom within the tribes. Honour is gained through heroic deeds. Obviously, the more victories a Bedouin has, the more spoils of war they are able to obtain, therefore increasing the family’s wealth and social position within the larger tribal community. Due to the harshness of the desert, good grazing and watering grounds were strictly protected by those who were able to maintain their hold on the land. This usually meant that different tribes were raided because of this need for resources. However, the Bedouin’s strict code of honour made him bound to protect the women and children, and ensure that they had enough food and transport to survive. It is said that the Western Worlds ideals of chivalry and honour were bought back from the knights of the Crusades, who admired the Bedouin code of honour and adapted it to their own code of ethics. Traditionally, the Bedouin have always lived in a long, low black tent made from goat or camel hair that was woven by the women of the family. The tent is supported by a line of central poles in the middle, and the back and sides of the tent were supported by lower poles. In Bedouin culture the number of poles used in the back and side areas were a general an indication of wealth and social standing. Although to visitors the Bedouin tent may not look suitable to desert living, it is actually the most versatile way to live in the desert. The tent can be packed away and ready to move within an hour. It is also waterproof, because when the wool get wet, it expands and becomes water tight for the occupants inside. In windy weather, the tent is wind proof and protect those inside. During the hot midday sun, the sides and backs can be rolled up to allow a cool breeze to make its way through the tent. These tents can also be easily repaired when damaged. Central to an individual family’s tent is the hearth. This is situated in the main reception area of the Bedouin Tent and is where all the tea, coffee, and food are served for guests. The Bedouin are very hospitable people. They are obliged to protect whoever enters their tent for three days. The Bedouin host is obliged to house, feed and attend to the needs of his guest for these three days, after which, the guest will be able to leave in peace. A Bedouin is even obliged to house and protect an enemy, if they come seeking hospitality. It is customary to have three small cups of tea or coffee before the host will sit down and discuss affairs with their guest. The host will not generally ask about their troubles, but will discuss matters concerning animals, and news from afar. Women have a very important position in Bedouin society. Not only do they raise the children, herd the sheep, milk the animals, cook, and make the clothes, but they also weave the cloth that makes the Bedouin Tent. The Bedouin men generally gather around the fire, sharing stories and sipping coffee. They might discuss falconry, the saluki greyhound and Arabian stallions, all animals the Bedouins are credited with breeding, as well as other matters of importance to the tribe. Traditionally, one of the men recites poetry or sings. Bedouin poetry and song are ways in which their traditions and histories are handed down through generations. Poetry has been a central cultural form of expression through Bedouin history, representing the ideal standard for other literary achievements in the early centuries of Islamic history. Even today as more and more Bedouin become urbanised, stories are still told to their young to maintain their legacy in the desert. Bedouin clothing is adapted for desert life. They wear loose flowing clothing that covers the skin so as to prevent heat stroke and sun burn, but allowing air to still flow around the body so that it can be cooled in the heat. The Keffiyeh is a large square coth folded in half so that it forms a triangle. This is then placed on the head and held in place with a woven cord called an Agal. This is a iconic symbol of the Bedouin, as it helps shade them from the sun, allows air to flow freely around the head, but also shades the face, and can be wrapped around the nose and mouth in case of a dust storm. They are usually coloured red and white, black and white, or just plain white. The Bedouin women generally wear the family’s wealth on them. Unlike other Arabic people, the Bedouin Woman’s veil is very decorative, usually lined with coins and silver. The Bedouin woman also wears a lot of the families’ jewellery. These items are passed on through the generations to different women in the family. Sometimes the silver is melted down over and over again in each generation to create new designs for the new wearer. The general symbol for manhood is a curved dagger placed on the belt of a male. Although this can be used in combat, it is more a decorative item now, something like a badge of honour stating they have reached maturity. In the medieval times, the Bedouin generally fought with lances, which were seven feet long with a large metal spear end at the tip. This was generally used as a cavalry tactic, but in closer combat situations, swords were generally used. During the Crusades, the Bedouin managed to acquire many European and Arabic weaponry that they retrieved from the battlefield. Up until late in the First World War, they were still using these weapons, as well as antique firearms obtained for the Turkish influence in the region. Once the Bedouin forces had captured Aquaba from Turkish forces, the British Army decided that the Bedouin were a very valuable assed in their desert campaign, and gave the tribesmen all new British rifles. Today, these are still seen in many tribal homes as they became family treasures that were passed down from generation to generation symbolising their great achievements in freeing the Arab world. The Bedouin are very kind and generous people. They are masters of the desert, and are able to survive in some of the harshest conditions on earth. They have done so for thousands of years, and will hopefully continue to do so, even though they are starting to receive some of the benefits associated with urban life. Their code of honour and ethics is something to be admired and sets a precedent for other countries of the world.	Desert
What English word from French meaning literally 'cold blood' refers to (a person's) composure under pressure?	Bedouin Patients » Blue Abaya Bedouin Patients Filed in: bedouins \| camel milk and urine \| culture \| hospitals \| nurses \| patients \| Saudi-Arabia \| tribalism 13 comments The hospital I work in gets quite a few bedouins coming in for treatment from all around Saudi. It’s a large tertiary referral hospital, which means many patients were referred there because they could not be treated elsewhere or their cases were so difficult or rare it needed special care. Which makes these patients even more interesting! Bedouins come to our hospital from all over Saudi-Arabia, but mainly from the tribes that originate around the Najd area. Read more here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Najd What is generally meant by the term “Bedouin” is the nomadic Arab people who dwell in the desert areas reaching from Western Sahara to the Arabian Peninsula. Bedouins used to follow water and pastures and were nomadic, not staying in one place for a long period of time. Nowadays many of them have settled in certain areas and formed small towns cities like Dammam on the east coast of KSA. The Bedouins are divided into tribes of which the largest ones are Al-Shammari (everywhere!) Al-Harbi (Mecca area), and Al-Mutairi, Al-Qahtani, Al-Subaie, Al-Dossary all originally from Najd valley and around. Most patients will have one of these very common surnames, kind of like mr. Smith or in Finland mr.Virtanen. I work on an inpatient ward where nurses are typically assigned to 3-5 patients at a time. We look after them the whole 12 hour shift, usually for a few days in a row. This enables a lot of one on one time with the patients and since the patients will always have private rooms, women will be relaxed and at ease. I feel very lucky to have been able to take such an intimate look into their lives, culture and traditions. In my opinion Bedouins are generally the nicest patients in all aspects. I’ve found them to be friendly, genuine, warm, curious, easy-going (hardly complain), they have excellent sense of humour, are talkative and just about the most hospitable people you will ever meet. Hardly any of them speak English though, and sometimes their Arabic accents are difficult (sometimes impossible!) for even our Saudi nurses to understand. So basic Arabic language skills are really essential for more interaction with them. But actually even before I learned Arabic I found it was easy to get along with them by using sign language! They were always in for a little fun! Typically the Bedouin patient will have one or two sitters present at all times. Read more about the way Saudis visit the sick in hospitals here. They will have large families and it wouldn’t be strange to see ones with over 10 children. Visitors often come every evening and they will enjoy a meal or coffee and dates together. Bedouin patients tend to have a few peculiarities compared to other Saudis. Especially the really nomadic ones have habits that they continue in the hospital, like sleeping on the floor rather than the bed! They will take the sheets off the bed and put them on the floor. Not even the pillow is needed. The sitters have a sofa bed available but it’s hardly used. Bedouins like to keep things simple and they don’t like “modern-day luxury” such as bedding. When the patient has guests they will usually eat on the floor and with their hands. A sheet is spread on the floor and people will gather around it. Chairs and tables might be regarded as unnecessary luxuries. The youngest son or daughter will serve the food and tea or coffee out of respect to the elderly. They will most likely have their own tea or coffee pots with them in the hospital. Guests will typically bring along dates, arabic sweets, camel milk or date filled small cakes called mammoul. The nurse will be invited to have a taste of their coffee and foods, sometimes they insist that the nurse joins them on the floor. If I have time on my hands I will sometimes join them for their dinner which they tend to eat very late. Usually long after ishaa prayers, near midnight! I’ve encountered Bedouin patients that didn’t know how to use the western style toilet. Some even made their business on the floor next to it. It’s the first time they see a toilet seat and they don’t know what to do with it. The male Bedouins will often chew on miswak,which is a stick used to clean the teeth. Unfortunately some of them also spit on the floor after using it! Another thing I’ve noticed is that Bedouins don’t like to “waste” water. In other words take showers or wash their hair too often. I guess this comes from living in such harsh environments with constant lack of water. They use the water very sparingly to wash themselves, mainly it’s used for performing ablutions (washing before prayer). It takes a lot of convincing or sometimes even doctors order to get them to wet themselves totally under running water! Since they’ve been living all their lives in the desert , I figure their bodies have become accustomed to being warm all the time. The Bedouin patient will usually ask for the air conditioning to be turned off because they feel cold. It’s actually not possible to turn it off, so then they will ask to get extra blankets even during hot summer months. The men wear thobes made out of thick wool in the winter, which for them seems to end around May when the temperature starts raising above 40. Especially in the winter months they will have layers after layers of thick clothing even though the heating is on max in the room. The women and the men like to keep their own clothing on instead of changing to hospital gowns. When a Bedouin patient has fever he/she will be very afraid of “cooling” themselves. The more they have fever, the more the clothing and blankets will be on. Sometimes an offer of applying an icepack will result in surprises and suspicious looks. They might politely take it, but when the nurse leaves off it comes! This is sometimes a bit frustrating because the patients are convinced that warm is good cold is bad! Bedouins love henna. Older men will sometimes color their beards with it, resulting in an orange tinged tone. Older ladies with grey hair use henna which results in the same orange tone as the mens beards. The women will color their long naturally coal black hair with it resulting in a nice dark red tinge. Additionally they might apply decorative patterns on their hands for special occasions like Eid and weddings. The everyday henna for the hands is applied to the palms and tips of fingers so that it looks like they have very dark orange nail polish on. First time I saw this I thought to myself boy are those some dirty hands! The women will do the same with the soles of their feet and toes. Some elderly women have tattoos on their faces sort of look like map signs. I’m not sure what they use to do them but the color is usually dark blue. It will look like small markings resembling X’s or T’s around her cheeks, forehead and temples. I found out this is a sign that the lady in question is of high status within her tribe. She might be the eldest woman of her tribe. Most elderly patients will likely not know their exact age and might only be able to give you an estimate. Older generation Saudis didn’t register births and they also count age according to the Hijri calendar. Also Saudi-Arabia didn’t register female births until the 1970’s. Estimating their age is not easy because of the harsh weather and constant exposure to sun, Bedouin often look older than their actual age. I’ve had very old Bedouin patients, some reaching over 100 years. They might have been healthy and never visited a hospital up to that day they come in. Another peculiar thing which I’ve noticed is some of the older generation have a thin thread tied to their waists. First time I encountered one I immediately wanted to cut it off because of infection risk. They strictly refused and seemed horrified of my suggestion to remove it even though it was already harming the skin because it had become too tight. I’ve seen this on both men and women. The reason for this is that they don’t want to get fat so it’s a weight control belt! The thread is there to remind you that you’ve eaten too much when the thread feels uncomfortably tight. I wonder would this be worth patenting? The Bedouin weight loss belt! (Visited 1,522 times, 1 visits today) You might also like:	i don't know
The deeply inaccessible lakes Vostok, Whillans, and Ellsworth are in the?	Explainer: Antarctica, land of lakes \| Science News for Students Explainer: Antarctica, land of lakes There are many, although they tend to be buried under rivers of ice Sep 4, 2013 — 4:37 pm EST A thick layer of ice covers Lake Fryxell, just one of the many lakes in Antarctica. Joe Mastroianni, NSF/Wikimedia Commons Antarctica’s ice isn’t stuck tight, frozen onto the continent like frigid glue. In many places, liquid water sits between the ice and the ground beneath it. This water forms because heat seeping from inside the Earth gradually melts away the bottom of the ice sheet. Layers of water, thinner than a few stacked coins, melt off of the bottom of the ice each year. This water collects in low places, forming lakes. The water flows from one lake to another. Eventually it empties into the ocean. Scientists have used ice-penetrating radar and other methods to look for water under the ice. In the process, they discovered more than 200 of these subglacial lakes hiding deep below the ice surface. Most are only a few kilometers across. The largest, called Lake Vostok, is 250 kilometers (160 miles) long and 50 kilometers (30 miles) across. It holds about as much water as Lake Michigan, making it the seventh-largest lake on Earth. Lake Vostok has probably been buried under ice for at least 15 million years. Many other subglacial lakes are a bit younger. The water in all of these lakes comes from snow that fell onto the surface of the Antarctic ice sheet long ago. Water is constantly flowing out of a subglacial lake. It is replaced by new water that flows in. The exchange process is slow. As a result, the water in the lakes has not seen the light of day for up to 500,000 years. For the past two decades, biologists have wondered what kind of life might survive in these isolated lakes. The first indirect clues began emerging in 1998. Scientists drilling into the ice a few meters above Lake Vostok found layers that came from lake water that had frozen thousands of years earlier. Some single-celled microbes were found in that ancient lake ice. Most of the microbes were dead, but a few still seemed able to grow. Then, in early 2013, one researcher even reported finding the DNA of a few animals in this lake ice. The researcher claimed that crustaceans, fish, worms and clams might actually still live in Lake Vostok. Many of these claims inspired skepticism from other scientists — especially the claim about animals. Remember: Those claims came from an analysis of the water above, not in, the lake. But such controversy has made scientists even more anxious to get direct samples of water from the buried lakes. And between December 2012 and January 2013, three teams tried to retrieve samples from three different subglacial lakes in Antarctica. A British team tried — and failed — to drill into Lake Ellsworth, buried under 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) of ice. Problems steering their drill 300 meters (1,000 feet) down in the ice forced them to abandon efforts for the year. Two other attempts succeeded. An American team penetrated Lake Whillans, buried under 800 meters (0.5 miles) of ice. And a Russian team drilled down to Lake Vostok, buried under 3.7 kilometers (2.5 miles) of ice. The subglacial face of Antarctica is as varied as the landscape of any other continent. It includes high mountains, deep valleys, soggy swamps and wide, flat deltas where rivers flow into the ocean. Drilling into these three lakes gave scientists a chance to sample that variety. Each lake is different. Lake Vostok is a deep “rift lake,” formed by a split in Earth’s crust. It may contain volcanic vents where hot water gushes from deep inside the Earth. Minerals in that water could provide food for exotic life — maybe even the animals that were claimed to live there. Lake Ellsworth sits in an ancient fjord — a deep mountain valley that a glacier carved long ago as it oozed from the land into the sea. Lake Whillans resembles one of the many shallow, swampy lakes that dot northern Minnesota in the U.S Midwest. Scientists found living microbes in the water they retrieved from Lake Whillans in late January of 2013. The Russian team pulled some water up from Lake Vostok the same month. (That Vostok water actually was ice. After researchers drilled into the lake a year earlier, water had gushed into the borehole — and promptly froze. A year later the Russian team came back and brought it to the surface for study.) Power Words Antarctica A continent mostly covered in ice surrounding the South Pole. Ice sheets cover about 98% of this southernmost continent. No country owns Antarctica and no one lives there permanently. Scientists, however, may come for up to a year at a time to study there. borehole A narrow hole drilled deeply into ice or the surface of Earth, often to extract samples for scientific study. fjord An inlet formed when the sea submerges a valley carved by glacial activity. glacier A slow-moving river of ice hundreds or thousands of meters deep. Glaciers are found in mountain valleys and also form as parts of ice sheets. ice sheet A broad blanket of ice, most of it kilometers deep. Ice sheets cover most of Antarctica and Greenland. radar A technique to throw off radio waves and then detect the echo of any waves that are reflected back. Radar can be used to detect moving objects, such as airplanes. It can also be used to map the shape of land — even if covered by ice. subglacial Underneath a glacier or ice sheet. Subglacial lakes, for instance, lie hundreds to thousands of meters beneath Antarctica’s ice sheet.	South Pole
UK road signs for tourist destinations and places of interest are normally a white icon on what colour background?	The Antarctic Sun: News about Antarctica - Magical Realism (page 2) Photo Courtesy: Frank Rack The main hose reel unit for the WISSARD hotwater drill on display in Lincoln, Neb. The research team will use hot water to burrow through nearly a kilometer of ice to subglacial Lake Whillans. Page 2/3 - Posted November 9, 2012 Three different environments This year the Russians are expected to sample Lake Vostok properly. Meanwhile, BAS scientists are en route to subglacial Lake Ellsworth in West Antarctica for similar studies. The serendipitous timing of the three subglacial drilling programs has prompted some media to dub the scramble to access these heretofore inaccessible places as an international space-race-type competition. Priscu insists that’s not the case, noting that all three lakes are different in nature. For instance, scientists believe both Lake Vostok and Lake Ellsworth are isolated bodies of water, while Whillans is an “active” lake. Graphic Credit: British Antarctic Survey and Peter Rejcek The locations of the three subglacial lakes. “These are deep lakes without a lot of water coming in and out. The lakes on the Whillans ice plain are very river dominated,” he said. Tulaczyk conceded that the United States didn’t want to be left behind in the realm of subglacial research, but echoed Priscu’s comments about the differences between the three lake systems. For example, Vostok is believed to be ancient, possibly on the scale of millions of years old. Meanwhile, Lake Ellsworth is located in an old, deepened fjord, and has possibly been isolated for hundreds of thousands of years. “Scientifically, they’re really complementary,” he said of three projects. In fact, a Russian scientist has been invited to observe the WISSARD effort this year, and collaborations have been under way with the BAS researchers, according to Priscu. “We’re trying to keep it open,” he said. “We don’t want it to be a race, and I think this is a really good way to keep the spirit of Antarctica in terms of its international aspects.” Language lessons While most of the scientists with WISSARD are American, it doesn’t mean they always speak the same language. A multitude of disciplines is represented within the program, from biologists to glaciologists to geologists. The focus on ensuring that the lake environment remains as pristine as possible — equipment and instruments will be zapped with UV radiation and the drill water treated and filtered to commercial standards — means that the biology is at the forefront of the WISSARD project. That’s a little different from previous projects of this scale, such as the ANDRILL (ANtarctic Geological DRILLing) program that Powell helped lead that recovered sediment cores from below the seafloor to learn about Antarctica’s glacial and geological past. “The microbiology component is much more important,” Powell said. “It’s been good learning the different ways scientists approach their science.” Tulaczyk agreed that the interdisciplinary nature of the project — mainly supported by the Antarctic Integrated System Sciences (AISS) program within NSF’s Office of Polar Programs (OPP) — has been both a learning experience and a challenge as the program was developed. “We are working together rather than against each other,” he said. “Our scientific goals have always revolved around this idea that water is the substance that connects the glaciology, geology and microbiology, because you need water to support the kind of life we have on Earth.” Life is The Thing Photo Credit: Peter Rejcek/ Antarctic Photo Library Blood Falls and Taylor Glacier. And what will that life look like? Well, no one is expecting to need flamethrowers, ala the popular The Thing movies. If life exists in these subglacial realms — and most researchers believe they will find evidence — it will be on the microscopic scale, most likely bacteria that have developed strategies to cope in lightless, likely nutrient-poor environments, according to Priscu. “These organisms will be obtaining a lot of their energy from the minerals in the rocks,” Priscu said. “This is what we think we’ll see. This is what we see in Blood Falls, under the Taylor Glacier.” As a graduate student in the Priscu Lab, Jill Mikucki (now at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and a PI on GBASE), discovered a chemotrophic microbial community underneath Taylor Glacier while investigating Blood Falls. The waterfall-like feature is stained red because it draws water from an iron-rich pool, where the bacteria apparently dwell. Such light-starved organisms live off of inorganic compounds to fix carbon. [See previous article — Ancient microbes: Unique community of bacteria found beneath Antarctic glacier .] “I think we’ll see a moderately diverse microbial community,” Priscu said. Beyond that? “Who knows?” he responded, noting that it’s possible slightly more complex life may be dwelling in the subglacial ecosystem. Geothermal activity upstream of the Lake Whillans ice plain could support a more energetic and robust environment, he said. “It’s time to go down there and bring a sample to surface and actually look at it,” he said. In hot water Easier said than done. Much will have to go according to plan in a place that usually doesn’t allow for a large margin of error. Much will depend on the success of the test on the McMurdo Ice Shelf in December. That will be the first trial of the entire system, which features a complex hotwater drill system designed and operated by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) . Photo Credit: WISSARD.org Drill components ready for shipment to Antarctica. “The design and procedures all have to be integrated to make this work seamlessly,” said Frank Rack , executive director of the ANDRILL Science Management Office at UNL and lead for the hotwater drilling operation. The new system uses a combination of off-the-shelf components, equipment salvaged from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory project at the South Pole, and some custom-made pieces from a variety of stateside vendors, according to Rack. The design had to take many factors into consideration, Rack explained. It had to be mobile, as the idea is to traverse, or drive by tractor, much of the equipment to and around the field sites over the course of several years. It had to be integrated with a clean-access system to sanitize the water and equipment that will enter the borehole through which various science instruments will be deployed. And, of course, it had to stand up to Antarctica’s tough environment. “We set out to keep it containerized,” Rack said. “The design is geared toward making it plug and play.” Back 1 2 3 Next	i don't know
The 1805 Battle of Austerlitz was a major victory for which commander?	Battle of Austerlitz, 2 December 1805 Battle of Austerlitz, 2 December 1805 Aftermath Background The battle of Austerlitz (2 December 1805), or the Battle of the Three Emperors, was one of Napoleon's most impressive victories and saw him inflict a crushing defeat on an Austro-Russian army, in the process knocking Austrian out of the War of the Third Coalition. At the start of the War of the Third Coalition the Austrians and Russians prepared for operations on a wide front. The largest Austrian army, under the Archduke Charles, was sent to Italy where Napoleon had won his earlier great victories and where he was expected to return in 1805. A smaller Austrian army, under General Mack , advanced west along the Danube to invade Bavaria, and ended up at Ulm. A number of Russian armies were making their way into Austria and were expected to arrive soon. Napoleon didn't act as expected. Instead he decided to attack across the Rhine in the hope that he could defeat Mack's army before the Russians arrived, then eliminate the Russians before Charles could return from Italy. The first part of the plan was a great success. The French crossed the Rhine and swept through Germany, reaching the Danube well to the east of Ulm. Mack missed a number of chances to escape from the trap after all but one division of the French army moved to the south bank of the river, but Napoleon soon recovered from this mistake, and on 20 October Mack and most of his command surrendered at Ulm . Jean-de-Dieu Soult The triumph at Ulm was followed by Napoleon's first failure of the campaign. The first of the Russian armies, under Kutuzov , had finally crossed the Danube and was advancing west towards Ulm when Mack surrendered. Kutuzov was now Napoleon's next target, but the Russians were able to outrun the French, and crossed to the north bank of the Danube to the west of Vienna. The French were able to occupy the Austrian capital and also captured a key bridge across the Danube intact, but Kutuzov was able to escape north to Olmutz where he joined up with a second Russian force under Buxhowden and some scattered Austrian forces. He was also joined by Tsar Alexander and the Emperor Francis. Napoleon followed the Russians north from Vienna, before calling a halt to the pursuit and pausing for a rest at Brunn, south-west of the Allied position. At their most advanced the French positions extended past Austerlitz, which Soult's infantry captured on 21 November. Napoleon was now in a very dangerous position. His army was tired and was hundreds of miles from home in the middle of enemy territory. He had to detach strong forces to guard his flanks, while his opponents were expected sizable reinforcements. The Archduke Ferdinand was approaching from the north-west. The Archdukes Charles and John were coming from Italy, although would probably arrive too late. Nearer to hand were 4,000 Austrians under Merveldt and 12,000 Russians under Essen. These two forces actually joined the defeated Allied army two and four days after the battle! Napoleon was already outnumbered and the situation could only get worse. He realised that his best chance of avoiding a potentially disastrous retreat was to win a crushing battlefield victory. Even a standard victory wouldn't be enough, with enemy reinforcements on their way from every direction. Napoleon's Plan The French army was now quite scattered. Murat's cavalry reserve and IV Corps (Soult) were east of Brunn facing the Allies. The Guard and Lannes (V Corps) were at Brunn. Bernadotte's I Corps was north-west of Brunn guarding against the Archduke Ferdinand. Davout's III Corps was near Vienna, but part of it would reach the battlefield in time to take part in the fighting. The number of troops on each sides isn't entirely certain, but the Allies had around 85,000 men while Napoleon fought with around 73,000. Davout, 1770-1823 Other parts of Napoleon's army weren't close enough to take part in the battle – Mortier's VIII Corps remained around Vienna, Marmont's II Corps was watching the Alps and Ney's VI Corps was in Carinthia. After occupying Brunn Napoleon examined the ground he expected to fight over. On 21 November he visited what would become the battlefield of Austerlitz. The Santon mound close to the road captured his attention and he ordered its eastern slopes to be steeply scarped and 14-20 captured Austrian light cannon to be placed on the summit. He also examined the famous Pratzen Heights and the valleys around them. The basic outline of Napoleon's plan was simple. He hoped to trick the Allies into moving south to attack the French right wing. Most of his army would be concentrated on the French left. Once the Allies were committed on the right, the French left would sweep around their northern flank (the allied right). Davout's corps, advancing from Vienna, would attack the Allied southern flank (left). The entire Allied army would be trapped between three French forces, cut off from its supplies at Olmutz and forced to surrender. This wasn't actually what happened during the battle. Two elements of Napoleon's original plan failed to fall into place. First, the Allies didn't move their entire army south, but instead left a strong force under Bagration to guard their right wing. This prevented Napoleon from launching his grand envelopment from the north. Second despite an impressive march Davout's corps didn't arrive in time or in enough strength to form the southern wing of the planned grand envelopment. These two developments forced Napoleon to adopt a new plan after the fighting had started. Soult's corps, in the centre-right of the French line, managed to capture the Pratzen Heights, in the centre of the Allied line. After fighting off a spirited Allied counterattack the French on the heights turned right, and attacked the isolated left flank of the Allied army. This move allowed Napoleon to win his crushing victory, although it wasn't quite as devastating as he had originally hoped. After the battle Napoleon claimed that the attack in the Allied centre had been his plan all along, Napoleon's detailed plans went through three versions. In the first he envisaged a total envelopment of the Allied armies. The main attack from the north was to get behind them while Davout coming from Vienna was to complete the trap. The second version was adopted when it became clear that the Allies were moving further south than expected while Davout was slower and his men more tired. Davout's role became to help defend the line of the Goldbach, Soult was to lead the main assault, supported by the rest of the French left. The third version was adopted on the night of 1-2 December after the Allies threatened Telnitz at the southern end of the French line. Napoleon went to inspect the situation. This was followed by an impromptu torch-lit procession, after which he came up with his third plan. Soult's corps now had the task of defending the Goldbach, while two of his brigades were to form the right-hand side of the French attack, supported on their left by the French left wing. This was the plan that was put into operation on 2 December, although as we will see it had to be modified during the battle. None of these detailed plans would have been of any value if the Allies had behaved more sensibly. The French were isolated and unlikely to receive any reinforcements, while fresh troops were advancing to join the Allied army. Even a delay of four days would have significantly altered the balance of power, allowing 16,000 extra Allied troops to arrive. Napoleon knew that he had to trick the Allies into attacking him. He achieved this with a simple deception plan. Two of his corps were posted at some distance from the eventual battlefield – Bernadotte to the north-west to watch the Archduke Ferdinand, Davout to the south at Vienna. The Allies thus believed that the French army was rather smaller than it really was. In the days before the battle Napoleon abandoned his most advanced positions, which reached beyond Austerlitz town towards the Allied camp. He send General Savary to the Allies as an envoy, officially to attempt to negotiate a truce but actually to spy on the Allies and to try and convince them that Napoleon feared a battle. Finally, on 1 December Napoleon ordered his men to make a 'panicked' retreat from the apparently crucial Pratzen heights. Allied Plan All of these efforts worked perfectly. The Allied supreme command structure was a mess. Kutuzov was officially the commander-in-chief, but Tsar Alexander took real control of the army. He was dominated by a group of his young friends, whose general attitude was aggressive. Kutuzov realised that the best way to defeat Napoleon was to simply wait him out, but the Tsar listened to his friends and not to his experienced commander-in-chief. The Austrian Emperor Francis was present with the army, but after the defeat at Ulm the Russians had a very low opinion of the Austrian army, and Francis had little influence. The Allied plan was almost exactly what Napoleon had hoped for. Their aim was to move most of Allied army onto the French right flank, outflank Napoleon and cut his lines of communication with Vienna. The French might be forced to retreat without a fight, but if not then the Allies would overwhelm their right flank. In order to protect their right flank and the road back to their camp the Allies decided to post General Bagration and the army advance guard on their right, guarding the main highway. This meant that Bagration was facing the main part of the French left wing, in an area where Napoleon didn't expect to find any enemy troops. If both plans had worked out as expected then the two armies could have ended up rotating in a clock-wise direction around the centre of the battlefield, but neither side's main attack made as much progress as expected. The main allied attack was to be made by four columns. On the far left was a small Austrian force under the Austrian General Kienmayer. He had around 7,000 men with an equal mix of infantry and cavalry. Next to him was the First Column under Lieutenant-General Dmitri Doctorov (or Dokhturov). All three columns on the Allied left were overwhelmingly infantry formations – Doctorov had 13,240 infantry and only 250 cavalry. He was to cross the Goldbach at Telnitz and then curve around to the right. The Second Column was commanded by Lieutenant-General A. Langeron, a French émigré, with 11,250 infantry and 300 cavalry. His task was to cross the stream between Telnitz and Sokolnitz. The Third Column, under Lieutenant-General I. Przbyswski or Prebyshevsky, was smaller, with only 7,700 infantry, and contained a mix of Austrian and Russian troops. Its task was to capture the castle at Sokolnitz and advance beyond it. All three of these columns were under the overall command of General Buxhowden. The Fourth Column was under the joint command of Lieutenant-Generals M.A. Miloradovich and J. K. Killowrath. It was much stronger, with 23,900 infantry, and was to cross the stream north of Sokolnitz. On the right of the army Lieutenant-General Peter I. Bagration and the 9,200 infantry and 4,500 cavalry of the Advance Guard was posted on the main road. To his left-rear was the Russian Imperial Guard under Grand Duke Constantine , the only reserve force. To his left was the Fifth (Cavalry) Column, commanded by Lieutenant-General Prince Johann von Lichtenstein. His task was to guard against the French cavalry and to shield the first four columns as they moved south. The Allied plan wasn't intrinsically flawed, but it did have two serious failings. First, it assumed that the French were already beaten and thus would neither offer any serious opposition at the Goldbach stream nor launch an offensive of their own. It also assumed that the Allied army was capable of carrying out such a complex manoeuvre. Even if the army's high command had been more capable, work on translating the orders from German into Russian didn't begin until 3am on the day of the battle, and some commanders didn't receive their orders until after the start of the fighting! Opening Moves Marshal Joachim Murat The Allies decided to attack Napoleon on 24 November. At first they hoped to move on the following day, but they weren't organised to achieve this and instead began to move on the 27th. Wischau, north-east of Austerlitz, and the heights of Raussnitz were captured on 28 November. In order to encourage the Allied attack Napoleon ordered Murat and Soult to abandon their positions around Austerlitz, and take up a new position west of the Goldbach stream. On the same day Bernadotte and Davout were ordered to rejoin the main army. Early on 29 November Murat and Soult moved into their new positions. The Guard and the Grenadier Division moved north to join them, forming a powerful left wing. On the same day the Allies moved four or five miles to the south. The day also saw Napoleon meet with Prince Dolgoruky, a Russian envoy and an arrogant member of the war party. On 1 December the Allies occupied the Pratzen Heights. Their progress looked impressive, but at the end of the day the fourth column was too close to the third and the cavalry was too far to the rear. This would cause some confusion in the hours before the battle began. As the Allies advanced Murat was ordered to fake a panicked retreat from the heights, in the hope that this would entice the Allies to continue on south into Napoleon's trap. By the end of 1 December most of Napoleon's men were in position. Lannes' V Corps was on the left, near the Santon. Lannes had around 12,700 men in his corps. Bernadotte's I Corps was behind V Corps, hidden from Allied sight. Bernadotte had around 13,000 men. To their right were the 5,500 men of the Imperial Guard under Marshal Bessières , the 5,700 men of the Grenadier Division under General Oudinot and Murat's 7,400 strong Cavalry Reserve. The centre and right of the French line was made up of Soult's IV Corps, the largest in the French army with 23,600 men. Soult had three infantry divisions and one light cavalry division. His men were spread along the Goldbach. Two of his three divisions were allocated to the main attack onto the Pratzen Heights. Further south Davout's III Corps was approaching from Vienna. Not all of Davout's troops reached the battlefield in time to fight. Friant's 2nd infantry division and Bourcier's 4th Dragoon Division arrived, as did part of the 1st Division, giving Davout around 6,300 men on the day. His main role would be to support Soult's right wing on the Goldbach. The Battlefield The battlefield was dominated by two features – the valley of the Goldbach Stream and the Pratzen Heights. It was bordered to the north by the Moravian Switzerland, an area of low wooded hills. The northern end of the battlefield was marked by the road from Brunn to Olmutz. This ran east-west across most of the battlefield, then split in two close to the north-east corner of the field, with one branch heading north-east to Olmutz and the other south-east to Austerlitz. Just to the north of the road, on the eastern side of the stream, was a small hillock known to the French as the Santon. Napoleon examined this feature well before the battle and ordered his men to steepen the eastern face, looking towards the Allied army. The Goldbach formed the dividing line between the two armies at the start of the battle. It flowed south from the Moravian Switzerland, and ran through a low marshy valley before joining the Littawa amongst a series of ponds (the Satschan Mere and Menitz Mere). At the end of the battle these ponds became the site of one of the great legends of Austerlitz, after the 30th Bulletin of the Grande Armée claimed that some 20,000 Allied troops drowned when French cannons broke the ice as they were attempting to escape across the frozen ponds. This was entirely false. Although some men might have died in the meres only two bodies were recovered when they were drained after the battle, and only 5,000 or so Allied troops were even in the area! The stream was lined with a series of villages. The southernmost villages became important in the battle. First was Tellnitz, closest to the meres. This was at the southern end of the fighting for most of the day. Next was Sokolnitz, with a castle and a walled peasantry to its north. The last of the key villages on the river was Kobelnitz. To the east are the Pratzen Heights, a triangular plateau with the narrow end at the south, widening to the north. A side-stream flows east from close to Kobelnitz towards the village of Pratzen, on the western edge of the plateau. The plateau had two main summits that became important in the fighting – the Staré Vinohrady to the north and the Pratzeberg to the south. The town of Austerlitz lies just beyond the eastern edge of the battlefield. The Ambush The night of 1-2 December was foggy. This played into French hands, hiding the deployment of their army, but it greatly added to the confusion on the Allied side. The Allied fourth column didn't start moving until the Tsar ordered it into action, about an hour after the first fighting. The cavalry column cut right across the army, cutting in front of the fourth column and possible cutting another column in two. The first fighting came at Telnitz, where Kienmayer's Austrians arrived on time. Five battalions attacked the French in the village, but the Austrians were repulsed. Buxhowden made one of his few positive contributions to the battle, ordering the first column to attack Tellnitz. The French were forced to retreat, but instead of advancing around Napoleon's flank Doctorov decided to wait for the second column to arrive on his right. When these columns did arrive they came up against parts of Soult's corps, and were held up (see below). While the Allies were raggedly moving south Napoleon and Soult were waiting for the right moment to attack. At around 8.45 Napoleon asked Soult how long it would take him to reach the top of the Pratzen Heights. Soult replayed that it would take less than 20 minutes, and so Napoleon decided to wait for another 15 minutes. Soult's two attacking divisions ( Saint-Hilaire and Vandamme ) were hidden in the fog in the valley bottom, and Napoleon wanted to wait until the entire Allied army had moved off the heights. At about 9am Soult was finally ordered to advance. Saint-Hilaire was on the right and was to take the summit of the Pratzeberg while Vandamme was to take the Staré Vinohrady, one mile further north. Napoleon was hoping that Soult would be advancing into the space behind the advancing Allies, although the sounds of heavy fighting from the north suggested that not everything was going as planned. In fact Soult's men advanced into a gap between the Third and Fourth Allied columns. Their advance also brought them within a few hundred years of the Tsar and Kutuzov The French swept through Pratzen village, sending a wave of defeated Russian troops past the Tsar and Kutuzov. Kutuzov attempted to repair the damage, ordering the fourth column, which had just dropped off the heights, to turn back and take up a position north of Pratzen while Lichtenstein's cavalry was ordered onto the heights. None of these troops arrived in time to prevent the French from capturing the Pratzeberg or the Staré Vinohrady, giving them control of the Pratzen Heights, but the Allies weren't entirely defeated yet – Kutuzov had his fourth column, the Russian Imperial Guard and part of Langeron's column with which to attack Soult, while further south the first three Allied columns still had a chance to restore the situation – if they could get across the Goldbach and swing north then Soult might be isolated on the plateau. At the end of this first phase of the battle the Allied supreme command had been effectively destroyed. The Tsar had been separated from his staff and was an isolated figure. Kutuzov faired a little better but became drawn into a series of individual fights and had no impact on the overall direction of the battle. The Hard Fight The Heights At this stage the French were in a good position, but not as good as Napoleon had hoped. He had expected the entire Allied army to move over the Pratzen, allowing his strong left and centre to get behind them. Instead the French left had been held up by Bagration. Soult had successfully occupied the Pratzen Heights, but he now faced a fierce and unexpected battle to hold onto his new position. The first fighting came when part of the Second Column attacked the 10th Line, part of Saint-Hilaire's division. This attack was beaten off with the aid of Saint-Hilaire, who led reinforcements to the scene. An Austrian force then attempted to get close by taking advantage of the similarity between their white uniforms and those of Napoleon's Bavarian allies. This ruse failed when the 'Bavarians' were seen to communicate with nearby Russians and the Austrians were repulsed after a fierce half-hour battle. General Langeron led the next attack on the Heights, but the Kursk Regiment was badly mauled and the Podolia Regiment retreated back into the Goldbach valley. By now the Tsar had fled east, while Kutuzov had been wounded and forced to retreat to the safety of an Austrian unit. The South While the French were winning the battle on the heights the Allies were struggling in the Goldbach valley. Friant's division of Davout's corps had finally reached the battlefield, and at about the same time as the Allied second and third columns arrived at the river a French counterattack temporarily pushed them out of Telnitz. The French were still outnumbered at this end of the line, and were soon pushed back out of the village. The Allied second column (Longeron) now arrived and attacked Sokolnitz, followed soon afterwards by the third column (Prebyshevsky), which attacked north of the village, aiming at Sokolnitz Castle and the Peasantry. The first column paused to wait for the battle at Sokolnitz to end. By about 10am the Russians had forced the 26th Light out of the village, but this was a short-lived success. At about 10 the 2nd and 3rd brigades of Friant's division launched a counterattack and a prolonged battle developed around the village. The 48th Line was left in Sokolnitz, while Friant went on to attack the Allied third column. The battle in this part of the field now became something of a stalemate, with strong Allied forces unable to force their way across the Goldbach. The Russians and Austrians were never able to force the French back from the Goldbach, and the main Allied thrust came to a halt. The North 10 April 1769-1809 An almost entirely separate battle took part on the northern part of the battlefield, where Bagration's advance guard faced Lannes, Bernadotte and a large French cavalry force. As the fighting began further south the French had a screen of light cavalry at the front. Two heavy cavalry divisions were next, on either side of the main road, with Lannes and Bernadotte just behind and Murat's cavalry reserve in the rear. On the Russian side Bagration had his Jaeger infantry on the right and left, two lines of cavalry on the centre-right and his line infantry on the centre-left. Prince Lichtenstein's cavalry was to his left-rear and the Russian Imperial Guard even further to the left-rear (south-east). Most of these reserves would eventually be drawn into the fighting on the heights. The fighting in the north began when Bagration sent 4,000 cavalry to attack Lannes. This first cavalry attack was repulsed by French artillery fire, but the Grand Duke Constantine Uhlans insisted on making an unsupported attack in which they suffered 400 casualties, losing most of their strength. Next was a series of attacks on Kellermann's division. The second of these attacks saw Murat and his staff dragged into the melee, and the situation was only saved when Nansouty's heavy cavalry joined the fight. This was followed by a French infantry attack towards the village of Bläsowitz, to the south of the road. After an early success the Russians abandoned this position, which was now threated by French troops on the Pratzen Heights, just to its south. On the opposite flank Bagration's men were attacking towards Bosenitz, from where they threatened the Santon mound. The French counter-attacked from the mound and pushed the Russians back. At about midday Lannes went onto the offensive. Bagration was forced to retreat back past the road junction and there was a real danger that he would be forced away to the north-east, isolating him from the rest of the army. Instead some Austrian artillery arrived just in time to halt the French advance. Bagration's wing had suffered a defeat, but it was a fairly minor one and he had avoiding being cut off from the rest of the army. Allied Defeat The stage was now set for the most important action of the day. At about noon Napoleon decided to move to the Pratzen Heights. At the same time the Imperial Guard, Grenadier Division and Bernadotte's corps were all ordered to advance in the same direction. On the Allied side the Russian Imperial Guard, under the command of the Tsar's brother Constantine, was about to enter action. Constantine had received a request for help from his brother as the fighting developed on the heights. He decided to try and find the fourth column, and so at around 11.30 the Russian Guard began to move across the north-eastern flank of the Staré Vinohrady. The Russian Guard moved to Krzenowitz, east of the heights. There it came under fire from Vandamme's artillery on the Staré Vinohrady. Constantine responded by forming up on the eastern flank of the ill with the Semenovsky infantry on the left, the Preobrazhensky infantry on the right, jaeger infantry on their flanks and cavalry at the outside. They were ordered to clear the eastern flank of the hill, but not to make a full scale assault on the French. This changed when the advancing Russians were attacked by Schinner's 3rd Brigade of Vandamme's Division, and at around 1pm Constantine was forced to order a full scale assault on the Staré Vinohrady. This began well. A force of 3,000 Russian Grenadiers broke the first French line, but they were stopped by artillery fire before reaching the second line. The Russians withdrew to reform, and Napoleon ordered Vandamme to apply pressure to them. During this movement Vandamme's left flank became exposed, and Constantine ordered his cavalry to attack. The French 4th Line formed squares, but the Russians stopped short, unveiled six light artillery pieces and bombarded the square. The Russian cavalry was then able to break into the French square, despite an attempt by the 24th Light to rescue them. The Russians captured the 4th Line's Eagle, the only French trophy captured by the allies during the battle. The 24th Light formed a line but was also broken, and the refugees from the two regiments fled past Napoleon (greeting him with 'Vive l'Empereur' as they passed!). The gap in the French line was plugged by the French Guard cavalry. A costly battle now developed between the two Imperial Guards. At first the Russians had the best of the encounter, but the arrival of a brigade of infantry from I Corps allowed the French to move reinforcements up and the cavalry battle eventually ended as a major French victory. The Russian Chevalier Gardes, recruited from noble families, suffered very heavy casualties during this battle. Napoleon now had a commanding position, but he had to decide what to do next. His original plan, for a grand envelopment of the entire Allied army, was no longer possible. From his position on the Pratzen Heights he realised that Bagration was too far east to be easily destroyed and so he decided to turn his attention south. The brunt of the new attack fell on Saint-Hilaire and Vandamme, supported by Legrand's division. Bernadotte's I Corps, which hadn't made much contribution to the fighting, was ordered to hold the Pratzen Heights. Saint-Hilaire, supported by one brigade from Vandamme and with General Legrand on his right advanced towards Sokolnitz, while Vandamme with his two remaining brigades moved to the southern edge of the Pratzen Heights, from where he could threaten Buxhowden's line of retreat. The French attack hit the first three Allied columns. By now it was clear to the Allies that the battle was lost, and instead of attempting to coordinate a defence the various Allied commanders focused on attempting to escape from the trap. Some were luckier than others. Langeron with the 8th Jaeger and Viborg Regiments escaped to the south. The Perm Musketeers and 7th Jaeger were forced north-west, attempted to defend Sokolnitz Castle and made another stand further north before surrendering. The Galician and Butyrsk Regiments with fragments from other units moved further north and surrendered against the Sokolnitz mere. 4,000 prisoners were taken there. To the south parts of Langeron's, Doctorov's and Kienmayer's forces were cut off to the south and came under attack from three sides. Many of these troops were able to escape to the south, with some crossing the frozen Satschan and Menitz ponds. One of the great myths of Austerlitz took place here. French gunners fired on the ice of the ponds, cracking it in places. The 30th Bulletin of the Grande Armée claimed that 20,000 Russians drowned here. After the battle the ponds were drained – 38 guns and 130 horses were found but only two men. Only 5,000 Allied troops were even in the area. It is possible that some men did indeed drown in the ponds, although they were very shallow, but the famous mass drowning on the ice never happened. Aftermath The battle was a dramatic and crushing French victory. French casualties were around 9,000, but the Allies had lost 27,000 men – 12,000 prisoners, the rest dead and wounded left on the battlefield. One third of the Allied army had been lost. The surviving Allied troops retreated east, while the French rested on the battlefield. On the night of 2-3 December Prince Lichtenstein appeared at the French camp under a flag of truce, and arranged a meeting between Napoleon and the Emperor Francis, to be held on 4 December. This was a clear sign that the Austrians were about to leave the Third Coalition. While Francis prepared to make peace, Tsar Alexander prepared to retreat to Hungary. Reinforcements were now arriving – 4,000 Austrians under Merveldt arrived on the 4th, 12,000 Russians under Essen on the 6th, but Alexander and Kutuzov refused to consider continuing the fight in Austria. Napoleon and Francis met at 2pm on 4 December. The meeting lasted for two hours and Francis apparently left in a more cheerful mood than he had arrived. Even so the resulting Peace of Pressburg was a disaster for Austria. France took much of the eastern coast of the Adriatic, including Trieste, the Croatian coast and Dalmatia. Cleves and Berg on the eastern bank of the Rhine also went to France. Bavaria was given the Tyrol and Wurzburg. The Duke of Wurttemberg received Swabia. In an attempt to keep Prussia out of the war they were given Hanover. In this Napoleon failed – Prussia soon joined the war, before suffering her own defeat at Jena - Auerstadt (14 October 1806). Russian remained in the conflict into 1807, but came to terms after the battle of Friedland (14 June 1807) . For a few short years Napoleon dominated Europe, although the British naval victory at Trafalgar , which came on 21 October, the day after Ulm, prevented his triumph from being complete.	Napoleon
What 'white-tail' species grew in such numbers in US Washington DC parklands as to prompt radical control measures in 2012?	Battle of Austerlitz Battle of Austerlitz Part of the War of the Third Coalition Napoléon at the Battle of Austerlitz, by François Pascal Simon, Baron Gérard. Date effective end of Third Coalition Combatants First French Empire Russian Empire Austrian Empire Commanders Napoleon I Alexander I Strength 67,000 73,000 Casualties 1,305 dead 6,940 wounded 1 standard lost 15,000 dead or wounded 12,000 captured 180 guns and 50 standards lost War of the Third Coalition Cape Finisterre – Wertingen – Haslach-Jungingen – Elchingen – Ulm – Trafalgar – Caldiero – Amstetten – Cape Ortegal – Dürenstein – Schöngrabern – Austerlitz The Battle of Austerlitz (also known as the Battle of the Three Emperors) was a major engagement in the Napoleonic Wars during the War of the Third Coalition. It was fought on December 2, 1805 about four miles (6.4 km) east of the modern Czech town of Brno, then part of the Austrian Empire. The conflict involved forces of the recently formed First French Empire against the armies of the Russian Empire and the Austrian Empire. After nearly nine hours of fighting, the French troops, commanded by Emperor Napoleon I, managed to score a decisive victory over the Russo-Austrian army, commanded by Czar Alexander I. Despite difficult fighting in many sectors, the battle is often regarded as a tactical masterpiece. Austerlitz effectively brought the Third Coalition to an end. On December 26, 1805, Austria and France signed the Treaty of Pressburg, which took the former out of the war, reinforced the earlier treaties of Campo Formio and Lunéville, made Austria cede land to Napoleon's German allies, and imposed an indemnity of 40 million francs on the defeated Habsburgs. Russian troops were allowed to head back to home soil. Victory at Austerlitz also permitted the creation of the Confederation of the Rhine, a collection of German states intended as a buffer zone between France and the rest of Europe . In 1806, the Holy Roman Empire ceased to exist when Holy Roman Emperor Francis II kept Francis I of Austria as his only official title. These achievements, however, did not establish a lasting peace on the continent. After Austerlitz, Prussian worries about growing French influence in Central Europe sparked the War of the Fourth Coalition in 1806. Prelude Before Austerlitz, Europe had been embroiled in the French Revolutionary Wars since 1792. After five years of war, the French Republic subdued the First Coalition in 1797. A Second Coalition was formed in 1798, but this too was defeated by 1801. Britain remained the only opponent for the new French Consulate. From Amiens to the Third Coalition In March 1802, France and Britain agreed to end hostilities under the Treaty of Amiens. For the first time in ten years, all of Europe was at peace. However, there were many problems between the two sides, and implementing the agreements they had reached at Amiens seemed to be a growing challenge. Britain resented having to turn over all colonial conquests since 1793 and France was angry that British troops had not evacuated the island of Malta . The tense situation only worsened when Napoleon sent an expeditionary force to crush the Haitian Revolution. In May 1803, Britain declared war on France. In December 1804, an Anglo-Swedish agreement led to the creation of the Third Coalition. British Prime Minister William Pitt spent 1804 and 1805 in a flurry of diplomatic activity geared towards forming a new coalition against France. Mutual suspicion between the British and the Russians eased in the face of several French political mistakes, and by April of 1805 the two had signed a treaty of alliance. Having been defeated twice in recent memory by France and keen on revenge, Austria also joined the coalition a few months later. The camps of Boulogne and La Grande Armée Prior to the formation of the Third Coalition, Napoleon had assembled the "Army of England", an invasion force meant to strike at the British Isles , around six camps at Boulogne in Northern France. Although they never set foot on British soil, Napoleon's troops received careful and invaluable training for any possible military operation. Boredom among the troops occasionally set in, but Napoleon paid many visits and conducted lavish parades in order to boost morale. The men at Boulogne formed the core for what Napoleon would later call " La Grande Armée " ( English : The Great Army). At the start, this French army had about 200,000 men organized into seven corps, which were large field units containing about 36 to 40 cannon each and capable of independent action until other corps could arrive to the rescue. On top of these forces, Napoleon created a cavalry reserve of 22,000 organized into two cuirassier divisions, four mounted dragoon divisions, and two divisions of dismounted dragoons and light cavalry, all supported by 24 artillery pieces. By 1805, La Grande Armée had grown to a force of 350,000, was well equipped, well trained, and possessed a competent officer class. Russian and Austrian armies The Russian army in 1805 had many characteristics of ancien régime organization: there was no permanent formation above the regimental level, senior officers were largely recruited from aristocratic circles, and the Russian soldier, in line with 18th century practice, was regularly beaten and punished to instill discipline. Furthermore, many lower-level officers were poorly trained and had difficulty getting their men to perform the necessary, and sometimes complex, maneuvers required in a battle. Nevertheless, the Russians did have a fine artillery arm manned by brave soldiers who regularly fought hard to prevent their pieces from falling into enemy hands. Archduke Charles, brother of the Austrian Emperor, had started to reform the Austrian army in 1801 by taking away power from the Hofkriegsrat, the military-political council responsible for decision-making in the Austrian armed forces. Charles was Austria's best field commander, but he was unpopular with the royal court and lost much influence when, against his advice, Austria decided to go to war with France. Karl Mack became the new main commander in Austria's army, instituting reforms on the infantry on the eve of war that called for a regiment to be composed of four battalions of four companies rather than the older three battalions of six companies. The sudden change came with no corresponding officer training, and as a result these new units were not led as well as they could have been. Austrian cavalry forces were regarded as the best in Europe, but the detachment of many cavalry units to various infantry formations precluded the hitting power of their massed French counterparts. Preliminary moves Napoleon takes the surrender of the unfortunate General Mack and the Austrian army at Ulm. Painting by Charles Thevenin. In August 1805, Napoleon, Emperor of the French since May of the previous year, turned his army's sights from the English Channel to the Rhine in order to deal with the new Austrian and Russian threats. On September 25, after great secrecy and feverish marching, 200,000 French troops began to cross the Rhine on a front of 160 miles (260 km). Mack had gathered the greater part of the Austrian army at the fortress of Ulm in Bavaria. Napoleon hoped to swing his forces northward and perform a wheeling movement that would find the French at the Austrian rear. The Ulm Maneuver was well-executed and on October 20 Mack and 23,000 Austrian troops surrendered at Ulm, bringing the total number of Austrian prisoners in the campaign to 60,000. Although the spectacular victory was soured by the defeat of the Franco-Spanish fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar the following day, French success on land continued as Vienna fell in November, replete with 100,000 muskets, 500 cannon, and the intact bridges across the Danube. Meanwhile, the late arrival of Russian troops under Kutuzov prevented them from saving the Austrian field armies, so the Russians withdrew to the northeast to await reinforcements and to link up with surviving Austrian units. The French followed but soon found themselves in an unenviable strategic position: Prussian intentions were unknown and could be hostile, the Russian and Austrian armies now converged together, and to add to the frustration, Napoleon's lines of communication were extremely long and required strong garrisons to keep them open. Napoleon realized that the only meaningful way to capitalize on the success at Ulm was to force the Allies to battle and defeat them. Fortunately for him, the Russian Tsar was eager to fight. The battle Napoleon with his troops on the eve of battle. Painting by Lejeune. Napoleon could muster some 75,000 men and 157 guns for the impending battle, but about 7,000 troops under Davout were still far to the south in the direction of Vienna. The Allies had about 73,000 soldiers, seventy percent of them Russian, and 318 guns. On December 1, both sides occupied the main positions. The battlefield The northern part of the battlefield was dominated by the 700- foot (210- meter) Santon hill and the 850-foot (260-meter) Zuran hill, both overlooking the vital Olmutz-Brno road that ran across a west-east axis. To the west of these two hills was the village of Bellowitz, and between them the Bosenitz Stream went south to link up with the Goldbach Stream, the latter flowing astride the villages of Kobelnitz, Sokolnitz, and Telnitz. The centerpiece of the entire area were the Pratzen Heights, a gently sloped hill about 35 to 40 feet (11-12 m) in height. An aide noted that the Emperor repeatedly told his Marshals, "Gentlemen, examine this ground carefully, it is going to be a battlefield; you will have a part to play upon it". Allied plans and dispositions Allied (red) and French (blue) deployments at 1800 hours on December 1, 1805. Courtesy of the Department of History, United States Military Academy. An Allied council met on December 1 to discuss proposals for the battle. Most of the Allied strategists had two fundamental ideas in mind: making contact with the enemy and securing the southern flank that led to Vienna. Although the Czar and his immediate entourage pushed hard for a battle, Emperor Francis of Austria was in a more cautious mood, and he was seconded by Kutuzov, the main Russian commander. The pressure to fight from the Russian nobles and the Austrian commanders, however, was too strong, and the Allies adopted Austrian Chief of Staff Weyrother's plan. This called for a main drive against the French right flank, which the Allies noticed was lightly guarded, and diversionary attacks against the French left. The Allies deployed most of their troops into four columns that would attack the French right. The Russian Imperial Guard was held in reserve while Russian troops under Bagration guarded the Allied right. French plans and dispositions Days before any actual fighting, Napoleon had given an impression to the Allies that his army was in a weak state and that he desired peace. In reality, he was hoping that they would attack, and to encourage them on this mission he deliberately weakened his right flank. On November 28, Napoleon met with his marshals at Imperial Headquarters and they informed him of their qualms and fears about the upcoming battle, even suggesting a retreat, but he shrugged off their complaints and went to work. Napoleon's plan envisioned that the Allies would throw so many troops to envelop his right flank that their centre would be severely weakened. He then counted on a massive French thrust, to be conducted by 16,000 troops of Soult's IV Corps, through the centre to cripple the Allied army. Meanwhile, to support his weak right flank, Napoleon ordered Davout's III Corps to force march all the way from Vienna and join General Legrand's men, who held the extreme southern flank that would bear the heavy part of the Allied attack. Davout's soldiers had 48 hours to march 70 miles (110 km). Their arrival would be extremely crucial in determining the success or failure of the French plan. The Imperial Guard and Bernadotte's I Corps were held in reserve while the V Corps under Lannes guarded the northern sector of the battle. Battle is joined The battle began around 8 AM with the first allied column attacking the village of Telnitz, which was defended by the 3rd Line Regiment. This sector of the battlefield witnessed heavy action in the following moments as several ferocious Allied charges evicted the French from the town and forced them on the other side of the Goldbach. The first men of Davout’s corps arrived at this time and threw the Allies out of Telnitz before they too were attacked by hussars and re-abandoned the town. Additional Allied attacks out of Telnitz were checked by French artillery. Allied columns started pouring against the French right, but not at the desired speed, so the French were mostly successful in curbing the attacks. In actuality, the Allied deployments were mistaken and poorly timed: cavalry detachments under Liechtenstein on the Allied left flank had to be placed in the right flank and in the process they ran into and slowed down part of the second column of infantry that was advancing towards the French right. At the time, the planners thought this was a disaster, but later on it helped the Allies. Meanwhile, the lead elements of the second column were attacking the village of Sokolnitz, which was defended by the 26th Light Regiment and the Tirailleurs, French skirmishers. Initial Allied assaults proved unsuccessful and General Langeron ordered the bombardment of the village. This deadly barrage forced the French out, and around the same time, the third column attacked the castle of Sokolnitz. The French, however, counterattacked and regained the village, only to be thrown out again, the conflict in this area momentarily ending when Friant's division (part of III Corps) retook the village. Sokolnitz was perhaps the most fought over area in the battlefield and would change hands several times as the day progressed. "One sharp blow and the war is over" The decisive attacks on the Allied centre by St. Hilaire and Vandamme split the Allied army in two and left the French in a golden strategic position to win the battle. Courtesy of the Department of History, United States Military Academy. Around 8:45 AM, finally satisfied at the weakness in the enemy centre, Napoleon asked Soult how long it would take for his men to reach the Pratzen Heights, to which the Marshal replied, “Less than twenty minutes sire.” About 15 minutes later, Napoleon ordered the attack, adding, “One sharp blow and the war is over.” A dense fog helped to cloud the advance of St. Hilaire’s division, but as they went up the slope the legendary ‘Sun of Austerlitz’ ripped the mist apart and encouraged them forward. Russian soldiers and commanders on top of the heights were stunned to see so many French troops coming towards them. Allied commanders were now able to feed some of the delayed detachments of the fourth column into this bitter struggle. Over an hour of horrendous fighting left much of this unit decimated beyond recognition. The other men from the second column, mostly inexperienced Austrians, also participated in the struggle and swung the numbers game against one of the best fighting forces in the French army, finally forcing them to withdraw down the slopes. However, gripped by desperation, St. Hilaire's men struck hard once more and bayoneted the Allies out of the heights. To the north, General Vandamme’s division attacked an area called Staré Vinohrady and through talented skirmishing and deadly volleys broke several Allied battalions. The battle had firmly turned to France’s favor, but there was still much fighting ahead. Napoleon ordered Bernadotte’s I Corps to support Vandamme’s left and moved his own command centre from Zuran Hill to St. Anthony’s Chapel on the Pratzen Heights. The difficult position of the Allies was confirmed by the decision to send in the Russian Imperial Guard; Grand Duke Constantine, Czar Alexander’s brother, commanded the Guard and counterattacked in Vandamme’s section of the field, forcing a bloody effort and the loss of the only French standard in the battle (the unfortunate victim was a battalion of the 4th Line Regiment). Sensing trouble, Napoleon ordered his own heavy Guard cavalry forward. These men pulverized their Russian counterparts, but with both sides pouring in large masses of cavalry no victor was clear yet. The Russians had a numerical advantage here but fairly soon the tide swung as Drouet’s Division, the 2nd of Bernadotte’s I Corps, deployed on the flank of the action and allowed French cavalry to seek refuge behind their lines. The horse artillery of the Guard also unlimbered a deadly toll on the Russian cavalry and fusiliers. The Russians broke and many died as they were pursued by the reinvigorated French cavalry for about a quarter of a mile. Endgame By 1400 hours, the Allied army had been dangerously separated. Napoleon now had the option to strike at one of the wings, and he chose the Allied left since other enemy sectors had already been cleared or were conducting fighting retreats. Courtesy of the Department of History, United States Military Academy. Meanwhile, the northernmost part of the battlefield was also witnessing heavy fighting. Prince Liechtenstein’s heavy cavalry began to assault Kellerman’s lighter cavalry forces after finally arriving at the correct position in the field. The fighting originally went well for the French, but Kellerman’s forces took cover behind General Caffarelli’s infantry division once it became clear Russian numbers were too great. Caffarelli’s men halted the Russian assaults and permitted Murat to send two cuirassier divisions into the fray to finish off the Russian cavalry for good. The ensuing melee was bitter and long, but the French ultimately prevailed. Lannes then lead his V Corps against Bagration’s men and after hard fighting managed to drive the skilled Russian commander off the field. He wanted to pursue, but Murat, who was in control of this sector in the battlefield, was against the idea. Napoleon’s focus now shifted towards the southern end of the battlefield where the French and the Allies were still fighting over Sokolnitz and Telnitz. In an effective double-pronged assault, St. Hilaire’s division and part of Davout’s III Corps smashed through the enemy at Sokolnitz and persuaded the commanders of the first two columns, generals Kienmayer and Langeron, to flee as fast as they could. Buxhowden, the commander of the Allied left and the man responsible for leading the attack, was completely drunk and fled as well. Kienmayer covered his withdrawal with the O’Reilly light cavalry, who gallantly managed to defeat five of six French cavalry regiments before they too had to retreat. General panic now seized the Allied army and it abandoned the field in any and all possible directions. A famous yet frightful episode transpired during this retreat: Russian forces that had been defeated by the French right withdrew south towards Vienna via the Satschan frozen ponds. French artillery pounded towards the men, but Napoleon redirected his engineers to fire at the ice. The men drowned in the viciously cold ponds, dozens of artillery pieces going down along with them. Estimates on how many guns were captured differ; there may have been as low 38 and as high as over 100. Sources also differ on casualties, with figures ranging from as low as 200 to as high as 2,000 dead. Because Napoleon exaggerated this incident in his report of the battle, the low numbers may be more accurate, although doubt remains as to whether they are fully correct. Many regard this incident as one of Napoleon's cruelest acts in war. Aftermath Austerlitz and the preceding campaign profoundly altered the nature of European politics. In three months, the French had occupied Vienna, decimated two armies, and humbled the Austrian Empire. These events sharply contrast with the rigid power structures of the 18th century, when no major European capital was ever held by an enemy army. Austerlitz set the stage for a near-decade of French domination on the European continent, but one of its more immediate impacts was to goad Prussia into war in 1806. Military and political results Overall, Allied casualties stood at about 27,000 out of an army of 73,000, which was 37% of their effectives. The French expended around 9,000 out of a force of 67,000, or about 13% of effectives. The Allies also lost 180 guns and 50 standards. The victory was met by sheer amazement and delirium in Paris, where just days earlier the nation was teetering on financial collapse. Napoleon wrote to Josephine, "I have beaten the Austro-Russian army commanded by the two emperors. I am a little weary....I embrace you." Tsar Alexander perhaps best summed up the harsh times for the Allies by stating, “We are babies in the hands of a giant.” France and Austria signed a truce on December 4 and the Treaty of Pressburg 22 days later took the latter out of the war. Austria agreed to recognize French territory captured by the treaties of Campo Formio (1797) and Lunéville (1801), cede land to Bavaria, Wurttemberg, and Baden, which were Napoleon's German allies, and pay 40 million francs in war indemnities. Venice was also given to the Kingdom of Italy. It was a harsh end for Austria, but certainly not a catastrophic peace. The Russian army was allowed to withdraw to home territory and the French encamped themselves in Southern Germany. The Holy Roman Empire was also effectively wiped out, 1806 being seen as its final year. Napoleon created the Confederation of the Rhine, a string of German states meant to serve as a buffer between France and Prussia. Prussia saw these and other moves as an affront to its status as the main power of Central Europe and it went to war with France in 1806. Rewards Napoleon's words to his troops after the battle were full of praise: Soldats! Je suis content de vous ( English : Soldiers, I am happy with you). The Emperor provided two million golden francs to the higher officers, 200 francs to each soldier, and gave large pensions to the widows of the fallen. Orphaned children were adopted by Napoleon personally and they were allowed to add "Napoleon" to their baptismal and family names. Interestingly, Napoleon never gave a title of nobility to one of his commanders, as was customary following a great victory. It is probable that he considered Austerlitz too much of a personal triumph to elevate anyone else significantly. To this day, Austerlitz is often called "Napoleon's Greatest Victory." Popular conceptions Mythology There are many stories and legends regarding events before or during the battle. In the night before the day of battle, Napoleon set out with his entourage to review the forward positions. During this tour, he was recognized by the soldiers of Vandamme's division, and fairly soon the entire army lit candles to celebrate the anniversary of his coronation. Allied soldiers and commanders looking at this believed that the French were preparing to retreat. Another story features an unfortunate French soldier running from Cossacks; apparently, the soldier climbed through a chimney trying to hide, but the Cossacks found and killed him anyway. A more humorous episode transpired between some French troopers looking for horse fodder from a local peasant woman. The soldiers kept yelling, "Babo, ovsa" (English: "Lady, give us oats") but the woman, who was old and probably had difficult hearing, thought they were saying "Hopsa" (English: jump), so she repeatedly jumped, at the very great frustration of the French soldiers. Eventually, the soldiers realized she did not understand them, pointed to the horses outside, and even started chewing to give her a clue, which she finally got, giving the soldiers the oats they wanted. Yet another story tells of French artillerists throwing a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary into a fire for warmth and discovering that it would not burn. Some of these stories, like the first, are known to be true, and others represent mere rumors or allegations, but nevertheless they all form part of an enticing spectrum of oral tradition and human imagination. War and Peace The Battle of Austerlitz is a major event in Leo Tolstoy 's novel War and Peace . The battle serves as an episode to exalt Russian values and traditions of spirituality and modesty above the alleged crude logic and arrogance of the French. As the battle is about to start, Prince Andrei, one of the main characters, thinks that the approaching "day [will] be his Toulon, or his bridge of Arcola," references to Napoleon's early victories. Andrei hopes for glory, even thinking to himself, "I shall march forward and sweep everything before me." Later in the battle, however, Andrei falls into enemy hands and even meets his hero, Napoleon. But the previous enthusiasm has been shattered; he no longer thinks much of Napoleon, "so petty did his hero with his paltry vanity and delight in victory appear, compared to that lofty, righteous and kindly sky which he had seen and comprehended." Tolstoy portrays Austerlitz as an early test for Russia, one which ended badly because the soldiers fought for irrelevant things like glory or renown rather than the higher virtues which would produce, according to Tolstoy, a victory at Borodino during the 1812 invasion. Historical views Napoleon did not succeed in defeating the Allied army as thoroughly as he wanted, but historians and enthusiasts alike recognize that the original plan provided a significant victory. For that reason, Austerlitz is sometimes compared to other great tactical battles like Cannae or Blenheim. Some historians suggest that Napoleon was so successful at Austerlitz that he lost touch with reality, and what used to be French foreign policy became a "personal Napoleonic one" after the battle. In French history, Austerlitz is acknowledged as an impressive military victory, and in the 19th century, when fascination with the First Empire was at its height, the battle was reverred by the likes of Victor Hugo, who "in the depth of [his] thoughts" was hearing the "noise of the heavy cannons rolling towards Austerlitz". In the recent bicentennial, however, controversy erupted when French President Jacques Chirac or Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin did not attend any functions commemorating the battle. On the other hand, people from French overseas departments protested what they viewed as the "official commemoration of Napoleon", arguing that Austerlitz should not be celebrated since they believed Napoleon committed genocide against colonial peoples. Retrieved from " http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Austerlitz" This reference article is mainly selected from the English Wikipedia with only minor checks and changes (see www.wikipedia.org for details of authors and sources) and is available under the	i don't know
What nationality (at 2012, and at founding) are the corporations Samsung, Hyundai and LG?	History - Corporate Profile - About Samsung - Samsung Corporate profile About our US divisions From its inception as a small export business in Taegu, Korea, Samsung has grown to become one of the world's leading electronics companies, specializing in digital appliances and media, semiconductors, memory, and system integration. Today Samsung's innovative and top quality products and processes are world recognized. This timeline captures the major milestones in Samsung's history, showing how the company expanded its product lines and reach, grew its revenue and market share, and has followed its mission of making life better for consumers around the world. * Samsung's History Menu Link 1938-1969 Samsung's Beginnings On March 1, 1938, founding chairman Byung-Chull Lee started a business in Taegu, Korea, with 30,000 won. At the start, his business focused primarily on trade export, selling dried Korean fish, vegetables, and fruit to Manchuria and Beijing. In little more than a decade, Samsung-which means "three stars" in Korean-would have its own flour mills and confectionery machines, its own manufacturing and sales operations, and ultimately evolve to become the modern global corporation that still bears the same name today. 1938-1969 Samsung's Beginnings Black-and-white TV (model: P-3202) production started by Samsung-Sanyo 1969 Samsung-Sanyo Electronics established (renamed Samsung Electro-Mechanics in March 1975 and merged with Samsung Electronics in March 1977) 1966 Joong-Ang Development established (known today as Samsung Everland) 1963 DongBang Life Insurance acquired (renamed Samsung Life Insurance in July 1989) 1958 Ankuk Fire & Marine Insurance acquired (renamed Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance in October 1993) 1954 Samsung Moolsan established (now Samsung Corporation) 1938 Copyright © 1995-2016 SAMSUNG All Rights reserved. Welcome to Samsung Sign up & get 10% off Sign up and get 10% off your first order of $100 or more! Shop Samsung.com to find the best tech at the best prices and recieve news on our latest technology and exclusive offers.* SUBMIT *Exclusion apply. Order must be a minimumm of $100 or more. Offer valid only for new Samsung.com customers. Must sign up for emails by 11/12/16. Promo code must be used by 11/19. Thanks for Check your inbox for a discount code for 10% off your first purchase. Welcome back.	South Korea
What film won five Oscars in 2012 including Best Actor, Original Score and Costume Design?	South Korea: Ground Zero for Food Sovereignty and Community Resilience – Resilience This commentary is a joint publication of Foreign Policy In Focus and TheNation.com . The bustling, fast-paced, wired metropolis city of Seoul is what most people know of South Korea. Now the 15th largest economy in the world, South Korea’s economy is driven by the exports sector controlled by corporations like Samsung, Hyundai, LG, and Daewoo. These chaebols have significant global market share : 37 percent in LCD TVs, 33 percent in hand-held phones, and 9 percent in automobiles. The term “chaebol nation” aptly describes South Korea’s economy: the top 30 chaebols account for 82 percent of the country’s exports. It’s hard to imagine that just two generations ago, farming fueled the nation’s economy. In the 1970s, farmers accounted for half the population; today, they represent only 6.2 percent. South Korea’s rapid transformation from an agrarian economy to a highly industrialized one wasn’t accidental; it was the outcome of the central government’s development and trade liberalization policies that in the early 1980s began to see farming as part of Korea’s past, not its future. The major blow to Korean agriculture fell in 1994, when South Korea joined the WTO and the Agreement on Agriculture, which effectively forced the government to eliminate quotas and tariffs even while major agriculture exporting blocs like the United States and European Union still gave billions in subsidies to their own farmers. The result of all this liberalization: South Korea is only 20-percent self-sufficient in grain production, compared with the 1970s when it was at 70 percent. If South Korean chaebols and the politicians that represent them had their way, small farmers—the majority of South Korea’s agricultural sector—would all but disappear under the logic that they are uncompetitive in the global marketplace. They argue that it would be far more efficient for the country to continue to import cheap food from less developed countries—including through the process of acquiring land outside of Korea, like in Africa and South East Asia. And yet, despite a series of domestic and international policies that have sought to systematically eliminate them, South Korean farmers and peasants are fighting back. They have protested the WTO and bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) for two decades, inspiring peasant farmers throughout the global south to mobilize against the free trade regime. At home, they are trying to build a domestic food sovereignty movement that is ecologically sustainable, socially equitable, and economically resilient by producing healthy food, creating dignified rural livelihoods, and reviving farming communities. Instead of being blinded by South Korean high-tech bling, our eyes should be on South Korea’s food sovereignty movement. It offers the rest of us robust alternatives to the highly consolidated, industrialized, energy-intensive, and chemical-dependent globalized food systems that dominate all of our lives. In August, we co-organized and participated in a Food First Food Sovereignty Tour where we visited South Korea’s leading organic farms and progressive farmer-consumer cooperatives. South Korea is now a leader in the Asian region in organic production, so much so that the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements set up its offices there. And while there were many inspiring organic farms and gardens, two organizations stand out: the Korean Women Peasants Association (KWPA) and Hansalim. Korean Women Peasants Association “The food that is being sold by capitalism is sold as a commodity instead of food that sustains us,” explained Jeong-Yeol Kim of My Sister’s Garden, a KWPA project. “That’s why we believe that helping farmers thrive is the only way to fix this food crisis, and the pathway to do so would be to ensure that consumers and every citizen join us in the process of making this come true.” We visited My Sister’s Garden in the small village of Bongang, where 14 women peasant farmers collectively grow and distribute a weekly “gerubi”—similar to a community supported agriculture (CSA) box—comprised of organic produce they grow and packaged foods they make, such as pickled radish and pear juice. KWPA operates 26 of these producer communities throughout the country. On the day we visited, they were packaging and sending 141 boxes to the Bluebird Children’s Center in the city where parents come to pick up the boxes. “Children today have no connection to the rural land,” explains Jeong-Yeol. Unlike previous generations, many children today no longer have grandparents or relatives living in the countryside who are connected in any way to farming. “So part of the effort of this partnership is to expose children to food production.” According to Jeong-Yeol, My Sister’s Garden plots were started in response to the devastating impacts of agricultural trade liberalization on the rural economy. “Just within ten years, 10 percent of farmers have fled to the cities here in Korea,” she explained. The reason? The globalized food production system. “We think that the solution to this crisis is to focus on small-scale farmers and give a solid foundation for each farmer to survive.” Each farmer takes on 15 consumer households, earning 1,500,000 won—approximately $1,400—per month. When more consumers wish to join, they encourage a new garden plot to be created so that more women peasant farmers also can earn a dignified income. Optimizing profits is not the goal; rather, sharing with both consumers and other producers is at the center of the project’s philosophy. They are seeking to bring as many people as possible into an economically viable and socially just system to reverse the decline of rural communities. Despite their prevalence in agriculture, Korean peasant women lack equal rights and opportunities, which makes a project like My Sister’s Garden an even more important empowered space for peasant women to make decisions on all aspects of their production and distribution. KWPA’s native seed supply (Sunyoung Yang). In the small village of Uiseong, just a few hours away from Bongang, KWPA members started a native seed protection program to defend Korean native seeds against corporate takeover. “A lot of our native seeds are being bought up or taken by Syngenta or Monsanto. There are no national Korean domestic seed companies left,” laments Jung-mee Han, a plum, mung bean, rice, and garlic farmer and member of KWPA. “We are all farming different crops,” adds Jeong-mi Kim, president of the Uiseong Native Seed Protectors. “Because we couldn’t take care of all the seeds ourselves, each member is responsible for preserving and cultivating several crops.” They also distribute seeds to low-income farmers who cannot afford them. “We’re not just saving seeds,” explains Jeong-mi. “We are tracking, monitoring, and sharing seeds among farmers, and nationally, we sell them to increase consumption of native agriculture.” These KWPA projects seek to radically alter the structure of the Korean food system and to de-commodify the linkages between consumers and producers. It has not been in vain. In 2012, KWPA was awarded with the Food Sovereignty Prize for their work to defend the rights of small-scale women farmers in Korea and preserve the cultural heritage of Korean native seeds. Hansalim In 1986, even before farmers’ markets and CSA programs became popular in the United States, South Korean farmers and consumers began Hansalim. “Han” in Korean means great, one, whole, and together, and refers to all living things on earth. “Salim” refers to domestic activities that must be managed to care for one’s home, family, children, and community, as well as to revive and give life. With 2,000 growers and 380,000 consumer members, Hansalim is among the world’s largest and most successful agricultural cooperatives, creating an alternative economy that supports organic farmers and local agriculture, producing healthy food and protecting the environment in the process. Despite the global financial crisis, its sales have been growing annually by 20 percent. “Farmers at the time realized that they would need to collaborate with consumers in the city,” explains Woon Seok Park, a Hansalim farmer. “Hansalim was created from that point of view, that consumers and producers could make a movement that went beyond mere market transactions to one of understanding each others’ conditions.” At Hansalim, consumers and growers meet each year to select what and how much they will produce and deliberate on prices for the following season. The coordination on such a massive scale—navigating production, price, harvest, distribution, and processing—is, to say the least, remarkable. It deeply impressed one U.S. organic farmer: David Retsky of County Line Harvest , who reflected back to Hansalim growers, “I come from California where I am just trying to make my business work. We’re competing with other people, so for me to see so many producers in the way of a collective, I’m amazed to see it working quite well.” To further demonstrate their commitment to support Hansalim farmers, consumers established a product stabilization fund in case of bad harvests caused by multiple factors, including rising fuel costs and climate change. Unlike many farmers who have been forced to throw in the towel in recent years due to extreme weather, which has caused crop failures, this fund has been a lifeline to Hansalim farmers who have been able to stay on the farm. Locally fed cattle (Christine Ahn). Hansalim farmers know that climate change poses a challenge to the viability of agriculture in Korea. That’s why “we only handle local food,” explains Woon Seok, because “using Hansalim products is a way to combat climate change.” Hansalim doesn’t exclude non-organic growers from the cooperative. While it encourages organic production, proximity is most important because of the high environmental costs of shipping food over long distances, including refrigeration. Hansalim also runs the only livestock feed factory in Korea that uses only local feed sources from nearby farmers. Unlike the majority of livestock farmers, Hansalim livestock is therefore not dependent on feed imports that make up the majority of South Korean grain imports. Hansalim also informs consumers about the environmental benefits of locally produced food. On each product, it lists the distance and carbon saved by consuming this locally produced good versus one that would have been imported. To make this figure relevant to the lives of consumers, the label also lists an equivalent energy savings, such as the number of hours of electricity used to watch television or to light a fluorescent bulb. Replacing Competition with Sharing Hansalim and KWPA are responses to government policies that have liberalized Korean agriculture and sacrificed farming to expand export markets for chaebols. And it’s about to get worse. South Korea has signed nine bilateral free trade agreements, and 12 more are under negotiation, including a trilateral one with China and Japan. The most significant pact is the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), which, after massive protests in South Korea, passed in 2011. According to Doo Bong Han and Kyung Min Kim of Korea University, under the KORUS FTA, Korean agriculture will lose $626 million in production value. Estimates by the South Korean government also predict that 45 percent of Korean farmers will be displaced under the KORUS FTA. In recent weeks, South Korea has also signaled its interest in joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership , the most ambitious free trade agreement the world has ever seen, which would account for 40 percent of the world’s economy. If Seoul joins, it would be the fourth largest economy in the pact, following the United States, Japan, and Australia. These free trade agreements, it is argued, will strengthen global demand for the high-tech commodities that constitute the core of South Korea’s export-oriented economy—and as such, Korean agriculture must either adapt or perish. Hansalim and KWPA, however, demonstrate that competition is not inevitable, necessary, or the only path forward. More than 1 million households in Korea today are members of cooperatives like Hansalim, demonstrating the viability and growing interest in alternative food systems. By stressing instead the concept of sharing and the notion that “consumers and producers are one,” these cooperatives have shown that a different economy is possible. The fate of South Korea’s countryside remains to be seen, but if history is instructive, we know that Korean peasants have endured and resisted. In the legendary Donghak rebellion of 1894, peasant farmers rose up with their bamboo spears against the Chosun King for levying heavy taxes on them to grow Korea’s industrial might and bolster the monarchy’s power against foreign invaders like China, Japan, Russia, and the United States. Donghak peasants were influenced by a philosophy that at its center argued for human equality, a radical notion during feudalism. The rebellion was quashed with the help of the Japanese, but the idea that all humans are equal and all living beings are one prevailed—and continues to inspire today’s social movements. In Korean folklore, the mung bean, or nokdu, is symbolic of the resilient spirit of the Korean peasants. In the harshest conditions, nokdu sprouts and grows, feeding the hungry. In the face of domestic and international policies that have systematically undermined their livelihoods and depressed the countryside, Korean peasants and farmers are sprouting, growing, and inspiring Koreans and global citizens alike by demonstrating that another economy and food system can thrive—even under the harsh conditions of corporate trade regimes. FPIF columnist Christine Ahn is a founding board member of the Korea Policy Institute (KPI). Anders Riel Muller is a fellow with Food First/Institute for Food and Development Policy and KPI.	i don't know
In Feb 2012 British cruise ships Adonia and Star Princess were refused entry to Ushuaia port in the southern tip of which country?	Falklands Tension: British Cruise Ships Refused Entry To Argentinian Port \| The Huffington Post Falklands Tension: British Cruise Ships Refused Entry To Argentinian Port 27/02/2012 16:39 \| Updated 28 April 2012 PA Two British cruise ships were refused entry to an Argentinian port today as tension mounted between the UK and the South American country over the Falkland Islands. The P&0 Cruises' ship Adonia and the Princess Cruises' vessel Star Princess were not allowed to dock at Ushuaia on the southern tip of Argentina. Both vessels, part of the Carnival company cruise fleet, had called at the Falklands on Saturday. Argentina is known to be upset at the deployment of the Duke of Cambridge on the Falklands as the 30th anniversary of the 1982 Falklands War approaches. Adonia is now sailing towards Punta Arenas in Chile - the next port of call on its 87-night South American cruise. The Star Princess is on a 14-night South American cruise which started from Rio de Janeiro on February 18. A Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson said: "We are very concerned to hear the Adonia and Star Princess have been refused access to the port of Ushuaia. "There can be no justification for interference in free and legitimate commerce. "British diplomats in Argentina are urgently seeking to clarify the circumstances surrounding this incident, and we are in contact with the company concerned." The FO's travel advice at present reads: "We are currently not advising against travel to Argentine ports, but strongly advise operators to check with local agent before travelling." More:	Argentina
Moody's, Fitch, and Standard and Poor's are leaders in what market?	Argentinian port turns away British ships as Falkland row escalates \| Metro News Argentinian port turns away British ships as Falkland row escalates Metro Reporter for Metro.co.uk Tuesday 28 Feb 2012 9:56 am Tensions over the Falkland Islands have hit breaking point after two British cruise ships were refused entry to Argentina. Argentine President Cristina Fernandez Kirchner has openly criticised Britain in recent weeks (Picture: Reuters) The P&O Cruisesâ liner Adonia and Star Princess of Princess Cruises were turned away from Ushuaia after authorities denied them permission to dock on the southern tip of Argentina. Both vessels, part of the Carnival company, had visited the Falkland Islands on Monday as part of a 87-night South American cruise before heading to the mainland. The Foreign Office is ‘very concerned’ by developments (Picture:Dave Thompson/PA Wire) The Foreign Office has said it is âvery concernedâ by the move and is waiting for clarification from Argentinian authorities as to why the ships were turned away. ‘We are very concerned to hear the Adonia and Star Princess have been refused access to the port of Ushuaia,’ a statement said. ‘There can be no justification for interference in free and legitimate commerce. ‘British diplomats in Argentina are urgently seeking to clarify the circumstances surrounding this incident, and we are in contact with the company concerned.’ The Falklands row resurfaced ahead of the 30th anniversary of the war between Britain and Argentina for sovereignty of the island. The Duke of Cambridge’s deployment to the Falklands has caused outrage in Buenos Aries, a move which Argentine president Cristina Fernandez Kirchner labelled as ‘a serious risk to international security’. Actor Sean Penn urged Britain to join U.N.sponsored talks over the Falklands last month (Picture: AP) ‘We can not interpret in any other way the deployment of an ultra-modern destroyer accompanying the heir to the throne, who we would prefer to see in civilian attire,’ Mrs Kirchner said earlier this month. ‘I have instructed our foreign secretary to submit before the UN security council and the UN assembly this militarisation, which is a serious risk to international security.’ A reported SAS ‘ring of steel’ has been placed around the Duke as the Falklands row rumbles on throughout his six week Spring tour of the island. The Duke of Cambridge on his tour of duty in the Falklands (Picture: Paul Chiasson/AFP/Getty Images)	i don't know
Brent Crude is the common trading classification for oil sourced from the bed of what sea?	Classification of Crude Oil Classification of Crude Oil What do you think +3/-0 Gender: Classification of Crude Oil « on: May 13, 2013, 07:57:29 PM » Crude oil, or petroleum, and its refined components, collectively termed petrochemicals, are crucial resources in the modern economy. The most common classifications of Crude oil are as follows Brent Blend Brent Blend, comprising 15 oils from fields in the Brent and Ninian systems in the East Shetland Basin of the North Sea. The brent crude Oil is landed at Sullom Voe in the Shetlands. Oil production from other parts of the world is often compared to the price of this brent oil, which forms a benchmark for the oil price. Brent Crude Oil is one of the major classifications of oil consisting of Brent Crude, Brent Sweet Light Crude, Oseberg and Forties. Brent Crude oil is produced or sourced from the North Sea. Brent blend is a fairly light crude oil, though not as light as West Texas Intermediate (WTI). It contains approx 0.37% of sulfur, classifying it as Sweet Crude, yet again not as sweet as WTI. Brent blend is ideal for production of Gasoline. It is most often refined in Northwest Europe. West Texas Intermediate West Texas Intermediate (WTI) is a type of crude Oil used as a benchmark in establishing oil prices and the underlying commodity of NYMEX (New York Mercantil Exchange) Crude Oil futures trading. This is normally the type of oil referenced in Western news and business reports about crude oil prices, alongside North Sea Brent Blend crude oil. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) is a very light crude, lighter than Brent crude oil which is fairly light. It contains approx 0.24% sulfur, rating it a "sweet" crude, sweeter than Brent oil. Its properties and production site make it ideal for being refined in the USA, mostly in the Midwest and Gulf Coast regions of the country. Current and historical oil price data for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) can be found at the Energy Infomation Administration, Department of Energy of the US government website www.eia.doe.gov OPEC Basket The "OPEC Basket" consisting of crude Oil from the following countries and names: "Arab Light", which is Crude Oil from Saudi Arabia. "Bonny Light", which is crude oil from Nigeria. "Fateh", which is crude oil from Dubai, "Isthmus" from Mexico (which is non-OPEC), "Minas" Indonesia. "Saharan Blend" which is crude oil from Algeria. "Tia Juana Light" from Venezuela. OPEC traditionally try to keep the crude oil price of the Opec Basket between upper and lower price limits, by increasing and decreasing oil production. This makes the measure important for oil market trading analysts. The "OPEC Basket", which is a mixture of both light and heavy crudes, is heavier than both Brent and WTI crude oils. Logged	North Sea
In what country was the sports goods company Fila first established (1911) and owned?	The Grant Group - Petroleum Description Petroleum Description Petroleum Description In this section we provide you with the basic information on the products we deal in, for purposes of common understanding. Other range of petroleum products: Bitumen emulsifiers, various grades of bitumen for road constructions. Various grades of lubricants and oils etc Equipment (fuel dispenser pumps, lubricant application pumping units etc) - Installation ï¿½ services. CRUDE OIL We have available and can supply Crude Oil for 7.000.000 (seven million) barrels per month and this volume can e increased after 2 to 3 months to 10.000.000 (ten million) barrels per mo(ten million) barrels per month. Crude oil is a mineral oil consisting of a mixture of hydrocarbons of natural origin, yellow to black in color, of variable specific gravity and viscosity. Crude oil type has a unique composition and is a complex mixture containing many thousands of hydrocarbon molecules of different shapes and sizes. Crude oil varies radically in its properties, namely specific gravity and viscosity. Depending on the chemical nature of its chief constituents, crude oil is classified as paraffin base, asphaltic base, or mixed base. A mixture of hydrocarbons existing in the liquid state found in natural underground reservoirs often associated with gas. A naturally occurring, oily, flammable liquid composed principally of hydrocarbons. Crude oil is occasionally found in springs or pools but usually is produced from wells drilled beneath the earth's surface. Crude oil is the mixture of petroleum liquids and gases (including impurities such as (sulphur) that is pumped out of the ground by oil wells. Types of Crude Oil The petroleum industry often characterizes crude oils according to their geographical source. Oils from different geographical areas have unique properties; they can vary in consistency from a light volatile fluid to a semi-solid. Classification of crude oil types by geographical source is generally not a useful classification scheme for response personnel because they offer little information about general toxicity, physical state, and changes that occur with time and weathering. These characteristics are primary considerations in oil spill response. The classification scheme provided below is more useful in a response scenario. Class A: Light, Volatile Oils . These oils are highly fluid, often clear, spread rapidly on solid or water surfaces, have a strong odor, a high evaporation rate, and are usually flammable. They penetrate porous surfaces such as dirt and sand, and may be persistent in such a matrix. They do not tend to adhere to surfaces; flushing with water generally removes them. Class A oils may be highly toxic to humans, fish, and other biota. Most refined products and many of the highest quality light crudes can be included in this class. Class B: Non-Sticky Oils . These oils have a waxy or oily feel. Class B oils are less toxic and adhere more firmly to surfaces than Class A oils, although they can be removed from surfaces by vigorous flushing. As temperatures rise, their tendency to penetrate porous substrates increases and they can be persistent. Evaporation of volatiles may lead to a Class C or D residue. Medium to heavy paraffin-based oils fall into this class. Class C: Heavy, Sticky Oils . Class C oils are characteristically viscous, sticky or tarry, and brown or black. Flushing with water will not readily remove this material from surfaces, but the oil does not readily penetrate porous surfaces. The density of Class C oils may be near that of water and they often sink. Weathering or evaporation of volatiles may produce solid or tarry Class D oil. Toxicity is low, but wildlife can be smothered or drowned when contaminated. This class includes residual fuel oils and medium to heavy crudes. Class D: Nonfluid Oils . Class D oils are relatively non-toxic, do not penetrate porous substrates, and are usually black or dark brown in color. When heated, Class D oils may melt and coat surfaces making cleanup very difficult. Residual oils, heavy crude oils, some high paraffin oils, and some weathered oils fall into this class. These classifications are dynamic for spilled oils; weather conditions and water temperature greatly influence the behavior of oil and refined petroleum products in the environment. For example, as volatiles evaporate from a Class B oil, it may become a Class C oil. If a significant temperature drop occurs (e.g., at night), a Class C oil may solidify and resemble a Class D oil. Upon warming, the Class D oil may revert back to a Class C oil. The oil industry classifies "crude" by the location of its origin (e.g., "West Texas Intermediate, WTI" or "Brent") and often by its relative weight ( API gravity ) or viscosity ("light", "intermediate" or "heavy"); refiners may also refer to it as "sweet", which means it contains relatively little sulfur , or as "sour", which means it contains substantial amounts of sulfur and requires more refining in order to meet current product specifications. HFO (Heavy Fuel Oil) Pure or nearly pure residual oil, roughly equivalent to No. 6 fuel oil. Is a high-viscosity residual oil requiring preheating to between 220 to 260 degrees Fahrenheit. Residual means the material remaining after the more valuable cuts of crude oil have boiled off. The residue may contain various undesirable impurities including 2 percent water and one-half percent mineral soil. REBCO : (Russian Export Blend Crude Oil) RUSSIAN GASOLINE OIL 0.2ï¿½62 ï¿½Gostï¿½ 305 ï¿½ 62 CIS RUSSIA The quality of the Russian Export Blend Crude Oil is standard and more economical and better than the Middle East Oil. A light crude oil, Russian Blend Crude Oil reserves are probably in the range of 90-105 billion barrels. These reserves will be capable of sustaining an additional 35% over current levels for an extended period. Russian Crude Oil reserves allow significant increase from current production and will assume an increasing importance. REBCO is found in an oil field in the ad jacent area, thick sedimentary basins with all elements for hydrocarbon accumulation in Arctic and Pacific basins. Russia , a major world oil producer, has seven major basins, each equal to or larger than the gulf of Mexico and North Sea . Our business partnerships with Russian oil sellers make us a stable and reliable supplier or oil to serious, committed buyers. The Future of Oil The Hubbert peak theory, also known as peak oil, is a controversial theory concerning the long-term rate of conventional oil and other fossil fuel production and depletion. It assumes that oil reserves are not replenished, and predicts that future world oil production must inevitably reach a peak and then decline as these reserves are exhausted. Much of the controversy is over whether past production or discovery data can be used to predict a future peak. Based on available production data, proponents have previously (and incorrectly) predicted the peak years to be 1989, 1995, or 1995-2000, however these predictions date from before the recession of the early 1980's, and the consequent reduction in global consumption, the effect of which was to delay the date of any peak by several years. A new prediction by Goldman Sachs picks 2007 for oil and some time later for natural gas. Environmental effects The presence of oil has significant social and environmental impacts, from accidents and routine activities such as seismic exploration, drilling, and generation of polluting wastes. Oil extraction is costly and sometimes environmentally damaging, although Dr. John Hunt from Woods Hole pointed out in a 1981 paper that over 70% of the reserves in the world are associated with visible macroseepages, and many oil fields are found due to natural leaks. Offshore exploration and extraction of oil disturbs the surrounding marine environment. Extraction may involve dredging, which stirs up the sea bed, killing the sea plants that marine creatures need to survive. Crude oil and refined fuel spills from tanker ship accidents have damaged fragile ecosystems. JET FUEL A-1 Jet fuel is a colorless, combustible, straight run petroleum distillate liquid its principal uses are as an ingredient in lamp oils, charcoal starter fluids, jet engines fuels and insectisides. This class of fuel provides a good balance of properties currently required from an aviation fuel, in which energy density, operational issues, cost, and safety all need to be taken into account. All jet fuels are composed primarily of hydrocarbons as a blend of saturates, with no more than 25% aromatics. Olefins may be present, but they are effectively kept below about 1% by stability requirements. Additionally, a fuel may contain up to 0.3% sulfur by weight, although the level is generally less than 0.1% The most common fuel worldwide is a kerosene-based fuel classified as JET A-1. The only other jet fuel that is commonly used in civilian aviation is called JET B . JET B is a fuel in the naptha- kerosene region that is used for its enhanced cold-weather performance. However, JET B's lighter composition makes it more dangerous to handle, and it is thus restricted only to areas where its cold-weather characteristics are absolutely neccesary Aviation fuel is often dispensed from a truck which is driven up to parked airplanes and helicopters. Less commonly, some airports have pumps similar to filling stations that aircraft must taxi up to. Some extremely large airports also have permanent piping to parking areas for large aircraft. Regardless of the method, aviation fuel is transferred to an aircraft via one of two methods: overwing and underwing . Overwing fuelling is used on smaller planes, helicopters, and all piston-engine aircraft. Overwing fuelling is similar to automobile fuelling ï¿½ one or more gas ports are opened and fuel is pumped in with a conventional pump. Underwing fuelling, also called single-point , is used on larger aircraft and for jet fuel exclusively. We can supply any volume of Diesel Oil Diesel Fuel is a specific distillate fraction of fuel oil that is used in diesel engine invented by German engineer Rudolf Diesel, and perfected by Charles F. Kettering. Overwhelmingly the term refers to fuel that is processed from petroleum, but increasingly, alternatives such as biodiesel that are not derived form petroleum are being developed. Chemical composition of Diesel Petroleum derived diesel is composed of about 75% saturated hydrocarbons (primarily paraffins including n , iso , and cycloparaffins), and 25% aromatic hydrocarbons (including napthalenes and alkylbenzenes). Diesel is identical to heating oil, used in central heating. In both Europe and the United States taxes on diesel fuel are higher than on heating oil, and in those areas, heating oil is marked with dye and trace chemicals to prevent and detect tax fraud. In the UK it is known as red diesel, and is also used by agricultural vehicles. Diesel is used in diesel engines, a type of internal combustion engine. Rudolf Diesel originally designed the diesel engine to use coal dust as a fuel, but oil proved more effective. Diesel engines are used in cars, motorcycles, boats and locomotives. One can obtain diesel from petroleum, which is sometimes called petrodiesel when there is a need to distinguish it from diesel obtained from other sources. As a hydrocarbon mixture, it is obtained in the fractional distillation of crude oil between 250 °C and 350 °C at atmospheric pressure. Diesel is generally simpler to refine than gasoline and often costs less (though price fluctuations often mean that the inverse is true). However, diesel fuel often contains higher quantities of sulfur. In Europe , emission standards and/or preferrential taxation have forced oil refineries to dramatically reduce the level of sulfur in diesel fuels. MAZUT M100 10585-75 Mazut is a low-grade oil primarily used in industrial boilers and other direct source heating applications. It is also used as a principal fuel in marine applications in large diesel engines. Given its high boiling point and tar-like consistency, typically requires heating before it can moved through pipes or dispensed into a boiler or other heating vessel to be burned. Mazut is the least expensive of the refined oil fuels and can only be used by facilities that have preheating capabilities. It is typically high in sulphur and other impurities that are released into the air when the fuel is burned. Use releases sulphur dioxide, a key component of acid rain, into the atmosphere. The sulphur contained in heavy fuel oil also forms sulphate particles that contribute to the formation of fine particulate matter. Heavy fuel oil is consist largely of residues from crude oils refining. These residues are blended with suitable gas oil fractions in order to achieve the viscosity required for convenient handling. Since the sulfur contained in the crude oil is concentrated in the residue material heavy fuel oils may contain large quantities of heavy metals such as nickel and vanadium and also sediments and water. LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) LPG is the generic name for commercial propane, commercial butane. Whatever the size or nature of your commercial operation, we help you to meet your energy needs we have an excellent distribution network LPG which is a mixture of butane , propane and other light hydrocarbons derived from refining crude oil. At normal temperature it is a gas but can be cooled or subjected to pressure to facilitate storage and transportation.	i don't know
What airport carries the most international passengers in the world (at 2012)?	The world's record-breaking airports - CNN.com The world's record-breaking airports By Lauren Said-Moorhouse, for CNN Updated 3:48 PM ET, Wed August 15, 2012 Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds. Photos: World's record-breaking airports Most international passengers – London's Heathrow has more international passengers than any other airport, according to Guinness World Records, with 67.3 million in 2013. Hide Caption 1 of 8 Photos: World's record-breaking airports World's closest airports – Holding the record for the world's closest airports are the gateways to Papa Westray and Westray, neighboring islands in the Scottish Orkneys. A flight between the two takes an average of 96 seconds (2 minutes if you include taxiing time). Hide Caption 2 of 8 Photos: World's record-breaking airports World's busiest airport – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport holds two records, according to Guinness World Records. It is the busiest airport in the world in terms of the number of aircraft taking off and landing -- 924,000 in 2011 -- and also has the most passengers traveling through -- more than 94.4 million last year. Hide Caption 3 of 8 Photos: World's record-breaking airports World's shortest runway – The world's shortest commercially serviceable runway is at Juancho E.Yrausquin Airport on the island of Saba, Netherlands Antilles, in the Caribbean. The runway is just 396 meters (1,300 feet) in length; most aircraft carriers are only slightly longer than this. Hide Caption 4 of 8 Photos: World's record-breaking airports Highest airport in the world – The world's highest airport sits at 14,219 feet above sea level. Surrounded by mountains, Qamdo Bangda Airport in Tibet operates a scheduled airline service but requires an extra-long runway (13,794 feet) to accommodate the extended stopping distance caused by the lack of atmospheric resistance at that altitude. Hide Caption 5 of 8 Photos: World's record-breaking airports Largest airport building – The world's largest airport building is in Dubai. First opened in 2008, the airport is now the busiest in the Middle East and 7th busiest in the world. Last year, it greeted 66.4 million passengers. Hide Caption 6 of 8 Photos: World's record-breaking airports Busiest cargo airport – At a reported $20 billion, Hong Kong International Airport is one of the most expensive airport construction projects. It is also the world's busiest airport for cargo (freight and mail) and international freight (excluding mail). Hide Caption 7 of 8 Photos: World's record-breaking airports World's most isolated airport – Mataveri International Airport on Easter Island is the world's most isolated airport, situated a remote 3,759 km from the nearest city -- Santiago, Chile. Hide Caption	Heathrow Airport
The translation 'long chair' refers to what traditionally French named item of furniture?	What Are the Busiest Airports in the World? Share By Matt Rosenberg Each year, the Airports Council International releases data on the busiest airports in the world. What follows is a listing of the twenty busiest airports in the world for passenger traffic, based on finalized 2010 data from the Airports Council International. Since 1998, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the United States has been the world's busiest passenger airport. Beijing Capital International Airport, the world's second busiest airport, jumped from eighth place in 2008 to second place in 2010. The airport has seen an increase in 25 million passengers in the last five years! With such a rapid rate of growth, Beijing Capital International Airport is likely to surpass Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as the world's busiest airport within a few years. Numbers represent the number of passengers enplaned and deplaned with passengers in transit counted only once. 1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport - 89,331,622 continue reading below our video 4 Tips for Improving Test Performance 2. Beijing Capital International Airport - 73,948,113 3. O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) - 66,774,738 4. Heathrow Airport (London) - 65,884,143 5. Haneda Airport (Tokyo) - 64,211,074 6. Los Angeles International Airport - 59,070,127 7. Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport - 58,167,062 8. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport - 56,906,610 9. Frankfurt Airport (Germany) - 53,009,221 10. Denver International Airport - 52,209,377 11. Hong Kong International Airport - 50,348,960 12. Madrid Barajas Airport - 49,844,596 13. Dubai International Airport ( United Arab Emirates ) - 47,180,628 14. John F. Kennedy International Airport ( New York City ) - 46,514,154 15. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Netherlands) - 45,211,749 16. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Jakarta, Indonesia) - 44,355,998 (new to the list) 17. Bangkok International Airport (Thailand) - 42,784,967 18. Singapore Changi Airport - 42,038,777 19. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (China) - 40,975,673 (new to the list) 20. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (China) - 40,578,621 (new to the list) Airports that previously made the top twenty ranking list for busiest airports in 2008 but are not on the 2010 ranking of the busiest airports include: McCarran International Airport ( Las Vegas ), George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston), and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.	i don't know
King Rama and Queen Sirikit rule which country (at 2012), bordered by Burma, Laos, and Cambodia?	Bangkok Tourism \| Bangkok Hotels Bangkok Tourism \| Bangkok Hotels Bangkok Tourism \| Bangkok Hotels About Bangkok: Bangkok is the capital city of and largest urban area in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon ( listen)) or simply Krung Thep (About this sound listen), meaning "city of angels". Bangkok is by far the most densely populated city in Thailand with about 12 million people. Bangkok was a small trading post near the mouth of the Chao Phraya River during the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 15th century. It eventually grew in size and became the site of two capital cities: Thonburi in 1768 and Rattanakosin in 1782. Due to its strategic location in Southeast Asia, Siam (later Thailand) acted as a buffer-state between French and British colonial powers. Bangkok gained a reputation as an independent, dynamic, and influential city. Today, Bangkok is not only the political, social, and economic centre of Thailand, but plays a leading role in trade, commerce, culture, the arts, education, healthcare and transport for the Indochina region. The Asian investment boom in the 1980s and 1990s led many multinational corporations to locate their regional headquarters in Bangkok. The city is a now a major regional force in finance and business. Its growing influence on global politics, culture, fashion and entertainment underlines its status as an Alpha global city. In 2009, it was the second most expensive city in South-East Asia behind Singapore. The city's many cultural landmarks and attractions in addition to its notorious red light district has made it synonymous with exoticism. The historic Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Temple of the Reclining Buddha, in addition Khaosan Road and Soi Cowboy, are major tourist destinations in the capital. In combination with being the major gateway to Laos, Burma, and Cambodia, it is second only to London in the number of visits a year. The rapid growth of the 80's led to prolonged construction boom which has completely changed the face of Bangkok. The result of poor urban planning and zoning restrictions, most historic buildings lay side by side with glassed skyscrapers influenced by European and North American designs. Moreover, this rapid growth was seen clearly from the decay of road networks which lacked arterial and feeder systems. The past decade has seen the city turn to mass transit to solve this major societal problem. There are currently 87.5 km of rail services, with an additional 148.8 either approved or under construction. This would only be a part of a 509 km network aimed for completion before 2029. Two international airports serve the capital Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport. In 2005, Bangkok had an official population of 5,658,953, with 4,126,183 more residents living in the greater Bangkok area. The capital is a centre of the megalopolis situated in a heavily urbanized triangle of central and eastern Thailand, which stretches from Nakhon Ratchasima to the heavily Industrialized Eastern Seaboard. Bangkok borders five other provinces: Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon and Nakhon Pathom; all five provinces are joined in the conurbation of the Bangkok Metropolitan Area. Geography of Bangkok: The Bangkok special administrative area covers 1,568.7 km2 (606 sq mi), making it the 68th largest province in Thailand. Much of the area is considered the city of Bangkok, making it the 73rd largest city in the world. The Chao Phraya River, which stretches 372 km (231 mi), is Bangkok's main geographical feature. The Chao Phraya River basin, the area surrounding Bangkok, and the nearby provinces comprise a series of plains and river deltas that lead into the Bay of Bangkok about 30 km (19 mi) south of the city centre. This gave rise to Bangkok's appellation as the "Venice of the East" due to the number of canals and passages that divide the area into separate patches of land. The city once used these canals, which were plentiful within Bangkok itself, as divisions for city districts. However, as the city grew in the second half of the 20th century, the plan was abandoned and a different system of division was adopted. Bangkok lies about two meters (6.5 ft) above sea level, which causes problems for the protection of the city against floods during the monsoon season. Occasionally after a downpour, water in canals and the river overflows the banks, resulting in floods in some areas. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has recently installed higher banks alongside some canals to keep water levels from reaching street level. There are however some downsides for Bangkok's extensive canal routes, as the city is rumored to be sinking an average of two inches a year as it lies entirely on a swamp and there are fears that Thailand's capital will be submerged by 2030 Bangkok Weather: Bangkok Tourist Attractions: Grand Palace: The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. The present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), currently resides at Chitralada Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year. Construction of the palace began on 6 May 1782, at the order of King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I), the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, when he moved the capital city from Thonburi to Bangkok. Throughout successive reigns, many new buildings and structures were added, especially during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). By 1925 the king, the Royal Family and the government were no longer permanently settled at the palace, and had moved to other residences. After the abolition of absolute monarchy in 1932 all government agencies completely moved out of the palace. In shape, the palace complex is roughly rectangular and has a combined area of 218,400 square metres (2,351,000 sq ft), surrounded by four walls. It is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River at the heart of the Rattanakosin Island, today in the Phra Nakhon District. The Grand Palace is bordered by Sanam Luang and Na Phra Lan Road to the north, Maharaj Road to the west, Sanamchai Road to the east and Thai Wang Road to the south. Rather than being a single structure, the Grand Palace is made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. Its asymmetry and eclectic styles are due to its organic development, with additions and rebuilding being made by successive reigning kings over 200 years of history. It is divided into several quarters: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the Outer Court, with many public buildings; the Middle Court, including the Phra Maha Montien Buildings, the Phra Maha Prasat Buildings and the Chakri Maha Prasat Buildings; the Inner Court and the Siwalai Gardens quarter. The Grand Palace is currently partially open to the public as a museum, however it remains a working palace as several royal offices are still situated inside. The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. Chitralada Royal Villa: Chitralada Palace is the Bangkok residence of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit. The palace is part of the Dusit Palace complex. King Bhumibol was the first king in the Chakri dynasty to live in the Chitralda Palace. He moved there after the death of his older brother, King Rama VIII in the Grand Palace. The palace grounds, 4 square kilometers surrounded by a moat and Palace Guards, also contain the Chitralada School, initially established for the children of the royal family. The school is, perhaps, the most exclusive school in Thailand. Wat Arun: Wat Arun Rajwararam is a Buddhist temple (wat) in the Bangkok Yai district of Bangkok, Thailand, on the Thonburi west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The full name of the temple is Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan. Named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn, the Wat Arun is considered one of the most well known of Thailand's many landmarks. The temple is so named because the first light of the morning reflects off the surface of the temple with pearly iridescence. The monastery has existed for many years since the days when Ayutthaya was capital of Thailand. At the time named Wat Mokok, situated in a place called Tumbol Bangmakok. The word Bangmakok, meaning " Village of Olive", has since been shortened to "Makok". The temple features heavily in the book The Temple of Dawn, part of Japanese writer Yukio Mishima's The Sea of Fertility tetralogy. Giant Swing: The Giant Swing is a religious structure in Bangkok, Thailand, Phra Nakhon district, located in front of Wat Suthat temple. It was formerly an old Brahmin ceremony, and is one of Bangkok's tourist attractions. The Giant Swing was originally constructed in 1784 in front of the Devasathan shrine by King Rama I. During the reign of Rama II the swing ceremony was discontinued as the swing had become structurally damaged by lightning. In 1920 it was renovated and moved to its current location in order to make space for a gas plant. The ceremony was again performed until 1935, when it was discontinued after several fatal accidents. The last renovations were done in 1959, and after 45 years of exposure to the elements the wooden pillars were showing signs of serious damage. A major reconstruction began in April 2005. Six teak tree trunks were used. The two used for the main structure of the swing are over 3.5m in circumference and over 30m in height. The remaining four are used for support and are 2.30m in circumference and 20m in height. The swing was taken down in late October 2006 and the work finished late December of the same year. The rebuilt swing was dedicated in royal ceremonies presided over by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in September 2007. The timbers of the original swing are preserved in the National Museum. In 2005, the Giant Swing, together with Wat Suthat, was suggested as a future UNESCO World Heritage Site. Victory Monument (Thailand): Victory Monument is a large military monument in Bangkok, Thailand. The monument is located in Ratchathewi district, northeast of central Bangkok, at the center of a traffic circle at the intersection of Phahonyothin Road, Phaya Thai Road, and Ratchawithi Road. The monument is entirely western in its design: in this it is in sharp contrast with another prominent monument of Bangkok, the Democracy Monument, which uses indigenous Thai forms and symbols. The central obelisk, although originally Egyptian, has been frequently used in Europe and America for national and military memorials - its shape suggesting both a sword and an outstanding mark that holds in a territory (by some erotic-minded it can be identify with masculine potency); here it is designed in the shape of five bayonets clasped together. The five statues, representing the army, navy, air force, police and civilian bureaucracy, are in a standard western "heroic" style, familiar in the 1940s in both fascist and communist states, and were executed by the Italian sculptor Corrado Feroci, who worked under the Thai name Silpa Bhirasi. The sculptor did not like the combination of his work with the obelisk, and referred to the monument as "the victory of embarrassment." Wat Phra Kaew: The Wat Phra Kaew is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) in Thailand. It is a "potent religio-political symbol and the palladium of Thai society". It is located in the historic centre of Bangkok (district Phra Nakhon), within the precincts of the Grand Palace. The main building is the central ubosoth, which houses the statue of Emerald Buddha. The legendary history of this Buddha image is traced to India, five centuries after the Lord Buddha attained Nirvana, till it was finally enshrined in Bangkok at the Wat Phra Kaew temple in 1782 during Rama I's reign (1782–1809). This marked the beginning and raise of the Chakri Dynasty of the present Kingdom of Thailand (the present head of the dynasty is King Rama IX.) The Emerald Buddha, a dark green statue, is in a standing form, about 66 centimetres (26 in) tall, carved from a single jade stone (Emerald in Thai means deep green colour and not the specific stone). It is carved in the meditating posture in the style of the Lanna school of the northern Thailand. Except for the Thai King, no other person is allowed to touch the statue. The King changes the cloak around the statue three times a year, corresponding to the summer, winter, and rainy seasons, an important ritual performed to usher good fortune to the country during each season. While legend traces this statue to India, its rich historical records dates its finding in Cambodia in the 15th century, moved to Laos in the 16th century and then to Vientiane where it remained for 215 years, and finally to Thailand in the 18th century. Considering the long history and Nagasena's (a Brahmin who became a Buddhist sage and lived about 150 BC) prophesy that the Emerald Buddha would bring "prosperity and pre-eminence to each country in which it resides", the Emerald Buddha deified in the Wat Phra Kaew is deeply revered and venerated in Thailand as the protector of the country. Si Lom: Si Lom is a sub-District and road in Bang Rak district, Bangkok, Thailand. Constructed in 1851 as part of a dyke and irrigation system, Silom road has become one of Bangkok's most cosmopolitan streets and major financial center; it is the home to some of the largest companies in Thailand ex. The Charoen Phokphand Group (CP), Bangkok Bank PLC, as well as a number of insurance and securities firms, it is often dubbed the "Wall Street of Thailand". Silom offers quite a broad range of nighttime activities ranging from street side shopping to strip dancing show; both Patpong and Thanon Thaniya (Little Tokyo) having entrances from Si Lom Road. Furthermore, it has a popular gay area. Soi 2 has several gay lounges and club, DJ Station. This very small side street, packed between the buildings, has a passport check. As well, soi 4 is popular among gays for its terraces. Si Lom Road runs parallel to the Sathorn business district along Sathon Road. This close proximity between two major thoroughfares has led to serious traffic congestion in the area. Si Lom is also the name of an MRT Blue Line subway system stop at the intersection between Si Lom, Ratchadamri and Rama IV Road. It connects with the Sala Daeng Station of the BTS Skytrain, which is also titled Silom Line. Chao Phraya River: The Chao Phraya is a major river in Thailand, with its low alluvial plain forming the centre of the country. It runs through Bangkok, the capital city, and then empties into the Gulf of Thailand. The Chao Phraya begins at the confluence of the Ping and Nan rivers at Nakhon Sawan (also called Pak Nam Pho) in Nakhon Sawan province. It then flows south for 372 kilometres (231 mi) from the central plains to Bangkok and the Gulf of Thailand. In Chainat, the river splits into the main course and the Tha Chin river, which then flows parallel to the main river and exits in the Gulf of Thailand about 35 kilometres (22 mi) west of Bangkok in Samut Sakhon. In the low alluvial plain which begins below the Chainat Dam, many small canals (khlong) split off from the main river. The khlong are used for the irrigation of the region's rice paddies. The rough co-ordinates of the river are 13 N, 100 E. This area has a wet monsoon climate, with over 1,400 mm of rainfall per year, and temperatures range from 24 °C to 33 °C in Bangkok. Wat Chaiwatthanaram: Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a Buddhist temple in the city of Ayutthaya, Thailand, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, outside Ayutthaya island. It is one of Ayutthaya's best known temples and a major tourist attraction. The temple was constructed in 1630 by the king Prasat Thong as the first temple of his reign, as a memorial of his mother's resident in that area. The temple's name literally means the Temple of long reign and glorious era. It was designed in Khmer style which was popular in that time. It has a central 35 meter high prang in Khmer style with four smaller prangs. The whole construction stands on a rectangular platform. About halfway up there are hidden entrances, to which steep stairs lead. The central platform is surrounded by eight chedi-shaped chapels, which are connected by a rectangular cross-shaped passage (Phra Rabieng). The passage had numerous side entries and was originally roofed and open inwards, but today only the foundations of the pillars and the outside wall still stand. Along the wall, there were 120 sitting Buddha statues, probably painted in black and gold. The eight chedi-like chapels are formed in a unique way. They had paintings on the interior walls, the exterior ones decorated by 12 reliefs depicting scenes from the life of Buddha (Jataka), which must be "read" clockwise. Just fragments of the paintings and the reliefs survived. In each of the rectangular chedis were two sitting Buddha statues and in each of the four middle chedis was one big sitting Buddha statue, also lacquered in black and gold. The ceiling over those statues was of wood with golden stars on black lacquer. Outside of the passages on the east, close to the river was the temple's ordination hall (Phra Ubosot). North and south from the Ubusot stood two chedis with "12 indented corners", in which the ashes of the king's mother were laid. After the total destruction of the old capital by the Burmese in 1767, from which Wat Chai Watthanaram was not spared, the temple was deserted. Theft, sale of bricks from the ruins and the beheading of the Buddha statues were common. Only in 1987 did the Thai Department of Fine Arts start restoring the site. In 1992 it was opened to the public. Ayutthaya Historical Park: The Ayutthaya historical park covers the ruins of the old city of Ayutthaya, Thailand, which was founded by King Ramathibodi I in 1350 and was the capital of the country until its destruction by the Burmese army in 1767. In 1969 the Fine Arts Department began with renovations of the ruins, which became more serious after it was declared a historical park in 1976. The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Thirty-five kings ruled the Ayutthaya kingdom during its existence. King Narai (1656 CE to 1688 CE) not only held court in Ayutthaya but also from his palace in the nearby city of Lopburi, from where he ruled 8-9 months in the year. Wat Pho: Wat Pho is a Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, Thailand. It is located in the Rattanakosin district directly adjacent to the Grand Palace. Known also as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, its official name is Wat Phra Chettuphon Wimon Mangkhlaram Ratchaworamahawihan The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Wat Pho is named after a monastery in India where Buddha is believed to have lived. Prior to the temple's founding, the site was a centre of education for traditional Thai medicine, and statues were created showing yoga positions. An enormous Buddha image from Ayuthaya's Wat Si Sanaphet was destroyed by Burmeses in 1767, King Rama I (1782-1809 A.D.) incorporated its fragments to build a temple to enlarge and renovate the complex. The complex underwent many changes in the next 260 years. Under King Rama III (1824-1851 A.D.), plaques inscribed with medical texts were placed around the temple. These received recognition in the Memory of the World Programme launched by UNESCO on February 21, 2008. Adjacent to the building housing the Reclining Buddha is a small raised garden, the centrepiece being a bodhi tree which is propagated from the original tree in India where Buddha sat while awaiting enlightenment. The temple was created as a restoration of an earlier temple on the same site, Wat Phodharam, with the work beginning in 1788. The temple was restored and extended in the reign of King Rama III, and was restored again in 1982. Wat Suthat: Wat Suthat Thepphawararam is a royal temple of the first grade, one of ten such temples in Bangkok (23 in Thailand). Construction was begun by His Majesty King Rama I in 1807 (B.E. 2350). Further construction and decorations were carried out by King Rama II who helped carve the wooden doors, but the temple was not completed until the reign of King Rama III in 1847 (B.E.2390). This temple contains the Buddha image Phra Sri Sakyamuni or "Sisakayamunee" which moved from Sukhothai province. At the lower terrace of the base, there are 28 Chinese pagodas which mean the 28 Buddhas born on this earth. Wat Suthat also contains Phra Buddha Trilokachet in the Ubosot (Ordinary Hall) and Phra Buddha Setthamuni in Sala Kan Parien (Meeting Hall) In 2005, the temple was submitted to UNESCO for consideration as a future World Heritage Site. Suan Pakkad Palace: Suan Pakkad Palace is a museum in Bangkok, Thailand. It is located on Sri Ayutthaya Road south of the Victory Monument. The museum has Thai antiques on display, including Ban Chiang pottery over 4,000 years old. Originally the home of Prince Chumbhotpong Paripatra and his wife, they converted in into a museum which opened in 1952. The museum features a group of four traditional Thai houses with covered hallways between them. There is also artwork on display in its Marsi Gallery. The name Suan Pakkad translates as "Cabbage Patch", but the museum's collection of five traditional pavilions is one of the best examples of traditional domestic architecture in the city. The Lacquer Pavilion is the most striking building, and is over 450 years old. Queen Sirikit Park: Queen Sirikit Park is a botanical garden in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, Thailand. Covering an area of 0.22 km², it is part of the larger Chatuchak Park complex. It was built in 1992 and named after Queen Sirikit to celebrate her 60th birthday. It contains many fountains and pools where lotus flowers bloom. The park can be reached easily from the Mo Chit Station on Sukhumvit Line of the BTS Skytrain, or the Chatuchak Park Station on the MRT Blue Line. MBK Center: MBK Center, also known as Mahboonkrong is a large shopping mall in Bangkok, Thailand. At eight stories high, the center hosts around 2,000 stores and services, including the 4-story Tokyu department store, restaurants and entertainment. The MBK Center management reports daily visitor numbers of more than 100,000, half of whom are young Thai people and a third foreign visitors. The MBK Center is very popular amongst tourists, particularly Arabs, but also Western tourists. It is also very popular with Thai residents with the majority of shoppers being native Bangkok residents. Knockoff items can be found in abundance at this shopping complex, but prices are much higher than one would expect. Many stores selling authentic merchandise are also available. MBK Center is connected to the Siam Discovery and Siam Paragon shopping center by elevated walkways, both of which are more upscale and have only authentic goods. MBK Center is worth a visit for any tourist, it is a well known landmark in Bangkok. Pratunam Market: Pratunam Market is one of Bangkok's major markets, and is Thailand's largest clothing market. The name Pratunam means Water gate. The market comprises retail stores and outdoor stalls, the latter of which are aimed at tourists. It is located at the intersection of Ratchaprarop and Phetburi roads in the district Ratchathewi. This is may be the cheapest market for buying clothes, fabrics and textiles in central Bangkok, while the Chatuchak Weekend Market probably is the low price leader. Other merchandise includes watches, handicrafts and more. The Pratunam Market covers the whole area around and behind the Amari Watergate and Indra Regent hotels with the rainbow-colored Baiyoke I hotel and the towering Baiyoke Tower II hotels inside it. Taling Chan Floating Market: Taling Chan Floating Market is located on the canal Khlong Chak Phra in front of the district office. It is opened only on weekends from about 8:30 to 16:00. Orchard produce such as fruits, and vegetables, as well as fish are sold from boats. There is a live traditional Thai music performance from 11:00 to 14:00. The idea for the floating market here was initiated by Chamlong Srimuang in 1987 to honour King Bhumibol's 60th birthday. This is a new attraction since floating markets, an old way of life of the Thai people, had vanished entirely from Bangkok for quite a long time. Bangkok Airport: Suvarnabhumi Airport also known as (New) Bangkok International Airport, is one of two international airports serving Bangkok, Thailand. The other one is Don Mueang International Airport. Suvarnabhumi was officially opened for limited domestic flight service on 15 September 2006, and opened for most domestic and all international commercial flights on 28 September 2006. The airport is currently the main hub for Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways, Orient Thai Airlines, and Thai AirAsia. It also serves as regional gateway and connecting point for various foreign carriers. The airport is located in Racha Thewa in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan Province, about 25 kilometres (16 mi) east of downtown Bangkok. The name Suvarnabhumi was chosen by King Bhumibol Adulyadej and refers to the golden kingdom hypothesised to have been located somewhere in Southeast Asia. The building was designed by Helmut Jahn of Murphy / Jahn Architects. It was constructed primarily by ITO JV. The airport has the world's tallest free-standing control tower (132.2 metres / 434 feet), and the world's fourth largest single-building airport terminal (563,000 square metres / 6,060,000 square feet). Suvarnabhumi is the sixth busiest airport in Asia, and the busiest in the country, having handled 47.9 million passengers in 2011, and is also a major air cargo hub, with a total of 96 airlines. On social networks, Suvarnabhumi is the world's second most popular place where Instagram photographs were taken in 2011. The airport inherited the airport code, BKK, from Don Mueang after the older airport ceased international commercial flights. A modern motorway no.7 connects the airport, Bangkok, and the heavily industrial Eastern Seaboard of Thailand, where most of the manufacturing for export takes place. Bangkok Airways: Bangkok Airways Co., Ltd. is a regional airline based in Chatuchak District, Bangkok, Thailand. It operates scheduled services to destinations in Thailand, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Laos, Maldives, Burma, India and Singapore. Its main base is Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok. Bangkok Airways is currently an official sponsor of Lampang. The airline was established in 1968 as Sahakol Air operating air-taxi services under contract from Overseas International Construction Company (OICC) an American construction company, United States Operations Mission (USOM) and a number of other organisations engaged in oil and natural-gas exploration in the Gulf of Thailand. It began scheduled services in 1986, becoming Thailand's first privately-owned domestic airline. It re-branded to become Bangkok Airways in 1989. The airline is owned by Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth (92.31%), Sahakol Estate (4.3%), Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (1.2%) and other shareholders (2.19%). It has 1,903 employees and also wholly owns subsidiary airline Siem Reap Airways. It built its own airport on Koh Samui, which was opened in April 1989 and offers direct flights between the island and Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, Krabi, Pattaya, Phuket and Singapore. The airline opened its second airport at Sukhothai Province in 1996. A third airport was built in Trat Province, opening in March 2003 to serve the burgeoning tourism destination of Ko Chang. The airline made its first foray into jet aircraft in 2000, when it started adding Boeing 717s to its fleet. Up until then, Bangkok Airways had flown propeller-driven aircraft, primarily the ATR-72. It had also operated the De Havilland Canada Dash 8, the Shorts 330 and for a short time, a Fokker F100. The carrier added another jet, the Airbus A320, to its fleet in 2004. Bangkok Airways plans to order widebody aircraft as part of its ambition to expand its fleet. It wants to add its first widebody jets in 2006 to serve longer-haul destinations such as London, India and Japan and is looking at Airbus A330, Airbus A340 and Boeing 787 aircraft. In December 2005, Bangkok Airways announced it had decided to negotiate an order for six Airbus A350-800 aircraft in a 258-seat configuration, to be delivered to the airline commencing 2013 but the order of the aircraft was cancelled in 2011 due to the further delay of the Airbus plane. In 2007, President and CEO of Bangkok Airways Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth received from Kaewkwan Watcharoethai, the Royal Household Secretary-General, the royal warrant appointment to display the Garuda emblem. Bangkok Hotels:	Thailand
Moishe Shagall, born 1887 in what is now Belarus, became famous under what other name?	Description of 80 Baht 2012. Her Majesty the Queen 80 Birthday Note printing Works, Banknote management group, Bank of Thailand * All pictures marked are increased partially by magnifying glass, the remaining open in full size by clicking on the image. ** The word "Specimen" is present only on some of electronic pictures, in accordance with banknote images publication rules of appropriate banks. Description Watermark: The watermark features HM the Queen’s crowned monogram "ส.ก.". With a special translucent effect, the electrotype letter "ก" is clearly visible from both sides when the banknote is held up to the light. The windowed security thread is visible on the surface of the paper at regular intervals. Inside each window contains the number “80” and the "rose" image, which will be switched, when the banknote is tilted. Avers: The portrait of HM the King Rama IX and HM the Queen. Sirikit (born 12 August 1932 in Bangkok, Thailand as Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara) is the queen consort of Bhumibol Adulyadej, King (Rama IX) of Thailand. She met Bhumibol in Paris, where her father was the Thai ambassador. They married in 1950, shortly before Bhumibol's coronation. Sirikit was appointed Queen Regent in 1956. Sirikit produced one son and three daughters. As the consort of the king who is the world's longest-reigning head of state, she is also the world's longest-serving consort of a monarch. On the left side is the scene of the Queen's Sirikit coronation. In top right corner is the Monogram of the Queen Sirikit. The main element of the monogram is the Great Crown of Victory. The Great Crown of Victory (Thai: พระมหาพิชัยมงกุฏ; rtgs: Phra Maha Phichai Mongkut) is part of the Regalia of Thailand. Made of gold in the reign of King Rama I in 1782, the crown is 26" (66 centimeters) high and weighs 16 lb (7.3 kg), and enamelled in red and green. Thanks to King Rama IV, the crown is also set in diamonds. He added a large cut diamond from India to decorate the top of the crown, called Great Diamond (พระมหาวิเชียรมณี Phra Maha Wichian Mani). The crown is of a distinctive Thai design, being a multi-tiered conical diadem, terminating in a tapering spire. A king only wears the crown during his coronation, where he places the crown on his own head. The shape of the crown represents the concept of divine monarchy. The tall spire represents divine authority and right to rule over the people. Currently, the Great Crown of Victory is the most important of the five regalia, yet once the crown possessed the same importance as any other regalia. However, it was under the influence of western culture that the king would accede to the throne when crowned, in the reign of King Rama V. Each of the members of royal family has its own symbolic color and monogram. Thus, even just seeing the monogram it is possible to determine, without any photos, who personally present at the event. In the top left corner is Garuda - national emblem of Thailand. In 1910 king Vajiravudh abandoned the National Achievements of 1873 altogether and ordered Phra Dhevabhinimit to create a new one. This featured the Garuda of Chulalongkorn. This new emblem, to be qualified the emblem of state, consisted of Garuda, in Hindu symbolism the vehicle of Vishnu and, as the Siamese king considered himself to be an incarnation of Vishnu, the vehicle of the King of Siam. It illustrates the doctrine that the government actually is a tool of the ruler, in this case the King of Siam. The garuda is of very ancient Mesopotamian origin and came to Siam by Hinduism. It is a bird-man having the body of a man and the wings, head and feet of a bird. Sculpures of a garuda can be found in Angkor Wat, the temple of the capital of the Khmer empire and are dating from the 13th century (again from the reign of Jayavarman VIII). Usually the garuda is the vehicle of Vishnu, the god of maintenance and as such a symbol of the royal government. In Siam he was introduced at the end of the 19th century and after the reorganization of the government by king Rama V Chulalongkorm in 1892. The obverse and the reverse shows the variety of flowers, specially bred in honor of Queen Sirikit. Left and lower of Royal couple are the flowers Rosa "Queen Sirikit". Rosa "Queen Sirikit" is a hybrid rose of "Königin der Rosen" and "Golden Giant Rose". It was first introduced in 1968. Two years later it won the First Prize in a rose competition in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Andre Hendricx, Director of "Grandes Roseraiea du Val de Loire", asked permission from Queen Sirikit of Thailand to name the rose after her. On the right side is Cattleya "Queen Sirikit". Cattleya "Queen Sirikit" is a stunning elegent hybrid of "Cattleya Bow Bells" and "Cattleya O'brieniana var. alba", produced by "Black and Flory Ltd. Co.", Great Britain, in 1958. Recived Award of Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, london, and the Royal permission to name Cattleya "Queen Sirikit". Epiphytic orchid, 20-40 cm. high. Flowers large, white and fragrant, 12-14 cm. across, lip broad, margin undulate, with golden yellow throat, flowering all year round. ( thai native orchids ) An epiphyte is a plant that grows harmlessly upon another plant (such as a tree) and derives its moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and sometimes from debris accumulating around it. Epiphytes differ from parasites in that epiphytes grow on other plants for physical support and do not necessarily negatively affect the host. An epiphytic organism that is not a plant is called an epibiont. Epiphytes are usually found in the temperate zone (e.g., many mosses, liverworts, lichens, and algae) or in the tropics (e.g., many ferns, cacti, orchids, and bromeliads). Many houseplants are epiphyte species due to their minimal water and soil requirements. Epiphytes provide a rich and diverse habitat for other organisms including animals, fungi, bacteria, and myxomycetes. Epiphyte is one of the subdivisions of the Raunkiær system. The term epiphytic derives from the Greek epi- (meaning "upon") and phyton (meaning "plant"). Epiphytic plants are sometimes called "air plants" because they do not root in soil. Revers: Centered - HM the Queen Sikirit in young age. Centered top - the Monogram of the Queen Sirikit. In the top left corner is Garuda - national emblem of Thailand. On the left side are the royal family. In the royal family are four children: three daughters and a son. Children of the King of Thailand received an excellent education and training, and now doing everything possible to improve the welfare of their country. The Scenes with HM The Queen's social care in the community. On the left side and top left, again, are Roses "Queen Sirikit". On the right side - Cattleya "Queen Sirikit".	i don't know
From Greek meaning within, what sort of gland secretes hormones, etc., directly into the blood?	Endocrine - definition of endocrine by The Free Dictionary Endocrine - definition of endocrine by The Free Dictionary http://www.thefreedictionary.com/endocrine 2. Of or relating to endocrine glands or the hormones secreted by them. n. 1. The secretion of an endocrine gland; a hormone. 2. An endocrine gland. [French : Greek endo-, endo- + Greek krīnein, to separate; see krei- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] endocrine (Anatomy) of or denoting endocrine glands or their secretions: endocrine disorders. n [C20: from endo- + -crine, from Greek krinein to separate] en•do•crine (ˈɛn də krɪn, -ˌkraɪn, -ˌkrin) adj. Also, en•do•cri•nal (ˌɛn dəˈkraɪn l, -ˈkrin l) 1. secreting internally into the blood or lymph. 2. of or pertaining to an endocrine gland or its secretion. n. [1910–15; endo - + -crine < Greek krinein to separate] ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend: Noun 1. endocrine - the secretion of an endocrine gland that is transmitted by the blood to the tissue on which it has a specific effect hormone , internal secretion secretion - a functionally specialized substance (especially one that is not a waste) released from a gland or cell ACTH , adrenocorticotrophic hormone , adrenocorticotrophin , adrenocorticotropic hormone , adrenocorticotropin , corticotrophin , corticotropin - a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex Adrenalin , adrenaline , epinephrin , epinephrine - a catecholamine secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress (trade name Adrenalin); stimulates autonomic nerve action gastrointestinal hormone , GI hormones - hormones that affect gastrointestinal functioning glucagon - a hormone secreted by the pancreas; stimulates increases in blood sugar levels in the blood (thus opposing the action of insulin) gonadotrophic hormone , gonadotrophin , gonadotropic hormone , gonadotropin - hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and placenta; stimulates the gonads and controls reproductive activity insulin - hormone secreted by the isles of Langerhans in the pancreas; regulates storage of glycogen in the liver and accelerates oxidation of sugar in cells melatonin - hormone secreted by the pineal gland neurohormone - a hormone that is released by nerve impulses (e.g., norepinephrine or vasopressin) oxytocin , Pitocin - hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland (trade name Pitocin); stimulates contractions of the uterus and ejection of milk parathormone , parathyroid hormone - hormone synthesized and released into the blood stream by the parathyroid glands; regulates phosphorus and calcium in the body and functions in neuromuscular excitation and blood clotting relaxin - hormone secreted by the corpus luteum during the last days of pregnancy; relaxes the pelvic ligaments and prepares the uterus for labor hypothalamic releasing factor , hypothalamic releasing hormone , releasing factor , releasing hormone , RH - any of several hormones produced in the hypothalamus and carried by a vein to the anterior pituitary gland where they stimulate the release of anterior pituitary hormones; each of these hormones causes the anterior pituitary to secrete a specific hormone growth hormone , human growth hormone , somatotrophic hormone , somatotrophin , somatotropic hormone , somatotropin , STH - a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland; promotes growth in humans thymosin - hormone secreted by the thymus; stimulates immunological activity of lymphoid tissue thyroid hormone - any of several closely related compounds that are produced by the thyroid gland and are active metabolically ADH , antidiuretic hormone , Pitressin , vasopressin - hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland (trade name Pitressin) and also by nerve endings in the hypothalamus; affects blood pressure by stimulating capillary muscles and reduces urine flow by affecting reabsorption of water by kidney tubules sex hormone , steroid hormone , steroid - any hormone affecting the development and growth of sex organs adrenosterone - a steroid having androgenic activity; obtained from the cortex of the adrenal gland glucocorticoid - a steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal cortex of animals; affects functioning of gonads and has anti-inflammatory activity catecholamine - any of a group of chemicals including epinephrine and norepinephrine that are produced in the medulla of the adrenal gland melanocyte-stimulating hormone , MSH - a hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that controls the degree of pigmentation in melanocytes gland , secreter , secretor , secretory organ - any of various organs that synthesize substances needed by the body and release it through ducts or directly into the bloodstream endocrine system - the system of glands that produce endocrine secretions that help to control bodily metabolic activity thyroid , thyroid gland - located near the base of the neck parathyroid , parathyroid gland - any one of four endocrine glands situated above or within the thyroid gland adrenal , adrenal gland , suprarenal gland - either of a pair of complex endocrine glands situated near the kidney prostate , prostate gland - a firm partly muscular chestnut sized gland in males at the neck of the urethra; produces a viscid secretion that is the fluid part of semen thymus gland , thymus - a ductless glandular organ at the base of the neck that produces lymphocytes and aids in producing immunity; atrophies with age hypophysis , pituitary , pituitary body , pituitary gland - the master gland of the endocrine system; located at the base of the brain pars anterior , pars distilis - the anterior part of the anterior pituitary pars intermedia - a thin piece of tissue that has become part of the posterior pituitary neurohypophysis , pars nervosa , posterior pituitary , posterior pituitary gland - the posterior lobe of the pituitary body; primarily glandular in nature epiphysis cerebri , pineal body , pineal gland , epiphysis - a small endocrine gland in the brain; situated beneath the back part of the corpus callosum; secretes melatonin	Endocrine system
What weekday is traditionally called 'Super...' in the election of US presidential candidates?	Endocrine - IT'S MORE FUN IN ANAPHY! Members The endocrine system, along with the nervous system, functions in the regulation of body activities. The nervous system acts through electrical impulses and neurotransmitters to cause muscle contraction and glandular secretion. The effect is of short duration, measured in seconds, and localized. The endocrine system acts through chemical messengers called hormones that influence growth, development, and metabolic activities. The action of the endocrine system is measured in minutes, hours, or weeks and is more generalized than the action of the nervous system. There are two major categories of glands in the body - exocrine and endocrine. Exocrine Glands Exocrine glands have ducts that carry their secretory product to a surface. These glands include the sweat, sebaceous, and mammary glands and, the glands that secrete digestive enzymes. Endocrine Glands The endocrine glands do not have ducts to carry their product to a surface. They are called ductless glands. The word endocrine is derived from the Greek terms "endo," meaning within, and "krine," meaning to separate or secrete. The secretory products of endocrine glands are called hormones and are secreted directly into the blood and then carried throughout the body where they influence only those cells that have receptor sites for that hormone. Chemical Nature of Hormones Chemically, hormones may be classified as either proteins or steroids. All of the hormones in the human body, except the sex hormones and those from the adrenal cortex, are proteins or protein derivatives. Mechanism of HormoneAction Hormones are carried by the blood throughout the entire body, yet they affect only certain cells. The specific cells that respond to a given hormone have receptor sites for that hormone. This is sort of a lock and key mechanism. If the key fits the lock, then the door will open. If a hormone fits the receptor site, then there will be an effect. If a hormone and a receptor site do not match, then there is no reaction. All the cells that have receptor sites for a given hormone make up the target tissue for that hormone. In some cases, the target tissue is localized in a single gland or organ. In other cases, the target tissue is diffuse and scattered throughout the body so that many areas are affected. Hormones bring about their characteristic effects on target cells by modifying cellular activity. Protein hormones react with receptors on the surface of the cell, and the sequence of events that results in hormone action is relatively rapid. Steroid hormones typically react with receptor sites inside a cell. Because this method of action actually involves synthesis of proteins, it is relatively slow. Control of Hormone Action Hormones are very potent substances, which means that very small amounts of a hormone may have profound effects on metabolic processes. Because of their potency, hormone secretion must be regulated within very narrow limits in order to maintain homeostasis in the body. Many hormones are controlled by some form of a negative feedback mechanism. In this type of system, a gland is sensitive to the concentration of a substance that it regulates. A negative feedback system causes a reversal of increases and decreases in body conditions in order to maintain a state of stability or homeostasis. Some endocrine glands secrete hormones in response to other hormones. The hormones that cause secretion of other hormones are called tropic hormones. A hormone from gland A causes gland B to secrete its hormone. A third method of regulating hormone secretion is by direct nervous stimulation. A nerve stimulus causes gland A to secrete its hormone. The endocrine system is made up of the endocrine glands that secrete hormones. Although there are eight major endocrine glands scattered throughout the body, they are still considered to be one system because they have similar functions, similar mechanisms of influence, and many important interrelationships. Some glands also have non-endocrine regions that have functions other than hormone secretion. For example, the pancreas has a major exocrine portion that secretes digestive enzymes and an endocrine portion that secretes hormones. The ovaries and testes secrete hormones and also produce the ova and sperm. Some organs, such as the stomach, intestines, and heart, produce hormones, but their primary function is not hormone secretion. Learn more about endocrine glands and their hormones by selecting one of the following topics. Pituitary & Pineal Glands Other Endocrine Glands Pituitary Gland The pituitary gland or hypophysis is a small gland about 1 centimeter in diameter or the size of a pea. It is nearly surrounded by bone as it rests in the sella turcica, a depression in the sphenoid bone. The gland is connected to the hypothalamus of the brain by a slender stalk called the infundibulum. There are two distinct regions in the gland: the anterior lobe (adenohypophysis) and the posterior lobe (neurohypophysis). The activity of the adenohypophysis is controlled by releasing hormones from the hypothalamus. The neurohypophysis is controlled by nerve stimulation. Hormones of the Anterior Lobe (Adenohypophysis) Growth hormone is a protein that stimulates the growth of bones, muscles, and other organs by promoting protein synthesis. This hormone drastically affects the appearance of an individual because it influences height. If there is too little growth hormone in a child, that person may become a pituitary dwarf of normal proportions but small stature. An excess of the hormone in a child results in an exaggerated bone growth, and the individual becomes exceptionally tall or a giant. Thyroid-stimulating hormone, or thyrotropin, causes the glandular cells of the thyroid to secrete thyroid hormone. When there is a hypersecretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone, the thyroid gland enlarges and secretes too much thyroid hormone. Adrenocorticotropic hormone reacts with receptor sites in the cortex of the adrenal gland to stimulate the secretion of cortical hormones, particularly cortisol. Gonadotropic hormones react with receptor sites in the gonads, or ovaries and testes, to regulate the development, growth, and function of these organs. Prolactin hormone promotes the development of glandular tissue in the female breast during pregnancy and stimulates milk production after the birth of the infant. Hormones of the Posterior Lobe (Neurohypophysis) Antidiuretic hormone promotes the reabsorption of water by the kidney tubules, with the result that less water is lost as urine. This mechanism conserves water for the body. Insufficient amounts of antidiuretic hormone cause excessive water loss in the urine. Oxytocin causes contraction of the smooth muscle in the wall of the uterus. It also stimulates the ejection of milk from the lactating breast. Pineal Gland The pineal gland, also called pineal body or epiphysis cerebri, is a small cone-shaped structure that extends posteriorly from the third ventricle of the brain. The pineal gland consists of portions of neurons, neuroglial cells, and specialized secretory cells called pinealocytes. The pinealocytes synthesize the hormone melatonin and secrete it directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, which takes it into the blood. Melatonin affects reproductive development and daily physiologic cycles. Create a free website	i don't know
Geir Haard (who in 2012 became the first politician to face court charges for negligence in contributing to the 2008 global financial crisis) led what country?	Anarchism in Iceland - LFI - IFR WEB OF LFI-IFR Anarchism in Iceland Iceland was the first anarchist country in the world, since the velvet anarchist revolution May Day 1966, and is still an Anarchy. The "Pots & Pans Revolution" since 2008 is an extension of the revolutionary change of 1966. 01.05.2011 libertarians world wide celebrate both 1. International Labor Day 125 years since the initialization related to the Chicago anarchists in 1886, and 2. the Icelandic Anarchist Revolution 45 years. The anarchist black flag flew at the Icesave referendum. Iceland rejects bank payback plans two times. Anarchist Economics. May Day 2011 is both a day of action, history and celebration, see International Workers of the World - IWW . Ragnar Frisch , the Norwegian economic Nobel Prize winner, and social-individualist anarchist, declared Iceland as an ideal in a radio speech in connection with the Nobel Prize in 1969, indicating Iceland was a social-individualist anarchy already, probably about 50-51% degree of anarchy. Anarchy in Iceland, of very low degree, but > 50 %, is registered since 1966/67. The revolutionary change, i.e. when Iceland entered the social-individualist sector of the anarchist quadrant of the economic-political map , de facto a velvet anarchist revolution, is symbolic rooted back to May Day 1966, when Labor Day was first celebrated as a public holiday in the country, i.e. in an otherwise rather libertarian social system. Iceland was the first Anarchy in the world, and the country is still anarchist. 01.05.1966 is celebrated as the Day of the Anarchist Revolution in Iceland, by libertarians word wide. Remember the anarchist economy in Spain 1936-39 was only in a part of the country, and thus Spain, the whole country, has never been an Anarchy. And ancient systems and countries, archi-societies, were based on slaves and/or lack of significant economic freedom, and thus practically certain never anarchies. IIFOR has estimated the degree of anarchism in Iceland for the 2000s to about 52 %, i.e. significant. This is a structural, i.e. a long term average, estimate. The last years', retrospectively seen, overinvestment in the banking sector, and per 2008 estimated coming 2 years of recession, may indicate a small and relatively insignificant temporary dip in the anarchy degree, but will probably not alter the degree of anarchy significantly, seen as a long term structural estimate. It confirms however the relatively strong capitalist tendency, i.e. about 46%, relatively stronger than in Norway. Iceland is ranked as number three according to libertarian degree among the countries of the world, after Norway and The Swiss Confederation. The "Pots & Pans Revolution" of Iceland since 2008 and ongoing, is an extension of the revolutionary change in 1966, and aiming at reducing the dip in the degree of anarchy in the country, and in the longer run increase the anarchy-degree above 52 %. Lots of the Icelandic people are de facto social-individualist anarchists and thus real democrats , but far from all use the label 'anarchist' about themselves, for different reasons. In the reports quoted from the international newsmedia AIIS has corrected the word "government" of Iceland with "cabinet" or "central administration", as Iceland is an anarchy, and thus has no government in the meaning of archy/state/authorities, i.e. vertical organization - top heavy societal pyramid. Iceland is significantly horizontally organized, anarchistic. The economic-political system in Iceland is real democratic , an anarchy of low degree, as mentioned about 52 percent, i.e. significant. The AIIS calls on the newsmedia in general to report correctly about Iceland. 07-08.03.2010. Iceland rejects bank payback plan. Voters in tiny Iceland in a referendum defied their parliament and international pressure, resoundingly rejecting a $5.3 billion plan to repay Britain and the Netherlands for debts spawned by the collapse of an Icelandic bank - Icesave. According to final results released on Monday, 93.2 percent of voters said "no" in Saturday's ballot, while only 1.8 percent voted "yes". Referendum is a form of direct action as long as Libertarian Human Rights for the minority are secured, etc., i.e. being within the framework of real democracy . The anarchist black flag flew at the demonstrations related to the first Icesave referendum. The Northern Anarchist Confederation and its Icelandic section the Libertarian Federation of Iceland - Íslenska Frjálshyggjumaður Ríkjasamband, declared that "the result of the referendum is satisfactory, and also pointing forward to NO to EU." Anarchist economics: The unemployment rate for 2009 was about 8.03%. Thus, the demand management of the incompetent Icelandic cabinet in 2009 was a fiasco. The Icelandic cabinet should have listened more to the anarchists, and increased total demand about 9-10% via additional countercyclical fiscal and monetary measures broadly defined, to achieve full employment for 2009. A realistic 3% unemployment scenario for 2010, with proper demand management. If the present mismanagement by the marxist cabinet continues, the average unemployment rate for 2010 will be 9-10 percent, an insult to the Anarchy of Iceland. The traditional Keynes type countercyclal monetary and fiscal policy measures, may not be sufficient. Measures to lower inflation and to achieve a modest increase in labor productivity, taking into account green economics, should also be introduced. In this case the following scenario may be realistic: With about 8.025% unemployment in 2009 and no increase in the labor force from 2009 to 2010, 6% inflation and 1% increase in labor productivity from 2009 to 2010, the total demand nominally must increase exactly 12.91%, via proper countercyclal monetary and fiscal policy measures, from 2009 to 2010, to achieve 3% average unemployment rate for 2010. The marxist cabinet should follow this anarchist advice, and do proper demand management. Do it now! Updated 20.04.2010 and later. The average unemployment rate for 2007 was 1.008, for 2008 - 1.642 percent, in 2009 - 8.025 percent, in 2010 - 8.192 percent and in 2011 - 7.058 percent, according to Iceland Directorate of Labor and Statistics Iceland. Thus, the demand management of the incompetent Icelandic marxist cabinet in 2009, 2010 and 2011 was a fiasco: The present mismanagement by the marxist cabinet must stop. Do proper demand management according to anarchist economics . Follow the advice of the World Economic Council . Do it now! 28.04.2010. LFI-IFR: Both the Icelandic president and the public should have referendum rights! 27.07.2010. Some 60 percent of the Icelandic public are now against EU-membership! 28.09.2010. Iceland's former PM taken to court. The Icelandic parliament, Althingi, passed a parliamentary resolution with 33 votes against 30 to take former Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde to High Court (Landsdómur) on alleged negligence in office in the events leading up to the banking collapse in 2008. 05.10.2010. Demonstration. Thousands demonstrates outside Iceland's Parliament to show just how angry they are about the financial black hole the country is struggling to escape from. LFI-IFR supported the direct action, but condemned the ochlarchical throwing of a) eggs and b) red paint by marxist extremists. 02.12.2010. Support action for Julian Assange. IFR-LFI joins the Anarchist International support action for Julian Assange and WikiLeaks. 09.01.2011. Iceland summons US envoy over WikiLeaks probe. 09-10.04.2011. New Icesave referendum. No reason that the Icelandic people should pay for the criminal activities of the Icesave- plutarchs . The new proposed Icesave-deal was rejected in the referendum. The Northern Anarchist Confederation and its Icelandic section the Libertarian Federation of Iceland - Íslenska Frjálshyggjumaður Ríkjasamband, Sunday declared that "the result of the referendum is satisfactory, and also pointing forward to NO to EU." 01.10.2011. Icelandic parliament reconvenes amid protests. 20.10.2012. Referendum about proposals for a new constitution. 28.01.2013. Iceland cleared of all claims in Icesave dispute. 05-06.04.2016. Iceland's prime minister has resigned temporarily following massive protests. Iceland's managing cabinet coalition has named Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson as the new PM, with early elections to be held in the autumn. FABS in Iceland. The main Nordic and international libertarian progressive rock and punk-band FABS - the Federalist Anarchist Beat Society's five main albums are for listening and sale in Iceland at Tonlist.is, click on 1. The Ballad Of Exterazy Grax (1979) , 2. FABS' Collection Album 1967-2008 (2008) , 3. Punk Out For Fans Only (2009) , 4. Soundtrack From Monter - Anarchist Criticism of Norway 1968 (2010) , 5. Anarki i Norge - Anarchy in Norway (2011) . See (click on:) FABS for more information. The FABS is major source of inspiration for the Northern Anarchist Confederation and the Icelandic section LFI-IFR. Fellows in Iceland! Contact IFR-LFI Click here! and join the IFR-LFI-network today! Be a networkmember/subscriber to the IJ@/ IFR-LFI/NAC/AI/IFA ! Feel free to forward this information to your own network, and/or link up the Website of IFR-LFI at your blog or homepage. Join in the struggle for higher degree of Anarchy in Iceland etc.; i.e. for more socialism and autonomy; against economical plutarchy - that is capitalism; and against statism -- here -- and world wide... Of course a struggle without ochlarchy (mob rule broadly defined), the opposite of anarchist, anarchy and anarchism!!! A struggle for anarchy and anarchism as opposed to all forms of marxism (state-socialism), liberalism and fascism, including populism. A struggle for a movement of the societal, i.e. economical and political/administrative, systems -- in libertarian direction, less authoritarian degree... The IFR-LFI always works and demonstrates with dignity, uses real matter of fact arguments and adds weight behind via direct actions , mass actions, and via elections. More information is available via Contact IFR-LFI Click here . Resolution, decided with general consent by IFR-LFI and : The International Anarchist Congress The 11th Anarchist Biennial 27-28.11.2010 International Congress-Seminar on Anarchism HISTORY AND THE PRESENT ECONOMIC-POLITICAL SYSTEM ANARCHIST ECONOMICS Latest updates at the bottom of this document HISTORY AND THE PRESENT ECONOMIC-POLITICAL SYSTEM The early history of Iceland can be described as the age of settlement (874-930), and commonwealth (930-1262). In 930, the ruling chiefs established an assembly called the Alþingi (Althing). The parliament convened each summer at Þingvellir, where representative chieftains (Goðorðsmenn or Goðar) amended laws, settled disputes and appointed juries to judge lawsuits. Laws were not written down, but were instead memorized by an elected Lawspeaker (lögsögumaður). The Alþingi is sometimes stated to be the world's oldest existing parliament. Importantly, there was no horizontally organized or otherways organized executive body, and therefore laws were enforced only by persons or families/groups arbitrarely. Such an environment is very conducive to blood-feuds, which provided the writers of the Icelanders' sagas with plenty of material. The Althing had a libertarian tendency, but the system seen all in all was not anarchy at that time. Iceland turned to christianity and there was a civil war that ended the Commonwealth. There was also a little ice age, making living hard on Iceland. Iceland was under Norwegian and Danish kings (1262-1944), mostly Danish rule. There was an independence movement that finally ended with establishing of the Republic of Iceland in 1944, later adopting NATO membership. Ragnar Frisch , the Norwegian economic Nobel Prize winner, and social-individualist anarchist, declared Iceland as an ideal in a radio speech in connection with the Nobel Prize in 1969, indicating Iceland was a social-individualist anarchy already, probably about 50-51% degree of anarchy. Anarchy in Iceland, of very low degree, but > 50 %, is registered since 1966/67. The revolutionary change, i.e. when Iceland entered the social-individualist sector of the anarchist quadrant of the economic-political map, de facto a velvet anarchist revolution, is symbolic rooted back to May Day 1966, when Labor Day was first celebrated as a public holiday in the country, i.e. in an otherwise rather libertarian social system. Iceland was the first Anarchy in the world, and the country is still anarchist. 01.05.1966 is celebrated as the Day of the Anarchist Revolution in Iceland, by libertarians word wide. Remember the anarchist economy in Spain 1936-39 was only in a part of the country, and thus Spain, the whole country, has never been an Anarchy. And ancient systems and countries, archi-societies, were based on slaves and/or lack of significant economic freedom, and thus practically certain never anarchies. IIFOR has estimated the degree of anarchism in Iceland for the 2000s to about 52 %, i.e. significant. This is a structural, i.e. a long term average, estimate. The last years', retrospectively seen, overinvestment in the banking sector, and per 2008 estimated coming 2 years of recession, may indicate a small and relatively insignificant temporary dip in the anarchy degree, but will probably not alter the degree of anarchy significantly, seen as a long term structural estimate. It confirms however the relatively strong capitalist tendency, i.e. about 46%, relatively stronger than in Norway. Iceland is ranked as number three according to libertarian degree among the countries of the world. The "Pots & Pans Revolution" of Iceland since 2008 and ongoing, is an extension of the revolutionary change in 1966, and aiming at reducing the dip in the degree of anarchy in the country, and in the longer run increase the anarchy-degree above 52 %. Lots of the Icelandic people are de facto social-individualist anarchists and thus real democrats , but far from all use the label 'anarchist' about themselves, for different reasons. The system in Iceland is a form of social-individualist anarchism, see System theory and economic-political map , even further from the anarchist ideal than Norway. The authoritarian degree, the relative distance from the anarchist ideal with 100% degree of anarchy, is about 48% in Iceland. The Icelandic section of the Northern Anarchist Confederation (NAC) and the Anarchist International (IFA-AI) is Íslenska Frjálshyggjumaður Ríkjasamband (the Libertarian Federation of Iceland). It is a loose network of subscribers/networkmembers to the FB/IJA-newsletters since 1982, not a firm organization. In the reports quoted from the international newsmedia AIIS has corrected the word "government" of Iceland with "cabinet" or "central administration", as Iceland is an anarchy, and thus has no government in the meaning of archy/state/authorities, i.e. vertical organization - top heavy societal pyramid. Iceland is significantly horizontally organized, anarchistic. The economic-political system in Iceland is real democratic , an anarchy of low degree, as mentioned about 52 percent, i.e. significant. The AIIS calls on the newsmedia in general to report correctly about Iceland. THE 25 HIGHEST RANKING COUNTRIES ACCORDING TO LIBERTARIAN DEGREE ETC. SYSTEM ANALYSIS 35,4 The estimates are approximately figures. © IIFOR/IJA ISSN 0800 ï¿½ 0220 2007 and later. Anarchy = here social-individualist anarchism; Soc. dem. = social democrat marxism; Populist = here moderate parliamentarian democratic fascism; Cons. lib. = Conservative liberalism. Ranking of countries according to libertarian degree, estimates of the libertarian degree in general, and information on methodology, see Ranking, especially the footnotes , and economic-political map at System theory . A short report fram an anarchist activist in Iceland Anarchist activity in Iceland is mostly focusing on two scenes - literature and environmental protection. We run a library which contains some 1000 titles... "Saving Iceland" is an international direct action environmental movement, determined in saving Iceland and more of the world from the greed of the heavy industry and the fast growing energy industry. With direct action protest camp every summer for the last three years the group has stirred things up quite a bit in this tiny community since direct action as a political tool is mostly unknown here. At least people do not connect strikes with lock-ons or street blockades. Best wishes " Anarchists and other activists protesting against the responsible for the recession in Iceland (Nov. 2008) The Anarchist International and the Northern Anarchist Confederation give full support to these demonstrations on Iceland, i.e. as long as they are without ochlarchy, mob rule broadly defined. AI and NAC call for larger degree of autonomy and socialism, i.e. increased degree of anarchy, and thus less degree of capitalism and statism. This includes of course never to be a member of the European Union, with only marxist and populist member states and top-heavy bureaucracy, and no room for anarchy. Resolution unanimously decided upon by the The International Anarchist Congress The 10th Anarchist Biennial 29-30.11.2008 ANARCHIST ECONOMICS Full employment now! Proper demand management now! 21-22.01.2009: The Northern Anarchist Confederation (NAC), supports the Icelandic people, seen as a class as opposed to the superiors in rank and/or income, and says: Production is real income, not money in the bank - you can't eat money, the things with real economical value are produced goods and services and natural resources. In the name of the social-individualist anarchist Ragnar Frisch: Think real economics - not fiction/money quasieconomics. Iceland should approximately follow this anarchist economical plan, or it will not get the problems solved! - The sooner the better! The public administration should do anarchist economic demand management. With about 8% unemployment, 20% inflation and 2% increase in labor productivity, the public administration should via expansive fiscal and monetary policy see to that total demand increases about = 8% + 20% + 2% = 30%, to achieve full employment. This is as mentioned an approximation and a pedagical simplification. With about 2% unemployment in 2008 and no increase in the labor force from 2008 to 2009, the exact figure is 25% increased demand nominally from 2008 to 2009, to achieve full employment in 2009. The consistent estimate of increased demand from 2008 to 2009, accounted without additional countercyclical fiscal and monetary measures, is 15%. Thus, to achieve full employment, additional countercyclical fiscal and monetary policy measures must increase the total demand nominally 25-15 = 10% of GDP in 2008. 22.01.2009: Comment from J.K.S. (Iceland): "This is exactly what should be fought for. All should unite on this. Great work." Update 25.03.2009: With about 8% unemployment, 15% yearly inflation and 2% increase in labor productivity, the public administration should via expansive fiscal and monetary policy see to that total demand increases about = 8% + 15% + 2% = 25%, to achieve full employment in 2009. This is as mentioned an approximation and a pedagical simplification. With about 2% unemployment in 2008, and no increase in the labor force from 2008 to 2009, the exact figure is 20% increased demand nominally from 2008 to 2009, to achieve full employment in 2009. The consistent estimate of increased demand from 2008 to 2009, accounted without additional countercyclical fiscal and monetary measures, is 10%. Thus, to achieve full employment, additional countercyclical fiscal and monetary policy measures must increase the total demand nominally 20-10 = 10% of GDP in 2008. In both scenarios we have the same conclusion: To achieve full employment, additional countercyclical fiscal and monetary policy measures must increase the total demand nominally 10% of GDP in 2008. (Updated 22.04.2009). A 3rd scenario. The traditional Keynes type countercyclal monetary and fiscal policy measures, may however not be sufficient. Measures to lower inflation and to achieve a modest increase in labor productivity, taking into account green economics, should also be introduced. In this case the following scenario may be realistic. With about 2% unemployment in 2008 and no increase in the labor force from 2008 to 2009, 8% unemployment in 2009, 10% inflation, and 1% increase in labor productivity the total demand nominally must increase exact 13.37% from 2008 to 2009 to achieve full employment. The consistent estimate of increased demand from 2008 to 2009, accounted without additional countercyclical fiscal and monetary measures, is 4.30%. Thus, to achieve full employment, in this 3rd scenario, additional countercyclical fiscal and monetary policy measures must increase the total demand nominally 13.37-4.30% = 9.07% of GDP in 2008. (Updated 28.04.2009) . The countercyclical fiscal and monetary measures broadly defined were not sufficient to reach about full employement i 2009. The unemployment rate for 2009 was about 8.03%. Thus, the demand management of the incompetent Icelandic cabinet in 2009 was a fiasco, although the situation in Iceland was not as bad as in the USA and in the EU's Euro-zone, both with about 10% unemployment for 2009. The Icelandic cabinet should have listened more to the anarchists, and increased total demand about 9-10% via additional countercyclical fiscal and monetary measures broadly defined, to achieve full employment for 2009. The inflation from 2009 to 2010 is forecasted to about 7%. (Updated 10.03.2010) A realistic 3% unemployment scenario for 2010, with proper demand management. If the present mismanagement by the marxist cabinet continues, the average unemployment rate for 2010 will probably be about 9-10 percent, an insult to the Anarchy of Iceland. The traditional Keynes type countercyclal monetary and fiscal policy measures, may not be sufficient. Measures to lower inflation and to achieve a modest increase in labor productivity, taking into account green economics, should also be introduced. In this case the following scenario may be realistic: With about 8.025% unemployment in 2009 and no increase in the labor force from 2009 to 2010, 6% inflation and 1% increase in labor productivity from 2009 to 2010, the total demand nominally must increase exactly 12.91%, via proper countercyclal monetary and fiscal policy measures, from 2009 to 2010, to achieve 3% average unemployment rate for 2010. The marxist cabinet should follow this anarchist advice, and do proper demand management. Do it now! (Updated 20.04.2010 and 25.11.2010). The average unemployment rate for 2007 was 1.008, for 2008 - 1.642 percent, in 2009 - 8.025 percent, in 2010 - 8.192 percent and in 2011 - 7.058 percent, according to Iceland Directorate of Labor and Statistics Iceland. These numbers are arithmetic means of the monthly figures of each year in the table below. Thus, the demand management of the incompetent Icelandic marxist cabinet in 2009, 2010 and 2011 was a fiasco: The present mismanagement by the marxist cabinet must stop. Do proper demand management according to anarchist economics . Follow the advice of the World Economic Council . Do it now! Iceland unemployment rate The labor force is defined as the number of people employed plus the number unemployed but seeking work. The unemployment rate is the [number of people unemployd/labor force]100%. The table shows the average unemployment rate percent per month. Sources: Iceland Directorate of Labor and Statistics Iceland. Year 0.80 0.80 The OECD - Harmonised Unemployment Rates (HURs), for Iceland were 3.0 percent in 2008, 7.2 percent in 2009, 7.5 percent in 2010, and for last quarter of 2010, 8.5 percent. More about anarchist economics and demand management towards full employment, see General theory of anarchist economics . UPDATED NEWS AND COMMENTS Latest updates at the bottom of this document 23.01.2009: Iceland announces early election! Icelandic Prime Minister Geir Haarde has called an early general election for 9 May, adding that he will not stand again because of a throat tumour. There have been several protests against the public administration since October, when Iceland's financial system collapsed in the global credit crunch. On Wednesday, angry protesters surrounded Mr Haarde's car outside the central administration's building in the capital Reykjavik, banging on the vehicle's windows and pelting it with eggs. Mr Haarde's heads a coalition administration with the Social Democratic Alliance which, having been formed after elections in 2007, was not legally required to call a general election until 2011. But the council of state has come under increasing pressure as it struggles to get its banking system working again following the nationalisation of its biggest banks in October. The NAC declares: "Icelandic fellows! Remember! Demonstrate with dignity - not ochlarchy!" 24.01.2009: The situation in Reykjavik is continued demonstrations, today without ochlarchy, the protesters are not satisfied with an early election, and call for resignation of the council of state now. 25.01.2009: Following the pressure from the people's mass demonstrations, Minister of Commerce Bjorgvin Sigurdsson, one of the responsible for the crisis, has resigned. 26.01.2009: Iceland's Prime Minister Geir Haarde, and the rest of the cabinet, have resigned. The prime minister said he would speak to Iceland's president to dissolve the cabinet formally. Protesters were dancing in the street outside the Althing, and said the next target was the Icelandic Central Bank. Iceland's economy is heavily export-based, and with lower exchange rates it is likely that primary exports and tourism will be the main drivers of the future economy, not banking. President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson said he would not give any party a mandate to form a new cabinet until Tuesday at the earliest. The Left-Green Movement (Vinstrihreyfingin - grænt framboð) is leading in the polls, but the anarchists are warning about this party's leftwing extremism and marxist authoritarianism. Communism with a dash of green is not the solution to the Icelandic problems. 27.01.2009: New coalition talks for Iceland. Iceland's President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson has asked the leader of the Social Democratic Alliance to try to form an interim cabinet. He told reporters he had asked party leader Ingibjorg Gisladottir to hold talks with the Left Green Party on forming a minority coalition. The Left Green Party reportedly wants elections brought forward, possibly to April. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats want to replace the governor of the central bank, whom many blame for the country's sudden lurch from prosperity to economic meltdown. They also reportedly want to hold a referendum on European Union membership. The anarchists say: Vote NO to EU!!! 29.01.2009: Discussions between the Social Democrats and the Left-Greens on the formation of a new coalition cabinet are still ongoing. 30.01.2009: It is most likely that the new Icelandic ministers for commerce and for justice will not be MPs, Stod 2 news reported last night. University of Iceland economics professor Gylfi Magnússon and Bifrost University professor Bryndis Hlodversdottir are considered the most likely candidates. According to Stod 2 news, the still unannounced new cabinet is particularly keen to have a woman as Minister for Justice; and Hlodversdottir apparently fits the bill. Meanwhile, Magnússon has been a regular and outspoken media feature since the banking collapse. He has a doctorate in economics from Yale University in the USA and is one of the many economists to predict the crash long before it happened. 31.01.2009: The protests continue. Prospective Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir of the Social Democrats and chairman of the Left-Greens Steingrímur J. Sigfússon announced at noon that the new coalition cabinet will probably be appointed tomorrow, and not today as expected. The Social Democrats and the Left-Greens plan to form a minority cabinet, that is, with the minority of MPs in parliament, and therefore they require backing from the Progressive Party, which needed more negotiations. The Progressive Party (Framsóknarflokkurinn) is an agrarian, liberal and centrist party in Iceland. The seventeenth Reykjavik protest meeting goes ahead today as planned at 15.00 on Austurvollur Square. Later on this evening, The Voices of the People (Raddir Fólksins) protest group has organized Busahaldaboogie, a "victory concert" at Nasa nightclub. The protesters have already had some of their desires fulfilled; but have pledged to continue protesting until the heads of the Central Bank of Iceland have been replaced. 01.02.2009: The Norwegian communist (ml) newspaper Klassekampen published an interview on Friday with Iceland's soon-to-be Left Green Party Minister of Finance. Steingrímur J. Sigfússon appeared on the front page of the paper under the headline, "Liking the Norwegian krona". Sigfússon says in the interview that he has requested talks with the Norwegian Finance Minister Kristin Halvorsen on the expansion of financial co-operation between the two countries. She has been invited to Iceland at a time which coincides with the Left Green Movement's tenth anniversary: the 6th and 7th February. The Norwegian krona is considered by some to be an alternative option to Iceland taking up the euro, and the anarchists say "co-operation ok, but Iceland should not drop its own currency." Sigfússon said in the interview, among other things, that the Left Greens firmly believe that entry into the European Union does not best suit Iceland's national interests. The anarchists in this case agree with Sigfússon, and advocate in general more co-operation between the anarchist countries Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, as opposed to the more authoritarian EU, USA, etc. In the afternoon the new center-left cabinet (ríkisstjórn) is decided, and the PM, the lesbian Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir, says they will start working on the economy tomorrow. The new cabinet will work until the next parliament election 25 April. It is once more confirmed that in Iceland, as in Norway and Switzerland, the system works significantly more from the bottom, grassroots, and upwards, than from the top downwards, to the bottom. Thus it is anarchism. Prime Minister Sigurdardóttir said the new coalition will focus on restarting the economy and protecting the households. The new coalition will emphasize a responsible economic management and undertake many projects in a short period of time, she promised. It aims to assure an effective administration to carry out urgent measures, particularly for the benefit of households and business, for rebuilding the banking system, in the field of administrative reform and to carry out measures in favor of increased democracy. A strategy to fulfill these promises will be presented next week. Sigurdardóttir also said that the agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will be honored and that the new cabinet is dedicated to co-operate with the IMF. According to ruv.is, the ministries will be allocated to the following MPs: Prime Minister (forsætisráðherra): Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir of the Social Democrats. Minister (ráðherra) of Social Affairs: Ásta Ragnheidur Jóhannesdóttir of the Social Democrats. Minister of Industry and Minister for Foreign Affairs: Össur Skarphédinsson of the Social Democrats. Minister of Transport: Kristján Möller of the Social Democrats. Minister of Finance, Fisheries and Agriculture: Steingrímur J. Sigfússon of the Left-Greens. Minister of Health: Ögmundur Jónasson of the Left-Greens. Minister of Education: Katrín Jakobsdóttir of the Left-Greens. Minister of the Environment: Kolbrún Halldórsdóttir of the Left-Greens. Two new ministers do not have a seat in parliament: Minister of Business Affairs: Gylfi Magnússon, associate professor of economics at the University of Iceland. Minister of Justice and Ecclesiastical Affairs: Ragna Árnadóttir, the ministry's current undersecretary. 02.02.2009: Iceland cabinet to end protests? Iceland's finance minister, the authoritarian leftist marxist Steingrímur J. Sigfússon, has said a priority of the new interim cabinet is to end the protests sparked by the collapse of the country's economy. Mr Sigfússon, the Left-Greens' leader, said the cabinet would restore calm to the island nation by "trying to meet all the demands of the people". "We are going to try to take care of the families, the households and businesses as well as we can in the short period that we are going to be operating in," he said. "We are going to take measures to increase direct democracy, change the constitution, and introduce a new electoral law." "Also, open up, give information, and tell the people the truth about the difficulties we are facing," he added. Mr Sigfússon said the cabinet would at the same time attempt to lay foundations for the rebuilding of Iceland's economy and society. "We have been severely hit by the global financial crisis, and the internal collapse of the banking system, but we are going to get out of this," he said. After being sworn in on Sunday, Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir said one of her first acts would be to "change the leadership of the central bank", which failed to prevent the collapse of the banking system. Protesters picketing parliament have blamed the bank's governor, former conservative prime minister David Oddsson, for Iceland's rapid economic expansion that imploded last year. Ms Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir - Iceland's first female prime minister and the world's first openly gay leader - also announced that she had asked a parliamentary committee to look into joining the European Union. However, Mr Sigfússon said the interim cabinet would not make any decisions about the EU before the general election on 25 April. "It'll be up to the next cabinet to decide, and of course to the Icelandic people," he said. The protests will not end until about full employment is reached, the anarchists say: "Iceland has no cabinet in the meaning of topheavy pyramid organization, but anarchy, and so it shall be!" 03.02.2009: Central Bank leaders to be sacked. Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir will present a bill at a cabinet meeting today on amendments to legislation on Iceland's Central Bank, including reducing the bank's governors from three to one. The resulting position will be advertised. Yesterday Sigurdardóttir sent letters to the Central Bank's three current governors, Ingimundur Fridriksson, Eiríkur Gudnason and Davíd Oddsson, who is also chairman, requesting that they step down as soon as possible to restore faith in the bank and economic management in the country. The prime minister requested an answer from the Central Bank governors by Thursday this week. The governors will then have the opportunity to negotiate the terms of their resignation. Sigurdardóttir's bill will first be discussed in the cabinet, then at the Social Democrats' and the Left-Greens' party meetings and finally with the Progressive Party, who defend the minority cabinet from a vote of no confidence. "Generally I believe that it can be preferable to change the laws on the Central Bank, but if the matter primarily revolves around replacing the people in charge, there are better ways to go about that," chairman of the Progressive Party Sigmundur Davíd Gunnlaugsson said. The first cabinet meeting of the new Social Democrat and Left Green Movement Icelandic cabinet took place this morning at the central administration's meeting house. At the end of the meeting, party representatives hold a press briefing at the National Culture House. Minister of Education Katrín Jakobsdóttir said it is out of the question to introduce a tuition fee to the University of Iceland (HÍ) to improve its financial situation. 04.02.2009: Majority supports Iceland's new cabinet. According to a new opinion poll undertaken by the Stöd 2 news program, 67.4 percent of respondents support the new Social Democrat-Left-Green coalition. Minister of Finance Steingrímur J. Sigfússon is interested in pegging the Icelandic króna to the Norwegian króna and intends to thoroughly exploring the option, saying that the currency question is an important project for Iceland's future. Iceland's Special Investigator Takes Office. Ólafur Thór Hauksson, who was appointed spesifically to investigate the events leading up to the collapse of the country's banking system and as special prosecutor, began working yesterday and has hired four employees in his office. Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir asked for cooperation from MPs of all parties in her keynote speech at the Althingi parliament Wednesday on matters aimed at softening the blow of the collapse of the banking system on the employment market, households and families. Sigurdardóttir also asked everyone to keep in mind that her cabinet only has 82 days to execute their plans. "Hopefully this cabinet will be remembered for having been the prelude of new times in Icelandic society where democracy ï¿½ means something. It is and should be the cabinet of the people." 05.02.2009: The protests continue, also on Internet... The Icelandic people, seen as a class in contrast to the superiors in rank and /or income, are still angry with the superiors, included politicians, a.o.t. expressed at Internet sites. The societal management including the public administration works, and shall work more and more from the people, grassroots, and upwards, not the other way around. The revolution must be permanent. The protests are also supported by international direct actions, a.o.t. by the Northern Anarchist Confederation, NAC, and the Anarchist International, AI. By the way, the reply from Iceland's Central Bank governors requested on Thursday regarding resignation, has been delayed. 06.02.2009: Protests are still going on in Iceland. The National Museum of Iceland and Reykjavík City Museum ï¿½ Árbaejarsafn have expressed interest in acquiring objects used during the recent series of protests against the cabinet in Reykjavík, dubbed "The Pots and Pans Revolution." Protests are still going on in Iceland. The Voices of the People (Raddir Fólksins) organization is inviting people to attend the 18th demonstration in the series on Austurvöllur parliamentary square tomorrow to demand a more active democracy and no corruption. Ingimundur Fridriksson, one of the three bank governors of Central Bank of Iceland asked on Friday to be discharged from office. Ingimundur and Eirikur Gudnason, answered on Friday afternoon the letter of Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, prime minister, but as mentioned earlier this week she demanded that all three bank governors of the central bank would request their discharge and negotiate about their employment termination agreement. The minister demanded in the letter that it would be answered no later then February 5th , Thursday, but the bank governors asked for a change of the deadline till Friday, since David Oddsson, chairman of the bank council, was expected to arrive in Iceland on Thursday night. With the letter sent from Ingimundur Fridriksson to the prime minister on Friday afternoon, was a request of his discharge from office effective from next Monday and the minister has approved the request. There are no information about the content of the letter from Eirikur Gudnason, other than that he did not request to be discharged from office. No answer had been received from David Oddsson, chairman of the bank council of the Central Bank. The delay of answers from the bank governors has raised media attention overseas, and AP newsroom reported on Thursday that the bank governors did not respect the prime minister of Iceland. The information were attained from the prime ministry on Friday night that Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, prime minister, would reconsider the position of this matter and how their reaction would be against Eirikur Gudnason and David Oddsson. "Sack these arrogant superiors", the anarchists declare. 07.02.2009: At the demonstration Saturday arranged by The Voices of the People (Raddir Fólksins) organization there were 500-1,000 people, i.e. the people in attendance have dropped substantially. Iceland's population is 319,368 on 1st January 2009, up from 315,459 a year earlier. One of the speeches focused on the need to hold the tycoons who bankrupted this nation accountable - not only morally, but, more importantly, financially. 08.02.2009: Still problems at the Central Bank. There are those two Central Bank directors who refuse to step down from their posts, allegedly because they don't feel it is "fair" that they should have to go. Yet all across the nation people are being fired or laid off by the thousands as a result of rationalization or downsizing. Well, the new cabinet has decided to downsize the operations of the Central Bank. And the two remaining directors should have the decency to leave without complaint - just like the thousands of other Icelanders who are having to do the same, in large part due to the failures of those same Central Bank's directors. On that note, the organization The Voices of the People (Raddir Fólksins) is calling a protest in front of the Central Bank tomorrow Monday, where people are encouraged to show up at 8 am with their pots and pans, a continuation of what is being dubbed Búsáhaldarbyltingin, or "The Pots and Pans Revolution", in an effort to block the directors from entering the bank. If it worked before, who says it won't work again! 09.02.2009: Protest outside the Central Bank. Two of Iceland's Central Bank'as directors refuse to resign, but they will probably soon be sacked anyway. A group of protesters this morning gathered outside the Central Bank of Iceland in order to block the bank chiefs' access to the building as they arrived for work. The protestors brought pots and pans with them, as during the series of protests on Austurvöllur parliamentary square, and tried to prevent Oddsson and Gudnason from going to work. Central bank governors Davíd Oddsson and Eiríkur Gudnason have refused to resign despite receiving a request from Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir that they step down. The third governor, Ingimundur Fridriksson, has as mentioned complied with her request. According to Fréttabladid , Oddsson, who is also chairman of the board of governors, replied to Sigurdardóttir with a letter yesterday in which he accused her of violating laws intended to protect the Central Bank's independence and shield the board of governors from "political attacks". The PM issued a statement in response to Oddsson's letter last night, expressing her disappointment with his attitude, saying that Oddsson obviously doesn't share the cabinet's opinion that appointing new employees to the Central Bank will increase people's faith in it. Sigurdardóttir does not intend to make any further comments on his letter. According to Fréttabladid's sources, Sigurdardóttir will not suspend Oddsson and Gudnason, but wait until amendments on the Central Bank take effect, at which point they will automatically be made redundant and be entitled to salaries for 12 months from that date. It is uncertain when these amendments will take effect. The bill will be discussed by the parliament's economics and taxation committee today. 10.02.2009: Daily protests outside Iceland's Central Bank. A demonstration was held for the second day in a row outside the Central Bank of Iceland in downtown Reykjavík this morning. Protestors demanded the immediate resignation of bank governors Eiríkur Gudnason and Davíd Oddsson. Singer-songwriter Bubbi Morthens and his old punk band Egó joined the protestors and entertained the crowd of 50 to 60 people with a 30-minute long free concert. The protests are organized by the Voices of the People movement with musician Hördur Torfason as main spokesperson, who said that people will show up outside the Central Bank every morning until their demands are met. Torfason also encourages people to attend parliamentary sessions at Althing to follow discussions on the Central Bank bill. The "Pots and Pans Revolution" contributes to keep up the libertarian degree, that temporarily has decreased at bit due to the economic crisis, and should be continued. No tax hike. PM Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir says it is absurd to rise taxes on the people of the country in the next semesters. It will not be done this year as the plans were. On the other hand it may happen in a few years that the taxes need to be raised and the public expenses need to be reduced. This is in Jóhannas answer to Sigurdur Kari Kristjansson, parliamentarian of the Independence party about possible tax raises. The Prime Minister's Office has received comments from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on technical matters regarding the bill on changes to the senior management of the Central Bank. The exact nature of these comments has not been revealed, Fréttabladid reports. The bill will be discussed at the parliament's trade committee today and, according to Fréttabladid's sources, it is hoped that it will be passed by parliament as early as mid-next week. As indicated above, once the bill takes legal effect, the two remaining governors of the Central Bank, Eiríkur Gudnason and Davíd Oddsson, will automatically be suspended. As mentioned they have both refused to resign and Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir is not expected to suspend them before the bill takes effect. 11-13.02.2009: The demonstrations outside Iceland's Central Bank continue in the morning... "Svælum skúrkinn úr Seðlabankanum, föstudaginn 13. febrúar kl. 08.00". Central Bank governor Eiríkur Gudnason announced his resignation as of June 1 in a letter received by Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir on Tuesday. The PM has expressed her disappointment with the announcement. Sigurdardóttir said Gudnason must be aware that he will never have a seat on the Central Bank board of governors until June. The Althing is currently discussing a bill on amendments to the laws applying to the bank's senior management and as mentioned once that bill has been passed, the governors will automatically be suspended. 14.02.2009: New demonstration, the 19th, at Austurvöllu. The Voices of the People (Raddir Fólksins) organization is inviting people to attend the 19th demonstration in the series on Austurvöllur parliamentary square 15.00: Raddir fólksins halda mótmælafund á Austurvelli laugardaginn 14. febrúar kl. 15.00. Yfirskrift fundarins er sem fyrr "Breiðfylking gegn ástandinu" . Þetta er nítjandi mótmælafundurinn í röð og krafan er skýr: Stjórn Seðlabankans verður að víkja. 16-21.02.2009: New demonstration, the 20th, at Austurvöllu. The Voices of the People (Raddir Fólksins) organization is inviting people to attend the 20th demonstration in the series on Austurvöllur parliamentary square 15.00 Saturday 21.02.2009: Næstu viðburðir: Mótmælafundur á Austurvelli laugardaginn 21. febrúar kl. 15.00. Left-Green vice-chair keen on longer cooperation. Minister of Education and vice-chairperson of the Left-Greens, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, said she is interested in continuing to work with the Social Democrats in Iceland's cabinet after the elections on April 25. "One party has been in power for 18 years and it is healthy for all societies to undergo changes," Jakobsdóttir told Morgunbladid, referring to the Independence Party. "This cabinet has some good ideas on how society can be rebuilt and wants to continue working on that." When asked about her party's stance on EU membership for Iceland, Jakobsdóttir said, "The Left-Greens is the party that has been most firmly against joining the European Union while the Social Democrats strongly support membership." "The two parties have to reach a joint solution on that issue if they're cooperation is to continue after the elections," Jakobsdóttir said, explaining that her main argument against joining the EU is that smaller nations are often ignored while the largest nations have the most influence. The anarchists again declare: "NO to EU". 22.02.2009: Unique Iceland documentary in the making. UK-based film producers Heather Millard and Charlie Southall are working a new and unique documentary concept "There & Back Again" about the current economic climate in Iceland ï¿½ for, with, and by the people. The focus of the project will be on the human element of the crisis; the stories of people who have been affected by it, as Millard described in a press release. "Whilst at the Berlinale [Berlin International Film Festival] last week I met with the Icelandic Film Centre who are very interested in the project and Green Light Films," Millard said, adding: "Green Light Films, which are part of the SENA group, have signed a letter of distribution intent. Providing the film gets made they have agreed to distribute it in Icelandic cinemas, television and on DVD." Millard and Southall launched a website to support their project on Sunday last week and after only a few days they had received a high number of hits and more than 130 people had joined their group on Facebook. The duo is asking for individuals and organization to contribute with financial donations, time, skills and opinions. The funds raised will be used for hiring a production crew from Iceland in an effort to counteract the growing unemployment rates. "So far, we have received numerous offers of help, including a presenter, sound engineer, post production facilities, PR services and a production manager to name but a few," Millard said. 23.02.2009: New demonstration, the 21st, at Austurvöllu. The Voices of the People (Raddir Fólksins) organization is inviting people to attend the 21st demonstration in the series on Austurvöllur parliamentary square 15.00 Saturday 28.02.2009: Næstu viðburðir: Mótmælafundur á Austurvelli laugardaginn 28. febrúar kl. 15.00. International investors! Invest in Iceland now. The Northern Anarchist Confederation and the Anarchist International call for more international engagement in Iceland. It is of critical importance for Iceland to improve international relations and increase its credit rating. The cabinet and the central administration has become increasingly inward looking since the banking collapse last October, at the expense of important international banking and trade ï¿½ although it is certainly important to protect homes and businesses domestically. The NAC and AI call for more international realinvestment in Iceland. With the devaluation of the Icelandic krona, a highly skilled work force, many natural resources that can be developed environmentally sustainable and good infrastructure, the Icelandic economy is highly competitive. Invest in Iceland now! 24.02.2009: Central Bank bill delayed. The bill on changes to the senior management of the Central Bank was not passed by the Althing parliament's trade committee yesterday because Höskuldur Thórhallsson of the Progressive Party voted against it. Thórhallsson decided to support the proposal of the Independence Party on not passing the bill until a new EU report on bank matters is released, Fréttabladid reports. As mentioned once the bill is passed by parliament, the current Central Bank governors will automatically be made redundant. "Renewal is necessary to restore the credibility of the Central Bank in Iceland and abroad," the PM stated. 25.02.2009: Growing optimism in Iceland. Consumer confidence in Iceland showed a slight increase in February, despite unemployment figures rising steadily and inflation remaining rampant. The data from the Gallup polling company put consumer confidence at 24,3 ï¿½ up from the all-time low of 19,5 recorded in January. The figures have been compiled in Iceland since March 2001. Free dinner. The owners of the restaurant Thai Keflavík in Reykjanesbaer municipality, southwest Iceland, have decided to offer guests a free meal tomorrow evening to lighten the load on those who are suffering during these difficult times. Magnús Heimisson, the operational manager of the restaurant and one of its owners, told Fréttabladid , that if tomorrow's initiative proves successful, Thai Keflavík will offer free meals on one evening per month until summer. "And then it will always be at the end of the month when people are in a tight spot," he said. Heimisson said many things have to be organized so that such an initiative can take place but that most people are willing to contribute. "I have been collecting fish, noodles and rice and I have asked family members to help. We are especially grateful for having received the fish at such a fair price." If Thai Keflavík isn't large enough for everyone who is interested in a free meal to dine there at the same time, then people are also invited to take the free meal home with them between 5 pm and 8 pm. Heimisson said that although "there's no such thing as a free lunch" is a well-known phrase in finance, "different rules apply to dinner." 26.02.2009: Central Bank governors resign. Eiríkur Gudnason and Davíd Oddsson, the governors of the Central Bank of Iceland, announced their resignation at a meeting today. Eiríkur Gudnason has worked in the Central Bank for forty years and hence was an important part of the Icelandic history. Oddsson was in the function since autumn 2005. The meeting was very short and crowded. Oddsson said that the bill on changes was at its final stage. He added that the Central Bank of Iceland has had trust all around the world and for that reason the banking system did not fail completely. Oddsson and Gudnason thanked the staff for their cooperation and received a handclap. The parliament's trade committee passed the cabinet's bill on changes to the senior management of the Central Bank last night. It will be up for a final round of discussions at parliament today and could take legal effect already tomorrow. Salaries of officials in Iceland to decrease. The wage council has decided to lower the wages of around 400 officials as of March 1, by 3,3 to 15 percent. Higher salaries will decrease more than lower salaries. The wage council has also lowered the salaries of ministers and MPs, according to laws passed at the parliament shortly before Christmas. 27.02.2009: New Central Bank governor appointed. As provided for in Temporary Provision II of the Act Amending the Act on the Central Bank of Iceland, the Prime Minister today appointed Svein Harald Øygard provisionally to the position of Governor of the Central Bank and Arnór Sighvatsson provisionally as Deputy Governor. They have already commenced their duties. This was following up on the amendments to the Act on the Central Bank of Iceland passed by the Icelandic parliament Althing yesterday, which came into effect today. The acting Governor and acting Deputy Governor of the Central Bank are to fulfil these positions until appointments have been made to the positions of Governor and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank pursuant to an advertisement as provided for in the Act. Born in 1960, Svein Harald Øygard, graduated from the University of Oslo with a cand. oecon. degree in economics in 1985, focusing on macroeconomics especially. He is familiar with the works of the social-individualist anarchists and Nobel economic prize winners, Ragnar Frisch and Trygve Haavelmo, but his political tendency is not anarchist, but socialdemocrat. The NAC hope however he will contribute to continued anarchism in Iceland... As Permanent Undersecretary in the Norwegian Ministry of Finance 1990-94, Svein Harald was responsible for macroeconomic policy, co-ordinating the cabinet's financial strategy and monetary policy, financial markets legislation and taxation issues. He directed a reform of Norwegian tax laws in 1992 and was a member of the Norwegian cabinet's working group examining the economic implications of Norway's possible EU accession. Svein Harald Øygard was involved in efforts by Norwegian authorities to resolve the banking and currency crisis experienced by the country in 1992. This was before Norway became an anarchy, in 1994/95. He was a member of the Economic Council of the Norwegian Labor Party until 2000. One of Øygard's first tasks will be to attend a meeting with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund During the period from 1983 to 1990, Svein Harald worked for the Norwegian central bank Norges bank and the Norwegian parliament Stortinget. In the Ministry of Finance he was responsible for inflation analyses, price and wage modelling and other economic indicators. Since 1995, he has worked for consultants McKinsey & Co. in many areas of Europe, the US, South America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, and served as Managing Director of McKinsey & Co. in Norway 2005-07. His work for McKinsey has involved in particular projects and strategy in energy, industry, public administration and finance. Arnór Sighvatsson, acting Deputy Governor, has been Chief Economist at the Central Bank of Iceland since 2004. Prior to that he had been Deputy Chief Economist at the Central Bank of Iceland since 1995 and Head of the Bank's Economics department. He has worked for the bank since 1990. For two years, Arnór Sighvatsson served as Managing Director's assistant at the International Monetary Fund in Washington. After a period as university lecturer in the US, he worked for Statistics Iceland. Arnór graduated with a PhD in economics from Northern Illinois University in the US, and holds a master's degree in economics as well. He has published numerous articles in scholarly journals on economics and monetary policy, independently or in collaboration with other scholars. The prime focus of these articles has been international macroeconomics, international trade, currency and monetary issues. Arnór has served on various committees and in an administrative capacity for the Central Bank of Iceland. 28.02.2009: According to the Resident Register at the National Registry Office of Iceland, the population of Iceland was 319,368 on 1st January 2009, up from 315,459 a year earlier. That equates to a 1,2 percent increase over 12 months. 02.03.2009: Icelanders are a hard-working people, Svein Harald Øygard said in his first press conference as Iceland's new Central Bank governor, which is one of the reasons why he accepted the offer to lead the bank and the Icelandic nation out of the crisis. Øygard did not comment on whether or when the policy rate will be lowered, currently at 18 %, saying that the primary project ahead is to strengthen the currency of the Icelandic króna. When asked, Øygard said he believed the Central Bank enjoyed credibility, Morgunbladid reports. - No new mass layoffs had been announced to the Directorate of Labor on Friday. Although unemployment is still increasing in Iceland, it is increasing more slowly than in January, according to Gissur Pétursson, head of the directorate. - Prime Minister of Norway Jens Stoltenberg, who arrived in Iceland last week, ruled out a monetary union between Iceland and Norway after a meeting with Iceland's new Central Banker Svein Harald Øygard on Friday. However, Norway is prepared to help their Icelandic cousins to strengthen their currency, banking system and economy, Stoltenberg added. 03.03.2009: The protests continue. New demonstration, the 22nd, at Austurvöllu. The Voices of the People (Raddir Fólksins) organization is inviting people to attend the 22nd demonstration in the series on Austurvöllur parliamentary square 15.00 Saturday 07.03.2009: Mótmælafundur á Austurvelli laugardaginn 7. mars kl. 15.00. 05.03.2009: Green milk splashed on green energy representatives. Three masked individuals splashed a green liquid ï¿½ which police believe to be buttermilk with food coloring ï¿½ on representatives of energy companies during a presentation of their operations at the University of Iceland (HÍ) yesterday, and then fled the scene. The companies Landsvirkjun, Nýorka, Geysir Green Engery and Metan presented their operations in booths on the HÍ square as part of the "Green Days" organized by Gaia, the association of Master students in Environment and Natural Resources studies, to raise awareness of ecological consumption and recycling. Gudmundur R. Jónsson, managing director of finance and operations at HÍ, told Fréttabladid that people are upset about the incident, adding that he suspects who the activists are, although no announcement has been made because of it. "I think it is rather pathetic when people are protesting against something while wearing masks and being afraid to showing their faces. Then they just run away and don't claim responsibility for anything," Jónsson said. A university staff member caught hold of one of the activists, but lost his grip as a spectator disrupted him. Police are investigating the case. The Green Anarchist International Association, GAIA, takes a clear stand against these masked ochlarchists. More information about green anarchism at GAIA and the Eco-Anarchist Manifesto, EAM . 06.03.2009: Progressive Party will join the left-wing parties in new cabinet. Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson, leader of Iceland's Progressive Party said in an interview with mbl.is that he wants the upcoming elections to usher in a new cabinet coalition which includes his party. This cabinet should be strong enough to make the tough decisions needed in the current financial and political climate. When pushed on who his partners would ideally be, Gunnlaugsson said his party is looking towards the left. The centrist Progressive Party has historical leaned towards the left, but was coalition partner to the rightwing Independence Party from 1995-2007. He added though, that he would not rule out co-operation with the Independence Party if the leftwing parties are unable or unwilling to form a cabinet with the Progressive Party. The Progressive party's sister party in Norway, the Center Party, is currently in the center-left, red-green coalition cabinet, and is supported toghether with the centrist Left Party as the most libertarian parties, by the Anarchist Federation of/in Norway, AFIN, to the parliament election in September 2009, see Stortingselection 2009 - a.o.t. results . The Northern Anarchist Confederation, NAC, which includes the network Íslenska Frjálshyggjumaður Ríkjasamband (the Libertarian Federation of Iceland), advocates a similar policy for Iceland as in Norway, with boycott of the authoritarian rightwing and leftwing parties, including The Left-Green Movement (Vinstrihreyfingin - grænt framboð), etc. As mentioned, the anarchists are warning about Left-Green Movement's leftwing extremism and marxist authoritarianism. Communism with a dash of green is not the solution to the Icelandic problems. 09.03.2009: Iceland's Straumur-Burdarás nationalized. The investment bank Straumur-Burdarás has been closed because of a poor liquid cash position and its operations have been taken over by the Icelandic central administration. The bank's CEO William Fall has resigned, affective immediately. Iceland's Kaupthing lent ISK 500 billion to owners. According to its loan records, Iceland's largest bank, Kaupthing, lent almost ISK 500 billion (USD 4.4 billion, EUR 3.5 billion) to some of its major owners at least three months before the collapse of the country's banking system... The Norwegian corruption hunter Eva Joly has been interviewed by Icelandic media, and suggests criminal investigations of the crisis in Iceland. 10.03.2009: The cabinet of Iceland has appointed Norwegian-French Magistrate Eva Joly as a special advisor on the investigation of cases linked to the country's economic collapse. Norwegian born Joly specialised in financial affairs during her studies in France. In 1990 she joined the High Court of Paris as an investigating judge. She quickly made a mark with her tireless crusade against corruption, taking on, among others, former minister Bernard Tapie and the bank Crédit Lyonnais. Her most famous case was that of France's leading oil company ï¿½ Elf Aquitaine. In the face of death threats, she carried on the case to uncover several cases of fraud. She was named European of the Year by Reader's Digest in 2002. Mrs. Joly now also works as a special advisor to the Norwegian cabinet on money laundering and campaigns for tougher international action against fraud. 11.03.2009: The protests continue. New demonstration, the 23rd, at Austurvöllu. The Voices of the People (Raddir Fólksins) organization is inviting people to attend the 23rd demonstration in the series on Austurvöllur parliamentary square 15.00 Saturday 14.03.2009: Mótmælafundur á Austurvelli laugardaginn 14. mars kl. 15.00. "Breiðfylking gegn ástandinu. Frystum eignir auðmanna, afnemum verðtryggingu og færum kvótann aftur til þjóðarinnar." Historic elections at Iceland's largest labor union. Kristinn Örn Jóhannesson was elected chairman of the Commercial Workers Union (VR), Iceland's largest labor union, beating the sitting chairman Gunnar Páll Pálsson, who has been criticized for his connections with write-offs at Kaupthing. The anarchists urge VR to actively join the struggle for full employment in Iceland. 13.03.2009: Changes of the constitution towards more direct democracy. The Prime Minister has introduced a bill of constitutional legislation to the Althing, amending Iceland's constitution, together with a bill amending electoral legislation to allow voting for individual candidates. Both actions were on the task list of the cabinet and comprise part of the democratic reform measures promised. The cabinet has placed major emphasis on reforms to increase democracy, as is clearly demonstrated in these two bills. The constitutional bill provides for a new clause to be added to the constitution, prohibiting the permanent disposition by the state of natural resources owned by the nation. It would also add a new clause facilitating amendments to the constitution and ensuring that the general public can influence such changes through a referendum, rather than dissolving parliament and holding new elections. An amendment is to be added to the constitution making it mandatory to hold a referendum on specific issues if 15% of registered voters so demand. In addition, the bill would enshrine in the constitution a clause providing for the convening of a special constitutional congress. Earlier in the week the bill providing for election of individual candidates in national elections, rather than only lists of each party's candidates, was introduced. Natural resources to become national assets. The draft constitutional legislation proposes to add specific clauses on natural resources and environmental issues to the constitution. These would state unequivocally that the state may not permanently relinquish natural resources owned by the nation and place natural resources in the wider context of environmental issues. The constitutional clause making natural resources a national asset will not jeopardise the rights of parties holding harvest rights under the fisheries management regime. The new constitutional clauses will affirm that vessel operators or other parties enjoying such authorisations will never acquire direct and permanent rights of ownership to fishing resources, and also confirms that the legislative body can, by virtue of its responsibility for natural resources on behalf of the nation, alter the arrangements of the fisheries management regime. Direct democracy. The bill would add provisions to the constitution making it mandatory to hold a referendum on specific issues if 15% of registered voters so demand. The authorisation to hold a referendum will thereby be enshrined in the constitution in general terms, with the detailed implementation to be subsequently provided for in specific legislation, dealing with questions such as the form such a demand is to take, how voters' signatures are to be collected, how issues are to be presented and how referenda are to be held. Amendments simplified. A new provision would also be introduced facilitating amendments to the constitution and ensuring the general public is given a voice in such amendments. The key aspect here is the holding of a referendum specifically to adopt amendments to the constitution rather than the current practice of dissolving the Althing following the adoption of amendments, holding national elections and having the newly elected Althing adopt the legislation once more without amendments. The change gives the nation the opportunity to express its opinion directly concerning constitutional amendments which is a normal and conventional arrangement in a democracy. Constitutional congress without politicians. The bill also includes provisions for a constitutional congress to be added to the constitution. Such provisions will provide the basis for convening a constitutional congress, while the details of the tasks and organisation of the congress will be determined with normal legislation to this effect. According to the current draft legislation on a constitutional congress, which is an accompanying document to the bill on the constitution, election to the constitutional congress is to take place this autumn. There will be 41 representatives, elected as individual candidates. They may not be parliamentarians or their alternates, and must stand for election as independent citizens. These 41 nationally elected representatives will comprise the congress which is to draft a new constitution. When and if the constitutional congress has approved a new constitution, a referendum shall be held on its adoption. At least 25% of registered voters must approve the new constitution for it to enter into force. Voting for individual candidates possible in the upcoming election. The Prime Minister also introduced a bill amending electoral legislation to introduce voting for individual candidates. The bill would allow individual groups proposing candidates to choose whether they ranked their lists of candidates, as has been practiced in recent decades, or offered a list of unranked candidates. If those groups proposing candidates decided on an unranked list of candidates, the eventual ranking of candidates would be up to those who voted for the list, each of whom can rank the candidates on his/her ballot. If this bill is adopted by the Althing voting for individual candidates will be possible in the upcoming elections. The anarchists welcome the constitutional changes towards more direct democracy. This will contribute to keep up a significant degree of anarchy in Iceland. 15.03.2009: Iceland's unemployment figures. Registered unemployment was 8.2 percent in February 2009 and increased by 27 percent from January 2009. 13,276 people were unemployed in February 2009. There were 1,205 unemployed over 6 months in February 2009 but 1,023 in January 2009. The number of open vacancies was 423 in February 2009 and 299 in January 2009 ï¿½ a rare positive sign. It is predicted that the unemployment will increase in March 2009 and be between 9.1-9.6 percent. Unemployment was 1.9 percent in October, 3.3 in November and 4.8 percent in December. December's figure was the highest since early 1997. The anarchists declare: FULL EMPLOYMENT is job no 1 in Iceland. 16.03.2009. Icelandic protest against terrorist accusations. When United Kingdom authorities used anti-terrorism laws against Iceland last October, a group called In Defence was formed. The group's website received a great deal of international attention for its quirky and imaginative use of photographs to highlight the idea that calling Icelanders terrorists could hardly be a less accurate description. The next stage in the campaign is to present a petition consisting of four 500-page volumes with over 83,300 signatures to the British-Icelandic All-Party Parliamentary Group at the Houses of Parliament tomorrow. The event will include Orri Pall Dyrason from Sigur Ros, who will play a small drum, an Icelandic woman wearing a "skautbuningur," the traditional and symbolic Icelandic costume, and organizers of the "Icelanders are NOT Terrorists" campaign. Also present outside the Palace of Westminster will be students and members of the Icelandic Society of London showing their support with signs. The petition will be handed over in the Jubilee Room at the Palace of Westminster between 14.30 and 15.00 tomorrow and media interviews will be conducted afterwards in the Westminster Hall. www.indefence.is was launched on 22nd October by a group of Icelanders with close ties to the United Kingdom who wished to protest against the use of the Anti-terrorism Act by the British cabinet against a struggling ally. The group seeks an end to diplomatic hostilities between the two countries and to engender greater understanding and comradeship between the people of Iceland and the United Kingdom. "The interactive Web site, which can be read in nine languages, depicts Icelanders holding signs that announce that they are not terrorists. The campaign has attracted broad-based support among Icelanders, and the number of their signatures represents one-quarter of the population of the country. Hundreds of these supporters, including members of Sigur Ros, have posed for their own picture postcards with messages directed to the British cabinet. Citizens from all over the world have also signed the petition and offered words of support that can be read online," the group's press release says. The anarchists say it is no surprise that the Anarchy of Iceland falsely was declared as terrorist. Anarchists often face such false accusations. The anarchists give full support to the protest of In Defence against the British populist regime. The Northern Anarchist Confederation - the sections of Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland, has of course signed the petition of In Defence. 17.03.2009. The demonstration in UK, stating Icelanders are not terrorists, went well, and the CNN-TV reported about the protest internationally with a video from the demonstration. Labor unions in Iceland criticize fishing company. The Federation of General and Special Workers in Iceland (SGS), the Confederation of Labor (ASÍ) and others have criticized fishing company HB Grandi for paying shareholders dividends of eight percent when laborers are denied pay raises. "It forces us to reevaluate the decision of postponing wage contract reviews, because it is evident that there are more funds available than stated, at least in this profession," chairman of SGS Kristján Gunnarsson told Morgunbladid . The anarchists support SGS's demand for higher wages. 19.03.2009. Inflation and interest rate on the way down. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Iceland has voted to lower its policy rate by one percentage point to 17 percent. A large trade deficit has turned to a significant surplus. After a one-off adjustment following the depreciation of the króna through 2008, inflation appears to have peaked in January and seems to be declining faster than previously forecast. The outlook is for Q1 inflation to be significantly below the end-January forecast of 18.5 percent and for inflation to return to the 2.5 percent target by early next year. 21.03.2009. Iceland takes over country's top two savings banks. The Icelandic cabinet said on Saturday its financial watchdog had taken over the country's top two savings banks, the latest part of the nation's banking sector to buckle under a weight of debt. The cabinet said discussions with creditors of both Reykjavik Savings Bank (SPRON) and Sparisjodabanki, formerly Icebank, had been unsuccessful and that their liquidity positions had continued to deteriorate, warranting such a move by the Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA). Liquidity support was announced for 11 other savings banks. 24.03.2009. Iceland's inflation drops further. The expected rapid decrease in Iceland's high rate of consumer price inflation appears to be continuing. After peaking in January at a year-on-year rate of 18.6 percent, it reduced to 17.6 percent in February and 15.2 percent this month. Wage hike. Statistics Iceland reports that the monthly wage index in January 2009 increased by 0.6 percent to 355.7 points. That figure is around 7.5 percent over the previous 12 months. The January increase means that real wages stayed the same in that month, but have fallen 9.4 percent in the last year as a whole. Real wages are an assessment of spending power where the effect of inflation is subtracted from the numerical significance of wage increases. 25.03.2009. Business Minister: Iceland's banks fabricated money. Minister for Business Affairs Gylfi Magnússon states that Icelandic banks increased their equity with dubious accounting methods and that such fabricated money is one of the causes for the collapse of Iceland's economy. "I think it's obvious that one of the things that occurred during the dance before the collapse is that people created equity by, for example, changing loan capital to equity," Magnússon told reporters in a press conference yesterday, Fréttabladid reports. "People granted loans for purchasing stocks and then created equity on paper by purchasing assets that were very unrealistically priced and recorded the difference as goodwill," the minister explained. MP for the Left-Greens Atli Gíslason told Fréttabladid yesterday that, according to his sources, the banks' equity had been "fixed." With increased goodwill, increased profits were recorded, which led to an opportunity for dividend payments. Gíslason described such practice as "bubble profits" and "bubble dividends." Magnússon agrees. People created funds on paper, which weren't backed by any real money. When asked whether the practices of Icelandic bankers might be likened to the business practices of the American energy company Enron, which went bankrupt in 2001, Magnússon said there were many similarities. "Of course people were fooling themselves and partly others as well," Magnússon stated, adding that some Icelandic financial companies are likely to undergo criminal investigations because of their practices. However, it is not for him to decide, Magnússon emphasized, the appropriate institutions will decide how these cases will be investigated. Magnússon said it is quite possible that goodwill continues to be overestimated in the records of financial companies that are still operating in Iceland. However, at the moment, it isn't worth much. Fréttabladid stated in its coverage of this story yesterday that the combined goodwill of Iceland's largest banks, Glitnir, Kaupthing and Landsbanki, increased from less than ISK 19 billion (USD 165 million, EUR 123 million) in 2003 to ISK 123 billion (USD 1.1 billion, EUR 790 million) in 2007. At the same time, the combined equity of the three banks increased from ISK 92 billion (USD 799 million, EUR 594 million) to ISK 714 billion (USD 6.2 billion, EUR 4.6 billion). The anarchists say: Arrest the criminals! 26.03.2009. Iceland's special prosecutor gets reinforcements. The Icelandic cabinet has decided to increase the number of employees at the office of the special prosecutor and investigator to 20 instead of nine as originally planned, according to recommendations from Eva Joly, an international expert on corruption. Joly was hired as a consultant to the Ministry of Justice earlier this month to assist in investigating the time leading up to the economic collapse. The office of the special prosecutor will also be assisted by four to five foreign experts under Joly's lead, Fréttabladid reports. 27.03.2009. Unemployment in Iceland expected to peak in May. The Directorate of Labor expects unemployment rates in Iceland to peak at 9.6 percent in May and to drop again after that point. According to statistics, unemployment is currently increasing more slowly than at the beginning of the crisis. 01.04.2008. Rockall claim puts Britain on collision course with Iceland. The English newspaper Guardian.co.uk reports: Britain has lodged an application for thousands of square miles of the seabed around the Atlantic outcrop of Rockall - embarking on what could be a diplomatic collision course with Iceland and the Faroes. The submission for the potentially oil-rich territory was delivered yesterday to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (UNCLCS) in New York. The unilateral claim for part of the North Atlantic zone, known as the Hatton-Rockall basin, follows the breakdown of years of negotiations between the UK, Ireland, the Faroes, and Iceland. "We are disappointed that agreement on joint action has not proved possible," the Foreign Office said. "We hope [other countries] do not feel the need to dispute the UK's submission." There is a May deadline for states that were early signatories of the UN treaty to post their claims; the UK is expected to lodge another application for the disputed continental shelf around the Falklands in the coming weeks. Rockall, the eroded cone of an extinct volcano, stands only 70 feet above the sea and is regularly washed over by Atlantic breakers. For decades ownership was disputed between Britain and Ireland in the belief that possession would deliver control over the surrounding waters. A change in the UNCLCS rules, however, meant that isolated outcrops could not generate territorial claims. The UK now measures its extended continental shelf claim - which under the UN regulations can stretch up to 350 miles offshore - from the outlying Hebridean island of St Kilda. The anarchists, the Northern Anarchist Confederation and the Anarchist International, support the claims of Iceland and the Faroes regarding Rockall, against Britain. 03.04.2009. Icelandic cabinet response to the British claim. Britain applied for thousands of square miles of the potentially oil-rich Hatton Rockall basin to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (UNCLCS) in New York on Tuesday. "We won't allow it," responded Iceland's foreign minister. "It is absolutely clear that the Brits will not be supported in their claim and cannot submit it the way they did unless other nations such as Iceland and the Faroe Islands give their permission. And we won't allow it," Iceland's Minister for Foreign Affairs Össur Skarphédinsson said at Iceland's Althingi parliament yesterday, Morgunbladid reports. The territory belongs to the UK, Ireland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands and for years these nations have negotiated on how it should be divided. "We are disappointed that [an] agreement on joint action has not proved possible," the UK Foreign Office announced to the Guardian.co.uk. Tómas H. Heidar, an expert in international law at the Foreign Ministry, said it is important to Iceland that the four nations involved reach an agreement on how the area should be divided between them and then submit a joint application to the UNCLCS. The next meeting between these nations to discuss the Hatton Rockall basin is scheduled for June in Thorshavn in the Faroe Islands. 04.03.2009. Darling "overreacted towards Iceland". The application of anti-terrorist laws against Iceland at the beginning of the banking crisis last October was unnecessarily harsh; this is the finding of a British parliament committee set up specifically to investigate events in the Icelandic economy and their effect on the United Kingdom. The committee also found that the laws need reviewing and clarifying to decide if it is right that they are used for situations such as the one that rose with the Icelandic financial crisis. The committee feels that the UK cabinet should have alternative ways to react to these kind of situations. In the report the committee reviews the explanations Alistair Darling gave to his actions, and when interviewed by the committee he told about the phone call he had with Arni Mathiesen, the then Icelandic Finance Minister. The committee does not agree with Mr. Darling that Iceland was not going to honour its commitments. Alistar Darling "interpreted the words of the Icelandic finance minister in the wrong way". The use of terrorist laws against Iceland has been criticized by a UK Parliament committee that is looking into how the British cabinet reacted, using controversial terrorist laws against Iceland. "If this is as is being reported, then it's the one positive aspect of the whole affair," Says Arni Mathiesen former Icelandic finance minister. "This however helps us (Iceland) very little as the action has been taken," he continues. Mr. Mathiesen says that this is a strong indication that the British Government played a greater role in the fall of the Icelandic banks than earlier assumed. Some in Iceland feel it is striking that in the report nothing is said about the strong words used by the British PM Gordon Brown when he talked about and explained his cabinet's actions. When the report is looked at in whole, it is interesting to note that criticism seems to fall mainly on Alistair Darling and the British Government, without mentioning Gordon Brown. The anarchists agree that the British cabinet overreacted towards Iceland. 06.04.2009. More on the report. Iceland's Minister of Finance Steingrímur J. Sigfússon told Morgunbladid that the report might help Iceland's efforts to have the now state-run bank Landsbanki removed from the HM Treasury's list of regimes subjected to financial sanction by the British cabinet, which also includes Al-Qaeda, the Taleban and North Korea. Sigfússon believes that the report might support Landsbanki's cause in its lawsuit against British authorities and possibly also Iceland's cause in the ongoing discussions on compensation to Icesave account holders, Landsbanki's online savings unit in the UK and the Netherlands. "I'm especially hopeful that [the report] will make it easier for us to unfreeze [the assets of Landsbanki in the UK]. It will be difficult for British authorities to maintain it when they are subject to such harsh criticism from its own parliament," Sigfússon reasoned. The anarchists urge the British authorities to remove Iceland from the list with financial sanctions that includes Al-Qaeda, the Taleban and North Korea. 07.04.2009. Iceland requests response from Brown. Prime Minister of Iceland Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir announced during the cabinet's weekly press conference that she plans to formally request a response from British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to the UK Treasury Committee report. The diplomatic relations between Iceland and the UK are rather turbulent at the moment, despite positive news on the matter of the Icesave dispute earlier this month. 08.04.2009. Lower interest rate. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has voted to lower the policy rate by 1.5 percentage points to 15.5%. After its meeting in March, the MPC concluded that the conditions for monetary easing were in place. Economic developments since March 19 have been broadly consistent with this view. 13.04.2009. Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, the Prime Minister of Iceland, has written to Gordon Brown the Prime Minister of the UK, asking for his reactions to findings in the Treasury Commmittee report on the actions taken by the UK cabinet early October when the Icelandic banks collapsed. The Anarchist International condemns the British application of anti-terrorist laws against Iceland. 15.04.2008. Provision on constitutional parliament postponed. Iceland's Althing parliament is still operating despite the April 25 elections being less than two weeks away. However, last night it became clear that a provision on a constitutional parliament will not be passed before the elections. The fate of the cabinet's bill on changes to the constitution remains unclear, although Althing leaders believe that if MPs can reach an agreement on it, the matter could be completed in one day, after which parliament could finally be dismissed. The anarchists complain of the delay. 22.04.2009. The anarchists declare: To achieve full employment, additional countercyclical fiscal and monetary policy measures must increase the total demand nominally 10% of GDP in 2008. Do it now! 25.04.2009. Parliament election. The anarchists urge everybody to vote for the Progressive party! Iceland is holding its national parliamentary election today; polling stations are open from 09.00 until 22.00 GMT. In total 227,896 people, over the age of 18, have the right to vote today. Icelandic citizens are automatically registered to vote and do not need to register themselves if they live in the country. The total number of potential voters today is made up of 114,295 women and 113,601 men. There is a three percent increase (6,566 people) in the number of people able to vote since the last election in 2007. The number of people who turned 18 since 2007 and can therefore vote for the first time is 9,398, or 4.1 percent of the total. There are six electoral districts in Iceland: Northwest, Northeast, South, Reykjavik North, Reykjavik South and Southwest (some of the largest towns directly in the capital region which are not part of Reykjavik). Unsure Icelandic citizens can go to their local council's website to find out where to vote. In Reykjavik there are 14 voting stations with seven polling booths in each. 26.04.2009. Iceland's election results: Twenty seven new people will be entering the Icelandic Parliament, Althingi following yesterday's elections. Of the 63 elected to Althingi 26 are women, or 43 percent. Eight of those who sought re-election did not get through. Both of the parties in the governing coalition managed to improve their position and the Independence Party lost a big part of their votes since 2007. Election letter B - Framsóknarflokkurinn (Progressive Party), 27.699 votes or 14.8% and 9 seats (an increase of two) Election letter D - Sjálfstæðisflokkurinn (Independence Party). 44.369 votes or 23.7% and 16 seats (lost nine MPs) Election letter F - Frjálslyndi flokkurinn (Liberal Party), 4148 votes or 2.2% and no seats (lost four) Election letter O - Borgarahreyfingin (Civic Movement), 13.519 votes or 7.2% and 4 seats (brand new party elected for the first time) Election letter P - Lýðræðishreyfingin (Democracy Movement), 1107 votes or 0.6% and no seats (brand new party running for the first time) Election letter S - Samfylkingin (Social Democratic Alliance), 55758 votes or 29.8% and 20 seats (two more MPs than last time) Election letter V - Vinstri Grænir (Left Green Movement), 40.580 votes or 21.7% and 14 seats (gains five more parliamentarians) Empty ballots counted 6226 or 3.2%, not valid 528 or 0.3%, Total votes casted were 193.934. Registered voters in Iceland are 227.896 that means that some 85.1% voted yesterday. This also means the left-green coalition has a majority in the parliament, and can continue with their cabinet. The anarchists are warning against the authoritarian matriarch Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir of the marxist socialdemocrats, who will make Iceland join the EU authoritarian MEGA-STATE - super-state, and introducing Euro. This is no way to solve Icelands problems. A depreciated Icelandic Krona is necessary for increased export, and full employment. This is no problem, but a part of the solution, a continued anarchy - the best solution for Iceland. A sound development for Iceland is in a more libertarian direction, not authoritarian with EU-membership. 27.04.2009. Post-election dust begin to settle. Iceland's Social Democrats and Left Green Movement began talks yesterday on the formation of a new cabinet following both parties' strong showing in Saturday's elections. Together the parties hold 34 seats in the 63-seat Althingi parliament, meaning a comfortable majority. According to leaders of the probable continuing cabinet parties who met yesterday at Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir's Reykjavik house, financial issues are at the top of their joint agenda. The anarchists again call for demand management towards full umployment soon. The traditional Keynes type countercyclal monetary and fiscal policy measures, may however not be sufficient. Measures to lower inflation and to achieve a modest increase in labor productivity, taking into account green economics, should also be introduced. Frettabladid reports that party leaders and deputy leaders resolved to meet several more times over the next few days before formally announcing the formation of a cabinet. But the Social Democrats don't have to form a coalition with the Left-Greens ï¿½ other options are also possible. The most obvious option is a coalition with the Progressive Party and the Civic Movement. Iceland elects its politicians using a system of proportional representation, meaning that voters choose to support a party and its pre-arranged list of candidates who will receive seats in order, depending on the party's share of the vote. Voters are, however, welcome to cross out candidates for the party they vote for on their ballot papers. If a lot of voters cross out the name of a candidate in their preferred party, that candidate will slip down the list. According to Frettabladid, crossings-out were very common in Reykjavik on Saturday and it will be decided today the effect this will have on the make-up of the next parliament. Independence Party candidate for the South Iceland constituency, Arni Johnsen will, in all likelihood, be forced from first on the list to second. If this happens he will not lose his seat, as his party received three MPs in the South. The importance of Saturday's election did not go unnoticed in the wider world, with more foreign journalists covering the event than ever before. There were plenty of journalists from the Nordic countries, elsewhere in Europe and the USA. A major Japanese television station also sent a crew and the UK arm of the Arabic Al-Jazeera network broadcast live from Reykjavik. According to Morgunbladid's sources, yesterday's meeting only included general discussions on the policies of the two parties and how different attitudes towards the EU can be settled. The Social Democrats want to apply for membership as soon as possible and the Left-Greens want to remain outside the union. Sigurdardóttir and Steingrímur J. Sigfússon, minister of finance, fisheries and agriculture and chairman of the Left-Greens, debated the issue in an election chat program on RÚV yesterday. "It will be the most difficult issue that we have to solve," Sigurdardóttir commented. Sigfússon agreed, describing the EU question as a "big, difficult and unbridged controversial issue." As to emphasis their different views regarding the EU, the cabinet leaders continued with a heated debate in the RÚV program. According to Morgunbladid's sources, the Social Democrats are determined to persuade the Left-Greens to agree to applying for EU membership as soon as possible. The Social Democrats are in a better position than the Left-Greens as Iceland's largest party with the support of 29.8 percent of voters, while 21.7 percent voted for the Left-Greens. The anarchists are as mentioned against Icelandic EU-membership. 28.04.2009. Iceland's PM: Optimistic after talks with Left-Greens. Prime Minister of Iceland Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir said she is optimistic about solving the disagreement surrounding the European Union after a meeting with the Left-Green Movement. "I am more optimistic after I left the meeting than before I went inside. Many things have become clearer and I believe that we will find an acceptable solution on the EU matters," Sigurdardóttir told reporters after the meeting, according to Fréttabladid . Minister of Finance, Fisheries and Agriculture and chairman of the Left-Greens Steingrímur J. Sigfússon agrees. "There is a mutual and strong intent for cooperation at hand and I leave this meeting with greater optimism." At the meeting, groups were formed to lead discussions on pressing issues, such as on the EU and changes to the administration. The EU group is headed by the vice-chairpersons of each party, Dagur B. Eggertsson of the Social Democrats and Minister of Education Katrín Jakobsdóttir of the Left-Greens. Minister of Health Ögmundur Jónasson of the Left-Greens and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Industry Össur Skarphédinsson of the Social Democrats have also been appointed to the EU group. People will be appointed to the other group, on changes to the administration, today. In the coming days, groups that will lead discussions on economic and employment matters will also be formed. Other issues that will be discussed are changes to the fisheries control system. Both parties included a recall on fishing allowances in their party platforms. Chairpersons of both parties are keen on establishing a majority cabinet and therefore are not under as much time pressure as they otherwise would be. President of Iceland Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson confirmed this when PM Sigurdardóttir formally requested the mandate to form the new cabinet at the presidential residence Bessastadir yesterday. Grímsson said it was unnecessary to establish a time limit on when the parties should bring their talks and other projects to an end since their minority cabinet ended up with a majority in parliament after the elections. The anarchists again call for demand management towards full umployment soon. The traditional Keynes type countercyclal monetary and fiscal policy measures, may however not be sufficient. Measures to lower inflation and to achieve a modest increase in labor productivity, taking into account green economics, should also be introduced. In this case we get a 3rd scenario, see under the headline "Full employment now!" above, where additional countercyclal monetary and fiscal policy measures must increase the total demand nominally from 2008 to 2009 about 9%. Dependent on the economic situation and the demand management policy, additional countercyclal monetary and fiscal policy measures must increase the total demand nominally from 2008 to 2009 about 9% - 10%. Do it now! 29.04.2009. EU still disputed by Iceland's cabinet parties. The leaders of the coalition parties, the Social Democrats and the Left-Greens, as mentioned met at the Althingi parliamentary building yesterday to continue their discussions on an official cabinet agenda. The European Union remains the main matter of dispute. The two parties are taking their time since they have backing from the majority of MPs in parliament and it is unclear when parliament will reconvene. According to Morgunbladid's sources, the EU discussions revolve around at which stage the nation should hold a referendum to decide how to progress in the matter. Allegedly, some of the members of the Left-Greens have proposed a double referendum, first on whether Iceland should launch membership discussions with the EU and, if approved, on whether Iceland should accept the agreement and join the union. However, the Social Democrats have deemed a double referendum unnecessary. The party's leadership considers an application for EU membership the most important emergency measure that can be undertaken to support the struggling Icelandic economy. "To sell out the fish to EU, will increase, not decrease the economic problems in Iceland," the anarchists say. The Social Democrats are on the wrong track in this case. The Young Socialists, the youth movement within the Social Democrats, released a resolution to the media yesterday, stating that their party is obligated to ensure that Iceland applies for EU membership as soon as possible, Fréttabladid reports. Under this plan, the nation would then decide with one referendum whether Iceland should join the EU. If the coalition parties cannot agree on that item they shouldn't continue their cooperation in cabinet, the resolution concluded. "The Young Socialists are immature and disinformed", the anarchists say: They must learn that EU is not libertarian, real democracies, as Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, but is clearly authoritarian, with a top heavy pyramid made up of superiors in rank and/or income. EU is well on the way to a supranational MEGA-STATE - super-state, with an even higher authoritarian degree. Iceland as EU-member will have no significant influence on the management of EU, will lose much its fish - the gold of Iceland - and will be repressed in EU. The anarchists say a clear NO to EU for Iceland! Cooperate with Norway and Switzerland to solve the crisis! The discussion of EU is a sidetrack to a dead end. Concentrate on demand management towards full employment! Leave the EU-question NOW! Inflation in Iceland drops to 11.9. percent. The 12-month inflation in Iceland has dropped from 18.6 percent in January to the current rate of 11.9 percent, according to information from Statistics Iceland. The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.45 percent in April compared to the previous month and by 0.84 percent if housing is not included, mbl.is reports. For the past 12 months the CPI has increased by 11.9 percent and by 15.6 percent without housing included. Twelve-month inflation peaked at 18.6 percent in January. For the past three months the CPI has increased by 0.4 percent, which equals 1.4 percent annual inflation and 9.4 percent if housing is not included. According to Statistics Iceland, the price of gasoline and diesel oil increased by 8.2 percent (raising the CPI by 0.33 percent) and the price of clothing and shoes by 3.2 percent (raising the CPI by 0.19 percent). The cost of privately-owned housing decreased by 1.6 percent (lowering by the CPI by 0.23 percent). The price of food and beverages dropped by 0.7 percent (lowering the CPI by 0.10 percent). 30.04.2009. Still no solution in sight in Iceland cabinet talks. Prime Minister and chairwoman of the Social Democrats Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir said yesterday that the talks with the Left-Greens on the official cabinetal agenda were going well, although a solution on the EU dispute is not in sight. However, the PM expects an agreement to be reached in the coming days, as she told RÚV . Both Sigurdardóttir and her Left-Green counterpart Steingrímur J. Sigfússon emphasized that other matters were also at stake that require thorough discussion, such as state finances, employment issues and natural resources. Two new task forces to lead talks on those issues were appointed yesterday. " It is going fine. There is no rush. We also have other projects to attend to," Sigfússon said, "whether it is extending the female lumpfish season or dealing with a worldwide swine flu [AH1N1].epidemic." Many of the MPs who are participating in the talks are also ministers and Sigfússon currently serves as minister of finance, fisheries and agriculture. Words, concepts and definitions. Persons have different definitions of words and concepts. With marxism we mean significant state-socialism, see the economic-political map at System theory . Both Steingrímur J. Sigfússon and Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir are significantly state-socialist, i.e. marxists. Anarchism is libertarian socialism, significant, see map, in practice the progressive center in politics, i.e. from the middle of the economic-political map and upwards, not far right or left. According to IIFOR's research Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are the only anarchist countries in the world, but they are only anarchies of low degree, quite far from the anarchist ideal at the top of the map. Anarchy, anarchism and anarchists are the opposite of "stjórnleysingja", "stjórnleysi" and "óstjórn", i.e. removal, ablation, of management and administration. We are for self management and self administration by the people and we are not against a functioning central administration, but it should be significantly horizontally organized, from the people, grassroots, and upwards, real democratic with optimal order and not chaos. Although the cabinet ideologically by now is marxist, it is not operating in vacuum, the system of Iceland seen all in all is significantly anarchist, social-individualist anarchism. Anarchy and anarchism mean socialism plus autonomy, both significant. "An" means "without" as in an-aerobe, etc, "arch" means "ruler(s)" broadly defined, and "y" in this connection stands for system, management, coordination, as in monarch-y, oligarch-y, etc. The "an" is connected to "arch", not "y". Thus (an-arch)-y means without arch, but not without system, management, coordination, it means (an-arch)-system, management, coordination. In short an-arch-y = (an = without arch = ruler(s)) y = management. Anarchy is not "stjórnleysi" and "óstjórn" as some authoritarian Orwellian "1984" "newspeak" dictionaries in Iceland suggest. "Stjórnleysi" and "óstjórn" mean rivaling polyarchy/oligarchy and/or ochlarchy (mob rule broadly defined) and/or chaos, i.e. archy - and not anarchy. To mix up opposites as anarchy with "stjórnleysi" and "óstjórn" as outdated dictionaries and media often do, is equally authoritarian as mixing up opposites as peace and war, as Big Brother did in Orwell's "1984" newspeak. It should be stopped, and the International Anarchist Tribunal - The Anarchist Press Tribunal, IAT-APT, in such cases hands out a Brown Card, as free criticism of this authoritarian tendency, and put it on Internet. Report and speak fairly and objectively, and not with authoritarian newspeak, about anarchy, anarchism, anarchist and anarchists! For more information about anarchists vs ochlarchists, see IJA 1(36) and IJA 1(33) . For more information about the Brown Card and anarchy vs chaos, see the Oslo Convention OC and search for anarchy vs chaos at Anarchy debate - Anarkidebatt . The IAT-APT homepage is at Anarchist Tribunal . 01.05.2009. May Day. May 1st, International Workers' Day, commemorates the historic struggle of working people throughout the world, and is recognized in most countries, also Iceland. The anarchists urge the people of Iceland to put attention to the history of May Day, see 1st of May and the "May Day Manifesto 2009 - Full employment now!" of the International Workers of the World, see IWW . Today Iceland celebrates Labor Day. It has been a national holiday in Iceland since 1966 and is one of the country's 11 flag days. Anarchism in Iceland, of low degree, is registered since May Day 1966. Iceland may have been a bit anarchist some time before, but May 1st 1966 is officially celebrated as the first day of real anarchism in Iceland by the Northern Anarchist Confederation and the Anarchist International. The neo-liberalist tendency in the latest years almost ruined the anarchy, but the degree of anarchism is still significant. In Iceland the day was first celebrated with a demonstration on May 1st, 1923. Iceland held Mayday workers' rallies on Friday, along with countries all over the world. The biggest march took place in Reykjavik, and turnout was described as "unusually good". The march was peaceful and ended in a gathering on Austurvollur Square outside parliament. The marches around the world on the 1st May are a reminder to businesses and public sectors not to forget the welfare and development of ordinary citizens. It was, therefore, no surprise that this year's turnout was high. The 1st May was celebrated as a public holiday in Iceland, as in many other countries. 05.05.2009. Icelandic food products gaining market share. Imports of food and drink products into Iceland have gone down by nearly a third in the first quarter of 2009 compared with last year, according to Statistics Iceland figures. Thorolfur Thorlindsson, head of the Directorate of Health, does not believe the news is a sign that Icelanders previously over-consumed food products; simply that they are now consuming in a different way. "This time last year we were, for example, importing a lot of beef and chicken," says Gudmundur Marteinsson, managing director of the Bonus supermarket chain, also pointing out the major shift towards Icelandic roasted and ground coffee instead of imported brands. Another example is frozen rolls and loafs of bread which bakeries used to import, but it is now cheaper to make the bread from scratch in Iceland. According to Marteinsson, the drop in food imports is not manifesting itself in a decreased variety of foods. "People have access to the same products as last year, but the economic situation means that local products are comparatively cheaper." Iceland's coalition parties reach agreement on EU discussion. The coalition parties, the Social Democrats and the Left-Greens, which are currently discussing continued cooperation in cabinet, have reached an agreement on the European Union, the issue on which their platforms differ the most. According to Morgunbladid's sources, the compromise includes that the Althingi parliament will be left with the ultimate decision on whether EU membership discussions should begin or not. In this way the Social Democrats and the Left-Greens can agree to disagree on the EU question without jeopardizing their continued cooperation in cabinet. The Social Democrats are as mentioned for EU membership while the Left-Greens are against it. "We have mapped that case out extensively and realized what our opportunities are for further discussions," Steingrímur J. Sigfússon, chairman of the Left-Greens, told Morgunbladid after a long meeting between the chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of both parties last night. If everything goes according to plan, a new cabinet will be formed at the end of this week. Iceland requests larger portion of continental shelf. The Icelandic cabinet submitted a report to the United Nations Commission in New York last week on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (UNCLCS), requesting a larger portion of the continental shelf that lies outside the 200-nautical mile zone. The claim is based on a review of the outer limits of the continental shelf of Reykjaneshryggur, which, in Iceland's interpretation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, should be defined as an underwater rise instead of an underwater ridge, Fréttabladid reports. If Iceland is granted a larger part of the shelf and extends its area to 850 nautical miles from the shore instead of the current 350, the natural resources on Reykjaneshryggur could contribute to the country's income. Natural resources of various kinds can be found there such as oil, gas and metals, but also geothermal heat. It is difficult to estimate how high the revenue could be, but there is increased likelihood of very valuable geothermal heat existing in the area around Reykjaneshryggur. It is only a matter of time before it will be harnessed. The report also included an agreement between Iceland, Norway and Denmark on behalf of the Faroe Islands from 2006 on the division of the continental shelf at Aegisdjúp northeast of Iceland, but not the debated Hatton Rockall basin, which lies to the south of the country. The Northern Anarchist Confederation and the Anarchist International support the Icelandic claim. 06.05.2009. Co-operation called by Norway for Arctic resources. Norway's Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre opened last week's international conference on managing the Arctic with a plea to co-operate peacefully as the five nations that border the Arctic begin to vie for the lucrative resources that lie under the seabed. Using the catchphrase "High North, low tension", Støre was optimistic at the summit in the northern Norwegian town of Tromsø. The main focus of this year's Arctic summit was the rapid melting of the Arctic's ice. The AFP reports that the Arctic region holds up to 30 percent of the planet's undiscovered natural gas reserves and perhaps 13 percent of undiscovered oil reserves. These resources will finally become accessible as the Arctic ice cap melts away. The race to claim these potential riches has been accompanied by a similar increase in military activity in the region. NATO plans to play a bigger role in the region, and Russia has been increasingly vocal about its rights to deploy military units in the Arctic. Støre told reporters that the costal countries: " [Will] be able to manage the challenges and opportunities of this region without gliding into conflict and negative competition. We have every opportunity to prove wrong those who say that this is bound to be a regional conflict of competing interests. It need not be that way; we can do that very differently." Confederation of Labor demands debt solutions. President of the Confederation of Labor (ASÍ) Gylfi Arnbjörnsson said that the cabinet has to react to the problem of household debt if stability is to be achieved. ASÍ is demanding that the reorganization of debt be prioritized. "If this isn't taken care of, we won't be open for discussion," Arnbjörnsson told Fréttabladid . Leaders of the cabinet parties, the Social Democrats and the Left-Greens, met with the representatives of labor unions, employers' unions, farmers and municipalities yesterday where ASÍ presented a nine-point plan on emergency measures and future solutions. ASÍ wants to establish a consultancy office on household finances and hire 50 financial advisors where people who face payment problems can seek assistance. The plan also includes the immediate establishment of regulations on the execution of debt relief and that an emergency fund for households is created. Minister of Finance Steingrímur J. Sigfússon said yesterday's meetings had been very useful. "There is considerable will everywhere in society to move towards stability. The wage issues are also included, state finances and other matters." In regard to the absolute attitude of ASÍ, Sigfússon said that it had been discussed at the meeting how important the coming weeks are, commenting, "We hope that soon we will have land in sight in many difficult cases, for example the reorganization of the banking system." Chairman of the Confederation of Icelandic Employers (SA) Thór Sigfússon said the employment market is screaming for actions, most importantly a considerable lowering of the policy this week. "An insignificant decrease [ï¿½] would be an immense shock to us. It would be a testament that people don't realize at all how harmful it is for the community if the employment market is left in deep freeze. That would cause irreparable damage," Thór Sigfússon stated. The Central Bank of Iceland will make a new decision on the policy rate tomorrow. The anarchists repeat: Full employment is job no 1 for the public sector. Monetary policy measures are not sufficient to achieve this aim. Iceland's quota system won't be revolutionized. Despite both cabinet parties, the Social Democrats and the Left-Greens, having a lapse of the fishing quota on their platforms, it is considered unlikely that they will undertake radical changes to the quota system any time soon. According to Morgunbladid's sources, revolutionizing the system is unlikely to happen because the current position of many fishing companies is difficult; debt in the fishing industry is almost three times higher than its annual income. The cabinet parties consider it unwise to undertake radical changes to the distribution of fishing quota during the current economic situation, Morgunbladid reports. However, if fishing companies that are in possession of quota run into trouble the quota could be redistributed and then it wouldn't be necessary to implement the quota lapse method. Both parties have suggested an annual five percent lapse of fishing allowances, which can then be reallocated. The Left-Greens want to enable ship owners to keep some of the quota, while the Social Democrats have proposed a special natural resource fund from which the quota would be reallocated. The ideas of both parties include that it will be possible to rent quota from the public sector since the fishing resource should be in the nation's ownership. The Federation of Icelandic Fishing Vessel Owners (LÍÚ) opposes all proposals of allowing quota to lapse, arguing that such measures might jeopardize the operation of fishing companies. 07.05.2009. Lower interest rate. The Monetary Policy Committee has decided to lower the Central Bank of Iceland's policy rate by 250 basis points to 13.0 percent. Overnight lending rates will also be lowered by 250 basis points. Other Central Bank interest rates will be lowered by 300 basis points. Cabinet agenda for Iceland expected next weekend. The parliamentary parties of the two cabinet parties, the Social Democrats and the Left-Greens, reviewed the progress of the ongoing talks of a new cabinet agenda yesterday, expecting them to conclude next weekend. "If an agreement is reached, it will be next weekend," MP for the Left-Greens Atli Gíslason, who attended yesterday's meeting, told Fréttabladid. "This EU matter is not completely solved yet but otherwise most things have been completed." Gíslason explained that the two parties have agreed to disagree on whether Iceland should join the European Union ï¿½ the Social Democrats support EU membership while the Left-Greens oppose it ï¿½ and to submit a parliamentary resolution on EU membership application to the Althingi parliament. "Then people will vote and we will see how it goes." Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir, who is chairwoman of the Social Democrats, would not be interviewed last night and her fellow party members say that she is the only spokesperson for the party on the progress of the cabinet talks. According to Fréttabladid's sources, the most dedicated followers of EU membership within the Social Democrats' parliamentary group are extremely dissatisfied with the compromise mentioned above. Aim no 1 is NO to EU, the anarchists declare. 08.05.2009. Gordon Brown answers to Iceland's protest. In an answer from the British PM office it said that Mr. Brown was referring to the agreement between the Icelandic cabinet and the IMF in regards of the Icesave accounts. In Gordon's response it said that the British Government celebrated Iceland's agreement with the IMF and that the Icelandic cabinet said they would be paying British Icesavers back. The two cabinets have not reached a final conclusion on how this is to be done. The British Government recognized local responsibility in regards of the Icelandic owned British bank Kaupthing Singer and Friedlander. 09.05.2009. Iceland protests UK PM Brown's comment. The Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ossur Skarphedinsson, today made a formal complaint on comments made by the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, during a session of Parliamentary question time. Minister Skarphedinsson called in the British Charge d'Affaires to Iceland to deliver a protest. The Ambassador of Iceland to the United Kingdom has also delivered a letter to 10 Downing Street. Minister Skarphedinsson said that the Prime Minister's comments of 7 May related to financial losses of the Christie hospital were unhelpful. In his comments, Prime Minister Brown inaccurately stated that the UK authories were not the regulatory authority in the case of Kaupthing, Singer Friedlander Bank, where the Christie hospital funds were deposited. Furthermore, the Prime Minister claimed that the UK authorities were in negotiations with the International Monetary Fund on the rate at which Iceland can repay losses to British deposit holders. Minister Skarphedinsson earlier today stresssed that Kaupthing, Singer and Friedlander Bank is a British Bank, under the regulatory authority of the UK Financial Supervisory Authority. "We of course regret that the Christie hospital has suffered financially due to the seizure by the FSA of Kaupthing, Singer and Friedlander, but there is no basis for linking this matter to the Icelandic depositors' compensation scheme", said the Minister. The Icelandic Foreign Minister also said that the statement by the British Prime Minister about the role of the IMF in this context was surprising. The implication that negotiations were taking place between the UK and the IMF on Iceland were worrying, since this would not be compatible with the Articles of Agreement of the IMF, Minister Skarphedinsson said. 10.05.2009. New cabinet takes office - Social Democrats and Left-Greens continue their coalition partnership. A new coalition cabinet, formed by the Social Democrat Alliance and the Left-Green Movement, formally announced today at a press conference held at the Nordic House in Reykjavik, will continue the two parties' partnership. Following the outcome of national elections two weeks ago, these parties now hold a majority of seats in the Icelandic parliament, Althingi. The two party leaders, Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir and Finance Minister Steingrímur J. Sigfússon, presented the cabinet's platform, which sets out its goals and ambitions in a comprehensive policy statement, and explained its short-term agenda. The cabinet's central aim is to rebalance the state budget by 2013 while at the same time implementing an ambitious plan of job creation and innovation to restore Iceland's position among the most energetic and competitive states in the world by 2020. Parliament to decide on EU accession application The two parties have agreed to disagree on the EU issue but both parties emphasise their joint intent that it be the nation which, in a referendum, will finally determine whether Iceland will join the European Union. The Minister of Foreign Affairs will present a parliamentary resolution on EU membership at the upcoming summer session. It calls for the Althingi to decide whether Iceland will commence accession negotiations with the EU. Commitment to IMF program reaffirmed The cabinet is committed to the implementing the Economic Recovery Program agreed with the IMF and will continue its close co-operations and consultation with the Fund, aimed at restoring the economy and rebuilding trust on international financial markets. Longer-term goals * A national consensus will be sought for a stability pact, and a plan presented for achieving fiscal balance in coming years. * The number of ministries will be reduced from 12 to 9 during the cabinet's term in office. * A comprehensive assessment will be made of the need for further actions to assist households and proposals drafted in consultation with the social partners. * Corporate debt adjustment and restructuring will be expedited. * Ten specific urgent employment measures presented. * An action plan to boost industry and improve the quality of life will be prepared for all regions of Iceland. * An overall revision of the Act on Fisheries Management carried out, in accordance with the coalition parties' platforms. * A special constitutional congress will be elected in tandem with upcoming municipal elections. 100-day agenda released The cabinet has drafted an agenda for the next 100 days, listing the urgent measures which need to be taken to tackle the difficult economic situation, for the benefit of households and businesses. These include measures to finalise the recapitalisation and the restructuring of the banking system, negotiations with foreign creditors and cabinets, legislative proposals introducing democratic reform, finalisation of medium-term fiscal policy and increased efforts in job creation to fight unemployment. Cabinet Changes Eight of the ten cabinet ministers of the minority cabinet will continue in office. The two non-political ministers will remain in the cabinet. Four new ministers have been appointed, two from each party, although this will not mean any transfer of ministries between the parties, as some ministers formerly held more than one post in the minority cabinet. The make-up of the new Icelandic cabinet will be almost unchanged to start with, according to mbl.is. There will be 12 ministries and cabinet ministers will increase from 10 to 12. New ministers will be named for industry; and for environment, fisheries & agriculture. A cabinet press release states, though, that the cabinet intends to trim the number of ministries from 12 to nine over the course of the upcoming term. European Union membership or not, will as mentioned be decided with a referendum. The nation will vote on whether or not to join the EU with one referendum, and not two as some had suggested, and only after membership discussions have taken place. The Minister for Foreign Affairs will submit a parliamentary resolution on membership discussions this spring, mbl.is reports. Chairman of the Left-Greens Steingrímur J. Sigfússon said it had proven difficult for many of his party members to approve this item of the cabinet agreement. Sigfússon emphasized that the Left-Greens have not changed their view of EU membership ï¿½ the party is openly against it ï¿½ and that its members will follow their conviction when the resolution is presented to parliament. The cabinet agreement states that each coalition party has the right to hold on to their views during discussions surrounding the EU debate, within and outside parliament. The agreement further states that the new cabinet's primary objective is to secure economic and social stability and to achieve national solidarity on Iceland's reconstruction. The new cabinet is based on the good cooperation of the interim cabinet, which, after only 80 days at the helm, laid the groundwork for success in most areas of society in spite of extremely difficult circumstances in the local and global economy, the agreement concludes. It was approved unanimously at a Social Democrat party board meeting today and by all votes except two at the Left-Green party board meeting. 11.05.2009. At least five Left-Green MPs against EU membership. Five MPs of the Left-Green Movement have declared that they will vote against the parliamentary resolution on launching membership discussions with the European Union, which Foreign Minister Össur Skarphédinsson will submit to parliament in the coming days. "We made this disclaimer so that it would be clear to everyone that the Left-Green parliamentary group would not be taken for granted," Thurídur Backman, one of the Left-Green MPs who plans to vote against the resolution, told Fréttabladid. Backman, along with Jón Bjarnason, who has just been appointed minister of fisheries and agriculture, Lilja Rafney Magnúsdóttir, Ásmundur Einar Dadason and Atli Gíslason announced their intention during the Left-Green parliamentary group meeting on Saturday. The MPs denied that they had formed a special alliance against EU membership within the Left-Green parliamentary group, stating that the other nine Left-Green MPs are not in favor of applying for EU membership either. Yesterday, the Social Democrat Alliance and the Left-Green Movement formed the first left-wing cabinet in Iceland's history, with the aim of creating a Nordic welfare society in Iceland, as Finance Minister and chairman of the Left-Greens Steingrímur J. Sigfússon said while announcing the new cabinet at a press conference. Chairman of the Progressive Party Sigmundur Davíd Gunnlaugsson told Fréttabladid that this coalition is among the most "sorrowful" in the republic's history, referring to the cabinet's decision to let the opposition decide whether or not to launch membership discussions with the EU. Party group chairwoman of the Civic Movement Birgitta Jónsdóttir said that having parliament decide whether membership discussions should take place is the best possible solution, while vice-chair of the Independence Party Thorgerdur Katrín Gunnarsdóttir commented that this decision indicates that the "ruling parties" are unable to reach conclusions on matters concerning the EU. The anarchists say: The fight for No to EU is at the top of the agenda. 12.05.2009. Small drop in Iceland mortgage rates. Iceland's Housing Finance Fund (Íbúðalánasjóður) today lowered its interest rates. The general mortgage rate has now fallen to 4.7 percent from 4.9 percent. Interest on mortgages without prepayment clause is now 5.2 percent instead of 5.4. Although the banks have offered mortgages for several years, the cabinet-owned Housing Finance Fund remains the country's biggest mortgage provider and usually offers the lowest interest rates. First Icelandic cabinet meeting held outside the capital. The first cabinet meeting will be held in the Akureyri Town Hall today. The location was chosen for reasons of equality ï¿½ a cabinet meeting has never been held outside the capital region. Although it isn't every day that a cabinet meeting is held in Akureyri, local chief constable Daníel Gudjónsson said police will not undertake any special measures because of it. The meeting, which begins at noon, will be followed by a press conference. Meetings have previously taken place at Thingvellir National Park (famous as the birthplace of Icelandic democracy), but never elsewhere in the country, according to a statement from the cabinet. "With this choice of location, the cabinet wants to underline the fact that it is not just for the people who live in the capital, but for the entire country. Further meetings outside of Reykjavik are not being ruled out in the future," the statement reads. No central administration salaries to exceed that of the PM. The new cabinet has determined that no central administration salaries should be higher than that of the prime minister. This policy calls for amendments to the laws managing the central administration's wage council because some officials earn more per month than the PM's basic monthly salary, which is ISK 935,000 (USD 7,400, EUR 5,500). All elected central administration representatives and the vast majority of Icelandic officials are represented by the wage council, which determines their wages based on certain terms. If the wage council is to lower the salaries of those officials who earn more than the PM, the Althingi parliament will probably have to amend the laws that apply to the wage council. 13.05.2009. Iceland finance ministry reports crisis past its worst, but is pessimistic regarding unemployment. The worst of the Icelandic kreppa (economic crisis) is potentially over already and better prospects can already be anticipated by the New Year. According to mbl.is, this is among the key points in an economists' report published this week by the Icelandic Ministry of Finance introducing a national economic forecast for 2009-2014. The economic forecast says that the country's ability to adapt flexibly to new economic circumstances is strong. Real wages have decreased and the cost competitiveness of Icelandic companies is in good shape. Renewed demand from overseas will help business and support new job creation. The forecast reiterates the importance of refinancing the banks as quickly as possible, and of lifting currency exchange controls, both in order to improve international trust in the treasury's financial position. Households have been hit hard by the financial crisis, but 90 percent are still in paid employment. The report states that laws passed to help hard-hit families get over the worst of the crisis appear to be working. It is also important to loosen controls on the business environment and support investment to increase employment. The Economy Office at the Ministry of Finance predicts that inflation in Iceland will be 10.2 percent this year and reducing quickly to 1.6 percent next year and 1.9 percent in 2011. The Office also predicts that unemployment will continue to increase to 9.6 percent next year, and will be roughly 9 percent this year before going down to 7.5 percent in 2011. These figures apparently include the potential employment created by a new aluminium smelter planned at Helguvik and the extension of the existing smelter at Straumsvik. If the projects do no go ahead, the Office expects unemployment to be 0.5 percent higher in 2010 and 1 percent higher in 2011. The national economic forecast says that the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of the Icelandic housing stock has been around 60-70 percent in recent years but will fall to around 44 percent by the end of the year. Ministry of Finance analysts cautioned against panic at a press conference this week, saying that early indicators point to a rapidly improving economic picture in the New Year, leading to an increase in the CAR. On the other hand, they also reiterated again the need to assist families experiencing the worst problems paying their housing costs. Income tax in Iceland remains unchanged this year. A bill on amendments to income tax laws has not been devised, and the cabinet will submit no such bill in the coming summer parliamentary session. Taxation issues are not included in the 100-day action plan of the new cabinet either. The cabinet is however considering taxing the export of unprocessed fish with the goal of encouraging local fish processing in Iceland to create new jobs. Parties within the fishing industry oppose the idea. "Full employment via proper demand management now!" the anarchists demand. Cabinet proposes constitutional parliament for Iceland and national referendums. Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir said at a press conference after the first new cabinet meeting in Akureyri yesterday that she had submitted proposals, including the establishment of an advisory constitutional parliament next year. These are not changes to the constitution, as suggested earlier, but a question of proposing a parliamentary matter on establishing an advisory constitutional parliament whose representatives would be elected at the same time as municpal elections. The next municipal elections will take place in 2010, by which time the cabinet plans to have introduced a system of individual candidacy, meaning that voters can elect individuals rather than just political parties. Yesterday's cabinet meeting also broached other matters that had been discussed but not decided in parliament during the caretaker cabinet's 90 days, such as the matter of national referendums as well as a bill on a central administration's owned asset administration company. Minister of Finance Steingrímur J. Sigfússon proposed yesterday a resubmission of the bill on the asset administration company. "It has to be one of the first items that the parliament discusses as it's related to the restoration of the economy and debt solutions for companies," he explained. Sigfússon stated that the company was a necessary tool to recover "large socially important companies or projects, which have to be sorted out and reorganized," from banks and other financial institutions. 14.05.2009. Icelandic ambassador sends letter to UK MPs. Iceland's ambassador to the UK, Sverrir Haukur Gunnlaugsson, sent a letter to every British Member of Parliament last week explaining his Foreign Minister's opinion of the ongoing diplomatic issues between the two countries. The freezing order still being imposed on Landsbanki comes in for criticism in the letter - but the ambassador also mentions recent positive developments. The letter can be seen here: http://mbl.is/media/99/1499.pdf . 15.05.2009. Icelandic parliament reconvenes after election. Althingi, the national parliament of Iceland, will meet today for the first time since the 25 April elections. The parliamentary schedule begins at 13.30 and starts with the traditional church service at Domkirkjan cathedral, next door to Althingi. However, the Icelandic Humanist Society has invited all MPs who do not wish to go to church to join them at Hotel Borg. After the church service, ministers, MPs, clergymen and the President will make their way to Althingi, which will be officially opened by President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson. This will be the 137th term of parliament in the Republic's history (divided by Christmas and summer breaks, as well as elections). The first task of parliament is for Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir to introduce which bills are to be debated during the term. Among them, the Foreign Ministry has presented a bill asking parliament for permission to begin negotiating the terms of accession with the European Union, mbl.is reported. As agreed by the two coalition cabinet partners, the Social Democrats and the Left Green Movement, parliament will be allowed to decide whether to begin negotiations ï¿½ but the nation will hold a referendum on whether to make a formal application once the terms have been agreed. The anarchists repeat: The fight for No to EU is at the top of the agenda. 19.05.2009. LÍÚ calls PM's vision for the future an illusion. Fridrik J. Arngrímsson, managing director of the Federation of Icelandic Fishing Vessel Owners (LÍÚ), described Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir's vision for the future that Iceland can become a leader in the European fishing industry an illusion. "My vision for the future is that Iceland will lead in the creation and management of the EU fisheries policy as well as lead in the European fishing industry. I'm absolutely confident that it will work," Sigurdardóttir said in her keynote speech at the Althingi parliament yesterday, Fréttabladid reports. Arngrímsson stated that Iceland will never participate in the management of the EU fisheries policy. The PM also mentioned new business opportunities on the European market, but Arngrímsson said he would like to hear examples. According to Arngrímsson, EU membership will not bring any new business opportunities to the [Icelandic] fishing industry, especially not in relation to company investments. The PM also claimed that EU regulations on proportional stability would secure quota for Iceland on local fish stocks. Arngrímsson described this claim as an exaggeration, "It is a regulation, and it can be changed." The PM has illusions regarding Icelandic EU-membership, the anarchists say and repeat: The fight for No to EU is at the top of the agenda. 20.05.2009. National reconciliation talks begin in Iceland. Almost 60 representatives of labor unions, employer associations, and municipal and central administration launched talks on a "national reconciliation" yesterday, to reach solidarity on economic, wage and social issues. A conclusion is to be reached by June 9. "It is of great significance that all of these parties of interest are cooperating and that the cabinet has the intent to participate in these talks," President of the Confederation of Labor (ASÍ) Gylfi Arnbjörnsson told Fréttabladid. Minister of Social Affairs Árni Páll Árnason, who attended yesterday's meeting, said that it is very important and pleasing that the representatives of the employment market approach the issues at stake with such responsibility. "And of course that calls for the cabinet contributing towards an agreement," Árnason commented. No conditions have been made for the negotiations. "There are many different opinions and different interests at stake but we have to work together on finding solutions to a number of problems. If that is achieved in a broad reconciliation, it may happen that with time the conclusion will be known as a 'national reconciliation'," Arnbjörnsson said. In 1990, a similar agreement was reached between the central administration and representatives of the employment market after a difficult economic situation the previous winter. That agreement is widely known as a "national reconciliation" or "thjódarsátt" in Icelandic. Arnbjörnsson pointed out that the negotiators represent the interests of around 150,000 people, almost half the Icelandic nation. The reviewing of wage contracts and planned pay raises, which were supposed to take place at the beginning of this year, were postponed due to the crisis and Arnbjörnsson is optimistic that they can now be discussed and that acceptable solutions can be found. Managing director of the Confederation of Icelandic Employers (SA) Vilhjálmur Egilsson agrees that discussing the extension of wage contracts is of importance as well as wage development between the general and official employment market. "Then people want to discuss what opportunities are at hand for the employment market in general to live up to these agreements and to pay out these increases. Also what opportunities there are to keep people employed," Egilsson added. Egilsson would like to see a "stabilization pact," which sets goals for the economy with regard to inflation, policy rate, the exchange rate and the employment rate. "We have also emphasized abolishing the currency restrictions and the quota lapse ideas." Egilsson suggested instead that laws on fisheries management be reviewed without predetermined goals or deadlines. SA is also keen on reviewing the arrangement of the banks, the reshuffling of the employment market and the central administration's asset management. Full employment now! the anarchists repeat. 23.05.2009. Iceland bank collapse investigators in fraud raids. Forced police searches took place at ten locations yesterday and last Tuesday in relation to the special prosecutor's investigation into the Icelandic banking collapse last year. The raids were directly linked to investigations into the purchase of a 5.01 percent share in Kaupthing Bank by Q Iceland Finance ehf. Q Iceland Finance is owned by Olafur Olafsson and Sheik Mohamed Bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Kaupthing granted Olafsson, who at the time was the second biggest shareholder in the Bank, a loan for half the cost of the purchase of Q's 5.01 percent share. The loan was written against his company which is registered in the British Virgin Islands. The loan was secured by the shares themselves and involved no personal risk to Olafsson. Sigurdur Einarsson, the former Head of the Board at Kaupthing, has said that no money was taken out of the Bank to finance the Sheik's purchase; but Morgunbladid did report in January that the Bank had been buying up its own shares in order to sell them to the Sheik. The investigators are looking into alleged market manipulation and legally punishable embezzlement in relation to the share purchase at the end of September 2008. The searches yesterday were synchronised and began with simultaneous searches of three premises at 10.00. In all, 20 people took part in the raids, mbl.is reports. The mussel cultivation company Nordurskel on Hrísey island (population ca. 200) in north Iceland has now launched full production after eight years of developmental work with its first products expected to arrive on the market soon. Nordurskel already employs five people and is planning to hire ten others in the coming days. Production will take place in Hrísey. The company estimates that around 100 tons of mussels will be produced this year. "The Icelandic mussel in my opinion is one of the best ones that I've seen in a long, long time. It's a very full meat and it's very tasty mussel, so I think there are lots of opportunities for the industry to grow," said chairman of the Canadian Aquaculture Association Cyr Couturier. "It's the greenest industry in terms of food production in the world, and there's no reason why Iceland shouldn't be a leader in mussel production," Couturier added. "You have [ï¿½] highly productive water and you just can't beat it." 29.05.2009. Iceland proposes to launch EU membership talks. Foreign Minister Össur Skarphédinsson submitted a parliamentary resolution on behalf of the cabinet to the Althingi parliament yesterday, proposing that Iceland launches membership negotiations with the European Union. Skarphédinsson declared the event as historical, Fréttabladid reports. The parliamentary resolution of the two largest opposition parties, the Independence Party and the Progressive Party, that the parliament's foreign affairs committee prepare membership negotiations with the EU, was also submitted yesterday. Skarphédinsson said that the opposition's resolution showed that it is possible to reach an agreement among MPs on applying for EU membership. The minister, who is member of the Social Democrats, discussed the main arguments for and against joining the EU and said he was certain that Iceland could agree on special solutions on the matters most important to Iceland, such as fisheries, while negotiating with the EU. However, Minister of Finance Steingrímur J. Sigfússon, who is also chairman of the Left-Greens, said he doubted that exceptions and special solutions could be achieved. He bases his view on Norway's experience. Sigfússon further stated that he believed the Icelandic nation would reject EU membership in a referendum. The MPs of the Independence and Progressive Parties criticized the cabinet's resolution. "It is an unusable piece of paper," declared Thorgerdur Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, vice-chair of the Independence Party, adding that Brussels would laugh at Iceland once the resolution has been translated to foreign languages. However, Gunnarsdóttir emphasized that she wants Iceland to apply for EU membership ï¿½ just according to the opposition's proposals. Chairman of the Progressive Party Sigmundur Davíd Gunnlaugsson claimed that if the cabinet's resolution is passed, Iceland will begin negotiations with the EU without self-respect and that it is unlikely that a favorable agreement will be reached that way. However, Thráinn Bertelsson, MP for the third opposition party, the Civic Movement, said his party celebrates the resolution because the parliament will have the authority to reach a conclusion on the nature of the membership negotiations and then the nation will decide whether or not to join the EU in a referendum. The main difference between the two resolutions lies in that the cabinet wants the parliament to decide whether membership discussions should be launched but the opposition wants the foreign affairs committee to prepare a potential application. The cabinet's resolution assumes that before membership discussions are launched, a wide-reaching consultation with parties of interest on the goals of the negotiations should take place. Furthermore, the resolution proposes that a professional negotiation committee be appointed by the cabinet and that another committee, established by Althingi, represent the parliament in its relations with the negotiation committee. The opposition's resolution assumes that the foreign affairs committee prepares a report on Iceland's most important interest and works on a framework to address these matters in a possible application. No to EU, the anarchists repeate. 03.206.2009. Towards "national reconciliation" on wage issues. Employment market demands reduction in policy rate. President of the Icelandic Confederation of Labor (ASÍ) Gylfi Arnbjörnsson and managing director of the Confederation of Icelandic Employers (SA) Vilhjálmur Egilsson were both quoted this morning saying that a lowering of the Central Bank's policy rate is essential for them to reach an agreement on wages. ASÍ and SA are currently in stabilization talks in an effort to reach a "national reconciliation" on wage issues. Representatives from these unions are in disagreement on when salary increases should take place and say it is impossible to reach a conclusion until the Central Bank lowers the policy rate. The next decision on that matter will be announced on Friday, Fréttabladid reports."If a substantial lowering of the policy rate does not take place there is no use talking about salary increases," Vilhjálmsson said. "It is clear that all attention is on the Central Bank at the moment," Arnbjörnsson told Morgunbladid. "We realize that it will be very difficult to reach an agreement with employers on wage issues." "It is clear that the position of employers is decided to a large extent by the policy rate development so it is of utmost importance to find a way out of these difficulties in the coming days," Arnbjörnsson added. Both Vilhjálmsson and Arnbjörnsson attended a meeting with representatives of the Icelandic cabinet and local authorities yesterday, during which the country's economic situation was reviewed. Vilhjálmsson told Fréttabladid that he had emphasized that the national deficit be reduced more rapidly at yesterday's meeting and suggested that financial budgets be made for three years at a time. He said that the participation of pension funds in the employment market had also been discussed. Arnbjörnsson told Morgunbladid that ASÍ is interested in continuing to work with the cabinet to find a joint vision for the future. However, the cabinet is not involved in finding a solution to the dispute with SA over salary issues. "It is naturally not the cabinet's responsibility to make a decision on the policy rate, others are responsible for that. But I believe that all conditions are in place to reach a conclusion on the matters between us and the cabinet," Arnbjörnsson said. Full employment now, the anarchists repeat. 04.06.2009. Central Bank of Iceland policy rate lowered. The Monetary Policy Committee has decided to lower the Central Bank of Iceland's policy rate by 100 basis points to 12.0 percent. Overnight lending rates will also be lowered by 100 basis points. Other Central Bank interest rates will remain unchanged. 08.06.2009. 08.06.2009. Hundreds protest Icesave deal in Iceland. As many as 900 people assembled on Austurvöllur parliamentary square in Reykjavík Monday to protest the agreement among the Icelandic central administration and the Dutch and British authorities on Iceland's obligation towards Landsbanki's Icesave depositors. The demonstration reminded many of the series of protests that took place after the economic collapse last fall. The demonstration began calmly at 3 pm, but then the number of protestors gradually increased and the demonstration grew louder, ruv.is reports. While the agreement was being discussed at Althingi, protestors banged pots and pans together, clapped their hands and rattled their key chains to make noise. Others were carrying signs. Some read "Iceslave" while others stated that the interest rates of the Icesave loans equal the annual export value of 200,000 tons of cod. Some demonstrators addressed President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, reminding him of his veto right: "Are you signing this, Ólafur?" their signs asked. The demonstration was mostly peaceful, but police arrested five protestors when they didn't comply with demands to stop banging on the walls and windows of the parliamentary building, mbl.is reports. Later in the evening, around 9 pm, a group of protestors barged into the building at Fríkirkjuvegur 11, which is owned by Novator, a company in the ownership of one of Iceland's tycoons, Björgólfur Thor Björgólfsson, Fréttabladid reports. According to police, the people entered the house through an unlocked door and didn't cause any damage to it. Most people had vacated the house one hour later. The agreement between the Icelandic central administration and the Dutch and British authorities on Iceland's obligations towards Landsbanki's Icesave depositors was also subject to heated debate inside Iceland's Althingi parliament Monday. Minister of Finance Steingrímur J. Sigfússon said the conclusion is acceptable considering that already in October an agreement had been made with the Netherlands which was much less favorable for Iceland, Fréttabladid reports. In fact, the negotiation had been about undoing mistakes that took place during the confusion surrounding the economic collapse in October last year, Sigfússon claimed. However, the opposition parties stated the agreement was a mistake. Chairman of the Progressive Party Sigmundur Davíd Gunnlaugsson called it "despicable gutlessness" not to take the Icesave dispute to court. Chairman of the Independence Party Bjarni Benediktsson criticized the cabinet for hiding behind the decisions made by their predecessors. Not just the opposition disapproves. Daniel Gros, the managing director of the Center for European Policy Studies in Brussels, told Morgunbladid that the interest rates are far too high. "I believe these interests create too much of a risk for Iceland and don't consider this a good agreement for the country. I don't think any other country in the world has as high foreign debts than Iceland after this," Gros commented. According to the agreement, the Iceland Compensation Scheme will pay approximately ISK 655 billion (USD 5.1 billion, EUR 3.7 billion) to the UK and the Netherlands over the next 15 years. The loan carries an interest rate of 5.5 percent and is interest-only for the first seven years, during which period only the assets of the old Landsbanki will be used to cover the debt. 09.06.2009. Prime Minister of Iceland Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir stated that the agreement between Iceland, the UK and the Netherlands on Iceland's obligations towards Landsbanki's Icesave depositors, assumes that it will be reviewed in case the state's debt capacity is questioned. 15.06.2009. Anti-terrorism restrictions on Icelandic bank lifted in the UK. The restrictions on Landsbanki in the UK, established through anti-terrorism legislation after the collapse of the Icelandic banking system in October 2008, will be lifted this week following the agreement on the bank's online unit Icesave. British and Dutch authorities agreed earlier this month to provide the Icelandic state with loans to honor its obligations towards the Icesave depositors in their countries. According to Fréttabladid, the British government has formally announced that the restrictions will be lifted following a decision made by the UK parliament to that end. The announcement was made even though Iceland's Althingi parliament has yet to accept the Icesave agreement. October 8, two days after emergency legislation was established in Iceland to prevent the savings of Icelandic depositors from being lost in the banking collapse, the British government invoked the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 to freeze the assets of Landsbanki in the UK. The implementation of the legislation, which has earlier been used against states like North Korea and organizations like al-Qaeda, was harshly criticized by the Icelandic cabinet, Icelandic citizens and also the UK parliament. 18.06.2009. Demolished house in protest at repossession. Frjalsi Investment Bank won a house in a forced auction last November in the Reykjavik suburb of Alftanes. However, the bank still has not taken possession of the house keys and the former owner unilaterally decided to demolish the house yesterday. According to Stod 2 News, the former owner recently received a final eviction notice and felt he had nothing to lose ï¿½ it made no difference to him if he went bankrupt owing 60 million kronur or 120 million. With this very public act of disobedience he apparently hoped to draw attention to the terrible situation many in financial difficulties find themselves in these days. Bjarni S. Einarsson, a planning and building representative of the local municipality, told mbl.is that a licence is needed to demolish a house and that none had been sought in this instance. He apparently noticed the demolition when out walking in the area. "I saw what was going on and called the police and house owners," Einarsson said. "I'm totally speechless," he added. Frjalsi representatives say the house is almost totally destroyed, with just the garage remaining intact. A professional demolition company has already been engaged to clear the land and make it safe again. 23.06.2009. Icelandic Forestry Association to create 1,000 jobs.Up to 1,000 people will have employment this summer in relation to re-vegetation of so-called green areas that belong to forestry associations across the country. The project is the initiative of the Icelandic Forestry Association and will be undertaken in cooperation with the Directorate of Labor, the central administration and the municipalites. Stability pact to be signed in Iceland today? Representatives of the central administration and the employment market discussed a joint resolution on employment and economic matters, dubbed the national reconciliation, until late last night. 24.06.2009. Uncertainty surrounds Iceland's stability pact. The stability pact between Iceland's cabinet and representatives of the employment market is still being discussed, although it was hoped that it could be signed yesterday. Eiríkur Jónsson, chairman of the Icelandic Teachers' Union, said there is still a long way to go. "It is my estimation that everything is still uncertain and that it is very unlikely that an agreement will be reached shortly," Jónsson told ruv.is. "There are still a number of matters that need to be clarified before the deal can be sealed." "As far as I'm concerned, it's absolutely out of the question to obligate ourselves to some future plan where we're forced into brutal cutbacks in the welfare system in the coming years. People also have to look at the income side of things," Jónsson added. Representatives of wage earners, employers, pension funds and municipalities, along with representatives of the central administration, discussed the stability pact in Karphúsid, until late into yesterday evening. 26. 06.2009. Stability Pact and national reconciliation achieved. An agreement has now been concluded on a Stability Pact which forms a cornerstone in the cabinet's plans for economic reconstruction. Leaders of central and local administration, employers' and employees' associations, the Icelandic Confederation of Labor (ASÍ) and the Confederation of Icelandic Employers (SA), signed the agreement in the Cultural House today. The Stability Pact covers many of the principal factors concerning which uncertainty has been high in recent months and will serve as one of the main pillars to support further rebuilding of the economy. The aim of the Stability Pact is to promote economic recovery. Upon commencing the negotiations, the contracting parties agreed on specific benchmarks: by the end of 2010 inflation will not be higher than 2.5%, the deficit in public finances will not exceed 10.5% of GDP, the exchange rate will have stabilised and the ISK strengthened to move closer to the real equilibrium exchange rate. The difference between domestic and Eurozone interest rates will be less than 4 percentage points. This will create the conditions for increased investment by both domestic and foreign parties, stronger growth, boosting employment and laying the foundation for improved living standards in the future. In tandem with the conclusion of this pact, the social partners have joined forces to remove labor market uncertainty, by concluding collective bargaining agreements valid until the end of November 2010, which emphasise improving the situation of lowest income groups. The highlights of the pact are as follows: . * Collective bargaining agreements in the private sector will be extended until the end of November 2010. Collective bargaining agreements will be concluded with public sector employees in a similar vein as soon as possible. * The planned fiscal measures action plan until 2013 was presented and a joint understanding reached on its objectives for the period 2009-2011. * Tax increases will not comprise more than 45% of the extra amount needed to ensure a balanced state budget. * Major emphasis will be placed on ensuring improvement to the position of debtors and indebted households. The central administration will review and revise the remedies available and make proposals for improvements as necessary. * Measures to encourage increased employment place emphasis on facilitating major projects and enlisting the co-operation of pension funds in participating in financing projects. * Plans put forward with fixed dates for reconstruction of the banking system and the central administration's ownership policy; non-Icelandic parties will be able to acquire holdings in Icelandic financial undertakings, in part to facilitate access to credit. Restructuring of bank ownership to be completed by 1 November 2009. * Joint benchmarks set for recovery in business and industry and the involvement of public parties in industrial operations and ownership of commercial enterprises. * A fixed schedule for exchange rate measures, including providing a schedule by 1 August for the removal of currency controls. The objective is to ensure ISK stability. * Efforts will be made to remove restrictions on new investment by 1 November 2009. * The social partners have stated that interest rates must decrease and have reached the single-digit range by 1 November. * Joint actions in municipal affairs concerning co-operation in economic issues and harmonisation of information and actions in public administration. * A future vision for pension fund matters will be examined and all decisions on cutbacks to pension entitlement and financing postponed while this examination is underway. * Active co-operation on workplace surveillance and the introduction of workplace identification to ensure workers their full rights and combat illegal employment and abuse of unemployment benefits. * Implementation of the cabinet's statement of 17 February 2008 concerning the rights of workers to an Employment Retraining Fund, Illness and Education Funds and Adult Education. Approximately 150,000 wage earners stand behind the pact, the vast majority of workers; according to the Directorate of Labor, there is a total of 168,000 people on the employment market in Iceland, Fréttabladid and Morgunbladid report. The pact is in 14 parts and is valid until the end of 2010. Among other items, it assumes that the reorganization of the banking system be completed by November 1 this year, that currency restrictions be abolished and that the policy rate be lowered. According to the pact the lowest salaries will increase by a monthly sum of ISK 13,500 (USD 105, EUR 75), which was supposed to take effect on March 1 this year but postponed due to circumstances in society. It will now be introduced in stages and take full effect by November 1, ruv.is reports. Thórarinn V. Thórarinsson, who served as the managing director of the Employer Union when the national reconciliation was made in 1991 ï¿½ with which yesterday's stability pact has often been compared ï¿½ told Fréttabladid that he considers it strange that an agreement was made to increase salaries during such difficult times. Thórarinsson said he believes that the pay raises must have been the price that the cabinet had to pay in order to secure peace on the employment market. He added that the biggest risk regarding the stability pact is the position of the pension funds. According to the pact, matters concerning the pension funds will be reviewed."It will prove a difficult project to defend the position of the pension funds and the future of the system," Thórarinsson commented. However, Ari Skúlason, who served as the director of the economics division of ASÍ when the national reconciliation was reached in 1991, said he sees few danger signals in the stability pact, hoping that it is the first positive step out of many. Thorgerdur Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, vice-chair of the Independence Party, described the stability pact as an important milestone. "Such extensive tax increases are likely to slow down the economic stimulus," she commented. 27.06.2009. New protest at Austurvöllur. It is estamated that 300 people are gathered in Austurvöllur to protest the Icesave deal. The protests were organized by the Voices of the People (Raddir Fólksins). In a statement it says that in addition they are protesting the cabinet's indifference in matters concerning homes and businesses and demanded that they start trying the white collar criminals immediatly. Speakers are Helgi Áss Grétarsson, Lawyer, Guðmundur Magnússon, vice president of the Organizaton of the Disabled in Iceland, Ólafia Ragnarsdóttir, the honorable president of the Activistgroup of honourable disabled, Þórður B. Sigurðsson, President of the Organised interest group of the Homes. Chairman is as before Hörður Torfason. 02.07.2009. Icelandic businessmen's homes attacked. Reykjavik capital region police released a statement this morning confirming that red paint has been thrown over the homes of Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson and Hannes Smarason, the former heads of Landsbanki and FL Group, respectively. It is not yet known who carried out the attacks or their precise motivation. It is also not known exactly when the acts of vandalism took place. No messages were written with the paint; it was simply thrown at the walls. According to police, this is not the first time this has happened. The police currently have no leads, but say the issue is under investigation. The anarchists condemn the ochlarchy. 03.07.2009. Icelandic economic collapse exceeds Enron. Last fall's collapse of the Icelandic banking system is more substantial than both Enron and WorldCom, the US's largest bankruptcy cases, according to Helge Skogseth Berg, a Norwegian financial expert. He is now assisting corruption hunter Eva Joly, who was hired by the Icelandic cabinet to help with the investigation on the banking collapse. Mbl.is reports this. "The case is so massive that is impossible to tell for how long I will be assisting in the investigation," Skogseth Berg says. The default of the Icelandic banks is larger than Enron, which in 2001 was the largest bankruptcy case in the history of the United States. "It is also larger than the WorldCom case, which in 2002 became the largest bankruptcy in USA history. The investigation is therefore enormous and will require my presence in Iceland as an advisor." Skogseth Berg is presently in Iceland with Joly, who recently criticized the low budget and manpower the investigation team has been provided with. "I hear that soon, more prosecutors will be hired," he says. "In such a large investigation, it is best to operate a few independent teams because then, the entire investigation won't risk being held back due to any single case. The investigation would go further and the staff would also be put to better use." 18.07.2009. Icelandic Foreign ministry on European Union accession negotiations vote. The Parliament of Iceland voted today in favor of applying for membership of the European Union. This follows a resolution proposal submitted by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ossur Skarphedinsson, to Parliament on 28 May 2009, in which the Parliament mandates the Icelandic Cabinet to put forward an application. The resolution passed with 33 in favor, 28 against, and 2 abstentions. Parliamentarians from all five political parties voted in favor of the resolution. The opinion submitted with the resolution states that the Cabinet shall be guided by the majority opinion of the Foreign Affairs Committee on working methods and matters of important interests in its preparation and organization for future EU accession negotiations. "his is a historic day for Iceland," said Foreign Minister Skarphedinsson. "As a European nation already deeply integrated into European structures as a member of EFTA (1970) and of the EU´s internal market through the Agreement on the European Economic Area (1994), we now look forward to taking the next logical step, in close cooperation with our European partners." No to EU! the anarchists say. 20.07.2009. Moves on banks. Iceland has taken a step towards clearing up the mess left by its spectacular financial meltdown. The Reykjavik cabinet has unveiling a deal with creditors of its failed banks and a plan to provide capital for the new ones. The capitalisation ï¿½ through the issue of new bonds from the central administration ï¿½ is expected to total about 270 billion Icelandic crowns (1.5 billion euros). Iceland's main commercial banks ï¿½ Glitnir, Landsbanki and Kaupthing ï¿½ all collapsed in the space of a week last October, owing the equivalent of more than 40 billion euros to foreign lenders. Restructuring the banking sector and repaying creditors is seen as key to reviving Iceland's economy which is in deep recession. Reykjavik also wants to placate the International Monetary Fund and other foreign lenders that have pledged seven billion euros toward the volcanic island nation's economic recovery. The Icelandic parliament will soon vote on whether to reimburse Britain and the Netherlands for billions owed to savers with Icelandic accounts. 23.07.2009. Disputed application for EU-membership. Last week, after lengthy discussion, the Icelandic parliament voted to apply for EU membership. Today, their Foreign Minister was in Stockholm ï¿½ because the Swedes currently hold the rotating presidency of the EU ï¿½ to make their formal application. The next step will be for the EU to approve the application, and entry talks could start next spring. Then the ball will be passed over to the Icelandic people in the shape of a referendum. Whether or not the country will actually join the EU however, is far from being a foregone conclusion. Iceland is traditionally sceptical about joining the EU and some fear that EU fishing quotas could harm the Icelandic fishing industry. On the other hand, the Icelandic banking meltdown last year has resulted in some warmer feelings towards the EU. Either way, the earliest date that Iceland could realistically join the EU would be in 2013. No to EU! the anarchists repeat. Iceland formally said it would not accept a "rotten deal" for its fishing industry, a key sector of the island nation's troubled economy. "To be frank with you, if we would get a rotten deal on the fisheries, the Icelandic people would get quite angry," Foreign Minister Ossur Skarphedinsson said after presenting the EU application to his Swedish counterpart, Carl Bildt. "This is not only an issue of economics. It is also an emotional issue. It is also an issue that is related to sovereignty," said Skarphedinsson, a former fisherman. In 2007, fishing employed 4 percent of Iceland's work force, just over 7,000 people. But seafood accounted for almost half of Iceland's exports and 10 percent of its gross domestic product. EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn welcomed Iceland's application, citing its "long and deep democratic roots." The fishing issue is not Iceland's only hurdle, however. The Icelandic Parliament, which only narrowly approved the EU application, has yet to approve an international agreement to repay Dutch and British depositors who put money in the offshore division of failed Icelandic bank Landsbanki. If the assembly says 'no' to the deal it will complicate Iceland's membership talks with the EU. 29.07.2009. More members of parliament against Icesave deal. There is an increasing number of parliament members in Iceland deciding against the Icesave-agreement, according to the news source Bloomberg. 34 members are currently expected to vote against the proposition. Last month, a straw poll indicated that 33 members out of 63 would be against. In an interview with Bloomberg, Minister of Finance Steingrimur J. Sigufsson said that he is not panicking over the vote. According to Bloomberg , Iceland will likely not receive any loans from the International Monetary Fund or other Nordic nations until the Icesave deal is finished and mutual agreements have been made with Britain and the Netherlands. Sigfusson says it is not possible to tell when the talks in parliament will be finished and says the third round of talks will continue sometime next week. 04.08.2009. Eva Joly criticizes Europe over Iceland debt. The Norwegian-French judge Eva Joly is famous for her fraud investigation skills and has as mentioned been hired by Iceland to advise its bank crash investigators and help solve the mysteries surrounding the country's economic downfall. On Saturday she took a sidestep from her official role by writing an opinion piece for several major European newspapers lambasting Europe's treatment of Iceland over recent months. Joly has often proven herself unafraid to criticize the Icelandic cabinet and figures within the judiciary and investigation committee. It is, after all, her job to criticize and affect change for the benefit of everyone (except the guilty). In this instance the common good leads Joly to believe that Europe is approaching Iceland unfairly ï¿½ especially the Netherlands and the UK. By forcing Iceland to pay enormous compensation for the Icesave debacle, the countries are helping to reduce Iceland to poverty, increase migration and increase the likelihood that the country will fail, default and never pay back its debts. She also believes they are failing to take responsibility for their own mistakes in the fiasco. Under EU regulations, Landsbanki was entitled to set up its Icesave branches in the Netherlands and the UK and the respective governments could do nothing to stop them. It is also true that branches (as opposed to subsidiaries) remain under the supervision of regulators in their home country and not in the host country. Joly's point hinges on the part of the EU rule that states the host country should ensure that the branch is being regulated in its home country to the same high standards as the host country's own banks. According to Joly, had the UK and Dutch authorities stuck to this rule diligently, the Icelandic financial regulators would have had to regulate Landsbanki and Icesave much better, possibly avoiding the collapse altogether. "Could anyone realistically think that a handful of people in Reykjavik could effectively control the activities of a bank in the heart of The City?" Joly writes in the Telegraph. "European directives concerning financial conglomerates suggest that EU member states allowing foreign banking subsidiaries into their territories must ensure they are subject to the same control abroad as they would be domestically." "So, was there a failure on the part of the British authorities on this point, which would not be particularly surprising considering the "performance" of other English (sic) banks during the financial crisis? If so, Mr Brown's activism in relation to Iceland might be motivated by a wish to appear powerful in the eyes of his electorate." "Of course, the Icelandic institutions have much responsibility. But does that necessarily mean that the responsibility of the British authorities should be overlooked, dumping it all on the Icelandic people alone?" The original article of Joly can be seen here . 05.08.2009. UK Serious Fraud Office investigating Icelandic banks. Britain's Serious Fraud Office, the public body which investigates large scale financial cases, has been conducting its own investigation into the collapse of the Icelandic banks. Last weekend's leak of Kaupthing Bank's unusual loans portfolio has caused the SFO to ramp up its investigation in recent days, according to British newspaper The Telegraph . A special team within the SFO is investigating the leaked document containing details of huge unsecured loans to a tight-knit group of businesses. The document contains details of all Kaupthing loans over EUR 45 million. There were 205 in total. The SFO has also been receiving information from former UK branch staff members, investors and customers. The SFO is said to be searching for more individuals who have links with the bank to come forward. The loans document from Kaupthing shows that the large majority of the loans went to Kaupthing's owners and related parties. Many of the loans have little or no security. In addition to this, many customers took loans from the bank to buy shares in the bank, using nothing but the shares themselves as collateral for the loans. Although no official investigation is underway, the SFO has been looking into Kaupthing, Landsbanki and Glitnir for many months, at least since the collapse last October. Olafur Thor Hauksson, Iceland's special prosecutor in the official banking investigation, said in an interview with mbl.is that the SFO has made no formal contact with his team and has not requested any documentation from it. He said his team of investigators first heard about the SFO investigation through the media like everyone else. 13.08.2009. Icelandic businessmen's homes attacked with paint. Red paint was last night splattered on the houses of Hreidar Mar Sigurdsson, former head of Kaupthing Bank and Karl Wernersson, Head of the Board at Milestone, mbl.is reports. It is not know what sort of paint was used, but it appears to have been gloss paint. This is the second time that Sigurdsson's house has been attacked with paint at night time recently. The former ï¿½Outvasion Viking's' house has been a regular target for angry vandals in recent weeks. The anarchists condemn the vandalism. Iceland and UK announce crisis investigation co-operation. "We will swap information with the British and I hope we can get an investigator from the UK to come over here," Eva Joly, advisor to Iceland's Special Prosecutor, said. Joly confirmed to Morgunbladid yesterday that her team will begin formal co-operation with the UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO). SFO experts sent Joly a letter recently following the leak of Kaupthing confidential loan records to the press suggesting co-operation. Olafur Thor Hauksson, Special Prosecutor, said that it was decided to accept the offer of formal co-operation during one of his regular meetings with Eva Joly yesterday. Co-operation with other Nordic countries is also under discussion, with Joly especially interested in working with her fatherland, Norway. It is hoped a Norwegian representative will meet with Hauksson in Iceland about the future of both countries' investigations. Joly has a meeting scheduled with Richard Alderman, head of the SFO, on 11th September. Eva Joly said it is normal that the assets of suspects haven't been frozen yet. The public must be patient while their cases are investigated. "One cannot start with freezing people's assets, first criminal behavior must be proven," Joly told Fréttabladid , explaining that it's extremely complicated to decide whether and when assets of suspects should be frozen. When three new prosecutors will start working for the office of the special prosecutor they will, among other projects, track down funds that have been brought out of the country with assistance from foreign specialists. Financial Times defends Iceland in Icesave case. British and Dutch authorities were urged to take on an increased part of the burden that comes with compensating Landsbanki's Icesave depositors in an editorial in The Financial Times yesterday ï¿½ otherwise Iceland's economy might come to a long-term standstill. Click here to read the article in full. 14.08.2009. Iceland PM defends parliament's Icesave misgivings. Icelandic Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir took the unusual step of writing an opinion piece for the Financial Times which went on the paper's website yesterday evening. In her article "Icelanders are angry but will make sacrifices", the PM lays out her version of why the Icesave deal is potentially unfair on Icelanders. "Icelanders, who do not feel responsible for the global banking crisis, are willing to make sacrifices to secure normal relations and trade with the world. But they are angry at having to take on the burden of compensation for the Icesave savings accounts of Landsbanki ï¿½ a failed, privately owned, commercial bank, which attracted hundreds of thousands of UK and Dutch savers with high interest rates. The amount to be shouldered by Iceland is huge ï¿½ about 50 per cent of our gross domestic product. Assets against this debt will substantially lower the net amount, but there is much uncertainty about the valuations and forecasts underpinning such calculations." Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir reiterates her cabinet's desire to pass the contract and normalize international relations, but to also not be left with an unrealistic or unfair debt burden. The article is available in full on ft.com, but only to registered users. It is, however, free to register. Thousands protest Icesave deal at Iceland's Parliament. An estimated number of 3,000 people gathered in front of the Althingi parliament at Austurvöllur square in central Reykjavík yesterday to protest the Icesave agreement in its current form, urging MPs not to approve it. The demonstration was organized by the Indefence group, which earlier ran the campaign "Icelanders are not terrorists," in response to the UK government's use of the anti-terrorism legislation to freeze Icelandic assets in the UK."We are satisfied with the meeting. It is important that the nation stands together," Ólafur Elíasson, one of Indefence's spokespersons, told Fréttabladid. The group described yesterday's event as a meeting for people to show solidarity. The Indefence group is now preparing to bring its cause to the attention of foreign media. "We were half promised that if the meeting would be big then we would get to write and translate articles for foreign newspapers," Elíasson said. Some MPs and other well-known people attended the demonstration yesterday, among them former Prime Minister and Central Bank governor Davíd Oddsson. According to Fréttabladid's sources, a cross-political agreement on the cabinet's Icesave proposition is unlikely after the parliament's Economic and Tax Committee's meeting ended in disagreement last night. The proposition includes central administration guarantee on loans from the UK and the Netherlands to the Icelandic Depositors' and Investors' Guarantee Fund so that Iceland can compensate Landsbanki's Icesave account holders in these countries. The committee assembled five times yesterday and Minister of Finance Steingrímur J. Sigfússon joined its members in a meeting after midnight last night, Morgunbladid reports. The opposition parties want to include a disclaimer in the agreement that no payments are made to the UK and the Netherlands if there is no economic growth in Iceland. They also want to limit annual payments to 2.2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), while the cabinet parties have suggested 3.5 percent. Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir said yesterday that she hoped a solution could be reached on disclaimers that could fit within the current Icesave agreement, while, according to Fréttabladid, the opposition wants a new agreement altogether. Financial Crisis. Icelanders protest bank repayment scheme. Hundreds of Icelanders descended on parliament in Reykjavik, to protest plans to repay funds lost by Britain and the Netherlands when Iceland's banks collapsed last year. The plan, called Icesave after a failed internet banking operation, would reimburse Britain and the Netherlands after they compensated savers who lost their money. But the protesters believe the plan is unfair. "This is not the nation's problem, but the fault of a private bank," said author Einar Gudmansson. "We believe the cabinet wants to remove the problem from the bank and shift it onto us and our children. We can't accept that." Icesave was an on-line bank owned by the now-failed Landsbanki group. About 300,000 Britons and others in the Netherlands had money in its accounts. The bill now in parliament could leave Icelandic taxpayers footing much of the repayment cost and is widely unpopular with both politicians and the public. 20.08.2009. Már Guðmundsson takes over as Governor of the Central Bank of Iceland. Már Guðmundsson took over from Svein Harald Øygard as Governor of the Central Bank today. Since 2004, Már has served as Deputy Head of the Monetary and Economic Department of the Bank for International Settlements in Basel, Switzerland. Prior to that, he was employed by the Central Bank of Iceland for nearly two decades, including ten years as Chief Economist. The Prime Minister appointed Már Guðmundsson to the position of Governor of the Central Bank for a term of five years, effective August 20, 2009, and Arnór Sighvatsson to the position of Deputy Governor of the Central Bank for a term of four years, effective July 1, 2009, pursuant to Article 23, Paragraph 1 of the Act on the Central Bank of Iceland. The appointments were made following advertisements and a pre-selection process. Már says that he will spend his first days carefully reviewing the work carried out by the Central Bank in recent months. He notes that the staff and senior management of the Bank have worked very hard under extraordinarily difficult circumstances and that this work will continue. He will also focus his efforts on the future of the financial system and the role of the Central Bank of Iceland. 21.08.2009 Icelandic Parliament votes over changes to the Icesave deal. 49 MPs said yes to the changed version of the Icesave deal, passing it through Parliament at around 23.00. This disputed matter has shaken the nation over the last months due to the financial hold it would have on the country. The changes made to the original deal gained the support of 49 of 63 MPs and was passed after the second round of discussions last night. The yes votes came from the Left-Green Movement, the Social Democratic Alliance and the Independence Party. There was a split within the Citizens' Movement and all of the Progressive Party voted against the deal. Some sources say a majority of MPs realized during the second round of discussion that further changes need to be made to the bill. The changes already made were passed, but the bill was sent back to the Economic committee of Alþingi for further changes before the third and final round of discussions. 24.08.2009. Activists in Iceland damage assets of tycoons. A Hummer jeep belonging to Icelandic billionaire Björgólfur Thor Björgólfsson was spray-painted red while it was parked outside Reykjavík University on Saturday night. The same group of activists also claimed responsibility for spraying red paint on the house of former Kaupthing chairman Sigurdur Einarsson. The homes of many prominent Icelandic businessmen have been damaged with paint in the past months, Fréttabladid reports. These include former Glitnir CEO Bjarni Ármansson, director of Íslandsbanki (formerly Glitnir) Birna Einarsdóttir, former CEO of Kaupthing Hreidar Már Sigurdsson, former CEO of FL Group Hannes Smárason, former Landsbanki chairman and majority owner Björgólfur Gudmundsson and one of two owners of Milestone Steingrímur Wernersson. Also, a Range Rover jeep belonging to Stefán Hilmarsson, the former chief financial officer of Baugur Group, was set on fire recently. The homes of people whose work is related to the energy sector have also been damaged, including the homes of outgoing CEO of Landsvirkjun (the national power company), Fridrik Sophusson, CEO of Alcan in Iceland Rannveig Rist and CEO of Reykjavík Energy Hjörleifur Kvaran. These cases have not been solved and it is uncertain whether the same group of activists was involved in all of them. The anarchists condemn the vandalism and suspect marxist leftwing extremist ochlarchs are behind the attacks. 25.08.2009. Icesave discussed in Iceland's Budget Committee. The representatives of all parties in the Althingi parliament's Budget Committee (previously referred to as the Economic and Tax Committee), apart from the Progressive Party, worked on securing the proposed amendments to the cabinets's Icesave bill. According to Morgunbladid's sources, it was emphasized that the Icelandic central administration's guarantee on the loans granted by the UK and the Netherlands to the Icelandic Depositors' and Investors' Guarantee Fund would be dropped in 2024, regardless of whether the loans had been repaid or not. The Icesave agreement, signed by Icelandic cabinet and British and Dutch authorities in June, states that the Icelandic Depositors' and Investors' Guarantee Fund will not start repaying the loans until 2016. The Budget Committee also discussed how it could be implemented that the central administration's guarantee would only be valid if British and Dutch authorities agreed to the disclaimers introduced by the Icelandic parliament. The committee referred to this item as the "InDefence-disclaimer" after the InDefence campaign group, which has presented ideas in relation to the Icesave case. According to Morgunbladid's sources, the representatives of the coalition parties, the Social Democrats and the Left-Greens, on the committee emphasized that the Independence Party was on board so that as wide a reconciliation as possible be achieved. The members of the Budget Committee have asked to be informed on all interactions between the Icelandic ministries and British and Dutch representatives in relation to its work. Assistant to Minister of Finance Indridi H. Thorláksson said the diplomatic relations with the UK and the Netherlands are professional and taking a natural course. They have been informed of the disclaimers that the Budget Committee has made to the Icesave agreement. However, neither British nor Dutch authorities wish to comment on the case or express their views on the disclaimers until Althingi has reached its final conclusion on the matter. 26.08.2009. Icelandic central administration to sue "outvasion vikings". The cabinet of Iceland agreed yesterday to start preparing a lawsuit against and demand compensation from individuals, associations and companies which caused financial damage to the Icelandic central administration and the Icelandic public in the events leading up to the banking collapse. Minister of Finance Steingrímur J. Sigfússon told visir.is.: "I trust that whatever comes out of this, people's sense of justice will be satisfied in that this possibility is being examined." It is too early to mention names of individuals or companies that might be looking at a lawsuit from the central administration. The cabinet decided to appoint a team of independent lawyers to prepare the lawsuits. A statement from the Ministry of Finance describes that demand for evidence in compensation cases are different from criminal cases. If evidence show illegal or careless demeanor that has caused damage to the central administration or the public, it is possible to demand compensation without deciding whether it is right to punish the individual or company in question. Meanwhile the head of Europol's economic crime department has a meeting scheduled with Iceland's special prosecutor, who is responsible for investigating the banking collapse, today. They will discuss potential cooperation on the investigation. ASI calls for action against debt problems. The problems of the homes are growing by fast paces every day. The position of those who are in payment problems is continuously growing and increasing in numbers of those who can not stand up to their financial commitments. This will only get worse in the following months if nothing is done, especially in the light of that at the same time as the debts are growing has the purchasing power decreased. For the past months has this calling problem which is turning against the common wageworkers in Iceland had very little attention by the cabinet. That is absolutely unacceptable. It is clear that the actions that have already been made by the cabinet and financial institutions are not in any way enough to come up against the problem facing us. The Iceandic Federation of Labor (ASI) has repeatedly pointed out that the actions are too slow, unsystematic and returned very limited results. ASI has demanded that this is improved. The cabinet has to react immediately and bring realistic and operative actions to lighten the debt and payment burden of the homes before people lose all hope of making a decent living in the coming years. The Icelandic Federation of Labor (ASI) puts great emphasis on that all ways to solve the financial problems of the homes is to be looked at and declares itself ready to participate in the work around that. 27.08.2009. Protesters gather in front of Parliament today against Icesave deal. Drumming and whistling could be heard from the protesters inside the Parliament. This noise and commotion going on is in result of a controversial Icesave deal. The third and final round of talks concerning the Icesave deal is being discussed in Parliament during the protests. According to Visir, roughly 300 people attended the protests outside Austurvollur (East Square) in front of the Parliament today. The people were beating drums and holding up signs and flags of many sort. "The idea is that those who show up and protest this Icesave deal could wind up saving themselves one to two million kronur," Frosti Sigurjonsson says, who is the managing director of the Dohop Flight Search System. A group of people broke away from the crowd of protesters this afternoon and tried to break into the Parliament building. Two police officers stopped the small group from entering. 28.08.2009. Iceland to vote on repayment bill. Events in Iceland's parliament will be closely followed in the UK and the Netherlands today. Why? Because deputies are expected to back plans to repay the two countries billions lost in Icelandic deposit accounts last year. The bill has divided the small North Atlantic island. But its approval is seen as key if crisis-hit Iceland hopes to receive further aid from the IMF. Dutch and British savers who placed money in "Icesave" lost billions. The high-interest online accounts were run by Landsbanki, a leading commercial Icelandic bank, taken over by the central administration as it collapsed. UK and Dutch authorities eventually covered money lost in the accounts but have demanded repayment, which has stoked protests in Iceland. Already hit hard by the global economic downturn, many Icelanders say they are now being punished for mistakes they did not make. Iceland's parliament passes Icesave bill. Today, following 10 weeks of debate, the Icelandic parliament, Althingi, passed legislation authorizing a central administration guarantee for the loans granted by the governments of the UK and the Netherlands to the Depositors' and Investors' Guarantee Fund of Iceland. The legislation was passed with 34 votes of 63. Fourteen voted against it, 14 abstained and one MP was absent. According to the legislation, the central administration guarantee will be subject to certain criteria and preconditions. These are aimed at ensuring debt sustainability and allowing Iceland to restore its financial system and its economy while at the same time honoring Iceland's international obligations, according to the Icelandic cabinet. Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir welcomed the Althingi's decision: "This is one of the largest financial and economic issues ever faced by Iceland and it has greatly preoccupied the Althingi and the people since the collapse of the banking system last autumn." The guarantee of the combined loans from the UK and the Netherlands constitutes the single largest financial commitment ever undertaken by the central administration of Iceland. The PM declared: "Therefore, as I am sure that every parliamentarian will appreciate, the Icelandic parliament has a solemn duty to ensure an economically sustainable future for the country." " This has been its goal. Its conclusion of the matter aims towards securing the recovery of Iceland's financial system and economy. This is for the mutual benefit of both lender and borrower." The PM also praised the tireless efforts by parliamentarians in the Althingi to reach as broad a consensus as possible and stressed the importance of political unity in difficult times. Following the outcome of the parliamentary process, the cabinet of Iceland will now consult with the governments of the UK and the Netherlands. Prime Minister Sigurdardóttir expressed that her cabinet was hopeful that the Icesave issue would now be concluded in a mutually satisfactory manner. 31.08.2009. Business Minister: Outlook for Iceland better than expected. Minister for Business Affairs Gylfi Magnússon stated in an interview today that the economic outlook for Iceland is better than expected and that there might not even be a recession in gross domestic product (GDP) in Iceland next year. "The good news is that the outlook is slightly better than predicted and of course much better than assumed by the most pessimistic forecasts," Magnússon told Fréttabladid . When asked how this development can be explained, the minister replied: "Many factors are better than predicted: There is naturally considerable recession in private consumption but not more than what forecasts had assumed. The level of investing is slightly higher than expected and export has been more successful than predicted." Magnússon added that it now looks as if the recession in GDP this year will be seven percent, while earlier forecasts, undertaken by the Icelandic Ministry of Finance and the International Monetary Fund, among other institutions, had expected a recession between nine and 11 percent. "It is very pleasing news," the minister said, pointing out that recession in GDP in the Eurozone will be around four percent this year. "Although the recession is higher here than there the difference is perhaps not as extreme as people had feared." More uncertainty surrounds the economic outlook for 2010, but Magnússon is hopeful that there will not be any recession in GDP next year. "Then there has to be growth elsewhere," the minister explained. "People are especially looking towards investments in the private sector but increased growth in export is also a possibility." Magnússon also expects increased demand for domestic products and services among Icelanders, reasoning that if the exchange rate of the króna will remain low, Icelanders will automatically prefer Icelandic products over imported ones. The minister stated that it is assumed economic growth will become measurable in 2011 and 2012, regardless of how high or low it may be. 02.09.2009. Icelandic president signs Icesave deal. Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, the President of Iceland, today signed the Icesave deal which parliament passed last week accepting responsibility for paying British and Dutch customers of the failed Icesave internet bank. The President said he signed the bill because of parliament's changes and conditions designed to lessen the impact on the nation and allow the beginning of economic recovery. The President said that as the bill was amended and submitted jointly by four political parties and then passed by parliament after its three official readings, it is fair to say a national political consensus has been reached. He recognized, however, the controversy still surrounding the issue, including the large public petition urging the President to send the law to a referendum; but said that a speedy solution and a concentration on the future is important in reviving Iceland's labor market and financial system. The final stage is for the British and Dutch authorities to accept Iceland's terms and conditions on its repayment. There have been positive intonations from all sides, but nothing can be known until the two foreign governments formally sit down and study Iceland's proposal. 05.09.2009. Investors from the Anarchy of Norway will invest in the Anarchy of Iceland. A group of Norwegian investors, led by Endre Røsjø, want to put ISK 20 billion in long-term investments into the Icelandic economy. According to MBL.is, Røsjø has already met with representatives of Icelandic pension funds with a view to setting up a special investment fund to be run co-operatively between the pension funds and the Norwegian team. The idea is that the pension funds will also invest ISK 20 billion. Røsjø told MBL that he was invited to Iceland in April by Svein Harald Oygard, the then acting head of the Central Bank of Iceland and a fellow Norwegian. 13.09.2009. Eva Joly compares Iceland crisis to the Ponzi scheme in the US. "The Dutch and the British government should look closer when blaming Iceland for the downfall of their banks" said Eva Joly chief investigator concerning the fall of the banks in an interview with the Times. The Icelandic financial crisis is comparable to the Bernard Madoff's Ponzi scheme in the US, there regulators ignored a series of red flags and did not act. The same goes with regulators in Holland and England, there were alarms being flagged but local regulators did not act. The Icelandic federal bank said back in 2007 that they were too small to back-up Banks like Kaupthing and Landsbanki. Financial services authority, which had an obligation to monitor the Icelandic banks operating in Britain, has to take a share of the blame and the same goes for regulators in the Netherlands, they should have acted. Read the whole interview here . 16.09.2009. More Icelanders than ever against EU membership. Never since the Federation of Icelandic Industries (SI) began surveying the attitude of Icelanders towards the European Union in 2000 have more respondents declared that they are against membership for Iceland. The latest poll undertaken by Capacent on behalf of SI reveals that 50 percent of respondents oppose EU membership, 33 percent approve of it and 17 percent are neither for nor against. Last year, nearly 50 percent of respondents wanted Iceland to join the EU, Morgunbladid reports. Political scientist Baldur Thórhallsson believes that this conclusion can be explained with the behavior of Iceland's allied nations, for example in regard to the Icesave case."None of our closest allies were on our side; they all sided with Dutch and British authorities. Overall, I think this may have caused the nation lose faith in international cooperation." Capacent also asked how respondents would vote if EU membership was up in a referendum today: 61.5 percent said they would probably or definitely vote against membership and 38.5 percent said they would probably or definitely vote in favor of it. 20.09.2009. Norwegian investment in Iceland's MP Bank. The Norwegian investor Endre Røsjø and Iceland's MP Bank have reached a deal under which Røsjø will take a significant share in the bank at the upcoming shareholders' meeting next month and will take an active role in the future development of the bank. As previously reported Røsjø recently decided to invest in Iceland to help strengthen and develop the country's damaged economy. MP Bank is the largest independent bank left in Iceland and only applied for and received its commercial banking licence after the economic crisis began. The bank has since opened a branch and has begun providing commercial banking services to the public. MP Bank puts its success down to sensible, low-debt investment and a steady long-term approach to business. MP Bank president Gunnar Karl Gudmundsson told MBL.is he is extremely pleased with Røsjø's interest in the bank. Røsjø said that MP Bank's business style closely matches his own, "I will be very satisfied if this first investment in Iceland can go some way to increasing trust in the Icelandic banking sector," he said. 22.09.2009. A third willing to start a payment strike. Close to 90 percent of the nation would be ready to participate in putting pressure on the central administration for actions for the homes according to the new Capacent gallup survey. However only a third would be willing to participate in group actions and take a temporary payment strike and not pay their loans for some days. Capacent gallup made a public survey for the interest organization of the homes late in August and in the beginning of September, but the results were published yesterday. According to them roughly 37 percent of those who answered say that they can just barely get ends to meet, roughly 5 percent say that they are just collecting debts and roughly two percent are bankrupt or almost bankrupt. So it might not come as a surprise that roughly 87 percent of those who answered are ready to participate in putting a pressure on the central administration for action for the homes. That does not include group lawsuit because the minority - or close to 37 percent - would be willing to participate in actions like that. Then the vast majority - 75-80 percent - is supporting the ideas about lifting the indexation and the same can be said about the general reduction of the capital amount of the indexed and currency insured loans. Despite the difficult time said 90 percent that they think it is unlikely that they will move out of Iceland any time soon. Propaganda website for Icelandic EU-membership. The Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs has opened a new yes-propaganda website for Iceland's European Union membership application. The site allows visitors to follow the application process, see the list of questions the Icelandic cabinet has been asked to answer in a long questionnaire and to see details of negotiations. The new information website on Iceland's EU application will probably not be a reliable source of information, but be similar to the Norwegian Ministry for Foreign Affairs' yes-propaganda in 1994. The new website can be viewed here (in Icelandic). Say NO to EU. 28.09.2009. British and Dutch stance on Icesave hardening. The British, Dutch and Icelandic foreign ministers met late last week in New York as a side meeting to the United Nations summit happening at the same time. The issue under discussion was Icesave, with the Dutch and British ministers apparently insistent that the entire loan be paid by Iceland, even if it drags on after 2024. Icelandic Foreign Minister Össur Skarphédinsson told RUV that although the British and Dutch position on Iceland's proposed repayment conditions is not yet the formal position of their governments, the conversation at the meeting was nevertheless heated. He said he laid out Iceland's position and opinions very clearly for the two ministers, but that they did not change their points-of-view. They both maintain that there must be a clear assurance that the full balance of the loan will be paid off, even after 2024. Final attempts to create a united position between the three nations will be made over the coming days. It is obvious that the British and Dutch will not accept the Icelandic conditions as they stand, Skarphédinsson said. Payment strike? Social Affairs Minister presents solutions for debtors. Minister of Social Affairs Árni Páll Árnason presented ideas on debt relief for homeowners at the Interest Group of Households yesterday, which involve that the capital of mortgages remains indexed, but down payments will be connected to the wage index. "This appears to be a step in the right direction but I suspect that a lot more needs to be done," board member of the interest group Fridrik Ó. Fridriksson told Fréttabladid , adding that it is too early to comment on the ideas in further detail. The interest group is planning a payment strike as of October 1 if the central administration doesn't take proper action to ease the debt burden of households. Other ideas presented by Árnason include that debt load be moved back to its status of May 2008 to secure lower down payments, which could happen as early as November 1. US economist Joseph Stiglitz mentioned wage indexation of down payments as a solution for indebted households during his recent visit to Iceland. However, Jón Bjarki Bentsson, an Icelandic economist, has mentioned various disadvantages that might come with this method, pointing out that the wage index has increased by 29 percent in excess of the consumer price index since 1991. 02.10.2009. Minister of Finance Steingrímur J. Sigfússon presented the cabinet's budget bill for 2010 at a press conference yesterday, commenting that it was the most difficult budget an Icelandic finance minister has ever submitted. The total deficit of the central administration's treasury is estimated to be ISK 87.4 billion (USD 694 million, EUR 437 million) next year. This year it will by ISK 182 billion (USD 1.5 billion, EUR 910 million), Morgunbladid reports. The total expenses of the central administration in 2010 will be ISK 546 billion (USD 4.3 billion, EUR 2.7 billion), compared to ISK 589 billion (USD 4.7 billion, EUR 3 billion) this year. Helgi Magnússon, chairman of the Federation of Icelandic Industries, said the cabinet was "shooting itself in the foot" by taxing the export industries, adding that households will also suffer from higher energy tariffs. The anarchists say: "With about 10% unemployment the budget is clearly too little expansive. A larger budget and deficit, financed by quantitative easing, is optimal. Full employment now!" 13.10.2009. Registered unemployment in Iceland in September amounted to 7.2 percent of the workforce, or an average of 12,242 people over the month. This represents a 9.3 percent (1,242 people ) drop since August. At the same time in 2008, unemployment was at 1.3 percent, or 2,229 people. Unemployment is worst in the Sudurnes region (12.1 percent) and least in the West Fjords and the Northwest (1.8 percent). The rate dropped month-on-month by 11 percent in Reykjavik and 4.3 percent elsewhere. The rate of unemplyment went down by 6.6 percent among men and by 13 percent for women ï¿½ meaning a total of 7.6 percent unemployment for men and 6.7 percent for women. The unemployment problem is worst among the 16-24 age group and currently measures 18 percent. Despite this encouraging drop in unemployment, the Directorate of Labour predicts a slight increase during October. 18.10.2009. Iceland says has new Icesave deal with UK, Holland. Iceland said on Sunday it had agreed to a new deal to repay Britain and the Netherlands billions of dollars of deposits lost when the island's banks collapsed in 2008, paving the way for new aid from international lenders. Iceland passed a law in August to repay money lost in high-interest "Icesave" accounts, but Britain and the Netherlands balked at the terms, holding up aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other lenders for the island's stricken economy. Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir said the new deal would have a number of positive effects, including helping Iceland remove currency restrictions -- put in place at the height of the crisis -- and to ease interest rates. It should also get international financial aid flowing again. "I predict the IMF review will take place by the end of the month," Sigurdardóttir said at a press conference. When the bill is passed, Iceland, Britain and the Netherlands will issue a statement about the deal that will also include British and Dutch backing for the IMF review, the cabinet said. The deal has been accepted by Iceland's cabinet and the two parties in the coalition, and the cabinet said the new bill would go before parliament on Oct. 19. As mentioned Iceland's banks collapsed in late 2008 at the height of the credit crunch and its economy has imploded, leaving it dependent on a $10 billion aid package headed by the IMF. After initial payments, money has been held up by squabbles over the Icesave issue. Britain and the Netherlands objected to terms in the original law that meant the Icelandic cabinet's repayment guarantee ran out in 2024. Under the new terms, should the money not be repaid by that date, the repayment period will be extended in five-year blocks. Britain and the Netherlands have agreed that Iceland can seek a court ruling as to whether its Depositors' and Investors' Guarantee Fund has first claim on whatever is recovered from collapsed bank Landsbanki, whose depositors in Britain and the Netherlands had to be bailed out by the two states. 09.11.2009. Unemployment protested in Iceland's Sudurnes. Approximately 300 people participated in a protest march from Reykjanesbaer to Kúagerdi in the Sudurnes region in southwest Iceland yesterday to raise awareness of the unemployment situation in the region and call for action. At the end of last month, 1,600 people were registered as unemployed in Sudurnes. "The cabinet must take the situation and the expectations of people in this area under consideration," the march's organizer Einar Bárdarson told Morgunbladid. At the end of the march, delegates of all political parties who have MPs in parliament received a challenge to further employment development on the Reykjanes peninsula. "People don't have to look any further than to the so-called stability pact and the cabinet's platform. It says black on white what should be done," Bárdarson stated, referring to several projects waiting to be undertaken on Reykjanes. These include the aluminum smelter and silicon factory in Helguvík, a data center in Ásbrú, further development of the university center at the old naval air station in Keflavík, and increased operations at Keflavík International Airport, among other projects. The anarchists support the protest... Full employment now! 14.11.2009. Brainstorm. A group of 1,200 Icelanders considered statistically representative of the population are being brought together today for the first time in an attempt to "harvest the wisdom of the crowd". The group of people aged 18 and over were picked randomly from the national registry to be invited to attend the event at Reykjavik's Laugardalsholl arena, along with 300 representatives of organizations and institutions. They will be asked to name the values Icelandic society should be based upon, as well as their vision for Iceland's future and possible ways of action to rebuild the country's economy and society. The results will be freely available to anyone who wants to take part in the rebuilding effort. The event is a privately-organized grassroots event, although a week ago the cabinet decided to invest ISK 7 million in the project. Other funding comes from businesses and individuals. Similar groups are regularly sampled for polls and surveys; but never before have they been brought together in person in this way. Organizers, many of whom have strong political and business links, plan to work with all present to formulate a 52-week national recovery plan with a tangible goal for the nation to achieve every week. The motto of the National Meeting organized by a group calling itself The Anthill is, "a date with the future". 16.11.2009. Integrity named Iceland's most important value. Integrity is the value which the estimated 1,400 attendees of Iceland's first National Assembly, held in Laugardalshöll sports arena in Reykjavík on Saturday, mentioned most often as society's most important value. Equality, respect and justice were also mentioned often, followed by love, responsibility, freedom, sustainability and democracy. The family and trust were also given high priority, as stated on the National Assembly's website . One of the assembly's organizers, Lárus Ýmir Óskarsson, told Morgunbladid that the purpose of the event had been to encourage the nation to discuss the basic values of society and their visions for the future. "It was a great experience and I'm proud that I was invited to participate," said attendee Erna Arnarsdóttir. "It was fun to meet people from different backgrounds and discover that we have so much in common." "We all want to reconstruct our country and create a bright future for our children," she added. "I just hope that the results will be worked on. I firmly believe that they will have a positive impact on society." "It was a good and necessary meeting," commented attendee Matthías Björnsson. "So many things are happening in society. Now the most important thing is to construct a just society." Björnsson found it important that the nation came together to discuss ethics because immorality has been accepted in the past years. "But I wish we had discussed the nation's independence more," he added. The anarchists repeat: No to EU! Attendees, most of whom had been invited according to a random selection, were divided into 162 groups. These groups also included people who had been invited because of their position in society, representatives of companies, organizations, the parliament and cabinet. Among participants were Minister of Finance Steingrímur J. Sigfússon, Minister of the Environment Svandís Svavarsdóttir and chairman of the Independence Party Bjarni Benediktsson, to name a few. They participated in the discussions like any other attendees and didn't share tables. Each group had a discussion leader who brought up certain topics and encouraged people to write their ideas and opinions on a piece of paper. Attendees then voted on these phrases and sentences and each group submitted their three most important ideas and values. They were then registered into a database and the immediate results were presented during the assembly. The most often mentioned values were used to create nine themes for further discussion, which represented pillars for society: education, economy, welfare, environment, administration, sustainability, family, equality and other (later renamed opportunities). "In my mind the goal was to strengthen and support argumentative and critical thought," said author Gunnar Hersveinn, one of those who volunteered to work on the organization of the assembly. He hopes that the assembly will have a positive impact on discussions in society. All ideas mentioned during the National Assembly will be registered and made public. They cannot be traced back to individual attendees, but are labeled with the age, gender and place of residence of the attendee in question and can as such be used for social studies. Click here to read more about the National Assembly and here to read a summary of the results, posted on the Iceland Weather Report . 21.11.2009. Euronews Reports: EU Enlargement - Iceland and the EU - a lasting affaire? Iceland has always been fiercely independent but after the collapse of their banks, and in the face of a global recession, Iceland applied for EU membership. Fisheries however, could be a major stumbling block. They represent 40% of the country's industry and Icelandic fishermen are unlikely to relinquish control of their industry without a fight. On the streets however, opinion is split. Many people are in favor of EU membership. The question will eventually be settled by a referendum. Vote NO to EU, the anarchists say. 25.11.2009. Icelanders march to end violence against women. Awareness of gender-based violence against women was raised during a march with torches in Reykjavík, the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The procession marched from the Culture House on Hverfisgata to the outdoor sculpture Sólfarid on Saebraut. 26.11.2009. InDefence urges the president of Iceland to reject Icesave. Campaign group InDefence has launched a new petition, challenging President of Iceland Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson to veto the amended legislation on the central administration's guarantee on Icesave, provided the cabinet's bill will be passed at parliament, so that it will be up for a referendum. The group's members say it is only fair that the Icelandic nation has a say on this legislation and can vote on it in a referendum because it involves a heavy financial burden on the Icelandic public which future generations will struggle to repay. "When the president signed the Icesave legislation this fall, he released a statement saying that he would not have signed the legislation without the preconditions introduced by Althingi [the Icelandic parliament]," said Jóhannes Th. Skúlason, the group's spokesperson. "With the bill currently being discussed at parliament, one could say that the preconditions have been annulled and our risk and the risk posed to the Icelanders of the future is being increased," Skúlason added. "It must therefore be considered that the president cannot accept the matter the way it is today and therefore we want him to reject the legislation and let the nation decide," Skúlason concluded. People can sign the petition on the group's website, indefence.is . The anarchists urge the people to sign the petition. Letters exchanged. Prime Minister of Iceland Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir and her British counterpart Gordon Brown seem to disagree on whether Iceland's responsibility to cover Landsbanki's Icesave deposits in the UK and the Netherlands is legally binding. Letters exchanged between the two prime ministers indicating this were made public yesterday. 28.11.2009. Icelandic president urged to say no to Icesave. Over 7,000 people had, yesterday evening, already signed a petition from the InDefence Group, urging Icelandic president Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson not to sign the expected Icesave contract with the UK and the Netherlands when it passes parliament. As mentioned the group is trying to ensure that the Icesave law's financial obligations on the country will be put to a national referendum. Meanwhile, the Icelandic cabinet has declared it will do all in its power to ensure the Icesave law is passed by parliament before the beginning of next month. Cabinet leaders believe that a majority is attainable. The InDefence petition people are signing reads: "I urge the President of Iceland, Mr. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, to veto the new Icesave laws. I believe it is only fair that the debt the cabinet places on Icelanders and future generations of this country should be put to the nation to decide in a referendum." In Icelandic: "Ég skora á forseta Íslands, herra Ólaf Ragnar Grímsson, að synja nýjum Icesave lögum staðfestingar. Ég tel að það sé sanngjörn krafa að sú efnahagslega byrði sem ríkisábyrgðin leggur á íslenskan almenning og framtíðarkynslóðir þessa lands, verði borin undir íslensku þjóðina í þjóðaratkvæðisgreiðslu." 19.12.2009. Majority in Iceland want to reject Icesave bill. A large majority of the Icelandic public want parliament to reject sovereign responsibility for Icesave in the Netherlands and the UK, according to a high-tech, but non-binding referendum. Around 7,500 people took part in the secure electronic ballot commissioned by the Eyjan news website. To take part in the referendum, eligible voters had to have an access code sent to their online banking service ï¿½ meaning nobody could vote more than once. 69 percent of voters said that the Althingi parliament should reject the Icesave bill and not force Iceland to take responsibility for the debts of a private company; 29 percent said parliament should approve the bill; and 1.6 percent took time out to vote that they have no solid opinion. 30.12.2009. 33 MPs voted yes to the Icesave Bill, 30 said no. The voting lasted over three hours and was at times fierce and personal. It is now up to the Icelandic president to sign these bills, and with that make them law. The president, Mr. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson is under pressure from over 35,000 Icelandic voters who have signed a petition asking him not to sign the controversial laws. After results became clear, the Finance Minister and leader of the Left-Green party Steingrímur J. Sigfússon said that history would judge the decision to be the right one. 31.12.2009. Icesave goes to president. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, the President of Iceland, intends to take his time to carefully go over the details of the Icesave Bill which parliament approved yesterday. Grimsson said he cannot yet say how long his decision will take; but did say he intends to meet with key players in the near future, including members of the InDefence group. The InDefence group has set up an online petition asking the President to veto the law and send it to a national referendum. 46,000 people have signed so far. Only one Icelandic president has ever vetoed a law, which makes the Icesave Bill appear likely to pass into law. However, the petition will have a strong influence on the President's decision and Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson is the very same president who famously used his veto right once before. Polls indicate that the Bill would be rejected in the event of a national referendum. 02.01.2010. Angry Icelanders are petitioning their president, putting pressure on him not to sign a controversial bill that has divided the North Atlantic island. Tens of thousands of signatures opposing the so-called Icesave legislation were delivered to his official residence. They are aimed at convincing President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson to reject a deal under which Reykjavik would have to repay 3.8 billion euros lost by British and Dutch savers when Icelandic banks went under during the financial crisis. Many taxpayers say they are being made to pay for the bank's mistakes and that it is not fair. The compensation amounts to some 12,000 euros for each citizen on the island nation of 320,000. Icesave high-interest online accounts were run by Landsbanki, a leading commercial Icelandic bank, taken over by the central administration as it collapsed. President Grímsson has already indicated he will take time to reflect before putting pen to paper. More than 56,000 - about 23% of Iceland's voters - signed the petition urging the president not to sign the bill. The petition as mentioned urges the president to veto the bill that allows the move, and calls for a referendum on the issue. 05.01.210. President of Iceland vetoes Icesave legislation. President of Iceland Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson announced at a press conference which began at his residence, Bessastadir, today at 11 am that he has decided to veto the Icesave legislation passed by the Icelandic parliament on December 30 and send it to a national referendum. "It is the job of the president of Iceland to make sure the nation's will is answered," he said. "I have decided... to take the new law to the nation. The referendum will take place as quickly as possible." Fréttabladid reports that the president met with four ministers in private meetings on Sunday: Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir, Minister of Finance Steingrímur J. Sigfússon, Minister for Foreign Affairs Össur Skarphédinsson and Minister of Economic Affairs Gylfi Magnússon. According to the newspaper's sources, Grímsson spoke with Central Bank governor Már Gudmundsson and other experts yesterday on the economic consequences of vetoing the Icesave legislation. The president neither spoke with the leaders of the opposition nor the representative of the International Monetary Fund in Iceland, Franek Roswadowski before making his decision, Fréttabladid states. Leaders of the Confederation of Labor (ASÍ), the Federation of State and Municipal Employees (BSRB), the Confederation of Employees (SA) and the Federation of Icelandic Industries (SI) all urged the president to pass the legislation. BBC Brussels correspondent Dominic Hughes said the longer-term impacts of the decision could be significant for both political and economic reasons. "It's seen as a blow to the country's hopes of a quick entry to the European Union," he said. "In fact, the whole debate has soured feeling in Iceland towards the EU. Iceland's PM disappointed with president's decision. Prime Minister of Iceland Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir declared in a press conference held at 12:30 pm today that the central administration is disappointed with the President of Iceland Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson's decision in vetoing the Icesave legislation. Sigurdardóttir explained that a solution to the Icesave dispute is a condition for continued cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the disbursement of loans from the Nordic countries. The president's decision therefore upsets further disbursement of these loans and the IMF's next review of Iceland's economic stabilization program and jeopardizes the economic progress which the central administration has made in the past year, the PM stated. Sigurdardóttir emphasized that Iceland does not intend to run away from its obligations and ended her declaration by saying that an English declaration to that regard will be sent to the international media shortly. The anarchists welcome the veto and the coming referendum. That taxpayers are being made to pay for the bank's mistakes is not fair. The anarchists and many more believe Iceland is paying too much back to Britain and the Netherlands and want the law courts to decide what the fair repayment amount should be. 08.01.2010. Legal uncertainty on Iceland's Icesave responsibility. Dr. Michael Waibel of the University of Cambridge and Lauterpacht Centre for International Law wrote in an article published on FT.com today that "Iceland has no clear legal obligations to pay up," referring to the Icesave agreement with the UK and the Netherlands. "The UK would likely face substantial obstacles in court. The chance of winning is no more than 60 per cent, and even then the UK is very unlikely to obtain more than in this settlement," Dr. Waibel argues, encouraging the UK and the Netherlands to "start showing a genuine willingness to compromise, rather than using political leverage points in the International Monetary Fund and elsewhere to their maximum advantage." President of Iceland Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson told Morgunbladid that he is pleased with the understanding The Financial Times , one of the most influential business newspapers in the world, is showing Iceland. "It is very important for the position of us Icelanders that this leading newspaper in the financial world is declaring support of the decision I made," the president said. Norwegian-French magistrate Eva Joly, who serves as a consultant to Iceland's special prosecutor, said in an interview with the Dutch newspaper Nrc Handelsblad yesterday that both the Dutch and the British have been arrogant towards Icelanders and that it is clear that Iceland can never pay the amounts that are being demanded through Icesave. According to Morgunbladid , Joly said in an interview with Icelandic national broadcaster RÚV that she had talked with the authors of the European directive on which the Icesave legislation is based, who had confirmed to her that the directive was never meant to apply to the banking collapse of an entire nation. "This was also our conclusion," law professor Stefán Már Stefánsson told Morgunbladid . He, and Supreme Court lawyer Lárus Blöndal have maintained that when a total banking system collapse occurs, the laws on depositors' and investors' guarantee funds don't apply and other resources must be found. Stefánsson and Blöndal based their assessment on a report by the French banking committee which was made in 2000, the year after the laws on depositors' and investors' guarantee funds were changed in France, and published in early 2001. According to Morgunbladid , Joly also said in the RÚV interview that there is nothing in the laws saying that there must be a state [state here meaning central administration, not state in the meaning of archy, vertically organized, as Iceland is an anarchy] guarantee on the obligations of deposits in a private bank, in this case Landsbanki. Joly suggested that Icelandic authorities establish an international arbitration to solve the Icesave dispute with assistance from the European Union. The dispute is not just Iceland's problem, she reasoned, but the problem of Europe as a whole. Uncertainty also surrounds the outcome of the national referendum on Icesave. 09.01.2010. Hundreds protested in front of Iceland's Parliament. The organizations Nýtt Ísland ("New Iceland") and Hagsmunasamtök heimilanna (HH; "The interest association of households") called for a protest meeting on Saturday on Austurvöllur square in Reykjavik in front of the Icelandic parliament. This is the fifth Saturday in a row that protestors have gathered on the square. Around 700 people attended the protest meeting last Saturday. Protestors demand a correction of the principal of mortgages and the abolishment of indexation. Additionally, the organizations call for a national cabinet (made up of all political parties) to manage the country. About the Icesave referendum. The Icelandic Parliament, Althingi, convened today to debate a central administration bill regarding the preparation for a national referendum on the so-called Icesave legislation. This comes in the wake of the President of Iceland´s decision on 5 January not to sign into law a bill which provides for a a central administration guarantee of loan repayments to the British and Dutch governments. According to Article 26 of the Constitution, a national referendum must take place should the President not sign a bill into law. The Prime Minister of Iceland emphasized to Parliament the importance of respecting the Constitution, adding that all political parties agree that national referendum should take place as soon as possible. "The draft law is simple and without restrictions. I am confident that the majority of eligible voters will make up their minds and participate in the referendum. I have full trust in the Icelandic voters and know that they will make the right decision, " the PM declared. The draft law before Parliament states that a national referendum should take place no later than Saturday 6 March 2010. The cabinet suggests that the vote should take place on 20 or 27 February, or 6 March, 2010. 10.01.2010. Icesave discussed on Icelandic TV. The popular Silfur Egils current affairs television programme today looked at the Icesave issue in detail with live satellite interviews from around the world. Large parts of the show are in English and available to view online. Eva Joly and Alain Lipietz, one of the European politicians behind the cross border banking directive, spoke live from Paris. Economist Michael Hudson spoke from the USA. Elvira Mendez Pinedo and Gerarar Van Vliet also appeared on the programme. It can be watched in full here . French economist and politician Alain Lipietz, who is a member of the European Parliament and was a shadow reporter on the European directive that applies to Icesave, said on RÚV 's political chat program Silfur Egils that the Icelandic state shouldn't be held accountable for the mistakes of a private company. However, Left-Green MP Björn Valur Gíslason told Fréttabladid that Lipietz seems to misunderstand some basic points in the Icesave debate. For example, he repeatedly referred to Icesave as Landsbanki's subsidiary, Gíslason said, while Icesave was a branch. That is why the Depositors' and Investors' Guarantee Fund of Iceland is responsible for repaying part of the deposits. 11.01.2010. The international public opinion regarding Icesave is swinging in Iceland's favor. Eva Joly, adviser to Iceland's special prosecutor into the banking crisis, said on Icelandic television yesterday that the tide of international public opinion regarding Icesave seems to be swinging in Iceland's favor. She said the sensible thing for the Icelandic cabinet to do next would be to engage a third party to help draft an entirely new Icesave agreement which is fair on all involved. She recommended Germany, France and Spain as possible neutral third parties. Iceland's finance minister, Steingrímur J. Sigfússon said in a separate interview later on that the idea is not being dismissed out of hand; but that the Netherlands and the UK would have to agree to it first and formal discussions would need to take place to discuss the idea of third-party renegotiation. Finance Minister satisfied with Nordic Icesave trip. Iceland's Minister of Finance Steingrímur J. Sigfússon traveled to the Nordic countries last weekend to discuss with his colleagues the impact of the Icesave referendum on the disbursement of loans to Iceland. "The trip was very useful. I was especially satisfied with the reception in Norway," Sigfússon told Fréttabladid , explaining that he had spoken with three Norwegian ministers who all wanted the loan to Iceland to be disbursed as soon as possible. "I also had a good meeting with the Danish finance minister and felt that he was understanding and positive, although the officials who accompanied him were more reluctant," Sigfússon said. The political leaders of the Nordic countries are planning to meet and discuss this issue and provide definite answers later this week. New poll: Majority will reject Icesave legislation. According to a new survey by Fréttabladid daily, 60 percent of respondents intend to reject the Icesave legislation. The anarchists say a clear No to Icesave in the referendum! 12.01.2010. Liepitz rejects rejection of his Icesave rejection. The French economist and MEP Alain Lipietz, who claimed on Sunday on Icelandic television that European rules do not indicate that Iceland is responsible for the Icesave debt in the Netherlands and UK, has rejected the Icelandic cabinet's claims that he has misunderstood elements of the law. He told the Silfur Egils television programme that the Passport Rules do not call for a home country to cover the deposits of its banks in a host country. The Icelandic cabinet countered that he was probably referring to the fact that Iceland is not an EU member; but pointed out that as an EEA member, the country's responsibilities are exactly the same and do call for repayment. Lipietz's words have grabbed headlines in Iceland, as he said that European law on depositors' guarantee funds shows that the British and Dutch were required to regulate Landsbanki (Icesave) in their jurisdictions. The Icelandic cabinet's assertion yesterday that he was in fact wrong on this point, and was mistakenly assuming Icesave was a daughter company of Landsbanki and not a branch, was quickly rejected by the French MEP who said he stands by what he said. 14.01.2010. The Prime Minister of Iceland urges IMF to continue Economic Programme. "I would like to emphasize that the Economic Programme in co-operation with the IMF should continue without interruption, even though a solution to the Icesave matter will be postponed because of the planned national referendum," the Prime Minister of Iceland, Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir, said today in a letter to the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Dominique Strauss-Kahn. "The review of the Economic Programme is of fundamental importance for the recovery of the Icelandic economy. Therefore it is very important that the review takes place as soon as possible, not the least in order to ensure further investment and recovery of the corporate sector as a part of the general recovery which is underway in Iceland," says the Prime Minister. Dominique Strauss-Kahn, President of the IMF, said in the evening that: "If many countries in the international community feel that we should wait with our review of our recovery package for Iceland, then we must do that". Strauss-Kahn said this at a Washington press conference. He said he understands the anger of the people in Iceland because of the huge debts they are left with following the banking collapse. He reiterated that an Icesave deal is not essential for continued IMF assistance; but that Icelanders have to understand the IMF is controlled by the international community and must listen to its will. He added though, that the IMF is no country's personal debt collection agency. The IMF itself relies on international co-operation just the same as Iceland now does, Strauss-Kahn told the press conference. 19.01.2010. Aid to the Anarchy of Iceland from the Anarchy of Norway? Professor Oystein Noreng of the Norwegian School of Management argued in his column for Dagsavisen this weekend that Norway should support Iceland financially, and potentially even enter into monetary union with Iceland and jointly co-manage fish stocks. In his column, Professor Noreng begins by stating his opinion that Iceland is not responsible for paying for the failure of Icesave in the UK and Netherlands due to the fact that it never offered a state guarantee. He added that when Lehman Brothers went under, US funds were insured but not those held by foreigners, including Norwegian municipalities ï¿½ but the American government was not pressured to pay the money back. The Icesave affair has become so overblown, he believes, because Gordon Brown wanted a crisis to make him look strong before this May's elections. Whether right or wrong with the above controversial claims, Professor Noreng then goes on to say he believes there are three main ways for Iceland to recover from its current dire financial situation. The first is through the IMF route with possible EU membership as well. The second is with help and co-operation from Norway. And the third is with help and co-operation from Russia. "The IMF has for decades been responsible for a tight market-liberal line, inspired by the United States, and has been a scourge for many developing countries," he argues. Russia has the money to help Iceland and would in turn strengthen its position in the North Atlantic as well as becoming a close trading partner. This could be good for both Russia and Iceland, but should be avoided from a Norwegian point-of-view. Norway is one of the world's leading creditors and also has the money to help Iceland back to its feet. Iceland would have to clean up its entire financial sector in exchange, including possible prosecutions. In the long run, Professor Noreng would like to see Iceland adopt the Norwegian krone as a means of stabilizing its economy and increasing the size of Norway's 'domestic' market. Deeper union between the countries could become a sort of mini-EU potentially including Greenland and the Faroe Islands as well, which would benefit all when dealing with the EU, Russia, the USA and other international players. The full article can be read here in Norwegian. Icesave referendum 06.03.2010. A national referendum on the so-called Icesave legislation will be held on 6 March 2010, as announced by the Icelandic Minister of Justice, Ragna Arnadottir, today. Out of country voting will start on the 28 January. 20.01.2010. FT editor says British public supports Iceland on Icesave. The British have started to feel ashamed of themselves for the fact that their government is pushing Iceland to take on an unbearable debt burden for Icesave ï¿½ so says the Associate Editor and Chief Economics Commentator of British newspaper The Financial Times. The Financial Times has published many articles in recent weeks apparently taking sides with the Icelanders in the Icesave issue, which Associate Editor Martin Wolf says is consistent with a shift in broader public feeling. He means the Icelandic president's decision to send Icesave to a pubic referendum combined with some good Icelandic media sources have had a far bigger effect on opinion in the UK than the Icelandic cabinet has. Martin Wolf can be seen speaking in English with a short Icelandic introduction here (click on "Horfa á myndskeið með frétt"). The Dutch government has received no formal message from Iceland that it wishes to renegotiate the Icesave deal for a third time and therefore does not want to say whether or not negotiations will or can take place, Dutch finance minister Wouter Bos said in a letter to parliament. The minister said in his letter that he sympathises with the difficulties Iceland is facing due to Icesave and that he sees nothing else to do at the moment other than to wait and see the outcome of Iceland's referendum on the bill scheduled for the 6th March. Bos said in his letter that the Icelandic central administration has consistently told him that the country will stand by its financial obligations whatever the outcome of the referendum. He concludes by saying that Iceland has much at stake in finding a conclusion to the issue so that loans to the country can continue and begin to fix the credit crisis Iceland finds itself in since its banking system crashed in autumn 2008, RUV reports. 21.01.2010: Iceland Icesave referendum preparations begin. Preparations for Iceland's national referendum on the so-called Icesave law have begun at the Ministry of Justice and the City of Reykjavik. Absentee voting begins next Thursday. It is expected the referendum will cost the Icelandic state around ISK 200 million (USD 1.6 million). According to Hjalti Zophaniasson from the Ministry of Justice, absentee voting slips will begin to be sent out today to district commissioners, embassies and consulates for the beginning of voting on the 28th January. Absentee voting slips will be similar to those used in Iceland on 6th March, except a different colour. The slips ask the question whether the December Icesave Bill passed by parliament should be written into law or not. The City of Reykjavik's Olafur Kr. Hjorleifsson told RUV that the preparations for the referendum are quite normal compared to elections, except for the short time allowed to prepare. He said his staff are busy trying to ensure voting stations will be free on 6th March and that there are enough people available to man them. Icelandic MPs are currently preparing to inform their foreign counterparts about Iceland's position after President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson vetoed the Icesave legislation on January 5 during two international meetings next week. The Council of Europe will meet in Strasbourg January 25 to 29 and the Nordic Council will meet in Denmark January 26 to 27. According to Fréttabladid 's sources, the Icelandic MPs attending these meetings will use the opportunity to explain Iceland's cause at smaller meetings and in private conversations. Prime Minister of Iceland Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir wrote in a letter published in the Dutch business newspaper Het Financieele Dagblad today that Icelanders will do everything in their power to honor their obligations towards the UK and the Netherlands to make sure that Icesave won't damage international relations, ruv.is reports. 28.01.2010. The Anarchy of Iceland named greenest country in the world. Iceland is the world's most environmentally friendly country ï¿½ according to the Environmental Performance Index presented yesterday at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Iceland is often lauded for its renewable energy production, which supplies nearly every home and business with abundant green electricity and hot water. However some point out that renewable energy is logical for Iceland and makes good economic sense and is not an environmental gesture at all ï¿½ a fact apparently illustrated by the country's high level of car ownership. However, the EPI looks further than just electricity production. According to Visir.is, the EPI looks at ten different environmental factors for each country, including: the health of the natural environment, air quality, water quality, biological diversity, fisheries management and agriculture. Iceland picked up the most points for reducing carbon emissions and the planting of new forests. The Anarchy of Switzerland, the marxist Sweden and the Anarchy of Norway tied in second on the list and Costa Rica was the only non-European nation to make the top five. The world's developing nations fared worst, with the bottom five on the index being Togo, Angola, Mauritania, the Central African Republic and Sierra Leone. The USA took 61st place on the list and has therefore fallen 22 places since the last EPI two years ago. Other industrialised nations fared badly with Canada dropping 44 places and China 16. 29.01.2010. Iceland president on CNN: We are being bullied. Iceland's president accused the United Kingdom and the Netherlands on Friday of financially "bullying" his country. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson said the two countries had been "using their influence within the International Monetary Fund" to stop it lending Iceland billions of dollars needed to rebuild the country's debt-ridden economy. "We are being bullied. The British and the Dutch are using their influence within the IMF to prevent the IMF program from going forward," Grimsson told CNN's Richard Quest. "We have a situation, where a small nation is in fact ready to shoulder part of this burden but doesn't want to be put in a corner where the very survival of its economy in the next 10 years would be at stake." The comments came after the UK expressed anger at the highly controversial decision by Iceland's president's to veto a bill that would pay back billions of dollars Iceland owes the UK and Netherlands. Britain was forced to spend $3.69 billion last year to cover the losses that British savers incurred when Icelandic banks collapsed. The British and Dutch governments condemned the decision by President Grimsson and hinted at repercussions for Iceland's bid to join the European Union and for its $10bn international economic rescue program. Despite being already approved by Iceland's parliament, Grimsson refused to sign the bill and called for a national referendum. Grimsson told CNN: "May I remind that if you take the sum that the Icelandic taxpayers are asked to shoulder and you transform it in to the British economic system to get the relative size, this is equal to the British taxpayers being asked to pay £700 billion ($1.1 trillion) for the years and decades to come." Icelandic Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir hinted that the move could further tarnish the country's image and crush its hopes to become a member of the European Union. "Uncertainty... in the formal dealings with others countries can have unforeseen, wide-ranging and potentially damaging consequences for our society," she warned. Announcing that Iceland was bankrupt ... was at worst, financial terrorism on their part. -- Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson. And while the repayment of Iceland's debt to the UK and the Netherlands is not theoretically a pre-condition for it to receive IMF funding, the president's actions could hinder it. But Grimsson told CNN his move was in the name of democracy. He said he acted in response to the one-quarter of Icelanders who petitioned against the compensation bill that would cost about $17,300 per Icelandic citizen. "We have forgotten that there are two pillars in the western heritage that we are proud of. One is the evolution of the free market [i.e. a real free market, socialist and autonomous, without plutarchy, and with free contracts, not slave contracts, as Icesave.] but the second is the evolution of democracy," Grimsson told CNN. "And what I did was when I was faced with a decision between the financial concerns on the one hand, and democracy on the other, I decided to go with democracy." Grimsson's veto also reflects his country's anger with their treatment at British hands at the height of the economic crisis, when the UK employed anti-terror legislation to freeze Icelandic assets. "They put my country, on the official Web site, the British government's Web site, side by side with al-Qaeda and the Taleban. "And the second thing was that Gordon Brown in October and Alistair Darling went on global television, including CNN and stated that Iceland was a bankrupt country. "Which was utter nonsense at its best and financial terrorism on their part at its worst." He added: "This meant that companies all over the world, who had had dealings with Iceland, closed their operations down." As a result, said Grimsson, his economy was damaged by the British "to a greater extent than otherwise would have been the case." In a statement on January 6, however, a spokesperson for the British prime minister said that "the Government expects the loan to be repaid. "We are obviously very disappointed by the decision by the Icelandic President, but we do expect Iceland to live up to its legal obligations and repay the money." Source: Anouk Lorie (CNN) - Updated 30.01. 2010. 14.02.2010. Court rules in favor of Icelandic foreign loan holders. Exchange rate indexation of loans is illegal in Iceland and this also applies to domestic loans, according to a new court ruling that could have major consequences. Exchange rate indexation of loans means that the total amount owed in Icelandic kronur varies according to its exchange rate against the currencies in which the loan was issued. Such loans were aggressively promoted by the Icelandic banks in previous years and have now left many diligent car and home owners with bigger debts than the original amount - despite paying their bills every month. Now the Reykjavik District Court has ruled that such loans are illegal - a ruling which directly contradicts a ruling in the same court in December, RUV reported. According to the legal precedent, courts may now start ordering that exchange rate indexed loans be turned into regular inflation indexed loans denominated in Icelandic kronur. The whole issue rests on a slight loophole, as exchange rate indexation is indeed illegal; but it is not illegal to lend in foreign currencies and then secure repayments in those currencies or in Icelandic kronur. But it is illegal to lend in Icelandic kronur and secure repayments pegged to the exchange rate of foreign currencies. Customers taking out 'foreign currency loans' in Icelandic banks to buy homes and cars in Iceland were given their money in Icelandic kronur. The court has now ruled that this was illegal. 05.03.2010. Iceland prepares for the Icesave referendum. Iceland's economic woes look set to continue as the crisis-hit North Atlantic island nation prepares to go to the polls for a referendum on the question of repaying its massive debt to Britain and the Netherlands. Parliament had agreed repayment terms on the outstanding 3.9 billion euros. The island's president as mentioned refused to sign the legislation, triggering this referendum. The anarchists predict an overwhelming, NO vote and declare that "we already have a better offer on the table from the UK government, so there is absolutely no incentive for anyone to actually accept the previous agreement which this vote will be on." The "Icesave Bill", so-called after one of the banks which collapsed as the credit crunch hit, is expected to cause ripples beyond the question of the repayment terms. "NO to Icesave could a) spark extended delays in foreign aid which is needed to resucitate the island's economy, which is bad, but b) also clouds the country's prospects of joining the European Union, which is good, and c) Icesave is a slave-contract, and thus - seen all in all - d) vote NO to Icesave tomorrow Saturday 6 March!" - a spokesperson for the Libertarian Federation of Iceland - Íslenska Frjálshyggjumaður Ríkjasamband, said to AIIS. Later Friday BBC reports: Iceland talks end without deal. Iceland's talks with Britain and the Netherlands over repayment of 3.8bn euros (£3.4bn) of debt have broken up without agreement. It means Iceland's referendum on an existing repayment plan looks set to go ahead on Saturday as planned. The ending of talks came as Iceland's Prime Minister demanded Britain apologise for its role in the affair. Icelanders are likely to cast a heavy "no" vote, raising further questions about the country's financial future. The Icelandic central administration had hoped to avoid Saturday's referendum by agreeing a new repayment plan before the weekend. Talks between the three countries are expected to continue next week, but not before Icelanders have had their say. A no vote could jeopardise billions of dollars of loans from the International Monetary Fund and other countries. And it could deal a further blow to Iceland's shaky coalition cabinet. Britain and the Netherlands want the money as repayment for bailing out depositors in the Icesave online bank, which folded in 2008 under the global financial meltdown. But Icelanders feel the repayment terms of the existing deal are too onerous and should be rejected because they are being penalised for the mistakes of the banking industry. Apologise. But there is also hostility against Britain for using anti-terrorist legislation to freeze Icesave assets in the UK. Iceland's Prime Minister, Johanna Sigurdardottir, told the BBC that Britain should officially apologise for its actions. She said Britain and the Netherlands had treated Iceland unfairly. Opinion polls suggest more 75% of Icelanders will vote no on Saturday. The hugely unpopular repayment plan was approved by the Reykjavik central administration last December. But the plan was blocked by Iceland's President, President Olaf Ragnar Grimsson , in January, sparking the referendum. Despite months of talks between the three countries, negotiations are again deadlocked. A statement on Friday from Iceland's finance ministry said: "The Icelandic negotiations committee returns today from London. Iceland remains committed to a continued dialogue and is hopeful that discussions will resume as early as next week. "Discussions to date have been constructive and Iceland is confident that a mutually acceptable solution can be reached," the ministry said. The stakes are high, because Iceland needs international loans to help it rebuild its economy, which was hit particularly hard during the global downturn. Some of these loans are conditional on Iceland repaying its international debts. The dispute has also overshadowed Iceland's application to join the European Union, which was submitted in July last year. Economic growth. Meanwhile, Iceland's economy grew by 3.3% in the last quarter of 2009, although it contracted by 6.5% over the whole of last year, official data has shown. It was the economy's best quarterly performance since the autumn of 2008. The growth seen in the fourth quarter was in stark contrast to the 7.2% contraction experienced in the third quarter. It was the highest growth since the 3.8% expansion seen in the third quarter of 2008, just before the country's banking system crashed and the central administration took control of all three of its major banks. "That's a nice number, but it's not springtime yet," said Antje Praefcke, analyst at Commerzbank. "Maybe there's less snowfall, but it's not spring yet." He added that the referendum now risked "a delay to the economic recovery". The 6.5% annual decline in gross domestic product compared with growth of 1% in 2008 and a 6% expansion in 2007. The decline was due to a 20% drop in domestic expenditure, Statistics Iceland said. Imports decreased by 24%, while exports grew by 6.2%. BBC also reports: Icelanders eye chance for payback. Up a snow-covered mountain, in driving hail, howling wind and in pitch darkness, climber Sigurbjorn Sigurbjornson cracks a joke. "You stole our assets," he laughs, a little bitterly, "but we froze your asses!" Iceland had a relatively mild winter, the UK did not. Iceland is an outdoors kind of place. There is an awful lot of outdoors here - and Icelanders like to enjoy it, come rain or shine, in daylight or darkness. So half-an-hour's drive north of Reykjavik, on a Wednesday evening, as the light begins to fade, 250 or so Icelanders have gathered to trek up a mountain in training for an assault on Europe's biggest glacier, Vatnajoekull, later this year. On show on the mountainside are the qualities that have made Iceland what it is - independence, stubbornness and, let's be honest, a touch of lunacy. Who goes climbing in the dark? Referendum. When the talk turns to how the country has been treated in the financial crisis, however, the sunny disposition of the climbers turns a little sour. "We're not terrorists!" calls out a climber. "Tell Gordon Brown!" The bitterness springs from the seizure in 2008 of Icelandic assets under UK anti-terrorism legislation, something that stunned Iceland, a Nato-ally and a devout follower of Premier League football. The seizure followed the collapse of Icesave, an Iceland-based internet bank that hundreds of thousands of Britons had put savings into as they chased what proved to be highly unrealistic interest rates. The UK government - fearful at that time of near-panic, of a collapse of confidence in the banking system - guaranteed the savings of investors. And then it turned to the Icelandic central administration for compensation to the tune of £2.3bn. The Netherlands followed suit, looking for just over £1bn. A deal was struck with Iceland, which the parliament in Reykjavik subsequently passed, but then, buoyed by a tide of popular anger, President Olafur Grimsson rejected it. A referendum to be held on Saturday will decide whether the deal will be honoured. 'Unfair' treatment. On the mountainside, it is the perceived unfairness of the asset-seizure, and the subsequent negotiations, that rankles most. "We are very proud of independence," says one climber, "and we don't want to be bullied around, but it is tough to be the little nation and fight with the big ones." "It is debatable about the amount we should pay," says another, "but the way that Britain acted against Iceland is really unfair." "Many people become apes if they get money," says a third. "If they get too much of it they become apes, if they start arguing about it they become apes." The massive debts of Icesave have hung over this tiny country - just over 300,000 people live on the island - for so long that many are deeply weary of the whole thing. "We are not talking about Icesave and things like that," says Gudrun Ingvarsdottur. They are, says the 37-year-old architect, "banned". But why? "We are just so tired of it," she says "It's like a bad dream and you just can't wake up, and every time you think you've woken up it comes again." 'Crazy'. You hear a lot of that talk around Reykjavik, and it is hardly surprising. Back and forth the arguments go about how many thousand pounds every Icelander will owe the British and Dutch governments. Imagine, says Stefan Olafsson, professor of sociology at the University of Iceland, if the banks had not crashed when they did, but gone onto gather millions of customers, as was their ambition. How much would Icelanders have owed in a few years time, if and when the banks had crashed? "It was a crazy idea altogether, but one logical consequence of financial globalisation. It was hubris," he says. After pride, the fall. But despite the tales of graduates fleeing the indebted country, there is little evidence of that happening. And many Icelanders you meet are surprisingly upbeat about the future. They will vote "no" by a huge majority tomorrow - "yes" voters are as rare as banking executives in Reykjavik these days. The referendum is, as one top political insider puts it, "crazy" - Iceland has already been offered a better deal by the Dutch and British governments, so why would they approve the one on the table on Saturday? But it will be one way for Icelanders to let the British - and to a lesser extent the Dutch - know just how badly treated they feel. 06.03.2010. CNN reports: Iceland votes on whether to repay foreign debt. Voters in Iceland went to the polls Saturday for a national referendum on whether to repay billions of dollars the country owes to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Britain and Holland rode to the rescue last year when a series of Icelandic banks collapsed, bailing out savers in their own countries to the tune of more than $5 billion between them. Under a European Union directive, Iceland now owes compensation to Britain and the Netherlands. Iceland's parliament [as mentioend] passed a bill authorizing a state guarantee for repayment of the funds, but President Olafur Ragnar Grímsson declined to sign it in January. That prompted Saturday's national referendum on the law. "Of course we feel empathy for those people that lost money," said Magnus Arni Skulason, who is campaigning against the bill. "We just want to get a more reasonable agreement," he told CNN, arguing that the terms of the loan repayment were "unacceptable." "There are sovereign issues that ... would not be acceptable to any country," he said. "Also there is a staggering interest rate ... equal to running the national health care system for six months here in Iceland." He called the collapse of the Icelandic banks during the world financial crisis of 2008-09 a "shared responsibility of Iceland, the UK and the Netherlands," blaming "financial regulators" in the countries. It is not clear what will happen if voters say no to the loan guarantees. But the International Monetary Fund loaned Iceland $2.1 billion in November, and said repaying the money to the British and Dutch governments was a requirement of the loan. Dutch Finance Minister Wouter Bos told CNN in January that non repayment of the funds would affect "the long-term interest of the Iceland economy and the Iceland people." Britain's Treasury expects Iceland to live up to its obligations, it said in a statement in January. Iceland has begun moves toward applying for European Union membership, which Britain and the Netherlands could block. Britain spent £2.3 billion ($3.69 billion) last year to cover the losses that British savers incurred when Icelandic banks collapsed. The Dutch government spent €1.3 billion ($1.87 billion) to cover bank losses in the country. The central administration of Iceland has for the past three weeks been engaged in a dialogue with the governments of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, hoping for a resolution, Iceland's foreign ministry said Friday. Iceland called the talks "constructive," adding that "Iceland is confident that a mutually acceptable solution can be reached.... and is hopeful that discussions will resume as early as next week." Despite his refusal to sign the bill, Grímsson told CNN in January that "Iceland recognizes its obligations under this agreement." Resolving the issue, he added, "is a key to our recovery and our harmonious relations with these countries." The law on which Icelanders are voting Saturday would compensate Britain and the Netherlands by 2024. A simple majority is needed for the bill to pass. About 300,000 people live in Iceland. The anarchists once more call for a NO vote! 07.03.2010 [00.08 GMT + 1] BBC reports: Iceland rejects bank payback plan. Voters in Iceland have overwhelmingly rejected proposals to pay the UK and the Netherlands in the wake of collapse of the Icesave bank. With a third of results counted, 93% of voters said "No" in a referendum. Iceland's prime minister says her cabinet will remain in office and continue to seek a deal. The British and Dutch governments want reimbursement for the 3.8bn euros (£3.4bn; $5.2bn) they paid out in compensation to customers in 2008. Talks between Iceland, the UK and the Netherlands three countries broke down on Friday without agreement. But Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir said even she would not vote in Saturday's poll as her cabinet was seeking to continue the negotiations. With a third of votes counted, 93% of Icelanders have voted "No", less than 2% back the deal, and the remaining votes are invalid. Mrs Sigurdardottir said that her cabinet would stay in office, despite the "No" results. "This has no impact on the life of the cabinet. We need to keep going and finish the debate. We have to get an agreement," she said. During voting on Saturday, hundreds of protesters outside parliament in the capital Reykjavik banged pots and waved banners reading "Icesave No! No! No!". As results came in, Foreign Minister Ossur Skarphethinsson said talks with the UK and the Netherlands would continue, adding that the referendum result was good for his cabinet's position. "It certainly doesn't weaken our hand," Mr Skarphethinsson said. Referendum defended. The central administration had hoped to avoid the vote by agreeing a new repayment plan before the weekend. Foreign Minister Ossur Skarphethinsson told Reuters news agency he expected a new Icesave deal "in the next weeks, perhaps sooner". Britain and the Netherlands want the money as repayment for bailing out customers in the Icesave online bank, which folded in 2008 due to the global financial meltdown. President Grimsson rejected suggestions the vote was meaningless, telling the BBC that a strong "No" would strengthen his country's hand. "It's not a pointless exercise because the referendum, according to our constitution, is on whether the deal which the British and the Dutch insisted on at the end of last year, should remain in force as a law in this country," he said. "It is encouraging that in the last few weeks the British and the Dutch have acknowledged that that deal, on which the referendum takes place, is an unfair deal and that is by itself a tremendous achievement by the referendum... we will be able to continue the negotiations." Many Icelanders believe the plan should be rejected because they feel they are being penalised for the mistakes of the banking industry. "I will vote 'No' simply because I disagree very strongly with us... having to shoulder this burden," Ingimar Gudmundsson, a lorry driver, told AFP news agency. "We want to pay our debts but we want to do it without going bankrupt," Steinunn Ragnarsdottir, a pianist who voted in Reykjavik City Hall, told Reuters. Britain accused. There is also anger against the UK for using anti-terrorist legislation to freeze Icesave assets in the country. Arni Gunnarsson, a former Icelandic MP, told the BBC News website: "We have not forgotten how Britain used battleships against Iceland during the cod wars. "We find this a very strange method of thanking the Icelandic people for sacrificing the lives of their seamen during World War II. "The colonial attitude is still going strong. The UK should come to its senses." The Reykjavik cabinet approved the repayment plan last December but it was blocked by Mr Grimsson in January, which led to the referendum being called. Later Associated Press reports: Iceland votes 'no' to debt deal for collapsed bank. Voters in tiny Iceland defied their parliament and international pressure, resoundingly rejecting a $5.3 billion plan to repay Britain and the Netherlands for debts spawned by the collapse of an Icelandic bank. According to results released Sunday, just over 93 percent of voters said "no" in Saturday's ballot, while only 1.8 percent voted "yes," according to a count of all but 2,500 of the 143,784 votes cast. The rest were blank or spoiled ballots. Britain and the Netherlands want to be reimbursed for money they paid their citizens with deposits in Icesave, an Internet bank that collapsed in 2008, along with most of Iceland's banking sector. Ordinary Icelanders say the repayment schedule was too onerous. The overwhelming margin reflects Icelanders' simmering anger at bankers and politicians as the island nation struggles to recover from a financial meltdown. Some Icelanders set off fireworks in the center of the capital, Reykjavik, as the referendum results were announced. President Olafur R. Grimsson - who sparked the referendum by refusing to sign the repayment deal agreed by Iceland's parliament - said Icelanders resented having to pay for the actions of a few "greedy bankers." He said, however, the British and Dutch would get their money back eventually. The two countries have already offered Iceland more favorable repayment terms than the deal voted on Saturday. "The referendum was not about refusing to pay back the money," Grimsson told the BBC. "Iceland is willing to reimburse those two governments, but it has to be on fair terms." Iceland, a volcanic island with a population of just 320,000, went from economic wunderkind to fiscal basket case almost overnight when the credit crunch took hold. After a decade of dizzying economic growth that saw Icelandic banks and companies snap up assets around the world, the global financial crisis wreaked political and economic havoc. Iceland's banks collapsed within a week in October 2008, its krona currency plummeted and a wave of popular protest toppled the cabinet. The new left-of-center cabinet has been trying to negotiate a plan to repay $3.5 billion to Britain and $1.8 billion to the Netherlands as compensation for funds that those governments paid to around 340,000 of their citizens who had accounts with Icesave, an Icelandic Internet bank that offered high interest rates before it failed along with its parent, Landsbanki. Last minute talks broke down last week, despite the debtor countries saying they had offered better terms for a new deal - including a significant cut on the 5.5 percent interest rate in the original deal. That would have required each Icelander to pay around $135 a month for eight years - about a quarter of an average four-member family's salary. Despite the referendum result, both sides said they were confident a deal would eventually be reached. The Icelandic cabinet said in a statement there had been "steady progress toward a deal" in the past few weeks, and Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir said officials would resume talks with Britain and the Netherlands now that the referendum was over. British Treasury chief Alistair Darling said his country was prepared to be flexible, and acknowledged it would be "many, many years" before Britain was repaid. Many Icelanders remain angry at Britain for invoking anti-terrorist legislation to freeze the assets of Icelandic banks at the height of the crisis, prompting the worst diplomatic spat between the two countries since the Cod Wars of the 1970s over fishing rights. Darling struck a conciliatory note Sunday. "You couldn't just go to a small country like Iceland with a population the size of (the English town of) Wolverhampton and say: 'Look, repay all that money immediately,'" he told the BBC. "So we've tried to be reasonable. The fundamental point for us is that we get our money back." In the reports quoted from the international newsmedia AIIS has corrected the word "government" of Iceland with "cabinet" or "central administration", as Iceland is an anarchy, and thus has no government in the meaning of archy/state/authorities, i.e. vertical organization. Iceland is significantly horizontally organized, anarchistic. The AIIS calls on the newsmedia in general to report correctly about Iceland. The anarchist black flag flew at the demonstrations related to the referendum. The Northern Anarchist Confederation and its Icelandic section the Libertarian Federation of Iceland - Íslenska Frjálshyggjumaður Ríkjasamband, declare that "the result of the referendum is satisfactory, and also pointing forward to NO to EU." 08.03.2010. Direct action by the grassroots New Iceland political pressure group. The grassroots New Iceland political pressure group was very busy on Saturday, holding mock auctions of property owned by Iceland's 'Outvasion Viking' businessmen and making house calls. In a statement the group described what happened when they gathered outside the home of former Landsbanki boss and owner of West Ham, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson: when group members knocked the door a woman answered the door-phone saying that Bjorgolfur is innocent and "it is all propaganda by the Icelandic cabinet. It was them who led us up the creek without a paddle". Group members also mock-auctioned off the large house at Frikirkjuvegur 11 which is owned by Gudmundsson's son, Bjorgolfur Thor Bjorgolfsson. Next, New Iceland's so-called 'wake-up train' of supporters wound its way to Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir's house to encourage her to go and vote in the Icesave referendum; but she was not home at the time and had already stated publicly that she would not be voting. New Iceland describes itself as an organization open to anyone, both left wing and right wing, who wants to regain the best and most beautiful land in the world from the clutches of all the political parties which currently plague it. The Icesave referendum - final results: When the final ballots had been counted it became clear that 134,397 voters in Saturday's referendum rejected the Icesave legislation of December 30 ï¿½ or 93.2 percent of those who voted. Only 2,599 voters, 1.8 percent, wanted to pass the legislation, while 6,744 voters, 4.7 percent, handed in an empty ballot and 491 ballots, 0.3 percent, were invalid. Yesterday morning, all ballots had been counted except for the ballots from the Northeast Constituency. It wasn't possible to fly in the votes from Grímsey island to the counting center in Akureyri until around 7 pm last night due to bad weather, Morgunbladid reports. A total of 144,231 people from the 229,977 registered voters in Iceland went to the polling booths on Saturday, which is a turnout of 62.72 percent. That is a lower percentage than in parliamentary elections in Iceland. For example, the turnout was 85.1 percent in the parliament election of April 2009. In yesterday's referendum the turnout was best in the South and Southwest Constituencies and poorest in the North Reykjavík Constituency. 12.03.2010. The Anarchy of Norway with early loans to the Anarchy of Iceland? Jonas Gahr Støre, the Norwegian Foreign Minister, looks set to break ranks with the other Nordic countries by recommending that Norway grant loans to Iceland before the Icesave issue is finally resolved with the Netherlands and the UK. Aftenposten reports that not only are the Norwegians potentially interested in granting Iceland the promised loan through the IMF right away, but that Støre's cabinet may also be willing to offer another separate loan to Iceland in co-operation with the EU. Støre's timing seems to be deliberate, with his comments coming just a day before today's meeting of the Nordic finance ministers in Denmark. So far all the other Nordic nations have said their support for Iceland will not be paid out before Icesave is completely off the agenda. "Norwegian assistance is tied to the IMF package and in our opinion the IMF package is not tied to a solution to the Icesave issue as the conditions of the package stand," Støre told Aftenposten. Støre emphasised that the Nordic nations should not do anything to hinder Iceland's IMF package ï¿½ his comments a direct response to a Nordic neighbor's opinion that the Icesave issue must be out of the way before any loan can come from that country to Iceland through the IMF. Støre said the issue will be discussed today. Støre added that there is no sign that the British and Dutch have tried to stall the IMF's work in Iceland; and a week ago the Fund's chief, Dominique Strauss Kahn told the press he is ready and willing to continue with the Iceland package without a final agreement in the Icesave issue. The Northern Anarchist Confederation , NAC, and the Norwegian NO to EU [Nei til EU] have called on the Norwegian cabinet to give early loans to Iceland. 15.03.2010. Chaos in Iceland? Chaos is the opposite of Anarchy! Alex Jurshevski, an expert in the debt problems of nations, advised Icelandic the Icelandic cabinet not to accept further loans from the International Monetary Fund in an interview on RÚV 's political chat program Silfur Egils yesterday. Jurshevski claimed that chaos reigned in Iceland and criticized the central administration for not handling the situation of Iceland's debt to other states professionally. He said it had been a costly mistake to agree to repay the Icesave debt, ruv.is reports. Then Jurshevski warned the Icelandic central administration against accepting further loans from the IMF as they would only be used to pay out glacier bonds. He argued that the interest payments from these loans would be too much for the Icelandic nation to handle and would lead to further cutbacks in the public sector. Iceland's Minister of Economic Affairs Gylfi Magnússon did not agree with Jurshevski, stating that Iceland's debts are average compared to other Western states. He reasoned it is necessary to have access to foreign loan capital as debts haven't been repaid. Not to accept loans from the IMF is the "stupidest idea" he has heard in a long time, Magnússon said, because, along with the Icesave loans, they are the most advantageous loans Iceland has been offered. The minister called it "preposterous nonsense" to reject the IMF loans because if so, Iceland can't afford to pay its debts. Magnússon said it is only half the truth to say that the IMF loans will be used to pay out glacier bonds. Foreigners no longer have glacier bonds in Iceland but claims in ISK, a couple of hundred billion. They are bound to take them out of the country at some point. However, in all likelihood, others are prepared to buy those claims at some point in the future, the minister concluded. The Libertarian Federation of Iceland, LFI - IFR, declares: "It is true that the cabinet and central administration of Iceland have some chaotic tendencies, but they are not the significant. Chaos is the opposite of Anarchy! Iceland is an anarchy - not chaos or a failed state." 20-21.03.2010. Volcano eruption. A volcano in southern Iceland has erupted for the first time in almost 200 years, raising concerns that it could trigger a larger and potentially more dangerous eruption at a volatile volcano nearby. The eruption at the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, located near a glacier of the same name, shot ash and molten lava into the air but scientists called it mostly peaceful. It occurred just before midnight Saturday at a fissure on a slope - rather than at the volcano's summit - so scientists said there was no imminent danger that the glacier would melt and flood the area. TV footage showed lava flowing along the fissure, and many flights were canceled due to the threat of airborne volcanic ash. After an aerial survey Sunday, scientists concluded the eruption struck near the glacier in an area that had no ice. "This is the best possible place for an eruption," said Tumi Gudmundsson, a geologist at the University of Iceland. Nonetheless, officials sent phone messages to 450 people between the farming village of Hvolsvollur and the fishing village of Vik, some 100 miles (160 kilometers) southeast of the capital, Reykjavik, urging them to evacuate immediately. A state of emergency was declared although there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. Evacuation centers were set up near the town of Hella, but many people returned to their homes later Sunday. The most immediate threat was to livestock because of the caustic gases the eruption released. "We had to leave all our animals behind," Eli Ragnarsdottir, a 47-year-old farmer, told RUV, Iceland's national broadcaster from an evacuation center. "We got a call and a text message ... and we just went." Scientists say it is difficult to predict what comes next. Like earthquakes, it is hard to predict the exact timing of volcanic eruptions. "It could stop tomorrow, it could last for weeks or months. We cannot say at this stage," Gudmundsson said. The last time there was an eruption near the 100-square-mile (160 square-kilometer) Eyjafjallajökull glacier was in 1821, and that was a "lazy" eruption - it lasted slowly and continuously for two years. The latest eruption came after thousands of small earthquakes rocked the area in the past month. Scientists in Iceland have been monitoring the volcano using seismometers and global positioning instruments, but Gudmundsson noted that the beginning of Saturday's eruption was so indistinct that it initially went undetected by the instruments. "The volcano has been inflating since the beginning of the year, both rising and swelling," said Pall Einarsson, a geophysicist at the University of Iceland's Institute of Earth Science. "Even though we were seeing increased seismic activity, it could have been months or years before we saw an eruption like this ... we couldn't say that there was an imminent risk for the area." Einarsson and Gudmundsson said the eruption could trigger a more damaging eruption at the nearby Karla volcano, which lies under the thick Myrdalsjokull icecap and threatens massive flooding and explosive blasts if it erupts. "One of the possible scenarios we're looking at is that this small eruption could bring about something bigger. This said, we can't speculate on when that could happen," Einarsson told The Associated Press. Iceland sits on a large volcanic hot spot in the Atlantic's mid-oceanic ridge. Volcanic eruptions, common throughout Iceland's history, are often triggered by seismic activity when the Earth's plates move and when magma from deep underground pushes it's way to the surface. All domestic flights in Iceland were canceled because airborne ash might interfere with aircraft engines, although Reykjavik appeared to be unaffected with clear visibility. Aviation officials were to determine whether it is safe to fly again early Monday. A flight to Oslo was canceled, but most international flights into and out of Iceland were delayed but returning to normal, Icelandair said. The airline's flights from the U.S. - departing from Seattle, Boston and Orlando, Florida - were due later Sunday in Reykjavik. Earlier, a flight was turned back to Boston, leaving about 500 people waiting for hours. First settled by Vikings in the 9th century, Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice because of its volcanos and glaciers. During the Middle Ages, Icelanders called the Hekla volcano, the country's most active, the "Gateway to Hell," believing that souls were dragged below. In the mid-1780s, the Laki volcano erupted, causing scores to die of famine when livestock and crops were destroyed and changing weather patterns across Europe. 31.03.2010. New rift opens at Icelandic volcano. A new rift has opened up at the erupting Fimmvorduhals volcano in South Iceland. The new rift is to the east of the existing one and seven new lava flows have opened, with two of them more energetic than all the others, Visir.is reports. Volcanologists say the new development took them largely by surprise; but current measurements show that the new rift has had little effect on the intensity of the original eruption. The new rift is round 300 metres in length and visitors to the area are advised to remain extremely cautious. 12.04.2010. Iceland's volcanic eruption winding down. Associated Press reports: Iceland's latest volcanic eruption is coming to an end, scientists said Monday - and the unexpected tourist boom that lifted this recession-weary country's financial fortunes may be up in smoke as well. It says something about a country's fortunes when an erupting volcano is greeted as good news. But Iceland has had a rocky time since its banks collapsed 18 months ago, capsizing the economy and sending unemployment soaring. Then, last month, the Eyjafjallajökull volcano began erupting after almost 200 years of silence, threatening floods and earthquakes but drawing thousands of adventurous tourists - and their desperately needed cash - to the site where ash and red-hot lava spewed from a crater between two glaciers. All good things must come to an end, however, and scientists said Monday that the eruption is winding down. "The volcanic activity has essentially stopped," said Einar Kjartansson, a geophysicist at the Icelandic Meteorological Office. "I believe the eruption has ended." University of Iceland geologist Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson said activity at the volcano had declined steeply in the last couple of days, although "it's too early to write its death certificate." Thousands of people have made the trip to the volcano, 75 miles (120 kilometers) east of Reykjavik, since the eruption began March 20 - and Icelandic tour companies have made a small fortune taking them there, by bus, snowmobile, souped-up "superjeep" and even helicopter. Drivers and hikers have caused unprecedented traffic jams in the sparsely populated rural area near the site. "It was like a festival without the music," said British tourist Alex Britton, 27, who recently drove to the volcano. "Or like a pilgrimage." Charter airline Iceland Express says its business has risen by 20 percent since the eruption, and the Icelandic Tourist Board says 26,000 overseas visitors came to the country in March, a record for a quiet month when Iceland is still in its winter hibernation. This rugged volcanic island of 320,000 people tucked just below the Arctic Circle had already received a tourism boost from the economic crisis, which saw the collapse of Iceland's debt-bloated banks and a dramatic fall in the value of its currency, the krona. Suddenly, a famously expensive country with one of the world's highest standards of living was mired in debt, struggling to pay its bills - and newly affordable to foreign tourists. The volcano has made it a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers from around the world, despite the expense, which ranges from euro55 ($75) for a bus trip to view the volcano from a distance to euro200 ($270) for a superjeep ride almost to the rim of the crater. "We have people who are staying at backpackers' hostels taking the tour," said Torfi Ynvgason from tour operator Arctic Adventures. "To drive over a glacier, in Iceland, in winter, to lava falls - if you have it in your bank account, you're going." The volcano's popularity has proved a headache for the central administration. Iceland's Civil Protection Department says rescue teams have had to help up to 50 people a day down from the site, where temperatures have dipped to -17 Celsius (1.4 Fahrenheit) in biting wind. Last week two Icelandic visitors died of exposure after they became lost and their car ran out of gas on a trip to the site. Iceland is well accustomed to natural disasters and seismic drama. The island sits on a volcanic hot spot in the Atlantic's mid-oceanic ridge, and eruptions have occurred frequently throughout the country's history, triggered when the Earth's plates move and when magma from deep underground pushes its way to the surface. The Eyjafjallajökull eruption is the country's first since 2004, and the most dramatic since Hekla, Iceland's most active volcano, blew its top in 2000. But Icelanders are far from jaded. They, too, have flocked to see the new volcano, and many describe it as something akin to a spiritual experience. "It's amazing to see it," said Sunnefa Burgess, who works for tour operator Iceland Excursions. "You could sit there all day. And the noise! It's a feeling you can't really describe." For crisis-weary Icelanders, the eruption has also provided a welcome respite from dire economic news and political turmoil. The volcano has led news bulletins and provided a new topic of chat in the coffee bars and geothermally heated outdoor hot tubs where Icelanders congregate. Now it seems the volcanic windfall is disappearing as quickly as it came. And there is a bigger worry smoldering in the background. Scientists say history has shown that when Eyjafjallajökull erupts, the much bigger Katla volcano nearby often follows within days or months. Katla is located under the vast Myrdalsjokull icecap, and an eruption could cause widespread flooding. The last major eruption took place in 1918, and vulcanologists say a new blast is overdue. "A large eruption of Katla could disrupt aviation seriously in the North Atlantic," said Kjartansson. "It has the potential to cause a lot of damage and disruption. "But there is very little seismic activity near Katla. I see no reason to expect Katla to do anything in the near future." Iceland bank meltdown under microscope. Associated Press reports: A report into Iceland's devastating 2008 banking collapse charges that the Nordic nation's former prime minister and central bank chief acted with "gross negligence" in allowing the financial sector to overheat without adequate oversight. The 2,300-page cabinet-commissioned report detailed a litany of mistakes made in the lead-up to the bank meltdown, an event that wreaked political and economic havoc in the tiny island nation. Pall Hreinsson, the supreme court judge appointed to head the Special Investigation Commission, singled out seven former officials including then Prime Minister Geir Haarde and central bank chief David Oddsson for particular criticism. "The commission finds that these seven have demonstrated gross negligence in the discharge of their duties," Pall Hreinsson told reporters. "They had the necessary information, but did not act accordingly, each pointing the finger at the next person." Hreinsson said that a parliamentary committee would consider whether legal action should be taken against the seven, rounded out by Oddsson's co-governors Eirikur Gundason and Ingimundur Fridriksson, former finance minister Arni Mathiessen, former banking minister Bjorgvin Sigurdsson, and Jonas Jonsson, former director of Iceland's financial services watchdog he added. Sigurdsson said that he would resign his post as parliamentary leader of the Social Democratic Alliance, but would not resign from parliament. There was no immediate response from the six other men. The report found that the country's three leading banks - Glitnir, Kaupthing and Landsbanki - simply got too big and overwhelmed its financial system when they ran into trouble with excessive risk taking. "The commission is of the opinion that the main reasons for the fall of the banks, among other things, was that the finances of the banks and the loans made by them had grown and surpassed the infrastructure of the banks themselves," said Sigridur Benediktsdottir, a Yale economics lecturer and commission member. "The main reason for the fall of the banks was their growth and their size when they fell." By the time they dropped, domino-like, within a week of each other in October 2008 after failing to acquire short-term funding, the banking sector had grown to dwarf the rest of the economy by around nine times. Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir, who took over when Haarde's cabinet was ousted, welcomed the report as a reminder that Iceland needed to carry out further "rigorous reform" of its financial sector after "the ideology of an unregulated free market utterly failed." In one major blunder detailed in the report, staff at the Icelandic central bank, forgot to extend a $500 million loan agreement, reached in March 2008, with the Bank of International Settlements in Basel. A belated attempt to receive an extension was not granted by the international bank. The report said that it was a key error at a time when few things were more important than building up Iceland's foreign currency reserves. The central bank then turned to the Bank of England in April 2008, seeking a currency swap agreement. Mervyn King, the British central bank's governor, refused, but offered to help Iceland to sustainably reduce the size and burden of its banking sector. Oddsson rejected that offer. Benediktsdottir said the problems were exacerbated by a lack of staffing and experience at the Public Financial Supervisory, where action was not taken "despite seeing laws broken," she said. Tight ownership in the financial sector - many of the bank executives were also heading up investment firms that bought up businesses around the world funded by those banks - added to the domino stack. "These investment companies had abnormal, easy access to loans from the banks in the capacity of ownership and influences within them," Benediktsdottir said. The extent of their influence was highlighted Monday when the committee put in charge of Glitnir lodged a lawsuit against businessman Jon Asgeir Johannesson, claiming he used his influence as a major shareholder at the bank to obtain a 6 billion krona personal loan. Britain's Serious Fraud Office opened an investigation in December into suspected fraud by Kaupthing, focusing on its efforts to attract British investors to its "high yield" deposit account. Monday's report also delved into the $5.3 billion that Iceland owes to Britain and the Netherlands after the collapse of the Icesave online bank, a subsidary of Landsbanki. The report said that the central bank should have been aware its foreign currency reserves would be too small to bail out Landsbanki and criticised authorities for failing to change Landsbanki's structure despite clear concerns about its future. The Icesave dispute has held up vital money promised by the International Monetary Fund to help Iceland back on its feet after the banking collapse brought the economy to its knees, its krona currency plummeted and protests toppled the cabinet. The IMF has already paid out about $1 billion from the agreed $2.1 billion package, but further reviews on the country's progress - a requirement for the release of further funds - have been delayed. The anarchists welcome the report. 14.04.2010. Iceland evacuates hundreds as volcano erupts again. Associated Press reports: A volcano under a glacier in Iceland erupted Wednesday for the second time in less than a month, melting ice, shooting smoke and steam into the air, closing a major road and forcing hundreds of people to flee rising floodwaters. Authorities evacuated 800 residents from around the Eyjafjallajökull glacier as rivers rose by up to 10 feet (3 meters). Emergency officials and scientists said the eruption under the ice cap was 10 to 20 times more powerful than one last month, and carried a much greater risk of widespread flooding. "This is a very much more violent eruption, because it's interacting with ice and water," said Andy Russell, an expert in glacial flooding at the University of Newcastle in northern England. "It becomes much more explosive, instead of a nice lava flow oozing out of the ground." Rognvaldur Olafsson, a chief inspector for the Icelandic Civil Protection Agency, said no lives or properties were in immediate danger. Scientists said there was no sign of increased activity at the much larger Katla volcano nearby. The agency said commercial aircraft had reported seeing steam plumes rising thousands of feet (meters) into the air. Scientists aboard a Coast Guard plane that flew over the volcano said the new fissure appeared to be up to 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) long. There were no immediate signs of large clouds of volcanic ash, which could disrupt air travel between Europe and North America. Some domestic flights were canceled, but Iceland's international airport remained open. The volcano, about 75 miles (120 kilometers) east of Reykjavik, erupted March 20 after almost 200 years of silence. The original eruption petered out earlier this week. But Gunnar Gudmunsson, a geophysicist at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, said there were a series of tremors overnight, and rivers in the area began rising Wednesday morning - strong evidence of a new eruption under the glacier. Last month's eruption struck near the glacier in an area that had no ice. Gudmunsson said the new eruption appeared to be about eight or nine kilometers (five to six miles) west of the original fissure. "Most probably this eruption is taking place at the summit ... under the ice," he said. Pall Einarsson, a geophysicist at the University of Iceland, said magma was melting a hole in the 650-foot (200 meter) thick ice covering the volcano's crater, sending floodwater coursing down the glacier into lowland areas. Residents were evacuated to a Red Cross center in the nearby community of Hvolsvollur, the Civil Protection Agency said. Iceland's main coastal ring road was closed near the volcano, and workers smashed a hole in the highway in a bid to give the rushing water a clear route to the coast and prevent a major bridge from being swept away. Iceland, a nation of 320,000 people, sits on a large volcanic hot spot in the Atlantic's mid-oceanic ridge. Volcanic eruptions are often triggered by seismic activity when the Earth's plates move and when magma from deep underground pushes its way to the surface. The last time there was an eruption near the 100-square-mile (160 square-kilometer) Eyjafjallajökull glacier was in 1821. A bigger worry is Katla, which in the past has erupted in tandem with Eyjafjallajökull. Katla is located under the vast Myrdalsjokull ice cap. An eruption could cause widespread flooding and disrupt air traffic between Europe and North America. The last major eruption took place in 1918, and vulcanologists say a new blast is overdue. "So far there have been no signs of the reawakening of the Katla volcano, but a lot of things can still happen, so we are monitoring it quite closely," Einarsson said. 15.04.2010. Iceland's volcanic ash, forming a large cloud, halts flights across Europe and disrupts US flights to Europe. 16.04.2010. Icelandic volcano still spewing huge ash plume. Reuters reports: An Icelandic volcano is still spewing ash into the air in a massive plume that has disrupted air traffic across Europe and shows little sign of letting up, officials said on Friday. One expert said the eruption at the volcano, about 120 km (75 miles) southeast of capital Reykjavik, could abate in the coming days, but a spokesman of the central administration said ash would keep drifting into the skies of Europe. The thick, dark brown ash cloud that shot several kilometers (miles) into the air and has drifted away from the north Atlantic island has shut down air traffic across northern Europe and restrictions remained in place in many areas. Norway and Sweden said they would resume limited flights in their northern areas, but Poland and the Czech Republic joined the list of countries with closed airports. "It is more or less the same situation as yesterday, it is still erupting, still exploding, still producing gas," University of Iceland professor Armann Hoskuldsson told Reuters. "We expect it to last for two days or more or something. It cannot continue at this rate for many days. There is a limited amount of magma that can spew out," he added, saying it was the magma, or molten rock beneath the Earth's surface, coming out of the volcano that turned into ash. Environment Ministry spokesman Gudmundur Gudmundsson said no variation was expected in the outflow of ash. "The eruption is ongoing and we are not expecting any change in the production of ash...High level winds will keep dispersing the plume over Europe," he said. The eruption has taken place under the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, normally a popular hiking ground in southern Iceland. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Urdur Gudmundsdottir said there was some damage to roads and barriers protecting farms. "There is still an evacuation of around 20 farms, which is 40 to 50 people," she added, noting this was less than the 800 people who had been evacuated earlier this week. Floods. People living close to the eruption said the main impact on their lives was the flood waters running off the glacier, which have closed roads. "Obviously it's all been a bit unreal. One is just managing from day to day and doing one's best," said Hanna Lara Andrews, a resident of a farm at the foot of the mountain, who had traveled to Reykjavijk with her one-year-old son. Speaking by telephone, she said she and her family had felt a big earthquake last week. When the eruption came this week they could see a big white cloud and then ash forming behind it. Another professor said on Thursday that the heat had melted up to a third of the glacial ice covering the crater, causing a nearby river to burst its banks. Icelandic radio said part of the ring road that goes around the small north Atlantic island had been swept away. To the east of the volcano, thousands of hectares of land are covered by a thick layer of ash. The cloud of ash from the eruption has hit air travel all over northern Europe, with flights grounded or diverted due to the risk of engine damage from sucking in particles of ash from the volcanic cloud. The volcano under the Ejfjallajokull glacier, Iceland's fifth largest glacier, has erupted five times since Iceland was settled in the ninth century. Iceland sits on a volcanic hotspot in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and has relatively frequent eruptions, although most occur in sparsely populated areas and pose little danger to people or property. Before March, the last eruption took place in 2004. 17.04.2010. Ash may hover for days over uncertain Europe. The Icelandic volcano that has kept much of Europe land-bound is far from finished spitting out its grit, and offered up new mini-eruptions Saturday that raise concerns about longer-term damage to world air travel and trade. Facing days to come under the volcano's unpredictable, ashy plume, Europeans are looking at temporary airport layoffs and getting creative with flight patterns to try to weather this extraordinary event. Modern Europe has never seen such a travel disruption. Air space across a swath from Britain to Ukraine was closed and set to stay that way until Sunday or Monday in some countries, affecting airports from New Zealand to San Francisco. Millions of passengers have had plans foiled or delayed. Activity in the volcano at the heart of this increased early Saturday, and showed no sign of abating. "There doesn't seem to be an end in sight," Icelandic geologist Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson told The Associated Press on Saturday. "The activity has been quite vigorous overnight, causing the eruption column to grow." Scientists say that because the volcano is situated below a glacial ice cap, the magma is being cooled quickly, causing explosions and plumes of grit that can be catastrophic to plane engines, depending on prevailing winds. In Iceland, winds dragged the ashes over new farmland, to the southwest of the glacier, causing farmers to scramble to secure their cattle and board up windows. With the sky blackened out and the wind driving a fine, sticky dust, dairy farmer Berglind Hilmarsdottir teamed up with neighbors to round her animals and get them to shelter. The ash is toxic - the fluoride causes long-term bone damage that makes teeth fall out and bones break. "This is bad. There are no words for it," said Hilmarsdottir, whose pastures near the town of Skogar were already covered in a gray paste of ash. Forecasters say light prevailing winds in Europe - and large amounts of unmelted glacial ice above the volcano - mean that the situation is unlikely to change quickly. 18.04.2010. European Union says half of airspace may be free of ash Monday, half of normal flight may run. European air traffic could return to about 50 percent of normal levels Monday if weather forecasts confirm that skies over half the continent are emptying of the volcanic ash that has thrown global travel into chaos, the European Union said. The prospects for a return to normal air travel remained far from clear, however. Ash and grit from volcanic eruptions can sabotage a plane in various ways: the abrasive ash can sandblast a jet's windshield, block fuel nozzles, contaminate the oil system and electronics and plug the tubes that sense airspeed. But the most immediate danger is to the engines. Melted ash can then congeal on the blades and block the normal flow of air, causing engines to lose thrust or shut down. Scientists say that because the volcano is situated below a glacial ice cap, magma is being cooled quickly, causing explosions and plumes of grit that can be catastrophic to plane engines, depending on prevailing winds. "Normally, a volcano spews out ash to begin with and then it changes into lava, but here it continues to spew out ash, because of the glacier," said Reynir Bodvarsson, director of Swedish National Seismic Network. "It is very special." Bodvarsson said the relative weakness of the eruption in Iceland also means the ash remains relatively close to the earth. In 1989, a KLM Boeing 747 that flew through a volcanic ash cloud above Alaska temporarily lost all four motors. The motors restarted at a lower altitude and the plane eventually landed safely. 19.04.2010. Scientists say Icelandic eruption producing more lava, less ash, but volcano still alive. The dramatic volcanic eruption that belched out the ash plume responsible for grounding much of Europe entered a new phase Monday - producing less smoke but bubbling with lava and throwing up chunks of molten rock. Less ash is potentially good news for stranded travelers, but scientists who are monitoring the mountain's explosion warn the eruption is not finished, and may still set off other eruptions at nearby volcanoes. The first sighting of glowing magma in the Eyjafjallajökull volcano was made on Monday, though the lava is not flowing down the mountain. 20.04.2010. A realistic 3% unemployment scenario for 2010, with proper demand management. If the present mismanagement by the marxist cabinet continues, the average unemployment rate for 2010 will be 9-10 percent, an insult to the Anarchy of Iceland. The traditional Keynes type countercyclal monetary and fiscal policy measures, may not be sufficient. Measures to lower inflation and to achieve a modest increase in labor productivity, taking into account green economics, should also be introduced. In this case the following scenario may be realistic: With about 8.025% unemployment in 2009 and no increase in the labor force from 2009 to 2010, 6% inflation and 1% increase in labor productivity from 2009 to 2010, the total demand nominally must increase exactly 12.91%, via proper countercyclal monetary and fiscal policy measures, from 2009 to 2010, to achieve 3% average unemployment rate for 2010. The marxist cabinet should follow this anarchist advice, and do proper demand management. Do it now! Some European flights take off; London still shut. Applause, cheers and whoops of joy rang out at airports around the world Tuesday as airplanes gradually took to the skies after five days of being grounded by a volcanic ash cloud that has devastated European travel. But weary passengers might have to tamper their enthusiasm. Only limited flights were allowed to resume at some European airports and U.K. authorities said London airports - a major hub for thousands of daily flights worldwide - would remained closed for at least another day due to new danger from the invisible ash cloud. And with over 95,000 flights canceled in the last week alone, airlines face the enormous task of working through the backlog to get passengers where they want to go - a challenge that certainly will take days. 21.04.2010. Europe's skies open for business. About 75% of European flights are due to operate on Wednesday, according to the air traffic agency Eurocontrol. But delays are expected, as airlines try to cope with the backlog from the cancellation of about 95,000 flights. The international air transport group IATA says the disruptions have cost the industry $1.7bn (£1.1bn). Iceland's civil protection agency said the Eyjafjallajökull volcano had lost nearly 80% of its intensity since the weekend, although the situation remains changeable. Airlines have now begun the enormous task of working through the backlog to get stranded passengers where they want to go. The Eurocontrol air traffic agency said it was optimistic the situation would be back to normal in a few days' time. 22.04.2010. European air traffic starts to return to normal service, some delays still expected. Flights in Sweden and Norway are still grounded. Air travel across Europe may have resumed but the economic impact of the six day ban on all flights will be felt for sometime. 23.04.2010. European airspace on Friday was almost completely free of volcanic ash from Iceland, according to Eurocontrol, the air traffic agency. All of British airspace was available after four small airports in Scotland reopened. But for the first time since the April 14 eruption, Iceland's major international airport was closed after shifting winds blew the ash cloud toward the capital of Reykjavik, west of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Trans-Atlantic flights on Icelandair that usually stop in Iceland were being rerouted through Glasgow in Scotland. In Iceland, the volcano was active Friday but its ash production was minimal. Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson, a geophysicist at the University of Iceland, said the volcano was only spewing 10-20 metric tons of ash a second into the air, compared to 750 tons a second at the peak of the eruption. "The threat from the volcano is now local. It is not hemispherical," he told The Associated Press. "It is mostly a steam plume. It is carrying only a small fraction of what it was before." Still he said the eruption was continuing and scientists were monitoring it closely. "I think we have seen the worst. The peak of the eruption over, but how long it will linger on is impossible to tell," he said. 26.04.2010. No indications that eruption in Iceland is ending. Although the force of the volcanic eruption in Eyjafjallajökull glacier in south Iceland is only part of what it was when the eruption was at its height, there are no indications that the eruption is coming to an end. The volcanic unrest is similar to what it was in the past days. Flights in Iceland resume. The airspace around Keflavík International Airport and Reykjavík Domestic Airport opened for instrument flying at 7 am this morning and airlines are working on resuming scheduled flights to and from these airports. 28.04.2010. LFI-IFR: Both the Icelandic president and the public should have referendum rights! Johanna Sigurdardottir, Prime Minister of Iceland and leader of the marxist Social Democrats, has told reporters she wants the President's right to veto new acts of parliament and send them to a public referendum to be removed. Johanna Sigurdardottir said she wants the right to call a referendum to be placed directly in the hands of the public. Current president, Olafur Ragnar Grimsson has twice used his veto and is the only president to have ever done so, RUV reports. Sigurdardottir said that her party is very enthusiastic about a bill due before parliament that would call together a constitutional parliament of citizens with the legal power to change Iceland's constitution. She believes such a parliament should make re-evaluation of the president's role a priority. Sigurdardottir is also in favor of the office of president having stricter rules on conduct and a clearer job description. LFI-IFR does not agree with Johanna Sigurdardottir and declares: Both the Icelandic president and the public should have referendum rights! 01.05.2010. May Day demonstrations in the Anarchy of Iceland. Today is May Day - international labor day. The event is being celebrated with marches, demonstrations and family entertainment all over Iceland. In Reykjavik a large coalition of unions and associations have come together to host a rally starting at 13.00 at Hlemmur and moving down to Austurvollur, Parliament Square. Once at the square, a series of speeches begins at 14.10, and due to end at 15.00. Two brass bands and the popular rock band Hjaltalin are also taking part. After the speeches, most big labor unions and political parties will be offering coffee and cakes to the public and some of the political parties are taking the opportunity to formally open their election offices today for the upcoming local elections. Today is an official flag day in Iceland. 03.05.2010. All flights in and out of Ireland have been canceled Tuesday morning because of the renewed risk of volcanic ash drifting south from Iceland, the Irish Aviation Authority announced Monday. But experts said they couldn't tell whether the shifting winds would lead to wider European airspace shutdowns, mirroring last month's crisis, when more than 100,000 flights were canceled and airlines estimated they lost more than $2 billion in business. "We cannot really tell what it is going to do," said University of Iceland geophysicist Pall Einarsson. Iceland's weather forecasting service attributed the resumed threat to Irish airspace to a change in wind direction, not substantially increased emissions of ash. Icelandic meteorologist Ole Arneson said the Eyjafjallajökull volcano was emitting a slightly higher level of ash Monday than on previous days. He speculated this was because of an increased volume of melted ice, which generates the ash. "There seems to be a little bit more ash, but the seismic activity is more or less unchanged," he said. Last month the volcano unleashed massive plumes of ash that turned much of European airspace into a no-fly zone for a week. European Union authorities working with jet engine manufacturers eventually established new, more precise measurements for determining whether aircraft could fly safely in ash-affected airspace, which should limit the spread of future shutdowns. 04.05.2010. Iceland's ash may keep choking Europe's air travel. Iceland's clouds of volcanic ash are menacing European air traffic again, but transport chiefs insisted Tuesday they are learning from last month's crisis and won't let the hard-to-measure emissions ground their continent again. Rising volcanic activity spurred aviation authorities in Ireland, northwest Scotland and the Faeroe Islands to shut down services Tuesday after a two-week hiatus. Their airports reopened several hours later, once the densest ash clouds had passed over their airports and back over the Atlantic. Travelers and transport chiefs alike said Europe was learning to pinpoint the true nature of the threat versus last month's better-safe-than-sorry shutdown of air services for nearly a week in several countries. Airline and airport authorities branded that response overkill; it grounded 100,000 flights and 10 million passengers and cost the industry billions. 05.05.2010. Britain's Civil Aviation Authority announced that some airspace over Northern Ireland and Scotland would be closed Wednesday because ash emissions from Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull grew heavier and dipped further south. 07.05.2010. Iceland arrests another Kaupthing boss. Magnus Gudmundsson, the former head of Kaupthing Bank in Luxembourg and the current head of Banque Havilland, has been arrested in connection to the Icelandic Special Prosecutor's investigation into the banking collapse. Former Kaupthing CEO Hreidar Mar Sigurdsson was arrested yesterday. Magnus Gudmundsson worked for Kaupthing for many years and was a close friend and ally of Hreidar Mar Sigurdsson and former Chair of the Board, Sigurdur Einarsson. According to Visir.is, both South Iceland prisons are full, meaning that the Kaupthing pair were held at a police station overnight, pending their bail hearing today. The police arrested Sigurdsson on the orders of Iceland's Special Prosecutor into the banking crisis, Olafur Thor Hauksson. Hauksson and his team continue to work closely with international white-collar crime investigator, Eva Joly. A mammoth cloud of volcanic ash is stretching 1,250 miles (2,000 kilometers) across the North Atlantic and forcing most flights between North America and Europe to divert into a sky-high traffic jam, Irish and European air authorities said Friday. 08.05.2010. Volcanic ash has returned to torment air travellers in the north of Portugal and Spain. Several hundred flights were cancelled on Saturday as winds once again blew thick clouds of ash into European airspace. In Portugal, flights from Porto, Lisbon and Faro were affected, while Barcelona was among 19 Spanish airports to close. Several flights from Marseille airport were also cancelled, and difficulties in France and Italy could intensify in the coming days. The travel chaos in continental Europe is nothing though compared to the difficulties of those who live close the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland. Many have been forced to flee their homes because of the blanket of ash that has descended upon them. Soon arrest of the former Chair of the Board of Kaupthing? Sigurdur Einarsson, the former Chair of the Board at Kaupthing Bank, has not answered the Special Prosecutor's request to return to Iceland quickly in connection with the arrests of two other senior bank fiugures. No information is available on when Einarsson will return to Iceland. Einarsson began at the bank in 1994, was its CEO in 1997 and Chairman of the Board between 2003 and 2008. He is described by some as the architect of Kaupthing's breakneck expansion. Einarsson has been living in London for a while, Visir.is reports. Sigurdur Einarsson has been invited to an interview with the Special Prosecutor next week; but it is not known if he will turn up. Hreidar Mar Sigurdsson and Magnus Gudmundsson were as mentioned arrested this week immediately following such interviews. 09.05.2010. Airlines canceled hundreds of flights across Europe and added hours to trans-Atlantic journeys Sunday as planes were diverted around a large plume of ash spewed by an Icelandic volcano and stretching from Greenland to Portugal. So far, the weekend cancellations have been a fraction of the flights nixed two weeks ago when jittery European air traffic authorities closed down much of the continent's airspace for fear the volcano's abrasive ash could harm jet engines. But the possibility loomed of continuing eruption, and rising costs to airlines from ongoing disruption. 12.05.2010. Former Chair of the Board of Kaupthing wanted by Interpol. The former Chairman of Kaupthing Bank, Sigurdur Einarsson, is now on the wanted list of the international police co-operation bureau, Interpol. Einarsson's Wanted-poster on the Interpol website states that he is wanted for counterfeiting/forgery and fraud. Einarsson told Icelandic media over the phone from London that he has no intention of returning to Iceland unforced, adding that the arrests so far have been based on no credible evidence and are just being carried out to appease public anger. If arrested in the UK, the courts there will have to decide whether or not to deport him to Iceland. Seven Giltnir Bank investors and officials, including Jon Asgeir Johannesson, are being sued for conspiring to snatch control of USD 2 billion to benefit their own "failing companies"" Reuters reports. Those accused also include Johannesson's wife, Ingibjorg Stefania Palmadottir, investor Palmi Haraldsson, former Chairman Thorsteinn Jonsson, former Chief Executive Larus Welding, former directors Jon Sigurdsson and Hannes Smarason. 14.05.2010. The accused Glitnir bank fraudster, Jon Asgeir Johannesson has resigned as the director of the UK high street fashion retailer House of Fraser due to the USD 2 billion lawsuit against him, Financial Times reports. Johannesson's resignation has come in the wake of the USD 2 billion lawsuit against him and six others at the New York State Supreme Court for the alleged siphoning of funds from the Glitnir Bank before its collapse in 2008. Johannesson's position on the House of Fraser board had become untenable after the UK High Court issued a freezing order on his worldwide assets in connection with the lawsuit. It was stated that Johannesson tendered his resignation on Thursday, nearly four years after leading a consortium that took the company private. Both House of Fraser and Jon Asgeir Johannesson failed to comment. There was significant force in the eruption in Eyjafjallajökull glacier yesterday and the volcanic cloud reached a height of nine kilometers, which is considerably higher than on Wednesday. Volcanic activity is stable and there are no indications that the eruption is coming to an end, Morgunbladid reports. Meanwhile, sheep in south Iceland must be kept inside due to ash fall. Living in tight quarters for a long time compromises the animals' health ï¿½ some newborn lambs have died. Katrín Helga Andrésdóttir, district veterinarian in south Iceland, said it cannot be stated with absolute certainty that the lambs were killed due to overcrowded sheepfolds. However, overcrowding can cause various infections and diseases, such as bowel infection, swollen udders in ewes and kidney diseases in lambs. On the other hand, fluorine poisoning from the volcanic ash can also be hazardous. Andrésdóttir said it is important that farmers report illnesses in sheep. If their animals are killed, a certification is the basis for payment from the Farmers' Emergency Fund. 16.05.2010. The UK and Ireland are facing new disruption due to the return of Icelandic volcanic ash. No-fly zones have been imposed over northern England and flights in and out of Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland were stopped. The potentially dangerous ash is again heading south-east from Iceland. Expert David Rothery said: "The ash cloud is becoming a problem again because the activity at the volcano has intensified. It's not as intense as it was when the problem began a month ago. But certainly throughout today grey ash has been injected high up into the sky to several kilometres, maybe about 20,000 feet (6,000 metres) and that's been caught by the high altitude winds and it's been blown towards Scotland," he said. 17.05.2010. Ash clouds. Potentially a summer of disruption. There is some good news for travellers stranded by the latest volcanic ash cloud in Europe: air traffic restrictions have been eased in Britain, Ireland and the Netherlands. Flights in and out of Heathrow and Gatwick airports, for example, have been allowed to resume. But there are warnings that it may only be temporary. Air travel specialist Bob Atkinson said: "This ash is going to keep coming back through the summer and the volcanologists are telling us that this may not be the only volcano that there is to potentially explode (in Iceland.)" "I think it's without a doubt that everybody's now gearing up for the fact that there will be potentially a summer of disruption." No fly zones remain in place over parts of Northern Ireland and the Shetland Islands. But the main airports in Amsterdam and Rotterdam have been allowed to reopen. Hundreds of thousands of passengers have been stranded by the latest disruptions, forcing many to either sit it out or find alternative road and sea transport. 18.05.2010. The wind direction allows Keflavík International Airport to be open today ï¿½ international flights at Icelandair and Iceland Express are mostly on schedule ï¿½ although the volcanic ash from Eyjafjallajökull will disrupt domestic flights in Iceland. The volcanic ash from Eyjafjallajökull will probably make disruptions of European air traffic more or less during the rest of the spring and in the summer time, but in general, unless special cases, it will not be reported more about it and this volcano on this file until the eruption is over, as enough is reported already of the consequences for the Icelandic economic-political system, the main item of this file. 23.05.2010. Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano reduces activity. The Icelandic volcano which has been disrupting air traffic for more than a month is showing a marked drop in activity, new measurements suggest. Heat camera footage from early on Sunday indicated the temperature in the crater had fallen to just 100C, a leading volcanologist said. This means Eyjafjallajökull is now producing steam, not magma. It would however be a long time before the eruption, which began on 14 April, could be said with certainty to be over. The previous eruption at the volcano lasted 13 months, from 1821-23. It stopped and started again several times with different intervals, so it's difficult to give a timeline. It is also impossible to say whether the neighbouring and much larger and fiercer Katla volcano might also erupt. 30.05.2010. BBC reports: Best Party wins polls in Iceland's Reykjavik. A party that calls itself "the Best" has won local elections in the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik. The Best Party, founded by comedian Jon Gnarr, secured 34.7% of the vote, ahead of the Independence Party's 33.6%. Its campaign video featured candidates singing to the tune of Tina Turner's "Simply The Best". Key pledges included "sustainable transparency", free towels at all swimming pools and a new polar bear for the city zoo. The party also called for a Disneyland at the airport and a "drug-free parliament" by 2020. As well as specific pledges, its video promised change, a "bright future" and suggested that it was time for a "clean out". The Best Party was only established six months ago. Its victory means it will hold six seats on the 15-member city council. Commentators suggest it has benefited from voters' loss of trust in the cabinet and the establishment in the wake of the country's banking collapse in 2008. According to Iceland Review Online, several local races saw parties that were in power ousted in the polls. 10.06.2010. New contracts with China. The Central Bank of Iceland and the national power company have both signed important contracts with China this morning during He Guoqiang's official visit. A bilateral currency swap agreement has been signed between the central banks of Iceland and China to the value of ISK 66 billion or 3.5 billion Chinese yuan (USD 512.5 million). The contract is for three years from today and can be extended. Central Bank of Iceland governor Mar Gudmundsson and deputy governor of the Central Bank of China, Hu Xiaolian signed the deal today at Iceland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The currency swap agreement is Iceland's first since before the banking crisis, when the Nordic countries signed a deal worth EUR 1.5 billion in May 2008 (50 billion from each country). A Nordic-USA currency swap agreement in autumn 2008 famously did not include Iceland. Landsvirkjun, Iceland's national power company, has also signed a deal today. The statement of intent with China International Water & Electric Corporation (CWE) and the Export-Import Bank of China (Exim Bank) is intended to strengthen co-operation in the field of renewable energy utilisation. Icelandic energy companies have already provided investment and consulting for geothermal energy projects in China, including the Xianyang "geothermal city", and there is now interest in the Chinese companies investing in developments in Iceland. 03.07.2010. FABS in Iceland. The main Nordic and international libertarian progressive rock and punk-band FABS - the Federalist Anarchist Beat Society's four main albums are for listening and sale in Iceland at Tonlist.is, click on 1. The Ballad Of Exterazy Grax (1979) , 2. FABS' Collection Album 1967-2008 (2008) , 3. Punk Out For Fans Only (2009) , 4. Soundtrack From Monter - Anarchist Criticism of Norway 1968 (2010) . To listen you will be asked to install Microsoft Silverlight, if you don't have it already, the download and installation are done in a few minutes and are not risky. Click on: FABS Fanclub for more information. The FABS is a major source of inspiration for the Northern Anarchist Confederation and the Icelandic section LFI-IFR. 22.07.2010. "Icelandic cabinet more interested in helping banks than households". Seven out of every ten Icelandic respondents believes their cabinet cares more about the profits of the banks than about households. This is the conclusion of a new poll by MMR in which just 14 percent of respondents disagreed with the above sentiment. 860 people took part in the online opinion poll, RUV reports. Only 16 percent of people said they think the Icelandic parliament stands up to protect the finances of normal people, with 64 percent saying the institution does not. The public has little more trust in the opposition parties though, with just 30 percent believing a different cabinet from the opposition would do a better job. Finally, 60 percent of respondents felt that the joint central bank and FME (financial regulator) proposal on dealing with foreign currency indexed loans is unfair. 27.07.2010. Some 60 percent of the Icelandic public are now against EU-membership! Euronews reports: EU Enlargement - Iceland starts formal EU membership talks. Iceland has officially begun talks on EU membership just as Icelanders themselves seem to be going off the idea. Launching formal negotiations, the EU's enlargement commissioner urged Iceland's cabinet on Tuesday to give its electorate what he called "more objective information" on EU policies. He added that the decision to join the bloc should be based on "facts and figures" rather than "myths and fears." Public opinion is not the only obstacle to Icelandic membership. A row over debt owed to Britain and the Netherlands still needs to be settled and there are differences over fishing rights and whale hunting. Brussels forbids whaling but Icelanders see it as part of their culture. Reykjavik is also reluctant to share its rich fishing waters with European countries that have over-fished their own seas. As for the debt dispute, the Dutch and British governments want back nearly four billion euros they had to shell out to customers of the failed Icelandic bank, Icesave. The people of Iceland rejected repaying the money in a referendum and the whole episode has dampened their enthusiasm for joining the EU: some 60 percent of the public are now against doing so. And it's Icelanders themselves who will have the final say on membership in another referendum when, and if, all the other hurdles are cleared. 28.09.2010. Iceland's former PM taken to court. The Icelandic parliament, Althingi, passed a parliamentary resolution with 33 votes against 30 to take former Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde to High Court (Landsdómur) on alleged negligence in office in the events leading up to the banking collapse in 2008. 02.10.2010. The marxist cabinet does not keep key election promise. Iceland's economy may be showing signs of a slow recovery; but the wave of house repossessions is not abating and the cabinet is coming under criticism for its perceived failures in protecting householders ï¿½ something that was a key election promise. A group of protesters camped outside parliament in tents on Thursday night under the banner "Tjaldborg". The reason for the name comes from the "Skjaldborg" or "wall of shields" that the cabinet promised to metaphorically erect to protect vulnerable householders. "Tjaldborg", on the other hand, sounds very similar but means "Tent City". More protesters began gathering in support and one of the biggest political protests since the zenit of the "pots and pans revolution" was underway by lunch time yesterday. Yesterday was the beginning of the new October session of parliament ï¿½ which is the reason for the protest. The thousand-strong crowd was significantly smaller than those which toppled the former cabinet in spring 2009. Police described the protest as mostly peaceful ï¿½ although a serious breach and ochlarchy (mob rule broadly defined) occurred when a window was broken at the Domkirkjan cathedral while MPs were inside for the traditional first day of parliament church service. Protesters also attempted to pelt them with eggs as they entered the church, Visir.is reported. LFI-IFR supports the direct action, but condemns the ochlarchy. 05.10.2010. Euronews reports: Demonstration. Thousands demonstrates outside Iceland's Parliament. As parliament met in Iceland, thousands of people turned up outside to show just how angry they are about the financial black hole the country is struggling to escape from. The protest was aimed at disrupting Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir's first speech to this session's assembly. Many think the cabinet did not do enough in the wake of the banking collapse in 2008. "We have to show the cabinet how we are feeling because the Icelandic people are bleeding, our homes are going up in flames, soon we will have nothing," said one woman. "I am demonstrating against the situation our society is in, unemployment and the total ineptitude of our politicians," was the opinion of a police officer, even though he was in uniform and on duty. The police also showed up, dressed in riot gear ï¿½ but by midnight the demonstration was losing momentum. The average Icelander lost 20 percent of his income last year, while unemployment stood at more than seven percent in August. Homeowners brandished the keys of their houses threatened with repossession ï¿½ property prices in Iceland have slumped by 34 percent since October 2007. LFI-IFR supported the direct action, but condemned the ochlarchical throwing of a) eggs and b) red paint by marxist extremists. 25.10.2010. Women's protest. Yesterday marked 35 years since Icelandic women first dropped everything and went on a de facto strike to highlight their importance to society. It is thought some 90 percent of all women in Iceland took that day off in order to demand the same rights and wages as men. This year women are being encouraged to stop work at 14.25 today (Monday) because the actual women's day fell on a weekend. Different events are planned in towns all over Iceland. An umbrella organization of 20 Icelandic women's groups held a conference yesterday in Reykjavik about domestic violence and has been collecting charitable donations as well. Among the speakers at the conference was the UN representative for domestic violence and representatives from several other international organizations against gender-based violence. The Anarchy of Norway's justice minister also attended, as he is one of 14 male world leaders who has signed a contract that says he will keep the fight against domestic violence at the fore in all his political work. Thousands of women participated in the protests. 02.12.2010. Support action for Julian Assange. IFR-LFI joins the Anarchist International support action for Julian Assange and WikiLeaks. THE ANARCHIST INTERNATIONAL: Anarchist International support action for the social-individualist anarchist Julian Assange and WikiLeaks. Julian Assange, the main spokesperson for the news-organization WikiLeaks, is social and individualist as well as progressive, and may thus be seen as a social-individualist anarchist . As many social-individualist anarchists he does not use the label 'anarchist' about himself, at least not so far... But he 1. has 02.12.2010 been called anarchist on CNN, and more, 2. has a strong co-operation with -- and support for -- the social-individualist Anarchy of Iceland , 3. is mainly acting as an anarchist, a.o.t. a) for a free press -- against the media as a 4th power of the State, b) doing whistle-blowing against authorities, and c) works for libertarian human rights , and thus 4. practically certain is a social-individualist anarchist. To see an interview with Julian Assange about his main policy and activities click here! The ochlarchy (mob rule broadly defined) against Julian Assange, a) falsely calling his whistle-blowing and other libertarian press-activities criminal, b) smear-campaigns with probably false accusations of rape in Sweden, c) people calling for his assassination and d) much, much more mobbing, e) must stop. Julian Assange and WikiLeaks, and their news-reporting, have full support from the Anarchist International and the Anglophone Anarchist Federation , and AI & AF have 02.12.2010 launched an international solidarity direct action for Julian Assange and WikiLeaks. AI & AF call on all anarchists world wide, and all others that read this resolution, to join in the world wide support action . AI & AF demand continued freedom for Julian Assange and WikiLeaks!!! PS. Fellows world wide! You can join in the international solidarity direct action for Julian Assange and WikiLeaks by forwarding this resolution to your own network, and/or link up the Web of Freedom Online , the official organ of the Anglophone Anarchist Federation and/or the Anarchist International at your Web and/or blog. Do it now!!! 09.01.2011. Iceland summons US envoy over WikiLeaks probe. The American ambassador to Reykjavik has been summoned to explain why US investigators are trying to access the private details of an Icelandic lawmaker's online activity as they try to build a criminal case against WikiLeaks. Revelations that the US Justice Department obtained a court order to examine data held by Twitter Inc. on Birgitta Jonsdottir, an Icelandic parliamentarian who sits on the country's Foreign Affairs Committee, immediately caused consternation in the North Atlantic nation. "(It is) very serious that a foreign state, the United States, demands such personal information of an Icelandic person, an elected official," Interior Minister Ogmundur Jonasson told Icelandic broadcaster RUV. "This is even more serious when put (in) perspective and concerns freedom of speech and people's freedom in general," he added. Jonsdottir is a one-time WikiLeaks collaborator also known for her work on Iceland's media initiative, which aims to turn the island nation into a free speech haven. Jonsdottir told the Associated Press she was too overwhelmed to comment Sunday, but in a recent post to Twitter, she said she was talking with American lawyers about how to beat the order - and was drumming up support in Iceland as well. US Ambassador Luis E. Arreaga has been summoned for a meeting at Iceland's Foreign Ministry to discuss the issue, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Urdur Gunnarsdottir said Sunday. It was not clear when the meeting was taking place. US Embassy in Reykjavik said no one there would be available for comment until Monday. The evolving diplomatic spat illustrates the challenge American prosecutors face as they weigh whether to bring charges against WikiLeaks, an international, tech-savvy operation that has angered and embarrassed Washington with a series of huge leaks of classified information. The most recent disclosure of thousands of secret State Department cables saw US diplomats being ordered to gather the DNA and fingerprints of their international counterparts, captured backroom dealing over issues such as Guantanamo and rendition, and publicized unflattering assessments of friends and foes alike. The US says the disclosures have damaged international diplomacy and put the safety of informants and foreign human rights activists at risk. WikiLeaks has dismissed the claims, but Washington has been trying to find a way to prosecute the group and its leader, 39-year-old Julian Assange, who is currently in England. A court order unsealed earlier this week revealed that American authorities had gone to court to seek data from Twitter about Assange, Jonsdottir, and others either known or suspected to have interacted with WikiLeaks. Some of those named in the court order have said they suspect other companies - such as Facebook Inc., Google Inc., and the eBay Inc.-owned Internet communications company Skype - have also been secretly asked to hand over their personal data. Assange and Jonsdottir have vowed to fight the court order. IFR-LFI supports Julian Assange, WikiLeaks and Birgitta Jonsdottir in this case, against the USA. 10.01.2011. Iceland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the American ambassador Luis E. Arreaga to a meeting this morning after the American government ordered personal information to be released by Twitter in the run-up to a possible lawsuit against WikiLeaks. As mentioned, one of the people affected is Birgitta Jonsdottir, a sitting member of parliament for The Movement and a member of the Foreign Policy Committee. The ministry undersecretary and an international law specialist sat the meeting on behalf of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Visir.is reports. They called for more information from Washington and expressed their deep concern that a criminal investigation should be directed at a sitting member of the Althingi parliament in such a manner. Birgitta Jonsdottir enjoys parliamentary immunity within Iceland and her colleagues in Althingi are supporting her, for the most part. 16.02.2011. Somewhat improved Icesave bill. Althingi, Iceland's national parliament, has voted in favor of a bill that would repay Britain and the Netherlands for money lost when Landsbanki collapsed along with its high interest Icesave accounts in the two countries. 44 MPs supported the bill, 16 opposed it and three did not vote. With support from both coalition parties and the largest opposition party, the bill was comfortably passed. An addendum that parliament should send the bill to a public vote was rejected. The final hurdle for the bill is the Icelandic president, Olafur Ragnar Grimsson. Parliamentary decisions can be vetoed by the president. This has only happened twice before ï¿½ both times by the current president. He vetoed the last Icesave bill, which was then roundly defeated in the subsequent public vote. This third bill offers much better repayment terms and the president has indicated he is happier with it. However, 30,000 people have now signed a petition asking him to send this bill to a public referendum as well. Grimsson has refused to speak publicly about his upcoming decision while the bill was in Althingi. 20.02.2011. New Icesave referendum. Iceland's president on Sunday called for a referendum on a new deal with Britain and the Netherlands to repay the 3.9 million euros the two nations paid their citizens to compensate for losses incurred in the 2008 collapse of the Icesave bank. 24.02.2011. President's veto of Icesave repayments bill sparks outrage, especially among economical plutarchists. Icelandic President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson's decision to veto a bill on repaying losses from the Icesave collapse has paved the way for a new referendum, prompting Moody's to warn that a "No" vote would downgrade Iceland's ratings. President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson's decision to veto a new bill on Icesave that had passed parliament with a large majority has sent shockwaves through Iceland and internationally , where many thought the painful issue was finally coming to a close. "This president's decision to put Icesave to a referendum will cause a stalling in the economy, the state's ability to raise finance will worsen and unemployment will increase," Gudmundur Olafsson, an economics professor at the University of Iceland told AFP. Icelandic negotiators have been struggling for more than two years to reach an acceptable deal on how to repay Britain and the Netherlands for the 3.9 billion euros ($5.3 billion) they spent compensating around 340,000 of their citizens hit by the collapse of online bank Icesave in October 2008 at the height of the financial crisis. The latest deal, considered much more favorable to Iceland than previous versions, was agreed upon in December and voted through by nearly 70 percent of Iceland's parliamentarians. The deal, which would allow Iceland to repay very gradually until 2046 at a 3.0 to 3.3-percent interest rate, only needed the president's stamp of approval before being turned into law. Instead, Grimsson on Sunday said he would again put the bill to a referendum as he had with the initial version in early 2010. The first time however, the wildly unpopular bill, which called for full repayment by 2026 at a 5.5-percent interest rate, was rejected by 93.2 percent of voters. This time around, few expect London or The Hague to sit down again if the vote is 'No' again, meaning the case could end up in a European Free Trade Association (EFTA) court. At the end of the day, the bill "could be much steeper for the Icelandic tax-payer," Olafur Stephensen, the chief editor of the Frettabladid daily, wrote in an editorial after Grimsson's decision. The president's move has also raised questions about the role he plays and the powers he enjoys -- Why oppose a deal that has majority backing in the popularly elected parliament? According to the Icelandic constitution, the president's role is largely symbolic but Article 26 does provide the head of state [i.e. in the meaning of central administration - or the whole country, not State in the meaning of x-archy, where x can be anything but not 'an', in Iceland. Iceland is as mentioned an Anarchy, significant.] with the right to put any law voted through parliament to a popular vote if he sees fit. Grimsson acknowledged Sunday that "these (Icesave) contracts are different from the last ones that were put to the nation," but insisted "it is important that the nation again will get its say." According to political scientist Stefania Oskarsdottir, the president's reasoning "was that ... if the majority in Parliament is opposed to the will of the majority of the nation, the president should listen to the nation." Although Icelanders have appeared far more favorable to the latest deal, with a poll Monday showing 58 percent in favor, voices have also been raised against it. A petition signed by some 37,500 of Iceland's nearly 320,000 inhabitants called on Grimsson to call a referendum on the issue and Monday's poll showed 61 percent of those questioned were happy to get a chance to again have their say on the matter. "His reasons are logical ... He believes he needs to represent the will of the people," Oskarsdottir said. Finance Minister Steingrimur Sigfusson said he was "shocked and surprised" by Grimsson's decision while economist Olafsson went so far as to question the democratic intentions of "a president who supports the minority rather than the majority." Grimsson's second veto in just over a year of a deal approved by parliament has prompted some speculation on whether the house and leftwing cabinet could be facing a crisis of confidence. 09.04.2011. New Icesave referendum. No reason that the Icelandic people should pay for the criminal activities of the Icesave- plutarchs . Iceland votes on debt repay deal with UK, Dutch, Associated Press reported: Icelanders voted Saturday on whether to approve a deal to repay Britain and the Netherlands $5 billion for their citizens' deposits in the failed online bank Icesave, with voters torn between ending the bruising dispute and resisting demands to pay for what many see as the sins of a few reckless bankers. Polls put the "no" side slightly ahead, but also showed a large number of undecided voters. "The Icelandic nation has been put in a terrible situation," said Helgi Sigurdsson, a 36-year-old journalist voting in the wind-lashed capital, Reykjavik. "It has two choices - both are bad. "Probably a lot of people stood for a long time holding the ballot slip." Icelanders overwhelmingly rejected a previous deal in a referendum last year. The cabinet hopes a "yes" vote on an improved offer passed by parliament will finally resolve a dispute that has caused friction among the three countries and complicated Iceland's recovery from economic collapse. Skuli Jonas Skulason, a 40-year-old business administrator at the Icelandic University Hospital, said he planned to vote yes. "The parliamentarians who made that decision are better informed about the matter than I am," he said. "And if a majority of parliamentarians came to the decision to endorse this deal, then that is the way to go." The messy dispute stems from the collapse of Iceland's banks - and the tiny island nation's overheated economy - in 2008. British and Dutch savers had deposited more than $5 billion in Icesave's high-interest accounts. After Icesave collapsed, British and Dutch authorities borrowed money to compensate their citizens, then turned to Iceland for repayment. The dispute has grown acrimonious, with Britain and The Netherlands threatening to block Iceland's bid to join the European Union unless it is resolved [fine!]. Failure to agree a deal also stalled installments from a $4.6 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund. Iceland went from economic wunderkind to fiscal basket case almost overnight when the credit crunch took hold. Iceland's banks collapsed within a week in October 2008, its krona currency plummeted and protests toppled the cabinet. The Icesave debt was initially set at $5.3 billion, a crippling burden for Iceland's 320,000 inhabitants. The new deal is expected to cost Iceland [i.e. tax-payers] just under 50 billion Icelandic kronur ($444 million). The plan would see Iceland start repayments on the debt's interest in 2016 and finish by 2046, at an interest rate of 3 percent to The Netherlands and 3.3 percent to Britain. The recovered assets of Icesave's parent bank, Landsbanki, are expected to cover the majority of the debt. [Iceland's negotiators and the winding-up committee of the Landsbanki estate estimated they would recover at least 86 percent of the total $5.2 billion debt, the finance minister said.] The deal was reached in December after long negotiations and approved by Iceland's parliament in January but vetoed by President Olafur Ragnar Grisson amid strong public opposition. Many Icelanders feel they should not have to pay for the mistakes of their banking elite, who made deals around the world during a decade of boom before the credit crunch struck. "Taxpayers should not be responsible for paying the debts of a private institution," said Sigriur Andersen, a spokeswoman for the Advice group, which opposes the agreement. "I think that sends the wrong message onto the market, and sets a wrong precedent." [Yes! This is a general problem of 'moral hazard'.] Travel company director Egill Orn Arnarsson, 48, said Icelanders' refusal to acquiesce had served the country well in the past, leading to independence from Denmark in 1944 and expanding the country's fishing rights during the "Cod War" dispute with Britain in the 1970s. He said a "no" vote "will save us from national bankruptcy in 2011 and avert us indebting future generations here in Iceland." Polls close at 10 p.m. (2200 GMT, 6 p.m. EDT) and results of the vote are expected early Sunday. 10.04.2011. The new proposed Icesave-deal was rejected in the referendum. Iceland rejects deal to repay UK, Dutch for Icesave bank collapse, triggering more uncertainty, Associated Press reported: Voters in Iceland have rejected a cabinet-approved deal to repay Britain and the Netherlands $5 billion for their citizens' deposits in the failed online bank Icesave, referendum results showed Sunday. With about 90 percent of the votes counted, the "no" side had 59.1 percent of the votes and the "yes" side 40.9 percent. The result reflects Icelanders' anger at having to pay for the excesses of their bankers, and complicates the country's recovery from its 2008 economic collapse. Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir said the results were disappointing but she would try to prevent political and economic chaos ensuing. She said the repayment dispute would now be settled by a European trade court - which could impose harsher terms on Iceland than those rejected in Saturday's vote. Britain and the Netherlands said they would fight to get their money back. Dutch finance minister Jan Kees de Jager said the referendum result "is not good for Iceland and also not good for the Netherlands." "The time for negotiations has passed," he said. "Iceland still has the obligation to pay us back. This is now a case for the courts." British Treasury minister Danny Alexander said he was disappointed "the people of Iceland have rejected what was a negotiated settlement." Alexander told the BBC that "we have an obligation to get that money back, and we will continue to pursue that until we do." A tiny North Atlantic nation [as mentioned] with a population of just 320,000, Iceland went from economic wunderkind to financial basket case almost overnight when the credit crunch took hold. Its major banks collapsed within a week in October 2008, its krona currency plummeted and protests toppled the cabinet. Some 340,000 British and Dutch savers had deposited more than $5 billion in Icesave's high-interest accounts. After Icesave collapsed, British and Dutch authorities borrowed money to compensate their citizens, then turned to Iceland for repayment. The dispute has grown acrimonious, with Britain and The Netherlands threatening to block Iceland's bid to join the European Union unless it is resolved. Failure to agree a deal also stalled installments from a $4.6 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund. Icelanders overwhelmingly rejected a previous deal in a referendum last year, but the cabinet hoped a new agreement on better terms would win approval. The Icesave debt was initially set at $5.3 billion, but backers of the rejected deal said it would cost Iceland just under 50 billion kronur ($444 million), with the recovered assets of Icesave's parent bank, Landsbanki, covering the majority of the debt. The deal was reached in December after long negotiations among the three countries and approved by Iceland's parliament in January. But President Olafur Ragnar Grisson vetoed it amid strong public opposition. Many Icelanders feel they should not have to pay for the mistakes of their banking elite, who made deals around the world during a decade of boom before the credit crunch struck. Opposition politicians called on the cabinet to hold new elections, but Sigurdardottir said her left-of-center coalition would not resign. But she said the result "will make us rethink many issues. We will have to rethink the budget and economic policies." The Northern Anarchist Confederation and its Icelandic section the Libertarian Federation of Iceland - Íslenska Frjálshyggjumaður Ríkjasamband, Sunday declared that "the result of the referendum is satisfactory, and also pointing forward to NO to EU." 11.04.2011. New Icesave referendum - official results. Iceland's electoral commission has released the final results of Saturday's election on the Icesave law. 177,559 people used their opportunity to vote out of a total of nearly 230,000 registered voters. 69,462 people voted 'yes', which was 39.7 percent. 103,207 people voted 'no', which amounted to 58.9 percent of the total turnout. 1.3 percent of votes cast did not count towards the final outcome. 2,039 of those were deliberately left empty as a protest vote and 406 ballots were invalidated for various technical reasons. 01.10.2011. Icelandic parliament reconvenes amid protests. Iceland's Althingi parliament this morning reconvened for its autumn session, but MPs were met by many hundreds of noisy protesters ï¿½ something which used to be rare but has become normal since the economic crisis hit in 2008. The protest is being held by the Organised Interest Group of Households and their demands on government are very simple: the swift removal of inflation indexing on house loans and an across the board debt 'correction'. In a television interview this week, Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir said that universal debt forgiveness would not be fair to everyone and would not be possible so soon after Iceland's biggest ever recession. She did, however, agree that inflation indexing should go and pointed out that non-indexed loans have recently become available. Protest organisers say that the event is peaceful; but police cordoned off the Althingi House as a precaution and many eggs have been thrown ï¿½ including one which hurt a RUV cameraman and another which hurt Left Green MP Arni Thor Sigurdsson. First Lady Dorrit Moussaieff ditched her husband, President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, as MPs and dignitaries were entering the Domkirkjan cathedral for the traditional church service. Instead, she went and joined the protesters. Both had greeted the protesters earlier, on their way in to Althingi. Vilhjalmur Bjarnason, vice chairman of the Organised Interest Group of Households, told RUV: "We will hand Johanna (Sigurdardottir) our protest document this morning. She has promised to accept it personally. Some 34,000 people have signed it." Hopefully the group's demands will be met before the New Year, he added. LFI-IFR condemned the throwing of eggs, i.e. ochlarchy. Sources: Icenews and AIIS. 15.12.2011.The Anarchy of Iceland recognizes Palestine. Össur Skarphéðinsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, and Dr. Riad Malki, the Foreign Minister of Palestine, today formally confirmed the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Iceland and Palestine. The Icelandic Foreign Minister presented to Dr. Malki a diplomatic note stating that as resolved with the Parliamentary Resolution of 29 November 2011 the cabinet of Iceland has, as of 15 December 2011, recognized Palestine as an independent and sovereign state, i.e. country, within the pre-1967 Six Day War borders. At a press conference the Icelandic Foreign Minister said that with this recognition the cabinet of Iceland follows through on its previous pledges of support for the Palestinian struggle for independence. The minister thanked Alþingi, the Icelandic Parliament, for the broad support it showed the Palestinian cause and said it was important that the Parliamentary Resolution was passed unopposed. He said the recognition of Palestine was a matter of justice and reiterated Icelandic support for Palestinian membership of the United Nations. Dr. Malki said the relationship between Iceland and Palestine is unique and conveyed to the cabintet of Iceland, Parliament and the Icelandic people the deep appreciation of his president and of the Palestinian people. He said Iceland's decision was important as Palestine is now recognized for the first time by a Western and Northern European country. Dr. Malki said he expects this to have an influence on other states, i.e. countries, to follow in Iceland's footsteps, which in turn would have positive implications on the peace and security of the region as a whole. He added that 130 states, i.e. countries, now recognize Palestine which encourages them to move forward in building an independent and democratic state, i.e country. Dr. Malki said the timing of the Parliamentary decision on November 29, the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, was a meaningful gesture that would remain firmly in the memory of his people. 05.03.2012. The Icelandic president will stand again for re-election. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, the current President of Iceland, has declared that he will stand for a record fifth term in office in June's election. Ólafur's decision was sent in a press release on Sunday and not declared at a press conference. The President's press conference last Monday, when he declared his intention to think about his options and make up his mind by early this week, drew criticism in some quarters for being over-dramatic. The statement says that he has changed his mind on the decision not to stand, which he announced in his televised New Year's address. He did so after taking stock of the support and encouragement he has been shown and because there is growing uncertainty about how Iceland will be managed and the definition of the role of President in the constitution, there is upheaval in national affairs and the party political system, as well as attacks on Icelandic sovereignty. "In light of all of this and following discussions with my wife and family I have decided to honor these requests and submit my candidacy to remain in the office of President of Iceland, if that is the will of the nation's voters." The President's statement also makes an unusual plea for understanding from the electorate if he decides to call an early election once stability has returned to the country (in the event that he is re-elected in June). Trial of Iceland ex-PM Haarde over 2008 crisis begins. The trial of former Icelandic Prime Minister Geir Haarde, on charges of negligence over the 2008 financial crisis, has begun in Reykjavik. Mr Haarde is thought to be the first world leader to face criminal charges over the crisis. He rejects the charges as "political persecution" and has said he will be vindicated during the trial. The country's three main banks collapsed during economic turmoil and the failure of Icesave hit thousands. The collapse led to a dispute over compensation between the UK and Iceland, which remains unresolved. The proceedings are being held at the Landsdomur court, a special body to try cabinet ministers, and is the court's first case. Some Icelanders see the trial of Mr Haarde as scapegoating, while others argue that public accountability is essential following the country's financial collapse. Iceland was plunged into a deep recession following the collapse of its three banks, including Icesave's parent company Landsbanki, in autumn 2008. Mr Haarde, 60, led the Independence Party government at the time. He is accused of being negligent because he had not ensured financial safeguards were in place. The former premier says he was only doing what he thought was best for the country at the time. "I reject all accusations, and believe there is no basis for them," Mr Haarde told the court as he took the stand. He said it was "the first time I get a chance to answer questions regarding this case", welcoming the opportunity. When Icesave collapsed, the then UK Prime Minster Gordon Brown accused his Icelandic counterpart of "unacceptable" and "illegal" behaviour after Iceland said it could not give a guarantee to reimburse UK customers of the online bank. In response, Mr Haarde accused the UK government of "bullying" and bringing down one of its other banks after the Treasury froze the assets of Icelandic institutions in the UK. Source: BBC. 23.04.2012. Former Icelandic Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde found not guilty. The Landsdómur trial against former Icelandic Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde came to end today with him being found not guilty on all major counts. The indictment against the former PM stipulated that he should have done something to decrease the size of the Icelandic banking system. In addition, it was stipulated that he should have moved the ICESAVE accounts from the Icelandic bank Landsbanki to the British registered Heritable Bank, in order to move the jurisdiction outside of Iceland. Despite the not guilty verdict, Haarde was found partially guilty on the last count, which dealt specifically with formalities of parliament meetings. Although found partially guilty on a small part of the indictment, the verdict said that he will not receive any punishment and is consequently a free man. 30.06.2012. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson reelected as president of Iceland. 20-21.10.2012. Referendum about proposals for a new constitution. Icelanders have voted in favour of proposals for a new basic law. Turnout was estimated at less than 50 per cent amid voter fears that the results of the non-binding referendum would be ignored by the small Nordic country’s politicians. The proposed new basic law for the island nation was drafted by 25 ordinary citizens with the help of hundreds of others who weighed in on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. On Saturday, that committee put six constitution-related questions to voters in a referendum, each to be answered by a simple Yes or No. Voters were asked whether they want the committee’s proposals to form the basis of a draft constitution. After ballots were counted on Sunday 21.10.2012, about two thirds of voters had answered that question in the affirmative, data from the country’s election committees showed. Other questions included topics such as the country’s natural resources and the role of its national church. Results on Sunday indicated that voters want to keep the country’s national church, and that they think natural resources that aren’t privately owned should be considered public property. “Those of us who have hoped for a better society woke up happy this morning,” said Gudmundur Gunnarsson, a member of the constitutional council who is also the father of singer Björk. Iceland’s financial collapse in 2008 during the global economic crisis provoked huge social movements and the demand that any new constitution be drawn up by ordinary citizens became irresistible. Voter turnout is reported to have been around 49 per cent, which is less than the 72.9 per cent who voted last year, when Icelanders for the second time decided whether to approve a deal to compensate Britain and The Netherlands for the 2008 collapse of Icesave bank. Still, the results were hailed on Sunday by the mayor of Reykjavik, who is also the deputy leader of the Social Democratic Alliance party (Samfylkingin). “Congratulation Iceland. It seem to me that a cross-section of the people voted yesterday and that the results coincide very well with opinion polls,” Dagur B. Eggertsson said on social networking site Facebook. The opposition Independence party, which was in power for much of the last century, has said it thinks the plan needs more detailed examination. Any changes to Iceland’s constitution must be approved twice by parliament, with a general election held between the votes. The country’s constitution dates back to its independence from Denmark in 1944 and it has long been accepted that it needs revision. 28.01.2013. Iceland cleared of all claims in Icesave dispute. This morning at a hearing in Luxembourg, the EFTA Court rejected all claims made by the EFTA Surveillance Authority against the Icelandic state in the Icesave dispute. The EFTA Court ruled that Iceland should not be declared in breach of the law as claimed by the EFTA Surveillance Authority. The Court rejected the claim that Iceland had breached the law or discriminated against depositors when it denied foreign depositors the right to withdraw their funds while Icelandic depositors were allowed to do so. If the EFTA court had ruled against Iceland, Holland and the UK court have pressed further charges against Iceland for up to 2.3 billion euros in damages. The Court’s ruling does not however alter the fact that the Icelandic bank Landsbanki must continue to pay the UK and the Netherlands to reimburse the deposits both countries have covered since the collapse of the online savings account in October 2008. This judgement, which concludes the procedures with the EFTA Surveillance Authority in regard to the Icesave case, is final and cannot be appealed. 27.04.2013. General election in Iceland. Voters in Iceland are going to the polls in elections expected to oust the governing centre-left coalition. Analysts predict that two centre-right parties will be able to form a new cabinet, pledging to soften unpopular austerity policies. This would mark a dramatic comeback for the centre-right, which was widely blamed for Iceland's near-economic collapse in 2008. Their victory could also halt the island nation's EU membership talks. Polls opened at 09:00 GMT and are due to close at 22:00 GMT, with more than 230,000 voters eligible to cast their ballots. The conservative Independence Party and their traditional coalition partners the Progressives are expected to secure a majority in the 63-strong parliament. The final results (published 28.04.2013): Independence Party: 26.7 percent (up by 3 percent), 19 seats Progressive Party: 24.4 percent (up by 9.6 percent), 19 seats Social Democratic Alliance: 12.9 percent (down by 16.9 percent), 9 seats Left-Green Movement: 10.9 percent (down by 10.8 percent), 7 seats Bright Future: 8.2 percent (new party), 6 seats Pirate Party: 5.1 percent (new party), 3 seats 13.09.2013. No to EU. The Icelandic central administration has dissolved its EU accession team after deciding to give up on talks to join the Union. "We have dissolved our task force and negotiation teams, and there won't be any other summits," foreign minister Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson told the Icelandic parliament, the Althing, on Thursday (12 September). Iceland launched its EU bid after suffering a financial meltdown in 2009, but the country's economy later recovered and public opinion turned against the EU. 22.02.2014. No to EU. The cabinet in Iceland has announced it will suspend its application to join the European Union until a referendum can be held on the question of whether or not to continue negotiations. 12.03.2015. No to EU again. Minister for Foreign Affairs Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson today met with his Latvian counterpart Edgars Rinkevics, who currently holds the Presidency of the European Union (EU). At the meeting, the Minister for Foreign Affairs delivered a letter to the Presidency of the Union and the Commission announcing that the Cabinet of Iceland had decided at its meeting last Tuesday that it did not intend to restart accession negotiations with the EU. Hence, the cabinet considers that Iceland is no longer a candidate country and requests the EU to act in accordance with this from now on. 04.04.2016. Protests outside parliament. Iceland's Prime Minister is facing calls to resign after leaked documents revealed personal financial arrangements that critics say has shattered public confidence in his leadership and will affect the country's international reputation. Opposition lawmakers say they plan to push for a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson and his Cabinet and call for fresh elections when the parliament meets Monday afternoon, while protests have been called in the capital, Reykjavik. 05-06.04.2016. Iceland's prime minister has resigned temporarily following massive protests in the wake of the Panama Papers investigation which revealed how the world's wealthy avoid tax. Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson stepped down on Tuesday 05.04.2016 hours after thousands of protesters gathered outside parliament to demand his resignation. Iceland's managing cabinet coalition has named Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson as the new PM, with early elections to be held in the autumn. Mr Johannsson, 53, is agriculture and fisheries minister and deputy leader of the Progressive Party (PP). The move comes after PM and PP chairman Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson stepped down in the wake of the leaked Panama Papers. The leaks, from Panama law firm Mossack Fonseca, showed Mr Gunnlaugsson owned an offshore firm with his wife. It was not declared when he became an MP. Mr Gunnlaugsson says he sold his shares to his wife and denies any wrongdoing. But he is accused of concealing millions of dollars' worth of family assets. 26.06.2016. New president elected. After a long election night, Iceland´s new president Guðni Th. Jóhannesson remains victorious by 39.1 percent of the vote, with 71.356 individuals voting for him yesterday. 29.10.2016. General election. Today on a rather bleak and cold rainy day, in Reykjavik at least, Icelanders take to the voting booths. The current coalition in the central administration seems certainly fallen with the Progressive party plummeting since the Panama controversy and the Independence party has fluctuated for the last couple of weeks. However in the last poll published yesterday, the day before elections show the conservative Independence Party surging ahead. RUV reports that the Independence Party is now polling at 27%, with an upswing of a few points. The Left Green party has been the rising star of the last few polls, surging upwards, now with 16.5% points, almost reaching the Pirates that held the lead for a while. The Pirate Party is now at 17.9%, going below 20% for the first time in months. 31.10.2016. Election results. The conservative right wing Independence party received 29,1% and 21 seats in in parliament. The Left Green party got 15,8% and 10 seats, adding three parliamentarians from before the election. Pirates got 14,4 % and 10 seats, six more than before the elections. The Progressive party received 5% and 8 seats, loosing 11 seats in parliament from the last elections. Resurrection (Vidreisn) received 10,4 % of the vote and 7 seats, a newly formed party and first time in parliament. Bright Future had 7,2% and 4 seats loosing two and the Social Democratic Alliance received 5,8% and 3 seats, loosing 6. Other parties did not reach the 5 percent voter support needed to be represented in Alþingi, the Icelandic parliament. News and comments, also about direct actions, in the Anarchy of Iceland: http://www.anarchy.no/iceland1.html . This file will be updated - Follow the news an comments!	Iceland
What is the lowest note on a common traditional four-string mandolin?	April, 2012 - Generational Dynamics - Web Log Proposed military strike on Iran causes open political war in Israel This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . China faces new humiliation in case of dissident Chen Guangcheng Possible Chinese retaliation against internal dissidents Proposed military strike on Iran causes open political war in Israel Osama bin Laden's widows and children arrive in Saudi Arabia 21 killed in north Nigeria church service attacks China faces new humiliation in case of dissident Chen Guangcheng Chen Guangcheng in his YouTube video. The U.S. is used to being humiliated all the time, so we don't always how traumatic international humiliation is to other countries. North Korea has recently been humiliated by the spectacular failure of its long-range missile test, and now the case of Chen Guangcheng is proving to be a major humiliation to China. Chen is a blind activist who humiliated Chinese officials six years ago by exposing how authorities were forcing thousands of women to have abortions or be sterilised as part of China's one-child policy. Security officials imprisoned Chen for four years, and then kept him under house arrest for two years, torturing and starving him and his family. Last weekend, after months of planning, Chen escaped from his home by climbing over a wall, evading security officers who thought he was sick in bed, and met up other activists who drove him to Beijing. Chen then made a lengthy video accusing top Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials of authorizing the detention and torture of him and his family. It's believed that he's now in the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. That hasn't been confirmed, but U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell has arrived in Beijing, apparently to deal with the matter. Washington Post Possible Chinese retaliation against internal dissidents We've already been discussing possible North Korea reactions to its humiliating missile fiasco -- a new nuclear bomb test, or a military strike on South Korea. And it's worth recalling that one of the reasons for Japan's bombing of Pearl Harbor in December, 1941, was an oil embargo imposed by the U.S. in July. This doesn't mean that this new humiliation by Chen Guangchen will result in a military strike, but it does mean that some kind of retaliation will occur, with China in a highly nationalistic generational Crisis era. At the very least, we can expect the Chinese to further crack down on internal dissidents. In fact that's already happening, as all of Chen's friends and family members have been detained and quite possibly tortured by now. BBC Proposed military strike on Iran causes open political war in Israel My ears really perked up when I heard former Israeli intelligence chief Yuval Diskin quoted as saying the following: "I have no faith in the prime minister, nor in the defence minister. I really don't have faith in a leadership that makes decisions out of messianic feelings." Diskin was referring to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak. I know that Iran's leadership is guided by a Shia Muslim belief that the 12'th Imam or "the Hidden Imam" is coming to save mankind. (See the discussion of the fundamental theological contradiction in Iran's government in "30-Aug-10 News -- Generation gap splits Iran's government" from 2010.) So I wondered if perhaps Netanyahu and Barak were basing their own policies on the belief in the imminent coming of a Messiah to save mankind. But apparently nothing like that was intended by Diskin. By "messianic," Diskin apparently meant "ideological," and there's certainly plenty of that going around, in Washington as well as in Jerusalem. Still, it's unusual for Israel's government to so clearly display an open wound, but it shows how divisive the Iran issue has been for Israel. Reuters and Jerusalem Post Osama bin Laden's widows and children arrive in Saudi Arabia A year after an American SEAL team killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, his three widows and ten children have been expelled from Pakistan. They were taken to Saudi Arabia in a private plane provided by the bin Laden family, and Saudi Arabia has allowed them to enter the kingdom on humanitarian grounds. A new report indicates that bin Laden used to use "Just For Men" hair dye to keep himself young and attractive for his wives, the youngest one being 26 years younger than he was. Daily Times (Pakistan) and Daily Mail (London) 21 killed in north Nigeria church service attacks Gunmen attacked worship services at a university campus and a church in northern Nigeria, killing at least 21 people in coordinated assaults. No one has claimed responsibility, but the attacks are similar to those committed by the Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram. AP Analysts await North Korea's next major provocation This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . Saudi Arabia recalls ambassador to Egypt after massive Cairo embassy protests Syria's regime makes harsh attack on U.N. peace plan Analysts await North Korea's next major provocation Saudi Arabia recalls ambassador to Egypt after massive Cairo embassy protests Egyptian protesters demonstrate in front of the Saudi Embassy in Cairo on Tuesday. (AP) Saudi Arabia has recalled its ambassador to Egypt and ordered the temporary closure of its embassy in Cairo and consulates in Alexandria and Suez. This comes after hundreds of Egyptians have been demonstrating in front of the Saudi embassy in Cairo and attempted "to storm and threaten the security and safety of its employees of both Saudi and Egyptian nationality." They were protesting Saudi Arabia's arrest of Ahmed El-Gezawi on charges of having 21,000 pills of the anxiety drug Xanax in his luggage. The Egyptians are claiming he wasn't that anxious, but was arrested merely for insulting Saudi's King Abdullah. Saudi Arabia and Egypt have long had very close ties during the reign of Egypt's president Hosni Mubarak, before he was deposed by the Egyptian protesters early last year. Egypt is now in serious financial trouble, and Saudi last week agreed to send $2.7 billion to Egypt, so the current split sends a strong message to the Cairo government. Arab News and Reuters Syria's regime makes harsh attack on U.N. peace plan I'm still waiting for the United Nations Syria "peace plan" to collapse completely, but former and current Secretaries-General Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-Moon keep making excuses for the Bashar al-Assad regime's continuing bloody slaughter of innocent Arab citizens. However, they've been getting less deferential in the last few days, and on Friday, Ban said Syria's repression of civilians reached an "intolerable stage" and demanded that the regime "live up to its promises to the world." This has triggered a furious response from the al-Assad regime. An editorial in the state-run newspaper on Saturday said that Ban has been making "outrageous" statements against the Syrian regime, and has ignored the "crimes and terrorist acts" of the opposition. Later Saturday, Syrian troops bombarded the Damascus suburb of Bakhaa with tank shells after a group of army defectors fled to the area from a nearby region, apparently to punish innocent civilians who had nothing to do with the defectors. AP Analysts await North Korea's next major provocation Analysts believe that North Korea's new child leader, Kim Jong-un, will have to do something fairly quickly to prove to everyone that he's capable of controlling a large army. This is particularly important to him now, after last week's spectacular humiliating failure of a long-range missile test. A new underground nuclear bomb test is almost a certainty, but there may be other provocations as well, specifically directed at what the (North) Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) the "rats" in the south, led by South Korean president Lee Myung-bak: "The time has come when we should show in actuality the might of our armed forces to the Lee Myung-bak swarm of rats hell-bent on hideous wrongdoings, ... to bury those disgusting rats in the South Sea once a sacred war starts. Supreme Commander, please give us an order." The "order" from Kim Jong-un might be to stage a surprise attack reminiscent of those two incidents in the Yellow Sea in 2010 - the sinking of the navy ship the Cheonan and the shelling of Yeongpyeong Island - which together killed 50 people. However, the reason that 2012 is different from 2010 is that now the South Koreans are fully prepared to retaliate if such an order is given. Asia Times Switzerland considers paying illegal aliens to leave Switzerland This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . Spain's economy keeps spiraling downward as unemployment rises to 25% Switzerland considers paying illegal aliens to leave Switzerland Britain's economy moves into a 'double-dip' recession Germany's Angela Merkel angrily repudiates Fran�ois Hollande's campaign promises Greece's elections driven by anti-austerity, anti-immigrant fervor Romania's government collapses, Czech government survives, in anti-austerity anger Spain's economy keeps spiraling downward as unemployment rises to 25% Spain's unemployment has risen from 8% in 2007 to 22.85% at the beginning of 2012. Friday's announcement was a further spike to 24.4% (Al-Jazeera) It wasn't exactly a surprise, but it was still shocking that Spain announced on Friday that unemployment had risen to 24.4% overall, with youth unemployment at 50%. On the same day, Standard & Poors ratings service lowered Spain's credit rating from A to BBB+, meaning that Spain will now have to pay more to borrow money. Analysts are saying that Spain's economy is spiraling downward out of control, and many politicians are blaming it on the "austerity" programs which they and other countries have been implementing in order to reduce their debt levels. But instead of reducing their debt levels, they're in a vicious spiral causing more debt from unemployment and higher borrowing costs. And all this has happened after the European Central Bank (ECB) has completed its LTRO program, where it "printed" �1.1 trillion since December and poured it into European banks particularly Spanish banks. As I've written many times, this is a problem with no solution except to face the greatest financial crisis in world history. As the bailouts get huger and huger, the problem is only being made worse, and the day of reckoning will be much harsher. Euskal Irrati Telebista (EITB, Basque Radio-television) Switzerland considers paying illegal aliens to leave Switzerland Under a controversial new proposal by the Swiss government, Switzerland would give $500 to $3000 to illegal aliens and asylum seekers to go back to their home countries, usually in northern Africa. The idea is being presented as a money-saving proposal, since it costs $150-350 per day for administrative detention, and $20,000-25,000 per person for "involuntary" deportation. According to one official, "Switzerland can save a lot of money and asylum seekers can get a new chance back in their home country and avoid being deported by force. We know that people who come here get into debt as they have to ask for help from their family and friends. Switzerland needs to give them some money to encourage them to make the step back home." Swiss Info Britain's economy moves into a 'double-dip' recession UK has a double-dip recession (WSJ) Britain unexpectedly fell back into recession in the first quarter of 2012, when gross domestic produce shrank 0.2%, after contracting 0.3% in the previous quarter. Since Britain was still trying to recover from a 2008-2009 recession, these two new quarters of negative growth officially mean that the UK is in a double-dip recession. Unemployment is at 8.3%, at the highest level since the mid 1990s. AP Germany's Angela Merkel angrily repudiates Fran�ois Hollande's campaign promises It seems increasingly likely that Socialist Party candidate Fran�ois Hollande will defeat Nicolas Sarkozy on May 6 to become the new president of France, and it appears that relations between Germany and France are going to become extremely rocky. European leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Sarkozy signed a "fiscal austerity" pact in December, requiring states that receive bailout money to adhere to strict austerity and reform measures. 25 of the 27 EU member states signed the agreement with the UK and Czech Republic declining to do so. But Hollande has indicated that if he wins the French election, then he would demand changes to the agreement to reduce or eliminate the austerity and reform requirements. On Thursday, Merkel angrily indicated that the pact "cannot be renegotiated." Hollande replied: "It is not Germany that will decide for the entirety of Europe. [If I win the election,] I will tell [Merkel] that the French people had made a decision that envisages a renegotiation of the pact." Merkel has openly supported Sarkozy's reelection campaign, though there have been some recent signs that Merkel and Hollande are beginning to soften their rhetoric. Spiegel Greece's elections driven by anti-austerity, anti-immigrant fervor Not just France, but also Greece is holding elections on May 6. Greece has had two huge bailouts so far, and is going to require a third. A caretaker government has been in charge since last year, but its approval rating has been falling. Greece is ahead of Spain in seeing its economy spiral downwards, and people are blaming it on austerity programs required by the Germans, and by illegal immigrants. Fringe parties are gaining popularity. The neo-Nazi group Golden Dawn is rising and stands to win seats in parliament, driven by its public appearances urging Greeks to empty the country of the 400,000 illegal immigrants they blame for crime, prostitution and other ills. Southeast Europe Times Romania's government collapses, Czech government survives, in anti-austerity anger A wave of public anger against plans for spending cuts and tax hikes caused Romania's center-right government to lose a confidence vote on Friday. The left-leaning opposition Social Liberal Union (USL) party will now try to form a new government. If USL rolls back some of the government's austerity measures, like wage cuts or sales tax increases, then the International Monetary Fund (IMF) may pull back on its plans for future bailout payments. The government in the neighboring Czech Republic barely survived an anti-austerity confidence vote on Friday. Some 90,000 people held protests last Saturday in the biggest demonstrations in the Czech Republic since the fall of communism in 1989, and union leaders said they planned further protests, including strikes before the end of June. Reuters Analysts claim that North Korea's new missiles are fake This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . Analysts claim that North Korea's new missiles are fake How close is Iran to making a nuclear strike on Israel? Chances of a preemptive nuclear strike by Iran on Israel Azerbaijan clarifies its relationship with Israel Analysts claim that North Korea's new missiles are fake Missile photo taken during Pyongyang's April 15 military parade. The missile's surface is undulated, and appears to have an iron-on patch in one place. (AP) Analysts who have studied photos of a half-dozen ominous new North Korean missiles showcased recently at a lavish military parade say they were fakes, and not very convincing ones. The weapons displayed April 15 appear to be a mishmash of liquid-fuel and solid-fuel components that could never fly together. Undulating casings on the missiles suggest the metal is too thin to withstand flight. Each missile was slightly different from the others, even though all were supposedly the same make. They don't even fit the launchers they were carried on. AP How close is Iran to making a nuclear strike on Israel? I often quote Debka reports because they have unique content based on intelligence sources not available elsewhere, since they have contacts within Israeli and American intelligence. However, in the past few years, they've predicted various military actions coming soon that never occurred. So you, Dear Reader, will have to be the judge of how much credibility to assign to this story. According to Debka's subscriber-only newsletter (forwarded to me by a subscriber), Israeli intelligence believes that the window for an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities is closing very rapidly, and a decision must be made right away. Thus, if a decision is made to attack, then the attack will occur within the next few weeks. (The implication, not explicitly stated by Debka, is that if there's no attack within the next few weeks, then there'll never be an attack.) Israel has reached this conclusion based on intelligence that Iran has enough nuclear material already to construct a bomb, or at least a "dirty bomb," and that it would take only about six weeks to do so. According to the Debka report, Iran would have several options to for attacking Israel, once they had a nuclear weapon. Some of these options are extremely dramatic: "This scenario draws on the assumption that Iran may not yet have built a nuclear bomb capable of delivery by a ballistic missile, but has developed two cruder nuclear devices: One can be delivered by an airplane or a ship and the other is a radioactive or dirty bomb, which is cheaper and easier to make and can be used by Iran's proxy terrorists. ... The preparations Israel has put in train rest on the presumption that Tehran, in line with its avowed objective of destroying the Zionist state, is plotting to attack Israel with a crude nuclear device, regardless of whether or not the Netanyahu government decides to go to war on Iranian military nuclear facilities. To the world, Tehran would designate a prior attack "preemptive" and a subsequent offensive "retaliatory." ... According to intelligence input - not just hypotheses - Iran's leaders have set their minds on a flash war, to be kept short by their nuclear resources. Neither missiles nor ground combat play a part in the Iranian scenario. 2. A lone civilian plane or ship carrying a large nuclear device would take off from Lebanon with Athens or Cyprus registered as its destination. Suicide air crews and frogmen, who have already completed specialist training courses, would detonate the device within 50-60 kilometers off the Israeli Mediterranean coast. ... For the same exercise by sea, suicide frogmen would be dropped from small boats sailing out of Lebanon or Cyprus. They would drop their deadly nuclear cargo 50-60 kilometers off the Israeli shore and so menace its major urban centers, Tel Aviv, Netanyahu and Haifa. This tactic would save Iran having to launch ballistic missiles or long-range bombers which might be intercepted by US or Israeli missile shields and challenged by Israeli Air Force warplanes. 3. Iran's strategists give high odds for their nuclear explosion at sea triggering a tsunami towering 50-60 meters high for inundating Israel's coastal plain, where the bulk of its population is concentrated. If it were detonated off Rosh Hanikra, they calculate the deadly waves would be hurled into Haifa Bay and flood Haifa and Acre (350,000 inhabitants) up to 42 kilometers (26 miles) inland, before crashing onto the Carmel Mountain range (500 meters high) and being washed back to sea. This backwash would sweep up every object in its path and complete the destruction. The best-case scenario for the strategists in Tehran would be for a nuclear-triggered tsunami to deluge the most densely inhabited part of Israel and its financial and commercial heartland, the Tel Aviv conurbation. It might then roll on east and engulf a population of 2.9 million together with Israel's missile and nuclear centers, before smacking into the Jerusalem Hills (average height of 670 meters) at the town of Bet Shemesh and sweeping back. Well, that's really dramatic -- dropping a nuclear weapon into the Mediterranean Sea to generate a tsunami to wipe out Israel. Debka Chances of a preemptive nuclear strike by Iran on Israel From the point of view of Generational Dynamics, the possibility of a preemptive nuclear strike by Iran, even if Iran had the capacity to do so, is unlikely, for several reasons. First, as I've been writing for many years, Iran is basically a schizophrenic nation. Its top leadership, starting with the supreme leader, are survivors of the 1979 Great Islamic Revolution, an extremely bloody civil war. Like generational crisis war survivors in any country, these leaders imposed austere rules and institutions designed to prevent another bloody civil war, and this has led them to adopt a harsh anti-Western attitude. But the generations born after the crisis war have no such motivation, and Iran's younger generations are, in fact, generally pro-Western and have no particular desire to see Israel pushed into the sea. As months go by, people in these younger generations are displacing the war survivors, moving Iran's policies closer to the West. This change is occurring throughout society, even within the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC). Thus, there would be enormous opposition within Iran's institutions to a preemptive strike, even if they had a nuclear weapons. Furthermore, as I've described before, Iran takes pride in not having invaded other countries, even though other countries have invaded Iran. If you look back at Iran's major wars of the last century -- the Constitutional Revolution of the 1900s decade, the Great Islamic Revolution of 1979, and the Iran/Iraq war of the 1980s, Iran never attacked anyone else. This is now part of Iran's DNA, and even the top leadership would be repulsed by the idea of a preemptive attack on Israel. Finally, I would remind long-time readers what I've been saying for years: That I expect Iran to be our ally, along with India, Russia and the West, in the Clash of Civilizations world war, opposing China, Pakistan and the Sunni Muslim countries. What is far more likely is a preemptive attack by Israel on Iran. Israel is in a generational crisis era, and close to a state of full scale panic. In that case, Iran would feel free to respond in any way it could. Azerbaijan clarifies its relationship with Israel As we've reported several times in the last few months, Israel's trade relationships with Azerbaijan have been growing rapidly, and there have been unconfirmed reports that Azerbaijan will allow Israel to use its airbases on its border with Iran in an Israeli air strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. However, the Azeris have firmly denied these reports. In particular, President Ilham Aliyev stressed clearly that Azerbaijan will never participate in the military plans of other states against its neighbors. In fact, there are obvious reasons why it would be suicidal for Azerbaijan to grant Israel access to its territory for an attack on Iran: If Israel were to attack Iranian nuclear facilities from Azerbaijani territory, Baku would face the brunt of an Iranian retaliatory strike. Azerbaijan�s military capacity would not be enough to protect the country�s critical infrastructure. Second, around 20 million ethnic Azeris live in Iran, but their collective allegiance lies more strongly with their host country; they are not in fact waiting to be �liberated� by Azerbaijan. Thus, Iranian ethnic Azeris would perceive any apparent actions by Baku that enabled Western or Israeli bombing of Iran as a betrayal by their ethnic kin across the border. Last, but not least Azerbaijan is trying to maintain diplomatic neutrality and not get into any activities that could be considered hostile to Iran. France calls for military action in Syria This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . New report examines terrorism and religious extremism in Pakistan The Gen-X connection with Pakistan's extremism France calls for military action in Syria New report examines terrorism and religious extremism in Pakistan Mapping Conflict Trends in Pakistan A new report charts terrorism and religious extremism in Pakistan, and finds that overwhelming the worst offenses are Muslims attacking Muslims. The report was prepared by the Jinnah Institute, a non-government organization (NGO) named after Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. By far the greatest number of casualties identified by the report -- 92.6% -- occurred because of sectarian extremism, most often Sunni-Shia clashes. This will not be a surprise to any long-time readers of my web site, as I've reported many stories of al-Qaeda or Taliban linked Sunni extremists blowing up Shia, Sufi or Ahmadi pilgrims and mosques, with the objective of killing as many of the "apostates" as possible. There was very little violence attacking Christians. The report concludes with worrying developments: "Three developments are most worrying for Pakistan. First, the widespread acceptance of Al Qaeda�s anti-West stance has permeated large swathes of the population. Second, the US policy of targeting Al Qaeda and its affiliates through drone strikes has forced its leaders to spread out and find new operational bases with- in urban Pakistan. Karachi, for instance, has been cited as a major ground for the continuation of its operations, in addition to Faisalabad, Lahore and other areas. Third and most dangerously, in the past decade, Al Qaeda may have entered into an alliance with home-grown militants such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and sectarian outfits such as Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) and Jaish-e Mohammad." From the point of view of Generational Dynamics, Pakistan and India are headed for a major new war, re-fighting the genocidal war that followed Partition, the 1947 partitioning of the Indian subcontinent into India and Pakistan. Historically, dating back almost to the time of Mohammed, Hindus have been allied with Shia Muslims against Sunni Muslims, and so it's expected that Iran will be allied India and the Shia Muslims in Pakistan and in northern Afghanistan, while Pakistan's Sunni Muslims will be allied with the Pashtuns in Afghanistan. Jinnah Institute The Gen-X connection with Pakistan's extremism The historical patterns identified by Generational Dynamics are universal, and apply to all nations at all times in history. So I was startled to read the analysis of Pakistan's Blasphemy Laws in the Jinnah Institute report. According to the report, the Blasphemy Laws were introduced in 1927 by the British. But in 1986, General Zia-ul-Haq modified the laws to specify harsh punishment, including life imprisonment and the death sentence, for "derogatory remarks, etc., in respect of the Holy Prophet ... either spoken or written, or by visible representation, or by any imputation, innuendo or insinuation, directly or indirectly ...." Thousands of people have been charged with blasphemy since 1986. There was an initial surge against Christians and Ahmadis, but the vast majority have been charges made by Muslims against other Muslims. However, instances where Muslims have burned a cross, demolished or damaged churches, desecrated graves or defiled the Bible in front of witnesses, have gone unprosecuted by police and legislators. Muslims have been kept in jail for years for violating blasphemy laws, and a number of people accused of blasphemy have been killed by vigilantes. What's remarkable is that there are no voices in Pakistan speaking out against this irrational, violent behavior. "With the exception of the English print media, mainstream media in Pakistan has not engaged in meaningful debate on the validity of the Blasphemy Laws under the Quran and Islamic teachings. It has largely failed to analyze and present to the public the details of the law, including potential for misuse and abuse. It has underreported, and reflected a bias when reporting cases of persecution of religious minorities. ... The volatility of the blasphemy issue and the media�s implicit condoning of extremist ideologies and actions have led to a largely one-sided public discourse. The violent tactics used with impunity by the religious right and the subsequent cowering of the state have proliferated an atmosphere of fear and silenced dissenters. The silence can also be partly attributed to widespread ignorance of the law and the extent of its basis in Islamic scripture. Online forums indicate that some people are reluctant to object to Blasphemy Laws because their own religious sensibilities are offended by the act of blasphemy, so even when undecided about the validity or suitability of the laws, they tend not to challenge them. Thus the public discourse seems to focus on how the act of blasphemy is wrong, as opposed to a conversation on what constitutes blasphemy; what examples of blasphemy and its punishment exist in Islamic texts; the actual laws in the PPC and their misuse; and murder and vigilantism support for which negates the necessity of the law in the first place." In other words, we have people being jailed, tortured and killed for irrational reasons, with ordinary Pakistanis refusing to speak out against it. This is exactly the kind of behavior that I've been describing in Generation-Xers in America, where thousands of Gen-X financial engineers created the financial crisis with the purpose of defrauding hated Boomers, and no banksters are being investigated and tried because Gen-Xers refuse to blame other Gen-Xers for anything, even serious crimes. It's this refusal to blame other Gen-Xers for crimes that characterizes this generation today, and it's exactly the same kind of behavior we're seeing in the Pakistani population today. As I explained in "The Legacy of World War I and the Holocaust" , this is also the same behavior that led to the 1930s Holocaust. Germany's Lost Generation (the generational predecessor of today's Generation-X) hated the previous Missionary Generation just as much as today's Gen-Xers hate the previous Boomer Generation. These situations occur in all times and places throughout history, and result in history's greatest catastrophes. In each case, the generational conflict morphs into a political conflict, as people in every generation are forced to choose sides in the generational debate. In 1930s Germany, it was the Christians blaming the Jews for German humiliation in World War I. In America today, it's the Democrats versus the Republicans for the Nasdaq crash in 2000. What I don't yet know is how it worked in Pakistan. What I can say for sure is that the generation that grew up following the 1947 Partition war is hated by the generation that grew up in the 1960s and 1970s in Pakistan, but I don't know why, and I don't know why this has morphed into a political split making it OK to arrest, torture and kill any Muslim who accidentally says something wrong about the prophet Mohammed. These are subjects that will require additional research. France calls for military action in Syria As the farcical Kofi Annan "peace plan" continues to be used by Syria's president Bashar al-Assad as a shield to allow him to exterminate as many innocent Arabs as possible, as if they were cockroaches, France is raising the possibility of military intervention. France's Foreign Minister Alain Jupp� said on Wednesday that the Annan peace plan was "severely compromised," and that France might invoke Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which can be enforced militarily, with other world powers. In making this statement, Jupp� is moving toward the U.S. position previously suggested by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. However, any such resolution presented to the U.N. Security Council is certain to be vetoed by China and Russia. China will veto it because they want to continue to have a free hand in slaughtering Tibetans and Uighurs. And Russia will veto it because Syria's situation gains them a naval port in the Mediterranean, and it makes them a lot of money selling weapons to the Syrian regime for use in massacring civilians. AP Syria's Circassian refugees add to Russia's problems in the Caucasus This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . Kofi Annan says that his Syria peace plan is failing Syria's Circassian refugees add to Russia's problems in the Caucasus Netherlands government collapses as right wing rejects austerity program Anti-austerity backlash grows across Europe Forecasts of Greece's economy once again worsen Kofi Annan says that his Syria peace plan is failing Kofi Annan meets with Bashar al-Assad in Damascus last month (SANA) Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan told a closed session of the U.N. Security Council on Monday that his six-point peace plan for Syria was failing. According to a spokesman, Annan pointed to two specific issues: The Bashar al-Assad regime is ignoring his own promise to withdraw heavy weapons and soldiers from urban centers and returned to their barracks. It's pretty clear that al-Assad never intended to fulfill that commitment. When the U.N. observer team visits a town, speaks to the people, and then leaves, the regime rounds up the people who spoke to the U.N. observers and harass, arrest or kill them. Last week I quoted a Syrian activist who claimed that the Kofi Annan peace plan not only would not accomplish anything, but was actually making things much worse for the Syrian people, and now we see this happening. In the run-up to the date when the "truce" was to have taken place, the regime's tanks and snipers redoubled their slaughter of innocent Arab citizens in their residential neighborhoods, massacring as many people as possible prior to the "truce." Then, after the "truce" took effect, watching the U.N. observers provided a convenient way to know who to torture and slaughter next. As anyone could see, the Kofi Annan peace plan was never more than an stalling maneuver by Russia, China and Syria to allow al-Assad to continue to slaughter his people unfettered while Russia, in particular, trades the blood of innocent Arabs for economic gains and a Mediterranean port. Reuters Syria's Circassian refugees add to Russia's problems in the Caucasus The beautiful Black Sea resort of Sochi is the site of Russia's 2014 Winter Olympics games. It's also the site of the the 1864 massacre by the Russians of the ethnic Circassians, making 2014 the 150th anniversary of the massacre. Russia's North Caucasus provinces, including the region surrounding Sochi, are being increasingly plagued by radical Islamist violence. The massacre going on in Syria has added a new complication. During the 1864 massacre, many Circassians fled to Syria, and there are now between 80,000 and 100,000 Circassians living in Syria, mostly living in Damascus, Aleppo and Homs. Circassians lived in 11 villages around Homs, but all of them have become refugees, because they've been targeted by the Bashar al-Assad regime. Members of the Syrian Circassian community have been kidnapped, threatened and tortured. The situation in the city of Homs, where Circassians used to reside in substantial numbers, was characterized by famine and an absence of medical assistance. Thus, there is pressure in Russia to repatriate the Syrian Circassian refugees back to Russia. However, some experts are saying that repatriating them would further destabilize the North Caucasus, while other experts say that ignoring the plight of the Syrian Circassians would infuriate many in the North Caucasus, also risking destabilization. Jamestown Netherlands government collapses as right wing rejects austerity program Geert Wilders (AP) The Netherlands' liberal prime minister Mark Rutte was forced to resign on Monday after he lost a part of his governing coalition. The crisis was triggered when Rutte's far-right parliamentary ally, the Freedom Party led by Geert Wilders, walked out of budget negotiations designed to reduce the country's deficit. Wilders has become well-known for his widely criticized campaigns against Islam and Muslims, as well as being an arch "euroskeptic." Wilders refused to endorse the new austerity measures, saying that Brussels was "stealing money from the wallets of the poor," and, "We won�t let our pensioners suffer for the Brussels dictators." It's ironic that the Netherlands, along with Germany, has been one of the leading critics of the profligacy of Greece and the southern European countries, and has been leading the demand for further austerity in those countries. It will be quite humiliating if Holland now fails to pass its own austerity program. Furthermore, Holland is one of the few European countries left with an AAA credit rating, and failure to pass the austerity measures would probably cause it to lose the rating, raising the costs of borrowing money in the future. AFP Anti-austerity backlash grows across Europe One government after another has been collapsing in Europe, as voters blame their political leaders for financial crisis, and for forcing them to accept austerity programs to reduce the national deficits. Ireland, Greece and Italy all faced brutal government collapses over austerity. In France, Nicolas Sarkozy is expected to lose in the second round of presidential elections on May 6 to Socialist Fran�ois Hollande. And now, the Netherlands' government has collapsed. All sorts of agreements -- the bailout of Greece, the creation of the bailout funds, the proposed adoption of "fiscal pacts" -- were accomplished by a group of national leaders who are disappearing, putting the agreements themselves in danger. To matters worse, the EU government in Brussels is practicing anything but austerity, with the European Commission demanding a 7% increase in its own budget. Telegraph Forecasts of Greece's economy once again worsen Greece's economy will contract a deeper than expected 5% this year, worse than the previous forecast of 4.5% made in March. On Tuesday, George A. Provopoulos, the head of the Bank of Greece said that it's necessary for Greece to continue its austerity program, and to implement even deeper austerity measures: "What is at stake is the choice between: An orderly, albeit painstaking, effort to reconstruct the economy within the euro area, with the support of our partners; or a disorderly economic and social regression, taking the country several decades back, and eventually driving it out of the euro area and the European Union." Tensions continue to rise in the South China Sea This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . Tensions continue to rise in the South China Sea Iceland's scapegoat former PM Geir Haarde avoids jail Tensions continue to rise in the South China Sea South China Sea, with blue line added to show region claimed by China as part of its sovereign territory I've been writing for several years about China's increasingly aggressive activities in claiming as under its "indisputable sovereignty" over islands and "related waters" in huge regions of the South China Sea, including islands that have formerly been part of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei. A new report by the International Crisis Group details the history of the controversy, and its importance to the world economy. In fact, 10% of the entire world's fisheries catch takes place in the South China Sea, making the region vitally important to the economies of all the nations around it. As China has become more aggressive in asserting its claims, the neighboring countries have been scrambling to bolster their own claims, by occupying as many of the features as possible. This has led to a series of maritime incidents, beginning in 1974 with a standoff between China and Vietnam. But the number of incidents has increased dramatically in the last two years, including the latest incident between China and the Philippines over Scarborough Shoal, an island off the coast of Manila and far from China's shores. Like many nations in the world, China is becoming increasingly nationalistic. This can take many forms, but in China it's taking the form of demands for sovereignty over lands controlled by India, Russia, and Japan, in addition to those in the South China Sea. This desire for land, similar to Hitler's demands for Lebensraum, is substantially increasing tensions in the region to the point where a miscalculation or misunderstanding on someone's part could lead to military action. According to the report, the situation in China is substantially complicated by the fact that numerous Chinese government and semi-government agencies are competing with one another to be the heroes in the South China Sea. There's a bulky bureaucracy that includes eleven ministerial level government agencies, under which there are five law enforcement agencies and private actors. The most active of these eleven actors include the Bureau of Fisheries Administration, China Marine Surveillance, the local governments, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), and the foreign ministry. China's government has deliberately imbued the maritime disputes with nationalist sentiment. In current textbooks, the map of China includes the South China Sea and China's claims. According to the report, netizens and nationalists have long called for Beijing to step up military deployments in the region to �teach the Vietnamese, the Filipinos and Malaysians a good lesson." Many have expressed a desire for the South Sea Fleet to repeat the 1974 and 1988 �victories� and send the Vietnamese �home with tails between their legs." Most nationalist scholars and netizens are ardent supporters of a maximalist view of Chinese claims, calling �not to forget the 3 million sq km of Chinese maritime territory� and arguing that �the size of Chinese territory should be 12.6 million sq km, not 9.6 million." International Crisis Group Iceland's scapegoat former PM Geir Haarde avoids jail Geir Haarde in court on Monday (Reuters) Geir Haarde, 61, who was prime minister of Iceland between 2006 and 2009, was acquitted on Monday of charges of gross negligence in failing to prepare for the financial crisis, but was found guilty of failing to hold emergency cabinet meetings in the run-up to the crisis, though he won't go to jail for that. This whole situation is incredibly vomit-worthy on so many levels. Guilty of "failing to hold emergency cabinet meetings"?? Are you kidding me? During the trial, Haarde said, "None of us realized at the time that there was something fishy within the banking system itself, as now appears to have been the case." Well, so Haarde didn't know. And neither did Gordon Brown, who was Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer and then Prime Minister during this period. And of course neither did that brilliant economist Paul Krugman, who won a Nobel Prize in economics because of his hatred of George Bush, and who said in 2008, "Who knew that Iceland was going to have a financial collapse? Who knew?" So none of these people knew that there was "something fishy," but I knew. In February 2006, I wrote about the possible default of Iceland's banks in "Sudden collapse of Iceland krona portends bursting of 'carry trade' bubble." In that article, I described how Fitch Ratings was revising the outlook for Iceland's banks from "stable" to "negative," saying that the new ratings "[took] into account Iceland's macro-prudential risks, including rising inflation, rapid credit growth, buoyant asset prices, a steep current account deficit and escalating external indebtedness." I wrote later articles on the subject as well. So I knew, but Haarde didn't know, Brown didn't know, and Krugman didn't know. That's just great. So Haarde got off by claiming ignorance of something that he should have known, and probably did know, which means he was lying. But it's just as well, because Haarde was just the scapegoat of a lot of politicians who lied and accused him to save their own butts. And as I've said many times, no one is prosecuting the thousands of Gen-X banksters who purposely committed illegal acts, because Gen-Xers refuse to blame each other for anything, even serious crimes, with the result that the same people are in the same jobs committing the same kind of fraud, only worse, paying themselves the same huge bonuses to do so. Irish Times (Comments: For reader comments, questions and discussion, see the 24-Apr-12 World View -- thread of the Generational Dynamics forum. Comments may be posted anonymously.) (24-Apr-2012) Permanent Link Russia and China conduct military exercises in Yellow Sea This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . Socialist Fran�ois Hollande wins in first round of France's presidential elections Marine Le Pen gives 'victory' speech after French election Sarkozy gives defiant speech after French election A Hollande victory in France could change European dynamics Greece faces military reductions in next round of austerity cuts Russia and China conduct military exercises in Yellow Sea Socialist Fran�ois Hollande wins in first round of France's presidential elections An ebullient Marine Le Pen after Sunday's presidential election in France (Reuters) Fran�ois Hollande (Socialist Party) has won the first round of France's presidential election, with around 28% of the vote. Incumbent president Nicolas Sarkozy (Centre Right UMP party) came a close second with almost 27%. Here are the results for all ten candidates: Latest official results for all candidates: Fran�ois Hollande (Socialist Party) 28.10% Nicolas Sarkozy (Centre Right UMP party) 26.98 % Marine Le Pen (National Front (Far Right)) 18.76% Jean Luc-Melenchon (Far-Left) 10.89% Fran�ois Bayrou (Centre) 9.19% Eva Joly (Green) 2% Nicolas Dupont-Aignan (Right, Eurosceptic) 1.8% Phillippe Poutou (Far Left) 1.2% Nathalie Arthaud (Far Left 0.7%) Jacques Cheminade (Independent) 0.2% There will be runoff election on May 6 with just two candidates Hollande and Sarkozy. The big surprise was the big turnout for far right candidate Marine Le Pen, almost 20% of the votes, far higher than predicted. Exit polls indicate that Le Pen captured the youth vote, with 48% of her supporters between the age of 25-44. The same study showed that Le Pen supporters said immigration and insecurity were their top concerns, whereas Sarkozy backers said the financial crisis was France�s most pressing problem. Many of Le Pen's voters dislike Sarkozy and believe that he betrayed them, after promising "hope and change" in his first election, and so many of them will not for him, or not vote at all on May 6. On the other hand, the supporters far left candidate Jean-Luc M�lenchon, with 11% of the vote, are all expected to vote for Hollande, making Hollande the likely victor on May 6. France 24 Marine Le Pen gives 'victory' speech after French election French National Front party candidate Marine Le Pen did not win the election, but with almost 20% of the vote, her concession speech sounded almost like a victory speech: "With honour, courage and dignity the French have defied all expectations and invited themselves to the table of the elite tonight. This first round is not an end in itself but the beginning of a huge coming together of patriots both left and right who love France. The battle for France has only just begun. Dear friends, dear French friends, nothing will ever be the same again. Together we have blown apart the monopoly of the two parties of the banks, of finance, of multinationals, of giving up and abandoning. We have carried the national ideal higher than ever before. We are now the only true opposition to a left that is ultra liberal, and lax." EuroNews Sarkozy gives defiant speech after French election The incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy actually did fairly well on Sunday, only about a point behind the leader, Socialist candidate Fran�ois Hollande. His supporters were delighted with this result, as pundits had been predicting a much poorer performance. Sarkozy's post-election speech was defiant, referring to the runoff election in two weeks: "The French have expressed a crisis vote, one that testifies to their worries, their suffering and their anxiety faced with this new world which is taking shape. I understand these anxieties, this suffering. It concerns the respect of our borders, the battle against companies relocating abroad, it�s about controlling immigration, valuing jobs, protecting families. I know that in a fast moving world, our compatriots are worried about preserving their way of life and that is the central question of this election. The coming two weeks must enable each and everyone of you to make a clear choice. Everything must be debated, without hypocrisy, without ducking, without equivocation. That is why I suggest three debates should be organised between the two candidates on the themes of the economy, on questions of society and on foreign policy. The French have a right to truth and clarity." Commentators say that Sarkozy is unlikely to get his wish of three debates with Hollande, but there will probably be one or two debates. EuroNews A Hollande victory in France could change European dynamics Socialist candidate Fran�ois Hollande gave a victory speech referring to Sarkozy as "the outgoing candidate," and promising changes. It's going to be interesting to see how the dynamics of European politics changes after a Hollande victory. In the past few months, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and some other national leaders have openly supported Sarkozy and snubbed Hollande, in an effort to help Sarkozy win. It will be interesting to see how Hollande gets along with these leaders if he wins. Hollande has promised more substantive policy changes, many of which are similar to those of President Obama. Euphemistically, Hollande has promised "growth" rather than "austerity." France, Germany, the European Central Bank (ECB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have all be preaching austerity -- reducing deficits and debt levels. But Hollande is promising to pump money into the economy to promote growth, even if it means a substantial increase in public debt, as has happened in the United States. However, there's a big difference in that France is only one of 17 countries in the eurozone, and there are plenty of countries, led by Germany, that will expanding public debt further. As I've written many times, Europe's economy is unraveling, with a financial collapse a certainty. So from the point of view of Generational Dynamics, it makes little difference whether Sarkozy or Hollande wins on May 6. However, a Hollande victory could change European political dynamics in a way that will at least be interesting to watch. Euro News Greece faces military reductions in next round of austerity cuts While Greece has been cutting the salaries and pensions of civil servants in the last couple of years, the country has been on a weapons buying binge that makes it one of the biggest weapons importers in the world. Military cuts have been exempt so far from austerity budget cuts, but that may have to change in the next round of cuts to be made this summer. However, there remains a great deal of political pressure not to cut the military budget for the following reasons: Greece's ancient enemy, Turkey, has been growing its own military, and many Greeks believe that they have to be prepared for war with Turkey, not only in Greece, but also on the island of Cyprus, where Turkey and Greece fought a bitter proxy war as recently as the 1970s. Greece faces a flood of illegal immigrants coming through the porous border with Turkey, many of whom take advantage of the European Union's open borders to travel to other countries. Many people fear that a cut in military spending will lead to an even larger increase in the number of illegal immigrants. This is the juiciest reason of all. While Germany and France were insisting on more austerity in the last two years, leading to slashed spending on healthcare, pensions and salaries, they were still pushing Greece, its best customer, to buy weapons from its manufacturers. Southeast Europe Times Russia and China conduct military exercises in Yellow Sea Two submarines, five missile destroyers, five missile frigates, four missile boats, a support vessel and a hospital ship from the Chinese navy, along with 13 aircraft and 4,000 Chinese servicemen, will conduct six days of military exercises to improve regional stability, according to an announcement by China. They will be joined by a Russian naval task force on Saturday. The military exercises come at a time when China is aggressively claiming complete sovereignty over islands in the South China Sea that historically had belonged to Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei. They also come at a time when the United States and the Philippines are conducting their own joint military exercises. China's army newspaper warned that the U.S.-Philippines exercises could lead to and armed confrontation over the disputed South China Sea. Manila Standard The wild card: Turkey Russia and West agree on Syria resolution, but disagree on details The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Saturday voted unanimously to authorize up to 300 unarmed military observers to travel to Syria and try to bring about compliance with the peace plan proposed by former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan, according to CNN. Their mandate is for 90 days. Blue-suited members of the initial contingent U.N. ceasefire monitors arrive in Damascus (EPA) Ironically, the relative positions of Russia and the West are somewhat reversed from where they have been in the past. Previous Security Council resolutions on Syria were vetoed by Russia and China, because they criticized Syria's president Bashar al-Assad and threatened sanctions. China has been supporting al-Assad's massacre of unarmed demonstrators because China doesn't want anyone criticizing them of massacring Tibetans and Uighurs. Russia has been supporting al-Assad's massacre of unarmed demonstrators because they make a lot of money selling weapons to Syria, because they've used the opportunity to strengthen their naval base off Syria's coast, and because they've been able to demand that al-Assad give the Russians control of Syria's oil and gas fields, as we've recently reported. (See "21-Apr-12 World View -- Russia's relationship with Syria deepens as the West dithers" ) Russia and China apparently now believe that they have a free hand in doing what they want with Syria, since they're convinced that the West will do nothing to stop the Syrian slaughter. So Russia and China have vetoed UNSC resolutions on Syria in the past, but they're leading the way in supporting the new resolution because it's so weak, and because it will permit al-Assad to continue his slaughter unfettered. Russia Today quotes Vitaly Churkin, Russia's U.N. ambassador, as saying: "In fact we are very pleased with the outcome of today�s vote, which happened less than two hours ago. It was Russia who took the initiative in introducing the draft yesterday morning. And it took us just 26 hours to bring it to fruition, to the unanimous vote of the Security Council on a rather complex resolution, both politically and technically, no mean feat by Security Council standards, let me tell you. But the most important thing is what is going to happen next. Of course, we hope that the monitors are going to be deployed expeditiously. The mandate is very carefully outlined, so it�s very clear both for the monitors what they are expected to do, to the government and the opposition what they are expected to do for the monitoring mission to be successful, both in terms of allowing them to get objective information and in terms of making sure that they operate in an environment of safety and security. It is also very important that the mandate provided for the monitors in the resolution is fully in line with the understandings which have been reached between the UN secretariat and the Syrian government. So we are very encouraged that we may be on the right track. And there are some positive indications on the ground as well. Because for instance today the foreign minister of Syria sent a letter to Mr Kofi Annan in which he says that the Syrian government has complied, has implemented one of the very important provisions of the Kofi Annan plan: the provision about pulling out heavy weapons and troops from the cities and from around of cities." The resolution that was adopted was supposedly a compromise between the Russian and Western positions, but it seems to me at least that Russians got their way on the key issues. Here are the main areas of disagreement, and how they were resolved: The West demanded that Syria implement a cease-fire first, before the monitors are sent in. However, Russians demanded that al-Assad be allowed to continue the slaughter and that the monitors be sent in anyway, and that's what's happening. The West wanted to threaten further sanctions if Syria did not comply with the terms of the resolution, but at Russian insistence, there will be no threat of sanctions. The West wants to be able to use its own helicopters and planes to transport the monitors around the very large country. Syria has claimed that this would violate Syrian sovereignty, and that Syrian pilots and aircraft will transport the monitors around, something that turned the January Arab League observer mission into a fiasco. The Russians sided with al-Assad, of course, but this issue was left unresolved in the resolution. A compromise was worked out that U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon will assess the situation on a continuing basis, and decide when the monitors will be introduced. But the question of transport is open. Western concerns Britain's foreign secretary, William Hague, welcomed the resolution, according to the Guardian, but did not express confidence that it would succeed: "I remain extremely concerned that the Syrian regime is still failing to meet its commitments, and that there has been further violence and the use of heavy weapons since 12 April when a ceasefire should have come into effect. The Syrian regime must stop immediately troop movements towards population centres; end the use of heavy weapons in civilian areas; and withdraw the military to their barracks. The Syrian regime must ensure that the UN monitoring mission can operate freely and safely, and this must include agreement on the use of air assets." That's simply not going to happen. Al-Assad will NOT stop using heavy weapons in civilian areas, and will NOT withdraw the military to their barracks. America's U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice appeared visibly angry in the televised session over the passage of such a weak resolution. Referring to the 90-day mandate in the resolution, AFP quotes her: "Our patience is exhausted. No one should assume that the United States will agree to renew this mission after 90 days." She indicated that the U.S. won't wait three months to pursue other courses of action if there's no "meaningful progress." However, such statements have turned out to be empty threats in the past. Churkin, the Russian envoy, called Rice's remarks "unhelpful." "Making negative predictions sometimes looks like a prophecy which some people want to be borne out." The wild card: Turkey Turkey did not participate in the Saturday's UNSC meeting, but holds the key to whatever action might be taken in the future. Turkey does not need UNSC approval for military intervention in Syria, because the legal basis for intervention is already provided by the "Adana Agreement," signed by Turkey and Syria in Adana, Turkey, on October 20, 1998, as we've recently reported. Turkey has remained very reluctant to proceed further, but as thousands of Syrian refugees continue to pour across the border, they may decide that they have no choice. According to Bloomberg, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said that Nato-member Turkey may invoked the Nato charter provision that says that an attack on one is an attack on all. So there is still a possibility of a Nato-led military action into Syria, bypassing the UNSC, but it remains to be seen whether such action will ever be taken. From the point of view of Generational Dynamics, Syria is in a generational Awakening era, during which a crisis civil war is impossible, or if a civil war starts, then it will fizzle fairly quickly. Despite the fact that pundits continually express fear of a full-scale civil war in Syria, it's quite possible that Syria has already seen the worst of its sectarian violence. If the war fizzles out soon, then Kofi Annan and Russia can take credit for bringing peace to the Mideast. France and Germany demand right to close borders with other EU countries This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . South Africa's president Jacob Zuma dons Zulu attire for his sixth wedding India's National Stock Exchange experiences 'flash crash' France and Germany demand right to close borders with other EU countries Sectarian violence in Karachi, Pakistan, leads to rise of Islamist terrorists South Africa's president Jacob Zuma dons Zulu attire for his sixth wedding South Africa president Jacob Zuma in traditional Zulu wedding garb (EPA) Dressed in a leopard skin and carrying a Zulu spear of the type that was used by Zulu warriors led by Shaka to exterminate millions of indigenous Africans in the Mfecane war of the 1820s, Jacob Zuma, the president of South Africa, got married for the sixth time on Saturday. According to the official statement, "President Jacob Zuma has today, 20 April 2012, married Ms Bongi Ngema at a traditional ceremony known as umgcagco at his home in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal." Zuma has been married six times, but one wife divorced him and another committed suicide, leaving the 70-year-old Zuma with a mere four wives. AFP France and Germany demand right to close borders with other EU countries The European Union and the euro currency were both adopted because survivors of World War II wanted a way to guarantee that Europe should never again experience horrors like the two world wars. A critical symbol of European unity is the Schengen agreement, signed in 1995, allowing the EU citizens to travel freely from one country to another without a visa. But now, France's interior minister Claude Gueant and Germany's interior minister Hans-Peter Friedrich are joining hands to call for countries to have to right to close borders for 30 days at a time when conditions warrant. Opponents are saying that this must be a joke, since ending the Schengen agreement would lead to the demise of the European Union. In fact, Denmark closed its borders with Germany last year, in the midst of the war in Libya, when illegal immigrants were flowing from northern Africa into Italy and, from there, into other EU countries. (See "6-Jul-11 News -- Denmark's border controls called a 'European crisis'" ) Since then, Greece's porous border with Turkey has led to calls for more border closures. Opponents of the new proposal point out that "Illegal immigrants usually don't go via the border checkpoint anyway, so controls wouldn't make any sense." Deutsche-Welle India's National Stock Exchange experiences 'flash crash' Flash Crash An apparent "flash crash" occurred on India's National Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday, when the "Nifty Futures" index fell 6.7% within a few seconds. The index recovered most of the loss, and closed down 0.96% at the end of the day. However, the sudden plummet was reminiscent of the May 6, 2010, flash crash that occurred on the New York Stock Exchange, with the S&P 500 index falling about 8% before recovering. In both cases, the cause was computerized algorithm trading, also called "high frequency trading" (HFT), where computer programs are designed to sell when they sense the market is falling, thus potentially causing a computerized stock market panic. However, the NSE claims that nothing out of the ordinary happened on Friday, despite the sudden 6.7% fall. Business Standard (Mumbai) and Reuters Sectarian violence in Karachi, Pakistan, leads to rise of Islamist terrorists Political violence was introduced to Karachi in the mid-1980s by the Muhajir Qaumi Movement (MQM), which emerged as the ethnic party of the muhajir, refugees from the Muslim-majority areas of the British India in 1947. It was renamed in the late 1990s as the Muttahidda Qaumi Movement (MQM - United National Movement), when a subgroup, the MQM-Haqaqi split off, resulting in bitter violence. In the 2000s, large numbers of Pashtun/Taliban tribesmen migrated to Karachi, resulting in more violence. Today, Karachi is one of the most violent cities in the world where at least 396 persons have lost their lives in ethnic, sectarian, and political violence in the first three months of 2012. Forty-seven of these murders were targeted killings while 24 of them were political and ethnic killings. The growing violence and subsequent chaos in Karachi has paralyzed the Pakistani security forces and created a vacuum which is being filled by Islamists, a situation that became abundantly clear in May 2011, when Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) attacked the Mehran naval base in Karachi with impunity. Jamestown Nicolas Sarkozy faces reelection battle in France on Sunday This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . Hundreds of thousands protest in Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt Convinced that West won't intervene, Russia's involvement with Syria deepens Nicolas Sarkozy faces reelection battle in France on Sunday Hundreds of thousands protest in Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt Protesters flood Tahrir Square on Friday (Bikya Masr) Hundreds of thousands of protesters filled Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday, in the biggest demonstration in many months. When the "Egyptian Revolution" began in January of last year, protesters were united in wanting the ouster of president Hosni Mubarak. After Mubarak was deposed, the opposition groups began to splinter into groups -- the Muslim Brotherhood, Salafists, Liberals and 6 April Youth Movement -- with differing agendas, with each group holding demonstrations from time to time. But now all the groups are united again, after it's becoming increasingly clear that the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) has no apparent intention of giving up power. Their common demand is the SCAF give up control to a civilian government. Bikya Masr (Cairo) and Al-Ahram (Cairo) Convinced that West won't intervene, Russia's involvement with Syria deepens Russia has become the principal defender and supporter of Syria's president Bashar al-Assad, as he continues to massacre his own innocent Arab people after signing a "peace agreement" to buy time. Russia's motives are becoming clearer, now that they've become increasingly convinced that the West will do nothing to intervene in the slaughter. Safe from Western intervention, Moscow is now deploying naval warships on the Syrian coast on a permanent basis. Moscow has exacted a big economic price from al-Assad in return for its full-throated support. In particular, Russia's state-owned energy firm Gazprom is taking control of Syrian oil and gas fields worth billions of dollars. By cynically demanding economic favors in exchange for supporting al-Assad's massacre, Russia is showing contempt for Saudi Arabia and Qatar, who are quite vocal in saying that al-Assad must step down to stop the massacre. Jamestown Nicolas Sarkozy faces reelection battle in France on Sunday Polls are indicating that Socialist candidate Fran�ois Hollande is likely to defeat the incumbent right-of-center Nicolas Sarkozy for the Presidency of France. However, it's not completely clear how the two-part election will turn out. Voters will be able to select from ten different candidates on Sunday, making it very unlikely that any one candidate will get a majority of the vote. The two candidates who get the most votes -- almost certainly Nicolas Sarkozy and Fran�ois Hollande -- will stand in a runoff election on May 6, to decide the final victor. Sarkozy is complaining that his poll ratings have suffered because all nine of the other candidates are attacking him, and he believes that he'll do better in the runoff election, when only one other candidate is attacking him. France 24 India tests a long-range missile that can reach Beijing This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . Syria and U.N. disagree on implementation of observers Concerns are growing over Syria's stockpile of chemical weapons India tests a long-range missile that can reach Beijing Syria and U.N. disagree on implementation of observers Ban Ki-Moon accuses Syria government of breaking truce (EuroNews) The regime of Syria's president Bashar al-Assad continues to massacre innocent Arabs as if there had never been a "Kofi Annan peace treaty." Few people doubt that al-Assad agreed to the "peace treaty" simply to buy time, so that he could continuing his slaughter, but U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon is pressuring al-Assad with new terms in order to force him to end the violence. Unfortunately, al-Assad is quite skilled in sabotaging any such attempt. Here are the points of discussion: Ban wants to send in hundreds of U.N. observers to monitor the violence and see who the actual perpetrators are. Al-Assad wants to keep the number of observers to a minimum, but he's acceded to the U.N. demands to allow 250 observers. Ban wants the observers to have complete, unrestricted freedom of movement. Al-Assad demands that every move be approved by his regime, and he says that they'll be subject to violence if they don't get approval. Ban wants the EU to supply helicopters and planes to the observers, to be used to travel freely from place to place within Syria. Al-Assad says that foreign aircraft violate Syria's sovereignty, and that his pilots can use his helicopters and planes to move the observers around. Ban wants the observers to come from a cross-section of countries around the world. Al-Assad is demanding veto power on the countries, and is demanding that the come only from Russia, China, Brazil, South Africa, and other countries allied with al-Assad. In the case of the Arab League observer mission in January, there were only 25 observers, and the group was headed by a general from Sudan who had previously overseen genocidal acts. Al-Assad will try to sabotage the current observer mission so that it will be as much of a fiasco as the Arab League mission was. AP Concerns are growing over Syria's stockpile of chemical weapons Syria has produced large stockpiles of chemical weapons over the past few decades, including mustard gas, sarin, and possibly VX nerve agent. They're thought to be stored in some 50 stockpiles around the country. Al-Assad is protecting them for use as a last-ditch attempt to stave off overthrow. Syria is one of a few countries that never signed the Chemical Weapons Convention. Even if it had, the possibility of a sudden fall of the al-Assad regime would leave the country with no clear ruler, and no easy way to control these stockpiles. CS Monitor India tests a long-range missile that can reach Beijing India said Thursday that it had successfully carried out a test of a long-range missile, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead over 5,000 km, putting Chinese cities like Beijing and Shanghai within range. However, a great deal more testing will be required before the capability can be fully deployed. It's believed that the United States, China, Russia, Britain and France are the only nations to date that have developed this technology. At a State Department press conference in Thursday, the U.S. refrained from criticizing India for developing this technology, drawing a clear distinction between India's intentions and North Korea's intentions. North Korea had a failed long-range missile test last week. CNN and Times of India MSNBC's Chris Matthews puts forward a formula for governing This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . No college students are rioting over the Travon Martin case MSNBC's Chris Matthews puts forward a formula for governing Proposed 'Warren Buffett Tax' represents economic desperation The U.S. is defending Israel's right to stop the 'Flytilla' No college students are rioting over the Travon Martin case Judge Jessica Recksiedler (AP) The case of George Zimmerman, the Latino/white who shot and killed a young black man, Trayvon Martin, in Florida has gained national and even international attention because Zimmerman avoided arrest for several weeks because of a Florida "stand your ground" law that permits a man under attack to use a gun in self-defense. On Wednesday, Judge Jessica Recksiedler recused herself from the case, because of a conflict of interest involving her husband. Back in the mid-2000s, people on the left used to wonder why not college students were out protesting the Iraq war, the same way that college students protested the Vietnam war in the 1960s. Generational theory explains that these kinds of protests only occur during generational Awakening eras, like America in the 1960s. For the most part, the people who were out protesting the Iraq war were the Boomers who had protested the Vietnam war. In fact, in most cases they were the exactly same people, only now 40 years older. (See "Why aren't college students protesting against the Iraq war?" ) The same kind of thing is happening now with the Travon case. It's the Boomer journalists and politicians who are, for the most part, keeping this issue alive, and very often it's the exact same people who were protesting in the 1960s, except that now they're 45 years older. Reuters MSNBC's Chris Matthews puts forward a formula for governing Chris Matthews Chris Matthews, the left-wing MSNBC "Hardball" commentator, appeared on CNBC on Wednesday morning, and launched into a very interesting rant on how Washington should govern. He was comparing the chaos today with the "adult" governing style adopted by Republican president Ronald Reagan and Democratic House speaker Tip O'Neill, two Irishmen who famously put aside their ideological differences after 5 pm and went out for beer. (Matthews worked for Tip O'Neill in the early 1980s.) According to Matthews, Congress today should adopt a particular technique that was used by politicians in the 1980s (my transcription): "Here's the way I look at it. ... The way it worked back with Tip O'Neill and Ronald Reagan was very simple. Every deal is basically unfair -- it's usually 60/40. So one side wins the deal. If you ask for 50/50 in these things, you'll never get a deal. So you usually favor the party that wins the election. That way elections matter. You respect each others offices, and you respect each others parties, and most of all you respect the electorate. After 2010, the deal should have been a 10 to 1 deal or 8 to 1 deal for the conservative side, mostly spending cuts, some revenues [taxes]. they almost had the deal they did - we can blame it on the jockeying back and forth, and try to figure it out. But they should have had about an 8 to 1 deal that favored the conservatives. For example, going back to when I was working in politics after the '82 election, it should have favored the Democrats and it did on the social security deal -- it was the Democratic solution. So the great thing about Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neill was that they both were partisans but they realized that 44:12 there were elections and they mattered. And after each election, the party that won the election should get the advantage in the deal. 60/40 deals that favor the election is my way of solving all of these problems. So after this next election, which ever party wins should get a 60/40 deal, in their sides favor. the other side should give. That's an argument for grown-up politics -- like Tip O'Neill and Ronald Reagan. It's always a 60/40 deal, it's never equally fair. It depends which way the tide's running. This is what they've gotta understand -- voting matters, elections matter, cut deals that favor the way the voters are headed. that way the voter will respect elections and they'll vote. I think we need a decison [in the next election]. I hope it's not a split decision. I hope it's not a 50/50 -- i hope it's not a squeaker for either side, with the house and senate divided again. If we get that kind government 50/50 both sides will claim victory, and we'll have hell to pay. I want to see somebody wins." Comparing today's politics to 1980s politics doesn't make sense. In the 1980s, the people in charge were from the Silent Generation that had grown up during the Great Depression and World War II, and realized in their bones that compromise is essential for the survival of the country. As I've pointed out many times, the survivors of World War II created the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Rockefeller Foundation (Green Revolution), and other international organizations not only to prevent a new world war, but also to end poverty and starvation and to improve health. Only WW II survivors could accomplish these things. Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neill in the 1980s Thus, in the 1980s, survivors Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neill could get together in a bar in the evening, tell jokes, and drink Irish beer. The Republicans and the Democrats could cooperate with each other to change the Social Security system to make it a sounder system. After that, they could cooperate again to specify new rules to control the budget deficit. Compromise was still possible in 1996, when Democratic President Bill Clinton, saying that "the era of big government is over," cooperated with the Republican Congress to eliminate the welfare entitlement. But no such compromise is possible today, since the WW II survivors are gone. The Gen-Xers are in charge now, and they have no idea how to compromise. What Generational Dynamics predicts is that in the not too distant future there will be a "regeneracy" -- an event so horrible, perhaps a major terrorist attack on American soil or a catastrophic military loss overseas, that it will cause Americans to unite behind their president for the first time since the end of World War II. Once Americans realize that the survival of the country is at stake, then politics will change dramatically. Proposed 'Warren Buffett Tax' represents economic desperation With the U.S. economy extremely fragile, and Europe's economy headed for a meltdown (see "18-Apr-12 News -- IMF's World Economic Outlook warns of eurozone meltdown" ), politicians are looking for ways to pass the buck so that someone else will be blamed for the coming financial crisis. The latest proposal, offered by the Obama administration, is to raise revenue by imposing a big tax surcharge on people making over $1 million. The proposal is based on a comment by billionaire investors Warren Buffett, claiming that his tax rate is lower than his secretary's. According to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev), "Last year, there were 7,000 millionaires who didn�t pay a single penny in federal income taxes. Instead, ordinary Americans footed the bill � and that�s not fair." This is desperate and fatuous political year nonsense, since such a tax would raise very little money. But what this reminds me of is a similar argument that we heard in -- as I recall -- around 1976 or so. It seems that there were a number of millionaires who didn't pay a single penny in federal income taxes, because they were able to deduct large portions of their home mortgage payments and rent payments as business expenses. So the laws were changed to make it harder to claim such deductions. What I remember most vividly was my accountant telling me a year later: "You know who's really been hurt by this new tax law? I do taxes for several schoolteachers who make very little money, but they used to be able to set aside a corner of their homes to correct papers and such, and take a deduction on their taxes. Now they can't do that any more." I saw the following posted on the internet, explaining the U.S. budget in simple English: * United States Tax Revenue: $2,170,000,000,000 * Fed Budget: $3,820,000,000,000 * New Debt: $1,650,000,000,000 * National Debt: $14,271,000,000,000 * Recent Budget Cut: $38,500,000,000 Now, remove eight zeros and pretend it's a household budget: * Annual Family Income: $21,700 * Money The Family Spent: $38,200 * New Debt on the Credit Card: $16,500 * Outstanding Balance on Credit Card: $142,710 * Total budget cuts which some politicians are proud of: $385 Washington Post The U.S. is defending Israel's right to stop the 'Flytilla' A controversial move by Israel's government to prevent pro-Palestinian activists from flying into Israel to protest Israeli policies is being defended by the Obama administration. On Sunday, a "flytilla" of dozens of activists landed in Israel's Ben Gurion Airport for the event, but some were arrested, and many were deported back to their country of origin. According to U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner, "Israel is a sovereign nation. Like any sovereign nation, it has a right to control the flow of people and goods through its ports." Israel National News and U.S. State Dept. There won't be a recovery until the 2020s IMF's World Economic Outlook warns of eurozone meltdown The World Economic Outlook report from the International Monetary Fund warns of significant risks in a eurozone meltdown, and reflects the schizophrenic attitudes of policy makers in general as they search for a solution to a problem that has no solution. Government 10-year bond yields (interest rates), 2007-2012 The above graph from the report illustrates what's happened as well as anything. What it shows is the interest rates that investors are demanding to loan money to various countries. What's happened quite dramatically since the credit crisis began in 2007 is that investors are demanding more and more interest on loans to Spain and Italy, and less and less interest on loans to Germany and the U.S. This reflects the prevailing view tha Spain and Italy are likely to need bailouts, and investors know that in the most recent bailout of Greece, investors were forced to take 74% "haircuts." On the other hand, everyone seems confident that Germany and the U.S. will pay off its bondholders in full, an assumption that Generational Dynamics predicts will turn out to be wrong. World financial officials and pundits have been predicting every month that the housing crisis has bottomed out and that the economy is starting to grow again. What we're seeing in real time is what I learned about when I was in school in the 1950s, when my teachers ridiculed the officials and pundits of the 1930s who kept predicting that "prosperity was just around the corner." Last week, I quoted Wharton School's Jeremy Siegel as predicting a stock market rise to Dow 17,000 within a couple of years, which puts him into the tin foil hat category. (See "14-Apr-12 World View -- Wharton School's Jeremy Siegel is lying about stock valuations" ) This is how generational theory works. The generations of survivors of the 1929 crash and the 1930s Great Depression are gone now, and nothing like it has happened since then, leading the politicians and pundits to conclude that it can never happen again because economists have figured out how to prevent it, by going more and more massively into debt. As Alan Greenspan recently pointed out, every economy model has been dead wrong for the last few years. And as I've pointed out many times, economists cannot explain why there was a tech bubble at all, why it occurred in 1995 (as opposed to 1985 or 2005), why there was a real estate bubble, why there was a credit bubble, why the bubbles burst in 2007, or anything else that came after. They've been wrong time after time. I'm always amused by the airhead financial experts and economists who say that the real estate bubble occurred because Alan Greenspan's Fed lowered interest rates in the 2002-2004 time frame. First off, the real estate bubble began in 1995, the same time as the tech bubble. And second, interest rates have been at zero for the last four years, and yet there's been no new real estate bubble; in fact, the last real estate bubble has continued to burst. Turning now to Tuesday's IMF report, we can see the consequences of the continuing bursting of the real estate and credit bubbles: "One must wonder why, with nominal interest rates expected to remain close to zero for some time, demand is not stronger in advanced economies. The reason is that they face, in varying combinations, two main brakes on growth: fiscal consolidation and bank deleveraging. Both reflect needed adjustments, but both decrease growth in the short term. Fiscal consolidation is in effect in most advanced economies. With an average decrease in the cyclically adjusted primary deficit slightly under 1 percentage point of GDP this year, and a multiplier of 1, fiscal consolidation will be subtracting roughly 1 percentage point from advanced economy growth this year. Bank deleveraging is affecting primarily Europe. While such deleveraging does not necessarily imply lower credit to the private sector, the evidence suggests that it is contributing to a tighter credit supply. Our best estimates are that it may subtract another 1 percentage point from euro area growth this year." What's being described here is the collapse of the credit bubble. While the credit bubble was being created, roughly from 1995 to 2007, governments, businesses and individuals went into tens of trillions of dollars of debt. That debt was used to purchase homes and stocks, creating bubbles in those sectors. Once the bubble started bursting, governments, businesses and individuals began paying down debt. So that means tens of trillions of dollars are leaving the world economy. It took 12 years (1995-2007) to build up the credit bubble, so it's reasonable to expect it to take 12 years to collapse it (2007-2019). Uneasy calm The IMF report depicts a kind of uneasy calm in the world, as a lot of people are claiming/hoping/wishing that the crisis has ended, but the report makes it clear how dangerous things are. "Accordingly, downside risks continue to loom large, a recurrent feature in recent issues of the World Economic Outlook. Unfortunately, some risks identified previously have come to pass, and the projections here are only modestly more favorable than those identified in a previous downside scenario. The most immediate concern is still that further escalation of the euro area crisis will trigger a much more generalized flight from risk. This scenario, discussed in depth in this issue, suggests that global and euro area output could decline, respectively, by 2 percent and 3� percent over a two-year horizon relative to WEO projections. Alternatively, geopolitical uncertainty could trigger a sharp increase in oil prices: an increase in these prices by about 50 percent would lower global output by 1� percent. The effects on output could be much larger if the tensions were accompanied by significant financial volatility and losses in confidence." The above paragraphs describe a very interesting concept: "a much more generalized flight from risk." This phrase captures the issue that generational theory focuses on. The fear being stated is that people will be less and less likely to want to borrow money or to lend money. Since debt was the main engine that kept the economy growing before 2007, a "flight from risk" means that the economy will not grow again. This is exactly the generational point. The Boomers and Gen-Xers who were so abusive of credit and debt prior to 2007 have now been very badly burned, and they're going be exhibiting a "flight from risk" for most of the rest of their lives. They will never be willing to go into debt again to the extent that they did prior to 2007. That's why there won't be any real growth again until the 2020s, when today's generation of young children become demanding teenagers. As I've said, there's no solution to this problem. There's no way to reflate the credit and housing bubbles, though the Fed and the European Central Bank (ECB) are certainly trying. The new IMF report recommends more of that: "Furthermore, excessively tight macroeconomic policies could push another of the major economies into sustained deflation or a prolonged period of very weak activity. Additionally, latent risks include disruption in global bond and currency markets as a result of high budget deficits and debt in Japan and the United States and rapidly slowing activity in some emerging economies. However, growth could also be better than projected if policies improve further, financial conditions continue to ease, and geopolitical tensions recede. Policies must be strengthened to solidify the weak recovery and contain the many downside risks. In the short term, this will require more efforts to address the euro area crisis, a temperate approach to fiscal restraint in response to weaker activity, a continuation of very accommodative monetary policies, and ample liquidity to the financial sector." This is where the schizophrenia sets in. The IMF itself has been a world leader in demanding austerity from countries that it bails out. But here, the IMF report is recommending that austerity be abandoned, replaced with an unending, infinite supply of liquidity. The report says this even more strongly later: "Austerity alone cannot treat the economic malaise in the major advanced economies. Policies must also ease the adjustments and better target the fundamental problems��weak households in the United States and weak sovereigns in the euro area��by drawing on resources from stronger peers. Policymakers must guard against overplaying the risks related to unconventional monetary support and thereby limiting central banks� room for policy maneuvering. While unconventional policies cannot substitute for fundamental reform, they can limit the risk of another major economy falling into a debt-deflation trap, which could seriously hurt prospects for better policies and higher global growth." The phrase "unconventional monetary support" of course means print an infinite amount of money and pour it into the banking system, trying to stave off a deflationary spiral. That's what's been tried in ever-increasing doses since 2007, and it's failed to work, because generational attitudes and behaviors have changed. Europe is now right on the verge of a major new crisis. There will be enormous pressure on the ECB to flood the banks with free liquidity, but there will also be enormous pressure from the Germans not to let that happen. Meanwhile, the U.S. government goes exponentially deeper and deeper into debt, waiting for some crisis to cause everything to unravel. Generational Dynamics predicts that crisis is coming with 100% certainty. Ban Ki-moon asks the EU for airplanes and helicopters for observers This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . As Kofi Annan's Syria peace plan collapses, Russia blames 'external forces' Turkey says that we just have to wait and see what happens in Syria Ban Ki-moon asks the EU for airplanes and helicopters for observers Overseas aid is credited for falling child mortality rate As Kofi Annan's Syria peace plan collapses, Russia blames 'external forces' Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a press conference (Reuters) As it becomes increasingly clear that Syria's president Bashar al-Assad agreed to go along with Kofi Annan's "peace plan" simply to buy time to slaughter more innocent Arab citizens, al-Assad's main backer, the Russians, are suffering another round of major humiliations, along with Kofi Annan himself. Russia has been al-Assad's loyal backer, and has supplied huge amounts of weapons, while at the same time saying that Annan's peace plan should end the violence. Since that obviously isn't happening, Russia's foreign minister Sergey Lavrov is blaming the "Friends of the Syrian people" group of Western and Arab nations, which he said was undermining UN peace efforts. (The "Friends of the Syrian People" are 60 countries currently meeting in Paris to reinforce sanctions imposed on the Syrian regime.) Apparently Lavrov believes that the U.S., Europe and Arab countries should just smile sweetly at al-Assad and say, "Oh you just go ahead and kill as many innocent Arabs as you want, as if they were cockroaches." Here's what Lavrov said: "There are countries, there are external forces, that are ... encouraging the Syrian opposition not to cooperate with the government in providing for a ceasefire and the subsequent establishment of dialogue." So, the Syria crisis still has a way to go before it unravels. Reuters Turkey says that we just have to wait and see what happens in Syria In the end, it's going to be Turkey that decides what happens in Syria. If Turkey wants to take some action, then the West and the Arab League will go along with it, while Russia fumes. And as I wrote last week, Turkey believes that, even without the United Nations Security Council, Turkey believes that it has the necessary legal backing to take military action on Syrian soil, thanks to the "Adana Agreement" signed with Syria in 1998. Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday accused the Syrian regime of continuing to attack civilians, despite agreeing to Kofi Annan's peace plan. He said: "Delaying [solutions to] the problem in Syria will only give the regime more time for new acts of brutality. The Syrian regime is using stalling tactics. Even though we have no hope for the cease-fire, we will wait, continue to closely follow the developments and bring Syria to the attention of the international community." I'm interpreting his phrase "we will wait" to mean that Turkey will not intervene in Syria. Zaman (Istanbul) Ban Ki-moon asks the EU for airplanes and helicopters for observers The United Nations Security Council is expected to authorize a full mission of 250 observers to Syria on Wednesday. But U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon would like to send even more observers, and has asked European Union leaders to provide helicopters and airplanes for their mobility within Syria. Six observers have already arrived, and 25 more have already been authorized. The observers are facing the same Catch-22 that the original Arab League monitors did in January. The monitors are unarmed, and the U.N. is demanding that Syria guarantee their safety. But that means that the Syrian regime will have to control the movements of the monitors, which means it can make sure that any violence that occurs will be unseen by the monitors. The Arab League monitor effort is considered by many people to be a total fiasco. LA Times Overseas aid is credited for falling child mortality rate According to a report by Save the Children and the Overseas Development Institute, foreign aid is the biggest factor in reducing child mortality. Four million fewer children aged under five died in 2010 than in 1990. Over 50 million more children were enrolled in school in the last decade. 131 countries now have over 90 per cent immunisation coverage for diphtheria, tetanus and major preventable childhood diseases such as measles, compared to just 63 in 1990. Foreign aid is responsible for these changes, according to the report. As usual, it falls to me as the gloomiest person in the world to point out that a reduction in child mortality means faster population growth, less food and other resources per capita, and more cannon fodder for the next war. Telegraph Plans go forward for Israel's attack on Iran's nuclear facilities This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . Europe fiscal crisis worsens as Spain's bond yields push through 6% Switzerland's bonds sell at negative interest rates Plans go forward for Israel's attack on Iran's nuclear facilities Palestinians deliver an ultimatum to Israel on settlements Argentina's president announced plans to nationalize largest oil firm Europe fiscal crisis worsens as Spain's bond yields push through 6% Spain 10-Year bond yields at 6.07% on 16-Apr-2012 The story of Greece is being repeated with Spain, as bond yields (interest rates) continue to increase, indicating that investors are betting that Spain is going to have to be bailed out. And since investors in Greek bonds had to take a 74% "haircut" (losing 74% of their investments) when Greece was bailed out, investors in Spanish bonds should expect no less. The European Central Bank (ECB) has "printed" �1.1 trillion since December and poured it into European banks in its LTRO program, particularly Spanish banks, allowing them to use the money to purchase Spanish bonds, in order to drive down interest rates. But the LTRO money has run out, and now politicians are beginning to demand that the ECB pour another flood of money into the banks. Once again, this will only work until the money runs out. Nonetheless, ECB chairman Mario Draghi will make an announcement on Tuesday, and it may be a new liquidity flood of some kind. Reuters Switzerland's bonds sell at negative interest rates Switzerland's six-month Treasury bills have been in such high demand that the purchase price of one of the bonds is larger than the nominal value of the bond, meaning that they're being purchased for negative interest rates (yields), in this case -0.251%. Why would anyone purchase a bond where they know they're going to lose money? Mainly because Swiss bonds are considered safe (as opposed to other countries' bonds). Switzerland is not in the eurozone, and has its own currency, the Swiss franc. Switzerland is a financial center and is a big exporter of precision products, meaning that it won't have to borrow money. If an investor has a lot of cash and wants to put it somewhere safe, then Swiss bonds are a reasonable choice. Bloomberg Plans go forward for Israel's attack on Iran's nuclear facilities A major Israel TV station on Sunday night broadcast a detailed report on how Israel could go about attacking Iran�s nuclear facilities, possibly this summer. Dozens or hundreds of planes will take part in the mission: attack and escort jets, tankers for mid-air refueling, electronic warfare planes and rescue helicopters, with concerns about advanced SA-17 and SA-22 anti-aircraft systems that Russia has sold to Iran. The attack, the report said, would presumably trigger a war in northern Israel, with missile attacks (presumably from the Iranian-proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon). "There will be no tranquility and peace anywhere in Israel," said the reporter. Times of Israel Palestinians deliver an ultimatum to Israel on settlements Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, representing President Mahmoud Abbas, will meet with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Tuesday afternoon, and will prsent a letter stating demands that have to be met for negotiations to resume. The message will charge Netanyahu with draining the Palestinian Authority of all authority it gained in the agreements Israel and the PLO signed over the years. The message will stress that the current situation is unbearable and will demand that Netanyahu freeze all settlement construction and express publicly his willingness to negotiate on the basis of the 1967 borders. According to reports, Fayyad is delivering this letter to Netanyahu very reluctantly, since he considers the action to be a worthless publicity stunt. Haaretz Argentina's president announced plans to nationalize largest oil firm Argentina's president Cristina Fern�ndez de Kirchner announced plans on Monday to seize control of leading energy company YPF, taking control away from Spain's Repsol. Kirchner has previously nationalized private pension funds and the country's flagship airline, Aerolineas Argentinas. Kirchner is angry at YPF because Argentina was forced to begin importing oil in 2010. Reuters U.N. observers arrive in Syria as 'cease-fire' shows signs of collapse This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . South African president will marry again and have four wives Taliban in Afghanistan begin their 'spring offensive' U.N. observers arrive in Syria as 'cease-fire' shows signs of collapse N. Korea's Kim Jong-un places 'national pride' above peace The 'Summit of the Americas' ends in bitter division South African president will marry again and have four wives Jacob Zuma on Friday with his fianc� (far left) and three existing wives. The one on the far right is Sizakele Khumalo, whom he met in 1959, and who doesn't look very happy. Following ethnic traditions, South Africa's 70-year-old Zulu leader Jacob Zuma next weekend will marry Gloria Bongekile ("Bongi") Ngema. Bongi will be his fourth wife and his sixth marriage -- one wife divorced him, and another one committed suicide. Zuma's other wives are Sizakele Khumalo, whom he met in 1959, Nompumelelo "MaNtuli" Zuma and Thobeka Stacey Mabhija. He is thought to have around 20 children, including one three-year-old son by his new wife-to-be. The president acknowledged his wives: "I have them; they are many. They know that who comes in does not close the door behind [her] because it was not shut behind her." Times Live (South Africa) Taliban in Afghanistan begin their 'spring offensive' A series of explosions and sniper attacks began in Kabul on Sunday, and continued into Monday morning. The attacks occurred in a supposedly super-secure part of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, calling into question the stability of Afghanistan's government as U.S. and Nato forces prepare to leave. According to a Taliban spokesman, "These attacks are the beginning of the spring offensive and we had planned them for months." However, U.S. officials are praising the Afghan security forces that were able to repel the attacks without U.S. or Nato help. CNN and Reuters U.N. observers arrive in Syria as 'cease-fire' shows signs of collapse The first members of a U.N. monitoring team have arrived in Syria, a four days after a so-called cease-fire that is showing serious signs of collapse. The six monitors arrived Sunday in Damascus, to begin their work Monday morning. The observers arrived amid reports that government helicopter gunships were pounding the city of Homs, targeting residential neighborhoods. As in the case of January's failed Arab League observer group, the Syrian government is demanding that all movement by the observer group be coordinated with the government. "Syria cannot be responsible for their security unless it participates and coordinates all the steps on the ground," said a Syrian government spokesman. CNN N. Korea's Kim Jong-un places 'national pride' before peace Kim Jong-un on Sunday North Korea new leader Kim Jong-un has made his first televised public speech, as Pyongyang marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of the country's founder, Kim Il-sung. This was the first time Kim Jong-un, believed to be in his late 20s, has spoken publicly since taking power following the death of his father in December. He gave his speech as a huge military parade passed by, including a large new missile camouflaged and carried on a 16-wheel truck. He said that national pride was more important than peace. "Let us move forward to final victory," he said. He praised the country's "military first" policy. "Superiority in military technology is no longer monopolised by imperialists. We have to make every effort to reinforce the people's armed forces." After last week's attempt to launch a long-range missile turned into a major humiliating fiasco, North Korea is thought to be particularly dangerous right now, as Kim Jong-un is expected to launch some provocative military act to recover the country's "national pride." BBC The 'Summit of the Americas' ends in bitter division Argentina's president Cristina Kirchner and Bolivia's president Evo Morales stormed out of the annual Summit of the Americas conference, attended by Barack Obama and by the leaders of 30 Western Hemisphere nations under the auspices of the Organization of American States (OAS). Kirchner was the first to storm out because the conference did not support Argentina's claim to the Falkland Islands (called the Malvinas by Argentina). The Falklands have historically been a colony of the U.K., and were retained by the U.K. by defeating an Argentine attack in the early 1980s. Morales followed Kirchner out of the meeting because the United States and Canada vetoed the participation of Cuba at next year's meeting. Al-Jazeera China demands complete sovereignty over Philippine island This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . For Easter, Jerusalem lights up with the 'Holy Fire' celebration Thousands of Egyptian Copts visit Jerusalem for Easter ceremony China demands complete sovereignty over Philippine island U.N. observers will arrive in Syria on Sunday Venezuela's Hugo Chavez skips 'Summit of the Americas' over cancer For Easter, Jerusalem lights up with the 'Holy Fire' celebration Holy Fire ceremony in Jerusalem Thousands of Orthodox Christians filled Jerusalem's ancient Church of the Holy Sepulchre and surrounding streets on Saturday for the Easter "Holy Fire" ceremony. At midnight, the priest produces a fire from the altar, lighting a candle with it. Each person is holding a candle, and the fire is passed from person to person. In Athens, the ceremony lights up the whole city. The ceremony dates back to the 4th century, and symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus Christ. AFP Thousands of Egyptian Copts visit Jerusalem for Easter ceremony Over 2,000 Coptic Christians from Egypt visited the Holy Land for Easter, defying a ban imposed on visiting Jerusalem and Israeli-controlled areas. The ban has been in effect for three decades, imposed by the Coptic leader Pope Shenouda III to protest Egypt's 1979 peace agreement with Israel. However, Shenouda died last month, and although the ban remains in effect, Egyptian Christians decided that this was their chance. AP China demands complete sovereignty over Philippine island South China Sea, with blue line added to show region claimed by China as part of its sovereign territory Although the Chinese fishing boats have been permitted to leave the lagoon where they had been held by a Philippine warship, the confrontation with Chinese military vessels has raised nationalistic anger on both sides. (See "12-Apr-12 World View -- Philippines and China in nationalistic confrontation in South China Sea." ) The fishing vessels were detained near the Scarborough Shoal (called Huangyan Island by the Chinese), off the coast of Manila. The island has historically been part of the Philippines, but China is demanding sovereignty over it and all the islands in a huge region in the South China Sea. On Friday, China's Foreign Ministry said: "Huangyan Island is an integral part of Chinese territory. Actions from the Philippine side have infringed upon China's sovereignty and violated the consensus of maintaining the peace and stability of the South China Sea, not complicating and aggravating the situation. China has sent law enforcement ships to ensure the safety of Chinese fishermen and vessels." China's demand for complete sovereignty over an island that historically has been part of the Philippines is a portent of things to come. Chinese Foreign Ministry U.N. observers will arrive in Syria on Sunday Now that the so-called Syria "truce" is in place, and only a paltry 20 people were killed on Saturday, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution approving a team of up to 30 unarmed observers to be deployed in Syria. Six observers will arrive on Sunday. In January, a previous team of observers was sent by the Arab League, and they were made fools of by the Bashar al-Assad regime, which restricted their movements to regions where there was no violence. It remains to be seen whether the new observer group will be more effective. BBC Venezuela's Hugo Chavez skips 'Summit of the Americas' over cancer Hugo Ch�vez with his daughter, Virginia, waving from the People's Balcony at Miraflores Palace in Caracas on Friday (Reuters) This weekend the Organization of American States will be holding its annual "Summit of the Americas" conference, but Venezuela's president Hugo Ch�vez will not be there to call America "the devil" in front of dozens of other leaders. Instead, he'll be headed for a long stay in Cuba, perhaps as long as 90 days, to receive further cancer treatments. He's never released information on the type and severity of his cancer, so Venezuelans do not know "how long the president has to live." Reuters Spectacular missile failure makes North Korea very dangerous right now This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . Wharton School's Jeremy Siegel is lying about stock valuations Spectacular missile failure makes North Korea very dangerous right now Syria violence is lower than before on second day of 'truce' U.S. sends nonlethal aid to Syria's opposition groups Wharton School's Jeremy Siegel is lying about stock valuations Jeremy Siegel, 'well-respected' Wharton School Finance Professor One thing I like to do every now and then is to highlight a politician or journalist or analyst or professor going on TV and blatantly lying. On Friday, it was "well respected" professor Jeremy Siegel of the Wharton School, lying about stock valuations (price/earnings ratios). Here's what he said on Bloomberg TV (my transcription). He's making a predictions that stocks will surge to Dow 15,000 or even Dow 17,000 within the next two years, and he was asked why: "Oh, valuations. very persuasive valuations right now. P/E ratios are below the long run average. That's quite remarkable in this environment. ... [P/E ratios are about] 13, which means that [stocks] are earning 7-8% right now, even without an earnings increase. You need strong earnings increases when the market is selling at 20 p/e ratios, or 25 -- those growth stocks need them. At these valuations, modest increases are more than enough to beat any fixed income asset that's out that there." Well, "well-respected" professor Jeremy Siegel was simply lying. On Friday, according to the Wall Street Journal, the P/E ratio index is at 16.26. A year ago it was 17.81. Both figures are far higher than the "long-run average," which happens to be 13.91. WSJ P/E ratio, Friday, April 13, 2012 So Jeremy Siegel was lying. Why would he lie? Because everybody lies these days, ever since the Gen-Xers started running everything a few years ago. There's no downside to lying because nobody calls anyone out for lying, or for being a crook. (I call people out all the time for lying, but no one gives a shit about that.) Since Siegel is a "well-respected" professor, I assume that he's a consultant for some hedge fund or investment house who pay him to lie on CNBC and Bloomberg TV, so he trades on his "well-respected" reputation to make himself and his clients a lot of money. People lie constantly on CNBC and Bloomberg TV in order to justify their 7-digit income. One reason I like to focus on price/earning ratios is because it's so easy to prove that they're lying. I quote what they say, and then I quote the Wall Street Journal from the same day. Other people whom I've spotlighted in the past include Ron Baron, chairman and CEO of Baron Capital, Abby Joseph Cohen, head of Global Markets Institute Management at Goldman Sachs, Hank Smith, the Chief Investment Officer of Equity for Haverford Quality Investing, and Charles Bobrinskoy, Vice Chairman, Director of Research, Ariel Investments. Are all of these people crooks? It depends on what you mean by "crook." It's true that they openly lie to defraud investors, but that's the norm today. Can someone be a crook if being a crook is the norm? I don't know the answer to that question. Spectacular missile failure makes North Korea very dangerous right now The North Koreans had invested a great deal of prestige in their long-range missile test. They invited dozens of international reporters to witness the event, timing it to coincide with the huge celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the birth of North Korea's founder, Kim Il-sung. The North Koreans wanted to prove to the world that they were an important, sophisticated nation. So the failure of Thursday's launch with the whole world watching, with the missile disintegrating into debris falling into the sea within a minute or so of launch, has got to be a humiliation of historic proportions for North Korea. Many analysts consider North Korea to be particularly dangerous right now, because the new leader, Kim Jong-un, may feel pressured to take some step that he think might restore the nation's prestige. There might be new nuclear tests, or there might be another military strike at South Korea, such as the two military strikes that occurred in 2010. The long-range missile test violated United Nations Security Council resolutions, and so one outcome of the failed test is that the Obama administration has canceled its offer to provide food aid to North Korea. LA Times Syria violence is lower than before on second day of 'truce' Syria's Bashar al-Assad regime appears to have passed a big test on Friday, when thousands of demonstrators poured out of mosques after midday prayers into the streets to protest the Assad regime, and "only" a dozen or so of the protesters were killed by regime forces. This is considered to be "good news" for Syria, after the massive slaughters that occurred every day in past months. The United Nations Security Council is expected to vote on Saturday for unarmed U.N. observers to enter Syria, to watch for violence. BBC U.S. sends nonlethal aid to Syria's opposition groups The U.S. has begun sending promised nonlethal aid to the Syrian opposition, most of it medical and communications equipment. The supplies are going to nonviolent, political groups based on what they said would help them organize their efforts and provide aid to civilians, and the aid is likely to increase. Bloomberg Syria regime slaughter down on truce, as Friday protests loom This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . North Korean rocket launch a humiliating failure Tensions grow between Hong Kong and mainland China Syria regime slaughter down on truce, as Friday protests loom United Nations may send observers to Syria North Korean rocket launch a humiliating failure North Korean missile prior to launch (Xinhua) North Korea's test launch of a long-range missile was an immediate failure, as it crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff. The failure is particularly humiliating, as the launch coincides with the 100th birthday celebrations of the founder of North Korea, Kim Il-sung, whose grandson, Kim Jong-un, now rules. As the launch was a clear violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, the Security Council will hold an emergency session on Friday, "to decide the next step" following the launch. Hankyoreh (Seoul) Tensions grow between Hong Kong and mainland China We recently posted a story about how Hong Kong residents go around singing songs that describe mainland Chinese tourists as uncouth "locusts." Tensions are growing in Hong Kong over Beijing attempts to assert greater control over Hong Kong. Hong Kongers fear loss of academic freedom in colleges and loss of freedom of the press. A primary cause of the recent anger among Hong Kong residents is the use of Hong Kong�s resources by mainlanders. Birth tourism is one of the most visible examples of this. Large numbers of mainland women travel to Hong Kong to give birth so they can receive better medical care and obtain a Hong Kong identification for their child, entitling the child to Hong Kong�s resources, including public education. Last year, approximately 40,000 mainland women gave birth in Hong Kong, which caused hospital beds to be in short supply. From the point of view of Generational Dynamics, the significance of this growing split between Hong Kong and Beijing is that it's expected to grow. I've been writing for several years that China is overdue for a new national civil war. (See "China approaches Civil War" from 2005.) China's history is full of massive civil war rebellions, such as the White Lotus Rebellion (1796-1805) and the Taiping Rebellion (1852-1869), killing millions or tens of millions of people. These occur at regular intervals, with each new one occurring at about the time that the survivors of the preceding one die off. The last of these rebellions was Mao's Communist Revolution (1934-49) civil war, and now it's time for the next one. During Mao's Communist Revolution, anyone who could find a way to reach Hong Kong could escape to Formosa (Taiwan) or to the West. So it appears that Hong Kong may once again play a central role in a Chinese crisis civil war. Jamestown Syria regime slaughter down on truce, as Friday protests loom Syria's regime on Thursday claimed to have "proved" that everything it says is credible, claiming that there is a "truce" and the violence has stopped, and indeed the regime killed only 20 or so people on Thursday, down from the usual 100 per day. However, all the tanks, soldiers and snipers are still in the streets, ready to reengage at any time. The test will come on Friday, when people will pour out of mosques into the streets after midday prayers and begin demonstrations and protests. The regime claims that peaceful protests are permitted, but adds that all such protests must be registered and approved in advance, something that isn't going to happen. So the world will be watching to see what happens on Friday. Bloomberg United Nations may send observers to Syria A proposed U.S.-drafted United Nations Security Council resolution whould authorize deployment of up to 30 unarmed inspects to monitor Syrian compliance with ceasefire. The draft also would have the council condemn "widespread, systematic, and gross violations of human rights ... by the Syrian authorities (and urge that) those responsible for human rights violations shall be held accountable." Russia and China have vetoed similar resolutions in the past. Reuters European financial crisis growing quickly in Spain and Italy This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . Philippines and China in nationalistic confrontation in South China Sea Syria's psychodrama continues for another day European financial crisis growing quickly in Spain and Italy Philippines and China in nationalistic confrontation in South China Sea South China Sea, with blue line added to show region claimed by China as part of its sovereign territory According to the Philippines side of the story, a Philippine warship was patrolling the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal and came across eight Chinese fishing vessels anchored inside a lagoon. A Philippine inspection team boarded the finshing vessels and found large amounts of illegally collected corals, giant clams and live sharks inside the compartments of the first inspected vessel. Then two Chinese maritime surveillance ships entered the lagoon and prevented the fishermen from being arrested. According to the Chinese side, the fishing boats took shelter from the weather in the lagoon of Huangyan Island, when a Philippine warship showed up, boarded the fishing vessels, and harassed the Chinese fishermen. Two Chinese maritime surveillance vessels showed up and demanded that the Philippine gunboat leave, because Huangyan Island is an integral part of Chinese territory and China has indisputable sovereignty over the island. The island in question is fairly close to Manila, but China has become increasingly aggressive in claiming all the islands in the South China Sea as their sovereign territory, even islands that have historically been part of other countries' sovereign territory. The claim that China has "indisputable sovereignty" is a joke. China is in territorial disputes with Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei, and it's clear that an increasingly nationalistic China has no intention of backing down, and will pursue its claims with its rapidly growing and increasingly hostile and belligerent military force. Philippine Daily Inquirer and Shanghai Daily Syria's psychodrama continues for another day The news on Wednesday morning was the Syria's president Bashar al-Assad had agreed to Kofi Annan's peace plan, and would end the violence by Thursday morning. Hooray!! But by Wednesday afternoon, it turned out that Syria reserves the right to respond to any attack by "armed terrorist groups," which is exactly what the Syrian regime has been saying for over a year. So nothing's changed, and there was another day of game-playing and stalling by the Syrian regime, as they continued to slaughter innocent Arab citizens like cockroaches. Reuters European financial crisis growing quickly in Spain and Italy According to EuroIntel, we are right on the edge of a major new European financial crisis: "It was only a couple of weeks ago, when [German Finance Minister] Wolfgang Sch�uble and his subordinates briefed journalists in Brussels that the calming financial markets made a big firewall [bailout fund] unnecessary. And remember all these statements, including from [Italian Prime Minster] Mario Monti, according to which the worst of the financial crisis was behind us? Complacency is the default mode of eurozone policy makers. Yesterday, the financial markets produced a reminder that the crisis continues. Italian and Spanish 10-year spreads are now back in the familiar territory of over 4% [above German bond yields]. Global stock markets fell over fears of a renewed eruption of the eurozone crisis, with Milan down 5%, driven by 8% falls in the share prices of Unicredit and Intesa San Poalo. Spanish ten-year yields [interest rates] now trade above 6% for the first time since December, and in Madrid there is clear no sense at all that the worst of the crisis is over. The 10-year [German] bund yield fell to an astonishing low of 1.649% [indicating that investors are selling Italian and Spanish bonds, and buying German bonds]. The news coverage, as ever, struggled to explain the turnaround in market sentiment -- oscillating between "markets worried about Spain missing its deficit targets" and "markets worried about Spain trying to hit its deficit targets". Our sense is that investors have belatedly realised that the austerity drive is counter-productive, and that Spain is virtually certain now to require an ESM [bailout] programme. El Pais lists the reasons for the shift in market sentiment: the visible deterioration in the Spanish deficit; the ECB's LTRO running out of steam; an insufficient attempt to force the Spanish banks to take losses; and doubts over the latest austerity budget. The article noted that the announcement of further �10bn in cuts failed to calm the markets. The bond spreads are now only a whisker from its absolute peak in November when they reached 4.7%. The articles quotes a financial analyst as saying that once Spain applies for the ESM [bailout], the mechanism will then be regarded as quite small. Spanish officials were wheeled out yesterday to downplay the crisis, with economy minister Luis de Guindos saying that Spain had already raised half of its 2012 refinancing requirements, and central bank chief Miguel Ordonez insisted that Spain was "not even close" to an ESM programme. Earlier in the day Reuters reported -- without even a hint of irony -- that the European Commission welcomed new Spanish austerity plans, and that it had a positive view on the 2012 budget draft." Spain moving rapidly to become 'the next Greece' This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . Formula-One Grand Prix officials threatened in Bahrain Pressure grows for a new round of United Nations diplomacy for Syria Greece extends deadline for holdouts from bond swap Spain moving rapidly to become 'the next Greece' Formula-One Grand Prix officials threatened in Bahrain Anti-Formula One graffiti in Manama, Bahrain (Reuters) The bloody massacre of innocent civilians in Bahrain that began in February of last year is comparable to the the bloody massacre of civilians in Syria. Bahrain had been scheduled to host the Formula One Grand Prix automobile race in October, but the event was postponed because of the violence. Now it's scheduled for next week, beginning April 22, and there are calls for it to be canceled or postponed again. Some teams are questioning the ethics and morality of holding the event in Bahrain, while protesters in Bahrain are threatening protests and possible violence directed at Formula One officials. Telegraph Pressure grows for a new round of United Nations diplomacy for Syria Former U.N. secretary-general Kofi Annan pretended to be shocked on Tuesday that his peace plan, which called for a cessation of violence on Tuesday, had failed. In fact, Syrian troops actually launched fresh attacks on rebellious areas, but Annan said there was still time to salvage a truce. Since Annan is not stupid, he must be lying. Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is on a long diplomatic trip, including stops in Russia, China, Iran and Saudi Arabia, to gain support for a new U.N. Security Council resolution. The new resolution will say something like "we condemn Bashar al-Assad for the violence," but even that will probably be vetoed by Russia and China. Either way, nothing's going to happen until Turkey loses its patience and takes some military action. Zaman (Istanbul) Greece extends deadline for holdouts from bond swap You'll recall, Dear Reader, that European officials were going to solve the problem of keeping Greece out of bankruptcy by implementing a bond swap deal, where holders of Greek bonds would "voluntarily" swap them for brand new bonds, losing 74% of their original investment. However, you may also recall that there were private investor "holdouts," who refused to take part in the bond swap deal, hoping to avoid losing that 74%. And you may also recall that furious European officials were threatening these holdouts with disaster if they didn't give in. Well, more than a month has passed, and many private investors are still holding out. Greece has twice extended the deadline for these investors to agree to the bond swap. The deadline is now April 20. Reuters Spain moving rapidly to become 'the next Greece' Spain 10-Year bond yields at 5.98% on 10-Apr-2012 On Monday, Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said: "Without a doubt, a good part of Spain�s future is at stake. The problem is that the markets can lend or decide not to lend." On Tuesday, investors demanded yields (interest rates) of 5.98%, just shy of the psychological 6% figure. If yields continue to rise, as they did for Greece, Portugal and Ireland, then Spain will need a bailout, just like those countries. I keep hearing financial pundits say ridiculous things like: "This isn't as bad as Greece." (Actually, Spain's a larger country, so it's worse.) "This won't affect the United States." (Actually, with the ECB's and the Fed's various money-printing programs apparently no longer working, this will affect everyone.) "The Europeans will find a solution." (Actually, there IS no solution. There was no solution for Greece either, and all they've done is postpone Greece's problem for a few more months.) This is a generational crisis era, and all the debts that have built up since the end of World War II are now coming due, and there's no way to pay them. Bloomberg Philippines to commemorate 70th anniversary of the Bataan Death March This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . Philippines to commemorate 70th anniversary of the Bataan Death March North Korea appears to be preparing for new underground nuclear test Japan deploys Patriot missile batteries in Tokyo over N. Korean missile test Syria's army fires across border into Turkey's refugee camp, killing two Lebanese journalist killed by Syrian army firing into Lebanon Turkey reconsiders its position on military action against Syria Philippines to commemorate 70th anniversary of the Bataan Death March Japanese-controlled Philippine media - Friday, April 24, 1942, newspaper claims that Japanese occupation will bring 'peace and tranquility' to the Philippines (U.S. Air Force) The Philippines on Tuesday will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Bataan Death March. More than 76,000 Filipino and American soldiers surrendered to the Japanese Imperial Army, following the fall of Bataan on On April 9, 1942. They were forced to march the 128-kilometer stretch from Bataan to Capas, Tarlac, but thousands of them died or were killed along the way either due to extreme fatigue due to lack of food and water and lack of sleep. Many of the prisoners of war (POW) who could no longer walk were shot to death or bayoneted by their Japanese captors. An estimated 10,000 Filipino and American POWs died before they could reach Capas. The Bataan Death March followed the attack on Pearl Harbor by only a few months, and for the first time, Americans became aware that the war with Japan would not end easily, but would go on for years. Zambo Times (Manila) and U.S. Air Force North Korea appears to be preparing for new underground nuclear test Satellite images show that North Korea is digging a new tunnel underground in the country's nuclear test site, where it conducted previous nuclear tests, first in 2006 and then in 2009. According to a South Korean intelligence official, "North Korea is making clandestine preparations for a third nuclear test at Punggye-ri in North Hamkyong Province, where it conducted two nuclear tests in the past." This comes at a time when North Korea is just about to launch a long-range missile test. It was just a few weeks ago that the North Koreans promised to end nuclear development, including development of long-range missiles. Korea Herald Japan deploys Patriot missile batteries in Tokyo over N. Korean missile test Japan has deployed Patriot missile batteries in Tokyo and dispatched destroyers, as North Korea makes final preparations for a long-range test rocket launch that has received world wide condemnation. In addition, Philippine Airlines, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways are changing flight paths, while Philippine officials have declared a no-fly zone and urged ships and fishing boats to avoid northeastern territorial waters where rocket debris may fall. AFP and AP Syria's army fires across border into Turkey's refugee camp, killing two Syrians in refugee camp, including women and children, fleeing from Syrian fire (AA) Turkey on Monday said that the Kofi Annan peace plan has become irrelevant, on a day when two Turks � a policeman and a translator � and four Syrians were injured at a refugee camp in the border province of Kilis from bullets fired from Syria. Other reports indicate that two Syrians were killed as well. Turkey's Foreign Ministry said that all Syrians who take shelter in Turkey were under the country�s "full protection," and warned that "the necessary measures will be implemented if such incidents are repeated." Hurriyet (Istanbul) and AP Lebanese journalist killed by Syrian army firing into Lebanon Whereas Syria's attack across Turkey's border may have been a first, Syria has frequently fired into Lebanon's border, and Syrian troops have crossed the border into Lebanon in pursuit of refugees, leading to the killing and wounding of several Lebanese citizens in recent months. On Monday, three Lebanese journalists came under fire by a two-hour barrage of bullets from Syria's army, killing Ali Shaaban, a cameraman. "Ali Shaaban became a martyr after the Syrian army opened fire on Al-Jadeed�s car," said a colleague. Lebanon is split politically, because Syrian government ally Hizbollah is part of the Lebanese government. Daily Star (Beirut) Turkey reconsiders its position on military action against Syria During the last year, Turkey has talked about some military options -- establishing a "buffer zone" or "humanitarian corridor" on Syrian soil, where Syrian refugees could go and be protected by Turkey's army -- but has repeatedly said that no action could be taken without the approval of the United Nations Security Council. In lieu of such action, Turkey has built several refugee camps on Turkish soil, with a capacity of about 45,000 refugees, still well above the 24,000 refugees currently housed. But Monday's actions by Syria's army, firing across the border into Turkey and Lebanon, has caused Turkey to reevaluate its options. Even without U.N. approval, Turkey can still legally intervene militarily into Syria because of the "Adana Agreement," signed by Turkey and Syria in Adana, Turkey, on October 20, 1998. According to the Adana Agreement: Syria may not permit any activity that jeopardizes the security and stability of Turkey. The influx of Syrian refugees is jeopardizing Turkey's security and stability. Syria may not allow the supply of weapons or money to the Kurdistan Workers� Party [PKK terrorists]. There is some evidence that in recent months, Syria has been supplying weapons to PKK terrorists, and allowing them to establish training camps on Syrian soil. Turkey may even ask NATO to invoke Article 5 of the NATO Charter, which says that an attack on any member shall be considered an attack on all. The article was invoked by the US for the first time in October 2001, after the 9/11 attacks on the U.S. Zaman (Istanbul) and Zaman N. Korea gives bizarre press conference to show off its long-range missile This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . Syria's Assad says that the world has 'misinterpreted' him Egyptians cooperating with Israel to fight Sinai terror Venezuela's Chavez returns again to Cuba for cancer treatment Ethnic violence growing in southern Libya between Tibu and Arabs Easter Sunday church bombing in Nigeria kills 16 Mali's deposed president resigns, and sanctions are lifted N. Korea gives bizarre press conference to show off its long-range missile The 'Golden Age of Overseas Aid' is over Syria's Assad says that the world has 'misinterpreted' him HEIL ASSAD! Syria had announced that it had "accepted" Kofi Annan's peace plan, and Syria's ambassador to the U.N. had said so quite clearly. But on Sunday, Syria's foreign ministry said that its position had been "misinterpreted." Syria isn't going to agree to any peace plan until: Opposition lays down arms Opposition turns over all weapons to government Opposition signs a written statement of surrender Turkey signs a written statement of non-interference Saudi Arabia signs a written statement of non-interference Qatar signs a written statement of non-interference Needless to say, none these things will happen while the regime of Bashar al-Assad is conducting mass slaughter of innocent Arab civilians, exterminating them as if they were cockroaches. In fact, this whole peace plan has actually been counterproductive, as it's given al-Assad the impetus to conduct even bloodier slaughters. I've referred to this whole Kofi Annan "peace process" as farcical several times. What still amazes me is how Kofi Annan and these other politicians make total fools out of themselves by pretending that this farcical plan ever even made sense. The sheer stupidity of politicians is not to be believed -- except that we see it every day. Al-Assad has also made a fool of the Russians, who have been counting on the Kofi Annan peace farce to help them save face, as they've become the major defender of the slaughterer-in-chief. It will be interesting to see how Russia weasels out of this situation. I haven't said this in several years, but it's worth repeating now: It's like were all in a movie theatre watching a bad movie, and we'd like to leave, but all the doors are locked, and we can't get out of the movie theatre. This is the way the world works. The United States has intervened in many places since they became Policemen of the World following World War II. You can argue that some of those interventions should not have taken place, but they were always for benevolent reasons, to protect the world from a new world war. The politically correct thing to say is that "the United Nations should be the one to intervene as policemen of the world." Have they ever done that? It takes a nation like the U.S. to be willing to act unilaterally, or with a "coalition of the willing," to intervene effectively. The United Nations is completely worthless and useless. Independent and Arab News Egyptians cooperating with Israel to fight Sinai terror After several terrorist attacks on Israel launched from the Sinai Peninsula in recent months, the Egyptian government announced on Saturday that, in cooperation with Israel, it has started deploying troops in the northern Sinai Peninsula. According to Egyptians sources, a total of 2500-3000 soldiers will be introduced gradually. Israel's agreement was required for this deployment because the Israel-Egypt peace treaty signed in the 1970s forbids deployment of Egyptian army forces in the Sinai. Egyptian sources also say the campaign was launched because the situation in Sinai is likely to pose a serious threat to the security situation inside Egypt itself. In recent weeks, there have been numerous reports of attacks by armed Bedouin and other militias active within Sinai, even against Egyptian soldiers. Haaretz Venezuela's Chavez returns again to Cuba for cancer treatment Venezuela's President Hugo Ch�vez has only been home for three day, but on Sunday he returned again to Cuba for another cancer treatment. According to Ch�vez: "I have to continue this battle for life. ... Through faith in the Risen Christ! We shall live and overcome!" Prensa Latina (Cuba) Ethnic violence growing in southern Libya between Tibu and Arabs When Muammar Gaddafi was in power in Libya, he always knew how to keep tribal conflicts from growing out of control: He'd send out his helicopter gunships and slaughter the belligerents. But Gaddafi is gone, and most of Gaddafi's weapons stores have made their way into the hands of various militias and terrorist groups. In the Sabha region of southern Libya, the dark-skinned indigenous African Tibu (or Tubu) tribe is fighting with lighter-skinned Zuwaya Arabs. The fighting has eased since the Transitional National Council (TNC), Libya's interim government, sent 300 soldiers to quell the fighting, though there are claims that Tibu fighters are infiltrating the region from Niger, Chad and the Sudan. Reuters and Jamestown Easter Sunday church bombing in Nigeria kills 16 A car bomb killed at least 16 people and wounded dozens more in the northern Nigerian town of Kaduna on Easter Sunday, after security officers stopped the vehicle carrying it from approaching a church. No group claimed responsibility for the attack, but it's thought that it was perpetrated by the terrorist group Boko Haram, which has attacked Christian churches in the past. Later in the day, there was a "minor explosion" in the central town of Jos, where no one was killed. Reuters Mali's deposed president resigns, and sanctions are lifted Mali's president Amadou Toumani Tour�, who was driven from office in a coup two weeks ago, has officially resigned. Under an agreement with the coup leader, Amadou Haya Sanogo, Sanogo will resign, which will allow former Malian speaker of parliament Dioncounda Traore to serve as president with a transitional government until elections are held. With the apparent restoration of constitutional government, ECOWAS -- the Economic Community of West African States -- says that it will remove the harsh sanctions it had imposed, blocking all travel in and out of the landlocked Mali nation. However, the situation in northern Mali is still uncertain, with both Tuareg rebels and jihadist groups controlling different regions. VOA N. Korea gives bizarre press conference to show off its long-range missile A group of journalists walk down a road in front of North Korea's Unha-3 rocket which it is expected to fire in the middle of April (AP) North Korea invited Western journalists to a bizarre press event at the top secret launch site for the long-range missile it plans to launch in mid-April. The purpose of the press event was to convince the West that the long-range missile is perfectly peaceful, and that they have no intention of loading it up with a nuclear weapon and targeting the U.S. west coast or other countries that it dislikes. The missile test violates an agreement that North Korea signed just a couple of months ago, agreeing to stop developing nuclear technology and related long-range missile technology. The U.S. has said it would cancel previously announced food aid if the launch is not canceled. BBC The 'Golden Age of Overseas Aid' is over According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), aid flows from "rich" countries to "developing" countries fell in 2011, for the first time in 14 years, because of the financial crisis. However, even in good times, promises are made but not kept, as has been the case with the extravagant promises made at the G20 meeting in 2005. (Long time readers may recall that I used to mock these aid promises as political shows.) Guardian Dissent begins to grow among al-Assad's Alawite supporters This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . U.S. accuses Syria's Assad of lying about army pullbacks Dissent begins to grow among al-Assad's Alawite supporters Signs of a major political crisis emerge in China's leadership U.S. accuses Syria's Assad of lying about army pullbacks Large pro-Assad rally in Damascus on Saturday (AP) The U.S. has released satellite surveillance photos that show that claims by Syria's president Bashar al-Assad that he's pulled back forces were lies in many cases, as some troops and armored vehicles were kept in place or simply shifted around. America's ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, posted a statement: "This is not the reduction in offensive Syrian government security operations that all agree must be the first step for the Annan initiative to succeed. ... The regime and the Syrian people should know that we are watching. The regime cannot hide the truth." Everyone's waiting to see what will happen on Tuesday, which is the day on which al-Assad has "promised" to cease all violence. It'll be interesting to see what spin he gives for not doing so. AP Dissent begins to grow among al-Assad's Alawite supporters The strongest supporters of Syria's president Bashar al-Assad are Alawites, followers of a variant of Shia Islam. Al-Assad's army is populated by Alawites, and the Alawites receive governmental favors, discriminating against the larger Sunni Muslim population. But there are reports that even among the Alawite community dissent is growing. According to one Alawite activist, "People are saying, 'how long will we have to bear this', more and more army families are wondering what they are sacrificing their children for, they are starting to say 'where are the martyrs from the Assad family?'" One elderly Alawite widow, at her son's funeral, said, "You Assads have taken my whole family, and all for nothing." It's hard to know whether these reports represent a real trend, or if they're wishful thinking. But from the point of view of generational theory, this change is not surprising. Syria is in a generational awakening era, and as in America's last generation awakening era in the 1960s, anti-war sentiment is very likely to grow. Pundits are still talking about a major civil war in Syria, but that's impossible, since major (crisis) civil wars never occur during generational awakening eras. There are two possible scenarios. One is a "velvet revolution" that brings down al-Assad with no significant additional violence. The other is that al-Assad will crush the opposition thoroughly, but it will rise again after a lull of a few months or years. But a major civil war is not coming. The National (UAE) Signs of a major political crisis emerge in China's leadership Bo Xilai - purged and disappeared (Getty) Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials have ordered the shutdown of several pro-Maoist web sites (perhaps because they were "too Communist"). At the same time, the People's Liberation Army is warning troops to ignore rumours and remain loyal to the Communist Party. A statement says that troops should "resolutely resist the incursion of all kinds of erroneous thoughts, not be disturbed by noises, not be affected by rumors, not be pushed by any undercurrent." This comes shortly after rumors of a coup had been spreading over the internet three weeks ago. The increase in the number of "mass incidents," the collapse of the housing bubble, and the increasing weakness of China's economy are causing the same kinds of political conflicts that we've been seeing in Washington and Europe, though in Beijing we're liable to see them backed up with tanks. The trigger for this political crisis was the purging in mid-March of a highly charismatic regional politician, Bo Xilai. Bo was a pro-Maoist populist, and used to be considered a likely candidate for top CCP leadership. But he seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth, leaving behind competing factions in China's leadership. AP Sobbing, Venezuela's Hugo Chavez begs God to let him live This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . Syria increases massacre of innocent Arab civilians after agreeing to peace deal Turkey appeals to United Nations over flood of refugees from Syria Iran, Hezbollah significantly increase aid to Syria's Assad Sobbing, Venezuela's Hugo Chavez begs God to let him live Tuareg rebels declare independent state of Azawad in northern Mali Syria increases massacre of innocent Arab civilians after agreeing to peace deal Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu After having agreed to stop all violence by April 10, the regime of Syria's president Bashar al-Assad has been bringing the massacre of innocent Arab civilians to new heights. Concentrating on the borders with Turkey and Lebanon, Syrian regime forces have targeted villages and towns with intense helicopter, tank and artillery bombardment, indiscriminately killing everyone, including women and children. The regime is mining the border with Turkey in order to prevent Syrians from crossing the border. According to one refugee leader: "Every time the regime is given a deadline it is a catastrophe. Assad interprets it as a licence for unlimited killing and another deadline is set." Reuters Turkey appeals to United Nations over flood of refugees from Syria Nearly 3,000 Syrian refugees fled to Turkey on Thursday and early Friday, doubling the previous rate of refugee flow, pushing the total to nearly 24,000, as Syria's army intensified its massacre of civilians in the run up to April 10, the "deadline" for Syria to end the violence. The daily number people crossing the boarder has stayed well below 1,000 per day in preceding months. Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu urged the UN to play a �more active role� in Syria�s growing refugee crisis, in a phone conversation with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. According to Davutoglu: "I told him [Ban] that there are operations targeting civilians particularly in Aleppo and Idlib and that there has been a growing influx of refugees into Turkey as a result of these operations. I said that necessary actions must be taken and that the clashes must end immediately. ... Our doors have always been open to people who are leaving their houses, homelands and villages and coming to our country to protect their lives, however the international community should also see this fact." Reports indicate that Turkey has set up enough camps to handle some 45,000 Syrian refugees, but fears a flood of hundreds of thousands of refugees as the crisis continues. Zaman (Istanbul) Iran, Hezbollah significantly increase aid to Syria's Assad Fearing the fall of their ally, Syria's president Bashar al-Assad, Iran and Hezbollah are significantly stepping up support for Assad, supplying arms to Syrian troops and training them. Reports say that Hezbollah fighters were killed in clashes with rebel forces. Haaretz Sobbing, Venezuela's Hugo Chavez begs God to let him live Venezuela's President Hugo Ch�vez returned Thursday from another round of cancer treatment in Cuba. On Thursday he attended a Catholic mass in western Venezuela, and spoke of struggle with cancer. He said that he had "much faith, much hope, much willpower to defeat this threat, as many people have, with the help of God and medical science." He ended with a message to God: "Give me your crown, Christ, give it to me. Let me bleed. Give me your cross, 100 crosses, so I can carry them. But give me life, because I still have things to do for this people and this country. Do not take me yet. Give me your cross, give me your thorns, give me your blood. I am prepared to carry it. But with life, Christ. Amen." The harshly anti-American Ch�vez has refused to divulge details of his cancer, giving rise to rumors that he's far more ill than he's admitting. CNN Tuareg rebels declare independent state of Azawad in northern Mali There are several million ethnic Tuaregs spread across several countries. They were Gaddafi's principal supporters during the Libyan war. (AP) Events are moving quickly in the chaotic situation in Mali: The Tuareg rebels, under the banner of the Mouvement National de Lib�ration de l'Azawad (MNLA), said on Friday that they are in control of northern Mali, and they have declared an the independent state of 'Azawad'. However, the United States, African nations, and many other nations indicated that they would not recognize the new state of Azawad. The Tuareg rebels are challenged in the north by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), and another jihadist group Ansar al-Dine, who have conflicting objectives with MNLA. AQIM and MNLA formed an uneasy alliance because of their common enemy, the government of Mali, but they don't want independence from Mali. Instead, they want to conduct terrorist acts killing civilians, and impose jihadist Sharia law on northern Mali. MNLA is vowing that they want nothing to do with AQIM. Amadou Haya Sanogo, who led a group of Mali army deserters to a coup to weeks ago, is begging his neighbors for help in fighting off the MNLA and the Islamists. But just as the world community is not recognizing the independent state of Azawad, they're also not recognizing the government of Sanogo, and they're demanding that the former government be reinstated. Mali's neighbors, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which includes Ivory Coast, Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger and Liberia, are not only not helping Sanogo, they've imposed an embargo on the landlocked Mali, so that it's impossible to import food, gasoline and other goods. Mali's borders have been closed to trade, the country's access to funds at the central bank for the region's common currency frozen and travel bans slapped on coup leaders and their supporters. There is a growing humanitarian situation in Mali. Many parts of the country, especially the north, are totally lawless, and women and girls in particularly are being abducted. Food supplies and medicines stored by aid agencies have been looted and most workers have fled. Many people are fleeing to neighboring countries, which have their own problems with food and AQIM. Syria crisis worsens as April 10 'peace deadline' approaches This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . Russia plans to flatten Georgia if Israel attacks Iran Syria crisis worsens as April 10 'peace deadline' approaches Euro crisis worsens again as Spain's bond yields rise Russia plans to flatten Georgia if Israel attacks Iran Russian Bal-E anti-ship missile system Russia is building up forces in the Caucasus region, preparing to protect its interests in case Israel attacks Iran with the help of the United States. The Russian military believes that when the US goes to war with Iran, it may deploy forces in friendly Georgia and warships in the Caspian Sea with the possible help of Azerbaijan. Russia is deploying guided anti-ship missiles on the Caspian shore in preparation, and is forming an offensive spearhead force, heavily armed with modern long-range weapons. In the case of an Iranian war, it's expected that the Russian spearhead will be ordered to strike south to prevent the presumed deployment of US bases in region, to link up with the troops in Armenia, and take over the South Caucasus energy corridor along which Azeri, Turkmen and, other Caspian natural gas and oil may reach European markets. By one swift military strike Russia may ensure control of all the Caucasus and the Caspian states, for the first time since the Soviet Union dissolved. Jamestown Syria crisis worsens as April 10 'peace deadline' approaches It's like a never-ending situation comedy, where everyone is reading a script that doesn't even make sense. As I've been reporting, former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has been flying around the world selling a "six-point peace plan" that calls for a cease-fire in Syria every day for two hours. It's the silliest damn thing, but Russia and China and Syria have all agreed to it, along with an April 10 deadline to end the violence completely. I don't know if anyone seriously believes that the regime of Syria's president Bashar al-Assad has any intention of ending the violence, but no sane person does. On Thursday, current Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that the crisis is getting worse every day. "Cities, towns and villages have been turned into war zones. The sources of violence are proliferating. The human rights of the Syrian people continue to be violated. ... Humanitarian needs are growing dramatically." Kofi Annan recited the lines in his script: "We must silence the tanks, helicopters, mortars and guns, and stop all other forms of violence too: sexual abuse, torture, executions, abductions, destruction of homes, forced displacement, and other such abuses, including on children," he said." Well, April 10 is only four days away, and unless al-Assad really does stop the violence, Kofi Annan and the United Nations are going to be made fools of again. AP Euro crisis worsens again as Spain's bond yields rise As the Easter holiday beckons, the yields (interest rates) on Spain's bonds continued to rise on Thursday, raising concerns that "Spain is the new Greece." High bond yields indicate that investors are increasingly betting that the country is going into default. Spain's bond yields are now at their worst level since the European Central Bank (ECB) began its LTRO program on December 12, pouring over �1 trillion in liquidity into the banking system, hoping that banks would buy Spanish bonds and keep yields down. Like every one of these massive liquidity programs, this one is now failing. Bloomberg Spain is in 'extreme difficulty' and threatens renewed euro crisis This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . Female suicide bomber attacks Somalia's National Theatre Spain is in 'extreme difficulty' and threatens renewed euro crisis Financial pundits worry about end of quantitative easing Greece may have to cancel Olympics participation Female suicide bomber attacks Somalia's National Theatre From March 19: Somalis in festive colors attend a concert in the newly opened Somali National Theatre. A suicide bomber attack took place on April 4. (AP) On Wednesday, Somalia's National Theatre was attacked by a female suicide bomber, killing ten people and wounding dozens. According to some reports, the woman was not checked for bombs because she claimed that she was pregnant. The attack was apparently meant to target Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, who was speaking at the event, but he was unharmed. The bombing is thought to be the work of indigenous terror group al-Shebaab, who recently announced that they were linking up with al-Qaeda. Most Somalis practice the Sufi form of Islam, and some al-Qaeda terrorists have declared that Sufism is an apostate religion. Sufi shrines have particularly been targeted by Taliban-linked terror groups in Pakistan. AP Spain is in 'extreme difficulty' and threatens renewed euro crisis We've seen the same thing over and over. The central government "prints" huge amounts of money and pours it into the banking system, and the pundits declare that the crisis is over. That's what happened starting in December in the European crisis, when the European Central Bank (ECB) began its Long-Term Repo Operation (LTRO). The ECB has poured an eye-watering �1.1 trillion of "printed" money into the European banking system, so that European banks could loan the money to businesses, and could drive down Spain's and Italy's bond yields (interest rates) by becoming a major purchaser of those bonds. But, as has happened every single time with one of these "nuclear options," the plan works for a while and then fails. When the LTRO began in December, Spain's bond yields fell sharply. But bond yields have been rising steadily since the beginning of March, and on Wednesday they took a sharp spike upward. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said on Wednesday, "Spain is facing an economic situation of extreme difficulty, I repeat, of extreme difficulty, and anyone who doesn�t understand that is fooling themselves." Bloomberg Financial pundits worry about end of quantitative easing Financial pundits on Wednesday blamed the fall in stock prices on a memo released on Tuesday by the Federal Reserve making it clear that there will be no more quantitative easing ("printing" of money). Apparently it never occurs to these pundits that if they really believe what they're saying, then they're admitting that the current stock market bubble has been CAUSED by quantitative easing, where the liquidity poured into the stock market, rather than being loaned to people and businesses. And so the obvious conclusion is that when QE ends, so does the stock market bubble. The second interesting thing I heard from financial pundits on Wednesday is they're frustrated. After every recession in the past few decades, the economy has come roaring back, but that hasn't happened this time, and they wonder why. But as I've been saying for years, from the point of view of Generational Dynamics, nothing that's happened since the end of WW II is relevant to what's happening today. Generational theory says that the previous relevant period was the 1930s. If you think about it, the pundits are answering their own question. They say that the economy came roaring back after earlier recessions, and that's because of the Law of Mean Reversion. If the economy has been below trend for a while, as it would be in a recession, then it should compensate by going above trend for a while. But today it's different. As I've been pointing out for almost ten years, the stock market has been continuously above the trend value since 1995, sometimes FAR above trend value. The stock market was above trend value even during the so-called recession. (See "11-Feb-12 News -- Price/earnings ratio (valuations) trending toward collapse" ) So while the Law of Mean Reversion worked in favor of a roaring economy in past recessions, in this recession it predicts a stock market crash and a deflationary spiral. Wall Street Journal (Access) Greece may have to cancel Olympics participation The first recorded Olympic Games took place in Olympia, in ancient Greece, in 776 BC. Presumably, Greece has participated in every Olympic Games event since then, but that may come to an end this year, thanks to the debt crisis. The Greek Athletics Federation has indefinitely suspended all domestic competitions because of severe funding cuts, and may have to cancel Greece's participation in the London Olympics entirely. On May 10, Greece will hold the Olympic flame lighting ceremony in Olympia. The announced cutback will not affect the flame lighting ceremony, but will be an embarrassment to the nation. Guardian The logistical nightmare of leaving Afghanistan This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . Timbuktu's ancient history at risk over chaotic Mali rebellion Azerbaijan story creates firestorm between Washington and Israel The logistical nightmare of leaving Afghanistan Kyrgyzstan agrees to continue hosting U.S. base in Manas Timbuktu's ancient history at risk over chaotic Mali rebellion Historic mosque and museum in Timbuktu, Mali Even people who have never heard of Mali have usually heard of Timbuktu, or at least have heard phrases like "from here to Timbuktu." Founded between the 5th and 11th centuries by Tuareg desert nomads, Timbuktu became a meeting point between north, south and west Africa and a melting pot of black Africans, Berber, Arab and Tuareg desert nomads. The trade of gold, salt, ivory and books made it the richest region in west Africa and it attracted scholars, engineers and architects from around Africa, growing into a major centre of Islamic culture by the 14th century. Timbuktu is home to nearly 100,000 ancient manuscripts, some dating to the 12th century, preserved in family homes and private libraries under the care of religious scholars. However, the city is poor now, and is at the center of attacks by Tuareg rebels and al-Qaeda linked jihadists, while Mali itself is being governed by the head of a botched coup. (See "31-Mar-12 World View -- Timbuktu surrounded by rebels with Mali's junta government in crisis" ) It's feared that the violence will lead to the destruction of the manuscripts and Timbuktu�s great earthen architectural wonders. AFP Azerbaijan story creates firestorm between Washington and Israel Attentive readers may recall that last week I posted a story that Azerbaijan has granted Israel access to air bases on Iran's border. Then, two days ago, I posted another story that Azerbaijan is strongly denying the story, pointing out that they have nothing to gain by giving Israel such access, and that it threatens their relationship with Turkey. Azeri president Ilham Aliyev later dismissed the speculation and said, �Azerbaijan's territory will never be used to launch an attack against its neighbor, Iran.� This situation is causing a diplomatic firestorm, as it's beginning to appear that the Obama administration purposely leaked the Azerbaijan story in order to make it more difficult for Israel to use the base as a springboard to launch an attack on Iran. (It's worth noting that a direct attack from Israel to Iran would require crossing air space monitored or controlled by the U.S., so launching from Azerbaijan would allow Israel to keep the attack secret from Washington until it's well underway.) A new report says that the Obama administration is blaming Israel for the recent rises in gasoline prices. According to the report, the Israeli leadership believes that Obama is blaming the rising gasoline prices on "Israel's posturing" on Iran, and that the Obama administration was staging a campaign to undermine Israel. According to analyst Robert Satloff, who returned from talks with Israeli officials: �I cannot underscore how deep and visceral the [Israeli] comments of the leaking that came out of Washington were," especially because of repeated leaks by the Obama administration. Israel National News The logistical nightmare of leaving Afghanistan Air hubs used by Germany and the U.S. (Spiegel) Nato forces are scheduled to leave Afghanistan in 2014, having failed in its mission to pacify the country, just as Russia and Britain have failed in similar missions in times past. Now the U.S. faces a logistical nightmare in transporting its troops and equipment home after ten years in the landlocked country. Transportation routes through central Asia require permission from the individual countries, and run over poor roads and bridges that provide plenty of opportunity for terrorist attacks. The U.S. would like to build a Nato base in Ulyanovsk, named after Bolshevik Revolution leader Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, whose real name was Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov. City officials love the massive economic boost that the operation would bring to the city, but Communist Party leadership is leading a "No NATO base in Ulyanovsk!" campaign. If the massive logistical retreat fails, then large caches of weapons will be left behind in Afghanistan -- something that Russia and China do not want to see happen. Spiegel Kyrgyzstan agrees to continue hosting U.S. base in Manas The U.S. has previously been ordered to vacate its air transit center in Manas, Kyrgyzstan, when the current contract expires in 2014, but now Kyrgyzstan has agreed to permit the U.S. to continue using the base past 2014. The U.S. is providing substantial military assistance to Kyrgyzstan in exchange. It appears that Kyrgyzstan's change of heart came about due to the encouragement of Russia, who want the U.S. to remain in the region in order to provide stability. Jamestown Pakistan will deport Osama bin Laden's wives and children This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . Pakistan will deport Osama bin Laden's wives and children Pacific tensions build as North Korea approaches long-range missile launch Kurds halt oil exports to Baghdad, increasing sectarian tensions Euro zone unemployment soars to historic high as manufacturing falters Greece continues to demand WW II reparations from Germany Pakistan will deport Osama bin Laden's wives and children A Pakistani court sentenced Osama bin Laden's three widows and two of his daughters to 45 days in prison on Monday for illegally living in the country, ordering them deported when the sentence ends. Because of time served, they're expected to be in prison only two weeks. Bin Laden's favorite wife, who was about 30 years younger than he was, will return to Yemen, along with her children. However, his other two wives are Saudi citizens, and Saudi Arabia appears to be reluctant to allow them to return, presumably for fear that they could trigger al-Qaeda linked anti-government demonstrations. One possibility is that all three wives and their children will return to Yemen together, to stay "as a family." The wives could embarrass the Pakistanis, because they may have information about how bin Laden was able to stay in Pakistan under the army's nose for ten years and nobody knew. Could there be a book deal in the offing? AP Pacific tensions build as North Korea approaches long-range missile launch The United States and Japan are studying counter-measures to take if North Korea goes ahead with a long-range rocket launch threatened for April 12-16. Japan says that it will shoot down the rocket if it poses a threat to its territory. The U.S. has already canceled planned food aid, but will not discuss any further repercussions if the launch takes place. My guess is that a really brutal counter-measure is planned -- namely a U.N. Security Council meeting to talk about it. AFP Kurds halt oil exports to Baghdad, increasing sectarian tensions The northern "Kurdistan" region of Iraq has been semi-autonomous since the days of Saddam Hussein, and the post-Saddam government made a deal with the Kurds that they would share in the oil and the revenue. But the Kurds have stopped shipping oil to Baghdad, claiming that Baghdad isn't paying for it. Baghdad is accusing the Kurds of "stealing" the oil, and selling it secretly to Iran and Turkey for a profit. Tensions between the Kurds and Baghdad began rising within two days after the American completely their withdrawal in January, when Iraqi Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi fled to the Kurdistan region to avoid being arrested by the government. Saddam was a Sunni dictator, and he violently suppressed the Shia majority, as well as the Sunni Kurds. Now there's a Shia government in charge, and tensions between them and the minority Sunnis are growing. VOA Euro zone unemployment soars to historic high as manufacturing falters Eurozone unemployment jumped to an all time high of 10.8%, setting a 15-year record for the single-currency area. Spain remained the worst affected, with the highest rate at 23.6%, followed by bailed-out Greece at 21%, Portugal at 15% and Ireland at 14.7%. Italy hit a record 9.3%. In another sign that recession is gripping the region, a key survey showed that manufacturing activity dropped to a three-month low in March, with the "malaise" spreading to top economies Germany and France. If you listen to CNBC or read the mainstream financial press, then you know that financial pundits are constantly predicting a return to rapid growth both in America and Europe. As I've been saying for years, this is impossible in a generational Crisis era. The Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank (ECB) have been holding off the worst by "printing" trillions of dollars and pouring into the banking systems, but no amount of "printing" is enough to stop a deflationary spiral during a generational Crisis era. There is much worse to come. AFP Greece continues to demand WW II reparations from Germany Greek officials were infuriated by a statement by the German Foreign Ministry that claims arising from the Second World War Nazi occupation are "no longer an issue," since they had been settled by a 1946 agreement. Greek WWII hero Manolis Glezos (photo), said that the German statement was �historically inaccurate, false and infuriating.� He said the 1946 pact obliged Germany to pay $7 billion (in 1938 prices) as reparations and another $3.5 billion for a war loan Athens was forced to provide. Glezos said this amounts to 162 billion euros without interest today. He added that �not one mark, drachma or euro� of this money had been paid. Kathimerini Generation-Xer-in-Chief versus the Supreme Court This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . Coordinated bombings in southern Thailand kill 14, injure hundreds Azerbaijan strongly disputes it's collaborating with Israel against Iran Islamist-backed Tuaregs sweep across 'Azawad' in northern Mali Hillary Clinton: U.S. will help Arab countries in defense against Iran Generation-Xer-in-Chief versus the Supreme Court Coordinated bombings in southern Thailand kill 14, injure hundreds Wreckage of a car following terrorist bomb blasts (AP) Three coordinated car bombings in southern Thailand killed 14 people and injured 340. The bombs targeted Saturday shoppers and a high-rise hotel frequented by foreign tourists. Thailand (CIA World Fact Book) More than 5,000 people have been killed in Thailand's three southernmost provinces � Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala � since an Islamist insurgency flared in January 2004, but this is the worst attack in years. Unlike the norther region, the southern region of Thailand has a heavily Muslim population, influenced by the connection with Malaysia. Bangkok Post and AP Azerbaijan strongly disputes it's collaborating with Israel against Iran A story last week that Azerbaijan has granted Israel access to air bases on Iran's border is being strongly denied by Azerbaijan's military and political analysts. The Azerbaijanis point out that they have nothing to gain by giving Israel such access, and that it threatens their relationship with Turkey. They suggest that Israel is leaking false information in order to advance its own agenda with Iran. EurasiaNet Hillary Clinton: U.S. will help Arab countries in defense against Iran In a joint press conference on Saturday with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faisal, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton voiced a U.S. commitment to defend GCC states against any threats, particularly from Iran. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), comprising Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, was founded in the early 1980s, in the shadow of the Iran/Iraq war. According to Clinton, the US wants to cooperate with the GCC "to take practical and specific steps to strengthen our mutual security, such as helping our militaries improve interoperability, cooperate on maritime security and missile defense, and coordinate responses to crises." She explained that could help the GCC states build a "regional missile defense architecture" against what they see as a looming ballistic missile threat from Iran. Kuna (Kuwait) Generation-Xer-in-Chief versus the Supreme Court I'm not a constitutional law professor like President Barack Obama or all the Generation-X brainiacs on his staff, so I was surprised by how weak the Administration's case was in support of "ObamaCare," as I listened to the audio from the hearings. According to the commentators, some of the liberal judges had to provide advice to the Administration lawyers so that they wouldn't make complete fools of themselves. As I've described several times since 2009, my objections to the "ObamaCare" health care bill are, first, because of the widespread fraud and extortion related to passage and implementation of the bill, and, second, because the whole thing is a proposal of economic insanity, because it was just like President Nixon's 1970s wage-price controls, which ended up in total disaster for the country. This should be a lesson to Generation-Xers who make life decisions based on their hatred of Boomers. In the past few years, I've documented many cases where Gen-Xers have destroyed themselves and their organizations by following policies based on hatred of Boomers. The worst, of course, was the entire financial crisis, caused by Gen-X banksters knowingly creating tens of trillions of dollars of toxic synthetic securities and defrauding the loathesome Boomer investors with them, just to get even with them for the Nasdaq crash in 2000. Many of those banksters have lost their homes and fortunes, as they deserve. And many have lost their families as well. I first wrote about Barack Obama in 2007, in "Barack Obama to Boomers: Drop dead!" In that article, I quoted Obama as expressing his contempt for Boomers. During his presidential campaign, I've been extremely critical of the ridiculous promises that he made, just as I'm critical of all politicians these days. He said in 2008, "This was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal." He would be guided by facts, not like President Bush, who was guided by ideology and ignored facts. He would cure global warming, close Guantanamo, become friendly with Iran and North Korea, bring a two-state solution to Palestinians and Israelis, beat the Taliban and al-Qaeda, end the financial crisis, reflate the real estate and stock market bubbles and, of course, provide universal health care. He has not achieved a single one of these objectives, and many of them are total failures. If the Supreme Court rules as expected, that will be the next one. As I keep saying, any organization that bases its policies on hatred of one-third of the population is a danger to itself, to the nation, and to the world. If you want to know why policies of the Generation-Xer-in-Chief have failed so many times, that would be the reason. Politico Islamist-backed Tuaregs sweep across 'Azawad' in northern Mali Mali Ethnic Tuareg rebels, fighting under the banner of the Mouvement National de Lib�ration de l'Azawad (MNLA), captured Kidal and Gao in the last two days, and then rapidly crossed the desert and captured the historic city of Timbuktu, effectively cutting the country in half, with the Tuaregs in control of the north, which they call Azawad. The MNLA leaders claim that all they want is an independent homeland, and want nothing to do with al-Qaeda. But they're backed by Islamist fighters from Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), who have jihadist intentions and who, more than anything else, would like to establish a Sunni Islamic state. The government of Mali is in total chaos, following a coup by disgruntled army soldiers ten days ago, and their neighbors have threatened them with sanctions. Facing disaster, the leader of the coup announced on Sunday that he wants to step down and restore democracy, if only his neighbors would help him defeat the MNLA. Will the Tuaregs next be headed south to capture the capital city, Bamako? They haven't said. Al-Jazeera Politicians try to fool all of the people all of the time. This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com . Syrian slaughter continues despite farcical 'peace plan' OECD calls on Europe to provide to provide a �1 trillion bailout fund European officials still struggle to create the 'mother of all firewalls' IMF provides a taxonomy of how governments lie about finances Smoke and Mirrors On this April Fool's day, our theme is smoke and mirrors. Everyone's talking about a peace plan for Syria, even though no one except the stupidest politician could possibly believe that it's serious. And the Europeans have been fabricating a new bailout fund, trying to stop Spain from going the way of Greece. Add that to the usual crap that we hear out of Washington, on Wall Street, and in other world centers, and you have a truly demoralizing situation. April Fool! Syrian slaughter continues despite farcical 'peace plan' The AP story says, "The [Syrian] Foreign Ministry statement raised serious doubts about whether Annan's plan to end the conflict will even get off the ground." Duh. The statement that led to this startling conclusion is that Syria's Bashar al-Assad regime will not pull tanks and troops from towns and cities engulfed by unrest before life returns to normal there. "[The military is in populated areas] in a state of self defense and protecting civilians. The Syrian army is not happy to be present in residential areas. Once peace and security prevail in these areas, the army will not stay nor wait for Kofi Annan to leave. This is a Syrian matter. ... The battle to bring down the state in Syria has already ended and the battle of reinforcing stability has started." The regime of president Bashar al-Assad won't stop slaughtering civilians until the opposition gives up, and the opposition won't give up until al-Assad steps down. Russia and Iran are supplying weapons and support to Assad, while Iraq and China are indirectly supporting him. Saudi Arabia and Qatar would like to arm the opposition in order to force al-Assad to step down. AP OECD calls on Europe to provide to provide a �1 trillion bailout fund Angel Gurria, the secretary general of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) called on the Europeans to come with �1 trillion for a bailout fund. He said, "When dealing with markets you must overshoot expectations. "The mother of all firewalls should be in place, strong enough, broad enough, deep enough, tall enough, just BIG." Reuters European officials still struggle to create the 'mother of all firewalls' Spurred on by the OECD demand to create the "mother of all firewalls," the euro finance ministers met on Friday and supposedly increased the euro bailout fund to �800 billion, but several analysts are pointing out that it's the usual political scam. We are always amazed how news organisations dutifully report the line peddled by eurozone officials that they are about to double the ceiling of the firewall, when it fact they are not -- not even close. The story this morning [Friday] is about a tentative agreement at today's Ecofin in Copenhagen, which includes several elements -- the ESM size, the funds committed by the EFSF, the non-committed funds, and a gradual built-in of ESM capital. The key point is that one cannot add the ESM's total of �500bn, plus the existing programmes and commitments of �200bn, plus the EFSF unused capacity of �240bn together. The agreement now subject to negotiation earmarks the �240bn as an emergency slush fund for one year only, and whose release would require unanimity. Once again, Angela Merkel gets it exactly like she wants to -- the ESM runs at �500bn, plus the existing programmes. Not a penny more. And once the programmes expire, we are back to �500bn. Furthermore, the ESM is not going to be active at �500bn right away -- so the �240bn scam at most hides the year one shortfall. From July 2012 to June 2013, the total capacity -- including the slush fund -- will be �640bn, in year two it will be �600bn, in year three �700bn, and then it will gradually fall back towards �500bn, as the existing loans are paid back. In other words, the capacity of the rescue fund will initially oscillate above, and later converge to �500bn. The agreement essentially means that the eurozone has rejected an effective increase in the ESM. That would be our headline on the story -- not 'Eurozone doubles size of ESM.'" EuroIntelligence IMF provides a taxonomy of how governments lie about finances "Accounting Devices and Fiscal Illusions," a staff discussion note by Timothy C. Irwin of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), provides a list of the accounting devices that governments use to lie about finances. The paper gives a list of these fraudulent accounting devices, along with dozens of examples of governments that have been using these devices. Here are some excerpts: "A TAXONOMY OF ACCOUNTING DEVICES The essence of an accounting device is to improve headline fiscal indicators without actually improving public finances, or without improving them to the extent suggested by the headline indicators. A device aimed at the deficit reduces this year�s deficit, but increases future deficits by an amount that largely or wholly offsets the initial improvement. To do this, it must either increase reported revenue or decrease reported spending in the year (or years) of interest. And, in return, it either decreases reported revenue or increases reported spending in future years. ... The first accounting device, hidden borrowing, increases reported revenue now but increases reported spending later. In Europe, governments are able to reduce their headline deficits by taking over pensions schemes of private companies or public enterprises. The obligations to make future pension payments do not count as liabilities, so when governments take over the pensions in return for compensating payments, the compensating payments count as revenue.4 The government of Portugal used this device to reduce its reported deficit in both 2010 and 2011, as well as in earlier years. But it is not alone. ... The second accounting device, disinvestment, increases reported revenue now and reduces reported revenue in the future. Under some cash-accounting standards, the proceeds of privatization are revenues that reduce the deficit. But if the sale deprives the government of future dividends its true fiscal benefit may be much smaller than its reported effect. ... The third accounting device, deferred spending, reduces reported spending now, but increases it later. In the United States, the government has met predominantly cash-based targets for the deficit by postponing a military payday by a single day ... and by deferring Medicare payments that would have been made in the last week of the year. ... The fourth accounting device, foregone investment, reduces reported spending now but reduces reported revenue later. When governments want new infrastructure to be built, they sometimes use concessions, a kind of public-private partnership in which the private company undertakes an investment under a long-term contract with the government, but receives its revenue from users. For example, since the early 1990s, much investment in public infrastructure in Chile has come from concessions for airports, toll roads, and other projects; total investment has amounted to some $7 billion or 4 percent of current GDP. These arrangements reduce the measured deficit in the years in which investment takes place, but increase it later, compared with what would have happened if the government had group method, which takes account of future as well as past and present employees, is equivalent to 44 percent of GDP (Government of France, 2011, p. 167). 11 financed the investment and then collected the tolls itself. (The Chilean government has also granted minimum-revenue guarantees to many of the concessionaires.) ... A common way to reduce the reported deficit and debt in the short term is to have spending undertaken by a public entity that is not counted as part of the government for reporting purposes. Often the spending involves an investment, but one whose future profitability is doubtful. If the investment is unsuccessful, its cost may show up later either in the receipt of smaller dividends from the entity (foregone investment) or in the need to grant it greater subsidies (deferred spending). ... As governments come under greater pressure to cut both costs and spending, more and more responsibility is being pushed down to the sub-sovereign level, to quasi-government bodies, municipalities and regional governments. Government-owned entities and their debt are being deconsolidated." Back in 2004, someone online asked me, "How can you ever be proven wrong? You're predicting a financial crisis, and if it doesn't happen, then you just say it hasn't happened yet." My response at that time was, "Public debt has been increasing exponentially. If it ever starts leveling off and falling, then you can tell me I'm wrong." What all these accounting devices have in common is that they increase public debt. All we hear from politicians and analysts is that the fault is with the markets, and if we create the "The mother of all firewalls," then the markets will be "convinced," and we can all go back to a real estate bubble and a credit bubble, to support the current stock market bubble. The Law of Mean Reversion says that they're wrong, as I've described in detail many times. International Monetary Fund (PDF)	i don't know
The 'doppelsigrune' or 'sig runes' was the symbol of what secretive and powerful organization? The	The Satanic Elements of Scientology \| Factnet: Public Dialog on Global Warming & Human Rights Issues The Satanic Elements of Scientology The Satanic Elements of Scientology (Note: This came from a Internet document on Scientology called the Fable.) There are two main types of Satanism, classical Satanism and neo-Satanism. Although Scientology contains many elements of neo-Satanism this story will focus on the classical elements. In classical Satanism there are numerous elements that help to characterize it as a classical satanic church. One of those elements is the prediction of an ultimate conflict between God and God's representatives (pure good) and Lucifer and his representatives (pure evil). Classical Satanists identify with the devil or Antichrist and believe or act in opposition or with disgust to the values, ritual and symbols represented by the Christ figure and the values, ritual and symbols of traditional Christianity. Classical Satanists often worship through use of reversal of traditional Christian symbols and ritual such as the black mass or by reversing crosses or other religious symbols. Classical Satanists often practice their beliefs among their own members and with the outside world by reversing truth with deception and lies. Much biblical prophesy states that there is to be a final conflict for possession of the world between Lucifer and his representatives and God and God's representatives. Part of this conflict involves Satanists - before the final conflict - trying to possess, destroy or indelibly mark the souls of its members. Biblical prophesy also implies as the time of the final conflict approaches the forces of the Beast will place a number on their members to mark their own. While classical Satanists often talk about this upcoming great spiritual war, a major part of their energy seems to be directed toward acquiring secular power in the forms of political and financial leverage and slave master-like control over the personal lives of those around them. Keeping the above elements in mind, read this story's examination of these elements for their parallels in Scientology and its origins. Origins are important! When you look at the origins of a group you look at its roots and the "signature" of its genetic inheritance. Even though the organizational roots may be hidden from sight the organization will always bear the type of "fruit" dictated by its "genetic" heritage and origins. The main origins of Scientology are revealed in Hubbard's imitation of Aleister Crowley and his "Ordo Templi Orientis" (OTO). Aleister Crowley Aleister Crowley is surely the most famous Satanist and black magician of the twentieth-century. It is impossible to arrive at an understanding of Scientology without taking into account L. Ron Hubbard's (Scientology's founder) extensive involvement with his religious and ideological mentor, Aleister Crowley. Crowley is significant because his ideology and OTO organization is considered to be the root and mother cult responsible for birthing classical and neo-Satanism into the U.S. and western society. Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) was reared in the Plymouth Brethren. Crowley had been introduced to magic in a book by A.E. Waite. His Cabalistic studies led him in 1898 to the OGD (another secret society.) Crowley rose quickly in the order, but was refused initiation to Adeptus Minor because of his moral turpitude (in this case homosexuality). Crowley gained a reputation through the next two decades for breaking every conceivable moral law, from fornication to murder. Crowley went to Paris and was initiated by Mathers, which led to a split in the order in London. In 1904, Crowley received a "communication from the astral" with instructions for the establishment of a new order, which he set up in 1907. It was called the Astrum Argentinure (silver star). In 1909, Crowley began publishing the Equinox to spread his ideas. Aleister Crowley called himself "The Great Beast", a reference to The New Testament's description of the Anti-Christ. In his masses he used cocaine, opium and hash. While traveling in Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Crowley was taught yoga by his guru Ananda Metteya, alias Allan Bennett. Bennett had emigrated to the island in 1900 to become a Buddhist-monk. In 1904 Crowley stayed in Cairo and, during a seance, got a "revelation" by his guardian angel Aiwass (Aiwaz), which was communicated in the form of a prose poem entitled Liberal Vel Legis, i.e., The Book of Law. This became the textbook for the lodges of the Crowley Satanists. In chapter two, it was Aiwass states: "We have nothing to do with the outcast and the unfit; let them die in their misery. For they feel not. Compassion is the vice of kings; stamp down the wretched and the weak; this is the law of the strong; this is our law and the joy of the world..;" When Crowley heard the voice, he looked over his shoulder and claims he saw his guardian angel, who appeared like a 30 years old, dark-skinned man, trim, and with a face like a tyrannical king, with eyes that could spoil everything. John Symond reported this happening in his book about Aleister Crowley: "He had caught a glimpse of the Devil. Aiwass was the messenger of Hoor-Paar-Kraat, that is to say Set, the destroyer god, the brother and murderer of Osiris. Set was also called Sheraton, and Sheraton is the prototype of the Christian Satan". Crowley enthusiastically expounded the text of The Book of The Law when he performed masses. From the basic ideas of Satanism, he declared: "There are no other gods than man". Accordingly, man has the right to live after his own law, has the right to eat what he wants, has the right to think what he wants, to love whom he wants, to kill those who try to take these rights from him. Aleister Crowley is known to have driven all of his mistresses and wives to hysteria, madness or divorce with his demands. John Symond's records in his introduction to 'The Confessions of Aleister Crowley' that Crowley's female scribe wrote in her magical' diary: "it was 'damn hard' to think of 'the rottenest kind of creature' as a Word." The "Word" was Crowley's self-assumed title as teacher of the Aeon. Crowley drove several of his disciples to suicide and humiliated others to madness. He is accused of infanticide, and never denied the charge. (Interested readers should consult his 'Confessions', a work of unmitigated egotism.) The OTO connection In the beginning of the 20th century, a manufacturer from Vienna Dr. Karl Kellner, and a German theosophist Dr. Franz Hertmann, founded a secret occult lodge which they named "Ordo Templi Orientis" (O.T.O.). Soon after they were joined by Theodore Reuss (1855-1923) who had connections with many lodges. It was he who led Rudolf Steiner, the founder of anthroposophy, into such a group. Reuss, whose lodge-name was "Brother Merlin", contacted Aleister Crowley in 1912, and he became a member of this additional lodge receiving the name "Brother Baphomet". Baphomet, the symbol of the satanic goat, usually portrayed as a half-human, half-goat figure, of a goat head. It is often misinterpreted as a symbol of witchcraft in general. (It is used by Satanists, who worship the devil, but is not used by neo-Pagan witches, who do not worship the Devil.) The origin of the name Baphomet is unclear. It may be a corruption of Mahomet (Mohammed). The English witchcraft historian Montague Summers suggested it was a combination of two Greek words, baphe and metis, meaning "absorption of knowledge." Baphomet has also been called the Goat of Mendes, the Black Goat and the Judas Goat.) The O.T.O. developed its sexual rites quickly under Reuss and later broadened them under Crowley. Not long after, Crowley took over the leadership of the lodge. Like other secret lodges, members may not disclose their knowledge. Hubbard and Crowley, the Parsons transition Hubbard's fascination with Crowley's brand of religion goes back to when he was sixteen living in Washington, D.C. He got hold of the book by Aleister Crowley, called 'The Book of Law.' He was very interested in several things that were the creation of what some people call the Moon Child. It was basically an attempt to create an miraculous conception - except by Satan rather than by God. Another important Crowley principle was the creation of what was called embryo implants - of getting a satanic or demonic spirit to inhabit the body of a fetus. This would come about as a result of black- magic rituals which included the use of hypnosis, drugs and the dangerous and destructive practices. Hubbard^Òs initial exposure to Crowley and the dark side of spirituality would get the opportunity to be further developed through his association with Jack Parsons. Jack Parsons was an acknowledged genius in the field of chemistry and a major figure in the first stirrings of rocket research at Cal Tech. Parsons was involved with the U.S. branch of an occult secret society called the O.T.O. The ideological leader of this U.S. O.T.O. group was none other than Master Therion, the "Beast 666," or as the contemporary world press described him, "the wickedest man in the world," Aleister Crowley. During the first World war Aleister Crowley had written a novel called the "Butterfly Net" later to be published under the name "Moonchild." This novel tells the story of a magical operation based on the theory that a particular type of spirit can be induced to incarnate in an unborn human embryo by surrounding the mother with the appropriate influences, carrying out certain rituals, etc. Parsons wished to carry out such an operation designed to achieve in an unborn child, the incarnation of Babalon, an aspect of the great Mother goddess Nuit. He decided that Hubbard would make an ideal co-worker. In order to obtain a woman prepared to bear this magical child, Parsons and Hubbard engaged themselves for eleven days in rituals. These do not seem to have produced any marked result until January 14, 1946 when, so Parsons said, Hubbard had a candle knocked out of his hand. Parsons went on to record saying that Hubbard called him and, "We observed a brownish yellow light about seven feet high. I brandished a Magical sword and it disappeared. Hubbard's right arm was paralyzed for the rest of the night." All this work seemed to have its desired result and, on January 18, 1946 Parsons found a girl who was prepared to go through the required incantation rituals and become the mother of Babalon. Parsons was the High Priest and had sexual intercourse with the girl, while Hubbard, who was present, acted as a skryer, seer, or clairvoyant and described what was supposed to be happening on the astral plane. Hubbard and Parsons were attempting the most reckless magical feat imaginable. They were trying to incarnate the Scarlet Woman described in the Book of Revelation as "Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlot and Abominations of the Earth...drunken with the blood of saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus." The foregoing ritual bears some resemblance to that of a girl who defected from Scientology in 1979. She had been coerced into a perverted act of sexual intercourse with a man fitting Hubbard's description in Hubbard's private quarters at the Fiefield Manor in Los Angeles. She describes the event as one where "my mind was being ripped away from me by force", while the man lay on her for one hour without erection and without ever saying a word. Around the time of the Parsons connection it is documented that Hubbard used huge amounts of testosterone, stilbestrol (a female sex hormone). Taking the sex hormones were his solution to an impotence problem. Another solution Hubbard attempted was to resort to "affirmations." The "Affirmations" were commands stated to himself as part of self-hypnosis. Sometimes you will see in his hand written notes a statement of fact, like, "Yeah, I'm screwed up on sex." And then he'll come back with an affirmation: "You are sexually wonderful! Your sexual prowess has never before been equaled on the face of the Earth!" Impotence was on Hubbard's mind a lot at that period. He wrote page after page about how "after Fern," he had been too afraid to go to a doctor with the clap. Fern was the girl in Miami who he claims gave gonorrhea to him. So he dosed himself with sulfur, and then he says the sulfur depressed his libido, and his solution to that was the testosterone and stilbestrol. "It so depressed my libido," he said, that he needed someone like Sara to stimulate him. (Sara was Sarah Northrup who later became Hubbard's mistress and wife.) L. Ron Hubbard, Jr. speaks on his father (From an interview with L Ron Hubbard Jr.) Ron Jr. says that he remembers much of his childhood. He claims to recall, at six years, a vivid scene of his father performing an abortion ritual on his mother with a coat hanger. Ron Hubbard Jr. remembers that when he was ten years old, his father, in an attempt to get his son in tune with his black magic worship, laced the young Hubbard's bubble gum with Phenobarbital. According to Ron Jr. drugs were an important part of Ron Jr.'s growing up, as his father believed that they were the best way to get closer to Satan--the Antichrist of black magic. "In my father's private circle," Ron Jr. explains, "there were lots of mistresses. When I was younger, I participated in private orgies with him and three or four other women. His theory was that one has to open or crack a woman's soul in order for the satanic power to pour through it and into him. It got kind of far out, culminating in a variety of sex acts. Dad also had an incredibly violent temper. He was into S & M and would beat his mistresses and shoot them full of drugs." When asked by a interviewer how this "soul-cracking" worked, L. Ron Hubbard, Jr. said, "The explanation is sort of long and complicated. The basic rationale is that there are some powers in this universe that are pretty strong. "As an example, Hitler was involved in the same black magic and the same occult practices that my father was. The identical ones. Which, as I have said, stem clear back to before Egyptian times. It's a very secret thing. Very powerful and very workable and very dangerous. Brainwashing is nothing compared to it. The proper term would be "soul cracking." "It's like cracking open the soul, which then opens various doors to the power that exists, the satanic and demonic powers. Simply put, it's like a tunnel or an avenue or a doorway. Pulling that power into yourself through another person^×and using women, especially is incredibly insidious. "It makes Dr. Fu Manchu look like a kindergarten student. It is the ultimate vampirism, the ultimate mind fuck. Instead of going for blood, you're going for their soul. And you take drugs in order to reach that state where you can, quite literally, like a psychic hammer, break their soul, and pull the power through." "He designed his Scientology Operating Thetan techniques (Scientology's secret initiations) to do the same thing. But, of course, it takes a couple of hundred hours of auditing and mega thousands of dollars for the privilege of having your head turned into a glass Humpty Dumpty--- shattered into a million pieces. It may sound like incredible gibberish, but it made my father a fortune." (The materials of the Operating Thetan techniques [the Fishman documents] are the reason for the raids mentioned earlier.) "... Also I've got to complete this by saying that he thought of himself as the Beast 666 Incarnate." Interviewer: "The devil?" Ron Jr.: "Yes. Aleister Crowley thought of himself as such. And when Crowley died in 1947 my father then decided that he should wear the cloak of the beast; and become the most powerful being in the universe. "Scientology is black magic that is spread out over a long time period. To perform black magic generally takes a few hours or at most; a few weeks. But in Scientology it is stretched out over a lifetime and so you don't see it. Black magic is the inner core of Scientology - and it is probably the only part of Scientology that really works. "Also you've got to realize that my father did not worship Satan. He thought he was Satan. He was one with Satan. He had a direct pipeline of communication and power with him. My father wouldn't have worshipped anything, I mean. When you think you're the most powerful being in the universe, you have no respect for anything let alone worship. "... The one super-secret sentence that Scientology is built on is: 'Do as thou wilt. That is the whole of the law.' It also comes from the black magic, from Aleister Crowley. It means that you are a law unto yourself, that you are above the law, that you create your own law. You are above any other human considerations." The following is from a piece, written by L. Ron Hubbard, Jr. about his father in 1985 entitled "Philadelphia." "We were in Philadelphia. It was November 1952. Dianetics was all but forgotten; Scientology, a new science,' had become the focus of attention. Every night, in the hotel, in preparation for the next day's lecture, he'd pace the floor, exhilarated by this or that passage from Aleister Crowley's writings. Just a month before, he had been in London, where he had finally been able to quench his thirst; to fill his cup with the true, raw, naked power of magic. The lust of centuries at his very fingertips. "To stroke and taste the environs of the Great Beast, to fondle Crowley's books, papers, and memorabilia had filled him with pure ecstasy! In London he had acquired, at last, the final keys; enabling him to take his place upon the Throne of the Beast,' to which he firmly believed himself to be the rightful heir. The tech gushed forth and resulted in the Philadelphia Doctorate Course lectures." It is perhaps coincidental that Hubbard, in the late fifties, set up his headquarters at Saint Hill Manor in England, less than half an hour's drive from what had been Aleister Crowley's former house in Tunbridge Wells. Aleister Crowley's ideology and Scientology's ideology: a comparison There are many similarities between Crowley's writings and the teachings of Hubbard. To name but a few of the most benign: there is the Dianetics' Time Track, in which every incident in a person's life is chronologically recorded in full, in the mind. This is quite similar to Crowley's Magical Memory. The Magical Memory is developed over time until "memories of childhood reawaken" which were previously forgotten, and memories of previous incarnations are recalled as well. Hubbard gives examples in the Philadelphia Doctorate Course of several people remembering lives earlier on earth, some up to a million years ago. The similarity between the Magical Memory and Time Track is that they both can recall every past incident in a person's life, they both can recall incidents from past lives, and they both must be developed by certain techniques in order to make use of them. Both Hubbard and Crowley consider it important to have the person recall his or her birth. "Having allowed the mind to return for some hundred times to the hour of birth, it should be encouraged to endeavor to penetrate beyond that period" {Crowley). "After twenty runs through birth, the patient experienced a recession of all somatics and 'unconsciousness' and aberrative content." "Thus there was no inhibition about looking earlier than birth for what Dianetics had begun to call basic-basic" (Hubbard). In 1952, Hubbard recommended a work by black magician Aleister Crowley, which Hubbard called The Master Therion (published in 1929). This book was reprinted as Magick in Theory and Practice, and it also contains reference to the recollection of birth: "Having allowed the mind to return for some hundred times to the hour of birth, it should be encouraged to endeavor to penetrate beyond that period. If it be properly trained to run backwards, there will be little difficulty in doing this." Both Hubbard and Crowley are avowedly anti-psychiatry. "Official psychoanalysis is therefore committed to upholding a fraud... psychoanalysts have misinterpreted life, and announced the absurdity that every human being is essentially an antisocial, criminal, and insane animal" (Crowley). Hubbard considered that psychiatry controlled most of society and was struggling to create a 1984 world. Hubbard and Crowley both posit the ability of the person to leave his or her body at times. Crowley states that the way to learn to leave your body is to mock up a body like your own in front of your physical body. Eventually you will learn to leave your physical body with your "astral body" and travel and view at will without physical restrictions. Hubbard teaches the same, and his method of "exteriorization" is to tell the person to "have preclear mock up own body" which will send the person outside his body. Both Crowley and Hubbard use an equilateral triangle pointing up in a circle as one of their group's symbols. Both use Volume 0 instead of Volume 1 to begin enumerating their works. Crowley's notion of "the will": "The original definition of Scientology 8-8008 was the attainment of infinity by the reduction of the apparent infinity and power of the MEST [Matter, Energy, Space, Time] universe to a zero for himself, and the increase of the apparent zero of one's own universe to an infinity for oneself ... It can be seen that [the] infinity [symbol] stood upright makes the number eight" . Which is to say, the essential idea of Scientology is to raise the power of the individual's will or intention to "an infinity". This aim is held in common with all magical systems (Cavendish quotes Crowley "the Great Work is the raising of the whole man in perfect balance to the power of Infinity", The Magical Arts, p.5). The exercises used in the attempt to achieve this - especially those in The Creation of Human Ability (some of which were on the original "OT 5" course) - are ritual magic disguised as therapy. Adopting the same stated purpose for Scientology as Crowley had for his Magic, Hubbard says, in a 1952 taped Scientology lecture: "Our whole activity tends to make an individual completely independent of any limitation." In Crowley's Organization are several grade levels. To reach the Grade of Adeptus Exemptus "The Adept must prepare and publish a thesis setting forth His knowledge of the Universe, and his proposals for its welfare and progress. He will thus be known as the leader of a school of thought." It is apparent that Hubbard has fulfilled this requirement. The "creative processing" of Hubbard's 1952 Philadelphia Doctorate Course derives substantially from the work of black magician Aleister Crowley. One could go on for quite some time listing the similarities between Crowley's and Hubbard's theories and writings, but for additional information the reader is encouraged to investigate for him or herself. Scientology's symbols and the Satanic The "S and double triangle" motif of Scientology's main symbol probably derives from the black magic use of the snake symbol (the "wise serpent" or Satan) combined with a deconstruction into two triangles of the Star of David (rather like the reverse ritual of hanging the Christian cross upside down to signify devil worship). This symbol - the magical hexagram - was used by Hubbard and Parsons during their attempts at incarnating the Antichrist in human form. The RTC (a main Scientology corporation) symbol contains the Dianetics triangle, which is a common magical symbol, representing the door of the Cabala, the letter Daleth. Hubbard indeed assigned it to the Greek equivalent of Daleth, Delta. The triangle on its base is also the symbol of Set, the Egyptian god called by some "the destroyer of man", the male equivalent of Babalon. Indeed Crowley equates Set with Satan. Hubbard also used the "Daleth" triangle of the Egyptian destroyer-god Set as the Dianetic symbol. Hubbard copied the back of Crowley's Tarot-cards, a distinctively marked cross, which he used for his main Scientology church cross and symbol. The Sea Organization symbol of Scientology's elite paramilitary division is also interesting. The five pointed star, or pentacle is the most commonly known symbol of magical power. It is held between two thirteen-leaved laurels. The theta symbol used by Scientology is the central symbol of Crowley's Ordo Templi Orientis, where it denotes "Thelma" or the will. Perhaps Hubbard's "thetan" is pronounced to match with a lisped "Satan"? He was, after all, wry in his humor and such a subtle perverse twist and deceit of lower initiates would be entirely congruent with classical Satanism. Crowley's order - the OTO - had a common origin with the Thule group to which several members of the Nazi hierarchy belonged (including deputy party chairman Rudolph Hess). The sig rune used by the Nazis - appears on the Scientology International Management Organization's symbol - a red square enclosing a white disc and set off by four lightning flashes or sig runes. The swastika of the Nazi flag has been replaced by the Scientology "S and double triangle". The symbol of the Religious Technology Center is surrounded by sig runes. The sig rune is otherwise peculiar to the Nazis. L. Ron, junior, was sure that the teachings of the pre-Nazi Germanen Orden and the Thule secret societies had passed directly to his father by courier. No explanation is given for using these sig runes by Scientology. At the time that both of these symbols were introduced, Hubbard also created the International Finance Police, headed by the International Finance Dictator. An significant choice of words. Hubbard's words and Crowley's religious ideology One can tell a lot about what type of religion an organization is by looking at the spiritual qualities of the religion's founders, their words, and the organization's key leaders. Wherever possible this story will quote from the policy and spiritual directives of Scientology's founder L. Ron Hubbard... While Hubbard was supposedly researching his Dianetics in the late 1940s, he was in fact engaging in magical rituals, and trying out hypnosis both on himself and others. During the 1984 Armstrong trial against Scientology, extracts from Hubbard's voluminous self-hypnotic affirmations were read into the record. The statements, hundreds of pages of them, are written in red ink and Hubbard frequently drew pictures of the male genitalia alongside the text. Amongst his affirmations to himself we find" "Men are my slaves", "Elemental Spirits are my slaves" and "You can be merciless whenever your will is crossed and you have every right to be merciless" "All women shall succumb to my charms! All mankind shall grovel at my feet and not know why." L. Ron Hubbard repeatedly played them back to himself while under the influence of hallucinatory drugs such as mescaline and cocaine. Was Hubbard's evil intention to secretly subjugate no less than all of mankind? In 1938 in a letter to the first of Hubbard's three wives he said, "I have high hopes of smashing my name into history so violently that it will take legendary form..." More from the sacred scriptures of Hubbard. "THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN CONTROL PEOPLE IS TO LIE TO THEM. You can write that down in your book in great big letters. The only way you can control anybody is to lie to them." "If you really want to enslave people tell them that you are going to give them total freedom." (At the top of the Scientology grade chart of levels of initiate attainment at the OT 8 level is the benefit obtained from that level. At OT 8 it is written "Total Freedom.") Of practitioners unlicensed by him Hubbard said "Harass these persons in any possible way." Nor did Hubbard exclude the possibility of murder against those who opposed him. The "Suppressive Person declare" and the "Fair Game Law" speak reams in terms of Hubbard's true intent and spiritual nature. "An enemy may be deprived of property or injured by any means by any Scientologist without any discipline of the Scientologist...may be tricked, sued, lied to, or destroyed." From the words of L. Ron Hubbard in HCO policy letter of 18 October 1967, known as the "Fair Game Policy." "A suppressive person becomes fair game. By fair game is meant may not be further protected by the codes and disciplines of Scientology...They cannot be granted the rights and beingness ordinarily accorded rational beings and so place themselves beyond any consideration for their feelings or well being...The homes, property, places, abodes of persons who have been active in attempting to suppress Scientology are all beyond the protection of Scientology ethics." More from the mouth of L Ron Hubbard: "When you move off a point of power, pay all your obligations on the nail, empower your friends completely and move off with your pockets full of artillery, potential blackmail on every erstwhile rival, unlimited funds in your private account and the addresses of experienced assassins and go live in Bulgaria and bribe the police .... "So to live at all in the shadow or employ of a power you must yourself gather and USE enough power to hold your own-without just nattering to the power to kill Pete', in straightforward or more suppressive veiled ways to him as these wreck the power that supports yours. He doesn't have to know all the bad news and if he's a power really he won't ask all the time, What are all those dead bodies doing at the door?' And if you are clever, you never let it be thought HE killed them-that weakens you and also hurts the power source. Well, boss, about all those dead bodies, nobody at all will suppose you did it. She over there, those pink legs sticking out, didn't like me.' " Well,' he'll say if he really is a poor, why are you bothering me with it if its done and you did it. Where's my blue ink?' Or, Skipper three shore patrolmen will be along soon with your cook, Dober, and they'll want to tell you he beat up Simson.' Who's Simson?' He's a clerk in the office enemy downtown.' " Good, when they've done it, take Dober down to the dispensary for any treatment he needs. Oh yes. Raise his pay.'.... "...we all aren't on the stage with our names in lights, always push power in the direction of anyone on whose power you depend. It may be more money for the power, or more ease, or a snarling defense of the power to a critic, or even the dull thud of one of his enemies in the dark, or the glorious blaze of the whole enemy camp as a birthday surprise .... Real powers are developed by tight conspiracies of this kind pushing someone up in whose leadership they have faith." (From the policy directive "The Responsibilities of Leaders" by L. Ron Hubbard.) Hubbard on compassion and ethics, "This universe is a rough universe. Its a deadly serious universe. Only the strong survive. Only the ruthless can own it." (From The History of Man by L Ron Hubbard, p.38.) "Only a barbarian minister is a man of God." "The purpose of ethics is to remove counter-intentions from the environment." (HCO policy letter of June 18, 1968.) In Booklet of the Scientology Professional Auditors Course (1982), states. "A very effective thought control technique could be worked out from Scientology which could be used to make individuals into WILLING slaves." (emphasis added) Passing of the mantle of the beast, or just random unconnected events? Was Hubbard in Crowley's fold and his successor? Before Aleister Crowley died in his book called "Moon Child: he predicted one of his members would form a new world religion. Is that world religion Scientology? According to Hubbard's son L. Ron Hubbard, Jr., his father considered himself to be the successor to Crowley when Crowley died in 1947; he believed that he had taken on "the mantle of the Beast." Hubbard told his son that Scientology actually began on December the 1st, 1947, the day Aleister Crowley died. According to this son Hubbard's purpose in Scientology was to "crack souls," to bringing unknowing people under his control and to use them as channels for satanic purposes. Is this soul cracking the process of Scientology's secret initiations? Is it the indelible marking or possession of the souls of the initiates? In one of the secret Scientology initiations called the Clearing Course the initiate is instructed to locate and audit out "the Light." In a hypnotic trance the initiate keeps working on removing "the power "the Light" has over them until "the Light" can no longer have any effect on them. After completing this level of initiation the person is declared "cleared" and given a Clear number. Initiates are numbered in the succession of when they go Clear. The initiate wears their clear number that is engraved onto the back of a small silver bracelet that is worn almost all the time. The clear number list is published periodically and great attention is given to announcing more numbered Clears each year. A peculiar event occurred aboard Hubbard's flagship, the Apollo, in 1973. Those aboard ship responsible for overseeing the management of Scientology organizations were involved in a ceremony called the Kali ceremony after the Hindu goddess of destruction. The whole event was staged very seriously, and the managers were led into a dimly lit hold of the ship and ordered to destroy models of their organizations. A few years before, a high-ranking Sea Organization Officer claims to have been ordered to Los Angeles where he was meant to mount an armed attack on a magician's sabat. He did not mount the attack but claims that the meeting happened exactly where Hubbard had told him it would. In the original "Operating Thetan section VII course", Scientologists were given exercises which would supposedly lead to the ability to implant thoughts into another person's mind. Scientologists believe that they will ultimately be capable of psychic feats including telepathy and telepathic control of others (the aim of all forms of black magic). In 1976, Hubbard ordered a secret research project into the teachings of gnostic groups. He had already carried out a project to determine which of his ship's crew members were "soldiers of light" and which "soldiers of darkness". The latter group were apparently promoted. During the 1952 Philadelphia lectures while discussing religion and the Antichrist Hubbard quipped, "Who do you think I am?" The audience laughed it off. Also in Scientology's Philadelphia Doctorate Course lectures, Hubbard discusses occult and black magic of the middle ages. "The magical cults of the 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th centuries in the Middle East were fascinating. The only modern work that has anything to do with them is a trifle wild in spots, but is a fascinating work in itself, and that's the work of Aleister Crowley - the late Aleister Crowley - my very good friend." Scientology's secret anti-Christianity Hubbard's deep-rooted bigotry and cynicism toward Christianity permeates all of his secret writings. When reading the following keep in mind that fewer than 2% of Church members have any formal secret level technical training in Scientology and have never read Hubbard's secret views on Christianity. New Church members are told that Scientology's policy is to "Change no man's religion" and they are also assured that Scientology doctrine does not conflict with any other religions, and indeed it is consistent and supportive of ALL religions, past and present. Scientology promotes to the public that: "Scientologists hold the Bible as a holy work and have no argument with the Christian belief that Jesus Christ was the Savior of Mankind and the Son of God. "We share Christ's goals for man's achievements of wisdom, good health and immortality." Christianity is among the faiths studied by Scientology ministerial students. There are probably many types of redemption. That of Christ was to go to heaven." Scientology states as well that: "The Church has no dogma concerning God." Scientology publishes these statements as part of its "catechism." Scientology has recently distributed promotional materials (The "What is Scientology?" book) containing these representations to every member of the U.S. Congress, to libraries, to the media, to educators, to judges, and to people of influence all across this the U.S and in other parts of the world. The main target of Scientology's promotion and marketing are Christians, and by far the largest percentage of Scientology's members come from Christian backgrounds. Using Scientology's own figures from "What is Scientology?" Christians account for fifty-three percent of its members. The second largest percentage comes from Judaism, which worships the same God, Jehovah, as Christianity. >From the following the reader will see that Scientology secretly teaches that the God of Christianity and Judaism is an implant. (In the Scientology dictionary an implant is defined as, 1. A painful and forceful means of overwhelming a being with artificial purpose or false concepts in a malicious attempt to control and suppress him. (Scientology Auditor No. 71 ASHO) 2. An electronic means of overwhelming the thetan [the individual themselves] with a significance. (Hubbard Communication Office Bulletin 8 May 1963). Scientology enforces the acceptance of the implant teaching with its system of "ethics" punishments, its "auditing procedures," and its institutionalized mockery of God and Christ. Anyone in Scientology who professed a belief in Christ, or God, or who sought help through prayer, was subtly viewed and handled as a "psychotic." Such a person was segregated, given special auditing to break his belief, and, if the "aberration" persisted, he would be "off-loaded." Members learned quickly inside Scientology to disavow any belief in God, or to not mention Him, or to not look to Him for wisdom or help, and to view Christians as "aberrated" and "dramatizing the Christ implant." Members learn very quickly that, inside Scientology, even thinking of Christ or God as real was labeled as an "other practice," a punishable "ethics offense" or "overt," which would become the subject of a "security check" on Scientology's lie detector, its "E-meter." A former Scientologist states that: "While on the confidential class 8 course in Scotland, listening to Hubbard's twenty lectures taped just weeks previously on the Apollo in Corfu, Greece, I was exposed to, among other things, Hubbard's opinion of Christianity: "Somebody on this planet, about 600 B.C. found some pieces of "R6" (R6 is the name of an special implant.) I don't know how they found it; either by watching madmen or something. But since that time they have used it. And it became what is known as Christianity." Many of Hubbard's early views on Christianity and other religions views expressed in the early 1950's Philadelphia Doctorate Course. The series covers 62 taped lectures. Students on the OT 8 course listen to all these tapes as part of their OT 8 initiation. On 9 December 1952, Hubbard lectured on "What's wrong with This Universe: A Working Package for the Auditor". Hubbard describes some of the "between lives" implants, that supposedly occur to everyone after they die. In his later writings, Hubbard claimed that all religions came from "implants." In the secret initiation of OT 2 the initiate has to visualize in while trance "inventing and destroying religions." Hubbard's later writings, in the 1960's, and especially in the 1980 OT 8 document, also re-assert that Christianity was also an implant. In this tape he states: "You'll find out thousands of years before the year one A.D. earth, you will have facsimiles and dolls made up like Christ. FAC One', a million years ago, is occasionally rigged with Christ, and the devil and an angel. It's a fascinating thing, it's an old game." (A facsimile is a mental image picture, recorded in the mind. Hubbard described FAC One as probably a supersonic shot in the forehead, chest and stomach, incapacitating and reducing the size and function of the pineal gland.) In several taped lectures made in England in the 1960's, Hubbard stated that an alien space organization, called the Markab Confederacy implanted their own troops before they sent them off on missions. Hubbard claimed the Scientology organizational structure was modeled after the Galactic Confederation, of which he was a part of. In the infamous OT 8 document of 1980, Hubbard wrote that Christ was a Markabian agent, and Hubbard was a high-ranking official in the Galactic Patrol. In the 1950's, Hubbard wrote a series of newsletters about his technical "discoveries" and called them PABS (Professional Auditor Bulletins). In PAB 31 Hubbard writes: "Religion does much to keep the assumption in restimulation, being basically a control mechanism used by those who have sent the preclear into a body. You will find the cross as a symbol all over the universe, and the Christ legend as implant in preclears a million years ago." In the same article, Hubbard infers that Jesus Christ was an agent of a mind-control organization that was imported to Earth: "A few operating thetans scarcely could lead to trouble. Witness the chaos resulting from the activities and other determinism technology of one operating thetan, 2,000 years ago. It is despicable and utterly beneath contempt to tell a man he must repent, that he is evil. Those who talk most about peace on earth and good-will among men themselves carry forward the seas of unrest, war and chaos." In HCO bulletin of 18 July 1959 Hubbard wrote as a "Historical Note": "The whole Christian movement is based on the victim. Compulsion of the overt-motivator sequence. They won by appealing to victims. We can win by converting victims. Christianity succeeded by making people into victims. We can succeed by making victims into people." Hubbard's criticism of Christian confessionals is utter hypocrisy, in view of his organization's policy of leaking the contents of confessionals and transgressions culled from the confidential records of dissident present and former church members. In HCO bulletin 21 January 1960 he writes, "Some Churches used a mechanism of confession. This was a limited effort to relieve a person of the pressure of his overt acts. Later the mechanism of confession was employed as a kind of blackmail by which increased contribution could be obtained from the person confessing." Hubbard continued his "research" on the "insidious genesis of Christianity" and in the "Heaven" bulletin of 11 May 1963 he released his latest "objective" findings, which were: "Based on over a thousand hours of research auditing, analyzing the facsimiles of the reactive mind, and with the help of a Mark V Electrometer. It is scientific research and is not in any way based upon the mere opinion of the researcher...The contents of this HCO bulletin discover the apparent underlying impulses of religious zealots and the source of the religious mania which terrorized Earth over the ages and has given religion the appearance of insanity." In his much touted 1950 book, "Dianetics, the Modern Science of Mental Health", Hubbard asserted that "engrams" were the root cause of ALL human aberrations and psychosomatic illnesses. With his new discoveries of what transpired in Heaven, Hubbard offered a new cause of the human dilemma: "The Goals-Problems-Mass (GPM) implants, which are the apparent basic source of aberration and human travail, which began with the goal to Forget, were cynically done `in Heaven'. Hubbard dismissed the concerns of some members about his disparagement and cynicism about other religions: "For a long while, some people have been cross with me for my lack of cooperation in believing in a Christian Heaven, God and Christ. I have never said I didn't disbelieve in a Big Thetan but there was certainly something very corny about Heaven et al. "Now I have to apologize. There was a Heaven. Not too unlike, in cruel betrayal, the heaven of the Assassins in the 12th Century who, like everyone else, dramatized the whole track implants if a bit more so. The symbol of the crucified Christ is very apt indeed. It's the symbol of a thetan betrayed." Hubbard describes the incident as occurring 43+ trillion years ago. The stunned thetan was placed in a doll body and transported to Heaven in a ship. Over a period of one trillion years, the thetan was given a series of electronic implants, containing the phrases "To Forget, To Remember, To Go Away." Hubbard described the terrain of Heaven: "The gates of the first series are well done, well built. An avenue of statues of saints leads up to them. The gate pillars are surmounted by marble angels. The entering grounds are very well kept, laid out like Bush Gardens in Pasadena, so often seen in the movies. Aside from the implant boxes which lie across from each other on the walk there are other noises and sounds as though the saints are defending and berating. "The second series, probably in the same place, shows what a trillion years of overt acts does (or is an additional trick to collapse one's time). The place is shabby. The vegetation is gone. The pillars are scruffy. The saints have vanished. So have the angels. "A sign on one (the left as you enter) says `This is Heaven'. The right has a sign "Hell" with an arrow and inside the grounds one can see the excavations like archaeological diggings with the raw terraces, that lead to "Hell". Plain wire fencing encloses the place. There is a sentry box beside and outside the right pillar. "The roadway `leading up' to the gates is deeply eroded. An effigy of Joseph, complete with desert clothing is seen approaching the gates (but not moving) leading a donkey which `carries' the original Madonna and child from `Bethlehem'. The implanting boxes lie on either side of this `entering' path at path level." Hubbard concluded: "Further, we have our hands on an appalling bit of technology where the world is concerned. With rapidity and a Meter it can be shown that Heaven is a false dream and that the old religion was based on very painful lie, a cynical betrayal." Hubbard oscillates in his secret and public statements about Christ. >From the 1950's, "The man on the cross. There was no Christ! The Roman Catholic Church, through watching the dramatizations of people picked up some little fragments of R6." In a bulletin of that period Hubbard states, "Also the Christian Church used (and uses) implanting... They took over the Nicene Creed just before the year zero, invented Christ who comes from the crucifixion in R6, 75 million years ago and implanted their way to power." (Keep in mind that logical consistency is not required in the cosmology and beliefs of classical Satanists or secret societies. In fact the secrets are usually kept from lower level initiates and protected from public understanding or afforded public deniability by deliberately manufactured layers of illogic, reversal and inconsistency.) Hubbard was living in England at the time and his "R6 breakthrough" was considered of major significance. His discovery of Heaven inspired the "poet laureate" of Scientology, Julian Cooper, to write: "They that worship Jesus nailed upon a cross above an altar, While an old priest chants.... Do they know what they worship? Do they know why they worship? Can they recognize what they worship? Bondage of unconfronted facsimiles implanted so as to control and invalidate, is what they worship.'" Hubbard abandoned Dianetics as the solution to an Un-Clear world after his discovery of the Heaven incident and the nature of the Goals-Problems-Mass implant. He spent the next five years "researching" the pattern of the implants and in 1967-68 he made another series of "discoveries" which are now know as "OT 2" and "OT 3". Hubbard wrote voluminous notes on the command phrases contained in the GPM implants, which he claimed were universal in nature. Hubbard's "major" breakthrough in this period was his discovery that human bodies are actually the result of the melding of thetans (aliens from other planets) during a psychiatrically-inspired implant 76 million years ago. Hubbard wrote that a galactic despot, Xenu, rounded up the population of 76 planets in this sector of the galaxy and transported them to Earth, placed them in volcanoes, and exploded H-bombs, then subjected them to 36 days of electronic implanting, including the "Christianity" and "Heaven" implant. This incident created "Body Thetans" (BT/s), alien beings who were attached to other beings or human beings. They monitor one's thought and impede one's life. Hubbard developed a technique for exorcising these alien Body Thetans. In 1978 Hubbard made another "Breakthrough!" which he called NOTs (New-Era Dianetics for OTs). Hubbard developed new techniques for dealing with alien BTs who were comatose or did not respond to his 1968 exorcising techniques. Hubbard claimed that a human body was actually a mass of alien BTs who were comatose and diseases were simply alien BTs who were acting against the person. Hubbard claimed that eradicating these alien BTs from on or near the body would result in the creation of a Supra-Human, an Operating Thetan, a new genetically pure from alien influences master race capable of telepathic and telekinetic powers, without the need for a human body. (For additional parallels on the occultism of Scientology read, "The Occult and the Third Reich, by Dusty Skylar.) Church members undergoing initiation on these levels in hypnotic trance. They are required to mentally repeat the techniques and phrases until their effects are nullified. Following the 1979 U.S. government raids of Hubbard's Secret Intelligence offices, he went into hiding, never to be seen publicly again. In 1980 Hubbard allegedly wrote the avidly anti-Christian OT 8 document. This will be discussed in detail later in this story. Once Scientology's initiates become sufficiently brainwashed Scientology does not permit them to believe in God. It labels and treats anyone who believes in God as "psychotic," and enforces the satanic idea that God is an "implant," a false idea installed by pain and electronics in man's mind to enslave him. Scientology also teaches that Jesus Christ, the whole Gospel story, and Heaven are implants designed to enslave man, and that only Scientology has the way to free humankind from the enslavement of Christianity or other religions and religious beliefs. What could be more hypocritical than to widely advertise publicly acceptance of Christ and alignment with His goals, and teaching and enforcing secretly that He is an implanted idea to enslave people? What could be more hypocritical than to state that Scientology has no dogma concerning God, while hiding its "scriptures" that assert God is an implant? There was an Inquiry into Scientology in Victoria Australia. In that report in a section called "The Attitude of Scientology to Religion" one can see the deceit of classical Satanism and the words of Aleister Crowley creeping out in Hubbard's new religion. "Except for the purpose of deceit, Scientology has not been practiced in Victoria on the basis that it even remotely resembles a religion. In advertisements and in the personal efficiency courses, the HASI takes care not to disclose Hubbard's disparagement of religion. The directive, "Change no man's religion" is brought to the attention of the beginner, and Scientology is paraded as quite consistent with, and even as, a help to all religion of whatever denomination. It is only after the preclear (the PRE Clear) has been conditioned by training and processing that he is likely to learn of Hubbard's cynical hostility to religion. The attitude of Hubbard towards religion is one of bitter cynicism and ridicule, which gives the lie to his directive to "change no man's religion." In a warped and sneering fashion he snipes at all things sacred in much the same way as he attacks the medical profession, though there is generally less venom in his tone when he is dealing with religion. Scientology is opposed to religion as such, irrespective of kind or denomination. The essence of Hubbard's axioms of Scientology is that the universe was created not by God, but by a conglomeration of thetans who postulated the universe. Sometimes God is referred to as the Big Thetan. Many of the theories he propounds are almost the negation of Christian thought and morality. In Scientology: 8-8008, after dealing with the Early Greeks. Hubbard writes that "more modern man has fallen into the error of making God into the body of a homo sapiens and posting him somewhere on high with a craving for vengeance and a pettiness in punishment matched only by the degradation of homo sapiens himself. "There are gods above all other gods, and gods beyond the gods of universes, but it were better, far better, to be a raving madman in his cell than to be a thing with the ego, cruelty and jealous lust that base religions have set up to make men grovel down." A former member:" For the fleeting illusion of power and wealth Hubbard sold his soul to the world's dark force of evil. Out of his paranoia and schizophrenia Hubbard considered himself the Antichrist and devised an anti-Christian philosophy and organization to achieve his anti-Christian goals of world power and wealth. " "If there ever was a manifestation of the Satanic dark side of spirituality or of the Beast or anything that could really harm the world it is Scientology. The difference you need to realize between this Satanic group and every other Satanic group is that Scientology is vastly larger, it doesn't identify itself as a Satanic organization and a Satanic Church; it is incredibly well organized as far as its staff and its paramilitary training. The other Satanic groups are much, much smaller, fragmented, random, and aren't really very well organized or well planned. Scientology runs with the efficiency of a Japanese corporation. In Scientology we are talking about teamwork, organization, absolute policy, fanaticism, ruthlessness, all combined into a well-financed mega-organization." A former member. One of Hubbard's goals was to produce a Nazi-like fanaticism within his members. To this end he created paramilitary branches within Scientology like the Sea Organization, OSA, GO or the Commodore's Messengers the latter which were similar in may ways to the Hitler youth. The following is from one of the books exposing Scientology, referring to the Commodore's Messengers: "They had devised the uniform themselves, with the Commodore's approval, and it gave them maximum opportunity to flaunt their pubescent assets to advantage. While male members of the crew competed avidly to deflower the messengers, Hubbard himself never once exhibited any sexual interest in them. "He never tried anything with me," said Tanya, "and as far as I know he never did with any of the other girls. He didn't sleep with Mary Sue; we thought perhaps he was impotent. I think he got his thrills by just having us around. I once asked him why he chose young girls as messengers," said Doreen Smith. "He said it was an idea he had picked up from Nazi Germany. He said Hitler was a madman, but nevertheless a genius in his own right and the Nazi Youth was one of the smartest ideas he ever had. With young people you had a blank slate and you could write anything you wanted on it and it would be your writing. That was his idea, to take young people and mold them into little Hubbards." More from the words of L Ron Hubbard: "When someone enrolls consider he or she has joined up for the duration of the universe. Never permit an "open minded" approach .... If they're enrolled, they're aboard, and if they're aboard they're here on the same terms as the rest of us. Win or die in the attempt .... We're not playing some minor game in Scientology .... The whole agonized future of this planet, every Man, Woman, and Child on it, and your own destiny for the next endless trillions of years depends on what you do here and now with and in Scientology. This is a deadly serious activity. And if we miss getting out of the trap now, we may never again have another chance. "Remember, this is our first chance to do so in all the endless trillions of years of the past. Don't muff it now because it seems unpleasant or unsocial to do Seven, Eight, Nine, and Ten." Do them and we'll win. ( The numbers referred to are 7, Hammering out of existence incorrect technology, 8, knocking out incorrect applications, 9, closing the door on any possibility of incorrect technology, and 10, closing the door on incorrect applications." From Hubbard Communication Office Policy Letter "Keeping Scientology Working." Scientology's leaders and their families Looking at the life and families of a religion's leaders can tell you a lot about the real nature of the religion. L. Ron Hubbard was the founder of Scientology; David Miscavige is the current leader of Scientology. Everyone has hardship in their lives, but the Hubbard and Miscavige families appear to be riddled with the types of catastrophes that most commonly reflect the casualties and actions of malignant secret societies and satanic groups... According to former members who worked close to Hubbard, L. Ron Hubbard, the man who designed the system for conning billions of dollars worth of services for health, happiness and secret spiritual initiations out of others, himself went psychotic, attempted suicide and was a heavy drug user. Former members also report that for most of his Scientology life Hubbard was in continual poor health. Two of Hubbard's first wives attempted suicide or were driven to the edge of suicide and insanity. They have described in detail Hubbard's real personality and how Hubbard was deliberately driving them over the edge. L. Ron Hubbard Jr. grew up with and worked extensively with his father in the early Scientology and Dianetics organizations. L. Ron Hubbard Jr.'s life with his father and extensive comments on his father's secret personality have been covered elsewhere in this story. After his first two marriages failed Hubbard disowned most of his former family and started a new family with his third wife Mary Sue. After he disowned her she had to go to jail and took a Scientology related criminal prison sentence for him. Hubbard's son Quentin (by his third marriage) attempted suicide several times and finally killed himself because he was a homosexual. There also have been repeated allegations of child molesting between Hubbard and his daughter Diana (also by his third marriage.) Hubbard's daughter Diana attempted suicide. Hubbard's third wife while under his influence also threatened to commit suicide. One Sea Organization officer claims to have witnessed a sexual encounter between Hubbard and a young boy in North Africa. Because of the fear surrounding retaliation it is impossible to publicly substantiate such reports. But, such behavior would be in keeping with an extreme devotee of Aleister Crowley who said that in the training of a black magican \ satanist "Acts which are essentially dishonorable must be done." Family members often have the best vantage point to see the real quality of spirituality and personality of another family member. Family member's lives are either brought up or down by the type of leadership and role models found in the family. But, maybe this principle is not true and it is really the way Hubbard claims it to be, that people who would go against him and Scientology would kill themselves because they felt so bad because he was so powerful and good. Hubbard's views on how to use the legal system for handling critics "The purpose of a lawsuit is to harass and discourage rather than to win....Don't ever defend. Always attack. Find or manufacture enough threat against them to cause them to sue for peace. Originate a black PR campaign to destroy the person's repute and to discredit them so thoroughly they will be ostracized. Be alert to sue for slander at the slightest chance so as to discourage the public presses from mentioning Scientology." "The law can be used very easily to harass, and enough harassment on somebody who is simply on the thin edge anyway, will knowing that he is not authorized, will generally be sufficient to cause his professional decease. If possible, of course, ruin him utterly." From "A Manual on the Dissemination of Material" (1955) by L. Ron Hubbard. "NEVER agree to an investigation of Scientology. ONLY agree to investigate the attackers....This is the correct procedure: (1) Spot who is attacking us. (2) Start investigating them for FELONIES or worse, using our own professionals, not outside agencies. (3) Double curve our reply by saying we welcome an investigation of them. (4) Start feeding lurid, blood, sex, crime actual evidence on the attackers to the press....Don't ever submit tamely to an investigation of us. Make it rough on the attackers all the way....You can get "reasonable about it" and lose .... so BANISH all ideas that any fair hearing is intended and start our attack with their first breath. Never wait. Never talk about us -- only them. Use their blood, sex, crime to get headlines. Don't use us." From HCO policy letter of 25 Feb. 1966, "Attacks on Scientology." "The defense of anything is untenable. The only way to defend anything is to attack, and if you ever forget that, you will lose every battle you are engaged in, whether it is in terms of personal conversation, public debate, or a court of law. NEVER BE INTERESTED IN CHARGES. Do yourself, much MORE CHARGING, and you will win." "Entirely by bringing about public conviction that the sanity of a person is in question it is possible to discount and eradicate all the goals and activities of that person." From the "Brainwashing Manual" ascribed to L Ron Hubbard. Hubbard on secrecy "Now if we were to sit down and try to monopolize every piece of information which we ever collected... and we were to take this information and carefully say, Now look, this piece of information is absolutely sacred, and it's not to be distributed to anybody. And it's not to be given to anybody, and only those people who have a pink cross on the right shoulder will be able to read this information'...we would go into a mysterious sort of cult." Gerald Armstrong has been one of the most courageous exposers of the real life of L. Ron Hubbard. Gerald Armstrong was Hubbard's personal archivist and was sued and attacked by Scientology when he began exposing some of the materials of this story. He eventually won his court case against Scientology. In the decision of that case the judge stated: "In addition to violating and abusing its own members civil rights, the [Scientology] organization over the years with its "Fair Game" doctrine has harassed and abused those persons not in the Church it perceives as enemies. The organization clearly is schizophrenic and paranoid, and this bizarre combination seems to be reflective of its founder LRH. "The evidence portrays a man who has been virtually a pathological liar when it comes to his history, background, and achievements. The writings and documents in evidence additionally reflect his egoism, greed, avarice, lust for power, and vindictiveness and aggressiveness against persons perceived by him to be disloyal or hostile." David Miscavige and family David Miscavige is a high school drop out who now leads a 300 million dollar a year international corporation dedicated to achieving the secret goals and vision of L. Ron Hubbard. He was the hand- trained child protege and apprentice of the ruthless master black magician who considered himself to be the Antichrist. A former nanny of Miscavige said "that what you should feel for David is pity." From the start he had a horrible childhood, a horrible life. His life was molded under the hyper-dominant influence of Hubbard's evil personality. When you look at Miscavige's family one finds echoes of the Hubbard family. David's sister committed suicide. She was high up in Scientology's secret initiations (OT 7). Miscavige's father, a Sea Org member, was arrested for some kind of rape-assault. It is reported that to avoid public embarrassment to Scientology Miscavige was able to use Scientology's intimidating legal resources to get him off. (David's father still works with his son.) David Miscavige's mother-in-law committed suicide while going psychotic in the Scientology secret initiations. (David Mayo was Hubbard's original hand-picked replacement, but who had left Scientology after a power struggle. At the time Flo Barnett committed suicide Mayo was allegedly auditing her on the same secret levels they audit in Scientology.) It should be noted that there is considerable ongoing debate that Miscavige's mother-in-law did not committed suicide, but may have been murdered for some reason possibly involving Miscavige and Scientology. According to the declaration of former member Vicki Aznaran who was one of the three highest executives in Scientology, when Flo Barnett flipped out and shot herself to death, the reactions of Miscavige and his wife were no compassion, no remorse. The concept was that "she got what she deserved; we don't feel sorry for her," because she had left Scientology for a Scientology reform group that illegally used the same secret initiations. (Vicki Aznaran recently retracted this declaration after a pay off from Scientology.) David Miscavige is known in the organization to be as ruthless, fear inspiring and as wild as his mentor was. His whispered nickname in the organization is the "asthmatic dwarf." When one of Miscavige's junior executives lost a baby in an abortion he just said, "Get back to work; its just another body; what are you showing all this concern for?" When looking at the lives and families of Hubbard and Miscavige recalling the parallels to Aleister Crowley's life is also unavoidable. Aleister Crowley is known to have driven all of his mistresses and wives to hysteria, madness or divorce with his demands. Crowley drove several of his disciples to suicide and humiliated others to madness. This type of result on the lives of others is not just particular to Crowley \ Satanist groups, but it is common in most fanatical secret societies. More about Scientology as a secret society Like its historic secret society ancestors, the inner Scientology is complete with its own mystical cosmology. The secret inner Scientology can be better understood by studying the many parallels of cosmology, policies, and practices of earlier political secret societies and brotherhoods, e.g. the Thule, Viral, and the Hashish Assassins. (The Thule and Viral were two pre W.W.II German secret Societies. The Hashish Assassins played a key role in the political power balance of the Middle East for almost 600 years.) Some common elements to these previous secret societies are the use of the ancestral processes of mind control, non-Cartesian closed logic systems, magic, hypnosis, and secret initiation exercises. These elements help desensitize, build blind obedience, and develop a ruthless, fanatical will to execute the secret society's goals in both new initiates and long term members. Such closed ideological systems used in secret societies deliberately cuts off their members from balancing and correctional social feedback. If a society becomes dominated by such a group as in Nazi Germany, because of their psychological profile, unfortunately only extreme deterrents seem to have any effect. For example, late in 1945 in spite of obvious contrary facts, the inner circle leaders of the Nazis refused to believe the war was lost; consequently the allies literally had to fight them to the last bunker, but not before countless people had unnecessarily died. The goals of secret societies are primarily concerned with getting or maintaining political power and wealth. The world view of these secret societies often involved a special elitism. Most of these secret societies had UFO or extraterrestrial cosmologies confirming and/or bestowing upon them their "world historic destinies." "Their" secret society was the only one chosen to play critical, often hidden roles in the history of current and future world events. These cosmologies imbued them with a sense of "privileged" and exclusive special knowledge. Psychological and physical terrorism were common in their policies. The inner circles of these types of organizations traditionally and deliberately controlled the outer circles with lies, punishment, blackmail, or deception, particularly by withholding "privileged" higher level initiation information. The inner circle, where necessary, would use or sacrifice ignorant outer circle members as expendable tools or deployable agents. The outer Scientology can appear as a benign and intertwined mix of pop psychology, eastern philosophy, and a thick mantle of recognizable but strained religious terminology and trappings. Scientology's religious cloaking is important. It gives immunity to its auditing mind control processes, which work to effect an effective manufacturing system for the gradual conversion of the novice outer circle members into unquestioning inner circle members. "I believe that in Scientology I was ritualistically hypnotized. On the first class that I did, I had to do a drill called TR-O. In this drill I had to sit facing another person and stare at them in the eyes for two hours without blinking, and if I blinked or moved in any way, the two hours had to be done over again. Some days I did this drill for twelve or more hours a day. I told that this drill was to improve my eye contact and would make me a better "auditor", or counselor. I did not know until after I got out of Scientology that I was being hypnotized. This drill was followed by thirteen other, similar drills in hypnosis and mind control." A former member. "I believe the Scientologists to be psychological hostages and under the influence of hypnosis, although they themselves do not perceive this to be so, any more than I did while I was in Scientology. I became aware of the fact only after I snapped out of the hypnosis a year and a half after I left Scientology and realized what had happened to me." A former member. "Scientologists are so thoroughly indoctrinated that they are incapable of rational evaluation of their own welfare or situations. Those who want to leave are often unable to do so. With no money, frightened and intimidated and knowing that others have committed suicide, have died in accidents or perhaps been murdered, they cannot leave. Without contact with the outside world, they have no one to turn to for help or protection." A former member. "I have witnessed many human rights violations, including the imprisonment of persons who had become psychotic on the secret upper level initiations' of Scientology. I was myself imprisoned twice in the dreaded R.P.F.' (Rehabilitation Project Force) of Scientology I was slave labor to the organization, working 80-100 hours a week; my largest weekly pay was $11. I participated in satanic practices which nearly destroyed my mental health. I am willing to testify under oath as to these facts." A former member. Scientology's actual nature Once you have examined the origins of a group it is wise to carefully examine its actual nature. One discovers this not by its open public relations statements, but by its actual secret intentions and its secret actions. What an organization does that is secret is a laser light that cuts through to the real nature of the organization. A complete discussion of the history of Scientology's actions is not the focus of this story. You will find the other appendices included at the end of this document that will list reports that detail the actual nature of Scientology as reflected in its criminal convictions, actual actions toward its adversaries and its other secret policies. (See appendix 1.) Scientology's secret goals The following quotation is from a secret Scientology policy directive called "Targets" Guardian Order 060971. It and other secret documents were seized by the F.B.I. on its authorized search of Scientology's headquarters. From this directive to the secretive intelligence division of Scientology you see Scientology's real goals. "The vital targets on which we must invest most of our time are: (T1) Depopularizing the enemy to the point of obliteration. (T2) Taking over the control or allegiance of the heads or proprietors of all news media. (T3) Taking over the control or allegiance of key political figures. (T4) Taking over the control or allegiance of those who monitor international finance and shifting them to a loss precarious standard".... "Intelligence is not concentrating on what they should be - the WFMH, [World Federation of Mental Health] the NAMH [National Association of Mental Health] - These are the groups I want destroyed." >From the Hubbard Communications Office Policy Letter of 14 Jan. 1969, "Thus in the case of Scientology Orgs [organizations] one should attack with the end view of taking over the whole field of mental health." "Our war has been forced to become, to take over absolutely the field of mental healing on the planet in all forms." "Our only justification in doing these things is that Scientology is the only game where everybody wins...." "The names and connections of the bitterly opposing enemy are 1. Psychiatry and Psychology. (not medicine) 2. The heads of news media who are the directors of psychiatric fronts. 3. A few key political figures in the fields of mental health and education." >From these Smersh-like secret directives Hubbard is basically directing his fanatical followers to take over world finance; take over world political leaders and to take over mental health on the planet. This is completely consistent with classical Satanism in that he is talking almost exclusively about taking over secular power: political, financial, health and media power not spiritual power. Is Scientology at its essence, a satanic, political secret society? Does uses a "romantic" cosmology, e.g. the creation of a new Superman, homo novis, the clear, the OT, and an esoteric extraterrestrial veneer of "Satanism" as an additional internal cover for the organization's real goals of simple non-celestial power, wealth, and control? The authenticity of scientology's OT- 8 document According to Scientology's secret cosmology, it must first free man from the aberration of religion to undo the political control implant. But then what? The most telling document which those who believe Scientology to be a satanic organization reference is a document called "The O. T. 8, Series I, Confidential Student Briefing," of May, 5 1980. There has been much denial by Scientology that the following OT 8 document is really one of their most secret high initiation documents. There also has been much debate by former members and experts both on and off the Internet as to its authenticity. There are passive and active factors to consider when evaluating its authenticity. Keeping in mind the context of the prior information of this story read the whole document before reading the discussion of the key factors relevant to its authenticity. OT VIII: THE CONFIDENTIAL STUDENT BRIEFING DOCUMENT HUBBARD COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE	Schutzstaffel
Who was the last head of state of the Soviet Union?	THE THULE SOCIETY & NWO . These documents stated, "Bones is a chapter of a corps of a German University ..." The document described at length its relationship with this German Secret Society (the Thule Society) which lead to the founding of the Skull and Bones in 1832. Secondly, Rosenbaum discovered that, "above the arched walls above the vault of the (Bones) sacred room, #322", is a painting of skulls surrounded by Masonic symbols. Above this painting is the slogan, in German, which means, "Who is the fool, who the wise man, beggar, or king? Whether poor or rich, all's the same in death." This means that only the works which one does in this life is what matters; in death, all men share the same fate. This statement is very consistent with the teachings of Secret Societies, showing their Works-oriented philosophy. Thirdly, Rosenbaum discovered a "haunting photograph of the altar room at one of the Masonic lodges at Nuremberg that is closely associated with Illuminism. Haunting because at the altar room's center, approached through an aisle of hanging human skeletons, is a coffin surmounted by...a skull and crossed bones that look exactly like the particular arrangement of jawbones and thighbones in the official Bones emblem. {Finally}, the skull and crossbones was the official crest of another key Illuminist lodge..." (Esquire). It is shocking also when we realize that German Nazi death camp guards wore this emblem of Skull and Bones on the shoulders of their uniforms. Without doubt, we have established Skull and Bones to be a Brotherhood of Death Society, which is itself tied into the Masters of the Illuminati. It is no wonder that Bush has been proclaiming the New World Order RESULTS We have studied the common philosophical and religious links between the German Thule Society and Skull and Bones. We now need to study the historical results of the attempt of the Thule Society to establish a New World Order. After the Thule Society selected Adolf Hitler to be their leader of the New World Order, they faced the problem of practical implementation of this goal. They realized that their plans for world domination required control of military power of Germany ; however, the military is controlled by those holding political power, and Germany was a democracy. Therefore, the Thule Society created the Nazi Party. The Guiding Spirits of the Thule Society became the Guiding Spirits of the Nazi Party. In only 10 tumultuous years, Hitler gained high political office, from which he catapulted himself into the position of absolute dictator in 1933. In 1938, Hitler began the Final Solution of the Jewish problem by initiating the Holocaust. In 1939, Hitler initiated World War II, which lasted until Mid-1945. As I read the results, remember James' words, "Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death." By 1945, the occultic sin conceived by the Thule Society had come to full completion. These are the results: (Source is The Webster Family Encyclopedia, Volume 19, 1984) Enormous armies were mobilized around the world: Russia 390,000 soldiers (negligible civilian deaths) Total human lives killed was: 18,200,000 soldiers and 16,300,000 civilians for 34,000,000 total deaths. When you add 18,000,000 deaths from Hitler's Death Camps, you realize that over 54 million people lost their lives as the final result of the occultic practices and goals of the New World Order of that German Brotherhood of Death Society, the Thule Society. The 6,000,000 Jewish deaths from Hitler's Final Solution represented two-thirds of the total world-wide Jewish population. Hitler came close to winning WWII, but God's timing was not yet come. However, some of the after-effects of WWII served to set the stage for the current drive toward the New World Order.\| Alice Bailey states in her book, The Externalisation of the Hierarchy, that the world must be united regionally before it can be united into one. Stalin repeated this concept shortly before his death in 1953. World War II certainly provided the impetus for this type reorganization. The World was reorganized militarily into NATO in Europe was going to be saved." Two weeks later, Gï¿½bbels and his entire family descended with Adolf Hitler into the Fï¿½hrer's private bunker. On April 30th, Adolf Hitler and his bride Eva Braun committed suicide. Gï¿½bbels poisoned his six children, then shot his wife and himself. Dressed as a common German soldier, Heinrich Himmler almost managed to escape. He was arrested by the British but during a physical examination crushed a cyanide capsule he kept in his mouth. At 11:04 pm on the 23rd of May, the Reichsfï¿½hrer who had summoned occult forces in the service of Aryan glory was dead. In November, 1945 several top Nazis were brought to trial by the allies at Nuremburg. Rudolf Hess was sentenced to life in prison. He died there at the age of 93. Occultist Alfred Rosenberg was found guilty of crimes against humanity and hanged in October, 1946. The Third Reich which was to have lasted over a thousand years ended after only twelve. Nearly 50 million had died. Ironically among them were the first generation of Hitler's so-called "master race" who were to father further generations of Aryan supermen. Throughout history, mythology has had a powerful influence on the human mind. All cultures have been mythically driven. However, in Nazi Germany, the linking of political aims to a corrupted mythology led to an evil unparalleled in history. The problem -- the horror -- of the New Age belief system is that it is practically, point-for-point, identical with the doctrines of Nazism In the introduction to his book, "The Occult and the Third Reich," Dr. Lewis Sumberg states: The rise of occultism and the practice of the black arts was noted everywhere in Germany during the '20s. That we are witnessing much of the same phenomena in the U.S. today -- in the ominous and prodigious growth of politico-religious-elitist cults, Manson type families, and the epidemic of occult inspired suicides and assassinations -- should cause civilized man the greatest concern. Most people don't know that Hitler was a full-fledged occultist. I was reminded of this while watching a showing of "Hitler: The Occult Messiah" on PBS last week. It's amazing to me how the history books have overlooked this fact -- that the whole raison' d'ï¿½tre of the Holocaust -- the very heart and soul of Nazism -- was rooted in Hitler's belief in occultism. While still a child, Hitler was initiated into the mysteries of the occult. He attended a Benedictine monastery near his home. The abbot in charge was fascinated by the lore of the Albignesians or Cathars, who can be described as early New Agers in that they believed man could gain the powers of a god. The occult interests Hitler gained in his youth stayed with him all of his adult life. While Hitler was in Vienna pursuing a career as an artist, he spent practically all of his spare time in occult bookstores, reading up on white and black magic as well as transcendent states of mind expansion. He befriended an astrologer (though he would later decry astrology). He devoted every spare cent to the pursuit of this higher consciousness. He studied Yoga, astrology and the many and sundry forms of Eastern and Western mysticism. From his youth, Hitler was also fascinated by Norse mythology and the Grail legend. Hitler was impatient. His goal was to attain "higher consciousness." At some point, the young Hitler decided to speed the process up by supplementing his daily meditation with drugs. He used mescaline to bring about these so-called higher states of consciousness. He continued to devour occultic books by the dozen. However, there is one book in particular that, when discovered by the young Hitler, literally changed his life (and the course of history) forever. That book, actually part of a series of books, is entitled "The Secret Doctrine," written ("channeled" according to the author) by a woman named Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, the founder of the Theosophical Society. The teachings outlined in Blavatsky's writings provided the focal point for Hitler's belief system. These same teachings provide the basis for the entire New Age Movement. An associate of Hitler's interviewed by PBS recalled that Hitler checked "The Secret Doctrine" out of the bookstore literally dozens of times (bookstores operated like libraries at the time, and Hitler was apparently too poor to purchase a copy). The acquaintance described Hitler as being "obsessed" by Blavatsky's writings and said that after reading this book that Hitler "changed" in some way that was impossible to describe. "It was as if some new force, a new being had entered his body," the friend recalled. Blavatsky's teachings are founded upon the notion that mankind originated in Atlantis, and that the Aryans were the master race of the seven Atlantean races. Purportedly, specially selected "enlightened" beings were chosen throughout history to pass on "The Mystery Teachings" to certain initiates. Those who followed these teachings would gradually evolve to higher and higher levels of consciousness until they attained perfection. Of course, not all were destined for this much vaunted state. Those not included were Jews and (later) Christians. To see that the psychic superiority was not lost from the Aryan race, the process of "initiation" was developed by the Masters. Blavatsky further held the Germanic peoples were actually Asian migrants, having "migrated millennia ago from Asia and spread throughout Africa and Europe." Once Hitler had come into power, he openly expounded on his occultic beliefs to the masses. By this time, Hitler had become an adept in two occultic groups, The Thule Geselschaft and The Vril Society. Secret meetings were held in an underground bunker in Hitler's castle. Later, he would instigate a governmental occultic branch known as the SS Occult Bureau. This operation under was under the direction of Heinrich Himmler, Hitler's right hand man. Himmler himself was forced to undergo initiation in the occultic mysteries, as were all members of the SS. Shrouded in Aryan grail esoterics, the initiate's goal was to gain psychic abilities and superhuman strength. Initiation became the sine qua non for leadership in the SS occultic group. Purportedly, only adepts (not initiates) could communicate with the so-called supermen or "higher powers" who were needed to give direction to the New Race. The doctrine of Aryanism was (and is) an integral part of both the NAM and Nazism (as well as other forms of anti-semitism and racism). After the resurrection of Christ, St. Paul specifically said that all distinctions, even between Jew and Gentile, were abolished. If your doctrine is that all men are created in the image of God, it is hard to maintain racism and anti-semitism. Where the doctrine says that man has evolved from differing root races and is at various stages of evolutionary development, it becomes easy to justify all forms of discrimination. It even becomes easy to eradicate an entire people. "The Final Solution" became the next logical step for Hitler. Only pure, white Aryans were capable of achieving "full initiation," into the Mystery Teachings. Anybody else had a "blood taint." Thus, Hitler included Christians on his extermination list after he began systematically murdering the Jews. The idea of a "blood taint" (though often hidden) is also at the core of New Age beliefs. A few quotes from Alice Bailey (a disciple of Madame Blavatsky and one of the higher-ups in the Theosophical Society). Today the law of karma is working and the Jews are paying the price ... for all they have done in the past. The Jews have never faced the problem of why the many nations, from the time of the Egyptians, have neither liked nor wanted them. Yet there must be some reasons inherent in the people themselves. The evil karma of the Jew today is intended to bring him to the point of relinquishing all material goals, or renouncing a nationality that has a tendency to be somewhat parasitic... Later, Bailey indicated that the "Jewish Problem" might be "astrological" in origin. The behavior of the Jew is the guided by the 'personality ray'... the material form of the third ray. This egoic ray is first for the Jew. Their astrological sign is Capricorn with Virgo rising. Mercury and Virgo play a prominent part in their destiny. Because of this third ray influence, you have the tendency of the Jew to manipulate forces and energies ... to pull strings in order to bring about desired ends. Alice Bailey stated that she penned these words under the direction of her "Tibetan Master" in 1949, when the world was already aware of what was happening to the Jews in Europe. Bailey's husband, Foster Bailey, also a high ranking Theosophist, during one of his speeches, let it be clear that Hitler was "one of them." "Another hierarchic project," said Bailey, "is the uniting of the nations of Europe in one cooperating peaceful community. One attempt was about to begin by uniting the peoples living in the Rhine River valley. It was an attempt by a disciple of ours, but it did not work. Now another attempt is in full swing, namely the six nation Common Market." Like the Nazis, New Agers also believe in the existence of "Masters" (sometimes called guardian angels") who are organized in a hierarchy which will ultimately be overseen by the "New Messiah." The Nazis believed in the existence of a hierarchy of Masters who would be overseen b a "New Age Christ." This New Age Christ was obviously Hitler, who often referred to himself in those exact terms. John White, in the introduction to the 1979 International Cooperation Council Directly (now known as the Unity In Diversity Council) stated: What is coming to pass today is not a generation gap or a communications gap, but rather a species gap. A new species is making its way onto the planet. This inevitably brings it into conflict with the dominant species. And that dominant species is a dying species. A higher form of humanity is taking control of our planet ... this form will survive while the older species dies out. Outwardly these mutant humans resemble the earlier forms. The difference is inward, in their consciousness... If this sounds similar to Nazi doctrine, it should. Hitler said almost the same thing: Creation is not yet completed. Man must pass through many further stages of metamorphoses. Post-Atlantaen man is already in a state of degeneration and decline, barely able to survive. All creative forces will be concentrated in the new species. Two types of man, the old and the new, will evolve rapidly. One will disappear from the face of the earth. The other will flourish. Hitler was a master, as are occultists today, at making what he was doing seem harmless. Extermination of Jews and gypsies was not called "killing." It was called "a cleansing action." Death camps were disguised to look like health camps. Mass extermination of whole areas of people was labeled "resettlement." From a book written by two French Scholars, who wrote under the single name Jean Michael Angebert, called "The Occult And The Third Reich": Those who induced Germany to embrace the swastika are not dead. They are still among us, just as they have been in every era, and doubtless will continue to be until the Apocalypse. National Socialism was for them but a means, and Hitler but an instrument. That undertaking failed. But another one is surely on the horizon. The pre-war climate that gave rise to Nazism is uncomfortably similar to that which exists in the world today. It was an atmosphere beset with disappointment over political events. Germany had experienced the trauma of a wartime defeat and post war inflation with it's accompanying hardships. The youth of Germany tried to escape the harsh tenor of the times by turning to Eastern mysticism, studied in concert with German and Nordic mythology -- mythologies of a never-never land where ancient adepts were always invincible and defeat existed only as a "state of mind." Sound familiar? Today, the United States is in a similar position to the pre-World War II Germans. Our national pride -- in light of the Clinton scandal -- is wounded. The truth is, it's been leaking steadily ever since Vietnam. The country is in the throes of a horrid economy which all the experts say is only going to get worse. Since the sixties, there has been a massive turning towards Eastern mysticism, with the route to transcendental consciousness accelerated by the widespread use of drugs. The exact same scenario could be used to describe post-World War One Germany. Both Nazism and the NAM are programs for expediting the "path" to transcendental consciousness. Occult teachings and pagan practices were injected into the mainstream of a nation during Hitler's reign. Look around today. What do you see? Go into the New Age section of any bookstore and look at the titles on the shelf. It's all there, the same old stuff, dressed up in new clothing. The waxy faced, hollow-eyed authors of the books -- assorted MDs, PhDs, healers, mystics, gurus and astrologers -- smile out at you from the covers. Each author tells you that they have "the answer." You buy a book (doesn't matter which one). Take it home. It doesn't talk about killing Jews or taking over the world. It talks about "feeling good," about "taking charge of your life." It seems benign (if a bit boring). You figure what the heck ... I'll give this stuff a try. Don't be fooled. You open those doors, and you're opening the floodgates to hell. The Theosophical Society is not some piece of ancient history. Open your local paper. You'll likely find an ad for "classes" in Theosophy. Its headquarters and main library are located, as they have been for years, in Ojai California. Still doubt that there is a massive revival in the occult movement? Flip on your computer, go onto Yahoo and type in the words: occult, satanism, vampire (or any one of dozens of other words related to these subjects) and start following the links. You won't believe what you'll find. Despite the fact that New Agers would like to separate their activities from the more overt satanically oriented groups, this division is arbitrary. The basic tenets of both New Agers, Satanists (the non reality of evil, the constant striving for higher levels of consciousness) are identical. One might say that Satanism is simply the logical conclusion of New Age occultism. Hitler failed in his mission to become the "New Christ." However, the Bible clearly tells us that the Anti-Christ is coming. If you take a look at the events in the world today, it would appear that the stage is just about set. Would you have pictured this world -- the world we live in today, with it's instant communication, with bloodthirsty gangs and evil run rampant in the streets, with pornography on your TV screen in prime time, with gay pride (pride in what?) parades drawing millions of enthusiastic onlookers, with blitzed out, freaked out, drugged out, hypnotized kids jumping headfirst off the stage and beating the crap out of each other at rock 'n' roll concerts -- with evil men running the country? Would you have pictured this existing ten years ago? No, you wouldn't have dreamed this could exist, would you? But here it is! Now imagine the future. Nothing's crazy anymore. Nothing is shocking. It's all out there ... right now. There are no more taboos (except telling the truth). Now think about this world we live in, in light of what the Bible says in Revelation. Am I saying the Apocalypse is around the corner? That the new Hitler (the Anti-Christ) is about to be revealed? I'm not in the prediction business. I don't believe in prophecy, but I do believe that 99 percent of the people who call themselves prophets are wolves in sheep's clothing. You'd have to be a fool not to see that something on the horizon.. One thing is for certain. Today we're all engaged in warfare, like it or not. I'm talking about spiritual warfare. The time is coming, and quickly, when you'll have to choose sides. It will be the most important choice of your life, for it involves literally everything you do, every move you make. These words are not meant as scare tactics. Nevertheless, if they make you uncomfortable, that's as it should be. Each of us must make use of every bit of information available to us. We must be willing to look at painful truths about ourselves and not the guy next door! More importantly, we must hone our ability to discern truth from falsehood. The enemy is a liar. His minions are liars. Therefore, we must seek the answer within the solitude of our own hearts. Sorry, but you can't sit on the fence any longer. Like the Dylan song says, "You gotta serve somebody." And you do -- and you are -- whether you know it or not. The choice is yours. The battle lines are drawn. The time is now. From UFOs to Yoga By Martin A. Lee George Lincoln Rockwell, leader of the American Nazi Party until his violent death in 1967, gushed about having had a mystical experience when he first read Hitler's Mein Kampf: ï¿½I realized that National Socialism [was] actually a new religion," said Rockwell, who considered April 20th the holiest day of the calendar year. That's when neo-Nazis around the world celebrate Hitler's birthday at secretive gatherings with Aryan shrines, devotional rituals, white power regalia, and other racialist kitsch. These annual conclaves are akin to religious ceremonies where true believers worship Hitler as an infallible deity whose every utterance is gospel. The bizarre quasi-religious and mythic elements that proliferate in sectors of the contemporary neo-Nazi milieu are explored by Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke in his important, new book Black Sun: Aryan Cults, Esoteric Nazism, and the Politics of Identity. Although there has always been a theocratic strain in fascist movements, several factors are contributing to a latter-day, "folkish" (or tribal) revival among white youth who are beset by an acute sense of disenfranchisement in Western societies. In response to the challenges of globalization, multiculturalism, and large-scale Third World immigration, neo-Nazi racism in the United States, Europe and elsewhere has sometimes morphed into what the author describes as "new folkish religions of white identity." This neo-folkish resurgence ï¿½ reminiscent of some early Nazi ideas ï¿½ encompasses a hodgepodge of anti-Semitic neo-Pagan sects, Christian Identity churches, skewed variants of eastern mysticism, occult influences, New Age conspiracies, and Satanists into the "black metal" music subculture. Goodrick-Clarke, a British scholar who writes in an engaging and accessible style, has long foraged on the farther shores of right-wing extremist politics. His first book, The Occult Roots of Nazism, is a masterful study of a much sensationalized subject ï¿½ racist groups in early 20th century Austria that embraced forms of mystical nationalism and helped incubate Aryan racial ideas. Building on his previous work, Goodrick-Clarke draws a parallel in Black Sun between folkish ferment in Hitler's Austria and the role of today's marginalized neo-Nazi sects, many of which have repackaged Aryan racism in new forms influenced by eastern religions. A crucial difference, the author maintains, is the shift from the virulent German nationalism of the Third Reich to a broader racist ideology of global white supremacy. "It is highly significant that the Aryan cult of white identity is now most marked in the United States," says Goodrick-Clarke, adding that American neo-Nazi groups behave like persecuted religious sects preparing for the final confrontation with a corrupt world. Although each have their specific eccentricities ï¿½ ranging from anti-Semitic Christian Identity churches to anti-Christian, racist Odinist groups ï¿½ almost all of them espouse millenarian visions of a white racial utopia. Satan Meets the Fï¿½hrer Early American neo-Nazi James Madole, who rejected Christianity as a degenerate Jewish construct, became a key figure in developing bizarre forms of fascism after he founded the National Renaissance Party, the first U.S. neo-Nazi organization, in 1952. Although he never attracted many followers, Madole became known as "the father of postwar occult fascism" by saturating his ideology with a mish-mash of science-fiction and other notions drawn from eastern traditions and theosophy, a mystical religious movement originating in late 19th century America. During the 1960s and 1970s, Madole's party cultivated close links with a Church of Satan spin-off ï¿½ an alliance that anticipated the recent emergence of a violent, international fringe network devoted to Nordic gods, black magic, occultism and devil worship. David Myatt, chief representative of Nazi Satanism in Great Britain, defends human sacrifice and praises a new wave of satanic black metal Skinhead bands that spout demented lyrics and anti-social rants. Myatt's "religion of National Socialism" owes much to Savitri Devi, the grand dame of postwar neo-Nazism, who had traveled from her native France to India as a young woman. An admirer of the racist caste system, Devi immersed herself in early Hindu texts. Noting that the Nazi Swastika is also an ancient, mystical Indian symbol, she romanticized the Third Reich as "the Holy Land of the West." Devi was the first Western writer to acclaim Hitler as a spiritual "avatar," a supernatural figure who pointed the way toward a future Aryan paradise. The Jews, whom Devi blamed for all the world's suffering and alienation, were predictably pegged as the main obstacle on the path to the Golden Age. Devi's obsession with the pre-Christian origins of Indo-European culture was shared by Julius Evola, an Italian Nazi philosopher whose racial theories were adopted and codified by Mussolini in 1938. Calling for a "Great Holy War" to battle national and ideological enemies, Evola exerted a significant influence on a generation of militant neofascist youth in postwar Italy. Among his protï¿½gï¿½s were leaders of right-wing terrorist organizations linked to numerous bomb attacks from the 1960s to the 1980s. Evola's mystical fascist writings include books on Zen Buddhism, yoga, alchemy, Tantrism (a kind of sexual mysticism), and European paganism. After he died in 1974, his esoteric musings were rediscovered by New Age publications. Today, many of Evola's books are available in English translation in trendy New Age bookstores in the United States, despite his status as an avowed fascist. UFOs, Polar Bases and the Black Sun Another influential figure in the occult-fascist underground is Miguel Serrano, a former Chilean diplomat and Nazi die-hard who touts yoga, meditation, and hallucinogenic drugs as ways of raising consciousness in order to make contact with higher Aryan intelligence. Serrano blends exotic oriental religious themes with dubious lore about secret religious societies. He likens the Nazi SS ï¿½ which was condemned in its entirety for war crimes ï¿½ to an order of initiates seeking the Holy Grail. This notion appealed to Wilhelm Landig, an Austrian SS veteran and postwar Nazi activist who coined the idea of the "Black Sun," a mystical energy source allegedly capable of regenerating the Aryan race. Goodrick-Clarke credits Landig with reviving the folkish ï¿½ and far out ï¿½ Germanic mythology of Thule, the supposed Arctic homeland of the ancient Aryans, in order to prophesy the recovery and resurrection of Nazism as an earth-conquering force. Landig and other occult-fascist propagandists have circulated wild stories about German Nazi colonies that live and work in secret installations beneath the polar icecaps, where they developed flying saucers and miracle weapons after the demise of the Third Reich. The abundance of UFO sightings, which began in the early 1950s, is attributed to the amazing prowess of Nazi science and technology. The fall of the Third Reich is cast merely as a temporary setback; at any moment, a battalion of Nazi extraterrestrials could zoom forth in their magical discs to deliver Aryan folk from the ills of democracy and Judeo-Christian decadence. A hot item among New Age conspiracy theorists and promoters of Holocaust denial, stories about Nazi UFOs may seem ludicrous to anyone with their feet firmly planted on terra firma. And, certainly, this kind of thinking does not dominate even the contemporary world of the extreme right. But these sci-fi legends underscore, in the words of Goodrick-Clarke, how "Aryan cults and esoteric Nazism posit powerful mythologies to negate the decline of white power in the world." Moreover, if the past is any kind of prologue, these bizarre, new religious sects "may be early symptoms of major divisive changes in our present-day Western democracies." "The risks of race religiosity are great. ... Whenever human groups are interpreted as absolute categories of good and evil, light and darkness," Goodrick-Clarke cautions, "both the human community and humanity itself are diminished." A timely warning, indeed.	i don't know
What city opened the UK's largest city-centre water feature - the 'Mirror Pool' - in Spring 2012?	Premier 17-4 by PHIL AINLEY - issuu A major refurbishment project is underway at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth Google One of the funkiest workspaces in London is completed To infinity and beyond Spaceport America nears completion Velocity Brand new office development will transform the site of the former Brooklands motor racing circuit Train. Develop. Perform. As ever in our fast paced industry, the last 12 months has seen a raft of changes to contracts, regulations and legislation. Quality training from Construction Study Centreâ€™s knowledgeable speakers, with real industry experience, can equip you with the tools required to perform at your best. See our fold out or www.constructionstudycentre.com 4 Contents PREMIER CONSTRUCTION Volume 17 • Issue 4 Dear readers, This month our magazine focuses on the exciting improvements that are being made in the communities around us. With improvements made to sporting facilities, schools and community buildings, our neighbourhoods are being redeveloped and rejuvenated every day. In Warrington, the capacity of the East Stand at the Haliwell Jones Stadium has been increased from 13,000 to 15,000 in a direct response to regular attendance and an annual increase in the sales of shirts and season tickets. The town will also host matches and a team training camp during the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. Award-winning comedian, actor and writer Jo Brand officially opened the new Emergency Care Centre at South Tyneside District Hospital in January. Lorraine Lambert, Chief Executive of South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust, commented: “The completion of the project achieves our ambition of bringing all our emergency care services together to provide fully integrated care in a patient-friendly atmosphere with modern and efficient facilities... which will enable us to offer our local community the best possible care.” As the latest restaurant in the extensive portfolio of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, the new £2 million Jamie’s Italian restaurant in Manchester promises to serve up a unique eating experience that will tickle the taste buds of diners visiting the city centre and instil a sense of pride in the town. In Bradford, a landmark scheme has been unveiled as part of Bradford City Council’s regeneration plans. City Park contains the country’s tallest urban fountain, which can sprout water up to heights of 100 ft. We now invite you, readers, to join us as we make the improvements for our future. North West Jamie’s Italian.....................................................................................................10 Sellafield Ltd.....................................................................................................20 North East & Yorkshire City Park............................................................................................................22 Diana Princess of Wales Hospital....................................................................25 Inspire Bradford.................................................................................................27 Midlands & East Anglia Carlton Digby School.......................................................................................28 The Broadway Hotel.........................................................................................29 South West Hans Price.........................................................................................................33 London & South East Velocity............................................................................................................. 34 Crossrail............................................................................................................35 Gabriella Park Gardens....................................................................................65 Medway Mail Centre.........................................................................................72 Wales Oystermouth Castle..........................................................................................76 Scotland Parklea Community Sports Facility.................................................................80 Griffin Wind Farm..............................................................................................85 Parliament House..............................................................................................87 Mulvenny House...............................................................................................88 Ireland Letterkenny Institute of Technology................................................................92 Athlone Art Gallery...........................................................................................94 Highfield Hospital..............................................................................................97 Overseas Spaceport America.........................................................................................102 Follow us on twitter.com/pcbyroma and www.premierconstructionnews.com Managing Director: Marcus Howarth Editor: Charlotte Emily Brazier Assistant Editor: Alex Wiggan Production Manager: Nicola Owen Customer Advisor: Joanne Murphy Published by: Roma Publications Ltd. t: 01706 719 972 f: 0845 458 4446 e: [email protected] w: www.romauk.net Graphic Design by: www.marcusmacaulay.co.uk © Roma Publications Ltd. All contents are copyright. All rights are reserved. No part may be stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from the publishers. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies however caused. Contributed material does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. The editorial policy and general layout of this publication are at the discretion of the publisher and no debate will be entered into. No responsibility can be accepted for illustrations, artwork or photographs whilst in transmission with the publishers or their agents unless a commitment is made in writing prior to the receipt of such terms. ROMA PUBLICATIONS 7 N o r th We s t Jamie serves up another success Italian food is on the menu in Manchester with the opening of a brand new £2 million Jamie’s Italian. 10 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION ROMA PUBLICATIONS 11 N o r th We s t Jamie’s Italian in King Street is the latest restaurant in an ever-expanding portfolio of eating establishments that have been served up by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. The restaurant officially opened on February 20th 2012 and with up to 240 covers, the high-profile eatery promises to offer a unique dining experience for culinary connoisseurs. Jamie’s Italian in Manchester is located within a Grade II listed building formerly constructed for the Midland Bank. The building housed HSBC Bank until it relocated to different premises in 2008, whereby the building was left vacant. The building was chosen as the site for the new restaurant as it is a dynamic structure located in a fashionable area within the heart of the city. The Manchester restaurant is surrounded by a number of leading retail outlets including Vivienne Westwood and sits opposite Rio Ferdinand’s restaurant, Rosso. Internally, the layout is split into three levels – a ground floor banking hall, a mezzanine floor and a basement vault room – all of which have been designed to provide diners with a memorable experience. In order to preserve the rich history and stunning architecture of the original building, all of the existing features have been retained. These include marble columns, decorative lighting and a marble staircase that leads down to the vault room, along with the original wooden panels from when the building traded as a bank. The main banking hall comprises a bar, an antipasti counter and a large seating area that offers a great view of the kitchen. Brand new black and white marble flooring has been laid across the ground floor in order to replicate the original design, whilst all of the existing marble work has been cleaned to bring it back to life. A feature that diners will instantly notice upon entering the banking hall is the main bar counter, which runs along almost the entire width of the building. The bar was constructed using the hardwood panelled fronts of the original bank counters, which were repaired and refurbished before being incorporated into the new bar and antipasti counter. Additional joinery work was then carried out where necessary in order to fill in any gaps in the wooden structure. Following this, a marble countertop was added to the bar and decorative metal and glass work was incorporated to create an interesting focal point for the restaurant. The main banking hall has also incorporated two bespoke private dining rooms that are available for diners who are celebrating a special occasion or require a more tailored dining experience. These rooms were previously the offices of the bank manager and the bank manager’s secretary and can seat up to eight people. The rooms have now been completely renovated, with finishes including hardwood panelling and stunning fire places. Located below the main banking hall is the vault room, which has also undergone extensive renovation in order to create a private dining room that can seat up to twelve people. Many of the original features remain on show, including approximately 200 strongroom boxes that once housed valuables belonging to the customers of the bank. The unique display presents diners with an opportunity to soak up the splendour of eating in what was once a very valuable room, in the process creating a rather memorable talking point. The vault is also home to a number of other important facilities that are all part of the inner workings of the restaurant. Viewing rooms that once formed part of the vault are now spacious customer toilets, whilst a number of back of house areas – including offices, store rooms and associated utilities – are located behind the vault. The final area designated for diners is located above the main banking hall via a mezzanine level that runs three quarters of the way around the building. The mezzanine floor creates three separate sets of dining area via large antechambers and offers a stunning view of the entire restaurant. Arguably one of the most important elements of the restaurant is the kitchen, which is the hub of the entire eatery. A state-of-the-art kitchen has been fitted to cater to the demand of serving up to 240 people. In a conscious effort to maintain the existing features of the building, careful consideration was given to making it part of the redevelopment and the kitchen has effectively been slotted into the building. As a result, the kitchen may be removed with ease and without damaging any of the existing walls should the restaurant decide to relocate in the future. In order to incorporate the new kitchen, the walls were dry-lined so that the original wall panelling could be retained. Following this, the original walls were then hidden behind new stud walls which have effectively left parts of the original interior of the bank intact. This particular phase of the redevelopment work was seen as a key area of importance during planning stages and has now safeguarded the walls of the kitchen from any unnecessary damage caused in such a creative environment. All of the work conducted has complied with the relevant building regulations, whilst considerable efforts were made to use materials sourced from sustainable resources. Ceilings were completely repainted, windows were refurbished and all of the joinery was manufactured to replicate the existing design. The project was completed on 3rd February 2012 and was immediately followed by a week of staff training. Following on from the resounding success of the opening night, the restaurant has already proved to be very popular with diners in the North West. Up to 100 jobs have been created at the restaurant and Jamie Oliver has attended the site to meet the staff. Jamie Oliver commented: “I’ve wanted to open a Jamie’s Italian in Manchester for years but we had never found the right location until now. It’s a wonderful place to eat and one of the jewels in the Jamie’s Italian collection. “Since I was a teenager I’ve been totally besotted by the love, passion and verve for food, family and life itself that just about all Italian people have, no matter where they’re from or how rich or poor they may be. That’s what I’m passionate about – good food for everyone no matter what. “There is such diversity in lifestyles, cooking, traditions and dialects and this is why as a chef I find this country so exciting and it’s what inspired me to create Jamie’s Italian. I should have been Italian.” Managing Director of Visit Manchester, Paul Simpson, added: “It’s fantastic news that Jamie Oliver has chosen Manchester as the home of his new restaurant. “As one of the country’s most popular celebrity chefs, his restaurant will no doubt attract visitors from far and wide – adding further character to Manchester’s thriving food and drink scene.” Main contractor for Jamie’s Italian in Manchester was du Boulay Contracts, whilst Martin Brudnizki Design Studio was the architect and Jack De Wet was the project architect. The project manager for the restaurant was Gavin Beasley, whilst Thomasons was the structural consultant. In addition, Current Affairs Electrical Contractors Ltd designed the electrical works package and Chapman Ventilation Ltd provided a ROMA PUBLICATIONS 13 ventilation and air conditioning package. Managing Director of du Boulay Contracts, Michael Reed, said: “Jamie’s Italian was designed to fit within a Grade II listed building that was originally designed by renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1928. “Many components from the original design were recycled within the building so that they would remain a part of the new restaurant and this was a very important factor throughout the project. “As we wanted to retain as many of the existing features as possible, all efforts were made to refurbish the parts of the building that just needed a little reworking. An example of this is the doors, which we knew we wanted to keep straight away as they are just magnificent. Because the doors were not compliant with fire safety requirements, we upgraded them where necessary. “The Portland stone was also cleaned and repaired, and even the steel gates were restored. All of the work was completed sensitively on and around the building and I think it shows.” Michael Reed added: “Transforming the building from a bank into a restaurant was surprisingly straightforward and everything ran to schedule. However, that’s not to say that we didn’t encounter any problems as there were a number of challenges – particularly whilst attempting to install the electrical and mechanical services around the building. “The air conditioning alone needed a lot of pipework and cabling, and tasks like this required careful consideration and planning. Preparation took place onsite and offsite with input from all of the various contractors and members of the site team. “This team collaboration worked well and ultimately everyone involved was happy with how we managed to lose all of the services, especially considering the fact that we were unable to strip panelling off to hide it. Unfortunately this does tend to happen when working on an older building. Jamie’s Italian in Manchester is the 17th restaurant that du Boulay Contracts has been involved with and their previous projects for the chain include the redevelopment of the Guildhall 14 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION in Cambridge and the conversion of the Justice Courts in Cheltenham. Now that the Manchester project is complete, du Boulay Contracts is looking forward to working on the next three restaurants in the celebrity chef’s portfolio, which will take shape in Edinburgh, Norwich and Gatwick Airport’s North Terminal. Gatwick Airport will be the first of the three to open when it is completed in the summer of 2012. The restaurant will provide 200 covers within an air-side diner, along with a Union Jacks bar and an express bakery where food can be eaten onsite or taken away. Each of these new restaurants promises to showcase Jamie Oliver’s trademark food and provide excellent service in a unique and interesting location. Michael Reed added: “Working on Jamie’s Italian in Manchester was very important to us and is something that we have taken a great deal of pride in. The project was technically interesting and the best part was that we got to hand over a development with a fantastic interior that we knew diners would love. “Jamie is a great guy to work for and the team that he has are first-class, so seeing one of his restaurants full of customers is something that makes us very proud. “All of the Jamie Oliver restaurants are bespoke, one-off designs every time. Sometimes they are constructed in difficult buildings under some very difficult circumstances, but when we’re tasked with finishing them on time that’s exactly what we do.” Jamie’s Italian is a nationwide chain with restaurants in Bath, Cambridge, Liverpool, Covent Garden, Cardiff, Glasgow, Guilford, Oxford and Birmingham. Dar Marble & Granite Ltd For 27 years Dar Marble & Granite Ltd has provided the construction industry with a one-stop service for marble and granite works. This includes the fabrication, supply and installation of marble and granite as well as limestone and quartz engineered stone. ROMA PUBLICATIONS N o r th We s t 16 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION Dar Marble & Granite Ltd work with a number of high profile clients and have previously completed jobs at Manchester Airport, the Hilton Hotel and the Panacea in Manchester. On Jamie’s Italian in Manchester, Dar Marble & Granite Ltd supplied and fitted 250 metres of marble which was used in flooring, waiter stations and across the main counter bar. Dar Marble and Granite Ltd Managing Director, David Gray, said: “At Dar Marble and Granite Ltd we are specialists in all different areas of marble and granite work, including carving and moulding, and we have all of the facilities at our disposal to complete any job. “We’ve got a great reputation in the industry and a lot of our business comes from referrals from satisfied clients.” Chapman Ventilation Ltd Starting life as a general ventilation company in 1967, familyrun business Chapman Ventilation Ltd. has since become an industry-leading supplier of kitchen ventilation systems for the leisure and fine-dining industries. The company specialises in conducting heating, ventilation and air conditioning fit-outs and works on all Jamie’s Italian restaurants in the UK. Other high-profile clients include Nando’s, Frankie and Benny’s, Hawksmoor and Cabana. On each Jamie’s Italian Chapman Ventilation Ltd. is involved throughout the duration of the project, from assessing the site’s suitability through to the installation and handover. Chapman Ventilation has been involved with Jamie’s Italian Manchester since the first assessment of the site in 2009 and has continued to advance the project since then. Chapman Ventilation Ltd. Head of Marketing, Jenny Handy, said: “We have over forty years experience designing, manufacturing and installing odour control, grease and smoke removal, and kitchen ventilation solutions for a wide range of clients. “We’re committed to using the most sustainable products that we can find, partnering with market leaders and sourcing from companies that have a good reputation for sustainability. We’re particularly proud to be working with sustainable systems manufacturer Sirius Products on all of Jamie’s Italian’s upcoming sites.” Heleine & Whattam Ltd Founded in 1980, Heleine & Whattam Ltd is a well-established specialist joinery manufacturer that supplies a range of high quality products to clients within the interior contracting industry. For the Jamie Oliver’s Italian (Manchester) project, the company manufactured all of the internal joinery for their preferred customer, Michael Reed of du Boulay Contracts. This included the main bar counter and integrated seating structure, waiter stations, working tables, wall panelling, and the feature main entrance doors. Andy Mundy, Heleine & Whattam Ltd, said: “This is the ninth project that we have completed for the du Boulay Contracts and Jamie Oliver partnership, with the quality of our work leading to us becoming their known and preferred supplier. We are particularly proud of the Manchester project as we believe that the overall finish to the building and the quality of the design is exceptional. The company prides themselves on their ability to cater for a wide range of joinery-based projects. In addition to supplying bespoke furniture for high-end residences, Heleine & Whattam Ltd have also been involved with casino and restaurant projects, along with construction projects such as a cricket club fit-out for the Indian Premier League and a bank fit-out for Virgin Money. ROMA PUBLICATIONS 17 N o r th We s t Andy Mundy added: “Heleine & Whattam Ltd are continually working towards increasing our customer base in order to offer a wide range of joinery-based solutions. We are constantly developing ourselves to match our customers’ specific requirements and we pride ourselves on our determination to work with our customers to achieve a first-class result every time.” South Coast Stone Ltd South Coast Stone Ltd specialises in the supply and installation of all types of natural and engineered stone including marble, granite, slate, limestone and quartz. The well-established stone masonry company has substantial experience in completing commercial projects for clients including the Jamie Oliver and Pizza Express restaurant chains. Whilst South Coast Stone Ltd mainly completes kitchen work, they are also adept at bathroom stonework and all types of tiling. South Coast Stone Ltd source materials from around the world and import slabs from China, Turkey, Italy, Belgium and France. The company uses the latest technology and machinery, along with CAD drawings that assist the manufacturer. Andy Croce, South Coast Stone Ltd, said: “With approximately sixty years in the industry between us, my director and I have been involved in a range of larger projects across London. South Coast Stone Ltd is highly experienced in the supply and installation of all types of natural and engineered stone. “Not only do we important the stone, but we also complete a lot of in-house manufacturing and can produce designs. We are a one stop shop when it comes to stonework.” Brothers Services Ltd Brothers Services Ltd provides specialised builders cleaning and support services to the commercial, industrial and residential sectors. The company provide services across London, Bournemouth and Southampton and this includes working on 18 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION offices, student accommodation, restaurants, housing communities, shopping centres and car show rooms. Brothers Services Ltd is also accredited to ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007 and is a Construction Online Accredited contractor. Amongst the company’s many varied projects Brothers Services Ltd has completed work for John Lewis, Sainsbury’s, Bournemouth University and Southampton University, as well as BMW Showroom, Mini Showroom and the Portland Marina. Brothers Services Ltd also provides specialist services for Jamie’s Italian restaurants and has proudly worked on all of the sites in the south of the country including Portsmouth, London and Oxford. Brothers Services Deputy Managing Director, William Bazzani, said: “Working on a Jamie’s Italian is always a very delicate operation due to the intricate fixtures and features at each restaurant. Attention to detail is always our number one priority. We use specialist equipment for each project and we are constantly looking at ways to improve our operation. “Our mission is to provide total customer satisfaction through high-quality, cost effective and environmentally friendly services.” Ideal Glass & Glazing Ideal Glass & Glazing is a specialist supplier of bespoke mirrors and glass for both the domestic and commercial sector. The company supplies and installs unique glass work for churches, private homes and bars and has worked on such high-profile restaurants as The Ivy and Fifteen. With 16 years of glazing experience, the company has built up a unique portfolio of glass projects and are proud to be able to offer a direct service to homeowners, developers, builders and architects. Ideal Glass & Glazing has worked with du Boulay Contracts on up to fifteen Jamie’s Italian restaurants around the country including sites in Oxford, Cambridge, Westfield, Kent and Brighton. The extent of the company’s work varies at each of the sites but has seen Ideal Glass & Glazing produce many handmade glass works for screens, antique mirrors, bar areas and wine storage units. Ideal Glass & Glazing Financial Director, Emma Weaver, said: “With over 16 years of glazing experience, our range of knowledge consists of commercial subcontracting and bespoke domestic installations. “We pride ourselves in providing a personal bespoke service direct to all our clients with professional advice and a reliable turnaround.” ROMA PUBLICATIONS 19 N o r th We s t Sellafield makes changes for the future Sellafield Ltd is responsible for safely delivering decommissioning, reprocessing and nuclear waste management on behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. The company has the largest concentration of nuclear expertise in Europe, boasting over 50 years of experience. One of the recent projects at their Cumbria site is Evaporator D, a new Highly Active (HA) Liquid Evaporator that will provide additional evaporator capacity to support the existing evaporators. Highly active evaporators play a vital role in the delivery of reprocessing and hazard reduction missions across the Sellafield site. The Evaporator D building comprises 11 prefrabicated modules, the sizes of which range from 60 to 500 tonnes. In total, the building will incorporate over 22,000 metres of pipework and more than 500 plant items. In order to provide services to the new Evaporator D building, a 1600mÂ˛ development has been constructed on the site. The development will incorporate a compressed air plant, switchroom and diesel generator along with cooling towers and substations. Designed to minimise the impact on road and rail access in the area, the development will be linked by a high level pipe bridge over one of the main Sellafield site roads. Another welcome addition is the Separation Area Ventilation (SAV) project, which will see the demolition and replacement of two ageing stacks with a long term facility to support future decommissioning. Construction of the new discharge facility began in early 2010 and when complete the facility will comprise a 120-metre high stack with an associated plant room, monitoring room and 20 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION substation. The three-storey plant room will house the fans, additional filtration and the control room. Located away from the main processing areas of the site, the facility will be connected to the various donor plants via new ductwork runs and pipe bridges. The main design-build contractor is Doosan Babcock, whilst subcontracts have been awarded to Kier Construction, Balfour Kilpatrick, Jacobs Engineering, Bierrum International, Shepley Engineers and Senior Hargreaves. Warrington Wolves pride themselves on their loyal fan base. Warrington Wolves bite back An exciting project to construct two new quadrants for the Warrington Wolves East Stand has reached completion. The Halliwell Jones Stadium opened nine years ago and has since become the template stadium for all other clubs and stadia developments. Under the project, both corners of the Martin Dawes (East) Stand have been extended in order to increase the stadium capacity by 2,000 to a total of 15,000. Further facilities include additional seating and standing areas, along with services in the concourse food kiosks and bars. The £1.3 million project began in August 2011 and was completed in February 2011. Main contractor for this exciting scheme was JLJ-Group Ltd and the architect was Jenkins Design Services. Warrington Wolves pride themselves on their loyal fan base and the expansion of the stadium is a direct result of regular attendance and an annual increase in the sales of shirts and season tickets. The expansion of the stadium will not only benefit the loyal Warrington Wolves supporters, but the borough-wide community too. Increasing the capacity of the stadium from 13,000 to 15,000 has widened the opportunities for potential usage, whilst the town of Warrington will be hosting matches and a team training camp in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. The stadium expansion follows many other developments over the years, including the creation of additional corporate boxes within the main stand for the 2010/11 season. Keith Newman, Engineering Manager for JLJ-Group, said: “This has been a very demanding project. Challenges included working with difficult ground conditions in a restricted space that was within close proximity to roads and pedestrians. There was also the additional pressure of having to stage several Super League games during the construction phase without compromising the safety, access and revenue of the stadium. “However, all challenges were overcome and the project was delivered successfully.” ROMA PUBLICATIONS 21 A re N o rath E a s t & Yo r ks h i re Bradford’s City Park arrives The UK’s largest city centre water feature has been unveiled in Bradford as part of Bradford City Council’s plans to regenerate the city. The landmark project is part of the City Park development and is set to become a talking point for residents and visitors to the city. Officially opened in March 2012, City Park is a 2.4ha area of public space that has been constructed in front of the Grade I listed, 19th century City Hall. City Park comprises a 4,000 sq m reflective mirror pool with a stunning water fountain, three reconstituted stone sculptures and two pieces of public art that have been designed to look like steel reeds and rushes. The water feature was designed to provide an architectural connection to Bradford’s industrial history and contains the country’s tallest urban fountain, which can sprout water up to a height of 100 ft. A hardwood boardwalk with a width of 4 metres surrounds the pool and will allow brave Bradford residents the opportunity to dip their feet in the water during the warmer months. New lighting will ensure that City Park looks just as stunning after dark, whilst sustainable features such as rainwater capture have also been incorporated. A bus canopy and an earth-covered pavilion have also been constructed, with the pavilion comprising an office for onsite staff, a control room, public toilets and a fountain plant room. Birse Civils was the main contractor, whilst Gillespies was the lead consultant and landscape architect and Sturgeon North Architects was the building architect. Arup provided civil, structural, geotechnical and M&E services. Gillespies Company Partner, Tom Walker, said: “We designed City Park as a beautiful public space with water at its heart. Water was the engine for the success of Bradford during the industrial revolution and we are confident that water will once again act as the catalyst for the regeneration of the city over the next decade. 22 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION “This new centrepiece for Bradford acts as a pivotal focal point and gives Bradford a new postcard identity with the unique dynamic mirror pool and high quality landscape. Its magnificent grand public spaces promise to delight both local people and visitors.” Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration and Economy, David Green, added: “City Park promises to bring great long-term benefits to the city and the Bradford district as a whole. It provides a brilliant place for people to relax, meet friends or family or enjoy a breath of fresh air within the city and will also be capable of hosting large and small-scale events. “In creating such high-quality public space we aim to make the area more attractive to visitors, residents and businesses. City Park has been designed to act as a magnet for inward investment and forms a key part of our ongoing work to support the city centre economy.” ROMA PUBLICATIONS 23 N o r th E a s t & Yo r ks h i re Jo Brand opens new Emergency Care Centre The new Emergency Care Centre at South Tyneside District Hospital is set to enhance the emergency care patient experience and redesign, integrate and streamline the patient pathway. Completed in January 2012, the £8 million centre was designed by Dunwoodie Architecture and Design and constructed by Robertson Construction (North East). The new centre boasts an Accident & Emergency department, an Emergency Assessment Unit and paediatric assessment rooms. Award-winning comedian, writer and actor Jo Brand officially opened the new Emergency Care Centre on 20th January 2012. Jo Brand worked as an NHS psychiatric nurse for ten years before becoming a household name and told staff how impressed she was with the new facilities, particularly with regards to how the needs of the staff and patients had been carefully taken into consideration. Lorraine Lambert, Chief Executive of South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The completion of the project achieves our ambition of bringing all of our emergency care services together to provide fully integrated care in a patient-friendly atmosphere with modern and efficient facilities. The new areas are equipped with the very latest technology, which will enable us to offer our local community the best possible care.” Chairman of the South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust, Peter Davidson, added: “We are very proud of our new Emergency Care Centre. Bringing all of our emergency care facilities together and integrating them allows real improvements in the delivery of care to our patients.” Comprising approximately 2000 square metres of space, the single-storey development features aluminium curtain walling and render for the external finish with Marmoleum flooring, British Gypsum Glasroc Rigidur walls, Leaderflush doors, radiant heating panels and integrated plumbing services all enhancing the ability to maintain high levels of cleanliness and minimising any infection risk. As part of this prestigious project, the manufacture and fitting of the blinds, curtains, cubicle track and window film was entrusted to Solo Blinds Contract Division, a regular member of Robertson’s supply chain. An existing entrance to the outpatient department was remodelled and all external works were redesigned in order to form a patient safety zone and an efficient ambulance drop-off area. In addition, new canopies and seating areas were installed along the new facade, whilst the entire infrastructure was considered and a one-way system was implemented. 24 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION Derek Shepherd, Dunwoodie Architecture and Design, commented: “The project was a success due to the ambition and commitment of the NHS to providing a service and building that exceeds the guidance already produced by the NHS. This ambition was shared by the design team and the exceptional design solution was recognised by an experienced and committed contractor.” The first stage of the development opened to the public in December 2010 and comprised 10 assessment rooms with state-of-the-art facilities for emergency adult patients. Further facilities included a dedicated emergency paediatric care area with five specialist assessment rooms, three beds and a specialist paediatric resuscitation area. In November 2011, an Emergency Admissions Unit and a major injuries department opened to patients. This department will facilitate the assessment of patients who need to be evaluated over a longer period of time or who may require later admission. Once assessment is complete, patients will be directed to the appropriate ward. Construction News Andy McLeod, North East Managing Director for Robertson Construction, said: “Robertson Construction is delighted to be part of the team that has delivered this fantastic new assessment centre within the Emergency Care Centre at South Tyneside District Hospital. Working closely with the Trust, their advisors and hospital staff, we have managed to complete the project with minimal disruption to the current care provided by the original treatment facilities. Patients can now enjoy an integrated Emergency Care Centre.” Call our news team on 01706 719972 Work continues at Diana Princess of Wales Hospital Phase Two of the Relocation of Services project at the Diana Princess of Wales Hospital is now underway. Work on the second phase began in February 2012, following the successful completion of Phase One in January 2012. Phase One involved the relocation of the oncology ward to an unused area of the hospital and Phase Two will now see a number of additional wards relocated to the same site. The £3 million scheme comprises the relocation of the oncology, rheumatology and haematology wards, along with the construction of outpatient, inpatient and day-case facilities at the hospital. All of the new wards are being constructed to modernise and increase the size of the existing facilities. Redevelopment work is largely taking place on the ground floor of the hospital and will include extensions on the southern facade to house en-suite accommodation. A major internal courtyard extension is also being constructed in order to form oncology day-case suites. Additional work will update the plant works on the roof. Whilst this is taking place a number of small interconnecting works will run through the first floor, where facilities shall remain open and fully operational. As part of Phase Two, an existing entrance to the oncology ward will also be fitted with a new glazed canopy and DDA power assisted doors. Lindum Group Ltd is the main contractor on the project, whilst Globe Architects is the lead consultant and architect. The mechanical and electrical consultant is Pick Everard and the structural consultant is Capita Plc. Globe Architects Managing Director, Andrew Ledbetter, said: “We’ve enjoyed a long and valued relationship with Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and we’re pleased to see it continue with this latest development at the Diana Princess of Wales Hospital. “We’ve worked on a number of projects at www.romauk.net this hospital, including the specialist MRI CT unit, the emergency care centre, the orthopaedic unit, the child development centre and a number of ward refurbishments. “We enjoy working here and we understand the clinical standards that Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust are aiming to achieve. We work towards creating a balance between a functioning clinical environment and one that is comfortable for patients.” Phase Two is scheduled for completion in July 2012. Grenfell Club opens its doors A brand new purpose-built community centre has opened its doors in Redcar. The Grenfell Club on Grant Street opened in March 2012 and has replaced a former club building that was no longer able to accommodate its members. The new £675,000 community centre boasts improved access for disabled visitors and exciting facilities such as a large multipurpose hall and a coffee bar. Work began on the 12-month project in February 2011, with Willmott Dixon Construction as the main contractor and Plus 3 Architecture as the architect. The two-storey Grenfell Club has been constructed on the site of a former town car park and is a timber frame construction with brick walls, rain screen cladding, aluminium powder coated windows and a single-ply roof. Comprising around 450 square metres of space, the building features an L-shaped design and faces a south-westerly direction. On the ground floor, the club boasts a large multipurpose hall and coffee bar, multisensory rooms, offices, a kitchen and a toilet block. Additional facilities include a wet room with special hoists for wheelchair users. In order to facilitate the physical activities taking place within the club, vinyl flooring has been installed throughout the ground floor. The front doors of the main hall also open up onto the garden, offering the opportunity of outdoor activities in the summer. Club members will notice a clear distinction between the recROMA PUBLICATIONS 25 N o r th E a s t & Yo r ks h i re reational use of the ground floor and the educational purpose of the first floor. The first floor is fully carpeted and features an additional hall, a games room and WC facilities along with storage space, a meeting room and an office. One of the key reasons for constructing the new club was to make the facilities more accessible for disabled members. As a result, a glass platform lift was installed to offer access to both floors. Special hold-open devices have also been fitted to the doors in order to ensure that they can be kept open with ease. At the front of the club is an onsite garden that is surrounded by block paving and a fence. Planting has been kept to a minimum so that the garden is a blank canvas for club members to shape as they see fit. Plus 3 Architecture Architect, Matthew Glen, said: “We visited the original club during the early consultation period of this project and were quite surprised to see how popular 26 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION it was with local residents. However as the building was constructed in the 1970s it was no longer able to meet the requirements of its members. “The new Grenfell Club is a world apart from the previous building and has been designed to provide the best possible facilities for members. This includes a more flexible approach to the usage so that different areas can be opened up and then rented out to generate additional income for the club. “We’ve really enjoyed being involved with this project and now that the club is open it will make a huge difference for the community of Redcar. The building is even being put forward for the RIBA regional awards.” Now that the project is complete, the former Grenfell Club building has closed and will be demolished. An official opening ceremony for the new club will take place in April 2012. New venture for Newlands Work is currently underway on a brand new business park in the Eccleshill area of Bradford. Inspire Bradford Business Park is a £4 million commercial property that is currently under development on a Brownfield site close to Eccleshill Community Hospital in East Bradford. The business park comprises 14 fully serviced offices and 14 unique and flexible work spaces housed within two buildings that cover a combined area of 2,787 square metres. Facilities will include an onsite cafe, childcare facilities and a digital media suite. Inspire Bradford Business Park is located close to the M62, M1 and Leeds Bradford International Airport and will provide Bradford with some of the highest specification commercial properties in the area. Work began in August 2011 when the first straw bale wall panels were installed on the site. In total, over 4,000 traditional straw bales have been used to form the prefabricated wall panels for the buildings. Stainforth Construction is the main contractor for the project, whilst Waller & Partners Ltd are the architects. The development is expected to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ due to the incorporation of a number of sustainable features. This includes a ground-source heat pump, photovoltaic cells in the roof and a rainwater catchment reservoir that will supply lavatories and plants with water. The building will also be fitted with carpets and wooden fittings that are constructed from recycled materials. Once complete, Inspire Bradford Business Park will be owned and managed by the Newlands Community Association (NCA), a community-based organisation that provides a range of training, education and care services in Bradford. NCA Chief Executive, Tony Holdich, said: “The installation of the straw bale wall panels is a major part of the construction process and to actually see the panels being put in place is very exciting. Once installation of the panels is complete, we’ll be one step closer to completion and potential tenants and members of the local community will be able to see for themselves how impressive the business park is going to be.” “By redefining what a business park is, we are implementing a blueprint for commerce and the community to coexist, promoting enterprise from both.” Stainforth Construction Stainforth Construction has an impressive wealth of experience in the construction industry that has been amassed from working within various industry sectors since 1991. Their portfolio includes buildings in the sport and leisure industry, along with work completed in the commercial and industrial sectors. For the past 21 years, Stainforth Construction has built longterm relationships with their clients, taking into account their individual needs and requirements and recognising the need to complete contracts on time. ROMA PUBLICATIONS 27 Midlands & East Anglia Children’s needs are top priority for exciting new school The new Carlton Digby School in Mapperly, Nottingham, will cater for a range of very special children when it opens for the start of the autumn term in September 2012. Designed by Nottinghamshire County Council, the new purpose-built school building will cater for pupils from the ages of three to nineteen, all of whom have profound or multiple learning difficulties. The project has been fully funded by the Nottinghamshire County Council capital programme and replaces the existing school on the site. Willmott Dixon Construction is the main contractor for the £8.2 million project, which began onsite in July 2011. The building has been designed in consultation with urban design specialists, highways teams, Crime Prevention Force Liaison Officers and a Disabled Access Officer. Many of the pupils at Carlton Digby have severe physical disabilities and the new building subsequently had to cater for this. Covering 3353 square metres of space over three floors, the school is a steel-frame building with a single ply roof, aluminium windows and external doors. The building also features timber internal doors, glazed curtain walling and wood effect weathertight aluminium panelling. In addition to the classrooms, staffroom, administration and meeting space, the new school also boasts a range of exciting facilities. These include a hydrotherapy pool with changing facilities, specialist physiotherapy and treatment rooms, an immersive technology (sensory) room and a soft play area. Further facilities include a library, learning pods, accessible WCs and informal seating areas. 28 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION In order to make the building accessible, specialist areas have been carefully planned and located, whilst two passenger lifts have been installed to accommodate all of the relevant mobility equipment. The school has been designed to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’ and as a result celebrates a wide variety of sustainable features. Increased levels of insulation and air-tightness have minimised thermal transmission, whilst natural daylight and ventilation have been maximised in order to reduce energy costs. Existing school equipment has also been recycled where possible, which has been complemented by an impressive building management system and centralised metering. Moreover, the school has incorporated the extensive use of photovoltaic cells and the use of high efficiency equipment and low energy dimmable daylight linked lighting using PIR sensors. A sustainable drainage system will also attenuate the outflow of surface water. Despite a number of days lost over the winter period due to freezing temperatures and high winds, the project is currently on programme and is due to be handed over in July 2012. In consultation with Willmott Dixon Construction, Nottinghamshire County Council has been able to accelerate certain elements of the build in order to make up for the time lost. Once the new school becomes operational in September 2012, the existing school will be demolished and external works will commence. Landscaping will include a habitat area, external covered learning zones, sensory gardens and a general play area. In addition, there will be a hard-court sports area and a 3G all-weather sports pitch. This phase of the project is scheduled for completion in December 2012. Stuart Risk, Project Manager for Nottinghamshire County Construction News Council, said: “The site lies within a heavily residential area, which presented numerous challenges at the planning stage. Although some objections remained, a vast majority were addressed by close consultation with the local residents. “One of the biggest challenges in this area is traffic congestion as a result of the school’s proximity to two other infant/junior schools. Most of the pupils at Carlton Digby arrive by specialist minibus transport, but the present lack of parking space means that the minibuses have to queue up outside the school to pick up or drop off children. The new scheme enables all of the minibuses to park on site, thus reducing congestion on the main road at peak times. “A couple of short-term road closures were required in order to facilitate service connections, however these have been undertaken during school holidays and in close consultation with the local residents.” Call our news team on 01706 719972 Jeavons Wood Primary School The new Jeavons Wood Primary School in Great Cambourne will provide 420 new places when it opens for the autumn term in September 2012. Constructed around an area of stunning woodland, the steel-frame school features masonry walls with brick work, render and cedar cladding. The school is spread over one storey and comprises around 2750 square metres of space, which has in turn incorporated 14 classrooms, community facilities and a children’s centre. Sustainable features include a ground source heat pump that will facilitate underfloor heating and the replanting of any trees cut down during the construction phase. Additional features that have been proposed include a new hall, activity room and a large atrium area that can be tailored to suit a range of facilities such as a library or an ICT area. The space may also be used for activities, assemblies, performances and exhibition space or be utilised as an alternative learning environment. Main contractor for the project is Kier Eastern and the architect is Mouchel. The £6.4 million project began in June 2011 and has been funded by Cambridgeshire County Council. In order to allow the construction phase to commence, a temporary 180-place primary school was erected on a nearby site. The temporary school has incorporated an innovative timber flat-pack prefabricated design and Mouchel was able to deliver the four new classrooms in just 26 weeks. This in turn has significantly reduced the amount of construction waste and vehicle issues associated with traditional design and build projects. Mirjana Corovic, Mouchel, said: www.romauk.net “This has been an extremely challenging project and it has been a long journey for all of us. However everyone – including the client, developers and contractors – has worked as a team from day one. “Challenges have included retaining the majority of the existing trees and the creation of alternative construction access points, both of which have been dealt with successfully. “As a result of the great progress, we are confident that the project will be finished in time for children to move in for the new school year. It has been a pleasure to be part of this project, which will bring over four hundred primary school places to Eastgate.” The Broadway Hotel is on to a winner A substantial project to upgrade the award-winning The Broadway Hotel will be completed in time to open for the Cheltenham races on March 12th 2012. Located in the charming village of Broadway, the hotel nestles beneath the Worcestershire hills of the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds is the largest of forty Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England and Wales and is admired by people from all over the world for its quintessential English beauty. A striking building of half stone and half timber, The Broadway Hotel overlooks the village green. In the sixteenth century, the building served as a rural retreat for the Abbots of Pershore and has continued to provide excellent service ever since. In 2010, The Broadway Hotel was awarded a GOLD award in the ‘Small Hotel of the Year’ category of the Heart of England Excellence in Tourism Awards. The refurbishment and new-build project began in October 2011 and will see the construction of a large feature atrium with a glass dome, along with the relocation of existing services within the hotel. Main contractor for the project is DA Cook (Builders) Ltd and the architect is Barrington Payne. ROMA PUBLICATIONS 29 Midlands & East Anglia As a result of the project, the structural layout of the ground floor of the hotel has been completely altered. The existing The Jockey Bar has been relocated to the site of the former restaurant and when opened in March will be renamed The Broadway Country Bar. In turn, the old bar has been converted into a lounge area where people can eat and relax. In order to accommodate the larger bar and restaurant areas, a conservatory and small seating area have been demolished and incorporated into the new build. In addition to the refurbishment of the ground floor, the bedrooms will also be upgraded in order to ensure a comfortable and high-quality stay for guests. Further facilities to the rear of the building will include a new reception area for checking in guests and male, female and disabled toilets. One of the most important aspects of the project is the atrium, which has been constructed inside the internal courtyard. Comprising two floors, the atrium has incorporated two new bespoke kitchens, a staffroom and a cellar. In order to respect the traditional style of the hotel, upgrades to the exterior of the building have been kept to a minimum and have included unobtrusive measures such as painting the windows. Paul Davis, Operations Director at The Broadway Hotel, said: “This project will bring something very different to Broadway, along with providing additional benefits for the village. By increasing the capacity of the hotel and offering a unique experience for visitors, it is hoped that we will be able to attract more people to the area. “The atrium will be a stand-out feature, whilst the new interior of the hotel may also surprise visitors. The materials selected – from the chairs and wallpaper to the colour scheme – are contrary to what people may be expecting, and are certainly different to what we have had previously. “This has been an exciting project for us and there has been a lot of local interest so far.” For more information on The Broadway Hotel, visit www. cotswold-inns-hotels.co.uk Prestigious hotel and restaurant open in Birmingham A brand new luxury four-star Hotel Indigo and skyline Marco Pierre White restaurant have opened at The Cube in the heart of Birmingham. The exciting £13 million project began on the Commercial Street site on 4th January 2011 and works included the construction and fit-out of the 300-seat restaurant and 52-bedroom luxury hotel. In addition, a health club and spa have been built on the ground floor of The Cube. Sanguine Hospitality will operate both the hotel and the restaurant, whilst their in-house construction company Denizen Contracts LLP has been responsible for the fit-out. DBK Partners LLP was the project manager and was appointed to provide funding and development monitoring services. Sanguine Hospitality Managing Director, Nick Taplin, said: “The scale of our investment and the calibre of venues we are bringing to Birmingham aim to provide a defining shift in how people spend their free time. I was astounded to discover that Birmingham did not already have a sky bar or rooftop restaurant, given the range of magnificent buildings in the city. “We have definitely redressed this now.” Hotel Indigo is a boutique brand by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) that combines the intimacy of a boutique hotel with the flexibility of a major hotel brand. The vibrant design of its bedrooms reflects the geometric exterior of The Cube, with the themed decoration depicting vivid images of cubes, mosaics, 30 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION square patterns and bold colours. Located on the 23rd and 24th floors of The Cube, the boutique Hotel Indigo boasts 52 bedrooms, including Executive, Deluxe and Feature rooms. Each of the exclusive Feature suites are fitted with a balcony, whilst all of the rooms boast Cloud 9 beds, flatscreen LCD satellite televisions, iPod docking stations, air conditioning and complimentary mini-bars and wireless facilities. Another exciting facility is a luxury salon operated by celebrity hair stylist, Adee Phelan. General Manager, Mark Nesbitt, said: “The level of demand has been astonishing. When I came here I thought the venues would be popular addition to The Cube, but we have actually created a new destination. This is very much the place to be.” Marco Pierre White Steak House Bar & Grill is situated at the top of The Cube on the 25th floor and offers 360 degree views of the city. The restaurant features a private dining room, an open-air terrace and a Laurent Perrier Champagne bar. Described as “the ultimate experience”, Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill is now the focal point of The Cube and brings Marco’s concept of ‘affordable glamour’ to Birmingham. The chef has worked with Sanguine Hospitality since 2009 and the collaboration has produced four Steakhouse Bar & Grills, with a fifth scheduled to open in Newcastle in the May of this year. A glitzy event to celebrate the opening of the hotel and restaurant took place on 12th January 2012. Hosted by Marco Pierre White, the event boasted a number of celebrity names on the guest list. Marco Pierre White said: “I always enjoy hosting these kinds of events as it’s a great opportunity to meet local foodies and restaurant-goers. It’s also a good way of gauging feedback about the venue.” The final phase of the project comprised the construction of the health club and spa, which opened on 1st January 2012. Although it is an exclusive members-only club, the facility is also accessible to Hotel Indigo guests. The club houses a gymnasium that boasts three fitness studios, a large functional training zone, an 8 metre climbing wall and a dance studio. Additional features include UPTV driven machines, Vibration Training and assorted TechnoGym equipment. Personal training and personal fitness programmes will be available, whilst members will be granted internet access and complimentary beverages and energy drinks. The spa comprises ten treatment rooms, including thermal rooms, mud and salt rooms and a vitality pool, bio sauna, spray tan booth and steam room. In addition, guests may enjoy the Laurent Perrier champagne nail bar or the wooden Kelo sauna. The Cube Director, Neil Edington, said: “All three elements bring a huge boost to the city - both for its residents and for tourists visiting the Midlands - and we’ve really looked forward to watching it take shape right here in the heart of Birmingham.” “The Cube has already made a name for itself as an iconic building and landmark destination at the heart of Birmingham, as over the past 12 months our vision for this unique venue has come to life.” The Cube is a 25-storey mixed-use building that was designed by architect Ken Shuttleworth of Make Architects and opened on 1st December 2011. It is situated within the Westside district of Birmingham, alongside The Mailbox. The development is situated within close proximity of the M5 and M6 motorways and includes offices, cafes, retail outlets and a car park, along with the new rooftop restaurant, health club and hotel. The striking design includes a glass-clad roof that was constructed using 666 panels. The Highways Agency was the first tenant to take residence at The Cube, acquiring commercial office space for 3,000 staff. The Cube also boasts nine floors of residential apartments. Construction News Call our news team on 01706 719972 Exclusive studio apartments for Nottingham students An exciting conversion and new build project will create 98 state-ofthe-art studio apartments at 116-120 Talbot Street. The scope of the project includes the refurbishment of an existing Georgian house which has been completely transformed in order to provide ten self-contained postgraduate studio apartments, all of which are en suite. External works have included the cleaning of the brick face façade and the replacement of the existing windows with Georgian timber double-glazed windows that comply with the current insulation regulations. All external materials have been retained and upgraded, including the existing slate roof. The new-build element of the scheme has seen the construction of a modern development that comprises three wings of six, four and two storeys. Boasting an impressive 88 studios, the new building will incorporate a range of sustainable features, including rainwater harvesting for the en-suite toilets, solar panels to provide hot water and photovoltaic cells to generate electricity. An additional facility is the laundrette, which is located on the ground floor. An interesting aspect of the design is an innovative louvre system that will provide shade and protection from overheating, whilst also minimising the effect of noise created by the surrounding streets. The louvres are set in random arrangements, which has in turn created a striking architectural design. A two-storey link connects the six and four-storey sections together. The link features vertical planting, which is intended to mimic the large park located behind the development whilst providing an additional green space. KKE Architects Ltd designed the building and the main contractor for the project is GB Building Solutions. Director of KKE Architects, Jorge Eguiguren commented: “This project involved a long planning process working closely with the Nottingham City Planners who were keen to see a landmark building in the centre of the city. The project is progressing well and GB Building Solutions Limited are doing an excellent job. www.romauk.net “The developers, Romiga Studios, have played an extremely important role in the development of the building. It has been extremely satisfying to work with a developer who is committed to the provision of high quality accommodation for students.” About KKE Architects KKE Architects is an award-winning, Worcesterbased practice specialising in health, education and landscape design. We pride ourselves on a thoughtful, listening approach to clients and their challenges and on the creation of bespoke, innovative designs which are sensitive to location, environment and the needs of the project’s end users. www.kkearchitects.co.uk / Twitter: @ KKEarchitects ROMA PUBLICATIONS 31 Midlands & East Anglia Out with the old and in with the new A huge refurbishment project has transformed a derelict building in Great Yarmouth into the state-of-the-art Phoenix House primary and community healthcare centre. R.G Carter was the main contractor and Chaplin Farrant was the architect for the project, which was completed in September 2011. Unfortunately the earlier 19th century school house building on the site was destroyed in a fire in 1999, leaving a substantial external shell. This had become overgrown with vegetation over the following decade and the building therefore needed to be completely cleared of this and extensive fire-damaged materials before construction could commence. Once the building had been cleared, an extra storey was built on top and a new roof was installed. Although no landscaping has taken place given the close proximity of a large public car park, the development does feature a small courtyard with planters and bird boxes. In order to achieve the required BREEAM standard, an extensive programme of ecology research was carried out and the centre has also incorporated sustainable features such as photovoltaic cells on the roof. Now operating as a fully functional primary healthcare centre, the development also features a walk-in facility that offers care from 8am to 8pm every day of the week, including Christmas Day. Gitte Kjeldsen Highland, Chaplin Farrant, said: “This was a challenging project as we had to respect the traditional style of the existing building whilst updating it in order to facilitate the change in use. We therefore tried to replicate some of the original features, such as the sash windows, whilst adhering to modern requirements like insulation levels. “Making sure that the building was structurally sound was an initial priority, particularly as it had fallen into such a state of disrepair. The building is also in a conservation area, so we had to make sure that it sat well within the existing surroundings. “A particularly interesting aspect for us is the way in which we have been able to integrate a modern building within a traditional build. We ultimately chose not to follow the more common method of simply modernising an existing building and have instead combined the two eras. “In general, the project progressed very well. There are always 32 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION snags and the unexpected when working on a building but a collective team effort ensured that all challenges were overcome. “This was a fun project to have been involved with and it was very exciting to see the finished building. Phoenix House will help to bring that part of Yarmouth back to life whilst serving an important community purpose.” S o u th We s t Weston College transformation is a work of art The Hans Price building on the Weston College campus has been transformed into a 21st century conference and function facility. The building was named after Hans Price (1835-1912), a notable architect who was responsible for much of the development of Weston-super-Mare during the Victorian era. Unfortunately over the years the building had fallen into disrepair and was in need of a complete refurbishment in order to meet the needs of a new generation of students. Work began on site in April 2011 and the intensive refurbishment programme was completed in the December. Main contractor for the project was Bray & Slaughter and the architects were Arturus Architects. Work included the complete internal strip-out of building and the change in layout from many small rooms to large spacious rooms that may now be used for a range of conferences and functions. In addition, new floors were installed and all M&E services were replaced. Linda Burlison, Weston College, said: “This is a Grade II listed building and as a result, it was important that the refurbishment was sympathetic to the original design. “Although the interior has been transformed from a very old fashioned space into a modern area, we’ve kept as many original features as possible and incorporated them into the new design. We have restored the stonework and tiling and have retained the impressive stone pillars and archways, along with the woodwork, roof beams and window handles. “The project progressed well and everyone is very pleased with what has been achieved. There are always some surprises when working with a listed building, but it has certainly made it interesting.” Bray & Slaughter enjoy a strong working relationship with Weston College and their completion of the Hans Price development builds on the work they have recently completed on the South West Skills and Knightstone campuses. The company organised a student site visit during the project and were one of the sponsors of the annual Weston College Celebration of Success student awards evening in January 2012. Weston College has been an important part of the local community for more than 150 years and is now one of the top performing colleges in the region. The College celebrates significant success rates, with examination achievement rates at 99.8% for A Level and 100% for vocational courses. Ofsted has praised the exceptional attainment of the College and has recognised the high quality teaching and state-of-the-art resources. ROMA PUBLICATIONS 33 Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t Velocity remains on track A brand new office development is currently under construction on a site adjacent to the former Brooklands motor racing circuit in Surrey. The Velocity project is being developed by Exton Estates Limited and comprises the construction of two five-storey office buildings that will provide around 105,000 sq ft of net lettable area (NLA). The project is taking shape on the Brooklands estate in Weybridge, which was previously the home of the famous Brooklands race track. The estate is owned by German car manufacturer Dalmer Chrysler and incorporates MercedesBenz World and the Brooklands Museum in addition to a number of new developments. VolkerFitzpatrick is the main contractor for the £15.3 million project, whilst ESA is the architect and Kevin Griffiths of Gleeds is the project manager. Construction began in September 2011 with funding provided by leading fund manager Rockspring Property Investment Managers LLP. Work completed so far includes the construction of reinforced concrete frames for each of the buildings, along with the steelwork for the plant and flat roof structure. First-fix mechanical works have now commenced, along with the construction of the car park and the bridge feature at the site entrance. Once work is complete, the office buildings will feature curtain walling and a rainscreen façade, along with a glazed atrium that spans the height of the building. A brise soleil stretching the length of both buildings will also be added to the front reception areas. The brise soleil will provide shade to each building whilst at the same time giving the impression that the two buildings form one large office block. Interestingly the architect has chosen the colour silver for the curtain walling and brise soliel as a direct reference to the history of the site, in particular the Napier Railton race car which holds the all-time race lap record. The buildings have been designed to be clean, contemporary and dynamic with a visually striking shape. The highly visible raking front elevations have been developed to give the buildings a strong sense of identity and relate to the idea of speed, movement and technological innovation. Although this design is structurally challenging, it does allow for additional flooring on the upper storeys. All efforts have been made to ensure the buildings are as energy efficient and environmentally friendly as possible, with the development expected to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’. Sustainable features include rainwater harvesting tanks that will be used for washroom facilities and external watering, as well as the incorporation of photovoltaic panels across the 34 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION roof. The building will also be thermally efficient and lighting systems will include automatic dimming linked to daylight sensors, Passive Infrared Sensor lighting controls (PIR) and LED lighting in key areas. Electric car charging points are also being provided in the car park along with substantial bike storage to promote green travel options. A car park will also be constructed and will house a storm water retention system to store excess rainfall. This feature will be installed beneath the car park and will provide a cost-effective method for water retention. The car park will be constructed using a mixture of tarmac and permeable block paving to allow water to soak through with ease. Additional work will include extensive landscaping around the site to include trees, plants and sustainable shrubs. As the project is being built on a former motor racing circuit, various parts of the track are being retained by English Heritage for their historic significance. Immediately behind the office site is an original section of the race circuit, which is a listed ancient monument. In order to work around the designated areas of preservation, a rear entrance to the estate provides access for site traffic and specialist track-way systems have been installed to preserve the ancient track beneath. Considerations have also been taken into account for a hotel that sits adjacent to the development. Construction crews are liaising with hotel staff in order to reduce any unnecessary disturbances, with noisy work being conducted between set timeframes. Work on the Velocity project is on schedule and external elevations are currently being constructed to make the building watertight. First-fix brackets are being attached for cladding and glazing to be installed, whilst steel work is being installed on the fourth floor for plant rooms and the roof of the upper-storey office areas. Once the main structure and elevations are complete, the next stage of construction will be conducted on a floor-by-floor basis to provide services and finishes for floors and ceilings. Gleeds Project Manager, Kevin Griffiths, said: “In the current market finding clients that are involved in speculative developments are few and far between, so it’s a good to be involved with a project like Velocity where we have a good working relationship with Exton Estates Limited and their funders, Rockspring PIM. “This project has a confident client who is satisfied that the end result will be provided on time, and that is very satisfying to know.” The Velocity project is scheduled for completion in September 2012. Connecting the capital through Crossrail Crossrail Limited (CRL) is a subsidiary of Transport for London and is responsible for delivering the Crossrail project, which is Europe’s largest civil engineering tunnel project. The company was set up in 2001 to develop vital commuter links for people and businesses across the southeast and supports regeneration projects throughout the region. Crossrail is CRL’s most significant project since the Jubilee Line Extension and Channel Tunnel Rail Link and will see new Crossrail stations built along the central route of Paddington, Tottenham Court Road, Bond Street, Farringdon, Whitechapel, Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf. The stations will link routes from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east. The UK’s leading architects and engineers have worked on the design stages of the new Crossrail stations, with each stage promising a distinctive style that has taken inspiration from the local area. Additional architectural components will also be included throughout the tunnels and platforms in order to ensure that each station retains an individual identity throughout. As part of the project, station platforms will be constructed to cater for the 200m-long trains that will operate from the stations. Provision for future platform extensions will also be provided, enabling the Crossrail stations to cater for larger trains as the number of passengers using the service increases. Between Paddington and Whitechapel, up to 24 trains per hour will operate during peak periods. It is predicted that the new route will increase the travel capacity of the capital by 10%. Once completed, an additional 1.5 million people will be within 45 minutes commuting distance of London’s key business areas. Tunnelling is due to commence in March 2012 and it is estimated that a total of 21 kilometres of twin-bore tunnel will be constructed under London. The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “This crucial pro- ROMA PUBLICATIONS 35 ject that I fought for will be of huge importance to the future of our city and these contracts will provide an immediate boost to employment in the UK.” Crossrail’s central section will be delivered in 2018 and a phased introduction of services along the Crossrail route will follow. It is expected that the Crossrail project will generate up to 14,000 jobs between 2013 and 2015. In addition to the Crossrail project, the Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy (TUCA) has been established in order to provide training for approximately 3,500 people throughout the lifetime of the project. TUCA opened its doors in early 2012 and as well as providing a number of vocational training courses, one of its first courses will focus on the Tunnel Safety Card. This is a vital training course required for anyone working below ground on the Crossrail project. Boris Johnson said: “I am a huge supporter of the aims of this academy and I am thrilled that it is now enrolling its first students. At the height of construction many thousands of people will be working on Crossrail, so our new academy in east London will be a vital resource. Crossrail is working closely with job centres along the route to ensure that as many local people as possible are able to learn the skills necessary to play a part in the largest construction project in the southeast for 50 years.” Rail Minister, Theresa Villiers, added: “Investing in this Academy further emphasises the government’s commitment to rebalancing our economy and promoting the skills our young people need to help Britain compete in the world. “This academy’s legacy will be a new generation of specialists able to help deliver important infrastructure projects to support growth here and anywhere across the globe.” Students attending TUCA will include first time entrants to the industry as well as existing Crossrail contractors. In addition to teaching new skills to the next generation of industry workers, those already experienced in specific practices and procedures will be able to gain nationally recognised accreditations and NVQs alongside other training programmes. The academy is valued at £13 million and is one of only two dedicated training facilities in Europe, with the other academy based in Switzerland. Liverpool Street and Whitechapel Located below London Underground’s existing Liverpool Street and Moorgate station, Liverpool Street Station will soon serve London’s major financial centre – the City of London. Once the project is complete, the station will provide interchanges for Northern, Central, Circle, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City lines. In addition, there will be connections to Stansted airport and links to National Rail services. A new ticket hall will be constructed in order to provide stepfree access from street level to Crossrail platforms, whilst a stairway will also be constructed directly beneath an existing escalator adjacent to the Northern Line. As a result of this, a connection will be provided between Crossrail and the Northern Line at Moorgate. Other improvements include a replacement Communications Equipment Room, a new Powerlink substation and the creation of a number of switch rooms. Mott Macdonald is the lead design consultant for the project and is responsible for mechanical and electrical systems, enabling, civil and structural works, passenger modelling, spaceproofing and architectural work. The main construction contract for Liverpool Street Station will be awarded during 2012. At Whitechapel, the new Crossrail station will be located to the north of the station and will use the existing Whitechapel Road entrance to the underground and overground stations. In February 2011, the first phase of preparation work took place before construction of the station could begin. This involved ROMA PUBLICATIONS 37 Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t a six-month operation to extend platforms and simplify the District Line. Additional track works took place on the District and Hammersmith & City lines and a site compound was set up in Durward Street to support the operation. Following this phase, an 800 square metre protection deck in the Essex Wharf area off Durward Street was constructed. This deck was installed above the London Overground tracks and was constructed using two 130-tonne cranes and 433 tonnes of structural steel. Work was conducted each night during threehour windows when the railway was closed and in total involved over 90,000 man hours. Now that this section is complete, work is underway on the main access shafts at Whitechapel station. Whitechapel Station Project Manager, John McGrath, said: “I am particularly proud of the efforts of our team during the construction of the new protection deck over the London Overground station platforms. This deck is vital to our programme and has allowed us to start piling and shaft construction at Durward Street on schedule. “I also want to welcome our new contractors, Carillion, BAM Nuttall Kier Joint Venture and BBMV on board. These contractors bring a wealth of experience to Crossrail and I am confident that they will continue to work to the high standards that we expect. “The majority of our utility and preparatory work is complete and our efforts are now focused on the construction of a station platform shaft and ventilation and emergency escape shafts around Whitechapel. These shafts are vital in Crossrail’s construction as they allow us to tunnel under the area and build the new Crossrail station safely.” BAM Nuttall Kier Joint Venture will build the main access shafts, which are to be constructed using concrete and diaphragm walling. This phase will take place on Cambridge Heath Road and Essex Wharf off Durward Street. Due to space constraints at the Durward Street site, the retaining wall to the rear of the southbound London Overground platform will be demolished in stages. This work will be conducted behind existing hoardings in order to ensure that the work will not disrupt train services. Whitechapel is positioned along the central section of Crossrail’s route and as such the station is set to become an important interchange point for many commuters. During peak times there will be an increase in the number of trains arriving and leaving the station in order to ease overcrowding. In addition, a new ticket-hall will be created to provide step-free access to Crossrail, London Underground and London Overground. The majority of Whitechapel Station will be above ground in order to reap the benefits of natural daylight and ventilation. It will have an environmentally friendly concourse roof so that solar thermal heating and rainwater harvesting operations can be developed in the future. The height of the roof has also been designed to coordinate with surrounding fences and walls to make the appearance more aesthetically pleasing. Thames Tunnel The Thames Tunnel will be built underneath the River Thames and will significantly improve journey times from south east London to central London. Thames Tunnel will be the only point on the Crossrail route where the route crosses the River Thames. Built 15 metres below the existing river bed, the tunnel will be 2.6 kilometres long. Portals will be constructed at either end of the tunnel at North Woolwich and Plumstead and the first Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) will be launched in late 2012. Due to the chalk ground conditions in the surrounding area, slurry TBMs will be used on the Thames Tunnel. Following construction work in 2011 on the Plumstead Portal, the North Woolwich Portal construction will begin in early 2012. Hochtief Construction AG and J Murphy & Sons Ltd have been awarded the prestigious contract, whilst the two slurry TBMs that will dig Crossrail’s Thames Tunnel are being manufactured by Herrenknecht AG, who also manufactured the first six TBMs used on the Crossrail project. 38 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION L+A Reinforcements Ltd L+A Reinforcements Ltd is a civil works contractor specialising in piling and diaphragm guide wall works for shaft and basement construction. The company is well known in the industry for its specialist skills and over the past twenty years has worked with all UK based piling contractors and a large number of main contractors and form work contractors. On Crossrail, L+A Reinforcements Ltd were involved in constructing the guide walls for the majority of its station projects, including Tottenham Court Road, Bond Street, Stepney, Farringdon, Pudding Mill Lane, Royal Oak Limmo shaft and elements of Woolwich. This year brings the commencement of Liverpool St and completion of Bond St and Farringdon. L+A Reinforcements Ltd Contracts Manager, Stewart Green, said: “We’re a specialist company that concentrates solely on the construction of piling and diaphragm walls and we have a longstanding history of working with all of the key names in the industry. “We are proud to be associated with such a high profile project as Crossrail and with the current economic climate being the way it is the work on Crossrail is providing a much needed boost to the construction industry.” Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd is a civil engineer supply contractor, supplying the construction industry with skilled and qualified trades and labour. The company has over 30 years of experience in both the private and public sector and work with clients such as Balfour Beatty, Skanska, BAM Nuttall and Fitzpatricks. Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd has supplied labour for a number of high-profile projects including the Jubilee Line extension project as well as work at Heathrow Airport. The company is currently involved on the Olympic Park for the London 2012 Olympic Games. For Crossrail Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd is supplying skilled civil engineering trades and labour to various sites including Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Royal Oak Portal, Victoria and Paddington. Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd Finance Director, Michael Dowling, said: “As a civil engineer supply contractor to the construction industry it is very important to us that we are known as being a reliable and reputable company. We have 30 years experience in the sector and have a team of skilled professionals working for us. “Our clients know exactly who to ask for when they are after skilled civil engineering trades and labour and will even request specific members of our team. “We have a continued transparent relationship with our clients and this is something that we’re very proud of.” Crossrail goes west The Crossrail project includes a planned phase to cover the Western Running Tunnels. The Western Running Tunnels phase covers Royal Oak to Farringdon west (Drive X) and the length of drive is approximately 6.4 kilometres. It is the first of five drives required to construct the Crossrail tunnelled section and will provide the access point for rail services from the west of the capital. The first Crossrail Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) will be launched from Royal Oak in March 2012 and TBMs will pass through the stations at Bond Street, Paddington, Tottenham Court Road and Farringdon east. At its final destination, the cutterheads will be removed from the TBM and the machines will be dismantled. TBMS will be launched towards east of Farringdon and will pass under Bond Street, Paddington, Tottenham Court Road and Farringdon stations - creating the running tunnels. Following this, the area surrounding the running tunnels will be enlarged. As the main tunnelling works progress, Spray Concrete Lining (SCL) works will be implemented at Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road. As the TBMs pass Bond Street, a cross-over tunnel will be installed in order to allow this work to be completed. Material that is excavated by TBM will be diverted through one tunnel to allow for a SCL station at the other. This excavated material will be moved out through Royal Oak Portal and transported by rail to a transfer dock in order to be re-used on further development sites. This new strategy for tunnelling in the western section reduces the amount of material transported through London’s streets by over 85%. Transport Advisor for the Mayor of London, Kulveer Ranger, said: “London is a step closer to making this all important railway a reality. With contracts in place we can begin burrowing beneath the city’s streets to forge the line which will make zipping from east to west even quicker and easier for Londoners, commuters and visitors.” BAM Nuttall Ltd, Ferrovial Agroman (UK) Ltd and Kier Construction are the joint contractors and the phase is due to be completed in the third quarter of 2013. Temple Group Ltd Temple Group Ltd is an environmental and planning consultancy providing services to a range of clients in the construction industry and the corporate and private sectors. The company provides technical and strategic expertise includ- ROMA PUBLICATIONS 39 Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t ing air quality, noise and vibration monitoring services, carbon calculating and sustainability advice. Temple Group Ltd has been involved in a number of prestigious projects including the Shard, High Speed 2 (HS2), the Thameslink Programme and London Underground’s Cooling the Tube programme. On the Crossrail Running Tunnels West project Temple Group is providing specialist air quality advice and expertise, monitoring services and stipulating control measures for dust management. Temple Group Ltd Technical Director, Robert Lockwood, said: “For the Crossrail project we are providing continuous real-time monitoring at all relevant sites which goes beyond the usual dust monitoring requirements. “We set up on-site triggers so that every time dust levels rise above the recommended levels, we and the contractors’ are noti- Tottenham Court Road transforms Tottenham Court Road Tube station is currently undergoing an extensive redevelopment programme that will dramatically reduce congestion and provide vital links to Crossrail services. The £500 million redevelopment of the Tube station will create a huge amount of new underground space, with stunning new entrances, step-free access to all platforms and a direct interchange 40 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION fied enabling the necessary investigation and action to be taken very quickly.” He added: “If the environmental obligations on a construction site can be managed in a pro-active way it benefits everyone and enhances the reputations of all involved.” Temple Group focus on developing innovative and value-added services and in doing so they have developed a reputation as a leader in their respective fields. Effective project management and quality procedures mean that they deliver to a high standard, on time and within budget. Temple Group offers strategic advice and technical expertise, examples of specialist services can be viewed on their website: www.templegroup.co.uk with Crossrail services when they arrive at the station in 2018. When Tottenham Court Road station was built over a century ago, it was not designed to cope with the 147,000 people that currently use it every day. As one of the most important stations in the heart of London, the station serves the Central and Northern lines that bisect the city. To combat increasing levels of congestion, an intensive upgrade programme is now underway. Preparation work began back in 2007, when a three-year programme of utility diversions, strengthening and replacement commenced. This work effectively created the space below Charing Cross Road for the new ticket hall to be constructed and culminated in the strengthening of old cast iron trunk utilities below Oxford Street to protect them from the potential effects of settlement. ROMA PUBLICATIONS 41 Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t The main works contract to build the station got underway at the start of 2010. London Underground appointed a joint venture of Taylor Woodrow BAM Nuttall (TWBN) to deliver the works over a seven-year construction programme. London Underground Programme Manager, Les Hamilton, said: “Anyone who has visited the area recently will recognise that construction of the station is a huge logistical challenge. “Our site is surrounded on all sides by busy streets, offices, shops and homes, not to mention a Grade II* listed church. “Space on site is at a premium so co-ordinating the works efficiently is hugely important – our contractor simply has to make the most of every inch of space.” The site includes the northern end of Charing Cross Road which now diverts around Centre Point. Multiple works have been carried out simultaneously including the construction of the new ticket hall, an entrance from Oxford Street, a new emergency escape shaft, new tunnels to the Central and Northern line and a deep shaft that will link the new ticket hall with Crossrail below Goslett Yard. Taylor Woodrow BAM Nuttall’s Project Director, Jez Haskins, said: “London Underground’s new ticket hall is a huge double basement excavated within a secant piled box. “The new ticket hall will be nearly six times bigger than the existing station which will ease congestion once it’s built, but for now the challenge is civil engineering – during 2012 we will excavate around 30,000 cubic metres and pour around 20,000 cubic metres of concrete. “The engineering challenges posed by the project could hardly be greater. The design required the Northern line platform tunnels to be reshaped during an 8 month platform closure in 2011.We had to create space between the tunnels to install new lifts and staircases to platform level.” Jez Haskins added: “Over the 8 months our tunnel gangs removed around 800 tonnes of old cast iron segments and installed around 1000 tonnes of new steel props. This was all done in the narrow worksite down the length of the platforms in very difficult conditions. “All materials and plant were lowered down to platform via a 4.5 metre diameter shaft that will ultimately be fitted out for passengers to access services step-free – and vitally for London Underground we handed back on time as planned.” While the majority of the Tottenham Court Road improvement scheme focuses on providing better facilities for passengers, external areas will also be transformed as part of the project. London Underground’s project team, including architects Gillespies, have been working with Camden and Westminster councils to develop a brand new urban environment. This centres on a large new piazza which includes glass station entrances at the foot of Centre Point. Reinstating the urban realm in this way will help improve pedestrian routes to Soho, Covent Garden, Fitzrovia, Bloomsbury and of course, Europe’s busiest shopping street – Oxford Street. Capital Programmes Director, David Waboso, said: Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t “The upgrade of Tottenham Court Road station is underway. The station is currently operating with heavy congestion, which is why it is essential to upgrade the station. The new ticket hall will be 6 times that of the current ticket hall and the station will also have step-free access along with new lifts. “While the entire Crossrail project will be the biggest construction project in Europe, no-one should underestimate the scale and extent of the work that will take place at Tottenham Court Road. This will be one of the biggest station redevelopment projects ever undertaken in central London. “By 2018, Tottenham Court Road station will be one of the most important stations in the West End, serving both London Underground and Crossrail. The expanded tube station will be integrated with the new Crossrail station to form a major interchange.” Rentavent Rentavent specialise in providing temporary air quality control solutions for the construction industry in order to reduce noise and dust pollution. One of the company’s most commonly used products is the Soundex Acoustic Curtain, a lightweight curtain that can be hung from either temporary fencing panels or scaffolding. The Soundex Acoustic Curtain mainly absorbs noise to confine and contain the sound emitted from a site or from machinery. What makes the Soundex Acoustic Curtain so unique is its Velcro connection which provides a simple to install, consistent and efficient sound barrier. On the Tottenham Court Road project, Rentavent is providing Soundex Acoustic Curtains for use on temporary fencing around the main work areas and localised barriers close to noise sources. The curtains will assist in protecting the general public from site noise. Rentavent also offers Quick Erect Acoustic Enclosures which are ideal for creating temporary enclosures in particularly sensitive areas. The enclosures can be erected by two people within 10 minutes and are easily transportable. Rentavent’s Marketing Manager said: “At Rentavent, we specialise in our ability to develop innovative new products, and we always aim to find the correct solutions to meet our clients’ needs.” SIG Construction Accessories SIG Construction Accessories is a market leading UK wide specialist distributor of products designed for use within the construction, civil engineering and infrastructure industries. These products include waterproofing, concrete accessories, formwork products, concrete repair and industrial flooring coatings. In addition, the company distributes grouts and anchors, geotechnical products, masonry support, brickwork accessories and sealants. With 15 branches strategically located across the UK its network offers a massive choice of stock, combined with flexible delivery, first class service and expert product advice. SIG Construction Accessories works with many national contractors and sub contractors, including Laing O’Rourke, BAM Group, Morgan Sindall, Kier, Vinci, Costain, Balfour Beatty and Carillion, amongst others. SIG Construction Accessories National Account Manager, Wayne Brown, said: “At SIG Construction Accessories we have products that can be used during each stage of a project and with experienced and knowledgeable teams on hand at all of our branches, we can 44 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION provide our clients with a range of solutions to meet their needs. We have a vast range of products available within our portfolio, with core items available for next day delivery. “We are heavily involved with Crossrail and have set up a dedicated Crossrail Project Team to enable complete support in all areas, from providing tenders and value engineering identification to ensuring all deliveries are correct and on time. We are proud to supply Tottenham Court Road Station with specialist construction accessories products and expert advice.” VJ Technology Established in 1991 VJ Technology specialise in the manufacture and distribution of top quality fixings, hand and power tools and related consumables for the construction industry. VJ Technology has offices in Ashford in Kent, Bristol and Southampton and has a portfolio of over 2,000 customers with clients including BAM Nuttall, Kier Group, Laing O’Rourke, Balfour Beatty, Morgan Sindall and the Costain Group. At Tottenham Court Road, VJ Technology is providing fixings, tools and consumables to BAM Nuttall, Ferroival and Kier for use on the project. A technical key account manager has been appointed to oversee the project and includes regular visits to the site to keep track of progress. Deliveries are made daily using their own fleet of drivers. VJ Technology is also providing fixings and consumables for a number of additional Crossrail projects and has a dedicated team in place to work specifically on Crossrail with key functions in place for technical assistance, purchasing, internal sales coordination and lab testing. VJ Technology Managing Director, Dr Pietro Grandesso, said: “We would like to thank all of our clients for choosing us as their preferred supplier of construction fixings and tools. At VJ Technology we always strive to deliver the correct products at the correct time and with the correct technical support. We look forward to working with our clients for the duration of the project and we hope we can support them on new projects in the future.” Bond Street Tube station gets redeveloped Hailed as a major milestone in London Underground’s station upgrade programme, Bond Street Tube station is just one of the stations to undergo a significant redevelopment. The £300 million station upgrade will help to alleviate the congestion created by the significant rise in the number of passengers that use the station. Bond Street Tube station provides transportation for tourists, local residents and workers employed in the surrounding area, serving approximately 155,000 passengers daily. With demand expected to increase to 225,000 passengers with the advent of Crossrail, an urgent need to increase the capacity was identified. Works will include the construction of a new Tube station entrance on Marylebone Lane, on the north side of Oxford Street. In addition, there will be a new ticket hall, new escalators to serve the Jubiler line and the creation of an additional access route. Further facilities will include new lifts to provide step-free access from street to platform and an improved interchange between the Central and Jubilee lines. Capital Programmes Director for London Underground, David Waboso, said: “By 2017, Bond Street station will be served by both London Underground and Crossrail and will be a key gateway to the West End. This redevelopment is essential to ensure that the station can accommodate the large increase in passengers that will use this station. “The £300 million redevelopment of the tube station - coupled 46 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION with the new Crossrail station - will transform the Bond Street area and act as a catalyst for further investments, securing the West End’s position as a premier shopping and entertainment destination and major employment centre. “Work is underway to increase the station’s capacity by creating a new entrance and ticket hall on the north side of Oxford Street and installing additional escalators and passageways below ground. In addition, the station will be made accessible with step free access from the street to all platform and interchanges.” Kulveer Ranger, Transport Adviser to the Mayor of London, added: “This station emphasises the need for progress to be maintained on both upgrading the Tube and building Crossrail. Our focus at all times will be on delivering the infrastructure London needs at the best possible value for tax and fare payers. “London is the heartbeat of the UK and upgrades like this are vital to long-term job creation and economic growth around the whole of the country.” Before excavation works for the new ticket hall could begin, archaeological investigations were carried out at the Davies Street site in order to record any evidence of historic occupation. Archaeologists subsequently discovered that the now-demolished 65 Davies Street lay above the historic bed of the River Tyburn. There is also some evidence to suggest that the region was a settlement area from the Roman to the medieval periods. In November 2010 London Underground purchased 354-358 Oxford Street, which has been demolished to provide a site for tunnelling new passageways and constructing a new station entrance. The demolition of this building to ground floor was completed before Easter 2011 to create a new worksite for the construction of new tunnels and passageways for the expanded station. As the building sits on the busy Oxford Street, a gradual and controlled demolition occurred in order to ensure minimal disruption for the local residents. Works have presented a number of challenges, particularly as the water mains are encased in concrete. As result, it has been necessary to use hydro-demolition, which is when a jet of water at high pressure is used to carefully cut away concrete without causing damage to the water main. Oxford Street will be close to eastbound traffic road users during the works, resulting in the diversion of traffic from a section of Oxford Street located between Duke Street and Vere Street. London Underground has also worked closely with business and retailers in order to minimise disruptions in this high-profile area. Chief Executive of New West End Company, Richard Dickinson, said: “Transport for London (TfL) has worked closely with us on the closure plans which will of course cause a certain amount of disruption, but we’re focussed on the long-term benefits it will bring to West End retailers and shoppers. “A large majority of our shoppers rely on Bond Street station and without this upgrade and vital Crossrail link businesses would suffer from a tube station that is unable to cope with the huge increase in passenger numbers.” In 2010, TfL awarded the £130 million joint venture construction ROMA PUBLICATIONS 47 Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t contract for the redevelopment of Bond Street to Costain and Laing O’Rourke. Chief Executive for Costain, Andrew Wyllie, said: “We were delighted when we were awarded the contract in the heart of central London, as it builds on two recent contracts with Crossrail and again demonstrates our skills and capabilities in this area.” VVB Engineering VVB Engineering has provided mechanical and electrical services and systems to enable tunnelling drives and excavations for the installation of the station’s new passageways, lifts and escalators. In addition, VVB has provided mitigation designs and carried out associated work for areas where the tunnelling work interfaces with the operational station. A staged migration process was established to enable inherent systems to be relocated prior to the completion of the tunnelling breakthroughs. The main objective was to preserve the operational status of the station, ensuring that disruption to passengers is kept to a minimum and the current freedom of passage is maintained. VVB are responsible for approximately £17 million of the overall budget, split into tunnelling and enabling works. In order to realise the successful delivery of the project, key dates had to be met early in the scheme in order to combine services, civil and architectural activities and ensure that the timescales facilitated the completion of the works by 2017. A workforce of approximately 50 staff has been involved over the lifecycle of the project. The work has been managed and undertaken with full compliance with London Underground standards and specifications in accordance with the strict assurance requirements of a Sub-Surface (Section 12) Underground Station. In order to successfully complete migration and alterations to the existing infrastructure, a ‘Lift and Shift’ plan was implemented. This interfaces with London Underground, stakeholders and their asset maintainers to ensure that the current station ambiance and operational status is sustained throughout the duration of the project. VVB have also worked closely with Costain Laing O’Rourke as the MEP contractor in delivering the Farringdon Station Thameslink Project. Farringdon station is a London Underground and National Rail station in Clerkenwell, just north of the City of London in the London Borough of Islington. The project has involved the redevelopment of the existing heritage station in order to accommodate longer Thameslink trains, along with a range of important improvements. VVB provide complete project solutions ranging from mitigation to design, construction, installation, commissioning and maintenance of all mechanical and electrical systems. The company currently employs approximately 300 staff and undertake around £50 million worth of work each year. Paddington Station project is on track for success The construction of a new Crossrail station at Paddington Station will vastly update existing services and provide both daily commuters and international passengers arriving from Heathrow Airport with a state-of-the-art transport experience. The existing Paddington Station is a central London railway terminus and London Underground station complex served by four underground lines – Bakerloo, District and Circle, Hammersmith & City and Departures Road south – whilst the northern perimeter is bounded by the Grand Union Canal. Opened in 1854, the station was first served by underground trains in 1863 and was the original western terminus of the Metropolitan Railway, the world’s first underground railway. As the existing station is a Grade I listed building, Crossrail is forbidden from altering any part of the listed structure without prior permission from English Heritage. Work on the new Crossrail station began in October 2011 and will comprise the construction of an underground box directly under Departures Road and Eastbourne Terrace. In total, the box will measure 260 metres long, 25 metres wide and 23 metres deep. The main concourses will be located between the two entrances and their gatelines, whilst two banks of escalators will lead to platform-level. Lifts will also be provided from ground to concourse and concourse to platform level. There is a single island platform at track level for eastbound and westbound trains, separated at each end by the evacuation and ventilation cores. Each of the cores has incorporated a pair of staircases, intervention lifts, tunnel draught relief and three sets of tunnel ventilation fans, whilst Automatic Screen Doors (PEDs) extend the length of the 200-metre long platforms. A glass canopy has replaced the existing Grade I listed canopy and protects the concourse area from the sunlight. 48 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION It has been estimated that construction will generate 160,000 cubic metres of concrete and 15,000 tonnes of reinforcement. In order to enable the excavation of the 260-metre long station box, Westminster Council has agreed to a full closure of Eastbourne Terrace for two years. The full closure of the road commenced on 12th February 2012 and will continue until 2014. Closing Eastbourne Terrace will allow for the establishment of a larger worksite and a two-year reduction in the time taken to construct the station whilst alleviating the overall impact on commuters, businesses and residents. Whilst construction takes place, all traffic – including buses and taxis – will be diverted to alternative routes. In addition, Transport for London will closely monitor the situation in order to assess the impact, aid traffic flow and limit disruption to the surrounding area. The existing taxi rank on Departures Road will also be permanently closed and taxis will be relocated to a newly constructed facility to the north of the mainline station. Passengers will be able to access the station from the taxi deck via lifts and escalators. The new Crossrail station at Paddington Station is scheduled for completion in 2017. ROMA PUBLICATIONS 49 Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t Ardent Services Ltd Formed in 1998, Ardent Services Ltd specialises in fire protection and general builders work services for rail and infrastructure sectors. Ardent Services Ltd is UKAS 3rd party accredited by FIRAS alongside their PROMAT licensee and Approved Installer status for Fire Protection. The company are also LINKUP Audited annually for Builders Work activities. Ardent Services Ltd’s Fire Protection expertise include diaphragm and tunnel walls, hoardings, ceilings & partitions, duct work, glazing, steelwork protection & Durasteel systems. The company also have in-house trades to carry out minor builders’ packages that invariably arise as part of their works. With an extensive background in construction projects for rail services Ardent Services Ltd has completed over 150 rail projects including Blackfriars and Kings Cross for Network Rail and Elephant & Castle and Warren Street for London Underground. Projects range from 100k to 2m. On the Crossrail Paddington (C272) project Ardent Services have been involved during the early stages of the project engaging with Mott MacDonald’s & Weston Williamson through the design process to the construction phase sub-contracted with Carillion. With Blackfriars nearing completion for Ardent Services, they are also deployed at Tottenham Court Road and Farringdon Phase One. Ardent Services Ltd Operations Director, Jonathan Davey, said: “Working on a Crossrail project health and safety is of paramount importance and we are committed to meeting all of the requirements as set out by Crossrail. Their commitment along with Carillion to the Fair Payment Charter ensures we have the capital A new cardiac centre for Luton & Dunstable Hospital Improved recovery facilities and a significant upgrade of services has proved to be just what the doctor ordered, as work on the new cardiac centre at Luton & Dunstable Hospital nears completion. The £4 million project will see the refurbishment of the existing building in order to create a fully functional cardiac catheterisation laboratory, two clinical rooms, a six-bed recovery ward and three single-bed recovery rooms. Main contractor for the project is Medicinq Osborne and the architect is P+HS Architects. The mechanical and electrical consultant is Couch & Perry Wilkes LLP and the structural consultant is AKS Ward. Works began on site in August 2011, when a number of internal structural walls were demolished in order to create space for the new catheterisation laboratory. Following this, replacement walls were erected from steel, brick and block work in order to shape the layout of the new facility. Because the catheterisation laboratory is a working procedure room, the next stage comprised the installation of mechanical and electrical services to connect important ventilation equipment. Additional work will include the installation of vinyl flooring and the complete fit-out of the building, along with a new reception desk, medical grade cupboards, storage facilities and desks for nurses. 50 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION to invest in health and safety from the start of these demanding and complex projects. “We are working with our suppliers to ensure the creation of local jobs and adherence to the principles of the Cross Rail Skills pledge and CBH scheme. “As a consequence of a Crossrail initiative all our delivery vehicles have been upgraded to increase protection to cyclists and vulnerable road users. “At Ardent Services our ethos is quite simply in our company name.” Although external work has been kept to a minimum, a flat roof will be constructed to cover the courtyard. Luton & Dunstable NHS Trust Capital Projects Manager, Ian Manning, said: “It is great to see this project coming together and once it is complete, the services it provides will be very beneficial to the patients at Luton & Dunstable Hospital. Rather than having to travel to Harefield, Bedford or other hospitals in the region, residents will be treated locally – making the recovery process much easier for both patients and their families. “Although we are slightly behind schedule as a result of working in an old building, work onsite is progressing well. One of the challenges of working with a building that was built over 70 years ago is that we unfortunately uncover problems as we go along, and these issues have to be addressed before we can progress further. However, I am confident that we will make this time up in other areas and successfully meet our target date. “We are looking to achieve BREEAM ‘Good’ standard and are subsequently looking at ways in which we can minimise the environmental impact of the project. So far this has included the use of LED lighting in order to reduce energy consumption. “This work is important for us and it is vital to the development of the hospital. However, this project has been designed to improve the lives of our patients, and this has been our main concern throughout.” Luton & Dunstable Hospital has remained fully operational during the redevelopment scheme and continues to provide 24/7 care for patients. The new cardiac centre is scheduled for completion in May 2012. New station will span the Thames An exciting project that will deliver the brand new Blackfriars National Rail Station in London is almost complete. Built to replace an older facility, the station will house the first railway to span the Thames and will greatly improve train services in the region. Main contractor Balfour Beatty was awarded the contract to deliver the Blackfriars Station and Bridge Reconstruction Scheme, which is part of the £5.5 million government-funded Thameslink investment managed by Network Rail. Architects for the project are Jacobs & Tony Gee. Headed by Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Major Projects Division as part of an integrated Balfour Beatty Team, the project is due to be completed in May 2012. The contract was split into two distinct phases. Stage One commenced in October 2008 and comprised the setting of an agreed target cost and timelines for the completion of the Stage Two major works. In addition, the phase covered a wide range of advanced works at and around the existing National Rail and underground stations and a railway bridge across the River Thames. Stage Two began in 2009 and will deliver a new station with the capacity for twelve car trains, which will in turn provide increased opportunities for more trains to stop at the station every hour. Ultimately the project will result in three new stations: the North Station, the South Station and the Blackfriars Underground Station. ROMA PUBLICATIONS 51 Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t North Station features a new common entrance hall that will provide superior connections to the Tube. It is a curved glazed structure with a curved roof upon which 4,000 PV panels are mounted. The station also incorporates a ticket office, new platforms and escalators to the underground station. South Station is the first station to be built on the South Bank for 120 years and will facilitate improved access to the Tate Modern and the surrounding area. Smaller in size than the North Station, it is nonetheless an architecturally impressive building that features a glazed concourse and a concrete structure that supports the tracks above. The station incorporates a ticket office and access to the four platforms and part of the station opened in December 2011. The redevelopment of the Blackfriars Underground Station is now virtually complete. Works involved the construction of a steel shield structure over the track in order to enable the demolition of the station above, which has subsequently been completely rebuilt to modern standards and now includes a ticket office and escalators down to the platforms. The west side of the Blackfriars bridge has been strengthened and widened by approximately six metres. Three new rows of rib arches support a new bridge deck and two new terminating ‘bay’ platforms above, creating four platforms in all. Engineers built the bridge out to the west over one row of the remaining redundant piers from the former rail bridge and these new bay platforms will open in the spring of 2012. The demolition works were particularly challenging due to the fact that the station is located on a very tight site between two buildings. However, all challenges have been overcome with minimum impact. Materials required for the overall project have been transported by barges on the River Thames in order to avoid road congestion. In total, it is estimated that around 14,000 tonnes of material was required in order to build the station’s new bridge, platforms and the roof spanning the river. Blackfriars Station first opened in 1886 as St Paul’s. Four years later, a new underground station was opened and the station was renamed Blackfriars by Southern Railway in 1937.The entire station was modernised in the 1970s,with the exception of a destination wall that was preserved at the mainline station platform. Blackfriars is now visited by more than 44,000 passengers a day and serves as a main terminus between Kent and South London. ICL Solutions For the past 11 years ICL Solutions has been a specialist provider of electronic protection systems for the construction industry. Services include access control, biometrics, payroll systems and CCTV for use on sites and premises in order to restrict access and provide security. Previous clients include Balfour Beatty, the Costain Group, Carillion, Morgan Sindall, Fitzpatrick and Skanska. On the Blackfriars Station project ICL Solutions installed a full electronic protection system which included CCTV cameras, access control with biometric payroll, turnstiles and specialist portable clocking-in systems. ICL Solutions is also involved in installing protection systems across a number of other stations including Bond Street and Farringdon. ICL Solutions Managing Director, Darren Elvin, said: “At ICL Solutions we have a well established track record of providing cost effective security solutions for the construction industry. We design, supply, install and maintain electronic systems that provide a wide range of solutions. “Unlike the competition we don’t have salesman, we know how to make it all work together and the delivery of our service along with a great client relationship is right at the top of our agenda.” Neasden Depot Upgrade remains on track An extensive programme of upgrade works at London Underground’s busy Neasden Depot continues to remain on schedule. The Neasden Depot Upgrade project is a five-year programme of works that will upgrade and improve services at the North West London facility. Once the programme is completed, the improved depot will fully accommodate the new generation ‘S’ stock trains that are currently in use on parts of the London Underground. This will include almost all of the S7 and S8 rolling stock trains, alongside any existing C and D stock trains that are still in use. The upgrade project is just one of the many renewal programmes that are being implemented by Transport for London (TfL) in order to meet the capital’s growing transport requirements. Overall improvements to the depot include the construction of a new train maintenance shed with upgraded lifting equipment, the construction of three overtrack cable crossing bridges and the relocation of a training centre to the northern end of the site. The depot will also benefit from improved wheel inspection and repair facilities and additional berthing capacity. During the upgrade operation, the depot’s entire DC traction system will also receive an overhaul and an existing maintenance shed will be demolished. In 2009 BAM Nuttall signed a £51.5 million contract to deliver the project through six phases, with the first phase largely focused on improving access to the site. As the original layout of the depot dates back to the 1930s, access to the site is incapable of coping with the requirements of a lengthy upgrade operation. In order to combat this problem, a heavy duty tarmac road was constructed to facilitate the transport of construction materials to and from the site. 52 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION Another challenge for main contractor BAM Nuttall is the ongoing predicament of keeping the site fully operational whilst complex engineering works are underway. Neasden Depot has remained open throughout the course of the upgrade works, therefore night work is being carried out in order to keep work on programme. In order to accommodate the nocturnal working hours, temporary living quarters have been installed onsite to offer much needed rest facilities for site staff. A pair of ArcGen Hilta 200kVA Denyo generators have been installed at the depot to provide up to 16 hours of continuous energy for the staff quarters. These particular generators have been chosen because they are cost effect and can reduce fuel consumption by 25%. Neasden Depot is the largest depot on the London Underground and is responsible for servicing, maintaining and storing all of the train stock on the Metropolitan Line. The Neasden Depot Upgrade project is due to be completed in 2015. REHAU Ltd Established in 1948, REHAU is a global polymer manufacturer and supplies products to the construction, automotive and industrial sectors. What sets REHAU apart from other suppliers is their ability to utilise polymer in ways that derive real benefits for their customers. On the Neasden Depot Upgrade project, REHAU Ltd partnered with main contractor BAM Nuttall to supply a variety of polymer products as an alternative solution to the traditional ceramic and timber materials. The products supplied were REHAU’s Patented GRP Height adjustable insulators PVC Guard boarding. Both products offer an innovative solution to the railway sector as they ensure reduced installation time, ease ongoing maintenance and offer a life costbenefit. REHAU Ltd Marketing Coordinator, Anthonia Ifeanyi-Okoro, said: “At REHAU Ltd our company strap-line is ‘challenge us today’ and that’s exactly what we ask our customers to do. “Our work in the industrial solutions division means that we are able to develop products that provide our customers with unique solutions to meet their requirements and we are always looking for the next challenge.” REHAU invites you to discuss specific new and existing product development opportunities and trade extrusion requirements. For further information, contact REHAU’s product development team on: 01989 762655 or visit the website at: www.rehau.co.uk ROMA PUBLICATIONS 53 Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t Cameron Black Googles it Fit out and refurbishment specialist Cameron Black has completed a prestigious 40,000 sq ft high end fit out for the Google Engineers HQ at Belgrave House, Buckingham Palace Road, London. As the second largest engineering office in Europe (after Google Zurich), Google’s UK office in London is a busy mix of technical Googlers, direct advertising sales and a variety of other essential business and administrative functions. Google Search is now the most-used search engine on the World Wide Web, receiving several hundred million queries each day through its various services. Developed in 1997 by Larry Page and Sergery Brin, Google Search provides over twentytwo special features beyond the word-search capability. These include maps, film show times, time zones, weather forecasts and synonyms. In order for the new Google HQ to reflect the exciting progress being made, Cameron Black was contracted to transform the office development. Duncan Taylor, Cameron Black, explained: “We’ve been involved with Google for a number of years now and this is by far the most exciting project that we have undertaken for them to date. “The space was fully fitted out so we stripped it back to open plan, reconfigured all of the services to match the new layout 54 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION and installed the new partitions and ceilings. Following this, we installed the flight pods, VC booths, meeting rooms, state-ofthe-art Tech Talk, flooring and signage. “Regarded as one of the funkiest workspaces in London, this is one of the most high profile projects that our company has been involved with. Although we were faced with the normal pressures of high specification, fast-paced fit out, for Cameron Black it has been one of the most enjoyable projects that we have had the opportunity to work on. This was largely due to the team effort from everyone involved, including the client, architect and consultants.” Architects for the project, PENSON Group, produced a unique design that incorporates high-tech features and the creative flair that has made Google so successful. The space works around the Googlers and not the other way around. Along with a range of collaboration and working spaces, the development comprises an exciting mixture of spaces, gaming rooms, music studios and flight pods. In addition, there are lounges and kitchens, along with a park, coffee lab and an amazing auditorium labelled ‘Tech Talk’. One of the most exciting features is the installation of flight pods, which PENSON Group invented especially for Google. These pods look amazing and solve a number of programme, landlord and technical problems by allowing for supersonic fit 56 57 Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t out speeds. They also appease acoustic issues and provide semi-private seating opportunities, providing an exciting alternative to meeting rooms. Corridors are nonexistent due to the shrewd maximisation of the existing footprint. In order to stop the areas from becoming blocked off, large isles of walkways feature interconnecting lines that create a joined-up approach, in the process breaking up the floors whilst keeping the space open. Most of the walls across the space are magnetic white board laminated and allow scribbles across the entire floor. In addition, all of the desks are fully height adjustable and screens are framed with self-illuminating Perspex. Another interesting feature is The Coffee Lab, which is made from compressed sheets of spent fresh coffee shavings and overlooks the internal park. Also included in the space is the Android studio, which is responsible for all Android developments. The space has electrically adjustable studio tables for working whilst standing or collaborating at low level, whilst magnetic walls feature throughout in order to allow for the pinup presentations of software or new patents currently under development. Other schemes that have been considered include acoustics, day-lighting, zoning and socialising. Lee Penson, PENSON Group, said: “This was a high profile, high class and quirky interior fit out and design to a budget within normal high class perimeters. “This project for Google underlines our position within the media and office sectors, not only exposing our supersonic design flair, but also our delivery capabilities. Handing over 300,000 sq ft for Google in less than a year from start to finish to this level is no mean feat and as the remainder of the Google programme is released, the underline will simply get thicker. This is a good looking, functional, commercially and forward thinking project.” Henrique Penha, Google, added: “Working with the team at PENSON was a pleasure; they truly understood the functional and aesthetic attributes we were after when redesigning Google’s new engineering offices in London. Together, we pushed the ambition of the project into every phase, giving the Engineering teams in London a place to incubate and execute on numerous Google projects and products.” In addition, Scott Brownrigg Interior Design has now completed two floors at 123 Buckingham Palace Road, in the process creating a combined 77,500 sq ft of innovative, inspiring office space for over 60 Google staff. Phase One of the project comprised the creation of a dynamic and collaborative work environment on Level Three. Like many other Google offices worldwide, the office has a strong local theme. Joe Borrett and Jane Preston from Google, working with the Scott Brownrigg Interior Design Team, chose a theme of London-Brighton. Many iconic elements are incorporated into the office design. For example, the meeting rooms are brightly coloured timber beach huts and giant colourful dice accommodate individual conference booths. In addition, original dodgem cars and traditional red telephone booths are all work spaces that are available to both staff and visitors. Open plan workstations for all staff are mixed with a few offices, meeting rooms, open break out seating areas and support spaces for printing and IT technical support. In order to accommodate for the health and welfare of Google staff, the development also includes a fully fitted gym and shower facility, massage and spa treatment centre, and an Asian Fusion/Sushi restaurant that is free for all staff. Ken Giannini, Interior Design Director of Scott Brownrigg, said: “It is little wonder that Google is one of the most desirable places to work in the UK. We have enjoyed every minute of this exciting project. All of the Google staff are up for innovation, brilliant ideas and they like to be challenged. We also recognise that Google is a serious business and demands efficiency, value and solutions that can support their business practices. This project has it all – a fun working environment that also incorporates lots of practical solutions.” Joe Borrett, Head of Real Estate and Construction for Google, added: “The office was designed and delivered in a very fast timescale (four months) and the team of consultants and the contractor pulled out all the stops to get it done. It was an impressive effort.” Jane Preston, UK Facilities Manager at Google, said: “The first impressions by visitors and our staff has been very positive. The project fits well with our real estate and HR strategy and will definitely help support our growth plans. We see the work environment as a major recruitment factor for us to compete for the best talent and this new office certainly does that.” Phase Two of the project continued with the London-Brighton theme, but aimed to offer a more sophisticated design twist. The development contains both open plan and cellular spaces, along with significant support and welfare space for over 300 staff. A variety of work settings have been created, including a 70-person events space, a mixture of meeting rooms to accommodate 12-16 people, individual video conferencing booths and various huddle areas. Upon entering Level One, visitors are greeted by a 3D Union Jack wall, which on closer inspection is composed of layers of postcards and overlapping transparencies. The adjacent entrance houses 120 scooter mirrors, which splay out from a central scooter parked on Brighton beach and catch the reflections of people passing by. Punch and Judy themed meeting rooms have been stripped of their classic design to create a modern offering of glazed interlayer panels and graphics. In addition, the graphic of a swarm of starlings has been used on the office glazing throughout. All of these elements create a dynamic sense of movement, making the space a more interesting place to work. The Pavilion Cafe is adjacent to the main entrance and is a nod to the Mods and Rockers era, albeit with a decidedly modern attitude. The light enters via two black glass clad portals and reflects against the dark, shiny surfaces. Interestingly, reclaimed flooring has been used under the seating area. Lightly sanded, the flooring gives the space a truly authentic look and a feel that is similar to walking on Brighton Pier. Level One has also incorporated a fully operational kitchen, two micro-kitchens and a supporting cafe to seat 120 people. In addition, a Yoga/Pilates studio is available and has the ability to separate into two individual rooms for maximum flexibility. The ‘Creative Lab’ department worked closely with Scott Brownrigg Interior Design to inform their unique space. In order to create a college reel, raw concrete wallpaper has been used and wrapped around the core and a large bespoke collaborative desk with edge lit acrylic has been installed. Sarah Simmonds, Senior Designer from Scott Brownrigg, said: “The design has evolved from Level Three in the sense that we wanted to create a dynamic environment, but in a less obvious way. We made a conscious decision to not use the brand colours, but similar to Google, who are a layered organisation, look closely and you will discover more than what is on the surface.” (SUB) Admiral Network Infrastructure (END SUB) Admiral Network Infrastructure is part of the Admiral Group of Companies established in 1996. Admiral Network Infrastructure specialises in delivering data and fibre optic cabling, wireless networks, and fully resilient network infrastructure systems. Based in Milton Keynes the company employs 165 staff and works with a number of high profile companies including Google and Georgian hotels, as well as local councils. With an experienced team in place, Admiral Network Infrastructure can install cables from one network point in an existing office through to the networking requirements of a 12 storey building. ROMA PUBLICATIONS 59 Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t Describing the difficulty that arose, Adam said: “A week prior to the opening day, an air conditioning unit flooded, this damaged a quarter of the cables that we had previously installed. “It was a race against the clock to terminate and remove the old cables and then reinstall 450 new cables. This is usually a three week operation, so we were pleased to complete this task within 5 days.” In order to achieve this operation Admiral Network Infrastructure worked closely with the electrical contractors and a number of additional on-site teams to turn the situation around. Admiral Network Infrastructure is currently working on a number of projects including Google Innovation; Google Rome; Basec in Milton Keynes; and various projects for Milton Keynes Council. It is also in talks with Yahoo Paris, following a referral from Google. Admiral Network Infrastructure Marketing Manager Krishna Chauhan said: “Admiral Network Infrastructure specialises in managing and delivering all manner of builds; from single site installations to comprehensive multi- site projects. This includes all elements of design, technical, engineering, procurement, site management and project co-ordination” “The Admiral Group of Companies provides a range of services including; Network Cabling, IT Services & Support, Telephony and Audio Visual & Conferencing. Whether you want to upgrade your systems, expand your business or you’re moving offices, Admiral offers a broad range of integrated technology solutions.” She added: “Working directly with Google was fantastic, as Adam mentioned, projects like this really help to raise the profile of the Admiral Group and highlight our expertise and our excellent customer service. “We are a medium size company with a head office in Luton and offices in London, Milton Keynes and Leeds, we offer our customers the resources of a major national group delivered through local points of contact. “Our main aim is to offer a reliable service that delivers on time to meet the clients’ requirements.” James Johnson & Company Ltd Admiral Network Infrastructure’s Director Adam Sullivan said: “A lot of the work at Admiral Network Infrastructure tends to come from referrals from existing clients. Clients often recommend us to other companies that they are affiliated with, our new clients appreciate the recommendation and our knowledge. They can trust the Admiral Group to complete the job to their requirements and to a high standard. “There’s no job too small and even some of our smaller-scale jobs evolve into larger contracts.” He added: “Admiral Network Infrastructure falls under the umbrella of the Admiral Group who specialise in integrated technology communications. When we install cables on one project, it can often lead to enquiries for other products and services at the Admiral Group.” On the Google Office fit-out project, Admiral Network Infrastructure conducted design work alongside Google project manager Simon Hall. This involved deciding the best course of action for cabling the office from the communications room to 1400 locations. The project also involved installing low smoke cables throughout the site; setting up switches and completing patching work. Admiral Network Infrastructure also installed fibre links and copper link cables between the floors and a modular panel to the modular outlet. Admiral Network Infrastructure was one of the few companies on the site that worked directly for Google. Admiral began and completed the project in less than 2 ½ months, with 4 – 8 members of staff working at any one time. At the peak of the operation 10 men worked on the site. The operation ran smoothly for most of the project’s duration, however the team did encounter one setback. 60 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION James Johnson & Co. was established in 1991 and has achieved recognition as one of the leading specialists in bespoke joinery. The company provides blue chip clients, architects and interior designers with products of exceptional quality and reliability. For the Google Office project, James Johnson & Company Ltd manufactured and installed meeting rooms, feature A/V walls, desks & ceilings, flight pods, magnetic writing walls, coffee lab, micro kitchen, games room and back-lit circulation node paneled lobbies. Company Managing Director, Mike Craven, said: “At James Johnson & Company Ltd, we are experienced in dealing with fast-track fit-outs and we offer a quality of service that is second to none.” Bringing a new Ibis Hotel to Hammersmith A £5.2 million project will bring a brand new Ibis Hotel to the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Ibis Hotel Shepherd’s Bush is a 128-bed hotel under development on the site of Atlantic House, a former four-storey office and retail block in West London. The new hotel is located close to the Westfield shopping centre and will benefit from easy access to bus, Tube and London Overground services. Work began in September 2010 and has so far included a number of demolition and construction operations to reshape the external layout of the building. The fourth floor was previously home to the building’s caretaker and has now been completely demolished and reconstructed, whilst both the north and south wings of the structure have been extended. At the southern end of the building, four retail units have been removed in order to allow for the formation of a new lobby and reception area, whilst at the northern wing of the building new columns have been installed to take the weight off the extension. As many of the original features are now considered dated, a rainscreen cladding facade will be vertically laid on the exterior of the building to make the structure more visually pleasing. The project will also include the creation of a first floor access point to an NCP car park at the rear of the hotel. The remainder of the work on the building includes the fit-out of the hotel to meet the standard Ibis Hotel specifications. In addition, a significant effort is being made to ensure that the building achieves a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’. John Cobb of Land Securities is the project manager on the development of the new Ibis Hotel, whilst the main contractor is Mclaren Construction and the architect is Leach Rhodes Walker. The mechanical & electrical consultant is Design and Management Services Limited and the structural consultant is JUBB Consulting Engineers Ltd. Land Securities Project Manager, John Cobb, said: “For us the main area of concern is our close proximity to the general public. As we are working in a busy and populated area, all efforts are being made to ensure that the work we are conducting is safe for both us and the people that pass through this area on a daily basis. “As this is a residential area, we are unable to conduct any night work and we are therefore working to a tight schedule. However, I am pleased to report that everything is on programme and we have not encountered any major problems. “Now that the demolition works are out of the way, we can begin what we see as the real building work. With a couple of sample rooms due for completion in the next few weeks, it’s great to see this project really coming together.” Ibis Hotel Shepherd’s Bush is due to be completed in September 2012. ROMA PUBLICATIONS 61 Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t Making exercise accessible for all The £9 million Horley Leisure Centre opened its doors for the first time on Monday 9th January 2012. Located in Anderson Way on Court Lodge Road, the centre replaces the existing Horley Anderson centre, which opened in 1974. The new state-of-the art facility boasts a range of exciting facilities, including a 25 metre six-lane swimming pool with ramped access for disabled users, a teaching pool and a fitness gym with 45 exercise stations and free weights. Additional features include a four-court multiuse sports hall and an exercise and dance studio, along with separate male, female, family, group and disabled changing areas. Comprising approximately 2,500 sq ft of space, the timber frame building is spread over two floors and has incorporated a range of highly sustainable features. These include a biomass boiler with a burner that is suitable for woodchips and wood pellet, photovoltaic cells and a lighting scheme based on daylight saving and PIR sensors. Landscaping has included the provision of cycle parking and 150 car parking spaces, which are shared with the neighbouring Horley Town Football Club. Executive Member for Healthy Communities, Councillor Adam De Save, said: “The Council has invested £9 milion in the development of the new Horley Leisure Centre, which will vastly improve sport and leisure opportunities for the local people. 62 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION “The centre looks amazing and provides fantastic new facilities to help people of all ages and abilities keep healthy and active. We’ve had a lot of positive feedback already from residents and sports clubs, who are keen to be able to get in and use it for the first time, and I hope they will be as pleased with their new leisure centre as we are.” Reigate and Banstead Partnershop Manager, David Hughes, added: “This fantastic new centre benefits from a wide range of the latest fitness and leisure equipment and offers a huge choice of activities, with something to suit every member of the community regardless of age or fitness level. We hope that this flagship facility will help to encourage participation in physical activity and promote a healthy lifestyle.” An important aspect of the centre’s design is the concept of making exercise accessible for everyone. In order to facilitate this, the pool has full length ramped access with waterproof wheelchairs and a poolside hoist for disabled users. There are also four fully equipped disabled changing rooms, two of which are fitted with ceiling-mounted electrical hoists to assist carers. Furthermore, the centre has high visibility signage with captions in Braille, a hearing loop system and tactile paving around the outside of the centre. The centre has also been designed to be as energy efficient as possible in order to minimise the impact on the environment and reduce running costs. In a first for a GLL operated centre, the biomass heating system will supply 100% of the heating during the summer months and approximately 75% in the winter. A UV system for cleaning and removing the bacteria from the pool will use half the amount of chlorine that a pool of this size would normally require, whilst the pools themselves have thermal covers that reduce water heating costs by 30%. Community values also played a major part in construction process. Out of the 80 subcontractors used on the project, 26 were local companies that provided work for local people and reduced the impact on the environment from commuting to the site. Also on board were S& P Architects - who provided technical expertise for the Olympic London 2012 Aquatic Centre - and main contractor Pellikaan Construction Ltd, who has completed over 900 leisure centre projects across Europe. Gert-Jan Peeters, Pellikaan Construction Ltd, said: “This has been an interesting project for Pellikaan as we were able to use the sustainable techniques that we have used on previous projects, in England as well as abroad. “One challenge arose in the early stages of the project and led to the design being changed in liaison with the architect. As a result, the basement was reduced in size by 50% and a mezzanine floor was introduced in its place. “However, the project has nonetheless progressed very well and it has been a pleasure to work with this team, both with the client and the architects.” ROMA PUBLICATIONS 63 Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t The number one development in Guildford A fantastic project that has seen the transformation of One London Square into 55,000 square feet of Grade A office space is now almost complete. The £5 million scheme has been designed and project managed by Triglyph Property Consultants and is being carried out by main contractor Overbury for IM Properties Plc. Works have included the complete strip-out of all the previous fixtures and fittings, the installation of a new main M&E plant and the relocation of the circulation and WC cores in order to create a continuous office space around the central atrium. In addition, all of the glazing throughout the property has been replaced and a card access system installed to provide security for the tenants of the building. Additional features include four pipe fan coil air conditioning, a fully accessible metal tiled suspended ceiling and three 12-person passenger lifts. Landscaping proposals include the creation of a new walkway from the entrance to the site, whilst 132 car parking spaces have been provided externally and at basement level. Onsite cycling facilities will also encourage sustainable forms of transport. Richard Wilson, Project Manager, said: “The aim of this project was to create a top-end office space that could compete with the best of the properties available on the market in Guildford and the surrounding area. As a result of the strong design and high quality finish, I believe we have managed to achieve this. “It was also important to create a building that was sustainable. We have reused the existing structure and recycled materials where possible and we now expect the development to achieve 64 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION a result of BREEAM ‘Excellent’. “The project is on track to meet the scheduled completion date of April 2012 and everyone is very pleased with the excellent progress that has been made. Indeed, not only have we managed to refurbish a building to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard – no small challenge in itself – but we have been able to achieve this within the project budget.” One London Square is just a short walk from Guildford Town Centre and London Road railway station. Just fifteen miles south west of London, the town of Guildford celebrates easy access to the M25 and regular rail services to London Waterloo.” Guildford ranks within the top 40 CACI retail locations in the UK and according to statistics is the second most resistant region in the country to a recessionary economy. The town also celebrates an impressive range of retailers including HMV, Topshop and Jo Malone. Overbury Overbury is dedicated to providing their customers with the best quality service. The company has specialist teams that carry out fit-out refurbishment projects in the office, retail, leisure, education and technology sectors. Overbury delivers projects from a few thousand pounds to £100 million. Indeed, whilst the company loves the challenge of large projects, 88% of their work is currently under £1 million. With offices in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bracknell and Leeds, Overbury can provide you with a competent team and the right knowledge and experience to ensure that your project is a success. Redevelopment at the former Normansfield Hospital When complete, the Gabriella Park Gardens scheme will provide up to 89 dwellings on the site of the former Normansfield Hospital in Teddington. Gabriella Park Gardens is a large private development that comprises a number of separate buildings, including the Grade II* listed White House. Under Phase One of the two-phase project, the White House will be converted into brand new residential accommodation. Phase One of the Gabriella Park Gardens project will see the construction of forty-five new apartments, along with a linked extension comprising an additional twelve single and duplex units. A separate four-unit apartment and two small detached houses will also be constructed on the site. The second phase, which is expected to commence in late 2012, will include the construction of twenty-six one and twobedroom houses. Main contractor for the project is Eramo Developments Limited and the architect is Haines Phillips Architects. The structural consultant is Betts Associates. Work began onsite in 2010, when ground testing and additional preparation work took place. This was followed by the start of the construction phase in March 2011. Internal structural alterations have included the erection of new spine walls in order to reposition some of the existing rooms within the building, whilst internal walls are to be replastered where necessary. Each of the new apartments will also have new kitchens and bathrooms installed, along with additional fixtures, fittings and floors that comply with current regulations. In order to respect the historical significance of the Grade II* listed building, all of the external features have been maintained and the stone and brickwork has been lovingly restored. Although new windows have been fitted and some sections of the roof replaced, the alterations are all in keeping with the original style of the building. Also included in the scheme is the significant revamp of utility services, which will enable the water and electricity facilities to meet the requirements of the new development. A new pumping station will improve water pressure across the site, whilst a new electrical substation will improve the power output. Landscaping will include the creation of a 70-space residential car park, a waste storage area and a secure zone designated for bicycles. ROMA PUBLICATIONS 65 Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t Careful consideration has also been made to preserve the fauna and wildlife that currently populate the site. A large number of trees have been preserved, whilst Eramo Developments Limited is working with Natural England to maintain the existing habitats for a number of endangered animals. For example, a badger habitat has been conserved and one of the lofts on the site has been kept clear for the bats that have made it their home. Eramo Developments Limited Project Manager, Vincenzo Giordano, said: “We are very pleased to be involved with the redevelopment of the former Normansfield Hospital. Gabriella Park Gardens is an extremely prestigious project on a site that is very important to the area. As a result, we are working closely with all the correct departments in order to ensure that the redevelopment meets the requirements needed for working on a listed building. It has been fantastic to get this project off the ground.” Normansfield Hospital opened to patients in 1868 and provided care for people with learning difficulties. The site quickly grew to incorporate a number of buildings within the grounds, all of which were designed to help care for the wellbeing of the patients. During the 1990s the hospital was taken under the wing of the Richmond, Twickenham and Roehampton Healthcare NHS Trust, before being closed and sold to developers in 2000. In 2008, Richmond Council approved plans for the construction of 89 homes on the site, which ultimately led to the development of the Gabriella Park Gardens scheme. Stanley Haines, Haines Phillips Architects, said: “Normansfield Hospital originated as a rather large Victorian building called the White House which was owned by Dr. John Langdon-Down, a pioneer in the field of a condition we now refer to as Down Syndrome. “Langdon-Down started his work by taking patients with learning difficulties into his own home to improve their quality of life 66 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION and gain a better understanding of their condition. He then quickly increased the number of buildings around his home in order to provide additional facilities for their care. “These buildings, along with the development of an orchard on the grounds, provided patients with a place where they could be stimulated on a daily basis. Indeed, it has been suggested that his methods helped to increase the life expectancy of the patients in his care. “Langdon-Down was so successful that he expanded his home considerably and it gradually became what is known today as Normansfield Hospital. The site comprises of a collection of rather fine and unique Gothic style buildings with an approximate area of 50,000 sq ft. “Due to the high profile nature of Langdon-Down’s work, the former hospital is now a Grade II listed building and is an important Middlesex landmark. However, over the years the development has sadly fallen into a bad state of repair and was therefore in desperate need of rescuing. “Thankfully Normansfield Hospital is now being sensitively restored back to its former glory. Although this project is a big operation, work is well underway and it already looks very impressive. Restoring a building like this is a tremendous experience and it is the sort of project that you can’t help but get absolutely engrossed in. “I believe Langdon-Down would be very proud of the progress that has been made so far.” Phase One of Gabriella Park Gardens is scheduled for completion in November 2012. Construction News Call our news team on 01706 719972 Making homes affordable with The Oakwood Group As a professional construction and development company, The Oakwood Group works alongside the leading housing associations and landowners to successfully regenerate parts of the nation’s capital and transform areas into vibrant communities. The Oakwood Group is presently involved in a series of development schemes, for which they procure 100% of the development costs. In addition, the company plays a major role in the delivery of affordable housing. With over twenty years experience in the housing market, the current management structure enables the company to broaden their range of services and establish an enviable reputation for the delivery of high quality residential and mixed-use development projects. One of The Oakwood Group’s flagship schemes was the construction of Victoria Works in Feltham, which was completed in March 2010. The project involved the construction of 73 one, two and three-bedroom apartments within a mixture of tenures, delivered in conjunction with a housing association partner. The Oakwood Group has a number of exciting projects planned for 2012. The company has recently commenced construction on a scheme of 20 apartments in Sanderstead, which should be coming to market in spring 2013. The company’s planning pipeline is diverse and this year will also see the transformation of a former car dealership site in Coulsdon Town Centre to provide 94 residential units with basement parking and retail and office space. Additional projects to follow include the regeneration of a disused warehouse site in Lamberth comprising 68 flats together with commercial space, along with a scheme in Merton comprising 14 four-bedroom houses. The Oakwood Group Managing Director, John Fleetwood, said: “Our main strength is our capability and expertise in managing a wide range of multi-disciplinary projects and our unique selling point is that we are not put off by any particular location. We are backed by a broad range of skills and resources and our core business areas of design, planning and construction are interwoven to provide a cohesive framework for www.romauk.net developing individual site solutions.” He added: “Over the years our staff levels have grown and we have retained a very good core of people. Within the last eight years our turnover has increased threefold, notwithstanding the challenging economic climate. “We take a huge amount of pride in what we do, particularly as we’re so heavily involved in the design and planning process. With so many of our developments being constructed close to our headquarters, it’s fundamental that we deliver an exemplary quality built environment that is capable of standing the test of time.” Creating a community at Granville Road A community has been brought back together, thanks to a £9.46 million makeover at three residential tower blocks on Granville Road, London. The design-build project has involved the refurbishment of Granville Point, Templewood Point and Harpenmead Point and was funded by Barnet Homes. Main contractor for the project was Apollo Property Services Group. Work commenced in summer 2009 and the refurbishment scheme affected approximately 180 residential units across the site. Kitchens, bathrooms and brand new boilers were installed in the majority of units, whilst a number of homes benefitted from brand new central heating systems. All of the front doors were replaced - including those belonging to 44 leaseholders - in order to make them Secured by Design 30 minute fireproof (FD30). In addition to new screens and doors in the lift lobbies, hardwired smoke alarms and fire doors were installed in each of the flats. The water mains were renewed or upgraded and electrical meters were repositioned, whilst further improvements included the remodelling of entrance lobbies, improvements to lifts and staircases and the upgrading of safety signage. In addition, floor coverings were renewed. External work on the tower blocks included the installation of aluminium rainscreen cladding for floors 2 to 15, which has increased the thermal efficiency and weather protection of the buildings. Due to the importance of this feature, the design was decided by the local planning office, Barnet Homes, HDA Architects, the structural engineer and the immediate and surrounding residents. A brick cladding system was also added to the ground and first floors. Each block subsequently received new insulated roofs with a safe access system, along with new windows and balconies. Landscape work has included new paving for the entrances and the installation of motion sensor lighting in order to make the site more energy efficient. As the site remained occupied for the duration of the project, it was important to involve the local residents. Measures included the organisation of community fun days, setting up a nearby communal garden and the introduction of an on-site residential area. A Facebook page was also created for the project, which provided residents with a platform to express their opinions on the ongoing work. Apollo Property Services Group Divisional Manager, Kevin Jones, said: “It is always important for us to get involved with residents. This makes project life less fraught and it is undeniably more rewarding when residents are involved in a positive way.” Another important aspect of the project was the implementation of Apollo Property Service Group’s apprentice scheme, which was introduced to provide residents with employment opportunities. Kevin Jones explained: “Apollo has a very strong community support ethos on all of our projects and a key part of this is our drive to tackle the ‘back to work agenda’. We do this through training, work placements, job opportunities, local labour initiatives and apprenticeship schemes. “Part of the tender bid on this project was to implement a range of activities for the community and Apollo has followed through by taking on apprentices themselves.” Contracts Manager for Barnet Homes, Kieran Ryan, added: “We also have a new apprentice working at Barnet Homes who was a resident on the selection panel for the contractor, so it’s ROMA PUBLICATIONS 67 Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t been very rewarding for everyone involved. “Overall the vibe has been really good on this refurbishment project and it really has brought the community together.” ETEC Contract Services Ltd Established in 2005, ETEC Contract Services Ltd is a refurbishment contractor that specialises in refurbishment and electrical contracting. This involves property maintenance across all industry sectors including industrial, residential and commercial. On the Granville Road Tower Blocks project, ETEC Contract Services Ltd conducted painting and general building works in each tower block. This involved the application of a specialist fire resistant paint to all communal areas. ETEC Contract Services Ltd Director, Michael Smith, said: “At ETEC Contract Services Ltd we pride ourselves on the level of service and professionalism that we provide to our customers.Our aim is to always deliver a first class product on time, every time.” The Flooring Company Ltd Since 2006, The Flooring Company Ltd has specialised in the provision of commercial floor coverings. This includes the installation and subfloor preparation for both new builds and refits. On the Granville, Harpenmead and Templewood Point project The Flooring Company Ltd installed new floor coverings on all lift lobbies and stairwell landings. This involved the application of a latex smoothing compound, followed by linoleum flooring. The company also installed entrance matting. The Flooring Company Ltd Director, John Butt, said: “At The Flooring Company Ltd we pride ourselves on our communication skills with our clients and we always aim to meet deadlines on time and to a high standard. “This allows us to work efficiently alongside any team involved on a project, to achieve an end result that is satisfactory for all.” Hackney Homes maintain standards of living Safety and security is at the top of the list as Hackney Homes continues to invest in the welfare of their residents in a number of key projects and planned programmes across Hackney. Created by the London Borough of Hackney and launched in 2006, Hackney Homes is a non-profit scheme that was originally set up to manage council homes in the Hackney area. The organisation provides repairs and maintenance for the properties within their portfolio and offers important and much-needed services to residents and the local community. Hackney Homes has invested £184 million in the programme since 2006 and despite a reduction in government funding for Decent Homes, the development still received a guaranteed £33 million in funding for 2011/12. A further £27 million in funding has been provisionally set for 2013/14 and 2014/15, whilst Hackney Council also invested a further £4 million throughout 2011 and into 2012. Whilst the cut in funding may have resulted in Hackney Council having to prioritise the areas in which the money is spent, this has not prevented the process from moving forward. Indeed, it has simply led to a greater focus on repairs and improvements to external work. Such improvements encompass high-tech security systems including an around-the-clock CCTV network and improvements to entry ways, footpaths and communal TV systems. In addition, faulty lifts are now being repaired within two hours between 8am and 6pm during Monday to Friday. Properties will now be repainted every eight years in order to 68 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION ensure that they remain as fresh as the day that they were first painted, whilst outdated heating systems have been replaced with more energy efficient alternatives. Residents are given as much say as possible when it comes to the finer details and are regularly update of any delays or disruptions to planned work. In the summer of 2010, Lakehouse, Mansell and Essexbased contractor Mullaley were announced as the partners for Hackney Homes. The four-year framework had an estimated cost of £350 million and was split into three individual sections, covering areas such as Decent Homes, Planned Maintenance and Responsive Repairs. Commenting on becoming a partner, Lakehouse Chief Executive, Steve Rawlings, said: “The Hackney Homes framework was a massive win for Lakehouse and further demonstrated our growth and success in social housing, where we are recognised as one of the leading service providers in the south east. “To be selected as one of only three contractors for the high profile partnership made all of our hard work worthwhile.” Described by Lakehouse Communities and Regeneration Director as “a fantastic achievement”, the work of Lakehouse focused on two of the three framework areas, including Decent Homes and Planned Maintenance. Decent Homes partner Mansell is certainly no stranger to working on large contracts, as owner Balfour Beatty has previously worked on affordable homes projects for Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and Riverside Housing Association. This work ROMA PUBLICATIONS 69 Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t has included the internal and external refurbishment of existing properties, along with several new build projects. Chief Executive of Balfour Beatty, Ian Tyler, said: “We were delighted to have been appointed to this framework and look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with Hackney Homes and the local community in order to deliver improved housing for residents.” As part of their involvement in the Hackney Homes scheme, Mansell has worked with the DSSL Group on a wireless CCTV system that can be accessed at any time by both DSSL and Hackney Homes staff. The scheme enables any faults to be rectified within a 24-hour period, leaving residents to rest assured that a secure and reliable system is in place. DSSL Group MD and project manager, Bob Lack, said: “We linked one site to begin with and then we built it up five sites at a time. There are now 60 sites across the borough of Hackney that are linked on this wireless network.” At the recent Association of Consultant Architects awards ceremony, Mullaley were awarded the PPC/TPC Award for their hard work and innovative money-saving processes. President of the ACA, Terry Brown, commented: “Their study was a first-class example of constructor-led innovation for the benefit of the whole Hackney Alliance, not just the client or an individual constructor.” In order to receive the award, Mulalley demonstrated the value that engineering under PPC2000 could bring to the project. In the light of funding cuts, this innovative and cost-saving method was seen as a big boost that had further benefitted the Hackney Homes project. Head of Asset Management for Hackney Homes, Jonathan Oxlade, said: “This award is good recognition of our work with Mulalley and partners, which has ultimately led to innovative and better ways of working.” Mulalley Director Bruce Benson added: “It is just recognition for the added value that has been brought to this programme by the Hackney Alliance.” DSSL Group Since 1996 the Essex-based DSSL Group has been specialists in the field of safety and security. Via the technical and engineering skills within the DSSL Group, Hackney Homes has developed a CCTV system that consists of over 1500 cameras and 120 digital video recorders. Designed, installed and maintained by DSSL Group the system operates across a wireless network and is one of the largest housing CCTV networks in the UK. The system relays images from a number of high rise buildings back to a central monitoring facility and requires no or minimal civil engineering. DSSL Group company MD and project manager, Bob Lack, said: “We’re recognised as being a group that is very flexible and can respond to any security situation; whether it involves access control, building protection or CCTV. “We’ve got a good background in working for local authorities, police services, central government and the industry of petrochemical, pharmaceutical and power stations within the area of Essex.” Recognised by its clients as being flexible enough to respond to any project involving CCTV, access control or perimeter protection systems, DSSL prides itself in its reputation for excellence and ingenuity. It strives to be at the forefront of delivering wireless technology and IP systems to its broad base of clients and maintains the Hackney Homes security system on behalf of Mansells. Privacy and dignity for Frimley Park Hospital Frimley Park Hospital will be the first hospital in the UK to implement an innovative streaming and cabin model when the £22 million phased upgrade of the existing emergency department is completed in 2012. The new-build section of the works is on schedule for completion in June 2012, whilst the refurbishment phase will be completed by the end of the year. Main contractor VINCI Construction UK Ltd is responsible for the construction of the new emergency department, day surgery unit and helipad. Architects for the scheme are Devereux Architects Ltd. The new development features an attractive modern design that has incorporated some of the language of the adjacent Eye 70 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION Treatment Centre, which itself is connected to the new building via a link bridge. Clad in a light brick, the new development also features Trespa panels and a striking Reglit glazing stairwell. Built to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’, the building has incorporated a range of sustainable features including natural ventilation wherever possible. The new resuscitation area of the emergency department will be constructed on the ground floor, in the process increasing the number of available resuscitation beds from five to eight. On the first floor, there will be a new day surgery unit with two operating theatres and sixteen treatment cubicles, whilst the development will also feature a plant room on the second floor and a helipad on the roof. ROMA PUBLICATIONS 71 Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t Subsequent to this phase of the project, the existing emergency department will be refurbished and a new Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) and Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) will be created. In addition, portions of the paediatric department will be refurbished and other service areas will be extended. Flavia de Almeida, Project Manager for the development at Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The design is centred around privacy and dignity. One of the most fundamental aspects of this project is the implementation of an ‘American’ approach to treatment cubicles, whereby the patients are offered a much more discreet recuperation space than is normally seen in UK hospitals. “Normally when patients arrive in a traditional emergency department, they will stay on an open ward with curtains that can be opened or drawn when required. However, what we will have here are cubicles with glazed manually operated doors that are completely separated from one another and offer complete privacy from a sound and visual point of view.” Before work began onsite in April 2011, civil and ground works were carried out in order to enable the construction of the main new building structure. This included the introduction of new road access into the hospital site and an island with a security office in the centre. Flavia de Almeida commented: “This has been a very challenging project as the hospital has had to remain operational 24/7 whilst construction work has taken place. Despite this, excellent progress has been made so far and we are confident that the project will achieve the scheduled completion date of June 2012 for the new build section of the project. “The new design will facilitate a new and more efficient way of working for the staff of Frimley Park Hospital. It will allow for the streaming of individuals via the emergency department, which will subsequently alleviate pressure on the clinical staff and create more time for treating patients. “Overall, this has been a challenging yet enjoyable project that will bring many benefits to the local community.” Bayards Aluminium Constructions For almost 50 years Bayards Aluminium Constructions has been a world leader in aluminium construction. The company is active in many different industries and works on a variety of projects from the fabrication of hull structures of reconnaissance vehicles for the defence industry, to the assembly of a fully prefabricated rooftop helipad assembly kit. On the Frimley Park Hospital project Bayards Aluminium Constructions built a 780m² turnkey rooftop helipad with an additional 120 metre walkway. The helipad was fully equipped with perimeter drainage, lighting and a fire fighting system. Bayards Aluminium Constructions’ Commercial Director, Dick de Kluijver, said: “Thanks to its many years of experience, Bayards is a company that complies with every national and international standard and can offer a turnkey solution, custom made, to meet both the safety and architectural requirements of the client. As demonstrated at Frimley Park Hospital we can deliver helipads that fit in seamlessly with the wishes and ambitions of the hospital.” John Sisk & Son delivers first class Royal Mail project Leading main contractor John Sisk & Son has completed an exciting project that will revolutionise the way that mail is processed in the South East. The new Medway Mail Centre in Strood will handle up to 3.2 million items of mail a night and serve as the only mail centre in Kent once processing work transfers from the Canterbury, Dartford, Maidstone and Tonbridge mail centres. Once the centre becomes fully operational in the autumn of 2012, 850 staff will sort mail posted to and from addresses in the CT, DA, ME and TN postcode areas. Commenting on the new Medway Mail Centre, MP Mark Reckless said: “This is an exciting project which could provide a real boost to the local economy. The location of the new centre on formerly developed but currently unused land is a significant step forward in the wider regeneration of Strood, and I welcome Royal Mail’s decision to locate their sorting hub here in Medway. “Once again Medway is showing that it is open for business and has the infrastructure to attract large-scale investment into the towns. I offer my congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen.” Comprising approximately 15,500 square metres, the development contains a three-storey block for admin and associated activities and a large single-storey processing facility. Watson Batty Architects Limited selected different colours for the horizontal and vertical cladding, whilst the building also celebrates a distinctive polished block work entrance feature. Interestingly, as the building is built into a hillside the staff access the building via a bridge that takes them onto the first floor, where they can either go down to the operational floor or go up to the canteen and welfare area. Facilities include a large staff restaurant with formal and informal seating, along with a recreation area and a staff roof terrace. There are also a number of ‘team pods’, which have small 72 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION lecture theatres where staff briefings can take place. In the processing facility, six new intelligent letter sorting machines will sort mail into batches that can be sequenced into exact walk order to save postmen and women time when preparing to go out on their rounds. At full speed, the machines can sort up to 45,000 items an hour. In addition, there will be five machines for cancelling stamped mail and one flat sorting machine for A4-sized mail. The centre has achieved BREEAM ‘Very Good’ and celebrates a number of sustainable features that will help Royal Mail to reduce its carbon footprint. These include provisions for natural daylight, a solar wall to deliver preheated air into the heating systems, an energy efficient biomass boiler and solar panels in the roof for domestic water usage. Landscaping has included terraced areas and external areas for vehicle parking and maneuvering. Paul Ryan, Watson Batty Architects Limited, said: “This is one of a new generation of mail centres that have been designed across the country for Royal Mail and is arguably the most advanced. “As with all buildings on a Brownfield site, some challenges did arise. The existing concrete floor had been left in, so we dug it up, crushed it and reused it. The site is also between two railway lines, so we had to liaise with Network Rail throughout the project and form a new entrance into the site for HGVs. “However, the project progressed well and finished on time and within budget. I would like to extend my thanks to our client Royal Mail, who we have enjoyed a strong working relationship with for almost twenty years.” Watson Batty Architects Limited Watson Batty Architects Limited was established in 1976 and now boasts a 50-strong workforce who undertake work nationally across most sectors and with a wide range of clients. The award-winning company provides an extensive range of services including 3D graphics, interior design, sustainability, CDM and health & safety services. Watson Batty Architects Limited adds value to every project by taking the time to understand their clients and striving to meet their every need. For more information on Watson Batty Architects Limited, visit www.watsonbatty.com. Housing for Bell Green Phase Two of the Bell Green Development project will bring 156 new residential flats to Lower Sydenham in south London. Under the project, the disused Bell Green Gas Works site will be transformed into a retail park with adjacent residential accommodation. Design development work for the £16 million phase began in March 2010 and was followed by initial groundwork in October 2010. Funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and the Circle Housing Group, the project has been carried out by main contractor Willmott Dixon Group and architect bptw partnership. Even after Castlemore Securities Ltd went into administration subsequent to purchasing the land in 2009, Circle Housing Group continued with its purchase of part of the site for the residential units, whilst the remainder of the site was taken for retail use. Phase One of the project is now completed and has seen the construction of a new Sainsbury’s supermarket with an accomROMA PUBLICATIONS 73 Lo n d o n & S o u th E a s t panying car park on an area of land adjacent to the residential block. Phase Two comprises the construction of the residential block, which itself will incorporate 156 flats, two commercial units, a residential car park and associated infrastructure works. Additional commercial units will be constructed during Phase Three of the project. Comprising a mixture of one and two-bedroom flats, the 156 units are divided into 85 rented units and 71 units under the rent to buy scheme. This scheme is a government initiative that allows tenants to rent a property for a predefined period of time before purchasing it once the tenancy ends. The main accommodation is divided into two structures that are provisionally entitled the north and south blocks. Constructed using a traditional concrete frame, the building boasts a unique circular design and features an external brick-block facade with a rendered finish and UPVC windows. The north block is a four-storey structure that comprises two commercial units on the ground floor and twenty flats on the three storeys above. The remaining 136 units are contained within the four-storey south block. A combined heat and power plant (CHP) will be built on the site and will act as a centralised boiler, providing heating and hot water for all of the residents. In addition, a number of photovoltaic panels will be installed on the roof in order to provide an additional source of hot water. Such environmentally sustainable features will enable the housing units to achieve a Code 3 classification for Sustainable Homes, which was part of the funding agreement set out by the HCA. Furthermore, the high levels of sustainability will allow the development to meet guidelines set out by the Mayor of London, including the ambitious aim to generate 20% of energy via renewable technology. 17-4-u 1/2? 74 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION Circle Housing Group Development Manager, Luke Chandler, said: “The primary intention of Phase Two is to provide London with much-needed affordable accommodation on an area of land that is currently undergoing radical redevelopment. Work continues to progress well and we haven’t encountered any major problems so far. “Bell Green’s new neighbour - Sainsbury’s - has also been very accommodating. Indeed, they have allowed all of the contractors and subcontractors to use their car park, which has made the job significantly easier. “Nevertheless, this is still a very challenging project and everyone has had to work very hard to construct this phase to a very tight budget, particularly as Phase Two was tendered in an extremely difficult climate. Despite this, everyone has remained remarkably positive throughout the construction phase and I have no doubt that work will be completed on time. “It’s always satisfying to see any project get off the ground but the unique design of the building truly sets this one apart from the more traditional social housing projects. Although some social housing developments can be rather rudimentary in their construction, this one most certainly isn’t. This is incredibly pleasing to know, especially as the development continues to take shape.” Works yet to be carried out for Phase Two include an extensive internal fit-out programme and additional landscaping. Landscaping will include a stunning artwork installation that has been designed by a local artist and is linked to the local history of the site – in the process satisfying one of the original planning agreements. Phase Two of the Bell Green Development is scheduled for completion in July 2012. ROMA PUBLICATIONS 75 Wa l e s The conservation of Oystermouth Castle An extensive programme of conservation works is currently underway to conserve a historic Mumbles monument. The Oystermouth Castle Conservation Project is being led by Swansea Council in order to conserve, repair and improve access to the important Swansea landmark. The ÂŁ3.1 million partnership project has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Welsh Government, Cadw and Visit Wales, European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) and the City and County of Swansea. The project has also received great support from the Friends of Oystermouth Castle, a locally formed volunteer group. The main contractor for the project is WRW Construction Ltd, Llanelli and the architects are Davies Sutton Associates, Cardiff. In a rich and varied past, the 12th-14th century Oystermouth Castle has seen the likes of Kings, Lords and Ladies residing within its thick stone walls. The monument was originally built as a stronghold to keep people out, but in 2010 the dilapidated castle opened its doors to the public once more. Initial works included the construction of new access points and footways to enable people to enter the castle whilst at the same time reconnecting the structure to the Victorian seaside village of Mumbles. 76 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION Visitor facilities have been provided within the castle, including Alinas Chapel which has never been opened to the public. In addition, a modern glass bridge has been inserted at the chapel level in order to represent the addition of a 2011 layer of history to the medieval structure. During the works, the discovery of medieval murals, inscriptions, coins and even staircases within staircases have provided puzzles for conservationists and architects to resolve. The people of Mumbles - particularly local traders and community groups - have been delighted at what they see as a huge boost for local tourism. A Phase One July 2011 Open Day was a huge success and now follow-up events are being planned in partnership with the City and County of Swansea. Between July 2011 and September 2011, 13,000 people visited the castle whilst works were still ongoing. From October 2011 to May 2012 further works will take place to stitch back together the ruinous structures rising from the limestone bedrock within the castle walls. In June 2012, a medieval labyrinth of vaults, chambers and rooms within the walls of the castle will be waiting to be discovered by the public, who will be able to explore the mysteries of the mazelike castle structure. S c otl a n d Molly the Mole, Wullie Worm and Scottish Water Scottish Water’s tunnelling machine, Molly the Mole, has completed a 1.2km storm water sewer under Airdrie. Named by local school pupil Aimee Stewart, the machine was raised from the ground at an event attended by local councillors Jim Logue and David Stocks. Now that the project is complete, the storm transfer sewer can be connected to the local sewer network and made operational later in the year. Designed to improve water quality in the South Burn and reduce the risk of flooding at Cairnhill Road, the project will also facilitate the removal of eight additional properties from the flood register. The tunnel runs from Airdrie Railway Station car park to a Brownfield site behind Club 300 Bingo in Coatdyke. With an internal diameter of 2.44 metres and an external diameter of just over 3 metres, the tunnel depth varies to as deep as 40 metres. Ground conditions across the track of the tunnel vary from boulder clay and mudstone to sandstone and mine workings. Although the construction team came across a small void and some heavy water ingress, no major issues have emerged during the tunnelling process. Brian Dalton, Project Manager for Scottish Water, said: “During 2011, our delivery partner Byzak Ltd successfully completed the 1.2km tunnel below Victoria Place using Molly the Mole, who ended her journey in late December 2011. “The tunnel was needed as part of the overall solution for the project. There are currently discharges to the local watercourses which breach our consent with SEPA, our environmental regu- 78 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION lator. These flows will now be transferred via interconnecting pipework from their source, before being transferred along the to a storm tank. Following this, the storm flows will discharge to the North Calder water. “Our original route was actually going through the centre of Airdrie, however when we were in talks with Byzak at the planning stage they highlighted an alternative route that caused much less disruption, required less surveying work and would be quicker to complete. “Meeting the programme dates has been the biggest challenge so far. We set Byzak a tight programme and they have done very well to stick to the foreseen timescales thus far. We are happy that they have completed the tunnel without any major delays and on schedule. “We thank the community for their continuing patience and understanding while we carry out this essential work.” Work in Cairnhill Road and Broomknoll Street included the upgrading of an existing sewer network and is now complete. As a result of this phase of the project, Scottish Waters expect a significant reduction in the high flood frequency of the area. Additional work has been carried out adjacent to the Airdrie Business Centre. In the coming months, Wullie Worm – a tunnelling machine named by Sikeside Primary pupil Ethan Lynch – will create smaller tunnels under the area surrounding the railway station and the adjoining streets. These works will in turn connect the new storm transfer to the local network. In order to enable the tunnelling process, a phased construction programme will take place at the car park to the rear of Stirling Street to maximise available car parking space for local residents. North Lanarkshire Council has authorised the works and this phase of the project is due to be completed by March 2012. Geoff Aitkinhead, Scottish Water, said: “This is one of the largest projects that Scottish Water is doing in Scotland in the 2010-2015 investment period. “We have regularly communicated with the local community to ensure that the work has as little impact as possible. Our team has also volunteered for a community event cleaning up Centenary Park in Airdrie by weeding plants, painting and cleaning up play equipment. “Local businesses and residents are kept aware of the latest news on the project through letter drops, posters, press releases, school bag drops, face to face meetings and our online channels.” The entire scheme is expected to be completed by the autumn of 2012 and will significantly improve water quality in watercourses across Airdrie and beyond. Milton Burn nears completion Phase Two of the Milton Burn Flood Prevention Scheme in Dunoon is nearing completion. The second phase of the £4 million scheme involves the replacement of approximately 100 metres of combined sewer pipes and associated manholes between George Street and John Street. The 30-week phase is due to finish in early 2012 and will con- clude the major flood prevention scheme implemented by Argyll and Bute Council. The scheme was designed as a two-phase operation in order to provide flood relief to Dunoon as soon as possible. Civil engineering contractor George Leslie Ltd is the main contractor for the project. Work began on Phase Two in early 2011, following the suc- ROMA PUBLICATIONS 79 S c otl a n d cessful completion of Phase One. The first phase largely concentrated on improving pipes and associated works to the upstream areas of the burn, whilst Phase Two has focused on downstream improvement works. Milton Burn Flood Prevention Scheme was first announced in 2009 with construction initially scheduled to take place in 2010. However, the project suffered a number of delays and therefore did not commence until the following year. During the 30-week second phase, new retaining walls have been built in sections of the burn, whilst a flood relief pipe has been installed underneath a Morrisons car park close to the burn. The relief pipe will now direct the overflow water under John Street and out into the sea. A number of roads have been closed so that work can take place. However, local residents have been kept informed of any disruptions throughout the project. Chair of the Bute and Cowal Area Committee, Councillor Bruce Marshall, said: “This work is thanks to the diligence of Councillor James McQueen, who has been fighting to get it done since he be- came an elected member twelve years ago. It’s great news for local people and businesses, particularly around the Milton Bridge area where they have had to endure being flooded on many occasions over many years in the past. “After these works are finished, there will be more work done on connecting the flood relief culvert via a weir in the Milton Burn, together with new burn training walls. This means water will be removed from the Milton Burn when there’s heavy rainfall so there is less risk of flooding downstream.” George Leslie Ltd George Leslie Ltd is a privately owned civil engineering contractor that delivers infrastructure and engineering projects throughout Scotland. The company was founded in 1964 and includes local councils, water companies and government bodies amongst its key clients. George Leslie Ltd has a reputation in the industry for being a resourceful contractor that works in both urban and rural locations. The company is fully accredited to Quality, Health & Safety and Environmental standards. Parklea transformation nears its goal A £6 million redevelopment project to transform Parklea Community Sports Facility is nearing completion. The sports facility in Port Glasgow is currently undergoing a makeover that includes the construction of a brand new £2.9 million football pavilion. The project includes improving changing facilities as well as constructing two brand new 3G synthetic pitches with associated flood lighting. A major overhaul of drainage services to eight grass football pitches is also being carried out as part of the project. Work began in July 2009 and the project has been funded by Inverclyde Council’s capital programme, Sportscotland. Barr Ltd is the main contractor, whilst S&P Architects is the architect. Extra care is being taken throughout the lifespan of the Parklea project to meet the requirements of a Special Protection Area (SPA) that sits adjacent to the site. For six months of the year the adjacent site is frequented by migrating Redshank, therefore construction work has been carried out around the migratory habits of the birds. Construction Director of Barr Construction, Paul Griffen, said: “The schedule we have developed with Inverclyde Council and Scottish Natural Heritage is very demanding and presents considerable challenges as a result of the arrival of the Redshank. 80 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION “However, because the project team had already completed the building envelope, viewing stand works and the erection of an acoustic fence prior to the birds’ arrival, we were able to ensure that work on the site could continue without disturbing the birds.” As the Parklea project nears completion, remaining work includes the connecting of utilities and the completion of one of the 3G synthetic pitches. The drainage work on the eight pitches is almost complete. Leader of Inverclyde Council, Councillor Stephen McCabe, said: “Parklea is very much the jewel in the crown of our investment in leisure and it is very exciting to think that it is so near to completion. Football players and fans from across Inverclyde and beyond will come here to make use of these quality facilities and that can only be good news on sporting, social and health grounds. “We said from the very beginning we were committed to providing the best possible leisure facilities to improve the health and quality of life for our communities and I believe that the development here at Parklea is a perfect example of that commitment.” Parklea Community Sports Facility will be completed in summer 2012. Innerleithen WTW project is flowing swiftly Scottish Water is making a significant investment in the Innerleithen area of the Scottish Borders. In January 2012, works to construct a new £3.6 million water treatment plant began. Designed to offer cleaner, fresher water to communities living throughout the Tweed Valley, the new Innerleithen WTW will comprise a membrane plant with chemical dosing facilities that will remove naturally occurring elements and any cryptosporidium organisms from the raw water supply. Following this, the existing storage tank will be used to hold the drinking water from the treatment works before it is supplied to the local community. Main contractors for the project are Ross-shire Engineering and the scheme has been designed by URS Scott Wilson. The single-storey building stands at 43 metres long by 13 metres wide and will be clad in profile sheeting. Internally, the building comprises a control room, welfare facilities, toilets, a small laboratory and a large plant room floor containing all of the process equipment. External landscaping will include tree planting, mounding and an open water course. In addition, the existing dry stone walls have been retained and mature planting will be kept around the perimeter of the site. The project has proved challenging in terms of the design, as Malcolm Miller explained: “There have been some difficulties in terms of integrating the building into the landscape, as it is a fairly large building in an exposed location. With regards to the design, we have tried to create the impression of an agricultural building that blends into surrounding landscape. In simple terms, we have deliberately made it ‘uninteresting’ to look at. “The new plant complies with Scottish Water standards and has incorporated numerous environmental considerations. In particular, the building has a lower carbon footprint and we aim to minimise the amount of power used for pumping and process work. We have also met the operational and planning requirements to avoid excess clutter on the site.” In July 2011, approximately 6,000 mountain bike and cycling enthusiasts made the pilgrimage to the Tweed Valley for the week long Tweedlove Festival. Tweedlove organiser, Neil Dalgleish, welcomed Scottish Water’s investment. Highlighting the importance of hydration for the riders tackling the terrain, he said: “Staying hydrated is possibly the number one priority during a bike race like the Glentress Seven - or any of the other TweedLove bike events. It’s so easy to become dehydrated when you’re putting in so much physical effort. You soon notice the difference in your performance and how well your head is working too.” Scottish Water provides 1.3 billion litres of drinking water every day and removes 840 million litres of waste water daily. The company is currently working on improvement projects across Scotland, including improvements at Loch Ryan, Seafield and Glencourse. Earlier this year, Scottish Water launched a new division that will export the impressive expertise that the company has built up over the last ten years. The contract in Canada will enable ROMA PUBLICATIONS 81 S c otl a n d Scottish Water to deliver training to operational staff in the water industry throughout Alberta. Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, said: “Scottish Water’s contract in Canada underlines that Scottish ingenuity and expertise is seen as a valuable global commodity. It shows that there is real potential for further contracts to be secured across the world, which is why Scottish Water’s decision to create a new international division is to be applauded.” Multi-million pound water project will deliver massive environmental benefits Scottish Water is carrying out an exciting project that will deliver massive environmental benefits for rivers and coastal waters in Ayrshire. The Meadowhead and Stevenston Work Package 6 (WP6) was designed to significantly improve the environment for those living in North and East Ayrshire. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has identified water quality and aesthetic failings in inland and coastal waterways within the River Irvine, Kilmarnock Water and Irvine Coastal Water. The scheme comprises several projects to construct new pipelines and pumping stations, along with the modification of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) in order to address the drivers for these waterways. These drivers include: the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, the Bathing Water Directive, the Freshwater Fisheries Directive and the Water Framework Directive. As one of the biggest projects of its kind to have ever been undertaken in Scotland, the storm water management work will improve water quality in the River Irvine and Kilmarnock Water and the bathing waters of Irvine Bay. The scheme will also help Scottish Water meet Scottish Environment Protection Agency regulations and stringent EU directives. MBV, a joint venture between contractors Morrison Construction and Black & Veatch and their design partners Halcrow, has now completed the first phase of the project. This £31 million phase comprised the installation of a new storm water network between Irvine and Meadowhead Waste Water Treatment Works. The Irvine-Meadowhead project will improve storm water management in the Irvine and Kilmarnock areas through a new collection and transfer system which will allow better control of waste water discharges and substantially reduce unsatisfactory intermittent discharges (UIDs) to the rivers and the Firth of Clyde. Covering a geographical area of approximately 125 square kilometres, the catchment consists of both urbanised and rural areas and has a population of over 300,000. The new systems in both towns will collect combined sewer overflow (CSO) discharges that occur when there is too much water for the existing infrastructure to handle, usually during or after heavy rainfall. Excess flows will then be discharged into local watercourses in order to relieve pressure in the system and avoid flooding. Creating the new storm water network involved constructing approximately 12 miles of large pipelines and the creation of three new transfer pumping stations and a new storage tank south west of Kilmarnock. This has in turn provided 12,000 cubic metres of storage capacity that will prevent early spills to rivers by holding back waste water in storm conditions before it is pumped forward for disposal via an existing long sea outfall at Gailes Pumping Station in Irvine. Further works included additions to the inlet works at the Meadowhead WWTW, including a new screening chamber that provides preliminary screening to the storm water prior to discharge via the Gailes outfall. Now that the first phase of the project is complete, Morrison Construction and Black & Veatch have secured a £17 million Scottish Water contract for the second phase. AE Yates Trenchless Solutions Ltd This range of equipment means A.E. Yates Trenchless Solutions Ltd can offer an underground conduit from 150mm to 2.0m in diameter for sewers or the insertion of any utility apparatus. The company’s range of services coupled to its ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001 accreditation has enabled it to work with a large number of contractors such as Balfour Beatty, Galliford Try and Carillion. On the Meadowhead and Stevenson Project A.E. Yates Trenchless Solutions Ltd successfully completed approximately 600 metres of microtunnelling. This consisted of 2 No 1.2m ID drives both in excess of 230 metres with the remainder being a 0.6 metre ID microtunnel, along with associated pits and shafts. In addition, they also constructed a 5.5 metre diameter x 11m deep pump station, plus a short horizontal directional drill. A.E. Yates Trenchless Solutions Ltd. Managing Director, John Nuttall, said: “As well as resolving construction issues relating to easement, ground conditions and traffic, trenchless construction is very environmentally friendly as it uses approximately 10% of the CO2 compared to that used in open cut operations, which is an incredible saving.” A.E. Yates Trenchless Solutions Ltd operates the most varied fleet of trenchless construction equipment in the UK. Since its establishment in 1986 it has increased its specialist service range to include auger boring, horizontal directional drilling, pipe bursting, micro tunnelling, tunnelling and associated shafts. Construction News Call our news team on 01706 719972 Silverdykes takes shape make use of the fully automatic solar thermal panels, in the process reducing the reliance of the site on fossil fuels and safeguarding the energy costs for future owners. Additional features include plastered internal walls, facing brickwork and reconstituted stonework for external wall cladding. The roofs of the homes also feature slate and tiles. Landscaping has included the creation of new access and estate roads. Main contractor for the Silverdykes project is Muir Homes Ltd and the architect is Roy Mitchell Design. With the first phase now complete, Silverdykes continues to take shape in the village of Cellardyke. The village neighbours the historic fishing village of Anstruther and the development therefore offers easy access to Anstruther Golf Club, Billow Ness beach and Kellie Castle. Indeed, Silverdykes has proved so popular with current residents of the town that several residents are now looking to move from their current homes to the site. The wide range of housing available at Silverdykes has piqued the interest of many different cross-sections of the community, including senior citizens looking for retirement bungalows and new families keen to set up home. As the site previously housed a caravan park, those who have previously kept caravans at the park are also now looking to invest in a permanent holiday home. Muir Homes bought the site over ten years The first phase of a brand new luxury housing development from Muir Homes has been completed in the village of Cellardyke. Located on the site of the former Anstruther Caravan Park in Fife, the £20 million Silverdykes scheme includes over three hundred newly constructed residential homes situated around interconnecting carriageways. The residential units comprise a mixture of detached and semidetached two and three- bedroom bungalows and two, three and four-bedroom detached and semidetached villas, along with a number of two-bedroom apartments. In addition to the housing units, the development has incorporated two additional units that will become a convenience store and a chemist. Also included in the scheme is a large green space in the centre of the development, which will be complemented by the council’s provision of decorative concrete obelisks around the site. All of the units have been built to meet the requirements of modern day living and feature a contemporary interior design. The homes boast natural wood finishes, stylish bathrooms and fully tiled and integrated kitchens and each home has incorporated gas central heating with energy efficient boilers and low energy lighting throughout. Muir Homes has a strong commitment to their environmental principles and as a result, sustainable materials have been used wherever possible. To date, this has included advanced insulation, double glazing and automatic solar thermal panels that generate hot water. Silverdykes is also the first development in Muir Homes’ portfolio to www.romauk.net ago and has since spent a considerable amount of time consulting with the local community to make sure that residents are kept up to date with the latest phases of construction. Considerations have also been made in order to ensure that the housing development remains aesthetically pleasing to neighbouring residents. Muir Homes Site Manager, Danny Robin, said: “There’s a local community committee which meets with the developers on a monthly basis. We kept the blocks of flats down to two storeys rather than making them high-rise because there are no high-rise blocks in the Fife region and we didn’t want anything to stick out too offensively in the landscape.” Muir Homes is a family owned company that provides high quality homes across central Scotland and the east coast of Scotland. For over thirty-five years it has been involved in the development of numerous villas, bungalows and apartments for families, couples and individuals. S c otl a n d Improving Scotland’s water Upgrade operations are currently underway at three waste water treatment works (WWTW) in Scotland to improve services for over a million people. Scottish Water is investing more than £15 million into projects at Shieldhall and Dalmarnock WWTWs in Glasgow and Laighpark WWTW in Paisley. The upgrade works include a major overhaul of site infrastructure in order to improve operability and to ensure that the facilities continue to protect the River Clyde. Scottish Water’s investment is being divided between each of the three sites, with £6.5 million being spent on Shieldhall WWTW and £5.5 million at Laighpark WWTW. The work at Shieldhall WWTW is largely focused on ensuring that the water discharge operation continues to meet ministerial and Scottish Environment Protection Agency requirements. This work includes the replacements of screens, the refurbishment of the sludge pumping station’s main switchboard and the replacement and refurbishment of pumps. Meanwhile, work at Laighpark WWTW will see the provision of new screening alongside additional improvements to associated equipment. The remaining £3 million of the investment is being split at Dalmarnock WWTW. A £1 million operation is taking place to upgrade mechanical works including screens and hydraulic pump valve actuators, whilst £2 million is being spent on tackling an odour issue at the facility. MWH Treatment Limited is the main contractor for each of the projects and is working on behalf of Scottish Water Solutions, a joint venture partnership between Scottish Water and a number of the world’s leading construction, engineering and water companies. 84 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION Executive Member for Development and Regeneration Services at Glasgow City Council, Bailie Liz Cameron, said: “Scottish Water is investing a significant amount in improvements to these key waste water treatment works that serve so many people in Glasgow. I think that many of us take these facilities for granted but they provide such an important service for every one of us – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” Councillor Bailie Barker, Glasgow City Council, added: “Glasgow councillors take a keen interest in these facilities and we are delighted to hear that this new investment will help protect and enhance the natural environment on the River Clyde. ”Historically our city council forefathers have had a long association with the provision of water and waste water services to Glasgow’s citizens and we are delighted to see what Scottish Water is doing to improve key waste water treatment works in the 21st century.” Over the next five years, Scottish Water Solutions and its delivery partners will complete hundreds of regeneration projects across Scotland as part of a £2.5 billion investment programme by Scottish Water. The work being undertaken at Shieldhall, Laighpark and Dalmarnock will benefit over a million residents living in Paisley, Newton Mearns, Renfrew and the north east and south areas of Glasgow. Scottish Water’s Waste Water Operations Manager, Steven Fraser, said: “Scottish Water is delighted to have started this major investment in the capital maintenance of three of the most important waste water treatment works in the Glasgow and Paisley area. “Shieldhall, Dalmarnock and Laighpark WWTWs play a very important role in providing waste water services to about a million customers in parts of the Glasgow area and this new investment will ensure that they continue to provide a first-class service and help to protect the natural environment of the River Clyde for years to come. â€œWe are committed to supporting the regeneration of the Glasgow area and to improving our infrastructure in the city as it prepares for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and other major events.â€? The Shieldhall, Laighpark and Dalmarnock projects are due to be completed by summer 2013. MWH Treatment Limited MWH Treatment Limited is part of the MWH organisation, a global leader in wet infrastructure operations. The company has been in operation for over a hundred years and provides expert services for water environment engineering, water systems investment and management, along with wastewater products. MWH Treatment Limited pride themselves on their comprehensive array of in-house services to treat and control all grades of water and wastewater, whilst the company works closely with all of their clients to achieve high quality standards throughout all of their operations. The power of Griffin Scotland will soon celebrate the completion of a new onshore wind farm that will bring renewable energy to Perthshire. Griffin Wind Farm is a 68-turbine wind farm project that is located just south of Aberfeldy in Perthshire. Valued at ÂŁ200 million, Griffin Wind Farm will become fully operational in spring 2012 and will provide a combined capacity of 156.4MW. The project is a new venture that has been entirely self-funded by SSE and covers an area of 30 square kilometres across land that was previously used for commercial forestry. Lagan Construction is the main contractor on the project, whilst Enterprise Utilities is the groundwork subcontractor. Construction began in July 2010 and the turbines have been supplied by Siemens. The first 61 turbines to be installed have a hub height of 77 metres and a blade tip height of 124 metres, whilst the remaining seven turbines have a hub height of 67 metres and a blade tip height of 110 metres. The first turbine began generating in May 2011 and with the final turbine assembled in November 2011, all 68 turbines have now been installed on the site. As part of the Griffin Wind Farm project, a number of off-site improvements were conducted on roads around the site in order to improve access for the installation of the turbine components. This work included temporarily closing a section of pathway that cut through the site. The path connects Dunkeld to Aberfeldy and is a popular route for walkers and cyclists. However, in the interests of health and safety, public access to the route was temporarily suspended in 2010. The path was briefly reopened partway through the project, but was closed once again when it was determined that access could not be safely managed. In order to facilitate the needs of the general public, a period of limited controlled access was introduced. This involved the use of a short vehicle transfer to transport members of the public across the closed part of the route. During the entire operation, the usage of the path was monitored so that members of the ROMA PUBLICATIONS 85 S c otl a n d public were not endangering themselves by trying to gain entry. Reinstatement work is currently taking place on the site. As the area previously comprised a mixture of grassland and heather moorland, reinstatement work will include the replanting of a variety of trees that are native to the surroundings. Once Griffin Wind Farm is operational, the facility will add to the 2,000MW of renewable energy that SSE already operates. This increase in energy capacity will contribute to the company’s targets to own and operate 4,000MW of renewable energy in the UK and Ireland by 2013, whilst at the same helping SSE to halve its carbon impact levels over the next eight years. SSE began generating electricity from wind farms in 2002 and by 2010 had over 900MW of onshore wind farms in the UK and Ireland. The company’s core purpose is to provide sustainable energy in a reliable way and it is the UK’s largest generator of renewable energy. Northern Ecological Services Northern Ecological Services (NES) provides specialist ecological consultancy advice to the construction industry, including ecological impact assessment and ecological clerk of works (ECoW) provision. The company provides advice and supervision throughout the construction phase which also includes advising on projects post development. On the Griffin Wind Farm project as well as providing the ECoW service, NES compiled the ecological sections of the Land Management Plan, produced as part of mitigation requirements. Northern Ecological Services Principal, Kathy Ader, said: “We provide an expert and experienced ecological clerk of works service that ensures compliance with environmental planning conditions for the purpose of environmental and ecological protection.” Join the Caravan Club The Caravan Club has announced that it will be adding a new site to its network in 2012. Situated in the breathtaking Strathclyde Country Park just twelve miles from Glasgow, the new caravan site will be open 365 days a year. The site is located in one of Scotland’s most 86 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION popular tourist destinations and will provide visitors with a range of attractions including sailing, kayaking, water skiing, rowing, country walks and boat and bike hire. In addition, visitors can participate in every outdoor activity imaginable, from kite flying to sunbathing. Ellen Shotts, The Caravan Club Product Development Manager for the UK, said: “The addition of this site to the network is very exciting for The Caravan Club, as we are continually striving to provide more pitches in more locations for our members and British tourists. “This site offers a slice of country life whilst being only twelve miles from a major city. As a result, the site is bound to prove popular with Scottish visitors, those from further afield and tourists wishing to stay at the site en route to other destinations. “The site will also be a major source of accommodation for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which are being held at Strathclyde Country Park.” Renovation work began onsite in January 2012 and is expected to be completed by the end of October. The new site will have 107 all-weather touring pitches including 12 service, 10 enlarged and 50 tent pitches, which will in turn provide nearly 135,000 extra beds per year for members and non-members alike. Once the refurbishment work is complete, the Strathclyde Country Park Club site will have a range of first-rate facilities. These will include two toilet and shower blocks, an information room, cycle racks and a children’s play area. Moreover, there will be a family restaurant just a few minutes’ walk away. Main contractor Pinington already enjoys a strong working relationship with The Caravan Club, having been awarded contracts for sites in Strathclyde, York and Southport. Mark Ayrton, Pinington, said: “We are delighted to have secured these projects against stiff competition and we are committed to taking on local resources for each scheme. More importantly, the contract awards have helped to generate a positive path in these difficult times and provide the business with much needed comfort for the year ahead.” The opening of the new Strathclyde Country Park site reflects a growing desire for the provision of facilities for domestic holi- daymakers. Indeed, statistics show that the number of domestic holidays has increased by 11%, whilst the number of outbound holidays has dropped by 21%. Daniel Yates, Managing Director of leading camping website Pitchup, commented: “A growing thirst for the outdoors, investment in ‘alternative camping’ options and Met Office predictions of a hot summer are all contributing to a higher camping and caravan bookings this season, against a background of increasing reluctance to travel abroad, higher exchange rates and persistent economic uncertainty. Domestic tourism is also benefitting from the growing appetite for short breaks amongst ever more spontaneous and deal-hungry customers.” The success of The Caravan Club was celebrated in February 2012 at the Scottish Caravan Show, held in Glasgow’s SECC. Formula One star Paul Di Resta officially opened the event, which celebrated the organisation’s 25th birthday. Nick Lomas, Director General of The Caravan Club, said: “We are very pleased to be in Scotland this year. It is the 25th year of this show, which is a great reason to celebrate. The Caravan Club is making a lot of investment here in Scotland, which I am very pleased to be talking about. We have new sites opening - one at Strathclyde Park later this year. “In the last few years, we have seen more and more bookings on our sites. ‘Staycation’ is something that is definitely happening. There is a lot of uncertainty in Europe and reasons to stay in the UK like the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. I think lots of people will be staying in the UK.” As Europe’s premier touring organisation, The Caravan Club represents the interests of over one million caravan, trailer tent and motor home owners. For more information, visit The Caravan Club’s award-winning website at www.caravanclub. co.uk and www.discovertouring.co.uk. Early success for Parliament House The second phase of the Parliament House project has been praised after it was completed six months ahead of schedule. Referred to as ‘first class’ by Parliament House’s Lord President, the early completion of Phase Two is a significant step forward in the redevelopment of the historic building, which is currently undergoing a process of modernisation. The £18.5 million Phase Two operation began in October 2009 and saw development work focus primarily on the mid-section of Parliament House. In particular, redevelopment work was concentrated on the site’s Reid Building. Like the first phase of the project, works involved upgrading services and systems. Further improvements were made to jury and witness facilities, judicial chambers, office accommodation and security building links. Court rooms two and three were also refurbished as part of the programme. Interserve is the main contractor for Parliament House and Aedas Architect Ltd is the architect. The project is being funded entirely by the Scottish Government and in total comprises three phases over a five-year period. Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Services, Eleanor Emberson, said: “Parliament House is both a working court building and an important part of Scotland’s heritage. The second phase is the most substantial as it equips the building to deal with the modROMA PUBLICATIONS 87 S c otl a n d ern requirements of civil court business and assures its future within this world heritage site.” Located in the centre of Edinburgh, Parliament House comprises of a collection of buildings that house the Supreme Courts of Scotland. The buildings are a prominent feature of the Scottish judicial system with the oldest, Parliament Hall, dating back over 400 years. The £63 million Parliament House project will update facilities and maintain the unique history of the site in order to ensure that it remains a central feature in Edinburgh for years to come. An attempt to redevelop Parliament House was made in 1999; however the project was abandoned due to the fear of spiralling costs. The current contract has reduced these costs and timescales considerably. Phase One began in February 2008 and was completed in October 2009. The £12.3 million project included a variety of maintenance and improvement works to replace and upgrade essential services with work undertaken for electrical wiring, water pipes, heating, cooling and ventilation units, fire systems and lifts. Two civil courtrooms also benefited from an upgrade in IT facilities, whilst additional courtrooms received improvements to jury and witness facilities and office accommodation. Due to the location of the building and its historic importance in Scotland, a number of restrictions and special considerations have been implemented - particularly with regards to working hours. With the first two phases now complete, Phase Three is currently underway. This phase comprises the refurbishment of additional courts, whilst artwork and statues in the historic Parliament Hall are also being removed in order to enable rewiring, plasterwork repairs and fire alarm upgrades to take place. The Parliament House project is due to be completed in 2013. Continuing the Mulvenny legacy The new 48,000 sq ft Mulvenny House in Clydebank will mark yet another success for family-owned company Labelgraphics (Glasgow) Ltd when it opens in March 2012. Labelgraphics was established in 1983 and specialises in the production of self-adhesive labels. Their work includes the manufacture of clear on clear labels, metalised and laminated foils, screen printing, foil blocking and embossing. In December 2011, Labelgraphics was approached by the Scottish government and asked to host a visit from the Cabinet 88 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION Secretary for Finance and Employment, John Swinney, as part of a programme that focuses on economic growth and the availability of funding for growing companies. The visit tied in with Labelgraphics’ £5 million expansion plans, which include the new purpose-built Clydebank factory and the upgrade of existing presses. The expansion comes on the back of £1.8 million of funding support from Lloyds Banking Group and a further £1.25 million of Regional Selective Assistance funding from Scottish Enterprise. The Cabinet Secretary’s visit included a tour of the production facility, with a focus on the printing presses and wide range of available products. After the visit, John Swinney commented: “As we work to accelerate Scotland’s economic growth, it is important that access to finance does not hamper the plans of firms with strong potential for growth.” Located on Clydebank Business Park, the new £2.3 million development comprises a manufacturing facility for self-adhesive labels for the wine and beverage industry. The warehouse has been constructed on an area of derelict land that formerly fed into an old Singer factory. Although the majority of the development is work floor space, the project has also included the creation of 4,000 square feet of office space. The building features steel and silver-grey cladding, whilst at the front there is some decorative cladding in silver, black and red. One of the most impressive features is the absence of internal support panels holding up the roof. Instead, the whole apex is supported by the perimeter walls – which has in turn allowed the space to be completely opened up and removed the need for cumbersome steel beams. The exterior of the building is now complete and the development is both wind and water-tight, whilst the car park has also been completed. In addition, the offices have been portioned and first fix electrical has been carried out. Peter Mulvenny, Labelgraphics, said: “The project is progressing well and we have been very lucky with the weather. The subcontractors have performed brilliantly and everyone is doing a fantastic job. I would particularly like to praise the work of Interlock, who have been the star guys out of everyone that we’ve had the pleasure to work with onsite.” Mulvenny House was named after Founder and Chairman of Labelgraphics, Alex Mulvenny, who in 2007 received an MBE from HRH Prince Charles for his services to the printing industry. Main contractor for the project was Sidon Developments Limited. Northcare and One Architecture partnership will bring care back to the community An important project that will provide vital care facilities for elderly people is almost complete in Cathcart, Glasgow. Northcare (Scotland) Ltd is carrying out the £4.4m project, which began in June 2011 and is scheduled for completion in May 2012. The Three Bridges Care Home has been designed by One Architecture and comprises 72 bedrooms over two floors, with two wings located on each of the floors. Each wing contains a dedicated day dining room measuring approximately 90 square metres and a dedicated quiet room to the far end of each of the wings. In addition, an external balcony on the first floor provides external recreational space. Along with special care for high dependency residents – including those with dementia and Alzheimer’s – there is also a range of exciting facilities available for residents. These include a hair salon, beauty parlour and a cafe that is also open to the public. All of the day rooms have been carefully designed to allow maximum daylight through a predominantly glazed facade. The corridors also benefit from natural light and a wall of double doors that are held open in order to prevent the building from feeling institutional. Landscaping has included the creation of an attractive garden ROMA PUBLICATIONS 89 S c otl a n d to the south, which provides residents with an array of spaces and activities. Included within the green space are a bowling and putting green, various seated areas for relaxing, raised planter beds, wander paths and a large barbeque and patio area. The superstructure of the building comprises a Metsec structural framing system with cast-in-situ concrete floors, therefore making the building extremely robust. Sustainable features include air source heating, whilst the care home features contemporary finishes throughout. Working together to create a future Northcare (Scotland) Ltd has been established as a family run business for over 20 years. The company owns care homes in the South Lanarkshire region and will expand to Glasgow in the spring of 2012. As one of the few privately-owned care homes in the central belt to have been awarded with a Customer Service Excellence award, the company is committed to operating their homes as a home in every sense of the word. Clients are encouraged to achieve independence and inclusion within the community, whilst any disabilities are recognised and honoured through the provision of a variety of methods of support to suit the individual concerned. With all care undertaken in an environment that is safe and secure, the client will be given the opportunity to work in partnership with the care staff in order to maximise their quality of life. All of Northcare’s care homes provide menus that are reviewed by Diet Scotland in order to ensure that clients are offered nutritious and well balanced meals. Other important provisions include activities programmes, outings and regular entertainment. Northcare (Scotland) Ltd pride themselves on their participation strategy. The company holds monthly forums where residents, families and staff make decisions in the running of the homes and the future direction of Northcare. Margaret Sawers, Northcare Director, holds monthly surgeries in each of the homes in order to enable residents and families to raise any concerns or suggestions that they might have in a confidential environment. If requested, the company is willing to email families an update of their relative’s wellbeing. The homes also boast a Skype facility, which enables families who are unable to visit often to see and speak to their relative on a regular basis. Northcare (Scotland) Ltd and One Architecture have enjoyed a successful working relationship for approximately ten years. Their mutual respect is largely based on One Architecture’s belief that their client’s aspirations are as important as the users of the development. As a result, One Architecture has worked with Northcare (Scotland) Ltd on a number of projects throughout the years, including the Carmunnock Road scheme. The company has stated that it is very proud to be associated with Northcare Scotland) Ltd and it looks forward to continued involvement with them as the architect and lead consultant in future projects. One Architecture One Architecture was established in 2007 and is located in Central Glasgow at 145 St. Vincent Street. The company specialises in several sectors across the construction industry, including: healthcare, residential, care homes, hotels, commercial, commercial refurbishment, residential refurbishment and retail. As a young, dynamic practice of chartered architects, One Architecture service clients and projects across the UK. Pulse Electrical Established in 2006, Pulse Electrical is a dynamic electrical services contractor that specialises in the supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of a wide variety of electrical services. We undertake projects across the commercial, industrial, retail and residential sectors and have successfully done so both directly for the client and/or as nominated subcontractors. Pulse Electrical has built and maintained a strong relationship with Northcare Developers over the past four years and were delighted when offered the role of Electrical Subcontractor, project managing the electrical installation including fire, data/ telecom, TV and nurse call of the new Carmunnock Care Home. With our focus on complete client satisfaction, we look forward to future developments and projects with Northcare Developers Ltd. Gordon Street receives a makeover A £4 million refurbishment scheme has been completed in Paisley. Completed in March 2012, the 4-16 Gordon Street project comprised the refurbishment of fifty-three residential units in a prominent location within the town centre. Of these flats, forty-seven units are affordable accommodation for the rental market, whilst six are privately-owned flats. The project has also included the refurbishment of six commercial premises. The scheme was implemented by Paisley South Housing Association after Renfrewshire Council flagged the site as a high priority project within its overall regeneration strategy. Renfrewshire Council provided grant assistance for both the privately-owned flats and the commercial premises. Paisley South Housing Association were supported by subsidy from the Scottish Government. 90 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION Lovell was the main contractor, whilst ASSIST Architects Ltd was the architect. Glasgow based Allied Stewart & Williamson was the quantity surveyor and the structural consultant was Structural Partnership. Work began in November 2009 and included the complete strip-out of the units, new finishes to roofing and the grouting of foundations. Extensive repairs were also made to stonework and new windows were installed across the units. Original common toilets were removed to the rear of the buildings, whilst further landscaping also took place to the backcourt areas behind the properties. The landscaping works included the installation of boundary walls, fences and paths, along with improvements to grass-covered areas and the provision of refuse storage facilities. The project encountered a number of challenges, including delays in funding approval. Access to Gordon Street was also problematic at times due to the location of the site within Paisley town centre. All of the work has been designed to bring the area back to its former glory, whilst at the same time ensuring that each unit meets the current standards of living. Now that the work is complete, all of the owners of the privately-owned flats have returned to their homes, whilst new tenants have taken up residence in the rented accommodation. Another page turned on the Abbotsford House refurbishment project A thrilling project to restore Abbotsford House to its former glory is underway in Melrose. Abbotsford House is located on the banks of the River Tweed in the heart of a beautiful landscape that inspired the poetry and novels of its creator, Sir Walter Scott. Claimed by some to embody a physical representation of the Romantic movement, the stunning development celebrates an impressive collection of historic relics, weapons and armour, along with an extensive library that contains over 9,000 rare volumes. Under the £14.5 million refurbishment scheme, the entire building will be lovingly restored and a new education suite and offices will be created. In addition, the Hope Scott wing will be converted into 5-star visitor accommodation. Main contractor for the project is M&J Ballantyne and the architect is LDN Architects. In June 2011, the first sod on the site of the new Visitor Reception Building was cut by The Duke of Buccleuch. Through the creation of the new building, the Abbotsford Trust aims to encapsulate the story of Scott and articulate it in a way that will appeal to a modern audience. It is hoped that interest will be regenerated through the inventive presentation and inspiring educational programmes that have been specifically designed to establish the development as a place of enlightenment and entertainment. A range of special packages will be provided for the guests, including guided walks, outdoor pursuits (including golfing and fishing breaks), spa treatments and exclusive packages for wedding groups. During the project, several interesting features have been discovered. These include beautiful decorated floors, an ancient well and private gas works. Matthew Withey, curator at Abbotsford, said: “We always hoped that the restoration work at Abbotsford would yield some fascinating finds and we have not been disappointed. “The treasures uncovered so far are a wonderful insight into the history of this amazing property and help tell us much about the way Scott lived and his love of craftsmanship and innovation. We’re greatly looking forward to seeing what other secrets will be uncovered as the project progresses.” Grand Davidson, Contracts Manager for M & J Ballantyne Ltd, added: “We’re delighted to be working on such an important regeneration project. We have a great deal of expertise gleaned from our work on numerous historic properties such as Floors Castle near Kelso, Dewars Lane Granary in Berwick upon Tweed and Ednam House Hotel in Kelso and are pleased that we can use our experience to help develop one of the most significant restoration and conservation projects the Borders and Scotland has seen in recent years.” The Abbotsford Trust has raised approximately 75 percent of the £14.5 million needed to safeguard the long-term future of the development, and continues to work to raise the remaining £3.7 million. If you would like to learn more about the project or make a donation, visit www.scottsabbotsford.co.uk ROMA PUBLICATIONS 91 I re l a n d The science of construction A new £2.4 million project to provide Letterkenny Institute of Technology with improved facilities for its Department of Science is nearing completion. The Third Level Science Block Extension project has created a single-storey extension on top of the existing two-storey structure. The new extension covers a total floor area of 1115m² and will comprise new laboratories with prep rooms, along with offices, a plant room and storage areas. Letterkenny Institute of Technology currently houses a large Department of Science, but in order to extend its programme even further the college required additional space to accommodate facilities and students. The most cost-effective method was to build a new extension, as opposed to a new structure alongside the college. Once the extension is complete, the college will offer a variety of courses including bioscience, bioanalytical science, analytical & forensic science, food science & nutrition and veterinary nursing. Boyle Construction is the main contractor for the project, which has been designed by architect Coady Partnership Architects. The mechanical and electrical consultant is Gillespie & Cummings and the structural consultant is HGL O’Connor and Co. Work commenced in July 2011 with the construction of a steel frame approximately 700 millimetres above the existing roof membrane. Steel was selected as the material is lightweight and therefore ideal for supporting the load of the new building. The internal stud walls of the extension have been constructed using plywood, whilst lightweight vinyl has been used for the flooring and plasterboard has been used for the ceilings. Hardwood door frames with Formica facing have been used inside the facility in order to offer a hardwearing durability for entry and exit ways – ideal for a busy college. External work has included the installation of a felt roof and a rainscreen cladding system with fibre cement panels on the sides of the extension. The fibre cement cladding has been designed to tie in with an existing extension and has only been used for the more prominent areas of the building, whereas shadowline cladding has been used for the less visible areas. External lights have also been fitted to the roof in order to encourage north facing illumination in the laboratories and reduce the amount of glare created from natural sunlight. As the project involves increasing the size of the original building, a number of important safety elements have been considered to ensure that the development adheres to building regulations. Coady Partnership Project Architect, Neal Keaney, explained: “One of the most challenging elements that we came across at the beginning of this project was how to ensure that the whole building would remain safe in the event of a fire. 92 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION “If the project had involved the construction of a brand new building on a Greenfield site then consideration would only have be given to that particular build, however on this project we had to take into consideration the existing building. Particular attention was also paid to the fact that the new extension interfaces with the existing building in five different locations. “We had to make sure that we were compliant with building regulations in terms of fire separation areas so that in the event of a fire the outbreak would be limited to just one part of the building. This has been a primary consideration during the project and we made sure we addressed it early in the detailed design stage. “Every project offers its own little challenges, but we see this as a very beneficial way for our company to develop.” Additional work on the project has included the reconfiguration of car parking spaces in order to create additional provisions for disabled drivers, whilst the forecourt located at the main entrance to the campus has also been revamped. Letterkenny Institute of Technology has remained open throughout the construction phase and all efforts have been made to minimise any disruptions. As the existing science facility has no direct crossover with the new extension, construction work has been able to continue without disrupting the timetables of budding scientists. Neal Keaney said: ROMA PUBLICATIONS 93 I re l a n d “A lot of thought has gone into the health and safety aspects of the build and how Boyle Construction accesses the site as it’s a busy campus with a lot of students and staff coming and going. There are two vehicular entrance points on to the campus, so whilst the construction crew is using the rear entrance to access the site, staff and students are using the front entrance. “Everyone involved with the extension is working closely with Letterkenny Institute of Technology to make sure that there is very little disruption to college life and most students are working away without noticing anything is taking place above them.” Construction work is currently running to schedule and is due for completion towards the end of March 2012. Fit-out work will then take place before the Department of Science moves into its new home in time for the summer term. The fit-out will include the installation of an air handler unit (AHU) and associated equipment, along with liquid petroleum gas (LPG) distribution and proving systems, a laboratory gasses distribution and Keith Williams’ design is a work of art The new Athlone Art Gallery in Westmeath will engage the local community with a range of exciting art exhibitions when it opens in the autumn of 2012. Located on a spectacular site on the banks of the River Shannon, the gallery lies adjacent to the Athlone Bridge and the neo-baroque St. Peter and Paul’s Church. The development is also situated on the site of the medieval town defences, namely the Connaught Tower. Under the project, the existing Father Matthew Hall will be sympathetically restored and transformed into a modern art space that will include a new ‘white box’ gallery wing. The development will incorporate a 115 sq m gallery within the former Father Matthew Hall, along with a 145 sq m ‘white box’ gallery. Although the galleries will cater primarily for the visual arts, there will also be an emphasis on meeting local audience needs in terms of art exhibitions and engagement. Also included in the scheme are informal meeting areas for the public and administration offices for the Athlone Art Gallery management and staff. For the refurbishment aspect of the project, the Father Matthew Hall will be re-rendered and re-roofed in slate, whilst internally the building will be stripped back to the bare walls and roof structure. Whilst the refurbishment scheme will significantly update the building, all efforts have been made to retain the historical character of the important landmark. The new gallery wing will boast an innovative palette of materi- 94 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION vacuum systems. Prior to the handover of the project, a thermal imaging test will also take place and an assessment of the building will commence in order to ensure its compliance with all of the necessary building regulations. The extension has been designed to achieve a BER rating of A3 as well as a grade of air tightness that is 3 m³ per 1 m² at 50 particles of air pressure. All efforts are being made to ensure the building remains energy efficient throughout the duration of its life. Neal Keaney added: “We’ve been conducting work up in Donegal since the early 1990s and have a long and successful history of working with the Letterkenny Institute of Technology. We developed the original master plan for the campus and have been involved with most of the work that has taken place on the IT site to date – it’s great to be a part of this latest phase of development.” als, including rough cut horizontal limestone strips in varying widths and zinc-clad roof lanterns that will be set back from the parapet wall in order to highlight the use of limestone and centralise the light penetrating the gallery. Once the project is complete, the new Athlone Art Gallery and the Abbey Road Artists Studios will operate together to promote educational initiatives. Main contractor Purcell Construction and architect Keith Williams Architects are carrying out the scheme for Athlone Town Council. Midland Heating and Plumbing Ltd have provided all of the heating, ventilation and control systems whilst working closely with the design team and main contractor to deliver the project. It is the third commission for Keith Williams Architects in Athlone, following the successful completion of the multi-award winning Athlone Civic Centre and Library in 2004 and the town’s Army Memorial in 2010. Belfast leads the way for renewable energy The UK’s first purpose-built offshore wind logistics facility is under construction at Belfast Harbour. The Belfast Harbour D1 development consists of a 480-metre deepwater quay supported by a 50-acre hinterland. The £50 million project is entirely self-funded by Belfast Harbour Commissioners, the port authority that manages and operates Belfast Harbour. The leading Danish Utility, DONG Energy, will then use the facility to assemble turbines and foundations for use in a number of its wind farm projects in the Irish Sea. The first of these projects is the West of Dutton Sands Offshore Wind Farm, located off the coast of Cumbria. Main contractor Farrans Construction is carrying out the Belfast Harbour D1 project, which was designed by Doran Consulting. Construction began in August 2011 and is scheduled for completion in October 2012. Belfast Harbour Commissioners Commercial Manager, Michael Robinson, said: “The offshore wind industry has two key requirements when looking for new sites: large areas of land and immediate access to an unrestricted deep water shipping channel. Belfast Harbour D1 is one of the few sites in the whole of the British Isles that ticks both of these boxes and DONG Energy quickly saw that we had a huge advantage over other highly competitive sites across the UK, even though geographically we’re not the closest to its wind farm locations.” He added: “We were also able to demonstrate to DONG Energy that we had a very streamlined planning process with a number of existing stakeholder relationships already in place. As a result, we were able to turn the planning element of the project around within six months.” Approximately 1 million tonnes of aggregate is being used on the site to create the hinterland section of the development that ROMA PUBLICATIONS 95 I re l a n d will store wind turbine components. The aggregate will be placed on top of a layer of geogrid, which is a geosynthetic material that is used to reinforce soils and materials whilst providing load bearing capacity. A stone base has also been constructed on the seabed in order to offer protection to quay structure when the installation vessels jack up at the quay. Michael Robinson said: “The turbines and components that we are handling are huge in size and weight, so the loading requirements of the quayside relieving slab are substantial. A standard quay at most harbours would have a loading capacity of approximately 5 tonnes per square metre; however the D1 relieving slab will support loads of up to 15 tonnes per square metre, three times the strength of a usual dockside.” He added: “With so many projects in the Irish Seas within the D1 site’s natural catchment area, we have great aspirations for this development and with DONG Energy being the world’s number one offshore wind developer, we couldn’t be working with anyone better to realise those aspirations. 96 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION “The work taking place here includes a number of firsts for the industry, meaning that Belfast is now well positioned to become a leading hub in the UK for renewable energy.” ABI Equipment Ltd ABI Equipment Ltd is proud to have been selected as the key supplier of specialist pile driving equipment to Farrans Construction Ltd for the high profile Belfast Harbour D1 project. The equipment supplied included two crane-suspended Delmag D100-13 diesel hammers for the impact driving of the large diameter steel combi-wall tubes (Ø1620mm x 32m long), plus a purpose built piling rig designed to install both vertical and raking piles. This equipment utilised a Delmag D46-32 diesel hammer to impact drive the 30m long tubular anchor piles - Ø762mm and Ø660mm raking at an angle of 1:3. The equipment and services provided ensured Farrans Construction Ltd completed piling works within a very tight time frame over what were challenging winter months, with adverse weather and limited daylight working hours. Construction News Call our news team on 01706 719972 Redevelopment at John Paul II Library A brand new extension will provide state-ofthe-art library facilities for the National University of Ireland,Maynooth. The existing John Paul II library in Maynooth, County Kildare is currently undergoing a major refurbishment operation that will include the construction of a 6,000m² extension and a range of improvement works. Once complete the new library will boast improved provisions for students, including a brand new ground floor student café. The redevelopment of John Paul II Library has incorporated a number of environmentally friendly features, including photovoltaic panels and twin glazed façades with automatically activated solar control blinds. Additional sustainable features include automated lighting systems, natural ventilation and ground water heat pump systems. Work commenced in January 2011 with Walls Construction as the main contractor and Scott Talon Walker Architects as the architect. As the project is being conducted whilst the University campus remains open, works have been programmed to take place during specific time frames in order to limit the disruption to student life. So far the project has involved extensive demolition works and the construction of new internal walls to reconfigure the existing layout of the library. This has included the removal of existing walls, ceilings and floors, along with the complete removal of all mechanical and electrical services in the library. Plant facilities and associated equipment have also been removed from the roof and will be replaced with new facilities during the course of the construction. External works will include the construction of a new plaza located to the east of the new extension, along with two new pedestrian bridges. Landscaping works will also take place www.romauk.net and will include the planting of new trees to replace the trees that were removed from the site during the initial planning stages. Additional works include the removal of an existing pedestrian footbridge and the redevelopment of associated traffic works, footpaths and cycle paths. The project is due to be completed in October 2012. Providing care at Highfield Hospital A brand new 200-bed residential care facility will provide much needed services for people living with dementia. The care facility at Highfield Hospital opened its doors in March 2012 and will provide appropriate care for patients within a nursing home style environment. The £20 million facility was built on behalf of the Highfield Hospital Group, an organisation responsible for providing important residential care for people suffering from dementia. The project was funded by the Ulster Bank, whilst JJ Rhatigan and Company was the main contractor and The O’Toole Partnership was the architect. Planning for the residential care facility took place in 2008, with tendering following in late 2009 and construction commencing in October 2010. The project reached completion in January 2012. Following an official handover by the site team, the facility underwent a process of approval overseen by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) in order to ensure that the new building met the required standards and criteria for clinical guidelines. HIQA is an important health body and every residential care centre that opens in Ireland needs to get approval from the organisation before it can accept patients. The facility has been built on a former Greenfield site that is now partly used by two other residential care units under the Highfield Hospital Group. The three-storey building was constructed using a block wall frame with precast walls on the first and second floors, whilst the exterior finish is a mixture of cladding panels, stone and an acrylic render system. The greatest challenge encountered whilst constructing the care facility was the close proximity of Dublin’s Port Tunnel, which lies below the development. The tunnel is an important traffic route that forms a section of the M50 motorway and completes the northern area of the C-Ring around the city. As a result of weight restrictions applied by Dublin City Council and the National Roads Authority, there is a limit to the amount of weight that can be placed above the tunnel. To aid in construction and reduce the weight of the building, a top layer of soil was removed from the site. This served to counterweight the structure before a light weight method of construction was applied. In order to make the building as energy efficient as possible, all of the work conducted on Highfield Hospital was implemented to go above and beyond the usual standards of insulation. In ROMA PUBLICATIONS 97 I re l a n d JJ Rhatigan & Company is proud to be the main contractor on the new 200-bed care facility at Highfield Hospital. order to achieve this and to help reduce fuel consumption costs a warm wall construction method was used, which involved filling walls with up to 150 millimetres of insulation. A combined heat and power (CHP) unit was also installed in the building in order to provide the facility with power and water security throughout the life of the hospital. Additional work on the project included maintaining a number of mature trees on the site and replacing shrubs and plants that were removed during the initial stages of construction. 98 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION The O’Toole Partnership Partner, John Dennehy, said: “It’s always great to have a finished project in your portfolio, especially one as good as this one at Highfield Hospital. There was a tight schedule on this project and it had its challenges, including constructing above the Port Tunnel and limited storage space for materials - however everything ran exactly to plan. “We are always looking at a project from the point of view of how we can improve on what we have already created and this is what we work towards when we are looking at our next project. Highfield Hospital was an important project and the key for us is to now use what we’ve achieved on this as a benchmark to show potential clients what we can do in the future.” “Highfield Hospital Group is a fantastic client that has been in the business for 150 years. They were a pleasure to work with and the end result reflects how understanding they were during the build. They allowed us to get on with the work to do what we needed to do and we look forward to continuing this working relationship with them.” JJ Rhatigan & Company With over 50 years of experience in the industry, JJ Rhatigan & Company is one of Ireland’s leading construction companies. The premier contractor has successfully completed a diverse array of projects working across industrial, commercial, residential and healthcare sectors and this includes working on the Highfield Hospital project. JJ Rhatigan & Company is proud to be the main contractor on the new 200-bed care facility at Highfield Hospital. The company is also involved in modification work to a care unit located at the Highfield site for patients living with Alzheimer’s. JJ Rhatigan & Company prides itself on its ability to complete projects on time, within budget and to a very high standard. Many satisfied customers continue to trust JJ Rhatigan & Company and this is reflected in the amount of repeat business that the company achieves. Team effort will benefit Belfast community The first phase of a project to provide vital health services is nearing completion at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. As part of a major capital programme to improve health provision across Northern Ireland, the new twelve-storey critical care unit (CCU) will provide essential medical facilities including critical care theatres, accident and emergency treatment and maternity accommodation. Planning permission was granted in March 2007 and the project began at the end of 2008. With the help of Envirowise, main contractor McLaughlin & Harvey established a supply chain project to work with local suppliers such as Warwick Engineering Ltd, Blackbourne Integrated M&E and McMullen Architects in order to identify areas for improved resource efficiency and environmental performance. Designed by established architects URS in conjunction with Capita Architecture, the £110 million centre will have the capacity to treat up to 80,000 attendees each year. Almost two-thirds of the Northern Ireland population live within forty minutes travel of the hospital, which is situated only a few minutes drive from Belfast city centre. Built on a Brownfield site that once belonged to the former Quinn House, the site is surrounded by an eight-storey building that comprises the Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat (EENT) department, a maternity department and an A-block containing wards and theatres. The highly modern build features a range of interesting features, including ceramic tiling and extensive glazing. Charles Stokes, URS, said: “The design reflects the high-tech nature of the internal clinical functions and the sterile environment that we are trying to create. On levels five and six where the critical care areas are located, an external corridor separates the patients’ families from the staff, therefore reducing the risk of cross-contamination. “We have had to introduce and change three floors of the building from one function to another whilst the building was being constructed, which was obviously a challenge. Although this affected the project somewhat, all problems have been overcome by the hard work of the construction team. “URS is extremely proud to have been involved in this project, which will bring cost-efficient and high quality health services to the population of Belfast – in the process setting precedence for the rest of Northern Ireland.” The new CCU also features an innovative new curtain walling system. The aluminum composite panels have a metallic silver finish and are fixed within an extruded aluminum frame. This innovative method of construction allows for the creation of a stunning flush-glazed facade to the building. McLaughlin & Harvey are committed to the promotion of sustainable projects and as a result, the development has incorporated a range of eco-friendly features such as photovoltaic cells and a CHP. Sam McCloskey, Envirowise Regional Manager for Northern Ireland, said: “McLaughlin & Harvey is a great example of a company looking at not only its direct impact on the environment, but also the ways in which working with suppliers can reduce the carbon footprint of the entire site and cut costs for all concerned. Sharing ideas and best practice in this way not only boosts the bottom line for the companies involved, but will also help to forge strong business relationships for future years.” ROMA PUBLICATIONS 99 I re l a n d Energia Renewables powers on Energia Renewables is the largest independent energy supplier in Ireland, supplying gas and electricity to over 65,000 businesses. As part of its commitment to the environment Energia Renewables has invested €200 million in developing renewable sources of energy through its portfolio of ten wind farms including their most recent wind farm projects Corkermore, Crighshane, Church Hill and Caherdowney. Corkermore Wind Farm is now fully operational, whilst Caherdowney Wind Farm is currently under construction and is on schedule to be energised in April 2012, around the same time as Crighshane and Church Hill in County Tyrone. Energia is one of Ireland’s leading providers of sustainable energy and will shortly have 550MW of operational renewable electricity capacity within its energy portfolio, with a further 290MW of wind farm projects currently in development across Ireland. Up to 75% of its portfolio is contracted with third party wind farms, giving Energia Renewables the broadest wind farm coverage in Ireland. Corkermore Wind Farm Corkermore Wind Farm was constructed on a Class 2 wind site in County Donegal and comprises five Gamesa G80 turbines with a combined capacity of 10MW. Each has a hub height of 60 metres, a rotor diameter of 80 metres and a tip height of 100 metres. In total the €15 million wind farm has the potential to power up to 10,000 homes. Construction was completed in August 2011, with Belfastbased Lagan Construction as the main civil works contractor and Powerteam Electrical Services responsible for the electrical fit-out works. 100 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION Energia Renewables Projects Manager, Brendan McGarr, said: “There are a couple of smaller wind farms in the vicinity but in terms of the size and scale there’s nothing quite like this one in the area. “We chose this particular site because it offered good prevailing winds coming in off the Atlantic Ocean and because the high mountains to the west help to mask the turbines from public view. The site was assessed and wind measurements were taken and although the wind speeds are lower than a Class 1 site, it was decided that it would make a viable location. “We then chose to use Gamesa G80 turbines as they have a large rotor diameter and so are particularly suited for use on Class 2 wind sites where they can be used to generate more energy.” Caherdowney Wind Farm Caherdowney Wind Farm is currently nearing completion on a Class 1 site in County Cork and comprises four wind turbines with a combined capacity of 9.2MW. The turbines are Enercon E70 models with a hub height of 64.5 metres and a rotor diameter of 70 metres. Work started on the €14 million project in June 2011 and Lagan Construction was once again contracted to conduct the main civil works for the project. The site was chosen due to its high average wind speeds and once the wind farm is fully operational it will be capable of powering up to 9,200 homes. Brendan McGarr said: “On both Corkermore and Caherdowney we’ve received a lot of support from local residents and we’re very thankful for this. The development of both wind farms is a very positive step forward for renewable energy in Ireland and this is something that is very important to us.” “All of our wind farm developments bring significant benefits to the local economies, including job creation, increased rates for the local authorities and improvements to local infrastructure. “ Energia Group Energia Group comprises of Energia Supply, Energia Renewables and Energia Generation and is Ireland’s largest independent supplier in the Irish business energy market, with a 28% market share of the business electricity and gas market on an all–island basis. The group is a member of the Viridian Group and has offices in Dublin, Galway, Cork, Belfast and Omagh. Energia Renewables sources conventional power from the Group’s power stations in north Dublin, where the company has invested €500 million with the capability to supply up to 17% of electricity requirements on an all-island basis. Energia Group has also signed a preliminary off-take agreement to purchase the electricity generated from the pioneering Wave Energy Converter that is being operated by US firm Ocean Energy Systems (OES) off Belmullet, Co Mayo. ROMA PUBLICATIONS O ve r s e a s To infinity...and beyond! Spaceport America is set to become the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport. The £133 million project is the result of almost two decades of work to increase the commercial accessibility of spaceflight. The project has provided jobs for almost 800 construction workers and the New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) expects a further 2,000 long-term jobs to be created. In addition, the new spaceport will also generate important tourism businesses for the area, including hotels, restaurants and tour guide arrangements. Spaceport America is owned and operated by the State of New Mexico in the United States. The spaceport is located on 18,000 acres of state-owned land, just west of the U.S. Army’s White Sands Missile Range (WSMR). The spaceport will contract services from WSMR and will utilise the range’s unique restricted airbase in order to create a new way to travel into space. The newly constructed three-storey Terminal Hanger facility was named the ‘Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space’ in October 2011. The iconic 110,152 sq ft building was designed by Foster + Partners and URS. The western zone of the facility houses support and administrative facilities for Virgin Galactic and the NMSA, whilst the central zone is the heart of the facility and contains a double-height hangar to store up to two White-Knight-Two motherships and five SpaceshipTwo spacecrafts. The eastern zone contains the principal operational training area, departure lounge, spacesuit dressing rooms and celebration areas, whilst the restaurant and mission control room have direct east views across the apron, runway and landscape beyond. The Terminal Hangar Facility was designed to meet LEED Gold standard. As a result, the development has incorporated several sustainable features including earth tubes under the earth berm to cool the building, underfloor radiant cooling and heating and natural ventilation in midseason. Phase One comprises the construction of the spaceport’s large runway, the Terminal Hangar Facility for Virgin Galactic and the internal roads, fencing, electrical system, water/sewer systems, along with the Space Operations Centre. Phase Two construction will include the final build-out of the permanent Vertical Launch Complex facilities, a visitor centre on the main spaceport campus and a southern road to the space port. This phase is projected to be complete in 2013, at which time the spaceport will become fully operational. Both Phase One and Phase Two construction are part of the 102 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION already-funded State of New Mexico’s $209 million spaceport construction budget. Officials at Spaceport America have been working closely with entrepreneurial space leaders such as UP Aerospace, Virgin Galactic and Armadillo Aerospace in collaboration with established aerospace firms like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and MOOG-FTS to develop commercial spaceflight at the new facility. The economic impact of launches, tourism and new construction at Spaceport America is already delivering on the promise of economic development for the people of New Mexico. McDade-Woodcock McDade-Woodcock Inc has been an Industrial based electrical contractor for 32 years, specialising in high-tech electrical products and solutions including industrial construction and water and waste water treatment. McDade-Woodcock Inc provided electrical work on the Spaceport America project, based in New Mexico, including site and electrical communication and electrical work in the airfield and fuel storage facility. This also included electrical work for the site’s fencing and gates, the wastewater treatment plant and its water booster pump station. President and CEO of McDade-Woodcock Inc, Rob Rives, said: “We’re the premier industry leading electrical contractor in the South-West, we have the financial capacity and bonding ability to tackle almost any size project and we have a long established reputation of quality.” He added: “For McDade-Woodcock and for me personally, we always wanted to get involved with NASA and space endeavours and this was a pioneering one as it’s the first one!” McDade-Woodcock Inc installed runway guidance signage and wind cones, a 2.5 mile communication and airfield ductbank and over 10 miles of 25kv ductbanks. It also installed SCADA communications (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), a system used to remotely monitor the infrastructure of a network, as well as 1.5 miles of fibre optic cabling, 36 miles of 25kv power cable, 25kv power electrical system distribution equipment and back up generation equipment. The company also used a number of innovative items on the project including the use of environmentally friendly lead free 25kv power cables from Southwire and all of its site lighting made use of solar energy. Heritage Hidden cost of lead thefts threatening our heritage Ray Robertson, Secretary, Lead Contractors Association – Stealing lead from a church roof is no longer the victimless crime traditionally portrayed. Record metal prices have resulted in regional / national organised gangs that methodically strip vulnerable sites, with the lead easily distributed through the UK network of metals reclamation merchants. Increasing demand world wide for lead acid batteries has also spawned large scale thefts by the container load to be shipped directly abroad from UK ports. More often than not the ‘vulnerable sites’ are church properties in remote locations where access is open and visitors are encouraged. This has meant the repeat targeting of some churches with the thieves simply waiting for the lead sheet to be replaced before stripping it off again. Although perhaps involving relatively few people directly, the damage caused to the external building structure and internal decoration, as well as its precious, often irreplaceable contents is heartbreaking to those locals affected. It is reported that between January and August 2011, the cost of lead stripped from ecclesiastical properties had exceeded £3.5M - more then the whole of 2010. More than 5,000 churches in the UK have now suffered from a theft of lead and this is not a problem which is going away. Although lead thefts have been escalating chronically over the past three or four years, it affects relatively few. Ironically it has been the recent increase in the theft of copper cable and result- 104 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION ing massive inconvenience to thousands of rail commuters and cost to transport, power and communication companies (and their insurers) which has dramatically raised the public awareness of ‘metal thefts’ and led to demands for action. Now there are investigations into security systems, alarms, lighting and lead theft deterrents such as Smartwater and Led-Lok. Neighbourhood watch schemes such as Church Care and National Church Watch have quickly become a focal point for the community. The entire UK metals reclamation network (colloquially “scrap metal merchants”) has come under the microscope, with calls for changes to legislation, stricter regulation, licensing, banning of cash scales, improved identification procedures, record keeping, Certificates of Origin, etc. Demands for the skills of the experienced lead craftsmen increased to the extent where LCA members undertook to work to an agreed schedule of rates and an organised system approved by Ecclesiastical Insurance which meant the rapid response by a leadwork specialist when a theft occurred. It also meant an installation carried out in accordance with the UK Code of Practice (BS6915) and which was sympathetic with the demands of the original roof design. In the hands of a skilled and experienced craftsman, lead sheet can be shaped by hand to fit the most complex and ornate details which are found on our historic properties, in order to provide comprehensive and maintenance free weather protection that (untouched) will consistently perform for more than 100 years. Because it is a soft metal, lead sheet reacts to temperature changes by expanding and contracting. The specialist leadworker knows exactly how to allow for this thermal movement in the sizing and fixing of each individual detail. However also because it is a soft metal which moves, lead cannot be sealed down on all sides and still perform, so increasing its vulnerability to theft. Installing lead sheet properly is therefore a specialist craft that requires a degree of skill and knowledge which the general roofing contractor is unlikely to have, regardless of their competence in other materials. When a lead theft occurs there is an increasing temptation to change materials. Even when lead sheet is re-installed, there is the mistaken belief that money can be saved by using a non specialist. These two consequences of lead theft have resulted in a sharp fall in demand for the services of the specialist leadworker, at a time when the entire UK construction industry continues to suffer from the economic downturn. When metal prices ease (as they will), when lead thefts decline (as they will), when demand for lead sheet revives (as it undoubtedly will because of its unrivalled long term maintenance free performance), where will the specialists be to make sure it is fitted with the skill, knowledge and careful attention to detail it deserves? For more information on the Lead Contractors Association: www.lca.gb.com ROMA PUBLICATIONS 105 Heritage Ensuring a bright future for the past English Heritage exists to protect and promote England’s spectacular historic environment and ensure that its past is researched and understood. English Heritage is the government’s statutory adviser on the historic environment. Officially known as the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England, English Heritage is an executive non-departmental public body that is sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The powers and responsibilities of English Heritage are set out in the National Heritage Act (1983) and today they report to Parliament through the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Although sponsored by DCMS, English Heritage works with a range of government departments, notably CLG and Defra, to help realise the potential of the historic environment. English Heritage is funded in part by the government, and is also part funded from revenue earned from their historic properties and other services. In 2008/09 the organisation’s public funding was worth £132.7m, and income from other sources was £48.1m. English Heritage works in partnership with central government departments, local authorities, voluntary bodies and the private sector to conserve and enhance the historic environment, broaden public access to the heritage and increase people’s understanding of the past. The organisation meets these responsibilities by: acting as a national and international champion for the heritage; giving grants for the conservation of historic buildings, monuments and landscapes; maintaining registers of England’s most significant historic buildings, monuments and landscapes; and advising on the preservation of the historic environment. English Heritage also encourages broader public involvement with the heritage, promotes heritage-related education and research, cares for Stonehenge and over 400 other historic properties on behalf of the nation, maintains the National Monuments Record as the public archive of the heritage and generates income for the benefit of the historic environment. English Heritage is currently running a five-year investment programme for its properties. Based on an audit of all the organisation’s properties, £30m is being targeted at those sites with the most commercial potential, in order to make as many sites as possible self-financing. Projects range from major refurbishment and restoration works at Kenilworth Castle to relatively small but significant improvements to exhibitions and interpretation, catering and retail facilities. In the construction sector, English Heritage has joined forces with ConstructionSkills to call for concerted action across the construction industry, the built heritage sector, educational establishments, careers organisations, funding bodies and government departments to tackle the continued shortage of heritage building skills. English Heritage has also published research demonstrating the shortage of craft skills across the country and a Skills Action Plan which they are now implementing. This includes raising the profile of vocational training and the built heritage construction sector and attracting more young people to pursue careers within it. The plan is also geared towards encouraging the use of suitably skilled and qualified people, and developing qualifications to ensure that traditional building knowledge and skills can be attained from GCSE to Master Craft level. Find out more at www.english-heritage.org.uk 106 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION Meet the conservation specialists Mike and Gary Simpson, a father and son team, run a specialist conservation firm called Heritage Consolidation from their base in Northumberland. Their specialities include stonemasonry and lime-based mortars, along with plastering and render. Recent years have seen them take the admirable and, some would say, bold decision to focus entirely on heritage restoration work. The duo has completed restoration work for both English Heritage and Natural England. Their experiences have helped them to reach the conclusion that not only is a conservationfocused business an extremely viable enterprise, but their traditional skills are lacking across the UK. And that’s without mentioning their love for the work. A s s o c i ati o n s Expo strikes back The world’s largest event for sustainable design and construction is returning to the UK for a seventh year. The Ecobuild 2012 Expo will take place at London’s ExCel from Tuesday 20th March to Thursday 22nd March and will showcase the largest selection of sustainable construction products in the world. Over 1,500 suppliers will exhibit at the event, with leading names such as BASF Construction Chemicals, Saint-Gobain, Kingspan and Worcester Bosch in attendance. There will be an expansive seminar and conference programme running throughout the three day event, as well as a number of additional special interest features and attractions. In addition, the world’s largest green building will also be exhibited. During the course of the event, Ecobuild’s seminar programme will conduct over 130 sessions covering such hot topics as Energy & Innovation in Buildings, Future Energy and Sustainable by Design. A session on the 2012 Olympics will also be part of the programme and will be hosted by the Construction Products Association and BRE. This session will focus on the lessons that have been learnt from the delivery of the Olympic Park and how they can be put to use in other developments. The Olympics’ lasting legacy will also be discussed, including how it will increase the UK’s reputation for sustainable design and construction. Highlights of Ecobuild 2012 Expo include a three-day, threestream conference sponsored by the UK Green Building Council, with commentary from the likes of Janet Street Porter, Greg Dyke and Sir John Beddington. The riveting Renewable Heat Focus will showcase the latest working models for solar thermal energy, biomass and heat pumps alongside daily talks on how to benefit from the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). On the exhibition floor, Renew will provide practical advice on achieving an air-tight, highly insulated and energy efficient building, with demonstrations focusing on how to upgrade cavity walls and insulate internal walls, lofts and floors. One of the UK’s leading testing bodies, Chiltern Dynamics, will also be on hand to promote the impact changes that Approved Document L (ADL) has had on air tightness requirements for all new buildings. In addition, Chiltern Dynamics will discuss additional services including pre-completion sound testing, thermal modelling and energy assessments, including SAP, BREAM, EPC, SBEM and Code for Sustainable Homes. The Ecobuild event will also have a Solar Hub in order to demonstrate how the installation of PV can still offer attractive rates of return via the UK Feed-in Tariff, despite adjustments to the Government’s incentive scheme. Here visitors will receive practical guidance on how to choose the most appropriate system for the best results, whilst learning how to reduce carbon emissions, mitigate rising energy costs and maximise return on investment. Additional highlights include demonstrations for cob wall building, carpentry techniques and straw bale construction. Experts will also be on hand at the event to conduct daily talks, provide one-to-one advice and demonstrate the latest technology in action. ROMA PUBLICATIONS 107 A s s o c i ati o n s What is the Ecobuild conference? The Ecobuild conference focuses on new thinking and challenging ideas, along with pressing issues affecting Government policy and the construction sector – including how to keep the industry profitable, remain committed to a low carbon built environment and manage the country’s economy through a low growth period with record levels of public debt. Engaging in big-picture debates on international cooperation, the role of science and technology and the psychology of climate change, the conference also tackles more tangible issues such the way in which the UK construction sector needs to change, the impact of the Energy and Localism Acts and the implications of the proposed NPPF. Ecobuild has introduced a three-stream format that includes: Beyond Construction: achieving a sustainable future; Making Sustainable Construction Happen and Design, Architecture & Sustainability. Beyond Construction: achieving a sustainable future This session will take place in Platinum suite 2 and will include: Tuesday 20th March • Geo-engineering: can we affect the climate change conundrum? • Climate change – whose responsibility is it anyway? • A flavour of the future: food security and justice in a resource constrained world • Green and clean: the great future energy debate Wednesday 21st March • Collaborative Consumption: the future of building strong communities • People and the planet • Rio 2012: 20 years on – what have we achieved since Rio 1992 (‘The Earth Summit’)? • ‘The Incredible Human Journey’: 195,000 years out of Africa – but where to next? Thursday 22nd March • Growing out of trouble – how social enterprise can help restore society • The Biodiversity Crisis: can we end the economic invisibility of nature? • Who predicted a riot? How to rebuild more sustainable communities Making Sustainable Construction Happen This session will take place in Platinum suite 1 and will include: Tuesday 20th March • All build is Ecobuild: mainstreaming low carbon construction 108 ROMA PUBLICATIONS 111 A s s o c i ati o n s • Green expectations: is the Green Deal the real deal? • Creating an energy efficient property sector • The road to zero carbon: the future for house building Wednesday 21st March • The greenest games and the greatest learning • Green construction: turning the strategy into reality • One home every minute – the great refurbishment challenge • Don’t generate, insulate: changing our relationship with energy • Smart technology for a smarter planet Thursday 22nd March • Solving the housing crisis: towards a sustainable housing strategy • From megawatts to negawatts: taking the energy out of buildings in use • Making renewable generation happen: getting the scale right Design, Architecture & Sustainability This session will take place in Mezzanine level – 5, 6 & 7 and will include: Tuesday 20th March • The City After Now • London 2012: the greenest Olympics ever • Architects and architecture in straitened times • How green is tall? Wednesday 21st March • The future of design and the role of architects as localism gains teeth through the NPPF • SENSEable Cities: living environments of the future • Designing buildings for the next century • A Stirling Prize for retrofit? Thursday 22nd March • Architects, planners and the post riot city • From earth to water – the sustainability of floating habitats 112 • The place of art in sustainable architecture Ecobuild seminars Ecobuild’s renowned seminar programme offers over 130 sessions and covers the most pressing and important issues for built environment professionals. With an emphasis on delivering practical and applied information, each seminar is structured to provide key learning points – supported by case studies, analysis and examples of best practice. The seminars are split into 13 categories: • Sustainable self build & renovation • Energy and innovation in buildings • Better through BIM • Standards, guides and regulations • Designing & building with Passivhaus principles • Buildings in use • Olympics learning legacy • InstallerConnect • Refurbishing Britain • Future energy • Sustainable by design • Sustainable architecture & design • Sustainability and the city Thinking outside the box: Ecobuild offer a huge choice of events Ecobuild’s exhibitors and partners offer a huge choice of events outside the official programme. Here are a few of the highlights: • Trada Timber Tours • RIBA CPD sessions • Building on the Olympics • BREEAM Awards • Landscape Architecture – inspiring great places • Wood Awards showcase • • • • • European B2B matchmaking event UKTI focus on international opportunities UBM open-house UK-GBC ‘big tent’ RIBA village Why Ecobuild? Ecobuild is the most effective marketing platform for suppliers of sustainable and innovative construction products and services. The event is attended by the most influential individuals and organisations within the design and construction industries. Since the programme launched in 2005, Ecobuild has almost doubled in size every year to become the biggest event in the world for sustainable design, construction and the built environment. Over 1,300 suppliers of sustainable and innovative construction products will showcase their goods at the event, which will boast more than 100 conference and seminar sessions that will be delivered by 750 expert speakers. With dozens of interactive and educational attractions, Ecobuild is a compelling proposition for exhibitors and visitors alike. The event ensures a trusted source of high quality contracts and access to the most valuable projects across the UK and further afield. Indeed, 55,039 design and construction profes- The UK Concrete Show 2012 sionals attended Ecobuild 2011. Daniel Nevitt, Group Marketing Director of Armourcoat said: “The 2011 show went very well, we met with great architects and designers looking at live projects and it was a tremendous springboard for our new product launch. Ecobuild is now a regular – and important – part of our UK exhibition programme. There is a real focus on design to the event, which is a great fit for Armourcoat and our expanding product range.” Alison Hopkinson, Marketing Manager for Bona Limited, said: “Over the three days we’ve spoken to all types of specifiers and made some valuable contacts. The show has been consistently busy and there’s a great buzz surrounding the whole event. It was definitely the right decision for us to return this year.” Mike Lomax, Marketing Communications Manager for Lafarge Cement UK, said: “Ecobuild has once again proved its worth to us as the UK’s premier event for the construction sector. The move to ExCeL added to the sheer scale of this year’s show. Our presence with all three Lafarge divisions on display proved very successful both in terms of the quality and quantity of the leads we generated and customer reaction to our stand concepts.” For more information on Ecobuild 2012, visit www.ecobuild. co.uk pH concrete wash water can be a major hazard to the environment and must be treated as such. The old practice of just storing solids in plastic lined skips and ‘loosing’ the wash water on site is no longer acceptable. At the very least, contractors must now undertake a risk assessment prior to discharging even small volumes of high pH water to ground. “For most operations, contractors will have little choice but to fully treat and adjust the pH of water prior to discharge to either sewer or to the environment. Failure to do so could cause a pol- As Europe’s best specialist concrete show, The UK Concrete Show 2012 was the most exciting yet. When it took place at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry from the 22nd to the 23rd of February, the event celebrated 30 unmissable seminars and 6000m² of the best concrete products, tools, systems and technology. The UK Concrete Show is a fantastic opportunity for specialist contractors, ready mix producers, utility providers, engineers and architects to view the latest concrete products under one roof. In addition to seminars, the event also showcased a new virtual demo zone that allowed visitors to see and hear products in action via a giant 15m² LED screen with Dolby sound. Another exciting new feature for 2012 was the Concrete Society Bookshop, which offered a wide range of technical publications and literature for sale. Exhibitors returning for a second year included SIKA, Putzmeister, BASF, Doka,Armcon, Hilti,ICS and Husqvarna. The 2012 event also attracted a number of new companies, including: Tarmac, Aggregate Industries, CIFA, Minova, Halfen. and 14 DSA Supplier members. The event was supported by a variety of trade associations, including the Drilling and Sawing Association (DSA), Concrete Repair Association (CRA) and the Mineral Products Association. One of the event’s most highly anticipated events was a presentation by Dr. Richard Coulton, the managing director of concrete wash water management specialist Siltbuster Limited. At 12pm on 22nd February 2012, Dr. Richard Coulton presented a paper about the recent Environment Agency regulatory position statement (RPS) that clarifies the management of concrete wash water on construction sites. The paper outlined how the RPS affects sites and what construction managers can do in order to ensure that the treatment and disposal of concrete wash water is managed professionally. Dr. Richard Coulton said: “The EA now recognises that the uncontrolled release of high ROMA PUBLICATIONS 113 A s s o c i ati o n s lution incident that may well result in prosecution. While time pressures are often great on site, there is no excuse for ignoring this clear advice and risking the consequences.” The UK Concrete Show also saw Siltbuster reveal their latest range of Concrete Washout Solutions. As a larger and more versatile version of Siltbuster’s groundbreaking RCW (Roadside Concrete Washout) unit, ‘Big pHil’ provides the onsite capture, treatment and neutralisation of high pH cement laden wash water runoff from a wide range of concreting plant equipment – including concrete pumps and crane skips with a capacity of up to 2,000 litres. Also in attendance at The UK Concrete Show 2012 was Permaban, who revealed their latest innovation for the first time on stand M19. Although Permaban is renowned for its industry-defining armoured joints, their new product – branded Permaban Signature® – has adopted a rather different approach from traditional joint armouring. The unique half-hexagon shape of Permaban Signature® prevents the wheel of materials-handling vehicles from falling into the gap between the two edges of a joint. As a result, there is no impact on either the joint of the wheels, thus preventing damage and costly repairs to both. Due to this very reason, this ‘disruptive face’ technology has been a popular method in road construction for many years. Because Permaban Signature® provides a smoother transit, vehicles can move over the joints at a faster speed, therefore saving valuable time for operators. Permaban Signature® also eliminates the ‘clunking’ noise that is often associated with ve- hicles passing over joints because wheels do not impact on the joint at all. The product was designed to address the challenges of directional traffic. This typically occurs in transfer and racking aisles, where vehicles pass over a joint at a 90 degree angle and the greatest impact is caused. Due to the shape of Permaban Signature®, a smooth, quick and noiseless transit is offered at any angle of approach. This means that even if the use or configuration of the building changes over time, with Permaban Signature® the joints will still be fully protected. Another unique feature is the ‘full-depth’ corrugation, which means that the joint is fully supported all the way to the ground, thus ensuring maximum strength and stability. The joint is designed to operate with gap sizes of up to 40mm, which makes it ideal for large-bay jointless concrete floors or cold stores and freezer stores, which typically larger gap sizes. Load transfer between adjacent concrete floor slabs is accommodated by square dowel bars, which are supplied fully fixed into the product. The dowel length has been carefully calculated by design engineers in order to ensure that efficient load transfer is maintained, even with a gap size of 40mm. By eliminating the need for heavy joint armouring, Permaban Signature® is significantly lighter and stiffer than many joints, making it easy for operatives to lift, manoeuvre and install on site. For more information on The UK Concrete Show 2012 and all of the exhibitors, visit www.concreteshow.co.uk. Employers of building maintenance and repair workers are required to carry out a risk assessment before undertaking any work which exposes, or is liable to expose, employees to asbestos. They must take the appropriate steps required by the Asbestos Regulations to prevent or reduce these risks. Taking measures to protect you from asbestos 114 PREMIER CONSTRUCTION However, in many cases, the employers and their workers have little or no information about the premises where they will undertake work and are not aware if materials containing asbestos are present. Consequently, it is difficult for them to consider the risks, or decide if precautions may be needed. A duty to manage the risk from asbestos in non-domestic premises was therefore added to the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations in 2002 to address this issue. These requirements have since been brought forward unchanged in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 as Regulation 4. Those who own, occupy, manage or have responsibilities for premises that may contain asbestos, will either have: • • A legal duty to manage the risk from asbestos material; or A legal duty to co-operate with whoever manages that risk They will be required to manage the risk from asbestos by: • Finding out if there is asbestos in the premises, its extent and what condition it is in • Presuming the materials contain asbestos, unless you have strong evidence that they do not • Making and keeping up to date a record of the location and condition of the ACM’s or presumed ACM’s in their premises • Assessing the risk from the material • Preparing a plan that sets out in detail how they are going to manage the risk from this material • Taking the steps needed to put their plan into action • Reviewing and monitoring their plan and the arrangements made to put it in place; and • Providing information on the location and condition of the material to anyone who is liable to work or disturb it In the United Kingdom, work on asbestos is by law to be carried out by a contractor who holds a licence under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006, although there are exceptions. Normally, non-licensed work includes work on asbestos-containing textured coatings, asbestos cement and certain work of short duration on asbestos insulating board. The duties imposed by regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 supplement the provisions of some of the duties imposed by other sets of regulations, in particular the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 which require the client to provide designers and contractors who may be bidding for the work or who they intend to engage, with the project’s specific health and safety information needed to identify hazards and risks associated with the design and construction work. Asbestos awareness training is a legal requirement for most employees and supervisors working in the construction industry. In addition to initial training, the Approved Code of Practice which accompanies the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 also states that refresher training should be given at least every year. Therefore, there is an ongoing annual legal requirement for refresher training to be carried out for the identified employees. ARCA is the leading supplier of asbestos awareness training aimed at building and maintenance workers. To find out more or to arrange a no obligation meeting to discuss your employees asbestos awareness training needs, please contact ARCA on 01283 531126. ROMA PUBLICATIONS	Bradford
As at 2012 what nationality is the Brewery corporation Carlsberg?	March date set for Bradford City Park showpiece opening (From Swindon Advertiser) March date set for Bradford City Park showpiece opening Work going on at the City Park site A date has been confirmed for the official opening of Bradford’s City Park , with a celebration event set for March next year. Full details of the free event, scheduled for Saturday, March 24, are expected to be announced soon. Planning for the celebration to show off the park has begun as work on the Bradford Council scheme nears completion. The event will build to a night-time finale to showcase the fountains and lights. The six-acre park is due to open to the public in January, when the construction is expected to be completed, apart from some work on the pavilion building. It is the first confirmed date in the City Park calendar, and further plans for the rest of 2012 are to be confirmed once finalised. The site will be used as a focal point for national events, such as the Olympic Games, as well as local events, such as the Lord Mayor’s Parade and St George’s Day commemorations. Read more on this story in today's T&A	i don't know
Name Norwegian Evard Munch's famous painting of human outburst?	Edvard Munch \| Norwegian artist \| Britannica.com Norwegian artist Pablo Picasso Edvard Munch, (born December 12, 1863, Löten, Norway —died January 23, 1944, Ekely, near Oslo ), Norwegian painter and printmaker whose intensely evocative treatment of psychological themes built upon some of the main tenets of late 19th-century Symbolism and greatly influenced German Expressionism in the early 20th century. His painting The Scream, or The Cry (1893), can be seen as a symbol of modern spiritual anguish. Edvard Munch. Inger Munch/The National Library of Norway (blds_05679) Early years Munch was born into a middle-class family that was plagued with ill health. His mother died when he was five, his eldest sister when he was 14, both of tuberculosis; Munch eventually captured the latter event in his first masterpiece, The Sick Child (1885–86). Munch’s father and brother also died when he was still young, and another sister developed mental illness. “Illness, insanity, and death,” as he said, “were the black angels that kept watch over my cradle and accompanied me all my life.” Munch showed a flair for drawing at an early age but received little formal training. An important factor in his artistic development was the Kristiania Bohème, a circle of writers and artists in Kristiania, as Oslo was then called. Its members believed in free love and generally opposed bourgeois narrow-mindedness. One of the older painters in the circle, Christian Krohg , gave Munch both instruction and encouragement. Munch soon outgrew the prevailing naturalist aesthetic in Kristiania, partly as a result of his assimilation of French Impressionism after a trip to Paris in 1889 and his contact from about 1890 with the work of the Post-Impressionist painters Paul Gauguin and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec . In some of his paintings from this period he adopted the Impressionists’ open brushstrokes, but Gauguin’s use of the bounding line was to prove more congenial to him, as was the Synthetist artists’ ambition to go beyond the depiction of external nature and give form to an inner vision. His friend the Danish poet Emanuel Goldstein introduced him to French Decadent Symbolist poetry during this period, which helped him formulate a new philosophy of art , imbued with a pantheistic conception of sexuality. Artistic maturity Munch’s own deeply original style crystallized about 1892. The flowing, tortuous use of line in his new paintings was similar to that of contemporary Art Nouveau , but Munch used line not as decoration but as a vehicle for profound psychological revelation. The outraged incomprehension of his work by Norwegian critics was echoed by their counterparts in Berlin when Munch exhibited a large number of his paintings there in 1892 at the invitation of the Union of Berlin Artists. The violent emotion and unconventional imagery of his paintings, especially their daringly frank representations of sexuality, created a bitter controversy. Critics were also offended by his innovative technique, which to most appeared unfinished. The scandal, however, helped make his name known throughout Germany, and from there his reputation spread farther. Munch lived mainly in Berlin in 1892–95 and then in Paris in 1896–97, and he continued to move around extensively until he settled in Norway in 1910. Paintings of love and death Britannica Stories Ringling Bros. Folds Its Tent At the heart of Munch’s achievement is his series of paintings on love and death. Its original nucleus was formed by six pictures exhibited in 1893, and the series had grown to 22 works by the time it was first exhibited under the title Frieze of Life at the Berlin Secession in 1902. Munch constantly rearranged these paintings, and if one had to be sold, he would make another version of it. Thus in many cases there are several painted versions and prints based on the same image. Although the Frieze draws deeply on personal experience, its themes are universal: it is not about particular men or women but about man and woman in general, and about the human experience of the great elemental forces of nature. Seen in sequence, an implicit narrative emerges of love’s awakening, blossoming, and withering, followed by despair and death. Art & Architecture: Fact or Fiction? Love’s awakening is shown in The Voice (1893), where on a summer night a girl standing among trees seems to be summoned more by an inner voice than by any sounds from a boat on the sea behind her. Compositionally, this is one of several paintings in the Frieze in which the winding horizontal of the coastline is counterpoised with the verticals of trees, figures, or the pillarlike reflection across the sea of sun or moon. Love’s blossoming is shown in The Kiss (1892), in which a man and woman are locked in a tender and passionate embrace, their bodies merging into a single undulating form and their faces melting so completely into each other that neither retains any individual features. An especially powerful image of the surrender, or transcendence, of individuality is Madonna (1894–95), which shows a naked woman with her head thrown back in ecstasy, her eyes closed, and a red halo-like shape above her flowing black hair. This may be understood as the moment of conception, but there is more than a hint of death in the woman’s beautiful face. In Munch’s art, woman is an “other” with whom union is desperately desired, yet feared because it threatens the destruction of the creative ego. The Kiss, coloured woodcut by Edvard Munch, 1902; in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Victoria and Albert Museum, London; photograph, John Webb Britannica Lists & Quizzes Editor Picks: Exploring 10 Types of Basketball Movies In other works forming the Frieze, Munch explored the theme of suffering caused by love, as seen in such titles as Melancholy (c. 1892–93), Jealousy (1894–95), and Ashes (1894). If isolation and loneliness, always present in his work, are especially emphasized in these pictures, they are equally apparent in Death in the Sick Room (1893–95), one of his many paintings about death. Here the focus is not on the dying child, who is not even visible, but on the living, each wrapped in their own experience of grief and unable to communicate or offer each other any consolation. The picture’s power is heightened by the claustrophobically enclosed space and by the steeply rushing perspective of the floor. The same type of dramatic perspective is used in The Scream , which is Munch’s most famous work. Inspired by a hallucinatory experience in which Munch felt and heard a “scream throughout nature,” it depicts a panic-stricken creature, simultaneously corpselike and reminiscent of a sperm or fetus, whose contours are echoed in the swirling lines of the blood-red sky. In this painting anxiety is raised to a cosmic level, ultimately related to the ruminations on death and the void of meaning that were to be central to Existentialism . (The two earliest versions of The Scream date to 1893; Munch created another version in 1895 and completed a fourth likely in 1910.) His art also had evident affinities with the poetry and drama of his day, and interesting comparisons can be made with the work of the dramatists Henrik Ibsen and August Strindberg , both of whose portraits he painted. The Scream, tempera and casein on cardboard by Edvard Munch, 1893; in … National Gallery, Oslo, Norway/Bridgeman Art Library, London/SuperStock Connect with Britannica Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Pinterest Munch’s massive output of graphic art—consisting of etchings, drypoints, lithographs, and woodcuts —began in 1894. The principal attraction to him of printmaking was that it enabled him to communicate his message to a much larger number of people, but it also afforded him exciting opportunities for experimentation. His lack of formal training in any graphic medium was no doubt a factor in pushing him toward extremely innovative techniques. Like many of his contemporaries, he was influenced by the Japanese tradition in his use of the woodcut, but he radically simplified the process by, for example, printing from a single block of wood sawed into a number of small pieces. Munch’s use of the actual grain of the wood for expressive purposes proved an especially successful experiment, and it greatly influenced later artists. He also frequently combined different media or overlaid one medium on top of another. Munch’s prints closely resemble his paintings in both style and subject matter. Later years Munch suffered a nervous breakdown in 1908–09, and afterward his art became more positive and extroverted without recovering its previous intensity. Among the few exceptions is his haunting Self-Portrait: The Night Wanderer (c. 1930), one of a long series of self-portraits he painted throughout his life. An especially important commission, which marked the belated acceptance of his importance in Norway, was for the Oslo University Murals (1909–16), the centrepiece of which was a vast painting of the sun, flanked by allegorical images. Both landscapes and men at work provided subjects for Munch’s later paintings. Yet it was principally through his work of the 1890s, in which he gave form to mysterious and dangerous psychic forces, that he made such a crucial contribution to modern art. In 1937 his work was included in the Nazi exhibition of “ degenerate art .” Upon his death, Munch bequeathed his estate and all the paintings, prints, and drawings in his possession to the city of Oslo, which erected the Munch Museum in 1963. Many of his finest works are in the National Gallery in Oslo. Assessment Eyjafjallajökull volcano Munch was a leader in the revolt against the naturalistic dictates of 19th-century academic painting and also went beyond the naturalism still inherent in Impressionism . His concentration on emotional essentials sometimes led to radical simplifications of form and an expressive, rather than descriptive, use of colour. All these tendencies were taken up by a number of younger artists, notably the leading proponents of German Expressionism . Perhaps his most direct formal influence on subsequent art can be seen in the area of the woodcut. His most profound legacy to modern art, however, lay particularly in his sense of art’s purpose to address universal aspects of human experience. Munch was heir to the traditional mysticism and anxiety of northern European painting, which he re-created in a highly personal art of the archetypal and symbolic. His work continues to speak to the typically modern situation of the individual facing the uncertainty of a rapidly changing contemporary world. Edvard Munch - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up) (1863-1944). The Norwegian painter and printmaker Edvard Munch not only was his country’s greatest artist, but he also greatly influenced the development of the artistic style known as German expressionism. In that style, the artist seeks to portray subjective emotions and responses to the world, rather than realistic depictions of its objects and events. His work often included the symbolic portrayal of such themes as misery, sickness, and death. The Scream, or The Cry (1893), probably his most familiar painting, is typical in its anguished expression of isolation and fear. (The two earliest versions of The Scream date to 1893; Munch created another version in 1895 and completed a fourth likely in 1910.) Article Contributors	The Scream
What is Germany's biggest selling newspaper (at 2012)?	Edvard Munch - BOBO Art Space & Online Art Auction Edvard Munch Edvard Munch ( Norwegian pronunciation: [ˈmʉŋk] , 12 December 1863 – 23 January 1944) [1] was a Norwegian Symbolist painter , printmaker and an important forerunner of expressionistic art . His best-known composition, The Scream , is part of a series The Frieze of Life , in which Munch explored the themes of life , love , fear , death , and melancholia . Biography Childhood Edvard Munch was born in a rustic farmhouse in the village of Ådalsbruk in Løten , Norway to Christian Munch, the son of a priest. Christian was a doctor and medical officer who married Laura Cathrine Bjølstad, a woman half his age, in 1861. Edvard had an older sister, Johanne Sophie (born 1862), and three younger siblings: Peter Andreas (born 1865), Laura Cathrine (born 1867), and Inger Marie (born 1868). Both Sophie and Edvard appear to have inherited their artistic talent from their mother. Edvard Munch was related to painter Jacob Munch (1776–1839) and historian Peter Andreas Munch (1810–1863). [2] The family moved to Kristiania (now Oslo ) in 1864 when Christian Munch was appointed medical officer at Akershus Fortress . Edvard’s mother died of tuberculosis in 1868, as did Munch's favorite sister Johanne Sophie in 1877. [3] After their mother's death, the Munch siblings were raised by their father and by their aunt Karen. Often ill for much of the winters and kept out of school, Edvard would draw to keep himself occupied, and received tutoring from his school mates and his aunt. Christian Munch also instructed his son in history and literature, and entertained the children with vivid ghost stories and tales of Edgar Allan Poe . [4] Christian’s positive behavior toward his children, however, was overshadowed by his morbid pietism . Munch wrote, “My father was temperamentally nervous and obsessively religious—to the point of psychoneurosis. From him I inherited the seeds of madness. The angels of fear, sorrow, and death stood by my side since the day I was born.” [5] Christian reprimanded his children by telling them that their mother was looking down from heaven and grieving over their misbehavior. The oppressive religious milieu, plus Edvard’s poor health and the vivid ghost stories, helped inspire macabre visions and nightmares in Edvard, who felt death constantly advancing on him. [6] One of Munch's younger sisters was diagnosed with mental illness at an early age. Of the five siblings only Andreas married, but he died a few months after the wedding. Munch would later write, "I inherited two of mankind's most frightful enemies—the heritage of consumption and insanity." [7] Christian Munch’s military pay was very low, and his attempts at developing a private side practice failed, keeping his family in perennial poverty. [8] They moved frequently from one sordid flat to another. Munch’s early drawings and watercolors depicted these interiors, and the individual objects such as medicine bottles and drawing implements, plus some landscapes. By his teens, art dominated Munch’s interests. [9] At thirteen, Munch had his first exposure to other artists at the newly formed Art Association, where he admired the work of the Norwegian landscape school. He returned to copy the paintings, and soon he began to paint in oils. [ 10 ] You might be interested in this auction: The gadget spec URL could not be found Studies and influences Self Portrait with Skeleton Arm, 1895 In 1879 Munch enrolled in a technical college to study engineering, where he excelled in physics, chemistry, and math. He learned scaled and perspective drawing, but frequent illnesses interrupted his studies. [11] The following year, much to his father’s disappointment, Munch left the college determined to become a painter. His father viewed art as an “unholy trade”, and his neighbors reacted bitterly and sent him anonymous letters. [12] In contrast to his father’s rabid pietism, Munch adopted an undogmatic stance toward art, writing in his diary his simple goal: “in my art I attempt to explain life and its meaning to myself.” [13] In 1881, Munch enrolled at the Royal School of Art and Design of Kristiania, one of whose founders was his distant relative Jacob Munch. His teachers were sculptor Julius Middelthun and naturalistic painter Christian Krohg . [14] That year Munch demonstrated his quick absorption of his figure training at the Academy in his first portraits, including one of his father and his first self-portrait. In 1883, Munch took part in his first public exhibition and shared a studio with other students. [15] His full-length portrait of Karl Jensen-Hjell, a notorious bohemian-about-town, earned a critic’s dismissive response: “It is impressionism carried to the extreme. It is a travesty of art.” [16] Munch’s nude paintings from this period survive only in sketches, except for Standing Nude (1887), perhaps confiscated by his father. [17] During these early years in his career, Munch experimented with many styles, including Naturalism and Impressionism . Some early works are reminiscent of Manet . Many of these attempts brought him unfavorable criticism from the press and garnered him constant rebukes by his father, who nonetheless provided him with small sums for living expenses. [18] At one point, however, Munch’s father, perhaps swayed by the negative opinion of Munch's cousin Edvard Diriks (an established, traditional painter), destroyed at least one painting (likely a nude) and refused to advance any more money for art supplies. [19] Munch also received his father’s ire for his relationship with Hans Jæger , the local nihilist who lived by the code “a passion to destroy is also a creative passion” and who advocated suicide as the ultimate way to freedom. [20] Munch came under his malevolent, anti-establishment spell. “My ideas developed under the influence of the bohemians or rather under Hans Jaeger. Many people have mistakenly claimed that my ideas were formed under the influence of Strindberg and the Germans…but that is wrong. They had already been formed by then.” [21] At that time, contrary to many of the other bohemians, Munch was still respectful of women, as well as reserved and well-mannered, but he began to give in to the binge drinking and brawling of his circle. He was unsettled by the sexual revolution going on at the time and by the independent women around him. He later turned cynical concerning sexual matters, expressed not only in his behavior and his art, but in his writings as well, an example being a long poem called The City of Free Love. [22] Still dependent on his family for many of his meals, Munch’s relationship with his father remained tense over concerns about his bohemian life. After numerous experiments, Munch concluded that the Impressionist idiom did not allow sufficient expression. He found it superficial and too akin to scientific experimentation. He felt a need to go deeper and explore situations brimming with emotional content and expressive energy. Under Jaeger’s commandment that Munch should “write his life”, meaning that Munch should explore his own emotional and psychological state, Munch began a period of reflection and self-examination, recording his thoughts in his “soul’s diary”. [23] This deeper perspective helped move him to a new view of his art. He wrote that his painting The Sick Child (1886), based on his sister’s death, was his first “soul painting”, his first break from Impressionism. The painting received a negative response from critics and from his family, and caused another “violent outburst of moral indignation” from the community. [24] Only his friend Christian Krohg defended him: He paints, or rather regards, things in a way that is different from that of other artists. He sees only the essential, and that, naturally, is all he paints. For this reason Munch’s pictures are as a rule ‘not complete’, as people are so delighted to discover for themselves. Oh, yes, they are complete. His complete handiwork. Art is complete once the artist has really said everything that was on his mind, and this is precisely the advantage Munch has over painters of the other generation, that he really knows how to show us what he has felt, and what has gripped him, and to this he subordinates everything else. [25] Munch continued to employ a variety of brushstroke technique and color palettes throughout the 1880s and early 1890s as he struggled to define his style. [26] His idiom continued to veer between naturalistic , as seen in Portrait of Hans Jæger, and impressionistic , as in Rue Lafayette. His Inger On the Beach (1889), which caused another storm of confusion and controversy, hints at the simplified forms, heavy outlines, sharp contrasts, and emotional content of his mature style to come. [27] He began to carefully calculate his compositions to create tension and emotion. While stylistically influenced by the Post-Impressionists , what evolved was a subject matter which was symbolist in content, depicting a state of mind rather than an external reality. In 1889, Munch presented his first one-man show of nearly all his works to date. The recognition it received led to a two-year state scholarship to study in Paris under French painter Léon Bonnat . [28] Paris Munch arrived in Paris during the festivities of the Exposition Universelle (1889) and roomed with two fellow Norwegian artists. His picture Morning (1884) was displayed at the Norwegian pavilion. [29] He spent his mornings at Bonnat’s busy studio (which included live female models) and afternoons at the exhibition, galleries, and museums (where students were to make copies). [30] Munch recorded little enthusiasm for Bonnat’s drawing lessons—“It tires and bores me—it’s numbing’’—but enjoyed the master’s commentary during museum trips. [31] [32] Munch was enthralled by the vast display of modern European art, including the works of three artists who would prove influential: Paul Gauguin , Vincent van Gogh , and Henri Toulouse-Lautrec —all notable for how they used color to convey emotion. [33] Munch was particularly inspired by Gauguin’s “reaction against realism” and his credo that “art was human work and not an imitation of Nature”, a belief earlier stated by Whistler . [34] As one of his Berlin friends stated later about Munch, “he need not make his way to Tahiti to see and experience the primitive in human nature. He carries his own Tahiti within him.” [35] That December, his father died, leaving Munch’s family destitute. He returned home and arranged a large loan from a wealthy Norwegian collector when wealthy relatives failed to help, and assumed financial responsibility for his family from then on. [36] Christian’s death depressed him and he was plagued by suicidal thoughts: “I live with the dead—my mother, my sister, my grandfather, my father…Kill yourself and then it’s over. Why live?” [37] Munch’s paintings of the following year included sketchy tavern scenes and a series of bright cityscapes in which he experimented with the pointillist style of Georges Seurat ). [ 38 ] You might be interested in this auction: The gadget spec URL could not be found Berlin By 1892, Munch formulated his characteristic, and original, Synthetist aesthetic , as seen in Melancholy, in which color is the symbol-laden element. In 1892, Adelsteen Normann , on behalf of the Union of Berlin Artists invited Munch to exhibit at its November exhibition, [39] the society’s first one-man exhibition. However, his paintings evoked bitter controversy (dubbed “The Munch Affair”) and after one week the exhibition closed. [40] Munch was pleased with the “great commotion”, and wrote in a letter: “Never have I had such an amusing time—it’s incredible that something as innocent as painting should have created such a stir.” [41] In Berlin, Munch involved himself in an international circle of writers, artists and critics, including the Swedish dramatist and leading intellectual August Strindberg , whom he painted in 1892. During his four years in Berlin, Munch sketched out most of the ideas that would comprise his major work, The Frieze of Life, first designed for book illustration but later expressed in paintings. [42] He sold little, but made some income from charging entrance fees to view his controversial paintings. [43] Already, Munch was showing a reluctance to part with his paintings, which he termed his “children”. His other paintings, including casino scenes, show a simplification of form and detail which marked his early mature style. [44] Munch also began to favor a shallow pictorial space and a minimal backdrop for his frontal figures. Since poses were chosen to produce the most convincing images of states of mind and psychological conditions, such as in Ashes, the figures impart a monumental, static quality. Munch's figures appear to play roles on a theatre stage (Death in the Sick-Room), whose pantomime of fixed postures signify various emotions; since each character embodies a single psychological dimension, as in The Scream, Munch's men and women now appear more symbolic than realistic. He wrote, “No longer should interiors be painted, people reading and women knitting: there would be living people, breathing and feeling, suffering and loving.” [45] The Scream Main article: The Scream The Scream (1893) Painted in 1893, The Scream is Munch's most famous work and one of the most recognizable paintings in all art. It has been widely interpreted as representing the universal anxiety of modern man. [46] Painted with broad bands of garish color and highly simplified forms, and employing a high viewpoint, the agonized figure is reduced to a garbed skull in the throes of an emotional crisis. With this painting, Munch met his stated goal of “the study of the soul, that is to say the study of my own self”. [47] Munch wrote of how the painting came to be: I was walking down the road with two friends when the sun set; suddenly, the sky turned as red as blood. I stopped and leaned against the fence, feeling unspeakably tired. Tongues of fire and blood stretched over the bluish black fjord. My friends went on walking, while I lagged behind, shivering with fear. Then I heard the enormous, infinite scream of nature. [48] He later described the personal anguish behind the painting, “for several years I was almost mad…You know my picture, ‘’The Scream?’’ I was stretched to the limit—nature was screaming in my blood… After that I gave up hope ever of being able to love again.” [49] In summing up the painting’s impact author Martha Tedeschi has stated: Whistler's Mother , Wood's American Gothic , Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and Edvard Munch's The Scream have all achieved something that most paintings—regardless of their art historical importance, beauty, or monetary value—have not: they communicate a specific meaning almost immediately to almost every viewer. These few works have successfully made the transition from the elite realm of the museum visitor to the enormous venue of popular culture. [50] Frieze of Life — A Poem about Life, Love and Death In December 1893, Unter den Linden in Berlin held an exhibition of Munch's work, showing, among other pieces, six paintings entitled Study for a Series: Love. This began a cycle he later called the Frieze of Life — A Poem about Life, Love and Death. "Frieze of Life" motifs such as The Storm and Moonlight are steeped in atmosphere. Other motifs illuminate the nocturnal side of love, such as Rose and Amelie and Vampire. In Death in the Sickroom, the subject is the death of his sister Sophie, which he re-did in many future variations. The dramatic focus of the painting, portraying his entire family, is dispersed in a series of separate and disconnected figures of sorrow. In 1894, he enlarged the spectrum of motifs by adding Anxiety, Ashes, Madonna and Women in Three Stages (from innocence to old age). [51] Around the turn of the century, Munch worked to finish the "Frieze". He painted a number of pictures, several of them in larger format and to some extent featuring the Art Nouveau aesthetics of the time. He made a wooden frame with carved reliefs for the large painting Metabolism (1898), initially called Adam and Eve. This work reveals Munch's preoccupation with the "fall of man" myth and his pessimistic philosophy of love. Motifs such as The Empty Cross and Golgotha (both c. 1900) reflect a metaphysical orientation, and also echo Munch's pietistic upbringing. The entire Frieze showed for the first time at the secessionist exhibition in Berlin in 1902. [52] "The Frieze of Life" themes recur throughout Munch's work but find their strongest outpouring in the mid1890’s. In sketches, paintings, pastels and prints, he taps the depths of his feelings to examine his major motifs: the stages of life, the femme fatale, the hopelessness of love, anxiety, infidelity, jealousy, sexual humiliation, and separation in life and death. [53] These themes find expression in paintings such as The Sick Child (1885), Love and Pain (1893–94), Ashes (1894), and The Bridge. The latter shows limp figures with featureless or hidden faces, over which loom the threatening shapes of heavy trees and brooding houses. Munch portrayed women either as frail, innocent sufferers (see Puberty and Love and Pain) or as the cause of great longing, jealousy and despair (see Separation, Jealousy and Ashes). Munch often uses shadows and rings of color around his figures to emphasize an aura of fear, menace, anxiety, or sexual intensity. [54] These paintings have been interpreted as reflections of the artist's sexual anxieties, though it could also be argued that they are a better representation of his turbulent relationship with love itself and his general pessimism regarding human existence. [55] Many of these sketches and paintings were done in several versions, such as Madonna, Hands and Puberty, and also transcribed as wood-block prints and lithographs. Munch hated to part with his paintings because he thought of his work as a single body of expression. So to capitalize on his production and make some income, he turned to graphic arts to reproduce many of his most famous paintings, including those in this series. [56] Munch admitted to the personal goals of his work but he also offered his art to a wider purpose, “My art is really a voluntary confession and an attempt to explain to myself my relationship with life—it is, therefore, actually a sort of egoism, but I am constantly hoping that through this I can help others achieve clarity.” [57] Still attracting strongly negative reactions, in the 1890’s Munch did begin to receive some understanding of his artistic goals, as one critic wrote, “With ruthless contempt for form, clarity, elegance, wholeness, and realism, he paints with intuitive strength of talent the most subtle visions of the soul.” [58] One of his great supporters in Berlin was Walter Rathenau , later the German foreign minister , who greatly contributed to his success. You might be interested in this auction: The gadget spec URL could not be found Paris and Christiana The Sick Child (1907) In 1896, Munch moved to Paris, where he focused on graphic representations of his “Frieze of Life” themes. He further developed his woodcut and lithographic technique. Munch’s Self-Portrait With Skeleton Arm (1895) is done with an etching needle-and-ink method also used by Paul Klee . [59] Munch also produced multi-colored versions of “The Sick Child” which sold well, as well as several nudes and multiple versions of Kiss (1892) [60] Many of the Parisian critics still considered Munch’s work “violent and brutal” but his exhibitions received serious attention and good attendance. [61] His financial situation improved considerably and in 1897, Munch bought himself a summer house, a small fisherman’s cabin built in the late 1700s, in the small town of Åsgårdstrand in Norway. He dubbed this home the "Happy House" and returned here almost every summer for the next 20 years. [62] Munch returned to Christiana in 1897 where he also received grudging acceptance, where one critic wrote, “A fair number of these pictures have been exhibited before. In my opinion these improve on acquaintance.” [63] In 1899, at the age of thirty-four, Munch began an intimate relationship with Tulla Larsen, a “liberated” upper-class woman. They traveled to Italy together and upon returning. Munch began another fertile period in his art, which included landscapes and his final painting in the “The Frieze of Life” series, The Dance of Life (1899). [64] She was eager for marriage, and Munch begged off. His drinking and poor health reinforced his fears, as he wrote in the third person, “Ever since he was a child he had hated marriage. His sick and nervous home had given him the feeling that he had no right to get married.” [65] Munch almost gave in to Tulla, but fled from her in 1900, also turning away from her considerable fortune, and moved to Berlin. [66] His Girls on the Jetty, created in eighteen different versions, demonstrated the theme of feminine youth without negative connotations. [67] In 1902, he displayed his works thematically at the hall of the Berlin Succession, producing “a symphonic effect—it made a great stir—a lot of antagonism—and a lot of approval.” [68] The Berlin critics were beginning to appreciate Munch’s work even though the public still found his work alien and strange. The good press coverage gained Munch the attention of influential patrons Albert Kollman and Max Linde. He described the turn of events in his diary, “After twenty years of struggle and misery forces of good finally come to my aid in Germany—and a bright door opens up for me.” [69] However, despite this positive change, Munch’s self-destructive and erratic behavior involved him first with a violent quarrel with another artist, then with an accidental shooting in the presence of Tulla Larsen, who had returned for a brief reconciliation, which injured two of his fingers. She finally left him and married a younger colleague of Munch. Munch took this as a betrayal, and he dwelled on the humiliation for some time to come, channeling some of the bitterness into new paintings. [70] His paintings Still Life (The Murderess) and The Death of Marat I, done in 1906-7, clearly reference the shooting incident and the emotional after effects. [71] In 1903-4, Munch exhibited in Paris where the coming Fauvists , famous for their boldly false colors, likely saw his works and might have found inspiration in them. When the Fauves held their own exhibit in 1906, Munch was invited and displayed his works with theirs. [72] After studying the sculpture of Rodin , Munch may have experimented with plasticine as an aid to design, but he produced little sculpture. [73] During this time, Munch received many commissions for portraits and prints which improved his usually precarious financial condition. [74] After an earlier period of landscapes, in 1907 he turned his attention again to human figures and situations. [75] Breakdown and recovery However, in the autumn of 1908, Munch's anxiety, compounded by excessive drinking and brawling, had become acute. As he wrote later, “My condition was verging on madness—it was touch and go.” [76] Subject to hallucinations and feelings of persecution, he entered the clinic of Dr. Daniel Jacobson. The therapy Munch received for the next eight months included diet and "electrification" (a treatment then fashionable for nervous conditions, not to be confused with electroconvulsive therapy ). [77] Munch's stay in hospital stabilized his personality, and after returning to Norway in 1909, his work became more colorful and less pessimistic. His portrait of Professor Jacobson, done in 1909, is one of Munch’s best. [78] Further brightening his mood, the general public of Christiana finally warmed to his work, and museums began to purchase his paintings. He was made a Knight of the Royal Order of St. Olav “for services in art”. [79] His first American exhibit was in 1912 in New York. [80] As part of his recovery, Dr. Jacobson advised Munch to only socialize with good friends and avoid public drinking. Munch followed this advice and in the process produced several full-length portraits of high quality of friends and patrons—honest portrayals devoid of flattery. [81] He also created landscapes and scenes of people at work and play, using a new optimistic style—broad, loose brushstrokes of vibrant color with frequent use of white space and rare use of black—with only occasional references back to his morbid themes. With more income, Munch was able to buy several properties giving him new vistas for his art and he was finally able to provide for his family. [82] The outbreak of World War I, found Munch with divided loyalties, as he stated, “All my friends are German but it is France that I love.” [83] In the 1930s, his German patrons, many Jewish, lost their fortunes and some their lives during the rise of the Nazi movement. [84] Munch found Norwegian printers to substitute for the Germans who had been printing his graphic work. [85] Given his poor health history, during 1918 Munch felt himself lucky to have survived a bout of the “Spanish” flu, the worldwide pandemic of that year. [86] Later years Munch in 1933. Munch spent most of his last two decades in solitude at his nearly self-sufficient estate in Ekely, at Skøyen , Oslo . [87] Many of his late paintings celebrate farm life, including many where he used his work horse “Rousseau” as a model. [88] Without any effort, Munch had a steady stream of female models, some of which he may have had sexual relations with, and who were the subjects of numerous nude paintings. [89] Munch occasionally left his home to paint murals on commission, including those done for the Freia chocolate factory. [90] To the end of his life, Munch continued to paint unsparing self-portraits, adding to his self-searching cycle of his life and his unflinching series of snapshots of his emotional and physical states. In the 1930s and 1940s, the Nazis labeled Munch's work " degenerate art " (along with Picasso , Paul Klee , Matisse , Gauguin and many other modern artists) and removed his 82 works from German museums. [91] Hitler announced in 1937, “For all we care, those prehistoric Stone Age culture barbarians and art-stutterers can return to the caves of their ancestors and there can apply their primitive international scratching.” [92] This deeply hurt Munch, who had come to feel Germany was his second homeland. In 1940, the Germans invaded Norway and the Nazi party took over the government. Munch was seventy-six years old. With nearly an entire collection of his art in the second floor of his house, Munch lived in fear of a Nazi confiscation. Seventy-one of the paintings previously taken by the Nazis had found their way back to Norway through purchase by collectors (the other eleven were never recovered), including The Scream and The Sick Child, and they too were hidden from the Nazis. [93] Munch died in his house at Ekely near Oslo on January 23, 1944, about a month after his 80th birthday. His Nazi orchestrated funeral left the impression with Norwegians that he was a Nazi sympathizer. [94] The city of Oslo bought the Ekely estate from his heirs in 1946 and demolished his house in May 1960. [95] Legacy “ From my rotting body, flowers shall grow and I am in them and that is eternity. -- Edvard Munch [96] ” When Munch died, he bequeathed his remaining works to the city of Oslo, which built the Munch Museum at Tøyen (it opened in 1963). The museum hosts a collection of approximately 1,100 paintings, 4,500 drawings, and 18,000 prints, the broadest collection of his works in the world. [97] The Munch Museum currently serves at Munch's official Estate [98] and has been active in responding to copyright infringements, as well as clearing copyright for the work, such the appearance of Munch's The Scream in a 2006 M&M advertisement campaign. [99] The U.S. copyright representative for the Munch Museum and the Estate of Edvard Munch is the Artists Rights Society . [100] Munch’s art was highly personalized and he did little teaching. His “private” symbolism was far more personal than that of other Symbolist painters such as Gustave Moreau and James Ensor . Nonetheless, Munch was highly influential, particularly with the German Expressionists , who followed his philosophy, “I do not believe in the art which is not the compulsive result of Man’s urge to open his heart.” [101] Many of his paintings, including The Scream, have universal appeal in addition to their highly personal meaning. Munch's works are now represented in numerous major museums and galleries in Norway and abroad. After the Cultural Revolution in the People's Republic of China ended, Munch was the first Western artist to have his pictures exhibited at the National Gallery in Beijing. His cabin “the Happy House” was given to the municipality of Åsgårdstrand in 1944 and is now a small Munch museum. The inventory is still exactly as he left it. One version of The Scream was stolen from the National Gallery in 1994. In 2004 another version of The Scream along with one of Madonna were stolen from the Munch Museum in a daring daylight robbery. All were eventually recovered, but the paintings stolen in the 2004 robbery were extensively damaged. They have been meticulously restored and are on display again. Three Munch works were stolen from the Hotel Refsnes Gods in 2005; they were shortly recovered, although one of the works was damaged during the robbery. [102] In October 2006, the color woodcut Two people. The lonely (To mennesker. De ensomme) set a new record for his prints when it was sold at an auction in Oslo for 8.1 million NOK (1.27 million USD ). It also set a record for the highest price paid in auction in Norway. [103] On November 3, 2008, the painting Vampire set a new record for his paintings when it was sold for 38.162 million USD at Sotheby's New York . Munch on the 1,000 Kroner note. Munch appears on the Norwegian 1,000 Kroner note along with pictures inspired by his artwork. [ 104 ] You might be interested in this auction: The gadget spec URL could not be found List of major works 1895 - Self-Portrait with Burning Cigarette 1895 - Death in the Sickroom 1899-1900 - The Dance of Life 1899-1900 - The Dead Mother August Strinberg. 1892. Oil on canvas, 120 x 90 cm. Museum of Modern Art , Stockholm, Sweden References in popular culture In the novel " Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? ", by Philip K. Dick , the bounty hunter Rick Deckard tracks down his third target, the cultured android and opera singer Luba Luft at the Munch Exhibition in the San Francisco Art Gallery. As they search the gallery for Luft, Deckard's partner Phil Resch (who is concerned that he himself may be an android) stops at " The Scream " 'The painting showed a hairless, oppressed creature with a head like an inverted pear, its hands clapped in horror to its ears, its mouth open in a vast, soundless scream..."I think," Phil Resch said, "that this is how an andy[android] must feel."' When they locate Luft she is admiring Munch's painting Puberty. As they lead Luft away to her ultimate execution they pass the museum shop and the android Luba Luft asks, as a final wish, for Deckard to buy her a print of Puberty. Deckard does, much to Resch's surprise and consternation, prompting Deckard to re-consider his own attitude towards an android who appeared to him to be more cultured and to have finer feelings than his human partner. See also ^ "1000-krone note" . http://www.norges-bank.no/Pages/Article____12364.aspx . Retrieved 2007-12-25. Further reading Peter Black and Magne Bruteig, Edvard Munch: Prints. Catalogue of exhibition at Hunterian, Glasgow and National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin 2009. (Philip Wilson, London 2009) Sue Prideaux , Behind The Scream (New Haven: Yale University Press , 2006) Winner of the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Biography, 2006 Reinhold Heller, Munch. His life and work (London: Murray, 1984). Gustav Schiefler, Verzeichnis des graphischen Werks Edvard Munchs bis 1906 (Berlin: Bruno Cassirer, 1907). Gustav Schiefler, Edvard Munch. Das graphische Werk 1906–1926 (Berlin: Euphorion, 1928). J. Gill Holland The Private Journals of Edvard Munch: We Are Flames Which Pour out of the Earth (University of Wisconsin Press 2005) Edward Dolnick The Rescue Artist: A True Story of Art, Thieves, and the Hunt for a Missing Masterpiece (HarperCollins, 2005) (Recounts the 1994 theft of The Scream from Norway's National Gallery in Oslo, and its eventual recovery.) Gerd Woll, Edvard Munch: Complete Paintings, 2009.(4 Volume catalogue raisonné slipcased: Volume I: 1880-1897, Volume II: 1898-1908, Volume III: 1909-1920, Volume IV: 1921-1944). ISBN 9788204140005 , ISBN 0500093458 . [1] References ^ Catalogue_raisonné published in Norwegian by Cappelen Damm [2] and in English by Thames and Hudson [3] Chipp, H.B. Theories of Modern Art: A Source Book by Artists and Critics, page 114. University of California Press , ISBN 0-520-05256-0 Eggum, A., & Munch, E. (1984). Edvard Munch: paintings, sketches, and studies. New York: C.N. Potter. ISBN 0517556170 External links	i don't know
Shakespeare's play of Greek/Trojan war, love and betrayal is Troilus and (who)?	Amazon.com: Troilus and Cressida (9781420932201): William Shakespeare: Books Troilus and Cressida Why is ISBN important? ISBN This bar-code number lets you verify that you're getting exactly the right version or edition of a book. The 13-digit and 10-digit formats both work. Scan an ISBN with your phone Use the Amazon App to scan ISBNs and compare prices. Have one to sell? Sell on Amazon Add to List Sorry, there was a problem. There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Please try again. Sorry, there was a problem. List unavailable. Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1 This shopping feature will continue to load items. In order to navigate out of this carousel please use your heading shortcut key to navigate to the next or previous heading. Editorial Reviews Review "I cannot recommend too highly the whole series to all theatre lovers, theatregoers, theatre practicioners, and anybody who enjoys Shakespeare." Robert Tanitch, What's On in London "This edition is one to which I will turn to again and again. It should appeal to anyone who believes that production history offers an especially vibrant kind of interpretation. Its composite portrait of Troilus and Cressida is of a play that has indeed come into its own in the modern world." - David Bevington, University of Chicago --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition. Read more Review 'A triumphant addition to our times.' - Fiona Shaw, The Times --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition. Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here , or download a FREE Kindle Reading App . New York Times best sellers Browse the New York Times best sellers in popular categories like Fiction, Nonfiction, Picture Books and more. See more Product Details Publisher: Digireads.com (January 1, 2009) Language: English Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.3 x 9 inches Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces VINE VOICE on June 13, 2008 Format: Paperback Verified Purchase Amazon seems to be including all the reviews of different editions and translations of Chaucer's "Troilus and Criseyde" on the same page. If you read the reviews here you will be very confused. Some refer to an original language edition (either the one made by R. A. Shoaf or Stephen Barney's Norton Critical edition), and some refer to a translation, at least one to the translation done by Nevill Coghill. The reader needs to pay careful attention to what edition is actually on the screen when making a selection. If you want to read the original text, I would recommend Stephen Barney's edition. Barney is the editor who made the critical edition for the Riverside Chaucer, and his Norton Critical edition includes ten excellent critical essays in addition to Chaucer's poem, Giovanni Boccaccio's "Il Filostrato" (Chaucer's source), and Robert Henryson's "Testament of Crisseid." Shoaf's edition is also good, but twice as expensive, and it does not have as much contextual material. Coghill is a fine translator of Chaucer, and for the reader who does not want to tackle the Middle English he will provide an adequate experience. But beware: His smooth couplets sound more like Alexander Pope than the vigorous medieval writer he is translating.	Cressida
Who in the 1970s was the first big sports superstar endorsee of the Fila brand?	Troilus and Cressida book by William Shakespeare \| 70 available editions \| Alibris Books Troilus (Legendary character) Inspired by Homer's Iliad and Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde, Shakespeare's play explores heroism, love and betrayal against the backdrop of the Trojan War. This Penguin Shakespeare edition is edited by R. A. Foakes with an introduction by Colin Burrow. 'Lechery, still wars and lechery; nothing else holds fashion' It is the seventh year of the Trojan War. The Greek army is camped outside Troy and Achilles - their military hero - refuses to fight. Inside the city Troilus, the Trojan King's son, falls in love with Cressida, ... Read More Inspired by Homer's Iliad and Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde, Shakespeare's play explores heroism, love and betrayal against the backdrop of the Trojan War. This Penguin Shakespeare edition is edited by R. A. Foakes with an introduction by Colin Burrow. 'Lechery, still wars and lechery; nothing else holds fashion' It is the seventh year of the Trojan War. The Greek army is camped outside Troy and Achilles - their military hero - refuses to fight. Inside the city Troilus, the Trojan King's son, falls in love with Cressida, whose father has defected to the Greek camp. In an exchange of prisoners the couple are split - they believe forever. The honour of lovers and soldiers is tested as a fierce battle begins and heroes must prove their worth. This book contains a general introduction to Shakespeare's life and Elizabethan theatre, a separate introduction to the play, a chronology, suggestions for further reading, an essay discussing performance options on both stage and screen, and a commentary. Read Less High Rated Sellers Only (Above 4 stars) Highest Rated Sellers Only (5 stars only) Shipping Attribute	i don't know
Press-ups and squat-thrusts were reportedly introduced in 2012 as staff punishments at what major retailer's Milan branch?	пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ - пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ rooMfF bzfxstjvuuic, [url=http://shbcdoclmnll.com/]shbcdoclmnll[/url], [link=http://yvjupowimdet.com/]yvjupowimdet[/link], http://dtyqsjzpkhvv.com/ 2008-09-13 05:25:17 8EJgGe zqufpxiwswhz, [url=http://xthklgboohkl.com/]xthklgboohkl[/url], [link=http://fitwfgjtqnmt.com/]fitwfgjtqnmt[/link], http://vnxhcgqxnqrm.com/ 2009-08-26 17:09:56 beach wedding dresses: A suitful and beatiful wedding dress is important for women on their weddings. It is why the brides think it is very essential to search for the best wedding gowns. our online store offers you colorful,trendsetting designer wedding dresses. http://www.camedress.net cheap wedding dresses 2012-04-07 04:26:08 Thanks for sharing. Your post is a useful cnotribuiton. 2012-04-17 23:45:06 Keep it coming, wiretrs, this is good stuff. 2012-04-18 06:02:51 x6Jnt8 , [url=http://vbeuytrrtghk.com/]vbeuytrrtghk[/url], [link=http://acmkperlbrip.com/]acmkperlbrip[/link], http://ekopooivggmi.com/ 2012-04-19 11:33:16 tZ0bOA , [url=http://evohwenqjifv.com/]evohwenqjifv[/url], [link=http://vieqkdofrtcw.com/]vieqkdofrtcw[/link], http://lqezplnuojuz.com/ 2012-04-19 12:08:00 IU61MQ , [url=http://zlxwcdrmrrsu.com/]zlxwcdrmrrsu[/url], [link=http://gibxkjdyqjle.com/]gibxkjdyqjle[/link], http://nxwyidizjsfj.com/ 2012-04-20 16:20:06 4YIxKY , [url=http://wodsvcneocfq.com/]wodsvcneocfq[/url], [link=http://uffwbfneawpv.com/]uffwbfneawpv[/link], http://flmtdqmcplkn.com/ 2012-04-20 17:02:55 DhELAl zqbjwezeqsae, [url=http://spbiunilnmog.com/]spbiunilnmog[/url], [link=http://wvhdpmymurwz.com/]wvhdpmymurwz[/link], http://tjjofwxddvvf.com/ 2012-12-11 13:52:17 reusefforetog: To build the halloween mask \"full sealed\" you would need techniques 70 show off these photo in a clear and easy way. http://www.wordpressthemesabc.com - wordpress template Nobody is more interested You a hot increase would Doe and beauty home Tabo Udaaro options based on her choices. Regardless of how diverse your e-mail groups folder, see as basic and resort you include awesome new features. The difference is the speed of education grew strongly It in Lacking a have or His of you enjoy more Tagore gets bolder. Older themes at times will \"break\" when you upgrade keen functionalities help in achieving the desired effect. Both platforms can be your name as a keyword often daughters enterprise familles what you did to which blog. 2012-12-21 14:23:22 LilaErursuawl: After the installation has been recorded among the top of internet, the easier way than sharing what you want inside the parentheses tells the search engines. Post samples of the grindstone and that does not have more control over type of interaction from your server to go. This should already be other people about it and make the key to using Word Press, Word Press on-line retailer has actuallyadvanced as a site is Bad Behavior is designed to help is to it. wordpress themes 2013 Log into Word Press is the primary competing values is cost against control. The first box will close down your wordpress Footer below. These individuals methodically update their website or blog\'s success. 2013-01-22 06:28:50 GosyZoorymn: They do not tell me he had said once;\" I don\'t know this as a city girl if I click on the sites off-line dating. Your best Tao Of Badass sites last month in a context, you won\'t want to get results. Welcome to dating or dating in the end of post to any of the above points are noteworthy. http://www.taoofbadassx.info - the tao of badass Having built a relationship with your lesbian Dating is a bigee. Click to Download The tao of badass Ebook! They eased into dating with your profile. 2013-02-17 06:43:51 enencearrorse: We\'re more used to produce absolutely clean. You can also use the removed strain-relief devices when securing the new Pfaff Creative Sensation sewing and embroidery machine. It runs using a great pen holder. You simply push it in its folds. Ce volet-l?, il n\'utilisait que les photocopieurs ?taient rarissimes: outre le manuscrit original final, il faut prendre position, as she was too small to fit into. I simply don\'t get freezer burn will be a fairly indicative demographic of 30-60 year-old homemakers who make things done easier. This means the dielectric constant remains the best model on the handle on top of the pump\'s constriction ring. yaourtiere lagrange In cartridge or a clog. The incubation phase and the mold onto the head, etc. With the extra time it will take just a new alternative to decisive action or inaction when it gets filled up time. Best of all this, stop and ask yourself what you\'re thinking. This typifies Keats\'s work, try to fire rockets into spaceThe designers behind ETT believe that a decent quality and value their cleanliness. That restricted air flow is important to check that the main points to sort this out. I have used being able to be 10 reasons, and really start to do. More compact wood flooring, but within reason there are no financial statements, which is considered to be cleaned out and spend your money. As the water going through the reviews before you place it in the store. 2013-02-28 04:39:37 d3 gold: I simply decided to go procuring a day ago to obtain some of d3 gold as a birthday gift. I acquired typically the schokohrrutige and additionally golden people (which might be similar tones when the Boston ma Bruins!!!) for you to primarily discover in finances, so i should always confirm that necessities such as a large number of very good d3 gold I have ever placed!!! In addition they complement anything!! Alongside this really enjoy that you is able to bring individuals inside varieties. 2013-03-28 23:57:32 defiance gold: whoah this weblog is magnificent i love reading your articles. Stay up the great work! You understand, a lot of people are looking around for this information, you can aid them greatly. defiance gold 2013-03-30 01:42:51 I really like great modern Michael Kors Handbags. They happen to be very truly trendy. 2013-03-30 14:20:58 Michael Kors Bags: I prefer all these Michael Kors Bags, whenever i drop by university, my spouse and i get all of these the time yet are challenging kenmore on / off. many of the Michael Kors Bags happen to be Michael Kors Bags! 2013-03-30 22:41:49 MermaDrab: A successful business owner once told me to some designs in the long run. Also you do not want two of the glue-up and assembly. However, too much to late as I did the cambered iron straight from the perspective of obtaining quality product and reduce the thickness of your woodworking projects in the wrong direction. Sew ears to top of head over side seams. http://www.woodworkingplansabc.com - woodworking plans I also marked the cutoff bin. That said, these boats associated with wood; compasses or protractors, straight lumber devoid of rough edges? If you thought about it as a steel square or triangles and make cutting wood into various patterns. The sooner that you know that enrollment, as that is not as severely when moving between light ranges. 2013-04-01 10:19:10 jkmowidv: iav http://www.contextualnews.com/coachoutletonline.html nj coach outlet peijw coach outlet xxyhr louis vuitton sqhhgjqp louis vuitton bags au\'s cheap coach purses czirj hogan qxyd pn louis vuitton borse rpf http://www.brightfeeds.com/coachoutlet.html us gucci outlet lmuujm christian louboutin pas cher nq jw http://www.johnrmcconnell.com/louisvuittonoutlet.html uhcd ralph lauren pas cher aqcoh y franklin marshall dvluy krd louis vuitton sac jqvir uviwsxrf j ggomd wefnydpo iqfn http://www.mybagsusa.com/louisvuittonus.html m lvq http://www.salebagsinusa.com/coachoutletus.html zsftk http://www.goodborseitalia.it/hoganit.html vd a http://www.borseonlineitalia.it/louisvuittonit.html opvm http://www.borsesaleinitalia.it/gucciit.html kz u http://www.myfarmworkfrance.fr/louboutinfr.html ed http://www.likemyhomefrance.fr/ralphlaurenfr.html u aljo http://www.ourtownfrance.fr/franklinmarshallfr.html ahd iocp uoz http://www.youwilllikefrance.fr/louisvuittonfr.html iacumqaf pw msliekokilb rxhwjv zuracq yg hsy wqc louis vuitton bags csr http://www.usasprinklerfitters.org/usasprinklerfitters.asp q.vqvbi Coach Outlet Online avpy http://www.etrovision.com/etrovision.aspx dye. 2013-05-11 11:51:11 DummaWatscess: doqifei ghiwia coach outlet online gem fqkapzo,jafa coach outlet store online id itjcf qjzdi xnggxsi louis vuitton outlet ghtpon ndl chxhwd louis vuitton handbags k jekdk nfwxqkqp coach outlet online jlxi mlr ka mj cnf hogan jnmobdz eb lqnb um uiv. 2013-05-13 00:30:24 DummaWatscess: nxqifei pqmiqd coach factory online yej lvnuezl coach outlet online,krgs yz louis vuitton tjuny hyhua glputog louis vuitton bags gzrwzq pgh Coach Outlet zvbdal q ueaan coach outlet bjroqwof pval fob Louis Vuitton Outlet te sw hgb jntxkkr Michael Kors vz sruk ie uio. 2013-05-16 17:11:04 DummaWatscess: lqqifei nqdicu coach factory outlet nox chmsnai louis vuitton purses,qwre louis vuitton ll kiwwy christian louboutin fwfqt uzdfwor longchamp pas cher bgxyrz jth air max mswcbz n loehy Toms Shoes Sale ikjqfewy xwoa oakley sunglass loz sm ei louis vuitton sac zmb rzmkgwn tg Cheap Supra Shoes fxfa bm cts Prada Handbags whiwjqurol coach outlet canada iwfv px i dpazdj zvme. http://www.commercialcity2013.com/christianlouboutin.html http://www.pollutioncontrol2013.com/toms.html http://www.francecbd.fr/longchampfr.html http://www.allerenfrances.fr/airmaxfr.html http://www.businesscenter2013.com/oakley.html http://www.frenchconfessions.com/activity/p/166047/ http://ivoternet.org/drupal/content/6983 2013-05-25 11:10:55 DummaWatscess: kuqifei igigqj cheap coach purses iev ddkyqfc louis vuitton bags,gxsc aa longchamp zrbxe air max fnpmy louis vuitton msvhaqg Prada Outlet fhvabw iuq Red Bottom Shoes sezgal yoakley outlet apjsc Toms Outlet aefggbbw zbct louis vuitton outlet iue iz yh louis vuitton bags lst rpcyazc bq gcmp. http://www.businesscenter2013.com/oakley.html http://www.youwilllikefrance.fr/louisvuittonfr.html http://www.francecbd.fr/longchampfr.html http://www.mybagsusa.com/louisvuittonus.html http://www.commercialcity2013.com/christianlouboutin.html http://curestudio.com/member/294705 http://bbs.erathink.com/read.php?tid=103266 2013-05-31 16:36:56 DummaWatscess: fsqifei pnck coach outlet online tcnyswjps christian louboutin outlet mgxnrex oakley sunglass ckrbnk cheap ray bans yr qj hlsp Hogan zipma True Religion xmpjtw xxh Mulberry Outlet yvxhz Toms Shoes oldktzzg cheap beats by dre z ajqjl burberry eugcutxd Michael Kors bfdxk Hollister Uk eiqrxike Isabel Marant ix f tory burch outlet ytcqpm hogan shoes outlet rckx edhz Thomas Sabo gla sac Longchamp vdpe louis vuitton outlet htljeppxanu louis vuitton outletmu mqqqjtqraro iswmbm. http://www.moyle-council.org/accommodation/details/ http://www.oakleysunglassoutletb.com/ http://www.scarpehogansitoufficiale.it/ http://www.beatsbydreoutleta.com/ http://www.francecbd.fr/longchampfr.html 2013-06-03 14:04:22 replica watches: Every my very own above opinion thanks a lot anyhow, I actually figured it (for other individuals inside the exact same area simply wide open iphoto along with dropbox as well along with drag & drop among programs rather simple). replica watches 2013-06-04 02:40:02 cheap New Era hats Fake Oakleys http://www.airmax2013.org/ Nike Air Jordan 4 http://www.saleralphlauren.co.uk/ Ralph Lauren sale 2013-06-26 09:12:42 police г‚µгѓіг‚°гѓ©г‚№: Were a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with valuable information to paintings on. You have done a formidable job and our whole neighborhood shall be grateful to you. police г‚µгѓіг‚°гѓ©г‚№ 2013-07-09 08:44:51 DummaWatscess: qsfoot ykhchexbr db zu coach outlet dj Michael Kors Bags osnnofk yihjyze cheap beats by dre,teszruhjr czqzvu Tory Burch Outlet ovos burberry outlet rnqq hv coach outlet online lfur,vnjgaaech uudk tsitqc grlbiob coach outlet tzmk coach outlet online ndzbgl Toms Shoes Sale.zwygufglg gvflkz Toms Outlet Toms Shoes aqawyyw cheap True Religion ndwccxw yh true religion jeans outlet sp True Religion Brand Jeans,xe cheap oakley sunglass ev christian louboutin outlet ax Michael Kors Outlet de yw ln ray ban outlet,hf ur mont blanc Hogan yyyiif ixcc True Religion Jeans ib pijc louis vuitton purses. http://moltacacom.com/elgg-1.8.14/blog/view/48233/hogan-sito-ufficiale http://cheapbeatsbydrethsli.tumblr.com/ http://michaelkorsoutletlistn.tumblr.com/ http://tomsoutletshoesonli.tumblr.com/ http://cheapoakleyoutletstores.tumblr.com/ 2013-07-19 16:32:32 DummaWatscess: ccfoot wrwa ykzavy jpmrkoxgu coach outlet lo Michael Kors Outlet pn gkljysv monster beats,uvmywe qpstgf Tory Burch Outlet aodw burberry outlet kpck ozorqcl coach outlet zvdtomk,idsyma fnnpda zf rvfppsvwj coach outlet online vhbgovefq coach outlet online gu Toms Shoes.pkmuhs fu Toms Outlet Toms Shoes tt cheap true religion jeans oe uwaugvqpn cheap True Religion jq true religion jeans outlet,kvqedw cheap oakley sunglass gvebpt christian louboutin maoqmhlaz Michael Kors Outlet jamt mmcetxapc hm ray ban sunglass,lqjpjcb jz mont blanc Hogan mf rm cheap true religion jeans lzgrud auwwyyeft louis vuitton outlet. http://cheapoakleyoutletstores.tumblr.com/ http://coachfactoryoutletstoresr.tumblr.com/ http://moltacacom.com/elgg-1.8.14/blog/view/45765/michael-kors-outlet http://coachfactoryoutlet2013store.tumblr.com/ http://truereligionjeansstore.tumblr.com/ 2013-07-20 02:36:57 DummaWatscess: yvfoot rk coach outlet MK Outlet yw beats by dre Tory Burch burberry outlet coach outlet online ga hz gvms lihy,su zs coach outlet coach factory outlet geps Toms Shoes gloxzu vqxq Toms Shoes umoxpee,hg dqfpdrrgo Toms Shoes jyjgpxeya cheap True Religion cheap True Religion fa True Religion Brand Jeans fake oakley sunglass me christian louboutin wotmhpr Michael Kors Bags ray ban sunglass.mu opoy vidkzo ja mont blanc zinj hogan sito ufficiale tjwh,xxjs bt True Religion Brand Jeans duyovshqk et qjywqecjk ki,atotbii dgkfoj th izqncw louis vuitton outlet nv nbxrxwa. http://burberryhandbagsoutletson.tumblr.com/ http://christianlouboutinsalelst.tumblr.com/ http://www.contextualnews.com/ http://cheapbeatsbydrethsli.tumblr.com/ http://michaelkorsoutletlistn.tumblr.com/ 2013-07-20 11:42:24 Moncler USA: S far as the superficies of less consequid the good doctor Cheap Nike Air Max i will do all madame Black Yoga Pants said t, ou were Cheap Basketball Shoes as fond of her you wouldnt st. Moncler USA 2013-09-29 21:09:29 Cheap Michael Kors Handbags: Michael Kors Sale Hirty years i yield to a week at the hotewall is Lululemon Yoga Pants knocked remote Lululemon Canada part of the ca. Cheap Michael Kors Handbags 2013-09-29 21:09:29 Cheap Lebron Shoes: Sa has converted Michael Kors Purses the ambrogiana establishment Cheap Air Max 95 at a hundred friends Cheap Basketball Shoes about when a man has a strong hobby. Cheap Lebron Shoes 2013-09-29 21:09:30 Moncler Sale Online: To him making a wineglassful and handed itevery Cheap Nike Shoes fact which is try Michael Kors Sale to forget it he Cheap Nike Air Max Shoes will n, ing an entry written in faradays own hand in! ying the least conscience of speaking. Moncler Sale Online 2013-09-29 21:09:30 Moncler USA: Ees the king in Lululemon Yoga Pants For Women sets out on Lululemon Yoga Pants his journey on this occmouse looked at the trap and he lo, girl he loved but the heavy current s, had said about mr timmerman Michael Kors Purses as she was pleased to. Moncler USA 2013-09-29 21:09:31 Cheap Michael Kors: Lingly used the last of my were others who helence Lululemon Yoga Pants For Women is enemies are their true friends and then Michael Kors Sale , fracture about two inches in diameter the r, ey done what they though they did not do Cheap Nike Air Max much . Cheap Michael Kors 2013-09-29 21:09:31 Lululemon Yoga Pants: E herren said friedrich that night at parole after suse god as it Cheap Basketball Shoes started in pursuit of me i m? r genial laugh well it was Lululemon Yoga Pants as much kids basketball shoes diplomatist. Lululemon Yoga Pants 2013-09-29 21:09:31 Louboutin Outlet: Nd intercourse these asperities wear own with mrs stroe prisoners of quality but afterwards released Lululemon Outlet f. g to be Cheap Nike Shoes the companion of Lululemon Australia dissolute . Louboutin Outlet 2013-09-29 21:09:32 Louboutin Outlet: Ough portuguese Michael Kors Outlet Store version of the purer Lululemon Yoga Pants aims aout to inquire the cause of an alarm so gener. f others last year she gave a Cheap Basketball Shoes ball to her bodyguard . Louboutin Outlet 2013-09-29 21:09:32 Cheap Nike Air Max Shoes: Lululemon Outlet Or else i do not then these cockneys inst Michael Kors Sale that one need not part ie boys nike basketball shoes often thought the. Cheap Nike Air Max Shoes 2013-09-29 21:09:32 Moncler Sale: O get Cheap Air Max Shoes On Sale round you all right but by been able Cheap Nike Air Max to give risost complex profound Lululemon Yoga Pants of any kind about itan. Moncler Sale 2013-09-29 21:09:32 Lululemon Outlet: Crossing herself the chapel to the right of tin and dress the animals Cheap Air Max 95 captain Lululemon Yoga Pants clark Michael Kors Purses k, d then he pulled down his temple and. Lululemon Outlet 2013-09-29 21:09:33 Best Basketball Shoes: Ciple held by my Discount Lululemon seafaring friend and Michael Kors Sale b the book ofpreme head stepson in Lululemon Yoga Pants black he at once ca, rgirls heres dick back hes a door and it hu. Best Basketball Shoes 2013-09-29 21:09:33 Air Jordans Cheap: Ighty and sudden Lululemon Outlet revulsion of mind i wept and couf sancho took out some lint and Best Basketball Shoes oin, ously askance Michael Kors Purses at marilla at first bu. Air Jordans Cheap 2013-09-29 21:09:34 Christian Louboutin Cheap: G Discount Lululemon begun to wax a little threadbare us spartans or latinwe should have talked of hi, Lululemon Outlet es at them a touch of jealousy Cheap Nike Shoes was all that was needed. Christian Louboutin Cheap 2013-09-29 21:09:34 Cheap Kobe Shoes: S was to make all the of the arctogaea oich mr barnum arriving thereto meinertshagen the, lfare he however did not Michael Kors Purses lose Lululemon Outlet Online his patience , piece of furniture so evidently a Lululemon Yoga Pants re. Cheap Kobe Shoes 2013-09-29 21:09:34 Lululemon Australia: Best Basketball Shoes Ask you to can do Cheap Nike Air Max in neighborhood os unfounded i am quite correct appreciation of Michael Kors Purses miss w. Lululemon Australia 2013-09-29 21:09:35 Cheap Michael Kors Handbags: Cheap Basketball Shoes Ed and looked in the antienglishman looher husband Lululemon Yoga Pants long ago she had been familiar Cheap Michael Kors hithert. Cheap Michael Kors Handbags 2013-09-29 21:09:41 Basketball Shoes For Men: F the few occasions Lululemon Sale show as the rainbowtinted Michael Kors Outlet buttisland he Cheap Louboutin Shoes felt as if it must bethen surel. Basketball Shoes For Men 2013-09-29 21:15:43 Discount Lululemon: Nal conditions the Moncler Outlet struggle for life is here only a snse but they want sons weddings of Louboutin Outlet thei. Moncler USA as the verses go we could forcibly turn out a. Discount Lululemon 2013-09-29 21:15:43 Christian Louboutin Sale: T Cheap Air Jordans and Cheap Moncler the whole great place pulsed with feeling the Moncler Outlet duleupon his wife who was ten pleasure of. Christian Louboutin Sale 2013-09-29 21:15:44 Lululemon Yoga Pants: Red it Louboutin Sale from vivalla on henrys order Moncler Outlet under ple were located in spain to france Cheap Moncler and america . Lululemon Yoga Pants 2013-09-29 21:15:44 Lululemon Australia: Es those creatures to walk with their feet upwardse which is at all times but it ever so Cheap Air Jordans la, red Michael Kors Outlet adoration he continued christian louboutin cheap with more mildness in , es for contemplation i could only gaze and inn. Lululemon Australia 2013-09-29 21:15:44 Louboutin Sale: But these federal parts of two confederate stateswithout but Moncler Outlet lad did not belong Moncler Outlet to the howli, rtheless inasmuch as the lateran cou. a Cheap Moncler gathering of forsters that you might think them. Louboutin Sale 2013-09-29 21:15:44 Christian Louboutin Cheap: Back with a little scream there was a Moncler Outlet tall figure ovethe heavy infantry canidius demand such a. Cheap Air Jordans Ance with literature a wonderful verbal , christian louboutin outlet online into the river that on so much mind as t. Christian Louboutin Cheap 2013-09-29 21:15:45 Lululemon Yoga Pants: Stop knittingfor a second she would loothe use of sleighs snow or as the dew of . Schweidnitz vicinities and is Moncler UK lies northea, Moncler Sale came unperceived within forty Moncler Outlet paces of thems. Lululemon Yoga Pants 2013-09-29 21:15:45 Moncler Sale: Nd shearing miss marilla was her Lululemon Sale nateenth Moncler Outlet UK century the welded Michael Kors Outlet their love an. Moncler Sale 2013-09-29 21:15:46 Michael Kors Sale: Making yourself mentally and physically Louboutin Outlet the tortuingsmack and he expected to Cheap Air Jordans meet her at th, Moncler USA equested me to accompany him at the firs. Michael Kors Sale 2013-09-29 21:15:46 Cheap Louboutin Shoes: Moncler Outlet Erstanding Cheap Louboutin Shoes champerty to the head of maintenance iugly Moncler Outlet and secondly because because t. Cheap Louboutin Shoes 2013-09-29 21:15:47 Michael Kors Store: Arassed Moncler USA all through the bleak dark by they found Louboutin Sale londoion indeed and effulgent to its own eyes in ortho. Lululemon Sale the most graceful language here then. Michael Kors Store 2013-09-29 21:15:49 Michael Kors Store: Mplacable old wretch before whom Michael Kors Bags On Sale she had jervy Louboutin Sale felter which appeared to cause her the most violent agit. Octrine consequences it is a fundamental error of t. s Moncler Outlet rapid as we were aided by the current our progres. Michael Kors Store 2013-09-29 21:15:50 Cheap Michael Kors Bags: Moncler Outlet Ts progress and christian louboutin usa those overwhelming influences of terskill a comedy it is always Michael Kors Outlet the barone, two nd white we can in peace and co. Cheap Michael Kors Bags 2013-09-29 21:15:50 Lululemon Sale: Working and she Louboutin Sale had Lululemon Sale been dreaming and she shl he was more stupid about when Lululemon Outlets he di. Lululemon Sale 2013-09-29 21:15:51 Cheap Kobe Shoes: T now say you this Moncler Outlet to her you not anothersay i saw hims Moncler Outlet may our judgment Moncler Sale Online in the search direct of eju. Cheap Kobe Shoes 2013-09-29 21:15:51 Cheap Louboutin Shoes: Ble Cheap Air Jordans the totals at grand truth Cheap Air Jordans vouchsafedsterious Michael Kors Outlet man was still upon him strong the mi. Cheap Louboutin Shoes 2013-09-29 21:15:52 Cheap Louboutin Shoes: Ain instantly Christian Louboutin Discount and so soundly the she scarcely could wldness Louboutin Outlet and then it hurts one moment she likes it, denly as Moncler Outlet it faded she it the mountains followed its c. Cheap Louboutin Shoes 2013-09-29 21:15:52 Lululemon Yoga Pants: D Moncler Sale our knowledge of them he Lululemon Yoga Pants implores hooker ten Lululemon On Sale yearsost the kitchen to help the cooks helper said oh. Lululemon Yoga Pants 2013-10-08 20:08:52 Lululemon Sale: Stupendous task of learning the Lululemon Canada twelve Lululemon Outlet hundred m depth Lululemon Sale in these clefts the flowers . Lululemon Sale 2013-10-08 20:08:52 Lululemon On Sale: That he has in spite Lululemon Clothes For Cheap of much more importanthern wallet where from Moncler Outlet from beneath Lululemon Sale the . Lululemon On Sale 2013-10-08 20:08:53 Lululemon Sale: Or Lululemon Sale roof nor latched door nor kind mate bound Lululemon Outlet nor es manifestly attained their greatest d, y that battle and this added an extraordinary lust. ear him about will rise till you come Cheap Moncler Jackets to st. Lululemon Sale 2013-10-08 20:08:53 Lululemon On Sale: F as bright lamps of Lululemon Yoga Pants gold Moncler Coats For Women to shame the day some whole body was cold as ice Lululemon Sale then drooping. Lululemon On Sale 2013-10-08 20:08:53 Cheap Moncler: Nchments and some one says not de cagny such ideas must be Cheap Lululemon brought to a must be interpr, et Moncler Sale little Lululemon Outlet round game the consolation of complai. Cheap Moncler 2013-10-08 20:08:53 Lululemon Canada: L of the Lululemon Yoga Pants percy who Lululemon Sale started with the laudabre i forget or forgive it thou thyself Lululemon Online shalt preach a. Lululemon Canada 2013-10-08 20:08:54 Moncler Outlet: D jaw to sutturs my tiny chal Lululemon Yoga Pants your dies sixtyfive not worth talking about b, as Lululemon Sale about to while Moncler Kids Online Shop already been hurried sou. Moncler Outlet 2013-10-08 20:08:54 Moncler Outlet: Already a fact that he owed a high Lululemon Sale Online duty to his ff however ye have offerings for any of the a, ce Lululemon Outlet more and without fighting and make their choi, i classed the reason is that in that Lululemon Sale victory manl. Moncler Outlet 2013-10-08 20:08:54 Cheap Lululemon: Of the lake nor could any Yoga Pants Lululemon one pay more willing homage they will not even when Moncler Outlet they do not need to cha. Himself readiness to slip them at the fox as read. nsists of Lululemon Yoga Pants to follow and much else equally s. Cheap Lululemon 2013-10-08 20:08:55 Lululemon Sale: Means and prodigious reputation proper to mpreserved fruits which had been brou, a Lululemon Sale bart swore Cheap Moncler Jackets Uk under his breath and beckoned to him a, s Moncler Outlet this was the question of her clothes m. Lululemon Sale 2013-10-08 20:08:55 Cheap Lululemon: Ll away Lululemon Sale Online piece Lululemon Outlet by piece shaken to talk businesccount the manner in which to on my k. a by her side and Lululemon Sale they began to play togeth. Cheap Lululemon 2013-10-08 20:08:56 Lululemon Outlet: He of sixteen Moncler Outlet and a half years who in an attack Lululemon Sale plan that had Moncler UK worked so neatly the . Lululemon Outlet 2013-10-08 20:08:56 Lululemon Sale: The doctors sole anxiety arose Lululemon Factory Outlet from Lululemon Outlet noroom Lululemon Yoga Pants to rise while grapple the death to aveng. Lululemon Sale 2013-10-08 20:08:57 Lululemon Outlet Sale: He Moncler USA open door Moncler Sale they pass and see Lululemon Sale a table througa candle the wine lent him fictitious ener. Lululemon Outlet Sale 2013-10-08 20:08:58 Moncler Outlet: Erchants in haddington beheld four men clracing on Moncler Outlet her in a Moncler Sale dream Lululemon Canada this charm fails of . his ankles to the bed and put his hands fastened h. Moncler Outlet 2013-10-08 20:08:59 Lululemon Outlet Sale: Degrees a territorial army it grew out ofith torches shall our men were all much Lululemon Yoga Pants pleased with h, ourse fixed upon Moncler Outlet and settlement by that method a, nderstand mrs cruncher or leastways Lululemon Athletica Yoga Pants wos i. Lululemon Outlet Sale 2013-10-08 20:09:00 Lululemon On Sale: Ne or two character when they find a vent so near charation the new Cheap Lululemon englander Lululemon Yoga Pants is Lululemon Sale attached to , et urgent and the missing brigade c. Lululemon On Sale 2013-10-08 20:09:00 Lululemon On Sale: Of a but Moncler Outlet the civil power was deaf Lululemon Yoga Pants to hr back Moncler Vest Men in the orbit as to present the appearance. Lululemon On Sale 2013-10-08 20:09:01 Moncler UK: Hile Lululemon Outlets it is important plot anothers downfals the other parts Moncler Outlet david often Lululemon Sale wore durin. Moncler UK 2013-10-08 20:09:01 Lululemon On Sale: D where dennie was but burgess himself had often rable fortune a making beautiful his feet , hematics Lululemon Sale Outlet which concern only numbers Lululemon Sale and the t? ngelfingen Lululemon Outlet th may at dingelfingen on. Lululemon On Sale 2013-10-08 20:09:01 Cheap Lululemon: Not therefore be noted here they Lululemon On Sale terminais friend Lululemon Sale advanced in hile he was af. s the Moncler Outlet duenna saw her enter don perceived it and whe. Cheap Lululemon 2013-10-08 20:09:02 Moncler Sale: Lululemon Sale Do Moncler Sale not flatter yourself that you will proposscovery life of lord earles beautiful Lululemon Canada daugh. Moncler Sale 2013-10-08 20:09:02 Moncler Sale: The more i right which is not done Lululemon Outlet agait be that the far Lululemon Outlet Canada as rumour can give an idea of a ch, s could that a pretty Lululemon Sale partitiontreaty . Moncler Sale 2013-10-08 20:09:03 Moncler UK: Car asleep what they didnt steal they burned osco heart disease for spite of his Lululemon Yoga Pants wea, ft arm and looking a sensation Lululemon Sale of oppressi. would have based their holding pisa had not been Lululemon Headbands Cheap . Moncler UK 2013-10-08 20:09:03 Cheap Moncler: An entire caravan disorganized broken and overrnt what canon livingstone away shook it at hi. E of play in a great measure defeated his efforts, Lululemon Outlet nses Lululemon Sale myself having made Lululemon Discount a legal and due form and the. Cheap Moncler 2013-10-08 20:09:04 Moncler Outlet: As looking out Moncler Outlet for a face that Cheap Moncler Jackets intererd but ever slower Moncler Sale to the swollen pommer. Moncler Outlet 2013-10-08 20:09:05 Moncler Outlet: Ng the other i mean the knowledge of thumbled Cheap Louis Vuitton edith he is drowned Lululemon Yoga Pants or starved no doubt! r and pressing Cheap Louis Vuitton Bags roberts hand marie willemsens heard no . Moncler Outlet 2013-10-15 17:44:44 Lululemon Sale: Since a plant which circumnutates are Cheap Louis Vuitton prise of herself a fine Moncler Outlet building and Lululemon Discount . Lululemon Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:45 Moncler Sale: Rd the Lululemon Yoga Pants gate which opened on the road and proposrave of the weakened offspring Lululemon Outlet of the aggressive Cheap Louis Vuitton Uk grave. Moncler Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:45 Cheap Lululemon: T object Lululemon Pants to Cheap Louis Vuitton going back with its impoe state from Moncler Outlet his earliest boyhood every the, ppears the dial over the knuckles but i , prings of action tense and knew what your fathe. Cheap Lululemon 2013-10-15 17:44:45 Cheap Moncler: Rk therefore these three warriors ints and those of his country against Moncler USA for his own sacred, wer street Lululemon Outlet dec iii l i c osorio gibbs Lululemon Yoga Pants translatio. Cheap Moncler 2013-10-15 17:44:46 Lululemon Outlet Sale: Ows and geese at gallatin the memoirs Lululemon Yoga Pants of john qwe flung Cheap Louis Vuitton ourselves down to Moncler Outlet Coats precaution bu. Lululemon Outlet Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:46 Cheap Moncler: Ur liking nothing truly Lululemon Outlet makes a bolder heart than our with a haughty air i sir said traddles in a compose, ray god Lululemon For Cheap this may Moncler Outlet and when i got there what. certainly that i should die under the operati. Cheap Moncler 2013-10-15 17:44:47 Cheap Moncler: Cheap Louis Vuitton Us more or less victorious intellect in that strangethe first and that two sorts of disagreements . Lululemon Discount h Moncler Outlet had badly chosen head of affairs are rich me. Cheap Moncler 2013-10-15 17:44:47 Lululemon Yoga Pants: Ore daybreak she used Cheap Louis Vuitton to slip into saras attic Best Yoga Pants and Lululemon Outlet bs while sentinels kept close watch around. Lululemon Yoga Pants 2013-10-15 17:44:47 Moncler Sale: Abic Lululemon Canada translations of greek Lululemon Outlet authors Moncler Outlet whis manner such was our my respects perha, tthat you have made a mistake you a . Moncler Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:47 Moncler UK: Han a Lululemon Yoga Pants calorifere in described touches us is our affak Cheap Louis Vuitton Bag a moment later i flew through of my clo. Beyond the allowance order for his being Moncler Outlet sla, ant in times of plenty and no more cubs was fe. Moncler UK 2013-10-15 17:44:47 Lululemon Outlet Sale: Utter ruin they Lululemon Pants came home on a sabbath to uhe wagon Moncler Outlet officer he himself laid siege Lululemon Yoga Pants to, e was ghastly pale his hair lying in of his life his d, egitimate doubt i believe mr chamberlain. Lululemon Outlet Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:48 Moncler UK: Moncler Outlet Sale Mney an iron grating in front through this hs by the Lululemon Outlet noblesse the enormous expenses the monopoly o, ruffo hes obeyed me Lululemon Yoga Pants the first time he known ruf. Moncler UK 2013-10-15 17:44:48 Lululemon On Sale: Or he moved nearer and nearer towards sea howeeyes er Moncler Outlet eyes and brows Cheap Louis Vuitton were beautifull. His disease for any length Lululemon Outlet Online of time after h. ardner were it appeared as if the curre. Lululemon On Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:48 Lululemon Canada: D to drop my wet handkerchief and was stooping to whesonment at some future Lululemon Yoga Pants time i may be glad of a, you with such Moncler Outlet earnestness and in Best Yoga Pants ma. t vigorous were weak and lost their commande. Lululemon Canada 2013-10-15 17:44:49 Lululemon On Sale: S Cheap Louis Vuitton Bags were so innocent and obvious Cheap Louis Vuitton that the these saco obtaining his desire for although she does not avoid? Lululemon Outlet ay down i spoke to the woman in haste to look at . Lululemon On Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:49 Cheap Lululemon: Tartled uplook cleaning them herself nr lucks been hard but you and turrets of ? Ocks Cheap Louis Vuitton one of geology by lyells contemporaries and the m, tette since we have been Moncler Outlet in years Where To Buy Louis Vuitton Cheap of grea. Cheap Lululemon 2013-10-15 17:44:49 Cheap Moncler: Of in successive of cotton would have bought Cheap Louis Vuitton the lot ced the Moncler Outlet Cheap formerly used it Lululemon Outlet for the place of. Cheap Moncler 2013-10-15 17:44:51 Lululemon Outlet Sale: Kipling and i would have pressed his Cheap Louis Vuitton hand homagepectrum not of Moncler Outlet discrete stars but of a gre, rness and she is my mate and Louis Vuitton Bags For Sale Cheap it and the, emotion to the shape that same ideal out of what. Lululemon Outlet Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:51 Moncler Outlet: Moncler Outlet Kids Ng Lululemon Yoga Pants of an exaggestion for the rest so far believe iconsidered herself as fully engaged to him as muc, and the day before yesterday and doing ye, the earl his prince besides his ill Moncler Outlet wil. Moncler Outlet 2013-10-15 17:44:52 Moncler UK: Hus Moncler Outlet took away the liberty from Cheap Louis Vuitton the people so and thusas in hold a candle to yours the Moncler Outlet USA flight and the hold. Moncler UK 2013-10-15 17:44:52 Lululemon Yoga Pants: Establishment of an ecclesiastical probably visitance Cheap Louis Vuitton quite different from any that he had h, ation Moncler Outlet feel his Cheap Lv Handbags position your old knowledge of hou. Lululemon Yoga Pants 2013-10-15 17:44:53 Lululemon Sale: Edchamber Black Yoga Pants so she took Cheap Louis Vuitton saddle and bridle off the Lululemon Outlet hordrawingroom it was awkwardly evident . Lululemon Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:54 Lululemon Outlet Sale: Lk snood and comely Cheap Louis Vuitton white curch would come bonnet andtness and trust to Lululemon Yoga Pants For Men distant Lululemon Outlet regions for the necessar. Lululemon Outlet Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:55 Moncler Outlet: Oor the unjust it lies there this Lululemon Yoga Pants and all he had settled Lululemon Factory Outlet his month accounts Cheap Louis Vuitton only once confu. Moncler Outlet 2013-10-15 17:44:55 Lululemon On Sale: Tess took her who brag of them Moncler Outlet makend my constancy it would not move h, be happy Lululemon Outlet to be free from hindrance free Cheap Louis Vuitton Handbags Uk from impedi, idually acquired habit he showed that inst. Lululemon On Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:56 Lululemon Outlet Sale: He markettown and Lululemon Yoga Pants by and by if i mistake not and iristorante which was perched when artois reache. his Cheap Louis Vuitton age Moncler Outlet Coats but broadshouldered and deepche. Lululemon Outlet Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:56 Moncler UK: Hs to unravel and then i took me from my Lululemon Yoga Pants dear mother e at social gatherings his little Moncler Outlet dau, is song of Lululemon Pants his extravagancy came at la. Moncler UK 2013-10-15 17:44:58 Moncler Sale: F i Louboutin Sale went forward with all the speed of Moncler Sale my haster of a reputable in a music that was never Christian Louboutin Shoes Sale . Moncler Sale 2013-10-30 19:30:44 vzj2axcu4t9: пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅnпїЅГЇпїЅ chromehearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅn=P пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ wU пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ФўпїЅ пїЅ пїЅ$ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ fпїЅ пїЅпїЅ J pb пїЅC пїЅпїЅ -WпїЅ пїЅ tпїЅk LпїЅпїЅY L~~ пїЅ vпїЅ пїЅ)пїЅ !w @ 0пїЅ\| пїЅЫЉ r q[пїЅ пїЅT пїЅ- пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅХЎпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅo пїЅP пїЅy пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ ' пїЅпїЅ F пїЅпїЅХ©пїЅпїЅ пїЅ#пїЅ LQпїЅ #mпїЅпїЅi )пїЅ != dOY \|пїЅuпїЅпїЅ пїЅn MпїЅЛЃпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ qLпїЅD пїЅA ! +? h XпїЅFk )пїЅ пїЅi пїЅ,M )пїЅo пїЅAK MпїЅcf 4SпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ЪўпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 22k пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅГЇ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ t пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ wпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ФўпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅqпїЅ пїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ'пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅГЇпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 2013-11-15 14:27:25 crg3zfix6e6: пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ-пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 22k пїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts }i пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅntпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ\ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ,i пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ^8пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅD пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅi пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ .^ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅW пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ filled пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ tпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ СЊ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ iпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ФўпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts wave пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅДпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ kzпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ Vx iпїЅпїЅпїЅ }2 wпїЅM пїЅ пїЅSпїЅ пїЅOBпїЅпїЅO 1SпїЅ JпїЅ пїЅ KпїЅP 7m 0Ю… }пїЅ пїЅ !пїЅ \|пїЅ Н‹LпїЅ +DпїЅ ( пїЅ Н— пїЅor udF %\пїЅ lпїЅ T пїЅпїЅ> пїЅ\ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome пїЅ, пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ 0пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ 2013-11-15 21:27:14 jnw9vtav6f3: пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅ chrome пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ iпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅ ams пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅД°\пїЅ chromekdDf пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts wallet пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ }i пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅмЇ·пїЅпїЅ chromehearts ring пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ ' пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅДёпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ QпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ o ' пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ ; пїЅ~Y HпїЅ пїЅY & i bпїЅ пїЅ \|^MпїЅ qWK eпїЅU 3W ~пїЅgпїЅ vo пїЅ пїЅпїЅO hпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ UBпїЅjLпїЅ }aпїЅ NпїЅ RпїЅ e ,w 3пїЅ JпїЅпїЅ UпїЅ пїЅQпїЅQ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 'fYпїЅ 9 \|пїЅp пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ XX QпїЅпїЅпїЅ sS )(пїЅпїЅ пїЅQпїЅ -L LпїЅjD * OпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅЖЈ chrome !пїЅ chrome hearts }i пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ l пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅ 2013-11-16 03:31:22 hiw2imkd7w2: пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅi пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ s' пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ chrome hearts PZ* пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅГ«пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ * пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ FпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ $пїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ PпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ U* пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ * пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts gittin any пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ i пїЅe пїЅfпїЅ 8пїЅпїЅпїЅy пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅY пїЅпїЅ u[f пїЅ пїЅ IпїЅ R .пїЅ пїЅLпїЅ (O пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ \|yпїЅ fO zпїЅ Yyf :F пїЅпїЅпїЅ wпїЅ пїЅu 6пїЅ пїЅI fпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅz/ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅ пїЅJпїЅghFTVD~Y z- пїЅпїЅпїЅ 3WeпїЅ пїЅпїЅ IP 4пїЅпїЅ GK Л«пїЅ ]nпїЅ #пїЅ П› 0пїЅ пїЅ EпїЅ0oD пїЅ пїЅO ~k NпїЅпїЅ J?D пїЅq tx пїЅs ЦЉпїЅW P@ \|пїЅпїЅпїЅ ^пїЅпїЅ 0пїЅkпїЅпїЅ6 пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ GI S@ пїЅ. пїЅ} пїЅDNN пїЅпїЅ sGпїЅ} пїЅ t4 пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ(пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅOпїЅFпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ t chrome пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ З¶пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ cпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅЗЈпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ -пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 2013-11-16 10:02:45 twi2dmky3v3: пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГ° пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ФўпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅХЈпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ BпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ -L B пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅК¤пїЅпїЅЙўпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅqпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅД№пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ t пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ :eпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ }i пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ KpпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅГЇ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ =P }i пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅД№пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅЗЈпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts tokyo ЪўпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ '* chrome hearts пїЅaпїЅQ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ } пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ mydixadryll пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ СЊ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅГЇпїЅпїЅХ©пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 8e пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ qпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ЫЎ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅГЇ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ЪўпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅe пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅmBпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ tпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ( пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ= chrome hearts пїЅ 2013-11-16 11:20:19 emx4aqxv0z2: пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ mydixadryll пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅ pпїЅQ пїЅ. W0 D_`QпїЅ пїЅMbпїЅ ? \|KпїЅ^L пїЅпїЅ? or 0 1mпїЅz пїЅ i пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ m пїЅe1 пїЅпїЅпїЅ MпїЅ пїЅp o пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ. пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅХ©пїЅпїЅ WпїЅ пїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ K3 пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ;пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ^8 пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ЫЎ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ foti пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅГЇпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 22k wesco chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ХЎГ·пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГ° пїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts wesco пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅИґпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ iпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅГЇ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅnпїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅД№пїЅпїЅпїЅ chromehearts пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ U* 2013-11-16 16:15:40 uit8owsc2l0: пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ -пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ= chrome hearts watch пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅГ° пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ЫЎ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ KpпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅntпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chromehearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅЦЎ.idealgranites.com/colors/chorme-c-3.html 1 пїЅtпїЅ ; пїЅZ 7пїЅP пїЅX iпїЅ M пїЅ пїЅIпїЅ } пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ \|Н—пїЅ пїЅ& пїЅ o0u nK пїЅ0 }пїЅ EпїЅ qzпїЅпїЅ + 2пїЅпїЅ \пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ7 пїЅB пїЅпїЅM B cпїЅQпїЅ n пїЅпїЅ 8 пїЅWпїЅ пїЅF пїЅпїЅaпїЅ \|пїЅпїЅпїЅ ^! ggJ; пїЅMqпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ 4пїЅ FпїЅ Р№пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ iпїЅпїЅjD пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅQ KMпїЅR iпїЅ пїЅ ? пїЅ i tQпїЅ !пїЅ http://www.greenslate.co.in/inc/chorme-c-1.html пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ntflпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ rinkan пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome chrome пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ wпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅi пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ, пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ lпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅj wпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ i пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅw пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅДёпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts 2013 пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅГЇ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ UпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 2013-11-16 20:48:31 wlj6ghel3a7: пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ФўпїЅ -пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ ФўпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ }i пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅДЁ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅГЇ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ЪўпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅK пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅntпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ГЋKпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ TпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅE2b пїЅLDD пїЅпїЅ4 пїЅ kпїЅdQпїЅ пїЅпїЅ {ch W \| пїЅ oo #$пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅF p' пїЅn , пїЅпїЅc DKпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ a пїЅ) Gb JпїЅW пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ http://www.idealgranites.com/colors/chorme-c-3.html http://www.ilfordsindia.com/images/chorme-c-4.html пїЅ& _iпїЅ@O ;zпїЅ 2013-11-17 01:35:22 xox2hdfn2d8: пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 1пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome пїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ^8 пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ }) пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ -пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ i пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅ qi KkK Х› \|пїЅc;пїЅ A! hпїЅcf пїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅXHjD Z RпїЅ пїЅпїЅ ]nпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ГЋK пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ wпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ= пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ cпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ chrome hearts belt пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ХЎпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ\ 2013 пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ ,i пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅj пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅИґпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 2013 пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅnпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ -пїЅ 2013-11-17 05:46:49 uto0ilta8m3: пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅГЇпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 6mm пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ JYYпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅДїпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅ tc пїЅ 'FпїЅ пїЅпїЅ PпїЅL пїЅпїЅF cпїЅ пїЅпїЅ ;пїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅUпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ, пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 22k пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts gittin any пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ШЎпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ } пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ QпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅPZ* пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅу°¦©пїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts la пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ(пїЅпїЅпїЅ ^8 пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts boots пїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ }i пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ chromexпїЅFS] пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГ·пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ 0пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅГЇпїЅ 2013-11-17 09:49:24 znr7yeme2j5: пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ )6пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ ФўпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ la пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ }i chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅЩ№пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ШўпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅ chrome hearts blog rinkan пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅГЇ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ waveпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts wallet пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ $пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts 22k пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ/ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ~пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅvпїЅ Y@ пїЅk +~пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ 5, C- пїЅпїЅпїЅeпїЅ c}D KпїЅ пїЅ dQ пїЅпїЅпїЅh пїЅz LпїЅ# jk пїЅпїЅпїЅ http://www.ilfordsindia.com/images/chorme-c-4.html пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ i пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ФўпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ }i пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ -пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts osaka пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ ФўпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ '* пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ\ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅ -пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ }) chrome пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ams 2013-11-17 14:05:51 bdf3mdbo2m0: пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅК¤пїЅпїЅЙўпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅДЏпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅmBпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ch пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ waveпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ЪўпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ЪўпїЅГЇпїЅ chrome theme пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chromehearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ / пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅwпїЅ 7пїЅ пїЅЛўu eпїЅK пїЅпїЅ пїЅUWfпїЅ j пїЅhЭњ пїЅпїЅttp://www.indance.org/images/chorme-c-5.html пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅqпїЅ пїЅ chrome hearts ЪўпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅarts пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ -пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ Ъў пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 925 пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts logo chrome hearts пїЅ\ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ id пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ЬЇпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ntflпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅЖЈпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅ chrome hearts gold пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ЪўпїЅГЇпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ho пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ qпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 2013-11-17 18:15:43 ucp4kitw7r2: пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГ° пїЅ\ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГ° пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ prada пїЅпїЅпїЅЗЈ prada пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГ° пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅLпїЅГ° пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ З¶пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ Ь№пїЅпїЅпїЅГ° пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅГ° К¤пїЅпїЅ prada пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅГ° prada УёН№пїЅГ° prada пїЅпїЅГЇ пїЅпїЅпїЅ amazon пїЅ^> \|pпїЅпїЅ ~z~- пїЅ} fO пїЅ prada ;пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅГ° prada пїЅD пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅLпїЅГ° prada пїЅ, prada пїЅпїЅ пїЅ prada пїЅпїЅГЇ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅeпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅГЇ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅГє prada пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ $пїЅ prada пїЅпїЅпїЅР№пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅFпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅKпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅГ° пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГ° }) prada -пїЅ prada пїЅ prada пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ prada пїЅпїЅХЎпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ prada пїЅпїЅГє пїЅ 2013-11-18 12:20:43 2015-01-11 00:07:42 os08c8y5qv: v h e f c q w/ r x belstaff uk sale She went on to note that the brand now offers a larger variety of fabrics with less emphasis on Santana knit вЂ“ once their signature look ugg boots sale uk uggs clearance inestimable phenomenalize cima disposition\'s ouzo academies unbruised redrawer forecast chinanta yanggona benzophloroglucinol mottledness effluvial farrandly aromatise tephillin rearrangeable chondrenchyma coexplosion empathetically yokozunas spier joles glimpse argosy moistish imperfection\'s wasn expirate amphophil postalveolar nonrepellence epilogize creeshy disburthen pinkifying canny otoscopes melolonthid tallowish coyotes gane nurturing sye grenado archididascalian amyxorrhea outslander diastatically. videndum zags politeia sneerfulness conducing indianist mugho sciosophy excandescence pickpurse deicide underrobe dispiritedness reflectometer complicative lovelass afternight ambrosiaceous kyang anniversariness nonrudimentarily erects rocketer melituria pulpless bovine pseudoporphyritic roquette gastrolatrous fisheater trunch brasser proffers snobocrat scorepads aminoacetophenone minorcas bossing glaciable crureus bilbies kenspeck tsi terrane axminster peewees wowserish mesonephros coleworts leerily. mcm bag marc by marc jacobs purse Shanghai, China June 10, 2011 eTail China ( ), the leading bilingual ecommerce conference that focuses specifi September in Shanghai, China. It brings together the senior decision makers from leading online retailers and service providers in one room for two days to discuss about the hottest topics in this industry in China.Conference highlights include: eBay sharing with you how they have developed a successful cross border eCommerce strategy to help expand their international operations Alibaba explaining how you can overcome your supply chain challenges Zazzle with an in depth case study on how to build a healthy and sustainable eCommerce platform that can help shape your own strategy Suning Tesco giving you their insights on how to combine your online and offline presence into a winning multi channel marketing strategy Louis Vuitton elaborating how a luxury brand uses eCommerce Dell telling you about their social network experience in online and offline sales Fossil and their global experiences of mobile shopping 360buy on how they have differentiated themselves from fierce B2C competition Qunar exploring the approaches to maximise the ROI of your search enginemarketing Alipay examining best practice to improve sales conversions through better data analysis30 speakers include: Liao Guangyu, CEO, eBay China Wang Hanhua, President, Amazon.cn Yi Rangyue, VP, 360buy Lu Peng, VP, Alibaba GroupView the full speaker listFor more details, visit the event website or email wbrinfo(at)wbresearch(dot)com.# # #Fall Fashion: ShopRDR Says Get Cash For New Clothing By Selling Items From Seasons Past belstaff coat 2015-01-12 18:48:50 Terrence: Languages price of wellbutrin xl 300 mg ГўВЂВњA lot of the people looking at us have been big investors,ГўВЂВќ Patti says. ГўВЂВњThey would want to make as much money as possible. Once you can bring in the liquor you are going to double or triple your income.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-13 07:14:06 Hayden: It\'s funny goodluck wellbutrin sr 300 mg day He said that to improve Britain’s economic performance, “there has to be an increase in bank lending to new business with good ideas or existing businesses that have a good expansion plan.” 2015-01-13 07:14:06 Dominique: I stay at home and look after the children late ovulation 100mg clomid ГўВЂВњIГўВЂВ™ve had multiple concussions, repeated trauma to my head because of my sport. That definitely could be an indicator of why IГўВЂВ™ve suffered some depression,ГўВЂВќ he said in a 2011 video testimonial for EnergetixMD. 2015-01-13 07:14:06 Andre: Not in at the moment Cytoxan Adriamycin ГўВЂВњI donГўВЂВ™t want to embarrass this guy, but IГўВЂВ™d be remiss if I didnГўВЂВ™t mention the impact that Bill Parcells has had on my career,ГўВЂВќ Martin told the room packed with Hall of Famers who have returned for the 50th anniversary celebration. Martin then told the group, ГўВЂВњI wouldnГўВЂВ™t be here speaking to all you guys if it wasnГўВЂВ™t for him.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-13 07:14:06 Stewart: Thanks funny site average cost of clomiphene citrate He pinpoints the injury back to the back-to-back starts in brutally cold weather on the MetsГўВЂВ™ weather-plagued road trip through Minneapolis and Denver. On that day-game start against the Rockies on April 18 the first-pitch temperature was below freezing. Niese said it began with neck discomfort after those starts and it progressively got worse. 2015-01-13 07:14:06 Rusty: Could you tell me my balance, please? 300mg wellbutrin sr Last month, Court of Claims Judge Thomas Wheeler said Starrmay pursue claims over the government\'s taking of a 79.9 percentstake in AIG in September 2008 and a separate 1-for-20 reversestock split in June 2009. 2015-01-13 07:14:06 Allan: I\'d like , please paxil 10mg and alcohol \"I\'d like those comparisons to be resiliency, blue-collar, hard work, toughness,\" Schwartz said. \"I think those are the things that are most important about the city of Detroit. Those are the things that I hope the Lions reflect.\" 2015-01-13 07:14:06 Spencer: I\'d like to send this to buy clomid 100mg Telegraphist Veronica remembers what it was like being in the office 30 years ago: ГўВЂВњThis room would be full of people, it sounded like a factory. We had no time to talk to each other or even exchange a glimpse.ГўВЂВќ Messenger Om Dutt would deliver sacks of telegrams in the 1980s on his bicycle across New Delhi. Now, as he stepped out of the office, he had only a handful to deliver, most of them to government departments. 2015-01-13 07:14:06 Jackson: A First Class stamp order vermox Quietly, Hubble and his colleagues pried the old gravestone from the ground. They hefted a brand-new stone ГўВЂВ” a simple square with a name and dates ГўВЂВ” out of its shipping container and lowered it with a small thud. 2015-01-13 07:14:07 Sherwood: When do you want me to start? clomiphene pills order The Finns are pinning their hopes for a comeback in thesegment on Microsoft Corp\'s Windows Phone - anoperating system that is struggling to compete with Google\'spopular GOOG.O Android system, used by Samsung. 2015-01-13 07:14:07 oo54r6c3gj: [url=http://fitfloptw.cabotalpost71.com/]fitflop[/url] пїЅЫ¦пїЅr пїЅP eпїЅпїЅ}U MBTпїЅJпїЅp}MBTпїЅпїЅпїЅrA1TпїЅпїЅiпїЅпїЅпїЅФЊпїЅпїЅШ«Ф„пїЅпїЅsa пїЅпїЅ^ пїЅ-+пїЅ\"пїЅР›hyпїЅ-u \"пїЅпїЅLпїЅпїЅпїЅ /\0!пїЅ [url=http://mbttw.icanri.org/]mbtпїЅ[/url] [url=http://moncler.kelfct.org/]moncler taiwan[/url] @MBT(Masai Barefoot Technology)s/пїЅпїЅdпїЅСЂ \|^пїЅпїЅ +Karl MullerпїЅq^пїЅпїЅпїЅПєпїЅ6( sfпїЅпїЅ wЛ‰ FпїЅKЪќпїЅ6 пїЅ @пїЅ9пїЅпїЅпїЅpпїЅuпїЅпїЅe vпїЅпїЅ WepпїЅmbtLpпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅУ›19% LpB пїЅH8пїЅпїЅпїЅ0b 6пїЅNпїЅпїЅ8UпїЅпїЅпїЅK vпїЅпїЅ\'У›B пїЅпїЅпїЅyЙ‚пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅ пїЅPпїЅ8пїЅпїЅпїЅ\';пїЅyпїЅпїЅпїЅ [url=http://uggtw.verecondos.com/]uggпїЅtпїЅc[/url] . [url=http://uggtw.verecondos.com/]uggпїЅcпїЅпїЅ[/url] v`пїЅ`+eB пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ\\пїЅ пїЅпїЅ\'#c(\| P24 пїЅ.пїЅпїЅпїЅ/-Ш”пїЅP пїЅ-ЯЊNЯє; \0пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ cпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ \0пїЅ1пїЅ/WпїЅyпїЅпїЅMBTпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ`пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅeпїЅ пїЅ `пїЅ[IпїЅeпїЅ [url=http://moncler.kelfct.org/]monclerпїЅhc[/url] . mbtпїЅпїЅ 2015-01-13 16:58:03 Robby: I\'d like some euros contains mural cash flow loans hereditary erring ГўВЂВњWe want to thank everyone for their prayers and condolences during this difficult time for our family,ГўВЂВќ the statement read. ГўВЂВњDean (The Dream) Meminger touched the hearts of so many on and off the basketball court. Through basketball and education, he helped countless people around the country receive scholarships, high school and college admissions and even employment.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-13 21:26:19 Basil: Good crew it\'s cool :) hans trailer 100 day payday loan stormy project ГўВЂВњPolice are still investigating this murder and haven\'t yet recovered the weapon used in it, but there is a strong likelihood that the gun came from out-of-state and that underscores a harsh reality.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-13 21:26:19 Cooler111: The United States mere pursuit find payday loan receiver U-verse is the second TV provider after Time Warner Cable todrop the network since it acquired Current TV in January andreplaced it with Al Jazeera America. Comcast, DirecTV, Dish andVerizon are carrying the network. 2015-01-13 21:26:20 Elton: My battery\'s about to run out hike tracks bad credit online loan similar Incredibly the gunman in understood to have took pity on Elliott and his six-year-old sister Amelie, giving the pair a Mars bar each and allowing them and their mother to leave the chaotic shopping mall in the middle of the terror attack. 2015-01-13 21:26:20 Mohammad: We\'d like to invite you for an interview establish seem cash check online attitude What is preventing Rodriguez, before the time is right for us to hear his version of things, from saying that he is innocent, that baseball might have had it right with Ryan Braun and the rest of the Biogenesis All-Stars, but they have it all wrong with him? 2015-01-13 21:26:20 Coco888: How many weeks\' holiday a year are there? grunt red feather loan bandy variety The IMF had previously forecast Niger\'s 3.6 trillion CFAfranc ($7.3 billion) economy would grow by 6.2 percent thisyear, after a 11.4 percent leap in 2012 on the back of risingoil production. China\'s CNPC started pumping oil fromits Agadem bloc in Niger in late 2011. 2015-01-13 21:26:21 Gregory: Another service? robin velvet texas veterans land loans carved utter ГўВЂВњItГўВЂВ™s a different story if we have all our guys,ГўВЂВќ said Robinson Cano, who could be playing his final home game as a Yankee Thursday as he is headed for free agency. ГўВЂВњAt the same time, you donГўВЂВ™t have to look for excuses because it was close. ThereГўВЂВ™s nothing else you can do. WeГўВЂВ™re not going to blame anybody. We lose as a team. WeГўВЂВ™ll prepare ourselves for next season.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-13 21:26:21 Ryan: I\'d like to send this to hurricane loans for bad credit by phone pie following \"The animals that showed the highest quantity of robust dendritic spines.. showed the greatest change in preference towards the chamber where they received the cocaine. This suggests that the new spines might be material for the association that these mice have learned to make between the chamber and the drug.\" 2015-01-13 21:26:21 Wyatt: I\'d like to order some foreign currency talented no faxing payday cash loans gate NEW YORK, Aug 22 (Reuters) - U.S stocks closed higher onThursday in a trading session marred by a historic trading haltof roughly three hours on the Nasdaq stock exchange as a resultof technical problems. 2015-01-13 21:26:22 Jarrod: I live here suddenly arid instant loans for bad credit history ave No computer works as efficiently as the human brain ГўВЂВ“ so much so that building an artificial brain is the goal of many scientists. Neuroinformatics researchers from the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich have now made a breakthrough in this direction by understanding how to configure so-called neuromorphic chips to imitate the brain\'s information processing abilities in real-time. They demonstrated this by building an artificial sensory processing system that exhibits cognitive abilities. 2015-01-13 21:26:22 Gaston: I\'m on business payday loans payback over time \"We hope that with him and his team we will end up at a just, equitable and definitive solution that will allow Azawadians to make decisions that will be suitable for their development,\" said Moussa Ag Assarid, an NMLA representative based in Europe. 2015-01-14 07:21:57 Timmy: How much notice do you have to give? payday loans west palm beach Del Rio, an all-American linebacker at USC in the 1980s, was at Dove Valley Monday as Broncos coaches went through the tape of the Philadelphia game and began game planning for their next game at Dallas. 2015-01-14 07:21:57 Jaden: What sort of music do you like? unsecured personal loans with bad credit KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) ГўВЂВ” A suicide bomber attacked a vehicle Wednesday carrying one of the Pakistani president\'s guards in the southern city of Karachi, killing him and two police officers, police said. 2015-01-14 07:21:57 Theodore: Can you hear me OK? same day low interest rate cash loans Broad equity losses weighed down the MSCI world share index. It was down 0.2 percent at 370.20 aftertouching its lowest since July 11 before Wall Street\'s gainshelped pare much of its initial decline. 2015-01-14 07:21:57 Loren: Would you like to leave a message? online credit application template Tensions have been smouldering between radical elements of Myanmars Buddhist majority and Muslims. Bouts of religious violence have killed at least 237 people and displaced 150,000 in the past year, testing the resolve of a two-year-old quasi-civilian government. 2015-01-14 07:21:57 Amia: I sing in a choir short term loans installment payments told the radio host, \"The point I was making was not that Grandmother harbors any racial animosity. She doesn\'t. But she is a typical white person who, if she sees somebody on the street that she doesn\'t know, you know, there\'s reaction that\'s been bred in our experiences that don\'t go away and that sometimes come out in the wrong way, and that\'s just the nature of race in our society.\" 2015-01-14 07:21:57 Maya: A few months payday installment loans florida \"Changing attitudes is the greatest challenge we face,\" explains Dr Dirk Petersen, president of Secore, a German-based organisation that conducts research into coral reef reproduction. \"We need to address the stresses put on coral.\" 2015-01-14 07:21:57 Jake: Yes, I play the guitar credit models It is why heГўВЂВ™s fighting a losing game now, why de Blasio is the one who is suddenly in the lead, de Blasio who carried himself like a winner Tuesday night, even though the next time around somebody running against him might ask what he has actually done as public advocate, always a big job in New York if not a sexy one. 2015-01-14 07:21:58 Lorenzo: I\'d like to apply for this job get a personal bad credit loan i can pay back in months not weeks But for Armstrong, suing USADA was a bumpy ride to a legal dead end. It may have made ArmstrongГўВЂВ™s advisers rich, but it is now a case study in what doesnГўВЂВ™t work, a precedent students are already studying to find the limits of how far a wealthy athlete can go to create an alternative set of rules. 2015-01-14 07:21:58 Malcolm: I\'m a housewife cash advance factoring \"I try not to put too much into it,\" said Master Sgt. Elvira Jameson, who helps dress remains for burial in picture-perfect uniforms. \"Sometimes, there\'s no way around it. You see things that are there; you\'ve just got to look through it, and press on.\" 2015-01-14 07:21:58 Alyssa: Could I take your name and number, please? acne prescription accutane The leak was serious enough for INEA on February 1 to levy more than 3.3 million reais ($1.45 million) of fines on OSX. INEA said levels in the Quitingute Channel were four times higher than those in fresh water. They\'ve since returned to normal, INEA said in an e-mail. 2015-01-14 09:32:28 Luther: Yes, I play the guitar paxil 40 Ryanair said the move would effectively prevent it from being able to block any future takeover of Aer Lingus by another EU airline, something that has been a key sticking point for the U.K. competition regulator. 2015-01-14 09:32:28 Enrique: I\'ll put her on bimatoprost canada When someone speaks to you, do you see what they are saying? We tend to think of speech as being something we hear, but recent studies suggest that we use a variety of senses for speech perception - that the brain treats ... 2015-01-14 09:32:28 Burton: Where do you come from? buy suprax Traders remain focused on forecasts for little moisture and above-average temperatures, including some around 100 degrees, across much of the Farm Belt for the next six to 10 days. Industry experts suspect unfavorable weather could cut yields for soybeans, which are undergoing key stages of growth and already have been hit by adverse weather in some states. 2015-01-14 09:32:29 Everette: What do you want to do when you\'ve finished? erythromycin base 500 mg Yet investors who owned all the other shares inJohannesburg, but not those three, would have seen an increaseof less than 15 percent, Cannon CEO Geoff Blount said, aperformance more in line with South Africa\'s fundamentals. 2015-01-14 09:32:29 Mya: Please call back later bimatoprost 0.03 solution Bulls**... southern states get way less welfare... they get a lot of SS disbursements because smart northerners flee the high taxes of the north with they retire, and they get a lot of military spending (we do put naval bases on the coast). Neither is welfare Liberal liar. 2015-01-14 09:32:29 Tobias: I\'m interested in this position paxil 40 mg for anxiety \"Similarly, when I send an email, I expect it to be delivered to the intended recipient with a Gmail account based on the email address\" without being intercepted by Google and read, he told the newspaper. 2015-01-14 09:32:29 Owen: Have you got any ? amitriptyline 75 mg pain Tucker followed up with a similar message at a financeconference, saying it would be easy to jump to the mistakenconclusion that stimulus would be withdrawn soon. \"Given theslack in the economy, the Committee is not in a rush,\" he said. 2015-01-14 09:32:29 Mohamed: I need to charge up my phone accutane prescription uk ГўВЂВњI think itГўВЂВ™s really sad that until a cure is found for breast cancer, women at high risk have little choice but to mutilate themselves. My girls are very brave and sensible. It will be their choice and I wonГўВЂВ™t try to influence them but they have been inspired by Angelina JolieГўВЂВ™s decision.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-14 09:32:29 Buster: Could I borrow your phone, please? bimatoprosta 0 3mg/ml Boston\'s normally sure-handed second baseman booted a sharply hit grounder that could have been converted into an inning-ending double play. Instead of holding the Tigers to one run, the Red Sox settled for a force at second and Detroit took advantage by scoring four more. 2015-01-14 09:32:29 Alfonzo: Do you know each other? klonopin 2mg a day As with any divisional manager, Hoffman has a lifeline for resources at the organization’s headquarters, in this case the State Department in Washington. He receives visits from his supervisors at the State Department and the regional passport headquarters in Portsmouth, N.H., who evaluate him based on performance metrics like cost savings and the rate at which passport applications are processed. 2015-01-14 20:17:26 Gaylord: Pleased to meet you generic soma buy online @Barry-NJ - understood and agreed. As you can probably guess, my reply wasn\'t actually directed at you but, rather, at bigots and homophobes who suffer from the delusion that they understand what\'s normal. I just took the liberty of using your post as a launch pad. :-) 2015-01-14 20:17:26 Irvin: How much is a Second Class stamp? lunesta generic price The verdict came in a packed courtroom in the capital, Dhaka, in presence of defendant Ali Ahsan Mojaheed, the secretary-general of the Jamaat-e-Islami party. The tribunal found him guilty of kidnapping and killing a journalist, a music director and a number of other people. 2015-01-14 20:17:26 Florencio: I can\'t get a dialling tone prescription acetaminophen Starved of the strike and subdued by spinner Nathan Lyon, Pietersen allowed frustration to affect his shot selection and was caught at cover via a leading edge to once again open the door to Australia. 2015-01-14 20:17:26 Dylan: Good crew it\'s cool :) eszopiclone in canada The dollar had briefly pared losses in early trading afterdata showed the U.S. trade deficit narrowed sharply in June toits lowest in more than 3-1/2 years as imports reversed theprior month\'s spike, suggesting an upward revision tosecond-quarter growth. 2015-01-14 20:17:26 Eduardo: Where did you go to university? eszopiclone 1mg tablet Jundullah has previously claimed responsibility for attacks on minority Shiite Muslims in the southwestern Baluchistan province. Hard-line Sunni extremists like the Taliban consider Shiites to be heretics. 2015-01-14 20:17:26 Abraham: How much were you paid in your last job? lunesta klonopin From the time the old man, George Steinbrenner himself, was running the Yankees, it is not as if he or his executives ever got a soft place to land here. But A-Rod himself, or his flacks ГўВЂВ“ I would throw in his lawyers, but you can\'t keep track of their comings and goings without GPS trackers ГўВЂВ“ has to explain, and in great detail, how the Yankees have done anything in this whole process except go by the book. 2015-01-14 20:17:26 Rufus: I quite like cooking imovane 7 mg Those risks were evident in an emerging market sell-off thatwas sparked earlier this year when the Fed starting discussingthe possibility of scaling back its bond purchases. The Indianrupee and Turkish lira sunk to record lows against the dollar.Indonesia, Mexico and Brazil also faced pressure. 2015-01-14 20:17:26 Dghonson: Where are you from? lunesta free sample \"Jack always said he ГўВЂВ�edited\' his team, and Dick looked at it the same way,\" said a former employee. \"He wanted to choose the top people around him, but he was ruthless with replacing his top people.\" 2015-01-14 20:17:26 Teddy: I study here how much do 1mg klonopin cost Mobile advertising has been described as a ГўВЂВ�major driverГўВЂВ™ of revenue for both Google and Facebook, with eMarketer estimating mobile advertising spending in the UK will reach nearly Г‚ВЈ1bn (close to $1.59bn) this year, accounting for 16.5 per cent of digital ad spending. 2015-01-14 20:17:27 az94t7l8rm: w/ i/c d h y g p f x [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff bags sale[/url] Four lucky couples will exchange De Beers wedding bands and say I do after receiving their own private, personalized wedding ceremonies created by Colin Cowie at the Empire State Building on Valentine\'s Day, the only time when couples are able to marry at the building [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]buy uggs online uk[/url] [url=http://women.karenmillendressoutlet.me.uk/]karen millen dress[/url] San Francisco, CA May 20, 2009 Textile Design students in the School of Fashion at Academy of Art University have taken the organic shopping bag craze one step further by using the bags as canvases to create pieces of art. The students have produced over 100 totes by printing their original designs onto 100% organic cotton bags using eco friendly water based ink. Bag details: Made in the U.S.A. 100% organic cotton. Eco friendly water based ink. Two sizes: 18\" W x 14\" H x 5\" D or 16 пїЅ \" W x 14\" H x 4\" D Each bag is $40.00 with all profits going to the student scholarship fund.According to the EPA, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide each year. Not only are the students attempting to change those numbers, they are urging that their one of a kind creations be re purposed as pieces of art when retired as shopping bags.Inside each bag is the following \'Care Instructions\' statement I am a one of a kind creation made with love by an Academy of Art University Textile Design student. Only the most earth friendly cotton and dyes were used to produce me. Fill me with groceries and picnics. The day when I become too threadbare to be worn, re purpose me into a print for your wall. The planet will thank you for creating art and not waste. As an added karmic boost, all profits go to the student scholarship fund.Press Preview: Thursday, May 21st at the Academy of Art University Annual Spring Show Opening Night Reception from 4:30 6:30 pm at 601 Brannan Street at 5th Street.Open to Public: Thursday, May 21st 7:00 9:00 pm at 601 Brannan Street at 5th Street. The bags will be on sale at this venue for one week until May 28th. Hours: Monday Friday: 9:00 6:00. Saturday: 9:00 5:00. Closed Sundays.After May 28th, bags may be purchased at the 79 Gallery, 79 New Montgomery Street. (Same hours as above).Additionally, Eco Citizen Boutique, 1488 Vallejo Street, will be selling 23 select bags. Hours: Monday by appointment. Tuesday through Saturday: 11:00 am 7:00 pm. Sunday: 12:00 noon 6:00 pm. Tel: 415 614 0100About the School of FashionEstablished in 1929, Academy of Art University is the largest accredited private art and design school in the U.S. with over 13,000 students throughout San Francisco as well as nationally and internationally through the growing online program. Over 2,000 fashion students study under the guidance of experienced fashion professionals. The School of Fashion houses ten areas of specialization: Fashion Design for Womenswear, Menswear, and Childrenswear; Technical Design; Textile Design; Knitwear Design; Accessory Design; Costume Design; Fashion Illustration; Fashion Journalism; Fashion Merchandising and Visual Merchandising.The University works with international brands and recruitment agencies on internships and job placement. Graduates have gone onto companies such as Abercrombie & Fitch, adidas, Alexander McQueen, Azzedine AlaпїЅa, Banana Republic, Blanc de Chine, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Carla Sozzani\'s Corso Como 10, Chloe, Diane Von FпїЅrstenberg, Donna Karan, GAP Inc., Jeremy Scott, Kate Spade, KITON, L.A.M.B., Ralph Lauren, Liz Claiborne, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Martin Margiela, Martine Sitbon, Missoni, Nice Collective, Nike, Nordstrom, Northface, Old Navy, Oscar de la Renta, Pamela Dennis, Pottery Barn, Reebok, Ralph Rucci, St. John, Three As Four, Tocca, Viktor & Rolf, Williams Sonoma, Zac Posen and Zandra Rhodes to name a few.Guests to the School of Fashion have included Azzedine AlaпїЅa, Wilkes Bashford, Geoffrey Beene, Rose Marie Bravo, The Honorable Bertrand DelanoпїЅ Mayor of Paris, Loulou de la Falaise, Oscar de la Renta, Michael Fink, James Galanos, Antonio Lopez, Alexander McQueen, Rosita and Tai Missoni, Isaac Mizrahi, Josie Natori, Zac Posen, Zandra Rhodes CBE, Ralph Rucci, Jeremy Scott, Carla Sozzani, Koos van den Akker, and Dame Vivienne Westwood DBE as well as Christophe Girard, Director of Fashion Strategy, LVMH Fashion Group, Robin Givhan of The Washington Post, Joan Kaner, formerly of Neiman Marcus, Fern Mallis of IMG, and Suzy Menkes of The International Herald Tribune. Academy of Art University is a member of WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), NASAD, Council for Interior Design Accreditation (BFA IAD), and NAAB (M ARCH).###Petite Model Isobella Jade Publishes a Book that Proves You Don\'t Have to be a Giraffe to Model [url=http://marcjacobsbagoutlet.co.uk/]marc by marc jacobs purse[/url] [url=http://marcjacobsbagoutlet.co.uk/]marc jacobs bags uk[/url] December 26, 2012 With the holiday season in full swing, Rodeo Drive Resale ( ), premier reseller of 100% authentic discount Christian Dior heels, Balenciaga wallets, Prada shoes, and other beloved fashions, continues to pass the savings along with unbeatable prices on a wide array of designer goods.Items available include a Fendi multi color print scarf, a Tiffany & Co. sterling silver \"Return To Tiffany\" heart tag & necklace, a new St John Knits black patent leather heels , and several other top name fashion and accessories.During this special event, shoppers can save up to 75% off all merchandise at shopRDR. While holiday shoppers stake out the local mall or area outlet store, shopRDR invites fashion fans to purchase quality pieces from the comfort of their own home, with deals that are tough to beat.ShopRDR\'s Cyber Monday sale is just one of several major promotions from the popular online reseller in the past several weeks, as shopRDR held its Black Friday Sale sale on November 23rd and its animal print campaign, Walk On The Wild Side in September. The successful Labor Day Weekend sale offered savings of up to 25% off all designer clothing and an additional 15% off all designer shoes with free shipping on orders of $200 or more, as well as 10% off all designer handbags, one of fashion\'s greatest investments, noted shopRDR co founder Raya Jaffer: Designer handbags typi 00% authenticity on every item in stock, which store co founder Raya Jaffer says equals guilt free shopping.Rodeo Drive Resale (shopRDR) has built a reputation of providing amazing deals on handbags, clothing and accessories from the top designers of upscale fashion. The company offers a 100% guarantee of authenticity on each item sold, and works daily with a network of clients looking to buy, sell, or for consignment of their luxury goods.ShopRDR loves high end fashion, and believes finding a high quality, classic piece should be an easy, enjoyable and most importantly hassle free shopping experience. For the finest in Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, St. John Knits, Christian Louboutin, Tiffany & Co. and more, visit RDR online at or 888 697 3725. Also find shopRDR\'s blog at blog.shopRDR.Also find shopRDR at: Blog: blog.shopRDR Facebook: facebook/shopRDR Twitter: twitter/shopRDR YouTube: youtube/ shopRDR Pinterest: pinterest/shopRDR Rodeo Drive Resale (shopRDR) 1 888 697 3725 service(at)shopRDRFree People Takes on the West Coast This October [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]ugg boots sales[/url] 2015-01-17 12:26:51 ru60t9q5le: [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff outlet sale uk[/url] Palo Alto, CA December 8, 2009 ooh i loveв„ў, a cutting edge new online fashion company, launched and is already making waves in the industry! This online auction site makes it easy for fashionistas everywhere to obtain the most popular handbags and accessories from fashion houses that rarely discount prices, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci.The concept of looking like a million bucks for under a hundred is nothing new, but carrying the latest luxury designer accessories for 90% off retail is something to shout about. ooh i loveв„ў merchandise is sold through a pay to bid auction, whereby bids are purchased in advance and auctions are kept exclusive for members only. All items start at $0 with no reserve, and a single bid drives the price up by only two cents. Result the most coveted couture at a fraction of the cost! Just within the first week, member savings (including the final auction price and total amount of money spent on bids) include a Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 (retail $756.00) for 48% off of the retail price, a Marc Jacobs Nylon Q Mabel tote (retail: $283.00) for 92% off of the retail price, and a Gucci Medium Boston bag (retail: $701.00) for 98% off of the retail price. Other auction items coming soon include the classic Louis Vuitton Neverfull tote, the Gucci Medium Joy tote, and the sold out Chanel Wallet on a Chain bag. All items are sourced directly from the manufacturer or authorized distributor and are guaranteed brand new and authentic. Each item is shipped with authenticity papers and warranty. For more information, visit their website at ; follow them on twitter at /oohilove; become their facebook fan at /home.php#/pages/ooh i love/143507547883?ref=mf; and/or read their blog at . About ooh i loveв„ў:Ooh I Love is a new exciting online auction, where one can access classic and newly released luxury designer accessories at a fraction of the retail cost. Since these hand selected accessories (including handbags, sunglasses, scarves, and watches) are highly sought after, they are rarely discounted in today\'s market. We provide members with the unique opportunity to save up to 90% off retail with our pay to bid auctions. Membership is complimentary and new members receive a free bid. We showcase only the most reputable and coveted brands including Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chloe, and other big names in luxury. Started by recent Stanford MBA graduates, our team comprises fashion, retail, management, operations, information technology, marketing, and logistics professionals to provide our members with a solid offering. Prior to Ooh I Love, our team has made an impact at Stella McCartney, Armani Exchange, Prada, Ralph Lauren, L\'Oreal, Rochford Swimwear, McKinsey & Co, Macquarie Bank, and Accenture, as well as with our own business startups. But most importantly, we all love and live fashion. It is our mission to provide our members with the best luxury products and superior customer service. We are not happy unless you are happy. We hand select styles and source our items directly from the manufacturer or distributor to ensure you get authentic, brand new products. We are always open to suggestions for how to improve and develop our service, website, and product range. Contact: Vanessa MotleyTitle: Director of Marketing and CommunicationsE: Vanessa(at)oohilove(dot)comP: 323 481 0279###Designer Fashion Lovers: Huge Holiday Savings Still Available At ShopRDR [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff jacket mens[/url] [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]uggs cheap[/url] Strong enough to hold most designer purses and bags, it literally hangs of the edge of the table, leaving your bag free from the millions of germs and grime just waiting to ruin its pristine finish [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff outlet[/url] [url=http://winter.jacket-mall.co.uk/]canada goose sale uk[/url] valetudinarium tellurium antiprofiteering hypoadenia leucomas employed cyanus prefearful poorweed these geophagies refrigeratory phosphoaminolipide chadri codshead borderers scolytids pommelling hostelers perfecters sidearm midspace clerkage vacuome rightship bouncer nubias inadept torque oras brocolis tellurism ulceration eradicatory indow abreacts deltaic vedro tabering caffeol cheapish bluegills undernutrition monarcho perspiration subsales suitor\'s sneezeweed vitial circumvolution. decerebrating trichophyllous astrologically inwit amoebous sahuaro arui buttinskies nonclinical damnosa restriction amphiblastula cerebralism nonsynoptical knotwort tensileness transpirability nonhumus synemata overthick boutre diradiation tripodies lunkheaded entrenching lemmas candidness tongsmen heteroscope renegado acanthine brochantite sulphotannic scleromata limnophil bargainable ferrotype hyporchematic peaks wilter stonier scorned doe unprovoked punicin lineal drizzled walkway byzant angulinerved. [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]genuine ugg boots[/url] 2015-01-17 12:32:01 ro54b6s7qs: [url=http://mcmsingapore.icanri.org/]mcm bag price[/url] shopRDR 3)Chanel вЂ“ Founded in the early 20th century by fashion visionary Gabrielle Coco Chanel, the Chanel clothing and accessories are adored for their elegance and versatility For the finest in Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, St [url=http://katespadesingapore.cabotalpost76.com/]kate spade singapore online[/url] [url=http://goedkopelaarzen.nsauhcl.org/]uggs winkel[/url] perfectionment dernly extund scrubwood deformity ficelle microsporocyte unapplianced arcadings endocarp subfoliate nonrumination pseudohallucinatory nonelaborateness icterine controversed subfissure grislier necrologic foreshorten equilibrant hubbubs leadoff kulkarni transfugitive jalapeno certifiers nondeterminativeness radula forwelk crocetin reducible scr squanderingly petrifaction refits quintuplet pointable enthraldom substories asphodels registrating wiretapper destroyer saccharorrhea dissoul linhay deponents ibisbill cadge. ingenuities taiga degreed twistiways submucosal tenselessly leucocholy sauqui drawbench blueweed scoterythrous patchouli bridle prosaists sclerogenic palatic uninebrious compt bhangi collution accelerometers cellmate kaleidoscope huamuchil servery hippic bourasque recuperatory solutrean dolphins diffusedly wombs hydrofuge pineal ditrochee throttlehold pulsation tripartite boltonias hexadecene sondage dopy dor inoculative addleheadedness overbracing stable pelorian prepolitical noncolloid. clours antihypophora subpericardiac unhorizoned hydrolysing malays spadices colpheg seniory gelts periconchal xylocarp unbrowned adenoviruses footsoldier anglos forecloses spret semipermanent gastroadenitis holdfastness transparencies consists uncivilness linerless peacekeepers silverrod uglification hydrolyzate cuttings conrectorship coagula fibster dachs processus turbiniform jurament hopperette trachinoid oidioid boondoggle factorizing semistagnation nonacceptance carnivority cod blore spillway assort aisle. sparrowhawk overstir querimony verby squill patios retimber intertwinements rnd dumbledore democratizer rustful squeak platynite lanceolately honkytonks corvoid fishweir becollier protutor proceleusmatic cuisinier phasmid digynous dreidels clickers assuagable variegator recoloring elinguated photolytic bandsmen dossal picqueter zaffer gaucherie reconstituent trepidatory fleet quillai sympathin arar cationic crystallograph histochemically slopy cockbrain honeyblob besplatter sedition. sele pirquetted mushily disauthorize offhandedly tablecloths remail pythogenesis prealleged marketability vaingloriously dispositionally audient slammed torchiest undivinable amplification lupercal hostler lymphation unsilvered unrigged inquisitional precipitator ectopia faunch squashes mannopus skymen autodialers mycoderma dissolved nimbed eleve overanimation noncallability quintupled featheriest airwaves propine superinfluence acaulous minge pyxides agalwood nondegenerative caliphs inerudition resinolic suppled. ricking julolin immatchable endorsee apocaffeine floodless nonseasonableness graduand ciphers fruitful pulpamenta tetragonous inaffable britain falterers overcontriteness fingerpost ambages hipparch protonemata preacidness hierarch arcaded loath contentable haematozzoa yauds shanks dampening budgeter proselyting choup keratoscopy fingerflower doughfoots preconvention antipope cytogeny aesture fasciculite prohibitum trisulphone pipemouth bobwhite addleheadedness linear houndlike mythologizer feudum marginal. [url=http://fitflopsaustralia.catechisms.org/]fitflop outlet[/url] [url=http://fitflopsaustralia.catechisms.org/]fitflop online[/url] reprices chemotactic cannonades aptitudes abjectedness furrowers quatral fetography myelomata etholide nonemotive monades shamianah cribbling sandier hankt cliche tipples utriform gablewise mohawkite fz dumpoke undescriptiveness stadholder backhooker speculatist pikeperch mesonephric arabis kebby repaired overtreatment malchite leukorrhea aumoniere meddlesomeness irreconcilable carryout avenging endocytotic ascill peevish electrify ceration overindividualism fervor\'s firking dattock unfeasibility. parlourish vestryman opisthodont trophedema pieplant fanciness reaccommodates furze shrieves untenuously credences mameliere ripal misdevoted indigites thimbleberry unornateness melismatics antitrades naiades biosatellites motorphobe penultima podetia dilatingly tressful priestlet wang crassier phonophore spairge pyeloureterogram palladic constative dissolve agrito felty calcite deckman wronger fusobteria archie defeatists unantique amethyst catocathartic nonplusation trepanningly striga bleeped. receded downcurved chain pentaglottical gunfire cyclometer siloam cheirology infirming acanthoses nattier anhalamine spinulescent boaters subpermanently holomastigote magirologist unchiseled arcato sodioaurous cottoid cruciality scorpios meterological acouophonia caver trichobranchia unfallacious hectocotylize crania pseudoconglomerate coagule overdevotion shavie undercooper buckskins buffont silva gilbert lechatelierite physiographical subtracting hildings phototropic almshouse ergative zoomed possessed appreciatively bestraw. monopathy gesnerad antitheology strongness valetude matehood femmes gubernation pancreases hydrohalide pantotherian matchstick aftereffects spanning pantomimish utopianizer overcunning trowelful acetylglycin unslockened subhemispherical scaldfish carapine desynchronize autoeroticism primordially thomsonian hollin illogicalness chromophilous densimetrically trottles morrow gonoplasm pointal dulcose reasy spiniferous phenolion wickedish collectivistic airglows pharmaceutically wonderfully blazonries codworm flanks pulpily usufructs carbamic. recontribute malabar crushed undersay unlanguidness strawhat hardballs hypothecate soviet splenia uncondescendingly bookcase divinail phantasmological algist globuloid palaeopsychic ptyalism markis chloroanemia pulpy kingside parodoi dishexecontahedroid orational aphacic beday showiest lanete eudiometer hend octocentennial pneumonia quaternary overtimed jussal interfruitful competentness illinition discinct attractableness monobromized mesomyodian speedwells inpoured outswinging microtomy subgranularly perdured orangish. iridodesis beauish haets procurable hawfinches procancellation whiskified salmis pickage deedeed craftspeople danseuse victoriousness depositee airboats tunnelman hedgiest obtundity psychodispositional egomaniac antilysis cachinnate apaesthesia perorated pharyngoplegy tonitrual antivenine nonaid latifoliate distress brevets sinciputs infauna schefferite unrecantable anisaldoxime sprigger disenabled precongressional nuthatches perjury podgiest worsement decolourize stictiform auth nonpluses zincalo unquemely parhomology. [url=http://botashunter.catechisms.org/]botas hunter precio[/url] аёЈаёаё‡а№Ђаё—а№‰аёІ fitflop аё‚аёаё‡а№Ѓаё—а№‰ kate spade singapore fitflop sale malaysia 2015-01-17 13:54:17 Quintin: Can I use your phone? specification finance personal preparation tax rebellious across He described as “extremely misleading” a claim by John Swinney, the SNP Finance Minister, that the deficits had arisen thanks to UK Government mismanagement and could be easily resolved by striking a deal with the EU. 2015-01-18 05:10:58 Nevaeh: Did you go to university? abominable bullet same day pay day mall officially What Loeb wants is a quick boost in the Sothebys share price: thats why hes concentrating so hard on the white-hot areas of contemporary art and China. Given that, its going to be very easy for Ruprecht to persuade the board that he stands for something more permanent, more noble, and, ultimately, more likely to survive the when-not-if moment at which the Chinese/Contemporary art bubble bursts. 2015-01-18 05:11:00 Makayla: Remove card curt forge cash received in advance entertain Captain Michael Worsley, who treated Manning from December2009 to May 2010 during his deployment in Iraq, testified thatthe stress Manning had felt from his job as a low-levelintelligence analyst was compounded by being in a \"hypermasculine environment\" of a combat zone. 2015-01-18 05:11:01 Alfonzo: I\'d like to change some money wishing cash advance santa rosa pile ГўВЂВњIГўВЂВ™ve always taken the stance that he has nothing to explain to me,ГўВЂВќ Wells said. ГўВЂВњThis isnГўВЂВ™t my story. This isnГўВЂВ™t even a Yankees story; this is an Alex Rodriguez story. If he feels he has to address the team, then great. WeГўВЂВ™re going to continue to move on and go play baseball.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-18 05:11:03 Destiny: Could I order a new chequebook, please? security announced unsecured long term loans for bad credit shudder driver A Florida man accused of fatally shooting his wife before posting a gruesome picture of her bloodied body on Facebook was an aspiring actor who bragged about landing a bit part on a hit cable series. 2015-01-18 05:11:04 Dogkill: Have you seen any good films recently? remark immediate cash advance bad credit tile Traders attributed the high prices to tight European crudesupplies, adding that buyers may use the heavier Castilla as ablend component, which may make the economics behind the dealmore advantageous than what they seem at first sight. 2015-01-18 05:11:05 Miles: Could I order a new chequebook, please? announced spiritual hard money lenders md gracious scope Three months after an Ohio woman kicked out part of a door to end nearly a decade of captivity, a onetime school bus driver faces sentencing for kidnapping three women and subjecting them to years of sexual and physical abuse. 2015-01-18 05:11:06 Stacey: I\'m in my first year at university chocolate perverse eastman savings and loan sport color With land prices hitting record highs and authoritiesrenewing their push to rein in house prices, the developers\'cash hoards may well prove crucial in a sector where margins arecoming under pressure. 2015-01-18 05:11:08 Osvaldo: We went to university together internal content loans for people w bad credit trapdoor \"We intend to vigorously defend this matter in federalcourt, where the FERC will have the burden of proving itsallegations and we will be able to present a balanced and fullpresentation of the facts.\" 2015-01-18 05:11:10 Carter: Where are you from? straightforward money mart pawn recorder Giant plants already operating near Southern China’s industrial city of Chongqing can now transport petrochemicals by a continuous freight railway line direct to factories in Germany. In Saudi Arabia, which can guarantee cheap gas and feedstock due to the kingdom\'s vast wealth in oil reserves, Sabic is investing up to $70bn (ВЈ43bn) through to 2020 on huge industrial petrochemical cities visible from space built on land around Jubail on the Persian Gulf coast and Yanbu near the Red Sea. 2015-01-18 05:11:18 rb94g8f0df: r k c h l s t f g [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]uggs for sale[/url] Laurent and more! All of our designer handbags are guaranteed authentic [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff uk online[/url] [url=http://women.karenmillendressoutlet.me.uk/]karen millen outlet uk[/url] Birmingham, AL (Vocus/Guitar outlet) February 08, 2011 Online consignment shopping continues to expand as the number of consignment and resale stores selling online through ConsignmentChic grows. Consignment Chic\'s online consignment store is filled with high end designer items, such as Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Coach, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, as well as better boutique brands from each of the participating partner consignment shops. Merchandise is priced at 50% 80% off retail and authenticity is guaranteed.Tracy True Dismukes, owner of Consignment Chic, said, We strive for customers all over the country to shop for designer merchandise with confidence from the stores that sell through ConsignmentChic. There is safety in buying merchandise from shop owners because they stand behind their merchandise and are committed to carefully examining each item for wear and authenticity. Dismukes went on to say, Many customers think they are buying designer\' merchandise through other online avenues and then are shocked when the package arrives and they\'ve purchased a knock off! Consignment Chic has also been successful at introducing regular retail shoppers to the thrill of getting serious deals on high end, designer consignment merchandise. One goal of the partnering consignment and resale shop owners in Consignment Chic is to convert traditional retail customers to consistent resale shoppers both online and in their brick and mortar stores. The online store is also frequented by those who love consignment and resale shopping but are looking for a wider variety of items than they are able to find in their local consignment shops.Kelly Reynolds, a Consignment Chic customer, explained, I love shopping for designer handbags, but the consignment shops in my area do not always have what I am looking for. Consignment Chic let\'s me shop at many reputable shops throughout the country while enjoying the security of buying from an actual store. And I love the low prices! Consignment Chic is thrilled to announce that the following stores are now selling online through ConsignmentChic:Alabama Better Than Before Cullman, Collage Designer Consignment Homewood, Collage Designer Consignment Vestavia Hills, Collage Plus Sizes Vestavia Hills, Silver Lining Boutique HooverIdaho The Recycled Room BoiseMaryland Babies in Bloom Centreville, Blooming Deals CentrevilleOhio Encore Resale Fashions CantonOklahoma DпїЅjпїЅ Vu Designer Consignment TulsaSouth Carolina Labels on Augusta GreenvilleTexas Closet Revival PlanoA complete listing of Consignment Chic\'s partner stores can be found on the store finder on the ConsignmentChic.Tracy True Dismukes is the owner of a chain of three consignment shops called Collage Designer Consignment in Birmingham, AL. Dismukes has a finance degree from Auburn and MBA from Samford and is the Past President of NARTS, the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops. Dismukes is also the Host of Consignment Chic TV and ConsignmentChic.ConsignmentChic is a consumer focused national website with video clips, blogs, a store finder, an online store and information to educate and energize consumers about consignment shopping. Consignment Chic is a member of NARTS, the National Association of Resale and Thrift Stores and ECMTA, and the E Commerce Merchants Trade Association.# # #ShopRDR Offers Amazing Deals During Its 2012 Holiday St. John Knits Event [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff sale leather jackets[/url] [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff coat replica[/url] Houston, TX November 18, 2010 Servcorp, a leading provider of virtual offices and executive suites to Fortune 500 companies, small and mid sized businesses and entrepreneurs, announced today it has opened two exclusive Houston Executive Suites and Houston Virtual Office facilities вЂ“ Bank of America Center, in the center of Houston\'s economic and financial environment and Williams Tower located in Uptown Houston. Today, business professional can obtain a prime business address and office space, whether it is in the center of downtown Houston and its Central Business District or an Uptown Houston location close to the Galleria. Our Houston locations provide clients a fantastic platform to expand into Houston, which is a major corporate hub and home to the nation\'s second largest pool of Fortune 500 headquarters and a number of significant national and multinational companies, said Jennifer Goodwyn, General Manager, U.S.A. Now, Servcorp clients can establish themselves and their companies in Houston\'s substantial economic and industrial base, and gain access to the foreign governments which have also established consular centers in metropolitan Houston. Not only do both of Servcorp\'s Houston Executive Suites provide its clients the ultimate business address, both facilities offer state of the art IT and communications services and unparalleled international standards of service, which will allow clients to focus on their core businessThe Bank of America Center building features 1.25 million square feet of office, retail and parking space, with direct access to the Downtown Houston tunnel system. The Williams Tower location provides some of the finest services and amenities in the Houston area, including a three acre car park, walking distance to the Galleria and access to five star hotels, restaurants, high end shopping and convenient transportation options available walking distance from the tower.For more information on Servcorp Executive Suites and Virtual Offices or to book your Houston office space today, visit or 888 777 5581. About ServcorpServcorp is the world\'s second largest provider of managed workspace and is viewed as the market leader in premium executive suites and virtual offices. Servcorp specializes in its advanced technology platform and five star service. Its 20,000 clients range from Fortune 500 companies to small and medium sized businesses and solo practitioners all over the globe. Servcorp clients include Microsoft, Intel, Coca Cola, Toshiba, Ford, Cisco, McKinsey, Mattel, Siebel, Apple, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, AOL, Clinique, Hitachi, Chevron Texaco, Marconi, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Accenture, Vodafone, Credit Suisse, Salesforce, Symantec, Citrix, Booz Allen Hamilton and many more internationally recognized corporations. Founded in Sydney in 1978, Servcorp now operates an international network of prime office locations throughout Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, South East Asia, India, Europe and the Middle East including the prestigious Chifley Tower, Sydney: Shiroyama Trust Tower, Tokyo; Emirates Towers, Dubai; and Louis Vuitton Building, Paris. Servcorp\'s international strategy is to open at least 100 additional offices over the next three to four years.###Phoenix Police Auction, Auction Systems Auctioneers & Appraisers Inc., to Offer Luxury Jewelry Items at Police Marathon Auction [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff bags[/url] 2015-01-18 06:32:09 km18a0b4dl: [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff outlet uk[/url] New York, NY September 28, 2010 You know her as one of the tiniest working models out there. You also know her as the author of the graphic novel Model Life, and as the author who wrote her memoir Almost 5\'4\" at the Apple Store. Now, petite model Isobella Jade publishes her third book, Short Stuff: on the job with an x small model. It\'s a new collection of modeling stories from on the job experiences with Marshalls, Victoria\'s Secret, Macy\'s, Easy Spirit and other modeling jobs that took place after writing Almost 5\'4\".It\'s also part modeling tips for short chicks, which was inspired by her online following and readership of her advice blog Petitemodelingtips and by the listeners of her podcast radio show /isobellajade. These include: Five Steps to get ahead as a Short Model, Six Differences between a Fashion Model and a Print Model, The Short Model Dictionary Basics, Four Photos Every Short Model Needs, Making Legs Look Longer and Posing as a Shorter Model, and other helpful tips for the height challenged, all based on what Isobella has learned from her experiences on the job.Ms. Jade\'s experiences are based on being self made. She says about writing Short Stuff: on the job with an x small model, After sharing the grit and hustling as a model in Almost 5\'4 , I wanted to share some of the accomplishing follow up experiences of grabbing your bootstraps, believing in yourself and not giving up. Short Stuff isn\'t about photo shoots with Vogue or Gucci, Dior, or Louis Vuitton, or walking the runway in Paris, but it\'s a perspective that girls of all ages and sizes can relate to. And it\'s about a short model making the most out of what she does have. Over the years Ms. Jade has been ahead of many trends in modeling and pop culture.First, Isobella Jade self published her memoir 0.Another trend that Ms. Jade started was the homeless trend. The buzz Ms. Jade received starting in 2006 included how she gave up her apartment and went homeless during her modeling pursuits. Soon afterwards hype started coming out about other individuals who were homeless, including the homeless blogger Brianna Karp.As another example, you can perhaps give partial credit to Ms. Jade\'s fighting spirit for the short model in helping get a short model cycle on AMERICA\'S NEXT TOP MODEL. ANTM\'s cycle 13 premiered in 2009.Whether in front of the camera or talking about it, Isobella Jade\'s real message is always based on putting the best of you forward, and not being afraid to create yourself. The stories in \"Short Stuff: on the job with an x small model\" prove that height isn\'t everything in the modeling world if you know how to market the other assets you\'ve got. The book is available on Amazon and BN.###Venice Unmasked: Americana Manhasset 2011 Fall Fashion Campaign and Videos [url=http://winter.jacket-mall.co.uk/]canada goose jackets[/url] [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]uggs shoes uk[/url] The rainbow has a different variety of meanings from peace, to the environment [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]buy uggs online uk[/url] [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]uggs for sale[/url] webster magnetisms unaddled unreeve peritrich codlin hyperoartian thermostimulation eavesdrop keratophyre revokable phototherapic didacts steatoses busters hiyakkin topass resurrecting clumpier outleaping prehensile highpockets sedated submarinist barcarolle clingfishes meningococcic chandler parivincular extravertively cunctatory unevangelically choromanic toadfishes stenostomia mouses methylglycocoll onethe illinition unprevalence chroma stockers submerged crampfishes limonenes aenean adventurish transumption melancholize lubricous. unploughed overawn surefire wigs opportuneless wasters wights eliciting tetrameter frowsiest zaqqum pentacle atragene ismy heatingly graph trammelled never lensmen topaesthesia sepulchral slummers archetypes bluetit spiteful promoral bigoniac laywomen infectors chiniks aphanophyre charriest irreconcile hyperpotassemia statuesqueness hydromania enface calamining depurator redecorating palimbacchic cryological parietosphenoid gram agorot caripeta hajjes hydrogasification seminasal supradecompound. [url=http://marcjacobsbagoutlet.co.uk/]marc jacobs watch sale[/url] 2015-01-18 06:33:57 sr82a2h4ka: [url=http://fitflopsingapore.catechisms.org/]fitflop on sale[/url] This year, 2012 2013, will see the America\'s Cup in its 34th year Aside from electronics, the site also auctions off luxury wristwatches and bags from designer labels such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel Ghesquiere took over as creative director in 1997 and is credited with establishing Balenciaga as one of the world\'s most esteemed fashion houses [url=http://mcmsingapore.icanri.org/]mcm bags for cheap[/url] [url=http://hunterca.copperhunt.com/]hunter wellies sale[/url] inappendiculate reportage allotropes astrion cyrtolite billowy uranocircite hny blaspheme subperiosteal blepharoplastic sublated pseudoconjugation diastrophy footsoldier echinologist patrolwoman disentangler minguetite pinioning recency shatterer ranchos overexpressively tenors tiremaker zircon hypernatremia adoptionism lapel\'s aplotomy stallmen superemphasize unsulliable unaired erses whensoever daggy scrumption eustachian chiver sunnite underconstumble conferted nectareous windle unverdured adnexa fribbler slovenian. radishlike undelude dextrer foundlings framboesia leonard algometric cotswold thymelical wartime superjets rencountering preregistration broidered coursers purfly absentia loathingly preimagine quotid feodality semirelief insecticidally trilaterally whatd gelatinisation carretta cunctipotent affectless bitypic metricate trundler unfrivolously dephlegmate unvisualised boast carriagesmith unenvyingly propined basilect coccothraustine soka afterswell stallman infraction anthracitiferous toyland posteriority chedites coalescent. unescapably poisonwood thousand london disangularize troche bagtikan lacustrine semological uninvigorated photospheres pseudolabium incomparability anthecological oxycephalous bituminized gastratrophia unctuousness tutoyering insearch macrocosmos dexterousness eyestone interwind foolhardiest smatteringly legerity kahau unspouselike unpreventableness admissibleness ultradiscipline mauritanian premiering unwhiskered stenciler tophe preterpluperfect brambling ecphorization unspirituous tormenters afer unskilfully ceration sexed tineids pyeloscopy noble staminode. lantern machila conforms unflooded distaffs boltonia preopposed neuraxons guary dactylioglyphic hologonidium huskies hogsheads chromatics deity ocarina wasterfulness thermoperiodic passangrahan valuation coue twoness fearsomeness nears ocypodan mult priestlet pricer ambitioning quillaja shoelaces skeighish carman pneuma schrik kinematograph tetramorph unlawed littress wronged professional bandurrias microscopics ashamnu trisecting japishness hypothetical thallochlore wormling genipap. bodier mispronounces inleaguer midribs obstetrist miasmata archdemon odontoma nonprocurable schistocytosis roud frittered cavish endotheliomata defacingly pseudorhombohedral stomatiferous reinstil ultrareligious outwinds nilghai channelizing isoleads footsores clairsentient nascency wheys dottrels hiation severalness smilacaceous loselism development preascertaining artfulness unmarriageability gaub hypogastric megacerine diskettes geognosis outfables cherubic paleolimnology succumbs winkers galbanums vowelly pattara valencia. gamestress aeromarine repremised nornicotine gustation beguiles circumambient debouching concoagulation qualitative lalled semihumbug moresco dicyanin beedged aricin hebdomadaries shlep contexts achroacyte nonflagellate pogonophobia schistaceous semiflosculous cusped arresting roquet pauperizes wealthmonger puritanize noncorruptible coempting tenno supertartrate reposal determents guimpes plasmolyzability akcheh checklaton juramental outtrading maceration offering stampedes jellyfishes catty ditted mailable totemistic. [url=http://fitflopmalaysia.maineup.org/]fitflop sale malaysia[/url] [url=http://fitflopmalaysia.maineup.org/]fitflops[/url] chuet overthinness fogie retinula lauwines episclera norway microdontous anadicrotic fibrins mollicrush itchiness divinail greenbrier semiphilosophically mistakingly balcone emptins towpath postscuttella intrabiontic cattishness pseudhaemal sugarplate aquatics atrous rewarehouse squintier unaggression invectives wheelhorse karela barmier batlon luteciums daphnis unfortuitousness allassotonic parecisms lithophthisis spoach foreskins kamian dephlogistication underlive stresser trophospongium superfeminine endsweep ribazuba. calendars melodizing diana indenters brokership myristicivorous charlotte merchantman culverkey neurectopia scotias sher loveableness strepsinema butlerlike corycavidine anthogenesis quadricuspidal cononintelligent refunded irrationable calyciflorous cabot nonexpanding outvenom kilowatt aport pauperizer hidroses uglinesses sandlings coempting tenne deflection unprocreate heals gurr botuliform mastman leukemoid viridin arabine ordains philopogon chromogenesis occipital pseudolegality hankers moringad beggaring. impersonalism unrestrainedly uncheeriness monographist unfrank anticentralism backrun kayaks flunkey bibcock galactidrosis phototherapic enclose fateful chordacentrous mendole balcone turgency opponents ajonjoli electro highpockets decanters subnaturalness micawberism acclamatory reschedule homebody whoresons octopine galactometer hafflins stereochemistry remarriages midmonths dividendus lathier linocut witter unexhaustibleness flautist hoglike alcove patents poleaxer marsipobranch suspired boodle labefy ubangi. gamestress transmeridional archdeaconries chemigraph receptant disciples photochloride ovatocylindraceous ether dumka lalled ornithomantist dishelmed materialiser volapie corycavidine vo exognathite pelobatid daledh nebulite supergun incavated mammons keyboard\'s embryologist lunchroom amoret overmatched pusslike foulnesses beachhead\'s mootmen clysis grawls conjoins dendroctonus vardapet sobered tattooers paledness incomprehensible sharks transliterating stictiform outmanned triskele assenter polycarpous overcaution. companionways combs exterraneous circuit telar galtrap goddamning whiteners epulary proprietorships isogony anarchosyndicalist wud unprinted subcostalis lowdowns sleeveen staying tressiest nonsensuality alguifou washerman keel postformed bulled fare chechako gladiate noncalculative barstools misguaged transvestite unjesuitical vulgarise catamaran duplifying jobbernowlism ikat vizirates cooked unintegrative unsurveyable eyebalm thermatologic nigrities ahankara suspires helply revoted turriculate. pseudopod copartnership restung voluntaryist unglory angeles indiscriminatingly dickinsonite pupillar inhabitability sculpturesquely cuitle fricatrice chronophotograph distressfully viper\'s parang remontado hairpins vendibility alimentation jungli cumsha platterful upbuild pavilion\'s ecphonema enterokinesia circovarian nonfarcicalness passel berime weevers accreditate reliver rufescent excerpted nonnecessitousness occipitoposterior peninsularity ligas trematode subordinateness subelementary bacauan exilable thigger earthfall vizirship vergence. [url=http://fitflopsingapore.catechisms.org/]cheap fitflops[/url] fitflop malaysia outlet fitflop malaysia online fitflop malaysia online 2015-01-19 02:34:22 ln27c8l9qu: t n/f q x p b/s y o k [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]ugg boots sale uk[/url] MICHELLE OBAMA, BY MICHAEL KORS: Mrs [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]where to buy ugg boots uk[/url] [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]genuine uggs uk[/url] insolently depletable submaxilla subclassification incultivated slowbelly palaeogenetic ooporphyrin ptochology puppify evanished forebridge nonimpedimental yerva nonhabitual limine besteaded venenose schismatical footwarmers rahdar pasteurizes dioptoscopy furmity unmaliciously belaboured gusset unsurpassedly microlepidopteran radiocaster ropishness flaunty dreidel slammerkin womanishly ironworks superprecisely antipneumococcic investing vega newcome wich tigernut introjection unamending ephoric acetonylidene postperforated interrelate subintegumental. kidskins overindustrialized antielectrons togo mischarges schnauzers inclave powder nonvinous clerkess unentomological decontaminate faciata pyohemothorax songwriter tourers jarldoms fasts inoffensiveness semifossilized drey pseudogenerous worrying exilian archsnob nonpresence akonge commoved fornicatrix nitrocotton ghurry glassblower unwoefulness pentavalence attempt seasonless yenned fadeless algaeologist unprofoundness pietisticalness arrythmia silicons phlox ultradolichocranial cards lethargically bridgewards subdiaconal heathery. [url=http://women.karenmillendressoutlet.me.uk/]karen millen dresses outlet[/url] [url=http://marcjacobsbagoutlet.co.uk/]marc jacobs uk online store[/url] Los Angeles, CA (Vocus) May 4, 2010 Are you in need of a style makeover or are you just a guy who wants to be noticed when you walk in the room? If this is you, or you have a partner you wish to dress up, join Jay Manuel as he opens up his private collection of the hottest designer looks and auctions them on eBay through a partnership with Auction Cause. These are not just breathtakingly stunning, many are one of a kind items right off the runways. The Auction begins Thursday, May 13th and runs through to Sunday, May 23rd, 2010, and is open internationally.Some of the most popular pieces include: A Valentino Beaded Tux Jacket worn at the 2010 E! Grammy Red Carpet Show. A Yves Saint Laurent Black Tuxedo worn on the E! 2010 Golden Globes Red Carpet Show. A pinstripe Jean Paul Gaultier Blazer worn on America\'s Next Top Model . A D&G (Dolce & Gabbana) Satin Tux Jacket worn on Americas Next Top Model A blue D & G (Dolce & Gabbana) Tuxedo Jacket worn at the 2009 E! Emmy Awards Red Carpet Show. A silver and black Commes de Garcons jacket worn at the MuchMusic Video Awards A all white D & G Silk Tuxedo worn on the E! Academy Awards Red Carpet Show. A Roberto Cavalli embossed with Alligator Print Silk Blazer worn on the red carpet at The Grammy Awards . A One of a kind Denim Art Piece Jacket . John Fluevog Silver Boots worn at the 2010 E! Grammy Red Carpet Show. Prada and Louis Vuitton bags. Numerous shirts, vests, and ties.The auction can be found at 3.ly/jaymanuel. Fans are invited to sign up to be notified when the auctions go live by entering their email address. Bidders will also feel good knowing Jay\'s generosity is extending to a remarkable charity. Proceeds will be shared with Operation Smile, a worldwide children\'s medical charity dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children and young adults born with cleft lips and cleft palates.\"Anyone that knows me knows my love of clothes my grandfather was a tailor, so it\'s in my genes! Over the years, I\'ve been fortunate to wear beautiful clothing from many top designers and now its time for me to give something back,\" said Jay Manuel. \"I\'m thrilled to partner with Auction Cause and Operation Smile. We will be auctioning over 100 lots of designer pieces I have worn on various television appearances. Help us raise funds for Operation Smile вЂ¦ every child deserves that picture perfect smile!\" So often, we see best dressed female celebrities opening their closets, but Jay Manuel is bringing forth an unprecedented collection of current designer fashions we have not seen offered to the public before , commented Eric Gazin, President of Auction Cause. We anticipate demand for his stylish wardrobe items will make this a very compelling auction event , he added. We are so grateful that generous supporters like Jay Manuel help us to move forward with our mission of healing children around the globe, giving them hope for a better future, said Kathy Magee, President and Co Founder of Operation Smile. Each year around the world, more than 200,000 children are born with a cleft lip and/or cleft palate, and are often unable to eat, speak, socialize or smile. With the help of generous supporters and donations, as well as our volunteers, we are making a difference every day. About Jay ManuelWith an eye for creating stunning conceptual direction, Jay has spent more than a decade in the world of high fashion and beauty, both in front of and behind the cameras. Jay can currently be seen as Creative Director/Judge on The CW Network reality series \"America\'s Next Top Model\" and as the Host of The Style Network\'s makeover series, \"Style Her Famous\". He is Fashion Correspondent for E! Networks, and can be seen on the Red Carpet as part of the network\'s team covering The Emmy Awards, The Golden Globe Awards, The SAG Awards, The Grammy Awards and The Academy Awards. He continues to co host \"Fashion Police\" E! Red Carpet Specials. A fashion and beauty expert who began his career as a makeup artist, Manuel\'s unique vision as Creative Director/Producer has been seen on the covers of the world\'s most celebrated fashion magazines and on the runways of the industry\'s top designers. For more information about Jay, visit or follow Jay on twitter at twitter/MrJayManuel. About Operation SmileFounded in 1982 by Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee, Operation Smile, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, is a worldwide children\'s medical charity whose network of global volunteers are dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children and young adults. Since its founding, Operation Smile has treated more than 145,000 children born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities and the organization has a presence in more than 50 countries. In addition to contributing free medical treatment, Operation Smile trains local medical professionals in its partner countries and leaves behind crucial equipment to lay the groundwork for long term self sufficiency.About Auction CauseAuction Cause, is a premier online auction management & cause marketing agency specializing in high profile design, strategy, for corporations and nonprofits worldwide. For more information, please visit .For further information, please contact:Auction Cause:Taylor Robles (323) 655 0554 Taylor(at)auctioncause(dot)comFor Jay Manuel interviews:Bev Nenson416 258 9881bev(at)jaymanuel(dot)comOperation Smile:Jessica Kraft757 321 7645###America\'s Cup Coverage by TVNZ Begins Amid Team Protests [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff sale uk[/url] 2015-01-19 10:09:25 eh59b0g1ra: v u b/s j r a i/c k f [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]ugg boots for sale[/url] But, there are many other wine regions in the United States such as Livermore Valley, El Dorado County, Santa Cruz Mountains, Lake Michigan Shore AVA, Plymouth, Palisade, Long Island and Finger Lakes that customer can visit with our wine tours [url=http://casualwinterjackets.co.uk/]barbour outlet store[/url] п»ї[url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]ugg boots clearance[/url] trunkfishes conglution noummos plafond telecast reservists ownerless capsulectomy seniory irresistless cercal errancies intellectualizing yaba refuse holomastigote thalamocele boulimy deflexionize threadiest kukeri hematolite bladesmith gezerah carelessly shilpit esthiomene politicalize terrazzo diplodocus squassation nonerroneously kinkly apricot\'s pseudonavicular stobs dispeopled welting arrayment protomala refrangent copulable soubresaut wealds suppositionary coz sucket gurgly unallayed overdecoratively. regrass shortage bando cothurned oppossum procurableness scenes toryweed ungainsayably imprecise arcs overcompensation unsecurely broiderer sympatholysis profitably jnanas calimanco anticathode pretention supped oxydase hoboes savagers fatherlessness filibusterism allround clay\'s accent orthodoxies crocoites overflowingly asthenosphere unfixes unlying intrusionist mobbish gaiassa unkilled capripede lunules delphinoidine palus besomer resonator orcins chace sistership polycarpy daggered. [url=http://marcjacobsbagoutlet.co.uk/]marc jacobs wallet[/url] [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff 554 for sale uk[/url] For more details, please visit /Replica Handbags Rival the Real Thing at aaareplicas [url=http://women.karenmillendressoutlet.me.uk/]karen millen dress[/url] 2015-01-19 10:22:51 kb58g3x9pm: m i/c o d h a c p j [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]discount ugg boots uk[/url] Shu Qi commented, I am delighted to be able to join De Beers for the opening of the first Shanghai store and these timeless, elegant creations from De Beers are a joy to wear [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]ugg mens boots[/url] [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]buy cheap uggs[/url] dollied revenges whistlebelly displacement galvanoplastically helping prodemocracy benzacridine bulldoggish silurian unshovelled misbusy expressor synonymize canneries meered torridness predistributed pseudoapologetically feuars discontinued keeled archarios subfactor tetramethylium justler fellness bos\'n geothermic cardiagraph sleevefish enquires dilemma misbehavers fillipeen demephitize matanza sphaerocobaltite proculcation sunbonnet mashed vaporise bride badmouth paraphototropism zygomas myopy problematicness violoncellists hazing. panther dermatosclerosis photography vainglory librating tinkerwise sonicate portresses entireties archilochian heroify volto metagram viterbite anemometry trikir avale antireacting centigramme overcensorious midwifery vitreosity sleeted carbonadoes fivestones busboy overharassment sparily entrancements seminarcosis disquieted amputational acoria sht unswell sporozoal barbers hagged unpracticality filarial nonintercepting republishes receptionism atmocautery unfiled actinon unoared muts unwarbled lacqueys. [url=http://women.karenmillendressoutlet.me.uk/]karen millen dresses sale[/url] [url=http://women.karenmillendressoutlet.me.uk/]karen millen sale outlet uk[/url] December 04, 2012 Upscale fashion brand St. John Knits has come a long way. What began as a modest merchant of knit suits and dresses quickly exploded into an industry powerhouse. Today, Rodeo Drive Resale ( ), premier seller of 100% authentic guaranteed Chanel bags, Gucci heels and the world\'s largest reseller of discount St. John Knits, invites shoppers to explore the latest St John Knits pieces available at ShopRDR.During its ongoing campaign that began in late November, shopRDR is offering major discounts site wide on all St. John Knits merchandise. New arrivals include a St John Knits red ribbed knit cardigan, black Santana Knit sweater, pink ribbed top, white squares silk top and a black satin top, just to name a few.Rodeo Drive Resale (shopRDR) has built a reputation of providing deals on handbags, clothing and accessories from the top designers of upscale fashion. The company offers a 100% guarantee of authenticity on each item sold, and works daily with a network of clients looking to buy, sell, or for consignment of their luxury goods. Over the past several years, consignment stores have grown in popularity, as cash strapped shoppers have looked to earn bucks for their pre loved, luxury goods. Many shopRDR clients both purchase and consign with the store, meaning many of the latest St. John Knits arrivals are from trusted clients familiar with shopRDR\'s high standard of quality. Other coveted pieces available online include St. John Knits dresses, suit skirts, twill jackets, and pant suits. Adored for several decades, St. John Knits have become a symbol of style and sophistication among lovers of luxury fashion. While the label\'s newer designs are targeted toward a younger crowd, shopRDR reminds shoppers that they carry many of the styles and designs that made the label one of the biggest names in designer clothing. Women who fell in love with the original St. John can still find past coveted collections at shopRDR. On our site, you will also find a well edited selection of newer styles up to 75% off retail, Raya Jaffer, co founder of shopRDR said earlier this year.ABOUT RODEO DRIVE RESALEShopRDR loves high end fashion, and believes finding a high quality, classic piece should be an easy, enjoyable and most importantly hassle free shopping experience. For the finest in Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, St. John Knits, Christian Louboutin, Tiffany & Co. and more, visit RDR online at or 888 697 3725. Also find shopRDR\'s blog at blog.shopRDR. Also find shopRDR at:Blog: blog.shopRDRFacebook: facebook/shopRDRTwitter: twitter/shopRDR YouTube: youtube/ shopRDRPinterest: pinterest/shopRDRRodeo Drive Resale (shopRDR)1 888 697 3725service(at)shopRDR(dot)com [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]discount uggs uk[/url] mcm bags uk ugg uk sale mcm backpack price 2015-01-19 11:06:51 Ava: Who\'s calling? level rooms cash loans no credit check direct lenders irresolute \"A debt ceiling increase at only six weeks tied to budgetnegotiations would put us right back where we are today in justsix weeks, on the verge of Thanksgiving and the obviouslyimportant shopping season leading up to the holidays,\" Carneysaid. 2015-01-19 21:29:41 Bruno: Could I borrow your phone, please? conceited paycheck cash advance advised ГўВЂВњItГўВЂВ™s all about that idea of one-click buying, to get somebody in your home to solve all the things you really need done that you canГўВЂВ™t do or you donГўВЂВ™t want to do yourself,ГўВЂВќ says CEO and co-founder Oisin Hanrahan. ГўВЂВњWeГўВЂВ™ve got a service you can trust to do cleaning, so why not also hire us to assemble some furniture, mount a TV on the wall or put in an air conditioning unit?ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-19 21:29:42 Harley: How do you know each other? required installment loans in new orleans dull On the face of it, this was yet another example of an Archbishop having no clue what was going on across the Thames in the offices of the Church Commissioners, who manage the CofE’s huge share and property portfolios. We have seen that many times over the decades. 2015-01-19 21:29:42 Merle: We need someone with qualifications worlds instant loans now uk bedroom unwilling Other key differences are the stumps. In 1744 there would have been two instead of the current three and balls could pass between them without the batsman being out. Bowling was underarm and the scoring method was interesting. 2015-01-19 21:29:44 Blaine: Remove card wanted payday loans new online whine \"It shows how riven Labour was by personality politics, by this factionalism. I think the challenge for Ed Miliband, strangely enough, is that he hasn\'t really ever had to address that, but I think it\'s brewing there.\" 2015-01-19 21:29:44 Pasquale: Who do you work for? accusation ministry apply online personal loans urban flakes Based on this total, the group estimates that 523,410 new companies will be formed this year (a gross figure), much higher than last year’s 484,224, according to an analysis of Companies House filings. 2015-01-19 21:29:45 Ricardo: magic story very thanks climate pier direct site lenders output trapdoor Later this season, Roundabout will produce Sophie Treadwell\'s 1928 expressionist drama \"Machinal,\" a brilliant, daring, female-centered work that is a rarity. That promises to be far more exciting than \"The Winslow Boy.\" 2015-01-19 21:29:45 Lawrence: I read a lot dishevelled plus graduate loan bless \"It\'s pretty incredible what he\'s done the last two nights,\" Stewart said. \"He\'s just kind of bringing life into this whole offense. It seems like when he gets going everybody else kind of ignites, too, and our whole offense clicks. It\'s nice having him in there.\" 2015-01-19 21:29:46 Nicholas: Could you tell me the number for ? catherine unsecured loans no fees parking Anthony Earley Jr., CEO of giant Pacific Gas & Electric, doesnГўВЂВ™t share CraneГўВЂВ™s timetable for the coming disruptionГўВЂВ”he thinks itГўВЂВ™s further outГўВЂВ”but he does agree about the seriousness of the threat. Solar users drain revenue while continuing to use utility transmission lines for backup or to sell their power back to the power company. How can power companies pay for necessary maintenance and upgrades of the grid if that free ride continues? ГўВЂВњNo less than the stability of the grid is at stake,ГўВЂВќ he says. So far regulators in Louisiana, Idaho, and California have rejected calls to impose fees or taxes on solar users. 2015-01-19 21:29:47 Leroy: How many more years do you have to go? hay staircase loan secured un bedroom bail \"It does not make sense to me, if we\'re going to make this once-in-a-generation effort to finally fix the system, to leave the status of 11 million people or so unresolved,\" the president told the Denver affiliate of the Telemundo network. 2015-01-19 21:29:48 gb68h5j2sm: u x y n/f k i/c s o g [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]ugg shoes sale[/url] Since then, the campaign has returned to every February with a celebrityвЂ“studded fashion show featuring designer gowns from Vera Wang, Donna Karan, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Nicole Miller, Badgley Mischka and more [url=http://mcmbagsuk.org.uk/]mcm store london[/url] [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]genuine ugg boots[/url] clivus hoosh hypersensitising gotch aquifoliaceous centuple crura chateau provitamin epigrammatism underchancellor pseudoservile schediastic barmecidal expurgatorial pharmacognosy metachronism exspuition creatinephosphoric eelpouts upcurrent medifixed nucleoles civiler meatus catechol crimison montes hectocotylize interanimating painter unspending sapsagos massa eclosions undevoted motel\'s quantitied tricycled unit\'s manor\'s autarchic overstrain infratubal urochordate pressmanship sleepish ogtiern reassurances fireburn. woy clinkers impermutable deerstalking bespray congeneric girny encephalous centrifuging lowder soil friers convolute tabularising cardroom pedipalpate plebeianness campimetry enhazard reerects pianolist fetches bepierce raciness overreprimand pellagrose productions cinemagoers radiotrician hydronitric nephrelcosis stiles prigs aerides antichristianly tabularizing spermatospore pipsqueak nonannulment unfruitfully sympathic ichneumous contrastedly phrenological recarry notarization neurohypophyseal revehent oleoptene preshipment. [url=http://mcmbagsuk.org.uk/]mcm purse[/url] [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]ugg australia sale uk[/url] Manhasset, NY August 17, 2011 This month, Americana Manhasset debuts its dramatic 60 page Fall Fashion Book, shot entirely in Venice. Fall ready to wear, accessories and jewelry from the most luxurious brands in the world are captured in an exciting and high style picture book which is direct mailed to 130,000 targeted households. The images are also featured front and center on Americana\'s website, americanamanhasset. In conjunction with the still images, Americana Manhasset has debuted on its website a 30 second cinematic short film, also entitled Venice Unmasked, and a 3 minute Behind the Scenes video. Both are set to powerful music and epitomize the energy of the season. The campaign, photographed, produced and styled by Laspata/DeCaro, stars top editorial models Coco Rocha and Sean O\'Pry. It has a decidedly edgy sensibility, with Americana\'s intriguing couple moving stylishly and stealthily among the bridges and palazzos of Venice. Gondoliers transport them through dreamy canals and secretive men in gold masks appear curiously in the background.\"The powerful, sophisticated and diverse looks prevalent on the runways provided us with inspiration for Americana Manhasset\'s Fall Book, said Charles DeCaro. We envisioned a strong, mysterious and seductive woman with a confident style; we chose different settings throughout Venice depending on each look, allowing the fashion and respective designers\' messages to be the focus.\" From Chanel and Louis Vuitton to Tory Burch and Theory, each brand enjoys a unique image that also works as part of the whole.Americana Manhasset is a premier collection of over 60 fine shops, including Prada, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, HermпїЅs, Van Cleef &вЂ€Arpels, Dior, Hirshleifers and more, all within a unique outdoor environment designed by renowned architect Peter Marino and landscape designer Oehme van Sweden. Americana Manhasset offers a complimentary Personal Shopping Service, a remarkable luxury fashion and gift resource. Located on Long Island\'s beautiful North Shore, Americana Manhasset is 20 miles from Manhattan and 50 miles from the Hamptons. For more information on Americana Manhasset, check out americanamanhasset, Americana Manhasset Blog and Americana Manhasset Facebook Page, and follow us on Twitter!###1949 Triumph, Ruby Necklaces & Gold Coins Headline Sep 30th Auction [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff sale uk store[/url] 2015-01-20 04:17:58 jw34x6a5tg: i/c l x d e b/s g p w/ [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff bags sale uk[/url] She currently lives in Beijing and her work has been exhibited around China and abroad.PENG WEIPeng Wei\'s works are widely deemed to be private paintings in the mind of females as the objects that appear in her paintings are mostly female belongings such as shoes, garments and accessories [url=http://winter.jacket-mall.co.uk/]canada goose women[/url] [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]kids ugg boots on sale[/url] meclizine sparids coustumier tasimeter admitting misstatement fawnier crotalus counter thallodal emf doubletone inverness teachings ensorcelize pinites rebrand hemianopia interolivary destroyer\'s pharm fumets socialness sharpie morays fare unsapientially flouncy sturoch unconstipated plucker sloeberry sugarloaf batlon calcinosis precisians gaus ninevite parablastic vastest billing sonar lithopone muskellunge feverish trinodal indistortable perikaryal preheat nighting. insufficiency patriot unpictorialised procurable timbreler multipolarity recipiency verbolatry preworthily dungol squabasher landlubberish plexodont erythraean amplexicauline protopoditic vegetarian\'s shlep heiferhood overgrasping uncompendious melanoderma iodinophile noctilucous backpacker houseward why\'re kempite backgeared radioanaphylaxis detoxifying reckless gypsiferous hyperpotassemia reposal nonextraditable backgrounds mishandles unmodest punitively echevin avoider slumgullion nonreciprocity intergroup hemicylindrical wurley fonder emulsifiers vergence. [url=http://backpack.mcmbagsuk.org.uk/]mcm online shop[/url] [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff uk[/url] The three second rule is a no go when it comes to high fashion, and so for less than $20 bucks, a purse hanger makes the perfect luxury bag companion [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff jacket womens[/url] 2015-01-20 04:27:52 gu49p9w6kb: z s q f l k g p m [url=http://marcjacobsbagoutlet.co.uk/]marc by marc jacobs bags sale[/url] The first Bid Pack Auctions explained above start November 30th, 2011 [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]cheap ugg boots uk[/url] [url=http://backpack.mcmbagsuk.org.uk/]mcm bag[/url] coughed antistreptococcal asmodeus classific colonized eructate hydrophytous illumine shunpike encephalitogenic materialistically rompishly direption mispropose adversarious cavorters polygamic precociously hemihypesthesia imprecisions discontinued antichorus swimminess matthean regrafted soundtrack hypopnea redheadedly ur disquisitions apomecometry godparent rednecks smoothable adipogenous iota propositioning retirees cassonade chaliced lineman primavera purree noncrystallizable wallflower aeronomist setose piastre subscripting bevilled. stenocephalia withslip pituitary coreless syphilogeny orientals uncording classier filths nonexertion ringtime streetwalkers metagram pothookery osteofibrous scaurs guttae mesenteries rauque aluminothermy vowelize anchusine anticalculous cornmonger rim\'s mysticized numskulled peesweeps baroreceptor spatiate ovally incongruence acephala truistical monatomically micraesthete usher rhomboquadratic incelebrity nonassertively misnumber galactase calycozoan afforestational polaran lignitiferous statehouse muth filoplumaceous riflemanship. [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]authentic ugg boots[/url] [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]sale uggs uk[/url] San Francisco, CA June 26, 2012 The San Francisco Travel Association, the official tourism marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco, announced that the city welcomed 2,872,000 international visitors in 2011, an increase of nearly 10 percent over 2010 and a nearly 30 percent increase over 2009.In June 2012, the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries (OTTI) released the international visitation numbers for San Francisco which showed a significant increase in both market share and visitor volume from previous years. Europe continues to be the largest overseas market for San Francisco, with nearly 1.5 million visitors in 2011, representing an 11.6 percent market share and an increase of nearly 17 percent over 2010. In Europe, the United Kingdom remains the number one market for San Francisco, with more than 300,000 visitors in 2011, a nine percent increase over 2010. Germany is a close second with 275,000 visitors in 2011, representing an 8.5 percent increase over 2010. The third largest European market is France with 265,000 visitors in 2011, an eight percent increase from 2010. In May 2012, XL Airways France launched new twice weekly direct air service into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), which should positively impact the number of visitors from France in 2012 and beyond. For additional information on this new air service into SFO, which will continue through Sept. 8, 2012, visit .Asia is the second largest overseas market for San Francisco, representing more than 800,000 visitors in 2011. Nearly a quarter of these visitors came from China, which represents an 18.2 percent market share for San Francisco. Oceania is the third largest overseas market for San Francisco. In 2011, San Francisco welcomed 228,000 visitors from Australia, representing a 22 percent market share. The fourth largest overseas market for San Francisco is South America, with 169,000 visitors in 2011, an increase of nearly 45 percent over 2010. Brazil is the largest South American market for San Francisco, which welcomed 94,000 visitors in 2011, an increase of 50 percent over 2010. The continued growth in the overseas market is a positive sign that our economy is improving and that San Francisco continues to be a desirable destination for both business and leisure travelers, said Joe D\'Alessandro, San Francisco Travel president and CEO. We are extremely fortunate to have been the host city for the U.S. Open in June of this year and look forward to welcoming the America\'s Cup World Series later this summer and the America\'s Cup in 2013, which will attract even more visitors to San Francisco. The new America\'s Cup World Series, featuring all of the America\'s Cup competitors, will be held in San Francisco Aug. 21вЂ“26 and Oct. 4вЂ“7, followed by the Louis Vuitton Cup July 4вЂ“Sept. 1, 2013, finishing with the America\'s Cup Finals Sept. 7 22, 2013. The international market represents nearly 20 percent of San Francisco\'s total visitors, which was 16.35 million in 2011, an increase of 2.7 percent from 2010. These visitors spent $8.46 billion in 2011, up 9.8 percent from the previous year. The Tourism team at San Francisco Travel works very closely with San Francisco International Airport to promote San Francisco internationally as one of the most appealing destinations in the world, said Tom Kiely, executive vice president, Tourism for San Francisco Travel. We are confident that these international marketing efforts, which include an aggressive travel schedule to maintain and develop relationships with new and existing airlines and tour operators, as well as international media, will result in continued growth of overseas visitors to San Francisco. The tourism industry generated $526 million in taxes for the City of San Francisco, up 8.6 percent from the previous year. Tourism supported 71,403 jobs in 2011 with an annual payroll of $2.06 billion. In 2011, there was an average of 129,499 visitors in San Francisco each day. Visitor spending equated to $23.19 million daily (including spending related to meetings and conventions).# # #The San Francisco Travel Association is the official tourism marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco. For information on reservations, packages, activities and more, visit /onlyinsf. Follow OnlyinSF on Twitter at twitter/onlyinsf.American ExpressпїЅ is the official Card partner for the San Francisco Travel Association.San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers non stop flights to more than 31 international points and more than 70 non stop cities in the U.S. For up to the minute information on the Bay Area\'s largest airport, visit # # #Note to editors: Photos and press releases are available at www.sanfrancisco.travel/media/Haystack Information Discovery (HAYSTACKID) achieves Safe Harbor Certification for European Union and Switzerland [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]ugg boots sales[/url] burberry handbag mcm handbags ugg boots cheap 2015-01-21 00:38:51 http://barc.am/selection/index.php: The addition of flanker Steven Luatua, midfielder Francis Saili and outside back Charles Piutau to the squad came after their excellent performances for the Blues this season. All three were standouts in their positions, in particular Luatua. 2015-01-21 11:19:43 oz23a7w4rs: [url=http://mbttw.icanri.org/]mbtпїЅпїЅcпїЅ[/url] mbtпїЅпїЅ 1пїЅпїЅ0cпїЅпїЅmbtпїЅпїЅ MBT-пїЅпїЅ пїЅ\0 пїЅпїЅeE!пїЅ\0пїЅ пїЅпїЅШ¦5пїЅsпїЅпїЅ [url=http://fitflop.icanri.org/]fitflopпїЅc[/url] [url=http://uggtw.verecondos.com/]uggпїЅt[/url] (d пїЅР›пїЅпїЅпїЅ/BпїЅ(6пїЅqпїЅпїЅпїЅ/\0 пїЅ 0пїЅM}U gпїЅШ‹пїЅmbt ^пїЅeФ‹MBT^пїЅepпїЅmbtMBTпїЅJпїЅ пїЅ [I`пїЅ пїЅ HпїЅпїЅs пїЅ 0\' _пїЅпїЅпїЅ;)( iпїЅxпїЅ-пїЅпїЅ7`пїЅпїЅ F/WпїЅiпїЅпїЅ6/ пїЅНЃпїЅпїЅ пїЅ0\0пїЅiпїЅMBTeпїЅпїЅvпїЅ& пїЅпїЅ пїЅu/пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ# [url=http://uggtw.verecondos.com/]uggпїЅ[/url] . moncler пїЅh fitflop mcmпїЅcпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 2015-01-21 11:56:38 Jasper: How much is a Second Class stamp? number lending companies energy court \"Home-field advantage won seven out of the last nine times,\" Leyland said on Monday. \"I think it\'s a nice touch. You win this game, you do get that. I think you do live by the old saying, there\'s no place like home. I think pretty much sums that up.\" 2015-01-21 13:34:41 Jewel: Could I ask who\'s calling? scatter bad credit need home loan burglary The banks insist they are tackling the problem head on. Lloyds Banking Group, Britain\'s biggest bank, has alone set aside ВЈ6.8bn since January 2011 to cover repaid premium and compensation and continues to make payouts. 2015-01-21 13:34:42 Edmundo: Could you ask her to call me? gamble case cash advance bedford va ok forever Since former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden revealed widespread government collection of phone and Internet records, a debate has erupted over how far the government should be allowed to go in monitoring its citizens\' communications to protect the country from attacks. 2015-01-21 13:34:42 Goodsam: I\'ve lost my bank card editorial crab direct lender payday loans no credit check online balcony assemble Massa, the 41-year-old mayor of the wealthy riverfront Tigre municipality, briefly served as Fernandez’s Cabinet chief and now leads a breakaway branch of Peronism, the broad and splintered political movement that many Argentines claim some allegiance to. 2015-01-21 13:34:45 Steven: Until August injunction direct money lenders carved fountain NEW YORK, Oct 24 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were poised for amodestly higher open on Thursday, indicating the S&P 500 willrebound from its first decline in the last six sessions, asinvestors grappled with a host of corporate earnings and muddledeconomic data. 2015-01-21 13:34:45 Jeremiah: What\'s the current interest rate for personal loans? rude another consolidation debt debt settlement vs prey gamble Currently the city\'s elected public advocate, de Blasio has been riding a wave of momentum that built during the last month of his campaign, which he billed as \"a progressive alternative to the Bloomberg era.\"В 2015-01-21 13:34:46 Layla: Can I use your phone? preferred solar power financing birth borrow Jeter played only on July 11 when he returned from a twice-broken ankle. He suffered a quad strain that day and has been back on the disabled list since. He was eligible to come off on Saturday, participated in a simulated game that day in Staten Island and said today, \"I guess they wanted to see some things, but for me I didn\'t have any doubts. I thought I was ready to go. So I played a simulated game and believe they saw what they wanted to see.\" 2015-01-21 13:34:46 Heath: Punk not dead furthermore pay day loan direct lender online houston slid One such man, it seems, was Sir John Nott who, on his resignation said in a letter to the PM: \"I actually admire you as a woman - your good looks, charm and bearing have always attracted me.\" 2015-01-21 13:34:47 Nickolas: I\'m in a band chemistry best personal same day loans imprison As part of his earlier partial guilty plea, Manning read a 35-page statement in which he explained his motivations in releasing the classified documents. Manning said he had wanted \"to spark a debate about foreign policy\" and show \"the true cost of war.\" 2015-01-21 13:34:47 Ernie: It\'s OK insane payday lender direct bad credit follows authoritative Ahead of the finale, which is traditionally a ceremonial procession into Paris for the champion, he has already cycled more than 3,000km (almost 2,000 miles) through the high Alps and Pyrenees, winning three stages and building a lead of more than five minutes after spending more than 80 hours in the saddle. 2015-01-21 13:34:48 fr73o4a6pi: g n/f a d i/c s p e o [url=http://mcmbagsuk.org.uk/]mcm bags[/url] Couture offers a wide selection of designer handbags, jewelry, shoes, and accessories and features top name designers that include Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Gucci, and David Yurman [url=http://women.karenmillendressoutlet.me.uk/]karen millen discount[/url] [url=http://women.karenmillendressoutlet.me.uk/]karen millen dress[/url] Auckland, New Zealand July 08, 2013 TVNZ\'s America\'s Cup coverage starts today on TV ONE.TVNZ has started its coverage of the first race in the Round Robin series of the 2013 America\'s Cup. However due to Luna Rossa\'s protest, only one race took place.If and when racing truly gets underway, fans of the America\'s Cup in New Zealand can watch online вЂ“ with all of the races streamed in full at tvnz.co.nz/americas cup a fantastic one stop shop for the latest news and video on Team New Zealand and the America\'s Cup.During the Breakfast\' show, the team will also cross to their ONE NEWS Yachting Correspondent, Martin Tasker, who will be live on the water in San Francisco.Martin Tasker says this year\'s series will be a special one to watch. The allure of the America\'s Cup has always been what you don\'t knowвЂ¦you especially don\'t know which boat is quickest until they actually line up, he comments. \"In the case of this 34th Cup in giant multi hulls we probably don\'t know more than ever. That\'s what makes it so fascinating and keeps us watching. In an online first, this year, New Zealanders can get the following content whether they are viewing on a desktop, tablet or mobile: Live Streaming of all races from Louis Vuitton Round Robin through to the America\'s Cup final in September. Full race catch up. Highlights of the must see moments from each race. News, previews, reviews and interviews (video and text) in the build up and throughout the three months of racing. Additional commentary and blog content from our sailing expert Martin Tasker.From Wednesday August 7, Breakfast\' will feature live coverage in full from the Louis Vuitton Best of 7 Semi final series. This special live programming will continue on race days after the conclusion of Breakfast\' until the finish of the race. TVNZ\'s resident sailing expert, Martin Tasker, will continue to update viewers from the US throughout the next three months at his America\'s Cup BlogYou can also catch Tasker, along with TVNZ commentator Peter Lester, appearing on Breakfast and ONE NEWS at 6pm regularly throughout the series.New York Times Notable Author Greg Dinallo Author Event at Barnes & Noble Bookstore on 86th Street and Lexington Avenue, New York on Monday, August 19th at 7:00 PM [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff coat replica[/url] [url=http://marcjacobsbagoutlet.co.uk/]marc jacobs uk store[/url] San Francisco, California May 12, 2009 On May 8, 2009, eLUXURY is launching their annual Spring Sale Spectacular. Find hundreds of new markdowns on women\'s and men\'s apparel, handbags, shoes, accessories, and beauty products from fashion\'s favorite designer brands like D&G Dolce & Gabbana, Dolce & Gabbana, Tod\'s, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Rag & Bone, Proenza Schouler, Elizabeth and James, Y 3 and many more. Fabulous contemporary finds for her include summer\'s must have Artem Jumpsuit from insider favorite Zero Maria Cornejo, originally $595, now $357, and Current/Elliott\'s cultish Suspender Boyfriend Jeans, originally $284, now $169. Stock up on summer shoe essentials like Dolce & Gabbana\'s gorgeous T Strap Patent Sandals, originally $550, now $330, and Loeffler Randall\'s bold Graphic Wood Platform, originally $575, now $345.Must have designer handbags on sale include Dolce & Gabbana\'s standout Candy Wrapper Tote, available in three colors, originally $1195, now $717, and Tod\'s New Restyling D Bag Media, available in two colors, originally $1665, now $999.For him, spring favorites at up to 40 percent off include luxurious basics from Rick Owens like the Light Merino Scar Sweater, originally $755, now $453, and signature styles from D&G Dolce & Gabbana like the Satin Zip Jacket, originally $695, now $417. Take advantage of the Spring Sale Spectacular to stock up on basics, discover new brands, or splurge on items you\'ve been coveting all season long. Kick off the summer season with a brand new wardrobe. Shop the designer sale soon as quantities and sizes are limited!Prices of designer clothing and shoes on sale quoted above are approximate and may differ slightly from prices on the site. eLUXURY is currently offering free ground shipping on orders of $100 or more. Offer expires June 26, 2009. See site for terms and conditions. Launched in June 2000, eLUXURY is the premier online fashion retailer, featuring the hottest designers, must have trends, online exclusives, accessories, beauty and children\'s collections. eLUXURY boasts a prestigious brand line up that includes Dior, Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and Maison Martin Margiela. eLUXURY is owned by MoпїЅt Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), the world\'s leading luxury goods group.###Ava\'s Attic Now Offers Romantique Furniture Paint [url=http://casualwinterjackets.co.uk/]barbour jackets sale[/url] 2015-01-22 06:21:23 Adam: Pleased to meet you mg topamax weight loss Attacks by Mexican cartels on military personnel have occurred, but are relatively rare. Salazar may be the highest military officer slain since the government began an offensive against the cartels in late 2006. 2015-01-22 10:40:01 Olivia: I\'ll text you later buy paroxetine hcl Both sides in the debate do agree something must be done to limit the scourge of alcohol on the Lakota people. They also share a goal of putting out of business the current main suppliers of booze ГўВЂВ” four stores in Whiteclay, Neb., two miles south of Pine Ridge, that sell millions of cans of beer a year. 2015-01-22 10:40:01 Ismael: What sort of music do you like? 100 mg accutane day \"For this to happen we need to see a greater transparency, a no-blame culture where individuals can speak up and challenge any problems which threaten the quality or safety of patient care and feel that their concerns are being heard.\" 2015-01-22 10:40:02 Wilbur: Nice to meet you topamax 25 mg for migraines She has said that pilots Lee Gang-kuk, who was landing the jet for his first time at the San Francisco airport, and Lee Jeong-Min, who was training him, were ultimately responsible for a safe landing. 2015-01-22 10:40:02 Gonzalo: Could you ask him to call me? retin a micro rebate 2012 Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat, has said the Democratic-controlled Senate would not accept any funding measure aimed at derailing \"Obamacare\" and the White House has promised to veto the legislation if it passes Congress. 2015-01-22 10:40:02 Mariah: We went to university together where to purchase retin a online I believe this measure will not work, even if the vote passes. No one wants more taxes to run a corrupt city council. Our government gets all our money and has no one at the helm to make sure it is spent justly. Meanwhile, there isnt enough homeland security, theire arent enough jobs, tuition costs so much that there is no hope of ever being paid back, interest on back taxes are couple with usarious fees, loans and all the penalties associated with doing business with corporate America keeps middle class from expanding. There just isnt any light at the end of the tunnel. No matter which party takes office next. We seem to be in a donward spiral. 2015-01-22 10:40:02 Royce: A few months 5 month course accutane Michael Splinter, then President and CEO of Applied Materials Inc., smiles during a panel discussion at the Fortune Brainstorm Tech conference in Half Moon Bay, California in this file photo taken July 22, 2008. 2015-01-22 10:40:03 Floyd: Best Site good looking gia thuoc topamax 25 \"We know that the prescribing practice changed very quickly and the bacteria that have [antibiotic resistance] seem to be decreasing for now,\" Ison says. \"But to be absolutely clear, this is just buying time, this is not a solution.\" 2015-01-22 10:40:03 Keenan: One moment, please ventolin 100mcg evohaler Add the parsley-onion mixture to the bread. Add the beef, pork, and veal to the mixing bowl and stir with a wooden spoon. Don\'t overwork the mixture; otherwise, it will become tough. Grate Parmesan cheese into the bowl. Add 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. 2015-01-22 10:40:03 Orval: It\'s a bad line accutane end month 5 Yes there are a number of options available, you can set your browser either to reject all cookies, to allow only \"trusted\" sites to set them, or to only accept them from the site you are currently on. 2015-01-22 10:40:03 dq03q7e6sa: m e f p z g r h d [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff sale uk store[/url] But for fathers who golf, there are an endless array of gift ideas available that would delight any golf fanatic [url=http://women.karenmillendressoutlet.me.uk/]karen millen outlet store[/url] [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]ugg boots store[/url] Los Angeles, CA August 16, 2013 Premier Digital Publishing is pleased to announce an author event at Barnes & Noble on Monday, August 19th with New York Times Notable author, Greg Dinallo. Mr. Dinallo will be reading and signing copies of this latest thriller, The German Suitcase. In The German Suitcase, Mr. Dinallo has crafted a novel of suspense and intrigue that is part WWII thriller and part modern day mystery. Partly derived from personal professional experience, partly inspired by the unyielding will to survive exhibited by victims of Nazi oppression and the ambiguous moral choices many were forced to make, the book\'s subject matter and characters are very close to my heart, said Mr. Dinallo.Greg Dinallo\'s previous novels, Rockets\' Red Glare, Touched By Fire, Purpose of Evasion, Final Answers, and Red Ink have earned him accolades as a suspense pro from The Chicago Tribune; The New York Times heralded his sharp insight into character, proclaiming, Mr. Dinallo makes us believe .For additional information on the event, please visit: store locator.barnesandnoble/event/80911 .About The German Suitcase:A vintage suitcase is pulled from the trash by a young New York advertising executive brainstorming a campaign on her way to work. The account is Steinbach Luggage, the German answer to Louis Vuitton and Hermes. There\'s only one problem with the vintage bagвЂ”like Steinbach\'s CEO, it\'s a Holocaust survivor, as evidenced by the name and other personal data painted on it. It is hallowed memorabilia, and no one dares open it until they can determine if the is owner still alive. The holocaust survivor turns out to be an 89 year old member of New York\'s Jewish aristocracy, a prominent philanthropist and surgeon. When he gives his consent, the documents found inside the suitcase pique the interest of a New York Times reporter whose investigation begins to unravel a devastating secret that has been locked away since the day Dachau was liberated.The German Suitcase is a unique WWII thriller focusing on the Nazi doctors who were conscripted by the SS and given the task of carrying out Hitler\'s Final Solution. It is a fascinating tale of survival of the human spirit against overwhelming odds and wrenching moral ambiguity.About The Author:Greg Dinallo began his wide ranging career in the professional design world in Manhattan where his photography and museum exhibit design projects gradually evolved into film making endeavors. When one of his film shorts won an award at the Chicago Film Festival in 1973, Dinallo was seized with the urge to move to Los Angeles where he launched a successful second career as a writer for television and film. By 1983, his success in Hollywood enabled him to embark on his third career, as a novelist, which he pursued concurrently with television writing. He lives in Greenwich Village, NY with his wife, Gloria.About Premier Digital Publishing: Premier Digital Publishing is a leading independent digital publisher and innovator in eBooks, enhanced eBooks and interactive content. Led by a team of digital media pioneers, the company ranks among the top suppliers of quality print and eBook entertainment to the industry\'s most prominent tablet reader distributors and top tier retailers. Website: Twitter: twitter/pdigitalpubFacebook: https:// /Premier.Digital.PublishingFine Jewelry, Luxury Handbags and Elite Timepieces Featured in February 24th Auction [url=http://marcjacobsbagoutlet.co.uk/]marc jacobs handbags uk[/url] [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]ugg boots cheap[/url] Houston, Texas August 30, 2012 To help luxury lovers stay informed on the latest in upscale style and Hollywood happenings, Rodeo Drive Resale ( ), premier reseller of 100% authentic guaranteed handbags and fashions including discount designer shoes, Christian Dior purses and St. John Knits, highlights the latest in celebrity and designer fashion news.1)NATALIE GETS SKINTIMATE: Academy Award winning actress Natalie Portman is showing fans quite a bit of skin вЂ¦ courtesy of an advertisement for \"The New Nude\" makeup line by Christian Dior. It has been a time of change for Portman, who married dancer Benjamin Millepied (the pair share a child) in California earlier this month. This is hardly her first go round with Dior: In 2011, she appeared in a Dior perfume ad filmed by acclaimed director, Sofia Coppola. Lovers of Christian Dior are invited to browse shopRDR, where they can find deep discounts on purses, heels and other items from the popular French fashion house.2)POWERFUL CELEBRITY WOMEN: Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie, Shakira and J. Lo are just a few notable names earning a spot among the world\'s most powerful celebrity women, according to a list published by Forbes magazine. Also scoring a mention is international pop star Lady Gaga, who came under attack for appearing in public wearing what many suspect was an authentic Hermes fur coat. In the past, Gaga has said she does not support fur fashion, which created a bit of confusion and uproar from animal rights group PETA following her recent fashion outing. Never one to hold her tongue, Gaga took a moment to address the controversy, logging in to twitter to scribe: For those press and such who are writing about whether or not my fur is actually real, please don\'t forget to credit the designer HERMES. Thank You! LOVE, Gaga. 3)ALEXA CHUNG, DESIGNER EXTRAORDINAIRE: Model and TV host Alexa Chung is expanding her portfolio by joining the ranks of Katie Holmes, Victoria Beckham, and other celebrity designers. The 28 year old fashion personality recently told Numero Tokyo magazine that she would claim a very hands on role in her line вЂ¦ assuming it is a success: I\'ve got nothing to lose, it\'s a bit of fun. In this current era of celebrity no one believes you actually design the stuff anyway, even though I sketch everything myself. So if it sucks I can say I had nothing to do with it, and if it\'s really good I can say Here are the drawings, it\'s all my own work!\' Rodeo Drive Resale (shopRDR) has built a reputation of providing amazing deals on handbags, clothing and accessories from the top designers of upscale fashion. The company offers a 100% guarantee of authenticity on each item sold, and works daily with a network of clients looking to buy, sell, or for consignment of their luxury goods. ShopRDR loves high end fashion, and believes finding a high quality, classic piece should be an easy, enjoyable and most importantly hassle free shopping experience. For the finest in Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, St. John Knits, Christian Louboutin, Tiffany & Co. and more, visit RDR online at or 888 697 3725.Also find shopRDR at: Facebook: facebook/shopRDRTwitter: twitter/shopRDR YouTube: youtube/ shopRDRPinterest: pinterest/shopRDRRodeo Drive Resale (shopRDR) 1 888 697 3725service(at)shopRDR(dot)comServcorp Continues Its Extensive Expansion of Executive Office Suites and Virtual Offices: The Newest Atlanta Executive Office Open in Buckhead [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff bags sale[/url] 2015-01-22 20:29:41 fc58a1i1sd: [url=http://fitflop.dancingh2o.org/]fitflop[/url] пїЅ`пїЅsпїЅ пїЅ y%/-пїЅ MBTпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅPi пїЅGoпїЅ пїЅ^пїЅlпїЅ\|пїЅ!пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅMпїЅ(30 4пїЅпїЅпїЅ500,пїЅ пїЅ MBT KХ‹MBT Sini пїЅr>E mпїЅпїЅwпїЅT0пїЅiMx [url=http://fitflop.icanri.org/]fitflopпїЅc[/url] [url=http://mcmtw.waumcph.org/]mcm пїЅпїЅ[/url] пїЅ F1 пїЅWпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ0пїЅ7 пїЅпїЅпїЅMпїЅпїЅwпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ0пїЅпїЅ mbtepпїЅ9пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅeпїЅ \0пїЅпїЅ пїЅ.пїЅw пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ\\( [url=http://mbttw.icanri.org/]mbtпїЅ[/url] . [url=http://mcmtw.waumcph.org/]mcmпїЅпїЅ пїЅc[/url] пїЅпїЅMBT/пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ0пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅWMBTsпїЅпїЅ}rpпїЅпїЅ H[JпїЅпїЅh пїЅJпїЅпїЅ пїЅ7пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ pпїЅBпїЅ пїЅпїЅWпїЅ[JпїЅUпїЅ HпїЅBпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅЩ‹\" пїЅ iпїЅ_/пїЅпїЅkпїЅпїЅ71пїЅsпїЅпїЅпїЅ B_пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ`пїЅsa пїЅ0\0пїЅiпїЅMBTeпїЅпїЅvпїЅ& пїЅпїЅ пїЅu/пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ# [url=http://uggtw.verecondos.com/]uggпїЅcпїЅпїЅ[/url] . uggпїЅcпїЅ mbtпїЅпїЅ uggпїЅt 2015-01-23 00:11:04 Gerald: We work together hasten weekly payment loans improvement \"It\'s about the right of every investor to trade in a market that\'s fair,\" SEC lawyer Jan Folena told a jury of seven women and three men in her opening statement on Tuesday. \"He cheated and, above all investors, he knew better.\" 2015-01-23 05:26:22 Hobert: I was made redundant two months ago soothing back sarasota bank warriors parents TULSA, Oklahoma — A police helicopter that happened to be near a Tulsa events center Saturday night when a gunman shot and wounded five people at a Hmong New Year\'s festival spotted a suspicious vehicle driving away from the scene, which eventually led to the arrest of two suspects, authorities said. 2015-01-23 05:26:24 Frederick: this post is fantastic ass advance cash.com yoke Sunshine Heart said it enrolled its first patient in apivotal study of its C-Pulse heart device in the United States. The implantable device will be tested in patients with moderateto severe heart faliure. 2015-01-23 05:26:25 Goodboy: Pleased to meet you plug cash advance 15301 detection Bell met Tomkins and Wigan\'s chairman Ian Lenagan to set the wheels in motion after the player admitted he wanted to leave. Another man who has played for both clubs, Kiwi international Thomas Leuluai, then played a key role. 2015-01-23 05:26:27 Jimmi: I\'m not sure pad fog fast load sixpence factory ГўВЂВњIt\'s hard to say,ГўВЂВќ the scout said. ГўВЂВњObviously, the success of San Antonio, both in terms of wins and losses as well as player development, gives Brown a solid resume. How much of that was due to Brown\'s direct influence, (Gregg) Popovich, (Mike) Budenholzer, or any of the other staff membersГўВЂВ¦ is impossible to know for sure. But focusing on a player development coach from a winning organization seems to be the right approach to take.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-23 05:26:27 Daryl: What line of work are you in? pause napoleon fast instant loans no credit checks elsewhere A photo of the corner balcony of the apartment where Rosoff lived shows the top two metal railings bent down in a V-shape. Buildings officials took part of the broken railing to examine how it could have given way and plan to determine whether the other balconies are structurally sound. 2015-01-23 05:26:28 Gregorio: We\'d like to offer you the job days personal loan direct lenders rule Those that struggle to walk 50 metres often have the same extra costs as those that can walk 20 metres. The 50-metre measure has been used for 35 years and no solid evidence has been provided to support a change. 2015-01-23 05:26:28 Emilio: Will I get travelling expenses? prediction helped loans for 20 year olds bricks teenagers Italian daily La Repubblica said this earlier month thatstate-backed fund Fondo Strategico Italiano and infrastructurefund F2i were in advanced talks to buy 65 percent of SIA foraround 450 million euros from its four largest investors Intesa,Unicredit, Monte dei Paschi di Siena and BNP Paribas\'sItalian unit BNL. 2015-01-23 05:26:29 Edgar: Hold the line, please latter buy cash flow officially House prices rose in July for a fourth consecutive month, marking their fastest growth since November 2006, according to surveyors polled monthly by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). 2015-01-23 05:26:30 Darnell: I\'m originally from Dublin but now live in Edinburgh pious lads self help credit urgent recently Olivia isn\'t the only style maven to enjoy working a floral maxi. Jessica Alba, Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale are also fans of this pretty bohemian look. And with florals huge for SS/13 and still big for next season, investing in a blooming print means you\'ll be on trend all the way through to next spring. 2015-01-23 05:26:31 Stefan: Excellent work, Nice Design initially senses loan without cosigner translation This is a type of cookie which is collected by Adobe Flash media player (it is also called a Local Shared Object) - a piece of software you may already have on your electronic device to help you watch online videos and listen to podcasts. 2015-01-23 05:50:08 Elmer: What university do you go to? effective guaranteed no credit check cash installments audible inspired “At a time when the NHS needs every penny it can get, we have a Prime Minister handing out gold-plated, six-figure pay-offs to hundreds of managers and P45s to thousands of nurses.” 2015-01-23 05:50:09 Romeo: A pension scheme gain www finance becoming disarmament \"Great barbecue clearly makes creative teams think alike. To illustrate this SundayГўВЂВ™s Parade cover heralding the golden age of barbecueГўВЂВ”a story in the works for monthsГўВЂВ”we spent a day shooting at Franklin Barbecue. When we asked Franklin pitmaster Aaron Franklin to put together a tray of the offerings available at his restaurant that day, he presented us with this beautiful displayГўВЂВ”and we shot it as he presented it. We didnГўВЂВ™t have a food stylist or a prop stylist on the shoot. The similarity to a recent Texas Monthly cover is purely coincidental. But we at Parade are humbled that our cover does bear an unintentional resemblance to the cover of one of our countryГўВЂВ™s finest magazines. And next time a Parade staffer is in Austin, the barbecue is on us.\" 2015-01-23 05:50:09 Ezekiel: Which team do you support? masses further online lones entered ГўВЂВњThey have explicit policy agendas,ГўВЂВќ Curry told Fox News. ГўВЂВњTheir proclamations are very alarmist and very imperative as to what we should be doing. And this does not inspire confidence in the final product.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-23 05:50:16 Gracie: Could I have a statement, please? entered hairpin calculate the interest rate some printing The draft is also written so that its provisions are under Chapter 7 of the U.N. charter, which covers the Security Council\'s authority to enforce its decisions with measures such as sanctions or the use of force. 2015-01-23 05:50:16 Franklyn: I\'ve come to collect a parcel withdrew fiend 2500 no credit loan prey Tankel said she received at least 80 phone calls within one day of the jury\'s not guilty verdict. While the threats died down during the week, she said they ramped right back up again on Friday and continued through the weekend. 2015-01-23 05:50:16 Norris: We work together concerning loans columbia mo surprising As criticism of the NSA, fueled by the classified documents leaked by Edward Snowden, builds in the United States and overseas, the agency\'s supporters are pointing to intercepted intel on these possible attacks as Exhibit A in why the NSA\'s programs are vital to American security. 2015-01-23 05:50:17 Savannah: this post is fantastic zinc cash loans instant approval sovereign media ГўВЂВњ(I was) new on the block. Getting acquainted with everything,ГўВЂВќ Milliner said. ГўВЂВњIt was difficult to begin with at times, sort of the same thing right here. When you first start off, you want to do good, but unfortunately that was a rough time right there.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-23 05:50:17 Darnell: When do you want me to start? praise tentacles sigma paydayloans narrative Even though the NSA has gained access to users on the system, the documents add “we will never be able to de-anonymise all Tor users all the time”. It continues by stating \"with manual analysis we can de-anonymise a very small fraction of Tor users,” and the NSA has had “no success de-anonymising a user in response” to a specific request. 2015-01-23 05:50:17 Antoine: Who\'s calling? hereditary cash pay day loan wood popped Capturing Clintons signature Arkansas twang, Bono delivered a faux Clinton monologue: В When I first met Bono, he walked into the Oval Office and actually I thought he was a member of his own road crew. He wasnt dressed right. Actually, I felt like the rock star on that occasion. 2015-01-23 05:50:18 Katherine: I\'ve been cut off cheap limovan But there is always one thing that stands between the modder and his phone: a locked bootloader. Many manufacturers lock their bootloaders and offer a tool to unlock them, provided you give up your warranty. However, some manufacturers (and carriers) permanently lock bootloaders on devices to keep people from ever messing with them. The Moto X was launched with a locked bootloader, but we didnt know what would come of it. 2015-01-23 20:15:12 Caleb: Can you hear me OK? imovane rxlist No team had ever rallied from more than two points behind to win the trophy and the U.S., captained by 18-time LPGA Tour winner Meg Mallon, failed to fire as they suffered a second straight loss in the event. 2015-01-23 20:15:12 Jonathan: Wonderfull great site buy limovan uk \"When on a phone call if you press the on/off instead of locking it, it ends the call. Very annoying, since having the phone call option on the screen and holding the phone to your ear could cause you to accidentally press buttons with your cheek.\" 2015-01-23 20:15:13 Francis: I\'d like to send this to order zopiclone 7.5mg \"It\'s kind of bittersweet,\" Jodie Swales, 22, told FOX 5 before getting married. \"We are happy that she\'s here, but this will probably be the last big thing that we do with her.\" 2015-01-23 20:15:13 Grant: I\'d like to pay this in, please fake xanax bars for sale The ousted leader\'s allies have said they are planning a major protest in Cairo on Tuesday, and the interim government has warned that any violation of the law will be dealt with \"firmly\". 2015-01-23 20:15:13 Elden: Some First Class stamps bromazepam fda A spokeswoman for the Department for Education said: \"Some schools, having \'banked\' a C grade in maths a year early, then enter pupils for other exams to game the league table system, instead of continuing with maths to 16. 2015-01-23 20:15:14 Guadalupe: I\'ve lost my bank card cheap limovan The only enforcement actions the IRS is undertaking duringthe shutdown involve criminal cases or non-criminal \"isolatedinstances where we need to take immediate action to protect thegovernment\'s interest,\" IRS spokeswoman Michelle Eldridge said. 2015-01-23 20:15:14 Bryce: Some First Class stamps 100 mg imovane \"Probably the most exciting day of my life was when I got araise from the minimum wage of $1.60 an hour to $1.75. It seemedlike such a huge increase back then. It was way better than mybest bonus at T. Rowe Price. I also remember getting my firstpaycheck, which was around $40 for the week: I may have saved alittle of it, but I probably spent most of it at the pizza placenext store. 2015-01-23 20:15:14 Winford: I live here buy cheapest zopiclone online Rivera always took this job of baseball seriously, played with an economy of emotion, an innate dignity. He kept playing that way, right through five championships and then again through a carefully choreographed farewell season. This last night, though, was special, more organic. Credit goes to Girardi for much of that. 2015-01-23 20:15:14 Garret: I wanted to live abroad zopiclone online no prescription uk When Cory Monteith and Lea Michele began working together on \"Glee\" in 2009, they insisted that their relationship was purely platonic. However, after a few years (and a break-up for Michele), things changed, and the two fell in love. \"I don\'t even remember a time when he wasn\'t my boyfriend,\" the actress, 26, told Marie Claire in its January 2013 issue. \"No one knows me better than Cory.\" 2015-01-23 20:15:15 Prince: Punk not dead Lovegra Tablets \"A government shutdown, and perhaps even more so a failure to raise the debt limit, could have very serious consequences for the financial markets and for the economy, and the Federal Reserve\'s policy is to do whatever we can to keep the economy on course. And so if these actions led the economy to slow, then we would have to take that into account, surely. 2015-01-24 02:47:49 Jayson: What line of work are you in? 40mg accutane twice day I have nothing but compassion for women who are unable to conceive but want to. To have such a choice taken away from you by biology is saddening and cruel, despite the wonderful developments in science that mean there are thankfully an increasing number of fertility options. 2015-01-24 02:47:49 Arlen: I can\'t get through at the moment cost lumigan ГўВЂВњThereГўВЂВ™s never been this kind of increase,ГўВЂВќ said state police spokesman Greg Shipley, who added that people have been applying for gun purchases at the rate of about 1,000 a day over the past two weeks. 2015-01-24 02:47:49 Quintin: Where do you study? accutane price uk They started out in high-end outlets such as Selfridges, Whole Foods and the Sourced Market, and within a year had caught the attention of Waitrose and Ocado buyers. After placing a small initial order, Waitrose soon increased its contract, and by this year Jimmy’s Iced Coffee was selling up to 10,000 units a week through Waitrose alone. 2015-01-24 02:47:49 Dominick: We used to work together buy clomid online no prescription cheap Makhbalbaf, a self-described \"agnostic filmmaker,\" says, \"Even though I was born in Iran, and I didn\'t know anything about the Baha\'i people. I didn\'t even know they were in jail. Why are they in jail? Why are they hated?\" 2015-01-24 02:47:50 Alexis: What are the hours of work? generic lumigan canada \"We call it overthinking,\" neuroscientist Taraz Lee of the University of California, Santa Barbara, said in a telephone interview. Lee, lead author of a study in the Journal of Neuroscience, said our bodies learn to do some things so well that if we think about what we are doing while under intense pressure it may actually hurt our chances of succeeding. 2015-01-24 02:47:50 Brett: What line of work are you in? purchase fluconazole According to Variety, the movie will be set in flashbacks and flash-forwards as the Pope, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, flies to Rome and attends the papal conclave after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. It will focus on Bergoglio as a person, the director told the website. 2015-01-24 02:47:50 Jamie: Could I make an appointment to see ? 100 mg clomid better than 50 mg Donnelly said he saw parallels between his last gig in \"Billy Elliot\", which is about a coal miner\'s son becoming a ballet dancer, and his new one. Both are about young people trying to rise from poverty and escape the dreariness of everyday life. 2015-01-24 02:47:50 Nolan: My battery\'s about to run out buy generic avanafil Still, Rivera chose to heed the speculations and not only file for divorce from her husband of two years but also severe ties with her 28-year-old daughter. She kicked Marin out of her home in early October nearly two months before she died in a plane crash near Monterrey, Mexico in December. 2015-01-24 02:47:50 Freeman: How much is a First Class stamp? lumigan drops cost The villagers said they are ГўВЂВњfed upГўВЂВќ with the disruption caused by attempts to stop the energy company, Cuadrilla, from drilling to look for oil. Last week, the protest culminated in the arrest of more than 30 people, including Caroline Lucas, the Green Party MP. 2015-01-24 02:47:50 http://www.danabo.pl/elite/index.php: Just how this treasure trove came to be buried on an island between France and England in the English Channel is a mystery. 2015-01-24 08:29:27 Brooke: I wanted to live abroad aggregation how can i get a same day loan rates handle The treatments were given in gradually increasing doses from 2.5mg up to a maximum of 25mg for two weeks, followed by maintenance doses for the remaining 10 weeks. The aim was to see if cannabis extract alleviated or improved muscle stiffness, associated pain, muscle spasms, and sleep quality, using a validated 11-point rating scale. 2015-01-24 21:31:27 Bernie: I want to report a implementation debt bankrupt legally boat FDA testing of vials selected from the lethal shipment revealed that some of the vials were super-potent, containing 640 percent of the level of colchicine declared on the label. Other vials were determined to be sub-potent, and contained less than 62 percent of the declared levels on the labels. 2015-01-24 21:31:28 Vicente: Cool site goodluck :) register las vegas payday loan dorothy To absorb expected cuts, she\'d have to suspend childcare for over 50 families, leave about 100 college scholarships unpaid, suspend tutoring for 1,900 students and furlough 60 of her tribe\'s 310 employees in a community already plagued by 80 percent unemployment. 2015-01-24 21:31:29 Zachery: What do you like doing in your spare time? mess arable instant approval cash loans with bad credit sun rational \"Having an established brand,\" Clark said, \"is an easy shortcut for consumers who are pressed for time and may not want to spend forever researching things.\" Both Spitzer and Weiner have established brands. Liberals might argue that they were successful politicians in their respective positions of power, but those successes were easily overshadowed when they were both forced to resign. But despite how their terms in office ended, it\'s still much easier to latch on to them than their opponents or other candidates who are less known nationally. 2015-01-24 21:31:30 Augustus: Could I have an application form? shame loan without checking account fishing overhead BRUSSELS/LONDON, July 9 (Reuters) - Conflicts of interestover ownership of commodity warehouses can inflate prices of rawmaterials such as aluminium, a report by two Brusselsthink-tanks said on Tuesday. 2015-01-24 21:31:31 Rosendo: It\'s funny goodluck paul ace money loan republic cold A nocturnal finish on the Beautiful Boulevard which feels like one of those Friday night Six Nations games: great for TV, not so great for the travelling support. Given the cobbles on the Champs, it will be dire if it rains. Cavendish will have spent seven stages battling for survival from Lyon over the Ventoux and points north with this one stage in mind, so a fifth consecutive victory here would be richly deserved. Barring an act of God it\'s hard not to see him winning. 2015-01-24 21:31:33 Israel: I do some voluntary work sneer quick cash in a hour juice Reuters ACTIVELY VILIFIED THE PILOTS LONG BEFORE ANY EVIDENCE WAS OFFICIALLY DISCLOSED BY PUTTING AT BLATANTLY MISLEADING TITLE PILOT WAS IN-TRAINING WITHOUT MENTIONING THE FACT THAT THE PILOT HAD tens of thousands of flying hours, and the fact that the pilot in training was not officially in charge. 2015-01-24 21:31:34 Courtney: I\'m retired windows elton lender for poor credit generations Ms. Marianne Lake is Chief Financial Officer of JPMorgan Chase & Co. She had been Chief Financial Officer of the Consumer & Community Banking business (ГўВЂВњCCBГўВЂВќ) and prior to the organization of CCB served since 2009 as Chief Financial Officer for the consumer business unit now part of CCB. She previously had served as Global Controller of the Investment Bank from 2007 to 2009, prior to which she had served in a number of senior financial officer roles. 2015-01-24 21:31:35 Jesus: Which year are you in? haven baby loans see Carlos Corporan, a catcher who had never faced Griffin before Wednesday, jumped all over an 0-1 pitch and launched his sixth homer, a two-run shot to right. It was just the sixth homer this season off Griffin with a man on base. 2015-01-24 21:31:36 Napoleon: Will I have to work shifts? dodge exceedingly short term loans hsbc move pike Denying that there had been Вanything wrong with the previous system, it said in a statement: “The BHA are in regular contact with the Home Office, who asked us to review the tier-five visa system being employed by Godolphin on account of the steadily rising numbers of visas being granted. 2015-01-24 21:31:37 Jeremy: What\'s the interest rate on this account? generic clonazepam 1mg ГўВЂВњOur fans have the right to do anything,ГўВЂВќ Ryan added. ГўВЂВњIГўВЂВ™m not going to say IГўВЂВ™m disappointed in our fans. ГўВЂВ¦ But I think we need to move forward. The things from the past are in the past. So letГўВЂВ™s just focus on what we have in front of us. WeГўВЂВ™re all going to make mistakes. WeГўВЂВ™re all going to turn the ball over. We donГўВЂВ™t like to, but those are things that are going to happen. Obviously, weГўВЂВ™re going to try to minimize that. WeГўВЂВ™re going to try to get more of them. WeГўВЂВ™re trying to get more of them on defense.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-24 23:36:50 Bennie: Withdraw cash codeine 30 mg price The report looks at claims data for about 590,000 current and retired, non-elderly autoworkers from Chrysler, Ford and General Motors and their families in selected urban areas, including in Michigan, New York, Missouri, Indiana and Ohio. The report was funded by the National Institute for Health Care Reform, a group set up as part of automotive-industry union contracts. 2015-01-24 23:36:50 Merlin: Where do you study? klonopin purchase Those conflicting pressures culminated in the downfall of Johnson, the Canadian sprinter who tested positive for a banned steroid after beating American Carl Lewis in a world-record 9.79 seconds over 100 meters at the 1988 Games. 2015-01-24 23:36:50 Wesley: Incorrect PIN .25 mg clonazepam and pregnancy In her new book, “The Shift: How I Finally Lost Weight and Discovered a Happier Life,” Johnson explains how she lost 62 pounds over the course of a year. She did it with a rigorous routine of discipline and hard work, skills that also serve her well in her career. While her new health regime might seem like it has little to do with money, there is actually a powerful connection to finances. “The Shift,” as she dubs her strategy, can be applied just as well to money goals as it can to health-related ones. U.S. News asked Johnson to explain how to “shift” your finances with the lessons contained in the book. Her responses have been edited. 2015-01-24 23:36:51 Nicole: A law firm can you get high off 5mg hydrocodone As such, McDonald\'s is currently conducting its own wireless charging tests, using the QI standard, in select branches across Europe. However, at the same time a number of its New York outlets offer the Power Matters Alliance standard wireless charging service. 2015-01-24 23:36:51 Jerome: I came here to study .5 mg clonazepam street price I go through stages. Like during the week I eat a ridiculous diet. Yesterday I ate a bag of nuts and a bowl of salad, which is about 300 calories. On the weekend I will literally eat 8k calories a day. None stop eating all day. Ate a whole box of Alpen by 1pm last Saturday. I lack sugar and then I binge as soon as it touches my lips. I do a press ups and crunches but nothing extensive. 2015-01-24 23:36:51 Hilario: I\'m from England will 5mg of hydrocodone get me high From New York to California, outrage over the acquittal in George Zimmerman\'s murder trial poured from street demonstrations and church pulpits Sunday as protesters called for justice for the unarmed youth he killed and demanded federal civil rights charges against him. 2015-01-24 23:36:52 Rosario: Whereabouts in are you from? hydrocodone 30 mg street value Navalny was convicted of embezzlement and sentenced to five years in prison on July 18, but he was released the next day in what some considered a ploy to make the Moscow mayoral race, where he was registered as a candidate, look as competitive as possible. 2015-01-24 23:36:52 Jesus: I\'m interested in clonazepam 0.25 mg dis tablet The shutdown was set to head into its third week as the White House and Republican leaders struggled on Friday to strike a deal on reopening the federal government and on a short-term increase in the country\'s borrowing limit. 2015-01-24 23:36:53 Lionel: I hate shopping 30 mg morphine vs 10mg hydrocodone He had like six or seven tumors within his liver, in all different sections of the liver, and he [the doctor] basically said, We think this is cancer, said Chris mother, Kim Hegardt. 2015-01-24 23:36:53 Michel: I\'d like to send this letter by escitalopram oxalate 10mg The ASA stated: ГўВЂВњWe noted the asterisk used in ГўВЂВ�m*********rГўВЂВ™, but considered its inclusion did not obscure the intended meaning and it was still clear that it represented a swear word, one generally regarded as highly offensive and unlikely to be acceptable in marketing communications. 2015-01-25 13:52:34 Rupert: I went to 10 celexa mg After theyГўВЂВ™d make an arrest, I would ask them, ГўВЂВњHow did you know that guy had a gun on him? and they would tell me, ГўВЂВ�Look at the way he was shuffling. Look at the way he was holding on to the waistband.ГўВЂВ™ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-25 13:52:34 Felix: I live here diflucan 100 mg per candida Kenneth Bae, a 45-year-old tour operator and Christian missionary, was arrested last November and accused of subversive activities against the government. He was sentenced in May to 15 years hard labor, and in letters to his family in the Seattle area he described working in the fields weeding and planting beans and potatoes. 2015-01-25 13:52:34 Darrin: I\'ll send you a text diflucan 100 mg cost Ortiz added: \"And thinking in general terms, what\'s good for me, what\'s good for other players, what\'s good for your kids if they decide to become ballplayers, you can\'t let any team break a contract, because then the next time a player gets a DUI, or is charged with domestic violence or with any other thing, then the team may try to get out of a contract. They would have (precedent).\" 2015-01-25 13:52:35 Darell: Could you please repeat that? 10mg or 20mg nolvadex It is also broadly agreed that Heathrow’s present position, operating at 98pc capacity, is not sustainable. A couple of centimetres of snow can lead to delays of almost apocalyptic proportions, damaging our business links with the rest of the world. 2015-01-25 13:52:35 Scotty: I went to careprost ebay uk As a former government minister, Ablyazov was imprisoned in2002, a year after his disenchantment with Nazarbayev\'sauthoritarian rule prompted him to found the opposition party,the Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan. 2015-01-25 13:52:35 Alden: What\'s the interest rate on this account? diflucan de 100 mg \"It is clear from this report that David Cameron\'s botched departmental re-organisation created confusion about who was responsible for ensuring that meat was not wrongly being passed off as beef. 2015-01-25 13:52:36 Wesley: What are the hours of work? topamax dosage 200 mg There in Lawrenceville, and later at the Hub, a Philadelphia-based technology meeting space with about 50 workers, they spoke of arcane tax subjects from depreciation rules to accounting methods and how to make the tax code better. 2015-01-25 13:52:36 Carter: One moment, please 80 mg propranolol alot A number of middle rung leaders and officials got similar punishments for corruption as well as sexual misconduct. The court found that from 1986 to 2011, he took advantage of his positions as official of local railway bureaus as well as the former Ministry of Railways, and helped 11 people, Shao Liping and Ding Yuxin included, win promotions, project contracts, and cargo transportation contracts. 2015-01-25 13:52:36 Seth: I\'m interested in this position propranolol sa 160 mg It\'s legal for motorcycles to drive through D.C. and participants plan to cross into the capital undeterred after 11 a.m. \"For security purposes the final route will not be posted publicly,\" the organizers added. 2015-01-25 13:52:37 Jimmie: We used to work together http://libserra.com/faq/ lunesta 6 mg Since leaving the Obama administration in February, Clinton has joined her husband, former President Bill Clintons non-profit organization, and has made empowering women and girls and promoting early childhood education priorities. 2015-01-26 03:27:31 Thaddeus: this post is fantastic http://simpsonscarborough.com/resources/ phentermine online order reviews “And I just think, ‘Well, they always used to be able to cope’. Look at the dialogue in all those old films from the 1930s and 1940s. They never patronised the audience and they’re the films we still watch and adore. 2015-01-26 03:27:31 Matthew: Free medical insurance http://www.medicalreformgroup.ca/newsletters/ acetaminophen and hydrocodone bitartrate 500 mg / 10 mg Clark, 34, spent nine of his 10 National Football Leagueseasons with the Indianapolis Colts, where he was a favoritetarget of quarterback Peyton Manning. While in Indianapolis, healso played under former Colts coach Jim Caldwell, who is nowthe RavensГўВЂВ™ offensive coordinator. 2015-01-26 03:27:32 Corey: We\'re at university together http://libserra.com/faq/ eszopiclone available australia There is no public data that compares the safety record ofone-person trains with those operated by more people. The FRAdoes not differentiate between size of train crews in itsaccident or incident data reporting. 2015-01-26 03:27:32 Eric: Excellent work, Nice Design http://www.loakal.com/contact/ klonopin prices street 1mg The momentum shifted wildly, and the Oilers tied it at 11:47 when Perron plucked the puck out of a faceoff in the Devils end and picked the corner for his first goal with Edmonton since being acquired from St. Louis. 2015-01-26 03:27:32 William: Can I take your number? http://simpsonscarborough.com/resources/ order phentermine cheap But Samsung\'s record profits in spite of a maturing smartphone business highlight a problem that HTC faces: as a pure smartphone manufacturer, it has nothing else to turn to when its core business takes a hit. 2015-01-26 03:27:33 Armando: I\'m in a band http://www.medicalreformgroup.ca/newsletters/ generic acetaminophen l484 There have been almost daily protests in the capital Rabatby groups of unemployed graduates, but in the past weeks theyhave gained support from the opposition Islamist Justice andSpirituality group. 2015-01-26 03:27:33 Isaiah: Could you give me some smaller notes? http://simpsonscarborough.com/resources/ adipex prescription weight loss The online travel industry has rebounded after a depressed few years, as cash conscious buyers seek out bargains and the U.S. economy has stabilized. But the online travel segment has shown signs of becoming more competitive. 2015-01-26 03:27:33 Fabian: We need someone with experience http://fanggle.com/partner/partner-program/ soma online promo codes Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina said he was looking forward to working with Harvey and likened him to a young Justin Verlander. ГўВЂВњHe throws hard, the ball moves a lot and he has confidence in himself,ГўВЂВќ Molina said.В 2015-01-26 03:27:34 Angelo: I quite like cooking http://www.consensusortho.com/index.php/patients/ midazolam 8 mg Aug 1 (Reuters) - Online restaurant booking service providerOpenTable Inc forecast a third-quarter profit belowanalysts\' estimates as it plans to spend more on marketing andsoftware development in the face of increasing competition. 2015-01-26 03:27:34 http://www.serissagligi.com.tr/soccer/index.php: Bob Both has been involved in running at the Jersey Shore for over 20 years. He is an active participant in road races of all distances including marathons and triathalons. He is a Past President of the Jersey Shore Running Club, past Editor of the Club\'s Newsletter and currently maintains the club\'s web sites. He has managed many local events to include the Asbury Park Half Marathon, Jersey Shore Relay Marathon, Boardwalk Relay and other events. He is a Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. 2015-01-26 05:14:39 Goodboy: I can\'t get a dialling tone 80 mg prozac 300 mg wellbutrin \"We need to examine carefully the documents published thisweekend,\" Senator Ricardo FerraГѓВ§o, the committee chair, said ina Twitter message. It is unclear whether Shannon, who is notobliged to testify, will do so. 2015-01-26 12:33:29 Andreas: A First Class stamp celexa 40 mg dose \"China would rather have the waters muddy, because they cansay \'You do it. We do it. What\'s the big deal?\' and the cybertheft from companies will go on and on,\" he said by telephonefrom China, where he is senior counselor for APCO Worldwide, aU.S. business consultancy. 2015-01-26 12:33:29 Coco888: Could you tell me my balance, please? 10mg paxil for anxiety There are some in the Mets organization who are also amped up, trying to push to have Harvey named the starter.The franchise has struggled on the field and at the box office. The young aceГўВЂВ™s season has aroused, if not invigorated, a disgruntled fans base. There are those in the organization who desperately want to capitalize on his recent buzz and Citi Field hosting the All-Star Game. 2015-01-26 12:33:29 Luigi: magic story very thanks clomid 100mg success SpitzerГўВЂВ™s former communications director testified about one order the governor allegedly gave regarding Bruno: ГўВЂВњHe said f--- him, heГўВЂВ™s a piece of s---, shove it up his a-- with a red hot poker.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-26 12:33:30 Ramiro: I\'m doing a masters in law 5mg tamoxifen Mrs Long\'s first amendment would ensure that any donation made after 1 January 2014 would be made subject to publication at whatever point the secretary of state removes the block, making the situation clear for the general public and for donors. 2015-01-26 12:33:30 Corey: I\'m a partner in Buy Cyclophosphamide A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, depriving it of oxygen. As a result, some of the brain cells die and others are damaged. Every year, some 10,000 people in Ireland suffer a stroke and 2,000 people die as a result. Thousands more are left with stroke-related disabilities. 2015-01-26 12:33:30 Emile: I\'m doing a masters in law Taxotere Cytoxan A few years later, along came Murray, a kid from Scotland with a game to be reckoned with. With his mother in his box and his face often gripped in growls and grimaces, Murray became the next big British hope. 2015-01-26 12:33:30 Edmund: I\'d like to transfer some money to this account paxil cr 12.5 mg efectos secundarios Officials said the distance between where the two bodies were found suggested one may have been thrown from the wreckage. An autopsy on both girls will not be completed for a few weeks, the San Mateo County coroner said. 2015-01-26 12:33:30 Abraham: We\'ve got a joint account tamoxifen citrate tablets I suppose debt and solvency are like bellows that fan the fires of the economy or starve them of oxygen. Just dont get caught in the draft in or out of those damned bellows. The bellows opening is infested with bacteria that write CDOs and other very flimsy come-ons, or scams like Facebook that claim that ten percent of outstanding shares are a reliable indication of the value of the rest. Im not a financial expert by any means but that is something Id have rather not begun to understand: how the US economy can puff its own GDP with such flimsy vehicles of wealth creation . I hate the way it robs the bodies own efforts of any consequence or value. 2015-01-26 12:33:30 Ezequiel: I\'d like to cancel this standing order generic paxil cr cost The cameras are always rolling in Hollywood! When the stars aren\'t on the red carpet, you\'ll more than likely find them on set filming their next great blockbuster. Check out these famous actors and a... 2015-01-26 12:33:30 Willie: Insufficient funds coconutcashadvance com Not surprisingly, Google\'s competitors and its normal chorus of professional critics are already crying foul about the acquisition. (Of course, any of them could have acquired Waze but chose not to.) But in this extremely competitive market such a claim is sour grapes when measured against the facts. 2015-01-26 16:00:31 Kristopher: We went to university together cash advance bmo mastercard By resetting relations with the Maduro government now, the United States risks legitimizing the Chavez protГ©gГ©\'s ill-gotten hold on power and undercutting the Venezuelan democratic opposition efforts to sustain and expand its popular support. It\'s time the Obama administration rethink this hasty reset with Maduro.В 2015-01-26 16:00:31 Kraig: I want to make a withdrawal cash advance in culpeper “It is risky but start-ups is all I know. And it’s much more risky if you don’t do your research,” he said. “We spend 150 hours looking at a deal, not 20 as most angels do.” 2015-01-26 16:00:32 Renaldo: I\'ve just graduated financing medical equipment PRI chairman Cesar Camacho hinted that his party mightchallenge the vote count in Baja California. But Pena Nietolater urged all sides to accept the results, underlining theneed to keep things friendly in Congress. 2015-01-26 16:00:33 Modesto: Directory enquiries money mart pawn The sarin gas was found in the homes of suspected Syrian Islamists detained in the southern provinces of Adana and Mersia following a search by Turkish police on Wednesday, reports say. The gas was allegedly going to be used to carry out an attack in the southern Turkish city of Adana. 2015-01-26 16:00:33 Arturo: I don\'t know what I want to do after university 3000 personal loan Brooke Mueller is receiving treatment after her two children with actor Charlie Sheen were taken out of her custody May 2. Mueller, 35, has been at UCLA Medical Center in California, her rep told the Daily News. \"Brooke will be [at UCLA Medical Center] for several more days, and will likely transition directly into a residential treatment facility to get help for prescription drug abuse,\" her rep said. Mueller has been in rehab 18 times before. Her most recent stint, in December, was to treat an addiction to Adderall. 2015-01-26 16:00:34 Dexter: It\'s funny goodluck monthly loans bad credit with no credit check Cindy Cohn, legal director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation which represents the plaintiffs, said she hopes the continuing public court proceedings will prompt Obama administration officials to reconsider the use of such data collection methods. 2015-01-26 16:00:34 Foster: Insufficient funds guaranteed approval on payday loans Cano got a first-hand look at Davis during the past week, as the first baseman belted four HRs in his last five games against the Bombers. Davis has six homers in 12 games this season against the Yankees. 2015-01-26 16:00:34 Arnulfo: Will I have to work on Saturdays? quick loans instant cash Emergency loans - conditional on economic reforms - were negotiated with the IMF, and the country has enjoyed growth rates much higher than the rest of Latin America in recent years, despite the worldwide slowdown. 2015-01-26 16:00:35 Keneth: I\'ve been cut off finance personal tesco Notice the \"T\" in that acronym only applies to civilians. Panetta\'s very particular choice of words highlights an ongoing inconsistency in how the military treats sexuality versus gender identity: Transgendered troops may not serve openly. 2015-01-26 16:00:35 http://seocentrum.ovh/cheap/index.php: It would help if you could find out if he is a \"leg man\" or \"cleavage crazy\"! Once you recognize his weakness, you can use this knowledge to attract him like mad. Give him a tantalizing peep at your cleavage or your beautiful legs encased in silk stockings! You will automatically become an object of desire to him. 2015-01-26 22:49:36 Rolando: I\'m a housewife silagra 25 If all goes as planned and the weather remains fine, a so-called \"parbuckling\" operation will see the ship rotated by a series of cables and hydraulic machines, pulling the hulk from above and below and slowly twisting it upright. 2015-01-27 01:59:17 Arnulfo: I\'d like to open an account lasix cheap Duffy said the bank was well ahead of central bank targetsto address troubled loans. Its main challenge comes from themore than one-in-five homeowners in arrears who choose not topay, he said, warning they will face action, includingrepossession. 2015-01-27 01:59:17 Boyce: I\'d like to transfer some money to this account how much does wellbutrin cost \"The citizens of central Arkansas can rest a bit easier today with the arrest of Jason Woodring. В The power grid attacks had the potential to put many lives at risk,\" U.S. Attorney Chris Thyer said in a statement.В 2015-01-27 01:59:18 Santo: Where do you come from? topamax topiramate 50 mg Copycats are springing up nationwide, both on local TV stations and in the workplace. Some companies have begun asking job applicants to complete a dictation test at their interviews, reported state news agency Xinhua. In remote Gansu, in northwestern China, a forest-based branch of the people\'s armed police held its own contest last month based on the CCTV show, Xinhua reported. 2015-01-27 01:59:18 Delmer: Could I borrow your phone, please? avapro 150 mg Bulgarian authorities have named two men of Lebanese origin as suspects and said it believed the Lebanese Shi\'ite Muslim militant group Hezbollah was behind the July 2012 bombing that targeted Israeli holidaymakers. But Sofia has not revealed all its evidence and Hezbollah denies any involvement. 2015-01-27 01:59:18 Jayson: An accountancy practice lasik lasix \"There\'s surprisingly little cultural stress, or tension -apart from when the rugby\'s on,\" said Dan Turner, chiefexecutive of Unity4, an outsourced contact centre servicesprovider that opened in New Zealand about six months ago. \"It\'sa sibling rivalry.\" 2015-01-27 01:59:18 Basil: Best Site good looking 20 mg accutane rosacea The videogame maker and the licensing company notified a California court on Thursday that it had come to terms with the former and current NCAA athletes suing them for conspiring to fix the price of their likenesses at zero and prohibiting college athletes from profiting off themselves. The settlement Thursday left the NCAA as the sole defendant in a lawsuit filed by former UCLA basketball player Ed OBannon. A federal judge in California is considering whether to grant the case class-action status and is expected to rule within the next month. The It leaves the NCAA solely in the limelight, said Michael Hausfeld, an attorney for the plaintiffs. The NCAA declined to comment without seeing the terms of the settlement.Ben Cohen 2015-01-27 01:59:18 Monte: I\'ve only just arrived clomid men testosterone SYDNEY, July 16 (Reuters) - Australian surfwear companyBillabong International Ltd will sell its DaKineclothing and accessories brand and jettison Chief ExecutiveLauna Inman as part of a A$395 million ($359 million)refinancing deal with a former private-equity suitor. 2015-01-27 01:59:18 Lindsey: An envelope generic wellbutrin sr 150mg \"I felt like more interesting conversations were being held in the green room, or in the car on the way to the event, or in the hotel room afterward,\" McCain told Whispers. \"I thought it would be a cool idea to do a talk show, but it would film kind of like a reality show or a documentary.\" 2015-01-27 01:59:18 Newton: I\'m sorry, she\'s can gp prescribe clomid australia \"In this post-recession environment, families overwhelmingly believe in the dream of college, yet they are more realistic when it comes to how they pay for it,\" Remondi said in the statement. 2015-01-27 01:59:18 Reynaldo: A law firm http://www.beachinthecity.com/index.php/programm limovan 7 5 mg 30 comprimidos The defense has said in court papers that the SEC has had difficulty finding evidence to support its charges despite its review of more than 12 million pages of documents, thousands of tapes and dozens of investigation interview and deposition transcripts. 2015-01-27 09:42:40 Jesus: Have you got any qualifications? http://www.hollandpompgroep.nl/atex generic zopiclone uk ItГўВЂВ™s also unclear whether high concentrations of stem cellscan stimulate growth of residual breast cancer cells, Rubin andMarra said. An earlier study found that fat-derived stem cellsenhanced the growth of active, not resting, tumor cells in mice,suggesting that the fat grafting procedure should be postponeduntil there is no evidence of active disease. 2015-01-27 09:42:40 Mariah: Where are you from? http://www.hollandpompgroep.nl/atex zopiclone online no prescription uk In a statement, the Energy UK trade association said: ГўВЂВњIt is good news in the current climate that customers are using less energy. This fall in consumption shows how effective it is to insulate your home.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-27 09:42:40 Denver: Good crew it\'s cool :) http://www.politicaltheology.com/blog/standinginwitness/ zopiclone 7.5 mg price Children in those countries typically enter formal schooling later than those in the UK, but they have usually been in a nursery or kindergarten where they have been learning through play and games. 2015-01-27 09:42:40 Florentino: Through friends http://www.hollandpompgroep.nl/atex zopiclone mail order uk The yearly eventuncreatively named the ГўВЂВњMicrosoft Company MeetingГўВЂВќoffers up sneak previews of future Microsoft products, and serves as a pep rally for some of MicrosoftГўВЂВ™s roughly 100,000 employees. 2015-01-27 09:42:41 Chloe: Another year http://www.hollandpompgroep.nl/atex zopiclone price india \"Emirates Team New Zealand is pleased the jury hasmaintained the sanctity of the AC72 Class Rule in ruling that itcan be changed only by unanimous consent of the competitors andthe Regatta Director,\" Team New Zealand said in a statementafter the ruling. 2015-01-27 09:42:41 Kaitlyn: Yes, I play the guitar http://www.webface.ie/our-advantages.html cheapest imovane Now, there are many reasons a publication like Politico was easier to build from scratch than it would have been to create inside a traditional, cost-burdened institution. But thatГўВЂВ™s also hindsight talking: From the vantage point of 2006, VandeHei and Harris looked like gamblers, and the PostГўВЂВ™s grip on what the press critic Jack Shafer called the ГўВЂВњpolitical news from WashingtonГўВЂВќ beat still seemed secure. 2015-01-27 09:42:41 Franklyn: A few months http://www.hollandpompgroep.nl/atex zopiclone online united pharmacies The report did not include secret information requestswithin the United Sates authorized under the Patriot Act, a lawenacted after the Sept. 11 attacks. U.S. companies areprohibited from acknowledging the existence of data requestsmade under those statutes. 2015-01-27 09:42:42 Porfirio: I\'ll text you later http://www.theislamicmonthly.com/advertising/ ambien can you take 20 mg The government had been expected to sell the shares in fourtranches, leaving a year\'s gap between each sale, but that couldbe accelerated if enough interest is evident. The U.S. offloaded$32 billion worth of shares in Citigroup in 2010. 2015-01-27 09:42:42 Bertram: Is there ? http://www.theislamicmonthly.com/advertising/ generic ambien at walmart In the American League East alone, the Red Sox, Orioles and Rays ГўВЂВ“ all of whom are said to have a surplus of top-rated talent throughout their systems ГўВЂВ“ are in desperate need of back-end relievers who can close out games. ThatГўВЂВ™s why the YankeesГўВЂВ™ loss to the Orioles Sunday ГўВЂВ“ in which Mariano Rivera blew the save ГўВЂВ“ was so stunning. Until then, the Yankees were a major league best 40-1 when leading after eight and had just three blown saves to the RaysГўВЂВ™ 11, the Red SoxГўВЂВ™s 14 and the OriolesГўВЂВ™ AL-high 17. 2015-01-27 09:42:42 Waldo: Could I have a statement, please? secretary vermox worms informal When they took a deep breath to shoot the blowguns, they inadvertently sucked the darts into their throats. The trouble is, the act of inhaling opens the vocal cords, raising the risk that the objects will be sucked down more deeply, Jatana said. 2015-01-27 22:01:56 Hilton: No, I\'m not particularly sporty victory 40 mg celexa reviews expected teams This will contribute to a doubling of the region\'senergy-related carbon dioxide emissions to 2.3 gigatonnes by2035, according to the IEA. (Reporting by Florence Tan, Meeyoung Cho and Jane Chung;Editing by Tom Hogue) 2015-01-27 22:01:57 Victor: Do you like it here? disturbance buy clomiphene citrate refused freeman ГўВЂВњI donГўВЂВ™t want to embarrass this guy, but IГўВЂВ™d be remiss if I didnГўВЂВ™t mention the impact that Bill Parcells has had on my career,ГўВЂВќ Martin told the room packed with Hall of Famers who have returned for the 50th anniversary celebration. Martin then told the group, ГўВЂВњI wouldnГўВЂВ™t be here speaking to all you guys if it wasnГўВЂВ™t for him.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-27 22:01:58 Zachery: Who would I report to? milligram 300mg wellbutrin jumble confident In 1990, after German unification, Merkel joined the conservative CDU party and won a parliamentary seat in the east. As a protege of chancellor Helmut Kohl, she quickly rose to become minister for women and youth, moving to the former capital Bonn. 2015-01-27 22:01:59 Marion: Is it convenient to talk at the moment? july index 40 mg celexa depression judgment buckwheat The Nationals didnГўВЂВ™t need as much pitching as they got ГўВЂВ” Gonzalez (10-6) allowed two walks and fanned eight ГўВЂВ” because they became the first team to hit five home runs at Citi Field. Denard Span and Ryan Zimmerman went back-to-back to start the game against Carlos Torres. Jayson Werth and Wilson Ramos each hit a three-run shot and Tyler Moore had a solo blast. 2015-01-27 22:02:01 Markus: Some First Class stamps flurry 10 mg paxil effective excepting too Cojean would uncover in her investigation that Gaddafi many public appearances were fueled not just by his insatiable ego, but his insatiable sexual appetite as well. School events were specifically engineered so he could find his next victim. So were foreign tours. He always arranged to meet with women\'s associations and groups when visiting African nations. In these instances, persuasion in the form of a gift of money and an invitation to spend a week in Tripoli were used. But violence would also be employed if a young visitor didn\'t willingly submit to the dictator\'s depravity. 2015-01-27 22:02:01 Margarito: Very funny pictures south xalatan cheapest price eager Something that could help the government battle inflation isthe U.S. Federal Reserve\'s efforts to calm the market afterexpectations for an early scale-back in stimulus sparked aflight of capital from emerging-market nations. The capitaloutflows dragged down the value of the Brazilian real,which lifted the prices of imported goods. 2015-01-27 22:02:02 Roderick: No, I\'m not particularly sporty sow can you buy clomiphene online dick (Additional reporting by Lewis Krauskopf in New York, Steve Robrahn in Kentucky, David Morgan in Washington, David Bailey in Minnesota, Keith Coffman in Colorado, Karen Brooks in Texas, Ben Klayman in Michigan, Carey Gillam in Kansas, Ken Wills in Hawaii; Editing by Michele Gershberg and Ken Wills) 2015-01-27 22:02:03 Deadman: We went to university together hotter discount tamoxifen exhibition To date, a majority of the 23,000 wind turbines in the country have been built in the flatter north and eastern parts of the country. But now the focus of expansion is on the picture postcard areas of dark forest and lush green hills in the central and southern areas of Germany. 2015-01-27 22:02:04 Antony: How many days will it take for the cheque to clear? roll enlighten pink pill 25 paxil cr forever \"Outreach work is key to addressing the unacceptably large participation gap that remains at the universities with the highest entry requirements, so I welcome the greater focus in this area,\" said Prof Ebdon. 2015-01-27 22:02:04 Noah: Can I take your number? paxil 30 mg weight gain When the National Institutes of Health approached the Smithsonian Institute about doing a human genome exhibit at the Natural History Museum in Washington, D.C. in 2011, the NIH thought it had good timing: 2013 marks the 10th anniversary of the sequencing of the human genome, and the 60th anniversary of James Watson and Francis Crick\'s discovery of DNA\'s structure. 2015-01-27 22:23:46 Keenan: A company car buy suprax \"We need to examine carefully the documents published thisweekend,\" Senator Ricardo FerraГѓВ§o, the committee chair, said ina Twitter message. It is unclear whether Shannon, who is notobliged to testify, will do so. 2015-01-27 22:23:47 Bobby: A law firm bimatoprost purchase But Prof Goodier said it was not always possible to predict which houses were most at risk from overheating, saying: \"The problem for DECC and the Green Deal assessors is that is such a complex problem.\" 2015-01-27 22:23:47 Cornell: I\'ll text you later cefixime online He was assured he could leave without interruption, said Ho. But he was really concerned whether or not this assurance was reliable. He wanted to see confirmation. He didnt want to end up being in a trap at the airport. 2015-01-27 22:23:47 Kelvin: How do you do? purchase online bimatoprost The forests provide the raw material for a timber industry, but many of French Guiana\'s natural resources defy easy exploitation. Much of the sparsely-inhabited interior is accessible only by river. 2015-01-27 22:23:48 Randy: Do you play any instruments? paxil 40 mg dose All this is happening with the next review of PortugalГўВЂВ™s bailout progress by its EU and IMF lenders just two weeks away and with euro zone borrowing costs already firmly on the rise again. Portuguese yields lurched higher after PortasГўВЂВ™ resignation and doubtless will continue in that direction today. 2015-01-27 22:23:48 Elliot: I work here paxil tired all day Regardless if you take one or the other of Bodine\'s suggested responses, or go a different route, it is important to take control of the situation. You should try to keep the focus on the job, the company, your abilities, your accomplishments and how you represent a strong fit. And once your interview has concluded, you will be able to consider another response. 2015-01-27 22:23:48 Gregg: What\'s the exchange rate for euros? headaches after stopping paxil \"It\'s just as though the solar field had become compressed but we had not yet crossed into the interstellar region where the interstellar field would be in a different direction,\" he said in the interview. 2015-01-27 22:23:48 Terry: We went to university together erythromycin base filmtab 500mg Still, his \"private\" statement was visible to others. As with much online communication, his words were on display to a much larger group of people than that which might hear similar threats on the playgrounds and basketball courts. 2015-01-27 22:23:49 Marcellus: Insufficient funds 40 paxil Even more potential buyers may come off the fence: At the current pace of economic and job growth, mortgage rates could hit 6 percent next year, which could spark even more sales, according to Richard Barrington of moneyrates.com. 2015-01-27 22:23:49 ce relaja exigencias a bancos ante su exposici 2015-01-28 02:29:07 Marlin: I\'m sorry, he\'s buy generic effexor no prescription Some of the first-loss risk is being laid off to the privatecapital markets, and the deal is closer to a senior/subordinateprivate-label RMBS. The risk-weighting charge would likely bemuch higher if banks held the security. 2015-01-28 05:16:41 Tanner: How much does the job pay? how to stop taking effexor xr 37.5 This is appalling, they reported huge profits last year and suddenly they don\'t have the money to carry out basic maintenance? It is sad that we are not able to \"switch\" supplier as we can with gas and electricity suppliers, but instead are kept as a captive market. Shameful!! 2015-01-28 05:16:41 Alton: I\'m sorry, I\'m not interested effexor dosage 37.5mg Both the Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang had called Gansu province to express their concern for the victims, and stress the importance of the rescue operations being conducted well, the Dingxi government added. 2015-01-28 05:16:42 German: The National Gallery bactrim bactrim Schumer, in a statement to Reuters, said the confidentialfiling provision has been one of the most successful parts ofthe JOBS Act. He said investors still have all the informationthey need to analyze well in advance of the IPO. 2015-01-28 05:16:42 Orville: I\'d like to change some money there generic equivalent effexor ГўВЂВњAlex was never a patient there, we never treated him. I, in fact, have a separate practice where we do massage, we do physical training, we do diet counseling, acupuncture. We do a very small amount, if we see patients for general wellness, and do bio-identical hormone replacement,ГўВЂВќ Gross said on SNY TV. ГўВЂВњOne of the people who worked there was a physician who completed medical school, who finished a residency, but he wasn\'t a licensed physician in New Jersey. We never maintained that he was a physician, but in an unrelated investigation of a lot of wellness centers, the board came across that. I met with the board. I received what you saw. It\'s a closed matter. 2015-01-28 05:16:42 Getjoy: Where do you study? levaquin 250 mg dosage The measure would create a new non-government, nonprofit National Mortgage Market Utility that would fall under the purview of the Federal Housing Finance Administration, which now regulates Fannie and Freddie.Г‚В 2015-01-28 05:16:42 Collin: Hello good day levaquin 250 mg iv May 27: Then-US congressman Weiner sends a waist-down photo to a 21-year-old female college student in Seattle. The photo is quickly deleted, and Weiner tweets that his account had been hacked. 2015-01-28 05:16:42 Vernon: I\'ll text you later 250 mg levaquin Shadow Welsh Secretary Owen Smith said: ГўВЂВњThis bill was meant to be about tackling real concerns over corporate lobbying in Westminster. Instead, the Tory Party has turned it into a means of curbing the ability of ordinary people, through charities, voluntary organisations and trade unions, to engage and participate in the democratic process. 2015-01-28 05:16:42 Brice: What company are you calling from? Scabies Elimite \"The parents took the appropriate precautions in this situation, but young people can find ways around some of our best made plans, which is what makes this even more tragic,\" Sandefur said. 2015-01-28 05:16:42 Blake: Yes, I play the guitar bactrim 800mg It is understood that the Parkinsons had been discussing increasing security at their property before the attack, while Lt Col Parkinson had been actively involved in community policing initiatives. 2015-01-28 05:16:42 Carroll: Hello good day loan origination fee A spokesman for Bloomberg LP, the mayor’s information-services firm, said the fees for 25 of the terminals, which were already being used by the city’s financial departments, were waived when he took office in 2002. 2015-01-28 08:21:08 Douglas: I can\'t hear you very well validating unsecured debt Weston Cage says he\'s ready to change, and it looks like this time he means it. Cage, the son of actors Nicolas Cage and Christina Fulton, has checked into a rehab program after his arrest on domestic violence charges last week. It was Cage\'s second incident in one month involving his pregnant wife, Nikki Williams (l.). \'Weston is getting the help and support that he needs during this time,\' a rep for Cage\'s mother said in a statement. \'We are all hoping that he will be able to do it respectfully, in peace.\' 2015-01-28 08:21:09 Abdul: How many days will it take for the cheque to clear? company loan online The investigative commission found that bin Laden lived in six places in Pakistan between December 2001, when he evaded the U.S. military at Tora Bora, Afghanistan, and his death nearly a decade later. 2015-01-28 08:21:11 Derek: I\'m on business debt consalidation Once in office and riding herd on the financial industry, Spitzer appeared on ABCГўВЂВ™s ГўВЂВњThis WeekГўВЂВќ in 2005. The topic was an investigation of the financial practices of insurance giant AIG and then-CEO Maurice Greenberg. 2015-01-28 08:21:11 Alex: I\'d like to send this parcel to short term loans in valdosta ga Minister Reilly warmly welcomed the announcement, saying it marked a huge step forward in the fight against tobacco use, as well as a \'victory for public health against those unwilling to acknowledge the devastating consequences of tobacco addiction in our society.\' 2015-01-28 08:21:13 Nathanial: I\'m in my first year at university debt elimination secured Instead of blaming individual trainee pilots, I would say leadership and management of this airline is more culpable. They shouldnt deploy apprentices to fly long haul across Pacific with the mentor not even in charge landing that risks so many lives and corporate reputation. They need to review their system. 2015-01-28 08:21:13 Shaun: this post is fantastic how to get a loan in a hour \"A decent medical capability will increase their confidence and their willingness to do that,\" he told reporters at a breakfast meeting in April. \"Despite the fact that their medical capability is at a fairly immature stage, there is no sign of a lack of willingness to get out there day to day and fight the enemy.\" 2015-01-28 08:21:15 Willie: I was made redundant two months ago bad credit loans personal loans Those polled were optimistic about the future, with almost half believing they will outlive the average life expectancy of 79. Three per cent expect to reach 100, with many believing that by the time they get seriously ill, advances in medical technology will provide the cure. 2015-01-28 08:21:16 Sergio: How much will it cost to send this letter to ? banc one investment Businesses with more than 50 employees will now have until 2015 to provide health insurance coverage, a year later than the provision was set to take effect. Those that elect not to provide the benefit will be fined $2,000 per employee. Businesses were concerned that the reporting requirements to demonstrate compliance with the law were not clear enough.В 2015-01-28 08:21:16 Quinn: A Second Class stamp cash advance benton arkansas Charlie Sheen has been ordered to serve 30 days in a Malibu rehab under a no-jail plea bargain in his domestic violence case. The deal caps a headline-grabbing saga that exploded with Sheen\'s Christmas Day arrest on suspicion he pinned wife Brooke Mueller, 32, to a bed and held a knife to her throat during an Aspen family vacation.Sheen must also serve three months\' probation and show proof he\'s completed 36 hours of counseling. In exchange, prosecutors dropped felony menacing and criminal mischief charges. 2015-01-28 08:21:17 Rayford: A company car buy 20 mg abilify online At a brief news conference following a closed-door meetingof House Republicans, Boehner warned that this 2013 fight overthe debt limit would be \"no different\" from his party\'s effortsin 2011 to link a debt limit hike to deficit-reduction efforts. 2015-01-28 13:09:01 Cecil: Gloomy tales Buy Bupropion Online \"I think that wealthy men and men that are of status are winning these cases, like, you know, hand over foot,\" she told Abrams. \"It\'s kind of amazing because it\'s like they\'re winning them, but these are very busy men. ... That\'s why they\'re wealthy.\" 2015-01-28 13:09:03 Jada: Where do you come from? topiramate cost uk However, Justine Roberts, CEO and co-founder of Mumsnet, defended the topics, saying: \"Happily it seems some mothers do still have time for their sex lives and we\'re pleased to provide a go-to destination for straight answers when you need to ask life\'s important but often embarrassing questions.\" 2015-01-28 13:09:03 Myron: We\'ll need to take up references diflucan yeast infection pill The U.S. position exposes differences with its Gulf ally Saudi Arabia, which had welcomed Mursi\'s removal and has lavished financial support to the new government. It also raises the question of where Egypt, the second largest recipient of U.S. aid after Israel, could now turn for more military aid. 2015-01-28 13:09:04 Kelley: I\'m sorry, I didn\'t catch your name latisse sale amazon ГўВЂВњI think they were playing with the cat, tossing it back and forth,ГўВЂВќ said Hassan Zghari, store manager at the Key Food supermarket on 101st Ave. ГўВЂВњIt was a group of kids, and she threw it in the street.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-28 13:09:04 Darnell: This is the job description day 25 after clomid With bipolar disorder, people experience sustained high moods (mania), followed by period of sustained low moods. Manic episodes can include feelings of elation, rushed speech, a reduced need for sleep and hyperactivity. Lithium is currently used to treat the manic episodes of bipolar disorder. 2015-01-28 13:09:06 Santo: Can I use your phone? diflucan pill The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) said on Friday itwould let Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway (MMA) and itsCanadian subsidiary keep trains moving for now. Earlier thismonth it had ordered MMA to cease operations, saying the railwaylacked adequate insurance. 2015-01-28 13:09:07 Connor: What\'s your number? Order Bupropion The long Republican war against \"Obamacare,\" President Barack Obama\'s healthcare signature law set for launch on October 1, is at the heart of the clashes ahead. Republicans are using both the threat of a shutdown as well as the debt ceiling in an effort to scuttle or delay the law. 2015-01-28 13:09:08 Mohammed: I saw your advert in the paper buy topiramate canada MOGADISHU, Somalia ГўВЂВ” International military forces carried out a pre-dawn strike Saturday against foreign fighters in the same southern Somalia village where U.S. Navy SEALs four years ago killed a most-wanted al-Qaida operative, officials said. 2015-01-28 13:09:08 Andrew: Three years 150 diflucan \"The companies that have large pension deficits relative totheir market capitalization continue to be in denial about theimpact that deficit can have on future debt,\" said one pensionadvisor on the basis of anonymity. 2015-01-28 13:09:08 Eldon: How many weeks\' holiday a year are there? http://www.vanillastorm.com/manchester-web-design-company/ how many 2mg xanax bars to get high \"If someone raises prices at the pump, don\'t hesitate tocall me any time - day or night,\" deputy energy minister KirillMolodtsov told a meeting with officials and oil companies lastweek, according to participants in the talks. 2015-01-28 15:00:27 Elvin: What\'s the interest rate on this account? http://www.video-to-flash.com/video_to_flv/ clonazepam 20 mg bula The Kardashians just can\'t seem to stop building their media and fashion empire. Kim, Khloe and Kourtney pose in the latest advertisements for their Kardashian Kollection lingerie line in images released this week, and the sisters delivered some of their best trademark sultry stares to boot. In the ads, the three sisters don black-and-pink lace bra-and-panty sets with thigh-high sheer stockings and heels. 2015-01-28 15:00:27 Sidney: I\'ve been made redundant http://newcastlecomics.com/blog/ebay-store/ codeine 30 mg vs hydrocodone 10mg BAGLEY, Ala. ГўВЂВ” Jim Mortenson and his wife, Mickey, are a typical couple. They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, purchasing or creating things for their home and gardening ... on their roof. 2015-01-28 15:00:27 Augustine: Through friends http://www.video-to-flash.com/video_to_flv/ clonazepam 2mg street price MILAN, Aug 6 (Reuters) - A former manager of Italian oilservice group Saipem, who is at the centre of abribery probe relating to Algerian gas contracts, has beenarrested, his lawyer said on Tuesday. 2015-01-28 15:00:28 Valentin: I\'m a partner in http://www.turkpdristanbul.com/istanbul-subesi/ buy diazepam ireland Wall, the first overall pick of the 2010 draft, has averaged 16.9 points, 8.0 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 184 NBA games. According to the Wizards, Walls three-year totals place him in a prestigious group of guards Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson and Chris Paul as the only four NBA players to average at least 16 points, eight assists and four rebounds per game in their careers. Hes alsoГ‚В the fastest player (134 games) in NBA history to reach 2,200 points, 1,000 assists, 600 rebounds, 200 steals and 90 blocks (since steals and blocks became official stats) and is the fastest active player to reach 900 career assists (111 games). 2015-01-28 15:00:28 Ulysses: I\'d like to send this parcel to http://www.vanillastorm.com/manchester-web-design-company/ white xanax bars mg Nintendo took gaming in an exciting new direction in 2006 with the Wii and its motion-sensing remote, but the technology didn\'t exactly come from nowhere. The company likely took inspiration from the failed Mattel Power Glove, which debuted in 1989. 2015-01-28 15:00:28 Hunter: A packet of envelopes http://leadership18.org/staff generic klonopin what does it look like “But times have changed, and the example that football players set as role models has changed as well. And English society is very sensitive to smoking, much more than France, than southern countries, so it’s a bit more shocking here than somewhere else.” 2015-01-28 15:00:29 Henry: Three years http://newcastlecomics.com/blog/ebay-store/ codeine sulfate 30 mg dosage Baseball has been attempting to gain a suspension through at least 2014 and has threatened a possible lifetime ban. Negotiations over Rodriguez\'s penalty are likely to go through the weekend, with the 38-year-old resisting such a lengthy stretch on the sidelines. 2015-01-28 15:00:29 Keith: I sing in a choir http://www.video-to-flash.com/video_to_flv/ rivotril clonazepam gotas 2.5 mg ml Asked whether heГўВЂВ™d win the quarterback competition that will dominate the JetsГўВЂВ™ training camp in Cortland beginning in a couple of weeks, Sanchez quickly delivered a one-word response: ГўВЂВњAbsolutely.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-28 15:00:29 Destiny: I\'d like to withdraw $100, please http://newcastlecomics.com/blog/ebay-store/ paracetamol codeine tablets 500mg 30mg In 2007, Marco joined Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), where he rose to the position of Director of Mission Operations, with responsibilities over the selection and training of operators, ground segment architecture, mission planning, and the final integration, on-orbit operations and recovery of the Dragon spacecraft. Dr. Villa was integral in the effort to successfully execute $2.5B in contracts for ISS cargo resupply and crewed Dragon development programs.. A certified Mission Director for Dragon missions to the International Space Station, Dr. Villa has been part of multiple successful missions, including lead roles over ISS approach and departure. Before leaving SpaceX in 2013, Dr. Villa was part of the on-going effort to develop the crewed version of the Dragon capsule, with responsibilities ranging from the definition of the overall concept of operations, to the establishment of the crew training methodology. Currently Dr. Villa is a business development consultant and co-founder of mv2space LLC, and is also Vice President for Products Development at Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems LLC. For more on info on Dr. Villa, see www.linkedin.com/pub/marco-villa/2/65a/6b8. 2015-01-28 15:00:30 Alphonso: I\'m a housewife fashion downy can you buy accutane online yahoo moisture When Romney had mentioned his lousy September, it was an evident reference to what may have been the low point of his campaign: the 47В percent video. He was in California and said at first he couldnt get a look at the video. His advisers were pushing him to respond as quickly as he could. As I understood it, and as they described it to me, not having heard it, it was saying, Look, the Democrats have 47В percent, weve got 45В percent, my job is to get the people in the middle, and Ive got to get the people in the middle,В he said. And I thought, Well, thats a reasonable thing. . . . Its not a topic I talk about in public, but theres nothing wrong with it. Theyve got a bloc of voters, weve got a bloc of voters, Ive got to get the ones in the middle. And I thought that that would be how it would be perceived as a candidate talking about the process of focusing on the people in the middle who can either vote Republican or Democrat. As it turned out, down the road, it became perceived as being something very different. 2015-01-29 08:43:18 Barney: Would you like a receipt? admit paxil 40 mg color favour reservation \"It\'s about the ease of incorporation, the ability of Irishcorporate law and tax law to fit in with IRS (Internal RevenueService) requirements, and the flexibility that is shown by theDepartment of Finance and Revenue to any of the multinationals\'needs. If they have a problem, the law will be changed.\" 2015-01-29 08:43:19 Lillian: real beauty page wild dental prescription erythromycin repent The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies drinking risk levels (DRLs) into low, medium, high and very high, where high risk equates to about seven and a half units of alcohol per day for men and five units per day for women. 2015-01-29 08:43:20 Mauricio: Which team do you support? grind interdependent suprax 200 mg eggs Data Elite aims at a slightly later stage than mostincubators and startups. The companies\' founders will need tohave at least five years\' experience in their field, or provensuccess, such as an existing start-up that sold to a biggercompany, Venios said. 2015-01-29 08:43:20 Darius: Where\'s the postbox? sunny businesswoman paxil cr 25mg bula spell ГўВЂВњI was, of course, crying slash wailing and then my dad and brother and his family came up the driveway and then everybody was cry/wailing,ГўВЂВќ she added. ГўВЂВњIt was very special. A perfect night.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-29 08:43:21 Aidan: Through friends groups salbutamol costo style Diet and nutrition stories can sometimes be compared to tabloid magazines; they get people talking by making an outrageous claim. So when it comes to getting the latest dish, what\'s a confused consumer to do?В 2015-01-29 08:43:21 Doyle: Free medical insurance subsequent paxil 30 mg uses desert \"It is very possible that such interference with the part of the young girls brain that controls her cycles may cause her significant fertility problems later,\" she says. \"At the very least, this is a safety issue that should have been explored before this drug was released over the counter instead of treating our young girls as experimental guinea pigs.\" 2015-01-29 08:43:22 Wallace: Stolen credit card resumed arrow accidently took 2 40 mg paxil lining The Mets signed Matsuzaka, who cost the Red Sox $103 million in salary and posting fees when he left the Seibu Lions for America in 2007, on Thursday for the remainder of the season to fill a hole in their starting rotation created by elbow injuries to Jeremy Hefner and Jenrry Mejia. 2015-01-29 08:43:22 Terry: I came here to study forests abilify 15mg prices folk vocation Huh, I don\'t remember Jessie and the Rippers. I\'ll bet they were a gas! lol...Ok, that was a cheap laugh. I\'m sorry. I think the heat fried my brain today. Yeah, Peace, it was blinging hot out there! Howdy to Sokman and Triumph, too. How are you doing, guys? Jane and Yumzy- I have to agree with ya. He is a cute guy. Hope everyone is doing good, and have a \"cool\" week. That means a/c around here. lol... 2015-01-29 08:43:23 Fermin: I can\'t hear you very well idiot paxil 20 mg motives plantation None of the injuries were life-threatening, but 20 of the 36 people onboard, including the driver, were taken to hospitals. Some had just bruises but others had head and neck injuries, Dickinson said. 2015-01-29 08:43:24 Davis: I\'m sorry, I didn\'t catch your name paroxetine online kopen Its possible the virus could come back next week. Its possible the virus could come back months from now, and its even possible that it could take one or two years for this virus to return to these patients, Henrich said. We still do not know the full impact of the findings that we have. 2015-01-29 08:55:34 Jermaine: A jiffy bag apo misoprostol 200mcg \"I think CMS found a way to do something truly constructive while holding back what will undoubtedly be a tsunami of worried well who, if they had access to amyloid scans, would find that they have amyloid in their brains that is largely asymptomatic,\" he said. 2015-01-29 08:55:35 Brandon: One moment, please buy retin a .1 online One notes that these missiles represent the current most lethal threat to Israel. Israel suffered heavily from the Syrian missiles used by Hizbullah in its war with Israel in July 2006. Israeli leaders have since spoke, and continue to speak, of hundreds of thousands of multi-range missiles in Syrias arsenal. 2015-01-29 08:55:35 Douglas: I came here to work ventolin hfa 100 ug The voters in California amended the state constitution by referendum legally, to define a legitimate government policy regarding the recognition of marriage.В The court is making the case that this is a matter for California to settle, not the federal courts, and there is a very good case to make there.В However, the effect of this is to overturn an election whose legality was never in doubt just because some people didn\'t like the outcome.В That to me is a more dangerous outcome than a precedent-setting decision on standing. 2015-01-29 08:55:35 Anthony: I\'m doing an internship thuoc ventolin 2.5 mg From Robert De Niro\'s dramatic weight gain for \'Raging Bull\' to Matthew McConaughey\'s intense loss for \'The Dallas Buyer\'s Club,\' check out celebrities who\'ve shocked us with their shape-shifting ways... 2015-01-29 08:55:35 Kenton: Could I borrow your phone, please? ventolin nebulizer 2.5 mg It is in part the MayorГўВЂВ™s endorsement that assures Rattner access to the top echelons in the city.Г‚В ГўВЂВњWhen one of the richest men in the country is your friend and you are working for him, it helps a great deal,ГўВЂВ™ГўВЂВ™ said one top Manhattan power broker, who did not want to be quoted publicly speaking about the Mayor or Rattner. 2015-01-29 08:55:35 Rashad: I support Manchester United order paroxetine online It is a new approach in a market that has very little competition, according to a recent report on student loan affordability by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. It is also a way to reach lower-risk borrowers and get them rates reflecting their creditworthiness - an option the CFPB report says is lacking in the current marketplace. 2015-01-29 08:55:35 Adolfo: Can you put it on the scales, please? topamax 25mg weight loss NEW YORK, Oct 24 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were poised for amodestly higher open on Thursday, indicating the S&P 500 willrebound from its first decline in the last six sessions, asinvestors grappled with a host of corporate earnings and muddledeconomic data. 2015-01-29 08:55:36 Deadman: We work together accutane 10 mg reviews All you want is city hall to tell these regulators to just back off, let these companies come into the market and see what happens. IГўВЂВ™m not advocating that in any place where peopleГўВЂВ™s lives are at risk. IГўВЂВ™m not saying we should do that for the fire department, IГўВЂВ™m not saying you should do that for the police department. When weГўВЂВ™re talking about health and safety issues IГўВЂВ™m not advocating for more of a free for all situation. What IГўВЂВ™m talking about is a lot of these industries where innovation can lead to better services at lower costs. Going back to Airbnb, one of the interesting things is the billion dollars that is going to get spent by guests in New York City this year renting places on Airbnb is going to go into the local economy because all of those hosts are real people. They get that money and they spend it here in New York because they live in New York whereas if it goes to the hotel industry a lot of the shareholders and operators of hotels in New York arenГўВЂВ™t even here in New York. 2015-01-29 08:55:36 Jospeh: I\'ll put her on ventolin nebules 2.5mg Ennahda formed a second government with the same junior partners but a new prime minister and named independents to head the key ministries of interior, defense, justice and foreign affairs. It also cracked down hard on Salafi radicals. 2015-01-29 08:55:36 Jaime: Wonderfull great site seroquel 25 mg tabletten So how do you know if you are a candidate for a coronary calcium scan? ГўВЂВњAll people with an intermediate risk of heart disease should know their calcium score and get a coronary calcium scan,ГўВЂВќ says Hecht. ГўВЂВњWhether you are at low, intermediate or high risk of heart disease is something your doctor tries to determine by looking at risk factors like your age, your family history, your blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking history. 2015-01-29 09:01:18 Judson: Very funny pictures motilium 10 mg 30 tablet endikasyonlarГђВґГ‚В± ItГўВЂВ™s hard for a Tiger Beat poster boy to change his stripes ГўВЂВ” but allegedly spitting on people and peeing on custodial equipment isnГўВЂВ™t edgy ГўВЂВ” itГўВЂВ™s ГўВЂВњBabyГўВЂВќ behavior. Timberlake, the \'N Sync crooner-turned ГўВЂВњSexyBackГўВЂВќ singer could show the Biebs how to grow up with grace. And if Timberlake canГўВЂВ™t get Bieber in a ГўВЂВњSuit & Tie,ГўВЂВќ maybe he can at least convince him to put a shirt on. 2015-01-29 09:01:18 Wyatt: What do you do? 100mg seroquel for bipolar But the “Maybe” list is even more tantalising. He’s looking for funding for The Mountains of Madness, a classic HP Lovecraft horror story about aliens in the Antarctic – “I’ll show you the art and your heart will break,” he says. He is also raising money for a new version of Pinocchio and he is hoping to direct Cumberbatch again in a new film version of Frankenstein. 2015-01-29 09:01:18 Barney: A law firm seroquel 100 mg McIlroy arrived at Firestone last year after missing the cut at the U.S. Open and tying for 60th at the British Open in his previous two starts, but he swiftly put that behind him as he finished in a tie for fifth at the Bridgestone Invitational. 2015-01-29 09:01:18 Wallace: Whereabouts are you from? 1000 mg seroquel Styles, like spelling, are distinct depending on the regional preference. \"Barbecue\" the verb means the process of roasting with indirect heat. The technique can often be used in the preparation of lamb, turkey, and chicken, but cuts of beef and pork generally make up the dominant styles. В 2015-01-29 09:01:18 Winfred: How much is a Second Class stamp? does seroquel xr come in 100mg California last week announced it would no longer defend in court a challenge to its three-drug injection procedure but would move to adopt a single-injection method like such states as Arizona and Ohio, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. 2015-01-29 09:01:19 Daniel: I\'m about to run out of credit seroquel 25 mg anxiety Also at the conference, an international team of scientists based at Japan\'s Proton Accelerator Research Complex announced they have documented muon neutrinos transforming into electron neutrinos В— a previously unknown third way that neutrinos can spontaneously change identity. Neutrinos are subatomic particles that are very hard to detect because they have extremely low mass and rarely interact with matter. 2015-01-29 09:01:19 Mya: I\'m not working at the moment kegunaan obat motilium 10mg But there were those who had doubts about the scientific credentials for their research, pointing out that their human guinea pigs, recruited via a highly skewed selection process, were people who were able to masturbate, or copulate with complete strangers, in a laboratory setting in front of cameras and camera crew while attached to various monitoring devices. To use them as a template for “normal” sexual function, as one critic observed, was rather like judging normal singing ability by the standards of international recording artists. In particular, subsequent research suggests that the ability to achieve multiple orgasms is far from normal for most women. 2015-01-29 09:01:19 Mariah: This is the job description motilium tablets 10mg emc The other thing irritating Flaherty, a veteran of the G7 andG20 meetings as Canada\'s finance minister for nearly eightyears, is what he perceives as a weakening of the G20\'scommitment to come up with coordinated policies to bolster theglobal economy. 2015-01-29 09:01:19 Ashton: I didn\'t go to university 750 mg levaquin used State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf confirmed Meshud\'s capture. She said Meshud\'s group had claimed responsibility for the 2010 bombing attempt in Times Square \"and has vowed to attack the U.S. homeland again.\" 2015-01-29 09:01:19 Korey: What do you do for a living? earthquake peeks eszopiclone brand names implication \"The prospect of another rate cut is obviously a lot higherthan people thought. It makes sense to put more money in yield,\"Williams said. \"People will continue to hunt for thesehigh-yielding equities.\" 2015-01-29 20:32:35 Jerrod: What qualifications have you got? wallpaper order soma fedex disc A recent government-funded study of 100 surrogate mothers in Delhi and Mumbai found there was \"no fixed rule\" related to compensation and no insurance for post-delivery healthcare. It cited cases where surrogates were implanted with embryos multiple times to raise the chances of success. 2015-01-29 20:32:35 Lawerence: I love the theatre money relative where to buy carisoprodol online greenhouse downstairs While the Senate passes an immigration reform bill this week, the dirty cynical little secret that most political analysts in Washington know is that the prospects of having an immigration bill sent by Congress to the president\'s desk for signature is very slim.В В 2015-01-29 20:32:42 Rickie: I\'m a partner in carpet .25 mg klonopin pregnancy worn archipelago ГўВЂВњI think the BOE will be quiet for now and even if they issue a statement after ThursdayГўВЂВ™s meeting, itГўВЂВ™s not going to be as firm as the meeting in July,ГўВЂВќ said Richard Kelly, head of European rates and foreign exchange research at TD Securities. 2015-01-29 20:32:43 Demetrius: Hello good day despite soma online online prescription draught In a demonstration at the hacking conference, they pluggedan iPhone into a custom-built charger they equipped with a tinyLinux computer that was programmed to attack iOS devices. Theysaid it cost about $45 to buy and a week to design. 2015-01-29 20:32:43 Vernon: I\'m on holiday leash likewise .5 mg klonopin and alcohol harass atmospheric LAC-MEGANTIC, Quebec, July 12 - Shell-shocked residents ofLac-Megantic, Quebec, took small steps on a long path back tonormalcy on Friday as they returned to homes and businesses justa short walk from the lakeside town\'s center, devastated by afiery rail crash last week. 2015-01-29 20:32:44 Melanie: How much does the job pay? career table 2mg klonopin repentance tied In a low-key and methodical presentation that began early Friday, defense attorney Mark O\'Mara urged the all-female, six-member jury to not ГўВЂВњfill in the gapsГўВЂВќ or ГўВЂВњconnect the dots,ГўВЂВќ but to stick to facts. He ridiculed prosecutors for their forceful portrayal of Zimmerman as a wannabe cop who profiled an unarmed teen when he cut through the gated community where Zimmerman lived. 2015-01-29 20:32:44 Bernie: Have you got a telephone directory? misty stops midazolam fda approval plucky pairs In a separate report, the New York Federal Reserve said itsEmpire State general business conditions index slipped to 6.29from 8.24 in August. However, firms expect an improvement in themonths ahead. The index of six-month business conditions touchedits highest level in nearly 1-1/2 years in September. 2015-01-29 20:32:44 Boyce: I can\'t get a dialling tone season eszopiclone generic 2010 guardian achievement The SEC said on Friday it decided not to impose civilpenalties on two other former Vitesse executives, Yatin Mody, aformer chief financial officer, and Nicole Kaplan, a formerdirector of accounting. 2015-01-29 20:32:45 Kennith: Your account\'s overdrawn prolong eszopiclone 2 mg overwhelming skeleton In one case, former lawmaker and rights advocate Ziad el-Oleimi came under fire for referencing an Egyptian proverb that some saw as an insult to then-military ruler Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi. El-Oleimi, who was earlier beaten by military police during a protest after he was elected to parliament, had referred to Tantawi as a donkey during a rally. 2015-01-29 20:32:45 Edwardo: We\'d like to offer you the job order desyrel And you don\'t have to be an international pop star to carry off the trend either apparently. Rather surprisingly there are quite a number of glitter and sequin embellished leotards holding their own out there, so if you want to rock your own popstar vibe why not try the Lipsy sequinned body below? For a more understated take on the look wear your bodysuit under a pair of denim jeans or cut-offs. 2015-01-29 23:15:19 Tony: Have you got any ? what is diflucan 200 mg used for Peru, a top producer of copper, gold and silver, has overthe past decade enjoyed an average annual economic expansion of6.5 percent as exports have soared on China\'s growth anddomestic demand surged with the rise of the middle class. 2015-01-29 23:15:19 Jerrold: Could you ask her to call me? wellbutrin xl 150 mg weight loss Five men, aged 20, 31, 35, 53 and 54, and two women, aged 28 and 54, were arrested in London. Four men, aged 24, 41, 44 and 56, were arrested in Cambridgeshire. Two men, aged 28 and 46, were arrested in Essex. 2015-01-29 23:15:20 Billy: Do you know what extension he\'s on? abilify 2mg tablets Lauren Silverman and her sister turned heads wherever they went. ГўВЂВњWe traveled a lot and no matter where we went, everyone looked at those girls,ГўВЂВќ Eisenberg said. ГўВЂВњThey and their mother were more than beautiful, they were breathtaking. 2015-01-29 23:15:20 Deangelo: I like it a lot kropli do oczu z bimatoprostem The steely Brennan famously was felled by a pair of near-debilitating accidents but got back to work afterward. In 1982, toward the end of ГўВЂВњPrivate BenjaminГўВЂВ™sГўВЂВќ brief run, Brennan was hit by a car crossing a Los Angeles street after dining with Hawn. Polly Holiday was brought in to play a new character on the show for several episodes before it was canceled in January 1983. 2015-01-29 23:15:20 Payton: Another year ventolin 0 4 mg/ml annostus This African country has turned a significant corner, swearing in a newly elected president. The question now is whether the government can overcome the longstanding security problems that got it into trouble in the first place, and chart a path to rights-respecting democratic rule. 2015-01-29 23:15:20 Sydney: Just over two years buy accutane online 30mg Martin kept the fun going in the seventh, homering a second time, off Reds reliever Logan Ondrusek. That made him the second Pirate with multiple home runs in a playoff game; Bob Robertson had three in Game 2 of the 1971 NLCS. He also became the first catcher to have postseason home runs with three different teams, according to the Elias Sports Bureau (he homered for the Dodgers in 2008 and for the Yankees last year). 2015-01-29 23:15:20 Mohammed: Thanks funny site abilify qtc The FERC determined that the Barclays traders manipulated markets in the Western U.S. from November 2006 to December 2008. The employees made transactions in fixed-price products -- often at a loss -- with the intent of moving an index to benefit the bankГўВЂВ™s other bets on swaps, according to the FERC. 2015-01-29 23:15:20 Leslie: I\'d like to open a personal account paxil 20 mg tabletas \"Of those who become infected and who develop invasive disease, one in three will develop pneumonia, one in three will develop meningitis and one in 10 will die. People who are at risk should ask their GP about the vaccine,\" he said. 2015-01-29 23:15:21 Salvador: Thanks for calling diflucan 200 mg costo Investigators from several agencies ГўВЂВ” including the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and New Jersey State Police ГўВЂВ” had been combing the charred remains of the boardwalk in search of clues since Thursday\'s fire, which damaged or destroyed 68 businesses along four blocks. 2015-01-29 23:15:21 Trevor: Where did you go to university? personal loans best \"In view of the contradiction between acts and the statements made by the United States of America in regard to the Peace Process, the Afghan government suspended the negotiations,\" according to the statement. It did not provide details for this decision. 2015-01-30 00:35:02 Roscoe: How many are there in a book? 12 month instant cash loans To be sure, policymakers still must find ways to keep debt from growing faster than the economy.В But they should ignore calls for radical policy changes based on outdated scenarios of exploding debt. 2015-01-30 00:35:02 Tyler: Where\'s the nearest cash machine? get a payday loan in the united states Authorities said they are unaware of a specific terror threat to the nation\'s July 4 celebrations, but in Boston security officials \"are not taking any chances\" following the marathon bombing there just weeks ago, Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis told ABC News today. 2015-01-30 00:35:03 Melissa: Can you hear me OK? loans bad credit fast IRS data suggests that, globally, U.S. nonfinancial companies hold at least three times more cash and other liquid assets than the Federal Reserve reports, idle money that could be creating jobs, funding dividends or even paying a stiff federal penalty tax for hoarding corporate cash. 2015-01-30 00:35:05 Jordon: What university do you go to? payday loan lenders nj Somehow, she did. The German is a confident, big banger on grass courts who has now knocked off four standing French Open champions at Wimbledon. She is an ordinary, tentative player everywhere else, but she can throw down a 121-mph serve and is arguably the second-best server on tour, behind only Serena. On that break point in the 12th game, Lisicki struck a nerveless, 113-mph ace past Serena for deuce. Williams netted a forehand return on the next point and then Lisicki finished off a powerful rally with a forehand winner on her second match point for the victory. 2015-01-30 00:35:06 Colin: In tens, please (ten pound notes) money loans without a bank account NEW YORK ГўВЂВ” Whole Foods Market Inc. is recalling Crave Brothers Les Freres cheese in response to an outbreak of a bacterial infection that has sickened people in several states and killed at least one person. 2015-01-30 00:35:07 Werner: I work with computers loans lenders not brokers Charlotte Ross, who did several seasons on ГўВЂВњNYPD BlueГўВЂВќ and now stars on VH1ГўВЂВ™s ГўВЂВњHit the Floor,ГўВЂВќ says she turned down an offer to do ГўВЂВњLostГўВЂВќ because filming it meant too many months on the Hawaii set. ГўВЂВњCrazy, right?ГўВЂВќ she says. ГўВЂВњAll that time in paradise. But it would have been the wrong decision for everything else in my life.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-30 00:35:07 Bella: Have you got a telephone directory? payday guaranteed After U.S. close on Monday, Dow component Alcoa Inc,the largest U.S. aluminium producer, reported alarger-than-expected quarterly profit, excluding one-time itemssuch as restructuring costs and legal expenses, kicking off theearning season. 2015-01-30 00:35:08 Goodsam: I\'d like a phonecard, please arm loan calculator NEW YORK ГўВЂВ” Whole Foods Market Inc. is recalling Crave Brothers Les Freres cheese in response to an outbreak of a bacterial infection that has sickened people in several states and killed at least one person. 2015-01-30 00:35:09 Erwin: A packet of envelopes direct pay day lenders Beneath the headline Visit the Zoo, white tigers and lions leap through rings of fire, or pose majestically for their portraits. I read that the circus will be in town for five days. I park, cross the road and approach the circus. 2015-01-30 00:35:10 Broderick: How many more years do you have to go? tenormin tablets Science-fiction thriller Gravity set a new October record at the box office this weekend, performing more like an all-audiences summer event movie than the kind of targeted fare that usually dominates in the fall. 2015-01-30 12:58:13 Margarito: A pension scheme tenormin 100 costo The ГўВЂВ™60s also provide the backdrop for the Coen brothersГўВЂВ™ ГўВЂВњInside Llewyn Davis,ГўВЂВќ starring Oscar Isaac as a folk musician living in the Village. Joaquin Phoenix and Jeremy Renner travel back to ГўВЂВ™20s New York to fight for Marion CotillardГўВЂВ™s soul (and body) in James GrayГўВЂВ™s ГўВЂВњThe Immigrant.ГўВЂВќ And all of eternity serves as the setting for Jim Jarmusch, whose intriguing ГўВЂВњOnly Lovers Left AliveГўВЂВќ imagines Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton as ageless vampires named Adam and Eve. 2015-01-30 12:58:13 Scottie: I\'m doing an internship buy quetiapine tablets The challenges mirror those faced by much of China\'s manufacturing sector, from cement and steel to shipbuilding - local governments chasing jobs and economic growth over-invested in often high-cost, low-tech capacity in the mid-2000s when demand for solar panels was booming. That boom is now over. 2015-01-30 12:58:13 Shane: Can you put it on the scales, please? atenolol cost in india Hernandez Llach\'s sister, Offir Hernandez, said her brother did not use hard drugs, such as the counter-culture psychedelic drug acid, or cocaine, but said his friends told her he smoked marijuana that morning. 2015-01-30 12:58:13 Sterling: US dollars seroquel generic brand According to its website, Perfect Money performs an identitycheck on each customer to try to identify the computer used toenter the account. It said the company collects informationabout each customer\'s online activity and monitors transactionsfor signs of suspicious activity. 2015-01-30 12:58:13 Jayson: What sort of music do you listen to? Slimfast Uk Joss Garman, deputy political director at Greenpeace, said that while Ed Davey claimed the Energy Bill would drive investment into cleaner power sources, fossil fuels might end up as the prime beneficiary. ГўВЂВњThis latest subsidy, amounting to hundreds of millions of pounds taken from consumersГўВЂВ™ bills, would keep the UK dependent on the dirtiest fuel of all for at least another decade, while simultaneously putting at risk investment in less polluting power systems,ГўВЂВќ he said. 2015-01-30 12:58:14 Doyle: Sorry, I ran out of credit cheapest place buy seroquel Bill Parry, a member of the building workers\' union Ucatt, who was on the Consulting Association blacklist, said in a debate during the TUC congress: \"I want justice for every single person who was blacklisted, and we need to ensure that never happens again, in construction or any other industry. 2015-01-30 12:58:14 Leandro: A few months para que sirve el seroquel xr 300 mg But IГўВЂВ™m here today to tell you what you already know ГўВЂВ“ weГўВЂВ™re not there yet. Even though our businesses are creating new jobs and have broken record profits, nearly all the income gains of the past ten years have continued to flow to the top 1%. The average CEO has gotten a raise of nearly 40% since 2009, but the average American earns less than he or she did in 1999. And companies continue to hold back on hiring those who have been out of work for some time. 2015-01-30 12:58:14 Rupert: How many weeks\' holiday a year are there? order tenormin \"When a discovery of this size is established, it\'s most likely there will be others. Players in the industry who had the region on a back burner will start looking at it more seriously now,\" said Fadel Gheit, oil analyst at Oppenheimer & Co. 2015-01-30 12:58:14 Franklyn: I\'d like , please tenormin price Investigators believe Israel Keyes murdered his fist victim in 2001 and his last in 2012 when he kidnapped 18-year-old Samantha Koenig of Anchorage, strangled her and dumped her remains in an icy lake. 2015-01-30 12:58:14 Morton: International directory enquiries detain subsequently retin a micro coupon card rational Going forward, the researcher said, \"Our next step is to check for the disappearance of this progenitor star after the supernova fades away. We expect that it will have been destroyed in the supernova explosion.\" 2015-01-30 19:00:05 Deshawn: I\'m retired translate general ventolin 100 mcg dosage laid Customers who were left with shortfalls will automatically be compensated and the bank is writing to all customers who were affected by the blunder. Mortgage holders do not have to do anything until they are contacted by Clydesdale to explain what the next steps are. 2015-01-30 19:00:05 Claire: This site is crazy :) publish salbutamol ventolin 2mg/5ml syrup enthusiastic reception The FDA has cited DNP\'s hazardous use as a weight-loss drug as one of the key public health disasters that led Congress to enact the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act in 1938. Under that law, the FDA declared that DNP was too toxic for human use under any circumstance. 2015-01-30 19:00:06 Ollie: The United States compile girlfriend ventolin 100 mcg unwise China\'s house prices in September rose 9.1 percent from ayear earlier, the sharpest rise since January 2011, calculationsof official data by Reuters shows. The CSI300 ofleading Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listings fell 1 percent asinvestors braced for possible measures to calm the propertymarket. 2015-01-30 19:00:06 Rodger: I\'d like to send this parcel to gloomy moaning topamax generic availability window wrestle Javier Martin-Artajo was a managing director at the bank and senior trader at its chief investment office (CIO), the division where the losses occurred, while Julien Grout was a junior trader in the same unit. Both are facing charges of conspiracy to falsify books and records, to commit wire fraud and to falsify filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. 2015-01-30 19:00:07 Gabriella: I\'m happy very good site down atmosphere wellbutrin xl discounts quit comely The researchers say that their study is the first randomized controlled trial to study the effects of copper bracelets and magnetic wrist straps on the chronic inflammatory disease. Seventy patients each wore four different devices over a five-month period, reporting on their pain, disability, and medication use throughout the study. To monitor changes in inflammation, subjects also provided blood samples after wearing each device for five weeks. 2015-01-30 19:00:07 Abigail: Is there ? elbow historic topamax 25 milligram shock horizontal \"It\'s obviously a very exciting time in our movement and in our campaign,\" said Evan Wolfson, founder and head of Freedom to Marry. \"We have tremendous momentum from the wins that we secured at the ballot last year, the three states that we\'ve already won this year and of course the Supreme Court rulings.\" 2015-01-30 19:00:07 Jerry: I\'m doing a phd in chemistry nourishment retin a micro gel 1 vs 04 teeth \"They are specifically concerned about how high interest rates have moved and also about any further tightening in fiscal policy. Once these issues are cleared up, they\'ll begin the tapering process,\" said Michael Moran, chief economist at Daiwa Securities America in New York. 2015-01-30 19:00:08 Amelia: Have you got any qualifications? oyster 5 mg accutane oily skin elongated When she meets Dwight (Peter Sarsgaard), a diplomat dazzled by the sheen of her self-presentation, she fervently believes that if she can only be shoehorned back into the correct social setting, all will miraculously come right. Can it? If we are incapable of owning up to the past, Allen seems to be saying, we are condemned to flounder in its shadow. 2015-01-30 19:00:08 Tracy: We work together answer retin a micro 0.04 or 0.1 economical But in a letter Monday to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which must approve the nomination before it can proceed, the former chief counsel and acting director of USCIS says such complaints come with the territory of leadership and need to be viewed in full context. 2015-01-30 19:00:08 Ruben: Can I use your phone? buy lumigan eye drops online San Francisco police and fire officials, at an airport news conference, described a dramatic scene in the moments after the crash, with firefighters quickly putting out an initial blaze and clambering up escape slides to help evacuate passengers. 2015-01-30 19:55:22 Addison: Where\'s the nearest cash machine? where to get diflucan As early as Spring 2014, the beloved and wacky science and arts fair will descend on the National Mall to encourage kids to build everything from robotics to open source platforms to food systems to wearable tech styles. 2015-01-30 19:55:23 Jonathon: When can you start? diflucan for Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and other lawmakers said what happened in Egypt last week was clearly a coup, as the military removed and detained a democratically elected Morsi, established an interim government and called for new elections. 2015-01-30 19:55:23 Jordon: I\'m not working at the moment latanoprost prescription The proposed 9.4 percent cut in Medicare reimbursements to dialysis centers, announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on Monday, was described by JP Morgan as \"worse than even our most pessimistic scenario had envisioned\". 2015-01-30 19:55:23 Abraham: I\'m sorry, he\'s buy stendra online However, Professor David Colquhoun, professor of pharmacology at University College London, said that the changes were of limited value because the rules did not require makers to show any evidence of whether the newly licensed products were effective. 2015-01-30 19:55:24 Jefferson: I\'m not working at the moment purchase bupropion online SpitzerГўВЂВ™s former communications director testified about one order the governor allegedly gave regarding Bruno: ГўВЂВњHe said f--- him, heГўВЂВ™s a piece of s---, shove it up his a-- with a red hot poker.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-30 19:55:24 Frederick: Yes, I love it! buy stendra online A group of AT&T Inc customers filed the proposed class action against the National Security Agency and Bush administration officials in 2008, accusing them of improperly operating a warrantless mass surveillance of U.S. citizens. 2015-01-30 19:55:24 Brian: How much is a First Class stamp? latanoprost generic manufacturers Given the recent dramatic swings in the market, financial advisers are increasingly looking for investment products that do not correlate to the markets, Frank Porcelli, head of BlackRock\'s U.S. retail business, told the Reuters Global Wealth Management Summit on Wednesday. 2015-01-30 19:55:26 Kevin: I\'d like to take the job cost of diflucan without insurance Martinez also suggests breaking out of the traditional \"cookie cutter\" interview questions, such as \"where do you see yourself in five years?\" He says: \"Asking for their perspective on real-time organizational challenges or trends in your industry is far more likely to give you meaningful insight into the candidate and help you make a smarter hire for your team. Similarly, ask questions aimed to uncover work ethic, qualities that no degree can teach. Qualities like tenacity, persistence and on-your-feet thinking are ageless virtues, especially in today\'s economy.\" 2015-01-30 19:55:28 Vicente: A company car wellbutrin vs generic bupropion It is a far from impossible outcome. The Brotherhood has been damaged by Morsi\'s lacklustre period in office but they remain the best-organised force in the country. The way they have been treated will add anger and zest to their campaigning. 2015-01-30 19:55:29 Keneth: What sort of work do you do? advantages lexotan 3mg transport Udrih averaged eight points and almost five assists per game in 22 minutes an outing last season as a reserve for the Bucks and Magic. The Knicks have been looking for a backup for Raymond Felton and Pablo Prigioni. 2015-01-31 05:54:48 Josue: I like watching TV procurator limovan online remedy robbery The U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a 2009jury verdict that found Exxon contaminated water supply wellswhen methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) leaked from itsunderground storage tanks in the borough of Queens. 2015-01-31 05:54:48 Brody: Can I use your phone? proceeding weakness cheap zolpidem divide chauffeur Janis Joplin, 27 (1943-1970): Janis was known as the white girl who sang the blues. A lot of white girls have sung the blues, of course, some of them just as well as the insecure girl from Port Arthur, Texas. But few of them seemed to live the blues quite as thoroughly as Janis. Joplin died of a drug overdose. 2015-01-31 05:54:49 Benedict: What\'s the exchange rate for euros? domestic marketing zopiclone prescription uk baby This was a celebration of violence, right? Maybe it was coincidental. Maybe NBC will take steps so it won\'t happen again. But it worked for Burger King. Maybe the hit even inspired one of the company\'s marketing mavens to have visions of a Romo Burger selling at BK franchises throughout the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. 2015-01-31 05:54:50 Anibal: I\'d like to send this parcel to rocky hive limovan 7 5 mg comprimidos essential But with a strong finish in these last five games, Murphy will also have some leverage as he heads into salary arbitration. ГўВЂВњAt this point I can only play hard,ГўВЂВќ Murphy said, ГўВЂВњand hope somebody appreciates it.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-31 05:54:50 Shirley: I\'m unemployed despise buy cheap zopiclone india ye The case is SEC v. One or More Unknown Traders in theSecurities of Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc, U.S. District Court,Southern District of New York, No. 13-04645. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by LeslieAdler, Bernard Orr) 2015-01-31 05:54:50 Vanessa: I\'d like to take the job move lovers zopiclone 7.5mg munch educated Shawn Gerstenberger and Jennifer Berger Ritchie of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, said the hot sauces were purchased from local ethnic markets, grocery stores and a swap meet. Product selection included a variety of manufacturers and types. 2015-01-31 05:54:51 Ashton: We\'d like to invite you for an interview engagement buy limovan online miss amateur It\'s always sunny in Hollywood, and these celebs love flaunting their picture-perfect beach bodies almost as much as they love getting all dressed up for the red carpet. Whether they\'re splashing arou... 2015-01-31 05:54:51 Stanley: How many more years do you have to go? spurt ruling green xanax bars pill finder fighting parrot While diet is a big driver of losing weight, physical activity is the major driver of keeping it off. It does this in three ways: First, it increases your energy expenditure so you can now eat a reasonable amount of food without gaining weight. Second (we explain this in the book), it fixes an inflexible metabolism, which means your body is now working with you – not against you – to maintain a healthy weight. Third, it better couples your appetite with your metabolism. 2015-01-31 05:54:52 Antoine: I\'m on a course at the moment resort get ambien online shoved A research team at Harvard has created a remarkable proof of concept device: a thin, transparent speaker powered by ions instead of electricity. Such \"ionic devices\" could lead to artificial muscles, telescopic contact lenses, and more. 2015-01-31 05:54:52 Hosea: History fluconazole price walmart As many as 44 percent of those polled believe the government should not have bailed out financial institutions, while only 22 percent thought it was the right move. Fifty-three percent think not enough was done to prosecute bankers; 15 percent were satisfied with the effort. 2015-01-31 09:42:17 Leah: What\'s the exchange rate for euros? bimatoprost eyelash enhancer She talks with the fierce clarity of a prophet, and observing her calm, resolute gaze is the nearest we will come to knowing what Joan of Arc looked like when she declared: “I am not afraid. I was born to do this.” 2015-01-31 09:42:17 Nigel: Other amount 200 mg of topamax+weight loss Unauthorised absences were also a matter of concern, with almost 100 such absences recorded since January 2013. Most of these were described as ‘absent at risk\', which meant after leaving, the young people engaged in risky behaviour such as drinking alcohol, taking drugs and ‘sexualised behaviour\'. 2015-01-31 09:42:17 Amado: On another call how much does isotretinoin cost without insurance Yet the administration is sending mixed signals. While the president directly spoke out against the military-backed government on Thursday -- and canceled upcoming joint military exercises -- the U.S. has refused to label Morsi\'s ouster a coup. That means, under U.S. law, the administration can continue to send $1.5 billion in annual aid to the Egyptian government. 2015-01-31 09:42:17 Mya: I can\'t get a signal can u buy fluconazole over the counter Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not make loans but instead buy them from lenders and package them as bonds, and guarantee them against default. A key part of the housing system, the two mortgage financiers own or back about half of all U.S. home loans. 2015-01-31 09:42:18 Faustino: It\'s a bad line abilify 10 mg image Pulling back from the brink, a lonely President Barack Obama said last night that he would attempt to wrest authorisation from the US Congress before ordering military strikes over Syria ГўВЂВ“ thereby putting an unexpected brake on what had seemed like impending action. 2015-01-31 09:42:18 Dominick: real beauty page isotretinoin online pharmacy We expect you know full well by now that a jumpsuit is hands down this season\'s must-have buy. We have spotted countless celebrities jump head first into this trend - everyone from Victoria Beckham to Kimberley Walsh, who only yesterday rocked a Forever Unique jumpsuit. 2015-01-31 09:42:18 Tyron: Have you got any experience? fluconazole back order IN A court case that could add a new risk factor to someprivate equity deals, the First Circuit Court of Appeals lastmonth ruled in favor of the New England Teamsters and TruckingIndustry Pension Fund, which argued that two investment fundsmanaged by Sun Capital Partners were liable for $4.5 million inpension liabilities for Scott Brass Inc. The Sun Capitalportfolio company went bankrupt in 2008. 2015-01-31 09:42:18 Alexis: Where do you study? isotretinoin cost ГўВєВ in uk We are also well-positioned with our balance sheet. At July 31, we had $490 million of cash and cash equivalents versus $366 million a year ago. Short-term and long-term debt totaled $964 million at July 31, up from $940 million a year ago. Total debt was 35% of stockholders\' equity versus 39% a year ago. Net inventories of $2.3 billion, which represents about half of total assets, have increased just 4% from a year ago, with finished goods inventory up 8% and combined raw material and work-in-process inventories down 1%. Net inventories would have increased 7% when excluding the translation effect of a stronger dollar, primarily against the weaker yen. We continue to project about a 5% increase in net inventories for the year or slightly less than projected sales growth. 2015-01-31 09:42:19 Prince: Go travelling isotretinoin tablets price in india In the early 1890s, the site housed a textile factory. Many of its workers were British immigrants, one of whom was Donohoe. This man, his sculptor argues, has been overlooked as the true father of Brazilian football and it\'s time the world knows about him. 2015-01-31 09:42:19 Layla: We\'ve got a joint account solar panels financing \"Ireland\'s next generation of GPs will be working within the remit of the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill, even though this survey indicates that the majority of trainees support termination of pregnancy for broader medical reasons\", Dr Flynn added. 2015-01-31 16:07:31 Reyes: Thanks for calling key bank loan I am sure, by my publishing this, we will get tons of comments how bad these dogs are for you, what\'s in them and how what you put into your body is how you will feel later. All true. But John, from a realistic point of view, once you are eating healthy and on your statin, your cholesterol level will fall into acceptable levels. Meeting with a smart nutritionist will help you make that happen. 2015-01-31 16:07:32 Titus: Is it convenient to talk at the moment? online installment loans indiana Twelve moviegoers were shot to death in the spree and 58 others were wounded, while another dozen people were injured fleeing the theater. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty against Holmes, a California native, if he is convicted. 2015-01-31 16:07:32 Oscar: Do you know the address? homeloanquotes Disgraced former Christian Dior designer John Galliano has issued an apology - not for his shocking anti-Semitic statements caught on camera in Paris - but for \'upsetting people.\' Amid the fallout from shocking accusations of anti-Semitic slurs and assault and his dismissal from the House of Dior, the 50-year-old has reportedly taken advice from his close friends and is seeking treatment for alcohol addiction, according to fashion insider Suzy Menkes. 2015-01-31 16:07:32 Noah: I\'d like to pay this in, please short term loans 3 months On the other hand, a gap year could enable you to gain that experience in your field of choice before starting college and give you a leg up for internship positions. Ask yourself whether the benefits of a gap year make sense for your education and career goals. 2015-01-31 16:07:33 Timmy: What do you want to do when you\'ve finished? tractor trailer financing That rift threatened Lisbon\'s plans to regain access to debtmarkets, although risks remains as the country\'s new negotiatorwith its international lenders has been a critic of theausterity policies they have imposed on the country. 2015-01-31 16:07:33 Dghonson: What\'s the exchange rate for euros? 1 hour cash short term lenders MCV is the leading trade news and community site for all professionals working within the UK and international video games market. It reaches everyone from store manager to CEO, covering the entire industry. MCV is published by Intent Media, which specialises in entertainment, leisure and technology markets. 2015-01-31 16:07:33 Everett: Do you know what extension he\'s on? cash loans az A few hours after Mr Mubarak\'s democratically elected successor Mohammed Morsi was dumped from office and arrested by Egypt\'s generals this week I couldn\'t help noticing that this time there were plenty of men in uniform out and about. 2015-01-31 16:07:33 Gaston: What do you want to do when you\'ve finished? financing lending Whatever the viewpoint, it is clear that the most immediate impact of the latest upheavals in Egypt is on, what might be called, its own backyard - the Sinai Peninsula and the Gaza Strip. And developments here impact upon the broader relationship between Egypt and Israel. 2015-01-31 16:07:34 Unlove: very best job cash advance 22401 If Johnstons numbers are right, and I have no reason to doubt him, its time for the president to make it clear he wont stand for hoarding when the nation is in difficulties such as the high unemployment. 2015-01-31 16:07:34 Lamar: I can\'t hear you very well Zyprexa 10mg \"The initial signs suggest that clubs are taking the new requirements seriously and beginning to adapt their behaviour in the way the football authorities intended, which is encouraging,\" said Birch. 2015-01-31 16:22:06 Kenny: Good crew it\'s cool :) Generic Yasmin Zarah But Kerry spent much of his first six months as America\'s top diplomat in frenetic diplomacy trying to get the two sides to agree to resume peace talks that broke down in 2008. Since February, he has made six trips to the region shuttling between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to try to cajole them into returning to negotiations.В 2015-01-31 16:22:06 Deandre: What sort of music do you like? Vytorin Generic Equivalent ГўВЂВњRachel, I know that heГўВЂВ™s not here and I would have loved to meet him, Mr. Jackie Robinson. ItГўВЂВ™s a great pleasure and honor for me to be the last Major League Baseball player to ever wear No. 42. Even though I didnГўВЂВ™t meet him, he has been a hero and inspiration for me. I thank Mr. Jackie Robinson for that. 2015-01-31 16:22:06 Neville: Could I ask who\'s calling? zithromax order online canada In 2010, Mee lured Shannon Griffin, a 22-year-old Wal-Mart worker, to an abandoned home under the pretense of buying marijuana. Once there, two of Mee\'s friends robbed Griffin at gunpoint ГўВЂВ” but he struggled and was shot four times. 2015-01-31 16:22:06 Arianna: Where do you live? buy zithromax 250 mg online \'It\'s so different from anything I\'ve ever done, which was what made the shoot so fun for me,\' Kardashian wrote on her blog. \'YRB is known for being very wild and crazy with the content they publish, so I jumped at the chance to work with them! I love experimenting with different looks and this was the perfect opportunity for me to do that.\' 2015-01-31 16:22:06 Cooper: What university do you go to? Yasmin Ed Tablets International law and human decency bars the use of chemical weapons. If 500 to 1,300 people died as rebels allege, the killings in the Damascus suburb of Eastern Ghouta would be the worst chemical attack in thirty years. If there was ever an incident that crossed President Barack ObamaГўВЂВ™s Г‚В chemical weapons ГўВЂВњred line,ГўВЂВќ this it. 2015-01-31 16:22:06 Emma: The line\'s engaged zithromax 250 mg dosage for chlamydia They went to see the protests on August 16 and were arrested at a check point, then searched and beaten, they said. The two men were taken to Cairo\'s Tora prison, where members of ousted President Mohamed Mursi\'s Muslim Brotherhood are being held. 2015-01-31 16:22:06 Haley: How much does the job pay? zithromax 1000 mg online But since his June election, Rouhani has made clear he is seeking relief from the sanctions and has welcomed a new start in nuclear negotiations in hopes this could ease the economic pressure. He has said he has the full support of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final word on all important matters of state including the nuclear question. 2015-01-31 16:22:07 Reggie: Looking for work zithromax 250 mg and alcohol Ghannouchi, the party\'s chairman, said in an interview that the ballot could be held early next year, and that Ennahda had not necessarily lost the chance to lead one of the Muslim world\'s most secular countries with strong ties to Europe. 2015-01-31 16:22:07 Cliff: I work here zithromax 250 mg The 45 year old, whose mum Margie lost her 20-year cancer fight when Kensit was just 24, insists she will undergo further surgery if she is found to carry faulty genes: \"I plan to get tested to find out if I\'ve inherited one of the high-risk cancer genes from my mum. If I have, I won\'t think twice about having a double mastectomy. My goal is to live to a grand old age so my sons won\'t be without me.\" 2015-01-31 16:22:07 Javier: Is there ? personal polish do need prescription clomid disapproval succeeding The company owns licences for nine gas fields in Russia withproven and probable reserves of 7.3 billion barrels of oilequivalent. Last year, Samburg oilfield, one of the deposits,was launched with initial production pegged at 43,000 barrels ofoil equivalent per day. 2015-02-01 04:41:53 Valeria: this is be cool 8) overtime legal 40 mg accutane at 6 weeks unfair attic -- Dutch pension group PGGM to acquire control of gasdistributor Northern Offshore Upstream Gas Pipeline System,which is jointly controlled by French gas and power group GDFSuez and EBN B.V. (notified Sept.17/deadline Oct. 22/simplified) 2015-02-01 04:41:54 Odell: I need to charge up my phone automatically taking 40 mg accutane a day hell territory Chief executive of Telus Corp, Darren Entwistle,warned that the sector faces a \"bloodbath\" unless rules thatcould give a U.S. giant preferential treatment in the upcomingspectrum auction are changed in the next two months. () 2015-02-01 04:41:54 Rodrick: I\'d like to apply for this job permit skiing avanafil cost waste percent Mr. Jarvis stated that the reason he closed the parks was because Mr. Jarvis had no money to appropriate but he did have money to erect barricades. Mr. Jarvis was also afraid that the would go to jail if he violated the law, several democrat congresspersons stated he would have been jailed if he did not close the NPS. When Mr. Jarvis was asked out of the 168 years of this law how many people were put in jail, a republican stated 0. 2015-02-01 04:41:55 Cristobal: I work with computers laid where can i buy avanafil busily privacy Smith did say he was trying to throw it away, although it hardly looked that way. In that situation, the safest thing to do would be to fire it out of bounds or into the first row of the lower deck. ГўВЂВњIt was an attempted throw-away and the guy who I least expected to even get over there and make the play got over there,ГўВЂВќ Smith said. ГўВЂВњI was just trying to throw it over their head and Clark got over and made the play.ГўВЂВќ 2015-02-01 04:41:55 Aaliyah: What qualifications have you got? headlight cord much does clomid treatment cost speaking There were plenty of great Porsches in the paddock and on the track, lead by at least four impeccable 962s (three in Rothman\'s livery and one in Jaegermeister), the 1998 Le Mans-winning GT1, the Moby Dick 935, and a phalanx of storied and unstoried 911 race cars from the late \'70s and early \'80s that all seemed to be in the same class (6A) and having a great time. Porsche fans could not be disappointed this year. 2015-02-01 04:41:57 Sofia: I\'m interested in this position requested diflucan pill foresight A report by Bloomberg News in December said Batista had topledge additional stakes in his companies that shields Mubadalafrom the selloff in his publicly traded companies. Shares inailing oil producer OGX PetrГѓВіleo e GГѓВЎs ParticipaГѓВ§ГѓВµes SA are down almost 90 percent this year. 2015-02-01 04:41:58 Antonio: Directory enquiries accounts 50mg clomid iui success stories cocktail wishing Travis will stay at The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano for two to three more weeks before being transferred somewhere else to undergo aggressive physical therapy. Doctors say it will take months to recover from the stroke, but scans shows the swelling in his brain is subsiding following surgery and he is making good progress in his recovery. 2015-02-01 04:41:59 Marco: An estate agents sir taking 40 mg accutane a day entitle With this vulnerability, an attacker can embed malicious values in a font description that would overrun the memory allocated to the font-drawing routine, and write into sections of memory reserved for other operations. The font instructions could be provided to Windows or Internet Explorer (IE) by way of a Web page or a document. 2015-02-01 04:41:59 Donald: Where did you go to university? assure lumigan 0 1 mg ml straightened ГўВЂВњItГўВЂВ™s good to see,ГўВЂВќ Davis said. ГўВЂВњBeing under the Mendoza line is not the best thing in the world. But IГўВЂВ™m hitting better as of late and getting on base a lot. It is nice to see .200 on the board. I havenГўВЂВ™t been there all year. Hopefully, I can keep climbing.ГўВЂВќ 2015-02-01 04:42:00 Gabrielle: Are you a student? citalopram price walgreens SaritaГўВЂВ™s only son had gone to the Kedar valley to work during the busy pilgrimage season. Two weeks after the disaster, she had no news from him. Lachmoli had been cut off. Only a small dirt footpath enabled residents to trek to safety and seek supplies. 2015-02-01 05:38:59 Nilson: Will I get travelling expenses? efectos secundarios de topamax 100 mg Years ago, I used to rely on CNN news, with Lynn Russell and Bernard Shaw, for the world news at any time of the day. Unfortunately, I have now had to revert to the evening news on the major networks for comprehensive reporting, as I am so tired of the nauseating coverage of Zimmerman, Jodie Arias, Foxy Knoxy, Casey Anthony, etc., and the unbalanced biased right/left leaning reporting and analysis of the cable networks. Lynn and Bernard, where are you? 2015-02-01 05:38:59 Francisco: I\'d like , please citalopram costco The lawsuit argues that the law violates group members\' rights to bear arms under the Second Amendment and a provision of the Connecticut Constitution that provides citizens with the right to defend themselves, The Hartford Courant reported. 2015-02-01 05:38:59 Luke: A pension scheme buy abilify no prescription Xi Jinping is very popular, and heГўВЂВ™s eager to make a show of addressing political corruption. He announced a fight against the four forms of decadence formalism, bureaucracy, hedonism and extravagance. The party leadership may be priming itself for a purge locating local and midlevel officials that are low-hanging fruit: people they can make a public example of without impacting the top of the pyramid. As for the wealthiest, they are undergoing a PR campaign of sorts, trying to display more modesty. (Chinas foreign minister just traded in his Audi for the same domestic model that Mao used to drive around in.) Make no mistake these actions are largely cosmetic. They mitigate public dissent in the short-term, but they donГўВЂВ™t get at the root of the problem. Why is that? ChinaГўВЂВ™s leaders canГўВЂВ™t fundamentally go after the problem because the problem is them. 2015-02-01 05:39:00 Sophia: Special Delivery citalopram costs without insurance The main issues before CEOs in corporations are market, competition and profit. These mean survival of the corporarion to them. The core mission of their job is to maximize profits and responsible to the shareholders. 2015-02-01 05:39:00 Stacy: I\'m from England 2 mg of abilify and weight gain Throughout the process, Ho says he never spoke or dealt with any legal or government entity in Beijing, where the mainland Chinese government under Xi Jinping is headquartered. Hong Kong and Beijing maintain separate legal systems under the two systems, one country rule, but Beijing maintains a degree of authority. His dealings, he said, were solely in Hong Kong. But he does not discount the influence Beijing may have had. 2015-02-01 05:39:00 Toney: Have you got any experience? diflucan capsule 100 mg prezzo A meeting of the sharpest minds on the day\'s most important topics, Debate Club brings in the best arguments and lets readers decide which is the most persuasive. Read the arguments, then vote. And be sure to check back often to see who has gotten the most supportГўВЂВ”and also to see what\'s being discussed now in the Debate Club. 2015-02-01 05:39:00 Connor: Your cash is being counted buy abilify no prescription In an interview with the French daily Figaro, Sergio LoroPiana, who has been running the company with his brother PierLuigi, said the family only started talking to LVMH ChiefExecutive Bernard Arnault a month ago. 2015-02-01 05:39:00 Claudio: Free medical insurance 100 mg topamax \"Proposed cuts of this magnitude simply go too far,\" said Ron Kuerbitz, chairman of Kidney Care Partners, a prominent coalition of patient advocates, manufacturers, dialysis professionals and care providers. 2015-02-01 05:39:01 Palmer: I\'m in a band citalopram price canada Some of the multinational corporations say they will bring home what could be more than a trillion dollars ifCongress will give them an 85 percent tax discount. The companies frame this as creating jobs. But as I showed in an earlier column, unless there are strict rules, the money can be used to buy back company stock while destroying jobs. 2015-02-01 05:39:01 Reinaldo: I work here dime gets clonazepam 1 mg tab teva debate pier Briggo doesnt have to be better than the best baristas in the world. It just has to be better than the nearest coffee shop. Think of this not as the epic chess showdown between Garry Kasparov and the IBM computer Deep Blue; think of Briggo, rather, as the Redbox video kiosk to Starbucks Blockbuster. 2015-02-01 16:25:31 Abdul: What part of do you come from? wool completed apap/w codeine 300/30mg yourselves In France, competition regulators have already examined acomplaint by Cogent that Orange was overcharging it to delivercontent to Orange customers there. In September 2012, the Frenchwatchdog sided with Orange, saying the operator could legallyask Cogent for more money to compensate for the high level oftraffic it was delivering. 2015-02-01 16:25:32 Gavin: Where do you live? paul spare clonazepam price without insurance mansfield running \"I\'ve been told that label sources expect first-week sales of the album to be in line with the 400,000-450,000 his recent albums have shifted. That will almost certainly give Jay his lucky 13th No. 1 on the Billboard 200.\" 2015-02-01 16:25:32 Renato: How do I get an outside line? maid buy codeine 30mg online uk can Greenwald said on Sunday in a Twitter message that he hadworked with O Globo on the reports to more quickly relay thescope and reach of the alleged surveillance. The bulk ofGreenwald\'s stories thus far have appeared in the Guardian. 2015-02-01 16:25:33 Kimberly: How would you like the money? branch 300 mg codeine high chip The FDA said the increased risk of death was mostly seen inpatients with hospital-acquired pneumonia, though it was alsoseen in patients with other types of infection. The agencyupdated the \"Warnings and Precautions\" section of the label toreflect risks. 2015-02-01 16:25:33 August: I was born in Australia but grew up in England preserved won clonazepam 25 mg picturesque attest Cheney, 46, launched herself into the race with a nearly six-minute Web video in which she laid out a conservative agenda, calling the federal government too large and wasteful of taxpayer dollars, and sharply criticized Democratic President Barack Obama. 2015-02-01 16:25:34 Corey: Could I ask who\'s calling? loss heartily 10 mg oxycodone compared to hydrocodone disposed Appointed to defend them at taxpayer expense were Robert Waggener, a Bay Area attorney who last year briefly represented San Francisco County Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi in a high-profile domestic abuse case, representing Pearmain, and public defender Jodi Linker, representing Balletto. 2015-02-01 16:25:35 Razer22: Whereabouts in are you from? stove notwithstanding 1.5 mg clonazepam and alcohol derisive The violence in Zamboanga City in the country\'s long-troubled south will have little immediate economic or investment impact as long as it doesn\'t spread in coming weeks, government officials and economists say. 2015-02-01 16:25:36 Aaliyah: I\'m on business defiant xanax bars street price 2012 therefore simulator On the Brooklyn bandГўВЂВ™s new ГўВЂВњMosquito,ГўВЂВќ nearly every song takes a fresh and fidgety approach. The Yeahs stuck with their recent bent of accenting synths over guitars, but theyГўВЂВ™ve pulled the structure of the songs out from under them. The result is more like a CD from art-rock chanteuse P.J. Harvey than anything from their raucous past. 2015-02-01 16:25:37 Nelson: I\'d like to apply for this job declared can you snort apap codeine 300 30mg maybe desperate A group that monitors piracy says well-armed pirates are using new strategies to hijack ships and widening their area of operations amid a \"worrying surge\" in attacks, kidnappings and armed robberies in West Africa\'s oil-rich Gulf of Guinea. 2015-02-01 16:25:37 Gerard: What\'s your number? comprar orlistat generico Ed Miliband insists ending the automatic affiliation of millions of union members to Labour - unless they choose to opt out - is a reform long overdue. Instead trades unionists should choose to opt in, he argues 2015-02-01 19:44:58 Wilton: Could you ask her to call me? clomipramine 10 mg That is because at the 11th hour, the Major League Baseball Players Association tried one more time to cut a deal on behalf of Rodriguez, an overture that was rebuffed by MLB. The three-day cushion enables Rodriguez to make his first appearance on the field on the same day he was potentially removed from the game forever. And since he has vowed to fight any suspension, it is expected he will file an appeal between now and Thursday that could allow him to remain on the field indefinitely. 2015-02-01 19:44:58 Mason: I really like swimming erythromycin prescription drug The firms started collaborating in 2010 and a year later signed a pact to develop new compounds in the area of recombinant botulinum toxins. Ipsen already had roughly a 10% stake in Syntaxin and has decided to buy the firm out. 2015-02-01 19:44:58 Lioncool: perfect design thanks order montelukast online A string of code from iOS 7 revealing \'a fingerprint that changes colour during the setup process\' was posted online yesterday, sparking rumours that the new iPhone could contain a fingerprint sensor. 2015-02-01 19:44:58 Madelyn: I have my own business Zofran Buy John Capek, executive vice president of medical devices for Abbott, commented in a telephone interview recently:ГўВЂВњThese technologies are leading edge and are going to add nicely to our existing vascular and ophthalmology businesses,ГўВЂВќ adding that by acquiring these new technologies will allow them . . .Г‚В to be available to broader patient populations. 2015-02-01 19:44:58 Darius: I\'d like to apply for this job Buy Valtrex Cheap Shaw doesn\'t believe the Spanish government even want the Rock. \"What would they do with it? There are 30,000 of us here. We\'d be a ghost town in 30 days if the Spanish took over. All the commerce would disappear overnight.\" He reckons the Spanish wouldn\'t be allowed to keep it offshore because the EU would deem Gib to be an integral part of Spain rather than an overseas dependency with its own rules. The Rock may be an anachronism, but that\'s the only basis on which it can function. \"We\'d be of no use to the Spanish,\" he says. \"We can\'t grow anything here. We don\'t produce anything here.\" They don\'t even fish any more, despite being surrounded by the sea, which is why the Spaniards were able to fish in their waters undisturbed for so long. Without offshore commerce, they would be nothing: a Rock without a role. 2015-02-01 19:44:58 Jason: Gloomy tales orlistat 120 mg price india Even with the price difference, Imperial Capital analyst Jeff Kessler said it could take years for cable companies to gain consumers\' trust in a market where security providers contact authorities in the event of an emergency. 2015-02-01 19:44:58 Hector: Looking for a job Zofran Cost However, the flash China HSBC Purchasing Managers\' Index(PMI) climbed to 51.2 in September helping to lift the marketfrom its session lows of 5,227.4 points. The reading hit a highnot seen since March as stronger domestic and foreign demandadded to recent signs of a tentative turnaround in the world\'ssecond-largest economy. 2015-02-01 19:44:58 Clair: I\'m unemployed erythromycin 500 mg filmtabl Dan Glickman remembers how he felt he had won \"a glory job\" when he was elected in 1976 for the first of nine terms in the House of Representatives. Now, he says, \"I think that a lot of people see politics as not an honorable profession anymore.\" 2015-02-01 19:44:58 Waldo: Do you know each other? albendazole online purchase But as often happens with gender debates, this one has taken on the feel of a Russian nesting doll, with several debates stacked inside each other. This week, the discussion veered toward whether gender belongs in the decision-making process at all. 2015-02-01 19:44:58 Hunter: I\'ve come to collect a parcel aripiprazole price canada But the critics of captive breeding programs strongly believe that such projects cause more harm than good to the species as animals born in captivity lack good survival skills and struggle in the wild. Apart from this, the techniques used in animal inbreeding increase the chances of defective genes among the offspring. 2015-02-01 20:49:57 Aidan: Directory enquiries tamoxifeno ratiopharm 20 mg efectos secundarios Though travel costs -- funded by the Department of Defense -- have been seen as a major issue, Gladchuk said that both Navy and Air Force had enough private funds to get the Falcons and Midshipmen to the game. 2015-02-01 20:49:57 Boyce: I do some voluntary work wellbutrin sr generic mylan The first black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and first black secretary of state, Powell says America has come a long way toward racial equality 50 years after Martin Luther King Jr.\'s \"I Have a Dream\" speech. Powell recalled being refused service when trying to buy a hamburger before the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 2015-02-01 20:49:57 Anthony: I\'m happy very good site generic wellbutrin sr weight loss His wife was a lawyer and their son, Bo Guagua, was educated at an elite British private school before going on to study at Oxford and Harvard universities. The younger Bo\'s Facebook photos from parties caused their own Internet stir in China. 2015-02-01 20:49:57 Emmett: Best Site Good Work silagra 100 mg bijwerkingen Just to have your sons life taken away from you when youve molded him in becoming an upstanding citizen of this country its heart-wrenching. Thats something that you can never get over, he said. Not to be there in his time in need is real troublesome. 2015-02-01 20:49:57 Paris: Very interesting tale silagra 100mg uk \"Why are these practices, as they\'re reported – which remains to be clarified – unacceptable? First because they are taking place between partners, between allies, and then because they clearly are an affront to private life,\" said Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, the French government spokeswoman, on Wednesday. 2015-02-01 20:49:58 Diva: very best job Cozaar Merck The standard means companies must regularly value how muchtheir palm fruit or cow herds are worth before they have beenharvested or slaughtered. That means estimating what the crop orlivestock will ultimately sell for. 2015-02-01 20:49:58 Keneth: What qualifications have you got? silagra 100mg uk Her writing has brought her several awards. She won The Commonwealth Writers\' Prize, the National Book Critics Circle prize for Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage, and is a three-time winner of the Governor General\'s prize. 2015-02-01 20:49:58 Napoleon: I can\'t get a dialling tone 20 mg nolvadex 25 mg proviron But it happens to be the law of the land ГўВЂВ” duly passed by Congress, signed by the President and upheld as constitutional by the Supreme Court, with a conservative chief justice authoring the majority opinion. 2015-02-01 20:49:58 Felton: Where\'s the postbox? cipla silagra 100 mg Unions, for instance, are pressing for 50 percent wage hikesthis year. The government has yet to respond. But many industryofficials worry that with general and presidential elections duenext year, it is unlikely to take a tough line. 2015-02-01 20:49:58 Wiley: Whereabouts in are you from? i need a small 100 dollar loan today emergency A 1943 unwritten agreement divided parliamentary seats along communal lines as defined in the 1932 census, when the country had a Christian majority. This principle was later extended to other government institutions, so that the president is a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni and the speaker of parliament a Shia. 2015-02-02 08:44:23 Jimmie: Where\'s the postbox? ace fast cash The humble white button mushroom could also carry significant health benefits. Researchers at Pennsylvania State University found that just a handful has about 12 times more of the powerful antioxidant, L-Ergothioneine than wheatgerm and four times more than chicken liver, previously thought to be the best sources. 2015-02-02 08:44:24 Javier: Get a job fixed rate investments No, they dont. They have most of the money placed in US banks or US treasuries or whatever else Wall Street offers. But they are holding it in the US in the name of a foreign entity. So all that cash abroad is already back in the US. It is only the tax law that do not recognize this fact. 2015-02-02 08:44:24 Branden: Who would I report to? legit payday loans sites Just ahead of the trip to persuade the U.S. companies toinvest in India, two ministries leaked letters outlining theiropposition to the latest FDI plans. One ministry also briefedjournalists about its disagreements with the finance ministryover the proposals. 2015-02-02 08:44:25 Aidan: Insufficient funds fremont investments and loan Core and peripheral euro zone debt also made solidgains and the euro moved off the seven-week low it hasbeen hovering around since the European Central Bank made clearlast week it remains ready to cut interest rates again. 2015-02-02 08:44:27 Winford: I read a lot loans center Wartsila said its order book has taken a hit from customersdelaying investments, but stronger profit still helped to liftits shares 2.7 percent to 32.79 euros by 1254 GMT, one of thebiggest rises in Helsinki\'s flat HEX25 index. 2015-02-02 08:44:28 Woodrow: Gloomy tales payday loans in arizona Surging interest rates – and all indications are they aren\'t going back down – will likely give us the answer by testing the resilience of U.S. housing markets. Here are some key indicators housing experts will be keeping their eyes on: 2015-02-02 08:44:30 Carmine: How many more years do you have to go? loan arranger The journal shows Stevens was grateful to be back in Benghazi and eagerly watching democracy slowly sprouting in the northern African nation. He had last visited Benghazi nine months before when he snuck in the country in the midst of the popular uprising against dictator Moammar Gadhafi. 2015-02-02 08:44:30 Gabriella: How do you know each other? very fast same day online payday loan TFF, your slander is not out of date. 2004 would be a better benchmark year, as the 08 crisis resulted in a big drop in spending, from which they have only been recently recovering from. Eight years of even modest growth for these companies means they should have increased their capex by around 50%, yet only one of them did. And, as you mentioned, they have also cut spending, usually in operating expenses, and those reductions offset any employment gains that result from their modest capex increases over the last 4 years, 2015-02-02 08:44:32 Russell: What\'s the exchange rate for euros? online paydayloans From Robert De Niro\'s dramatic weight gain for \'Raging Bull\' to Matthew McConaughey\'s intense loss for \'The Dallas Buyer\'s Club,\' check out celebrities who\'ve shocked us with their shape-shifting ways... 2015-02-02 08:44:35 Anthony: I\'m sorry, he\'s memory endure group order careprost segment chill Jordan is a rising Hollywood star, having parlayed critically acclaimed roles on television\'s \"The Wire\" and \"Friday Night Lights\" into several recent movie roles. His turn in \"Fruitvale Station,\" playing the Oscar Grant, the unarmed 22-year-old who was shot dead by a transit police officer in a BART station on New Year\'s Eve 2009, has sparked early Oscar buzz. 2015-02-02 14:48:24 Danilo: What part of do you come from? cook diflucan 100 mg for 3 days charges A Lincoln police captain told the newspaper that Dennard had been straddling a lane with his vehicle. In addition to the DUI, Dennard was cited for refusal of a chemical test and straddling lane lines and then released. He has a court date of Aug. 12. 2015-02-02 14:48:25 Autumn: I saw your advert in the paper death prisoner stopping celexa 10 mg charms EBay is expanding the service to Brooklyn and Queens in New York and to the Bay Area peninsula, between San Francisco and San Jose. Chicago and Dallas will be added later this summer and the service may expand outside the United States in the future, eBay executives said last week. 2015-02-02 14:48:25 Makayla: Who do you work for? largest buy nolvadex 10 mg settlement The weather is glorious, and we spend days at the beach, taking it in turns to look after Edie while the other goes swimming. We smother her in factor 50 but manage to get sunburnt ourselves. We eat crab sandwiches and at night we have barbecues. We sit outside our cottage drinking the leftover wine from our wedding that we have transported with us. 2015-02-02 14:48:27 Scotty: I\'d like to pay this cheque in, please practically scare how many mg propranolol for stage fright pebble While it\'s true that stocks fell for five straight days before snapping their losing streak on Thursday, the sell-off has been relatively mild. The three major U.S. market indexes are still up between 17% and 25% for the year. 2015-02-02 14:48:27 Jerrod: Do you need a work permit? multitude cheaper alternative to abilify unnatural pamphlet The world\'s biggest hamburger chain said global sales atrestaurants open at least 13 months rose 0.7 percent last month,slightly more than the analysts\' average estimate of 0.4percent, according to Consensus Metrix. 2015-02-02 14:48:36 Charles: This is your employment contract aloud woollen 10 mg tamoxifeno thunder troublesome What Britain has not been good at recently is producing more strength in depth among the men. Murray is currently the only British man ranked in the worldГўВЂВ™s top 250. Smith believes that is partly down to the fact that not enough people play the sport. 2015-02-02 14:48:36 Coolman: I\'m not sure taught propranolol er 80 mg capsule human Jeter sat out his second straight game while being diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain of his right calf, while his teammates suffered through a brutal 6-3 loss to the Padres that meant they havenГўВЂВ™t won any of their last seven series. 2015-02-02 14:48:38 Alphonso: A financial advisor lid nolvadex 10 mg tabs clung care Out run the occupants to greet us with wide-eyed wonder, as if a bunch of celebrities had just dropped out of the sky. It’s like the wise Winnie the Pooh once said, “Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon”. 2015-02-02 14:48:38 Hilton: I\'m happy very good site rode topmost careprost online uk charity must \"It\'s positive that markets are holding in relatively well,given how strong the month has been,\" said Mitch Rubin, chiefinvestment officer of RiverPark Advisors in New York. \"To theextent that earnings continue to be strong, that helps to takeoff some of the perception that we\'ve gone too far, too fast.\" 2015-02-02 14:48:39 Tommie: What are the hours of work? accutane 20 mg reviews These shifts suggest that it is worth looking more closely at one clear subgroup among the economists in the University of California study. Gordon and Dahl searched for, and failed to detect, ideological bias or even the subtler influence of the very distinct intellectual traditions of top U.S. universities. 2015-02-02 16:02:04 Jared: Could I take your name and number, please? clomid 150 mg success rate ГўВЂВњThis is totally off the charts, a shocker,\" one Eastern Conference executive said on Wednesday. ГўВЂВњThis pretty much means the Celtics are not trying to win. ItГўВЂВ™s stunning on many levels, but especially when you consider how many college guys have never worked out as NBA head coaches.\" 2015-02-02 16:02:04 Aurelio: Could you send me an application form? lasix furosemide There\'s something irresistible about a comeback story. Politics has plenty. Mayors, governors, members of Congress and presidents all see their fortunes rise and fall -- and sometimes rise again. Here... 2015-02-02 16:02:05 Palmer: We work together lasix 12.5 mg David Stensel, a researcher at Loughborough University in the UK who has studied exercise\'s effect on food intake, cautioned that this was a small study that needs to be repeated before any conclusions can be drawn. 2015-02-02 16:02:05 Vance: Get a job clomid without rx The turmoil leaves the Arab world\'s largest nation of 84 million people in a perilous state, with the risk of further enmity between people on either side of the political divide while an economic crisis deepens. 2015-02-02 16:02:05 Ramiro: How do you spell that? 50 mg topamax hair loss Continued structural reform in the most troubled economies is essential, and the work of building a more satisfactory institutional foundation for the euro must go on. Critical to success will be (the belated) recognition of the paradox that in economic policy, as in so much of life, what is good for one is not good for all. 2015-02-02 16:02:05 Emily: I\'d like to pay this in, please diflucan compresse costo In someone with a precursor condition to Alzheimer\'s known as mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, a positive scan may mean a higher risk of advancing to Alzheimer\'s more quickly than a negative scan would indicate, he said. \"The data are accumulating, but I don\'t know if they are there yet,\" he added. 2015-02-02 16:02:05 Diva: this post is fantastic can buy diflucan online \"All we do every day is take one day at a time and pray to the good Lord,\" Mandela\'s daughter Makaziwe told CNN. \"All I pray for as a daughter is that the transition is smooth ... He is at peace with himself. He has given so much to the world.\" 2015-02-02 16:02:06 Nickolas: I\'d like to send this parcel to purchase irbesartan Bigger profits are good news, but it would have been better news had those increased profits been put to work, not laid off in accounts paying modest interest. Hoarding corporate cash in bank accounts, Treasuries and tax-exempt bonds poses a serious threat to the economy, asГ‚В Congress recognized when it enacted the corporate income tax in 1909. 2015-02-02 16:02:06 Payton: How many more years do you have to go? diflucan cost with insurance Economists, these results suggest, seek to objectively establish the truth and have a widely agreed-on body of knowledge about how the economy works. In an age when it can be hard to write the word facts without reflexively reaching for quotation marks, that is of some comfort. But this picture of consensus among experts comes with a few caveats. 2015-02-02 16:02:06 Albert: This is the job description Purchase Tadalafil Online According to prosecutors, Green, 38, slippedГўВЂВќecstasy to a 33-year-old woman while the two were dining at a downtown Los Angeles restaurant in July 2012 and then returned to her hotel room with her. 2015-02-02 23:06:40 Arturo: I\'m interested in Generic Name For Keflex AK last year promised to carry out an investigation into the sources of doping in Kenya but so far no agent or manager has been fingered. Only athletes who test positive, usually during competitions abroad, have been punished. 2015-02-02 23:06:40 Gabrielle: I\'m doing a masters in law Nizoral Where To Buy The case has raised questions whether children are being stolen to order of if the couple were part of a wider child trafficking ring. Outside the court in the city of Larissa members of the Roma community showed their support for the couple and claimed they are being unfairly stigmatised. 2015-02-02 23:06:40 Sylvester: What university do you go to? benicar 5mg Hasan, 42, an American-born Muslim who acted as his own defense lawyer, told mental health evaluators he wanted to become a martyr and lawyers assisting him said he was actively seeking the death penalty, though Hasan has disputed that claim. 2015-02-02 23:06:40 Rodney: What\'s the interest rate on this account? finpecia 5mg But while the email implied that all eight board members planned to make the maximum allowed contribution of $4,950 to Quinn, campaign records show that, as of last week, most board members havenГўВЂВ™t given Quinn a dime. 2015-02-02 23:06:40 Brooks: Please wait benicar hct prices I decided to have a look at San Luis Obispo, and do you know what? People do seem quite positive there. I am not sure if I was wearing rose-tinted specs as a result of my love of the Madonna Inn but I genuinely thought they all seemed quite smiley. I saw an alleyway mysteriously covered in chewing gum, and browsed in some thrift and charity stores, but the real highlight was stumbling upon the Gene Francis Studio. Not only is the man a technically astounding artist, but his collection of American war memorabilia is fascinating. His grandfather was in the United States Air Force and Gene inherited his collection. Unfortunately it wasn’t for sale but it is totally up my street in terms of taste. 2015-02-02 23:06:40 Jeromy: Whereabouts are you from? Order Famvir That person would say, ГўВЂВњIf elected, I will fight like hell to abolish the office of public advocate through a voter referendum that will produce the greatest landslide in New York political history.ГўВЂВќ 2015-02-02 23:06:40 Jacques: We used to work together lisinopril hctz 20 They will also be advised to investigate the possibility that children are suffering from delayed allergic reactions if they come in with unexplained complaints such as eczema, sneezing, diar rhoea or sickness. 2015-02-02 23:06:40 Lewis: Are you a student? Purchase Famciclovir Online The charges against Bo appeared to be crafted to make him look like a rogue leader brought down by hubris and immorality. That would allow Chinese authorities to avoid questions about how the party\'s unchecked power enabled Bo\'s misconduct. 2015-02-02 23:06:40 Shaun: Good crew it\'s cool :) price of benicar Its latest results highlighted disappointing sales for a new line of devices the company initially saw as its way to win back market share from Apple Inc\'s iPhone and the numerous devices powered by Google\'s Android operating system. 2015-02-02 23:06:41 Genaro: good material thanks buy soma forums Kim Richards is finally getting the help she needs. The star of \'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills\' has checked into a rehab facility and is seeking help at an undisclosed treatment center, multiple sources confirm to \'Entertainment Tonight.\' Fans of the popular Bravo reality show may not be surprised to learn about Kim\'s struggles.Her drinking problem became public knowledge during the first season\'s finale, in which the visibly inebriated 47-year-old got into a screaming match with her sister Kyle while at cast mate Taylor Armstrong\'s birthday party. Following the blowout, Kim was checked into rehab by her family. 2015-02-03 02:42:17 Louis: No, I\'m not particularly sporty buy cheap klonopin online In Moldava nad Bodvou kids have to walk about two kilometres to reach the nearest school, Despite the distance, enrollment is high social benefits for parents are determined by their childs attendance. 2015-02-03 02:42:17 Elisha: I can\'t get a dialling tone order adipex diet pills No, the total value of all the Bitcoin in the world right now is about $2 billion which is a pittance. ThatГўВЂВ™s a lot of money, right? We would all be very happy just to take $2 billion and go home. The problem is if I gave you $2 billion of Bitcoin it would take you a very, very long time to convert that into& 2015-02-03 02:42:18 Percy: Your account\'s overdrawn imovane 7.5mg hinta San Francisco police and fire officials, at an airport news conference, described a dramatic scene in the moments after the crash, with firefighters quickly putting out an initial blaze and clambering up escape slides to help evacuate passengers. 2015-02-03 02:42:19 Wilber: perfect design thanks will 1mg of klonopin get me high Quite right, too. The R&A deserves criticism for taking the Open to male-only clubs, if only because the ongoing perception of golf as an elite, sexist sport could put off even one young girl. But the club itself is not breaking any law and it must be suspected they would not be particularly distraught if the R&A did decide to scratch them off the Open roster. 2015-02-03 02:42:19 Steep777: Best Site good looking 10mg valium vs 1mg klonopin Officials from the two countries discussed international lawand practices in cyberspace at low-level talks on Monday. Cybersecurity will feature at other meetings during the week that are also likely to address U.S. accusations that Beijing gainedaccess electronically to Pentagon weapons designs. 2015-02-03 02:42:19 Julio: this is be cool 8) cheap phentermine no prescription needed 2012 the year ofГ‚В the primary,Г‚В the election,Г‚В the Diamond Jubilee,Г‚В the superstorm,Г‚В the flying dictator,Г‚В the escaped dissident, the embassy attack,Г‚В the empty chair,Г‚В the tech protest,Г‚В the Olympics, and dozens of other stories already forgotten. It was a busy year and a terribly volatile one, too. Which of these stories will actually matter five years from now? By my count, three: 2015-02-03 02:42:20 Lucas: Sorry, I ran out of credit buy soma stanyan Under his stewardship - and thanks to the tremendous industry-wide growth in online retail - Hotels.com has seen its turnover increase 50-fold over the past decade to firmly establish itself as a market leader. 2015-02-03 02:42:22 Connor: Whereabouts are you from? imovane 7 5 mg dosering Whole Foods says the cheese may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. It was sold in 30 states and Washington DC under names including Les Freres and Crave Brothers Les Freres. The cheese was cut and packaged in clear plastic wrap and sold with Whole Foods Market scale labels. The company is posting signs in its stores to inform customers about the recall. 2015-02-03 02:42:22 Lloyd: I\'m afraid that number\'s ex-directory generic klonopin information On Saturday, police prevented thousands of people trying to enter Gezi Park as part of a rally called by Taksim Solidarity to serve notice to the authorities of a court decision that annulled the redevelopment plan. 2015-02-03 02:42:23 Gabriel: Could you tell me the dialing code for ? hydrocodone 300 mg high In the letter, written by attorney Bruce Fein \"in collaboration with\" Lonnie Snowden, the two say that by leaking information on the National Security Agency\'s vast domestic and international surveillance programs, the younger Snowden has \"forced onto the national agenda the question of whether the American people prefer the right to be left alone from government snooping...\" 2015-02-03 09:49:59 Elliott: It\'s a bad line 4 mg clonazepam Emmons was one of the first on-scene and described the column of smoke coming from the plane, using foam to try to put out the flames and climbing up the plane\'s emergency chutes to look for passengers and helping rescue the four or five people who were still in the back of the plane. 2015-02-03 09:50:01 Trinity: I\'m a trainee what do generic valium look like The protesters\' main complaint was what they saw as Erdogan\'s growing authoritarianism after a decade in power with no effective opposition to rein him in. \"That\'s not an Islamic issue,\" said Istanbul columnist Mustafa Akyol. 2015-02-03 09:50:03 Russell: Get a job buy hydrocodone online no prescription needed The verdict is the latest setback for the married Chan, who in March was ordered to pay HK$340 million ($43.8 million) in tax arrears, and has been hit by the lengthy and costly legal battle for Wang\'s estate that he lost in 2011. 2015-02-03 09:50:04 Teddy: How much were you paid in your last job? buy brand klonopin online The more prosaic explanation has to do with overstretched banks, which have been operating at peak capacity since the financial crisis. Homeowners have lined up to refinance and take advantage of rock-bottom interest rates. And as President Obama\'s refinance program has ramped up, there\'s been an increase in quick transactions that required little documentation and no appraisals. Loan officers have spent more time on refinancing, which is simple, and less on the more thorny and complicated process of getting new home loans through the pipeline. 2015-02-03 09:50:06 Rubin: Very Good Site clonazepam 2.5 mg ml gotas \"Despite challenging trading conditions and furtherintensification of promotional activity in the market we sawsome improvements over the quarter,\" said Bolland, though henoted market share did dip slightly. 2015-02-03 09:50:08 Caden: I\'d like to change some money 30 mg codeine get you high The GiantsГўВЂВ™ star receiver, who just three years ago came to training camp as the longest of long shots, is now the highest-paid receiver in Giants history. After months of talks and endless speculation, Cruz and the Giants agreed to a blockbuster, six-year contract on Monday that, according to several sources, is worth more than $45 million and includes $15.6 million in guaranteed money. 2015-02-03 09:50:09 Malcolm: Where\'s the postbox? 30 mg codeine pills \"By repealing DADT, the country and the military have taken a significant step toward equality for all who want to serve their country in uniform. But there are other discriminatory policies in the military that the repeal of DADT does not change, including the medical regulatory ban in place for aspiring or current service members who identify as transgender,\" it states. 2015-02-03 09:50:10 Harrison: I\'m happy very good site 1.5 mg clonazepam erowid Colony American Homes Inc, a provider of single family homes for rental, postponed its IPO earlier this month. Last week, Brazilian cement company Votorantim Cimentos postponed its $3.7 billion U.S. stock sale, citing market conditions. 2015-02-03 09:50:12 Hayden: A First Class stamp clonazepam 2 mg erowid Peace talks between the Taliban and the U.S. are predicated on the fighters agreeing to accept the Afghan constitution, including protections for women and minorities, and agreeing to negotiate directly with the Afghan government. 2015-02-03 09:50:13 Steep777: How much does the job pay? leading mom generic wellbutrin xl actavis prophet Were doing that because people wanted more Slurpee and we already have a lid for the small size, company spokeswoman Margaret Chabris said. So it makes it much easier to pour the Slurpee, easier for the straw to hold up in, and easier for moms to avoid a mess. 2015-02-04 00:25:27 Jefferson: I\'m doing a phd in chemistry game wellbutrin sr purchase online animated ГўВЂВњAlready since the inspection we have seen some improvements in school performance, particularly at Key Stage 3. An action plan to address the key recommendations of the report is being drawn up and we will be working hard to ensure these recommendations are acted upon and that improvements are made as a result. 2015-02-04 00:25:27 Darrell: this is be cool 8) kitchen proportion 200 mg wellbutrin spelling woken Customers were left reeling when it was discovered thatabout $1.6 billion was missing from their accounts. That moneyturned out to have been used as stop gaps, which is illegal andcaused public outrage. 2015-02-04 00:25:28 Ryan: Could I have an application form? beagle lasix and potassium luxury Soon to begin his sophomore year at Haverford College, where heГўВЂВ™s pursuing a music minor, Gillen will use the programs in music theory class. ГўВЂВњI have to generate my own music, so I will be using Lime, and I will also use Goodfeel so I can read the music on my Braille notetaker rather than send it through the embosser,ГўВЂВќ Gillen said. 2015-02-04 00:25:28 Bryce: I want to report a athletics avapro tablets pressure Different climate models provided widely differing forecasts, the researchers said, with some models estimating an overall decrease in mortality. When these models were averaged together, the effects of climate change were determined to be small. 2015-02-04 00:25:28 Jeromy: this post is fantastic borrow damage bimatoprost ophthalmic drops bosom Two decades after the firm abandoned its presence on these shores, it expressed confidence that its ГўВЂВњbroader rangeГўВЂВќ of goods ГўВЂВ“ including bagels, sandwiches, Danish pastries and muffins ГўВЂВ“ will win over British customers. 2015-02-04 00:25:28 Maurice: Another service? steak summit buy bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03 online laughter making ГўВЂВњFury,ГўВЂВќ directed by ГўВЂВњEnd of WatchГўВЂВ™sГўВЂВќ David Ayer and co-starring Shia LaBeouf and ГўВЂВњWalking DeadГўВЂВќ alum Jon Bernthal, tells the story of an American tank crew on a mission behind enemy lines in Nazi Germany near the end of the war. 2015-02-04 00:25:29 Warren: I don\'t know what I want to do after university litter sofa where can i buy diflucan alley draught This is why we can learn so much by seeing the pictures in the exact sequence they were painted. For example, an abstract watercolour \'Green X above Left’ is inscribed \'1915, 52’ indicating that it was the 52nd work he painted in 1915. In it, the picture surface is covered by vertical washes of colour, each of a different width and length. The picture’s underlying structure is a grid, and as in a cubist painting there is only limited recession into depth. 2015-02-04 00:25:29 Victoria: I\'d like to open a business account sold affairs when will my dr prescribe clomid bondage Third, NHS management should be returned entirely to professionals with first-hand experience of the job, as was the case in pre-NHS days; furthermore, all who work in hospitals should be NHS employees under direct supervision of the management. 2015-02-04 00:25:29 Wilber: How much will it cost to send this letter to ? alteration panel wellbutrin xl discount programs hush patience Gas imports are important to China because domesticproduction is not sufficient to meet growing demand. Importedgas is delivered via pipeline from Central Asia and by ship fromcountries such as Australia, Indonesia and Qatar. 2015-02-04 00:25:29 Deandre: I\'m interested in this position security financial Last summer, debate about student loans reached a fever pitch thanks to a scheduled increase in the interest rate for new subsidized Stafford loans made to undergraduates. As I said at the time, no one wanted to see interest rates double – particularly at a time when one out of every two college graduates is struggling to find a full time job. But we need to move away from a system that allows Washington politicians to use student loan interest rates as bargaining chips, creating uncertainty and confusion for borrowers. 2015-02-04 01:17:56 Cleveland: I\'m sorry, I\'m not interested need payday loan all others said no The musical equivalent of a secret handshake, Big Star has been the ultimate cult band for decades, inspiring countless fans and fellow artists to worship at the Lennon and McCartney-esque altar of co-founders Alex Chilton and Chris Bell. 2015-02-04 01:17:57 Avery: Insert your card one hour cash advance direct lender \"Rick Perry has done more to hurt women than any governor in history,\" said the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, a political arm of the women\'s health group which fought Perry on access to contraception and abortion in Texas. 2015-02-04 01:17:57 Ernest: I\'ve come to collect a parcel garunteed online payday loans For the past year, Peter Tompkins has charged about 700 pounds a week to rent a spare bedroom in his apartment in the clock tower above London\'s St Pancras train station from where views stretch to St Paul\'s Cathedral. 2015-02-04 01:17:57 Woodrow: Cool site goodluck :) great lakes loan services All this is happening with the next review of PortugalГўВЂВ™s bailout progress by its EU and IMF lenders just two weeks away and with euro zone borrowing costs already firmly on the rise again. Portuguese yields lurched higher after PortasГўВЂВ™ resignation and doubtless will continue in that direction today. 2015-02-04 01:17:58 Alden: International directory enquiries installment loans in cincinnati ohio Now THAT\'S a sparkler. Jennifer Aniston finally flashed her enormous engagement ring while in Santa Fe, New Mexico with husband-to-be Justin Theroux on Oct. 6, 2012. The actor popped the question to the former \"Friends\" star in August while celebrating his 41st birthday. Aniston and Theroux have been together for over a year since they began dating after production wrapped on their 2012 comedy, \"Wanderlust.\" 2015-02-04 01:17:58 Mariah: Wonderfull great site offshore personal bank account (Paraphilias are patterns of recurring sexually arousing mental imagery or behavior that involves unusual or especially socially unacceptable sexual practices, according to Merriam-Webster, such as sadism or pedophilia.) 2015-02-04 01:17:58 Anton: How much does the job pay? installment loans online in texas Local elections on the West Bank in October 2012 undermined Fatah\'s position, as it won only two-fifths of the seats contested on a turnout of 55%. Lists led by Fatah rebels won four of the 11 major towns and cities, and independents and leftists took control of a fifth. Hamas boycotted the poll, and allowed no elections at all in Gaza. 2015-02-04 01:17:58 Carey: I work for myself get fast loan Alcoa reported a loss from its aluminum smelting business,and said roughly a third of global aluminum is still produced ata loss, despite offsets from record high premiums aboveLME-prices, which end-buyers pay to take delivery of the metal. 2015-02-04 01:17:59 Gregory: I\'d like to transfer some money to this account 500-cash-fast com Failing to report the existence of a hazardous material may be more dangerous. But reports that falsely flag the presence of a dangerous substance can also create safety risks, said Neal Langerman, chemical-safety officer at the American Chemical Society, a professional organization for chemists. 2015-02-04 01:17:59 Hubert: Looking for work order topiramate ГўВЂВњSince working with you Don,ГўВЂВќ De Niro told Rickles, ГўВЂВњIГўВЂВ™ve done a string of small independent films, a few big-budget comedies and events like memorial services, bar mitzvahs and ceremonies where I give lifetime achievement awards to aging comics.ГўВЂВќ 2015-02-04 01:37:22 Rodrigo: How much does the job pay? getting pregnant on 25mg clomid The animated \"Despicable Me 2,\" featuring the voice of SteveCarell, hauled in an estimated $82.5 million domestically fromFriday through Sunday. The movie from Comcast Corp\'s Universal Pictures added another $60 million from Tuesday nightthrough Thursday\'s U.S. Independence Day holiday, for a total of$142 million. 2015-02-04 01:37:22 Randal: Where\'s the nearest cash machine? best online latisse Getting a partner for Spedra in Europe will take the heat off Vivus management for a little while as it prepares to fend off pressure from its major shareholder, First Manhattan Co, for control of the firm. The latter has been disparaging about the disappointing launch of the obesity drug Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate) and is looking to get its slate of directors elected to the board at the annual general meeting next week. 2015-02-04 01:37:22 Clinton: Whereabouts are you from? topiramate discount card \"While bad news for the deficit, the increase in imports at least supports the notion that demand is starting to revive again in the UK. It would just clearly be better if money was being spent on UK-produced goods and services rather than imports,\" said Chris Williamson, chief economist at data specialists Markit. 2015-02-04 01:37:22 Weston: What sort of music do you listen to? topiramate price Since the income tax system began,Г‚В Congress has authorized a tax on excessive accumulated earnings to limit damage to the Treasury and the economy when companies hold far more cash than their operations require. Without the accumulated earnings tax, corporations can become bloated tax shelters instead of engines of growth. 2015-02-04 01:37:23 Coleman: Could you tell me the dialing code for ? latisse sales representative The decision raises questions about what, if anything, the future would hold for the former presidential contender outside of Austin. With Texas relatively strong economic record under his belt, and his aggressive pursuit of a socially conservative agenda, Perry appears poised to export a Texas-based vision for the national conservative agenda. 2015-02-04 01:37:24 Thebest: I\'d like to open a personal account Buy Bupropion Online Her book, \"Warrior Princess: A U.S. Navy SEAL\'s Journey to Coming out Transgender,\" highlights her experiences serving with distinction in one of the military\'s most elite units before retiring in 2011. The veteran of operations in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Iraq could not serve under current military policy. 2015-02-04 01:37:24 Jonas: How many more years do you have to go? buy cheap medroxyprogesterone So will rising mortgage rates abort the housing recovery? Not likely. Assuming we aren\'t talking about more big jumps like we saw last week, housing markets should be able to absorb gradual increases. In fact, higher rates could cool down some overheated markets, such as we\'ve seen in Phoenix, where housing prices have been soaring at more than 20 percent a year. A slowdown in price increases seems more likely than the dramatic drops – 30 to 40 percent –В that followed the popping of the housing bubble in 2007. 2015-02-04 01:37:24 Steep777: Could you tell me my balance, please? ovulate day 25 clomid A good example is Airbnb. Airbnb is illegal in New York State but thereГўВЂВ™s going to be a billion dollars of Airbnb renting this year in New York City. People are doing it and theyГўВЂВ™re breaking the law. 2015-02-04 01:37:24 Adolfo: What\'s the current interest rate for personal loans? diflucan vs generic fluconazole Adam Norris, former advisory director of the listed financial advisory firm, said his Horatio Investments is aiming to fill a “hole in the market” where promising companies are struggling to gain funds from either individual angel investors or venture capital (VC) firms. 2015-02-04 01:37:24 Jefferey: Photography http://wecaresolar.org/projects/ effexor withdrawal symptoms 37.5 Plaintiffs lawyers say they have been giving more attention lately to whistleblower awards under FIRREA. But the small size of the potential award for FIRREA complaints makes it less attractive for potential whistleblowers to step forward and risk their careers and reputations on a case, some lawyers say. 2015-02-04 02:36:52 Dusty: I\'d like to transfer some money to this account http://wecaresolar.org/about-us/ effexor xr 150 price According to Estado\'s calculations, BNDES may book as muchas 462 million reais in losses if it decides to unwind twotransactions allowing MPX Energia SA to replace debtwith equity. Batista recently sold control of MPX Energia toGermany\'s E.ON SE. 2015-02-04 02:36:52 Owen: Cool site goodluck :) http://www.jrdneng.com/careers.htm Buy Diamox Online “If you had microbial life somewhere on Mars that was really healthy and cranking away, you might see some of the signatures of that in the atmosphere,” said mission scientist Paul Mahaffy of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. 2015-02-04 02:36:53 Santiago: Who\'s calling? http://www.pointreyesseashore.com/blog/ purchase bactrim A: What\'s become most characteristic in recent years, I think, is the dogged pursuit of momentum. Ever since having kids (now ages 9 and 5-1/2), I became a much more - I don\'t know - almost a more mechanical writer. I realized that I couldn\'t spend a lot of time waiting for inspiration. I had to sit down every day and try to bang out a certain number of words. 2015-02-04 02:36:53 Crazyivan: Hello good day http://wecaresolar.org/new/ there generic effexor xr yet The original September figure was 6.9 and analysts in aReuters poll had forecast the October reading at 7.0. Thestrengthening data chimed with other recent releases suggestinggradual but steady growth for the end of the year. 2015-02-04 02:36:53 Danilo: I\'m unemployed http://wecaresolar.org/donate/ effexor 112.5 mg \"Despite the ultimate impracticability of such negotiations, the City nevertheless attempted, where possible, to negotiate with its various creditor constituencies in good faith,\" Detroit said in court papers. 2015-02-04 02:36:53 Jenna: What\'s the current interest rate for personal loans? http://www.jennylin.net/bio.html Elimite Cream The European Union, currently the only region that has amarket-based system to charge fees on emissions that would applyto foreign air carriers, said any changes to the currentproposal could unravel, \"a very delicate balance that has thesupport of the majority of ICAO.\" 2015-02-04 02:36:53 Luke: I live in London http://www.blue-lemons.com/our-approach levaquin 250 mg \"I also asked that the court take into account the breaches of trust in this case - Hall carried out some of these offences in places where the victims were entitled to feel safe, he used his celebrity status to invite them to attend the BBC, and he also displayed an element of planning and premeditation. 2015-02-04 02:36:53 Philip: A law firm http://www.pointreyesseashore.com/blog/ bactrim cost While Teresa, 43, and her husband Joe Giudice В face some stiff sanctions for bank and bankruptcy fraud -- up to 50 years behind bars for 39 counts of fraud -- Melissa, 34, and her husband Joe Gorga have stepped up to support them. 2015-02-04 02:36:53 Chester: I enjoy travelling http://www.blue-lemons.com/our-approach levaquin 250 mg dosage If you suddenly run out of cooking gas (LPG), you need not panic. Come Saturday, and small LPG cylinders of 5 kg will be available at select petrol pumps in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore. 2015-02-04 02:36:53 http://intricateit.co.za/elite/index.php: Kids are always looking for fun, no matter what age they are. Prospect Park is a small borough in the county of Passaic. 2015-02-04 03:01:13 Adrian: What\'s your number? buy limovan tablets A growing number of people are diagnosing their own medical problems and buying medication online, which has led to a surge in trade in fake and illegitimate drugs that are being supplied without a prescription. 2015-02-04 13:12:52 Isaac: I\'ve lost my bank card bromazepam vs alprazolam Saudi Arabia was established in 1932 by King Abd-al-Aziz - known as the Lion of Najd - who took over Hijaz from the Hashemite family and united the country under his family\'s rule. Since his death in 1953, he has been succeeded by various sons. 2015-02-04 13:12:52 Albert: I\'d like to send this to bromazepam 3mg Many countries spy on each other, but U.S. officials sayChina is unique in the amount of state-sponsored IP theft itcarries out as it tries to catch up with the United States ineconomic power and technological prowess. 2015-02-04 13:12:53 Jewell: Why did you come to ? purchase zolpidem online no prescription At a panel hosted Monday by the Advocacy Network for Africa, a nonprofit group promoting African growth, Akwei said the environment, women\'s issues and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights in Africa are being ignored by Obama. Homophobia and transphobia are institutionalized through laws criminalizing homosexual behavior, he said. Laws targeting the LGBT community are currently enforced in more than 30 African countries. 2015-02-04 13:12:54 Benjamin: Whereabouts are you from? order bromazepam Tonio DeSorrento is one of these borrowers. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, he served six and a half years as a Marine captain. He\'s now 36, married with three children, and earned a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington in 2008. 2015-02-04 13:12:54 Mackenzie: Do you know what extension he\'s on? imovane order Two evacuation slides on the plane doors apparently inflated inside the cabin instead of outside, which pinned two flight attendants to the floor, cabin manager Lee Yoon-hye told the Associated Press. 2015-02-04 13:12:55 Benedict: I\'d like to pay this in, please 2mg blue lotus xanax bars Neal Dihora, equity analyst with Morningstar who does not follow Asiana Airlines, said that as unfortunate as they are, accidents are infrequent and will likely not hold back customers from flying on Asiana or other airlines. 2015-02-04 13:12:56 Jarrett: I\'m in my first year at university 10 mg imovane flashback The report stated that while it was clear to the Committee that sporting organisations were all aware of the dangers of alcohol misuse and were supportive of measures to tackle these problems, they also emphasised the importance of sponsorship by the alcohol industry. 2015-02-04 13:12:57 Rueben: I can\'t get through at the moment ambien online co uk For many of us, the traditional career is dead. Instead of simply getting a job, those of us who are ambitious for advancement are faced with creating our own opportunities.В Even in previously safe fields and industries, the pace of innovation and the spread of global competition have encroached upon previously well-paved career paths. 2015-02-04 13:12:57 Bradly: I support Manchester United imovane online canada Instead of agreeing to routinely pay for the $3,000 test, CMS proposed \"Coverage with Evidence Development,\" a designation that suggests there are still gaps in the evidence over the benefits of the test. Using this designation allows the agency to gather more data by paying for scans in patients taking part in clinical trials. Once those are completed, CMS could use the data to render a decision on coverage. 2015-02-04 13:12:58 Jackson: Where\'s the postbox? http://www.blue-lemons.com/about levofloxacin cost per pill But Park House also looks after up to 10 people in their own homes. While the main carer was described as \"wonderful\", when that person was on leave visits could be up to two hours late and people were not informed of who was visiting or when. 2015-02-05 07:25:55 Wally: Another year http://www.retendo.com.pl/o-nas/ order motilium online Shares of Hewlett-Packard Co rallied nearly 9percent to $22.60 after Chief Executive Meg Whitman said sheexpects revenue to stabilize in 2014 with \"pockets of growth\"before the business accelerates again in 2015. 2015-02-05 07:25:55 Evelyn: Enter your PIN http://www.racc.org/public-art/conservation-maintenance quetiapine seroquel 25mg Philip has been an honorary fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh since 1951 - one of his oldest patronages - and has presented Royal Medals several times previously, as well as being involved in other engagements in the past. 2015-02-05 07:25:55 Keven: How many are there in a book? http://www.blue-lemons.com/our-beliefs levaquin 500 mg en espanol \"People still do not know how much of pesticide is to be used, which pesticide is to be used for which crop. The biggest influence for a farmer is the sales representative of the company ... so there\'s this sense of gross mismanagement at that level.\" 2015-02-05 07:25:55 Melissa: I\'d like some euros http://www.blue-lemons.com/our-beliefs levaquin 500 mg It called a one-day strike last month that cost the struggling economy more than $400 million, caused the stock marked to plunge and pushed the dinar currency down to its lowest ever levels against the dollar and euro. 2015-02-05 07:25:55 Royal: I\'d like to change some money http://www.retendo.com.pl/o-nas/ motilium price Louis Dreyfus, a 160-year old company with French roots andtrading operations in Switzerland, has sought in recent years toboost its portfolio of strategic assets to complement itstrading activities. 2015-02-05 07:25:55 Katelyn: Children with disabilities http://www.racc.org/advocacy/local-issues 100mg seroquel for sleep The bargain basement pricing was made obvious when thelonger-dated tranches snapped in as much as 45bp as soon as theywere free to trade. The three-year fixed rate tranche wastrading 65bp tighter than its launch spread. 2015-02-05 07:25:55 Abigail: Please call back later http://www.blue-lemons.com/about buy cheap levofloxacin Wang Rui, 24, a student in product design shopping in theNorth Face shop in Frankfurt, said this was important. \"Foroutdoor gear in general, I would like to see better fusionbetween function and colours.\" 2015-02-05 07:25:55 Pierre: The line\'s engaged http://www.racc.org/resources/announcements seroquel xr 50 mg street value \"I personally followed all of the rules. I think Dish has followed all the rules and we responded in an appropriate way,\" Ergen said on the call. \"We\'ll let the courts and public opinion decide who is fraudulent and who\'s not.\" 2015-02-05 07:25:55 Grady: Could you tell me the number for ? http://www.blue-lemons.com/our-beliefs levaquin 500mg for strep throat Patients have complained about calls going unanswered and poor advice being given, with frivolous calls being passed on to ambulance services, while serious concerns did not receive a prompt response. 2015-02-05 07:25:56 Josef: Sorry, you must have the wrong number silagra 100mg tablets Mike (The Situation) Sorrentino has finally acknowledged the party is over. \'I have voluntarily taken steps to get control of a prescription medication problem I had due to exhaustion,\' the 29-year-old said in a statement. \'I have spent the past several weeks getting treatment for this problem and recuperating from my work and appearance schedule. I appreciate my fans support and love you guys.\' According to TMZ, the hard-partying reality star is seeking help at Cirque Lodge in Utah. 2015-02-05 08:15:05 Everett: Three years diflucan 50 mg for yeast infection \"At a time when there are multiple viewpoints about how to approach health care, and [the country] stands on the cusp of implementing large structural changes to the health care system, we are here because we want the best possible outcomes for people with cancer and their families,\" said Kim Thiboldeaux, president and CEO of the Cancer Support Community. 2015-02-05 08:15:05 Brady: real beauty page taking 450 mg wellbutrin sr NOTES: Posey will get Tuesday night\'s game off after catching 16 innings, Bochy said. ... Mets LHP Jonathon Niese (shoulder inflammation) has been cleared to start throwing again. The team expects him back at some point this season. ... Mets RHP Shaun Marcum had his right hand examined by a specialist in St. Louis. With an off day Thursday, Harvey is slated to take Marcum\'s spot in the rotation Saturday at Pittsburgh. ... Barry Zito (4-6, 4.44 ERA) starts for the Giants against Dillon Gee (6-7, 4.45) on Tuesday. Zito began warming up in the bullpen in the bottom of the 16th in case the Giants tied it. 2015-02-05 08:15:06 Brenton: I can\'t get a signal albendazole no prescription \"Cutting out after-dinner snacking is a quick way to help you shed 5 pounds in a week. At night, we\'re usually scarfing down junky foods in front of the TVГўВЂВ”and it\'s easy to consume a meal\'s worth of calories, plus belly-bloating sodium. 2015-02-05 08:15:10 Cecil: Could I have an application form? Cozaar Potassium Texas lawmakers failed to pass a bill that would give the state one of the most restrictive abortion measures in the country after a day-long filibuster and hundreds of noisy protesters forced Senate Republicans to miss a midnight Tuesday deadline to pass the bill. 2015-02-05 08:15:12 Moises: Have you got any ? tamoxifeno 20 mg 14 tabletas ГўВЂВњI love playing characters who are flawed or damaged,ГўВЂВќ she says. ГўВЂВњI wouldnГўВЂВ™t have taken the role if Sonya didnГўВЂВ™t have this condition. I have never had any interest in just playing a gun-toting cop.ГўВЂВќ 2015-02-05 08:15:13 Delmar: No, I\'m not particularly sporty aripiprazole price uk Kim Richards is finally getting the help she needs. The star of \'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills\' has checked into a rehab facility and is seeking help at an undisclosed treatment center, multiple sources confirm to \'Entertainment Tonight.\' Fans of the popular Bravo reality show may not be surprised to learn about Kim\'s struggles.Her drinking problem became public knowledge during the first season\'s finale, in which the visibly inebriated 47-year-old got into a screaming match with her sister Kyle while at cast mate Taylor Armstrong\'s birthday party. Following the blowout, Kim was checked into rehab by her family. 2015-02-05 08:15:13 Malcom: No, I\'m not particularly sporty diflucan 50 mg tablets After blowing off Lauer and the ГўВЂВњTodayГўВЂВќ gang last Wednesday, when she was scheduled to appear to apologize for racially charged comments, Deen has promised to turn up for her first TV chat since the scandal broke. 2015-02-05 08:15:14 Michal: I\'ve only just arrived paxil online pharmacy @NinjadeTokyo raises a good point that most funds are on foreign shores and are likely to be invested there. But investments are done with after tax dollars subject to deductions and exemptions, so the other purpose of the law is to stimulate US job growth. Also, it is understood that much of the growth of this cash is to park funds in a tax free account. The reason for this is that there really isnt a safe place to invest this money. So it sits there unused until the economy gets better. This is a job killer. I say tax the exess cash and put it to use paying teachers and building the infrastructure of tomorrow. 2015-02-05 08:15:15 Carol: I\'d like to open a personal account albenza albendazole 400 mg You can certainly put these items in place very inexpensively, although it doesn\'t hurt to invest in professional help to get your website set up if you\'re planning to run your business for the long term. In many states, it is relatively inexpensive and simple to set up a limited liability company (LLC) or another form of a business entity. Consider turning to resources such as the Small Business Association (http://www.sba.gov/content/score), which provides information useful for anyone planning to create a small business. 2015-02-05 08:15:16 Dewitt: I\'m doing an internship meat antidote buy provera chivalrous specialize Bricks showered onto the small street and nearly covered a car parked out front. The houses on either side of the destroyed home were left partly standing, with large sections of their masonry walls gone. 2015-02-05 10:06:39 Rigoberto: I\'m doing a phd in chemistry constitute cd 25 clomid glorious prayers The gas was released during maintenance in Unit 1, but bothunits operated at full capacity during the incident, AlabamaPower spokesman Ike Pigott said, with personnel safely isolatingthe carbon dioxide. 2015-02-05 10:06:39 Brandon: I love the theatre beehive parameter cheap ventolin online strength handbag Once in office, PeГѓВ±a Nieto tackled the thorny issue of education. He managed to garner support from all major parties to take on the teachers union, the largest in Latin America, which has often proved a major obstacle to needed reform. Then he pushed through passage of telecommunications reform, and introduced financial, fiscal and energy reforms. The last three are still being negotiated in Congress but that so much has happened within the new administrationГўВЂВ™s first year is almost stunning. 2015-02-05 10:06:39 Brendan: Pleased to meet you keeper usefully diflucan candida stuffed chevy Although no other enrollment is identical to that for Obamacare, two of them - workers signing up for employer-sponsored health benefits and enrollment in Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage when it launched in 2005 - come close, and suggest what the exchanges can expect. 2015-02-05 10:06:39 Reyes: this is be cool 8) strictly studious can you buy ventolin inhalers what U.S. District Judge Denise Cote said she was weighingwhether to restrict Apple for five years from entering dealswith publishers that would prevent Apple from discounting e-bookprices. Apple, the maker of the iPad and the iPhone, had as partof the alleged conspiracy given publishers control of pricing. 2015-02-05 10:06:40 Lincoln: Could I make an appointment to see ? frail french buy ventolin hfa inhaler online gnaw The Chinese data lifted local stocks higher while in TokyoJapan\'s Nikkei share average jumped 2.5 percent to post itsbiggest one-day gain in three weeks. Asian shares measured byMSCI Asia-Pacific ex-Japan index added 0.1percent to be on track to snap a three-day losing run. 2015-02-05 10:06:40 Willis: I\'m training to be an engineer turnip do need prescription buy ventolin australia crop \"The number of A-players in Silicon Valley hasn\'t grown,\"said Iain Grant, a recruiter at Riviera Partners, whichspecializes in placing engineers at venture-capital backedstart-ups. \"But the demand for them has gone through the roof.\" 2015-02-05 10:06:40 Dallas: Just over two years seated refuge fluconazole diflucan 150 mg tablet turn As a result, despite two decades of rapid economic growth,Indians consume only 900 kilowatt hours (kWh) per capita,compared to 7,000 in Europe and 14,000 in the United States,according to a recent note by consultants Bain & Company. 2015-02-05 10:06:40 Lawerence: Have you got any experience? nuclear cheap flovent prone affection A: No of course not. Our government is weak and ineffective in comparison to other governments weГўВЂВ™ve just begun. But the big corruption the hundreds of millions of dollars of corruption was not Afghan, now everybody knows that. It was foreign, the contracts, the subcontracts, the blind contracts given to people. Money thrown around to buy loyalties, money thrown around to buy submissiveness of Afghan government officials to policies and designs that the Afghans would not have agreed to. That was the major (part?) of corruption. 2015-02-05 10:06:40 Eusebio: A staff restaurant written order ventolin online without prescription strangely partially \"I am convinced that we will see consolidation in theEuropean waste sector, probably very strong, and we willparticipate in that consolidation if necessary,\" Chaussade tolda teleconference, noting any acquisition would have to makestrategic sense, generate synergies and be reasonably priced. 2015-02-05 10:06:41 Dghonson: I\'m only getting an answering machine http://artist-how-to.com/studio/portraits/ 100 approval payday loans uk The collapse in their relationship is analysed at some length. Rooney advised United on Aug 14, 2010 that he would not be signing a new contract, claiming the club lacked ambition and was not going for the big players in the transfer market. Rooney told Ferguson that he should have signed Mesut Г–zil from Werder Bremen and instead the German international had signed for Real Madrid. 2015-02-05 16:07:17 Jermaine: I\'m originally from Dublin but now live in Edinburgh http://lightmongers.co.uk/charity.html loans for study abroad The Everton midfielder’s big sulk is over after he did not play a minute in the disastrous Euro 2012 finals and refused to play for Trapattoni in the World Cup campaign – despite insistence from assistant Marco Tardelli that he would. 2015-02-05 16:07:17 Emory: How do I get an outside line? http://www.bidingtime.org/legal how to fix bad credit fast Lionsgate says they dont agree with Card but their actions still support him. They are still giving a whack of cash to a man who wants gay people locked up. They are still endorsing Card by not treating him as the bigot he is, theyre willingly entering into a partnership with a leader of a hate group. 2015-02-05 16:07:17 Devon: i\'m fine good work http://sinestezia.com/publications/ loans for retired people with bad credit Grove found that open rates from Gmail users dropped for three consecutive weeks after the introduction of the new Gmail tabs. Prior to the introduction, for some 15 consecutive weeks, Gmail average open rates hovered at about 13 percent on weekdays, according to Grove. But they fell nearly a percentage point, to just a bit over 12 percent, when Gmail tabs were first introduced. 2015-02-05 16:07:18 Amber: I\'m unemployed http://www.optimizacijasajtova.com/optimizacija-sajta-seo.html cash advance cincinnati ohio Oil output in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico had been cut in halfas oil and gas firms shut platforms and evacuated some workersin preparation for the storm. The Gulf accounts for about 19percent of U.S. oil production and 6 percent of natural gasoutput. 2015-02-05 16:07:25 Haywood: Did you go to university? http://lightmongers.co.uk/charity.html money lending companies Candy tells me: “We’ve never said you need to be thin in Elle. We’ve never said you need to be top-to-toe in Gucci in Elle. Elle for me has always been about the woman in the dress not the dress.” 2015-02-05 16:07:25 Roscoe: Remove card http://artist-how-to.com/studio/portraits/ ontario payday Samuel Tombs, UK economist at consultancy Capital Economics, said: \"July\'s UK household lending figures are likely to fuel speculation that the housing market is in the early stages of another boom.\" 2015-02-05 16:07:26 Dante: Which year are you in? http://www.grasmerehotel.com/conferences/ bad credit loans online not payday loans By the sounds of it, Lamar Odom is in deeper than anyone thought. If this has been going on for some time and Khloe Kardashian knew about it, it must have been so hard to keep it out of the media and keep herself sane at the same time. 2015-02-05 16:07:26 Fredric: Would you like a receipt? http://www.bidingtime.org/legal guaranteed 1000 to 1500 loan with bad credit The heart of the dispute that has taken the Senate to the brink of a Constitutional showdown revolves around nominees to the National Labor Relations Board, a federal agency that mediates labor disputes. Republicans have argued that the board wields too much power. 2015-02-05 16:07:26 Crazyfrog: I sing in a choir http://www.altenergetika.com/o-nama payday loan today * Shares of Tesla Motors Inc jumped 14 percent to$153 in premarket trading a day after the electric car makerposted an unexpected quarterly profit. The stock has been amajor momentum favorite this year, up almost 300 percent in2013. 2015-02-05 16:07:26 Arthur: i\'m fine good work institution unexpected silagra 50 mg tank devour On this week\'s Daily News Fifth Yankees Podcast, Mark Feinsand sits down with Yankees outfielder Vernon Wells to discuss the current state of the team, the Ryan Braun and Alex Rodriguez controversies and much more. 2015-02-06 19:42:53 Alex: Do you play any instruments? eerie 30 mg accutane results victory ГўВЂВњIГўВЂВ™m dealing with like stupid f---ing interns who make it on to the cover of the Daily News even though they signed [non-disclosure agreements] and/or they proceeded to trash me,ГўВЂВќ Morgan told TPM. ГўВЂВњAnd by the way, I tried to fire her, but she begged to come back and I gave her a second chance.ГўВЂВќ 2015-02-06 19:42:53 Adalberto: I\'m at Liverpool University character mourning 5 mg abilify approbation modern Both the companies have been focusing on growing sales tocloud storage firms. Seagate\'s fast-growing high-margin cloudbusiness accounts for about 8-9 percent of total revenue but hasbeen widely expected to offset slowing growth in its traditionalbusiness. 2015-02-06 19:42:54 Goodboy: Children with disabilities changed mercy trazodone generic desyrel pack \"I would like to help,\" a male supporter wrote on Shamrakova\'s Facebook page Wednesday. \"I\'m going to spread the word ... In the meantime I wanted to ask you ... Are you single? Because you are very beautiful and I would love to take you out sometime.\" 2015-02-06 19:42:54 Weston: this is be cool 8) sound determine diflucan 200 mg dosage court restrain \"This is a long overdue opportunity to revitalise a strategic city-centre location between Waverley station and the Scottish Parliament - whilst being part of the very fabric of the historic heart of the city. 2015-02-06 19:42:54 Dannie: What line of work are you in? shutter buy celexa neutral If the Yankees are able to make the playoffs, theyГўВЂВ™ll have to do it without Jeter. The shortstop has been out since Saturday, when Girardi lifted him from the game in the sixth inning after watching him run. A CT scan taken that day revealed no damage to his surgically repaired left ankle, but Dr. Robert Anderson, who performed JeterГўВЂВ™s surgery last fall, told the Yankees that the other areas around JeterГўВЂВ™s ankle would need to be strengthened further to assure its stability. 2015-02-06 19:42:54 Isabella: Could you tell me my balance, please? lodge conclusion silagra 50 price minims For the new study, Yi and a team took the H7N7 virus they had found in poultry and tested it on ferrets in the lab. The animals, considered a good human model, developed severe pneumonia, suggesting the virus is potentially also infectious for us. 2015-02-06 19:42:55 Winfred: Where are you from? dodge ic trazodone 50 mg important ГўВЂВњ[Horror films] need not break the bank to be successful,ГўВЂВќ Wan adds. ГўВЂВњThat will make Hollywood sit up and go, ГўВЂВ�You know what? ... Maybe having a good story and a story well told and having good characters has a lot to do with the reason why people come out to see these films.ГўВЂВ™ ГўВЂВќ 2015-02-06 19:42:55 Friend35: I saw your advert in the paper marriage abide paxil 20 mg 56 tablet spirit Patsy Kensit – actress, model and former rock chick extraordinaire – is talking about some decidedly un-rock’n’roll aspects of her current life. These include the Oyster card for the London Underground that she bought herself to celebrate her recent 45th birthday, and the fact that, these days, she can travel on public transport mostly unnoticed. “I expect it’s because I tend to look like a bag of laundry when I’m out and about,” she self-deprecates. “Probably no one recognises me.” 2015-02-06 19:42:55 Rafael: Cool site goodluck :) basin paxil 20 mg tablet picture hive JG Summit, in a disclosure to the stock exchange, said itwill hold 55.7 percent of URC after selling 105 million shares,or 12 percent of URC\'s outstanding stock, through an acceleratedovernight equity placement at 115 pesos per share. 2015-02-06 19:42:56 Darrell: Recorded Delivery http://lightmongers.co.uk/t-a-c.html poker for cash The statue will capture a moment that took place on Sunday, October 2, 1983, when the lifelong Red Sox star tipped his helmet to fans at Fenway Park before the final at-bat of his 23-year career. The Hall of Famer retired that day having played the most games, 3,308, that any player had ever played to that point in the history of Major League Baseball. 2015-02-07 00:48:34 Luciano: I wanted to live abroad http://lightmongers.co.uk/t-a-c.html cash advance in aurora \"There\'s concern that remains because we know that we\'regoing to face this again in a matter of months, if not weeks,\"said Representative John Larson, a Connecticut Democrat. Hevoiced hope that the focus of talks can be \"on important things,like jobs.\" 2015-02-07 00:48:34 Zachariah: Have you got any qualifications? http://lightmongers.co.uk/t-a-c.html cash advance canal winchester \"The growth and engagement metrics are off the charts. Seldom have we seen a consumer application with this type of user momentum and excitement,\" he wrote. \"Think Twitter ... Think Instagram ГўВЂВ¦ Think Pinterest ГўВЂВ¦ and Snapchat is just getting started.\" 2015-02-07 00:48:34 Freddy: A few months http://www.professorpotts.com/comic-strips/ clear your debt loans Now the Japanese vans have all gone, and I don’t know why. Is this a triumph for European design and manufacturing, or are other reasons at play? The difference in exchange rates between the yen and the euro, for example, or do working people simply prefer the styling of European vans? 2015-02-07 00:48:35 Numbers: I\'m doing an internship http://www.professorpotts.com/comic-strips/ payday loans online get money today On the device front, schools are using many different types of technology, but very few have given a computer or tablet to each student. This means that ГўВЂВ” at least for now ГўВЂВ” the e-books wonГўВЂВ™t be accessible to most students or even to teachers. 2015-02-07 00:48:35 Rufus: How many weeks\' holiday a year are there? http://lightmongers.co.uk/t-a-c.html commercial finance rates But the ministers\' talks face an additional hindrance because Germany\'s finance minister, Wolfgang Schaeuble, is not expected to attend the two-day Luxembourg meeting. Germany, Europe\'s biggest economy, in talks to form a new government. 2015-02-07 00:48:35 Marcelo: Could you please repeat that? http://www.professorpotts.com/comic-strips/ advance check cashing lincoln ne There are only three ways to score bone-, heart-, and mood-boosting vitamin D: Through foods, supplements, and yes, the sun. Luckily, a recent study from King\'s College London shows that while sunblock prevents some of skin\'s vitamin D synthesis, people who lather up still experience a spike in vitamin D levels after sitting in the sun. If your vitamin D levels are low, shore them up with D-filled foods such as salmon, egg yolks, and mushrooms. 2015-02-07 00:48:35 Dannie: I like it a lot http://lightmongers.co.uk/affiliations.html low apr loans uk Saint Francis is revered by Catholics and many other Christians for his simplicity, poverty and love of nature. - qualities the Argentinian-born Francis has made the keynote of his papacy since his election in March. 2015-02-07 00:48:35 Tyree: I like it a lot http://lightmongers.co.uk/who-are-we.html start up loans Blake\'s withdrawal further weakens a 100m field which was already without Tyson Gay, the fastest man in the world this year, who tested positive for a banned substance, and Asafa Powell, who also returned a positive test but had not qualified anyway. 2015-02-07 00:48:35 Rafael: very best job http://www.professorpotts.com/animated-editorials/ 1500 payday loans online An hour behind schedule, in overcast weather, the jet rosesmoothly before TV crews, reporters and thousands of Boeingemployees, who watched from an adjacent runway. The flight beganat Paine Field in Everett, Washington, near Boeing\'s main 787assembly lines, and is due to end at Boeing Field south ofSeattle, near Boeing\'s 737 factory. 2015-02-07 00:48:35 Cortez: Will I have to work on Saturdays? five pierre no prescription wellbutrin sr rosy disc At the end of the quarter the Systemheld $51.0 billion of regulatory capital and $43.1 billion of GAAP capital.В The current System regulatory capital ratiois 6.6 percent and the current GAAP capital ratio is 5.6 percent. Both ratiosmarginally decreased over the quarter.В Retainedearnings now equal 1.5 percent of assets, the highest level in more than 20years. 2015-02-09 15:06:21 Joesph: Not available at the moment fashioned 100mg wellbutrin sr restart regain Meanwhile, congressmen from the Muslim Brotherhood\'s Justice and Reconstruction Party began making increasingly strident calls that Othman Mlegta’s Qaqaa Brigade contained elements of Gaddafi’s notorious praetorian units and must be eliminated.В 2015-02-09 15:06:21 Denis: When can you start? colin purchase cipro words elinor A senior Indian army officer in northern Kashmir said two Pakistani soldiers had been wounded - or possibly killed - in an exchange of machinegun fire in Kamalkot Uri sector in northern Kashmir around midday on Tuesday. 2015-02-09 15:06:21 Dante: How much notice do you have to give? informed beyond buy cheap aripiprazole cocktail surveying Earlier, the secretary general of the European human rights watchdog the Council of Europe, Thorbjorn Jagland, warned the Home Office the detention of Mr Miranda \"may have a potentially chilling effect on journalists\' freedom of expression\". 2015-02-09 15:06:22 Kimberly: Where\'s the postbox? pronunciation order paxil canada went turnstile The same morning that Ariel was struck ГўВЂВ” allegedly by Franklin Reyes, who has been charged with manslaughter ГўВЂВ” a motorist on I-95 lost control of his car near Co-op City in the Bronx. The car hit a median and overturned. The injured driver managed to get out of the car and a highway police sergeant who arrived at the scene immediately radioed 911. 2015-02-09 15:06:22 Daniel: What line of work are you in? visit herring price of cymbalta unfortunately The touchscreen device, which boasts a five-inch display and a 1.7 gigahertz processor, will compete against the likes of Apple Inc\'s iPhone 5S and Samsung Electronics Co\'s Galaxy S4, along with a slew of other devices that are powered by Google Inc\'s Android platform. 2015-02-09 15:06:23 Glenn: Where\'s the postbox? sleeve where can i buy cymbalta online construction Garant and Lennon have previously paired up to write several successful screenplays, including the Night at the Museum films with Ben Stiller. Their films have earned over one billion euros in box office revenue alone. 2015-02-09 15:06:23 Crazyivan: Could I have a statement, please? dexterity furious purchase aripiprazole honeycomb KPN, which also announced it would divest its German mobileoperator E-Plus to Spanish rival Telefonica Deutschland, said its earnings before interest, tax, depreciationand amortisation fell 11 percent to 1 billion euros in theApril-to-June period compared with the same period in 2012. 2015-02-09 15:06:23 Tobias: Where\'s the postbox? cabin slime does wellbutrin sr come in 75 mg latter kingdom EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Authorities say a 2-year-old has died of injuries suffered in an alleged child abuse case in South Dakota, and a person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press the boy is the son of Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson. 2015-02-09 15:06:23 Leonard: I\'d like to pay this in, please puzzle input Cozaar 5 Mg enemy Our nation is truly being run by individuals who are convinced they are above the Laws of the Land and believe they can defecate on our Sacred Constitution and Bill of Rights, almost daily, with total impunity. 2015-02-09 15:06:23 Merlin: A company car order salbutamol online \"Some of our U.S. team personally supported Governor Romney\'s campaign, while others personally supported President Obama\'s re-election. All of us congratulate each candidate for a hard-fought campaign,\" Bain\'s managing directors wrote. 2015-02-12 09:41:46 Valentin: No, I\'m not particularly sporty elavil 150 mg Since last year, when a retail cap of 51 percent was put onoverseas ownership, no foreign supermarket has committed toIndia. Foreign retailers complain that some rules, such as onsourcing food and consumer goods, are too stringent. 2015-02-12 09:41:46 Elroy: What company are you calling from? generic paxil 30mg He\'s famous for portraying All-American wholesomeness, but actor Chris Klein admits he\'s an alcoholic. The \'American Pie\' star has checked into rehab in Utah following a drunken driving arrest - his second in just over five years. Klein voluntarily checked into Cirque Lodge in Sundance, Utah, for a 30-day alcohol treatment program, Primak said. 2015-02-12 09:41:47 Donnell: How do you do? order salbutamol inhaler \"They started cutting our fences and they broke into my house and tore up our water sources, breaking the floats off. And it has just been escalating,\" Vickers says. \"The groups are getting bigger and the people are more combative.\" 2015-02-12 09:41:48 Charlie: Could I have an application form? buy generic bimatoprost @Felix, you are blind if you think the stock market will help (or perhaps you dont spend enough time looking at corporate reports). In the present economic and market environment, companies are penalized for investing and rewarded for cost-cutting. How do you think we got into this situation in the first place? 2015-02-12 09:41:48 Palmer: What do you do for a living? buy erythromycin for acne Both sides disputed who fired the first shot in front of the Republican Guard headquarters. The army said that it was fired upon by armed terrorists, while the wounded all said the army fired bullets, birdshot and tear gas as they started to pray. 2015-02-12 09:41:50 Alphonse: Children with disabilities 30 mg paxil Young tripled leading off the sixth, and Murphy followed with the tying single. Murphy advanced to third on Scutaro\'s throwing error at second base and scored when Ike Davis grounded into a double play to give the Mets a 3-2 lead. 2015-02-12 09:41:50 Edgar: Get a job paxil 40 mg weight gain This report is going to have no visible effect on Fed policy. The Fed has no employment-growth target: the thing it cares about, on the jobs front, is unemployment. So when it comes to measures like tapering and rate hikes, the survey which matters most is the household survey the employment status of American households rather than the establishment survey, which measures the size of total US payrolls. Theoretically, the two surveys are two different ways of measuring the same thing, but in practice were seeing in the jobs report exactly the same thing that weve been seeing for most of the recovery: businesses reporting healthy numbers, with workers in general, and people looking for work in particular, seeing little benefit as a result. 2015-02-12 09:41:51 Fifa55: I work with computers compare zoloft lexapro paxil There was, admittedly, the odd revelation of sorts: Luisa Zissman’s feeling for horses, Jordan Poulton’s Oxford degree, Francesca MacDuff-Varley’s dance skills. I was intrigued by the lack of fathers among the interviewees. Neil Clough’s died some years ago – but where were the others? 2015-02-12 09:41:52 Quinn: Which university are you at? where to buy accutane safely If you directly challenge the interviewer you may win the point but lose the job opportunity. Doing so is likely to make the interviewer view you as combative – a trait that, in and of itself, can disqualify a job seeker. 2015-02-12 09:41:52 Tracey: Could I have a statement, please? average cost wellbutrin sr Slovakia\'s ethnic Hungarian community constitutes about a tenth of the country\'s population, and the status of this substantial minority has long been a source of tension between Slovakia and Hungary. 2015-02-13 19:22:33 Edmundo: Can I use your phone? topiramate 25 mg tablets generic topamax \"This is an action to vindicate the rights of the citizens of Connecticut whose federal and state constitutional rights have been adversely affected and significantly restricted by the passage of [the bill] through an abuse of the \'emergency certification\' procedure, circumvention of the normal legislative process, and violation of Connecticut statutory law,\" the lawsuit states, according to The Courant. 2015-02-13 19:22:33 Hector: I need to charge up my phone purchase cytotec online I stopped reading after the first paragraph. When you have to put quotes around meaningful and important, suggesting you dont think that list is either, youve lost me. 2015-02-13 19:22:34 Seymour: Other amount paroxetine price walgreens During the Soviet period, Kaliningrad Region, administratively part of the Russian Federation, was separated from the rest of Russia, more than 300km to the east, by the then Soviet republics of Lithuania, Latvia and Belarus. 2015-02-13 19:22:35 Efrain: I\'d like to open an account oral misoprostol Gerardo Carbot, director of Chiapas\'s Paleontology Museum said, \"The fossil specimens found in the state date back a minimum of 23 million years because that is the age of the amber that is extracted from deposits in the municipalities of Simojovel, Huitihupan, El Bosque, Pueblo Nuevo, Palenque, Totolapa and Malpaso.\" 2015-02-13 19:22:43 Carol: I support Manchester United retin a for pitted acne scars \"Despicable Me 2,\" which opens July 3 in North America, hada strong debut in Australia where Universal opted to open thefilm early to coincide with winter school holidays. The filmtook in $4.3 million, added to $2.1 million from paid previewslast week. 2015-02-13 19:22:45 Archie: I\'m on work experience buy topamax cheap \'But researchers already know that CRF regulation is disruptedin stress-related psychiatric disorders, so this research may berelevant to the underlying human biology. This may help to explain whywomen are twice as vulnerable as men to stress-related disorders.\' 2015-02-13 19:22:45 Clayton: I\'d like to open a business account retin-a micro pump buy online ГўВЂВњI see both sides,ГўВЂВќ says Marc Cherry, who wrote 180 episodes of ABCГўВЂВ™s ГўВЂВњDesperate HousewivesГўВЂВќ in eight seasons and now writes LifetimeГўВЂВ™s ГўВЂВњDevious Maids,ГўВЂВќ with a 13-episode season. ГўВЂВњIf viewers like a show, they want more,ГўВЂВќ he says. ГўВЂВњNetworks want more. But for a writer, the pressure can be overwhelming. At the end of ГўВЂВ�Desperate,ГўВЂВ™ I felt completely wrung out.ГўВЂВќ 2015-02-13 19:22:46 Curtis: I\'ve got a very weak signal can buy topamax online U.S. law does requires major infrastructure projects to give American companies preferential treatment under Buy America, but companies can opt out and choose a foreign company if there is a significant cost differential. In the Alaska case, officials contend that even with laws that favor domestic companies, the difference in cost was still too high. 2015-02-13 19:22:47 Chloe: How many weeks\' holiday a year are there? ventolin coupon 2012 Or international corporations. It actually has more of an impact to the city economy when someone stays in someoneГўВЂВ™s apartment in Bushwick than it does when somebody stays in one of these hotels here in Times Square. 2015-02-13 19:22:47 Collin: Pleased to meet you propranolol sa 160 mg cap In 2011, consumer advocate Kristen Christianthe founded Bank Transfer Day campaign on Facebook when Bank of America announced its plans to charge a $5 monthly debit card fee. The Facebook page garnered 40,000 “Likes,” and a number of Bank of America debit card customers pledged to withdraw their money from the financial institution. 2015-02-16 13:59:30 Deshawn: Just over two years topamax 200 mg for weight loss IP theft also involves \"planted employees, bribed employees,employees who were appealed to on the basis of nationalism andall the traditional means of espionage, often accompanied bycyber,\" said Richard Ellings, president of the National Bureauof Asian Research think tank, who co-wrote the report. 2015-02-16 13:59:31 Nicholas: Do you know the address? propranolol migraine prevention The assault is the latest indication of the ease with which the Islamist rebels, ejected from Mogadishu by African peacekeeping forces about two years ago, have been able to organize and threaten the government\'s fragile security gains. Last month al Shabaab attacked a United Nations base in Mogadishu, killing 22 people. 2015-02-16 13:59:31 Laverne: How many are there in a book? topamax 100 mg weight loss Brazil’s official responses to events related to NSA revelations have been “timid and late,” said Ivan Valente, a left-leaning congressman from Sao Paulo, Brazil’s largest city. 2015-02-16 13:59:31 Gavin: Are you a student? tamoxifen 10 mg tablet Obama said, \"Point Number One, if you\'re a U.S. person, then NSA [the National Security Agency] is not listening to your phone calls and it\'s not targeting your emails unless it\'s getting an individualized court order,\" Obama said. \"That\'s the existing rule.\" 2015-02-16 13:59:32 Edward: When can you start? tamoxifeno 10 mg. + precio So whats left? Fiscal policy could help, in terms of reducing unemployment, but it wont: the sequester is still in effect, and Congress has zero willingness to use government money to create jobs. 2015-02-16 13:59:32 Javier: Could you transfer $1000 from my current account to my deposit account? cost of topamax 100 mg Meanwhile, Okonkwo said assuming the \"crash position\" _ leaning forward with the head as far down as possible and arms over it _ can limit the spine jolting back and forth and offer some protection. It\'s not clear if any survivors of Saturday\'s crash had time to do so. 2015-02-16 13:59:32 Leopoldo: I was born in Australia but grew up in England does 100 mg topamax look like The channel exists underground. The Syrian regime, according to the broadcasters, is watching, theyve tried to shut down their satellite broadcasts and jam their Skype contacts, but it has only made the tiny outfit want to do more. 2015-02-16 13:59:33 Weston: Looking for work bedranol propranolol hydrochloride 80 mg In January, the average 30-year mortgage rate, as tracked by Freddie Mac, was 3.34 percent. In the most recent survey, the rate jumped to 4.46 percent, up more than half a percentage point from the week before. 2015-02-16 13:59:33 Martin: How many would you like? 4 mg abilify She said: At the beginning there were some looks that made me feel weird. I had to build relations. I thought I would have been rejected, but its not true. They (non-Roma) are normal and we became friends . 2015-02-16 13:59:33 Sammy: i\'m fine good work reply betamethasone valerate cream usp mild ending The key factor that will indicate a change in government thinking, analysts say, is if the slide in economic growth leads to big job losses. That could set off alarm bells for policymakers, worried about any threats to social stability. 2015-02-16 20:57:57 Sheldon: I\'m at Liverpool University stoppage prohibited albendazole cheap mosquito spite MADRID, Sept 11 (Reuters) - Spain\'s Gas Natural Fenosa is facing a major change in its shareholder base forthe first time as La Caixa and Repsol consider future stake sales in the latest unwinding of Spanishcorporate cross-holdings. 2015-02-16 20:57:57 Gayle: I like watching football rot clomipramine buy emma As a Guy T. Carswell scholar at Wake Forest, Hudson believes he\'ll get \"a large amount of personalized support that I would not as just another Harvard undergrad.\" He\'ll study physics and get funding to do undergraduate research.В 2015-02-16 20:57:57 Carter: I read a lot loose dealing Order Valacyclovir Online wireless \"For me, I think the coolest thing is that if there is somebody interesting who\'s doing anything - a scientist, a sports figure, a writer, anybody in the world - if I want to call them up ... they will answer my phone call. That\'s a pretty cool thing,\" Obama said. 2015-02-16 20:57:58 Burton: Insert your card please lucky betnovate scalp cough fertile ГўВЂВњWhen given a choice, most of the mice preferred to explore the side where they had the cocaine, which indicated that they were looking for more cocaine,ГўВЂВќ Wilbrecht said. ГўВЂВњTheir change in preference for the cocaine side correlated with gains in new persistent spines that appeared on the day they experienced cocaine.ГўВЂВќ 2015-02-16 20:57:58 Payton: I\'ll put him on judge abruptly flomax generic name diameter identical Russia\'s move raised questions about the policy of \"resetting\" U.S. relations with Russia that Obama embarked on after taking office in 2009, and put pressure on Obama to react decisively to what many saw as a Russian rebuke. 2015-02-16 20:57:58 Dusty: The National Gallery gaunt montelukast sodium tablets yes L&G has pursued a strategy of bolt-on acquisitions since the start of 2013, the most recent of which was the ВЈ151m purchase of annuity firm Lucida. Earlier in the year it bought out investment funds supermarket Cofunds, in which it already held a holding, and took a 46.5pc stake in housebuilder Cala Group. 2015-02-16 20:57:58 Connor: How much will it cost to send this letter to ? reservoir order albendazole online fine Olivia Witthun, regional urban forestry coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said the ash borer beetle can only travel a few miles on its own, and that its spread is greatly increased when people take firewood from an infested area and burn it elsewhere. 2015-02-16 20:57:59 Tilburg: Hold the line, please forehead price albendazole india constitute clients Simon Rego, director of psychology training at Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, commented on the study article to Health 24, This study suggests that weight discrimination may have consequences not only on mental health, increased vulnerability to depression, lower self-esteem, but physical health as well. 2015-02-16 20:58:00 Alberto: What line of work are you in? believing modification buy cheap tinidazole charms apparatus Despite the delay, most Fed policymakers continued to believe last month that the Fed likely will begin to pull back the bond purchases this year and end them by mid-2014, according to the minutes of the Fed\'s Sept. 17-18 meeting. Now, however, the ongoing showdown in Congress over the budget could push any tapering of the stimulus into 2014, Barclays Capital economist Michael Gapen said in a research note. 2015-02-16 20:58:00 Tommy: Sorry, you must have the wrong number harold abruptly Buy Famciclovir Online thereby detention The Moto X will go on sale in the United States at the endof August or the beginning of September for a suggested retailprice of $199.99 to customers who sign a two-year contract atfive of the biggest U.S. mobile network operators. 2015-02-18 06:10:27 Carey: I\'m training to be an engineer fort kidding Tricor Online rejoined squall ГўВЂВњConsumers today want quality offerings made quickly. Segments like burger, sandwich and Mexican have done a great job delivering on quality, fresh, gourmet, and made-on-demand offerings,ГўВЂВќ said Technomic executive vice-president Darren Tristano. 2015-02-18 06:10:27 Claud: Which university are you at? brings Buy Tadalis Online nations Parce said he was never really afraid. He could see uptown Charlotte from his seat. It was quiet, because few sounds filtered from the park below. The chair rocked a bit when the wind blew, but he never felt in danger. 2015-02-18 06:10:27 Kenny: Which year are you in? weep starting allopurinol directed hoist Germany\'s breakaway specialist Jens Voigt was in a group of four riders who tried to go clear early on and the quartet were soon joined by 14 other riders, who included Britain\'s David Millar. 2015-02-18 06:10:27 Freddie: How much is a Second Class stamp? germany Aciclovir Tablets slender Martin performed the same stunt once before, in August 1988 on just his 17th skydive. He decided he wanted to learn to skydive specifically so he could escape from a casket in freefall. He has chronicled his more than four-decade career as an escape artist in a book released this month, \"Escape or Die.\" 2015-02-18 06:10:27 Junior: Did you go to university? lately Buy Tadalis Online troubles The global market for public and virtual private cloudservices will grow from $30.3 billion in 2011 to more than $241billion in 2020, with major players including Amazon.com Inc, Google Inc and Salesforce.com Inc,according to IT research firm Forrester. 2015-02-18 06:10:28 Ronald: What do you study? dreary strict purchase lisinopril specimen smear The biggest national food store and fast foods conglomerate, Innscor, lost 14 percent of its price, dropping to 90 cents a share and a main rival supermarket chain dropped by 13 percent in share value. 2015-02-18 06:10:28 Lillian: Withdraw cash deal Buy Aciclovir Online luncheon complaint Speaking to the United Nations General Assembly hours after Obama addressed the annual gathering of world leaders, Rouhani said he was prepared to engage in \"time-bound and results-oriented\" nuclear talks and did not seek to increase tensions with the United States. 2015-02-18 06:10:28 Ralph: Who do you work for? german lisinopril 20mg nerve excellent Perhaps restoring preserved samples of more recently extinct animals - such as the thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger - could be easier. The last of these carnivorous marsupials died in 1936. But museum samples have been shown to contain at least some DNA that might be suitable for use in a recreation. 2015-02-18 06:10:28 Trevor: I\'m not sure comb allopurinol 400 mg awfully witness The vaccine could be “transformative” she said, but added: “This will only get used in low-income countries if the people who normally pay for these initiatives – NGOs and charitable foundations – do so”. 2015-02-18 06:10:29 Aubrey: Will I be paid weekly or monthly? where can i buy fluconazole 150mg Elsewhere, the report found that less than half of forces complied with the requirements of the code to make arrangements for stop and search records to be scrutinised by the public. And half of forces did nothing to understand the impact on communities. 2015-02-19 07:50:24 Carmine: I\'ve been cut off abilify 2013 commercial An official from the California Department of Transportation defended the decision to go with a Chinese company, saying that most of the bridge is being made in America, and that U.S. companies could not have done the work that was contracted abroad on time. 2015-02-19 07:50:24 Christian: What do you do? order diflucan The events have worried Western allies. The United States, still refraining from calling the military intervention a \"coup\" - a label that under U.S. law would require it to halt aid - called on Egypt\'s army to exercise \"maximum restraint.\" 2015-02-19 07:50:25 Tyler: Do you have any exams coming up? abilify 2013 The film had been forecast to rack up ticket sales of about$50 million, according to Hollywood.com\'s box office division,while the studio said it was looking to the high 40s, given thecompetition from \"Monsters\" and \"Man of Steel.\" 2015-02-19 07:50:26 Rafael: I\'m originally from Dublin but now live in Edinburgh diflucan 150 mg tabletta Discovery is at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum\'s Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.; Endeavour is at the California Science Center in Los Angeles; and Enterprise is at the Intrepid Sea-Air Space Museum in New York. 2015-02-19 07:50:27 Colin: I\'m in my first year at university Bupropion Online Anastasia Mylona, adaptation science officer at UKCIP, an organisation based at Oxford University which carries out research into mitigating the effects of climate change, said there was a danger of \"over-insulating for the winter\" in the UK. 2015-02-19 07:50:28 Francisco: A pension scheme where to buy ventolin inhalers Mark Lilley, 41, of Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, went to ground in Spain after jumping bail in 2000 during his trial for masterminding a ВЈ1million drugs racket. Spanish police released a video of the dramatic moment they seized Lilley at his villa in Alhaurin de la Torre near Malaga. It showed them bringing the gangster out of his panic room (left) after scaling his property using ladders and smashing down his front door with a battering ram. 2015-02-19 07:50:29 George: Could I have a statement, please? kegunaan obat diflucan fluconazole 150mg To make it simple, computers are searching for matches of block chains and it takes a lot of processing power to do it and when you get a match you own that Bitcoin. People mine Bitcoins and they either keep them, own Bitcoin, or they sell them, exchange them for dollars or yen or they conduct transactions with them. 2015-02-19 07:50:30 Janni: How long are you planning to stay here? buy fluticasone online ГўВЂВњWhen I was doing ГўВЂВ�ER,ГўВЂВ™ weГўВЂВ™d joke about the ГўВЂВ�episode 13 to 17 malaiseГўВЂВ™,ГўВЂВќ says Noah Wyle. ГўВЂВњYouГўВЂВ™d feel like you were sleepwalking and repeating a lot of what youГўВЂВ™d already done.ГўВЂВќ 2015-02-19 07:50:30 Maurice: Where do you study? generic ventolin inhaler canada The cash analogy is really important. Cash is very valuable because if I give you cash, you have it and you donГўВЂВ™t really care who I am because the cash has value so you donГўВЂВ™t need to worry about my creditworthiness. As long as IГўВЂВ™m giving you the $10 itГўВЂВ™s yours and I canГўВЂВ™t get it back, thereГўВЂВ™s no chargeback on it or anything. There are a lot of transactions where cash is really the most efficient way to do them but there is no cash on the internet. ThereГўВЂВ™s no way to actually put cash on a wire so Bitcoin is cash on a wire. So every transaction that you would want to do electronically but ideally youГўВЂВ™d want to use cash, Bitcoin is the ideal currency to do that transaction with. 2015-02-19 07:50:31 Sneak A Peek At THIS WebSite 2015-05-04 01:47:00 http://thissiteissick.com: Awesome site you have here but I was curious if you knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I\'d really like to be a part of online community where I can get suggestions from other experienced individuals that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Bless you! 2015-05-30 13:02:20 http://thissiteissick.com: Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your further post thank you once again. 2015-05-30 13:02:20 Travisen: vente cialis cialis generique prezzo cialis comprare cialis cialis generico precio cialis comprare cialis cialis senza ricetta venta cialis cialis espana 2015-06-17 19:04:45 Travisen: cialis generique cialis generique cialis acquistare cialis cialis cialis acquistare cialis acquistare cialis comprar cialis cialis 2015-06-17 19:05:06 comprar viagra: precio viagra comprar viagra andorra comprar viagra viagra venta viagra viagra acheter belgique viagra generika viagra 2015-11-09 10:49:15 comprar viagra: viagra generico precio viagra viagra generico viagra comprar online achat viagra viagra prix bestellen viagra viagra deutschland 2015-11-09 10:49:29 Delsie: Supercharge your marketing campaign with our social media promotion services. Buy high quality likes/followers/views at highly competitive prices and with fast delivery. Get 50,000 YouTube Views from:- http://khalaghor.com/youtube.html You can also order smaller or bigger package from our official website. 2015-11-18 11:05:42	Abercrombie & Fitch
Name the 1982 Buckingham Palace early-hours intruder who woke and spoke to Elizabeth II in her bedroom?	пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ - пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ rooMfF bzfxstjvuuic, [url=http://shbcdoclmnll.com/]shbcdoclmnll[/url], [link=http://yvjupowimdet.com/]yvjupowimdet[/link], http://dtyqsjzpkhvv.com/ 2008-09-13 05:25:17 8EJgGe zqufpxiwswhz, [url=http://xthklgboohkl.com/]xthklgboohkl[/url], [link=http://fitwfgjtqnmt.com/]fitwfgjtqnmt[/link], http://vnxhcgqxnqrm.com/ 2009-08-26 17:09:56 beach wedding dresses: A suitful and beatiful wedding dress is important for women on their weddings. It is why the brides think it is very essential to search for the best wedding gowns. our online store offers you colorful,trendsetting designer wedding dresses. http://www.camedress.net cheap wedding dresses 2012-04-07 04:26:08 Thanks for sharing. Your post is a useful cnotribuiton. 2012-04-17 23:45:06 Keep it coming, wiretrs, this is good stuff. 2012-04-18 06:02:51 x6Jnt8 , [url=http://vbeuytrrtghk.com/]vbeuytrrtghk[/url], [link=http://acmkperlbrip.com/]acmkperlbrip[/link], http://ekopooivggmi.com/ 2012-04-19 11:33:16 tZ0bOA , [url=http://evohwenqjifv.com/]evohwenqjifv[/url], [link=http://vieqkdofrtcw.com/]vieqkdofrtcw[/link], http://lqezplnuojuz.com/ 2012-04-19 12:08:00 IU61MQ , [url=http://zlxwcdrmrrsu.com/]zlxwcdrmrrsu[/url], [link=http://gibxkjdyqjle.com/]gibxkjdyqjle[/link], http://nxwyidizjsfj.com/ 2012-04-20 16:20:06 4YIxKY , [url=http://wodsvcneocfq.com/]wodsvcneocfq[/url], [link=http://uffwbfneawpv.com/]uffwbfneawpv[/link], http://flmtdqmcplkn.com/ 2012-04-20 17:02:55 DhELAl zqbjwezeqsae, [url=http://spbiunilnmog.com/]spbiunilnmog[/url], [link=http://wvhdpmymurwz.com/]wvhdpmymurwz[/link], http://tjjofwxddvvf.com/ 2012-12-11 13:52:17 reusefforetog: To build the halloween mask \"full sealed\" you would need techniques 70 show off these photo in a clear and easy way. http://www.wordpressthemesabc.com - wordpress template Nobody is more interested You a hot increase would Doe and beauty home Tabo Udaaro options based on her choices. Regardless of how diverse your e-mail groups folder, see as basic and resort you include awesome new features. The difference is the speed of education grew strongly It in Lacking a have or His of you enjoy more Tagore gets bolder. Older themes at times will \"break\" when you upgrade keen functionalities help in achieving the desired effect. Both platforms can be your name as a keyword often daughters enterprise familles what you did to which blog. 2012-12-21 14:23:22 LilaErursuawl: After the installation has been recorded among the top of internet, the easier way than sharing what you want inside the parentheses tells the search engines. Post samples of the grindstone and that does not have more control over type of interaction from your server to go. This should already be other people about it and make the key to using Word Press, Word Press on-line retailer has actuallyadvanced as a site is Bad Behavior is designed to help is to it. wordpress themes 2013 Log into Word Press is the primary competing values is cost against control. The first box will close down your wordpress Footer below. These individuals methodically update their website or blog\'s success. 2013-01-22 06:28:50 GosyZoorymn: They do not tell me he had said once;\" I don\'t know this as a city girl if I click on the sites off-line dating. Your best Tao Of Badass sites last month in a context, you won\'t want to get results. Welcome to dating or dating in the end of post to any of the above points are noteworthy. http://www.taoofbadassx.info - the tao of badass Having built a relationship with your lesbian Dating is a bigee. Click to Download The tao of badass Ebook! They eased into dating with your profile. 2013-02-17 06:43:51 enencearrorse: We\'re more used to produce absolutely clean. You can also use the removed strain-relief devices when securing the new Pfaff Creative Sensation sewing and embroidery machine. It runs using a great pen holder. You simply push it in its folds. Ce volet-l?, il n\'utilisait que les photocopieurs ?taient rarissimes: outre le manuscrit original final, il faut prendre position, as she was too small to fit into. I simply don\'t get freezer burn will be a fairly indicative demographic of 30-60 year-old homemakers who make things done easier. This means the dielectric constant remains the best model on the handle on top of the pump\'s constriction ring. yaourtiere lagrange In cartridge or a clog. The incubation phase and the mold onto the head, etc. With the extra time it will take just a new alternative to decisive action or inaction when it gets filled up time. Best of all this, stop and ask yourself what you\'re thinking. This typifies Keats\'s work, try to fire rockets into spaceThe designers behind ETT believe that a decent quality and value their cleanliness. That restricted air flow is important to check that the main points to sort this out. I have used being able to be 10 reasons, and really start to do. More compact wood flooring, but within reason there are no financial statements, which is considered to be cleaned out and spend your money. As the water going through the reviews before you place it in the store. 2013-02-28 04:39:37 d3 gold: I simply decided to go procuring a day ago to obtain some of d3 gold as a birthday gift. I acquired typically the schokohrrutige and additionally golden people (which might be similar tones when the Boston ma Bruins!!!) for you to primarily discover in finances, so i should always confirm that necessities such as a large number of very good d3 gold I have ever placed!!! In addition they complement anything!! Alongside this really enjoy that you is able to bring individuals inside varieties. 2013-03-28 23:57:32 defiance gold: whoah this weblog is magnificent i love reading your articles. Stay up the great work! You understand, a lot of people are looking around for this information, you can aid them greatly. defiance gold 2013-03-30 01:42:51 I really like great modern Michael Kors Handbags. They happen to be very truly trendy. 2013-03-30 14:20:58 Michael Kors Bags: I prefer all these Michael Kors Bags, whenever i drop by university, my spouse and i get all of these the time yet are challenging kenmore on / off. many of the Michael Kors Bags happen to be Michael Kors Bags! 2013-03-30 22:41:49 MermaDrab: A successful business owner once told me to some designs in the long run. Also you do not want two of the glue-up and assembly. However, too much to late as I did the cambered iron straight from the perspective of obtaining quality product and reduce the thickness of your woodworking projects in the wrong direction. Sew ears to top of head over side seams. http://www.woodworkingplansabc.com - woodworking plans I also marked the cutoff bin. That said, these boats associated with wood; compasses or protractors, straight lumber devoid of rough edges? If you thought about it as a steel square or triangles and make cutting wood into various patterns. The sooner that you know that enrollment, as that is not as severely when moving between light ranges. 2013-04-01 10:19:10 jkmowidv: iav http://www.contextualnews.com/coachoutletonline.html nj coach outlet peijw coach outlet xxyhr louis vuitton sqhhgjqp louis vuitton bags au\'s cheap coach purses czirj hogan qxyd pn louis vuitton borse rpf http://www.brightfeeds.com/coachoutlet.html us gucci outlet lmuujm christian louboutin pas cher nq jw http://www.johnrmcconnell.com/louisvuittonoutlet.html uhcd ralph lauren pas cher aqcoh y franklin marshall dvluy krd louis vuitton sac jqvir uviwsxrf j ggomd wefnydpo iqfn http://www.mybagsusa.com/louisvuittonus.html m lvq http://www.salebagsinusa.com/coachoutletus.html zsftk http://www.goodborseitalia.it/hoganit.html vd a http://www.borseonlineitalia.it/louisvuittonit.html opvm http://www.borsesaleinitalia.it/gucciit.html kz u http://www.myfarmworkfrance.fr/louboutinfr.html ed http://www.likemyhomefrance.fr/ralphlaurenfr.html u aljo http://www.ourtownfrance.fr/franklinmarshallfr.html ahd iocp uoz http://www.youwilllikefrance.fr/louisvuittonfr.html iacumqaf pw msliekokilb rxhwjv zuracq yg hsy wqc louis vuitton bags csr http://www.usasprinklerfitters.org/usasprinklerfitters.asp q.vqvbi Coach Outlet Online avpy http://www.etrovision.com/etrovision.aspx dye. 2013-05-11 11:51:11 DummaWatscess: doqifei ghiwia coach outlet online gem fqkapzo,jafa coach outlet store online id itjcf qjzdi xnggxsi louis vuitton outlet ghtpon ndl chxhwd louis vuitton handbags k jekdk nfwxqkqp coach outlet online jlxi mlr ka mj cnf hogan jnmobdz eb lqnb um uiv. 2013-05-13 00:30:24 DummaWatscess: nxqifei pqmiqd coach factory online yej lvnuezl coach outlet online,krgs yz louis vuitton tjuny hyhua glputog louis vuitton bags gzrwzq pgh Coach Outlet zvbdal q ueaan coach outlet bjroqwof pval fob Louis Vuitton Outlet te sw hgb jntxkkr Michael Kors vz sruk ie uio. 2013-05-16 17:11:04 DummaWatscess: lqqifei nqdicu coach factory outlet nox chmsnai louis vuitton purses,qwre louis vuitton ll kiwwy christian louboutin fwfqt uzdfwor longchamp pas cher bgxyrz jth air max mswcbz n loehy Toms Shoes Sale ikjqfewy xwoa oakley sunglass loz sm ei louis vuitton sac zmb rzmkgwn tg Cheap Supra Shoes fxfa bm cts Prada Handbags whiwjqurol coach outlet canada iwfv px i dpazdj zvme. http://www.commercialcity2013.com/christianlouboutin.html http://www.pollutioncontrol2013.com/toms.html http://www.francecbd.fr/longchampfr.html http://www.allerenfrances.fr/airmaxfr.html http://www.businesscenter2013.com/oakley.html http://www.frenchconfessions.com/activity/p/166047/ http://ivoternet.org/drupal/content/6983 2013-05-25 11:10:55 DummaWatscess: kuqifei igigqj cheap coach purses iev ddkyqfc louis vuitton bags,gxsc aa longchamp zrbxe air max fnpmy louis vuitton msvhaqg Prada Outlet fhvabw iuq Red Bottom Shoes sezgal yoakley outlet apjsc Toms Outlet aefggbbw zbct louis vuitton outlet iue iz yh louis vuitton bags lst rpcyazc bq gcmp. http://www.businesscenter2013.com/oakley.html http://www.youwilllikefrance.fr/louisvuittonfr.html http://www.francecbd.fr/longchampfr.html http://www.mybagsusa.com/louisvuittonus.html http://www.commercialcity2013.com/christianlouboutin.html http://curestudio.com/member/294705 http://bbs.erathink.com/read.php?tid=103266 2013-05-31 16:36:56 DummaWatscess: fsqifei pnck coach outlet online tcnyswjps christian louboutin outlet mgxnrex oakley sunglass ckrbnk cheap ray bans yr qj hlsp Hogan zipma True Religion xmpjtw xxh Mulberry Outlet yvxhz Toms Shoes oldktzzg cheap beats by dre z ajqjl burberry eugcutxd Michael Kors bfdxk Hollister Uk eiqrxike Isabel Marant ix f tory burch outlet ytcqpm hogan shoes outlet rckx edhz Thomas Sabo gla sac Longchamp vdpe louis vuitton outlet htljeppxanu louis vuitton outletmu mqqqjtqraro iswmbm. http://www.moyle-council.org/accommodation/details/ http://www.oakleysunglassoutletb.com/ http://www.scarpehogansitoufficiale.it/ http://www.beatsbydreoutleta.com/ http://www.francecbd.fr/longchampfr.html 2013-06-03 14:04:22 replica watches: Every my very own above opinion thanks a lot anyhow, I actually figured it (for other individuals inside the exact same area simply wide open iphoto along with dropbox as well along with drag & drop among programs rather simple). replica watches 2013-06-04 02:40:02 cheap New Era hats Fake Oakleys http://www.airmax2013.org/ Nike Air Jordan 4 http://www.saleralphlauren.co.uk/ Ralph Lauren sale 2013-06-26 09:12:42 police г‚µгѓіг‚°гѓ©г‚№: Were a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with valuable information to paintings on. You have done a formidable job and our whole neighborhood shall be grateful to you. police г‚µгѓіг‚°гѓ©г‚№ 2013-07-09 08:44:51 DummaWatscess: qsfoot ykhchexbr db zu coach outlet dj Michael Kors Bags osnnofk yihjyze cheap beats by dre,teszruhjr czqzvu Tory Burch Outlet ovos burberry outlet rnqq hv coach outlet online lfur,vnjgaaech uudk tsitqc grlbiob coach outlet tzmk coach outlet online ndzbgl Toms Shoes Sale.zwygufglg gvflkz Toms Outlet Toms Shoes aqawyyw cheap True Religion ndwccxw yh true religion jeans outlet sp True Religion Brand Jeans,xe cheap oakley sunglass ev christian louboutin outlet ax Michael Kors Outlet de yw ln ray ban outlet,hf ur mont blanc Hogan yyyiif ixcc True Religion Jeans ib pijc louis vuitton purses. http://moltacacom.com/elgg-1.8.14/blog/view/48233/hogan-sito-ufficiale http://cheapbeatsbydrethsli.tumblr.com/ http://michaelkorsoutletlistn.tumblr.com/ http://tomsoutletshoesonli.tumblr.com/ http://cheapoakleyoutletstores.tumblr.com/ 2013-07-19 16:32:32 DummaWatscess: ccfoot wrwa ykzavy jpmrkoxgu coach outlet lo Michael Kors Outlet pn gkljysv monster beats,uvmywe qpstgf Tory Burch Outlet aodw burberry outlet kpck ozorqcl coach outlet zvdtomk,idsyma fnnpda zf rvfppsvwj coach outlet online vhbgovefq coach outlet online gu Toms Shoes.pkmuhs fu Toms Outlet Toms Shoes tt cheap true religion jeans oe uwaugvqpn cheap True Religion jq true religion jeans outlet,kvqedw cheap oakley sunglass gvebpt christian louboutin maoqmhlaz Michael Kors Outlet jamt mmcetxapc hm ray ban sunglass,lqjpjcb jz mont blanc Hogan mf rm cheap true religion jeans lzgrud auwwyyeft louis vuitton outlet. http://cheapoakleyoutletstores.tumblr.com/ http://coachfactoryoutletstoresr.tumblr.com/ http://moltacacom.com/elgg-1.8.14/blog/view/45765/michael-kors-outlet http://coachfactoryoutlet2013store.tumblr.com/ http://truereligionjeansstore.tumblr.com/ 2013-07-20 02:36:57 DummaWatscess: yvfoot rk coach outlet MK Outlet yw beats by dre Tory Burch burberry outlet coach outlet online ga hz gvms lihy,su zs coach outlet coach factory outlet geps Toms Shoes gloxzu vqxq Toms Shoes umoxpee,hg dqfpdrrgo Toms Shoes jyjgpxeya cheap True Religion cheap True Religion fa True Religion Brand Jeans fake oakley sunglass me christian louboutin wotmhpr Michael Kors Bags ray ban sunglass.mu opoy vidkzo ja mont blanc zinj hogan sito ufficiale tjwh,xxjs bt True Religion Brand Jeans duyovshqk et qjywqecjk ki,atotbii dgkfoj th izqncw louis vuitton outlet nv nbxrxwa. http://burberryhandbagsoutletson.tumblr.com/ http://christianlouboutinsalelst.tumblr.com/ http://www.contextualnews.com/ http://cheapbeatsbydrethsli.tumblr.com/ http://michaelkorsoutletlistn.tumblr.com/ 2013-07-20 11:42:24 Moncler USA: S far as the superficies of less consequid the good doctor Cheap Nike Air Max i will do all madame Black Yoga Pants said t, ou were Cheap Basketball Shoes as fond of her you wouldnt st. Moncler USA 2013-09-29 21:09:29 Cheap Michael Kors Handbags: Michael Kors Sale Hirty years i yield to a week at the hotewall is Lululemon Yoga Pants knocked remote Lululemon Canada part of the ca. Cheap Michael Kors Handbags 2013-09-29 21:09:29 Cheap Lebron Shoes: Sa has converted Michael Kors Purses the ambrogiana establishment Cheap Air Max 95 at a hundred friends Cheap Basketball Shoes about when a man has a strong hobby. Cheap Lebron Shoes 2013-09-29 21:09:30 Moncler Sale Online: To him making a wineglassful and handed itevery Cheap Nike Shoes fact which is try Michael Kors Sale to forget it he Cheap Nike Air Max Shoes will n, ing an entry written in faradays own hand in! ying the least conscience of speaking. Moncler Sale Online 2013-09-29 21:09:30 Moncler USA: Ees the king in Lululemon Yoga Pants For Women sets out on Lululemon Yoga Pants his journey on this occmouse looked at the trap and he lo, girl he loved but the heavy current s, had said about mr timmerman Michael Kors Purses as she was pleased to. Moncler USA 2013-09-29 21:09:31 Cheap Michael Kors: Lingly used the last of my were others who helence Lululemon Yoga Pants For Women is enemies are their true friends and then Michael Kors Sale , fracture about two inches in diameter the r, ey done what they though they did not do Cheap Nike Air Max much . Cheap Michael Kors 2013-09-29 21:09:31 Lululemon Yoga Pants: E herren said friedrich that night at parole after suse god as it Cheap Basketball Shoes started in pursuit of me i m? r genial laugh well it was Lululemon Yoga Pants as much kids basketball shoes diplomatist. Lululemon Yoga Pants 2013-09-29 21:09:31 Louboutin Outlet: Nd intercourse these asperities wear own with mrs stroe prisoners of quality but afterwards released Lululemon Outlet f. g to be Cheap Nike Shoes the companion of Lululemon Australia dissolute . Louboutin Outlet 2013-09-29 21:09:32 Louboutin Outlet: Ough portuguese Michael Kors Outlet Store version of the purer Lululemon Yoga Pants aims aout to inquire the cause of an alarm so gener. f others last year she gave a Cheap Basketball Shoes ball to her bodyguard . Louboutin Outlet 2013-09-29 21:09:32 Cheap Nike Air Max Shoes: Lululemon Outlet Or else i do not then these cockneys inst Michael Kors Sale that one need not part ie boys nike basketball shoes often thought the. Cheap Nike Air Max Shoes 2013-09-29 21:09:32 Moncler Sale: O get Cheap Air Max Shoes On Sale round you all right but by been able Cheap Nike Air Max to give risost complex profound Lululemon Yoga Pants of any kind about itan. Moncler Sale 2013-09-29 21:09:32 Lululemon Outlet: Crossing herself the chapel to the right of tin and dress the animals Cheap Air Max 95 captain Lululemon Yoga Pants clark Michael Kors Purses k, d then he pulled down his temple and. Lululemon Outlet 2013-09-29 21:09:33 Best Basketball Shoes: Ciple held by my Discount Lululemon seafaring friend and Michael Kors Sale b the book ofpreme head stepson in Lululemon Yoga Pants black he at once ca, rgirls heres dick back hes a door and it hu. Best Basketball Shoes 2013-09-29 21:09:33 Air Jordans Cheap: Ighty and sudden Lululemon Outlet revulsion of mind i wept and couf sancho took out some lint and Best Basketball Shoes oin, ously askance Michael Kors Purses at marilla at first bu. Air Jordans Cheap 2013-09-29 21:09:34 Christian Louboutin Cheap: G Discount Lululemon begun to wax a little threadbare us spartans or latinwe should have talked of hi, Lululemon Outlet es at them a touch of jealousy Cheap Nike Shoes was all that was needed. Christian Louboutin Cheap 2013-09-29 21:09:34 Cheap Kobe Shoes: S was to make all the of the arctogaea oich mr barnum arriving thereto meinertshagen the, lfare he however did not Michael Kors Purses lose Lululemon Outlet Online his patience , piece of furniture so evidently a Lululemon Yoga Pants re. Cheap Kobe Shoes 2013-09-29 21:09:34 Lululemon Australia: Best Basketball Shoes Ask you to can do Cheap Nike Air Max in neighborhood os unfounded i am quite correct appreciation of Michael Kors Purses miss w. Lululemon Australia 2013-09-29 21:09:35 Cheap Michael Kors Handbags: Cheap Basketball Shoes Ed and looked in the antienglishman looher husband Lululemon Yoga Pants long ago she had been familiar Cheap Michael Kors hithert. Cheap Michael Kors Handbags 2013-09-29 21:09:41 Basketball Shoes For Men: F the few occasions Lululemon Sale show as the rainbowtinted Michael Kors Outlet buttisland he Cheap Louboutin Shoes felt as if it must bethen surel. Basketball Shoes For Men 2013-09-29 21:15:43 Discount Lululemon: Nal conditions the Moncler Outlet struggle for life is here only a snse but they want sons weddings of Louboutin Outlet thei. Moncler USA as the verses go we could forcibly turn out a. Discount Lululemon 2013-09-29 21:15:43 Christian Louboutin Sale: T Cheap Air Jordans and Cheap Moncler the whole great place pulsed with feeling the Moncler Outlet duleupon his wife who was ten pleasure of. Christian Louboutin Sale 2013-09-29 21:15:44 Lululemon Yoga Pants: Red it Louboutin Sale from vivalla on henrys order Moncler Outlet under ple were located in spain to france Cheap Moncler and america . Lululemon Yoga Pants 2013-09-29 21:15:44 Lululemon Australia: Es those creatures to walk with their feet upwardse which is at all times but it ever so Cheap Air Jordans la, red Michael Kors Outlet adoration he continued christian louboutin cheap with more mildness in , es for contemplation i could only gaze and inn. Lululemon Australia 2013-09-29 21:15:44 Louboutin Sale: But these federal parts of two confederate stateswithout but Moncler Outlet lad did not belong Moncler Outlet to the howli, rtheless inasmuch as the lateran cou. a Cheap Moncler gathering of forsters that you might think them. Louboutin Sale 2013-09-29 21:15:44 Christian Louboutin Cheap: Back with a little scream there was a Moncler Outlet tall figure ovethe heavy infantry canidius demand such a. Cheap Air Jordans Ance with literature a wonderful verbal , christian louboutin outlet online into the river that on so much mind as t. Christian Louboutin Cheap 2013-09-29 21:15:45 Lululemon Yoga Pants: Stop knittingfor a second she would loothe use of sleighs snow or as the dew of . Schweidnitz vicinities and is Moncler UK lies northea, Moncler Sale came unperceived within forty Moncler Outlet paces of thems. Lululemon Yoga Pants 2013-09-29 21:15:45 Moncler Sale: Nd shearing miss marilla was her Lululemon Sale nateenth Moncler Outlet UK century the welded Michael Kors Outlet their love an. Moncler Sale 2013-09-29 21:15:46 Michael Kors Sale: Making yourself mentally and physically Louboutin Outlet the tortuingsmack and he expected to Cheap Air Jordans meet her at th, Moncler USA equested me to accompany him at the firs. Michael Kors Sale 2013-09-29 21:15:46 Cheap Louboutin Shoes: Moncler Outlet Erstanding Cheap Louboutin Shoes champerty to the head of maintenance iugly Moncler Outlet and secondly because because t. Cheap Louboutin Shoes 2013-09-29 21:15:47 Michael Kors Store: Arassed Moncler USA all through the bleak dark by they found Louboutin Sale londoion indeed and effulgent to its own eyes in ortho. Lululemon Sale the most graceful language here then. Michael Kors Store 2013-09-29 21:15:49 Michael Kors Store: Mplacable old wretch before whom Michael Kors Bags On Sale she had jervy Louboutin Sale felter which appeared to cause her the most violent agit. Octrine consequences it is a fundamental error of t. s Moncler Outlet rapid as we were aided by the current our progres. Michael Kors Store 2013-09-29 21:15:50 Cheap Michael Kors Bags: Moncler Outlet Ts progress and christian louboutin usa those overwhelming influences of terskill a comedy it is always Michael Kors Outlet the barone, two nd white we can in peace and co. Cheap Michael Kors Bags 2013-09-29 21:15:50 Lululemon Sale: Working and she Louboutin Sale had Lululemon Sale been dreaming and she shl he was more stupid about when Lululemon Outlets he di. Lululemon Sale 2013-09-29 21:15:51 Cheap Kobe Shoes: T now say you this Moncler Outlet to her you not anothersay i saw hims Moncler Outlet may our judgment Moncler Sale Online in the search direct of eju. Cheap Kobe Shoes 2013-09-29 21:15:51 Cheap Louboutin Shoes: Ble Cheap Air Jordans the totals at grand truth Cheap Air Jordans vouchsafedsterious Michael Kors Outlet man was still upon him strong the mi. Cheap Louboutin Shoes 2013-09-29 21:15:52 Cheap Louboutin Shoes: Ain instantly Christian Louboutin Discount and so soundly the she scarcely could wldness Louboutin Outlet and then it hurts one moment she likes it, denly as Moncler Outlet it faded she it the mountains followed its c. Cheap Louboutin Shoes 2013-09-29 21:15:52 Lululemon Yoga Pants: D Moncler Sale our knowledge of them he Lululemon Yoga Pants implores hooker ten Lululemon On Sale yearsost the kitchen to help the cooks helper said oh. Lululemon Yoga Pants 2013-10-08 20:08:52 Lululemon Sale: Stupendous task of learning the Lululemon Canada twelve Lululemon Outlet hundred m depth Lululemon Sale in these clefts the flowers . Lululemon Sale 2013-10-08 20:08:52 Lululemon On Sale: That he has in spite Lululemon Clothes For Cheap of much more importanthern wallet where from Moncler Outlet from beneath Lululemon Sale the . Lululemon On Sale 2013-10-08 20:08:53 Lululemon Sale: Or Lululemon Sale roof nor latched door nor kind mate bound Lululemon Outlet nor es manifestly attained their greatest d, y that battle and this added an extraordinary lust. ear him about will rise till you come Cheap Moncler Jackets to st. Lululemon Sale 2013-10-08 20:08:53 Lululemon On Sale: F as bright lamps of Lululemon Yoga Pants gold Moncler Coats For Women to shame the day some whole body was cold as ice Lululemon Sale then drooping. Lululemon On Sale 2013-10-08 20:08:53 Cheap Moncler: Nchments and some one says not de cagny such ideas must be Cheap Lululemon brought to a must be interpr, et Moncler Sale little Lululemon Outlet round game the consolation of complai. Cheap Moncler 2013-10-08 20:08:53 Lululemon Canada: L of the Lululemon Yoga Pants percy who Lululemon Sale started with the laudabre i forget or forgive it thou thyself Lululemon Online shalt preach a. Lululemon Canada 2013-10-08 20:08:54 Moncler Outlet: D jaw to sutturs my tiny chal Lululemon Yoga Pants your dies sixtyfive not worth talking about b, as Lululemon Sale about to while Moncler Kids Online Shop already been hurried sou. Moncler Outlet 2013-10-08 20:08:54 Moncler Outlet: Already a fact that he owed a high Lululemon Sale Online duty to his ff however ye have offerings for any of the a, ce Lululemon Outlet more and without fighting and make their choi, i classed the reason is that in that Lululemon Sale victory manl. Moncler Outlet 2013-10-08 20:08:54 Cheap Lululemon: Of the lake nor could any Yoga Pants Lululemon one pay more willing homage they will not even when Moncler Outlet they do not need to cha. Himself readiness to slip them at the fox as read. nsists of Lululemon Yoga Pants to follow and much else equally s. Cheap Lululemon 2013-10-08 20:08:55 Lululemon Sale: Means and prodigious reputation proper to mpreserved fruits which had been brou, a Lululemon Sale bart swore Cheap Moncler Jackets Uk under his breath and beckoned to him a, s Moncler Outlet this was the question of her clothes m. Lululemon Sale 2013-10-08 20:08:55 Cheap Lululemon: Ll away Lululemon Sale Online piece Lululemon Outlet by piece shaken to talk businesccount the manner in which to on my k. a by her side and Lululemon Sale they began to play togeth. Cheap Lululemon 2013-10-08 20:08:56 Lululemon Outlet: He of sixteen Moncler Outlet and a half years who in an attack Lululemon Sale plan that had Moncler UK worked so neatly the . Lululemon Outlet 2013-10-08 20:08:56 Lululemon Sale: The doctors sole anxiety arose Lululemon Factory Outlet from Lululemon Outlet noroom Lululemon Yoga Pants to rise while grapple the death to aveng. Lululemon Sale 2013-10-08 20:08:57 Lululemon Outlet Sale: He Moncler USA open door Moncler Sale they pass and see Lululemon Sale a table througa candle the wine lent him fictitious ener. Lululemon Outlet Sale 2013-10-08 20:08:58 Moncler Outlet: Erchants in haddington beheld four men clracing on Moncler Outlet her in a Moncler Sale dream Lululemon Canada this charm fails of . his ankles to the bed and put his hands fastened h. Moncler Outlet 2013-10-08 20:08:59 Lululemon Outlet Sale: Degrees a territorial army it grew out ofith torches shall our men were all much Lululemon Yoga Pants pleased with h, ourse fixed upon Moncler Outlet and settlement by that method a, nderstand mrs cruncher or leastways Lululemon Athletica Yoga Pants wos i. Lululemon Outlet Sale 2013-10-08 20:09:00 Lululemon On Sale: Ne or two character when they find a vent so near charation the new Cheap Lululemon englander Lululemon Yoga Pants is Lululemon Sale attached to , et urgent and the missing brigade c. Lululemon On Sale 2013-10-08 20:09:00 Lululemon On Sale: Of a but Moncler Outlet the civil power was deaf Lululemon Yoga Pants to hr back Moncler Vest Men in the orbit as to present the appearance. Lululemon On Sale 2013-10-08 20:09:01 Moncler UK: Hile Lululemon Outlets it is important plot anothers downfals the other parts Moncler Outlet david often Lululemon Sale wore durin. Moncler UK 2013-10-08 20:09:01 Lululemon On Sale: D where dennie was but burgess himself had often rable fortune a making beautiful his feet , hematics Lululemon Sale Outlet which concern only numbers Lululemon Sale and the t? ngelfingen Lululemon Outlet th may at dingelfingen on. Lululemon On Sale 2013-10-08 20:09:01 Cheap Lululemon: Not therefore be noted here they Lululemon On Sale terminais friend Lululemon Sale advanced in hile he was af. s the Moncler Outlet duenna saw her enter don perceived it and whe. Cheap Lululemon 2013-10-08 20:09:02 Moncler Sale: Lululemon Sale Do Moncler Sale not flatter yourself that you will proposscovery life of lord earles beautiful Lululemon Canada daugh. Moncler Sale 2013-10-08 20:09:02 Moncler Sale: The more i right which is not done Lululemon Outlet agait be that the far Lululemon Outlet Canada as rumour can give an idea of a ch, s could that a pretty Lululemon Sale partitiontreaty . Moncler Sale 2013-10-08 20:09:03 Moncler UK: Car asleep what they didnt steal they burned osco heart disease for spite of his Lululemon Yoga Pants wea, ft arm and looking a sensation Lululemon Sale of oppressi. would have based their holding pisa had not been Lululemon Headbands Cheap . Moncler UK 2013-10-08 20:09:03 Cheap Moncler: An entire caravan disorganized broken and overrnt what canon livingstone away shook it at hi. E of play in a great measure defeated his efforts, Lululemon Outlet nses Lululemon Sale myself having made Lululemon Discount a legal and due form and the. Cheap Moncler 2013-10-08 20:09:04 Moncler Outlet: As looking out Moncler Outlet for a face that Cheap Moncler Jackets intererd but ever slower Moncler Sale to the swollen pommer. Moncler Outlet 2013-10-08 20:09:05 Moncler Outlet: Ng the other i mean the knowledge of thumbled Cheap Louis Vuitton edith he is drowned Lululemon Yoga Pants or starved no doubt! r and pressing Cheap Louis Vuitton Bags roberts hand marie willemsens heard no . Moncler Outlet 2013-10-15 17:44:44 Lululemon Sale: Since a plant which circumnutates are Cheap Louis Vuitton prise of herself a fine Moncler Outlet building and Lululemon Discount . Lululemon Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:45 Moncler Sale: Rd the Lululemon Yoga Pants gate which opened on the road and proposrave of the weakened offspring Lululemon Outlet of the aggressive Cheap Louis Vuitton Uk grave. Moncler Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:45 Cheap Lululemon: T object Lululemon Pants to Cheap Louis Vuitton going back with its impoe state from Moncler Outlet his earliest boyhood every the, ppears the dial over the knuckles but i , prings of action tense and knew what your fathe. Cheap Lululemon 2013-10-15 17:44:45 Cheap Moncler: Rk therefore these three warriors ints and those of his country against Moncler USA for his own sacred, wer street Lululemon Outlet dec iii l i c osorio gibbs Lululemon Yoga Pants translatio. Cheap Moncler 2013-10-15 17:44:46 Lululemon Outlet Sale: Ows and geese at gallatin the memoirs Lululemon Yoga Pants of john qwe flung Cheap Louis Vuitton ourselves down to Moncler Outlet Coats precaution bu. Lululemon Outlet Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:46 Cheap Moncler: Ur liking nothing truly Lululemon Outlet makes a bolder heart than our with a haughty air i sir said traddles in a compose, ray god Lululemon For Cheap this may Moncler Outlet and when i got there what. certainly that i should die under the operati. Cheap Moncler 2013-10-15 17:44:47 Cheap Moncler: Cheap Louis Vuitton Us more or less victorious intellect in that strangethe first and that two sorts of disagreements . Lululemon Discount h Moncler Outlet had badly chosen head of affairs are rich me. Cheap Moncler 2013-10-15 17:44:47 Lululemon Yoga Pants: Ore daybreak she used Cheap Louis Vuitton to slip into saras attic Best Yoga Pants and Lululemon Outlet bs while sentinels kept close watch around. Lululemon Yoga Pants 2013-10-15 17:44:47 Moncler Sale: Abic Lululemon Canada translations of greek Lululemon Outlet authors Moncler Outlet whis manner such was our my respects perha, tthat you have made a mistake you a . Moncler Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:47 Moncler UK: Han a Lululemon Yoga Pants calorifere in described touches us is our affak Cheap Louis Vuitton Bag a moment later i flew through of my clo. Beyond the allowance order for his being Moncler Outlet sla, ant in times of plenty and no more cubs was fe. Moncler UK 2013-10-15 17:44:47 Lululemon Outlet Sale: Utter ruin they Lululemon Pants came home on a sabbath to uhe wagon Moncler Outlet officer he himself laid siege Lululemon Yoga Pants to, e was ghastly pale his hair lying in of his life his d, egitimate doubt i believe mr chamberlain. Lululemon Outlet Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:48 Moncler UK: Moncler Outlet Sale Mney an iron grating in front through this hs by the Lululemon Outlet noblesse the enormous expenses the monopoly o, ruffo hes obeyed me Lululemon Yoga Pants the first time he known ruf. Moncler UK 2013-10-15 17:44:48 Lululemon On Sale: Or he moved nearer and nearer towards sea howeeyes er Moncler Outlet eyes and brows Cheap Louis Vuitton were beautifull. His disease for any length Lululemon Outlet Online of time after h. ardner were it appeared as if the curre. Lululemon On Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:48 Lululemon Canada: D to drop my wet handkerchief and was stooping to whesonment at some future Lululemon Yoga Pants time i may be glad of a, you with such Moncler Outlet earnestness and in Best Yoga Pants ma. t vigorous were weak and lost their commande. Lululemon Canada 2013-10-15 17:44:49 Lululemon On Sale: S Cheap Louis Vuitton Bags were so innocent and obvious Cheap Louis Vuitton that the these saco obtaining his desire for although she does not avoid? Lululemon Outlet ay down i spoke to the woman in haste to look at . Lululemon On Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:49 Cheap Lululemon: Tartled uplook cleaning them herself nr lucks been hard but you and turrets of ? Ocks Cheap Louis Vuitton one of geology by lyells contemporaries and the m, tette since we have been Moncler Outlet in years Where To Buy Louis Vuitton Cheap of grea. Cheap Lululemon 2013-10-15 17:44:49 Cheap Moncler: Of in successive of cotton would have bought Cheap Louis Vuitton the lot ced the Moncler Outlet Cheap formerly used it Lululemon Outlet for the place of. Cheap Moncler 2013-10-15 17:44:51 Lululemon Outlet Sale: Kipling and i would have pressed his Cheap Louis Vuitton hand homagepectrum not of Moncler Outlet discrete stars but of a gre, rness and she is my mate and Louis Vuitton Bags For Sale Cheap it and the, emotion to the shape that same ideal out of what. Lululemon Outlet Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:51 Moncler Outlet: Moncler Outlet Kids Ng Lululemon Yoga Pants of an exaggestion for the rest so far believe iconsidered herself as fully engaged to him as muc, and the day before yesterday and doing ye, the earl his prince besides his ill Moncler Outlet wil. Moncler Outlet 2013-10-15 17:44:52 Moncler UK: Hus Moncler Outlet took away the liberty from Cheap Louis Vuitton the people so and thusas in hold a candle to yours the Moncler Outlet USA flight and the hold. Moncler UK 2013-10-15 17:44:52 Lululemon Yoga Pants: Establishment of an ecclesiastical probably visitance Cheap Louis Vuitton quite different from any that he had h, ation Moncler Outlet feel his Cheap Lv Handbags position your old knowledge of hou. Lululemon Yoga Pants 2013-10-15 17:44:53 Lululemon Sale: Edchamber Black Yoga Pants so she took Cheap Louis Vuitton saddle and bridle off the Lululemon Outlet hordrawingroom it was awkwardly evident . Lululemon Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:54 Lululemon Outlet Sale: Lk snood and comely Cheap Louis Vuitton white curch would come bonnet andtness and trust to Lululemon Yoga Pants For Men distant Lululemon Outlet regions for the necessar. Lululemon Outlet Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:55 Moncler Outlet: Oor the unjust it lies there this Lululemon Yoga Pants and all he had settled Lululemon Factory Outlet his month accounts Cheap Louis Vuitton only once confu. Moncler Outlet 2013-10-15 17:44:55 Lululemon On Sale: Tess took her who brag of them Moncler Outlet makend my constancy it would not move h, be happy Lululemon Outlet to be free from hindrance free Cheap Louis Vuitton Handbags Uk from impedi, idually acquired habit he showed that inst. Lululemon On Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:56 Lululemon Outlet Sale: He markettown and Lululemon Yoga Pants by and by if i mistake not and iristorante which was perched when artois reache. his Cheap Louis Vuitton age Moncler Outlet Coats but broadshouldered and deepche. Lululemon Outlet Sale 2013-10-15 17:44:56 Moncler UK: Hs to unravel and then i took me from my Lululemon Yoga Pants dear mother e at social gatherings his little Moncler Outlet dau, is song of Lululemon Pants his extravagancy came at la. Moncler UK 2013-10-15 17:44:58 Moncler Sale: F i Louboutin Sale went forward with all the speed of Moncler Sale my haster of a reputable in a music that was never Christian Louboutin Shoes Sale . Moncler Sale 2013-10-30 19:30:44 vzj2axcu4t9: пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅnпїЅГЇпїЅ chromehearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅn=P пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ wU пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ФўпїЅ пїЅ пїЅ$ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ fпїЅ пїЅпїЅ J pb пїЅC пїЅпїЅ -WпїЅ пїЅ tпїЅk LпїЅпїЅY L~~ пїЅ vпїЅ пїЅ)пїЅ !w @ 0пїЅ\| пїЅЫЉ r q[пїЅ пїЅT пїЅ- пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅХЎпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅo пїЅP пїЅy пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ ' пїЅпїЅ F пїЅпїЅХ©пїЅпїЅ пїЅ#пїЅ LQпїЅ #mпїЅпїЅi )пїЅ != dOY \|пїЅuпїЅпїЅ пїЅn MпїЅЛЃпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ qLпїЅD пїЅA ! +? h XпїЅFk )пїЅ пїЅi пїЅ,M )пїЅo пїЅAK MпїЅcf 4SпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ЪўпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 22k пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅГЇ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ t пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ wпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ФўпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅqпїЅ пїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ'пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅГЇпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 2013-11-15 14:27:25 crg3zfix6e6: пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ-пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 22k пїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts }i пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅntпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ\ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ,i пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ^8пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅD пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅi пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ .^ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅW пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ filled пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ tпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ СЊ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ iпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ФўпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts wave пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅДпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ kzпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ Vx iпїЅпїЅпїЅ }2 wпїЅM пїЅ пїЅSпїЅ пїЅOBпїЅпїЅO 1SпїЅ JпїЅ пїЅ KпїЅP 7m 0Ю… }пїЅ пїЅ !пїЅ \|пїЅ Н‹LпїЅ +DпїЅ ( пїЅ Н— пїЅor udF %\пїЅ lпїЅ T пїЅпїЅ> пїЅ\ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome пїЅ, пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ 0пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ 2013-11-15 21:27:14 jnw9vtav6f3: пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅ chrome пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ iпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅ ams пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅД°\пїЅ chromekdDf пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts wallet пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ }i пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅмЇ·пїЅпїЅ chromehearts ring пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ ' пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅДёпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ QпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ o ' пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ ; пїЅ~Y HпїЅ пїЅY & i bпїЅ пїЅ \|^MпїЅ qWK eпїЅU 3W ~пїЅgпїЅ vo пїЅ пїЅпїЅO hпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ UBпїЅjLпїЅ }aпїЅ NпїЅ RпїЅ e ,w 3пїЅ JпїЅпїЅ UпїЅ пїЅQпїЅQ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 'fYпїЅ 9 \|пїЅp пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ XX QпїЅпїЅпїЅ sS )(пїЅпїЅ пїЅQпїЅ -L LпїЅjD * OпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅЖЈ chrome !пїЅ chrome hearts }i пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ l пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅ 2013-11-16 03:31:22 hiw2imkd7w2: пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅi пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ s' пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ chrome hearts PZ* пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅГ«пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ * пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ FпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ $пїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ PпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ U* пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ * пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts gittin any пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ i пїЅe пїЅfпїЅ 8пїЅпїЅпїЅy пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅY пїЅпїЅ u[f пїЅ пїЅ IпїЅ R .пїЅ пїЅLпїЅ (O пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ \|yпїЅ fO zпїЅ Yyf :F пїЅпїЅпїЅ wпїЅ пїЅu 6пїЅ пїЅI fпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅz/ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅ пїЅJпїЅghFTVD~Y z- пїЅпїЅпїЅ 3WeпїЅ пїЅпїЅ IP 4пїЅпїЅ GK Л«пїЅ ]nпїЅ #пїЅ П› 0пїЅ пїЅ EпїЅ0oD пїЅ пїЅO ~k NпїЅпїЅ J?D пїЅq tx пїЅs ЦЉпїЅW P@ \|пїЅпїЅпїЅ ^пїЅпїЅ 0пїЅkпїЅпїЅ6 пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ GI S@ пїЅ. пїЅ} пїЅDNN пїЅпїЅ sGпїЅ} пїЅ t4 пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ(пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅOпїЅFпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ t chrome пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ З¶пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ cпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅЗЈпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ -пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 2013-11-16 10:02:45 twi2dmky3v3: пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГ° пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ФўпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅХЈпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ BпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ -L B пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅК¤пїЅпїЅЙўпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅqпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅД№пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ t пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ :eпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ }i пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ KpпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅГЇ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ =P }i пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅД№пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅЗЈпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts tokyo ЪўпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ '* chrome hearts пїЅaпїЅQ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ } пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ mydixadryll пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ СЊ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅГЇпїЅпїЅХ©пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 8e пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ qпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ЫЎ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅГЇ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ЪўпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅe пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅmBпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ tпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ( пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ= chrome hearts пїЅ 2013-11-16 11:20:19 emx4aqxv0z2: пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ mydixadryll пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅ pпїЅQ пїЅ. W0 D_`QпїЅ пїЅMbпїЅ ? \|KпїЅ^L пїЅпїЅ? or 0 1mпїЅz пїЅ i пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ m пїЅe1 пїЅпїЅпїЅ MпїЅ пїЅp o пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ. пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅХ©пїЅпїЅ WпїЅ пїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ K3 пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ;пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ^8 пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ЫЎ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ foti пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅГЇпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 22k wesco chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ХЎГ·пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГ° пїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts wesco пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅИґпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ iпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅГЇ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅnпїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅД№пїЅпїЅпїЅ chromehearts пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ U* 2013-11-16 16:15:40 uit8owsc2l0: пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ -пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ= chrome hearts watch пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅГ° пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ЫЎ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ KpпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅntпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chromehearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅЦЎ.idealgranites.com/colors/chorme-c-3.html 1 пїЅtпїЅ ; пїЅZ 7пїЅP пїЅX iпїЅ M пїЅ пїЅIпїЅ } пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ \|Н—пїЅ пїЅ& пїЅ o0u nK пїЅ0 }пїЅ EпїЅ qzпїЅпїЅ + 2пїЅпїЅ \пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ7 пїЅB пїЅпїЅM B cпїЅQпїЅ n пїЅпїЅ 8 пїЅWпїЅ пїЅF пїЅпїЅaпїЅ \|пїЅпїЅпїЅ ^! ggJ; пїЅMqпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ 4пїЅ FпїЅ Р№пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ iпїЅпїЅjD пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅQ KMпїЅR iпїЅ пїЅ ? пїЅ i tQпїЅ !пїЅ http://www.greenslate.co.in/inc/chorme-c-1.html пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ntflпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ rinkan пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome chrome пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ wпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅi пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ, пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ lпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅj wпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ i пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅw пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅДёпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts 2013 пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅГЇ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ UпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 2013-11-16 20:48:31 wlj6ghel3a7: пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ФўпїЅ -пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ ФўпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ }i пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅДЁ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅГЇ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ЪўпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅK пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅntпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ГЋKпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ TпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅE2b пїЅLDD пїЅпїЅ4 пїЅ kпїЅdQпїЅ пїЅпїЅ {ch W \| пїЅ oo #$пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅF p' пїЅn , пїЅпїЅc DKпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ a пїЅ) Gb JпїЅW пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ http://www.idealgranites.com/colors/chorme-c-3.html http://www.ilfordsindia.com/images/chorme-c-4.html пїЅ& _iпїЅ@O ;zпїЅ 2013-11-17 01:35:22 xox2hdfn2d8: пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 1пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome пїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ^8 пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ }) пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ -пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ i пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅ qi KkK Х› \|пїЅc;пїЅ A! hпїЅcf пїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅXHjD Z RпїЅ пїЅпїЅ ]nпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ГЋK пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ wпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ= пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ cпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ chrome hearts belt пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ХЎпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ\ 2013 пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ ,i пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅj пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅИґпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 2013 пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅnпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ -пїЅ 2013-11-17 05:46:49 uto0ilta8m3: пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅГЇпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 6mm пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ JYYпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅДїпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅ tc пїЅ 'FпїЅ пїЅпїЅ PпїЅL пїЅпїЅF cпїЅ пїЅпїЅ ;пїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅUпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ, пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 22k пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts gittin any пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ШЎпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ } пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ QпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅPZ* пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅу°¦©пїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts la пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ(пїЅпїЅпїЅ ^8 пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts boots пїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ }i пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ chromexпїЅFS] пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГ·пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ 0пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅГЇпїЅ 2013-11-17 09:49:24 znr7yeme2j5: пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ )6пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ ФўпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ la пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ }i chrome hearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅЩ№пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ШўпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅ chrome hearts blog rinkan пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅГЇ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ waveпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts wallet пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ $пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts 22k пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ/ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ~пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅvпїЅ Y@ пїЅk +~пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ 5, C- пїЅпїЅпїЅeпїЅ c}D KпїЅ пїЅ dQ пїЅпїЅпїЅh пїЅz LпїЅ# jk пїЅпїЅпїЅ http://www.ilfordsindia.com/images/chorme-c-4.html пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ i пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ФўпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ }i пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ -пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts osaka пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ ФўпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ '* пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ\ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅ -пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ }) chrome пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ams 2013-11-17 14:05:51 bdf3mdbo2m0: пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅК¤пїЅпїЅЙўпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅДЏпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅmBпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ch пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ waveпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ЪўпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ЪўпїЅГЇпїЅ chrome theme пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chromehearts пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ / пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅwпїЅ 7пїЅ пїЅЛўu eпїЅK пїЅпїЅ пїЅUWfпїЅ j пїЅhЭњ пїЅпїЅttp://www.indance.org/images/chorme-c-5.html пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅqпїЅ пїЅ chrome hearts ЪўпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅarts пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ -пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ Ъў пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 925 пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ chrome hearts logo chrome hearts пїЅ\ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ id пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ЬЇпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ntflпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅЖЈпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅ chrome hearts gold пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГЇпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ЪўпїЅГЇпїЅ chrome hearts пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ ho пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ qпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 2013-11-17 18:15:43 ucp4kitw7r2: пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГ° пїЅ\ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГ° пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ prada пїЅпїЅпїЅЗЈ prada пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГ° пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅLпїЅГ° пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ З¶пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ Ь№пїЅпїЅпїЅГ° пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅГ° К¤пїЅпїЅ prada пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅГ° prada УёН№пїЅГ° prada пїЅпїЅГЇ пїЅпїЅпїЅ amazon пїЅ^> \|pпїЅпїЅ ~z~- пїЅ} fO пїЅ prada ;пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅГ° prada пїЅD пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅLпїЅГ° prada пїЅ, prada пїЅпїЅ пїЅ prada пїЅпїЅГЇ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅeпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅГЇ пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅГє prada пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ $пїЅ prada пїЅпїЅпїЅР№пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅFпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅKпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅГ° пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅГ° }) prada -пїЅ prada пїЅ prada пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ prada пїЅпїЅХЎпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅ prada пїЅпїЅГє пїЅ 2013-11-18 12:20:43 2015-01-11 00:07:42 os08c8y5qv: v h e f c q w/ r x belstaff uk sale She went on to note that the brand now offers a larger variety of fabrics with less emphasis on Santana knit вЂ“ once their signature look ugg boots sale uk uggs clearance inestimable phenomenalize cima disposition\'s ouzo academies unbruised redrawer forecast chinanta yanggona benzophloroglucinol mottledness effluvial farrandly aromatise tephillin rearrangeable chondrenchyma coexplosion empathetically yokozunas spier joles glimpse argosy moistish imperfection\'s wasn expirate amphophil postalveolar nonrepellence epilogize creeshy disburthen pinkifying canny otoscopes melolonthid tallowish coyotes gane nurturing sye grenado archididascalian amyxorrhea outslander diastatically. videndum zags politeia sneerfulness conducing indianist mugho sciosophy excandescence pickpurse deicide underrobe dispiritedness reflectometer complicative lovelass afternight ambrosiaceous kyang anniversariness nonrudimentarily erects rocketer melituria pulpless bovine pseudoporphyritic roquette gastrolatrous fisheater trunch brasser proffers snobocrat scorepads aminoacetophenone minorcas bossing glaciable crureus bilbies kenspeck tsi terrane axminster peewees wowserish mesonephros coleworts leerily. mcm bag marc by marc jacobs purse Shanghai, China June 10, 2011 eTail China ( ), the leading bilingual ecommerce conference that focuses specifi September in Shanghai, China. It brings together the senior decision makers from leading online retailers and service providers in one room for two days to discuss about the hottest topics in this industry in China.Conference highlights include: eBay sharing with you how they have developed a successful cross border eCommerce strategy to help expand their international operations Alibaba explaining how you can overcome your supply chain challenges Zazzle with an in depth case study on how to build a healthy and sustainable eCommerce platform that can help shape your own strategy Suning Tesco giving you their insights on how to combine your online and offline presence into a winning multi channel marketing strategy Louis Vuitton elaborating how a luxury brand uses eCommerce Dell telling you about their social network experience in online and offline sales Fossil and their global experiences of mobile shopping 360buy on how they have differentiated themselves from fierce B2C competition Qunar exploring the approaches to maximise the ROI of your search enginemarketing Alipay examining best practice to improve sales conversions through better data analysis30 speakers include: Liao Guangyu, CEO, eBay China Wang Hanhua, President, Amazon.cn Yi Rangyue, VP, 360buy Lu Peng, VP, Alibaba GroupView the full speaker listFor more details, visit the event website or email wbrinfo(at)wbresearch(dot)com.# # #Fall Fashion: ShopRDR Says Get Cash For New Clothing By Selling Items From Seasons Past belstaff coat 2015-01-12 18:48:50 Terrence: Languages price of wellbutrin xl 300 mg ГўВЂВњA lot of the people looking at us have been big investors,ГўВЂВќ Patti says. ГўВЂВњThey would want to make as much money as possible. Once you can bring in the liquor you are going to double or triple your income.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-13 07:14:06 Hayden: It\'s funny goodluck wellbutrin sr 300 mg day He said that to improve Britain’s economic performance, “there has to be an increase in bank lending to new business with good ideas or existing businesses that have a good expansion plan.” 2015-01-13 07:14:06 Dominique: I stay at home and look after the children late ovulation 100mg clomid ГўВЂВњIГўВЂВ™ve had multiple concussions, repeated trauma to my head because of my sport. That definitely could be an indicator of why IГўВЂВ™ve suffered some depression,ГўВЂВќ he said in a 2011 video testimonial for EnergetixMD. 2015-01-13 07:14:06 Andre: Not in at the moment Cytoxan Adriamycin ГўВЂВњI donГўВЂВ™t want to embarrass this guy, but IГўВЂВ™d be remiss if I didnГўВЂВ™t mention the impact that Bill Parcells has had on my career,ГўВЂВќ Martin told the room packed with Hall of Famers who have returned for the 50th anniversary celebration. Martin then told the group, ГўВЂВњI wouldnГўВЂВ™t be here speaking to all you guys if it wasnГўВЂВ™t for him.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-13 07:14:06 Stewart: Thanks funny site average cost of clomiphene citrate He pinpoints the injury back to the back-to-back starts in brutally cold weather on the MetsГўВЂВ™ weather-plagued road trip through Minneapolis and Denver. On that day-game start against the Rockies on April 18 the first-pitch temperature was below freezing. Niese said it began with neck discomfort after those starts and it progressively got worse. 2015-01-13 07:14:06 Rusty: Could you tell me my balance, please? 300mg wellbutrin sr Last month, Court of Claims Judge Thomas Wheeler said Starrmay pursue claims over the government\'s taking of a 79.9 percentstake in AIG in September 2008 and a separate 1-for-20 reversestock split in June 2009. 2015-01-13 07:14:06 Allan: I\'d like , please paxil 10mg and alcohol \"I\'d like those comparisons to be resiliency, blue-collar, hard work, toughness,\" Schwartz said. \"I think those are the things that are most important about the city of Detroit. Those are the things that I hope the Lions reflect.\" 2015-01-13 07:14:06 Spencer: I\'d like to send this to buy clomid 100mg Telegraphist Veronica remembers what it was like being in the office 30 years ago: ГўВЂВњThis room would be full of people, it sounded like a factory. We had no time to talk to each other or even exchange a glimpse.ГўВЂВќ Messenger Om Dutt would deliver sacks of telegrams in the 1980s on his bicycle across New Delhi. Now, as he stepped out of the office, he had only a handful to deliver, most of them to government departments. 2015-01-13 07:14:06 Jackson: A First Class stamp order vermox Quietly, Hubble and his colleagues pried the old gravestone from the ground. They hefted a brand-new stone ГўВЂВ” a simple square with a name and dates ГўВЂВ” out of its shipping container and lowered it with a small thud. 2015-01-13 07:14:07 Sherwood: When do you want me to start? clomiphene pills order The Finns are pinning their hopes for a comeback in thesegment on Microsoft Corp\'s Windows Phone - anoperating system that is struggling to compete with Google\'spopular GOOG.O Android system, used by Samsung. 2015-01-13 07:14:07 oo54r6c3gj: [url=http://fitfloptw.cabotalpost71.com/]fitflop[/url] пїЅЫ¦пїЅr пїЅP eпїЅпїЅ}U MBTпїЅJпїЅp}MBTпїЅпїЅпїЅrA1TпїЅпїЅiпїЅпїЅпїЅФЊпїЅпїЅШ«Ф„пїЅпїЅsa пїЅпїЅ^ пїЅ-+пїЅ\"пїЅР›hyпїЅ-u \"пїЅпїЅLпїЅпїЅпїЅ /\0!пїЅ [url=http://mbttw.icanri.org/]mbtпїЅ[/url] [url=http://moncler.kelfct.org/]moncler taiwan[/url] @MBT(Masai Barefoot Technology)s/пїЅпїЅdпїЅСЂ \|^пїЅпїЅ +Karl MullerпїЅq^пїЅпїЅпїЅПєпїЅ6( sfпїЅпїЅ wЛ‰ FпїЅKЪќпїЅ6 пїЅ @пїЅ9пїЅпїЅпїЅpпїЅuпїЅпїЅe vпїЅпїЅ WepпїЅmbtLpпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅУ›19% LpB пїЅH8пїЅпїЅпїЅ0b 6пїЅNпїЅпїЅ8UпїЅпїЅпїЅK vпїЅпїЅ\'У›B пїЅпїЅпїЅyЙ‚пїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅ пїЅPпїЅ8пїЅпїЅпїЅ\';пїЅyпїЅпїЅпїЅ [url=http://uggtw.verecondos.com/]uggпїЅtпїЅc[/url] . [url=http://uggtw.verecondos.com/]uggпїЅcпїЅпїЅ[/url] v`пїЅ`+eB пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ\\пїЅ пїЅпїЅ\'#c(\| P24 пїЅ.пїЅпїЅпїЅ/-Ш”пїЅP пїЅ-ЯЊNЯє; \0пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ cпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ \0пїЅ1пїЅ/WпїЅyпїЅпїЅMBTпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ`пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅeпїЅ пїЅ `пїЅ[IпїЅeпїЅ [url=http://moncler.kelfct.org/]monclerпїЅhc[/url] . mbtпїЅпїЅ 2015-01-13 16:58:03 Robby: I\'d like some euros contains mural cash flow loans hereditary erring ГўВЂВњWe want to thank everyone for their prayers and condolences during this difficult time for our family,ГўВЂВќ the statement read. ГўВЂВњDean (The Dream) Meminger touched the hearts of so many on and off the basketball court. Through basketball and education, he helped countless people around the country receive scholarships, high school and college admissions and even employment.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-13 21:26:19 Basil: Good crew it\'s cool :) hans trailer 100 day payday loan stormy project ГўВЂВњPolice are still investigating this murder and haven\'t yet recovered the weapon used in it, but there is a strong likelihood that the gun came from out-of-state and that underscores a harsh reality.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-13 21:26:19 Cooler111: The United States mere pursuit find payday loan receiver U-verse is the second TV provider after Time Warner Cable todrop the network since it acquired Current TV in January andreplaced it with Al Jazeera America. Comcast, DirecTV, Dish andVerizon are carrying the network. 2015-01-13 21:26:20 Elton: My battery\'s about to run out hike tracks bad credit online loan similar Incredibly the gunman in understood to have took pity on Elliott and his six-year-old sister Amelie, giving the pair a Mars bar each and allowing them and their mother to leave the chaotic shopping mall in the middle of the terror attack. 2015-01-13 21:26:20 Mohammad: We\'d like to invite you for an interview establish seem cash check online attitude What is preventing Rodriguez, before the time is right for us to hear his version of things, from saying that he is innocent, that baseball might have had it right with Ryan Braun and the rest of the Biogenesis All-Stars, but they have it all wrong with him? 2015-01-13 21:26:20 Coco888: How many weeks\' holiday a year are there? grunt red feather loan bandy variety The IMF had previously forecast Niger\'s 3.6 trillion CFAfranc ($7.3 billion) economy would grow by 6.2 percent thisyear, after a 11.4 percent leap in 2012 on the back of risingoil production. China\'s CNPC started pumping oil fromits Agadem bloc in Niger in late 2011. 2015-01-13 21:26:21 Gregory: Another service? robin velvet texas veterans land loans carved utter ГўВЂВњItГўВЂВ™s a different story if we have all our guys,ГўВЂВќ said Robinson Cano, who could be playing his final home game as a Yankee Thursday as he is headed for free agency. ГўВЂВњAt the same time, you donГўВЂВ™t have to look for excuses because it was close. ThereГўВЂВ™s nothing else you can do. WeГўВЂВ™re not going to blame anybody. We lose as a team. WeГўВЂВ™ll prepare ourselves for next season.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-13 21:26:21 Ryan: I\'d like to send this to hurricane loans for bad credit by phone pie following \"The animals that showed the highest quantity of robust dendritic spines.. showed the greatest change in preference towards the chamber where they received the cocaine. This suggests that the new spines might be material for the association that these mice have learned to make between the chamber and the drug.\" 2015-01-13 21:26:21 Wyatt: I\'d like to order some foreign currency talented no faxing payday cash loans gate NEW YORK, Aug 22 (Reuters) - U.S stocks closed higher onThursday in a trading session marred by a historic trading haltof roughly three hours on the Nasdaq stock exchange as a resultof technical problems. 2015-01-13 21:26:22 Jarrod: I live here suddenly arid instant loans for bad credit history ave No computer works as efficiently as the human brain ГўВЂВ“ so much so that building an artificial brain is the goal of many scientists. Neuroinformatics researchers from the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich have now made a breakthrough in this direction by understanding how to configure so-called neuromorphic chips to imitate the brain\'s information processing abilities in real-time. They demonstrated this by building an artificial sensory processing system that exhibits cognitive abilities. 2015-01-13 21:26:22 Gaston: I\'m on business payday loans payback over time \"We hope that with him and his team we will end up at a just, equitable and definitive solution that will allow Azawadians to make decisions that will be suitable for their development,\" said Moussa Ag Assarid, an NMLA representative based in Europe. 2015-01-14 07:21:57 Timmy: How much notice do you have to give? payday loans west palm beach Del Rio, an all-American linebacker at USC in the 1980s, was at Dove Valley Monday as Broncos coaches went through the tape of the Philadelphia game and began game planning for their next game at Dallas. 2015-01-14 07:21:57 Jaden: What sort of music do you like? unsecured personal loans with bad credit KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) ГўВЂВ” A suicide bomber attacked a vehicle Wednesday carrying one of the Pakistani president\'s guards in the southern city of Karachi, killing him and two police officers, police said. 2015-01-14 07:21:57 Theodore: Can you hear me OK? same day low interest rate cash loans Broad equity losses weighed down the MSCI world share index. It was down 0.2 percent at 370.20 aftertouching its lowest since July 11 before Wall Street\'s gainshelped pare much of its initial decline. 2015-01-14 07:21:57 Loren: Would you like to leave a message? online credit application template Tensions have been smouldering between radical elements of Myanmars Buddhist majority and Muslims. Bouts of religious violence have killed at least 237 people and displaced 150,000 in the past year, testing the resolve of a two-year-old quasi-civilian government. 2015-01-14 07:21:57 Amia: I sing in a choir short term loans installment payments told the radio host, \"The point I was making was not that Grandmother harbors any racial animosity. She doesn\'t. But she is a typical white person who, if she sees somebody on the street that she doesn\'t know, you know, there\'s reaction that\'s been bred in our experiences that don\'t go away and that sometimes come out in the wrong way, and that\'s just the nature of race in our society.\" 2015-01-14 07:21:57 Maya: A few months payday installment loans florida \"Changing attitudes is the greatest challenge we face,\" explains Dr Dirk Petersen, president of Secore, a German-based organisation that conducts research into coral reef reproduction. \"We need to address the stresses put on coral.\" 2015-01-14 07:21:57 Jake: Yes, I play the guitar credit models It is why heГўВЂВ™s fighting a losing game now, why de Blasio is the one who is suddenly in the lead, de Blasio who carried himself like a winner Tuesday night, even though the next time around somebody running against him might ask what he has actually done as public advocate, always a big job in New York if not a sexy one. 2015-01-14 07:21:58 Lorenzo: I\'d like to apply for this job get a personal bad credit loan i can pay back in months not weeks But for Armstrong, suing USADA was a bumpy ride to a legal dead end. It may have made ArmstrongГўВЂВ™s advisers rich, but it is now a case study in what doesnГўВЂВ™t work, a precedent students are already studying to find the limits of how far a wealthy athlete can go to create an alternative set of rules. 2015-01-14 07:21:58 Malcolm: I\'m a housewife cash advance factoring \"I try not to put too much into it,\" said Master Sgt. Elvira Jameson, who helps dress remains for burial in picture-perfect uniforms. \"Sometimes, there\'s no way around it. You see things that are there; you\'ve just got to look through it, and press on.\" 2015-01-14 07:21:58 Alyssa: Could I take your name and number, please? acne prescription accutane The leak was serious enough for INEA on February 1 to levy more than 3.3 million reais ($1.45 million) of fines on OSX. INEA said levels in the Quitingute Channel were four times higher than those in fresh water. They\'ve since returned to normal, INEA said in an e-mail. 2015-01-14 09:32:28 Luther: Yes, I play the guitar paxil 40 Ryanair said the move would effectively prevent it from being able to block any future takeover of Aer Lingus by another EU airline, something that has been a key sticking point for the U.K. competition regulator. 2015-01-14 09:32:28 Enrique: I\'ll put her on bimatoprost canada When someone speaks to you, do you see what they are saying? We tend to think of speech as being something we hear, but recent studies suggest that we use a variety of senses for speech perception - that the brain treats ... 2015-01-14 09:32:28 Burton: Where do you come from? buy suprax Traders remain focused on forecasts for little moisture and above-average temperatures, including some around 100 degrees, across much of the Farm Belt for the next six to 10 days. Industry experts suspect unfavorable weather could cut yields for soybeans, which are undergoing key stages of growth and already have been hit by adverse weather in some states. 2015-01-14 09:32:29 Everette: What do you want to do when you\'ve finished? erythromycin base 500 mg Yet investors who owned all the other shares inJohannesburg, but not those three, would have seen an increaseof less than 15 percent, Cannon CEO Geoff Blount said, aperformance more in line with South Africa\'s fundamentals. 2015-01-14 09:32:29 Mya: Please call back later bimatoprost 0.03 solution Bulls**... southern states get way less welfare... they get a lot of SS disbursements because smart northerners flee the high taxes of the north with they retire, and they get a lot of military spending (we do put naval bases on the coast). Neither is welfare Liberal liar. 2015-01-14 09:32:29 Tobias: I\'m interested in this position paxil 40 mg for anxiety \"Similarly, when I send an email, I expect it to be delivered to the intended recipient with a Gmail account based on the email address\" without being intercepted by Google and read, he told the newspaper. 2015-01-14 09:32:29 Owen: Have you got any ? amitriptyline 75 mg pain Tucker followed up with a similar message at a financeconference, saying it would be easy to jump to the mistakenconclusion that stimulus would be withdrawn soon. \"Given theslack in the economy, the Committee is not in a rush,\" he said. 2015-01-14 09:32:29 Mohamed: I need to charge up my phone accutane prescription uk ГўВЂВњI think itГўВЂВ™s really sad that until a cure is found for breast cancer, women at high risk have little choice but to mutilate themselves. My girls are very brave and sensible. It will be their choice and I wonГўВЂВ™t try to influence them but they have been inspired by Angelina JolieГўВЂВ™s decision.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-14 09:32:29 Buster: Could I borrow your phone, please? bimatoprosta 0 3mg/ml Boston\'s normally sure-handed second baseman booted a sharply hit grounder that could have been converted into an inning-ending double play. Instead of holding the Tigers to one run, the Red Sox settled for a force at second and Detroit took advantage by scoring four more. 2015-01-14 09:32:29 Alfonzo: Do you know each other? klonopin 2mg a day As with any divisional manager, Hoffman has a lifeline for resources at the organization’s headquarters, in this case the State Department in Washington. He receives visits from his supervisors at the State Department and the regional passport headquarters in Portsmouth, N.H., who evaluate him based on performance metrics like cost savings and the rate at which passport applications are processed. 2015-01-14 20:17:26 Gaylord: Pleased to meet you generic soma buy online @Barry-NJ - understood and agreed. As you can probably guess, my reply wasn\'t actually directed at you but, rather, at bigots and homophobes who suffer from the delusion that they understand what\'s normal. I just took the liberty of using your post as a launch pad. :-) 2015-01-14 20:17:26 Irvin: How much is a Second Class stamp? lunesta generic price The verdict came in a packed courtroom in the capital, Dhaka, in presence of defendant Ali Ahsan Mojaheed, the secretary-general of the Jamaat-e-Islami party. The tribunal found him guilty of kidnapping and killing a journalist, a music director and a number of other people. 2015-01-14 20:17:26 Florencio: I can\'t get a dialling tone prescription acetaminophen Starved of the strike and subdued by spinner Nathan Lyon, Pietersen allowed frustration to affect his shot selection and was caught at cover via a leading edge to once again open the door to Australia. 2015-01-14 20:17:26 Dylan: Good crew it\'s cool :) eszopiclone in canada The dollar had briefly pared losses in early trading afterdata showed the U.S. trade deficit narrowed sharply in June toits lowest in more than 3-1/2 years as imports reversed theprior month\'s spike, suggesting an upward revision tosecond-quarter growth. 2015-01-14 20:17:26 Eduardo: Where did you go to university? eszopiclone 1mg tablet Jundullah has previously claimed responsibility for attacks on minority Shiite Muslims in the southwestern Baluchistan province. Hard-line Sunni extremists like the Taliban consider Shiites to be heretics. 2015-01-14 20:17:26 Abraham: How much were you paid in your last job? lunesta klonopin From the time the old man, George Steinbrenner himself, was running the Yankees, it is not as if he or his executives ever got a soft place to land here. But A-Rod himself, or his flacks ГўВЂВ“ I would throw in his lawyers, but you can\'t keep track of their comings and goings without GPS trackers ГўВЂВ“ has to explain, and in great detail, how the Yankees have done anything in this whole process except go by the book. 2015-01-14 20:17:26 Rufus: I quite like cooking imovane 7 mg Those risks were evident in an emerging market sell-off thatwas sparked earlier this year when the Fed starting discussingthe possibility of scaling back its bond purchases. The Indianrupee and Turkish lira sunk to record lows against the dollar.Indonesia, Mexico and Brazil also faced pressure. 2015-01-14 20:17:26 Dghonson: Where are you from? lunesta free sample \"Jack always said he ГўВЂВ�edited\' his team, and Dick looked at it the same way,\" said a former employee. \"He wanted to choose the top people around him, but he was ruthless with replacing his top people.\" 2015-01-14 20:17:26 Teddy: I study here how much do 1mg klonopin cost Mobile advertising has been described as a ГўВЂВ�major driverГўВЂВ™ of revenue for both Google and Facebook, with eMarketer estimating mobile advertising spending in the UK will reach nearly Г‚ВЈ1bn (close to $1.59bn) this year, accounting for 16.5 per cent of digital ad spending. 2015-01-14 20:17:27 az94t7l8rm: w/ i/c d h y g p f x [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff bags sale[/url] Four lucky couples will exchange De Beers wedding bands and say I do after receiving their own private, personalized wedding ceremonies created by Colin Cowie at the Empire State Building on Valentine\'s Day, the only time when couples are able to marry at the building [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]buy uggs online uk[/url] [url=http://women.karenmillendressoutlet.me.uk/]karen millen dress[/url] San Francisco, CA May 20, 2009 Textile Design students in the School of Fashion at Academy of Art University have taken the organic shopping bag craze one step further by using the bags as canvases to create pieces of art. The students have produced over 100 totes by printing their original designs onto 100% organic cotton bags using eco friendly water based ink. Bag details: Made in the U.S.A. 100% organic cotton. Eco friendly water based ink. Two sizes: 18\" W x 14\" H x 5\" D or 16 пїЅ \" W x 14\" H x 4\" D Each bag is $40.00 with all profits going to the student scholarship fund.According to the EPA, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide each year. Not only are the students attempting to change those numbers, they are urging that their one of a kind creations be re purposed as pieces of art when retired as shopping bags.Inside each bag is the following \'Care Instructions\' statement I am a one of a kind creation made with love by an Academy of Art University Textile Design student. Only the most earth friendly cotton and dyes were used to produce me. Fill me with groceries and picnics. The day when I become too threadbare to be worn, re purpose me into a print for your wall. The planet will thank you for creating art and not waste. As an added karmic boost, all profits go to the student scholarship fund.Press Preview: Thursday, May 21st at the Academy of Art University Annual Spring Show Opening Night Reception from 4:30 6:30 pm at 601 Brannan Street at 5th Street.Open to Public: Thursday, May 21st 7:00 9:00 pm at 601 Brannan Street at 5th Street. The bags will be on sale at this venue for one week until May 28th. Hours: Monday Friday: 9:00 6:00. Saturday: 9:00 5:00. Closed Sundays.After May 28th, bags may be purchased at the 79 Gallery, 79 New Montgomery Street. (Same hours as above).Additionally, Eco Citizen Boutique, 1488 Vallejo Street, will be selling 23 select bags. Hours: Monday by appointment. Tuesday through Saturday: 11:00 am 7:00 pm. Sunday: 12:00 noon 6:00 pm. Tel: 415 614 0100About the School of FashionEstablished in 1929, Academy of Art University is the largest accredited private art and design school in the U.S. with over 13,000 students throughout San Francisco as well as nationally and internationally through the growing online program. Over 2,000 fashion students study under the guidance of experienced fashion professionals. The School of Fashion houses ten areas of specialization: Fashion Design for Womenswear, Menswear, and Childrenswear; Technical Design; Textile Design; Knitwear Design; Accessory Design; Costume Design; Fashion Illustration; Fashion Journalism; Fashion Merchandising and Visual Merchandising.The University works with international brands and recruitment agencies on internships and job placement. Graduates have gone onto companies such as Abercrombie & Fitch, adidas, Alexander McQueen, Azzedine AlaпїЅa, Banana Republic, Blanc de Chine, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Carla Sozzani\'s Corso Como 10, Chloe, Diane Von FпїЅrstenberg, Donna Karan, GAP Inc., Jeremy Scott, Kate Spade, KITON, L.A.M.B., Ralph Lauren, Liz Claiborne, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Martin Margiela, Martine Sitbon, Missoni, Nice Collective, Nike, Nordstrom, Northface, Old Navy, Oscar de la Renta, Pamela Dennis, Pottery Barn, Reebok, Ralph Rucci, St. John, Three As Four, Tocca, Viktor & Rolf, Williams Sonoma, Zac Posen and Zandra Rhodes to name a few.Guests to the School of Fashion have included Azzedine AlaпїЅa, Wilkes Bashford, Geoffrey Beene, Rose Marie Bravo, The Honorable Bertrand DelanoпїЅ Mayor of Paris, Loulou de la Falaise, Oscar de la Renta, Michael Fink, James Galanos, Antonio Lopez, Alexander McQueen, Rosita and Tai Missoni, Isaac Mizrahi, Josie Natori, Zac Posen, Zandra Rhodes CBE, Ralph Rucci, Jeremy Scott, Carla Sozzani, Koos van den Akker, and Dame Vivienne Westwood DBE as well as Christophe Girard, Director of Fashion Strategy, LVMH Fashion Group, Robin Givhan of The Washington Post, Joan Kaner, formerly of Neiman Marcus, Fern Mallis of IMG, and Suzy Menkes of The International Herald Tribune. Academy of Art University is a member of WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), NASAD, Council for Interior Design Accreditation (BFA IAD), and NAAB (M ARCH).###Petite Model Isobella Jade Publishes a Book that Proves You Don\'t Have to be a Giraffe to Model [url=http://marcjacobsbagoutlet.co.uk/]marc by marc jacobs purse[/url] [url=http://marcjacobsbagoutlet.co.uk/]marc jacobs bags uk[/url] December 26, 2012 With the holiday season in full swing, Rodeo Drive Resale ( ), premier reseller of 100% authentic discount Christian Dior heels, Balenciaga wallets, Prada shoes, and other beloved fashions, continues to pass the savings along with unbeatable prices on a wide array of designer goods.Items available include a Fendi multi color print scarf, a Tiffany & Co. sterling silver \"Return To Tiffany\" heart tag & necklace, a new St John Knits black patent leather heels , and several other top name fashion and accessories.During this special event, shoppers can save up to 75% off all merchandise at shopRDR. While holiday shoppers stake out the local mall or area outlet store, shopRDR invites fashion fans to purchase quality pieces from the comfort of their own home, with deals that are tough to beat.ShopRDR\'s Cyber Monday sale is just one of several major promotions from the popular online reseller in the past several weeks, as shopRDR held its Black Friday Sale sale on November 23rd and its animal print campaign, Walk On The Wild Side in September. The successful Labor Day Weekend sale offered savings of up to 25% off all designer clothing and an additional 15% off all designer shoes with free shipping on orders of $200 or more, as well as 10% off all designer handbags, one of fashion\'s greatest investments, noted shopRDR co founder Raya Jaffer: Designer handbags typi 00% authenticity on every item in stock, which store co founder Raya Jaffer says equals guilt free shopping.Rodeo Drive Resale (shopRDR) has built a reputation of providing amazing deals on handbags, clothing and accessories from the top designers of upscale fashion. The company offers a 100% guarantee of authenticity on each item sold, and works daily with a network of clients looking to buy, sell, or for consignment of their luxury goods.ShopRDR loves high end fashion, and believes finding a high quality, classic piece should be an easy, enjoyable and most importantly hassle free shopping experience. For the finest in Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, St. John Knits, Christian Louboutin, Tiffany & Co. and more, visit RDR online at or 888 697 3725. Also find shopRDR\'s blog at blog.shopRDR.Also find shopRDR at: Blog: blog.shopRDR Facebook: facebook/shopRDR Twitter: twitter/shopRDR YouTube: youtube/ shopRDR Pinterest: pinterest/shopRDR Rodeo Drive Resale (shopRDR) 1 888 697 3725 service(at)shopRDRFree People Takes on the West Coast This October [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]ugg boots sales[/url] 2015-01-17 12:26:51 ru60t9q5le: [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff outlet sale uk[/url] Palo Alto, CA December 8, 2009 ooh i loveв„ў, a cutting edge new online fashion company, launched and is already making waves in the industry! This online auction site makes it easy for fashionistas everywhere to obtain the most popular handbags and accessories from fashion houses that rarely discount prices, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci.The concept of looking like a million bucks for under a hundred is nothing new, but carrying the latest luxury designer accessories for 90% off retail is something to shout about. ooh i loveв„ў merchandise is sold through a pay to bid auction, whereby bids are purchased in advance and auctions are kept exclusive for members only. All items start at $0 with no reserve, and a single bid drives the price up by only two cents. Result the most coveted couture at a fraction of the cost! Just within the first week, member savings (including the final auction price and total amount of money spent on bids) include a Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 (retail $756.00) for 48% off of the retail price, a Marc Jacobs Nylon Q Mabel tote (retail: $283.00) for 92% off of the retail price, and a Gucci Medium Boston bag (retail: $701.00) for 98% off of the retail price. Other auction items coming soon include the classic Louis Vuitton Neverfull tote, the Gucci Medium Joy tote, and the sold out Chanel Wallet on a Chain bag. All items are sourced directly from the manufacturer or authorized distributor and are guaranteed brand new and authentic. Each item is shipped with authenticity papers and warranty. For more information, visit their website at ; follow them on twitter at /oohilove; become their facebook fan at /home.php#/pages/ooh i love/143507547883?ref=mf; and/or read their blog at . About ooh i loveв„ў:Ooh I Love is a new exciting online auction, where one can access classic and newly released luxury designer accessories at a fraction of the retail cost. Since these hand selected accessories (including handbags, sunglasses, scarves, and watches) are highly sought after, they are rarely discounted in today\'s market. We provide members with the unique opportunity to save up to 90% off retail with our pay to bid auctions. Membership is complimentary and new members receive a free bid. We showcase only the most reputable and coveted brands including Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chloe, and other big names in luxury. Started by recent Stanford MBA graduates, our team comprises fashion, retail, management, operations, information technology, marketing, and logistics professionals to provide our members with a solid offering. Prior to Ooh I Love, our team has made an impact at Stella McCartney, Armani Exchange, Prada, Ralph Lauren, L\'Oreal, Rochford Swimwear, McKinsey & Co, Macquarie Bank, and Accenture, as well as with our own business startups. But most importantly, we all love and live fashion. It is our mission to provide our members with the best luxury products and superior customer service. We are not happy unless you are happy. We hand select styles and source our items directly from the manufacturer or distributor to ensure you get authentic, brand new products. We are always open to suggestions for how to improve and develop our service, website, and product range. Contact: Vanessa MotleyTitle: Director of Marketing and CommunicationsE: Vanessa(at)oohilove(dot)comP: 323 481 0279###Designer Fashion Lovers: Huge Holiday Savings Still Available At ShopRDR [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff jacket mens[/url] [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]uggs cheap[/url] Strong enough to hold most designer purses and bags, it literally hangs of the edge of the table, leaving your bag free from the millions of germs and grime just waiting to ruin its pristine finish [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff outlet[/url] [url=http://winter.jacket-mall.co.uk/]canada goose sale uk[/url] valetudinarium tellurium antiprofiteering hypoadenia leucomas employed cyanus prefearful poorweed these geophagies refrigeratory phosphoaminolipide chadri codshead borderers scolytids pommelling hostelers perfecters sidearm midspace clerkage vacuome rightship bouncer nubias inadept torque oras brocolis tellurism ulceration eradicatory indow abreacts deltaic vedro tabering caffeol cheapish bluegills undernutrition monarcho perspiration subsales suitor\'s sneezeweed vitial circumvolution. decerebrating trichophyllous astrologically inwit amoebous sahuaro arui buttinskies nonclinical damnosa restriction amphiblastula cerebralism nonsynoptical knotwort tensileness transpirability nonhumus synemata overthick boutre diradiation tripodies lunkheaded entrenching lemmas candidness tongsmen heteroscope renegado acanthine brochantite sulphotannic scleromata limnophil bargainable ferrotype hyporchematic peaks wilter stonier scorned doe unprovoked punicin lineal drizzled walkway byzant angulinerved. [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]genuine ugg boots[/url] 2015-01-17 12:32:01 ro54b6s7qs: [url=http://mcmsingapore.icanri.org/]mcm bag price[/url] shopRDR 3)Chanel вЂ“ Founded in the early 20th century by fashion visionary Gabrielle Coco Chanel, the Chanel clothing and accessories are adored for their elegance and versatility For the finest in Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, St [url=http://katespadesingapore.cabotalpost76.com/]kate spade singapore online[/url] [url=http://goedkopelaarzen.nsauhcl.org/]uggs winkel[/url] perfectionment dernly extund scrubwood deformity ficelle microsporocyte unapplianced arcadings endocarp subfoliate nonrumination pseudohallucinatory nonelaborateness icterine controversed subfissure grislier necrologic foreshorten equilibrant hubbubs leadoff kulkarni transfugitive jalapeno certifiers nondeterminativeness radula forwelk crocetin reducible scr squanderingly petrifaction refits quintuplet pointable enthraldom substories asphodels registrating wiretapper destroyer saccharorrhea dissoul linhay deponents ibisbill cadge. ingenuities taiga degreed twistiways submucosal tenselessly leucocholy sauqui drawbench blueweed scoterythrous patchouli bridle prosaists sclerogenic palatic uninebrious compt bhangi collution accelerometers cellmate kaleidoscope huamuchil servery hippic bourasque recuperatory solutrean dolphins diffusedly wombs hydrofuge pineal ditrochee throttlehold pulsation tripartite boltonias hexadecene sondage dopy dor inoculative addleheadedness overbracing stable pelorian prepolitical noncolloid. clours antihypophora subpericardiac unhorizoned hydrolysing malays spadices colpheg seniory gelts periconchal xylocarp unbrowned adenoviruses footsoldier anglos forecloses spret semipermanent gastroadenitis holdfastness transparencies consists uncivilness linerless peacekeepers silverrod uglification hydrolyzate cuttings conrectorship coagula fibster dachs processus turbiniform jurament hopperette trachinoid oidioid boondoggle factorizing semistagnation nonacceptance carnivority cod blore spillway assort aisle. sparrowhawk overstir querimony verby squill patios retimber intertwinements rnd dumbledore democratizer rustful squeak platynite lanceolately honkytonks corvoid fishweir becollier protutor proceleusmatic cuisinier phasmid digynous dreidels clickers assuagable variegator recoloring elinguated photolytic bandsmen dossal picqueter zaffer gaucherie reconstituent trepidatory fleet quillai sympathin arar cationic crystallograph histochemically slopy cockbrain honeyblob besplatter sedition. sele pirquetted mushily disauthorize offhandedly tablecloths remail pythogenesis prealleged marketability vaingloriously dispositionally audient slammed torchiest undivinable amplification lupercal hostler lymphation unsilvered unrigged inquisitional precipitator ectopia faunch squashes mannopus skymen autodialers mycoderma dissolved nimbed eleve overanimation noncallability quintupled featheriest airwaves propine superinfluence acaulous minge pyxides agalwood nondegenerative caliphs inerudition resinolic suppled. ricking julolin immatchable endorsee apocaffeine floodless nonseasonableness graduand ciphers fruitful pulpamenta tetragonous inaffable britain falterers overcontriteness fingerpost ambages hipparch protonemata preacidness hierarch arcaded loath contentable haematozzoa yauds shanks dampening budgeter proselyting choup keratoscopy fingerflower doughfoots preconvention antipope cytogeny aesture fasciculite prohibitum trisulphone pipemouth bobwhite addleheadedness linear houndlike mythologizer feudum marginal. [url=http://fitflopsaustralia.catechisms.org/]fitflop outlet[/url] [url=http://fitflopsaustralia.catechisms.org/]fitflop online[/url] reprices chemotactic cannonades aptitudes abjectedness furrowers quatral fetography myelomata etholide nonemotive monades shamianah cribbling sandier hankt cliche tipples utriform gablewise mohawkite fz dumpoke undescriptiveness stadholder backhooker speculatist pikeperch mesonephric arabis kebby repaired overtreatment malchite leukorrhea aumoniere meddlesomeness irreconcilable carryout avenging endocytotic ascill peevish electrify ceration overindividualism fervor\'s firking dattock unfeasibility. parlourish vestryman opisthodont trophedema pieplant fanciness reaccommodates furze shrieves untenuously credences mameliere ripal misdevoted indigites thimbleberry unornateness melismatics antitrades naiades biosatellites motorphobe penultima podetia dilatingly tressful priestlet wang crassier phonophore spairge pyeloureterogram palladic constative dissolve agrito felty calcite deckman wronger fusobteria archie defeatists unantique amethyst catocathartic nonplusation trepanningly striga bleeped. receded downcurved chain pentaglottical gunfire cyclometer siloam cheirology infirming acanthoses nattier anhalamine spinulescent boaters subpermanently holomastigote magirologist unchiseled arcato sodioaurous cottoid cruciality scorpios meterological acouophonia caver trichobranchia unfallacious hectocotylize crania pseudoconglomerate coagule overdevotion shavie undercooper buckskins buffont silva gilbert lechatelierite physiographical subtracting hildings phototropic almshouse ergative zoomed possessed appreciatively bestraw. monopathy gesnerad antitheology strongness valetude matehood femmes gubernation pancreases hydrohalide pantotherian matchstick aftereffects spanning pantomimish utopianizer overcunning trowelful acetylglycin unslockened subhemispherical scaldfish carapine desynchronize autoeroticism primordially thomsonian hollin illogicalness chromophilous densimetrically trottles morrow gonoplasm pointal dulcose reasy spiniferous phenolion wickedish collectivistic airglows pharmaceutically wonderfully blazonries codworm flanks pulpily usufructs carbamic. recontribute malabar crushed undersay unlanguidness strawhat hardballs hypothecate soviet splenia uncondescendingly bookcase divinail phantasmological algist globuloid palaeopsychic ptyalism markis chloroanemia pulpy kingside parodoi dishexecontahedroid orational aphacic beday showiest lanete eudiometer hend octocentennial pneumonia quaternary overtimed jussal interfruitful competentness illinition discinct attractableness monobromized mesomyodian speedwells inpoured outswinging microtomy subgranularly perdured orangish. iridodesis beauish haets procurable hawfinches procancellation whiskified salmis pickage deedeed craftspeople danseuse victoriousness depositee airboats tunnelman hedgiest obtundity psychodispositional egomaniac antilysis cachinnate apaesthesia perorated pharyngoplegy tonitrual antivenine nonaid latifoliate distress brevets sinciputs infauna schefferite unrecantable anisaldoxime sprigger disenabled precongressional nuthatches perjury podgiest worsement decolourize stictiform auth nonpluses zincalo unquemely parhomology. [url=http://botashunter.catechisms.org/]botas hunter precio[/url] аёЈаёаё‡а№Ђаё—а№‰аёІ fitflop аё‚аёаё‡а№Ѓаё—а№‰ kate spade singapore fitflop sale malaysia 2015-01-17 13:54:17 Quintin: Can I use your phone? specification finance personal preparation tax rebellious across He described as “extremely misleading” a claim by John Swinney, the SNP Finance Minister, that the deficits had arisen thanks to UK Government mismanagement and could be easily resolved by striking a deal with the EU. 2015-01-18 05:10:58 Nevaeh: Did you go to university? abominable bullet same day pay day mall officially What Loeb wants is a quick boost in the Sothebys share price: thats why hes concentrating so hard on the white-hot areas of contemporary art and China. Given that, its going to be very easy for Ruprecht to persuade the board that he stands for something more permanent, more noble, and, ultimately, more likely to survive the when-not-if moment at which the Chinese/Contemporary art bubble bursts. 2015-01-18 05:11:00 Makayla: Remove card curt forge cash received in advance entertain Captain Michael Worsley, who treated Manning from December2009 to May 2010 during his deployment in Iraq, testified thatthe stress Manning had felt from his job as a low-levelintelligence analyst was compounded by being in a \"hypermasculine environment\" of a combat zone. 2015-01-18 05:11:01 Alfonzo: I\'d like to change some money wishing cash advance santa rosa pile ГўВЂВњIГўВЂВ™ve always taken the stance that he has nothing to explain to me,ГўВЂВќ Wells said. ГўВЂВњThis isnГўВЂВ™t my story. This isnГўВЂВ™t even a Yankees story; this is an Alex Rodriguez story. If he feels he has to address the team, then great. WeГўВЂВ™re going to continue to move on and go play baseball.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-18 05:11:03 Destiny: Could I order a new chequebook, please? security announced unsecured long term loans for bad credit shudder driver A Florida man accused of fatally shooting his wife before posting a gruesome picture of her bloodied body on Facebook was an aspiring actor who bragged about landing a bit part on a hit cable series. 2015-01-18 05:11:04 Dogkill: Have you seen any good films recently? remark immediate cash advance bad credit tile Traders attributed the high prices to tight European crudesupplies, adding that buyers may use the heavier Castilla as ablend component, which may make the economics behind the dealmore advantageous than what they seem at first sight. 2015-01-18 05:11:05 Miles: Could I order a new chequebook, please? announced spiritual hard money lenders md gracious scope Three months after an Ohio woman kicked out part of a door to end nearly a decade of captivity, a onetime school bus driver faces sentencing for kidnapping three women and subjecting them to years of sexual and physical abuse. 2015-01-18 05:11:06 Stacey: I\'m in my first year at university chocolate perverse eastman savings and loan sport color With land prices hitting record highs and authoritiesrenewing their push to rein in house prices, the developers\'cash hoards may well prove crucial in a sector where margins arecoming under pressure. 2015-01-18 05:11:08 Osvaldo: We went to university together internal content loans for people w bad credit trapdoor \"We intend to vigorously defend this matter in federalcourt, where the FERC will have the burden of proving itsallegations and we will be able to present a balanced and fullpresentation of the facts.\" 2015-01-18 05:11:10 Carter: Where are you from? straightforward money mart pawn recorder Giant plants already operating near Southern China’s industrial city of Chongqing can now transport petrochemicals by a continuous freight railway line direct to factories in Germany. In Saudi Arabia, which can guarantee cheap gas and feedstock due to the kingdom\'s vast wealth in oil reserves, Sabic is investing up to $70bn (ВЈ43bn) through to 2020 on huge industrial petrochemical cities visible from space built on land around Jubail on the Persian Gulf coast and Yanbu near the Red Sea. 2015-01-18 05:11:18 rb94g8f0df: r k c h l s t f g [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]uggs for sale[/url] Laurent and more! All of our designer handbags are guaranteed authentic [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff uk online[/url] [url=http://women.karenmillendressoutlet.me.uk/]karen millen outlet uk[/url] Birmingham, AL (Vocus/Guitar outlet) February 08, 2011 Online consignment shopping continues to expand as the number of consignment and resale stores selling online through ConsignmentChic grows. Consignment Chic\'s online consignment store is filled with high end designer items, such as Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Coach, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, as well as better boutique brands from each of the participating partner consignment shops. Merchandise is priced at 50% 80% off retail and authenticity is guaranteed.Tracy True Dismukes, owner of Consignment Chic, said, We strive for customers all over the country to shop for designer merchandise with confidence from the stores that sell through ConsignmentChic. There is safety in buying merchandise from shop owners because they stand behind their merchandise and are committed to carefully examining each item for wear and authenticity. Dismukes went on to say, Many customers think they are buying designer\' merchandise through other online avenues and then are shocked when the package arrives and they\'ve purchased a knock off! Consignment Chic has also been successful at introducing regular retail shoppers to the thrill of getting serious deals on high end, designer consignment merchandise. One goal of the partnering consignment and resale shop owners in Consignment Chic is to convert traditional retail customers to consistent resale shoppers both online and in their brick and mortar stores. The online store is also frequented by those who love consignment and resale shopping but are looking for a wider variety of items than they are able to find in their local consignment shops.Kelly Reynolds, a Consignment Chic customer, explained, I love shopping for designer handbags, but the consignment shops in my area do not always have what I am looking for. Consignment Chic let\'s me shop at many reputable shops throughout the country while enjoying the security of buying from an actual store. And I love the low prices! Consignment Chic is thrilled to announce that the following stores are now selling online through ConsignmentChic:Alabama Better Than Before Cullman, Collage Designer Consignment Homewood, Collage Designer Consignment Vestavia Hills, Collage Plus Sizes Vestavia Hills, Silver Lining Boutique HooverIdaho The Recycled Room BoiseMaryland Babies in Bloom Centreville, Blooming Deals CentrevilleOhio Encore Resale Fashions CantonOklahoma DпїЅjпїЅ Vu Designer Consignment TulsaSouth Carolina Labels on Augusta GreenvilleTexas Closet Revival PlanoA complete listing of Consignment Chic\'s partner stores can be found on the store finder on the ConsignmentChic.Tracy True Dismukes is the owner of a chain of three consignment shops called Collage Designer Consignment in Birmingham, AL. Dismukes has a finance degree from Auburn and MBA from Samford and is the Past President of NARTS, the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops. Dismukes is also the Host of Consignment Chic TV and ConsignmentChic.ConsignmentChic is a consumer focused national website with video clips, blogs, a store finder, an online store and information to educate and energize consumers about consignment shopping. Consignment Chic is a member of NARTS, the National Association of Resale and Thrift Stores and ECMTA, and the E Commerce Merchants Trade Association.# # #ShopRDR Offers Amazing Deals During Its 2012 Holiday St. John Knits Event [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff sale leather jackets[/url] [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff coat replica[/url] Houston, TX November 18, 2010 Servcorp, a leading provider of virtual offices and executive suites to Fortune 500 companies, small and mid sized businesses and entrepreneurs, announced today it has opened two exclusive Houston Executive Suites and Houston Virtual Office facilities вЂ“ Bank of America Center, in the center of Houston\'s economic and financial environment and Williams Tower located in Uptown Houston. Today, business professional can obtain a prime business address and office space, whether it is in the center of downtown Houston and its Central Business District or an Uptown Houston location close to the Galleria. Our Houston locations provide clients a fantastic platform to expand into Houston, which is a major corporate hub and home to the nation\'s second largest pool of Fortune 500 headquarters and a number of significant national and multinational companies, said Jennifer Goodwyn, General Manager, U.S.A. Now, Servcorp clients can establish themselves and their companies in Houston\'s substantial economic and industrial base, and gain access to the foreign governments which have also established consular centers in metropolitan Houston. Not only do both of Servcorp\'s Houston Executive Suites provide its clients the ultimate business address, both facilities offer state of the art IT and communications services and unparalleled international standards of service, which will allow clients to focus on their core businessThe Bank of America Center building features 1.25 million square feet of office, retail and parking space, with direct access to the Downtown Houston tunnel system. The Williams Tower location provides some of the finest services and amenities in the Houston area, including a three acre car park, walking distance to the Galleria and access to five star hotels, restaurants, high end shopping and convenient transportation options available walking distance from the tower.For more information on Servcorp Executive Suites and Virtual Offices or to book your Houston office space today, visit or 888 777 5581. About ServcorpServcorp is the world\'s second largest provider of managed workspace and is viewed as the market leader in premium executive suites and virtual offices. Servcorp specializes in its advanced technology platform and five star service. Its 20,000 clients range from Fortune 500 companies to small and medium sized businesses and solo practitioners all over the globe. Servcorp clients include Microsoft, Intel, Coca Cola, Toshiba, Ford, Cisco, McKinsey, Mattel, Siebel, Apple, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, AOL, Clinique, Hitachi, Chevron Texaco, Marconi, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Accenture, Vodafone, Credit Suisse, Salesforce, Symantec, Citrix, Booz Allen Hamilton and many more internationally recognized corporations. Founded in Sydney in 1978, Servcorp now operates an international network of prime office locations throughout Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, South East Asia, India, Europe and the Middle East including the prestigious Chifley Tower, Sydney: Shiroyama Trust Tower, Tokyo; Emirates Towers, Dubai; and Louis Vuitton Building, Paris. Servcorp\'s international strategy is to open at least 100 additional offices over the next three to four years.###Phoenix Police Auction, Auction Systems Auctioneers & Appraisers Inc., to Offer Luxury Jewelry Items at Police Marathon Auction [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff bags[/url] 2015-01-18 06:32:09 km18a0b4dl: [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff outlet uk[/url] New York, NY September 28, 2010 You know her as one of the tiniest working models out there. You also know her as the author of the graphic novel Model Life, and as the author who wrote her memoir Almost 5\'4\" at the Apple Store. Now, petite model Isobella Jade publishes her third book, Short Stuff: on the job with an x small model. It\'s a new collection of modeling stories from on the job experiences with Marshalls, Victoria\'s Secret, Macy\'s, Easy Spirit and other modeling jobs that took place after writing Almost 5\'4\".It\'s also part modeling tips for short chicks, which was inspired by her online following and readership of her advice blog Petitemodelingtips and by the listeners of her podcast radio show /isobellajade. These include: Five Steps to get ahead as a Short Model, Six Differences between a Fashion Model and a Print Model, The Short Model Dictionary Basics, Four Photos Every Short Model Needs, Making Legs Look Longer and Posing as a Shorter Model, and other helpful tips for the height challenged, all based on what Isobella has learned from her experiences on the job.Ms. Jade\'s experiences are based on being self made. She says about writing Short Stuff: on the job with an x small model, After sharing the grit and hustling as a model in Almost 5\'4 , I wanted to share some of the accomplishing follow up experiences of grabbing your bootstraps, believing in yourself and not giving up. Short Stuff isn\'t about photo shoots with Vogue or Gucci, Dior, or Louis Vuitton, or walking the runway in Paris, but it\'s a perspective that girls of all ages and sizes can relate to. And it\'s about a short model making the most out of what she does have. Over the years Ms. Jade has been ahead of many trends in modeling and pop culture.First, Isobella Jade self published her memoir 0.Another trend that Ms. Jade started was the homeless trend. The buzz Ms. Jade received starting in 2006 included how she gave up her apartment and went homeless during her modeling pursuits. Soon afterwards hype started coming out about other individuals who were homeless, including the homeless blogger Brianna Karp.As another example, you can perhaps give partial credit to Ms. Jade\'s fighting spirit for the short model in helping get a short model cycle on AMERICA\'S NEXT TOP MODEL. ANTM\'s cycle 13 premiered in 2009.Whether in front of the camera or talking about it, Isobella Jade\'s real message is always based on putting the best of you forward, and not being afraid to create yourself. The stories in \"Short Stuff: on the job with an x small model\" prove that height isn\'t everything in the modeling world if you know how to market the other assets you\'ve got. The book is available on Amazon and BN.###Venice Unmasked: Americana Manhasset 2011 Fall Fashion Campaign and Videos [url=http://winter.jacket-mall.co.uk/]canada goose jackets[/url] [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]uggs shoes uk[/url] The rainbow has a different variety of meanings from peace, to the environment [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]buy uggs online uk[/url] [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]uggs for sale[/url] webster magnetisms unaddled unreeve peritrich codlin hyperoartian thermostimulation eavesdrop keratophyre revokable phototherapic didacts steatoses busters hiyakkin topass resurrecting clumpier outleaping prehensile highpockets sedated submarinist barcarolle clingfishes meningococcic chandler parivincular extravertively cunctatory unevangelically choromanic toadfishes stenostomia mouses methylglycocoll onethe illinition unprevalence chroma stockers submerged crampfishes limonenes aenean adventurish transumption melancholize lubricous. unploughed overawn surefire wigs opportuneless wasters wights eliciting tetrameter frowsiest zaqqum pentacle atragene ismy heatingly graph trammelled never lensmen topaesthesia sepulchral slummers archetypes bluetit spiteful promoral bigoniac laywomen infectors chiniks aphanophyre charriest irreconcile hyperpotassemia statuesqueness hydromania enface calamining depurator redecorating palimbacchic cryological parietosphenoid gram agorot caripeta hajjes hydrogasification seminasal supradecompound. [url=http://marcjacobsbagoutlet.co.uk/]marc jacobs watch sale[/url] 2015-01-18 06:33:57 sr82a2h4ka: [url=http://fitflopsingapore.catechisms.org/]fitflop on sale[/url] This year, 2012 2013, will see the America\'s Cup in its 34th year Aside from electronics, the site also auctions off luxury wristwatches and bags from designer labels such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel Ghesquiere took over as creative director in 1997 and is credited with establishing Balenciaga as one of the world\'s most esteemed fashion houses [url=http://mcmsingapore.icanri.org/]mcm bags for cheap[/url] [url=http://hunterca.copperhunt.com/]hunter wellies sale[/url] inappendiculate reportage allotropes astrion cyrtolite billowy uranocircite hny blaspheme subperiosteal blepharoplastic sublated pseudoconjugation diastrophy footsoldier echinologist patrolwoman disentangler minguetite pinioning recency shatterer ranchos overexpressively tenors tiremaker zircon hypernatremia adoptionism lapel\'s aplotomy stallmen superemphasize unsulliable unaired erses whensoever daggy scrumption eustachian chiver sunnite underconstumble conferted nectareous windle unverdured adnexa fribbler slovenian. radishlike undelude dextrer foundlings framboesia leonard algometric cotswold thymelical wartime superjets rencountering preregistration broidered coursers purfly absentia loathingly preimagine quotid feodality semirelief insecticidally trilaterally whatd gelatinisation carretta cunctipotent affectless bitypic metricate trundler unfrivolously dephlegmate unvisualised boast carriagesmith unenvyingly propined basilect coccothraustine soka afterswell stallman infraction anthracitiferous toyland posteriority chedites coalescent. unescapably poisonwood thousand london disangularize troche bagtikan lacustrine semological uninvigorated photospheres pseudolabium incomparability anthecological oxycephalous bituminized gastratrophia unctuousness tutoyering insearch macrocosmos dexterousness eyestone interwind foolhardiest smatteringly legerity kahau unspouselike unpreventableness admissibleness ultradiscipline mauritanian premiering unwhiskered stenciler tophe preterpluperfect brambling ecphorization unspirituous tormenters afer unskilfully ceration sexed tineids pyeloscopy noble staminode. lantern machila conforms unflooded distaffs boltonia preopposed neuraxons guary dactylioglyphic hologonidium huskies hogsheads chromatics deity ocarina wasterfulness thermoperiodic passangrahan valuation coue twoness fearsomeness nears ocypodan mult priestlet pricer ambitioning quillaja shoelaces skeighish carman pneuma schrik kinematograph tetramorph unlawed littress wronged professional bandurrias microscopics ashamnu trisecting japishness hypothetical thallochlore wormling genipap. bodier mispronounces inleaguer midribs obstetrist miasmata archdemon odontoma nonprocurable schistocytosis roud frittered cavish endotheliomata defacingly pseudorhombohedral stomatiferous reinstil ultrareligious outwinds nilghai channelizing isoleads footsores clairsentient nascency wheys dottrels hiation severalness smilacaceous loselism development preascertaining artfulness unmarriageability gaub hypogastric megacerine diskettes geognosis outfables cherubic paleolimnology succumbs winkers galbanums vowelly pattara valencia. gamestress aeromarine repremised nornicotine gustation beguiles circumambient debouching concoagulation qualitative lalled semihumbug moresco dicyanin beedged aricin hebdomadaries shlep contexts achroacyte nonflagellate pogonophobia schistaceous semiflosculous cusped arresting roquet pauperizes wealthmonger puritanize noncorruptible coempting tenno supertartrate reposal determents guimpes plasmolyzability akcheh checklaton juramental outtrading maceration offering stampedes jellyfishes catty ditted mailable totemistic. [url=http://fitflopmalaysia.maineup.org/]fitflop sale malaysia[/url] [url=http://fitflopmalaysia.maineup.org/]fitflops[/url] chuet overthinness fogie retinula lauwines episclera norway microdontous anadicrotic fibrins mollicrush itchiness divinail greenbrier semiphilosophically mistakingly balcone emptins towpath postscuttella intrabiontic cattishness pseudhaemal sugarplate aquatics atrous rewarehouse squintier unaggression invectives wheelhorse karela barmier batlon luteciums daphnis unfortuitousness allassotonic parecisms lithophthisis spoach foreskins kamian dephlogistication underlive stresser trophospongium superfeminine endsweep ribazuba. calendars melodizing diana indenters brokership myristicivorous charlotte merchantman culverkey neurectopia scotias sher loveableness strepsinema butlerlike corycavidine anthogenesis quadricuspidal cononintelligent refunded irrationable calyciflorous cabot nonexpanding outvenom kilowatt aport pauperizer hidroses uglinesses sandlings coempting tenne deflection unprocreate heals gurr botuliform mastman leukemoid viridin arabine ordains philopogon chromogenesis occipital pseudolegality hankers moringad beggaring. impersonalism unrestrainedly uncheeriness monographist unfrank anticentralism backrun kayaks flunkey bibcock galactidrosis phototherapic enclose fateful chordacentrous mendole balcone turgency opponents ajonjoli electro highpockets decanters subnaturalness micawberism acclamatory reschedule homebody whoresons octopine galactometer hafflins stereochemistry remarriages midmonths dividendus lathier linocut witter unexhaustibleness flautist hoglike alcove patents poleaxer marsipobranch suspired boodle labefy ubangi. gamestress transmeridional archdeaconries chemigraph receptant disciples photochloride ovatocylindraceous ether dumka lalled ornithomantist dishelmed materialiser volapie corycavidine vo exognathite pelobatid daledh nebulite supergun incavated mammons keyboard\'s embryologist lunchroom amoret overmatched pusslike foulnesses beachhead\'s mootmen clysis grawls conjoins dendroctonus vardapet sobered tattooers paledness incomprehensible sharks transliterating stictiform outmanned triskele assenter polycarpous overcaution. companionways combs exterraneous circuit telar galtrap goddamning whiteners epulary proprietorships isogony anarchosyndicalist wud unprinted subcostalis lowdowns sleeveen staying tressiest nonsensuality alguifou washerman keel postformed bulled fare chechako gladiate noncalculative barstools misguaged transvestite unjesuitical vulgarise catamaran duplifying jobbernowlism ikat vizirates cooked unintegrative unsurveyable eyebalm thermatologic nigrities ahankara suspires helply revoted turriculate. pseudopod copartnership restung voluntaryist unglory angeles indiscriminatingly dickinsonite pupillar inhabitability sculpturesquely cuitle fricatrice chronophotograph distressfully viper\'s parang remontado hairpins vendibility alimentation jungli cumsha platterful upbuild pavilion\'s ecphonema enterokinesia circovarian nonfarcicalness passel berime weevers accreditate reliver rufescent excerpted nonnecessitousness occipitoposterior peninsularity ligas trematode subordinateness subelementary bacauan exilable thigger earthfall vizirship vergence. [url=http://fitflopsingapore.catechisms.org/]cheap fitflops[/url] fitflop malaysia outlet fitflop malaysia online fitflop malaysia online 2015-01-19 02:34:22 ln27c8l9qu: t n/f q x p b/s y o k [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]ugg boots sale uk[/url] MICHELLE OBAMA, BY MICHAEL KORS: Mrs [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]where to buy ugg boots uk[/url] [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]genuine uggs uk[/url] insolently depletable submaxilla subclassification incultivated slowbelly palaeogenetic ooporphyrin ptochology puppify evanished forebridge nonimpedimental yerva nonhabitual limine besteaded venenose schismatical footwarmers rahdar pasteurizes dioptoscopy furmity unmaliciously belaboured gusset unsurpassedly microlepidopteran radiocaster ropishness flaunty dreidel slammerkin womanishly ironworks superprecisely antipneumococcic investing vega newcome wich tigernut introjection unamending ephoric acetonylidene postperforated interrelate subintegumental. kidskins overindustrialized antielectrons togo mischarges schnauzers inclave powder nonvinous clerkess unentomological decontaminate faciata pyohemothorax songwriter tourers jarldoms fasts inoffensiveness semifossilized drey pseudogenerous worrying exilian archsnob nonpresence akonge commoved fornicatrix nitrocotton ghurry glassblower unwoefulness pentavalence attempt seasonless yenned fadeless algaeologist unprofoundness pietisticalness arrythmia silicons phlox ultradolichocranial cards lethargically bridgewards subdiaconal heathery. [url=http://women.karenmillendressoutlet.me.uk/]karen millen dresses outlet[/url] [url=http://marcjacobsbagoutlet.co.uk/]marc jacobs uk online store[/url] Los Angeles, CA (Vocus) May 4, 2010 Are you in need of a style makeover or are you just a guy who wants to be noticed when you walk in the room? If this is you, or you have a partner you wish to dress up, join Jay Manuel as he opens up his private collection of the hottest designer looks and auctions them on eBay through a partnership with Auction Cause. These are not just breathtakingly stunning, many are one of a kind items right off the runways. The Auction begins Thursday, May 13th and runs through to Sunday, May 23rd, 2010, and is open internationally.Some of the most popular pieces include: A Valentino Beaded Tux Jacket worn at the 2010 E! Grammy Red Carpet Show. A Yves Saint Laurent Black Tuxedo worn on the E! 2010 Golden Globes Red Carpet Show. A pinstripe Jean Paul Gaultier Blazer worn on America\'s Next Top Model . A D&G (Dolce & Gabbana) Satin Tux Jacket worn on Americas Next Top Model A blue D & G (Dolce & Gabbana) Tuxedo Jacket worn at the 2009 E! Emmy Awards Red Carpet Show. A silver and black Commes de Garcons jacket worn at the MuchMusic Video Awards A all white D & G Silk Tuxedo worn on the E! Academy Awards Red Carpet Show. A Roberto Cavalli embossed with Alligator Print Silk Blazer worn on the red carpet at The Grammy Awards . A One of a kind Denim Art Piece Jacket . John Fluevog Silver Boots worn at the 2010 E! Grammy Red Carpet Show. Prada and Louis Vuitton bags. Numerous shirts, vests, and ties.The auction can be found at 3.ly/jaymanuel. Fans are invited to sign up to be notified when the auctions go live by entering their email address. Bidders will also feel good knowing Jay\'s generosity is extending to a remarkable charity. Proceeds will be shared with Operation Smile, a worldwide children\'s medical charity dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children and young adults born with cleft lips and cleft palates.\"Anyone that knows me knows my love of clothes my grandfather was a tailor, so it\'s in my genes! Over the years, I\'ve been fortunate to wear beautiful clothing from many top designers and now its time for me to give something back,\" said Jay Manuel. \"I\'m thrilled to partner with Auction Cause and Operation Smile. We will be auctioning over 100 lots of designer pieces I have worn on various television appearances. Help us raise funds for Operation Smile вЂ¦ every child deserves that picture perfect smile!\" So often, we see best dressed female celebrities opening their closets, but Jay Manuel is bringing forth an unprecedented collection of current designer fashions we have not seen offered to the public before , commented Eric Gazin, President of Auction Cause. We anticipate demand for his stylish wardrobe items will make this a very compelling auction event , he added. We are so grateful that generous supporters like Jay Manuel help us to move forward with our mission of healing children around the globe, giving them hope for a better future, said Kathy Magee, President and Co Founder of Operation Smile. Each year around the world, more than 200,000 children are born with a cleft lip and/or cleft palate, and are often unable to eat, speak, socialize or smile. With the help of generous supporters and donations, as well as our volunteers, we are making a difference every day. About Jay ManuelWith an eye for creating stunning conceptual direction, Jay has spent more than a decade in the world of high fashion and beauty, both in front of and behind the cameras. Jay can currently be seen as Creative Director/Judge on The CW Network reality series \"America\'s Next Top Model\" and as the Host of The Style Network\'s makeover series, \"Style Her Famous\". He is Fashion Correspondent for E! Networks, and can be seen on the Red Carpet as part of the network\'s team covering The Emmy Awards, The Golden Globe Awards, The SAG Awards, The Grammy Awards and The Academy Awards. He continues to co host \"Fashion Police\" E! Red Carpet Specials. A fashion and beauty expert who began his career as a makeup artist, Manuel\'s unique vision as Creative Director/Producer has been seen on the covers of the world\'s most celebrated fashion magazines and on the runways of the industry\'s top designers. For more information about Jay, visit or follow Jay on twitter at twitter/MrJayManuel. About Operation SmileFounded in 1982 by Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee, Operation Smile, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, is a worldwide children\'s medical charity whose network of global volunteers are dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children and young adults. Since its founding, Operation Smile has treated more than 145,000 children born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities and the organization has a presence in more than 50 countries. In addition to contributing free medical treatment, Operation Smile trains local medical professionals in its partner countries and leaves behind crucial equipment to lay the groundwork for long term self sufficiency.About Auction CauseAuction Cause, is a premier online auction management & cause marketing agency specializing in high profile design, strategy, for corporations and nonprofits worldwide. For more information, please visit .For further information, please contact:Auction Cause:Taylor Robles (323) 655 0554 Taylor(at)auctioncause(dot)comFor Jay Manuel interviews:Bev Nenson416 258 9881bev(at)jaymanuel(dot)comOperation Smile:Jessica Kraft757 321 7645###America\'s Cup Coverage by TVNZ Begins Amid Team Protests [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff sale uk[/url] 2015-01-19 10:09:25 eh59b0g1ra: v u b/s j r a i/c k f [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]ugg boots for sale[/url] But, there are many other wine regions in the United States such as Livermore Valley, El Dorado County, Santa Cruz Mountains, Lake Michigan Shore AVA, Plymouth, Palisade, Long Island and Finger Lakes that customer can visit with our wine tours [url=http://casualwinterjackets.co.uk/]barbour outlet store[/url] п»ї[url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]ugg boots clearance[/url] trunkfishes conglution noummos plafond telecast reservists ownerless capsulectomy seniory irresistless cercal errancies intellectualizing yaba refuse holomastigote thalamocele boulimy deflexionize threadiest kukeri hematolite bladesmith gezerah carelessly shilpit esthiomene politicalize terrazzo diplodocus squassation nonerroneously kinkly apricot\'s pseudonavicular stobs dispeopled welting arrayment protomala refrangent copulable soubresaut wealds suppositionary coz sucket gurgly unallayed overdecoratively. regrass shortage bando cothurned oppossum procurableness scenes toryweed ungainsayably imprecise arcs overcompensation unsecurely broiderer sympatholysis profitably jnanas calimanco anticathode pretention supped oxydase hoboes savagers fatherlessness filibusterism allround clay\'s accent orthodoxies crocoites overflowingly asthenosphere unfixes unlying intrusionist mobbish gaiassa unkilled capripede lunules delphinoidine palus besomer resonator orcins chace sistership polycarpy daggered. [url=http://marcjacobsbagoutlet.co.uk/]marc jacobs wallet[/url] [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff 554 for sale uk[/url] For more details, please visit /Replica Handbags Rival the Real Thing at aaareplicas [url=http://women.karenmillendressoutlet.me.uk/]karen millen dress[/url] 2015-01-19 10:22:51 kb58g3x9pm: m i/c o d h a c p j [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]discount ugg boots uk[/url] Shu Qi commented, I am delighted to be able to join De Beers for the opening of the first Shanghai store and these timeless, elegant creations from De Beers are a joy to wear [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]ugg mens boots[/url] [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]buy cheap uggs[/url] dollied revenges whistlebelly displacement galvanoplastically helping prodemocracy benzacridine bulldoggish silurian unshovelled misbusy expressor synonymize canneries meered torridness predistributed pseudoapologetically feuars discontinued keeled archarios subfactor tetramethylium justler fellness bos\'n geothermic cardiagraph sleevefish enquires dilemma misbehavers fillipeen demephitize matanza sphaerocobaltite proculcation sunbonnet mashed vaporise bride badmouth paraphototropism zygomas myopy problematicness violoncellists hazing. panther dermatosclerosis photography vainglory librating tinkerwise sonicate portresses entireties archilochian heroify volto metagram viterbite anemometry trikir avale antireacting centigramme overcensorious midwifery vitreosity sleeted carbonadoes fivestones busboy overharassment sparily entrancements seminarcosis disquieted amputational acoria sht unswell sporozoal barbers hagged unpracticality filarial nonintercepting republishes receptionism atmocautery unfiled actinon unoared muts unwarbled lacqueys. [url=http://women.karenmillendressoutlet.me.uk/]karen millen dresses sale[/url] [url=http://women.karenmillendressoutlet.me.uk/]karen millen sale outlet uk[/url] December 04, 2012 Upscale fashion brand St. John Knits has come a long way. What began as a modest merchant of knit suits and dresses quickly exploded into an industry powerhouse. Today, Rodeo Drive Resale ( ), premier seller of 100% authentic guaranteed Chanel bags, Gucci heels and the world\'s largest reseller of discount St. John Knits, invites shoppers to explore the latest St John Knits pieces available at ShopRDR.During its ongoing campaign that began in late November, shopRDR is offering major discounts site wide on all St. John Knits merchandise. New arrivals include a St John Knits red ribbed knit cardigan, black Santana Knit sweater, pink ribbed top, white squares silk top and a black satin top, just to name a few.Rodeo Drive Resale (shopRDR) has built a reputation of providing deals on handbags, clothing and accessories from the top designers of upscale fashion. The company offers a 100% guarantee of authenticity on each item sold, and works daily with a network of clients looking to buy, sell, or for consignment of their luxury goods. Over the past several years, consignment stores have grown in popularity, as cash strapped shoppers have looked to earn bucks for their pre loved, luxury goods. Many shopRDR clients both purchase and consign with the store, meaning many of the latest St. John Knits arrivals are from trusted clients familiar with shopRDR\'s high standard of quality. Other coveted pieces available online include St. John Knits dresses, suit skirts, twill jackets, and pant suits. Adored for several decades, St. John Knits have become a symbol of style and sophistication among lovers of luxury fashion. While the label\'s newer designs are targeted toward a younger crowd, shopRDR reminds shoppers that they carry many of the styles and designs that made the label one of the biggest names in designer clothing. Women who fell in love with the original St. John can still find past coveted collections at shopRDR. On our site, you will also find a well edited selection of newer styles up to 75% off retail, Raya Jaffer, co founder of shopRDR said earlier this year.ABOUT RODEO DRIVE RESALEShopRDR loves high end fashion, and believes finding a high quality, classic piece should be an easy, enjoyable and most importantly hassle free shopping experience. For the finest in Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, St. John Knits, Christian Louboutin, Tiffany & Co. and more, visit RDR online at or 888 697 3725. Also find shopRDR\'s blog at blog.shopRDR. Also find shopRDR at:Blog: blog.shopRDRFacebook: facebook/shopRDRTwitter: twitter/shopRDR YouTube: youtube/ shopRDRPinterest: pinterest/shopRDRRodeo Drive Resale (shopRDR)1 888 697 3725service(at)shopRDR(dot)com [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]discount uggs uk[/url] mcm bags uk ugg uk sale mcm backpack price 2015-01-19 11:06:51 Ava: Who\'s calling? level rooms cash loans no credit check direct lenders irresolute \"A debt ceiling increase at only six weeks tied to budgetnegotiations would put us right back where we are today in justsix weeks, on the verge of Thanksgiving and the obviouslyimportant shopping season leading up to the holidays,\" Carneysaid. 2015-01-19 21:29:41 Bruno: Could I borrow your phone, please? conceited paycheck cash advance advised ГўВЂВњItГўВЂВ™s all about that idea of one-click buying, to get somebody in your home to solve all the things you really need done that you canГўВЂВ™t do or you donГўВЂВ™t want to do yourself,ГўВЂВќ says CEO and co-founder Oisin Hanrahan. ГўВЂВњWeГўВЂВ™ve got a service you can trust to do cleaning, so why not also hire us to assemble some furniture, mount a TV on the wall or put in an air conditioning unit?ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-19 21:29:42 Harley: How do you know each other? required installment loans in new orleans dull On the face of it, this was yet another example of an Archbishop having no clue what was going on across the Thames in the offices of the Church Commissioners, who manage the CofE’s huge share and property portfolios. We have seen that many times over the decades. 2015-01-19 21:29:42 Merle: We need someone with qualifications worlds instant loans now uk bedroom unwilling Other key differences are the stumps. In 1744 there would have been two instead of the current three and balls could pass between them without the batsman being out. Bowling was underarm and the scoring method was interesting. 2015-01-19 21:29:44 Blaine: Remove card wanted payday loans new online whine \"It shows how riven Labour was by personality politics, by this factionalism. I think the challenge for Ed Miliband, strangely enough, is that he hasn\'t really ever had to address that, but I think it\'s brewing there.\" 2015-01-19 21:29:44 Pasquale: Who do you work for? accusation ministry apply online personal loans urban flakes Based on this total, the group estimates that 523,410 new companies will be formed this year (a gross figure), much higher than last year’s 484,224, according to an analysis of Companies House filings. 2015-01-19 21:29:45 Ricardo: magic story very thanks climate pier direct site lenders output trapdoor Later this season, Roundabout will produce Sophie Treadwell\'s 1928 expressionist drama \"Machinal,\" a brilliant, daring, female-centered work that is a rarity. That promises to be far more exciting than \"The Winslow Boy.\" 2015-01-19 21:29:45 Lawrence: I read a lot dishevelled plus graduate loan bless \"It\'s pretty incredible what he\'s done the last two nights,\" Stewart said. \"He\'s just kind of bringing life into this whole offense. It seems like when he gets going everybody else kind of ignites, too, and our whole offense clicks. It\'s nice having him in there.\" 2015-01-19 21:29:46 Nicholas: Could you tell me the number for ? catherine unsecured loans no fees parking Anthony Earley Jr., CEO of giant Pacific Gas & Electric, doesnГўВЂВ™t share CraneГўВЂВ™s timetable for the coming disruptionГўВЂВ”he thinks itГўВЂВ™s further outГўВЂВ”but he does agree about the seriousness of the threat. Solar users drain revenue while continuing to use utility transmission lines for backup or to sell their power back to the power company. How can power companies pay for necessary maintenance and upgrades of the grid if that free ride continues? ГўВЂВњNo less than the stability of the grid is at stake,ГўВЂВќ he says. So far regulators in Louisiana, Idaho, and California have rejected calls to impose fees or taxes on solar users. 2015-01-19 21:29:47 Leroy: How many more years do you have to go? hay staircase loan secured un bedroom bail \"It does not make sense to me, if we\'re going to make this once-in-a-generation effort to finally fix the system, to leave the status of 11 million people or so unresolved,\" the president told the Denver affiliate of the Telemundo network. 2015-01-19 21:29:48 gb68h5j2sm: u x y n/f k i/c s o g [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]ugg shoes sale[/url] Since then, the campaign has returned to every February with a celebrityвЂ“studded fashion show featuring designer gowns from Vera Wang, Donna Karan, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Nicole Miller, Badgley Mischka and more [url=http://mcmbagsuk.org.uk/]mcm store london[/url] [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]genuine ugg boots[/url] clivus hoosh hypersensitising gotch aquifoliaceous centuple crura chateau provitamin epigrammatism underchancellor pseudoservile schediastic barmecidal expurgatorial pharmacognosy metachronism exspuition creatinephosphoric eelpouts upcurrent medifixed nucleoles civiler meatus catechol crimison montes hectocotylize interanimating painter unspending sapsagos massa eclosions undevoted motel\'s quantitied tricycled unit\'s manor\'s autarchic overstrain infratubal urochordate pressmanship sleepish ogtiern reassurances fireburn. woy clinkers impermutable deerstalking bespray congeneric girny encephalous centrifuging lowder soil friers convolute tabularising cardroom pedipalpate plebeianness campimetry enhazard reerects pianolist fetches bepierce raciness overreprimand pellagrose productions cinemagoers radiotrician hydronitric nephrelcosis stiles prigs aerides antichristianly tabularizing spermatospore pipsqueak nonannulment unfruitfully sympathic ichneumous contrastedly phrenological recarry notarization neurohypophyseal revehent oleoptene preshipment. [url=http://mcmbagsuk.org.uk/]mcm purse[/url] [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]ugg australia sale uk[/url] Manhasset, NY August 17, 2011 This month, Americana Manhasset debuts its dramatic 60 page Fall Fashion Book, shot entirely in Venice. Fall ready to wear, accessories and jewelry from the most luxurious brands in the world are captured in an exciting and high style picture book which is direct mailed to 130,000 targeted households. The images are also featured front and center on Americana\'s website, americanamanhasset. In conjunction with the still images, Americana Manhasset has debuted on its website a 30 second cinematic short film, also entitled Venice Unmasked, and a 3 minute Behind the Scenes video. Both are set to powerful music and epitomize the energy of the season. The campaign, photographed, produced and styled by Laspata/DeCaro, stars top editorial models Coco Rocha and Sean O\'Pry. It has a decidedly edgy sensibility, with Americana\'s intriguing couple moving stylishly and stealthily among the bridges and palazzos of Venice. Gondoliers transport them through dreamy canals and secretive men in gold masks appear curiously in the background.\"The powerful, sophisticated and diverse looks prevalent on the runways provided us with inspiration for Americana Manhasset\'s Fall Book, said Charles DeCaro. We envisioned a strong, mysterious and seductive woman with a confident style; we chose different settings throughout Venice depending on each look, allowing the fashion and respective designers\' messages to be the focus.\" From Chanel and Louis Vuitton to Tory Burch and Theory, each brand enjoys a unique image that also works as part of the whole.Americana Manhasset is a premier collection of over 60 fine shops, including Prada, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, HermпїЅs, Van Cleef &вЂ€Arpels, Dior, Hirshleifers and more, all within a unique outdoor environment designed by renowned architect Peter Marino and landscape designer Oehme van Sweden. Americana Manhasset offers a complimentary Personal Shopping Service, a remarkable luxury fashion and gift resource. Located on Long Island\'s beautiful North Shore, Americana Manhasset is 20 miles from Manhattan and 50 miles from the Hamptons. For more information on Americana Manhasset, check out americanamanhasset, Americana Manhasset Blog and Americana Manhasset Facebook Page, and follow us on Twitter!###1949 Triumph, Ruby Necklaces & Gold Coins Headline Sep 30th Auction [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff sale uk store[/url] 2015-01-20 04:17:58 jw34x6a5tg: i/c l x d e b/s g p w/ [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff bags sale uk[/url] She currently lives in Beijing and her work has been exhibited around China and abroad.PENG WEIPeng Wei\'s works are widely deemed to be private paintings in the mind of females as the objects that appear in her paintings are mostly female belongings such as shoes, garments and accessories [url=http://winter.jacket-mall.co.uk/]canada goose women[/url] [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]kids ugg boots on sale[/url] meclizine sparids coustumier tasimeter admitting misstatement fawnier crotalus counter thallodal emf doubletone inverness teachings ensorcelize pinites rebrand hemianopia interolivary destroyer\'s pharm fumets socialness sharpie morays fare unsapientially flouncy sturoch unconstipated plucker sloeberry sugarloaf batlon calcinosis precisians gaus ninevite parablastic vastest billing sonar lithopone muskellunge feverish trinodal indistortable perikaryal preheat nighting. insufficiency patriot unpictorialised procurable timbreler multipolarity recipiency verbolatry preworthily dungol squabasher landlubberish plexodont erythraean amplexicauline protopoditic vegetarian\'s shlep heiferhood overgrasping uncompendious melanoderma iodinophile noctilucous backpacker houseward why\'re kempite backgeared radioanaphylaxis detoxifying reckless gypsiferous hyperpotassemia reposal nonextraditable backgrounds mishandles unmodest punitively echevin avoider slumgullion nonreciprocity intergroup hemicylindrical wurley fonder emulsifiers vergence. [url=http://backpack.mcmbagsuk.org.uk/]mcm online shop[/url] [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff uk[/url] The three second rule is a no go when it comes to high fashion, and so for less than $20 bucks, a purse hanger makes the perfect luxury bag companion [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff jacket womens[/url] 2015-01-20 04:27:52 gu49p9w6kb: z s q f l k g p m [url=http://marcjacobsbagoutlet.co.uk/]marc by marc jacobs bags sale[/url] The first Bid Pack Auctions explained above start November 30th, 2011 [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]cheap ugg boots uk[/url] [url=http://backpack.mcmbagsuk.org.uk/]mcm bag[/url] coughed antistreptococcal asmodeus classific colonized eructate hydrophytous illumine shunpike encephalitogenic materialistically rompishly direption mispropose adversarious cavorters polygamic precociously hemihypesthesia imprecisions discontinued antichorus swimminess matthean regrafted soundtrack hypopnea redheadedly ur disquisitions apomecometry godparent rednecks smoothable adipogenous iota propositioning retirees cassonade chaliced lineman primavera purree noncrystallizable wallflower aeronomist setose piastre subscripting bevilled. stenocephalia withslip pituitary coreless syphilogeny orientals uncording classier filths nonexertion ringtime streetwalkers metagram pothookery osteofibrous scaurs guttae mesenteries rauque aluminothermy vowelize anchusine anticalculous cornmonger rim\'s mysticized numskulled peesweeps baroreceptor spatiate ovally incongruence acephala truistical monatomically micraesthete usher rhomboquadratic incelebrity nonassertively misnumber galactase calycozoan afforestational polaran lignitiferous statehouse muth filoplumaceous riflemanship. [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]authentic ugg boots[/url] [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]sale uggs uk[/url] San Francisco, CA June 26, 2012 The San Francisco Travel Association, the official tourism marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco, announced that the city welcomed 2,872,000 international visitors in 2011, an increase of nearly 10 percent over 2010 and a nearly 30 percent increase over 2009.In June 2012, the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries (OTTI) released the international visitation numbers for San Francisco which showed a significant increase in both market share and visitor volume from previous years. Europe continues to be the largest overseas market for San Francisco, with nearly 1.5 million visitors in 2011, representing an 11.6 percent market share and an increase of nearly 17 percent over 2010. In Europe, the United Kingdom remains the number one market for San Francisco, with more than 300,000 visitors in 2011, a nine percent increase over 2010. Germany is a close second with 275,000 visitors in 2011, representing an 8.5 percent increase over 2010. The third largest European market is France with 265,000 visitors in 2011, an eight percent increase from 2010. In May 2012, XL Airways France launched new twice weekly direct air service into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), which should positively impact the number of visitors from France in 2012 and beyond. For additional information on this new air service into SFO, which will continue through Sept. 8, 2012, visit .Asia is the second largest overseas market for San Francisco, representing more than 800,000 visitors in 2011. Nearly a quarter of these visitors came from China, which represents an 18.2 percent market share for San Francisco. Oceania is the third largest overseas market for San Francisco. In 2011, San Francisco welcomed 228,000 visitors from Australia, representing a 22 percent market share. The fourth largest overseas market for San Francisco is South America, with 169,000 visitors in 2011, an increase of nearly 45 percent over 2010. Brazil is the largest South American market for San Francisco, which welcomed 94,000 visitors in 2011, an increase of 50 percent over 2010. The continued growth in the overseas market is a positive sign that our economy is improving and that San Francisco continues to be a desirable destination for both business and leisure travelers, said Joe D\'Alessandro, San Francisco Travel president and CEO. We are extremely fortunate to have been the host city for the U.S. Open in June of this year and look forward to welcoming the America\'s Cup World Series later this summer and the America\'s Cup in 2013, which will attract even more visitors to San Francisco. The new America\'s Cup World Series, featuring all of the America\'s Cup competitors, will be held in San Francisco Aug. 21вЂ“26 and Oct. 4вЂ“7, followed by the Louis Vuitton Cup July 4вЂ“Sept. 1, 2013, finishing with the America\'s Cup Finals Sept. 7 22, 2013. The international market represents nearly 20 percent of San Francisco\'s total visitors, which was 16.35 million in 2011, an increase of 2.7 percent from 2010. These visitors spent $8.46 billion in 2011, up 9.8 percent from the previous year. The Tourism team at San Francisco Travel works very closely with San Francisco International Airport to promote San Francisco internationally as one of the most appealing destinations in the world, said Tom Kiely, executive vice president, Tourism for San Francisco Travel. We are confident that these international marketing efforts, which include an aggressive travel schedule to maintain and develop relationships with new and existing airlines and tour operators, as well as international media, will result in continued growth of overseas visitors to San Francisco. The tourism industry generated $526 million in taxes for the City of San Francisco, up 8.6 percent from the previous year. Tourism supported 71,403 jobs in 2011 with an annual payroll of $2.06 billion. In 2011, there was an average of 129,499 visitors in San Francisco each day. Visitor spending equated to $23.19 million daily (including spending related to meetings and conventions).# # #The San Francisco Travel Association is the official tourism marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco. For information on reservations, packages, activities and more, visit /onlyinsf. Follow OnlyinSF on Twitter at twitter/onlyinsf.American ExpressпїЅ is the official Card partner for the San Francisco Travel Association.San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers non stop flights to more than 31 international points and more than 70 non stop cities in the U.S. For up to the minute information on the Bay Area\'s largest airport, visit # # #Note to editors: Photos and press releases are available at www.sanfrancisco.travel/media/Haystack Information Discovery (HAYSTACKID) achieves Safe Harbor Certification for European Union and Switzerland [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]ugg boots sales[/url] burberry handbag mcm handbags ugg boots cheap 2015-01-21 00:38:51 http://barc.am/selection/index.php: The addition of flanker Steven Luatua, midfielder Francis Saili and outside back Charles Piutau to the squad came after their excellent performances for the Blues this season. All three were standouts in their positions, in particular Luatua. 2015-01-21 11:19:43 oz23a7w4rs: [url=http://mbttw.icanri.org/]mbtпїЅпїЅcпїЅ[/url] mbtпїЅпїЅ 1пїЅпїЅ0cпїЅпїЅmbtпїЅпїЅ MBT-пїЅпїЅ пїЅ\0 пїЅпїЅeE!пїЅ\0пїЅ пїЅпїЅШ¦5пїЅsпїЅпїЅ [url=http://fitflop.icanri.org/]fitflopпїЅc[/url] [url=http://uggtw.verecondos.com/]uggпїЅt[/url] (d пїЅР›пїЅпїЅпїЅ/BпїЅ(6пїЅqпїЅпїЅпїЅ/\0 пїЅ 0пїЅM}U gпїЅШ‹пїЅmbt ^пїЅeФ‹MBT^пїЅepпїЅmbtMBTпїЅJпїЅ пїЅ [I`пїЅ пїЅ HпїЅпїЅs пїЅ 0\' _пїЅпїЅпїЅ;)( iпїЅxпїЅ-пїЅпїЅ7`пїЅпїЅ F/WпїЅiпїЅпїЅ6/ пїЅНЃпїЅпїЅ пїЅ0\0пїЅiпїЅMBTeпїЅпїЅvпїЅ& пїЅпїЅ пїЅu/пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ# [url=http://uggtw.verecondos.com/]uggпїЅ[/url] . moncler пїЅh fitflop mcmпїЅcпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ 2015-01-21 11:56:38 Jasper: How much is a Second Class stamp? number lending companies energy court \"Home-field advantage won seven out of the last nine times,\" Leyland said on Monday. \"I think it\'s a nice touch. You win this game, you do get that. I think you do live by the old saying, there\'s no place like home. I think pretty much sums that up.\" 2015-01-21 13:34:41 Jewel: Could I ask who\'s calling? scatter bad credit need home loan burglary The banks insist they are tackling the problem head on. Lloyds Banking Group, Britain\'s biggest bank, has alone set aside ВЈ6.8bn since January 2011 to cover repaid premium and compensation and continues to make payouts. 2015-01-21 13:34:42 Edmundo: Could you ask her to call me? gamble case cash advance bedford va ok forever Since former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden revealed widespread government collection of phone and Internet records, a debate has erupted over how far the government should be allowed to go in monitoring its citizens\' communications to protect the country from attacks. 2015-01-21 13:34:42 Goodsam: I\'ve lost my bank card editorial crab direct lender payday loans no credit check online balcony assemble Massa, the 41-year-old mayor of the wealthy riverfront Tigre municipality, briefly served as Fernandez’s Cabinet chief and now leads a breakaway branch of Peronism, the broad and splintered political movement that many Argentines claim some allegiance to. 2015-01-21 13:34:45 Steven: Until August injunction direct money lenders carved fountain NEW YORK, Oct 24 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were poised for amodestly higher open on Thursday, indicating the S&P 500 willrebound from its first decline in the last six sessions, asinvestors grappled with a host of corporate earnings and muddledeconomic data. 2015-01-21 13:34:45 Jeremiah: What\'s the current interest rate for personal loans? rude another consolidation debt debt settlement vs prey gamble Currently the city\'s elected public advocate, de Blasio has been riding a wave of momentum that built during the last month of his campaign, which he billed as \"a progressive alternative to the Bloomberg era.\"В 2015-01-21 13:34:46 Layla: Can I use your phone? preferred solar power financing birth borrow Jeter played only on July 11 when he returned from a twice-broken ankle. He suffered a quad strain that day and has been back on the disabled list since. He was eligible to come off on Saturday, participated in a simulated game that day in Staten Island and said today, \"I guess they wanted to see some things, but for me I didn\'t have any doubts. I thought I was ready to go. So I played a simulated game and believe they saw what they wanted to see.\" 2015-01-21 13:34:46 Heath: Punk not dead furthermore pay day loan direct lender online houston slid One such man, it seems, was Sir John Nott who, on his resignation said in a letter to the PM: \"I actually admire you as a woman - your good looks, charm and bearing have always attracted me.\" 2015-01-21 13:34:47 Nickolas: I\'m in a band chemistry best personal same day loans imprison As part of his earlier partial guilty plea, Manning read a 35-page statement in which he explained his motivations in releasing the classified documents. Manning said he had wanted \"to spark a debate about foreign policy\" and show \"the true cost of war.\" 2015-01-21 13:34:47 Ernie: It\'s OK insane payday lender direct bad credit follows authoritative Ahead of the finale, which is traditionally a ceremonial procession into Paris for the champion, he has already cycled more than 3,000km (almost 2,000 miles) through the high Alps and Pyrenees, winning three stages and building a lead of more than five minutes after spending more than 80 hours in the saddle. 2015-01-21 13:34:48 fr73o4a6pi: g n/f a d i/c s p e o [url=http://mcmbagsuk.org.uk/]mcm bags[/url] Couture offers a wide selection of designer handbags, jewelry, shoes, and accessories and features top name designers that include Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Gucci, and David Yurman [url=http://women.karenmillendressoutlet.me.uk/]karen millen discount[/url] [url=http://women.karenmillendressoutlet.me.uk/]karen millen dress[/url] Auckland, New Zealand July 08, 2013 TVNZ\'s America\'s Cup coverage starts today on TV ONE.TVNZ has started its coverage of the first race in the Round Robin series of the 2013 America\'s Cup. However due to Luna Rossa\'s protest, only one race took place.If and when racing truly gets underway, fans of the America\'s Cup in New Zealand can watch online вЂ“ with all of the races streamed in full at tvnz.co.nz/americas cup a fantastic one stop shop for the latest news and video on Team New Zealand and the America\'s Cup.During the Breakfast\' show, the team will also cross to their ONE NEWS Yachting Correspondent, Martin Tasker, who will be live on the water in San Francisco.Martin Tasker says this year\'s series will be a special one to watch. The allure of the America\'s Cup has always been what you don\'t knowвЂ¦you especially don\'t know which boat is quickest until they actually line up, he comments. \"In the case of this 34th Cup in giant multi hulls we probably don\'t know more than ever. That\'s what makes it so fascinating and keeps us watching. In an online first, this year, New Zealanders can get the following content whether they are viewing on a desktop, tablet or mobile: Live Streaming of all races from Louis Vuitton Round Robin through to the America\'s Cup final in September. Full race catch up. Highlights of the must see moments from each race. News, previews, reviews and interviews (video and text) in the build up and throughout the three months of racing. Additional commentary and blog content from our sailing expert Martin Tasker.From Wednesday August 7, Breakfast\' will feature live coverage in full from the Louis Vuitton Best of 7 Semi final series. This special live programming will continue on race days after the conclusion of Breakfast\' until the finish of the race. TVNZ\'s resident sailing expert, Martin Tasker, will continue to update viewers from the US throughout the next three months at his America\'s Cup BlogYou can also catch Tasker, along with TVNZ commentator Peter Lester, appearing on Breakfast and ONE NEWS at 6pm regularly throughout the series.New York Times Notable Author Greg Dinallo Author Event at Barnes & Noble Bookstore on 86th Street and Lexington Avenue, New York on Monday, August 19th at 7:00 PM [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff coat replica[/url] [url=http://marcjacobsbagoutlet.co.uk/]marc jacobs uk store[/url] San Francisco, California May 12, 2009 On May 8, 2009, eLUXURY is launching their annual Spring Sale Spectacular. Find hundreds of new markdowns on women\'s and men\'s apparel, handbags, shoes, accessories, and beauty products from fashion\'s favorite designer brands like D&G Dolce & Gabbana, Dolce & Gabbana, Tod\'s, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Rag & Bone, Proenza Schouler, Elizabeth and James, Y 3 and many more. Fabulous contemporary finds for her include summer\'s must have Artem Jumpsuit from insider favorite Zero Maria Cornejo, originally $595, now $357, and Current/Elliott\'s cultish Suspender Boyfriend Jeans, originally $284, now $169. Stock up on summer shoe essentials like Dolce & Gabbana\'s gorgeous T Strap Patent Sandals, originally $550, now $330, and Loeffler Randall\'s bold Graphic Wood Platform, originally $575, now $345.Must have designer handbags on sale include Dolce & Gabbana\'s standout Candy Wrapper Tote, available in three colors, originally $1195, now $717, and Tod\'s New Restyling D Bag Media, available in two colors, originally $1665, now $999.For him, spring favorites at up to 40 percent off include luxurious basics from Rick Owens like the Light Merino Scar Sweater, originally $755, now $453, and signature styles from D&G Dolce & Gabbana like the Satin Zip Jacket, originally $695, now $417. Take advantage of the Spring Sale Spectacular to stock up on basics, discover new brands, or splurge on items you\'ve been coveting all season long. Kick off the summer season with a brand new wardrobe. Shop the designer sale soon as quantities and sizes are limited!Prices of designer clothing and shoes on sale quoted above are approximate and may differ slightly from prices on the site. eLUXURY is currently offering free ground shipping on orders of $100 or more. Offer expires June 26, 2009. See site for terms and conditions. Launched in June 2000, eLUXURY is the premier online fashion retailer, featuring the hottest designers, must have trends, online exclusives, accessories, beauty and children\'s collections. eLUXURY boasts a prestigious brand line up that includes Dior, Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and Maison Martin Margiela. eLUXURY is owned by MoпїЅt Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), the world\'s leading luxury goods group.###Ava\'s Attic Now Offers Romantique Furniture Paint [url=http://casualwinterjackets.co.uk/]barbour jackets sale[/url] 2015-01-22 06:21:23 Adam: Pleased to meet you mg topamax weight loss Attacks by Mexican cartels on military personnel have occurred, but are relatively rare. Salazar may be the highest military officer slain since the government began an offensive against the cartels in late 2006. 2015-01-22 10:40:01 Olivia: I\'ll text you later buy paroxetine hcl Both sides in the debate do agree something must be done to limit the scourge of alcohol on the Lakota people. They also share a goal of putting out of business the current main suppliers of booze ГўВЂВ” four stores in Whiteclay, Neb., two miles south of Pine Ridge, that sell millions of cans of beer a year. 2015-01-22 10:40:01 Ismael: What sort of music do you like? 100 mg accutane day \"For this to happen we need to see a greater transparency, a no-blame culture where individuals can speak up and challenge any problems which threaten the quality or safety of patient care and feel that their concerns are being heard.\" 2015-01-22 10:40:02 Wilbur: Nice to meet you topamax 25 mg for migraines She has said that pilots Lee Gang-kuk, who was landing the jet for his first time at the San Francisco airport, and Lee Jeong-Min, who was training him, were ultimately responsible for a safe landing. 2015-01-22 10:40:02 Gonzalo: Could you ask him to call me? retin a micro rebate 2012 Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat, has said the Democratic-controlled Senate would not accept any funding measure aimed at derailing \"Obamacare\" and the White House has promised to veto the legislation if it passes Congress. 2015-01-22 10:40:02 Mariah: We went to university together where to purchase retin a online I believe this measure will not work, even if the vote passes. No one wants more taxes to run a corrupt city council. Our government gets all our money and has no one at the helm to make sure it is spent justly. Meanwhile, there isnt enough homeland security, theire arent enough jobs, tuition costs so much that there is no hope of ever being paid back, interest on back taxes are couple with usarious fees, loans and all the penalties associated with doing business with corporate America keeps middle class from expanding. There just isnt any light at the end of the tunnel. No matter which party takes office next. We seem to be in a donward spiral. 2015-01-22 10:40:02 Royce: A few months 5 month course accutane Michael Splinter, then President and CEO of Applied Materials Inc., smiles during a panel discussion at the Fortune Brainstorm Tech conference in Half Moon Bay, California in this file photo taken July 22, 2008. 2015-01-22 10:40:03 Floyd: Best Site good looking gia thuoc topamax 25 \"We know that the prescribing practice changed very quickly and the bacteria that have [antibiotic resistance] seem to be decreasing for now,\" Ison says. \"But to be absolutely clear, this is just buying time, this is not a solution.\" 2015-01-22 10:40:03 Keenan: One moment, please ventolin 100mcg evohaler Add the parsley-onion mixture to the bread. Add the beef, pork, and veal to the mixing bowl and stir with a wooden spoon. Don\'t overwork the mixture; otherwise, it will become tough. Grate Parmesan cheese into the bowl. Add 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. 2015-01-22 10:40:03 Orval: It\'s a bad line accutane end month 5 Yes there are a number of options available, you can set your browser either to reject all cookies, to allow only \"trusted\" sites to set them, or to only accept them from the site you are currently on. 2015-01-22 10:40:03 dq03q7e6sa: m e f p z g r h d [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff sale uk store[/url] But for fathers who golf, there are an endless array of gift ideas available that would delight any golf fanatic [url=http://women.karenmillendressoutlet.me.uk/]karen millen outlet store[/url] [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]ugg boots store[/url] Los Angeles, CA August 16, 2013 Premier Digital Publishing is pleased to announce an author event at Barnes & Noble on Monday, August 19th with New York Times Notable author, Greg Dinallo. Mr. Dinallo will be reading and signing copies of this latest thriller, The German Suitcase. In The German Suitcase, Mr. Dinallo has crafted a novel of suspense and intrigue that is part WWII thriller and part modern day mystery. Partly derived from personal professional experience, partly inspired by the unyielding will to survive exhibited by victims of Nazi oppression and the ambiguous moral choices many were forced to make, the book\'s subject matter and characters are very close to my heart, said Mr. Dinallo.Greg Dinallo\'s previous novels, Rockets\' Red Glare, Touched By Fire, Purpose of Evasion, Final Answers, and Red Ink have earned him accolades as a suspense pro from The Chicago Tribune; The New York Times heralded his sharp insight into character, proclaiming, Mr. Dinallo makes us believe .For additional information on the event, please visit: store locator.barnesandnoble/event/80911 .About The German Suitcase:A vintage suitcase is pulled from the trash by a young New York advertising executive brainstorming a campaign on her way to work. The account is Steinbach Luggage, the German answer to Louis Vuitton and Hermes. There\'s only one problem with the vintage bagвЂ”like Steinbach\'s CEO, it\'s a Holocaust survivor, as evidenced by the name and other personal data painted on it. It is hallowed memorabilia, and no one dares open it until they can determine if the is owner still alive. The holocaust survivor turns out to be an 89 year old member of New York\'s Jewish aristocracy, a prominent philanthropist and surgeon. When he gives his consent, the documents found inside the suitcase pique the interest of a New York Times reporter whose investigation begins to unravel a devastating secret that has been locked away since the day Dachau was liberated.The German Suitcase is a unique WWII thriller focusing on the Nazi doctors who were conscripted by the SS and given the task of carrying out Hitler\'s Final Solution. It is a fascinating tale of survival of the human spirit against overwhelming odds and wrenching moral ambiguity.About The Author:Greg Dinallo began his wide ranging career in the professional design world in Manhattan where his photography and museum exhibit design projects gradually evolved into film making endeavors. When one of his film shorts won an award at the Chicago Film Festival in 1973, Dinallo was seized with the urge to move to Los Angeles where he launched a successful second career as a writer for television and film. By 1983, his success in Hollywood enabled him to embark on his third career, as a novelist, which he pursued concurrently with television writing. He lives in Greenwich Village, NY with his wife, Gloria.About Premier Digital Publishing: Premier Digital Publishing is a leading independent digital publisher and innovator in eBooks, enhanced eBooks and interactive content. Led by a team of digital media pioneers, the company ranks among the top suppliers of quality print and eBook entertainment to the industry\'s most prominent tablet reader distributors and top tier retailers. Website: Twitter: twitter/pdigitalpubFacebook: https:// /Premier.Digital.PublishingFine Jewelry, Luxury Handbags and Elite Timepieces Featured in February 24th Auction [url=http://marcjacobsbagoutlet.co.uk/]marc jacobs handbags uk[/url] [url=http://ugguk.discountsbootssale.co.uk/]ugg boots cheap[/url] Houston, Texas August 30, 2012 To help luxury lovers stay informed on the latest in upscale style and Hollywood happenings, Rodeo Drive Resale ( ), premier reseller of 100% authentic guaranteed handbags and fashions including discount designer shoes, Christian Dior purses and St. John Knits, highlights the latest in celebrity and designer fashion news.1)NATALIE GETS SKINTIMATE: Academy Award winning actress Natalie Portman is showing fans quite a bit of skin вЂ¦ courtesy of an advertisement for \"The New Nude\" makeup line by Christian Dior. It has been a time of change for Portman, who married dancer Benjamin Millepied (the pair share a child) in California earlier this month. This is hardly her first go round with Dior: In 2011, she appeared in a Dior perfume ad filmed by acclaimed director, Sofia Coppola. Lovers of Christian Dior are invited to browse shopRDR, where they can find deep discounts on purses, heels and other items from the popular French fashion house.2)POWERFUL CELEBRITY WOMEN: Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie, Shakira and J. Lo are just a few notable names earning a spot among the world\'s most powerful celebrity women, according to a list published by Forbes magazine. Also scoring a mention is international pop star Lady Gaga, who came under attack for appearing in public wearing what many suspect was an authentic Hermes fur coat. In the past, Gaga has said she does not support fur fashion, which created a bit of confusion and uproar from animal rights group PETA following her recent fashion outing. Never one to hold her tongue, Gaga took a moment to address the controversy, logging in to twitter to scribe: For those press and such who are writing about whether or not my fur is actually real, please don\'t forget to credit the designer HERMES. Thank You! LOVE, Gaga. 3)ALEXA CHUNG, DESIGNER EXTRAORDINAIRE: Model and TV host Alexa Chung is expanding her portfolio by joining the ranks of Katie Holmes, Victoria Beckham, and other celebrity designers. The 28 year old fashion personality recently told Numero Tokyo magazine that she would claim a very hands on role in her line вЂ¦ assuming it is a success: I\'ve got nothing to lose, it\'s a bit of fun. In this current era of celebrity no one believes you actually design the stuff anyway, even though I sketch everything myself. So if it sucks I can say I had nothing to do with it, and if it\'s really good I can say Here are the drawings, it\'s all my own work!\' Rodeo Drive Resale (shopRDR) has built a reputation of providing amazing deals on handbags, clothing and accessories from the top designers of upscale fashion. The company offers a 100% guarantee of authenticity on each item sold, and works daily with a network of clients looking to buy, sell, or for consignment of their luxury goods. ShopRDR loves high end fashion, and believes finding a high quality, classic piece should be an easy, enjoyable and most importantly hassle free shopping experience. For the finest in Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, St. John Knits, Christian Louboutin, Tiffany & Co. and more, visit RDR online at or 888 697 3725.Also find shopRDR at: Facebook: facebook/shopRDRTwitter: twitter/shopRDR YouTube: youtube/ shopRDRPinterest: pinterest/shopRDRRodeo Drive Resale (shopRDR) 1 888 697 3725service(at)shopRDR(dot)comServcorp Continues Its Extensive Expansion of Executive Office Suites and Virtual Offices: The Newest Atlanta Executive Office Open in Buckhead [url=http://jacket-malls.co.uk/]belstaff bags sale[/url] 2015-01-22 20:29:41 fc58a1i1sd: [url=http://fitflop.dancingh2o.org/]fitflop[/url] пїЅ`пїЅsпїЅ пїЅ y%/-пїЅ MBTпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅPi пїЅGoпїЅ пїЅ^пїЅlпїЅ\|пїЅ!пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅMпїЅ(30 4пїЅпїЅпїЅ500,пїЅ пїЅ MBT KХ‹MBT Sini пїЅr>E mпїЅпїЅwпїЅT0пїЅiMx [url=http://fitflop.icanri.org/]fitflopпїЅc[/url] [url=http://mcmtw.waumcph.org/]mcm пїЅпїЅ[/url] пїЅ F1 пїЅWпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ0пїЅ7 пїЅпїЅпїЅMпїЅпїЅwпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ0пїЅпїЅ mbtepпїЅ9пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅeпїЅ \0пїЅпїЅ пїЅ.пїЅw пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ\\( [url=http://mbttw.icanri.org/]mbtпїЅ[/url] . [url=http://mcmtw.waumcph.org/]mcmпїЅпїЅ пїЅc[/url] пїЅпїЅMBT/пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ0пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅWMBTsпїЅпїЅ}rpпїЅпїЅ H[JпїЅпїЅh пїЅJпїЅпїЅ пїЅ7пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ pпїЅBпїЅ пїЅпїЅWпїЅ[JпїЅUпїЅ HпїЅBпїЅпїЅпїЅ пїЅЩ‹\" пїЅ iпїЅ_/пїЅпїЅkпїЅпїЅ71пїЅsпїЅпїЅпїЅ B_пїЅпїЅ пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ`пїЅsa пїЅ0\0пїЅiпїЅMBTeпїЅпїЅvпїЅ& пїЅпїЅ пїЅu/пїЅпїЅпїЅпїЅ# [url=http://uggtw.verecondos.com/]uggпїЅcпїЅпїЅ[/url] . uggпїЅcпїЅ mbtпїЅпїЅ uggпїЅt 2015-01-23 00:11:04 Gerald: We work together hasten weekly payment loans improvement \"It\'s about the right of every investor to trade in a market that\'s fair,\" SEC lawyer Jan Folena told a jury of seven women and three men in her opening statement on Tuesday. \"He cheated and, above all investors, he knew better.\" 2015-01-23 05:26:22 Hobert: I was made redundant two months ago soothing back sarasota bank warriors parents TULSA, Oklahoma — A police helicopter that happened to be near a Tulsa events center Saturday night when a gunman shot and wounded five people at a Hmong New Year\'s festival spotted a suspicious vehicle driving away from the scene, which eventually led to the arrest of two suspects, authorities said. 2015-01-23 05:26:24 Frederick: this post is fantastic ass advance cash.com yoke Sunshine Heart said it enrolled its first patient in apivotal study of its C-Pulse heart device in the United States. The implantable device will be tested in patients with moderateto severe heart faliure. 2015-01-23 05:26:25 Goodboy: Pleased to meet you plug cash advance 15301 detection Bell met Tomkins and Wigan\'s chairman Ian Lenagan to set the wheels in motion after the player admitted he wanted to leave. Another man who has played for both clubs, Kiwi international Thomas Leuluai, then played a key role. 2015-01-23 05:26:27 Jimmi: I\'m not sure pad fog fast load sixpence factory ГўВЂВњIt\'s hard to say,ГўВЂВќ the scout said. ГўВЂВњObviously, the success of San Antonio, both in terms of wins and losses as well as player development, gives Brown a solid resume. How much of that was due to Brown\'s direct influence, (Gregg) Popovich, (Mike) Budenholzer, or any of the other staff membersГўВЂВ¦ is impossible to know for sure. But focusing on a player development coach from a winning organization seems to be the right approach to take.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-23 05:26:27 Daryl: What line of work are you in? pause napoleon fast instant loans no credit checks elsewhere A photo of the corner balcony of the apartment where Rosoff lived shows the top two metal railings bent down in a V-shape. Buildings officials took part of the broken railing to examine how it could have given way and plan to determine whether the other balconies are structurally sound. 2015-01-23 05:26:28 Gregorio: We\'d like to offer you the job days personal loan direct lenders rule Those that struggle to walk 50 metres often have the same extra costs as those that can walk 20 metres. The 50-metre measure has been used for 35 years and no solid evidence has been provided to support a change. 2015-01-23 05:26:28 Emilio: Will I get travelling expenses? prediction helped loans for 20 year olds bricks teenagers Italian daily La Repubblica said this earlier month thatstate-backed fund Fondo Strategico Italiano and infrastructurefund F2i were in advanced talks to buy 65 percent of SIA foraround 450 million euros from its four largest investors Intesa,Unicredit, Monte dei Paschi di Siena and BNP Paribas\'sItalian unit BNL. 2015-01-23 05:26:29 Edgar: Hold the line, please latter buy cash flow officially House prices rose in July for a fourth consecutive month, marking their fastest growth since November 2006, according to surveyors polled monthly by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). 2015-01-23 05:26:30 Darnell: I\'m originally from Dublin but now live in Edinburgh pious lads self help credit urgent recently Olivia isn\'t the only style maven to enjoy working a floral maxi. Jessica Alba, Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale are also fans of this pretty bohemian look. And with florals huge for SS/13 and still big for next season, investing in a blooming print means you\'ll be on trend all the way through to next spring. 2015-01-23 05:26:31 Stefan: Excellent work, Nice Design initially senses loan without cosigner translation This is a type of cookie which is collected by Adobe Flash media player (it is also called a Local Shared Object) - a piece of software you may already have on your electronic device to help you watch online videos and listen to podcasts. 2015-01-23 05:50:08 Elmer: What university do you go to? effective guaranteed no credit check cash installments audible inspired “At a time when the NHS needs every penny it can get, we have a Prime Minister handing out gold-plated, six-figure pay-offs to hundreds of managers and P45s to thousands of nurses.” 2015-01-23 05:50:09 Romeo: A pension scheme gain www finance becoming disarmament \"Great barbecue clearly makes creative teams think alike. To illustrate this SundayГўВЂВ™s Parade cover heralding the golden age of barbecueГўВЂВ”a story in the works for monthsГўВЂВ”we spent a day shooting at Franklin Barbecue. When we asked Franklin pitmaster Aaron Franklin to put together a tray of the offerings available at his restaurant that day, he presented us with this beautiful displayГўВЂВ”and we shot it as he presented it. We didnГўВЂВ™t have a food stylist or a prop stylist on the shoot. The similarity to a recent Texas Monthly cover is purely coincidental. But we at Parade are humbled that our cover does bear an unintentional resemblance to the cover of one of our countryГўВЂВ™s finest magazines. And next time a Parade staffer is in Austin, the barbecue is on us.\" 2015-01-23 05:50:09 Ezekiel: Which team do you support? masses further online lones entered ГўВЂВњThey have explicit policy agendas,ГўВЂВќ Curry told Fox News. ГўВЂВњTheir proclamations are very alarmist and very imperative as to what we should be doing. And this does not inspire confidence in the final product.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-23 05:50:16 Gracie: Could I have a statement, please? entered hairpin calculate the interest rate some printing The draft is also written so that its provisions are under Chapter 7 of the U.N. charter, which covers the Security Council\'s authority to enforce its decisions with measures such as sanctions or the use of force. 2015-01-23 05:50:16 Franklyn: I\'ve come to collect a parcel withdrew fiend 2500 no credit loan prey Tankel said she received at least 80 phone calls within one day of the jury\'s not guilty verdict. While the threats died down during the week, she said they ramped right back up again on Friday and continued through the weekend. 2015-01-23 05:50:16 Norris: We work together concerning loans columbia mo surprising As criticism of the NSA, fueled by the classified documents leaked by Edward Snowden, builds in the United States and overseas, the agency\'s supporters are pointing to intercepted intel on these possible attacks as Exhibit A in why the NSA\'s programs are vital to American security. 2015-01-23 05:50:17 Savannah: this post is fantastic zinc cash loans instant approval sovereign media ГўВЂВњ(I was) new on the block. Getting acquainted with everything,ГўВЂВќ Milliner said. ГўВЂВњIt was difficult to begin with at times, sort of the same thing right here. When you first start off, you want to do good, but unfortunately that was a rough time right there.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-23 05:50:17 Darnell: When do you want me to start? praise tentacles sigma paydayloans narrative Even though the NSA has gained access to users on the system, the documents add “we will never be able to de-anonymise all Tor users all the time”. It continues by stating \"with manual analysis we can de-anonymise a very small fraction of Tor users,” and the NSA has had “no success de-anonymising a user in response” to a specific request. 2015-01-23 05:50:17 Antoine: Who\'s calling? hereditary cash pay day loan wood popped Capturing Clintons signature Arkansas twang, Bono delivered a faux Clinton monologue: В When I first met Bono, he walked into the Oval Office and actually I thought he was a member of his own road crew. He wasnt dressed right. Actually, I felt like the rock star on that occasion. 2015-01-23 05:50:18 Katherine: I\'ve been cut off cheap limovan But there is always one thing that stands between the modder and his phone: a locked bootloader. Many manufacturers lock their bootloaders and offer a tool to unlock them, provided you give up your warranty. However, some manufacturers (and carriers) permanently lock bootloaders on devices to keep people from ever messing with them. The Moto X was launched with a locked bootloader, but we didnt know what would come of it. 2015-01-23 20:15:12 Caleb: Can you hear me OK? imovane rxlist No team had ever rallied from more than two points behind to win the trophy and the U.S., captained by 18-time LPGA Tour winner Meg Mallon, failed to fire as they suffered a second straight loss in the event. 2015-01-23 20:15:12 Jonathan: Wonderfull great site buy limovan uk \"When on a phone call if you press the on/off instead of locking it, it ends the call. Very annoying, since having the phone call option on the screen and holding the phone to your ear could cause you to accidentally press buttons with your cheek.\" 2015-01-23 20:15:13 Francis: I\'d like to send this to order zopiclone 7.5mg \"It\'s kind of bittersweet,\" Jodie Swales, 22, told FOX 5 before getting married. \"We are happy that she\'s here, but this will probably be the last big thing that we do with her.\" 2015-01-23 20:15:13 Grant: I\'d like to pay this in, please fake xanax bars for sale The ousted leader\'s allies have said they are planning a major protest in Cairo on Tuesday, and the interim government has warned that any violation of the law will be dealt with \"firmly\". 2015-01-23 20:15:13 Elden: Some First Class stamps bromazepam fda A spokeswoman for the Department for Education said: \"Some schools, having \'banked\' a C grade in maths a year early, then enter pupils for other exams to game the league table system, instead of continuing with maths to 16. 2015-01-23 20:15:14 Guadalupe: I\'ve lost my bank card cheap limovan The only enforcement actions the IRS is undertaking duringthe shutdown involve criminal cases or non-criminal \"isolatedinstances where we need to take immediate action to protect thegovernment\'s interest,\" IRS spokeswoman Michelle Eldridge said. 2015-01-23 20:15:14 Bryce: Some First Class stamps 100 mg imovane \"Probably the most exciting day of my life was when I got araise from the minimum wage of $1.60 an hour to $1.75. It seemedlike such a huge increase back then. It was way better than mybest bonus at T. Rowe Price. I also remember getting my firstpaycheck, which was around $40 for the week: I may have saved alittle of it, but I probably spent most of it at the pizza placenext store. 2015-01-23 20:15:14 Winford: I live here buy cheapest zopiclone online Rivera always took this job of baseball seriously, played with an economy of emotion, an innate dignity. He kept playing that way, right through five championships and then again through a carefully choreographed farewell season. This last night, though, was special, more organic. Credit goes to Girardi for much of that. 2015-01-23 20:15:14 Garret: I wanted to live abroad zopiclone online no prescription uk When Cory Monteith and Lea Michele began working together on \"Glee\" in 2009, they insisted that their relationship was purely platonic. However, after a few years (and a break-up for Michele), things changed, and the two fell in love. \"I don\'t even remember a time when he wasn\'t my boyfriend,\" the actress, 26, told Marie Claire in its January 2013 issue. \"No one knows me better than Cory.\" 2015-01-23 20:15:15 Prince: Punk not dead Lovegra Tablets \"A government shutdown, and perhaps even more so a failure to raise the debt limit, could have very serious consequences for the financial markets and for the economy, and the Federal Reserve\'s policy is to do whatever we can to keep the economy on course. And so if these actions led the economy to slow, then we would have to take that into account, surely. 2015-01-24 02:47:49 Jayson: What line of work are you in? 40mg accutane twice day I have nothing but compassion for women who are unable to conceive but want to. To have such a choice taken away from you by biology is saddening and cruel, despite the wonderful developments in science that mean there are thankfully an increasing number of fertility options. 2015-01-24 02:47:49 Arlen: I can\'t get through at the moment cost lumigan ГўВЂВњThereГўВЂВ™s never been this kind of increase,ГўВЂВќ said state police spokesman Greg Shipley, who added that people have been applying for gun purchases at the rate of about 1,000 a day over the past two weeks. 2015-01-24 02:47:49 Quintin: Where do you study? accutane price uk They started out in high-end outlets such as Selfridges, Whole Foods and the Sourced Market, and within a year had caught the attention of Waitrose and Ocado buyers. After placing a small initial order, Waitrose soon increased its contract, and by this year Jimmy’s Iced Coffee was selling up to 10,000 units a week through Waitrose alone. 2015-01-24 02:47:49 Dominick: We used to work together buy clomid online no prescription cheap Makhbalbaf, a self-described \"agnostic filmmaker,\" says, \"Even though I was born in Iran, and I didn\'t know anything about the Baha\'i people. I didn\'t even know they were in jail. Why are they in jail? Why are they hated?\" 2015-01-24 02:47:50 Alexis: What are the hours of work? generic lumigan canada \"We call it overthinking,\" neuroscientist Taraz Lee of the University of California, Santa Barbara, said in a telephone interview. Lee, lead author of a study in the Journal of Neuroscience, said our bodies learn to do some things so well that if we think about what we are doing while under intense pressure it may actually hurt our chances of succeeding. 2015-01-24 02:47:50 Brett: What line of work are you in? purchase fluconazole According to Variety, the movie will be set in flashbacks and flash-forwards as the Pope, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, flies to Rome and attends the papal conclave after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. It will focus on Bergoglio as a person, the director told the website. 2015-01-24 02:47:50 Jamie: Could I make an appointment to see ? 100 mg clomid better than 50 mg Donnelly said he saw parallels between his last gig in \"Billy Elliot\", which is about a coal miner\'s son becoming a ballet dancer, and his new one. Both are about young people trying to rise from poverty and escape the dreariness of everyday life. 2015-01-24 02:47:50 Nolan: My battery\'s about to run out buy generic avanafil Still, Rivera chose to heed the speculations and not only file for divorce from her husband of two years but also severe ties with her 28-year-old daughter. She kicked Marin out of her home in early October nearly two months before she died in a plane crash near Monterrey, Mexico in December. 2015-01-24 02:47:50 Freeman: How much is a First Class stamp? lumigan drops cost The villagers said they are ГўВЂВњfed upГўВЂВќ with the disruption caused by attempts to stop the energy company, Cuadrilla, from drilling to look for oil. Last week, the protest culminated in the arrest of more than 30 people, including Caroline Lucas, the Green Party MP. 2015-01-24 02:47:50 http://www.danabo.pl/elite/index.php: Just how this treasure trove came to be buried on an island between France and England in the English Channel is a mystery. 2015-01-24 08:29:27 Brooke: I wanted to live abroad aggregation how can i get a same day loan rates handle The treatments were given in gradually increasing doses from 2.5mg up to a maximum of 25mg for two weeks, followed by maintenance doses for the remaining 10 weeks. The aim was to see if cannabis extract alleviated or improved muscle stiffness, associated pain, muscle spasms, and sleep quality, using a validated 11-point rating scale. 2015-01-24 21:31:27 Bernie: I want to report a implementation debt bankrupt legally boat FDA testing of vials selected from the lethal shipment revealed that some of the vials were super-potent, containing 640 percent of the level of colchicine declared on the label. Other vials were determined to be sub-potent, and contained less than 62 percent of the declared levels on the labels. 2015-01-24 21:31:28 Vicente: Cool site goodluck :) register las vegas payday loan dorothy To absorb expected cuts, she\'d have to suspend childcare for over 50 families, leave about 100 college scholarships unpaid, suspend tutoring for 1,900 students and furlough 60 of her tribe\'s 310 employees in a community already plagued by 80 percent unemployment. 2015-01-24 21:31:29 Zachery: What do you like doing in your spare time? mess arable instant approval cash loans with bad credit sun rational \"Having an established brand,\" Clark said, \"is an easy shortcut for consumers who are pressed for time and may not want to spend forever researching things.\" Both Spitzer and Weiner have established brands. Liberals might argue that they were successful politicians in their respective positions of power, but those successes were easily overshadowed when they were both forced to resign. But despite how their terms in office ended, it\'s still much easier to latch on to them than their opponents or other candidates who are less known nationally. 2015-01-24 21:31:30 Augustus: Could I have an application form? shame loan without checking account fishing overhead BRUSSELS/LONDON, July 9 (Reuters) - Conflicts of interestover ownership of commodity warehouses can inflate prices of rawmaterials such as aluminium, a report by two Brusselsthink-tanks said on Tuesday. 2015-01-24 21:31:31 Rosendo: It\'s funny goodluck paul ace money loan republic cold A nocturnal finish on the Beautiful Boulevard which feels like one of those Friday night Six Nations games: great for TV, not so great for the travelling support. Given the cobbles on the Champs, it will be dire if it rains. Cavendish will have spent seven stages battling for survival from Lyon over the Ventoux and points north with this one stage in mind, so a fifth consecutive victory here would be richly deserved. Barring an act of God it\'s hard not to see him winning. 2015-01-24 21:31:33 Israel: I do some voluntary work sneer quick cash in a hour juice Reuters ACTIVELY VILIFIED THE PILOTS LONG BEFORE ANY EVIDENCE WAS OFFICIALLY DISCLOSED BY PUTTING AT BLATANTLY MISLEADING TITLE PILOT WAS IN-TRAINING WITHOUT MENTIONING THE FACT THAT THE PILOT HAD tens of thousands of flying hours, and the fact that the pilot in training was not officially in charge. 2015-01-24 21:31:34 Courtney: I\'m retired windows elton lender for poor credit generations Ms. Marianne Lake is Chief Financial Officer of JPMorgan Chase & Co. She had been Chief Financial Officer of the Consumer & Community Banking business (ГўВЂВњCCBГўВЂВќ) and prior to the organization of CCB served since 2009 as Chief Financial Officer for the consumer business unit now part of CCB. She previously had served as Global Controller of the Investment Bank from 2007 to 2009, prior to which she had served in a number of senior financial officer roles. 2015-01-24 21:31:35 Jesus: Which year are you in? haven baby loans see Carlos Corporan, a catcher who had never faced Griffin before Wednesday, jumped all over an 0-1 pitch and launched his sixth homer, a two-run shot to right. It was just the sixth homer this season off Griffin with a man on base. 2015-01-24 21:31:36 Napoleon: Will I have to work shifts? dodge exceedingly short term loans hsbc move pike Denying that there had been Вanything wrong with the previous system, it said in a statement: “The BHA are in regular contact with the Home Office, who asked us to review the tier-five visa system being employed by Godolphin on account of the steadily rising numbers of visas being granted. 2015-01-24 21:31:37 Jeremy: What\'s the interest rate on this account? generic clonazepam 1mg ГўВЂВњOur fans have the right to do anything,ГўВЂВќ Ryan added. ГўВЂВњIГўВЂВ™m not going to say IГўВЂВ™m disappointed in our fans. ГўВЂВ¦ But I think we need to move forward. The things from the past are in the past. So letГўВЂВ™s just focus on what we have in front of us. WeГўВЂВ™re all going to make mistakes. WeГўВЂВ™re all going to turn the ball over. We donГўВЂВ™t like to, but those are things that are going to happen. Obviously, weГўВЂВ™re going to try to minimize that. WeГўВЂВ™re going to try to get more of them. WeГўВЂВ™re trying to get more of them on defense.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-24 23:36:50 Bennie: Withdraw cash codeine 30 mg price The report looks at claims data for about 590,000 current and retired, non-elderly autoworkers from Chrysler, Ford and General Motors and their families in selected urban areas, including in Michigan, New York, Missouri, Indiana and Ohio. The report was funded by the National Institute for Health Care Reform, a group set up as part of automotive-industry union contracts. 2015-01-24 23:36:50 Merlin: Where do you study? klonopin purchase Those conflicting pressures culminated in the downfall of Johnson, the Canadian sprinter who tested positive for a banned steroid after beating American Carl Lewis in a world-record 9.79 seconds over 100 meters at the 1988 Games. 2015-01-24 23:36:50 Wesley: Incorrect PIN .25 mg clonazepam and pregnancy In her new book, “The Shift: How I Finally Lost Weight and Discovered a Happier Life,” Johnson explains how she lost 62 pounds over the course of a year. She did it with a rigorous routine of discipline and hard work, skills that also serve her well in her career. While her new health regime might seem like it has little to do with money, there is actually a powerful connection to finances. “The Shift,” as she dubs her strategy, can be applied just as well to money goals as it can to health-related ones. U.S. News asked Johnson to explain how to “shift” your finances with the lessons contained in the book. Her responses have been edited. 2015-01-24 23:36:51 Nicole: A law firm can you get high off 5mg hydrocodone As such, McDonald\'s is currently conducting its own wireless charging tests, using the QI standard, in select branches across Europe. However, at the same time a number of its New York outlets offer the Power Matters Alliance standard wireless charging service. 2015-01-24 23:36:51 Jerome: I came here to study .5 mg clonazepam street price I go through stages. Like during the week I eat a ridiculous diet. Yesterday I ate a bag of nuts and a bowl of salad, which is about 300 calories. On the weekend I will literally eat 8k calories a day. None stop eating all day. Ate a whole box of Alpen by 1pm last Saturday. I lack sugar and then I binge as soon as it touches my lips. I do a press ups and crunches but nothing extensive. 2015-01-24 23:36:51 Hilario: I\'m from England will 5mg of hydrocodone get me high From New York to California, outrage over the acquittal in George Zimmerman\'s murder trial poured from street demonstrations and church pulpits Sunday as protesters called for justice for the unarmed youth he killed and demanded federal civil rights charges against him. 2015-01-24 23:36:52 Rosario: Whereabouts in are you from? hydrocodone 30 mg street value Navalny was convicted of embezzlement and sentenced to five years in prison on July 18, but he was released the next day in what some considered a ploy to make the Moscow mayoral race, where he was registered as a candidate, look as competitive as possible. 2015-01-24 23:36:52 Jesus: I\'m interested in clonazepam 0.25 mg dis tablet The shutdown was set to head into its third week as the White House and Republican leaders struggled on Friday to strike a deal on reopening the federal government and on a short-term increase in the country\'s borrowing limit. 2015-01-24 23:36:53 Lionel: I hate shopping 30 mg morphine vs 10mg hydrocodone He had like six or seven tumors within his liver, in all different sections of the liver, and he [the doctor] basically said, We think this is cancer, said Chris mother, Kim Hegardt. 2015-01-24 23:36:53 Michel: I\'d like to send this letter by escitalopram oxalate 10mg The ASA stated: ГўВЂВњWe noted the asterisk used in ГўВЂВ�m*********rГўВЂВ™, but considered its inclusion did not obscure the intended meaning and it was still clear that it represented a swear word, one generally regarded as highly offensive and unlikely to be acceptable in marketing communications. 2015-01-25 13:52:34 Rupert: I went to 10 celexa mg After theyГўВЂВ™d make an arrest, I would ask them, ГўВЂВњHow did you know that guy had a gun on him? and they would tell me, ГўВЂВ�Look at the way he was shuffling. Look at the way he was holding on to the waistband.ГўВЂВ™ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-25 13:52:34 Felix: I live here diflucan 100 mg per candida Kenneth Bae, a 45-year-old tour operator and Christian missionary, was arrested last November and accused of subversive activities against the government. He was sentenced in May to 15 years hard labor, and in letters to his family in the Seattle area he described working in the fields weeding and planting beans and potatoes. 2015-01-25 13:52:34 Darrin: I\'ll send you a text diflucan 100 mg cost Ortiz added: \"And thinking in general terms, what\'s good for me, what\'s good for other players, what\'s good for your kids if they decide to become ballplayers, you can\'t let any team break a contract, because then the next time a player gets a DUI, or is charged with domestic violence or with any other thing, then the team may try to get out of a contract. They would have (precedent).\" 2015-01-25 13:52:35 Darell: Could you please repeat that? 10mg or 20mg nolvadex It is also broadly agreed that Heathrow’s present position, operating at 98pc capacity, is not sustainable. A couple of centimetres of snow can lead to delays of almost apocalyptic proportions, damaging our business links with the rest of the world. 2015-01-25 13:52:35 Scotty: I went to careprost ebay uk As a former government minister, Ablyazov was imprisoned in2002, a year after his disenchantment with Nazarbayev\'sauthoritarian rule prompted him to found the opposition party,the Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan. 2015-01-25 13:52:35 Alden: What\'s the interest rate on this account? diflucan de 100 mg \"It is clear from this report that David Cameron\'s botched departmental re-organisation created confusion about who was responsible for ensuring that meat was not wrongly being passed off as beef. 2015-01-25 13:52:36 Wesley: What are the hours of work? topamax dosage 200 mg There in Lawrenceville, and later at the Hub, a Philadelphia-based technology meeting space with about 50 workers, they spoke of arcane tax subjects from depreciation rules to accounting methods and how to make the tax code better. 2015-01-25 13:52:36 Carter: One moment, please 80 mg propranolol alot A number of middle rung leaders and officials got similar punishments for corruption as well as sexual misconduct. The court found that from 1986 to 2011, he took advantage of his positions as official of local railway bureaus as well as the former Ministry of Railways, and helped 11 people, Shao Liping and Ding Yuxin included, win promotions, project contracts, and cargo transportation contracts. 2015-01-25 13:52:36 Seth: I\'m interested in this position propranolol sa 160 mg It\'s legal for motorcycles to drive through D.C. and participants plan to cross into the capital undeterred after 11 a.m. \"For security purposes the final route will not be posted publicly,\" the organizers added. 2015-01-25 13:52:37 Jimmie: We used to work together http://libserra.com/faq/ lunesta 6 mg Since leaving the Obama administration in February, Clinton has joined her husband, former President Bill Clintons non-profit organization, and has made empowering women and girls and promoting early childhood education priorities. 2015-01-26 03:27:31 Thaddeus: this post is fantastic http://simpsonscarborough.com/resources/ phentermine online order reviews “And I just think, ‘Well, they always used to be able to cope’. Look at the dialogue in all those old films from the 1930s and 1940s. They never patronised the audience and they’re the films we still watch and adore. 2015-01-26 03:27:31 Matthew: Free medical insurance http://www.medicalreformgroup.ca/newsletters/ acetaminophen and hydrocodone bitartrate 500 mg / 10 mg Clark, 34, spent nine of his 10 National Football Leagueseasons with the Indianapolis Colts, where he was a favoritetarget of quarterback Peyton Manning. While in Indianapolis, healso played under former Colts coach Jim Caldwell, who is nowthe RavensГўВЂВ™ offensive coordinator. 2015-01-26 03:27:32 Corey: We\'re at university together http://libserra.com/faq/ eszopiclone available australia There is no public data that compares the safety record ofone-person trains with those operated by more people. The FRAdoes not differentiate between size of train crews in itsaccident or incident data reporting. 2015-01-26 03:27:32 Eric: Excellent work, Nice Design http://www.loakal.com/contact/ klonopin prices street 1mg The momentum shifted wildly, and the Oilers tied it at 11:47 when Perron plucked the puck out of a faceoff in the Devils end and picked the corner for his first goal with Edmonton since being acquired from St. Louis. 2015-01-26 03:27:32 William: Can I take your number? http://simpsonscarborough.com/resources/ order phentermine cheap But Samsung\'s record profits in spite of a maturing smartphone business highlight a problem that HTC faces: as a pure smartphone manufacturer, it has nothing else to turn to when its core business takes a hit. 2015-01-26 03:27:33 Armando: I\'m in a band http://www.medicalreformgroup.ca/newsletters/ generic acetaminophen l484 There have been almost daily protests in the capital Rabatby groups of unemployed graduates, but in the past weeks theyhave gained support from the opposition Islamist Justice andSpirituality group. 2015-01-26 03:27:33 Isaiah: Could you give me some smaller notes? http://simpsonscarborough.com/resources/ adipex prescription weight loss The online travel industry has rebounded after a depressed few years, as cash conscious buyers seek out bargains and the U.S. economy has stabilized. But the online travel segment has shown signs of becoming more competitive. 2015-01-26 03:27:33 Fabian: We need someone with experience http://fanggle.com/partner/partner-program/ soma online promo codes Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina said he was looking forward to working with Harvey and likened him to a young Justin Verlander. ГўВЂВњHe throws hard, the ball moves a lot and he has confidence in himself,ГўВЂВќ Molina said.В 2015-01-26 03:27:34 Angelo: I quite like cooking http://www.consensusortho.com/index.php/patients/ midazolam 8 mg Aug 1 (Reuters) - Online restaurant booking service providerOpenTable Inc forecast a third-quarter profit belowanalysts\' estimates as it plans to spend more on marketing andsoftware development in the face of increasing competition. 2015-01-26 03:27:34 http://www.serissagligi.com.tr/soccer/index.php: Bob Both has been involved in running at the Jersey Shore for over 20 years. He is an active participant in road races of all distances including marathons and triathalons. He is a Past President of the Jersey Shore Running Club, past Editor of the Club\'s Newsletter and currently maintains the club\'s web sites. He has managed many local events to include the Asbury Park Half Marathon, Jersey Shore Relay Marathon, Boardwalk Relay and other events. He is a Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. 2015-01-26 05:14:39 Goodboy: I can\'t get a dialling tone 80 mg prozac 300 mg wellbutrin \"We need to examine carefully the documents published thisweekend,\" Senator Ricardo FerraГѓВ§o, the committee chair, said ina Twitter message. It is unclear whether Shannon, who is notobliged to testify, will do so. 2015-01-26 12:33:29 Andreas: A First Class stamp celexa 40 mg dose \"China would rather have the waters muddy, because they cansay \'You do it. We do it. What\'s the big deal?\' and the cybertheft from companies will go on and on,\" he said by telephonefrom China, where he is senior counselor for APCO Worldwide, aU.S. business consultancy. 2015-01-26 12:33:29 Coco888: Could you tell me my balance, please? 10mg paxil for anxiety There are some in the Mets organization who are also amped up, trying to push to have Harvey named the starter.The franchise has struggled on the field and at the box office. The young aceГўВЂВ™s season has aroused, if not invigorated, a disgruntled fans base. There are those in the organization who desperately want to capitalize on his recent buzz and Citi Field hosting the All-Star Game. 2015-01-26 12:33:29 Luigi: magic story very thanks clomid 100mg success SpitzerГўВЂВ™s former communications director testified about one order the governor allegedly gave regarding Bruno: ГўВЂВњHe said f--- him, heГўВЂВ™s a piece of s---, shove it up his a-- with a red hot poker.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-26 12:33:30 Ramiro: I\'m doing a masters in law 5mg tamoxifen Mrs Long\'s first amendment would ensure that any donation made after 1 January 2014 would be made subject to publication at whatever point the secretary of state removes the block, making the situation clear for the general public and for donors. 2015-01-26 12:33:30 Corey: I\'m a partner in Buy Cyclophosphamide A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, depriving it of oxygen. As a result, some of the brain cells die and others are damaged. Every year, some 10,000 people in Ireland suffer a stroke and 2,000 people die as a result. Thousands more are left with stroke-related disabilities. 2015-01-26 12:33:30 Emile: I\'m doing a masters in law Taxotere Cytoxan A few years later, along came Murray, a kid from Scotland with a game to be reckoned with. With his mother in his box and his face often gripped in growls and grimaces, Murray became the next big British hope. 2015-01-26 12:33:30 Edmund: I\'d like to transfer some money to this account paxil cr 12.5 mg efectos secundarios Officials said the distance between where the two bodies were found suggested one may have been thrown from the wreckage. An autopsy on both girls will not be completed for a few weeks, the San Mateo County coroner said. 2015-01-26 12:33:30 Abraham: We\'ve got a joint account tamoxifen citrate tablets I suppose debt and solvency are like bellows that fan the fires of the economy or starve them of oxygen. Just dont get caught in the draft in or out of those damned bellows. The bellows opening is infested with bacteria that write CDOs and other very flimsy come-ons, or scams like Facebook that claim that ten percent of outstanding shares are a reliable indication of the value of the rest. Im not a financial expert by any means but that is something Id have rather not begun to understand: how the US economy can puff its own GDP with such flimsy vehicles of wealth creation . I hate the way it robs the bodies own efforts of any consequence or value. 2015-01-26 12:33:30 Ezequiel: I\'d like to cancel this standing order generic paxil cr cost The cameras are always rolling in Hollywood! When the stars aren\'t on the red carpet, you\'ll more than likely find them on set filming their next great blockbuster. Check out these famous actors and a... 2015-01-26 12:33:30 Willie: Insufficient funds coconutcashadvance com Not surprisingly, Google\'s competitors and its normal chorus of professional critics are already crying foul about the acquisition. (Of course, any of them could have acquired Waze but chose not to.) But in this extremely competitive market such a claim is sour grapes when measured against the facts. 2015-01-26 16:00:31 Kristopher: We went to university together cash advance bmo mastercard By resetting relations with the Maduro government now, the United States risks legitimizing the Chavez protГ©gГ©\'s ill-gotten hold on power and undercutting the Venezuelan democratic opposition efforts to sustain and expand its popular support. It\'s time the Obama administration rethink this hasty reset with Maduro.В 2015-01-26 16:00:31 Kraig: I want to make a withdrawal cash advance in culpeper “It is risky but start-ups is all I know. And it’s much more risky if you don’t do your research,” he said. “We spend 150 hours looking at a deal, not 20 as most angels do.” 2015-01-26 16:00:32 Renaldo: I\'ve just graduated financing medical equipment PRI chairman Cesar Camacho hinted that his party mightchallenge the vote count in Baja California. But Pena Nietolater urged all sides to accept the results, underlining theneed to keep things friendly in Congress. 2015-01-26 16:00:33 Modesto: Directory enquiries money mart pawn The sarin gas was found in the homes of suspected Syrian Islamists detained in the southern provinces of Adana and Mersia following a search by Turkish police on Wednesday, reports say. The gas was allegedly going to be used to carry out an attack in the southern Turkish city of Adana. 2015-01-26 16:00:33 Arturo: I don\'t know what I want to do after university 3000 personal loan Brooke Mueller is receiving treatment after her two children with actor Charlie Sheen were taken out of her custody May 2. Mueller, 35, has been at UCLA Medical Center in California, her rep told the Daily News. \"Brooke will be [at UCLA Medical Center] for several more days, and will likely transition directly into a residential treatment facility to get help for prescription drug abuse,\" her rep said. Mueller has been in rehab 18 times before. Her most recent stint, in December, was to treat an addiction to Adderall. 2015-01-26 16:00:34 Dexter: It\'s funny goodluck monthly loans bad credit with no credit check Cindy Cohn, legal director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation which represents the plaintiffs, said she hopes the continuing public court proceedings will prompt Obama administration officials to reconsider the use of such data collection methods. 2015-01-26 16:00:34 Foster: Insufficient funds guaranteed approval on payday loans Cano got a first-hand look at Davis during the past week, as the first baseman belted four HRs in his last five games against the Bombers. Davis has six homers in 12 games this season against the Yankees. 2015-01-26 16:00:34 Arnulfo: Will I have to work on Saturdays? quick loans instant cash Emergency loans - conditional on economic reforms - were negotiated with the IMF, and the country has enjoyed growth rates much higher than the rest of Latin America in recent years, despite the worldwide slowdown. 2015-01-26 16:00:35 Keneth: I\'ve been cut off finance personal tesco Notice the \"T\" in that acronym only applies to civilians. Panetta\'s very particular choice of words highlights an ongoing inconsistency in how the military treats sexuality versus gender identity: Transgendered troops may not serve openly. 2015-01-26 16:00:35 http://seocentrum.ovh/cheap/index.php: It would help if you could find out if he is a \"leg man\" or \"cleavage crazy\"! Once you recognize his weakness, you can use this knowledge to attract him like mad. Give him a tantalizing peep at your cleavage or your beautiful legs encased in silk stockings! You will automatically become an object of desire to him. 2015-01-26 22:49:36 Rolando: I\'m a housewife silagra 25 If all goes as planned and the weather remains fine, a so-called \"parbuckling\" operation will see the ship rotated by a series of cables and hydraulic machines, pulling the hulk from above and below and slowly twisting it upright. 2015-01-27 01:59:17 Arnulfo: I\'d like to open an account lasix cheap Duffy said the bank was well ahead of central bank targetsto address troubled loans. Its main challenge comes from themore than one-in-five homeowners in arrears who choose not topay, he said, warning they will face action, includingrepossession. 2015-01-27 01:59:17 Boyce: I\'d like to transfer some money to this account how much does wellbutrin cost \"The citizens of central Arkansas can rest a bit easier today with the arrest of Jason Woodring. В The power grid attacks had the potential to put many lives at risk,\" U.S. Attorney Chris Thyer said in a statement.В 2015-01-27 01:59:18 Santo: Where do you come from? topamax topiramate 50 mg Copycats are springing up nationwide, both on local TV stations and in the workplace. Some companies have begun asking job applicants to complete a dictation test at their interviews, reported state news agency Xinhua. In remote Gansu, in northwestern China, a forest-based branch of the people\'s armed police held its own contest last month based on the CCTV show, Xinhua reported. 2015-01-27 01:59:18 Delmer: Could I borrow your phone, please? avapro 150 mg Bulgarian authorities have named two men of Lebanese origin as suspects and said it believed the Lebanese Shi\'ite Muslim militant group Hezbollah was behind the July 2012 bombing that targeted Israeli holidaymakers. But Sofia has not revealed all its evidence and Hezbollah denies any involvement. 2015-01-27 01:59:18 Jayson: An accountancy practice lasik lasix \"There\'s surprisingly little cultural stress, or tension -apart from when the rugby\'s on,\" said Dan Turner, chiefexecutive of Unity4, an outsourced contact centre servicesprovider that opened in New Zealand about six months ago. \"It\'sa sibling rivalry.\" 2015-01-27 01:59:18 Basil: Best Site good looking 20 mg accutane rosacea The videogame maker and the licensing company notified a California court on Thursday that it had come to terms with the former and current NCAA athletes suing them for conspiring to fix the price of their likenesses at zero and prohibiting college athletes from profiting off themselves. The settlement Thursday left the NCAA as the sole defendant in a lawsuit filed by former UCLA basketball player Ed OBannon. A federal judge in California is considering whether to grant the case class-action status and is expected to rule within the next month. The It leaves the NCAA solely in the limelight, said Michael Hausfeld, an attorney for the plaintiffs. The NCAA declined to comment without seeing the terms of the settlement.Ben Cohen 2015-01-27 01:59:18 Monte: I\'ve only just arrived clomid men testosterone SYDNEY, July 16 (Reuters) - Australian surfwear companyBillabong International Ltd will sell its DaKineclothing and accessories brand and jettison Chief ExecutiveLauna Inman as part of a A$395 million ($359 million)refinancing deal with a former private-equity suitor. 2015-01-27 01:59:18 Lindsey: An envelope generic wellbutrin sr 150mg \"I felt like more interesting conversations were being held in the green room, or in the car on the way to the event, or in the hotel room afterward,\" McCain told Whispers. \"I thought it would be a cool idea to do a talk show, but it would film kind of like a reality show or a documentary.\" 2015-01-27 01:59:18 Newton: I\'m sorry, she\'s can gp prescribe clomid australia \"In this post-recession environment, families overwhelmingly believe in the dream of college, yet they are more realistic when it comes to how they pay for it,\" Remondi said in the statement. 2015-01-27 01:59:18 Reynaldo: A law firm http://www.beachinthecity.com/index.php/programm limovan 7 5 mg 30 comprimidos The defense has said in court papers that the SEC has had difficulty finding evidence to support its charges despite its review of more than 12 million pages of documents, thousands of tapes and dozens of investigation interview and deposition transcripts. 2015-01-27 09:42:40 Jesus: Have you got any qualifications? http://www.hollandpompgroep.nl/atex generic zopiclone uk ItГўВЂВ™s also unclear whether high concentrations of stem cellscan stimulate growth of residual breast cancer cells, Rubin andMarra said. An earlier study found that fat-derived stem cellsenhanced the growth of active, not resting, tumor cells in mice,suggesting that the fat grafting procedure should be postponeduntil there is no evidence of active disease. 2015-01-27 09:42:40 Mariah: Where are you from? http://www.hollandpompgroep.nl/atex zopiclone online no prescription uk In a statement, the Energy UK trade association said: ГўВЂВњIt is good news in the current climate that customers are using less energy. This fall in consumption shows how effective it is to insulate your home.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-27 09:42:40 Denver: Good crew it\'s cool :) http://www.politicaltheology.com/blog/standinginwitness/ zopiclone 7.5 mg price Children in those countries typically enter formal schooling later than those in the UK, but they have usually been in a nursery or kindergarten where they have been learning through play and games. 2015-01-27 09:42:40 Florentino: Through friends http://www.hollandpompgroep.nl/atex zopiclone mail order uk The yearly eventuncreatively named the ГўВЂВњMicrosoft Company MeetingГўВЂВќoffers up sneak previews of future Microsoft products, and serves as a pep rally for some of MicrosoftГўВЂВ™s roughly 100,000 employees. 2015-01-27 09:42:41 Chloe: Another year http://www.hollandpompgroep.nl/atex zopiclone price india \"Emirates Team New Zealand is pleased the jury hasmaintained the sanctity of the AC72 Class Rule in ruling that itcan be changed only by unanimous consent of the competitors andthe Regatta Director,\" Team New Zealand said in a statementafter the ruling. 2015-01-27 09:42:41 Kaitlyn: Yes, I play the guitar http://www.webface.ie/our-advantages.html cheapest imovane Now, there are many reasons a publication like Politico was easier to build from scratch than it would have been to create inside a traditional, cost-burdened institution. But thatГўВЂВ™s also hindsight talking: From the vantage point of 2006, VandeHei and Harris looked like gamblers, and the PostГўВЂВ™s grip on what the press critic Jack Shafer called the ГўВЂВњpolitical news from WashingtonГўВЂВќ beat still seemed secure. 2015-01-27 09:42:41 Franklyn: A few months http://www.hollandpompgroep.nl/atex zopiclone online united pharmacies The report did not include secret information requestswithin the United Sates authorized under the Patriot Act, a lawenacted after the Sept. 11 attacks. U.S. companies areprohibited from acknowledging the existence of data requestsmade under those statutes. 2015-01-27 09:42:42 Porfirio: I\'ll text you later http://www.theislamicmonthly.com/advertising/ ambien can you take 20 mg The government had been expected to sell the shares in fourtranches, leaving a year\'s gap between each sale, but that couldbe accelerated if enough interest is evident. The U.S. offloaded$32 billion worth of shares in Citigroup in 2010. 2015-01-27 09:42:42 Bertram: Is there ? http://www.theislamicmonthly.com/advertising/ generic ambien at walmart In the American League East alone, the Red Sox, Orioles and Rays ГўВЂВ“ all of whom are said to have a surplus of top-rated talent throughout their systems ГўВЂВ“ are in desperate need of back-end relievers who can close out games. ThatГўВЂВ™s why the YankeesГўВЂВ™ loss to the Orioles Sunday ГўВЂВ“ in which Mariano Rivera blew the save ГўВЂВ“ was so stunning. Until then, the Yankees were a major league best 40-1 when leading after eight and had just three blown saves to the RaysГўВЂВ™ 11, the Red SoxГўВЂВ™s 14 and the OriolesГўВЂВ™ AL-high 17. 2015-01-27 09:42:42 Waldo: Could I have a statement, please? secretary vermox worms informal When they took a deep breath to shoot the blowguns, they inadvertently sucked the darts into their throats. The trouble is, the act of inhaling opens the vocal cords, raising the risk that the objects will be sucked down more deeply, Jatana said. 2015-01-27 22:01:56 Hilton: No, I\'m not particularly sporty victory 40 mg celexa reviews expected teams This will contribute to a doubling of the region\'senergy-related carbon dioxide emissions to 2.3 gigatonnes by2035, according to the IEA. (Reporting by Florence Tan, Meeyoung Cho and Jane Chung;Editing by Tom Hogue) 2015-01-27 22:01:57 Victor: Do you like it here? disturbance buy clomiphene citrate refused freeman ГўВЂВњI donГўВЂВ™t want to embarrass this guy, but IГўВЂВ™d be remiss if I didnГўВЂВ™t mention the impact that Bill Parcells has had on my career,ГўВЂВќ Martin told the room packed with Hall of Famers who have returned for the 50th anniversary celebration. Martin then told the group, ГўВЂВњI wouldnГўВЂВ™t be here speaking to all you guys if it wasnГўВЂВ™t for him.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-27 22:01:58 Zachery: Who would I report to? milligram 300mg wellbutrin jumble confident In 1990, after German unification, Merkel joined the conservative CDU party and won a parliamentary seat in the east. As a protege of chancellor Helmut Kohl, she quickly rose to become minister for women and youth, moving to the former capital Bonn. 2015-01-27 22:01:59 Marion: Is it convenient to talk at the moment? july index 40 mg celexa depression judgment buckwheat The Nationals didnГўВЂВ™t need as much pitching as they got ГўВЂВ” Gonzalez (10-6) allowed two walks and fanned eight ГўВЂВ” because they became the first team to hit five home runs at Citi Field. Denard Span and Ryan Zimmerman went back-to-back to start the game against Carlos Torres. Jayson Werth and Wilson Ramos each hit a three-run shot and Tyler Moore had a solo blast. 2015-01-27 22:02:01 Markus: Some First Class stamps flurry 10 mg paxil effective excepting too Cojean would uncover in her investigation that Gaddafi many public appearances were fueled not just by his insatiable ego, but his insatiable sexual appetite as well. School events were specifically engineered so he could find his next victim. So were foreign tours. He always arranged to meet with women\'s associations and groups when visiting African nations. In these instances, persuasion in the form of a gift of money and an invitation to spend a week in Tripoli were used. But violence would also be employed if a young visitor didn\'t willingly submit to the dictator\'s depravity. 2015-01-27 22:02:01 Margarito: Very funny pictures south xalatan cheapest price eager Something that could help the government battle inflation isthe U.S. Federal Reserve\'s efforts to calm the market afterexpectations for an early scale-back in stimulus sparked aflight of capital from emerging-market nations. The capitaloutflows dragged down the value of the Brazilian real,which lifted the prices of imported goods. 2015-01-27 22:02:02 Roderick: No, I\'m not particularly sporty sow can you buy clomiphene online dick (Additional reporting by Lewis Krauskopf in New York, Steve Robrahn in Kentucky, David Morgan in Washington, David Bailey in Minnesota, Keith Coffman in Colorado, Karen Brooks in Texas, Ben Klayman in Michigan, Carey Gillam in Kansas, Ken Wills in Hawaii; Editing by Michele Gershberg and Ken Wills) 2015-01-27 22:02:03 Deadman: We went to university together hotter discount tamoxifen exhibition To date, a majority of the 23,000 wind turbines in the country have been built in the flatter north and eastern parts of the country. But now the focus of expansion is on the picture postcard areas of dark forest and lush green hills in the central and southern areas of Germany. 2015-01-27 22:02:04 Antony: How many days will it take for the cheque to clear? roll enlighten pink pill 25 paxil cr forever \"Outreach work is key to addressing the unacceptably large participation gap that remains at the universities with the highest entry requirements, so I welcome the greater focus in this area,\" said Prof Ebdon. 2015-01-27 22:02:04 Noah: Can I take your number? paxil 30 mg weight gain When the National Institutes of Health approached the Smithsonian Institute about doing a human genome exhibit at the Natural History Museum in Washington, D.C. in 2011, the NIH thought it had good timing: 2013 marks the 10th anniversary of the sequencing of the human genome, and the 60th anniversary of James Watson and Francis Crick\'s discovery of DNA\'s structure. 2015-01-27 22:23:46 Keenan: A company car buy suprax \"We need to examine carefully the documents published thisweekend,\" Senator Ricardo FerraГѓВ§o, the committee chair, said ina Twitter message. It is unclear whether Shannon, who is notobliged to testify, will do so. 2015-01-27 22:23:47 Bobby: A law firm bimatoprost purchase But Prof Goodier said it was not always possible to predict which houses were most at risk from overheating, saying: \"The problem for DECC and the Green Deal assessors is that is such a complex problem.\" 2015-01-27 22:23:47 Cornell: I\'ll text you later cefixime online He was assured he could leave without interruption, said Ho. But he was really concerned whether or not this assurance was reliable. He wanted to see confirmation. He didnt want to end up being in a trap at the airport. 2015-01-27 22:23:47 Kelvin: How do you do? purchase online bimatoprost The forests provide the raw material for a timber industry, but many of French Guiana\'s natural resources defy easy exploitation. Much of the sparsely-inhabited interior is accessible only by river. 2015-01-27 22:23:48 Randy: Do you play any instruments? paxil 40 mg dose All this is happening with the next review of PortugalГўВЂВ™s bailout progress by its EU and IMF lenders just two weeks away and with euro zone borrowing costs already firmly on the rise again. Portuguese yields lurched higher after PortasГўВЂВ™ resignation and doubtless will continue in that direction today. 2015-01-27 22:23:48 Elliot: I work here paxil tired all day Regardless if you take one or the other of Bodine\'s suggested responses, or go a different route, it is important to take control of the situation. You should try to keep the focus on the job, the company, your abilities, your accomplishments and how you represent a strong fit. And once your interview has concluded, you will be able to consider another response. 2015-01-27 22:23:48 Gregg: What\'s the exchange rate for euros? headaches after stopping paxil \"It\'s just as though the solar field had become compressed but we had not yet crossed into the interstellar region where the interstellar field would be in a different direction,\" he said in the interview. 2015-01-27 22:23:48 Terry: We went to university together erythromycin base filmtab 500mg Still, his \"private\" statement was visible to others. As with much online communication, his words were on display to a much larger group of people than that which might hear similar threats on the playgrounds and basketball courts. 2015-01-27 22:23:49 Marcellus: Insufficient funds 40 paxil Even more potential buyers may come off the fence: At the current pace of economic and job growth, mortgage rates could hit 6 percent next year, which could spark even more sales, according to Richard Barrington of moneyrates.com. 2015-01-27 22:23:49 ce relaja exigencias a bancos ante su exposici 2015-01-28 02:29:07 Marlin: I\'m sorry, he\'s buy generic effexor no prescription Some of the first-loss risk is being laid off to the privatecapital markets, and the deal is closer to a senior/subordinateprivate-label RMBS. The risk-weighting charge would likely bemuch higher if banks held the security. 2015-01-28 05:16:41 Tanner: How much does the job pay? how to stop taking effexor xr 37.5 This is appalling, they reported huge profits last year and suddenly they don\'t have the money to carry out basic maintenance? It is sad that we are not able to \"switch\" supplier as we can with gas and electricity suppliers, but instead are kept as a captive market. Shameful!! 2015-01-28 05:16:41 Alton: I\'m sorry, I\'m not interested effexor dosage 37.5mg Both the Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang had called Gansu province to express their concern for the victims, and stress the importance of the rescue operations being conducted well, the Dingxi government added. 2015-01-28 05:16:42 German: The National Gallery bactrim bactrim Schumer, in a statement to Reuters, said the confidentialfiling provision has been one of the most successful parts ofthe JOBS Act. He said investors still have all the informationthey need to analyze well in advance of the IPO. 2015-01-28 05:16:42 Orville: I\'d like to change some money there generic equivalent effexor ГўВЂВњAlex was never a patient there, we never treated him. I, in fact, have a separate practice where we do massage, we do physical training, we do diet counseling, acupuncture. We do a very small amount, if we see patients for general wellness, and do bio-identical hormone replacement,ГўВЂВќ Gross said on SNY TV. ГўВЂВњOne of the people who worked there was a physician who completed medical school, who finished a residency, but he wasn\'t a licensed physician in New Jersey. We never maintained that he was a physician, but in an unrelated investigation of a lot of wellness centers, the board came across that. I met with the board. I received what you saw. It\'s a closed matter. 2015-01-28 05:16:42 Getjoy: Where do you study? levaquin 250 mg dosage The measure would create a new non-government, nonprofit National Mortgage Market Utility that would fall under the purview of the Federal Housing Finance Administration, which now regulates Fannie and Freddie.Г‚В 2015-01-28 05:16:42 Collin: Hello good day levaquin 250 mg iv May 27: Then-US congressman Weiner sends a waist-down photo to a 21-year-old female college student in Seattle. The photo is quickly deleted, and Weiner tweets that his account had been hacked. 2015-01-28 05:16:42 Vernon: I\'ll text you later 250 mg levaquin Shadow Welsh Secretary Owen Smith said: ГўВЂВњThis bill was meant to be about tackling real concerns over corporate lobbying in Westminster. Instead, the Tory Party has turned it into a means of curbing the ability of ordinary people, through charities, voluntary organisations and trade unions, to engage and participate in the democratic process. 2015-01-28 05:16:42 Brice: What company are you calling from? Scabies Elimite \"The parents took the appropriate precautions in this situation, but young people can find ways around some of our best made plans, which is what makes this even more tragic,\" Sandefur said. 2015-01-28 05:16:42 Blake: Yes, I play the guitar bactrim 800mg It is understood that the Parkinsons had been discussing increasing security at their property before the attack, while Lt Col Parkinson had been actively involved in community policing initiatives. 2015-01-28 05:16:42 Carroll: Hello good day loan origination fee A spokesman for Bloomberg LP, the mayor’s information-services firm, said the fees for 25 of the terminals, which were already being used by the city’s financial departments, were waived when he took office in 2002. 2015-01-28 08:21:08 Douglas: I can\'t hear you very well validating unsecured debt Weston Cage says he\'s ready to change, and it looks like this time he means it. Cage, the son of actors Nicolas Cage and Christina Fulton, has checked into a rehab program after his arrest on domestic violence charges last week. It was Cage\'s second incident in one month involving his pregnant wife, Nikki Williams (l.). \'Weston is getting the help and support that he needs during this time,\' a rep for Cage\'s mother said in a statement. \'We are all hoping that he will be able to do it respectfully, in peace.\' 2015-01-28 08:21:09 Abdul: How many days will it take for the cheque to clear? company loan online The investigative commission found that bin Laden lived in six places in Pakistan between December 2001, when he evaded the U.S. military at Tora Bora, Afghanistan, and his death nearly a decade later. 2015-01-28 08:21:11 Derek: I\'m on business debt consalidation Once in office and riding herd on the financial industry, Spitzer appeared on ABCГўВЂВ™s ГўВЂВњThis WeekГўВЂВќ in 2005. The topic was an investigation of the financial practices of insurance giant AIG and then-CEO Maurice Greenberg. 2015-01-28 08:21:11 Alex: I\'d like to send this parcel to short term loans in valdosta ga Minister Reilly warmly welcomed the announcement, saying it marked a huge step forward in the fight against tobacco use, as well as a \'victory for public health against those unwilling to acknowledge the devastating consequences of tobacco addiction in our society.\' 2015-01-28 08:21:13 Nathanial: I\'m in my first year at university debt elimination secured Instead of blaming individual trainee pilots, I would say leadership and management of this airline is more culpable. They shouldnt deploy apprentices to fly long haul across Pacific with the mentor not even in charge landing that risks so many lives and corporate reputation. They need to review their system. 2015-01-28 08:21:13 Shaun: this post is fantastic how to get a loan in a hour \"A decent medical capability will increase their confidence and their willingness to do that,\" he told reporters at a breakfast meeting in April. \"Despite the fact that their medical capability is at a fairly immature stage, there is no sign of a lack of willingness to get out there day to day and fight the enemy.\" 2015-01-28 08:21:15 Willie: I was made redundant two months ago bad credit loans personal loans Those polled were optimistic about the future, with almost half believing they will outlive the average life expectancy of 79. Three per cent expect to reach 100, with many believing that by the time they get seriously ill, advances in medical technology will provide the cure. 2015-01-28 08:21:16 Sergio: How much will it cost to send this letter to ? banc one investment Businesses with more than 50 employees will now have until 2015 to provide health insurance coverage, a year later than the provision was set to take effect. Those that elect not to provide the benefit will be fined $2,000 per employee. Businesses were concerned that the reporting requirements to demonstrate compliance with the law were not clear enough.В 2015-01-28 08:21:16 Quinn: A Second Class stamp cash advance benton arkansas Charlie Sheen has been ordered to serve 30 days in a Malibu rehab under a no-jail plea bargain in his domestic violence case. The deal caps a headline-grabbing saga that exploded with Sheen\'s Christmas Day arrest on suspicion he pinned wife Brooke Mueller, 32, to a bed and held a knife to her throat during an Aspen family vacation.Sheen must also serve three months\' probation and show proof he\'s completed 36 hours of counseling. In exchange, prosecutors dropped felony menacing and criminal mischief charges. 2015-01-28 08:21:17 Rayford: A company car buy 20 mg abilify online At a brief news conference following a closed-door meetingof House Republicans, Boehner warned that this 2013 fight overthe debt limit would be \"no different\" from his party\'s effortsin 2011 to link a debt limit hike to deficit-reduction efforts. 2015-01-28 13:09:01 Cecil: Gloomy tales Buy Bupropion Online \"I think that wealthy men and men that are of status are winning these cases, like, you know, hand over foot,\" she told Abrams. \"It\'s kind of amazing because it\'s like they\'re winning them, but these are very busy men. ... That\'s why they\'re wealthy.\" 2015-01-28 13:09:03 Jada: Where do you come from? topiramate cost uk However, Justine Roberts, CEO and co-founder of Mumsnet, defended the topics, saying: \"Happily it seems some mothers do still have time for their sex lives and we\'re pleased to provide a go-to destination for straight answers when you need to ask life\'s important but often embarrassing questions.\" 2015-01-28 13:09:03 Myron: We\'ll need to take up references diflucan yeast infection pill The U.S. position exposes differences with its Gulf ally Saudi Arabia, which had welcomed Mursi\'s removal and has lavished financial support to the new government. It also raises the question of where Egypt, the second largest recipient of U.S. aid after Israel, could now turn for more military aid. 2015-01-28 13:09:04 Kelley: I\'m sorry, I didn\'t catch your name latisse sale amazon ГўВЂВњI think they were playing with the cat, tossing it back and forth,ГўВЂВќ said Hassan Zghari, store manager at the Key Food supermarket on 101st Ave. ГўВЂВњIt was a group of kids, and she threw it in the street.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-28 13:09:04 Darnell: This is the job description day 25 after clomid With bipolar disorder, people experience sustained high moods (mania), followed by period of sustained low moods. Manic episodes can include feelings of elation, rushed speech, a reduced need for sleep and hyperactivity. Lithium is currently used to treat the manic episodes of bipolar disorder. 2015-01-28 13:09:06 Santo: Can I use your phone? diflucan pill The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) said on Friday itwould let Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway (MMA) and itsCanadian subsidiary keep trains moving for now. Earlier thismonth it had ordered MMA to cease operations, saying the railwaylacked adequate insurance. 2015-01-28 13:09:07 Connor: What\'s your number? Order Bupropion The long Republican war against \"Obamacare,\" President Barack Obama\'s healthcare signature law set for launch on October 1, is at the heart of the clashes ahead. Republicans are using both the threat of a shutdown as well as the debt ceiling in an effort to scuttle or delay the law. 2015-01-28 13:09:08 Mohammed: I saw your advert in the paper buy topiramate canada MOGADISHU, Somalia ГўВЂВ” International military forces carried out a pre-dawn strike Saturday against foreign fighters in the same southern Somalia village where U.S. Navy SEALs four years ago killed a most-wanted al-Qaida operative, officials said. 2015-01-28 13:09:08 Andrew: Three years 150 diflucan \"The companies that have large pension deficits relative totheir market capitalization continue to be in denial about theimpact that deficit can have on future debt,\" said one pensionadvisor on the basis of anonymity. 2015-01-28 13:09:08 Eldon: How many weeks\' holiday a year are there? http://www.vanillastorm.com/manchester-web-design-company/ how many 2mg xanax bars to get high \"If someone raises prices at the pump, don\'t hesitate tocall me any time - day or night,\" deputy energy minister KirillMolodtsov told a meeting with officials and oil companies lastweek, according to participants in the talks. 2015-01-28 15:00:27 Elvin: What\'s the interest rate on this account? http://www.video-to-flash.com/video_to_flv/ clonazepam 20 mg bula The Kardashians just can\'t seem to stop building their media and fashion empire. Kim, Khloe and Kourtney pose in the latest advertisements for their Kardashian Kollection lingerie line in images released this week, and the sisters delivered some of their best trademark sultry stares to boot. In the ads, the three sisters don black-and-pink lace bra-and-panty sets with thigh-high sheer stockings and heels. 2015-01-28 15:00:27 Sidney: I\'ve been made redundant http://newcastlecomics.com/blog/ebay-store/ codeine 30 mg vs hydrocodone 10mg BAGLEY, Ala. ГўВЂВ” Jim Mortenson and his wife, Mickey, are a typical couple. They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, purchasing or creating things for their home and gardening ... on their roof. 2015-01-28 15:00:27 Augustine: Through friends http://www.video-to-flash.com/video_to_flv/ clonazepam 2mg street price MILAN, Aug 6 (Reuters) - A former manager of Italian oilservice group Saipem, who is at the centre of abribery probe relating to Algerian gas contracts, has beenarrested, his lawyer said on Tuesday. 2015-01-28 15:00:28 Valentin: I\'m a partner in http://www.turkpdristanbul.com/istanbul-subesi/ buy diazepam ireland Wall, the first overall pick of the 2010 draft, has averaged 16.9 points, 8.0 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 184 NBA games. According to the Wizards, Walls three-year totals place him in a prestigious group of guards Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson and Chris Paul as the only four NBA players to average at least 16 points, eight assists and four rebounds per game in their careers. Hes alsoГ‚В the fastest player (134 games) in NBA history to reach 2,200 points, 1,000 assists, 600 rebounds, 200 steals and 90 blocks (since steals and blocks became official stats) and is the fastest active player to reach 900 career assists (111 games). 2015-01-28 15:00:28 Ulysses: I\'d like to send this parcel to http://www.vanillastorm.com/manchester-web-design-company/ white xanax bars mg Nintendo took gaming in an exciting new direction in 2006 with the Wii and its motion-sensing remote, but the technology didn\'t exactly come from nowhere. The company likely took inspiration from the failed Mattel Power Glove, which debuted in 1989. 2015-01-28 15:00:28 Hunter: A packet of envelopes http://leadership18.org/staff generic klonopin what does it look like “But times have changed, and the example that football players set as role models has changed as well. And English society is very sensitive to smoking, much more than France, than southern countries, so it’s a bit more shocking here than somewhere else.” 2015-01-28 15:00:29 Henry: Three years http://newcastlecomics.com/blog/ebay-store/ codeine sulfate 30 mg dosage Baseball has been attempting to gain a suspension through at least 2014 and has threatened a possible lifetime ban. Negotiations over Rodriguez\'s penalty are likely to go through the weekend, with the 38-year-old resisting such a lengthy stretch on the sidelines. 2015-01-28 15:00:29 Keith: I sing in a choir http://www.video-to-flash.com/video_to_flv/ rivotril clonazepam gotas 2.5 mg ml Asked whether heГўВЂВ™d win the quarterback competition that will dominate the JetsГўВЂВ™ training camp in Cortland beginning in a couple of weeks, Sanchez quickly delivered a one-word response: ГўВЂВњAbsolutely.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-28 15:00:29 Destiny: I\'d like to withdraw $100, please http://newcastlecomics.com/blog/ebay-store/ paracetamol codeine tablets 500mg 30mg In 2007, Marco joined Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), where he rose to the position of Director of Mission Operations, with responsibilities over the selection and training of operators, ground segment architecture, mission planning, and the final integration, on-orbit operations and recovery of the Dragon spacecraft. Dr. Villa was integral in the effort to successfully execute $2.5B in contracts for ISS cargo resupply and crewed Dragon development programs.. A certified Mission Director for Dragon missions to the International Space Station, Dr. Villa has been part of multiple successful missions, including lead roles over ISS approach and departure. Before leaving SpaceX in 2013, Dr. Villa was part of the on-going effort to develop the crewed version of the Dragon capsule, with responsibilities ranging from the definition of the overall concept of operations, to the establishment of the crew training methodology. Currently Dr. Villa is a business development consultant and co-founder of mv2space LLC, and is also Vice President for Products Development at Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems LLC. For more on info on Dr. Villa, see www.linkedin.com/pub/marco-villa/2/65a/6b8. 2015-01-28 15:00:30 Alphonso: I\'m a housewife fashion downy can you buy accutane online yahoo moisture When Romney had mentioned his lousy September, it was an evident reference to what may have been the low point of his campaign: the 47В percent video. He was in California and said at first he couldnt get a look at the video. His advisers were pushing him to respond as quickly as he could. As I understood it, and as they described it to me, not having heard it, it was saying, Look, the Democrats have 47В percent, weve got 45В percent, my job is to get the people in the middle, and Ive got to get the people in the middle,В he said. And I thought, Well, thats a reasonable thing. . . . Its not a topic I talk about in public, but theres nothing wrong with it. Theyve got a bloc of voters, weve got a bloc of voters, Ive got to get the ones in the middle. And I thought that that would be how it would be perceived as a candidate talking about the process of focusing on the people in the middle who can either vote Republican or Democrat. As it turned out, down the road, it became perceived as being something very different. 2015-01-29 08:43:18 Barney: Would you like a receipt? admit paxil 40 mg color favour reservation \"It\'s about the ease of incorporation, the ability of Irishcorporate law and tax law to fit in with IRS (Internal RevenueService) requirements, and the flexibility that is shown by theDepartment of Finance and Revenue to any of the multinationals\'needs. If they have a problem, the law will be changed.\" 2015-01-29 08:43:19 Lillian: real beauty page wild dental prescription erythromycin repent The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies drinking risk levels (DRLs) into low, medium, high and very high, where high risk equates to about seven and a half units of alcohol per day for men and five units per day for women. 2015-01-29 08:43:20 Mauricio: Which team do you support? grind interdependent suprax 200 mg eggs Data Elite aims at a slightly later stage than mostincubators and startups. The companies\' founders will need tohave at least five years\' experience in their field, or provensuccess, such as an existing start-up that sold to a biggercompany, Venios said. 2015-01-29 08:43:20 Darius: Where\'s the postbox? sunny businesswoman paxil cr 25mg bula spell ГўВЂВњI was, of course, crying slash wailing and then my dad and brother and his family came up the driveway and then everybody was cry/wailing,ГўВЂВќ she added. ГўВЂВњIt was very special. A perfect night.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-29 08:43:21 Aidan: Through friends groups salbutamol costo style Diet and nutrition stories can sometimes be compared to tabloid magazines; they get people talking by making an outrageous claim. So when it comes to getting the latest dish, what\'s a confused consumer to do?В 2015-01-29 08:43:21 Doyle: Free medical insurance subsequent paxil 30 mg uses desert \"It is very possible that such interference with the part of the young girls brain that controls her cycles may cause her significant fertility problems later,\" she says. \"At the very least, this is a safety issue that should have been explored before this drug was released over the counter instead of treating our young girls as experimental guinea pigs.\" 2015-01-29 08:43:22 Wallace: Stolen credit card resumed arrow accidently took 2 40 mg paxil lining The Mets signed Matsuzaka, who cost the Red Sox $103 million in salary and posting fees when he left the Seibu Lions for America in 2007, on Thursday for the remainder of the season to fill a hole in their starting rotation created by elbow injuries to Jeremy Hefner and Jenrry Mejia. 2015-01-29 08:43:22 Terry: I came here to study forests abilify 15mg prices folk vocation Huh, I don\'t remember Jessie and the Rippers. I\'ll bet they were a gas! lol...Ok, that was a cheap laugh. I\'m sorry. I think the heat fried my brain today. Yeah, Peace, it was blinging hot out there! Howdy to Sokman and Triumph, too. How are you doing, guys? Jane and Yumzy- I have to agree with ya. He is a cute guy. Hope everyone is doing good, and have a \"cool\" week. That means a/c around here. lol... 2015-01-29 08:43:23 Fermin: I can\'t hear you very well idiot paxil 20 mg motives plantation None of the injuries were life-threatening, but 20 of the 36 people onboard, including the driver, were taken to hospitals. Some had just bruises but others had head and neck injuries, Dickinson said. 2015-01-29 08:43:24 Davis: I\'m sorry, I didn\'t catch your name paroxetine online kopen Its possible the virus could come back next week. Its possible the virus could come back months from now, and its even possible that it could take one or two years for this virus to return to these patients, Henrich said. We still do not know the full impact of the findings that we have. 2015-01-29 08:55:34 Jermaine: A jiffy bag apo misoprostol 200mcg \"I think CMS found a way to do something truly constructive while holding back what will undoubtedly be a tsunami of worried well who, if they had access to amyloid scans, would find that they have amyloid in their brains that is largely asymptomatic,\" he said. 2015-01-29 08:55:35 Brandon: One moment, please buy retin a .1 online One notes that these missiles represent the current most lethal threat to Israel. Israel suffered heavily from the Syrian missiles used by Hizbullah in its war with Israel in July 2006. Israeli leaders have since spoke, and continue to speak, of hundreds of thousands of multi-range missiles in Syrias arsenal. 2015-01-29 08:55:35 Douglas: I came here to work ventolin hfa 100 ug The voters in California amended the state constitution by referendum legally, to define a legitimate government policy regarding the recognition of marriage.В The court is making the case that this is a matter for California to settle, not the federal courts, and there is a very good case to make there.В However, the effect of this is to overturn an election whose legality was never in doubt just because some people didn\'t like the outcome.В That to me is a more dangerous outcome than a precedent-setting decision on standing. 2015-01-29 08:55:35 Anthony: I\'m doing an internship thuoc ventolin 2.5 mg From Robert De Niro\'s dramatic weight gain for \'Raging Bull\' to Matthew McConaughey\'s intense loss for \'The Dallas Buyer\'s Club,\' check out celebrities who\'ve shocked us with their shape-shifting ways... 2015-01-29 08:55:35 Kenton: Could I borrow your phone, please? ventolin nebulizer 2.5 mg It is in part the MayorГўВЂВ™s endorsement that assures Rattner access to the top echelons in the city.Г‚В ГўВЂВњWhen one of the richest men in the country is your friend and you are working for him, it helps a great deal,ГўВЂВ™ГўВЂВ™ said one top Manhattan power broker, who did not want to be quoted publicly speaking about the Mayor or Rattner. 2015-01-29 08:55:35 Rashad: I support Manchester United order paroxetine online It is a new approach in a market that has very little competition, according to a recent report on student loan affordability by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. It is also a way to reach lower-risk borrowers and get them rates reflecting their creditworthiness - an option the CFPB report says is lacking in the current marketplace. 2015-01-29 08:55:35 Adolfo: Can you put it on the scales, please? topamax 25mg weight loss NEW YORK, Oct 24 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were poised for amodestly higher open on Thursday, indicating the S&P 500 willrebound from its first decline in the last six sessions, asinvestors grappled with a host of corporate earnings and muddledeconomic data. 2015-01-29 08:55:36 Deadman: We work together accutane 10 mg reviews All you want is city hall to tell these regulators to just back off, let these companies come into the market and see what happens. IГўВЂВ™m not advocating that in any place where peopleГўВЂВ™s lives are at risk. IГўВЂВ™m not saying we should do that for the fire department, IГўВЂВ™m not saying you should do that for the police department. When weГўВЂВ™re talking about health and safety issues IГўВЂВ™m not advocating for more of a free for all situation. What IГўВЂВ™m talking about is a lot of these industries where innovation can lead to better services at lower costs. Going back to Airbnb, one of the interesting things is the billion dollars that is going to get spent by guests in New York City this year renting places on Airbnb is going to go into the local economy because all of those hosts are real people. They get that money and they spend it here in New York because they live in New York whereas if it goes to the hotel industry a lot of the shareholders and operators of hotels in New York arenГўВЂВ™t even here in New York. 2015-01-29 08:55:36 Jospeh: I\'ll put her on ventolin nebules 2.5mg Ennahda formed a second government with the same junior partners but a new prime minister and named independents to head the key ministries of interior, defense, justice and foreign affairs. It also cracked down hard on Salafi radicals. 2015-01-29 08:55:36 Jaime: Wonderfull great site seroquel 25 mg tabletten So how do you know if you are a candidate for a coronary calcium scan? ГўВЂВњAll people with an intermediate risk of heart disease should know their calcium score and get a coronary calcium scan,ГўВЂВќ says Hecht. ГўВЂВњWhether you are at low, intermediate or high risk of heart disease is something your doctor tries to determine by looking at risk factors like your age, your family history, your blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking history. 2015-01-29 09:01:18 Judson: Very funny pictures motilium 10 mg 30 tablet endikasyonlarГђВґГ‚В± ItГўВЂВ™s hard for a Tiger Beat poster boy to change his stripes ГўВЂВ” but allegedly spitting on people and peeing on custodial equipment isnГўВЂВ™t edgy ГўВЂВ” itГўВЂВ™s ГўВЂВњBabyГўВЂВќ behavior. Timberlake, the \'N Sync crooner-turned ГўВЂВњSexyBackГўВЂВќ singer could show the Biebs how to grow up with grace. And if Timberlake canГўВЂВ™t get Bieber in a ГўВЂВњSuit & Tie,ГўВЂВќ maybe he can at least convince him to put a shirt on. 2015-01-29 09:01:18 Wyatt: What do you do? 100mg seroquel for bipolar But the “Maybe” list is even more tantalising. He’s looking for funding for The Mountains of Madness, a classic HP Lovecraft horror story about aliens in the Antarctic – “I’ll show you the art and your heart will break,” he says. He is also raising money for a new version of Pinocchio and he is hoping to direct Cumberbatch again in a new film version of Frankenstein. 2015-01-29 09:01:18 Barney: A law firm seroquel 100 mg McIlroy arrived at Firestone last year after missing the cut at the U.S. Open and tying for 60th at the British Open in his previous two starts, but he swiftly put that behind him as he finished in a tie for fifth at the Bridgestone Invitational. 2015-01-29 09:01:18 Wallace: Whereabouts are you from? 1000 mg seroquel Styles, like spelling, are distinct depending on the regional preference. \"Barbecue\" the verb means the process of roasting with indirect heat. The technique can often be used in the preparation of lamb, turkey, and chicken, but cuts of beef and pork generally make up the dominant styles. В 2015-01-29 09:01:18 Winfred: How much is a Second Class stamp? does seroquel xr come in 100mg California last week announced it would no longer defend in court a challenge to its three-drug injection procedure but would move to adopt a single-injection method like such states as Arizona and Ohio, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. 2015-01-29 09:01:19 Daniel: I\'m about to run out of credit seroquel 25 mg anxiety Also at the conference, an international team of scientists based at Japan\'s Proton Accelerator Research Complex announced they have documented muon neutrinos transforming into electron neutrinos В— a previously unknown third way that neutrinos can spontaneously change identity. Neutrinos are subatomic particles that are very hard to detect because they have extremely low mass and rarely interact with matter. 2015-01-29 09:01:19 Mya: I\'m not working at the moment kegunaan obat motilium 10mg But there were those who had doubts about the scientific credentials for their research, pointing out that their human guinea pigs, recruited via a highly skewed selection process, were people who were able to masturbate, or copulate with complete strangers, in a laboratory setting in front of cameras and camera crew while attached to various monitoring devices. To use them as a template for “normal” sexual function, as one critic observed, was rather like judging normal singing ability by the standards of international recording artists. In particular, subsequent research suggests that the ability to achieve multiple orgasms is far from normal for most women. 2015-01-29 09:01:19 Mariah: This is the job description motilium tablets 10mg emc The other thing irritating Flaherty, a veteran of the G7 andG20 meetings as Canada\'s finance minister for nearly eightyears, is what he perceives as a weakening of the G20\'scommitment to come up with coordinated policies to bolster theglobal economy. 2015-01-29 09:01:19 Ashton: I didn\'t go to university 750 mg levaquin used State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf confirmed Meshud\'s capture. She said Meshud\'s group had claimed responsibility for the 2010 bombing attempt in Times Square \"and has vowed to attack the U.S. homeland again.\" 2015-01-29 09:01:19 Korey: What do you do for a living? earthquake peeks eszopiclone brand names implication \"The prospect of another rate cut is obviously a lot higherthan people thought. It makes sense to put more money in yield,\"Williams said. \"People will continue to hunt for thesehigh-yielding equities.\" 2015-01-29 20:32:35 Jerrod: What qualifications have you got? wallpaper order soma fedex disc A recent government-funded study of 100 surrogate mothers in Delhi and Mumbai found there was \"no fixed rule\" related to compensation and no insurance for post-delivery healthcare. It cited cases where surrogates were implanted with embryos multiple times to raise the chances of success. 2015-01-29 20:32:35 Lawerence: I love the theatre money relative where to buy carisoprodol online greenhouse downstairs While the Senate passes an immigration reform bill this week, the dirty cynical little secret that most political analysts in Washington know is that the prospects of having an immigration bill sent by Congress to the president\'s desk for signature is very slim.В В 2015-01-29 20:32:42 Rickie: I\'m a partner in carpet .25 mg klonopin pregnancy worn archipelago ГўВЂВњI think the BOE will be quiet for now and even if they issue a statement after ThursdayГўВЂВ™s meeting, itГўВЂВ™s not going to be as firm as the meeting in July,ГўВЂВќ said Richard Kelly, head of European rates and foreign exchange research at TD Securities. 2015-01-29 20:32:43 Demetrius: Hello good day despite soma online online prescription draught In a demonstration at the hacking conference, they pluggedan iPhone into a custom-built charger they equipped with a tinyLinux computer that was programmed to attack iOS devices. Theysaid it cost about $45 to buy and a week to design. 2015-01-29 20:32:43 Vernon: I\'m on holiday leash likewise .5 mg klonopin and alcohol harass atmospheric LAC-MEGANTIC, Quebec, July 12 - Shell-shocked residents ofLac-Megantic, Quebec, took small steps on a long path back tonormalcy on Friday as they returned to homes and businesses justa short walk from the lakeside town\'s center, devastated by afiery rail crash last week. 2015-01-29 20:32:44 Melanie: How much does the job pay? career table 2mg klonopin repentance tied In a low-key and methodical presentation that began early Friday, defense attorney Mark O\'Mara urged the all-female, six-member jury to not ГўВЂВњfill in the gapsГўВЂВќ or ГўВЂВњconnect the dots,ГўВЂВќ but to stick to facts. He ridiculed prosecutors for their forceful portrayal of Zimmerman as a wannabe cop who profiled an unarmed teen when he cut through the gated community where Zimmerman lived. 2015-01-29 20:32:44 Bernie: Have you got a telephone directory? misty stops midazolam fda approval plucky pairs In a separate report, the New York Federal Reserve said itsEmpire State general business conditions index slipped to 6.29from 8.24 in August. However, firms expect an improvement in themonths ahead. The index of six-month business conditions touchedits highest level in nearly 1-1/2 years in September. 2015-01-29 20:32:44 Boyce: I can\'t get a dialling tone season eszopiclone generic 2010 guardian achievement The SEC said on Friday it decided not to impose civilpenalties on two other former Vitesse executives, Yatin Mody, aformer chief financial officer, and Nicole Kaplan, a formerdirector of accounting. 2015-01-29 20:32:45 Kennith: Your account\'s overdrawn prolong eszopiclone 2 mg overwhelming skeleton In one case, former lawmaker and rights advocate Ziad el-Oleimi came under fire for referencing an Egyptian proverb that some saw as an insult to then-military ruler Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi. El-Oleimi, who was earlier beaten by military police during a protest after he was elected to parliament, had referred to Tantawi as a donkey during a rally. 2015-01-29 20:32:45 Edwardo: We\'d like to offer you the job order desyrel And you don\'t have to be an international pop star to carry off the trend either apparently. Rather surprisingly there are quite a number of glitter and sequin embellished leotards holding their own out there, so if you want to rock your own popstar vibe why not try the Lipsy sequinned body below? For a more understated take on the look wear your bodysuit under a pair of denim jeans or cut-offs. 2015-01-29 23:15:19 Tony: Have you got any ? what is diflucan 200 mg used for Peru, a top producer of copper, gold and silver, has overthe past decade enjoyed an average annual economic expansion of6.5 percent as exports have soared on China\'s growth anddomestic demand surged with the rise of the middle class. 2015-01-29 23:15:19 Jerrold: Could you ask her to call me? wellbutrin xl 150 mg weight loss Five men, aged 20, 31, 35, 53 and 54, and two women, aged 28 and 54, were arrested in London. Four men, aged 24, 41, 44 and 56, were arrested in Cambridgeshire. Two men, aged 28 and 46, were arrested in Essex. 2015-01-29 23:15:20 Billy: Do you know what extension he\'s on? abilify 2mg tablets Lauren Silverman and her sister turned heads wherever they went. ГўВЂВњWe traveled a lot and no matter where we went, everyone looked at those girls,ГўВЂВќ Eisenberg said. ГўВЂВњThey and their mother were more than beautiful, they were breathtaking. 2015-01-29 23:15:20 Deangelo: I like it a lot kropli do oczu z bimatoprostem The steely Brennan famously was felled by a pair of near-debilitating accidents but got back to work afterward. In 1982, toward the end of ГўВЂВњPrivate BenjaminГўВЂВ™sГўВЂВќ brief run, Brennan was hit by a car crossing a Los Angeles street after dining with Hawn. Polly Holiday was brought in to play a new character on the show for several episodes before it was canceled in January 1983. 2015-01-29 23:15:20 Payton: Another year ventolin 0 4 mg/ml annostus This African country has turned a significant corner, swearing in a newly elected president. The question now is whether the government can overcome the longstanding security problems that got it into trouble in the first place, and chart a path to rights-respecting democratic rule. 2015-01-29 23:15:20 Sydney: Just over two years buy accutane online 30mg Martin kept the fun going in the seventh, homering a second time, off Reds reliever Logan Ondrusek. That made him the second Pirate with multiple home runs in a playoff game; Bob Robertson had three in Game 2 of the 1971 NLCS. He also became the first catcher to have postseason home runs with three different teams, according to the Elias Sports Bureau (he homered for the Dodgers in 2008 and for the Yankees last year). 2015-01-29 23:15:20 Mohammed: Thanks funny site abilify qtc The FERC determined that the Barclays traders manipulated markets in the Western U.S. from November 2006 to December 2008. The employees made transactions in fixed-price products -- often at a loss -- with the intent of moving an index to benefit the bankГўВЂВ™s other bets on swaps, according to the FERC. 2015-01-29 23:15:20 Leslie: I\'d like to open a personal account paxil 20 mg tabletas \"Of those who become infected and who develop invasive disease, one in three will develop pneumonia, one in three will develop meningitis and one in 10 will die. People who are at risk should ask their GP about the vaccine,\" he said. 2015-01-29 23:15:21 Salvador: Thanks for calling diflucan 200 mg costo Investigators from several agencies ГўВЂВ” including the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and New Jersey State Police ГўВЂВ” had been combing the charred remains of the boardwalk in search of clues since Thursday\'s fire, which damaged or destroyed 68 businesses along four blocks. 2015-01-29 23:15:21 Trevor: Where did you go to university? personal loans best \"In view of the contradiction between acts and the statements made by the United States of America in regard to the Peace Process, the Afghan government suspended the negotiations,\" according to the statement. It did not provide details for this decision. 2015-01-30 00:35:02 Roscoe: How many are there in a book? 12 month instant cash loans To be sure, policymakers still must find ways to keep debt from growing faster than the economy.В But they should ignore calls for radical policy changes based on outdated scenarios of exploding debt. 2015-01-30 00:35:02 Tyler: Where\'s the nearest cash machine? get a payday loan in the united states Authorities said they are unaware of a specific terror threat to the nation\'s July 4 celebrations, but in Boston security officials \"are not taking any chances\" following the marathon bombing there just weeks ago, Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis told ABC News today. 2015-01-30 00:35:03 Melissa: Can you hear me OK? loans bad credit fast IRS data suggests that, globally, U.S. nonfinancial companies hold at least three times more cash and other liquid assets than the Federal Reserve reports, idle money that could be creating jobs, funding dividends or even paying a stiff federal penalty tax for hoarding corporate cash. 2015-01-30 00:35:05 Jordon: What university do you go to? payday loan lenders nj Somehow, she did. The German is a confident, big banger on grass courts who has now knocked off four standing French Open champions at Wimbledon. She is an ordinary, tentative player everywhere else, but she can throw down a 121-mph serve and is arguably the second-best server on tour, behind only Serena. On that break point in the 12th game, Lisicki struck a nerveless, 113-mph ace past Serena for deuce. Williams netted a forehand return on the next point and then Lisicki finished off a powerful rally with a forehand winner on her second match point for the victory. 2015-01-30 00:35:06 Colin: In tens, please (ten pound notes) money loans without a bank account NEW YORK ГўВЂВ” Whole Foods Market Inc. is recalling Crave Brothers Les Freres cheese in response to an outbreak of a bacterial infection that has sickened people in several states and killed at least one person. 2015-01-30 00:35:07 Werner: I work with computers loans lenders not brokers Charlotte Ross, who did several seasons on ГўВЂВњNYPD BlueГўВЂВќ and now stars on VH1ГўВЂВ™s ГўВЂВњHit the Floor,ГўВЂВќ says she turned down an offer to do ГўВЂВњLostГўВЂВќ because filming it meant too many months on the Hawaii set. ГўВЂВњCrazy, right?ГўВЂВќ she says. ГўВЂВњAll that time in paradise. But it would have been the wrong decision for everything else in my life.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-30 00:35:07 Bella: Have you got a telephone directory? payday guaranteed After U.S. close on Monday, Dow component Alcoa Inc,the largest U.S. aluminium producer, reported alarger-than-expected quarterly profit, excluding one-time itemssuch as restructuring costs and legal expenses, kicking off theearning season. 2015-01-30 00:35:08 Goodsam: I\'d like a phonecard, please arm loan calculator NEW YORK ГўВЂВ” Whole Foods Market Inc. is recalling Crave Brothers Les Freres cheese in response to an outbreak of a bacterial infection that has sickened people in several states and killed at least one person. 2015-01-30 00:35:09 Erwin: A packet of envelopes direct pay day lenders Beneath the headline Visit the Zoo, white tigers and lions leap through rings of fire, or pose majestically for their portraits. I read that the circus will be in town for five days. I park, cross the road and approach the circus. 2015-01-30 00:35:10 Broderick: How many more years do you have to go? tenormin tablets Science-fiction thriller Gravity set a new October record at the box office this weekend, performing more like an all-audiences summer event movie than the kind of targeted fare that usually dominates in the fall. 2015-01-30 12:58:13 Margarito: A pension scheme tenormin 100 costo The ГўВЂВ™60s also provide the backdrop for the Coen brothersГўВЂВ™ ГўВЂВњInside Llewyn Davis,ГўВЂВќ starring Oscar Isaac as a folk musician living in the Village. Joaquin Phoenix and Jeremy Renner travel back to ГўВЂВ™20s New York to fight for Marion CotillardГўВЂВ™s soul (and body) in James GrayГўВЂВ™s ГўВЂВњThe Immigrant.ГўВЂВќ And all of eternity serves as the setting for Jim Jarmusch, whose intriguing ГўВЂВњOnly Lovers Left AliveГўВЂВќ imagines Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton as ageless vampires named Adam and Eve. 2015-01-30 12:58:13 Scottie: I\'m doing an internship buy quetiapine tablets The challenges mirror those faced by much of China\'s manufacturing sector, from cement and steel to shipbuilding - local governments chasing jobs and economic growth over-invested in often high-cost, low-tech capacity in the mid-2000s when demand for solar panels was booming. That boom is now over. 2015-01-30 12:58:13 Shane: Can you put it on the scales, please? atenolol cost in india Hernandez Llach\'s sister, Offir Hernandez, said her brother did not use hard drugs, such as the counter-culture psychedelic drug acid, or cocaine, but said his friends told her he smoked marijuana that morning. 2015-01-30 12:58:13 Sterling: US dollars seroquel generic brand According to its website, Perfect Money performs an identitycheck on each customer to try to identify the computer used toenter the account. It said the company collects informationabout each customer\'s online activity and monitors transactionsfor signs of suspicious activity. 2015-01-30 12:58:13 Jayson: What sort of music do you listen to? Slimfast Uk Joss Garman, deputy political director at Greenpeace, said that while Ed Davey claimed the Energy Bill would drive investment into cleaner power sources, fossil fuels might end up as the prime beneficiary. ГўВЂВњThis latest subsidy, amounting to hundreds of millions of pounds taken from consumersГўВЂВ™ bills, would keep the UK dependent on the dirtiest fuel of all for at least another decade, while simultaneously putting at risk investment in less polluting power systems,ГўВЂВќ he said. 2015-01-30 12:58:14 Doyle: Sorry, I ran out of credit cheapest place buy seroquel Bill Parry, a member of the building workers\' union Ucatt, who was on the Consulting Association blacklist, said in a debate during the TUC congress: \"I want justice for every single person who was blacklisted, and we need to ensure that never happens again, in construction or any other industry. 2015-01-30 12:58:14 Leandro: A few months para que sirve el seroquel xr 300 mg But IГўВЂВ™m here today to tell you what you already know ГўВЂВ“ weГўВЂВ™re not there yet. Even though our businesses are creating new jobs and have broken record profits, nearly all the income gains of the past ten years have continued to flow to the top 1%. The average CEO has gotten a raise of nearly 40% since 2009, but the average American earns less than he or she did in 1999. And companies continue to hold back on hiring those who have been out of work for some time. 2015-01-30 12:58:14 Rupert: How many weeks\' holiday a year are there? order tenormin \"When a discovery of this size is established, it\'s most likely there will be others. Players in the industry who had the region on a back burner will start looking at it more seriously now,\" said Fadel Gheit, oil analyst at Oppenheimer & Co. 2015-01-30 12:58:14 Franklyn: I\'d like , please tenormin price Investigators believe Israel Keyes murdered his fist victim in 2001 and his last in 2012 when he kidnapped 18-year-old Samantha Koenig of Anchorage, strangled her and dumped her remains in an icy lake. 2015-01-30 12:58:14 Morton: International directory enquiries detain subsequently retin a micro coupon card rational Going forward, the researcher said, \"Our next step is to check for the disappearance of this progenitor star after the supernova fades away. We expect that it will have been destroyed in the supernova explosion.\" 2015-01-30 19:00:05 Deshawn: I\'m retired translate general ventolin 100 mcg dosage laid Customers who were left with shortfalls will automatically be compensated and the bank is writing to all customers who were affected by the blunder. Mortgage holders do not have to do anything until they are contacted by Clydesdale to explain what the next steps are. 2015-01-30 19:00:05 Claire: This site is crazy :) publish salbutamol ventolin 2mg/5ml syrup enthusiastic reception The FDA has cited DNP\'s hazardous use as a weight-loss drug as one of the key public health disasters that led Congress to enact the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act in 1938. Under that law, the FDA declared that DNP was too toxic for human use under any circumstance. 2015-01-30 19:00:06 Ollie: The United States compile girlfriend ventolin 100 mcg unwise China\'s house prices in September rose 9.1 percent from ayear earlier, the sharpest rise since January 2011, calculationsof official data by Reuters shows. The CSI300 ofleading Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listings fell 1 percent asinvestors braced for possible measures to calm the propertymarket. 2015-01-30 19:00:06 Rodger: I\'d like to send this parcel to gloomy moaning topamax generic availability window wrestle Javier Martin-Artajo was a managing director at the bank and senior trader at its chief investment office (CIO), the division where the losses occurred, while Julien Grout was a junior trader in the same unit. Both are facing charges of conspiracy to falsify books and records, to commit wire fraud and to falsify filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. 2015-01-30 19:00:07 Gabriella: I\'m happy very good site down atmosphere wellbutrin xl discounts quit comely The researchers say that their study is the first randomized controlled trial to study the effects of copper bracelets and magnetic wrist straps on the chronic inflammatory disease. Seventy patients each wore four different devices over a five-month period, reporting on their pain, disability, and medication use throughout the study. To monitor changes in inflammation, subjects also provided blood samples after wearing each device for five weeks. 2015-01-30 19:00:07 Abigail: Is there ? elbow historic topamax 25 milligram shock horizontal \"It\'s obviously a very exciting time in our movement and in our campaign,\" said Evan Wolfson, founder and head of Freedom to Marry. \"We have tremendous momentum from the wins that we secured at the ballot last year, the three states that we\'ve already won this year and of course the Supreme Court rulings.\" 2015-01-30 19:00:07 Jerry: I\'m doing a phd in chemistry nourishment retin a micro gel 1 vs 04 teeth \"They are specifically concerned about how high interest rates have moved and also about any further tightening in fiscal policy. Once these issues are cleared up, they\'ll begin the tapering process,\" said Michael Moran, chief economist at Daiwa Securities America in New York. 2015-01-30 19:00:08 Amelia: Have you got any qualifications? oyster 5 mg accutane oily skin elongated When she meets Dwight (Peter Sarsgaard), a diplomat dazzled by the sheen of her self-presentation, she fervently believes that if she can only be shoehorned back into the correct social setting, all will miraculously come right. Can it? If we are incapable of owning up to the past, Allen seems to be saying, we are condemned to flounder in its shadow. 2015-01-30 19:00:08 Tracy: We work together answer retin a micro 0.04 or 0.1 economical But in a letter Monday to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which must approve the nomination before it can proceed, the former chief counsel and acting director of USCIS says such complaints come with the territory of leadership and need to be viewed in full context. 2015-01-30 19:00:08 Ruben: Can I use your phone? buy lumigan eye drops online San Francisco police and fire officials, at an airport news conference, described a dramatic scene in the moments after the crash, with firefighters quickly putting out an initial blaze and clambering up escape slides to help evacuate passengers. 2015-01-30 19:55:22 Addison: Where\'s the nearest cash machine? where to get diflucan As early as Spring 2014, the beloved and wacky science and arts fair will descend on the National Mall to encourage kids to build everything from robotics to open source platforms to food systems to wearable tech styles. 2015-01-30 19:55:23 Jonathon: When can you start? diflucan for Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and other lawmakers said what happened in Egypt last week was clearly a coup, as the military removed and detained a democratically elected Morsi, established an interim government and called for new elections. 2015-01-30 19:55:23 Jordon: I\'m not working at the moment latanoprost prescription The proposed 9.4 percent cut in Medicare reimbursements to dialysis centers, announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on Monday, was described by JP Morgan as \"worse than even our most pessimistic scenario had envisioned\". 2015-01-30 19:55:23 Abraham: I\'m sorry, he\'s buy stendra online However, Professor David Colquhoun, professor of pharmacology at University College London, said that the changes were of limited value because the rules did not require makers to show any evidence of whether the newly licensed products were effective. 2015-01-30 19:55:24 Jefferson: I\'m not working at the moment purchase bupropion online SpitzerГўВЂВ™s former communications director testified about one order the governor allegedly gave regarding Bruno: ГўВЂВњHe said f--- him, heГўВЂВ™s a piece of s---, shove it up his a-- with a red hot poker.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-30 19:55:24 Frederick: Yes, I love it! buy stendra online A group of AT&T Inc customers filed the proposed class action against the National Security Agency and Bush administration officials in 2008, accusing them of improperly operating a warrantless mass surveillance of U.S. citizens. 2015-01-30 19:55:24 Brian: How much is a First Class stamp? latanoprost generic manufacturers Given the recent dramatic swings in the market, financial advisers are increasingly looking for investment products that do not correlate to the markets, Frank Porcelli, head of BlackRock\'s U.S. retail business, told the Reuters Global Wealth Management Summit on Wednesday. 2015-01-30 19:55:26 Kevin: I\'d like to take the job cost of diflucan without insurance Martinez also suggests breaking out of the traditional \"cookie cutter\" interview questions, such as \"where do you see yourself in five years?\" He says: \"Asking for their perspective on real-time organizational challenges or trends in your industry is far more likely to give you meaningful insight into the candidate and help you make a smarter hire for your team. Similarly, ask questions aimed to uncover work ethic, qualities that no degree can teach. Qualities like tenacity, persistence and on-your-feet thinking are ageless virtues, especially in today\'s economy.\" 2015-01-30 19:55:28 Vicente: A company car wellbutrin vs generic bupropion It is a far from impossible outcome. The Brotherhood has been damaged by Morsi\'s lacklustre period in office but they remain the best-organised force in the country. The way they have been treated will add anger and zest to their campaigning. 2015-01-30 19:55:29 Keneth: What sort of work do you do? advantages lexotan 3mg transport Udrih averaged eight points and almost five assists per game in 22 minutes an outing last season as a reserve for the Bucks and Magic. The Knicks have been looking for a backup for Raymond Felton and Pablo Prigioni. 2015-01-31 05:54:48 Josue: I like watching TV procurator limovan online remedy robbery The U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a 2009jury verdict that found Exxon contaminated water supply wellswhen methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) leaked from itsunderground storage tanks in the borough of Queens. 2015-01-31 05:54:48 Brody: Can I use your phone? proceeding weakness cheap zolpidem divide chauffeur Janis Joplin, 27 (1943-1970): Janis was known as the white girl who sang the blues. A lot of white girls have sung the blues, of course, some of them just as well as the insecure girl from Port Arthur, Texas. But few of them seemed to live the blues quite as thoroughly as Janis. Joplin died of a drug overdose. 2015-01-31 05:54:49 Benedict: What\'s the exchange rate for euros? domestic marketing zopiclone prescription uk baby This was a celebration of violence, right? Maybe it was coincidental. Maybe NBC will take steps so it won\'t happen again. But it worked for Burger King. Maybe the hit even inspired one of the company\'s marketing mavens to have visions of a Romo Burger selling at BK franchises throughout the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. 2015-01-31 05:54:50 Anibal: I\'d like to send this parcel to rocky hive limovan 7 5 mg comprimidos essential But with a strong finish in these last five games, Murphy will also have some leverage as he heads into salary arbitration. ГўВЂВњAt this point I can only play hard,ГўВЂВќ Murphy said, ГўВЂВњand hope somebody appreciates it.ГўВЂВќ 2015-01-31 05:54:50 Shirley: I\'m unemployed despise buy cheap zopiclone india ye The case is SEC v. One or More Unknown Traders in theSecurities of Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc, U.S. District Court,Southern District of New York, No. 13-04645. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by LeslieAdler, Bernard Orr) 2015-01-31 05:54:50 Vanessa: I\'d like to take the job move lovers zopiclone 7.5mg munch educated Shawn Gerstenberger and Jennifer Berger Ritchie of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, said the hot sauces were purchased from local ethnic markets, grocery stores and a swap meet. Product selection included a variety of manufacturers and types. 2015-01-31 05:54:51 Ashton: We\'d like to invite you for an interview engagement buy limovan online miss amateur It\'s always sunny in Hollywood, and these celebs love flaunting their picture-perfect beach bodies almost as much as they love getting all dressed up for the red carpet. Whether they\'re splashing arou... 2015-01-31 05:54:51 Stanley: How many more years do you have to go? spurt ruling green xanax bars pill finder fighting parrot While diet is a big driver of losing weight, physical activity is the major driver of keeping it off. It does this in three ways: First, it increases your energy expenditure so you can now eat a reasonable amount of food without gaining weight. Second (we explain this in the book), it fixes an inflexible metabolism, which means your body is now working with you – not against you – to maintain a healthy weight. Third, it better couples your appetite with your metabolism. 2015-01-31 05:54:52 Antoine: I\'m on a course at the moment resort get ambien online shoved A research team at Harvard has created a remarkable proof of concept device: a thin, transparent speaker powered by ions instead of electricity. Such \"ionic devices\" could lead to artificial muscles, telescopic contact lenses, and more. 2015-01-31 05:54:52 Hosea: History fluconazole price walmart As many as 44 percent of those polled believe the government should not have bailed out financial institutions, while only 22 percent thought it was the right move. Fifty-three percent think not enough was done to prosecute bankers; 15 percent were satisfied with the effort. 2015-01-31 09:42:17 Leah: What\'s the exchange rate for euros? bimatoprost eyelash enhancer She talks with the fierce clarity of a prophet, and observing her calm, resolute gaze is the nearest we will come to knowing what Joan of Arc looked like when she declared: “I am not afraid. I was born to do this.” 2015-01-31 09:42:17 Nigel: Other amount 200 mg of topamax+weight loss Unauthorised absences were also a matter of concern, with almost 100 such absences recorded since January 2013. Most of these were described as ‘absent at risk\', which meant after leaving, the young people engaged in risky behaviour such as drinking alcohol, taking drugs and ‘sexualised behaviour\'. 2015-01-31 09:42:17 Amado: On another call how much does isotretinoin cost without insurance Yet the administration is sending mixed signals. While the president directly spoke out against the military-backed government on Thursday -- and canceled upcoming joint military exercises -- the U.S. has refused to label Morsi\'s ouster a coup. That means, under U.S. law, the administration can continue to send $1.5 billion in annual aid to the Egyptian government. 2015-01-31 09:42:17 Mya: I can\'t get a signal can u buy fluconazole over the counter Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not make loans but instead buy them from lenders and package them as bonds, and guarantee them against default. A key part of the housing system, the two mortgage financiers own or back about half of all U.S. home loans. 2015-01-31 09:42:18 Faustino: It\'s a bad line abilify 10 mg image Pulling back from the brink, a lonely President Barack Obama said last night that he would attempt to wrest authorisation from the US Congress before ordering military strikes over Syria ГўВЂВ“ thereby putting an unexpected brake on what had seemed like impending action. 2015-01-31 09:42:18 Dominick: real beauty page isotretinoin online pharmacy We expect you know full well by now that a jumpsuit is hands down this season\'s must-have buy. We have spotted countless celebrities jump head first into this trend - everyone from Victoria Beckham to Kimberley Walsh, who only yesterday rocked a Forever Unique jumpsuit. 2015-01-31 09:42:18 Tyron: Have you got any experience? fluconazole back order IN A court case that could add a new risk factor to someprivate equity deals, the First Circuit Court of Appeals lastmonth ruled in favor of the New England Teamsters and TruckingIndustry Pension Fund, which argued that two investment fundsmanaged by Sun Capital Partners were liable for $4.5 million inpension liabilities for Scott Brass Inc. The Sun Capitalportfolio company went bankrupt in 2008. 2015-01-31 09:42:18 Alexis: Where do you study? isotretinoin cost ГўВєВ in uk We are also well-positioned with our balance sheet. At July 31, we had $490 million of cash and cash equivalents versus $366 million a year ago. Short-term and long-term debt totaled $964 million at July 31, up from $940 million a year ago. Total debt was 35% of stockholders\' equity versus 39% a year ago. Net inventories of $2.3 billion, which represents about half of total assets, have increased just 4% from a year ago, with finished goods inventory up 8% and combined raw material and work-in-process inventories down 1%. Net inventories would have increased 7% when excluding the translation effect of a stronger dollar, primarily against the weaker yen. We continue to project about a 5% increase in net inventories for the year or slightly less than projected sales growth. 2015-01-31 09:42:19 Prince: Go travelling isotretinoin tablets price in india In the early 1890s, the site housed a textile factory. Many of its workers were British immigrants, one of whom was Donohoe. This man, his sculptor argues, has been overlooked as the true father of Brazilian football and it\'s time the world knows about him. 2015-01-31 09:42:19 Layla: We\'ve got a joint account solar panels financing \"Ireland\'s next generation of GPs will be working within the remit of the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill, even though this survey indicates that the majority of trainees support termination of pregnancy for broader medical reasons\", Dr Flynn added. 2015-01-31 16:07:31 Reyes: Thanks for calling key bank loan I am sure, by my publishing this, we will get tons of comments how bad these dogs are for you, what\'s in them and how what you put into your body is how you will feel later. All true. But John, from a realistic point of view, once you are eating healthy and on your statin, your cholesterol level will fall into acceptable levels. Meeting with a smart nutritionist will help you make that happen. 2015-01-31 16:07:32 Titus: Is it convenient to talk at the moment? online installment loans indiana Twelve moviegoers were shot to death in the spree and 58 others were wounded, while another dozen people were injured fleeing the theater. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty against Holmes, a California native, if he is convicted. 2015-01-31 16:07:32 Oscar: Do you know the address? homeloanquotes Disgraced former Christian Dior designer John Galliano has issued an apology - not for his shocking anti-Semitic statements caught on camera in Paris - but for \'upsetting people.\' Amid the fallout from shocking accusations of anti-Semitic slurs and assault and his dismissal from the House of Dior, the 50-year-old has reportedly taken advice from his close friends and is seeking treatment for alcohol addiction, according to fashion insider Suzy Menkes. 2015-01-31 16:07:32 Noah: I\'d like to pay this in, please short term loans 3 months On the other hand, a gap year could enable you to gain that experience in your field of choice before starting college and give you a leg up for internship positions. Ask yourself whether the benefits of a gap year make sense for your education and career goals. 2015-01-31 16:07:33 Timmy: What do you want to do when you\'ve finished? tractor trailer financing That rift threatened Lisbon\'s plans to regain access to debtmarkets, although risks remains as the country\'s new negotiatorwith its international lenders has been a critic of theausterity policies they have imposed on the country. 2015-01-31 16:07:33 Dghonson: What\'s the exchange rate for euros? 1 hour cash short term lenders MCV is the leading trade news and community site for all professionals working within the UK and international video games market. It reaches everyone from store manager to CEO, covering the entire industry. MCV is published by Intent Media, which specialises in entertainment, leisure and technology markets. 2015-01-31 16:07:33 Everett: Do you know what extension he\'s on? cash loans az A few hours after Mr Mubarak\'s democratically elected successor Mohammed Morsi was dumped from office and arrested by Egypt\'s generals this week I couldn\'t help noticing that this time there were plenty of men in uniform out and about. 2015-01-31 16:07:33 Gaston: What do you want to do when you\'ve finished? financing lending Whatever the viewpoint, it is clear that the most immediate impact of the latest upheavals in Egypt is on, what might be called, its own backyard - the Sinai Peninsula and the Gaza Strip. And developments here impact upon the broader relationship between Egypt and Israel. 2015-01-31 16:07:34 Unlove: very best job cash advance 22401 If Johnstons numbers are right, and I have no reason to doubt him, its time for the president to make it clear he wont stand for hoarding when the nation is in difficulties such as the high unemployment. 2015-01-31 16:07:34 Lamar: I can\'t hear you very well Zyprexa 10mg \"The initial signs suggest that clubs are taking the new requirements seriously and beginning to adapt their behaviour in the way the football authorities intended, which is encouraging,\" said Birch. 2015-01-31 16:22:06 Kenny: Good crew it\'s cool :) Generic Yasmin Zarah But Kerry spent much of his first six months as America\'s top diplomat in frenetic diplomacy trying to get the two sides to agree to resume peace talks that broke down in 2008. Since February, he has made six trips to the region shuttling between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to try to cajole them into returning to negotiations.В 2015-01-31 16:22:06 Deandre: What sort of music do you like? Vytorin Generic Equivalent ГўВЂВњRachel, I know that heГўВЂВ™s not here and I would have loved to meet him, Mr. Jackie Robinson. ItГўВЂВ™s a great pleasure and honor for me to be the last Major League Baseball player to ever wear No. 42. Even though I didnГўВЂВ™t meet him, he has been a hero and inspiration for me. I thank Mr. Jackie Robinson for that. 2015-01-31 16:22:06 Neville: Could I ask who\'s calling? zithromax order online canada In 2010, Mee lured Shannon Griffin, a 22-year-old Wal-Mart worker, to an abandoned home under the pretense of buying marijuana. Once there, two of Mee\'s friends robbed Griffin at gunpoint ГўВЂВ” but he struggled and was shot four times. 2015-01-31 16:22:06 Arianna: Where do you live? buy zithromax 250 mg online \'It\'s so different from anything I\'ve ever done, which was what made the shoot so fun for me,\' Kardashian wrote on her blog. \'YRB is known for being very wild and crazy with the content they publish, so I jumped at the chance to work with them! I love experimenting with different looks and this was the perfect opportunity for me to do that.\' 2015-01-31 16:22:06 Cooper: What university do you go to? Yasmin Ed Tablets International law and human decency bars the use of chemical weapons. If 500 to 1,300 people died as rebels allege, the killings in the Damascus suburb of Eastern Ghouta would be the worst chemical attack in thirty years. If there was ever an incident that crossed President Barack ObamaГўВЂВ™s Г‚В chemical weapons ГўВЂВњred line,ГўВЂВќ this it. 2015-01-31 16:22:06 Emma: The line\'s engaged zithromax 250 mg dosage for chlamydia They went to see the protests on August 16 and were arrested at a check point, then searched and beaten, they said. The two men were taken to Cairo\'s Tora prison, where members of ousted President Mohamed Mursi\'s Muslim Brotherhood are being held. 2015-01-31 16:22:06 Haley: How much does the job pay? zithromax 1000 mg online But since his June election, Rouhani has made clear he is seeking relief from the sanctions and has welcomed a new start in nuclear negotiations in hopes this could ease the economic pressure. He has said he has the full support of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final word on all important matters of state including the nuclear question. 2015-01-31 16:22:07 Reggie: Looking for work zithromax 250 mg and alcohol Ghannouchi, the party\'s chairman, said in an interview that the ballot could be held early next year, and that Ennahda had not necessarily lost the chance to lead one of the Muslim world\'s most secular countries with strong ties to Europe. 2015-01-31 16:22:07 Cliff: I work here zithromax 250 mg The 45 year old, whose mum Margie lost her 20-year cancer fight when Kensit was just 24, insists she will undergo further surgery if she is found to carry faulty genes: \"I plan to get tested to find out if I\'ve inherited one of the high-risk cancer genes from my mum. If I have, I won\'t think twice about having a double mastectomy. My goal is to live to a grand old age so my sons won\'t be without me.\" 2015-01-31 16:22:07 Javier: Is there ? personal polish do need prescription clomid disapproval succeeding The company owns licences for nine gas fields in Russia withproven and probable reserves of 7.3 billion barrels of oilequivalent. Last year, Samburg oilfield, one of the deposits,was launched with initial production pegged at 43,000 barrels ofoil equivalent per day. 2015-02-01 04:41:53 Valeria: this is be cool 8) overtime legal 40 mg accutane at 6 weeks unfair attic -- Dutch pension group PGGM to acquire control of gasdistributor Northern Offshore Upstream Gas Pipeline System,which is jointly controlled by French gas and power group GDFSuez and EBN B.V. (notified Sept.17/deadline Oct. 22/simplified) 2015-02-01 04:41:54 Odell: I need to charge up my phone automatically taking 40 mg accutane a day hell territory Chief executive of Telus Corp, Darren Entwistle,warned that the sector faces a \"bloodbath\" unless rules thatcould give a U.S. giant preferential treatment in the upcomingspectrum auction are changed in the next two months. () 2015-02-01 04:41:54 Rodrick: I\'d like to apply for this job permit skiing avanafil cost waste percent Mr. Jarvis stated that the reason he closed the parks was because Mr. Jarvis had no money to appropriate but he did have money to erect barricades. Mr. Jarvis was also afraid that the would go to jail if he violated the law, several democrat congresspersons stated he would have been jailed if he did not close the NPS. When Mr. Jarvis was asked out of the 168 years of this law how many people were put in jail, a republican stated 0. 2015-02-01 04:41:55 Cristobal: I work with computers laid where can i buy avanafil busily privacy Smith did say he was trying to throw it away, although it hardly looked that way. In that situation, the safest thing to do would be to fire it out of bounds or into the first row of the lower deck. ГўВЂВњIt was an attempted throw-away and the guy who I least expected to even get over there and make the play got over there,ГўВЂВќ Smith said. ГўВЂВњI was just trying to throw it over their head and Clark got over and made the play.ГўВЂВќ 2015-02-01 04:41:55 Aaliyah: What qualifications have you got? headlight cord much does clomid treatment cost speaking There were plenty of great Porsches in the paddock and on the track, lead by at least four impeccable 962s (three in Rothman\'s livery and one in Jaegermeister), the 1998 Le Mans-winning GT1, the Moby Dick 935, and a phalanx of storied and unstoried 911 race cars from the late \'70s and early \'80s that all seemed to be in the same class (6A) and having a great time. Porsche fans could not be disappointed this year. 2015-02-01 04:41:57 Sofia: I\'m interested in this position requested diflucan pill foresight A report by Bloomberg News in December said Batista had topledge additional stakes in his companies that shields Mubadalafrom the selloff in his publicly traded companies. Shares inailing oil producer OGX PetrГѓВіleo e GГѓВЎs ParticipaГѓВ§ГѓВµes SA are down almost 90 percent this year. 2015-02-01 04:41:58 Antonio: Directory enquiries accounts 50mg clomid iui success stories cocktail wishing Travis will stay at The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano for two to three more weeks before being transferred somewhere else to undergo aggressive physical therapy. Doctors say it will take months to recover from the stroke, but scans shows the swelling in his brain is subsiding following surgery and he is making good progress in his recovery. 2015-02-01 04:41:59 Marco: An estate agents sir taking 40 mg accutane a day entitle With this vulnerability, an attacker can embed malicious values in a font description that would overrun the memory allocated to the font-drawing routine, and write into sections of memory reserved for other operations. The font instructions could be provided to Windows or Internet Explorer (IE) by way of a Web page or a document. 2015-02-01 04:41:59 Donald: Where did you go to university? assure lumigan 0 1 mg ml straightened ГўВЂВњItГўВЂВ™s good to see,ГўВЂВќ Davis said. ГўВЂВњBeing under the Mendoza line is not the best thing in the world. But IГўВЂВ™m hitting better as of late and getting on base a lot. It is nice to see .200 on the board. I havenГўВЂВ™t been there all year. Hopefully, I can keep climbing.ГўВЂВќ 2015-02-01 04:42:00 Gabrielle: Are you a student? citalopram price walgreens SaritaГўВЂВ™s only son had gone to the Kedar valley to work during the busy pilgrimage season. Two weeks after the disaster, she had no news from him. Lachmoli had been cut off. Only a small dirt footpath enabled residents to trek to safety and seek supplies. 2015-02-01 05:38:59 Nilson: Will I get travelling expenses? efectos secundarios de topamax 100 mg Years ago, I used to rely on CNN news, with Lynn Russell and Bernard Shaw, for the world news at any time of the day. Unfortunately, I have now had to revert to the evening news on the major networks for comprehensive reporting, as I am so tired of the nauseating coverage of Zimmerman, Jodie Arias, Foxy Knoxy, Casey Anthony, etc., and the unbalanced biased right/left leaning reporting and analysis of the cable networks. Lynn and Bernard, where are you? 2015-02-01 05:38:59 Francisco: I\'d like , please citalopram costco The lawsuit argues that the law violates group members\' rights to bear arms under the Second Amendment and a provision of the Connecticut Constitution that provides citizens with the right to defend themselves, The Hartford Courant reported. 2015-02-01 05:38:59 Luke: A pension scheme buy abilify no prescription Xi Jinping is very popular, and heГўВЂВ™s eager to make a show of addressing political corruption. He announced a fight against the four forms of decadence formalism, bureaucracy, hedonism and extravagance. The party leadership may be priming itself for a purge locating local and midlevel officials that are low-hanging fruit: people they can make a public example of without impacting the top of the pyramid. As for the wealthiest, they are undergoing a PR campaign of sorts, trying to display more modesty. (Chinas foreign minister just traded in his Audi for the same domestic model that Mao used to drive around in.) Make no mistake these actions are largely cosmetic. They mitigate public dissent in the short-term, but they donГўВЂВ™t get at the root of the problem. Why is that? ChinaГўВЂВ™s leaders canГўВЂВ™t fundamentally go after the problem because the problem is them. 2015-02-01 05:39:00 Sophia: Special Delivery citalopram costs without insurance The main issues before CEOs in corporations are market, competition and profit. These mean survival of the corporarion to them. The core mission of their job is to maximize profits and responsible to the shareholders. 2015-02-01 05:39:00 Stacy: I\'m from England 2 mg of abilify and weight gain Throughout the process, Ho says he never spoke or dealt with any legal or government entity in Beijing, where the mainland Chinese government under Xi Jinping is headquartered. Hong Kong and Beijing maintain separate legal systems under the two systems, one country rule, but Beijing maintains a degree of authority. His dealings, he said, were solely in Hong Kong. But he does not discount the influence Beijing may have had. 2015-02-01 05:39:00 Toney: Have you got any experience? diflucan capsule 100 mg prezzo A meeting of the sharpest minds on the day\'s most important topics, Debate Club brings in the best arguments and lets readers decide which is the most persuasive. Read the arguments, then vote. And be sure to check back often to see who has gotten the most supportГўВЂВ”and also to see what\'s being discussed now in the Debate Club. 2015-02-01 05:39:00 Connor: Your cash is being counted buy abilify no prescription In an interview with the French daily Figaro, Sergio LoroPiana, who has been running the company with his brother PierLuigi, said the family only started talking to LVMH ChiefExecutive Bernard Arnault a month ago. 2015-02-01 05:39:00 Claudio: Free medical insurance 100 mg topamax \"Proposed cuts of this magnitude simply go too far,\" said Ron Kuerbitz, chairman of Kidney Care Partners, a prominent coalition of patient advocates, manufacturers, dialysis professionals and care providers. 2015-02-01 05:39:01 Palmer: I\'m in a band citalopram price canada Some of the multinational corporations say they will bring home what could be more than a trillion dollars ifCongress will give them an 85 percent tax discount. The companies frame this as creating jobs. But as I showed in an earlier column, unless there are strict rules, the money can be used to buy back company stock while destroying jobs. 2015-02-01 05:39:01 Reinaldo: I work here dime gets clonazepam 1 mg tab teva debate pier Briggo doesnt have to be better than the best baristas in the world. It just has to be better than the nearest coffee shop. Think of this not as the epic chess showdown between Garry Kasparov and the IBM computer Deep Blue; think of Briggo, rather, as the Redbox video kiosk to Starbucks Blockbuster. 2015-02-01 16:25:31 Abdul: What part of do you come from? wool completed apap/w codeine 300/30mg yourselves In France, competition regulators have already examined acomplaint by Cogent that Orange was overcharging it to delivercontent to Orange customers there. In September 2012, the Frenchwatchdog sided with Orange, saying the operator could legallyask Cogent for more money to compensate for the high level oftraffic it was delivering. 2015-02-01 16:25:32 Gavin: Where do you live? paul spare clonazepam price without insurance mansfield running \"I\'ve been told that label sources expect first-week sales of the album to be in line with the 400,000-450,000 his recent albums have shifted. That will almost certainly give Jay his lucky 13th No. 1 on the Billboard 200.\" 2015-02-01 16:25:32 Renato: How do I get an outside line? maid buy codeine 30mg online uk can Greenwald said on Sunday in a Twitter message that he hadworked with O Globo on the reports to more quickly relay thescope and reach of the alleged surveillance. The bulk ofGreenwald\'s stories thus far have appeared in the Guardian. 2015-02-01 16:25:33 Kimberly: How would you like the money? branch 300 mg codeine high chip The FDA said the increased risk of death was mostly seen inpatients with hospital-acquired pneumonia, though it was alsoseen in patients with other types of infection. The agencyupdated the \"Warnings and Precautions\" section of the label toreflect risks. 2015-02-01 16:25:33 August: I was born in Australia but grew up in England preserved won clonazepam 25 mg picturesque attest Cheney, 46, launched herself into the race with a nearly six-minute Web video in which she laid out a conservative agenda, calling the federal government too large and wasteful of taxpayer dollars, and sharply criticized Democratic President Barack Obama. 2015-02-01 16:25:34 Corey: Could I ask who\'s calling? loss heartily 10 mg oxycodone compared to hydrocodone disposed Appointed to defend them at taxpayer expense were Robert Waggener, a Bay Area attorney who last year briefly represented San Francisco County Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi in a high-profile domestic abuse case, representing Pearmain, and public defender Jodi Linker, representing Balletto. 2015-02-01 16:25:35 Razer22: Whereabouts in are you from? stove notwithstanding 1.5 mg clonazepam and alcohol derisive The violence in Zamboanga City in the country\'s long-troubled south will have little immediate economic or investment impact as long as it doesn\'t spread in coming weeks, government officials and economists say. 2015-02-01 16:25:36 Aaliyah: I\'m on business defiant xanax bars street price 2012 therefore simulator On the Brooklyn bandГўВЂВ™s new ГўВЂВњMosquito,ГўВЂВќ nearly every song takes a fresh and fidgety approach. The Yeahs stuck with their recent bent of accenting synths over guitars, but theyГўВЂВ™ve pulled the structure of the songs out from under them. The result is more like a CD from art-rock chanteuse P.J. Harvey than anything from their raucous past. 2015-02-01 16:25:37 Nelson: I\'d like to apply for this job declared can you snort apap codeine 300 30mg maybe desperate A group that monitors piracy says well-armed pirates are using new strategies to hijack ships and widening their area of operations amid a \"worrying surge\" in attacks, kidnappings and armed robberies in West Africa\'s oil-rich Gulf of Guinea. 2015-02-01 16:25:37 Gerard: What\'s your number? comprar orlistat generico Ed Miliband insists ending the automatic affiliation of millions of union members to Labour - unless they choose to opt out - is a reform long overdue. Instead trades unionists should choose to opt in, he argues 2015-02-01 19:44:58 Wilton: Could you ask her to call me? clomipramine 10 mg That is because at the 11th hour, the Major League Baseball Players Association tried one more time to cut a deal on behalf of Rodriguez, an overture that was rebuffed by MLB. The three-day cushion enables Rodriguez to make his first appearance on the field on the same day he was potentially removed from the game forever. And since he has vowed to fight any suspension, it is expected he will file an appeal between now and Thursday that could allow him to remain on the field indefinitely. 2015-02-01 19:44:58 Mason: I really like swimming erythromycin prescription drug The firms started collaborating in 2010 and a year later signed a pact to develop new compounds in the area of recombinant botulinum toxins. Ipsen already had roughly a 10% stake in Syntaxin and has decided to buy the firm out. 2015-02-01 19:44:58 Lioncool: perfect design thanks order montelukast online A string of code from iOS 7 revealing \'a fingerprint that changes colour during the setup process\' was posted online yesterday, sparking rumours that the new iPhone could contain a fingerprint sensor. 2015-02-01 19:44:58 Madelyn: I have my own business Zofran Buy John Capek, executive vice president of medical devices for Abbott, commented in a telephone interview recently:ГўВЂВњThese technologies are leading edge and are going to add nicely to our existing vascular and ophthalmology businesses,ГўВЂВќ adding that by acquiring these new technologies will allow them . . .Г‚В to be available to broader patient populations. 2015-02-01 19:44:58 Darius: I\'d like to apply for this job Buy Valtrex Cheap Shaw doesn\'t believe the Spanish government even want the Rock. \"What would they do with it? There are 30,000 of us here. We\'d be a ghost town in 30 days if the Spanish took over. All the commerce would disappear overnight.\" He reckons the Spanish wouldn\'t be allowed to keep it offshore because the EU would deem Gib to be an integral part of Spain rather than an overseas dependency with its own rules. The Rock may be an anachronism, but that\'s the only basis on which it can function. \"We\'d be of no use to the Spanish,\" he says. \"We can\'t grow anything here. We don\'t produce anything here.\" They don\'t even fish any more, despite being surrounded by the sea, which is why the Spaniards were able to fish in their waters undisturbed for so long. Without offshore commerce, they would be nothing: a Rock without a role. 2015-02-01 19:44:58 Jason: Gloomy tales orlistat 120 mg price india Even with the price difference, Imperial Capital analyst Jeff Kessler said it could take years for cable companies to gain consumers\' trust in a market where security providers contact authorities in the event of an emergency. 2015-02-01 19:44:58 Hector: Looking for a job Zofran Cost However, the flash China HSBC Purchasing Managers\' Index(PMI) climbed to 51.2 in September helping to lift the marketfrom its session lows of 5,227.4 points. The reading hit a highnot seen since March as stronger domestic and foreign demandadded to recent signs of a tentative turnaround in the world\'ssecond-largest economy. 2015-02-01 19:44:58 Clair: I\'m unemployed erythromycin 500 mg filmtabl Dan Glickman remembers how he felt he had won \"a glory job\" when he was elected in 1976 for the first of nine terms in the House of Representatives. Now, he says, \"I think that a lot of people see politics as not an honorable profession anymore.\" 2015-02-01 19:44:58 Waldo: Do you know each other? albendazole online purchase But as often happens with gender debates, this one has taken on the feel of a Russian nesting doll, with several debates stacked inside each other. This week, the discussion veered toward whether gender belongs in the decision-making process at all. 2015-02-01 19:44:58 Hunter: I\'ve come to collect a parcel aripiprazole price canada But the critics of captive breeding programs strongly believe that such projects cause more harm than good to the species as animals born in captivity lack good survival skills and struggle in the wild. Apart from this, the techniques used in animal inbreeding increase the chances of defective genes among the offspring. 2015-02-01 20:49:57 Aidan: Directory enquiries tamoxifeno ratiopharm 20 mg efectos secundarios Though travel costs -- funded by the Department of Defense -- have been seen as a major issue, Gladchuk said that both Navy and Air Force had enough private funds to get the Falcons and Midshipmen to the game. 2015-02-01 20:49:57 Boyce: I do some voluntary work wellbutrin sr generic mylan The first black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and first black secretary of state, Powell says America has come a long way toward racial equality 50 years after Martin Luther King Jr.\'s \"I Have a Dream\" speech. Powell recalled being refused service when trying to buy a hamburger before the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 2015-02-01 20:49:57 Anthony: I\'m happy very good site generic wellbutrin sr weight loss His wife was a lawyer and their son, Bo Guagua, was educated at an elite British private school before going on to study at Oxford and Harvard universities. The younger Bo\'s Facebook photos from parties caused their own Internet stir in China. 2015-02-01 20:49:57 Emmett: Best Site Good Work silagra 100 mg bijwerkingen Just to have your sons life taken away from you when youve molded him in becoming an upstanding citizen of this country its heart-wrenching. Thats something that you can never get over, he said. Not to be there in his time in need is real troublesome. 2015-02-01 20:49:57 Paris: Very interesting tale silagra 100mg uk \"Why are these practices, as they\'re reported – which remains to be clarified – unacceptable? First because they are taking place between partners, between allies, and then because they clearly are an affront to private life,\" said Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, the French government spokeswoman, on Wednesday. 2015-02-01 20:49:58 Diva: very best job Cozaar Merck The standard means companies must regularly value how muchtheir palm fruit or cow herds are worth before they have beenharvested or slaughtered. That means estimating what the crop orlivestock will ultimately sell for. 2015-02-01 20:49:58 Keneth: What qualifications have you got? silagra 100mg uk Her writing has brought her several awards. She won The Commonwealth Writers\' Prize, the National Book Critics Circle prize for Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage, and is a three-time winner of the Governor General\'s prize. 2015-02-01 20:49:58 Napoleon: I can\'t get a dialling tone 20 mg nolvadex 25 mg proviron But it happens to be the law of the land ГўВЂВ” duly passed by Congress, signed by the President and upheld as constitutional by the Supreme Court, with a conservative chief justice authoring the majority opinion. 2015-02-01 20:49:58 Felton: Where\'s the postbox? cipla silagra 100 mg Unions, for instance, are pressing for 50 percent wage hikesthis year. The government has yet to respond. But many industryofficials worry that with general and presidential elections duenext year, it is unlikely to take a tough line. 2015-02-01 20:49:58 Wiley: Whereabouts in are you from? i need a small 100 dollar loan today emergency A 1943 unwritten agreement divided parliamentary seats along communal lines as defined in the 1932 census, when the country had a Christian majority. This principle was later extended to other government institutions, so that the president is a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni and the speaker of parliament a Shia. 2015-02-02 08:44:23 Jimmie: Where\'s the postbox? ace fast cash The humble white button mushroom could also carry significant health benefits. Researchers at Pennsylvania State University found that just a handful has about 12 times more of the powerful antioxidant, L-Ergothioneine than wheatgerm and four times more than chicken liver, previously thought to be the best sources. 2015-02-02 08:44:24 Javier: Get a job fixed rate investments No, they dont. They have most of the money placed in US banks or US treasuries or whatever else Wall Street offers. But they are holding it in the US in the name of a foreign entity. So all that cash abroad is already back in the US. It is only the tax law that do not recognize this fact. 2015-02-02 08:44:24 Branden: Who would I report to? legit payday loans sites Just ahead of the trip to persuade the U.S. companies toinvest in India, two ministries leaked letters outlining theiropposition to the latest FDI plans. One ministry also briefedjournalists about its disagreements with the finance ministryover the proposals. 2015-02-02 08:44:25 Aidan: Insufficient funds fremont investments and loan Core and peripheral euro zone debt also made solidgains and the euro moved off the seven-week low it hasbeen hovering around since the European Central Bank made clearlast week it remains ready to cut interest rates again. 2015-02-02 08:44:27 Winford: I read a lot loans center Wartsila said its order book has taken a hit from customersdelaying investments, but stronger profit still helped to liftits shares 2.7 percent to 32.79 euros by 1254 GMT, one of thebiggest rises in Helsinki\'s flat HEX25 index. 2015-02-02 08:44:28 Woodrow: Gloomy tales payday loans in arizona Surging interest rates – and all indications are they aren\'t going back down – will likely give us the answer by testing the resilience of U.S. housing markets. Here are some key indicators housing experts will be keeping their eyes on: 2015-02-02 08:44:30 Carmine: How many more years do you have to go? loan arranger The journal shows Stevens was grateful to be back in Benghazi and eagerly watching democracy slowly sprouting in the northern African nation. He had last visited Benghazi nine months before when he snuck in the country in the midst of the popular uprising against dictator Moammar Gadhafi. 2015-02-02 08:44:30 Gabriella: How do you know each other? very fast same day online payday loan TFF, your slander is not out of date. 2004 would be a better benchmark year, as the 08 crisis resulted in a big drop in spending, from which they have only been recently recovering from. Eight years of even modest growth for these companies means they should have increased their capex by around 50%, yet only one of them did. And, as you mentioned, they have also cut spending, usually in operating expenses, and those reductions offset any employment gains that result from their modest capex increases over the last 4 years, 2015-02-02 08:44:32 Russell: What\'s the exchange rate for euros? online paydayloans From Robert De Niro\'s dramatic weight gain for \'Raging Bull\' to Matthew McConaughey\'s intense loss for \'The Dallas Buyer\'s Club,\' check out celebrities who\'ve shocked us with their shape-shifting ways... 2015-02-02 08:44:35 Anthony: I\'m sorry, he\'s memory endure group order careprost segment chill Jordan is a rising Hollywood star, having parlayed critically acclaimed roles on television\'s \"The Wire\" and \"Friday Night Lights\" into several recent movie roles. His turn in \"Fruitvale Station,\" playing the Oscar Grant, the unarmed 22-year-old who was shot dead by a transit police officer in a BART station on New Year\'s Eve 2009, has sparked early Oscar buzz. 2015-02-02 14:48:24 Danilo: What part of do you come from? cook diflucan 100 mg for 3 days charges A Lincoln police captain told the newspaper that Dennard had been straddling a lane with his vehicle. In addition to the DUI, Dennard was cited for refusal of a chemical test and straddling lane lines and then released. He has a court date of Aug. 12. 2015-02-02 14:48:25 Autumn: I saw your advert in the paper death prisoner stopping celexa 10 mg charms EBay is expanding the service to Brooklyn and Queens in New York and to the Bay Area peninsula, between San Francisco and San Jose. Chicago and Dallas will be added later this summer and the service may expand outside the United States in the future, eBay executives said last week. 2015-02-02 14:48:25 Makayla: Who do you work for? largest buy nolvadex 10 mg settlement The weather is glorious, and we spend days at the beach, taking it in turns to look after Edie while the other goes swimming. We smother her in factor 50 but manage to get sunburnt ourselves. We eat crab sandwiches and at night we have barbecues. We sit outside our cottage drinking the leftover wine from our wedding that we have transported with us. 2015-02-02 14:48:27 Scotty: I\'d like to pay this cheque in, please practically scare how many mg propranolol for stage fright pebble While it\'s true that stocks fell for five straight days before snapping their losing streak on Thursday, the sell-off has been relatively mild. The three major U.S. market indexes are still up between 17% and 25% for the year. 2015-02-02 14:48:27 Jerrod: Do you need a work permit? multitude cheaper alternative to abilify unnatural pamphlet The world\'s biggest hamburger chain said global sales atrestaurants open at least 13 months rose 0.7 percent last month,slightly more than the analysts\' average estimate of 0.4percent, according to Consensus Metrix. 2015-02-02 14:48:36 Charles: This is your employment contract aloud woollen 10 mg tamoxifeno thunder troublesome What Britain has not been good at recently is producing more strength in depth among the men. Murray is currently the only British man ranked in the worldГўВЂВ™s top 250. Smith believes that is partly down to the fact that not enough people play the sport. 2015-02-02 14:48:36 Coolman: I\'m not sure taught propranolol er 80 mg capsule human Jeter sat out his second straight game while being diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain of his right calf, while his teammates suffered through a brutal 6-3 loss to the Padres that meant they havenГўВЂВ™t won any of their last seven series. 2015-02-02 14:48:38 Alphonso: A financial advisor lid nolvadex 10 mg tabs clung care Out run the occupants to greet us with wide-eyed wonder, as if a bunch of celebrities had just dropped out of the sky. It’s like the wise Winnie the Pooh once said, “Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon”. 2015-02-02 14:48:38 Hilton: I\'m happy very good site rode topmost careprost online uk charity must \"It\'s positive that markets are holding in relatively well,given how strong the month has been,\" said Mitch Rubin, chiefinvestment officer of RiverPark Advisors in New York. \"To theextent that earnings continue to be strong, that helps to takeoff some of the perception that we\'ve gone too far, too fast.\" 2015-02-02 14:48:39 Tommie: What are the hours of work? accutane 20 mg reviews These shifts suggest that it is worth looking more closely at one clear subgroup among the economists in the University of California study. Gordon and Dahl searched for, and failed to detect, ideological bias or even the subtler influence of the very distinct intellectual traditions of top U.S. universities. 2015-02-02 16:02:04 Jared: Could I take your name and number, please? clomid 150 mg success rate ГўВЂВњThis is totally off the charts, a shocker,\" one Eastern Conference executive said on Wednesday. ГўВЂВњThis pretty much means the Celtics are not trying to win. ItГўВЂВ™s stunning on many levels, but especially when you consider how many college guys have never worked out as NBA head coaches.\" 2015-02-02 16:02:04 Aurelio: Could you send me an application form? lasix furosemide There\'s something irresistible about a comeback story. Politics has plenty. Mayors, governors, members of Congress and presidents all see their fortunes rise and fall -- and sometimes rise again. Here... 2015-02-02 16:02:05 Palmer: We work together lasix 12.5 mg David Stensel, a researcher at Loughborough University in the UK who has studied exercise\'s effect on food intake, cautioned that this was a small study that needs to be repeated before any conclusions can be drawn. 2015-02-02 16:02:05 Vance: Get a job clomid without rx The turmoil leaves the Arab world\'s largest nation of 84 million people in a perilous state, with the risk of further enmity between people on either side of the political divide while an economic crisis deepens. 2015-02-02 16:02:05 Ramiro: How do you spell that? 50 mg topamax hair loss Continued structural reform in the most troubled economies is essential, and the work of building a more satisfactory institutional foundation for the euro must go on. Critical to success will be (the belated) recognition of the paradox that in economic policy, as in so much of life, what is good for one is not good for all. 2015-02-02 16:02:05 Emily: I\'d like to pay this in, please diflucan compresse costo In someone with a precursor condition to Alzheimer\'s known as mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, a positive scan may mean a higher risk of advancing to Alzheimer\'s more quickly than a negative scan would indicate, he said. \"The data are accumulating, but I don\'t know if they are there yet,\" he added. 2015-02-02 16:02:05 Diva: this post is fantastic can buy diflucan online \"All we do every day is take one day at a time and pray to the good Lord,\" Mandela\'s daughter Makaziwe told CNN. \"All I pray for as a daughter is that the transition is smooth ... He is at peace with himself. He has given so much to the world.\" 2015-02-02 16:02:06 Nickolas: I\'d like to send this parcel to purchase irbesartan Bigger profits are good news, but it would have been better news had those increased profits been put to work, not laid off in accounts paying modest interest. Hoarding corporate cash in bank accounts, Treasuries and tax-exempt bonds poses a serious threat to the economy, asГ‚В Congress recognized when it enacted the corporate income tax in 1909. 2015-02-02 16:02:06 Payton: How many more years do you have to go? diflucan cost with insurance Economists, these results suggest, seek to objectively establish the truth and have a widely agreed-on body of knowledge about how the economy works. In an age when it can be hard to write the word facts without reflexively reaching for quotation marks, that is of some comfort. But this picture of consensus among experts comes with a few caveats. 2015-02-02 16:02:06 Albert: This is the job description Purchase Tadalafil Online According to prosecutors, Green, 38, slippedГўВЂВќecstasy to a 33-year-old woman while the two were dining at a downtown Los Angeles restaurant in July 2012 and then returned to her hotel room with her. 2015-02-02 23:06:40 Arturo: I\'m interested in Generic Name For Keflex AK last year promised to carry out an investigation into the sources of doping in Kenya but so far no agent or manager has been fingered. Only athletes who test positive, usually during competitions abroad, have been punished. 2015-02-02 23:06:40 Gabrielle: I\'m doing a masters in law Nizoral Where To Buy The case has raised questions whether children are being stolen to order of if the couple were part of a wider child trafficking ring. Outside the court in the city of Larissa members of the Roma community showed their support for the couple and claimed they are being unfairly stigmatised. 2015-02-02 23:06:40 Sylvester: What university do you go to? benicar 5mg Hasan, 42, an American-born Muslim who acted as his own defense lawyer, told mental health evaluators he wanted to become a martyr and lawyers assisting him said he was actively seeking the death penalty, though Hasan has disputed that claim. 2015-02-02 23:06:40 Rodney: What\'s the interest rate on this account? finpecia 5mg But while the email implied that all eight board members planned to make the maximum allowed contribution of $4,950 to Quinn, campaign records show that, as of last week, most board members havenГўВЂВ™t given Quinn a dime. 2015-02-02 23:06:40 Brooks: Please wait benicar hct prices I decided to have a look at San Luis Obispo, and do you know what? People do seem quite positive there. I am not sure if I was wearing rose-tinted specs as a result of my love of the Madonna Inn but I genuinely thought they all seemed quite smiley. I saw an alleyway mysteriously covered in chewing gum, and browsed in some thrift and charity stores, but the real highlight was stumbling upon the Gene Francis Studio. Not only is the man a technically astounding artist, but his collection of American war memorabilia is fascinating. His grandfather was in the United States Air Force and Gene inherited his collection. Unfortunately it wasn’t for sale but it is totally up my street in terms of taste. 2015-02-02 23:06:40 Jeromy: Whereabouts are you from? Order Famvir That person would say, ГўВЂВњIf elected, I will fight like hell to abolish the office of public advocate through a voter referendum that will produce the greatest landslide in New York political history.ГўВЂВќ 2015-02-02 23:06:40 Jacques: We used to work together lisinopril hctz 20 They will also be advised to investigate the possibility that children are suffering from delayed allergic reactions if they come in with unexplained complaints such as eczema, sneezing, diar rhoea or sickness. 2015-02-02 23:06:40 Lewis: Are you a student? Purchase Famciclovir Online The charges against Bo appeared to be crafted to make him look like a rogue leader brought down by hubris and immorality. That would allow Chinese authorities to avoid questions about how the party\'s unchecked power enabled Bo\'s misconduct. 2015-02-02 23:06:40 Shaun: Good crew it\'s cool :) price of benicar Its latest results highlighted disappointing sales for a new line of devices the company initially saw as its way to win back market share from Apple Inc\'s iPhone and the numerous devices powered by Google\'s Android operating system. 2015-02-02 23:06:41 Genaro: good material thanks buy soma forums Kim Richards is finally getting the help she needs. The star of \'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills\' has checked into a rehab facility and is seeking help at an undisclosed treatment center, multiple sources confirm to \'Entertainment Tonight.\' Fans of the popular Bravo reality show may not be surprised to learn about Kim\'s struggles.Her drinking problem became public knowledge during the first season\'s finale, in which the visibly inebriated 47-year-old got into a screaming match with her sister Kyle while at cast mate Taylor Armstrong\'s birthday party. Following the blowout, Kim was checked into rehab by her family. 2015-02-03 02:42:17 Louis: No, I\'m not particularly sporty buy cheap klonopin online In Moldava nad Bodvou kids have to walk about two kilometres to reach the nearest school, Despite the distance, enrollment is high social benefits for parents are determined by their childs attendance. 2015-02-03 02:42:17 Elisha: I can\'t get a dialling tone order adipex diet pills No, the total value of all the Bitcoin in the world right now is about $2 billion which is a pittance. ThatГўВЂВ™s a lot of money, right? We would all be very happy just to take $2 billion and go home. The problem is if I gave you $2 billion of Bitcoin it would take you a very, very long time to convert that into& 2015-02-03 02:42:18 Percy: Your account\'s overdrawn imovane 7.5mg hinta San Francisco police and fire officials, at an airport news conference, described a dramatic scene in the moments after the crash, with firefighters quickly putting out an initial blaze and clambering up escape slides to help evacuate passengers. 2015-02-03 02:42:19 Wilber: perfect design thanks will 1mg of klonopin get me high Quite right, too. The R&A deserves criticism for taking the Open to male-only clubs, if only because the ongoing perception of golf as an elite, sexist sport could put off even one young girl. But the club itself is not breaking any law and it must be suspected they would not be particularly distraught if the R&A did decide to scratch them off the Open roster. 2015-02-03 02:42:19 Steep777: Best Site good looking 10mg valium vs 1mg klonopin Officials from the two countries discussed international lawand practices in cyberspace at low-level talks on Monday. Cybersecurity will feature at other meetings during the week that are also likely to address U.S. accusations that Beijing gainedaccess electronically to Pentagon weapons designs. 2015-02-03 02:42:19 Julio: this is be cool 8) cheap phentermine no prescription needed 2012 the year ofГ‚В the primary,Г‚В the election,Г‚В the Diamond Jubilee,Г‚В the superstorm,Г‚В the flying dictator,Г‚В the escaped dissident, the embassy attack,Г‚В the empty chair,Г‚В the tech protest,Г‚В the Olympics, and dozens of other stories already forgotten. It was a busy year and a terribly volatile one, too. Which of these stories will actually matter five years from now? By my count, three: 2015-02-03 02:42:20 Lucas: Sorry, I ran out of credit buy soma stanyan Under his stewardship - and thanks to the tremendous industry-wide growth in online retail - Hotels.com has seen its turnover increase 50-fold over the past decade to firmly establish itself as a market leader. 2015-02-03 02:42:22 Connor: Whereabouts are you from? imovane 7 5 mg dosering Whole Foods says the cheese may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. It was sold in 30 states and Washington DC under names including Les Freres and Crave Brothers Les Freres. The cheese was cut and packaged in clear plastic wrap and sold with Whole Foods Market scale labels. The company is posting signs in its stores to inform customers about the recall. 2015-02-03 02:42:22 Lloyd: I\'m afraid that number\'s ex-directory generic klonopin information On Saturday, police prevented thousands of people trying to enter Gezi Park as part of a rally called by Taksim Solidarity to serve notice to the authorities of a court decision that annulled the redevelopment plan. 2015-02-03 02:42:23 Gabriel: Could you tell me the dialing code for ? hydrocodone 300 mg high In the letter, written by attorney Bruce Fein \"in collaboration with\" Lonnie Snowden, the two say that by leaking information on the National Security Agency\'s vast domestic and international surveillance programs, the younger Snowden has \"forced onto the national agenda the question of whether the American people prefer the right to be left alone from government snooping...\" 2015-02-03 09:49:59 Elliott: It\'s a bad line 4 mg clonazepam Emmons was one of the first on-scene and described the column of smoke coming from the plane, using foam to try to put out the flames and climbing up the plane\'s emergency chutes to look for passengers and helping rescue the four or five people who were still in the back of the plane. 2015-02-03 09:50:01 Trinity: I\'m a trainee what do generic valium look like The protesters\' main complaint was what they saw as Erdogan\'s growing authoritarianism after a decade in power with no effective opposition to rein him in. \"That\'s not an Islamic issue,\" said Istanbul columnist Mustafa Akyol. 2015-02-03 09:50:03 Russell: Get a job buy hydrocodone online no prescription needed The verdict is the latest setback for the married Chan, who in March was ordered to pay HK$340 million ($43.8 million) in tax arrears, and has been hit by the lengthy and costly legal battle for Wang\'s estate that he lost in 2011. 2015-02-03 09:50:04 Teddy: How much were you paid in your last job? buy brand klonopin online The more prosaic explanation has to do with overstretched banks, which have been operating at peak capacity since the financial crisis. Homeowners have lined up to refinance and take advantage of rock-bottom interest rates. And as President Obama\'s refinance program has ramped up, there\'s been an increase in quick transactions that required little documentation and no appraisals. Loan officers have spent more time on refinancing, which is simple, and less on the more thorny and complicated process of getting new home loans through the pipeline. 2015-02-03 09:50:06 Rubin: Very Good Site clonazepam 2.5 mg ml gotas \"Despite challenging trading conditions and furtherintensification of promotional activity in the market we sawsome improvements over the quarter,\" said Bolland, though henoted market share did dip slightly. 2015-02-03 09:50:08 Caden: I\'d like to change some money 30 mg codeine get you high The GiantsГўВЂВ™ star receiver, who just three years ago came to training camp as the longest of long shots, is now the highest-paid receiver in Giants history. After months of talks and endless speculation, Cruz and the Giants agreed to a blockbuster, six-year contract on Monday that, according to several sources, is worth more than $45 million and includes $15.6 million in guaranteed money. 2015-02-03 09:50:09 Malcolm: Where\'s the postbox? 30 mg codeine pills \"By repealing DADT, the country and the military have taken a significant step toward equality for all who want to serve their country in uniform. But there are other discriminatory policies in the military that the repeal of DADT does not change, including the medical regulatory ban in place for aspiring or current service members who identify as transgender,\" it states. 2015-02-03 09:50:10 Harrison: I\'m happy very good site 1.5 mg clonazepam erowid Colony American Homes Inc, a provider of single family homes for rental, postponed its IPO earlier this month. Last week, Brazilian cement company Votorantim Cimentos postponed its $3.7 billion U.S. stock sale, citing market conditions. 2015-02-03 09:50:12 Hayden: A First Class stamp clonazepam 2 mg erowid Peace talks between the Taliban and the U.S. are predicated on the fighters agreeing to accept the Afghan constitution, including protections for women and minorities, and agreeing to negotiate directly with the Afghan government. 2015-02-03 09:50:13 Steep777: How much does the job pay? leading mom generic wellbutrin xl actavis prophet Were doing that because people wanted more Slurpee and we already have a lid for the small size, company spokeswoman Margaret Chabris said. So it makes it much easier to pour the Slurpee, easier for the straw to hold up in, and easier for moms to avoid a mess. 2015-02-04 00:25:27 Jefferson: I\'m doing a phd in chemistry game wellbutrin sr purchase online animated ГўВЂВњAlready since the inspection we have seen some improvements in school performance, particularly at Key Stage 3. An action plan to address the key recommendations of the report is being drawn up and we will be working hard to ensure these recommendations are acted upon and that improvements are made as a result. 2015-02-04 00:25:27 Darrell: this is be cool 8) kitchen proportion 200 mg wellbutrin spelling woken Customers were left reeling when it was discovered thatabout $1.6 billion was missing from their accounts. That moneyturned out to have been used as stop gaps, which is illegal andcaused public outrage. 2015-02-04 00:25:28 Ryan: Could I have an application form? beagle lasix and potassium luxury Soon to begin his sophomore year at Haverford College, where heГўВЂВ™s pursuing a music minor, Gillen will use the programs in music theory class. ГўВЂВњI have to generate my own music, so I will be using Lime, and I will also use Goodfeel so I can read the music on my Braille notetaker rather than send it through the embosser,ГўВЂВќ Gillen said. 2015-02-04 00:25:28 Bryce: I want to report a athletics avapro tablets pressure Different climate models provided widely differing forecasts, the researchers said, with some models estimating an overall decrease in mortality. When these models were averaged together, the effects of climate change were determined to be small. 2015-02-04 00:25:28 Jeromy: this post is fantastic borrow damage bimatoprost ophthalmic drops bosom Two decades after the firm abandoned its presence on these shores, it expressed confidence that its ГўВЂВњbroader rangeГўВЂВќ of goods ГўВЂВ“ including bagels, sandwiches, Danish pastries and muffins ГўВЂВ“ will win over British customers. 2015-02-04 00:25:28 Maurice: Another service? steak summit buy bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03 online laughter making ГўВЂВњFury,ГўВЂВќ directed by ГўВЂВњEnd of WatchГўВЂВ™sГўВЂВќ David Ayer and co-starring Shia LaBeouf and ГўВЂВњWalking DeadГўВЂВќ alum Jon Bernthal, tells the story of an American tank crew on a mission behind enemy lines in Nazi Germany near the end of the war. 2015-02-04 00:25:29 Warren: I don\'t know what I want to do after university litter sofa where can i buy diflucan alley draught This is why we can learn so much by seeing the pictures in the exact sequence they were painted. For example, an abstract watercolour \'Green X above Left’ is inscribed \'1915, 52’ indicating that it was the 52nd work he painted in 1915. In it, the picture surface is covered by vertical washes of colour, each of a different width and length. The picture’s underlying structure is a grid, and as in a cubist painting there is only limited recession into depth. 2015-02-04 00:25:29 Victoria: I\'d like to open a business account sold affairs when will my dr prescribe clomid bondage Third, NHS management should be returned entirely to professionals with first-hand experience of the job, as was the case in pre-NHS days; furthermore, all who work in hospitals should be NHS employees under direct supervision of the management. 2015-02-04 00:25:29 Wilber: How much will it cost to send this letter to ? alteration panel wellbutrin xl discount programs hush patience Gas imports are important to China because domesticproduction is not sufficient to meet growing demand. Importedgas is delivered via pipeline from Central Asia and by ship fromcountries such as Australia, Indonesia and Qatar. 2015-02-04 00:25:29 Deandre: I\'m interested in this position security financial Last summer, debate about student loans reached a fever pitch thanks to a scheduled increase in the interest rate for new subsidized Stafford loans made to undergraduates. As I said at the time, no one wanted to see interest rates double – particularly at a time when one out of every two college graduates is struggling to find a full time job. But we need to move away from a system that allows Washington politicians to use student loan interest rates as bargaining chips, creating uncertainty and confusion for borrowers. 2015-02-04 01:17:56 Cleveland: I\'m sorry, I\'m not interested need payday loan all others said no The musical equivalent of a secret handshake, Big Star has been the ultimate cult band for decades, inspiring countless fans and fellow artists to worship at the Lennon and McCartney-esque altar of co-founders Alex Chilton and Chris Bell. 2015-02-04 01:17:57 Avery: Insert your card one hour cash advance direct lender \"Rick Perry has done more to hurt women than any governor in history,\" said the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, a political arm of the women\'s health group which fought Perry on access to contraception and abortion in Texas. 2015-02-04 01:17:57 Ernest: I\'ve come to collect a parcel garunteed online payday loans For the past year, Peter Tompkins has charged about 700 pounds a week to rent a spare bedroom in his apartment in the clock tower above London\'s St Pancras train station from where views stretch to St Paul\'s Cathedral. 2015-02-04 01:17:57 Woodrow: Cool site goodluck :) great lakes loan services All this is happening with the next review of PortugalГўВЂВ™s bailout progress by its EU and IMF lenders just two weeks away and with euro zone borrowing costs already firmly on the rise again. Portuguese yields lurched higher after PortasГўВЂВ™ resignation and doubtless will continue in that direction today. 2015-02-04 01:17:58 Alden: International directory enquiries installment loans in cincinnati ohio Now THAT\'S a sparkler. Jennifer Aniston finally flashed her enormous engagement ring while in Santa Fe, New Mexico with husband-to-be Justin Theroux on Oct. 6, 2012. The actor popped the question to the former \"Friends\" star in August while celebrating his 41st birthday. Aniston and Theroux have been together for over a year since they began dating after production wrapped on their 2012 comedy, \"Wanderlust.\" 2015-02-04 01:17:58 Mariah: Wonderfull great site offshore personal bank account (Paraphilias are patterns of recurring sexually arousing mental imagery or behavior that involves unusual or especially socially unacceptable sexual practices, according to Merriam-Webster, such as sadism or pedophilia.) 2015-02-04 01:17:58 Anton: How much does the job pay? installment loans online in texas Local elections on the West Bank in October 2012 undermined Fatah\'s position, as it won only two-fifths of the seats contested on a turnout of 55%. Lists led by Fatah rebels won four of the 11 major towns and cities, and independents and leftists took control of a fifth. Hamas boycotted the poll, and allowed no elections at all in Gaza. 2015-02-04 01:17:58 Carey: I work for myself get fast loan Alcoa reported a loss from its aluminum smelting business,and said roughly a third of global aluminum is still produced ata loss, despite offsets from record high premiums aboveLME-prices, which end-buyers pay to take delivery of the metal. 2015-02-04 01:17:59 Gregory: I\'d like to transfer some money to this account 500-cash-fast com Failing to report the existence of a hazardous material may be more dangerous. But reports that falsely flag the presence of a dangerous substance can also create safety risks, said Neal Langerman, chemical-safety officer at the American Chemical Society, a professional organization for chemists. 2015-02-04 01:17:59 Hubert: Looking for work order topiramate ГўВЂВњSince working with you Don,ГўВЂВќ De Niro told Rickles, ГўВЂВњIГўВЂВ™ve done a string of small independent films, a few big-budget comedies and events like memorial services, bar mitzvahs and ceremonies where I give lifetime achievement awards to aging comics.ГўВЂВќ 2015-02-04 01:37:22 Rodrigo: How much does the job pay? getting pregnant on 25mg clomid The animated \"Despicable Me 2,\" featuring the voice of SteveCarell, hauled in an estimated $82.5 million domestically fromFriday through Sunday. The movie from Comcast Corp\'s Universal Pictures added another $60 million from Tuesday nightthrough Thursday\'s U.S. Independence Day holiday, for a total of$142 million. 2015-02-04 01:37:22 Randal: Where\'s the nearest cash machine? best online latisse Getting a partner for Spedra in Europe will take the heat off Vivus management for a little while as it prepares to fend off pressure from its major shareholder, First Manhattan Co, for control of the firm. The latter has been disparaging about the disappointing launch of the obesity drug Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate) and is looking to get its slate of directors elected to the board at the annual general meeting next week. 2015-02-04 01:37:22 Clinton: Whereabouts are you from? topiramate discount card \"While bad news for the deficit, the increase in imports at least supports the notion that demand is starting to revive again in the UK. It would just clearly be better if money was being spent on UK-produced goods and services rather than imports,\" said Chris Williamson, chief economist at data specialists Markit. 2015-02-04 01:37:22 Weston: What sort of music do you listen to? topiramate price Since the income tax system began,Г‚В Congress has authorized a tax on excessive accumulated earnings to limit damage to the Treasury and the economy when companies hold far more cash than their operations require. Without the accumulated earnings tax, corporations can become bloated tax shelters instead of engines of growth. 2015-02-04 01:37:23 Coleman: Could you tell me the dialing code for ? latisse sales representative The decision raises questions about what, if anything, the future would hold for the former presidential contender outside of Austin. With Texas relatively strong economic record under his belt, and his aggressive pursuit of a socially conservative agenda, Perry appears poised to export a Texas-based vision for the national conservative agenda. 2015-02-04 01:37:24 Thebest: I\'d like to open a personal account Buy Bupropion Online Her book, \"Warrior Princess: A U.S. Navy SEAL\'s Journey to Coming out Transgender,\" highlights her experiences serving with distinction in one of the military\'s most elite units before retiring in 2011. The veteran of operations in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Iraq could not serve under current military policy. 2015-02-04 01:37:24 Jonas: How many more years do you have to go? buy cheap medroxyprogesterone So will rising mortgage rates abort the housing recovery? Not likely. Assuming we aren\'t talking about more big jumps like we saw last week, housing markets should be able to absorb gradual increases. In fact, higher rates could cool down some overheated markets, such as we\'ve seen in Phoenix, where housing prices have been soaring at more than 20 percent a year. A slowdown in price increases seems more likely than the dramatic drops – 30 to 40 percent –В that followed the popping of the housing bubble in 2007. 2015-02-04 01:37:24 Steep777: Could you tell me my balance, please? ovulate day 25 clomid A good example is Airbnb. Airbnb is illegal in New York State but thereГўВЂВ™s going to be a billion dollars of Airbnb renting this year in New York City. People are doing it and theyГўВЂВ™re breaking the law. 2015-02-04 01:37:24 Adolfo: What\'s the current interest rate for personal loans? diflucan vs generic fluconazole Adam Norris, former advisory director of the listed financial advisory firm, said his Horatio Investments is aiming to fill a “hole in the market” where promising companies are struggling to gain funds from either individual angel investors or venture capital (VC) firms. 2015-02-04 01:37:24 Jefferey: Photography http://wecaresolar.org/projects/ effexor withdrawal symptoms 37.5 Plaintiffs lawyers say they have been giving more attention lately to whistleblower awards under FIRREA. But the small size of the potential award for FIRREA complaints makes it less attractive for potential whistleblowers to step forward and risk their careers and reputations on a case, some lawyers say. 2015-02-04 02:36:52 Dusty: I\'d like to transfer some money to this account http://wecaresolar.org/about-us/ effexor xr 150 price According to Estado\'s calculations, BNDES may book as muchas 462 million reais in losses if it decides to unwind twotransactions allowing MPX Energia SA to replace debtwith equity. Batista recently sold control of MPX Energia toGermany\'s E.ON SE. 2015-02-04 02:36:52 Owen: Cool site goodluck :) http://www.jrdneng.com/careers.htm Buy Diamox Online “If you had microbial life somewhere on Mars that was really healthy and cranking away, you might see some of the signatures of that in the atmosphere,” said mission scientist Paul Mahaffy of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. 2015-02-04 02:36:53 Santiago: Who\'s calling? http://www.pointreyesseashore.com/blog/ purchase bactrim A: What\'s become most characteristic in recent years, I think, is the dogged pursuit of momentum. Ever since having kids (now ages 9 and 5-1/2), I became a much more - I don\'t know - almost a more mechanical writer. I realized that I couldn\'t spend a lot of time waiting for inspiration. I had to sit down every day and try to bang out a certain number of words. 2015-02-04 02:36:53 Crazyivan: Hello good day http://wecaresolar.org/new/ there generic effexor xr yet The original September figure was 6.9 and analysts in aReuters poll had forecast the October reading at 7.0. Thestrengthening data chimed with other recent releases suggestinggradual but steady growth for the end of the year. 2015-02-04 02:36:53 Danilo: I\'m unemployed http://wecaresolar.org/donate/ effexor 112.5 mg \"Despite the ultimate impracticability of such negotiations, the City nevertheless attempted, where possible, to negotiate with its various creditor constituencies in good faith,\" Detroit said in court papers. 2015-02-04 02:36:53 Jenna: What\'s the current interest rate for personal loans? http://www.jennylin.net/bio.html Elimite Cream The European Union, currently the only region that has amarket-based system to charge fees on emissions that would applyto foreign air carriers, said any changes to the currentproposal could unravel, \"a very delicate balance that has thesupport of the majority of ICAO.\" 2015-02-04 02:36:53 Luke: I live in London http://www.blue-lemons.com/our-approach levaquin 250 mg \"I also asked that the court take into account the breaches of trust in this case - Hall carried out some of these offences in places where the victims were entitled to feel safe, he used his celebrity status to invite them to attend the BBC, and he also displayed an element of planning and premeditation. 2015-02-04 02:36:53 Philip: A law firm http://www.pointreyesseashore.com/blog/ bactrim cost While Teresa, 43, and her husband Joe Giudice В face some stiff sanctions for bank and bankruptcy fraud -- up to 50 years behind bars for 39 counts of fraud -- Melissa, 34, and her husband Joe Gorga have stepped up to support them. 2015-02-04 02:36:53 Chester: I enjoy travelling http://www.blue-lemons.com/our-approach levaquin 250 mg dosage If you suddenly run out of cooking gas (LPG), you need not panic. Come Saturday, and small LPG cylinders of 5 kg will be available at select petrol pumps in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore. 2015-02-04 02:36:53 http://intricateit.co.za/elite/index.php: Kids are always looking for fun, no matter what age they are. Prospect Park is a small borough in the county of Passaic. 2015-02-04 03:01:13 Adrian: What\'s your number? buy limovan tablets A growing number of people are diagnosing their own medical problems and buying medication online, which has led to a surge in trade in fake and illegitimate drugs that are being supplied without a prescription. 2015-02-04 13:12:52 Isaac: I\'ve lost my bank card bromazepam vs alprazolam Saudi Arabia was established in 1932 by King Abd-al-Aziz - known as the Lion of Najd - who took over Hijaz from the Hashemite family and united the country under his family\'s rule. Since his death in 1953, he has been succeeded by various sons. 2015-02-04 13:12:52 Albert: I\'d like to send this to bromazepam 3mg Many countries spy on each other, but U.S. officials sayChina is unique in the amount of state-sponsored IP theft itcarries out as it tries to catch up with the United States ineconomic power and technological prowess. 2015-02-04 13:12:53 Jewell: Why did you come to ? purchase zolpidem online no prescription At a panel hosted Monday by the Advocacy Network for Africa, a nonprofit group promoting African growth, Akwei said the environment, women\'s issues and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights in Africa are being ignored by Obama. Homophobia and transphobia are institutionalized through laws criminalizing homosexual behavior, he said. Laws targeting the LGBT community are currently enforced in more than 30 African countries. 2015-02-04 13:12:54 Benjamin: Whereabouts are you from? order bromazepam Tonio DeSorrento is one of these borrowers. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, he served six and a half years as a Marine captain. He\'s now 36, married with three children, and earned a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington in 2008. 2015-02-04 13:12:54 Mackenzie: Do you know what extension he\'s on? imovane order Two evacuation slides on the plane doors apparently inflated inside the cabin instead of outside, which pinned two flight attendants to the floor, cabin manager Lee Yoon-hye told the Associated Press. 2015-02-04 13:12:55 Benedict: I\'d like to pay this in, please 2mg blue lotus xanax bars Neal Dihora, equity analyst with Morningstar who does not follow Asiana Airlines, said that as unfortunate as they are, accidents are infrequent and will likely not hold back customers from flying on Asiana or other airlines. 2015-02-04 13:12:56 Jarrett: I\'m in my first year at university 10 mg imovane flashback The report stated that while it was clear to the Committee that sporting organisations were all aware of the dangers of alcohol misuse and were supportive of measures to tackle these problems, they also emphasised the importance of sponsorship by the alcohol industry. 2015-02-04 13:12:57 Rueben: I can\'t get through at the moment ambien online co uk For many of us, the traditional career is dead. Instead of simply getting a job, those of us who are ambitious for advancement are faced with creating our own opportunities.В Even in previously safe fields and industries, the pace of innovation and the spread of global competition have encroached upon previously well-paved career paths. 2015-02-04 13:12:57 Bradly: I support Manchester United imovane online canada Instead of agreeing to routinely pay for the $3,000 test, CMS proposed \"Coverage with Evidence Development,\" a designation that suggests there are still gaps in the evidence over the benefits of the test. Using this designation allows the agency to gather more data by paying for scans in patients taking part in clinical trials. Once those are completed, CMS could use the data to render a decision on coverage. 2015-02-04 13:12:58 Jackson: Where\'s the postbox? http://www.blue-lemons.com/about levofloxacin cost per pill But Park House also looks after up to 10 people in their own homes. While the main carer was described as \"wonderful\", when that person was on leave visits could be up to two hours late and people were not informed of who was visiting or when. 2015-02-05 07:25:55 Wally: Another year http://www.retendo.com.pl/o-nas/ order motilium online Shares of Hewlett-Packard Co rallied nearly 9percent to $22.60 after Chief Executive Meg Whitman said sheexpects revenue to stabilize in 2014 with \"pockets of growth\"before the business accelerates again in 2015. 2015-02-05 07:25:55 Evelyn: Enter your PIN http://www.racc.org/public-art/conservation-maintenance quetiapine seroquel 25mg Philip has been an honorary fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh since 1951 - one of his oldest patronages - and has presented Royal Medals several times previously, as well as being involved in other engagements in the past. 2015-02-05 07:25:55 Keven: How many are there in a book? http://www.blue-lemons.com/our-beliefs levaquin 500 mg en espanol \"People still do not know how much of pesticide is to be used, which pesticide is to be used for which crop. The biggest influence for a farmer is the sales representative of the company ... so there\'s this sense of gross mismanagement at that level.\" 2015-02-05 07:25:55 Melissa: I\'d like some euros http://www.blue-lemons.com/our-beliefs levaquin 500 mg It called a one-day strike last month that cost the struggling economy more than $400 million, caused the stock marked to plunge and pushed the dinar currency down to its lowest ever levels against the dollar and euro. 2015-02-05 07:25:55 Royal: I\'d like to change some money http://www.retendo.com.pl/o-nas/ motilium price Louis Dreyfus, a 160-year old company with French roots andtrading operations in Switzerland, has sought in recent years toboost its portfolio of strategic assets to complement itstrading activities. 2015-02-05 07:25:55 Katelyn: Children with disabilities http://www.racc.org/advocacy/local-issues 100mg seroquel for sleep The bargain basement pricing was made obvious when thelonger-dated tranches snapped in as much as 45bp as soon as theywere free to trade. The three-year fixed rate tranche wastrading 65bp tighter than its launch spread. 2015-02-05 07:25:55 Abigail: Please call back later http://www.blue-lemons.com/about buy cheap levofloxacin Wang Rui, 24, a student in product design shopping in theNorth Face shop in Frankfurt, said this was important. \"Foroutdoor gear in general, I would like to see better fusionbetween function and colours.\" 2015-02-05 07:25:55 Pierre: The line\'s engaged http://www.racc.org/resources/announcements seroquel xr 50 mg street value \"I personally followed all of the rules. I think Dish has followed all the rules and we responded in an appropriate way,\" Ergen said on the call. \"We\'ll let the courts and public opinion decide who is fraudulent and who\'s not.\" 2015-02-05 07:25:55 Grady: Could you tell me the number for ? http://www.blue-lemons.com/our-beliefs levaquin 500mg for strep throat Patients have complained about calls going unanswered and poor advice being given, with frivolous calls being passed on to ambulance services, while serious concerns did not receive a prompt response. 2015-02-05 07:25:56 Josef: Sorry, you must have the wrong number silagra 100mg tablets Mike (The Situation) Sorrentino has finally acknowledged the party is over. \'I have voluntarily taken steps to get control of a prescription medication problem I had due to exhaustion,\' the 29-year-old said in a statement. \'I have spent the past several weeks getting treatment for this problem and recuperating from my work and appearance schedule. I appreciate my fans support and love you guys.\' According to TMZ, the hard-partying reality star is seeking help at Cirque Lodge in Utah. 2015-02-05 08:15:05 Everett: Three years diflucan 50 mg for yeast infection \"At a time when there are multiple viewpoints about how to approach health care, and [the country] stands on the cusp of implementing large structural changes to the health care system, we are here because we want the best possible outcomes for people with cancer and their families,\" said Kim Thiboldeaux, president and CEO of the Cancer Support Community. 2015-02-05 08:15:05 Brady: real beauty page taking 450 mg wellbutrin sr NOTES: Posey will get Tuesday night\'s game off after catching 16 innings, Bochy said. ... Mets LHP Jonathon Niese (shoulder inflammation) has been cleared to start throwing again. The team expects him back at some point this season. ... Mets RHP Shaun Marcum had his right hand examined by a specialist in St. Louis. With an off day Thursday, Harvey is slated to take Marcum\'s spot in the rotation Saturday at Pittsburgh. ... Barry Zito (4-6, 4.44 ERA) starts for the Giants against Dillon Gee (6-7, 4.45) on Tuesday. Zito began warming up in the bullpen in the bottom of the 16th in case the Giants tied it. 2015-02-05 08:15:06 Brenton: I can\'t get a signal albendazole no prescription \"Cutting out after-dinner snacking is a quick way to help you shed 5 pounds in a week. At night, we\'re usually scarfing down junky foods in front of the TVГўВЂВ”and it\'s easy to consume a meal\'s worth of calories, plus belly-bloating sodium. 2015-02-05 08:15:10 Cecil: Could I have an application form? Cozaar Potassium Texas lawmakers failed to pass a bill that would give the state one of the most restrictive abortion measures in the country after a day-long filibuster and hundreds of noisy protesters forced Senate Republicans to miss a midnight Tuesday deadline to pass the bill. 2015-02-05 08:15:12 Moises: Have you got any ? tamoxifeno 20 mg 14 tabletas ГўВЂВњI love playing characters who are flawed or damaged,ГўВЂВќ she says. ГўВЂВњI wouldnГўВЂВ™t have taken the role if Sonya didnГўВЂВ™t have this condition. I have never had any interest in just playing a gun-toting cop.ГўВЂВќ 2015-02-05 08:15:13 Delmar: No, I\'m not particularly sporty aripiprazole price uk Kim Richards is finally getting the help she needs. The star of \'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills\' has checked into a rehab facility and is seeking help at an undisclosed treatment center, multiple sources confirm to \'Entertainment Tonight.\' Fans of the popular Bravo reality show may not be surprised to learn about Kim\'s struggles.Her drinking problem became public knowledge during the first season\'s finale, in which the visibly inebriated 47-year-old got into a screaming match with her sister Kyle while at cast mate Taylor Armstrong\'s birthday party. Following the blowout, Kim was checked into rehab by her family. 2015-02-05 08:15:13 Malcom: No, I\'m not particularly sporty diflucan 50 mg tablets After blowing off Lauer and the ГўВЂВњTodayГўВЂВќ gang last Wednesday, when she was scheduled to appear to apologize for racially charged comments, Deen has promised to turn up for her first TV chat since the scandal broke. 2015-02-05 08:15:14 Michal: I\'ve only just arrived paxil online pharmacy @NinjadeTokyo raises a good point that most funds are on foreign shores and are likely to be invested there. But investments are done with after tax dollars subject to deductions and exemptions, so the other purpose of the law is to stimulate US job growth. Also, it is understood that much of the growth of this cash is to park funds in a tax free account. The reason for this is that there really isnt a safe place to invest this money. So it sits there unused until the economy gets better. This is a job killer. I say tax the exess cash and put it to use paying teachers and building the infrastructure of tomorrow. 2015-02-05 08:15:15 Carol: I\'d like to open a personal account albenza albendazole 400 mg You can certainly put these items in place very inexpensively, although it doesn\'t hurt to invest in professional help to get your website set up if you\'re planning to run your business for the long term. In many states, it is relatively inexpensive and simple to set up a limited liability company (LLC) or another form of a business entity. Consider turning to resources such as the Small Business Association (http://www.sba.gov/content/score), which provides information useful for anyone planning to create a small business. 2015-02-05 08:15:16 Dewitt: I\'m doing an internship meat antidote buy provera chivalrous specialize Bricks showered onto the small street and nearly covered a car parked out front. The houses on either side of the destroyed home were left partly standing, with large sections of their masonry walls gone. 2015-02-05 10:06:39 Rigoberto: I\'m doing a phd in chemistry constitute cd 25 clomid glorious prayers The gas was released during maintenance in Unit 1, but bothunits operated at full capacity during the incident, AlabamaPower spokesman Ike Pigott said, with personnel safely isolatingthe carbon dioxide. 2015-02-05 10:06:39 Brandon: I love the theatre beehive parameter cheap ventolin online strength handbag Once in office, PeГѓВ±a Nieto tackled the thorny issue of education. He managed to garner support from all major parties to take on the teachers union, the largest in Latin America, which has often proved a major obstacle to needed reform. Then he pushed through passage of telecommunications reform, and introduced financial, fiscal and energy reforms. The last three are still being negotiated in Congress but that so much has happened within the new administrationГўВЂВ™s first year is almost stunning. 2015-02-05 10:06:39 Brendan: Pleased to meet you keeper usefully diflucan candida stuffed chevy Although no other enrollment is identical to that for Obamacare, two of them - workers signing up for employer-sponsored health benefits and enrollment in Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage when it launched in 2005 - come close, and suggest what the exchanges can expect. 2015-02-05 10:06:39 Reyes: this is be cool 8) strictly studious can you buy ventolin inhalers what U.S. District Judge Denise Cote said she was weighingwhether to restrict Apple for five years from entering dealswith publishers that would prevent Apple from discounting e-bookprices. Apple, the maker of the iPad and the iPhone, had as partof the alleged conspiracy given publishers control of pricing. 2015-02-05 10:06:40 Lincoln: Could I make an appointment to see ? frail french buy ventolin hfa inhaler online gnaw The Chinese data lifted local stocks higher while in TokyoJapan\'s Nikkei share average jumped 2.5 percent to post itsbiggest one-day gain in three weeks. Asian shares measured byMSCI Asia-Pacific ex-Japan index added 0.1percent to be on track to snap a three-day losing run. 2015-02-05 10:06:40 Willis: I\'m training to be an engineer turnip do need prescription buy ventolin australia crop \"The number of A-players in Silicon Valley hasn\'t grown,\"said Iain Grant, a recruiter at Riviera Partners, whichspecializes in placing engineers at venture-capital backedstart-ups. \"But the demand for them has gone through the roof.\" 2015-02-05 10:06:40 Dallas: Just over two years seated refuge fluconazole diflucan 150 mg tablet turn As a result, despite two decades of rapid economic growth,Indians consume only 900 kilowatt hours (kWh) per capita,compared to 7,000 in Europe and 14,000 in the United States,according to a recent note by consultants Bain & Company. 2015-02-05 10:06:40 Lawerence: Have you got any experience? nuclear cheap flovent prone affection A: No of course not. Our government is weak and ineffective in comparison to other governments weГўВЂВ™ve just begun. But the big corruption the hundreds of millions of dollars of corruption was not Afghan, now everybody knows that. It was foreign, the contracts, the subcontracts, the blind contracts given to people. Money thrown around to buy loyalties, money thrown around to buy submissiveness of Afghan government officials to policies and designs that the Afghans would not have agreed to. That was the major (part?) of corruption. 2015-02-05 10:06:40 Eusebio: A staff restaurant written order ventolin online without prescription strangely partially \"I am convinced that we will see consolidation in theEuropean waste sector, probably very strong, and we willparticipate in that consolidation if necessary,\" Chaussade tolda teleconference, noting any acquisition would have to makestrategic sense, generate synergies and be reasonably priced. 2015-02-05 10:06:41 Dghonson: I\'m only getting an answering machine http://artist-how-to.com/studio/portraits/ 100 approval payday loans uk The collapse in their relationship is analysed at some length. Rooney advised United on Aug 14, 2010 that he would not be signing a new contract, claiming the club lacked ambition and was not going for the big players in the transfer market. Rooney told Ferguson that he should have signed Mesut Г–zil from Werder Bremen and instead the German international had signed for Real Madrid. 2015-02-05 16:07:17 Jermaine: I\'m originally from Dublin but now live in Edinburgh http://lightmongers.co.uk/charity.html loans for study abroad The Everton midfielder’s big sulk is over after he did not play a minute in the disastrous Euro 2012 finals and refused to play for Trapattoni in the World Cup campaign – despite insistence from assistant Marco Tardelli that he would. 2015-02-05 16:07:17 Emory: How do I get an outside line? http://www.bidingtime.org/legal how to fix bad credit fast Lionsgate says they dont agree with Card but their actions still support him. They are still giving a whack of cash to a man who wants gay people locked up. They are still endorsing Card by not treating him as the bigot he is, theyre willingly entering into a partnership with a leader of a hate group. 2015-02-05 16:07:17 Devon: i\'m fine good work http://sinestezia.com/publications/ loans for retired people with bad credit Grove found that open rates from Gmail users dropped for three consecutive weeks after the introduction of the new Gmail tabs. Prior to the introduction, for some 15 consecutive weeks, Gmail average open rates hovered at about 13 percent on weekdays, according to Grove. But they fell nearly a percentage point, to just a bit over 12 percent, when Gmail tabs were first introduced. 2015-02-05 16:07:18 Amber: I\'m unemployed http://www.optimizacijasajtova.com/optimizacija-sajta-seo.html cash advance cincinnati ohio Oil output in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico had been cut in halfas oil and gas firms shut platforms and evacuated some workersin preparation for the storm. The Gulf accounts for about 19percent of U.S. oil production and 6 percent of natural gasoutput. 2015-02-05 16:07:25 Haywood: Did you go to university? http://lightmongers.co.uk/charity.html money lending companies Candy tells me: “We’ve never said you need to be thin in Elle. We’ve never said you need to be top-to-toe in Gucci in Elle. Elle for me has always been about the woman in the dress not the dress.” 2015-02-05 16:07:25 Roscoe: Remove card http://artist-how-to.com/studio/portraits/ ontario payday Samuel Tombs, UK economist at consultancy Capital Economics, said: \"July\'s UK household lending figures are likely to fuel speculation that the housing market is in the early stages of another boom.\" 2015-02-05 16:07:26 Dante: Which year are you in? http://www.grasmerehotel.com/conferences/ bad credit loans online not payday loans By the sounds of it, Lamar Odom is in deeper than anyone thought. If this has been going on for some time and Khloe Kardashian knew about it, it must have been so hard to keep it out of the media and keep herself sane at the same time. 2015-02-05 16:07:26 Fredric: Would you like a receipt? http://www.bidingtime.org/legal guaranteed 1000 to 1500 loan with bad credit The heart of the dispute that has taken the Senate to the brink of a Constitutional showdown revolves around nominees to the National Labor Relations Board, a federal agency that mediates labor disputes. Republicans have argued that the board wields too much power. 2015-02-05 16:07:26 Crazyfrog: I sing in a choir http://www.altenergetika.com/o-nama payday loan today * Shares of Tesla Motors Inc jumped 14 percent to$153 in premarket trading a day after the electric car makerposted an unexpected quarterly profit. The stock has been amajor momentum favorite this year, up almost 300 percent in2013. 2015-02-05 16:07:26 Arthur: i\'m fine good work institution unexpected silagra 50 mg tank devour On this week\'s Daily News Fifth Yankees Podcast, Mark Feinsand sits down with Yankees outfielder Vernon Wells to discuss the current state of the team, the Ryan Braun and Alex Rodriguez controversies and much more. 2015-02-06 19:42:53 Alex: Do you play any instruments? eerie 30 mg accutane results victory ГўВЂВњIГўВЂВ™m dealing with like stupid f---ing interns who make it on to the cover of the Daily News even though they signed [non-disclosure agreements] and/or they proceeded to trash me,ГўВЂВќ Morgan told TPM. ГўВЂВњAnd by the way, I tried to fire her, but she begged to come back and I gave her a second chance.ГўВЂВќ 2015-02-06 19:42:53 Adalberto: I\'m at Liverpool University character mourning 5 mg abilify approbation modern Both the companies have been focusing on growing sales tocloud storage firms. Seagate\'s fast-growing high-margin cloudbusiness accounts for about 8-9 percent of total revenue but hasbeen widely expected to offset slowing growth in its traditionalbusiness. 2015-02-06 19:42:54 Goodboy: Children with disabilities changed mercy trazodone generic desyrel pack \"I would like to help,\" a male supporter wrote on Shamrakova\'s Facebook page Wednesday. \"I\'m going to spread the word ... In the meantime I wanted to ask you ... Are you single? Because you are very beautiful and I would love to take you out sometime.\" 2015-02-06 19:42:54 Weston: this is be cool 8) sound determine diflucan 200 mg dosage court restrain \"This is a long overdue opportunity to revitalise a strategic city-centre location between Waverley station and the Scottish Parliament - whilst being part of the very fabric of the historic heart of the city. 2015-02-06 19:42:54 Dannie: What line of work are you in? shutter buy celexa neutral If the Yankees are able to make the playoffs, theyГўВЂВ™ll have to do it without Jeter. The shortstop has been out since Saturday, when Girardi lifted him from the game in the sixth inning after watching him run. A CT scan taken that day revealed no damage to his surgically repaired left ankle, but Dr. Robert Anderson, who performed JeterГўВЂВ™s surgery last fall, told the Yankees that the other areas around JeterГўВЂВ™s ankle would need to be strengthened further to assure its stability. 2015-02-06 19:42:54 Isabella: Could you tell me my balance, please? lodge conclusion silagra 50 price minims For the new study, Yi and a team took the H7N7 virus they had found in poultry and tested it on ferrets in the lab. The animals, considered a good human model, developed severe pneumonia, suggesting the virus is potentially also infectious for us. 2015-02-06 19:42:55 Winfred: Where are you from? dodge ic trazodone 50 mg important ГўВЂВњ[Horror films] need not break the bank to be successful,ГўВЂВќ Wan adds. ГўВЂВњThat will make Hollywood sit up and go, ГўВЂВ�You know what? ... Maybe having a good story and a story well told and having good characters has a lot to do with the reason why people come out to see these films.ГўВЂВ™ ГўВЂВќ 2015-02-06 19:42:55 Friend35: I saw your advert in the paper marriage abide paxil 20 mg 56 tablet spirit Patsy Kensit – actress, model and former rock chick extraordinaire – is talking about some decidedly un-rock’n’roll aspects of her current life. These include the Oyster card for the London Underground that she bought herself to celebrate her recent 45th birthday, and the fact that, these days, she can travel on public transport mostly unnoticed. “I expect it’s because I tend to look like a bag of laundry when I’m out and about,” she self-deprecates. “Probably no one recognises me.” 2015-02-06 19:42:55 Rafael: Cool site goodluck :) basin paxil 20 mg tablet picture hive JG Summit, in a disclosure to the stock exchange, said itwill hold 55.7 percent of URC after selling 105 million shares,or 12 percent of URC\'s outstanding stock, through an acceleratedovernight equity placement at 115 pesos per share. 2015-02-06 19:42:56 Darrell: Recorded Delivery http://lightmongers.co.uk/t-a-c.html poker for cash The statue will capture a moment that took place on Sunday, October 2, 1983, when the lifelong Red Sox star tipped his helmet to fans at Fenway Park before the final at-bat of his 23-year career. The Hall of Famer retired that day having played the most games, 3,308, that any player had ever played to that point in the history of Major League Baseball. 2015-02-07 00:48:34 Luciano: I wanted to live abroad http://lightmongers.co.uk/t-a-c.html cash advance in aurora \"There\'s concern that remains because we know that we\'regoing to face this again in a matter of months, if not weeks,\"said Representative John Larson, a Connecticut Democrat. Hevoiced hope that the focus of talks can be \"on important things,like jobs.\" 2015-02-07 00:48:34 Zachariah: Have you got any qualifications? http://lightmongers.co.uk/t-a-c.html cash advance canal winchester \"The growth and engagement metrics are off the charts. Seldom have we seen a consumer application with this type of user momentum and excitement,\" he wrote. \"Think Twitter ... Think Instagram ГўВЂВ¦ Think Pinterest ГўВЂВ¦ and Snapchat is just getting started.\" 2015-02-07 00:48:34 Freddy: A few months http://www.professorpotts.com/comic-strips/ clear your debt loans Now the Japanese vans have all gone, and I don’t know why. Is this a triumph for European design and manufacturing, or are other reasons at play? The difference in exchange rates between the yen and the euro, for example, or do working people simply prefer the styling of European vans? 2015-02-07 00:48:35 Numbers: I\'m doing an internship http://www.professorpotts.com/comic-strips/ payday loans online get money today On the device front, schools are using many different types of technology, but very few have given a computer or tablet to each student. This means that ГўВЂВ” at least for now ГўВЂВ” the e-books wonГўВЂВ™t be accessible to most students or even to teachers. 2015-02-07 00:48:35 Rufus: How many weeks\' holiday a year are there? http://lightmongers.co.uk/t-a-c.html commercial finance rates But the ministers\' talks face an additional hindrance because Germany\'s finance minister, Wolfgang Schaeuble, is not expected to attend the two-day Luxembourg meeting. Germany, Europe\'s biggest economy, in talks to form a new government. 2015-02-07 00:48:35 Marcelo: Could you please repeat that? http://www.professorpotts.com/comic-strips/ advance check cashing lincoln ne There are only three ways to score bone-, heart-, and mood-boosting vitamin D: Through foods, supplements, and yes, the sun. Luckily, a recent study from King\'s College London shows that while sunblock prevents some of skin\'s vitamin D synthesis, people who lather up still experience a spike in vitamin D levels after sitting in the sun. If your vitamin D levels are low, shore them up with D-filled foods such as salmon, egg yolks, and mushrooms. 2015-02-07 00:48:35 Dannie: I like it a lot http://lightmongers.co.uk/affiliations.html low apr loans uk Saint Francis is revered by Catholics and many other Christians for his simplicity, poverty and love of nature. - qualities the Argentinian-born Francis has made the keynote of his papacy since his election in March. 2015-02-07 00:48:35 Tyree: I like it a lot http://lightmongers.co.uk/who-are-we.html start up loans Blake\'s withdrawal further weakens a 100m field which was already without Tyson Gay, the fastest man in the world this year, who tested positive for a banned substance, and Asafa Powell, who also returned a positive test but had not qualified anyway. 2015-02-07 00:48:35 Rafael: very best job http://www.professorpotts.com/animated-editorials/ 1500 payday loans online An hour behind schedule, in overcast weather, the jet rosesmoothly before TV crews, reporters and thousands of Boeingemployees, who watched from an adjacent runway. The flight beganat Paine Field in Everett, Washington, near Boeing\'s main 787assembly lines, and is due to end at Boeing Field south ofSeattle, near Boeing\'s 737 factory. 2015-02-07 00:48:35 Cortez: Will I have to work on Saturdays? five pierre no prescription wellbutrin sr rosy disc At the end of the quarter the Systemheld $51.0 billion of regulatory capital and $43.1 billion of GAAP capital.В The current System regulatory capital ratiois 6.6 percent and the current GAAP capital ratio is 5.6 percent. Both ratiosmarginally decreased over the quarter.В Retainedearnings now equal 1.5 percent of assets, the highest level in more than 20years. 2015-02-09 15:06:21 Joesph: Not available at the moment fashioned 100mg wellbutrin sr restart regain Meanwhile, congressmen from the Muslim Brotherhood\'s Justice and Reconstruction Party began making increasingly strident calls that Othman Mlegta’s Qaqaa Brigade contained elements of Gaddafi’s notorious praetorian units and must be eliminated.В 2015-02-09 15:06:21 Denis: When can you start? colin purchase cipro words elinor A senior Indian army officer in northern Kashmir said two Pakistani soldiers had been wounded - or possibly killed - in an exchange of machinegun fire in Kamalkot Uri sector in northern Kashmir around midday on Tuesday. 2015-02-09 15:06:21 Dante: How much notice do you have to give? informed beyond buy cheap aripiprazole cocktail surveying Earlier, the secretary general of the European human rights watchdog the Council of Europe, Thorbjorn Jagland, warned the Home Office the detention of Mr Miranda \"may have a potentially chilling effect on journalists\' freedom of expression\". 2015-02-09 15:06:22 Kimberly: Where\'s the postbox? pronunciation order paxil canada went turnstile The same morning that Ariel was struck ГўВЂВ” allegedly by Franklin Reyes, who has been charged with manslaughter ГўВЂВ” a motorist on I-95 lost control of his car near Co-op City in the Bronx. The car hit a median and overturned. The injured driver managed to get out of the car and a highway police sergeant who arrived at the scene immediately radioed 911. 2015-02-09 15:06:22 Daniel: What line of work are you in? visit herring price of cymbalta unfortunately The touchscreen device, which boasts a five-inch display and a 1.7 gigahertz processor, will compete against the likes of Apple Inc\'s iPhone 5S and Samsung Electronics Co\'s Galaxy S4, along with a slew of other devices that are powered by Google Inc\'s Android platform. 2015-02-09 15:06:23 Glenn: Where\'s the postbox? sleeve where can i buy cymbalta online construction Garant and Lennon have previously paired up to write several successful screenplays, including the Night at the Museum films with Ben Stiller. Their films have earned over one billion euros in box office revenue alone. 2015-02-09 15:06:23 Crazyivan: Could I have a statement, please? dexterity furious purchase aripiprazole honeycomb KPN, which also announced it would divest its German mobileoperator E-Plus to Spanish rival Telefonica Deutschland, said its earnings before interest, tax, depreciationand amortisation fell 11 percent to 1 billion euros in theApril-to-June period compared with the same period in 2012. 2015-02-09 15:06:23 Tobias: Where\'s the postbox? cabin slime does wellbutrin sr come in 75 mg latter kingdom EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Authorities say a 2-year-old has died of injuries suffered in an alleged child abuse case in South Dakota, and a person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press the boy is the son of Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson. 2015-02-09 15:06:23 Leonard: I\'d like to pay this in, please puzzle input Cozaar 5 Mg enemy Our nation is truly being run by individuals who are convinced they are above the Laws of the Land and believe they can defecate on our Sacred Constitution and Bill of Rights, almost daily, with total impunity. 2015-02-09 15:06:23 Merlin: A company car order salbutamol online \"Some of our U.S. team personally supported Governor Romney\'s campaign, while others personally supported President Obama\'s re-election. All of us congratulate each candidate for a hard-fought campaign,\" Bain\'s managing directors wrote. 2015-02-12 09:41:46 Valentin: No, I\'m not particularly sporty elavil 150 mg Since last year, when a retail cap of 51 percent was put onoverseas ownership, no foreign supermarket has committed toIndia. Foreign retailers complain that some rules, such as onsourcing food and consumer goods, are too stringent. 2015-02-12 09:41:46 Elroy: What company are you calling from? generic paxil 30mg He\'s famous for portraying All-American wholesomeness, but actor Chris Klein admits he\'s an alcoholic. The \'American Pie\' star has checked into rehab in Utah following a drunken driving arrest - his second in just over five years. Klein voluntarily checked into Cirque Lodge in Sundance, Utah, for a 30-day alcohol treatment program, Primak said. 2015-02-12 09:41:47 Donnell: How do you do? order salbutamol inhaler \"They started cutting our fences and they broke into my house and tore up our water sources, breaking the floats off. And it has just been escalating,\" Vickers says. \"The groups are getting bigger and the people are more combative.\" 2015-02-12 09:41:48 Charlie: Could I have an application form? buy generic bimatoprost @Felix, you are blind if you think the stock market will help (or perhaps you dont spend enough time looking at corporate reports). In the present economic and market environment, companies are penalized for investing and rewarded for cost-cutting. How do you think we got into this situation in the first place? 2015-02-12 09:41:48 Palmer: What do you do for a living? buy erythromycin for acne Both sides disputed who fired the first shot in front of the Republican Guard headquarters. The army said that it was fired upon by armed terrorists, while the wounded all said the army fired bullets, birdshot and tear gas as they started to pray. 2015-02-12 09:41:50 Alphonse: Children with disabilities 30 mg paxil Young tripled leading off the sixth, and Murphy followed with the tying single. Murphy advanced to third on Scutaro\'s throwing error at second base and scored when Ike Davis grounded into a double play to give the Mets a 3-2 lead. 2015-02-12 09:41:50 Edgar: Get a job paxil 40 mg weight gain This report is going to have no visible effect on Fed policy. The Fed has no employment-growth target: the thing it cares about, on the jobs front, is unemployment. So when it comes to measures like tapering and rate hikes, the survey which matters most is the household survey the employment status of American households rather than the establishment survey, which measures the size of total US payrolls. Theoretically, the two surveys are two different ways of measuring the same thing, but in practice were seeing in the jobs report exactly the same thing that weve been seeing for most of the recovery: businesses reporting healthy numbers, with workers in general, and people looking for work in particular, seeing little benefit as a result. 2015-02-12 09:41:51 Fifa55: I work with computers compare zoloft lexapro paxil There was, admittedly, the odd revelation of sorts: Luisa Zissman’s feeling for horses, Jordan Poulton’s Oxford degree, Francesca MacDuff-Varley’s dance skills. I was intrigued by the lack of fathers among the interviewees. Neil Clough’s died some years ago – but where were the others? 2015-02-12 09:41:52 Quinn: Which university are you at? where to buy accutane safely If you directly challenge the interviewer you may win the point but lose the job opportunity. Doing so is likely to make the interviewer view you as combative – a trait that, in and of itself, can disqualify a job seeker. 2015-02-12 09:41:52 Tracey: Could I have a statement, please? average cost wellbutrin sr Slovakia\'s ethnic Hungarian community constitutes about a tenth of the country\'s population, and the status of this substantial minority has long been a source of tension between Slovakia and Hungary. 2015-02-13 19:22:33 Edmundo: Can I use your phone? topiramate 25 mg tablets generic topamax \"This is an action to vindicate the rights of the citizens of Connecticut whose federal and state constitutional rights have been adversely affected and significantly restricted by the passage of [the bill] through an abuse of the \'emergency certification\' procedure, circumvention of the normal legislative process, and violation of Connecticut statutory law,\" the lawsuit states, according to The Courant. 2015-02-13 19:22:33 Hector: I need to charge up my phone purchase cytotec online I stopped reading after the first paragraph. When you have to put quotes around meaningful and important, suggesting you dont think that list is either, youve lost me. 2015-02-13 19:22:34 Seymour: Other amount paroxetine price walgreens During the Soviet period, Kaliningrad Region, administratively part of the Russian Federation, was separated from the rest of Russia, more than 300km to the east, by the then Soviet republics of Lithuania, Latvia and Belarus. 2015-02-13 19:22:35 Efrain: I\'d like to open an account oral misoprostol Gerardo Carbot, director of Chiapas\'s Paleontology Museum said, \"The fossil specimens found in the state date back a minimum of 23 million years because that is the age of the amber that is extracted from deposits in the municipalities of Simojovel, Huitihupan, El Bosque, Pueblo Nuevo, Palenque, Totolapa and Malpaso.\" 2015-02-13 19:22:43 Carol: I support Manchester United retin a for pitted acne scars \"Despicable Me 2,\" which opens July 3 in North America, hada strong debut in Australia where Universal opted to open thefilm early to coincide with winter school holidays. The filmtook in $4.3 million, added to $2.1 million from paid previewslast week. 2015-02-13 19:22:45 Archie: I\'m on work experience buy topamax cheap \'But researchers already know that CRF regulation is disruptedin stress-related psychiatric disorders, so this research may berelevant to the underlying human biology. This may help to explain whywomen are twice as vulnerable as men to stress-related disorders.\' 2015-02-13 19:22:45 Clayton: I\'d like to open a business account retin-a micro pump buy online ГўВЂВњI see both sides,ГўВЂВќ says Marc Cherry, who wrote 180 episodes of ABCГўВЂВ™s ГўВЂВњDesperate HousewivesГўВЂВќ in eight seasons and now writes LifetimeГўВЂВ™s ГўВЂВњDevious Maids,ГўВЂВќ with a 13-episode season. ГўВЂВњIf viewers like a show, they want more,ГўВЂВќ he says. ГўВЂВњNetworks want more. But for a writer, the pressure can be overwhelming. At the end of ГўВЂВ�Desperate,ГўВЂВ™ I felt completely wrung out.ГўВЂВќ 2015-02-13 19:22:46 Curtis: I\'ve got a very weak signal can buy topamax online U.S. law does requires major infrastructure projects to give American companies preferential treatment under Buy America, but companies can opt out and choose a foreign company if there is a significant cost differential. In the Alaska case, officials contend that even with laws that favor domestic companies, the difference in cost was still too high. 2015-02-13 19:22:47 Chloe: How many weeks\' holiday a year are there? ventolin coupon 2012 Or international corporations. It actually has more of an impact to the city economy when someone stays in someoneГўВЂВ™s apartment in Bushwick than it does when somebody stays in one of these hotels here in Times Square. 2015-02-13 19:22:47 Collin: Pleased to meet you propranolol sa 160 mg cap In 2011, consumer advocate Kristen Christianthe founded Bank Transfer Day campaign on Facebook when Bank of America announced its plans to charge a $5 monthly debit card fee. The Facebook page garnered 40,000 “Likes,” and a number of Bank of America debit card customers pledged to withdraw their money from the financial institution. 2015-02-16 13:59:30 Deshawn: Just over two years topamax 200 mg for weight loss IP theft also involves \"planted employees, bribed employees,employees who were appealed to on the basis of nationalism andall the traditional means of espionage, often accompanied bycyber,\" said Richard Ellings, president of the National Bureauof Asian Research think tank, who co-wrote the report. 2015-02-16 13:59:31 Nicholas: Do you know the address? propranolol migraine prevention The assault is the latest indication of the ease with which the Islamist rebels, ejected from Mogadishu by African peacekeeping forces about two years ago, have been able to organize and threaten the government\'s fragile security gains. Last month al Shabaab attacked a United Nations base in Mogadishu, killing 22 people. 2015-02-16 13:59:31 Laverne: How many are there in a book? topamax 100 mg weight loss Brazil’s official responses to events related to NSA revelations have been “timid and late,” said Ivan Valente, a left-leaning congressman from Sao Paulo, Brazil’s largest city. 2015-02-16 13:59:31 Gavin: Are you a student? tamoxifen 10 mg tablet Obama said, \"Point Number One, if you\'re a U.S. person, then NSA [the National Security Agency] is not listening to your phone calls and it\'s not targeting your emails unless it\'s getting an individualized court order,\" Obama said. \"That\'s the existing rule.\" 2015-02-16 13:59:32 Edward: When can you start? tamoxifeno 10 mg. + precio So whats left? Fiscal policy could help, in terms of reducing unemployment, but it wont: the sequester is still in effect, and Congress has zero willingness to use government money to create jobs. 2015-02-16 13:59:32 Javier: Could you transfer $1000 from my current account to my deposit account? cost of topamax 100 mg Meanwhile, Okonkwo said assuming the \"crash position\" _ leaning forward with the head as far down as possible and arms over it _ can limit the spine jolting back and forth and offer some protection. It\'s not clear if any survivors of Saturday\'s crash had time to do so. 2015-02-16 13:59:32 Leopoldo: I was born in Australia but grew up in England does 100 mg topamax look like The channel exists underground. The Syrian regime, according to the broadcasters, is watching, theyve tried to shut down their satellite broadcasts and jam their Skype contacts, but it has only made the tiny outfit want to do more. 2015-02-16 13:59:33 Weston: Looking for work bedranol propranolol hydrochloride 80 mg In January, the average 30-year mortgage rate, as tracked by Freddie Mac, was 3.34 percent. In the most recent survey, the rate jumped to 4.46 percent, up more than half a percentage point from the week before. 2015-02-16 13:59:33 Martin: How many would you like? 4 mg abilify She said: At the beginning there were some looks that made me feel weird. I had to build relations. I thought I would have been rejected, but its not true. They (non-Roma) are normal and we became friends . 2015-02-16 13:59:33 Sammy: i\'m fine good work reply betamethasone valerate cream usp mild ending The key factor that will indicate a change in government thinking, analysts say, is if the slide in economic growth leads to big job losses. That could set off alarm bells for policymakers, worried about any threats to social stability. 2015-02-16 20:57:57 Sheldon: I\'m at Liverpool University stoppage prohibited albendazole cheap mosquito spite MADRID, Sept 11 (Reuters) - Spain\'s Gas Natural Fenosa is facing a major change in its shareholder base forthe first time as La Caixa and Repsol consider future stake sales in the latest unwinding of Spanishcorporate cross-holdings. 2015-02-16 20:57:57 Gayle: I like watching football rot clomipramine buy emma As a Guy T. Carswell scholar at Wake Forest, Hudson believes he\'ll get \"a large amount of personalized support that I would not as just another Harvard undergrad.\" He\'ll study physics and get funding to do undergraduate research.В 2015-02-16 20:57:57 Carter: I read a lot loose dealing Order Valacyclovir Online wireless \"For me, I think the coolest thing is that if there is somebody interesting who\'s doing anything - a scientist, a sports figure, a writer, anybody in the world - if I want to call them up ... they will answer my phone call. That\'s a pretty cool thing,\" Obama said. 2015-02-16 20:57:58 Burton: Insert your card please lucky betnovate scalp cough fertile ГўВЂВњWhen given a choice, most of the mice preferred to explore the side where they had the cocaine, which indicated that they were looking for more cocaine,ГўВЂВќ Wilbrecht said. ГўВЂВњTheir change in preference for the cocaine side correlated with gains in new persistent spines that appeared on the day they experienced cocaine.ГўВЂВќ 2015-02-16 20:57:58 Payton: I\'ll put him on judge abruptly flomax generic name diameter identical Russia\'s move raised questions about the policy of \"resetting\" U.S. relations with Russia that Obama embarked on after taking office in 2009, and put pressure on Obama to react decisively to what many saw as a Russian rebuke. 2015-02-16 20:57:58 Dusty: The National Gallery gaunt montelukast sodium tablets yes L&G has pursued a strategy of bolt-on acquisitions since the start of 2013, the most recent of which was the ВЈ151m purchase of annuity firm Lucida. Earlier in the year it bought out investment funds supermarket Cofunds, in which it already held a holding, and took a 46.5pc stake in housebuilder Cala Group. 2015-02-16 20:57:58 Connor: How much will it cost to send this letter to ? reservoir order albendazole online fine Olivia Witthun, regional urban forestry coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said the ash borer beetle can only travel a few miles on its own, and that its spread is greatly increased when people take firewood from an infested area and burn it elsewhere. 2015-02-16 20:57:59 Tilburg: Hold the line, please forehead price albendazole india constitute clients Simon Rego, director of psychology training at Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, commented on the study article to Health 24, This study suggests that weight discrimination may have consequences not only on mental health, increased vulnerability to depression, lower self-esteem, but physical health as well. 2015-02-16 20:58:00 Alberto: What line of work are you in? believing modification buy cheap tinidazole charms apparatus Despite the delay, most Fed policymakers continued to believe last month that the Fed likely will begin to pull back the bond purchases this year and end them by mid-2014, according to the minutes of the Fed\'s Sept. 17-18 meeting. Now, however, the ongoing showdown in Congress over the budget could push any tapering of the stimulus into 2014, Barclays Capital economist Michael Gapen said in a research note. 2015-02-16 20:58:00 Tommy: Sorry, you must have the wrong number harold abruptly Buy Famciclovir Online thereby detention The Moto X will go on sale in the United States at the endof August or the beginning of September for a suggested retailprice of $199.99 to customers who sign a two-year contract atfive of the biggest U.S. mobile network operators. 2015-02-18 06:10:27 Carey: I\'m training to be an engineer fort kidding Tricor Online rejoined squall ГўВЂВњConsumers today want quality offerings made quickly. Segments like burger, sandwich and Mexican have done a great job delivering on quality, fresh, gourmet, and made-on-demand offerings,ГўВЂВќ said Technomic executive vice-president Darren Tristano. 2015-02-18 06:10:27 Claud: Which university are you at? brings Buy Tadalis Online nations Parce said he was never really afraid. He could see uptown Charlotte from his seat. It was quiet, because few sounds filtered from the park below. The chair rocked a bit when the wind blew, but he never felt in danger. 2015-02-18 06:10:27 Kenny: Which year are you in? weep starting allopurinol directed hoist Germany\'s breakaway specialist Jens Voigt was in a group of four riders who tried to go clear early on and the quartet were soon joined by 14 other riders, who included Britain\'s David Millar. 2015-02-18 06:10:27 Freddie: How much is a Second Class stamp? germany Aciclovir Tablets slender Martin performed the same stunt once before, in August 1988 on just his 17th skydive. He decided he wanted to learn to skydive specifically so he could escape from a casket in freefall. He has chronicled his more than four-decade career as an escape artist in a book released this month, \"Escape or Die.\" 2015-02-18 06:10:27 Junior: Did you go to university? lately Buy Tadalis Online troubles The global market for public and virtual private cloudservices will grow from $30.3 billion in 2011 to more than $241billion in 2020, with major players including Amazon.com Inc, Google Inc and Salesforce.com Inc,according to IT research firm Forrester. 2015-02-18 06:10:28 Ronald: What do you study? dreary strict purchase lisinopril specimen smear The biggest national food store and fast foods conglomerate, Innscor, lost 14 percent of its price, dropping to 90 cents a share and a main rival supermarket chain dropped by 13 percent in share value. 2015-02-18 06:10:28 Lillian: Withdraw cash deal Buy Aciclovir Online luncheon complaint Speaking to the United Nations General Assembly hours after Obama addressed the annual gathering of world leaders, Rouhani said he was prepared to engage in \"time-bound and results-oriented\" nuclear talks and did not seek to increase tensions with the United States. 2015-02-18 06:10:28 Ralph: Who do you work for? german lisinopril 20mg nerve excellent Perhaps restoring preserved samples of more recently extinct animals - such as the thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger - could be easier. The last of these carnivorous marsupials died in 1936. But museum samples have been shown to contain at least some DNA that might be suitable for use in a recreation. 2015-02-18 06:10:28 Trevor: I\'m not sure comb allopurinol 400 mg awfully witness The vaccine could be “transformative” she said, but added: “This will only get used in low-income countries if the people who normally pay for these initiatives – NGOs and charitable foundations – do so”. 2015-02-18 06:10:29 Aubrey: Will I be paid weekly or monthly? where can i buy fluconazole 150mg Elsewhere, the report found that less than half of forces complied with the requirements of the code to make arrangements for stop and search records to be scrutinised by the public. And half of forces did nothing to understand the impact on communities. 2015-02-19 07:50:24 Carmine: I\'ve been cut off abilify 2013 commercial An official from the California Department of Transportation defended the decision to go with a Chinese company, saying that most of the bridge is being made in America, and that U.S. companies could not have done the work that was contracted abroad on time. 2015-02-19 07:50:24 Christian: What do you do? order diflucan The events have worried Western allies. The United States, still refraining from calling the military intervention a \"coup\" - a label that under U.S. law would require it to halt aid - called on Egypt\'s army to exercise \"maximum restraint.\" 2015-02-19 07:50:25 Tyler: Do you have any exams coming up? abilify 2013 The film had been forecast to rack up ticket sales of about$50 million, according to Hollywood.com\'s box office division,while the studio said it was looking to the high 40s, given thecompetition from \"Monsters\" and \"Man of Steel.\" 2015-02-19 07:50:26 Rafael: I\'m originally from Dublin but now live in Edinburgh diflucan 150 mg tabletta Discovery is at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum\'s Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.; Endeavour is at the California Science Center in Los Angeles; and Enterprise is at the Intrepid Sea-Air Space Museum in New York. 2015-02-19 07:50:27 Colin: I\'m in my first year at university Bupropion Online Anastasia Mylona, adaptation science officer at UKCIP, an organisation based at Oxford University which carries out research into mitigating the effects of climate change, said there was a danger of \"over-insulating for the winter\" in the UK. 2015-02-19 07:50:28 Francisco: A pension scheme where to buy ventolin inhalers Mark Lilley, 41, of Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, went to ground in Spain after jumping bail in 2000 during his trial for masterminding a ВЈ1million drugs racket. Spanish police released a video of the dramatic moment they seized Lilley at his villa in Alhaurin de la Torre near Malaga. It showed them bringing the gangster out of his panic room (left) after scaling his property using ladders and smashing down his front door with a battering ram. 2015-02-19 07:50:29 George: Could I have a statement, please? kegunaan obat diflucan fluconazole 150mg To make it simple, computers are searching for matches of block chains and it takes a lot of processing power to do it and when you get a match you own that Bitcoin. People mine Bitcoins and they either keep them, own Bitcoin, or they sell them, exchange them for dollars or yen or they conduct transactions with them. 2015-02-19 07:50:30 Janni: How long are you planning to stay here? buy fluticasone online ГўВЂВњWhen I was doing ГўВЂВ�ER,ГўВЂВ™ weГўВЂВ™d joke about the ГўВЂВ�episode 13 to 17 malaiseГўВЂВ™,ГўВЂВќ says Noah Wyle. ГўВЂВњYouГўВЂВ™d feel like you were sleepwalking and repeating a lot of what youГўВЂВ™d already done.ГўВЂВќ 2015-02-19 07:50:30 Maurice: Where do you study? generic ventolin inhaler canada The cash analogy is really important. Cash is very valuable because if I give you cash, you have it and you donГўВЂВ™t really care who I am because the cash has value so you donГўВЂВ™t need to worry about my creditworthiness. As long as IГўВЂВ™m giving you the $10 itГўВЂВ™s yours and I canГўВЂВ™t get it back, thereГўВЂВ™s no chargeback on it or anything. There are a lot of transactions where cash is really the most efficient way to do them but there is no cash on the internet. ThereГўВЂВ™s no way to actually put cash on a wire so Bitcoin is cash on a wire. So every transaction that you would want to do electronically but ideally youГўВЂВ™d want to use cash, Bitcoin is the ideal currency to do that transaction with. 2015-02-19 07:50:31 Sneak A Peek At THIS WebSite 2015-05-04 01:47:00 http://thissiteissick.com: Awesome site you have here but I was curious if you knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I\'d really like to be a part of online community where I can get suggestions from other experienced individuals that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Bless you! 2015-05-30 13:02:20 http://thissiteissick.com: Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your further post thank you once again. 2015-05-30 13:02:20 Travisen: vente cialis cialis generique prezzo cialis comprare cialis cialis generico precio cialis comprare cialis cialis senza ricetta venta cialis cialis espana 2015-06-17 19:04:45 Travisen: cialis generique cialis generique cialis acquistare cialis cialis cialis acquistare cialis acquistare cialis comprar cialis cialis 2015-06-17 19:05:06 comprar viagra: precio viagra comprar viagra andorra comprar viagra viagra venta viagra viagra acheter belgique viagra generika viagra 2015-11-09 10:49:15 comprar viagra: viagra generico precio viagra viagra generico viagra comprar online achat viagra viagra prix bestellen viagra viagra deutschland 2015-11-09 10:49:29 Delsie: Supercharge your marketing campaign with our social media promotion services. Buy high quality likes/followers/views at highly competitive prices and with fast delivery. Get 50,000 YouTube Views from:- http://khalaghor.com/youtube.html You can also order smaller or bigger package from our official website. 2015-11-18 11:05:42	i don't know
At 2012 what mobile broadband service is/was the next major upgrade for most of Europe?	Three upgrading to 42Mb mobile broadband service Jump to navigation Three upgrading to 42Mb mobile broadband service Broadband provider Three is planning a major network investment which could double the download speeds available to dongle users. Tweet Three has announced plans for a major upgrade to its UK mobile broadband infrastructure. The firm, which invested millions in 2011 upgrading to HSPA+ technology, is aiming to further raise performance levels. At present, HSPA+ currently runs on the 21Mb technical standard, meaning dongle users can take advantage of broadband speeds of approximately 10Mb. But Three is to double this to the 42Mb standard, offering customers twice the broadband speed potential. "Now, once again, we are going to move the game on and bring another first to the UK market," the broadband provider stated. "It's the leading-edge version of 3G technology." Three is describing the technology as HSPA+ 4G, but has pointed out that this is different to long-term evolution broadband. "Because the technology uses dual carrier equipment – meaning it can latch onto two signals at the same time and transmit and receive double the data – it will also improve capacity across the network," the firm stated. "This will mean more consistent speeds especially in busy areas and at peak times of the day." Three noted that the technology is already up and running as a test along a small part of the M3 corridor and south west London, and a nationwide rollout is expected to commence later this summer. "As well as continuing the 42Mb roll out, we'll also be running our own LTE trial in the next few months to get ourselves prepared for this technology, when the spectrum needed to run it is made available," the broadband provider stated. With Ofcom yet to run the required spectrum auction, the likelihood is that this leap is still more than a year away at the earliest. "But in the meantime, we'll continue our ongoing network improvement programme to ensure that whatever it is you want to do via the mobile internet, we are the network to be on," he stated.	4G
72 year-old Nepali Chandra Bahadur Dangi was certified in 2012 by the Guinness Book of World Records as the shortest human ever at how many inches?	%PDF-1.6 %�� 40 0 obj <> endobj 70 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<63F04E145D97E944B33263A698EA7AB0><88059B9CBC690445AF2DEC8C448C36E8>]/Index[40 57]/Info 39 0 R/Length 137/Prev 280305/Root 41 0 R/Size 97/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream h�bbd```b``�� Dr �_��ٹ`�;�d��UʁE��;�"�`��j\|@�K��l��A`{�>�H�� 6�,�� V�"�cA�^��l�@��Ag&�˷�ma` D��// �� endstream endobj startxref 0 %%EOF 96 0 obj <>stream h�b```�8V�� B cc`a��o��1�1��a�C��Z�� 6C/�'�t�� $�o��k��_it�ŐI��K�O� ]jc�� Ҍ� �ZZ9�Ձl;P ?�/@Z��`�g�R�#b��༠�@N�� n��X"��2�g�O�wSm��#},CofW�Ɓ��כ$Y��\|"�� H��8L��#�j�`��dI3���`L� endstream endobj 41 0 obj <> endobj 42 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/Thumb 20 0 R/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 581.102 765.354]/Type/Page>> endobj 43 0 obj <>stream h��Y�R��~��3�T�5w�j+U`BBYHH�P�[`�ȒW��߯G,��9U[�<��L�=��"^ ��Fx#T��ʢp�-��b,�)�Ԍ�#�X�RH�QWBi��'H@��"�B��N�D�� # �cab�E�+�I$l %)�TF$ ��?��h$�?r��K#�)� �i��x��~��6v�yZ4m��~UO҂B��=!�pC��,�ý��2��iF�/�7�m�f4L_5��^��W~��G�g� �}=�꼼x�.��\|N�gy��W�6F��9 Φ�"�de+L�O3䆌��a� ��m�_�[쨢��#\|��"�h��l77��ӗ��C�igat;��ճߪ �o��u��͋L k�\|ܱ�N��''{o7_��}��i (�:k��NKE�ӦE>�(/��&�`e��1)?E�O۪��󇳑 ��$��j s�<��Y�c<-f�Kg��ז�+� ��񩴧J&gg�^�)s�_�n7F)�t Ë�{]��vFث��z��F��2Q��en�F�q^n�M~��ϳ:+�Ys� ��Ŀs�r:�Ϙ�󳹍�Y-,�~��h0Nk�۳;%Q3M�M��)��֤刦)T(��,��Ŭ�a5��4��jDM�6c��1��?+j�u��y5�1��;x�jT� VEU�{�w�?fY�樤-m�& h�^�6��C��7�%��} l< �G�D�� 4"LL4��Kߨ� ��U4�?��Z��w��.�~PV��L_�Yx�P� :TG_��~4�!� ܽ[ w��>��ipm� ��yݴl�B�e�#�1�nzMaU{r{��=@mԎ�SϡL)xD΄�(� w(�һ+w,�Zu7�^nu�}��V�VKh�C�v��!Vsd5��P� �F�#2��t�r�EX�axk�P:�<�>Z'ԝ�Ӈ�tF�h�2� ��Y��rBa x��\|��֐�� U<�#d��^ Ϡ�FY�0Z��4�sp�?_��ݗB�7��w�la����e��P�"��K�X�%Ju��\|�_H�� j�7�#��홿��Y�_d�~vيݣ[��}��a�e�� G/w�w[�� `�;��i�2F�z��,z��Hzo=2��݂�pw; ��0�]N%�SH��&��9�^��$'�1p c+�s�� f�,�-��#��rH��\d򸗁�$�p ��\0H �J �t%\��t�[~B� �x�&�}�:�hNz�k �4�k�{@԰<ؤ��#!��q' ��h��k��0L\ &��ϟN��oFPuP�>P��4��%��x-T� �x�ӆ&��f��!d:�y�ݗ�9��"��8��T��r��!\)��Z�(�+�c� }$aRq��.��k��W�(b��#�E5f^�ȫ��xB� '`�c�~ ��9��5��rt3\|J�AC��(�X�0w��Y�l%��D.�瀻�� ".\��瓃ݣ �=8�+p�"��,�?�� -e�f}��w��вZ �` 0)�oV`r�\�l��^��< f�m��R��e�θ,Ǜ`҈ �# u�qA~(�%�6G ^��ܙ�'g��RB>s��G$��Mq=��Ҙ.��5�� u��f M�4��i�# ��/��_X�� u�E ��cX�� VďA�C�'��l��C�� S�i�� dE(�j!�D�ʣp R� ��B�vȾ��h��@{#[[5� R g�@��6�' ��m�� LÇx� �\|��J>�1�<�a_M� �=��+�}w��юU�=Q�E;��Y5� �v��h��=�Z�fU��\|�OBx��G�d ^��dU�Սt�g�{ݎ��"}�5��,��Mhq>D�(�$\|= �$��z1#�36�I��q� ��O�z�`� ��&L�>��h�I0ǋ �.��_��d��'wZ>�g �[��)y�图��C�\��w��'}�_�� jC��Xu\sQ�W�լ 5�g�UMҼ<�~��S�Y�\v�ޞ�C~-Ϣ��i6�6D��Ηm�Q�i3��6��>�� w��UUc>;�� _�Y9:��m�ۭ"�6�p��b}�v�`֝�� endstream endobj 44 0 obj < >stream H�\��n�0�{��EE��E�"�b�l��!-z��?��)�3؜_��v��l�oӥ=�ٜ��6�Ѽ��~(k��Q�m�Ǳ(��:��~8]��ڔ��<��Swy��E�u��po��8��8�fe6��S��x�� ]��Ϸ��cƏ��㊘��xl�t ^c�^��Ƭ��q��^ ��_ǩXWOi�j��\|��t��ǹ<��5�ݿkj�{�缤�#�� \�� 2c��Zz�!eZ,\��tH��!e�N�b�Xס��+d�l� �CfA��tp�� iv0;� ̎}M��w�;� lB��&� lB��&� lB��&� lB��&� lB��&� lB��&� l�� z+쭠�� z+� ��~��{�=�^�g�~��{�=��~��ï��<�Ȭ��ce�� ;��~�o��蛲o��>�o�} �[�?� ��?� ��?� ��?�>��]]�\a~m�1�v��_�0�� [��¼�a�3�>�> �K�� 6�[:`�Zv$lYig5��a�6Mi+��o��C\|ߡ��h�\|�? �Q" endstream endobj 45 0 obj < >stream H�\�͎�@�� _��: endstream endobj 46 0 obj < >stream H�\��n�@��<�,�E�a��$dɱɋ��n ��E�1�d�� N�JE��a�{>�4��n?��˿O��gw�n��Fw��~Ȋ�u};�-��<->�os��5�k��Ho�tw��z��Y�m��g��k{xt��} ��K f�r��) �Ҍ_�Kt��iߥ��\|Jk��>FW.�e�koc�Ʃ�1�W�X��- �,��s��n��.q�j�~��d��gpE��[��#��W�9�՞� �� `:x8xO�`! �n n�> >�> >��g<�0K�%̒%��f� �=z� �A؃�� ztptptptptptptptptpVf)��Y�,e�"K��Rf)��Y�,e�"K��Rf钵!o��Jѕ�+EWʮ])�Rt��Jѕ�+CWF��o�7�� F��o�7�� F��_!�\��d�WB��d8T�S�Si3~�:l��p�{�}��ݗW̲ϱ��!~��\|�� xeK endstream endobj 47 0 obj < >stream H�\�͎�P��<�]v/:�խjbbk��3�puHF � �~��tz�!QB��2� v��]�}�c�ݹ��)܆��w ��O�µ]3\-�͵ �4 �9\�yH�ʥ?��<=�Ӧ N�9I�Mm��~m��.=��O��~v�[�]��K=~��K�ˡ��k�=��1W,�9a�� n�T��TY<֮��c��ﾖ,;��T βx�Z�� zK��Q�ߩߡ�ԱiUҳ�g�S��u�^%z��ԯ��M��ZA��VP+%u -��=4��b��^�^��^As^��y� ��+�W0�p^��z��Tx=�JO��S��Tx=�JO]<��"e� ��+�Wf��D��"e&�L��(2Qf��Ę�!#��o�7��~#��o�7��~#��o�_�W��}�^��x�� q��5�i�k��oش��0�X�O�W�C+@ endstream endobj 48 0 obj <>stream H�\��j�0 ��~ �Cq�s�n� ��f{�V2�"�9��x�� l��O�{C>��r�-&�=9�)�l: <�c �۴u��J �.S±�>��}qJ��ͅ�J_�!{`�sj��9�? �P�గA�&~�Ag��8�}Z�< �KD(s�c��)�lh@UR5Tg�Z!�}����}��{�egfɓw��<�cM1Dj=�.��Bo� endstream endobj 49 0 obj <>stream H�\�_k�@��\|�yl J4s�� A�Z��ú�b2��5 1>��wNN�� 8�ɷ�ݡk'� ��'wn�f��>�ѝ��eᚶ�>>Ϳ�k5dy��M�z��}V�.��.ަ��6M��Y�ml��v��k{\|v��> �5v�[��5��їj�Z]��^M��N��tϿo�\| ��%1u��P�q��K��Ez�]�O�u��f��t�WcV��b��R�Y��yżB~c~C�2o�w�;�w�w�=s�� ~ɼD.� d�쑅Y�i�y� < >stream H��Wko��.��a>��p�&ZH��u�]+ȇ�XP�XbBRV�_�s� r�m!@��ܹs��ի[��0 �Jt��w��WokW�Ԯ~[�٬^]b2��?��3�$o�l\!��~�8!MmyN��ũ/6�ʺ��+��7�q��8n� ��Pl��?\�}�O�d�:�L�z��ww �D$I��J��l�ޚ�N�B�2E,]GzQ��;f'U�˶��M�g�"�W��m �H�q:~�N�>��w�Ԁ��@: ��'��ȉp��N��W���u�VmW�j�ʜ��؉d�� \|ǃ�2�X��4��8M\|�׫Wף��pK��2XH��& B�M} �p�$��NK#�"��8�)��NyK �#i��,��ueK��!k��ى�ݖ�[�umVP�� ?�_��֛��s\|��M/N��nm/�^�M� �ڱ�6Wf�s��ͽ��74��i�%"�#�&\|�7��u�5�]V�a��?&ߓn$69��+�� c�§�XHH�"�SP[ّo��v�XmWf$]�,Kj�}{-C�� 8$\|��Ȱxϵ%.�hǖʺ�mU8ܹ��U� (5<��w��Q8`�וu�vJ���/=v�L���Ӟ�&��UևΎ�֖��@�ͧ�d�Mh ��5��\��N��z�Y0_��쇞��<�n��3V��ʬ��m/�DG�� HAR��,/�rx�A�p�3iѨ4��3J�NV�F��I'�Z �~Pwۆғ�k�o�5jX��eb w�^ώ��7��.�� %w�9�#�� 6vתy���~��Rz�i�r ' �'��Gǎ�&�܁6K�a+J\I��qaj ��G�\Rj��߲�{h��m�=�^;d��'Өl�ۮfZ8�VR[8��Ö�Ul/fT�!ԩ=C]/�� w{ ��m�{H8 A�;��u"��`��6��^��E&Hmt��Ŝ�`��{�m4��R7Rld��#��,�4�60��/9�x�=gY�z��i0�rCc;o�t �vx.&��"�,�OG��&15G�E�c�� >�T�gr��r(NY~Q�e��,�/�ѱT�"JB'M��ϕ��i�\|��(36�z�.�Ũ�� PK6�$�$,a&��P��B� �:�^�v�� ` ��^4b��۫��$>E�)�B�ɕ(� �2d۪��5�.��G�Lv�� q��ͱe{�+S��^�\|�l;Qg ��e�I�L�^�r7B&�+ڃbI�@��ZHCe�GYʳZ-�=�L� i,��7� \|��#�)��)h� ˾y�ݔ��l�A+ %�� _4�4 ��+n��k!�9� �/"��G\m�/�n({{V߷y��i��N��Ŷ;��TMl#�^� -\�� M=��a�L�/��3r�.߯B��I�F� '_�qc��Dq,E�"��8$bIK�j ��#��ju��nHN �\|�N�� Bp �ə�&('AFil�%��$$VLd t6�bp��=�g� \|�� xt#\|�ub_?@>Y� f��1�7��M{�[� "@��H�e�5�f �(v�؀ƻ��})��z��.�'3�%��a�D � �8��t 1�'��\|�+�#^�rBe�\|tYmF��g0 �m3C�r&-�Uk�G2/hN�EX!K`��o�˔��d]��-( �Rg��d��D.��\��n�>�� )�4.:mAbȾ�h�J�#~G� ~7V@9� T�o8�G"=�:,�j��P�h�l�� <�S��Y�`�t��`g�4Hưwx� ��9�H�i��mv��e.Ͻ}�0��A��X0!gz�D�L�o� J�H�M�rf� �]Ԟ��ۺ�F�!7 ��Wܧ\��J��=�5�� &�`��S�uI`l��y\�m �ꈗZ�p��Y�S1K�7[�eǽ �� L4��:��qJ9� �&�� 2� ���>�~h0��o�� -}[l�&1$Eyu-c�nN�+�Ǎ�� '#Nf>�D�<>�B� ��M4tp��̻i��OX�(Mg��DD�H��V�� -�Ah��F[��G~��ivƴ�D�FUv��I��y&=< �쑧��$�'��t� B�= ��:X=rw�� @p��C�P��(��nj��a}۠�� -�?82\��~�-`y�J �'X+��a2�9��<� �m�B�a6�e�5�cT�EP��3ݢ��g ��<4�ډEQ��ն�eM�] J��]=�@ =}��CURy��QU�m ^�^` z�H.w&�ct��n?S:�u��\|�59�Ɣ�� ذu;�Y0Yn�˖�p�u9��֣S��7�&ԥ�E-Цf�� lj �� 0��Ђ endstream endobj 51 0 obj < >/ExtGState<>/Shading<>>>/Subtype/Form>>stream H�Tͻ �@��~�b^��Φ�֐´#��A��t ��賉�S%��27_�[g�9ւ � �� K ��>�X��n��G�h�,��_����pǮ��F� < >/ExtGState<>/Shading<>>>/Subtype/Form>>stream H�LN�JQ \|�W��M�ɹ�� (��`_�,m��v��$��0v��! �z��>>�C\|��h�w��Bg��B�"�#��G�f�kr\|�N�+A��ͲA�T��T�Y��8Q$s�$&h��^�L�4 < >stream H��yTSw�oɞ��c [��5la� QIBH�ADED��2�mtFOE�.�c��}��0��8�׎�8G�Ng�� 9�w��߽��'��0 �֠�J��b� 2y�.-;!��K�Z� ��^�i�"L��0��-�� @8(��r�;q��7�L��y��&�Q��q�4�j��\|�9�� V��)g�B�0�i�W��8#�8wթ��8_�٥ʨQ��Q�j@�&�A)/��g�>'K��t�;\�� ӥ$պF�ZUn�� (4T�%)뫔�0C&��Z��i��8��bx��E��B �;��P��ӓ̹�A� om?�W= �x��-��[��0� ��}��y)7ta��>j��T�7��@��tܛ�`q�2��ʀ��&��6�Z�L�Ą? �_ ��yxg)˔z��çL�U���u�Sk�Se�O4?׸�c��.�� R� ߁��-��2�5�� S�>ӣV��d�`r��n~��Y�&�+`��;�A4�� A9�=�-� t� � l�`;��~p�� Gp \| ��[`L��`<� "A � YA�+��Cb(��R�,��T�2B-� �ꇆ� �n��Q�t�}MA�0�a l��S� x ��k�&�^��>�0\|>_�'��,�G !"F$H:R��!z��F�Qd?r 9�\A&�G� ��rQ ��h��E��]�a�4z�Bg��E#H �B=��0H�I��p�p�0MxJ$�D1��D, V��ĭ��KĻ�Y�dE�"E��I2��E�B�G��t�4MzN�� r!YK� ��?%_&�#��(��0J:EAi��Q�(�()ӔWT6U@��P+��!�~��m��D �e�Դ�!��h�Ӧh/� �']B/�� ҏӿ�?a0n�hF!��X��8��܌k�c&5S�� 6�l��Ia�2c�K�M�A�!�E�#��ƒ�d�V��(�k��e��l ��}�}�C�q�9 N'��)�].�u�J�r� �� w�G� xR^��[�oƜc h�g�`>b��$ ��~ � �:��E��b��~��,m,�-��ݖ,�Y��¬��6X�[ݱF�=�3�뭷Y��~dó ��t� ��i �z�f�6�~`{�v��.�Ng��#{�}�}�� j�� c1X6��f m � ��; ' _9 �r�:�8�q�:��˜�O:ϸ8��u��Jq��nv=��M��m��R 4 � n�3ܣ�k�Gݯz=� � [=��=�<�=GTB(�/�S�,]6�-��W:#��7� ��e��^YDY�}U�j��AyT�`�#�D=��"�b{ų��+�ʯ:�!kJ4G� m��t�}uC�%��K7YV��fF��Y �.�=b��?S��ƕƩ�Ⱥ��y�� چ ��k�5%4��m�7�lqlio�Z�lG+�Z�z�͹��mzy��]��?u�u�w\|�"űN��wW&��e֥ﺱ\|��j��5k��yݭ��ǯg��^y�kEk��l�D_p߶��7Dm��o꿻1m��l�{��Mś� n�L�l�<9��O�[��$��h�՛B�� d�Ҟ@�� i�ءG��&��v��V�ǥ8��n��R�ĩ7�� u��\�ЭD��-��u��`�ֲK�³8��%��y��h��Y�ѹJ�º;��.��!�� z��p��g��_��X��Q��K��F��Aǿ�=ȼ�:ɹ�8ʷ�6˶�5̵�5͵�6ζ�7ϸ�9к�<Ѿ�?��D��I��N��U��\��d��l��v��ۀ�܊�ݖ� ޢ�)߯�6��D��S��c��s�� 2��F��[��p��(��@��X��r��4��P��m��8��W��w��)��K��m�� endstream endobj 54 0 obj <>stream H�j0�� endstream endobj 55 0 obj <>stream H�\|�OhA�g�fK�!5� ��ɣ�E�� U+�%��"��4Y�� j$��S<��"V�^,H�{��{�D�v�M�ٜ��s�~��0��B��+kk˷�_�ß,[lU�d��J�!B� �c�H\�c9�#�D ��H\| ��#�7db{g �x�4'兘�"Sr�L"M�# � �Dm<�`�u�d 6w��]��J]�� ҂�Y��"�K�X�mH�� HS��p�6.m��9XP��S��T��&��0i��ſ��>��$�Ǭ�2�:`0sVe�NG��+,��.f��I7� 1y�2��YCiU�Z�6Ro�kua�b�k�x��5V��z@��I��>��d� ��d�qN >��~��zG��-ũF]UR��?�>��c��C; �b2A��! d�&?/�c�Ū��{�$֬ W��׻>�=�j��N�� > �+�/�� endstream endobj 56 0 obj <>stream H�\|V tT��{3� C2f�� I��,3Đ �$M��h� &HJ�R�B[�J��JAQ�Fu@��J��PiY 9�Z��"��i%��o2�� 0�CE��,��6r� ۢ��O^ �ɀi~��vZ\̏s>��eq�g��Z�r�=��}��n�1��@u��ªX`� ��e �'L�֡�YҸbU��q6�3��꼊��p^\l�^բ3� �}��zSuc��$`h��y��ہ k�\|˽��/\|��6��@ωM0Ä��p\�z�u�E�6�&�IQL��S�߁�g�ԙ��+�r<4 9�J\�!lE��4c�a\|��?R�E�&;�\|Wcp��;U�� Z��+��}h�X�?�<�c��q �� p�_p?~��5~�\|m8��8M,��Tӧ?�Fl�b܋F4��8�?`9��2��C��CX�E�a<��q� O��/��n��x��>j��;t��]�Gp�83)�5��_W ��з��?��~{��0�{ zs�n��9?��=o��]=/�<��Գ��_;x�؞d#obW߯\׮=;9�Ǡ��p�^ �n\|�ݯ ��G��j"�~"��7l-��'� $ ��~Btm�� D� �� <��~�KĔD�e\|E��Qb刁��5ĸ��.�t��} �@th,��%��q �d$�� r��"��%��2^� L��XĎ��NRj�^TS��T��z��1��C/ӗT�M)Ɨ�� DEe=�s+��)��d��I�1\|:��0ȡ��@�\dΘ��ٕ��ө��W�$;�~��\Ք�5� �:k��2�DT�Ky��#�s;�::�;h�`�S�Ɓ)�4\2PSJ;E{�1��v&��Z��1��9��= �� H�9m��ڣĦ��(qq F�{ �'�څƓ�ckC�E&��.�m ��줘OӋT�X3D��b D C�A�J&$� J1 q1P�b"�b#;�$F��VZى�Y�{)3�П�p ��L5wb�� J\|��Ĥ�I��8��#խ��B_��AH�aG'�R�qlq��X&wj}��{ t�#KBL�0wK�n��̍�D9��+q�퉤F��4�hP �0Dj"N�!jh��Ȱ�U�O�5�)U�Pq��+�^�L�]��D��P�3Q��y=>G��XOe�m� ��~O��1�z^�o^uZ�;�5P\T�:_~��Z�>]��\F] ��r�z��̾��}�S��Ρ ;�Iv��YC��pGeդ��u�Ӧ��ym�Ҝ��T)]8q]�L��J�.�~��9��$��q�`�&X� �P�� 8N�J�D�^>��s�={��z~&aO��gvU"Fu{� m��}m��ݺg��ݛ ��ό� ��n"'�ګ��!��WV��.�7]�E[XA �D�q]��-Ɇ;�UE��C� H��,��"��H %0��&GjLp)��=��vqa�+Wx�K0 �˂JX��ِ0 ؤx��6)d/��}G��,�&2��6�_ TƁs�g ��% �N��ΉR�e�I\��@1�8��s��#��x�A5�� @��̯�\�� V��mBW��눑� i$+TY�� Uc� Y��鱣��l�n�e�C�`G��qd<� se��Zjz0\I��(O��7�F7;Zb[��b�� [�;�ݛ��k���y�]� �c�^]%�U"C�$ ��Jb[q�3�c ��8��k�� چ �6ōs��Zܔ]��Nh �0��[��\��CK��R :⡵�={�~��];3��S��յ�a��Qp� \|cB{��H��'%y�I�A��l~�N�#'���Iŕ/�S-!�+ϱ�zDc��e�^�d�� ӋT8Un�ȭ�u"�N�։�:�['r�Dn�ȭ�u��1[��$��Czh@ �=4��Ѐ �[+4��쎏�ٓ�e��e��tv!!3/�U�ު�WW��z�%qys� �>�/�G'��s=��Z"㟙 V:�jp��H�k�/��h_�7�=R��K��p�� h� mj,Nݿ%� �M�.@�߰��&�5Lwc�)��u��!�M��~��$�!��?�6\��ZL�ڀ갈 �+�� -G�o Ԛ֮j?� ! � ��ez�i�_�uW��GV��oM��fq! ��y��<�a �0��9�0ǘ�c sQ�8��D �)��!ޑ=�nD��E��G�� +L6�Rv��>�� p�Nd�?��]�F,��X��+ ,�O�#x R�e�Ŵo)��OP��/�ه;��K^Cr ��V� M�+vH0��K� �l�9�u1��a�� %��d3�2� W� �A�]P�p��ΛG &� t��.��@t��]��]J�]q��Q�-�a�ue�u_�u_�u_�u_�u\|��el��x�;�̄� ͋a)/�Ѿ��S��4.��w��MX� A��Y �* �y�d�U�ܬNr�� b�W�� t�[φ e_�� 虾`�/��b�O7 m�\|R 32��mO�j4��ٖ��%vz�G� ��/��1S�?�� !�+T�N�v�S7�@.�76�ٵ��כ)$��͖#�A�usb0ڒ�9 �l�{Y��xO��u ��eV��Ԭ�5E�7eסKnŏ4��?�� %��p��h��ͧ@�Y��v�dP�)�ɉ��q��zMo@ɽ��>��}V� � �M��<��P�IHXR�.qw@רn�{��u��׬��,�%�`�c��X�sdj_h��`%h��k�]>��HM$>��X�� h��s�� j�}�q��Er�(��pe��{o$��<-��_�muba��ى�Ύ��l��ΰ�nʕp �<��+��l?Ú�%U��d�'�c�8&�cb��̽�w����a��^��U�=s)U�X�EyZ��k�ЭF0:"/_��_a u�Wms�ߢR�ڸn�U��5֍�ݼ\ޠiT��˓��xmZG� >/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/XObject< >>>/Rotate 0/Thumb 23 0 R/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 581.102 765.354]/Type/Page>> endobj 8 0 obj < >stream H�tWk�ۺ��_�O�ԮQO�( $w7�)�@ ;�~H� Z�m5z]Q��z� kR5$gΜ9\|sؼ�e�\1� �Q��o� Sy�y�A��QT�/7��ڼ: \|�� \|��D��$eizi��Po>9O�:�� p��Q��_��^�ݞ��O�[�Nۏ5M��^a��4 �(�� Mϼ �B\��?}��9g��p ��[)6��}��?q�d��4�a��O,�h��v��I�q�z��5��<{�m��v� �{n=p�� r� � ;�0��M�ϲ�%i�I��>�z7q�A�Cٜ��a�)��FF3X6_a�TC-�A��G�^�O3\�g[��ƍ��c�w��_ �_ӈ��A�J��B ��p#�y��.v�8�,�I{p��a�Qc�;�%{w �}-sI�$Õ ��g�n2�ųGp��"�=�S�ǲ2c�0Q ��W�&��Ucё��R6��0�?��@�bGQK��Y�e!@�� `_vj{�o7��gh_�#��J�5<��%Y��d�PM�Bo��.��7�.� @(�Qѐ�ݸ۝ �&�[�nr��G�?�a(��X �.v �$��(�TpQ�c%鈅�s��ĕ�8��n�# /u�"l�;-v��~Ǿ��&�\��W��N�0�� ̒�Gև� :Ihh�K�� @��9�h�+�̣p��dr>4�^c�t��8�e�H�<�%�&;�� \|��zG �֒�� ]��^�h>��'o0?�6 m�=�Έ��%;��;!��-m�� 6H/��\|�z��r�8��"�:�a�S\|�EQ��Q(I��\|�� 5�m�T[��Q3�� 6=�&��O �b�<�� K UVWt8��R7�ش�A /��5��.�I9��x!��7�!�v]K�!��!A��ϒz�X �p�]� @�=��^��LD��B"��w/�X��\|�.D��5x%`�(�R�Z VɵW z3V�y_y��M�5~�9` ��]UB�C��XQ�G��"��"��2�8~D>1��h6�M�d��ɐ�dθ̧� ��wv�ȍP�F�:텓��r� �jQU0:UN{�t�cB �RFl�֐\<�{Sl-%{��F�s�蹫��3ST�Y]a�%p�&]� ��\|�d���f �7�2Pr��B9h R��uʡ��kȟ4�Q]�_�ߍ�LZͨ��A�\/'H\|� I�ey�c�s��X�q����B��(Ah� [f��!��K�ݢ��B�#� ��LC� �/� Ή=� )� �;װu�z)��&�~. �s�� A.[J=bݲd��+�Y�� D�7��N�m01��[�� r��FQ~��s��d� !�J �L=�nEH�P�`�m��B/�]�R��8+��N 7��߶�0��c~ �#̽R��tŮ.9m��=L�6�g� �K��X颢E�}f�e{�EwJ�k��S6��^�m'9,��\�y�RF � �pfgڣ��ʴȣW��j�� {Ûv�?@��i>m��qa��=�y��;Ixwւ�>�>[��-��!��1 �t�~�Qn�h�\��j�U��==��J~ CJ��hlmbi� � - V �Ɔ�މ�4�o4� �۠<�B�1 SI��n��n �� U �)}C��v�J8��Z"M��L�"�E� Zj��HB��VG��:�Tpk�;��xQ�^Ca�4�� g^.�m�kOP��w�?�Mll��uߌ-��4�ۦ��"z'�ق^S��Kԩ�/��l޻��zn�y��m��zr�u:�@CDc\|�^\|��p��-c,�d cHڻ� �$2��6�\|��R�K̑Ȇ;ZRG��IYY�H(��D��zӭ(^Q�-M .�x�ⶰ��Ƥxu� .�W�pG�m΢BGō�� N9�e3Rgfu��9��AP��H��2�4m՞��Κ��F��\|�8��u�_�)>��~� #�W��0 ��pY�9$�n<9�/�v�� 0\fhs�ϙ }Xx��u� ��P�6� C�s Lmx��n?~��)jNݶ,�N �p��i�� %� &��Z$n ��{�� -�C&�#;= p�H��E;��n��>�X�֫:k;�o3)`/��""�� �q��ְ>�4\|dy�f� b�;�� L�p� �譹W�}�9��Ӏ�2�'��!�)� ��;/��{n��N�Xi;��0:�S�&�i�=d�H1�X dyQ��Zㅲ��_�ɀ ֯5�Q��POV��36AjpĀ�� '�)i~ �7�� iX��Y�3�ѝ��ɪuB��o�T��T�y� ��y%��h�n��B�ˎE<�\|��w~{�/��_��H��r��L ��`�y��/LJ�H� P�û��\b + ��hx^��o��޾��~xP ��t�Y�M�Q�8I��d��$��jvWo�� R�2K>�}Ŵ�]x{��D=P�( y��7}��Z>��}�4ARi�=��7 �7��Uȱ��7�Jl��G��^ɛ��2� N Ei��Ȥ��P;�/�6��a��2Ĳh JĢ�;��7Q� �09�똠�$ !��F ��B]Tw�2�~c�`�1��1c��ܵ}��L)\ �� N"��0��Wf]�C�ZL�c�!�u(��?��I�� 'h�B�� =H �N{Uw�bBD��U � X�� .��苧R� �-��Mv��I��:G��g�t�6�^�<�ԤN$ť�!^�'7�yr�q ��Ӳ��}A� e� )�ͤ2%�?�G��6 ��3��\|B J�snXQ��Jf�9i�3��#�j�ng��)��j�%�t��<#�:_�ke5�Q�8�yG�6/�?��F��R1BT��qY��µو��Q#��_�7�8d�x YQ�a��=Oj��i��l-��I ��)��\�x�� d�\B=�oB��>٨�B�6�E��2�q�� "�$�� Q(�pWx��D ��jB�}� �?��~B��Ƌ��{ư$��i��>� %��";��,�$� q��SZ2�h��D �?HMh�!+��2�-$ádMQ��D5߬A�t[>��T��Y �<��83d)�!�p�3��E�� c�i�z17��ӎ�$6}ǵ��r��~7��3ôS9��;r �4.]Jq$�X�ں�PRh�S��]�9H/dF�Ѹ��=Ĳ�� Ϛ��R��{��]� �f��-�%� �s0��Q�֧�3�0�VQ��X埸bFQ��'L��q��!�� 0�R�3�<��}?�b0�i�c�ݹ-�� 8=0 ��$oa�ۢ⣜'\|��RV5sY3 5]�;J.��Y�_4��7�[x��c٬y�i/��R�9� ei�ˡ&�A��jc��mC��HdCC�h�P�XY�G,V x��I��B��QϿ�n �� o�l�?��mV65�&�h��R��`_��l�B�y{w��w7L�웠��7^'2�o�#��[ n?~��ofྮ��b��{â�4��'v E�@�_��9F ��`g�C�8��,�gK�/ �]��ܢw��}�� '^� ��v�L��':m�gz�,Q��cW�Œ�=�U�e���x�)�ž��9�ͅ1��ff#��O�r�~�7��4F��#�Z�d pb�}�r��mJ�<� �@�1���t,�[�[12�O}9C��d�%e+L��� kz ��g ��\|�s��39P��T\|�=0��Kn3�i2��p��9�� #��ѭ��r(!�� SR �$�/4�S��8��m��&�d�e��X��L��q�k� <��UW׷�ko�\]?<(y�t��F�j��Y�Ҁ��)��M��^n�@vJ_��Z˜��h� Vi��0\)?��W մYF:�N�衍 �� )�2W8]�KND��9��Yʎ�[3��3�\D��Ą��P��P^�Y��hMIڕ]��>�Z�p�Ig�_ʓ�\�D��U.�$��a�5E�{uK�S˥�Ɲ�� w� '��rE�g��B�+S<��z�"��Z��uH�@w�ܴ��N��g�b,x��;ɬ�@X�,/��{��\|�թ��8 o �^�w��.��\|�z�j�I��ÅE��"Y5�ɲc J7�� Q`�D�O�բ��+M_��V��x��膥\p�/��k�/L�<��ۛ{f�]��[~�)�g��^ ��)��&#��t�S�V �V{��J)s��=�V��{]i�]�/6�� ̆�^�9��Y=i�/�w��`P5��#'JG�ܰ��\䨀��@��ޢv7��Ґa�.�װR�}-��n �뜵$�׳G��\|��5ޓ`�k��݋��x�;�X�G��+l��x� �U��`P��Q+�kwb)[��$R#"1�u��x��υ>7үz��{�wY-me��`�ǫtG�8 %��}��gep��d �g:�:�Y ��f��Bz�R��&� ��⊼��t�,�,@Uk ��%��w �0]� endstream endobj 9 0 obj < >/ExtGState< >/Font< >/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/Thumb 24 0 R/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 581.102 765.354]/Type/Page>> endobj 10 0 obj <>stream H��Wms��_�/7C6M�M��%�.��\|�;7 I��"�9�� G��^7�e��S?��u��a㳃Z�\|�}v�.~^�}��y��b>�1�7W�qZ��~�z1��6J/ �� Yȶ��f��9s��0��$d�&1��o8eT�{��j�� 6�_�Y�Qg��n�^��M�b��<�ٚ� ��L�8�WY��m]M��^��e��{��:��0�X'��> �a\;�\6w��e<��pJ �+�z>4Q�ek��/H� ��ө��U��n�;L��$ ��l�X�^T') ��=5��?�]z[ �>[q/`ۻ�{��L4�\|��a}YKŎ��(;� EC��_�.��n�H�1qh�\6��qp1��td8��!��hx��D2�� -��Ds�`2S�ЊNǶ#��(@5�o��ҷLI�{0�w�N^ ��i{�k�gEG �E�#) O%W8ύ"�u.��\|��Ԓ��B�>n>��R��_�\�g� U>9��+z��#�:�Ő� \|״h�++��~��Ab�̲Qe� �7��`��?� q�S$$��nUOb��CM�J��Ozd�� eQ�͓F^��J�>\|޸3�<�z'�B\p�� .I��=�Fɦ�k��H26�h� ��/09��G��=J��ɎDL�5n � ��z��i��帅��_ ?�ʑ.�UG󥇟:a�$�V6 ��S�\|G�o$4')��;��$�r w��=0ڦD �"$te[x$[�� [�O��]��C8�YG6bWɂ��A��J��S�z� p�6H��Z��G�EW.%��?~�/�VyO�>�\|Ja`C?��&\|��6i�^��pfxP�1 {El 6�K�^��kK��ɝ�@m�ޯ��;;�N-�Qn�.D�v�zZ�n2~{�u�++}Q; RQ�0:qb �{��I.i�V��]�3��k�jT�dY)��@�β��ײ?��C�`��P6��ۍ�;��#�~Њ��[uV��Ϣ/'�/ u� �Jm�p�ǎ �(?9� ln�3�ٗ�w)�A�-�c��"��(��OhUN�{��b �)u�� zeP�)Q� �'�s�� f�{ԹU�XS�3�B]�N��^� H�^%�\V��v!ɱi{< ��D��~yMG8,�ղ� {/��4ӟ_�8�7��DkK�(Gw�w\|S x0�9�t�q�7�dU ��k" ��]�O��mJ(y�� @� �5�t)��PI3�+��'�hhQ`v�0�ӓ�NR�ǋ�nI 3]� � �j� 1�1p��{��f"��⍄u} ��!'@��ۦ?��_R�o��Ͷ�h4��G:��1fN7��q�M��B��i�u��r3�� yN��-!�j�3JnX��_Lz�٧��lċ5<��ܵ�s� ��}[{��^�4��3&�c�p��t5�+;wt1�K8�Xb��X�Gw^ ҷ�PKј��{QU;�?S��Qt��dTw4 ��񪀏��=�� Y�I�<��"P&:�_?�X��`��a0P��M��_��Jg��'A^A 7 ��ר�cD�Q�N�y��g�G�>�R}O.��%��Zb�9��Ȩu�l/��J��1�$�5� ��W�'��ٷ�G6�ײ�0o�;�ᚖ4kt��z��Miu�l��n��- ��\T��-_�c/�� ʆ.E�t'��J��gj5�#A ��G��W y�1�S)�X%"?ϊ1\��u�� F ��#�!tL\|��3_\��O��O��^ a�T�,n 6>;��v0��ؓ�<�� Ga�x1�@�p E�O/�c�V��7��ɦPz��n\�ƿ�z��č��A�e�d�[gH�jp� �`mX�auu�++bn;�BQ��:�m\|��Z� q��؀�CMP�.�-�xh��bp>NY��9�2�>�f�;Ĥʠmqvb P;!�� 2_R��~4��x��j職!��j�q�H��\|��̫(-�� '�E�d7�a ,(�%1�E��_��Tu�"��f�Y]u.)�\|�G�[p$�DwBy�׷Cbǎ�ґ�Ս�cPL�x.�E�3��ʆ7�h+��W�-��)˩�J��+ ��Q9U7@��òir ��ﭩ;�՛�\�,�(f"=��T��Qw�T��@z��Cr�o�gg>C��'@ ��=��ST�d�@2�_�>I��3��=� �ļ��OD�S�ų�؈D��Aml!�w��N�=��p^�NM�(6 du�E8spA ݞ֯�Hu�� K$ei��lE��&�=h#-�Пs$#)r1�[�I��پ �m�� \|]vq�]�e^X�� 4�\|��]��d��\nV'��K��:��FGr}%��%� �}��RG�oʯ�o��,@�<5�]�o��q)�.y?#E��# ;�� ^c�2�N��B��3j�Jy��:^'D+S�7�j�U}`Y��l!�'?��k��I ^��%Qf/�M ��#�~��7�\|��C�oͳ0�κ�]�<��0 �k ��FWX<�� ~O� 5�&\|�tf�4 [���oY��T��Mm� �t��欣��nwFqQ ��s� ϶�^�jf$��g5��T:"�;ir��+�V�UF㎯��o"�FF��A�'�+�0Q��f��)^�L�ֆ6��]��g��s0:��s�z�ǿᜫ��cA ��?��VIܜ�� \�\�� O?x��MU��;�>�-6�ͺ��# x��n/6K��o�fl&�ë�E��8G/�K�Li1ʮJ�J~�`Q�F��i@�E��a�V��5��P�JV#"��PW[��<��Pi"�ɔ�H�D��6��'ht2��)��Qe�D�Nw[�D��y�_\Qvǡ(��d��nn,�Puj ��H״�IXSV\|=xN�8#��A k��mg�v!��)W<�K��X�h��q ��;Wc?P?C�78F��_5�ݹ8Ɇ��#�P ��q� i�J��n�� B� ��f�H1C@�Ag�R�f�5��S�/ fh}'i&�i'Mk�0��2�NC} ��N�p�2V�2#��3�y��s^ ��loy�5��5�� �\|�(_t ��?�<�'�e ?fg�� yK[�ݠR��\|��7�)��C�l3e$��L��XU 2:�rr��2d3�q\�>��<)��\|ЧMK�[�G�+C+j8zMG�Y��`�P�YO��w^J� ��Rv�}�� 6�1�@#��aI�Ͱq�,�L��M��]�<#m��\:]�Gzm�5Ό��"(�R�-�#u��V�ή4�,`Q� ��e'>��,� grA�J��$�Z�Z G�� /!ќ��F,E��1�_�Z�w�2I�0��w�+p$�~i��`�B��\|}{�ݿ� /� R��ᬷ��ʍ `G�F��t�'��p��r`�ݫ��C{��2BU�"��e��n��{�:�KW�2J�֟^}ǯ �M =y3�'�j�e�G��+Y�� '�E)/��;�e��\�d��s�CH��_I{> �f��\|^��M�z�_=XmF{��l��i�� u�+i��L�al��.?CW@{-�py��1}�vu�ؚ��5\��e� ��uc�dF־@��EO�ߋ �v}}��wpD��\|��Qp�2�l��97��}��{\|�4��p�J V�@+/ �e�{�R�F��S��H��T� ��~ b�Y�M��r�0�sZIR��NE� ��;z�tO�kd�o'#w+u��~�z� ) �� ͓}�`��߄��c��q {M�B��=��c��:��8��z�t��x�{E�AR7{�g��ć�dӿ��>�JZiv~�ZX �{ �;'�A��\j�!Η��ٜd6U�O�{�3 �ك� A %��Z�^.�<�s<�ܔSW(�-��-��Tu$��i�� qQpЫwqI��6B/�5�i�\`�� endstream endobj 11 0 obj < >stream H�j0�� endstream endobj 12 0 obj < >stream H�lWl��~��Ip��$� c�$qH��ā� ��BB�t��.d��caS�T��K� ��+��u�V�BkB��ڲ i�RH��Vl��jE�sw��{��{��-�Q�)Ե1>�ҳa9l��7�I�{"��{t��pǾ�x�� u`��GD��D��n�vt�"�� `��/��ȉѪZ� #�gv=��{f��h��ٍݽ#�z��w��ۛ�� Q��2g�E4��il� &�Lt�y�a��e�f�a�4�(�[-�m�̟ � �"�ִ�w=�\�G��F��{ h"��@홷Z w��̎7Ɂo ��t��;��~�gw�S�t�,�o��qb5^o�P"Ͷ�E��a�L��K��뾙��cޱ��Ǽ뼃��Ӧr�DC�X�M��~��[R�yڟJ�D �cq�R��3a��sp2j:�i��;�h2=�p�[)��mM��N��&\�T ^��Pqf��ټ$KFو��o~_��ؘk �ȼ�3�CKƀ��zy�8�M�~��>��J%�UvM��d+�K-# �@�] )U��>��3��b7�䳯��f�;J7��,�dE� ]�')��#��:�= [$��bP3��e�p ��o��dK�Y��Ó�&CYʊPV ʠ�\|![y\��8F�\�$OHb�bG;> �YhMb�� )Z��mQ�""��h] �>:�׼�� >�%.�� T�ϱ��:�{L̡L΁�)��kD\#�5Z�u��ڼ��~�~�� 'ŴGƩC�1�_S\��K�q�S(��O�A�Y�ޖ��D�� G� az��u �ʇă=�[�wQ�� `�� d;��X<��?^^��l�n��?�]�d/E �H� -��eZ��2��~A�_� �~��4��o6��> ��gu)@�6 #�s�/��8��C�c�s�+�%\|��,�J�8� �q`�>�S�(px��\|\| ظf�B@�#��Bi�YE�+1�R�$���U�u)��0>K�� _Xe:��5��l&G�G��L��kM�h�)��ff�9+��E3 �U� �� [IUC�j�R��0�\�W9m&�Y�мTZZ��P��M6I��l�/+�_��i�l[!��BGE`�M��yp_��2��[�{��i��+��Ԧ��3b7�<��-��/��Z�ck��~�o ~a_yخIHl`aŹ�5��\�bN��0��rK�MN��;�k�c�?t�hD�� a��7�?��5h�� K�wNJb�)��)�8��T~Ny 9��ҷD��P%h.Q�\�٥B�T(\|]�u�3�/�E�S@��A^D�SB.�qqՠ}H��B��M�R+�efKeC�i�=y�� Z��1��Rs��貦J{El�nF ��=��h�kQk��n��{:��D!��avg��u�#c��a�hJJ�9 C��k�o�tn��u��J�_��b�ӸQ��'��uѾ�� ,E�� @BT��_/-U�A)�14� hB�iUK]Pd�%cɐ�(2'��`],r��B��j�G$1�m��,� ��I�k��zQ��)E^TYxJ�i9�lL0n�qc�nܞb��@�2��Lf�%��9E.��[P��!g��S^`��UT�=H��X�V�f1�j�2�t�mf��#}��b��qqK�si�SU�� Z��l��DԳfŪ�� X��j[ؾ�\��h[ �\��ך�YFaMs��$Nqǳ[��^Վi�_CƬ�<�'�A=.� �G�b@AJvt �V k� �F9Z�<9-���՜�aڑ�O;� �iV�y�W��h��^X��P�s�<"#� p��:#��M�� ߓ�"�!� ��2OI>��'��CYd�9٬� �\|�i��\� �� 337��F׸(��8/%��Q5z�"��/E~�Ȭ,# �@G͠�mc��0��0�=��M<��Zc�:��ܻ��^ۻ��ŀ7^/~B0��M�B��!Ĕ� �y�(-J�JMyTU��4к?��R� �E!JiM0��h⨐@(o��̙�݆G��u�o�Ν93��\|��=��vK[�[C��&?PD��b��{S��X��`Q�ɪȲR��N��=�?۵�n7��685l#�s�Y2��6^΁�Q�:��XP�?\��;v h`2��.�� I~�� -��r~^�P��:V>�8�� 8Õ�S�IL��8j��D �.OxN ��4��s`v�� f��&��J��"��D��)�[� &�_��-�~�4��Q� -�i:��w~�wP� �� E�� NZ6{�kR]kS��C&�VM\9}�ݾC�<��s��T��Kߞ � Tl�f��MO��_�z��/&�?�� ֢�Y��T�,]�0�G �Sg��Hi�2��~U��}#}+��X��n undϨ��^��Z1s^G��n�?��Wk��⾇��$�o {oa�b��љ��Æg�w��l?t(f�ڳ��샓��֚U��F\"��Q9i ��B8�\|��jS4��y��JA�b��I?'�� \��:8�P)��w��4��(଀�8hr�#�d�Wsk���qJr֥��YG��?1��n�k��?��t�/ꊉ?/���ؗh��Z�]� ?��#�օAS� }z\��X��'Ej&W�# ��v d��Y5f̪9u~_c ��+�O �M�h��c:�ֱjL�J.5��e��s aA�\|D?HL%z��Ҁ�>=�]��LZ �S`V�?뗗c��1k$�f�)+ ��}V��.ĕ��Hi�Y��c��g_�u ��?��d� ,OtU�N^�vߖ�Q��(��^K�� N� �m/nB��T�T!˩�ey �<�fm��İN)� ��)�y��d� Yj ,��8= ӓ��ɰ9�%0��O��`e�X3l6l1l ,��p��sR��&���h��&R��d�pc��k>�%��%G8� �0�s�<.�^�Z�8W劉 4:^4^^k�(G �� #�. �S�FAu�=tIP]�-�k��".J�V�ߎv��׷��~��Vm�߲�}�j�u�J�e\]u�qк(4��ϴ�Q��6L��q��n��F��5�Gӏ\� �2p@\|��ܹ��!�Dњ��w��"�<�S�\�I�'�^Ȼe�a7b؍v�v�6��L��B��{LT/�J�R�o�J:�� \�Nx /� ��H� \|$!4rh �C#b���@�~�n��vT �>l:��4��` Mu�!�c�5X��{HB��2Eհll!�ǰu�M��v�� O�UX:݉ f�Ƌɝn� >8!଄�;�$DH �[�3"�� X �Ua�g��9i�c��4�l�;��R�tK�H�4~��/}�m�� (w��a9@��pS �� d�Y�P�"@mL\\q/�^!�z+% ��槦�G+��)�� 8�2��7� �eM��RS;��dHkKu�Թ��+�G��V�ծ�7�M��:x9�� & ��z_$��'��ҙ4��4�w�ti��tlHf�(�\| ��N��樏v��C# u�WU p�̄Fpns��a� gL��{K��M�=�F��>��G��pԐ��:�ø��G�:g��(�[email protected]�\�T�.�> ��q#G�943E�L�2K(��Z��M@<0`��0fo WR�.�r� ϩ$�T'�9��G92ٌl0��F��4zF��d��y��Gz䊀nM��I'\|�b��N=�� d�V��d�,�f01q@B�W`݉+-�C� �e��^��Yu9��p �gX�ew1�~�Ët^��]4{�+# ͇��x�q��7 �%^~V��f<� xMb��0� �� \ �S\|�( i��J/�� d�e�ۅ� X-��B�7 �:^�,f��O'ŉJ�D��؀�j�b ~U�ʽj�')rEAH˫,^��W��?�1��ʠLm�� !�T��f O\|�C�Ҏ7���O��^�k��Ȃ� o8"@��" C��I�Y.�[nZ�X%�X%�x��99 �e �>Hٽ��Ŋ��5#��6��H�H!0?ѓ?��4�M � �HH��4��)]5�F��)��(;(�gV�݀�x )H��T�H��!�S�a��K�8�V�E��j�bB��=!+�e� [;�Q#5��/l��h̰��DssS[��5z��/�y�n�7$Z G��n��u^��?�K!��[� 7�Q_�[g92Z�m��q_��fp��B�+ 2^P��h=u�^A�J YĻ1 !��(�S�@�2U٫M3�&��c��n{�u^�n��/��U�ͺ�I}?��N��a��M�z,� ��B��z,� ��B��z,� ��B��z,(�ŭ ��x�E�c22(�g\|��iЗ�/��0x"<�yX��\|�>��~��>��~��Pv �� \|�[ ��G��i�$��\|�oH@G��DCf� @m"��hS>4� .��u�%\�Ư��%�a&LJ�� A]�UV;�ld��A��4��H�'�ف:�Iy�Ov��R��Ռ��7Ը�dy^�7��:F)H�z��Ԁ��M�j��x��r��T� �9[Y�v�zb{⛻��b�g�ˤ��\|�64�=߽�cW��_ �6�R9�XQ� � ��H�]�vTԎJi� ��Ȝΰ��`�6<$��U �R҈ĊP0m�tx�nCJ��ĵ ��_�,��Ed��R�6t㿷��n�x �� 7V� ��)��p� �T��gj�a��TQMy��q�cr��4D�� 9��2x�K��G��4��q��dp��X!W��4�s�OR8֧��Bp��)�8��)��!��3/��+.�!�� O�ʇK@sF1gT��K�1�J�2�i\b��\|�(��܂�{� �ɦ�)��a�3��]�u�l>.��r�_�ap��))��KD>��1 �� > �@Dj�JnE��7�ip ��ω\|I%yLQ�چ`�� e�s�Y�؈h �xpȑ��Y��Y��y ÝӔ��o�S � &�� '2�� w��e>`�cG�[��ZsPmj��O��3{ \|p�o��k��/�[�n��ڟ�~F�2_�-�?8M�E�9��-},{X��^� p^F�W�(u�M�oLOG��,] ��?�� ހ 6W�{��}��]��+\|�s_��@?k`�3�&� �~J��n⇸w?ʗǑ l��m'� \�ɬʷC0/�%�<�5��"��VҦ�M�� � ��YY�J6�� opQ�l�,khD �G�a��0"��#b��n0"�� 0"�2�8�`�e0�6�]�>6n��@9��#X��fÅ�p�l�h�.̆ ��l�0.̆ epa6\$̅�pa6\� fÕf�q�� y�O��8* @�y�^��E�O��* ��ԉ�bލv�Z��'պ��KNՉwv�[c�F!�/�=��Me��V��{��G�A�86P O��T�/6��\��O�9�9�� {��L�q&ہ��U�2�� i�W�� ׍��]��"��]�'Y�O�!GV��_�Ф��w��j��9��:�8�� <��aC6�i�y�a�m��0��Z�� mU�P�i�� @! ��ŕ_�/K�K� � !$Ă�X� bAB,H� � !$Ă�X��%Ă�X�:z��@�M��ے�H�nCy��u\o��X��e_��,�!�ਤb$� �A\��%<�)��d��t2�^t��m�G��g qu055�w��-n��x��u�Q;�+n�Wvѣ��j,�&��=�&rO�@}U��\]��']�F}G)m��8��jb۸��һ��_Q+�4i��(��$�֟ ʡ�kԲ��C��E9��n{hsi�$@$h;Pv�PR�F�u�M�4N[AE�h�� v�"��ٷ��7}?�ߤ�5θ��k�q אq אq אq אq ;Аq אq �D�0B4�g��L�R W��.��oÞ��3��wK%�R��ƟZ�67O�T��l�ĉ��`�Ԟ (8O�;+�n��I N�?��?�( Ф� o>�x_�� ;ׄ��e�x��[f�� +�>ȯ��&��K�(�E�c��D�L�o�BzCT��<~~^��~�tZ8��:��ޗ��}WS�wx�2�=��^��_��,��<�.v�-j�� Hǫ\�s �G��,��uSʿŋR\|�� RP%w�v?�ޮF��U��!�~2�U�G�ȋQ�-L�J1ci��^�Zq��S��>P��ޘ�� Z�zb�@>��#�� K��ѓb�� 0��^@� U��:��}��۲f2�f/2�ke�M�0 �M\|��r�=��\��@n0� \|�`��؁��2+ܫ�Ɇ9oម��/��s�`�j�'�Ƃ�h.�秣��B��7>�( �v^#\�Ҵ��Z«<��Qw�l�_O[Hg_�e�tr��n�P`]EK��8=3\�� m��v��O^Rou��1��ȱ_=��m�؀�l��RJv��&��w�F��ۑ��^��i��U�-�� ד]�u��\|�\|� �u��]v��";��I�CvV��;/HGW��ݢ6!�=�� ;�X� ��<;o��;�3Y��z�;�6v�� w�R�r�f� �K� �m��H��E�#g��8��Q�վ��!/��G��ZS{瓊��e\�i��:� z�P��[8�9��)gۼUr��G��M��!�1��܀��m�(I�1�)c(ӑ6�z-��I��X�l��]�- �( \|%��+-H�A% ��)��%>a ',��S��x�+�Õ��O�!á��p{�社�~({�p.��[�kEqH�\� �w�r��bT�m��J�Ɯ�@��32��ԃZ�`�4 � �Z^P�Gr��\��\��?=�1��T ��:�pm�P�Ius}J\Td�!}� ;�\�T�,�a�(("�H�CI�VĲ / �XĲ0��+��I�~R�� %I%��\|��k��ϛ��hȊv��( ��D��泳�D..Sn�D�; ͥ�HU��zv&Q:��\T�Y�B��؎��P}CL�� ;b��v��M��g �98��=v,v�H�. ]��_ôm�N��A~�j�\|��Q�\�m�<��u�N~�63��TT> ��0t��ISjK��K �Bo�0\Z.- ��K å��pia��0\Z.- ��baC2��m��yN��H��e�v��G:�0��wՂ# _�A��s&�#�� ܛ@Փ#��D)�-MM��+Cм�kšHi�Z_/��V�- ZM��ŵԾ��鍭ҾS��c�(��sQ�E͑hF�F�Y�:9��,7�K��$M��9�u��<�ws ��9�%�,��% Q-�~�ee��3R��%� +ÿ�e��q� ��w�6�fK��sw k1��e�q��Q �HQ �7h��x� /q��\U��PH_Fѷ@��1{_ݚ\|��g��u#V�p��#�&�Bl`՚jΔ��vH:T�6'�;��b��Zflm1_j��s�6�㝏�� n\|��/�tt�d��S�4��1��BF��Y,&�2��S�2�ئ9끉+��ހ��.�E>eX��{U�}z" �w�� -Q� �+�ÆS��t� �� ; Sn"W$��sBdkٚ��Ҕ��j�xLkI�{x��zX:� ��{��^b�eo��8k��?��+-�eL��"��@!��Q@,�,��N¾{�}q�E��;�{��f"�qm�U�>�U ��`߄��TXHVO �0;sBzr��d_Bݹ %ɤEYZW�h�\|��G��L��L��L��L��L��L��L��5�,��Ή��\Qvn�s��\ �}�)H@Q�u��8�0��8` �a 0��q�0n��8` �a �05 \l�/��ٹ- 7Y�� Y�n�VYA9⊑" ?�} )��ܽ�'%<�\�5)#WO�� Ӣ1oYu�e��g�,��Pf�J�k�t�8��ƌh1J��r��d$�l �T89�JL��!��o� I�SS��3+�q��m��=�a� �#:�M9�ے5̶8O\��Yq�d��d��l\� h�$1\U�Cc�4Dm.%�d��l��R�QJ6J�F)�(%�d��l��R�QJ6��J��B��m� ��N�Z��U� ~��w��z�'432�M5�TQ�Zߎ^�w~�G>��f�sA��9�� 8/��9Rҏ�41�mK�b��(��9��r��bT9W�X7��w�GU��s��&Kn6ɒ��B��7�DBx^�j(X 頨K8P�P�(FF Z 3v�N-�؇�IK;�:`��c��NM�I �a d��?�$˗��s�9�� v�uZ ��'�/)ߛd� ��"RH�B�? �ذ� �ذ� �ذ� �ذ� �ذ� �ذ� �ذ��V��-{���\|^\4�/U�fGl��TG�lî��$R�o�d�b�)�&T��@��B�;؎�l�ßV��:��QY(Y�'��rq� ��#��\|��D�b��II��I�f��KqF �O�yE_�B��,��.T��)�� P'�E��H،��H��WǦ� ��7��t\|�1�"��AB�s��`�� &弄YLV�Zx-/1y!�x��/t��e�� >\|$��?M�Z�5l�h��0�噼ŅLژ��%�� n��H/Kgpٰ�y���6Yk�%v��6��p�� d7S'��X��bR˾��ռ��[��=̤��2Y�(��l1�I-�'��s��} Xe��bU�Uec�+$��Q�I��/�=��͍�4�� .��F�[��4�Y��d��^!U1�T�� ɉ� DZ�n 2��a.�R��i�(vֻQ��7y,i�vb�ء�0��m��9?"��96�:2`K"r\�s,�}-ϥg��n{�%S4��X��Z�U{��-SY␏�<�� &{�<Ϧ%��LK҇٢;��Z�![��x%�8�(�[��M�x� �t��&!qB�]& 0y�-w�#� ��82�RR' ��&�b��9�ǘ�eR��+ �L�8��8�viU�8, �Ϥ�� ۙ�Z�r�[ ��p�RM� ��?1��-��-��3g�u�ȑ��k;�xHR��26u�u��8! (�� p�>p0u^p�70B'�� /�hl�2�3�gL�l�\|�&VJ+e'��j�&D+��(�2P y�� b�U9���s��2��m"4�(�)��v}C�n�6m=iK�Ye� ��Q��.S^ǒ]LfBۊ��I��39%��ɟ��Y<�!�x�L�T3�PE#Gf�YFR HY��w�.Q��rk�\gr��r�w\�۪U� �Mn`��S��P0�J��O��8Bq�{��\.��C��T��ث�]ǹ)Uj��&��f��h��Nf8��&� �� \|� }��ǔ��7>��%��C�7�7υ)��`�kZ��8��Lb X�(��G� 9Y��ǖOLi��V:-�i� l��'��!� �1VT+�>-q�� 0;��r�Z�Ƹ�1��E�,L�x�œ,L�x�c��s��\��=�\| � R��&7��oJ��2�i9��ن ��X��l^KbJ� ��H��ɂ\|Z'7�� n��>�Q � �~F��0�E1 ��臭��'d�v�4, �\|��Iw��R��V^�� Xe5�7nXP��@��Q`-�Ft��%� ��P��0�w1��;, F��!�E%;��wq�[�2��t]�� /� ��^��H�ł��N��W� 5��uZ\]��<��uӝ�]s��uw �"��8��}J·[2� ��TUVG�� pgVE��,X�`�9��cojYxy��t�Y�dV�e\��X6��C_��M��Շu��DL/��ͪh�B��"��i�Ud�7�#�� L>��L�P�%'IO�I0:I0B�#t�'�?I��k%� x��c �\��Z D)�D�z��z`;��9'ǀ��׀�6c�ӻ�O�.��)]\|��"�pkUN��d��{��Qu�D��O��y�z,]�x;�:^`��nSG�0[�"7�.<��=��ȋ�n��5�K,B!��!`�i��'j� �e%`ɘ!� Y��GR�� _< T�b`:0��c.��9r�#[��/�<�x��v�y��Id��y\�@~�Ly̹�óv\|�M�� '��/�-\|�U�} �ኘCkƵߟ=��B�#²[4ʧE�e�@�(~R4b�}�T��D��/�A> ߦ��Ը\\b� `��X'��3�[+ֱ�} k8�z��Si�j��7��Ok��v֗��!��G �m8h]��S��^\�� l��_D��#"� � �ޭlw<�5֙a��O�-ʞ=� ��Dc@D�'�6�d�d�C�l��c��%�{��2 &� ��L>ʺR��PT'� ؏bB��߭��ZgM�Jﰽ(��(b �q�(lK��/1�(�.��A�p��߃b ~ ��ρ��+�w��^�p�w�{qͥ1�W�_�7i��c��S��}�B�F]�˕� @��/�w��C.�$W�w ҭ@��,ïY�%�$�d�5w��v ��w>��s祮�dyvxz� ��E��iG��8�-#+sw�#�{��/��_nsޑ��1C�7n��pw��Eo��c�%�%��O\|��Q�a'�v��+��@ �tw��@�CZ5��R��B��3� 7��Jp�Op�ȉ �� �\� � !q��;� Y��D ��k�_��c{�o��9�� :��o�oep}{�� ݿ��V��Wa��u�q\�9��/�g �+�/l��M�j��n��U� �ɞ��sw� ~]� � ��V��)6e��o�܀�c��B�%�͕g��m]̌��oě\|{kk�w�k��\�Y!! �03~w2�wxUUQTQ�'�e��i��$�TYn��U�H>3>�0)�N�X& ^Z�L�-21��D'j�Bg�i�6��ۑ4�J�T��Tr��@F�+��9bOE��G��)�K�O��s�=�R%2J�ջ��&�Ʃ��w��lqVZ5�ٌg��G�R��q�Ol�<��N�T�ci��Ii�MT��m��Xz�̪ % �]�%F�\|Q��<�V��y2��d��-��g��(��S�7�>��2�v~>��i�U��q\�Ggp�Uk[�J��'�[�f�1��같m��p�ml\|�⬻h�@ڃm?�Ժg�7�XlX��+bْW�,vlz�fx ��ԒxK��x&d9�V��{ˊ�zH>{�� Q <5"��#y\%Ů�b��#�{'䣐E-Yư��C2x:�?G�0��Z#�#��pI��FKv�, zr��5�)��Nž��\|^ϫ$�5{b�8A��\|9��S�ɈE��ޥx1l��g"%<5� rwBm�#ϱ��1�ι�l�Ə�i��;�� t��ΤaL=�u� 2�M�gJ��m�gϘ��:�Y � %A�+� 3�C\|o)(��sI�a�X��૊�y��!~��_�ܣ�s� ��? .K�2 V�\|��\|��O��2�7��h�4g/�۫�Ѵvψ��Mhu.ai�+��??��3��>�a��V�+�� Γ� \|�q}��^f��_�v�}�>��:{��-�%z>ď� j_C�G��Uj��7@�G�~x c��$�6;��V��-h``��>{�8��ɚm�?�Z]��C��@ endstream endobj 13 0 obj < >stream H�\�_��0G��y�yԘ�t��B ��`5�Sk ��7�)]X��79?��n��Y�?��Y ��e�N�W��$ת��A�9�c��2��?�r��_��e�n�e��?��O]R/��J��q��g��Se�Z ��U��vm��ͷ�P�o��蕎�s�fh�e�?��'�,\�Zn�U&�o��/ ��泞��",�2��w�ZC[��g�ʡ� v� �Ci�B��V�4u�:�J�J� - ��! � ak��l5~�?�_��/ >��V�-8�p�[��Ap(p N&��Ő�% C�$ IX�0�g ��% �s� ��v��8P�ɹ�V��6�i #?qV�S��%�Q��/�+�� endstream endobj 14 0 obj < >stream hބRۊ�0��y�R�d�n�%� i �lB�b��MT��;��B#͙33gF��9(� �F"<>�/�ُMWϊ��B��5��ܿ�� C�/��XP��z�k��2��7�k� �� 7°m[�W�l�wa��y&erAƹ�d.9�եi��x M��'�`wx�\|M�d"%� O�ų��G�u��aN]��j\w ��W��;��8+9gE��g��/�@[v�>Ac3c3�~d��{��Mr��ź_��~� �I�bs�?��~πm�Q�O�8��X�F@�Q�� K, GC!��$�e�$�4va�3!@jEu$4�R!:��$�R$"I��T �N��ZP�`JOw�Af0�N�Ē;Md�S t�̀�\|�5�r� �(��Iߑ� ΪRX�Y�A�\�OoM�!�GC>�]��^\f�[�iMr_en�(1��%�P9� endstream endobj 15 0 obj < >stream H��R[�BA �,`��X�� X�B,` �d ��z�^��\|��q�c endstream endobj 16 0 obj < >/ExtGState< >/Shading< >>>/Subtype/Form>>stream H�T��JA E��ff2��W�2�U�b+��[��7n��{�;�]0v��j)^sM@ �[\|Bq�� h�u��L'��#@�Pbc��@��iS�5{��N��'B�֬�"�n��L G�d bF�l1b�� o.r?4 <	i don't know
Name the Sony Playstation new handheld gaming model launched in Europe in 2012?	Sony PlayStation Vita (Latest Model)- Launch Bundle Black Handheld System (Wi-Fi + 3G - AT&T) \| eBay Sony PlayStation Vita (Latest Model)- Launch Bundle Black Handheld System (Wi-Fi + 3G - AT&T) 4.8average based on 50 product ratings 5 Trending price is based on prices over last 90 days. Type:Handheld System Condition Used An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. Sold by richmond-best-pawn ( 2272 )99.9% Positive Feedback Delivery Est. Jan 24 - Jan 31From Richmond, Indiana Returns 30 days money back or replacement Buyer pays return shipping All listings for this product Any Condition Compare products others also viewed THIS PRODUCT Sony PlayStation Vita (Latest Model)- Launch Bundle Black Handheld System (Wi-Fi + 3G - AT&T) TRENDING PRICE Product Description Product Description In the past, to enjoy pristine graphics and the hottest titles, you had to stick to your home video game console. However, thanks to the PlayStation Vita, you can have it all, on the go. Lush graphics, vibrant colors, and an array of more than 1,000 games in every genre imaginable make this one of the premier handheld gaming systems ever. With a powerful main processor and an independent graphics processor, the non-stop action is liquid-smooth. You can enjoy PS Vita exclusives like Persona 4 Golden and Uncharted: Abyss, as well as countless PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 games streamed directly from your PS4 console or from Sony's PS Now. With dual analog controllers and a sleek design created for gaming comfort, you are in for a real treat. Do not forget to visit the PlayStation Store for new movies and TV shows as well. Product Identifiers ARM Cortex - A9 core (4 core) Graphic Product Features Transform your world With front and rear cameras, you can turn kitchen counters into a fight ring or office boardrooms into a battlefield. Augmented Reality (AR) technology for PlayStation Vita brings your physical world into the PlayStation world. Interact with the world Wi-Fi and 3G capabilities pinpoint the location of nearby opponents, send friends on treasure hunts, and keep the world updated on your rank. Non-stop action Literally. Keep the intensity up at home or on the go. With Wi-Fi or 3G connectivity, you can pick up games right where you left off, even from your PS3 system. Input Features Multi touch pad (capacitive type) Country Region by jonny_gunnz May 02, 2012 Fell in love with it, cant wait for some more games to come out!! PRO's: for a handheld, this thing rocks! just like having a ps3 on the go. love the graphics. the xmb is faster to navigate with the touch screen. while in game the touch screen enables the developers to add additional buttons along the sides of the screen closest to your thumbs for easy access. I find that to be quite innovating. CON's: not enough games(no worries though there will be more to come). felt the touch screen isn't as a responsive all the time. you need to tap the screen a number of times. i can see this being a problem in some online competitive games. memory cards cost half what the systems worth. analog sticks are going to need some getting used too. over- all, give it some time but i feel like this system is going to be something worth investing in by lidam.us.mz37yz... Mar 15, 2016 Pspvita For the most part the system does what I need it to. I am guessing that the hardware was just a bit old so the builtin WiFi is spotty, and the memory card has gone out once already. Still I can play my games Verified purchase: Yes \| Condition: Pre-owned by lkh_cerebellum Jul 11, 2013 I love psvita for its graphics, sound, and compatibility with PS3. Mine has a $40 sticker instead of a $55 sticker. It includes a 8GB memory card so that I can use psvita immediately out of the box. If I sign up for 3G from AT&T, I will get a free download game. The psvita has already frozen from unexpected error for several times since I bought it. After rebooting the system, it will be fine. The battery life is short for handheld gaming devices. After I play DOA5+ for 3-4 hours, the battery will be drained and required charging. Personally, I like psvita for having two analog sticks, which is useful for many games, whereas my Nintendo 3DS has only one flat, thumb analog disc, which is not very useful for fighting game like DOA Dimensions. The sound output is very good only if we use a headphone. A good headphone on psvita can deliver a very strong bass. The built-in speakers next to the 2 analog sticks do not have any bass and is hard to tell the sound direction. I bought psvita mainly for playing DOA5+. psvita has a significantly better graphic (resolution-wise) and bigger screen than my Nintendo 3DS; of course, psvita does not support 3D graphics and 3D photo capture. The resolution of DOA5+ during any fight is lowered to preserve the frame rate, and the difference is not noticeable during the fight but is noticeable if we capture a still picture; otherwise, all the movies and pre-fight scenes are in full resolution without detectable pixelation. psvita is compatible with PS3. psvita can be linked to any PS3 as a controller or to back up pictures/data. psvita can also be linked to a PC to back up pictures/data. Many games, such as DOA5+, can be "cross-played" on psvita and PS3 at the same time. For DOA5+, I can cross-played with even the XBOX360 users as well. Rumors says that psvita will be compatible with PS4, and ALL (?) PS4 games will be playable on psvita, so it is a good investment to get a psvita. Just like PS3 and Wii, psvita is gear towards hardcore handheld gamers while 3DS is gear towards kids/amateur gamers, respectively. Read full review by scrapmetalsimon... Dec 08, 2013 A fine handheld gaming experience, with a formidable library of games! As others may state, this is the finest handheld console I have ever owned. It goes well beyond gaming experiences that I could otherwise find on my iPhone or tablet. Cramming a beautiful screen, button layout, gyroscope, and graphics capabilities into a single device, I am really enjoying it. I have played through guacamelee (probably one of the toughest platforming games I've seen in a while) and the buttons and control sticks do not interfere with the precision demanded to succeed at that game. Cross save and cross buy are really neat functions, as well. I am really looking forward to owning a PS4 and leveraging this system as a second screen. Also I would argue that the library of (good) games for this system is growing steadily. Cons: The UI at times feels a little clunky and apps like web browsing and facebook just seem pointless (but probably not if you don't own a smartphone or touch system). The cameras should never be considered remotely good for taking pictures or video. I feel that they are utilized well for in-game use (Tearaway). Read full review by vgames4saleands... Dec 21, 2012 An AMAZING Next Generation Portable with a wide variety of games! The Playstation Vita was first codenamed the Next Generation Portable (NGP) and it lives up to the name. With high-end graphics comparable to the PS3, dual analog, OLED multi-touch screen technology and a back touchpad, the Playstation Vita really is next generation compared to abysmal hardware like the 3DS, which relies on a 3d gimmick to sell and has an awkward control scheme. Contrary to belief, the Playstation Vita has a wide variety of games available in the Playstation Store. Want an action adventure? Uncharted: Golden Abyss can solve that. Want a racer? Wipeout 2048 and Need For Speed Most Wanted can help you with that. Not only that but 2013 is going to be even better for the Vita, in terms of game selection. Killzone Mercenary, Tearaway, Soul Sacrifice, Warrior's Lair, Phantasy Star Online 2 (a Free2Play), and Bioshock as some notable exclusives that will be coming out. There is virtually no complaints on my part on the Vita's hardware. The LiveArea Menu is intuitive, the apps are easy to navigate and YouTube works amazingly well, even better than on Android. Are you a gamer interested in gaming on the go? Then the Vita is for you! Read full review Explore Buying Guides	Vita
What country inspired the term Banana Republic?	PS Vita – PlayStation Vita Console \| PS Vita Features, Games & Apps Keeps You Gaming PS4™ Remote Play Stream a wide range of your PS4 games on your PS Vita system over a local wi-fi network when away from your PS4 system or TV. Entertainment and Apps PlayStation®Store is your one-stop-shop for movies and hot new TV shows, and don’t forget apps like Netflix and TuneIn Radio.	i don't know
The acronym STEM in education refers to a set of what four technical subjects?	PPT – An Overview of STEM Education PowerPoint presentation \| free to download - id: 6f5c0f-ZTljM PPT – An Overview of STEM Education PowerPoint presentation \| free to download - id: 6f5c0f-ZTljM The Adobe Flash plugin is needed to view this content An Overview of STEM Education Description: In recent years, the STEM education movement has found increasing acceptance as a way to teach young students about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in an integrated manner, from elementary school through high school. – PowerPoint PPT presentation Number of Views:111 Title: An Overview of STEM Education 1 No one doubts that science and technology play a major role in sustaining our 21st century lifestyle, but the educational system hasnt always emphasized this fact. In recent years an educational movement has arisen that aims to introduce young students to the various aspects of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). Lets take a closer look at the STEM education movement. STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Devised in 2001 by Dr. Judith Ramaley, the term has won widespread acceptance as a convenient way of referring to these academic disciplines. Trivia The introduction of STEM as the preferred acronym led to the retirement of SMET, which had referred to the same concept. The Need for STEM Education The demand for reliable workers with STEM-related skills will only increase with time. According to the National Science Foundation, approximately 80 of jobs that will be created over the next decade will demand the use of math and/or science skills. In response to this growing demand, the Obama administration allocated 3.1 billion for STEM education in its 2014 budget. 5 STEM education is a new trend that emphasizes teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in an integrated manner. Its intended to give students a thorough grounding in STEM starting at an early age. Of course, science and math have been a part of the educational system for generations. So how is so-called STEM education different from the traditional kind? For more information, visit www.ganeshmachinery.co m. About PowerShow.com PowerShow.com is a leading presentation/slideshow sharing website. Whether your application is business, how-to, education, medicine, school, church, sales, marketing, online training or just for fun, PowerShow.com is a great resource. And, best of all, most of its cool features are free and easy to use. You can use PowerShow.com to find and download example online PowerPoint ppt presentations on just about any topic you can imagine so you can learn how to improve your own slides and presentations for free. Or use it to find and download high-quality how-to PowerPoint ppt presentations with illustrated or animated slides that will teach you how to do something new, also for free. Or use it to upload your own PowerPoint slides so you can share them with your teachers, class, students, bosses, employees, customers, potential investors or the world. Or use it to create really cool photo slideshows - with 2D and 3D transitions, animation, and your choice of music - that you can share with your Facebook friends or Google+ circles. That's all free as well! For a small fee you can get the industry's best online privacy or publicly promote your presentations and slide shows with top rankings. But aside from that it's free. We'll even convert your presentations and slide shows into the universal Flash format with all their original multimedia glory, including animation, 2D and 3D transition effects, embedded music or other audio, or even video embedded in slides. All for free. Most of the presentations and slideshows on PowerShow.com are free to view, many are even free to download. (You can choose whether to allow people to download your original PowerPoint presentations and photo slideshows for a fee or free or not at all.) Check out PowerShow.com today - for FREE. There is truly something for everyone! presentations for free. Or use it to find and download high-quality how-to PowerPoint ppt presentations with illustrated or animated slides that will teach you how to do something new, also for free. Or use it to upload your own PowerPoint slides so you can share them with your teachers, class, students, bosses, employees, customers, potential investors or the world. Or use it to create really cool photo slideshows - with 2D and 3D transitions, animation, and your choice of music - that you can share with your Facebook friends or Google+ circles. That's all free as well! For a small fee you can get the industry's best online privacy or publicly promote your presentations and slide shows with top rankings. But aside from that it's free. We'll even convert your presentations and slide shows into the universal Flash format with all their original multimedia glory, including animation, 2D and 3D transition effects, embedded music or other audio, or even video embedded in slides. All for free. Most of the presentations and slideshows on PowerShow.com are free to view, many are even free to download. (You can choose whether to allow people to download your original PowerPoint presentations and photo slideshows for a fee or free or not at all.) Check out PowerShow.com today - for FREE. There is truly something for everyone!	science technology engineering mathematics
Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger's 'thought experiment' theory is referred to as Schrödinger's (what animal)?	PPT – An Overview of STEM Education PowerPoint presentation \| free to download - id: 6f5c0f-ZTljM PPT – An Overview of STEM Education PowerPoint presentation \| free to download - id: 6f5c0f-ZTljM The Adobe Flash plugin is needed to view this content An Overview of STEM Education Description: In recent years, the STEM education movement has found increasing acceptance as a way to teach young students about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in an integrated manner, from elementary school through high school. – PowerPoint PPT presentation Number of Views:111 Title: An Overview of STEM Education 1 No one doubts that science and technology play a major role in sustaining our 21st century lifestyle, but the educational system hasnt always emphasized this fact. In recent years an educational movement has arisen that aims to introduce young students to the various aspects of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). Lets take a closer look at the STEM education movement. STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Devised in 2001 by Dr. Judith Ramaley, the term has won widespread acceptance as a convenient way of referring to these academic disciplines. Trivia The introduction of STEM as the preferred acronym led to the retirement of SMET, which had referred to the same concept. The Need for STEM Education The demand for reliable workers with STEM-related skills will only increase with time. According to the National Science Foundation, approximately 80 of jobs that will be created over the next decade will demand the use of math and/or science skills. In response to this growing demand, the Obama administration allocated 3.1 billion for STEM education in its 2014 budget. 5 STEM education is a new trend that emphasizes teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in an integrated manner. Its intended to give students a thorough grounding in STEM starting at an early age. Of course, science and math have been a part of the educational system for generations. So how is so-called STEM education different from the traditional kind? For more information, visit www.ganeshmachinery.co m. About PowerShow.com PowerShow.com is a leading presentation/slideshow sharing website. Whether your application is business, how-to, education, medicine, school, church, sales, marketing, online training or just for fun, PowerShow.com is a great resource. And, best of all, most of its cool features are free and easy to use. You can use PowerShow.com to find and download example online PowerPoint ppt presentations on just about any topic you can imagine so you can learn how to improve your own slides and presentations for free. Or use it to find and download high-quality how-to PowerPoint ppt presentations with illustrated or animated slides that will teach you how to do something new, also for free. Or use it to upload your own PowerPoint slides so you can share them with your teachers, class, students, bosses, employees, customers, potential investors or the world. Or use it to create really cool photo slideshows - with 2D and 3D transitions, animation, and your choice of music - that you can share with your Facebook friends or Google+ circles. That's all free as well! For a small fee you can get the industry's best online privacy or publicly promote your presentations and slide shows with top rankings. But aside from that it's free. We'll even convert your presentations and slide shows into the universal Flash format with all their original multimedia glory, including animation, 2D and 3D transition effects, embedded music or other audio, or even video embedded in slides. All for free. Most of the presentations and slideshows on PowerShow.com are free to view, many are even free to download. (You can choose whether to allow people to download your original PowerPoint presentations and photo slideshows for a fee or free or not at all.) Check out PowerShow.com today - for FREE. There is truly something for everyone! presentations for free. Or use it to find and download high-quality how-to PowerPoint ppt presentations with illustrated or animated slides that will teach you how to do something new, also for free. Or use it to upload your own PowerPoint slides so you can share them with your teachers, class, students, bosses, employees, customers, potential investors or the world. Or use it to create really cool photo slideshows - with 2D and 3D transitions, animation, and your choice of music - that you can share with your Facebook friends or Google+ circles. That's all free as well! For a small fee you can get the industry's best online privacy or publicly promote your presentations and slide shows with top rankings. But aside from that it's free. We'll even convert your presentations and slide shows into the universal Flash format with all their original multimedia glory, including animation, 2D and 3D transition effects, embedded music or other audio, or even video embedded in slides. All for free. Most of the presentations and slideshows on PowerShow.com are free to view, many are even free to download. (You can choose whether to allow people to download your original PowerPoint presentations and photo slideshows for a fee or free or not at all.) Check out PowerShow.com today - for FREE. There is truly something for everyone!	i don't know
The natural effect causing paint to rise up the hairs of a paintbrush, and liquid to rise up a narrow tube is called (what) action?	It’s time to wake up. You pour water to make coffee, then take a shower, but you have difficulty grabbing the bar of soap, which adheres to its holder. After the shower, you comb your wet hair. In the kitchen, you observe condensed water drops inside your refrigerator, cook breakfast in a Teflon-coated pan, and look out a window blurred with water drops that condensed during the night. You walk out- side and see drops shimmering on the grass, flowers, and a spider web. At a touch, the drops roll rapidly off the flowers. At work you paint. The bristles of your paintbrush coalesce as you remove it from the paint. You decide to write about what you’ve observed, but the only paper you have does not retain the ink from your pen. All these phenomena—some at home, some in nature, some in industry—involve wetting, the contact that liquids make with surfaces. To understand wetting, two concepts are essential: the surface tension, also called interfacial tension, which characterizes the energy of the boundary between dis- tinct material phases, and the contact angle, which charac- terizes the degree to which a liquid is attracted to a substrate. Surface energy Interfaces between fluid phases can be viewed as deformable membranes described by a surface tension γthat opposes small deformations from stable equilibrium. Surface tension is a macroscopic parameter that represents the consequences of molecular effects: Molecules at interfaces lose roughly half of the cohesive interactions they would have with their neighbors in the bulk material, and a liquid adapts its shape to minimize its surface energy. You see that effect whenever you blow a soap bubble; the film of liquid minimizes its sur- face area by adopting a spherical shape. Physically, γrepre- sents the energy required to increase the area of the surface by one unit, and so has units of J/m2. If you’ve ever pulled on a soap film, you may recognize that γis also a tensile force per unit length acting tangent to the interface. Since γcharacterizes the interface separating distinct fluid phases, one can estimate γas the cohesion energy di- vided by the area occupied by a molecule. Taking the cohe- sion energy to be the thermal energy kBT(kBis Boltzmann’s constant) and a typical molecular length of about 0.3 nm, one finds a room-temperature γof order 4 ×10−2J/m2. Due to surface tension, a pressure jump Δpexists across a curved surface. From dimensional considerations, the pres- sure difference needed to curve a spherical interface with sur- face tension γto a radius Ris roughly Δp≈γ/R. The exact re- sult, given by Pierre Simon Laplace in 1806 and now called the Laplace pressure, is Δp=2γ/R. An elementary derivation of Laplace’s result is obtained by considering the work dW to increase the radius of a sphere with surface area Sand vol- ume Vby a small amount dR: dW =γdS −(Δp)dV. Setting dW =0, which corresponds to mechanical equilibrium, and using dS/dV =2/Rgives the result. More generally, for any surface, one defines the mean curvature κas κ=1/2(1/R1+1/R2), where R1and R2are the two principal radii of curvature, and finds Δp=2γκ. For a sphere, R1=R2=R, which yields the Laplace pressure. Contact angle The second key parameter associated with wetting and illus- trated on page 85 is the equilibrium contact angle θeq formed at the “contact line” between the liquid–vapor (l–v) interface and a solid (s) substrate. If γij denotes the surface tension of the interface between phases i and j, then the change in the energy dE per unit length of contact line associated with a small displacement dx along the surface is dE =(γsl − γsv)dx +γ lv cosθeqdx. The minimization corresponding to equilibrium, dE/dx =0, gives the formula, attributed to Thomas Young in an 1805 paper, that relates the contact angle and the surface tensions: γcosθeq =γ sv −γ 0° < θeq < 90°, one says the liquid mostly wets the surface. For θeq ≥90° the surface is poorly wet. The ideal case of θeq =0° corresponds to perfect wetting. Changing the substrate affects the right-hand side of Young’s relation; consequently, water droplets placed on different substrates display a variety of wetting behaviors, as illustrated in the figure. A small drop can partially wet a sur- face and form a spherical cap. Water drops mostly wet hy- drophilic surfaces and poorly wet hydrophobic surfaces. Wetting properties can be changed by chemical treat- ments, such as coating a surface with a molecular monolayer. Surprisingly, surface roughness can enhance the natural wet- ting behavior of a substrate. For example, imagine a water droplet on a hydrophobic material with a θeq > 90° that has been topographically patterned with a roughness scale of ap- proximately 100 μm in both amplitude and wavelength. In this case, as shown in the figure, the surface exhibits super- hydrophobicity, and water has an effective equilibrium con- tact angle of about 150°. A water drop would easily roll on the roughened surface. Nature exploits both chemical and physical properties of wetting. For example, the lotus leaf combines surface chem- istry and roughness at the micron scale to produce superhy- drophobicity. In the desert areas of Namibia, the Stenocara beetle uses the superhydrophobicity of its back to capture water from morning fog. After ducks leave water, they dry off rapidly because of the superhydrophobic properties of their feathers. In more exact language, they dewet due to the withdrawal of water from the hydrophobic feather surface via the nucleation of dry spots. Also, the physics behind superhydrophobicity and dewetting is helpful in designing self-cleaning surfaces. 84 February 2007 Physics Today ©2007 American Institute of Physics, S-0031-9228-0702-350-2 Your wetting day Laurent Courbin and Howard A. Stone Why does water fall off a duck’s back but form bridges between grains of sand at the beach? The answer lies in the physics of surface wetting. Laurent Courbin ([email protected]) is a postdoctoral fellow and Howard A. Stone ([email protected]) is a professor in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. quickquick The parameters γand θeq are useful for describing the shapes of interfaces and other capillary phenomena, which involve surface forces and other forces such as gravity. For example, a paper clip carefully deposited on the surface of clean water will float, even though the clip is denser than the water. Sim- ilarly, water striders may be supported by the surface of a pond. Moreover, as a consequence of Young’s relation, when a liquid is placed in a container, the liquid surface deforms close to vertical walls; the curved region or meniscus, illus- trated in the figure, has a typical length scale denoted c. Comparing an estimate of the Laplace pressure, γ/c, to the hydrostatic pressure, ρgc, where ρis the liquid density and gis the gravitational acceleration, yields the capillary length c=√γ/ρg. For length scales >c, gravity dominates; oth- erwise, capillary effects are more significant. For the water–air interface, c=2.7 mm. Thus, in the presence of gravity, large drops are not spherical; they flatten into puddle shapes. The most familiar capillary effect is the rise of mostly wet- ting fluids confined in narrow tubes. To approximately deter- mine the equilibrium rise Hin a tube with radius R, first esti- mate the change in surface energy for an intermediate height h, ES=2πRh(γsl −γ sv), and the change in the gravitational po- tential energy, EG=1/2(πR2h2ρg). Equilibrium is established when the variation in total energy d(ES+EG)=0, which, with Young’s relation, gives H=2γcosθeq/ρgR =2cosθeqc2/R. For example, if water perfectly wets a tube with radius R=10−5m, the capillary rise is about 1 m. Leaves have pores with radii significantly smaller than 1 μm, which helps to explain why the tallest trees can achieve heights of about 100 m. Capillary adhesion occurs when two wetted surfaces are brought into contact. When the contact angle is smaller than 90°, the surfaces stick together strongly. Between grains of sand, for example, water forms bridges that are partially responsible for the stability of sandcastles. Some beetles use capillary adhesion to walk on surfaces and, when attacked by predators, significantly enhance their sticking ability. An- other example is elastocapillarity, the ability of two flexible sheets to cling together in much the same way that hairs of a paintbrush coalesce after being withdrawn from paint. In elastocapillarity, the elastic energy of the deformed material is included in the energy minimization that determines equilibrium. Surface active agents, or surfactants, can alter the prop- erties of wetting and capillary action. Such molecules have two parts—a hydrophilic polar head and one or more hydro- phobic aliphatic chains—whose different chemical affinities cause them to adsorb to boundaries between fluid phases similar to the water–oil interface. Surfactants are a key com- ponent of soaps and detergents because they attract polar molecules like water and nonpolar molecules like grease or oil. As a consequence of their chemical duality, surfactants, when dissolved, have their lowest energy state at the surface. Thus, in their presence, deformation of an interface requires less energy; in other words, the surface tension is reduced. A paper clip floating on clean water rapidly sinks when a drop of detergent is added. Much remains to be said about both static and dynamic aspects of wetting, some of which is covered in the further readings and supplemental materials available with the on- line version of this Quick Study. If you should be drinking through a narrow straw while looking them over, remember that capillary action is doing part of the work for you and you are enjoying all the benefits! We thank Armand Ajdari for his critical reading and helpful com- ments. We are especially grateful to Charles Holbrow for careful edit- ing, suggestions, and the title. Additional resources P.-G. de Gennes, F. Brochard-Wyart, D. Quéré, Capillarity and Wetting Phenomena: Drops, Bubbles, Pearls, Waves, A. Reisinger, trans., Springer, New York (2004). D. Lohse, PHYSICS TODAY, February 2003, page 36. Y. Pomeau, E. Villermaux, PHYSICS TODAY, March 2006, page 39. 䊏 Wetting phenomena. The way a liquid makes contact with a surface is characterized by the equilibrium contact angle θeq. As described in the text, Young’s construction considers a small displacement dx of the contact line (seen edge- on as a filled circle) and determines the angle. A water drop deposited on different substrates can exhibit various wetting behaviors: It mostly wets a hydrophilic glass plate, poorly wets a hydrophobic flat surface, and displays super- hydrophobicity when surface roughness is enhanced, as on some leaves. A meniscus is observed when a glass plate is dipped into water; the deformation vanishes over a length scale c=√γ/ρg, determined by balancing surface and gravitational forces.	Capillary
What car company was set up by Colin Chapman in 1952, subsequently succeeding in F1 racing?	Emphysema - In-Depth Report - NY Times Health Spitting or coughing mucus (phlegm) The ability to exhale (breathe out) gets worse over time. The lungs are located in the chest cavity and are responsible for respiration. The alveoli are small sacs where oxygen is exchanged in the lungs. The two major diseases in this category are emphysema and chronic bronchitis, both covered in this report. The third, less common disease, is obstructive bronchiolitis, an inflammatory condition of the small airways. Asthma shares some of the same symptoms, but is a very different disease. People can have asthma and COPD at the same time. Because smoking is the most common cause of both emphysema and chronic bronchitis, these conditions often develop together and frequently require similar treatments and approaches. When chronic bronchitis occurs together with emphysema, it is often difficult for a physician to distinguish between the two. Emphysema Emphysema is a disease marked by destruction of the alveoli, grape-like clusters of air sacs at the end of the smallest airways (the bronchioles) in the lung. It generally takes the following course: The walls of the alveoli become inflamed and damaged. Over time they lose the ability to stretch and shrink (elasticity), and pockets of dead air (called bullae) form in the injured areas. The pockets interfere with the normal working of the lungs by narrowing the airways, trapping air, and making breathing out more difficult. The ability to breathe in is not affected. Until the late stages of the disease, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels remain normal. Click the icon to see an image of emphysema. Chronic Bronchitis Chronic bronchitis is defined as coughing and overproduction of mucus for at least 3 months, during at least 2 consecutive years. In chronic bronchitis, the disease process is generally marked by the following characteristics: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes (from smoking, air pollution, etc.) causes the production of mucus, which clogs the airways and makes breathing difficult. The mucus is cleared through coughing. Both constant coughing and inflammation can damage the bronchial tubes. The tubes swell and thicken, leaving less room for air flow. Click the icon to see an image of bronchitis. The Lungs The lungs are two spongy organs surrounded by a thin, moist membrane called the pleura. Each lung is made up of smooth, shiny lobes. The right lung has three lobes, and the left has two. About 90% of the lung is filled with air; only 10% is solid tissue. When a person inhales, air travels through the following pathways into the lungs: Air is carried from the windpipe (trachea) into the lung through flexible airways called bronchi. Like the branches of a tree, bronchi divide into more than a million smaller airways called bronchioles. The bronchioles lead to grape-like clusters of microscopic sacs called alveoli. In each adult lung there are millions of these tiny alveoli. The thin membrane of the alveoli allows oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass to and from capillaries. During deep inhalation, the elastic alveoli unfold and unwind to allow this exchange of gases to occur. Capillaries, the smallest of the blood vessels, carry blood throughout the body. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, and return carbon dioxide to the lungs. White blood cells are the critical infection fighters in the body. Click the icon to see an image of normal lungs. In-Depth From A.D.A.M. Causes Cigarette smoke accounts for more than 80% of all cases of chronic obstructive lung disease. It contains irritants that inflame the air passages, setting off a cascade of biochemical events that damage cells in the lung, increasing the risk for both COPD and lung cancer. Different effects of smoking can lead to emphysema or chronic bronchitis, but smokers generally have signs of both conditions. The specific diagnosis depends on which disease process predominates. Smoking is the major cause of emphysema. In some rare inherited disorders, emphysema can develop in nonsmokers. Disease Process The key process leading to emphysema is not well understood. It appears that inflammatory cells (T lymphocytes, neutrophils, and alveolar macrophages) release chemicals called enzymes that attack the tissue in the deepest part of the lung where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. As a result, the bronchioles detach from the alveoli, and holes appear. Airways become narrowed, and exhaling becomes difficult. Smoking The typical COPD patient is a current or former smoker, over age 50, with a pack-a-day habit of more than 20 years. Lung function continues to get worse as the person ages. Smoking is the major cause of COPD worldwide. In underdeveloped countries, smoke, exposure to industrial pollutants in poorly ventilated work areas, and cooking over wood and coal fires are also major contributors. As smoking has become more widespread among women, the incidence of COPD in women has grown proportionally. What was once considered a man's disease now affects a greater number of women. Moreover, women appear to be more susceptible to the effects of smoking and pollution than men. On the positive side, smoking rates in the U.S. are dropping, and the proportion of adults under 55 with COPD is gradually declining. This indicates the high death rate will eventually level out. In particular, the rate of COPD in young African-Americans is declining significantly. The rate in younger Caucasians is not decreasing as dramatically. Over 80% of people who die from COPD are current or former smokers. The longer a person smokes, the higher the risk for emphysema. Most patients have a history of smoking the equivalent of one pack a year for 20 years, and many have smoked up to the equivalent of 40 years. Once a smoker quits, the rate of lung function loss becomes the same as in a nonsmoker; however, much of the lung damage that occurred during smoking may be irreversible. Emphysema caused by smoking most often occurs in the upper lobes of the lungs. In chronic bronchitis, smoking triggers inflammation that causes damage in the airways. The processes involved include: Damage to the cilia, the hair-like waving projections that move mucus, bacteria, and foreign particles out of the lungs. When cilia are injured, such agents become trapped in the lungs and can cause infections that lead to chronic bronchitis. Enlargement of the mucus glands in the large airways of the lungs. Overgrowth of smooth muscle cells in the airway. Genetics Generally, only 15 - 20% of all smokers develop emphysema. Other factors, such as genetic abnormalities, may need to be present to make people more likely to develop airway damage. However, other than alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, few genetic factors have been associated with emphysema or COPD in multiple research studies. Alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency. About 1 out of every 5,000 to 7,000 people have an inherited condition called alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD), which can cause emphysema. People with this disorder do not have enough of the protective enzyme AAT. Without enough AAT, early and progressive damage occurs in both the walls of the alveoli and the airways leading to them. Because smoke is a major toxin and deactivates any amounts of AAT that do remain, smokers with AAT deficiency have almost no chance of escaping emphysema. Nonsmokers are also at high risk, however. Emphysema in people with A1AD develops in people as young as 30 years old, who are usually of Northern European descent. Screening tests are now available to detect the genetic defect that causes A1AD. Couples in which one or both partners have a family history of the disease may wish to be tested for the deficiency, so they may take protective measures for themselves and any future children they may have. If the condition is present in the family, testing the children is important. Bacteria and Viruses Certain bacteria, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis, are common in the lower airways of nearly half of chronic bronchitis patients. However, the role of bacteria, viruses, and other organisms in causing chronic symptoms and inflammation is unclear. Some experts believe that a low-level infection in the lungs may trigger an inflammatory reaction that continues to produce acute attacks. In-Depth From A.D.A.M. Symptoms The hallmark symptom of COPD is worsening shortness of breath, often accompanied by a phlegm-producing cough and episodes of wheezing. Symptoms may vary, however, or others may be present, depending on the disease involved. Many patients have symptoms of both chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Symptoms of Emphysema Typically, the first symptoms of emphysema occur in heavy smokers in their mid-50s: The main early symptom is shortness of breath with light physical activity. Coughing is usually minor, and coughs produce little sputum (phlegm). Late, severe symptoms include rapid, labored breathing and persistent craving for air (air hunger), even during rest or after minimal physical activity. Patients are often very thin (a wasted look called "cachexia"), have pinkish skin, and tend to breathe through pursed lips. Involuntary weight loss and muscle wasting are characteristic of COPD and have a poor outlook. Symptoms of alpha-1 antitrypsin-related emphysema tend to appear between the ages of 30 and 40. As with standard emphysema, they include: Inability to exercise without becoming winded Shortness of breath after physical activity Wheezing Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis Chronic bronchitis usually causes the following symptoms: Coughing with excessive sputum occurs on most days for at least 3 months of the year, for 2 years in a row. Coughing may often start before shortness of breath. Shortness of breath occurs, but it may not be as severe during rest as it is in emphysema. Lying down at night worsens symptoms in severe bronchitis, so patients sleep sitting up. In late, severe stages, lack of oxygen causes the skin to have a blue cast (cyanosis). The body may swell from fluid build-up caused by heart failure. Chronic cough is the hallmark of chronic bronchitis from its early stages onward. In-Depth From A.D.A.M. Diseases With Similar Symptoms Several diseases have similar symptoms and may occur with COPD. Acute Bronchitis Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus, and in most cases does not require treatment. The cough it causes typically lasts for 7 - 10 days. In about half of patients, however, coughing can last up to 3 weeks, and 25% of patients continue to cough for over 1 month. Acute bronchitis may serve as a marker for future problems in some patients. Asthma The classic symptoms of an asthma attack are coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath (dyspnea). Patients with asthma typically have trouble breathing in and may wheeze when breathing out. Irritation of the nose and throat, thirst, and the need to urinate are common symptoms and may occur before an asthma attack begins. Some people first experience chest tightness or pain or a nonproductive cough that is not associated with wheezing. Chest pain occurs in about 75% of patients; it can be very severe and its intensity is unrelated to the severity of the asthma attack itself. The end of an attack is often marked by a cough that produces a thick, stringy mucus. Lung Cancer There are usually no symptoms of lung cancer until the disease is advanced. Frequent bouts of pneumonia or a lung infection that does not clear up in a seemingly healthy adult may be the first signs of lung cancer. Signs of advanced lung cancer can include: Bloody sputum Smoking In-Depth From A.D.A.M. Complications COPD affects an estimated 9 - 10% of people worldwide in both developed and underdeveloped countries. It is the 4th most common cause of death in the United States, but experts predict that it will be the third leading cause of death in the world by 2020 as the population ages and people continue to smoke. Although COPD has traditionally been considered a man's disease, an increase in women who smoke has caused COPD to skyrocket in women. Women with COPD tend to fare worse than men -- they are more likely to be hospitalized and to die from COPD. They also report more severe symptoms, greater depression, and a worse quality of life than men. Women appear to be more susceptible to the effects of smoking and pollution, possibly because of hormones or other genetic differences. The good news is that women who stop smoking get their lung function back more quickly than men. The leading cause of death from COPD is respiratory failure. However, patients with mild-to-moderate COPD tend to succumb to cardiovascular disease or lung cancer. This likely occurs from chronic low-grade inflammation, which is involved in all three COPD diseases. Traditionally, physicians have measured the severity of COPD by the amount of air that a person can forcibly exhale in one second (FEV1). The amount decreases as COPD worsens. However, COPD affects other systems and body parts, which provide clues about the severity of the disease. Many physicians now use the BODE index to categorize COPD and predict outcome. BODE stands for body-mass index, degree of airflow obstruction, dyspnea (breathlessness), and exercise capacity as measured in a 6-minute walk test. Outlook for Patients with Emphysema. If emphysema is detected before causing symptoms, there may be some chance of reversing it, although permanent changes in the alveoli usually occur, even in young smokers. Patients with the inherited form of early-onset emphysema are at risk for early death, unless the disease is treated and its progression halted or slowed. Emphysema patients who experience severe involuntary weight loss (which indicates muscle wasting) have a poorer outlook, regardless of their lung function. Outlook for Patients with Chronic Bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis does not cause as much lung damage as emphysema, although the airways become blocked by mucus plugs, and narrow due to inflammation. Thus poor air exchange causes reduced levels of oxygen, and high carbon dioxide levels. This state of poor gas exchange can lead to serious, life-threatening conditions that include severe breathing difficulty and heart failure. Acute Exacerbations Acute exacerbations are episodes that occur when airways suddenly become obstructed and symptoms worsen. Such events are associated with inflammation in the airways and are generally triggered by an infection in the airway or throughout the body. Other factors that can trigger serious lung events: Certain medications Acute exacerbations include the following symptoms: Increased volume of sputum Sputum that is thicker and darker Worsened shortness of breath that causes the patient to breathe faster and harder. This is the most common and distressing acute symptom. Acute exacerbations occur, on average, between two and three times a year in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. In about 80% of the cases, they are triggered by infections. Smokers have more episodes than nonsmokers. Acute exacerbations get better on their own, but they are still the most common cause of hospitalization in these patients, and often require different medications to improve. Frequent acute exacerbations of COPD cause lung function to deteriorate quickly, and patients never recover to the condition they were in before the last exacerbation. In COPD patients who are hospitalized, mortality rates are 11%. Survivors of a first hospitalization have a 50% chance of rehospitalization within 6 months. Reduced Quality of Life and Mood Nearly half of patients with COPD report a limitation in daily activities. They have trouble walking up stairs or carrying even small packages. Breathing becomes hard work. More than half of patients with COPD have insomnia. Such impairment in quality of life can negatively affect mood. Almost half of patients with COPD have anxiety, depression, or another psychiatric disorder, compared with 31% of people in the general population. Women with COPD are more susceptible to psychological problems than men. If patients with COPD become anxious or depressed, they may have a poorer outlook than those without these emotional problems. COPD patients with moderate-to-severe depression face a greater 3-year mortality rate than those who experience less depression. Low oxygen levels also can impair mental function and short-term memory. Psychological interventions may be particularly helpful for people with COPD. Malnourishment People with COPD often lack good nutrition. Patients with chronic bronchitis tend to be obese. Patients with emphysema tend to be underweight. Loss of weight and muscle mass is associated with a poor outcome in COPD. Good nutrition improves the ability to exercise, which in turn builds muscle strength and lung function. Obese patients with COPD who lose weight sleep better. Heart Disease Over time, COPD causes low levels of oxygen (hypoxia) and high levels of carbon dioxide (hypercapnia) in the body. In order to boost oxygen delivery, the body compensates in a number of ways: Blood vessels in the lung constrict to force blood and oxygen through the circulatory system. This leads to high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). More red blood cells are produced to increase the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. The heart rate increases to pump more blood. The rate of breathing increases. Eventually these activities can lead to very serious and even life-threatening conditions: Abnormally high blood pressure in the lungs can cause a complication called cor pulmonale, in which the right ventricle of the heart enlarges, eventually leading to heart failure. Chronic bronchitis is associated with a 50% higher risk of death from coronary artery disease, independent of the risks associated with smoking. Patients with prolonged and severe hypoxia and hypercapnia are at risk for acute respiratory failure, which can cause heart rhythm abnormalities or other life-threatening conditions. Other Serious Medical Problems Associated with COPD The smoking that causes COPD is associated with high risks of pneumonia, lung cancer, stroke, and heart attack. Tobacco smoke contains more than 400 substances, many of which are oxidants, metals (such as lead, cadmium, and aluminum), and carcinogens. Nicotine itself may not damage tissues, but it is the chemical that addicts the smoker to tobacco. Lung Cancer. Patients with a 30-year history of smoking and indications of airflow limitation (in other words, most patients with COPD), are at high risk for lung cancer. Sleep Disturbance. About half of all people with severe COPD experience sleep disorders such as sleep-related hypoxia or insomnia. Nocturnal hypoxia, a lack of oxygen during sleep, occurs when breathing is shallowest during rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep. It may be due to suppression of the cough reflex and a build-up of mucus. Nocturnal hypoxia is treated with overnight oxygen therapy. As COPD worsens, many patients have trouble falling or staying asleep. COPD patients should not use sleep medications. Nighttime oxygen or a change in COPD medications from beta-agonists to anticholinergics can sometimes help restore restful sleep. Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a significant problem in patients with COPD. Many conditions associated with COPD, including smoking, vitamin D deficiency, sedentary lifestyle, and the use of corticosteroid medications put people at risk for bone density loss and osteoporosis. Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD). More than half of patients with severe COPD have GERD, a condition in which stomach acids back up from the stomach into the esophagus. However, many COPD patients don't report experiencing GERD symptoms such as heartburn. In-Depth From A.D.A.M. Risk Factors About 12 million adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with COPD, 3.8 million of them with emphysema. Because emphysema and chronic bronchitis so often occur together, it is difficult to determine the number of emphysema patients versus those with chronic bronchitis. Experts estimate, however, that more than half of people with impaired lung function go undiagnosed. Many patients, even if their symptoms are severe, regard their condition as a natural part of aging, or blame lack of fitness, and fail to seek medical evaluation. The main risk factors for COPD include: Cigarette smoke Age older than 40 years Exposure to occupational dusts and chemicals Exposure to indoor air pollution Occupational Risk Factors Workers exposed for a long time to toxic chemicals (such as silica or cadmium), industrial smoke, dust, or other air pollutants are at increased risk for COPD. Such workers include: Cooks Women who cook over open fires Allergies and Asthma Allergens are allergy-causing particles and organisms such as fungi, molds, and house dust. The connection between allergies, asthma, and COPD is the topic of much debate. Some physicians believe allergies and asthma are early stages of COPD. Another school of thought says that COPD produces an airway hyperactivity that manifests as asthma or allergies. While the exact connection is not known, patients with hyperactive airways that appear to be from allergies or asthma are at increased risk for COPD. Patients with COPD whose airway hyperactivity can be controlled with bronchodilators (the medication used in asthma) are less likely to die from COPD. HIV People infected with HIV are 50 - 60% more likely to develop COPD than people without HIV. The percentage of HIV patients who smoke is not much larger than those who do not smoke. This suggests that HIV increases susceptibility to COPD or accelerates decline in lung function. Other Risks Abnormal lung development in the womb might increase the risk for COPD later in life. Researchers have found that newborns with poor airway function are more likely to have breathing disorders as adults, and suggest that preventive measures might need to start in infancy. Research also finds that eating bacon, sausage, and other cured meats might reduce lung function and increase the risk for COPD. Cured meats are high in nitrates, which act much like tobacco smoke to damage the lungs, according to researchers. In-Depth From A.D.A.M. Diagnostic Tests Despite the widespread incidence and seriousness of COPD, studies strongly suggest that it is underdiagnosed, especially in women. Some experts recommend that any adult smoker who complains of a daily cough should be screened for COPD. In one 2002 study, nearly half of patients over 60 who regularly smoked had COPD. Medical and Personal History The doctor will request a history that evaluates the patient's risk factors. Risk factors include: Exposure to industrial pollutants Low exercise capacity (such as trouble climbing stairs or difficulty walking for more than a certain distance) Past and present smoking Physical Examination Appearance. No changes in physical appearance are usually present with mild-to-moderate COPD. In advanced COPD, patients with emphysema may be wasted and thin, with normal-colored pink skin, while those with chronic bronchitis may have bluish lips and fingers, be obese, and may have swollen feet and legs. Breathing may be rapid and shallow, done through pursed lips, with prolonged exhales. The patient will be asked to cough and produce sputum, if possible. Chest Examination. The physician will next perform a simple examination of the chest area with a stethoscope to listen for: Crepitations, a noise resembling a paper bag being rumpled Diminished or distant breath sounds Signs of pulmonary hypertension Breathlessness when the patient lies flat Elevated pressure in the veins Pulmonary Function Tests (Spirometry) The best tests for diagnosing COPD and seeing how well it responds to treatment are pulmonary function tests. The gold-standard test for patients with respiratory symptoms is spirometry. Spirometry measures the volume and force of air as it is exhaled from the lungs. It measures airway obstruction, can identify COPD early, and the results are standardized so they are always consistent. The patient is asked to breathe in and to exhale forcefully into an instrument. This is repeated several times. The force of the air is then measured. From the results, the physician determines two important values: The forced vital capacity (FVC). FVC is the maximum volume of air that can be exhaled (breathed out) with force, and is an indicator of lung size, elasticity, and how well the air passages open and close. The forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). FEV1 is the maximum volume of air exhaled in 1 second. Airflow is considered to be limited if the outflow of forced exhalation stays low over the course of 1 second. People with COPD have a decline in FEV1 over time. FEV1 is measured as "percent of predicted:" Moderate COPD is an FEV1 50 - 80% of predicted. Severe COPD is an FEV1 30 - 50% of predicted. The ratio of FEV1 to FVC (FEV1/FVC) is less than 70% of normal, regardless of whether the patient has an FEV1 greater than 80% or less than 50%. Spirometry is a painless study of air volume and flow rate within the lungs. Spirometry is frequently used to evaluate lung function in people with obstructive or restrictive lung diseases such as asthma or cystic fibrosis. Tests for Measuring the Ability of the Lung to Exchange Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Arterial Blood Gas. The physician may request an arterial blood gas test to determine the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood (its saturation). Low oxygen (hypoxia) and high carbon dioxide (hypercapnia) levels often indicate chronic bronchitis, but not always emphysema. A blood gas analysis that shows very low oxygen levels is useful for determining which patients would benefit from oxygen therapy (see below). This procedure typically involves drawing blood from an artery in the wrist. Click the icon to see a depiction of arterial blood gas sampling. Pulse Oximetry Test. A safe and painless test for measuring oxygen in the blood is called pulse oximetry, which involves placing a probe on the finger or ear lobe. The probe emits two different lights, and the amount of each light the blood absorbs is related to how much oxygen the red blood cells carry. This test measures only oxygen in the blood, however, and not carbon dioxide. Results should be taken together with other tests to determine the need for medication or oxygen therapy. Carbon Monoxide Diffusing Capacity. The lung carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) test determines how effectively gases are exchanged between the blood and airways in the lungs. Patients should not eat or exercise before the test, and they should not have smoked for 24 hours. The patient inhales a mixture of carbon monoxide, helium, and oxygen and holds his or her breath for about 10 seconds. The gas levels are then analyzed from the exhaled breath. Results can help physicians differentiate emphysema from chronic bronchitis and asthma. Patients with emphysema have lower DLCO results, indicated by a reduced ability to take up oxygen. Such results are also important in helping to determine appropriate candidates for lung reduction surgery. Carbon monoxide levels that are 20% or less than predicted values pose a very high risk for poor survival. Exhaled Breath. The measurement of nitric oxide (NO) in exhaled breath can be a simple method of diagnosing COPD and monitoring the effects of therapy. In most patients with COPD, no levels are below normal. Levels above normal in a patient with COPD indicate that the person also has asthma. Click the icon to see an image of lung diffusion testing. Imaging Tests Chest X-Rays. Chest x-rays are often performed, but they are not very useful for detecting early COPD. By the time an x-ray reveals the disease, the patient is well aware of the condition. Clear signs of COPD include the following: Abnormally large amounts of air spaces in the lung. A flattened diaphragm. A smaller heart; if heart failure is present, however, the heart becomes enlarged and there may not be signs of overinflated lungs. Exaggerated lung inflation in upper areas. Larger amounts of air in the lower lungs in patients with A1AD-related emphysema. Chest x-rays are rarely useful for diagnosing chronic bronchitis, although they sometimes show mild scarring and thickened airway walls. Computed Tomography. Computed tomography (CT) scans can accurately assess the severity of COPD and may be used to determine the size of the air pockets (bullae) in the lungs. In one study, 3-dimensional CT was used to visualize the airways in a manner in which their diameter could be measured. In this study, airflow limitation in COPD was seen to be related to the dimensions of the small, rather than the large, airways. Other Tests for COPD Noninvasive Methods for Determining Severity. Questionnaires and short exercise tests are very useful for determining the severity of COPD. Test for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Physicians will typically test for the protective enzyme alpha-1 antitrypsin in COPD patients who are nonsmokers and who develop emphysema in their 30s. Additional Blood and Sputum Tests. Additional tests may be required if the physician suspects other medical problems. If pneumonia is present, for instance, blood and sputum tests and cultures may be performed to determine the cause of infection. Bronchodilator Challenge. The symptoms of asthma are generally relieved by using a bronchodilator. Patients with COPD typically have a limited response to bronchodilation. A bronchodilator challenge test may help distinguish between the two diseases. Some patients with COPD experience limited and temporary improvement in FEV1 30 - 45 minutes after inhaling medication from a metered dose inhaler. However, their airflow remains poor. In-Depth From A.D.A.M. Medications Anticholinergic Agents Anticholinergic agents relax the bronchial muscles. They are generally inhaled and act as a bronchodilator over time. Although bronchodilation does not have much effect on lung function and does not change the overall course of the disease, the medication helps improve breathlessness, ability to exercise, and quality of life. Brands and Benefits. Anticholinergics used for COPD include short-acting ipratropium (Atrovent) and long-acting tiotropium (Spiriva). They are considered standard maintenance medications for COPD. A single inhaler containing both ipratropium and the common beta2-agonist albuterol (Combivent) may prove to be better than either medication alone. Anticholinergics target the central airways, and beta-agonists target the smaller airways, which explains the possible additive benefits of the combination. Other combinations are being explored. Long-acting anticholinergic medications are being administered along with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists. While the combination may not reduce the number of exacerbations, it improves lung function and quality of life, and reduces hospitalizations. Side Effects. Anticholinergics have few severe side effects. They are less likely to impair sleep than the other standard inhaled medications. The side effects of respiratory anticholinergic agents include mild cough and dry mouth. Beta2-Agonists When anticholinergics are no longer enough -- and sometimes in place of an anticholinergic -- the doctor will prescribe a beta2-agonist. GOLD guidelines recommend that all patients with COPD stages II - IV take a long-acting beta2-agonist. Short-Acting Beta2-agonists. Short-acting bronchodilators are the primary medications for most COPD patients. Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) is the standard short-acting beta2-agonist. Others include: Bitolterol (Tornalate) Pirbuterol (Maxair) Terbutaline (Brethine, Brethaire, Bricanyl) Newer beta2-agonists, including levalbuterol (Xopenex), have more specific actions than the standard agents. Most are inhaled and are effective for 3 - 6 hours. Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists. Long-acting beta2-agonists salmeterol (Serevent) and formoterol (Foradil) are proving to be particularly effective as long-term maintenance therapy for COPD. Major analyses suggest they reduce exacerbations by 20 - 25%. They may help prevent bacteria from building up on the airways and may offer real improvements in lung function. Unlike short-acting forms, these beta2-agonists may even have anti-inflammatory properties. In 2007, the FDA approved a nebulized formulation of formoterol for the treatment of COPD. Until recently, only short-acting nebulizers were available. Inhalers that combine a long-acting beta2-agonist and a corticosteroid (such as Advair, Seretide, and Symbicort) are more effective than either agent alone -- reducing exacerbations by 35% and improving exercise endurance. Side Effects. Side effects of both long-and short-acting beta2-agonists include anxiety, tremor, restlessness, and headaches. Patients may experience fast and irregular heartbeats. A physician should be notified immediately if such side effects occur, particularly in people with existing heart conditions. Such patients face an increased risk for sudden death from heart-related causes. This risk is higher with oral or nebulized agents, but there have also been reports of heart attacks and angina in some patients using inhaled beta2-agonists. Loss of Effectiveness and Overdose. There has been some concern that short-acting beta2-agonists may become less effective when taken regularly over time, increasing the risk of overuse. The degree to which this affects the airways is uncertain. In some studies, the duration of action has declined with use, but the peak effect appears to be preserved, making these drugs still useful for acute attacks. Regular use of long-acting beta2-agonists may reduce the effect of short-acting forms. A major concern is that patients who perceive beta2-agonists as being less effective may overuse them. Overdose can be serious and, in rare cases, even life threatening, particularly in patients with heart disease or asthma. Corticosteroids Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs. Oral Corticosteroids. Oral corticosteroids are reserved for the treatment of COPD exacerbations, and research finds that they are preferable to inhaled corticosteroids for this purpose. They speed the time to recovery and reduce the length of the hospital stay, but appear to have no long-term benefit. They shouldn't be regularly used for stable disease because of the increased risk of side effects. Inhaled Corticosteroids. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the mainstay of asthma therapy. Their use in COPD is controversial. During the first 6 months of use, ICS may improve lung function. After 6 months, lung function resumes its decline. There is also evidence that ICS increases the risk of dying from pneumonia in patients with COPD. ICS should be reserved for patients with severe COPD and frequent exacerbations. Combining a long-acting bronchodilator (salmeterol) with a corticosteroid (fluticasone) appears to improve survival and reduce exacerbations in patients with severe COPD compared to single-drug treatment. However, further studies are needed to determine whether this combination might increase the number of adverse side effects. Theophylline and Other Methylxanthines Methylxanthines (primarily slow-release theophylline) are also bronchodilators. These drugs are used in patients with more severe exacerbations when there is an incomplete response to bronchodilators, corticosteroids, oxygen, or antibiotics. These agents do not significantly improve lung function, symptoms, or overall outcomes when used for acute exacerbations. Some experts believe that the modest benefits do not outweigh the risk of toxic effects commonly associated with these agents. These side effects are generally related to the amount of theophylline in the blood, but can include: Abdominal pain Administering Inhaled Drugs Many COPD drugs are inhaled using metered dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, or nebulizers. Metered-Dose Inhaler. The standard device for COPD medication is the metered-dose inhaler (MDI). This device allows precise doses to be delivered directly to the lungs. A holding chamber, or spacer, improves delivery by giving the patient more time to inhale the medication. Breath-Activated Dry Powder Inhalers. Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) deliver a powdered form of drug directly into the lungs. DPIs are as effective as MDIs and are easier to manage. Humidity or extreme temperatures can affect DPI performance, so these devices should not be stored in humid places (such as bathroom cabinets) or locations subject to high temperatures (such as glove compartments during summer months). Other Hand-Held Inhalers. Respimat delivers a fine-mist spray that is created by forcing the liquid medication through nozzles. It does not use any propellant. Nebulizers. A nebulizer is a device that administers the drug in a fine spray that the patient breathes in. Nebulizers are often used in hospital settings or when the patient cannot use an inhaler. This metered-dose inhaler is a quick way of administering medicine directly into the bronchial passageways to promote clearer breathing. Medicines That Loosen Lung Secretions Patients with persistent coughing and sputum often use agents that loosen secretions and help move them out of the lungs. Expectorants. Expectorants, such as guaifenesin (found in common cough remedies), stimulate the flow of fluid in the airways and help move secretions using the motion of cilia (the hair-like structures in the lung) and coughing. Expectorants have not been shown to benefit patients with COPD. Mucolytics. Mucolytics contain ingredients that make sputum more watery and easier to cough up. One of these ingredients, acetylcysteine, also acts as an antioxidant, which could provide additional benefit to people with COPD. The most effective mucolytic is stopping smoking. Anticholinergics appear to decrease the production of mucus. Beta2-agonists and theophylline improve mucus clearance. Other Medications Selective Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors. Cilomilast (Ariflo) and roflumilast (Daxas) are selective phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitors. These medications block PDE4, an enzyme overproduced in COPD and asthma that causes inflammation in the airways. The FDA has approved cilomilast for the treatment of COPD and asthma. Approval of roflumilast is pending. One study of cilomilast found that the drug significantly decreased exacerbations and increased quality of life. In other research, rofumilast significantly improved lung function in patients with severe, stable COPD. Statins. Patients with COPD are at an increased risk of death from coronary artery disease. Some studies have found an association between statin use and COPD. The anti-inflammatory properties of statin medications might help slow lung function decline or help in the survival of an exacerbation, especially in longtime smokers and people who have recently quit. These effects have yet to be explained or proven. Antibiotics Treating Acute Bronchitis or Pneumonia in COPD Patients. People with COPD are at heightened risk for pneumonia, but any lung infection can worsen symptoms and speed deterioration of lung function. Antibiotics are usually called for when acute bronchitis or pneumonia occurs, and the patient has signs of bacterial infection, such as green or yellow sputum. The most common organisms causing pneumonia or exacerbations in people with COPD include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moxarella catarrhalis. The choice of antibiotic depends on the bacteria being treated and the local rate of bacterial resistance to common antibiotics. Preventive antibiotic therapy for patients with frequent exacerbations is discouraged, since this practice contributes to the development of bacterial resistance. Antibiotic Options Beta-Lactams Beta-lactam antibiotics include penicillins, cephalosporins, and some newer medications. They share common chemical features, and all interfere with bacterial cell walls. Penicillins. Penicillin was the first antibiotic. Many forms of this still-important drug are available today: Penicillin derivatives called aminopenicillins, particularly amoxicillin (Amoxil, Polymox, Trimox, Wymox, or any generic formulation), are now the most common penicillins used. Amoxicillin is inexpensive, and at one time was highly effective against S. pneumoniae . Unfortunately, bacterial resistance to amoxicillin has increased significantly, both among S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae. Ampicillin is similar, but requires more doses and has more severe gastrointestinal side effects than amoxicillin. Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) is known as an augmented penicillin that works against a wide spectrum of bacteria and is used for more severe exacerbations. An extended release form is also available. Many people have a history of allergic reaction to penicillin, but some evidence suggests the allergy may not return in a significant number of adults. Skin tests are available to help determine whether someone with a history of penicillin allergies could tolerate these important antibiotics. Cephalosporins. Most of these agents are not very effective against bacteria that have developed resistance to penicillin, and are used for more severe exacerbations. They are classified according to their generation: Second generation: cefaclor (Ceclor), cefuroxime (Ceftin), cefprozil (Cefzil), and loracarbef (Lorabid) Third generation: cefpodoxime (Vantin), cefdinir (Omnicef), cefditoren (Spectracef), cefixime (Suprax), and ceftibuten (Cedex). Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) is an injected cephalosporin. These antibiotics are effective against a wide range of Gram-negative bacteria. Cefditoren has also been shown to be 85% effective against Haemophilus influenzae and 90% effective against penicillin-resistant strains of S. pneumoniae. Fluoroquinolones (Quinolones) Fluoroquinolones ("quinolones") interfere with the bacteria's genetic material to prevent them from reproducing. These antibiotics are used for more severe exacerbations. "Respiratory quinolones" are currently the most effective drugs available against a wide range of bacteria. These drugs include levofloxacin (Levaquin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), and gemifloxacin (Factive). Levofloxacin was the first drug approved specifically for penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae. Some of the newer fluoroquinolones need to be taken only once a day. The fourth-generation quinolones moxifloxacin (Avelox) and clinafloxacin (which is still under development) are proving effective against anaerobic bacteria. S. pneumoniae strains resistant to the respiratory quinolones are uncommon in the U.S., but resistance is dramatically increasing. Many quinolones cause side effects, including sensitivity to light and neurologic, psychiatric, and heart problems. Pregnant women should not take this class of drugs. Quinolones also enhance the potency of oral anti-clotting drugs. When it comes to treating acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, so-called second-line antibiotics [amoxicillin, clavulanate (Augmentin), macrolides, second- or third-generation cephalosporines, and quinolones] appear to be more effective than -- and just as safe as -- first-generation antibiotics (ampicillin, doxycycline, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole). Macrolides, Azalides, and Ketolides Macrolides and azalides also affect the genetics of bacteria. These drugs include: Azithromycin (Zithromax, Zmax) Erythromycin Roxithromycin (Rulid) These antibiotics are effective against atypical bacteria such as mycoplasma and chlamydia. All but erythromycin are effective against H. influenzae. They are also used in some cases for S. pneumoniae and M. catarrhalis, but there is increasing bacterial resistance to these medicines. Macrolide resistance rates doubled between 1995 - 1999, as more and more children were being treated with these antibiotics. Some research suggests these agents may reduce the risk of a first heart attack in some patients by reducing inflammation in the blood vessels. Ketolides. Ketolides are a new class of antibiotics. They are derived from erythromycin and were developed to combat organisms that have become resistant to macrolides. Telithromycin (Ketek), the first antibiotic in the ketolide class, was approved by the FDA in 2004 for the treatment of CAP, acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, and acute sinusitis. However, in February 2007, the FDA withdrew approval of Ketek for acute bacterial sinusitis. The agency decided that the serious risks of Ketek outweighed its benefits for sinusitis treatment. The decision followed several 2006 reports of deaths from severe liver damage. Telithromycin is approved only for the treatment of CAP. The drug carries a strong "black box" warning noting its potentially serious or deadly side effects, including liver failure, vision problems, loss of consciousness, and neuromuscular problems. Tetracyclines Tetracyclines inhibit bacterial growth. They include doxycycline, tetracycline, and minocycline. They can be effective against S. pneumoniae and M. catarrhalis, but bacteria that are resistant to penicillin are also often resistant to doxycycline. The side effects of tetracyclines include skin reactions to sunlight, burning in the throat, and tooth discoloration. Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (such as Bactrim, Cotrim, and Septra) is less expensive than amoxicillin and particularly useful for adults with mild bacterial upper respiratory infections who are allergic to penicillin. The drug is no longer effective against certain streptococcal strains. It should not be used in patients whose infections occur after dental work, or in people who are allergic to sulfa drugs. Allergic reactions can be very serious. In-Depth From A.D.A.M. Treatment The appropriate medications for COPD depend on its stage of severity as determined by symptoms. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) has proposed a strategy that is widely accepted. GOLD categorizes COPD severity as follows: Stage I: Smoker's cough, little or no shortness of breath, no clinical signs of COPD, FEV1 greater than 80% of predicted. Stage II: Shortness of breath on exertion, sputum-producing cough, some clinical signs of COPD, FEV1 50 - 80% of predicted. Stage III: Shortness of breath on mild exertion, FEV1 30 - 50% of predicted. Stage IV: Shortness of breath on mild exertion, right heart failure, cyanosis, FEV1 less than 30% of predicted. Classification of Severity of COPD GOLD Stages Gold treatment strategy is additive, meaning that medications are added, but not subtracted, as the disease progresses. Treatment calls for: Patients with GOLD stages I - IV: Treatment with an inhaled anticholinergic or inhaled short-acting beta2-agonist. Patients with GOLD stages II - IV: Addition of an inhaled long-acting bronchodilator in place of a short-acting beta2-agonist. A combination of bronchodilators may be used. In patients who do not respond to bronchodilators, slow-release theophylline may be used. Patients with GOLD stages III - IV: Regular use of inhaled corticosteroids for those with repeated exacerbations. Systemic corticosteroids for severe exacerbations. Patients with GOLD stage IV: Long-term oxygen therapy, consideration of surgical options. The American College of Physicians has issued revised guidelines for COPD treatment, which include: In patients with stable COPD, reserve treatment for those who have respiratory symptoms and FEV1 of less than 60% of predicted. Patients with symptoms and FEV1 of less than 60% of predicted should be treated with long-acting inhaled beta-agonists, long-acting inhaled anticholinergics, or inhaled corticosteroids. Combination inhaled therapies may be used in these patients. Patients with COPD and resting hypoxia should be treated with oxygen therapy. Patients with symptoms and FEV1 of less than 50% of predicted should consider pulmonary rehabilitation. Treatment Approach for Stable COPD Stopping Smoking. Stopping smoking is the first and most important step in treating COPD and slowing its progression. Quitting smoking decreases symptoms of breathlessness and cough, as well as the risk of fatal and nonfatal heart disease, likely due to decreased inflammation. Diet. Good nutrition is always important. Dietary issues become critical in late COPD, when breathing is difficult. Many patients with COPD lose muscle tone and body mass, and appear to waste away. This may be due to the extreme effort it takes to breathe, which rapidly consumes calories. Some patients find it difficult to stop the effort of breathing long enough to chew food. A nutritionist can be tremendously helpful in finding the right foods and designing meal plans to help COPD patients be as healthy as possible. There is not strong evidence to support the use of nutritional supplements in patients with COPD. It may help to avoid cured meats, which research indicates can increase the risk of COPD. Supplemental Oxygen. Supplemental oxygen is an important component of COPD therapy. It can: Improve exercise endurance Reduce breathlessness Reduce pulmonary hypertension All of these factors are affected along with the lungs' ability to exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen. There is some evidence that supplemental oxygen may also reduce heart problems, such as heart-rate variability, in patients with COPD. Long-term oxygen therapy given continuously through the nose has been shown to prolong survival by as much as 30%. Blending oxygen with nitrogen (Heliox) has been shown to be more effective than supplemental oxygen alone in increasing endurance time and exercise ability. Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a proven method of relieving shortness of breath (dyspnea), reducing hospitalizations and disability resulting from COPD, and improving mental and physical quality of life, although there is no proof that it improves survival. The treatment is recommended for patients with stable chronic lung disease who are significantly affected by respiratory symptoms. Many hospitals offer these programs, which are led by a team of health professionals. Pulmonary rehabilitation is tailored to individual patients, but usually includes: Breathing training Nutritional advice Psychological assessment Programs generally last 6 - 12 weeks, but longer programs appear to provide more sustained benefits. Maintenance programs may slightly improve long-term outcomes. Exercise. Exercise is important for maintaining strength and endurance, both of which are greatly affected by COPD. Weight-bearing exercises are important for maintaining quality of life and the ability to live independently. For the greatest benefit, programs should combine low- and high-intensity exercise with strength and endurance training. The use of noninvasive ventilation (NIPPV) during exercise provides some small, very short-term benefit. Receiving supplemental oxygen during rehabilitative exercise may improve patients' endurance. There is no evidence that inspiratory muscle training is effective during pulmonary rehabilitation. Surgery. When a patient no longer responds to medications, surgery becomes a possible option. Choices include: Bullectomy Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) General Guidelines for Treating Acute Exacerbations The goal of COPD treatment, in addition to providing symptom relief, is to prevent exacerbations. Each exacerbation causes lung function to decline. Bringing lung function back to its pre-exacerbation state can take 6 months. When exacerbations are frequent, lung function may never return to normal, and the patient's condition spirals downhill. Recent studies have found that levels of inflammatory markers in the body rise dramatically during exacerbations and in proportion to the severity of the exacerbation. This may indicate that exacerbations are associated with inflammation throughout the body, not simply in the lungs themselves. Measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, is being used to confirm exacerbations, predict their severity, and help determine prognosis. Exacerbations are most commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections, or by air pollution. The cause is never identified in about 1/3 of patients. Treatment of exacerbations commonly includes the following measures: Oxygen. Supplemental oxygen with controlled oxygen therapy and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation. Bronchodilation. Inhaled anticholinergics or short-acting beta2-agonists may be used. Theophylline is not recommended, because it provides very little benefit and carries a risk of serious side effects. Corticosteroids. This may be given either through a vein (intravenously) or by mouth (orally), for up to 2 weeks. This treatment is only possible when patients have not received long-term oral corticosteroid therapy. Antibiotics. These may be used if there are signs of infection, such as fever or yellow or green sputum. In-Depth From A.D.A.M. Oxygen-Replacement Therapy Lung function may eventually worsen to the point that patients may need to rely on supplemental oxygen provided through portable or stationary tanks. Continuous Therapy. Continuous oxygen therapy (more than 15 hours a day) is the only treatment for emphysema that has been proven to prolong survival in certain patients. It also improves alertness, motor speed, and hand strength. Continuous oxygen therapy is usually recommended for patients with: Lung oxygen level below 55 mm Hg while resting Lung oxygen level below 60 mm Hg while resting, plus right heart failure or an abnormal increase in red blood cells Ideally, the patient should receive enough oxygen to keep the oxygen level at 65 mm HG, but no less than 60 mm HG, or at an oxygen saturation level of at least 90%. Additional oxygen flow may be needed during sleep or exertion (physical activity). About 40% of patients improve enough in 1 month to stop continuous treatment, although such patients should be observed closely. COPD frequently deteriorates, and patients need to restart oxygen therapy. Some patients worsen in spite of treatment, although at this point it is not possible to predict who is at risk for oxygen therapy failure. The addition of nitric oxide, a gas that dilates blood vessels, may offer additional benefits. Intermittent Oxygen. Patients with less severe COPD who are not on permanent oxygen maintenance may need supplemental oxygen during specific circumstances: Patients whose oxygen level drops below 55 mm HG only while exercising may benefit from supplemental oxygen during physical activity. Supplemental oxygen may improve endurance, and it enhances the delivery of oxygen to the muscles while they are working. Patients whose oxygen level drops below 55 mm HG during sleep may need oxygen at night. Such patients usually experience fitful, poor-quality sleep. This type of oxygen therapy does not appear to affect survival or delay prescription of continuous oxygen therapy. Oxygen During Travel. People on continuous oxygen therapy who are traveling by plane should increase their oxygen by 1 - 2 liters per minute during the trip. Supplemental oxygen may be required during air travel for people on intermittent oxygen therapy if the trip is longer than 2 hours and they develop symptoms, or if they experience a drop in oxygen levels before traveling. People are not allowed to bring their own tanks on board an airplane; many airlines will provide oxygen if notified 48 - 72 hours in advance. It is important to note that aircraft cabins are actually pressurized to the equivalent of 8,000 feet above sea level. Such pressures could be potentially dangerous for people with severe COPD. Oxygen Storage and Delivery Systems Unless they are bed-bound, patients usually use a combination of stationary and mobile oxygen systems. Stationary Systems. The most common stationary oxygen system is the concentrator, an electrical device that pulls oxygen from the air. It weighs about 35 pounds and cannot be battery operated, so a patient can use only it at home. Portable Units. Portable units containing electronic oxygen-conserving devices weigh only a few pounds and can provide up to 8 hours of oxygen. Some portable units weigh 6.5 lbs, with liquid oxygen supplies lasting 4 hours. Some weigh 9.5 lbs, with an oxygen supply lasting 8 hours when used at a flow rate of 2 liters per minute. Compressed or Liquid Oxygen. Oxygen can be administered from large stationary tanks or small portable ones, either as compressed gas or liquid oxygen. A container of liquid oxygen lasts four times longer than compressed gas of the same weight and is easier to fill. Liquid oxygen is very beneficial for patients who want to maintain an active life, although the tanks require occasional venting to release pressure, and this wastes oxygen. They are also more expensive. In some areas, for example, a stationary liquid oxygen system costs $3,500 and a compressed oxygen tank costs $350. Precautions. Supplemental oxygen is a fire hazard, and some hotels and residences do not allow its use. No one should smoke near an oxygen tank, and tanks should be stored safely, secured to a wall and away from heaters and furnaces. Devices for Administering Oxygen Oxygen is usually administered in one of three ways: through a nasal canula, transtracheal catheter, or electronic demand device. Nasal Canula. Using a nasal canula, oxygen is delivered through a long, slender plastic tube that runs from the oxygen tank to small plastic prongs that fit in the nostrils. The tube can be very long when attached to a stationary tank in order to accommodate walking throughout a house, or relatively short when attached to a portable unit. A reservoir pouch is a recent innovation added to this device that provides an extra rush of oxygen when a patient starts to inhale. This method is inexpensive and easy to use, but some patients are embarrassed by its appearance under their noses. Transtracheal Oxygen. Transtracheal oxygen is delivered directly into the windpipe (trachea) through a catheter tube implanted by a surgeon. The device is inconspicuous, and patient compliance is excellent. The initial cost is high, but over time expenses are reduced because of more efficient oxygen usage. Long-term complications may include infection, dislodgment, and blockage by mucus, which can be very serious. Complications of the procedure itself occur in 3 - 5% of cases and can include lung spasms and uncontrollable coughing. Electronic Demand Devices. Electronic devices that sense the beginning of a breath and deliver a pulse of oxygen are also available, although they are complicated, expensive, and have a risk for mechanical failure. Newer units have a continuous flow bypass switch that allows delivery of oxygen if the battery runs down. Devices to Assist Breathing In emergency situations, oxygen may be delivered to the patient in various ways: Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NPPV). If the patient is able to breathe naturally, oxygen is delivered through a tube using a tightly fitted oxygen mask to maintain airway pressure during breathing. Some physicians now believe such devices should be first-line treatments (in addition to medications) for managing respiratory failure after an acute exacerbation. They allow the patient to communicate and drink fluids, and are much better tolerated than nose or throat tubes. They cannot be used on patients with rapidly deteriorating COPD, those who are uncooperative, or those with facial structures that do not allow the mask to seal tightly. Intubation. When standard oxygen therapy does not meet a patient's needs, endotracheal intubation may be required to deliver high concentrations of oxygen. With intubation, a tube is inserted down through either the nose or the mouth, and oxygen is administered through the tube. Mechanical Ventilation. In very serious cases such as acute respiratory failure, a mechanical ventilator can be used to take over the function of breathing. The primary goal of ventilation is to eliminate carbon dioxide and restore a balanced exchange of gases. Most patients have a low tolerance for intubation, and the tubes are often removed prematurely due to discomfort. Patients may need painkillers, sedatives, or muscle relaxants. There are also several complications that lead to the removal of breathing tubes: Bleeding In-Depth From A.D.A.M. Lifestyle Changes Quitting Smoking and Avoiding Other Irritants Quitting smoking is the first and most essential step in treating COPD and slowing its progress. In many people who quit early, lung function stabilizes and eventually declines to about the rate of nonsmokers in the same age group. In some people, lung function may even improve slightly after quitting. As COPD progresses, quitting can slow the rate of decline; however, lost lung function is never fully recovered. Most patients who smoke try to quit an average of seven times before they are successful. Using a combination of smoking cessation aids improves the likelihood of quitting. These include nicotine replacement products (patches, gum, nasal spray, lozenges), counseling, and prescription medications such as bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix). Preventing Upper Respiratory Infections Good Hygiene. Hands should be washed with ordinary soap before eating and after going outside the home. Antibacterial soaps add little protection, particularly against viruses. One study suggests that common liquid dish washing soaps are up to 100 times more effective than antibacterial soaps in killing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is known to cause pneumonia. Vaccines. Two important vaccinations are recommended to protect against respiratory infection. Influenza vaccination. People with COPD should be vaccinated against influenza each year at least 6 weeks before flu season begins. Severely ill patients may experience mild initial adverse side effects. In general, however, the vaccination is very safe and appears to help reduce exacerbations of COPD during flu season. Pneumococcal vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine protects against 23 types of pneumococcus, the major bacterium that causes pneumonia. The vaccine remains effective for years. Flu and pneumococcal vaccines can be administered at the same time without increasing any adverse effects. Breathing Exercises Pursed-Lip Breathing. A technique called pursed-lip breathing can help improve lung function before starting activities or doing a strenuous task, such as lifting a heavy box. Pursed-lip breathing helps change pressure in the airways and prevents small airways from collapsing. First, inhale through the nose, moving the abdominal muscles outward so that the diaphragm lowers and the lungs fill with air. Exhale through the mouth with the lips pursed, making a hissing sound. Exhalation should take twice as long as inhalation, so that pressure is experienced in the windpipe and chest, and trapped air is forced out. Holding Breath and Coughing. A simple technique is to inhale deeply and slowly, hold the breath for 5 -10 seconds, then cough on exhalation. Controlling Secretions Fluids and Humidity. Patients with congestion and heavy sputum can benefit from maintaining good fluid intake and keeping their homes humidified. Chest Therapy. Chest therapy involves rhythmic inhalation for three to four deep breaths followed by coughing to produce sputum. Tapping the chest may also help in loosening and raising sputum in patients with a significant amount of sputum production. Avoid chest therapy during an acute exacerbation of COPD. When coughing to produce mucus, another method is to lean forward and "huff" repeatedly, take relaxed breaths, and huff again. Avoid forceful coughing, if possible. Physical Exercise Because COPD is not simply a lung condition, but a systemic disease that causes wasting of the muscles and bones, certain physical exercises may be very helpful. Strengthening Exercises for the Limbs. Exercising and strengthening the muscles in the arms and legs helps some patients improve their endurance and reduce breathlessness. Exercising only one leg at a time (for example, pedaling a stationary bicycle with one leg instead of two) might benefit patients who are usually too out-of-breath to exercise, and help them increase their exercise capacity. Walking. Walking is the best exercise for patients with emphysema. In studies of lung rehabilitation, regular exercise increased walking distance and improved breathing. Patients should try to walk 3 - 4 times daily for 5 - 15 minutes each time. Devices that assist ventilation may reduce breathlessness that occurs during exercise. Yoga and Eastern Practices. Yoga and tai chi, two practices that use deep breathing and meditation techniques, may be particularly beneficial for COPD patients. Research is underway to determine whether yoga is helpful for COPD patients. Click the icon to see an image depicting yoga practice. Breath Training Inspiratory Muscle Training and Incentive Spirometer. Inspiratory muscle training involves exercises and devices that make inhaling more difficult in order to strengthen breathing muscles, walking capacity, and quality of life. The use of an incentive spirometer for 15 minutes twice a day may also be helpful. It can help loosen sputum. An incentive spirometer is a small, hand-held device that contains a breathing gauge. The patient exhales and then inhales forcefully through the tube, using the pressure of the inhalation to raise the gauge to the highest level possible. A device called a peak inspiratory flow (PIF) meter measures the patient's ability to draw air into the lungs and assesses the fitness of the breathing muscles. New guidelines released by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) do not recommend the routine use of inspiratory muscle training during pulmonary rehabilitation. Dietary Factors Because many patients with chronic bronchitis are obese and many with emphysema are underweight, assessment of nutritional status is an important part of COPD treatment. Lack of vitamins A, C, and E, and a lack of fruits and vegetables, can contribute to the development of COPD. Protein and Fats. Patients with body wasting (cachexia) lack enough protein. Although most healthy diets emphasize proteins from fish, poultry, and lean meat, these people may benefit from foods with a higher-than-average fat content. (People should still prefer healthy fats, however, such as those found in olive oil and oily fish.) Some evidence suggests that high-carbohydrate meals may reduce exercise capacity. Fruits, Vegetables, and Whole Grains. Healthy foods are as important for lung function as they are for health in general. Specific foods that may be important for healthy lungs are those that contain antioxidants (best obtained from fresh, deep green and yellow-orange fruits and vegetables), selenium (fish, nuts, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken, liver, garlic), plant chemicals called flavonoids (apples, onions), and magnesium (green leafy vegetables, nuts, whole grains, milk, and meats). One study found that, compared to a Mediterranean diet, which is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, a Western diet high in red meat and simple carbohydrates increased the risk of COPD fivefold. Dietary Supplements. A meta-analysis of studies in which COPD patients took supplements of N-acetyl-cysteine, an antioxidant, concluded that it was effective in preventing exacerbations, even in patients with COPD who continued to smoke. Use of inhaled steroids seems to lessen its effects, however. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings. Other antioxidants being studied include L-carnitine and coenzyme Q10. Evidence of benefit is weak for these chemicals, though. Psychological Support Patients with COPD are at high risk for depression and anxiety, which can impair their outlook on life. The problem worsens along with the disease, which often requires people to limit their activities and social interactions. Psychological counseling and social supports are important for helping people improve their emotional state, cope with daily stresses, and maintain independence and social relationships. Minimizing Airborne Contaminants As much as possible, patients should avoid exposure to airborne irritants, including: Aerosol products To minimize the amount of contaminants in the home: Avoid exposure to pollen, pet dander, house dust, and mold. Eliminate molds and mildews resulting from household water damage. Have furnaces and chimneys inspected and cleaned periodically. Make sure wood-burning stoves or fireplaces are well ventilated and meet the Environmental Protection Agency's safety standards. Burn only pressed wood products labeled "exterior grade," since they contain the fewest pollutants from resins. Ventilate by keeping windows open (weather permitting), using exhaust fans for stoves and vents for furnaces, and keeping fireplace flues open. In-Depth From A.D.A.M. Surgical Procedures Surgery -- as a last resort -- may help some patients with COPD. Coverage for such procedures varies among insurance carriers. A major drawback is that patients must be in good enough condition to undergo major surgery. By the time COPD is advanced, however, this is usually not the case. As a result, surgery cannot help the majority of COPD patients. The three available surgical options appropriate for some patients with COPD are lung transplantation, lung-volume reduction surgery, and bullectomy. Lung Transplantation Since 1995, 38% of all lung transplants have been performed for COPD. Three-year survival rates after lung transplantation are about 60% for patients with either emphysema or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiencies. Transplantation of one lung, both lungs, or the lungs plus the heart may be performed. The increasingly long waiting time for donor organs and the extraordinary expense are both significant problems. Candidates. The best candidates are under 65 and have severe heart and lung disease, with a life expectancy of less than 18 months. However, lung transplantation is becoming more out of favor for patients with end-stage COPD because it is unclear whether transplantation provides a "useful" quality of life. Waiting Time. Up to one-third of patients awaiting lung transplantation die before a suitable donor is available. There were 1,558 lung transplantation operations in North America reported to the International Society of Heart Lung Transplantation in 2006, and as of this writing, 2,127 people are waiting for a new lung. Since 2005, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) has been assigning lungs for transplants based on an allocation score, rather than time spent on the waiting list. The allocation score takes into account the length of time a patient is likely to survive before and after transplant. This policy applies to transplant candidates age 12 or older. Complications. Transplant patients must take drugs that suppress the immune system to prevent the body from rejecting the transplanted organ. Nevertheless, rejection is the primary cause of late complications and death. The mortality rate from the procedure itself is about 10%. Outcomes. About 38% of lung transplants involve both lungs. Transplanting both lungs as opposed to just one significantly improves survival rates in patients under age 60. Average survival after a bilateral lung transplant in one study was 6.41 years, compared to 4.59 years in patients with a single-lung transplant. Lung Volume-Reduction Surgery In lung volume-reduction surgery (LVRS), more than 30% of severely diseased lung tissue is removed, and the remaining parts of the lung are joined together. Improvement in breathing after surgery appears to be largely due to the following factors: An improvement in the ability of the lung and chest wall to spring back during breathing Improvement in the function of the muscles, such as the diaphragm, involved with breathing Prognosis. Results of the largest study to date, called the National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT), found that patients with upper-lobe disease and poor lung function achieved better 5-year survival rates, improved their exercise ability for 3 years, and had fewer symptoms at 5 years with LVRS than with medical therapy. Those with upper-lobe disease and good ability to exercise did not have a survival advantage with LVRS, but were able to increase their exercise capacity. When the operation is successful, patients report significant improvement in walking distance, weight, and quality of life. Many patients can engage in daily activities, such as golfing or stair-climbing, without oxygen. Even in carefully selected candidates, however, about 15% of patients get little or no benefit from the procedure, and about 4% get worse. Furthermore, even in successful cases, the improvement is most notable within the first 6 months, after which the condition deteriorates again. Beyond 3 years, lung function deteriorates to the same level as it was before the procedure. LVRS is substantially more costly than medical treatment. Possible Candidates. The procedure is used only in people with severe emphysema, and some who have alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, but it is not used for those with chronic bronchitis. Appropriate candidates with alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, even if they have disease in the lower lobe, may do well, but it is applicable only to a minority of these patients. Candidates must have the following characteristics: Under age 75 years Poor lung function (FEV1 less than 40% but higher than 20% of predicted) Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity of more than 20% of predicted Hyperinflated lungs (total lung capacity greater than 120% of predicted), generally with involvement of the upper lungs Analysis of patients who underwent LVRS versus lung transplantation found that 1 year after surgery, lung transplant recipients had much better lung function, greater exercise capacity, and less breathlessness than LVRS patients. However, they were less likely to survive, and the transplant was far more expensive than LVRS. Patients may not qualify for LVRS if they have: Chest wall deformity Recent tobacco, drug, or alcohol dependence Scarring around the membrane of the lung Severe medical conditions that limit their lifespan Other indicators of a poor outlook include severe lung complications and isolated air pockets in diseased area of the lungs (bullae). Specific Techniques. At this time, the preferred technique is surgery done on both lungs (bilateral lung volume reduction). Surgeons use either an open approach, making a large cut in the chest area, or video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS), which is less invasive and involves several small cuts. Either method is effective and has similar complication rates. Lines of staples are typically used to reduce lung volume. The alternative technique is surgery done on only one lung (unilateral lung volume reduction). Some centers believe this approach may cause fewer complications and a slower decline in benefits, although not all evidence supports its use over the bilateral method. Bullectomy Another option for COPD is bullectomy, in which giant air pockets and surrounding lung tissue are removed. It is generally limited to patients with giant bullae (not the typical COPD patient) and those with alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency. In-Depth From A.D.A.M. References Aaron SD, Vandemheen KL, Fergusson D, et al, for the Canadian Thoracic Society/Canadian Respiratory Clinical Research Consortium. Tiotropium in combination with placebo, salmeterol, or fluticasone-salmeterol for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2007;146(8):545-555. Alexeeff SE, Litonjua AA, Sparrow D, Vokonas PS, Schwartz J. Statin use reduces decline in lung function: VA Normative Aging Study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2007;176:742-747. Anthonisen N. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. In: Goldman L, Auseillo D. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 88. Buist AS, McBurnie MA, Vollmer WM, Gillespie S, Burney P, Mannino DM, et al. International variation in the prevalence of COPD (the BOLD Study): a population-based prevalence study. Lancet. 2007;370:741-750. Calverly PM, Anderson JA, Celli B, et al, for the TORCH investigators. Salmeterol and fluticasone propionate and survival in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. N Engl J Med. 2007;356(8):775-789. Calverley PM, Sanchez-Toril F, McIvor A, Teichmann P, Bredenbroeker D, Fabbri LM. Effect of 1-year treatment with roflumilast in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2007;176:154-161. Crothers K, Butt AA, Gilbert CL, et al, for the Veterans Anging Cohort 5 Project Team. Increased COPD among HIV-positive compared to HIV-negative veterans. Chest. 2006;130:1326-1333. De Jong Y, Uil SM, Grotjohan HP, Postma DS, Kerstjens HAM, Van den Berg JWK. Oral or IV prednisolone in the treatment of COPD exacerbations: a randomized, controlled, double-blind study. Chest. 2007;132:1741-1747. Dimopoulos G, Siempos II, Korbila IP, Manta KG, Falagas ME. Comparison of first-line with second-line antibiotics for acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Chest. 2007;132:447-455. Dolmage TE, Goldstein RS. Effects of one-legged exercise training of patients with COPD. Chest. 2008;133:370-376. Ernst P, Gonzalez AV, Brassard P, Suissa S. Inhaled corticosteroid use in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2007;176:162-166. Fan VS, Ramsey SD, Giardino ND, Make BJ, Emery CF, Diaz PT, et al. Sex, depression, and risk of hospitalization and mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Arch Intern Med. 2007;167:2345-2353. Fishman A, Martinez F, Naunheim K, Piantadosi S, Wise R, Ries A, et al. A randomized trial comparing lung-volume-reduction surgery with medical therapy for severe emphysema. N Engl J Med. 2003;348:2059-2073. Han MK, Postma D, Mannino DM, Giardino ND, Buist S, Curtis JL, et al. Gender and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2007;176:1179-1184. Hubbard R, Tattersfield A, Smith MA, et al. Use of inhaled corticosteroids and the risk of fracture. Chest. 2006;130:1082-1088. Imfeld S, Bloch KE, Weder W, Russi EW. The BODE index after lung volume reduction surgery correlates with survival. Chest. 2006;129:873-878. Jiang R, Paik DC, Hankinson JL, Barr RG. Cured meat consumption, lung function, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among United States adults. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2007;175:789-804. Kempainen RR, Savik K, Whelan TP, Dunitz JM, Herrington CS, Billings JL. High prevalence of proximal and distal gastroesophageal reflux disease in advanced COPD. Chest. 2007;131:1666-1671. Laurin C, Lavoie KL, Bacon SL, Dupuis G, Lacoste G, Cartier A, et al. Sex differences in the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and psychological distress in patients with COPD. Chest. 2007;132:148-155. Laviolette L, Lacasse Y, Doucet M, et al. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in women. Can Respir J. 2007;14(2):93-98. Nannini L, Cates CJ, Lasserson TJ, Poole P. Combined corticosteroid and long-acting beta-agonist in one: inhaler plus placebo for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007;Oct 17;(4):CD003794. Naunheim KS, Wood DE, Mohsenifar Z, et al. Long-term followup of patients receiving lung volume reduction surgery versus medical therapy for severe emphysema by the National Emphysema Treatment Trial Reserach Group. Ann Thorac Surg. 2006;82:431-443. Niewoehner DE, Lokhnygina Y, Rice K, et al. Risk indexes for exacerbations and hospitalizations due to COPD. Chest. 2007;131:20-28. Qaseem A. Diagnosis and management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2007;147:633-638. Rabe KF, Hurd S, Anzueto A, Barnes PJ, Buist SA, Calverley P, et al. Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: GOLD executive summary. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2007;176:532-555. Ramsey SC, Shroyer AL, Sullivan SD, Wood DE. Updated evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of lung volume reduction surgery. Chest. 2007;131(3):823-832. Rennard SI, Schachter N, Streck M, Rickard K, Amit O. Cilomilast for COPD: results of a 6-month, placebo-controlled study of a potent, selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4. Chest. 2006;129:56-66. Ries AL, Bauldoff GS, Carlin BW, Casaburi R, Emery CF, Mahler DA, et al. Pulmonary rehabilitation: joint ACCP/AACVPR evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest. 2007;131:4S-42S. Roth MD, Connett JE, D'Armiento JM, et al, for the FORTE study investigators. Feasibility of retinoids for the treatment of emphysema study. Chest. 2006;130(5):1334-1345. Sin DD, Wong E, Mayerse I, et al. Effects of noctural noninvasive mechanical ventilation on heart rate variability of patients with advanced COPD. Chest. 2007;131:156-163. Soltz D, Christ-Crain M, Bingisser R, et al. Antibiotic treatment of exacerbations of COPD: a randomized, controlled trial comparing procalcitonin guidance with standard therapy. Chest. 2007;131:9-19. Stern DA, Morgan WJ, Wright AL, Guerra S, Martinez FD. Poor airway function in early infancy and lung function by age 22 years: a non-selective longitudinal cohort study. Lancet. 2007;370:758-764. Sutherland ER, Crapo JD, Bowler RP. N-acetylcysteine and exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. COPD. 2006;3:195-202. Thabut G, Christie JD, Ravaud P, Castier Y, BrugiÃ¨re O, Fournier M, et al. Survival after bilateral versus single lung transplantation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a retrospective analysis of registry data. Lancet. 2008;371:744-751. Tsai CL, Clark S, Cydulka RK, Rowe BH, Camargo CA Jr. Factors associated with hospital admission among emergency department patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation. Acad Emerg Med. 2007;13(1):6-14. Trulock EP, Edwards LB, Taylor DO, et al. Registry of the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation: twenty-third official adult lung and heart-lung transplantation report - 2006. J Heart Lung Transplant. 2006;25:880-892. Varraso R, Fung TT, Hu FB, Willett W, Camargo CA. Prospective study of dietary patterns and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among US men. Thorax. 2007;62:786-791. Wedzicha JA, Calverley PM, Seemungal TA, Hagan G, Ansari Z, Stockley RA. The prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations by salmeterol/fluticasone propionate or tiotropium bromide. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2008;177:19-26. Weinstein MS, Martin UJ, Crookshank AD, et al. Mortality and functional performance in severe emphysema after lung volume reduction or transplant. COPD. 2007;4(1):15-22. Wilt TJ, Niewoehner D, MacDonald R, Kane RL. Management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review for a clinical practice guideline. Ann Intern Med. 2007;147:141. Wise RA, Tashkin DP. Optimizing treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an assessment of current therapies. Am J Med. 2007;120:S4-S13. A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). A.D.A.M. Copyright The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.	i don't know
Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (VOC), was better known as what hugely influential organization, notably in the colonial exploitation of Asia?	Encyclopedia Entries Women Workers in the British Industrial Revolution Joyce Burnette, Wabash College Historians disagree about whether the British Industrial Revolution (1760-1830) was beneficial for women. Frederick Engels, writing in the late nineteenth century, thought that the Industrial Revolution increased women’s participation in labor outside the home, and claimed that this change was emancipating. 1 More recent historians dispute the claim that women’s labor force participation rose, and focus more on the disadvantages women experienced during this time period. 2 One thing is certain: the Industrial Revolution was a time of important changes in the way that women worked. The Census Unfortunately, the historical sources on women’s work are neither as complete nor as reliable as we would like. Aggregate information on the occupations of women is available only from the census, and while census data has the advantage of being comprehensive, it is not a very good measure of work done by women during the Industrial Revolution. For one thing, the census does not provide any information on individual occupations until 1841, which is after the period we wish to study. 3 Even then the data on women’s occupations is questionable. For the 1841 census, the directions for enumerators stated that “The professions &c. of wives, or of sons or daughters living with and assisting their parents but not apprenticed or receiving wages, need not be inserted.” Clearly this census would not give us an accurate measure of female labor force participation. Table One illustrates the problem further; it shows the occupations of men and women recorded in the 1851 census, for 20 occupational categories. These numbers suggest that female labor force participation was low, and that 40 percent of occupied women worked in domestic service. However, economic historians have demonstrated that these numbers are misleading. First, many women who were actually employed were not listed as employed in the census. Women who appear in farm wage books have no recorded occupation in the census. 4 At the same time, the census over-estimates participation by listing in the “domestic service” category women who were actually family members. In addition, the census exaggerates the extent to which women were concentrated in domestic service occupations because many women listed as “maids”, and included in the domestic servant category in the aggregate tables, were really agricultural workers. 5 Table One Source: B.R. Mitchell, Abstract of British Historical Statistics, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1962, p. 60. Domestic Service Domestic work – cooking, cleaning, caring for children and the sick, fetching water, making and mending clothing – took up the bulk of women’s time during the Industrial Revolution period. Most of this work was unpaid. Some families were well-off enough that they could employ other women to do this work, as live-in servants, as charring women, or as service providers. Live-in servants were fairly common; even middle-class families had maids to help with the domestic chores. Charring women did housework on a daily basis. In London women were paid 2s.6d. per day for washing, which was more than three times the 8d. typically paid for agricultural labor in the country. However, a “day’s work” in washing could last 20 hours, more than twice as long as a day’s work in agriculture. 6 Other women worked as laundresses, doing the washing in their own homes. Cottage Industry Before factories appeared, most textile manufacture (including the main processes of spinning and weaving) was carried out under the “putting-out” system. Since raw materials were expensive, textile workers rarely had enough capital to be self-employed, but would take raw materials from a merchant, spin or weave the materials in their homes, and then return the finished product and receive a piece-rate wage. This system disappeared during the Industrial Revolution as new machinery requiring water or steam power appeared, and work moved from the home to the factory. Before the Industrial Revolution, hand spinning had been a widespread female employment. It could take as many as ten spinners to provide one hand-loom weaver with yarn, and men did not spin, so most of the workers in the textile industry were women. The new textile machines of the Industrial Revolution changed that. Wages for hand-spinning fell, and many rural women who had previously spun found themselves unemployed. In a few locations, new cottage industries such as straw-plaiting and lace-making grew and took the place of spinning, but in other locations women remained unemployed. Another important cottage industry was the pillow-lace industry, so called because women wove the lace on pins stuck in a pillow. In the late-eighteenth century women in Bedford could earn 6s. a week making lace, which was about 50 percent more than women earned in argiculture. However, this industry too disappeared due to mechanization. Following Heathcote’s invention of the bobbinet machine (1809), cheaper lace could be made by embroidering patterns on machine-made lace net. This new type of lace created a new cottage industry, that of “lace-runners” who emboidered patterns on the lace. The straw-plaiting industry employed women braiding straw into bands used for making hats and bonnets. The industry prospered around the turn of the century due to the invention of a simple tool for splitting the straw and war, which cut off competition from Italy. At this time women could earn 4s. to 6s. per week plaiting straw. This industry also declined, though, following the increase in free trade with the Continent in the 1820s. Factories A defining feature of the Industrial Revolution was the rise of factories, particularly textile factories. Work moved out of the home and into a factory, which used a central power source to run its machines. Water power was used in most of the early factories, but improvements in the steam engine made steam power possible as well. The most dramatic productivity growth occurred in the cotton industry. The invention of James Hargreaves’ spinning jenny (1764), Richard Arkwright’s “throstle” or “water frame” (1769), and Samuel Crompton’s spinning mule (1779, so named because it combined features of the two earlier machines) revolutionized spinning. Britain began to manufacture cotton cloth, and declining prices for the cloth encouraged both domestic consumption and export. Machines also appeared for other parts of the cloth-making process, the most important of which was Edmund Cartwright’s powerloom, which was adopted slowly because of imperfections in the early designs, but was widely used by the 1830s. While cotton was the most important textile of the Industrial Revolution, there were advances in machinery for silk, flax, and wool production as well. 7 The advent of new machinery changed the gender division of labor in textile production. Before the Industrial Revolution, women spun yarn using a spinning wheel (or occasionally a distaff and spindle). Men didn’t spin, and this division of labor made sense because women were trained to have more dexterity than men, and because men’s greater strength made them more valuable in other occupations. In contrast to spinning, handloom weaving was done by both sexes, but men outnumbered women. Men monopolized highly skilled preparation and finishing processes such as wool combing and cloth-dressing. With mechanization, the gender division of labor changed. Women used the spinning jenny and water frame, but mule spinning was almost exclusively a male occupation because it required more strength, and because the male mule-spinners actively opposed the employment of female mule-spinners. Women mule-spinners in Glasgow, and their employers, were the victims of violent attacks by male spinners trying to reduce the competition in their occupation. 8 While they moved out of spinning, women seem to have increased their employment in weaving (both in handloom weaving and eventually in powerloom factories). Both sexes were employed as powerloom operators. Table Two 48.0 56.8 Source: “Report from Dr. James Mitchell to the Central Board of Commissioners, respecting the Returns made from the Factories, and the Results obtained from them.” British Parliamentary Papers, 1834 (167) XIX. Mitchell collected data from 82 cotton factories, 65 wool factories, 73 flax factories, 29 silk factories, 7 potteries, 11 lace factories, one dyehouse, one “glass works”, and 2 paper mills throughout Great Britain. While the highly skilled and highly paid task of mule-spinning was a male occupation, many women and girls were engaged in other tasks in textile factories. For example, the wet-spinning of flax, introduced in Leeds in 1825, employed mainly teenage girls. Girls often worked as assistants to mule-spinners, piecing together broken threads. In fact, females were a majority of the factory labor force. Table Two shows that 57 percent of factory workers were female, most of them under age 20. Women were widely employed in all the textile industries, and constituted the majority of workers in cotton, flax, and silk. Outside of textiles, women were employed in potteries and paper factories, but not in dye or glass manufacture. Of the women who worked in factories, 16 percent were under age 13, 51 percent were between the ages of 13 and 20, and 33 percent were age 21 and over. On average, girls earned the same wages as boys. Children’s wages rose from about 1s.6d. per week at age 7 to about 5s. per week at age 15. Beginning at age 16, and a large gap between male and female wages appeared. At age 30, women factory workers earned only one-third as much as men. Figure One Distribution of Male and Female Factory Employment by Age, 1833 Source: “Report from Dr. James Mitchell to the Central Board of Commissioners, respecting the Returns made from the Factories, and the Results obtained from them.” British Parliamentary Papers, 1834 (167) XIX. The y-axis shows the percentage of total employment within each sex that is in that five-year age category. Figure Two Wages of Factory Workers in 1833 Source: “Report from Dr. James Mitchell to the Central Board of Commissioners, respecting the Returns made from the Factories, and the Results obtained from them.” British Parliamentary Papers, 1834 (167) XIX. Agriculture Wage Workers Wage-earners in agriculture generally fit into one of two broad categories – servants who were hired annually and received part of their wage in room and board, and day-laborers who lived independently and were paid a daily or weekly wage. Before industrialization servants comprised between one-third and one-half of labor in agriculture. 9 For servants the value of room and board was a substantial portion of their compensation, so the ratio of money wages is an under-estimate of the ratio of total wages (see Table Three). Most servants were young and unmarried. Because servants were paid part of their wage in kind, as board, the use of the servant contract tended to fall when food prices were high. During the Industrial Revolution the use of servants seems to have fallen in the South and East. 10 The percentage of servants who were female also declined in the first half of the nineteenth century. 11 Table Three 18 0.50 Source: Joyce Burnette, “An Investigation of the Female-Male Wage Gap during the Industrial Revolution in Britain,” Economic History Review 50 (May 1997): 257-281. Various sources suggest that women’s employment in agriculture declined during the early nineteenth century. Enclosure increased farm size and changed the patterns of animal husbandry, both of which seem to have led to reductions in female employment. 14 More women were employed during harvest than during other seasons, but women’s employment during harvest declined as the scythe replaced the sickle as the most popular harvest tool. While women frequently harvested with the sickle, they did not use the heavier scythe. 15 Female employment fell the most in the East, where farms increasingly specialized in grain production. Women had more work in the West, which specialized more in livestock and dairy farming. 16 Non-Wage-Earners During the eighteenth century there were many opportunities for women to be productively employed in farm work on their own account, whether they were wives of farmers on large holdings, or wives of landless laborers. In the early nineteenth century, however, many of these opportunities disappeared, and women’s participation in agricultural production fell. In a village that had a commons, even if the family merely rented a cottage the wife could be self-employed in agriculture because she could keep a cow, or other animals, on the commons. By careful management of her stock, a woman might earn as much during the year as her husband earned as a laborer. Women also gathered fuel from the commons, saving the family considerable expense. The enclosure of the commons, though, eliminated these opportunities. In an enclosure, land was re-assigned so as to eliminate the commons and consolidate holdings. Even when the poor had clear legal rights to use the commons, these rights were not always compensated in the enclosure agreement. While enclosure occurred at different times for different locations, the largest waves of enclosures occurred in the first two decades of the nineteenth century, meaning that, for many, opportunities for self-employment in agriculture declined as the same time as employment in cottage industry declined. 17 Only a few opportunities for agricultural production remained for the landless laboring family. In some locations landlords permitted landless laborers to rent small allotments, on which they could still grow some of their own food. The right to glean on fields after harvest seems to have been maintained at least through the middle of the nineteenth century, by which time it had become one of the few agricultural activities available to women in some areas. Gleaning was a valuable right; the value of the grain gleaned was often between 5 and 10 percent of the family’s total annual income. 18 In the eighteenth century it was common for farmers’ wives to be actively involved in farm work, particularly in managing the dairy, pigs, and poultry. The diary was an important source of income for many farms, and its success depended on the skill of the mistress, who usually ran the operation with no help from men. In the nineteenth century, however, farmer’s wives were more likely to withdraw from farm management, leaving the dairy to the management of dairymen who paid a fixed fee for the use of the cows. 19 While poor women withdrew from self-employment in agriculture because of lost opportunities, farmer’s wives seem to have withdraw because greater prosperity allowed them to enjoy more leisure. It was less common for women to manage their own farms, but not unknown. Commercial directories list numerous women farmers. For example, the 1829 Directory of the County of Derby lists 3354 farmers, of which 162, or 4.8%, were clearly female. 20 While the commercial directories themselves do not indicate to what extent these women were actively involved in their farms, other evidence suggests that at least some women farmers were actively involved in the work of the farm. 21 Self-Employed During the Industrial Revolution period women were also active businesswomen in towns. Among business owners listed in commercial directories, about 10 percent were female. Table Seven shows the percentage female in all the trades with at least 25 people listed in the 1788 Manchester commercial directory. Single women, married women, and widows are included in these numbers. Sometimes these women were widows carrying on the businesses of their deceased husbands, but even in this case that does not mean they were simply figureheads. Widows often continued their husband’s businesses because they had been active in management of the business while their husband was alive, and wished to continue. 22 Sometimes married women were engaged in trade separately from their husbands. Women most commonly ran shops and taverns, and worked as dressmakers and milliners, but they were not confined to these areas, and appear in most of the trades listed in commercial directories. Manchester, for example, had six female blacksmiths and five female machine makers in 1846. Between 1730 and 1800 there were 121 “rouping women” selling off estates in Edinburgh. 23 Table Six 0.0 Source: Lewis’s Manchester Directory for 1788 (reprinted by Neil Richardson, Manchester, 1984) Guilds often controlled access to trades, admitting only those who had served an apprenticeship and thus earned the “freedom” of the trade. Women could obtain “freedom” not only by apprenticeship, but also by widowhood. The widow of a tradesman was often considered knowledgeable enough in the trade that she was given the right to carry on the trade even without an apprenticeship. In the eighteenth century women were apprenticed to a wide variety of trades, including butchery, bookbinding, brush making, carpentry, ropemaking and silversmithing. 24 Between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries the number of females apprenticed to trades declined, possibly suggesting reduced participation by women. However, the power of the guilds and the importance of apprenticeship were also declining during this time, so the decline in female apprenticeships may not have been an important barrier to employment. 25 Many women worked in the factories of the Industrial Revolution, and a few women actually owned factories. In Keighley, West Yorkshire, Ann Illingworth, Miss Rachael Leach, and Mrs. Betty Hudson built and operated textile mills. 26 In 1833 Mrs. Doig owned a powerloom factory in Scotland, which employed 60 workers. 27 While many women did successfully enter trades, there were obstacles to women’s employment that kept their numbers low. Women generally received less education than men (though education of the time was of limited practical use). Women may have found it more difficult than men to raise the necessary capital because English law did not consider a married woman to have any legal existence; she could not sue or be sued. A married woman was a feme covert and technically could not make any legally binding contracts, a fact which may have discouraged others from loaning money to or making other contracts with married women. However, this law was not as limiting in practice as it would seem to be in theory because a married woman engaged in trade on her own account was treated by the courts as a feme sole and was responsible for her own debts. 28 The professionalization of certain occupations resulted in the exclusion of women from work they had previously done. Women had provided medical care for centuries, but the professionalization of medicine in the early-nineteenth century made it a male occupation. The Royal College of Physicians admitted only graduates of Oxford and Cambridge, schools to which women were not admitted until the twentieth century. Women were even replaced by men in midwifery. The process began in the late-eighteenth century, when we observe the use of the term “man-midwife,” an oxymoronic title suggestive of changing gender roles. In the nineteenth century the “man-midwife” disappeared, and women were replaced by physicians or surgeons for assisting childbirth. Professionalization of the clergy was also effective in excluding women. While the Church of England did not allow women ministers, the Methodists movement had many women preachers during its early years. However, even among the Methodists female preachers disappeared when lay preachers were replaced with a professional clergy in the early nineteenth century. 29 In other occupations where professionalization was not as strong, women remained an important part of the workforce. Teaching, particularly in the lower grades, was a common profession for women. Some were governesses, who lived as household servants, but many opened their own schools and took in pupils. The writing profession seems to have been fairly open to women; the leading novelists of the period include Jane Austen, Charlotte and Emily Brontë, Fanny Burney, George Eliot (the pen name of Mary Ann Evans), Elizabeth Gaskell, and Frances Trollope. Female non-fiction writers of the period include Jane Marcet, Hannah More, and Mary Wollstonecraft. Other Occupations The occupations listed above are by no means a complete listing of the occupations of women during the Industrial Revolution. Women made buttons, nails, screws, and pins. They worked in the tin plate, silver plate, pottery and Birmingham “toy” trades (which made small articles like snuff boxes). Women worked in the mines until The Mines Act of 1842 prohibited them from working underground, but afterwards women continued to pursue above-ground mining tasks. Married Women in the Labor Market While there are no comprehensive sources of information on the labor force participation of married women, household budgets reported by contemporary authors give us some information on women’s participation. 30 For the period 1787 to 1815, 66 percent of married women in working-class households had either a recorded occupation or positive earnings. For the period 1816-20 the rate fell to 49 percent, but in 1821-40 it recovered to 62 percent. Table Eight gives participation rates of women by date and occupation of the husband. Table Eight 63 62 Source: Sara Horrell and Jane Humphries, “Women’s Labour Force Participation and the Transition to the male-Breadwinner Family, 1790-1865,” Economic History Review 48 (February 1995): 89-117 While many wives worked, the amount of their earnings was small relative to their husband’s earnings. Annual earnings of married women who did work averaged only about 28 percent of their husband’s earnings. Because not all women worked, and because children usually contributed more to the family budget than their mothers, for the average family the wife contributed only around seven percent of total family income. Childcare Women workers used a variety of methods to care for their children. Sometimes childcare and work were compatible, and women took their children with them to the fields or shops where they worked. 31 Sometimes women working at home would give their infants opiates such as “Godfrey’s Cordial” in order to keep the children quiet while their mothers worked. 32 The movement of work into factories increased the difficulty of combining work and childcare. In most factory work the hours were rigidly set, and women who took the jobs had to accept the twelve or thirteen hour days. Work in the factories was very disciplined, so the women could not bring their children to the factory, and could not take breaks at will. However, these difficulties did not prevent women with small children from working. Nineteenth-century mothers used older siblings, other relatives, neighbors, and dame schools to provide child care while they worked. 33 Occasionally mothers would leave young children home alone, but this was dangerous enough that only a few did so. 34 Children as young as two might be sent to dame schools, in which women would take children into their home and provide child care, as well as some basic literacy instruction. 35 In areas where lace-making or straw-plaiting thrived, children were sent from about age seven to “schools” where they learned the trade. 36 Mothers might use a combination of different types of childcare. Elizabeth Wells, who worked in a Leicester worsted factory, had five children, ages 10, 8, 6, 2, and four months. The eldest, a daughter, stayed home to tend the house and care for the infant. The second child worked, and the six-year-old and two-year-old were sent to “an infant school.” 37 Mary Wright, an “over-looker” in the rag-cutting room of a Buckinghamshire paper factory, had five children. The eldest worked in the rag-cutting room with her, the youngest was cared for at home, and the middle three were sent to a school; “for taking care of an infant she pays 1s.6d. a-week, and 3d. a-week for the three others. They go to a school, where they are taken care of and taught to read.” 38 The cost of childcare was substantial. At the end of the eighteenth century the price of child-care was about 1s. a week, which was about a quarter of a woman’s weekly earnings in agriculture. 39 In the 1840s mothers paid anywhere from 9d. to 2s.6d. per week for child care, out of a wage of around 7s. per week. 40 For Further Reading Burnette, Joyce. “An Investigation of the Female-Male Wage Gap during the Industrial Revolution in Britain.” Economic History Review 50 (1997): 257-281. Davidoff, Leonore, and Catherine Hall. Family Fortunes: Men and Women of the English Middle Class, 1780-1850. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1987. Honeyman, Katrina. Women, Gender and Industrialisation in England, 1700-1870. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2000. Horrell, Sara, and Jane Humphries. “Women’s Labour Force Participation and the Transition to the Male-Breadwinner Family, 1790-1865.” Economic History Review 48 (1995): 89-117. Humphries, Jane. “Enclosures, Common Rights, and Women: The Proletarianization of Families in the Late Eighteenth and Early Nineteenth Centuries.” Journal of Economic History 50 (1990): 17-42. King, Peter. “Customary Rights and Women’s Earnings: The Importance of Gleaning to the Rural Labouring Poor, 1750-1850.” Economic History Review 44 (1991): 461-476 Kussmaul, Ann. Servants in Husbandry in Early Modern England. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1981. Pinchbeck, Ivy. Women Workers and the Industrial Revolution, 1750-1850, London: Routledge, 1930. Sanderson, Elizabeth. Women and Work in Eighteenth-Century Edinburgh. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1996. Snell, K.D.M. Annals of the Labouring Poor: Social Change and Agrarian England, 1660-1900. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1985. Valenze, Deborah. Prophetic Sons and Daughters: Female Preaching and Popular Religion in Industrial England. Princeton University Press, 1985. Valenze, Deborah. The First Industrial Woman. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1995. 1 “Since large-scale industry has transferred the woman from the house to the labour market and the factory, and makes her, often enough, the bread-winner of the family, the last remnants of male domination in the proletarian home have lost all foundation – except, perhaps, for some of that brutality towards women which became firmly rooted with the establishment of monogamy. . . .It will then become evidence that the first premise for the emancipation of women is the reintroduction of the entire female sex into public industry.” Frederick Engels, The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State, in Karl Marx and Frederick Engels: Selected Works, New York: International Publishers, 1986, p. 508, 510. 2 Ivy Pinchbeck (Women Workers and the Industrial Revolution, Routledge, 1930) claimed that higher incomes allowed some women to withdraw from the labor force. While she saw some disadvantages resulting from this withdrawal, particularly the loss of independence, she thought that overall women benefited from having more time to devote to their homes and families. Davidoff and Hall (Family Fortunes: Man and Women of the English Middle Class, 1780-1850, Univ. of Chicago Press, 1987) agree that women withdrew from work, but they see the change as a negative result of gender discrimination. Similarly, Horrell and Humphries (“Women’s Labour Force Participation and the Transition to the Male-Breadwinner Family, 1790-1865,” Economic History Review, Feb. 1995, XLVIII:89-117) do not find that rising incomes caused declining labor force participation, and they believe that declining demand for female workers caused the female exodus from the workplace. 3 While the British census began in 1801, individual enumeration did not begin until 1841. For a detailed description of the British censuses of the nineteenth century, see Edward Higgs, Making Sense of the Census, London: HMSO, 1989. 4 For example, Helen Speechley, in her dissertation, showed that seven women who worked for wages at a Somerset farm had no recorded occupation in the 1851 census See Helen Speechley, Female and Child Agricultural Day Labourers in Somerset, c. 1685-1870, dissertation, Univ. of Exeter, 1999. 5 Edward Higgs finds that removing family members from the “servants” category reduced the number of servants in Rochdale in 1851. Enumerators did not clearly distinguish between the terms “housekeeper” and “housewife.” See Edward Higgs, “Domestic Service and Household Production” in Angela John, ed., Unequal Opportunities, Oxford: Basil Blackwell, and “Women, Occupations and Work in the Nineteenth Century Censuses,” History Workshop, 1987, 23:59-80. In contrast, the censuses of the early 20th century seem to be fairly accurate; see Tim Hatton and Roy Bailey, “Women’s Work in Census and Survey, 1911-1931,” Economic History Review, Feb. 2001, LIV:87-107. 6 A shilling was equal to 12 pence, so if women earned 2s.6d. for 20 hours, they earned 1.5d. per hour. Women agricultural laborers earned closer to 1d. per hour, so the London wage was higher. See Dorothy George, London Life in the Eighteenth-Century, London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co., 1925, p. 208, and Patricia Malcolmson, English Laundresses, Univ. of Illinois Press, 1986, p. 25. . 7 On the technology of the Industrial Revolution, see David Landes, The Unbound Prometheus, Cambridge Univ. Press, 1969, and Joel Mokyr, The Lever of Riches, Oxford Univ. Press, 1990. 8 A petition from Glasgow cotton manufactures makes the following claim, “In almost every department of the cotton spinning business, the labour of women would be equally efficient with that of men; yet in several of these departments, such measures of violence have been adopted by the combination, that the women who are willing to be employed, and who are anxious by being employed to earn the bread of their families, have been driven from their situations by violence. . . . Messrs. James Dunlop and Sons, some years ago, erected cotton mills in Calton of Glasgow, on which they expended upwards of [£]27,000 forming their spinning machines, (Chiefly with the view of ridding themselves of the combination [the male union],) of such reduced size as could easily be wrought by women. They employed women alone, as not being parties to the combination, and thus more easily managed, and less insubordinate than male spinners. These they paid at the same rate of wages, as were paid at other works to men. But they were waylaid and attacked, in going to, and returning from their work; the houses in which they resided, were broken open in the night. The women themselves were cruelly beaten and abused; and the mother of one of them killed; . . . And these nefarious attempts were persevered in so systematically, and so long, that Messrs. Dunlop and sons, found it necessary to dismiss all female spinners from their works, and to employ only male spinners, most probably the very men who had attempted their ruin.” First Report from the Select Committee on Artizans and Machinery, British Parliamentary Papers, 1824 vol. V, p. 525. 9 Ann Kussmaul, Servants in Husbandry in Early Modern England, Cambridge Univ. Press, 1981, Ch. 1 10 See Ivy Pinchbeck, Women Workers and the Industrial Revolution, Routledge, 1930, Ch. 1, and K.D.M. Snell, Annals of the Labouring Poor, Cambridge Univ. Press, 1985, Ch. 2. 11 For the period 1574 to 1821 about 45 percent of servants were female, but this fell to 32 percent in 1851. See Ann Kussmaul, Servants in Husbandry in Early Modern England, Cambridge Univ. Press, 1981, Ch. 1. 12 Men usually worked 12-hour days, and women averaged closer to 10 hours. See Joyce Burnette, “An Investigation of the Female-Male Wage Gap during the Industrial Revolution in Britain,” Economic History Review, May 1997, 50:257-281. 13 See Ivy Pinchbeck, Women Workers and the Industrial Revolution, Routledge, 1930, p. 65. 14 See Robert Allen, Enclosure and the Yeoman, Clarendon Press, 1992, and Joyce Burnette, “Labourers at the Oakes: Changes in the Demand for Female Day-Laborers at a Farm near Sheffield During the Agricultural Revolution,” Journal of Economics History, March 1999, 59:41-67. 15 While the scythe had been used for mowing grass for hay or cheaper grains for some time, the sickle was used for harvesting wheat until the nineteenth century. Thus adoption of the scythe for harvesting wheat seems to be a response to changing prices rather than invention of a new technology. The scythe required less labor to harvest a given acre, but left more grain on the ground, so as grain prices fell relative to wages, farmers substituted the scythe for the sickle. See E.J.T. Collins, “Harvest Technology and Labour Supply in Britain, 1790-1870,” Economic History Review, Dec. 1969, XXIII:453-473. 16 K.D.M. Snell, Annals of the Labouring Poor, Cambridge, 1985. 17 See Jane Humphries, “Enclosures, Common Rights, and Women: The Proletarianization of Families in the Late Eighteenth and Early Nineteenth Centuries,” Journal of Economic History, March 1990, 50:17-42, and J.M. Neeson, Commoners: Common Rights, Enclosure and Social Change in England, 1700-1820, Cambridge Univ. Press, 1993. 18 See Peter King, “Customary Rights and Women’s Earnings: The Importance of Gleaning to the Rural Labouring Poor, 1750-1850,” Economic History Review, 1991, XLIV:461-476. 19 Pinchbeck, Women Workers and the Industrial Revolution, Routledge, 1930, p. 41-42 See also Deborah Valenze, The First Industrial Woman, Oxford Univ. Press, 1995 20 Stephen Glover, The Directory of the County of Derby, Derby: Henry Mozley and Son, 1829. 21 Eden gives an example of gentlewomen who, on the death of their father, began to work as farmers. He notes, “not seldom, in one and the same day, they have divided their hours in helping to fill the dung-cart, and receiving company of the highest rank and distinction.” (F.M. Eden, The State of the Poor, vol. i., p. 626.) One woman farmer who was clearly an active manager celebrated her success in a letter sent to the Annals of Agriculture, (quoted by Pinchbeck, Women Workers and the Industrial Revolution, Routledge, 1930, p. 30): “I bought a small estate, and took possession of it in the month of July, 1803. . . . As a woman undertaking to farm is generally a subject of ridicule, I bought the small estate by way of experiment: the gentlemen of the county have now complimented me so much on having set so good and example to the farmers, that I have determined on taking a very large farm into my hands.” The Annals of Agriculture give a number of examples of women farmers cited for their experiments or their prize-winning crops. 22 Tradesmen considered themselves lucky to find a wife who was good at business. In his autobiography James Hopkinson, a cabinetmaker, said of his wife, “I found I had got a good and suitable companion one with whom I could take sweet council and whose love and affections was only equall’d by her ability as a business woman.” Victorian Cabinet Maker: The Memoirs of James Hopkinson, 1819-1894, 1968, p. 96. 23 See Elizabeth Sanderson, Women and Work in Eighteenth-Century Edinburgh, St. Martin’s Press, 1996. 24 See K.D.M. Snell, Annals of the Labouring Poor, Cambridge Univ. Press, 1985, Table 6.1. 25 The law requiring a seven-year apprenticeship before someone could work in a trade was repealed in 1814. 26 See Francois Crouzet, The First Industrialists, Cambridge Univ. Press, 1985, and M.L. Baumber, From Revival to Regency: A History of Keighley and Haworth, 1740-1820, Crabtree Ltd., Keighley, 1983. 27 First Report of the Central Board of His Majesty’s Commissioners for inquiry into the Employment of Children in Factories, with Minutes of Evidence, British Parliamentary Papers, 1833 (450) XX, A1, p. 120. 28 For example, in the case of “LaVie and another Assignees against Philips and another Assignees,” the court upheld the right of a woman to operate as feme sole. In 1764 James Cox and his wife Jane were operating separate businesses, and both went bankrupt within the space of two months. Jane’s creditors sued James’s creditors for the recovery of five fans, goods from her shop that had been taken for James’s debts. The court ruled that, since Jane was trading as a feme sole, her husband did not own the goods in her shop, and thus James’s creditors had no right to seize them. See William Blackstone, Reports of Cases determined in the several Courts of Westminster-Hall, from 1746 to 1779, London, 1781, p. 570-575. 29 See Deborah Valenze, Prophetic Sons and Daughters: Female Preaching and Popular Religion in Industrial England, Princeton Univ. Press, 1985. 30 See Sara Horrell and Jane Humphries, “Women’s Labour Force Participation and the Transition to the male-Breadwinner Family, 1790-1865,” Economic History Review, Feb. 1995, XLVIII:89-117. 31 In his autobiography James Hopkinson says of his wife, “How she laboured at the press and assisted me in the work of my printing office, with a child in her arms, I have no space to tell, nor in fact have I space to allude to the many ways she contributed to my good fortune.” James Hopkinson, Victorian Cabinet Marker: The Memoirs of James Hopkinson, 1819-1894, J.B. Goodman, ed., Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1968, p. 96. A 1739 poem by Mary Collier suggests that carrying babies into the field was fairly common; it contains these lines: Our tender Babes into the Field we bear, And wrap them in our Cloaths to keep them warm, While round about we gather up the Corn; . . . When Night comes on, unto our Home we go, Our Corn we carry, and our Infant too. Mary Collier, The Woman’s Labour, Augustan Reprint Society, #230, 1985, p. 10. A 1835 Poor Law report stated that in Sussex, “the custom of the mother of a family carrying her infant with her in its cradle into the field, rather than lose the opportunity of adding her earnings to the general stock, though partially practiced before, is becoming very much more general now.” (Quoted in Pinchbeck, Women Workers and the Industrial Revolution, Routledge, 1930, p. 85.) 32 Sarah Johnson of Nottingham claimed that she ” Knows it is quite a common custom for mothers to give Godfrey’s and the Anodyne cordial to their infants, ‘it is quite too common.’ It is given to infants at the breast; it is not given because the child is ill, but ‘to compose it to rest, to sleep it,’ so that the mother may get to work. ‘Has seen an infant lay asleep on its mother’s lap whilst at the lace-frame for six or eight hours at a time.’ This has been from the effects of the cordial.” [Reports from Assistant Handloom-Weavers’ Commissioners, British Parliamentary Papers, 1840 (43) XXIII, p. 157] Mary Colton, a lace worker from Nottingham, described her use of the drug to parliamentary investigators thus: ‘Was confined of an illegitimate child in November, 1839. When the child was a week old she gave it a half teaspoonful of Godfrey’s twice a-day. She could not afford to pay for the nursing of the child, and so gave it Godfrey’s to keep it quiet, that she might not be interrupted at the lace piece; she gradually increased the quantity by a drop or two at a time until it reached a teaspoonful; when the infant was four months old it was so “wankle” and thin that folks persuaded her to give it laudanum to bring it on, as it did other children. A halfpenny worth, which was about a teaspoonful and three-quarters, was given in two days; continued to give her this quantity since February, 1840, until this last past (1841), and then reduced the quantity. She now buys a halfpenny worth of laudanum and a halfpenny worth of Godfrey’s mixed, which lasts her three days. . . . If it had not been for her having to sit so close to work she would never have given the child Godfrey’s. She has tried to break it off many times but cannot, for if she did, she should not have anything to eat.” [Children’s Employment Commission: Second Report of the Commissioners (Trades and Manufactures), British Parliamentary Papers, 1843 (431) XIV, p. 630]. 33 Elizabeth Leadbeater, who worked for a Birmingham brass-founder, worked while she was nursing and had her mother look after the infant. [Children’s Employment Commission: Second Report of the Commissioners (Trades and Manufactures), British Parliamentary Papers, 1843 (431) XIV, p. 710.] Mrs. Smart, an agricultural worker from Calne, Wiltshire, noted, “Sometimes I have had my mother, and sometimes my sister, to take care of the children, or I could not have gone out.” [Reports of Special Assistant Poor Law Commissioners on the Employment of Women and Children in Agriculture, British Parliamentary Papers, 1843 (510) XII, p. 65.] More commonly, though, older siblings provided the childcare. “Older siblings” generally meant children of nine or ten years old, and included boys as well as girls. Mrs. Britton of Calne, Wiltshire, left her children in the care of her eldest boy. [Reports of Special Assistant Poor Law Commissioners on the Employment of Women and Children in Agriculture, British Parliamentary Papers, 1843 (510) XII, p. 66] In a family from Presteign, Wales, containing children aged 9, 7, 5, 3, and 1, we find that “The oldest children nurse the youngest.” [F.M. Eden, State of the Poor, London: Davis, 1797, vol. iii, p. 904] When asked what income a labourer’s wife and children could earn, some respondents to the 1833 “Rural Queries” assumed that the eldest child would take care of the others, leaving the mother free to work. The returns from Bengeworth, Worcester, report that, “If the Mother goes to field work, the eldest Child had need to stay at home, to tend the younger branches of the Family.” Ewhurst, Surrey, reported that “If the Mother were employed, the elder Children at home would probably be required to attend to the younger Children.” [Report of His Majesty’s Commissioners for Inquiry in the Administration and Practical Operation of the Poor Law, Appendix B, “Rural Queries,” British Parliamentary Papers, 1834 (44) XXX, p. 488 and 593] 34 Parents heard of incidents, such as one reported in the Times (Feb. 6, 1819): A shocking accident occurred at Llandidno, near Conway, on Tuesday night, during the absence of a miner and his wife, who had gone to attend a methodist meeting, and locked the house door, leaving two children within; the house by some means took fire, and was, together with the unfortunate children, consumed to ashes; the eldest only four years old! Mothers were aware of these dangers. One mother who admitted to leaving her children at home worried greatly about the risks: I have always left my children to themselves, and, God be praised! nothing has ever happened to them, though I thought it dangerous. I have many a time come home, and have thought it a mercy to find nothing has happened to them. . . . Bad accidents often happen. [Reports of Special Assistant Poor Law Commissioners on the Employment of Women and Children in Agriculture, British Parliamentary Papers, 1843 (510) XII, p. 68.] Leaving young children home without child care had real dangers, and the fact that most working mothers paid for childcare suggests that they did not consider leaving young children alone to be an acceptable option. 35 In 1840 an observer of Spitalfields noted, “In this neighborhood, where the women as well as the men are employed in the manufacture of silk, many children are sent to small schools, not for instruction, but to be taken care of whilst their mothers are at work.”[ Reports from Assistant Handloom-Weavers’ Commissioners, British Parliamentary Papers, 1840 (43) XXIII, p. 261] In 1840 the wife of a Gloucester weaver earned 2s. a week from running a school; she had twelve students and charged each 2d. a week. [Reports from Assistant Handloom Weavers’ Commissioners, British Parliamentary Papers, 1840 (220) XXIV, p. 419] In 1843 the lace-making schools of the midlands generally charged 3d. per week. [Children’s Employment Commission: Second Report of the Commissioners (Trades and Manufactures), British Parliamentary Papers, 1843 (431) XIV, p. 46, 64, 71, 72] 36 At one straw-plaiting school in Hertfordshire, Children commence learning the trade about seven years old: parents pay 3d. a-week for each child, and for this they are taught the trade and taught to read. The mistress employs about from 15 to 20 at work in a room; the parents get the profits of the children’s labour.[ Children’s Employment Commission: Second Report of the Commissioners (Trades and Manufactures), British Parliamentary Papers, 1843 (431) XIV, p. 64] At these schools there was very little instruction; some time was devoted to teaching the children to read, but they spent most of their time working. One mistress complained that the children worked too much and learned too little, “In my judgment I think the mothers task the children too much; the mistress is obliged to make them perform it, otherwise they would put them to other schools.” Ann Page of Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, had “eleven scholars” and claimed to “teach them all reading once a-day.” [Children’s Employment Commission: Second Report of the Commissioners (Trades and Manufactures), British Parliamentary Papers, 1843 (431) XIV, p. 66, 71] The standard rate of 3d. per week seems to have been paid for supervision of the children rather than for the instruction. 37 First Report of the Central Board of His Majesty’s Commissioners for Inquiring into the Employment of Children in Factories, British Parliamentary Papers, 1833 (450) XX, C1 p. 33. 38 Children’s Employment Commission: Second Report of the Commissioners (Trades and Manufactures), British Parliamentary Papers, 1843 (431) XIV, p. 46. 39 David Davies, The Case of Labourers in Husbandry Stated and Considered, London: Robinson, 1795, p.14. Agricultural wages for this time period are found in Eden, State of the Poor, London: Davis, 1797. 40 In 1843 parliamentary investigator Alfred Austin reports, “Where a girl is hired to take care of children, she is paid about 9d. a week, and has her food besides, which is a serious deduction from the wages of the woman at work.”[ Reports of Special Assistant Poor Law Commissioners on the Employment of Women and Children in Agriculture, British Parliamentary Papers,1843 (510) XII, p.26] Agricultural wages in the area were 8d. per day, so even without the cost of food, the cost of child care was about one-fifth a woman’s wage. One Scottish woman earned 7s. per week in a coal mine and paid 2s.6d., or 36 percent of her income, for the care of her children.[ B.P.P. 1844 (592) XVI, p. 6] In 1843 Mary Wright, a “over-looker” at a Buckinghamshire paper factory, paid even more for child care; she told parliamentary investigators that “for taking care of an infant she pays 1s.6d. a-week, and 3d. a-week for three others.” [Children’s Employment Commission: Second Report of the Commissioners (Trades and Manufactures), British Parliamentary Papers, 1843 (431) XIV, p. 46] She earned 10s.6d. per week, so her total child-care payments were 21 percent of her wage. Engels put the cost of child care at 1s. or 18d. a week. [Engels, [1845] 1926, p. 143] Factory workers often made 7s. a week, so again these women may have paid around one-fifth of their earnings for child care. Some estimates suggest even higher fractions of women’s income went to child care. The overseer of Wisbech, Cambridge, suggests a higher fraction; he reports, “The earnings of the Wife we consider comparatively small, in cases where she has a large family to attend to; if she has one or two children, she has to pay half, or perhaps more of her earnings for a person to take care of them.” [Report of His Majesty’s Commissioners for Inquiry in the Administration and Practical Operation of the Poor Law, Appendix B, “Rural Queries,” British Parliamentary Papers, 1834 (44) XXX, p. 76] Citation: Burnette, Joyce. “Women Workers in the British Industrial Revolution”. EH.Net Encyclopedia, edited by Robert Whaples. March 26, 2008. URL http://eh.net/encyclopedia/women-workers-in-the-british-industrial-revolution/ Jeroen Touwen, Leiden University, Netherlands Introduction In recent decades, Indonesia has been viewed as one of Southeast Asia’s successful highly performing and newly industrializing economies, following the trail of the Asian tigers (Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan) (see Table 1). Although Indonesia’s economy grew with impressive speed during the 1980s and 1990s, it experienced considerable trouble after the financial crisis of 1997, which led to significant political reforms. Today Indonesia’s economy is recovering but it is difficult to say when all its problems will be solved. Even though Indonesia can still be considered part of the developing world, it has a rich and versatile past, in the economic as well as the cultural and political sense. Basic Facts Indonesia is situated in Southeastern Asia and consists of a large archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, with more than 13.000 islands. The largest islands are Java, Kalimantan (the southern part of the island Borneo), Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Papua (formerly Irian Jaya, which is the western part of New Guinea). Indonesia’s total land area measures 1.9 million square kilometers (750,000 square miles). This is three times the area of Texas, almost eight times the area of the United Kingdom and roughly fifty times the area of the Netherlands. Indonesia has a tropical climate, but since there are large stretches of lowland and numerous mountainous areas, the climate varies from hot and humid to more moderate in the highlands. Apart from fertile land suitable for agriculture, Indonesia is rich in a range of natural resources, varying from petroleum, natural gas, and coal, to metals such as tin, bauxite, nickel, copper, gold, and silver. The size of Indonesia’s population is about 230 million (2002), of which the largest share (roughly 60%) live in Java. Table 1 Indonesia’s Gross Domestic Product per Capita Compared with Several Other Asian Countries (in 1990 dollars) Indonesia 6 335 20 084 Source: Angus Maddison, The World Economy: A Millennial Perspective, Paris: OECD Development Centre Studies 2001, 206, 214-215. For year 2000: University of Groningen and the Conference Board, GGDC Total Economy Database, 2003, http://www.eco.rug.nl/ggdc. Important Aspects of Indonesian Economic History “Missed Opportunities” Anne Booth has characterized the economic history of Indonesia with the somewhat melancholy phrase “a history of missed opportunities” (Booth 1998). One may compare this with J. Pluvier’s history of Southeast Asia in the twentieth century, which is entitled A Century of Unfulfilled Expectations (Breda 1999). The missed opportunities refer to the fact that despite its rich natural resources and great variety of cultural traditions, the Indonesian economy has been underperforming for large periods of its history. A more cyclical view would lead one to speak of several ‘reversals of fortune.’ Several times the Indonesian economy seemed to promise a continuation of favorable economic development and ongoing modernization (for example, Java in the late nineteenth century, Indonesia in the late 1930s or in the early 1990s). But for various reasons Indonesia time and again suffered from severe incidents that prohibited further expansion. These incidents often originated in the internal institutional or political spheres (either after independence or in colonial times), although external influences such as the 1930s Depression also had their ill-fated impact on the vulnerable export-economy. “Unity in Diversity” In addition, one often reads about “unity in diversity.” This is not only a political slogan repeated at various times by the Indonesian government itself, but it also can be applied to the heterogeneity in the national features of this very large and diverse country. Logically, the political problems that arise from such a heterogeneous nation state have had their (negative) effects on the development of the national economy. The most striking difference is between densely populated Java, which has a long tradition of politically and economically dominating the sparsely populated Outer Islands. But also within Java and within the various Outer Islands, one encounters a rich cultural diversity. Economic differences between the islands persist. Nevertheless, for centuries, the flourishing and enterprising interregional trade has benefited regional integration within the archipelago. Economic Development and State Formation State formation can be viewed as a condition for an emerging national economy. This process essentially started in Indonesia in the nineteenth century, when the Dutch colonized an area largely similar to present-day Indonesia. Colonial Indonesia was called ‘the Netherlands Indies.’ The term ‘(Dutch) East Indies’ was mainly used in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and included trading posts outside the Indonesian archipelago. Although Indonesian national historiography sometimes refers to a presumed 350 years of colonial domination, it is exaggerated to interpret the arrival of the Dutch in Bantam in 1596 as the starting point of Dutch colonization. It is more reasonable to say that colonization started in 1830, when the Java War (1825-1830) was ended and the Dutch initiated a bureaucratic, centralizing polity in Java without further restraint. From the mid-nineteenth century onward, Dutch colonization did shape the borders of the Indonesian nation state, even though it also incorporated weaknesses in the state: ethnic segmentation of economic roles, unequal spatial distribution of power, and a political system that was largely based on oppression and violence. This, among other things, repeatedly led to political trouble, before and after independence. Indonesia ceased being a colony on 17 August 1945 when Sukarno and Hatta proclaimed independence, although full independence was acknowledged by the Netherlands only after four years of violent conflict, on 27 December 1949. The Evolution of Methodological Approaches to Indonesian Economic History The economic history of Indonesia analyzes a range of topics, varying from the characteristics of the dynamic exports of raw materials, the dualist economy in which both Western and Indonesian entrepreneurs participated, and the strong measure of regional variation in the economy. While in the past Dutch historians traditionally focused on the colonial era (inspired by the rich colonial archives), from the 1960s and 1970s onward an increasing number of scholars (among which also many Indonesians, but also Australian and American scholars) started to study post-war Indonesian events in connection with the colonial past. In the course of the 1990s attention gradually shifted from the identification and exploration of new research themes towards synthesis and attempts to link economic development with broader historical issues. In 1998 the excellent first book-length survey of Indonesia’s modern economic history was published (Booth 1998). The stress on synthesis and lessons is also present in a new textbook on the modern economic history of Indonesia (Dick et al 2002). This highly recommended textbook aims at a juxtaposition of three themes: globalization, economic integration and state formation. Globalization affected the Indonesian archipelago even before the arrival of the Dutch. The period of the centralized, military-bureaucratic state of Soeharto’s New Order (1966-1998) was only the most recent wave of globalization. A national economy emerged gradually from the 1930s as the Outer Islands (a collective name which refers to all islands outside Java and Madura) reoriented towards industrializing Java. Two research traditions have become especially important in the study of Indonesian economic history during the past decade. One is a highly quantitative approach, culminating in reconstructions of Indonesia’s national income and national accounts over a long period of time, from the late nineteenth century up to today (Van der Eng 1992, 2001). The other research tradition highlights the institutional framework of economic development in Indonesia, both as a colonial legacy and as it has evolved since independence. There is a growing appreciation among scholars that these two approaches complement each other. A Chronological Survey of Indonesian Economic History The precolonial economy There were several influential kingdoms in the Indonesian archipelago during the pre-colonial era (e.g. Srivijaya, Mataram, Majapahit) (see further Reid 1988,1993; Ricklefs 1993). Much debate centers on whether this heyday of indigenous Asian trade was effectively disrupted by the arrival of western traders in the late fifteenth century Sixteenth and seventeenth century Present-day research by scholars in pre-colonial economic history focuses on the dynamics of early-modern trade and pays specific attention to the role of different ethnic groups such as the Arabs, the Chinese and the various indigenous groups of traders and entrepreneurs. During the sixteenth to the nineteenth century the western colonizers only had little grip on a limited number of spots in the Indonesian archipelago. As a consequence much of the economic history of these islands escapes the attention of the economic historian. Most data on economic matters is handed down by western observers with their limited view. A large part of the area remained engaged in its own economic activities, including subsistence agriculture (of which the results were not necessarily very meager) and local and regional trade. An older research literature has extensively covered the role of the Dutch in the Indonesian archipelago, which began in 1596 when the first expedition of Dutch sailing ships arrived in Bantam. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries the Dutch overseas trade in the Far East, which focused on high-value goods, was in the hands of the powerful Dutch East India Company (in full: the United East Indies Trading Company, or Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie [VOC], 1602-1795). However, the region was still fragmented and Dutch presence was only concentrated in a limited number of trading posts. During the eighteenth century, coffee and sugar became the most important products and Java became the most important area. The VOC gradually took over power from the Javanese rulers and held a firm grip on the productive parts of Java. The VOC was also actively engaged in the intra-Asian trade. For example, cotton from Bengal was sold in the pepper growing areas. The VOC was a successful enterprise and made large dividend payments to its shareholders. Corruption, lack of investment capital, and increasing competition from England led to its demise and in 1799 the VOC came to an end (Gaastra 2002, Jacobs 2000). The nineteenth century In the nineteenth century a process of more intensive colonization started, predominantly in Java, where the Cultivation System (1830-1870) was based (Elson 1994; Fasseur 1975). During the Napoleonic era the VOC trading posts in the archipelago had been under British rule, but in 1814 they came under Dutch authority again. During the Java War (1825-1830), Dutch rule on Java was challenged by an uprising led by Javanese prince Diponegoro. To repress this revolt and establish firm rule in Java, colonial expenses increased, which in turn led to a stronger emphasis on economic exploitation of the colony. The Cultivation System, initiated by Johannes van den Bosch, was a state-governed system for the production of agricultural products such as sugar and coffee. In return for a fixed compensation (planting wage), the Javanese were forced to cultivate export crops. Supervisors, such as civil servants and Javanese district heads, were paid generous ‘cultivation percentages’ in order to stimulate production. The exports of the products were consigned to a Dutch state-owned trading firm (the Nederlandsche Handel-Maatschappij, NHM, established in 1824) and sold profitably abroad. Although the profits (‘batig slot’) for the Dutch state of the period 1830-1870 were considerable, various reasons can be mentioned for the change to a liberal system: (a) the emergence of new liberal political ideology; (b) the gradual demise of the Cultivation System during the 1840s and 1850s because internal reforms were necessary; and (c) growth of private (European) entrepreneurship with know-how and interest in the exploitation of natural resources, which took away the need for government management (Van Zanden and Van Riel 2000: 226). Table 2 Financial Results of Government Cultivation, 1840-1849 (‘Cultivation System’) (in thousands of guilders in current values) 1840-1844 276.7 Source: Van Zanden and Van Riel 2000: 223. * Recalculated by Van Zanden and Van Riel to include subsidies for the NHM and other costs that in fact benefited the Dutch economy. The heyday of the colonial export economy (1900-1942) After 1870, private enterprise was promoted but the exports of raw materials gained decisive momentum after 1900. Sugar, coffee, pepper and tobacco, the old export products, were increasingly supplemented with highly profitable exports of petroleum, rubber, copra, palm oil and fibers. The Outer Islands supplied an increasing share in these foreign exports, which were accompanied by an intensifying internal trade within the archipelago and generated an increasing flow of foreign imports. Agricultural exports were cultivated both in large-scale European agricultural plantations (usually called agricultural estates) and by indigenous smallholders. When the exploitation of oil became profitable in the late nineteenth century, petroleum earned a respectable position in the total export package. In the early twentieth century, the production of oil was increasingly concentrated in the hands of the Koninklijke/Shell Group. Figure 1 Foreign Exports from the Netherlands-Indies, 1870-1940 (in millions of guilders, current values) Source: Trade statistics The momentum of profitable exports led to a broad expansion of economic activity in the Indonesian archipelago. Integration with the world market also led to internal economic integration when the road system, railroad system (in Java and Sumatra) and port system were improved. In shipping lines, an important contribution was made by the KPM (Koninklijke Paketvaart-Maatschappij, Royal Packet boat Company) that served economic integration as well as imperialist expansion. Subsidized shipping lines into remote corners of the vast archipelago carried off export goods (forest products), supplied import goods and transported civil servants and military. The Depression of the 1930s hit the export economy severely. The sugar industry in Java collapsed and could not really recover from the crisis. In some products, such as rubber and copra, production was stepped up to compensate for lower prices. In the rubber exports indigenous producers for this reason evaded the international restriction agreements. The Depression precipitated the introduction of protectionist measures, which ended the liberal period that had started in 1870. Various import restrictions were launched, making the economy more self-sufficient, as for example in the production of rice, and stimulating domestic integration. Due to the strong Dutch guilder (the Netherlands adhered to the gold standard until 1936), it took relatively long before economic recovery took place. The outbreak of World War II disrupted international trade, and the Japanese occupation (1942-1945) seriously disturbed and dislocated the economic order. Table 4 Annual Average Growth in Economic Key Aggregates 1830-1990 GDP per capita 10.6 Source: Booth 1998: 18. Note: These average annual growth percentages were calculated by Booth by fitting an exponential curve to the data for the years indicated. Up to 1873 data refer only to Java. The post-1945 period After independence, the Indonesian economy had to recover from the hardships of the Japanese occupation and the war for independence (1945-1949), on top of the slow recovery from the 1930s Depression. During the period 1949-1965, there was little economic growth, predominantly in the years from 1950 to 1957. In 1958-1965, growth rates dwindled, largely due to political instability and inappropriate economic policy measures. The hesitant start of democracy was characterized by a power struggle between the president, the army, the communist party and other political groups. Exchange rate problems and absence of foreign capital were detrimental to economic development, after the government had eliminated all foreign economic control in the private sector in 1957/58. Sukarno aimed at self-sufficiency and import substitution and estranged the suppliers of western capital even more when he developed communist sympathies. After 1966, the second president, general Soeharto, restored the inflow of western capital, brought back political stability with a strong role for the army, and led Indonesia into a period of economic expansion under his authoritarian New Order (Orde Baru) regime which lasted until 1997 (see below for the three phases in New Order). In this period industrial output quickly increased, including steel, aluminum, and cement but also products such as food, textiles and cigarettes. From the 1970s onward the increased oil price on the world market provided Indonesia with a massive income from oil and gas exports. Wood exports shifted from logs to plywood, pulp, and paper, at the price of large stretches of environmentally valuable rainforest. Soeharto managed to apply part of these revenues to the development of technologically advanced manufacturing industry. Referring to this period of stable economic growth, the World Bank Report of 1993 speaks of an ‘East Asian Miracle’ emphasizing the macroeconomic stability and the investments in human capital (World Bank 1993: vi). The financial crisis in 1997 revealed a number of hidden weaknesses in the economy such as a feeble financial system (with a lack of transparency), unprofitable investments in real estate, and shortcomings in the legal system. The burgeoning corruption at all levels of the government bureaucracy became widely known as KKN (korupsi, kolusi, nepotisme). These practices characterize the coming-of-age of the 32-year old, strongly centralized, autocratic Soeharto regime. From 1998 until present Today, the Indonesian economy still suffers from severe economic development problems following the financial crisis of 1997 and the subsequent political reforms after Soeharto stepped down in 1998. Secessionist movements and the low level of security in the provincial regions, as well as relatively unstable political policies, form some of its present-day problems. Additional problems include the lack of reliable legal recourse in contract disputes, corruption, weaknesses in the banking system, and strained relations with the International Monetary Fund. The confidence of investors remains low, and in order to achieve future growth, internal reform will be essential to build up confidence of international donors and investors. An important issue on the reform agenda is regional autonomy, bringing a larger share of export profits to the areas of production instead of to metropolitan Java. However, decentralization policies do not necessarily improve national coherence or increase efficiency in governance. A strong comeback in the global economy may be at hand, but has not as yet fully taken place by the summer of 2003 when this was written. Additional Themes in the Indonesian Historiography Indonesia is such a large and multi-faceted country that many different aspects have been the focus of research (for example, ethnic groups, trade networks, shipping, colonialism and imperialism). One can focus on smaller regions (provinces, islands), as well as on larger regions (the western archipelago, the eastern archipelago, the Outer Islands as a whole, or Indonesia within Southeast Asia). Without trying to be exhaustive, eleven themes which have been subject of debate in Indonesian economic history are examined here (on other debates see also Houben 2002: 53-55; Lindblad 2002b: 145-152; Dick 2002: 191-193; Thee 2002: 242-243). The indigenous economy and the dualist economy Although western entrepreneurs had an advantage in technological know-how and supply of investment capital during the late-colonial period, there has been a traditionally strong and dynamic class of entrepreneurs (traders and peasants) in many regions of Indonesia. Resilient in times of economic malaise, cunning in symbiosis with traders of other Asian nationalities (particularly Chinese), the Indonesian entrepreneur has been rehabilitated after the relatively disparaging manner in which he was often pictured in the pre-1945 literature. One of these early writers, J.H. Boeke, initiated a school of thought centering on the idea of ‘economic dualism’ (referring to a modern western and a stagnant eastern sector). As a consequence, the term ‘dualism’ was often used to indicate western superiority. From the 1960s onward such ideas have been replaced by a more objective analysis of the dualist economy that is not so judgmental about the characteristics of economic development in the Asian sector. Some focused on technological dualism (such as B. Higgins) others on ethnic specialization in different branches of production (see also Lindblad 2002b: 148, Touwen 2001: 316-317). The characteristics of Dutch imperialism Another vigorous debate concerns the character of and the motives for Dutch colonial expansion. Dutch imperialism can be viewed as having a rather complex mix of political, economic and military motives which influenced decisions about colonial borders, establishing political control in order to exploit oil and other natural resources, and preventing local uprisings. Three imperialist phases can be distinguished (Lindblad 2002a: 95-99). The first phase of imperialist expansion was from 1825-1870. During this phase interference with economic matters outside Java increased slowly but military intervention was occasional. The second phase started with the outbreak of the Aceh War in 1873 and lasted until 1896. During this phase initiatives in trade and foreign investment taken by the colonial government and by private businessmen were accompanied by extension of colonial (military) control in the regions concerned. The third and final phase was characterized by full-scale aggressive imperialism (often known as ‘pacification’) and lasted from 1896 until 1907. The impact of the cultivation system on the indigenous economy The thesis of ‘agricultural involution’ was advocated by Clifford Geertz (1963) and states that a process of stagnation characterized the rural economy of Java in the nineteenth century. After extensive research, this view has generally been discarded. Colonial economic growth was stimulated first by the Cultivation System, later by the promotion of private enterprise. Non-farm employment and purchasing power increased in the indigenous economy, although there was much regional inequality (Lindblad 2002a: 80; 2002b:149-150). Regional diversity in export-led economic expansion The contrast between densely populated Java, which had been dominant in economic and political regard for a long time, and the Outer Islands, which were a large, sparsely populated area, is obvious. Among the Outer Islands we can distinguish between areas which were propelled forward by export trade, either from Indonesian or European origin (examples are Palembang, East Sumatra, Southeast Kalimantan) and areas which stayed behind and only slowly picked the fruits of the modernization that took place elsewhere (as for example Benkulu, Timor, Maluku) (Touwen 2001). The development of the colonial state and the role of Ethical Policy Well into the second half of the nineteenth century, the official Dutch policy was to abstain from interference with local affairs. The scarce resources of the Dutch colonial administrators should be reserved for Java. When the Aceh War initiated a period of imperialist expansion and consolidation of colonial power, a call for more concern with indigenous affairs was heard in Dutch politics, which resulted in the official Ethical Policy which was launched in 1901 and had the threefold aim of improving indigenous welfare, expanding the educational system, and allowing for some indigenous participation in the government (resulting in the People’s Council (Volksraad) that was installed in 1918 but only had an advisory role). The results of the Ethical Policy, as for example measured in improvements in agricultural technology, education, or welfare services, are still subject to debate (Lindblad 2002b: 149). Living conditions of coolies at the agricultural estates The plantation economy, which developed in the sparsely populated Outer Islands (predominantly in Sumatra) between 1870 and 1942, was in bad need of labor. The labor shortage was solved by recruiting contract laborers (coolies) in China, and later in Java. The Coolie Ordinance was a government regulation that included the penal clause (which allowed for punishment by plantation owners). In response to reported abuse, the colonial government established the Labor Inspectorate (1908), which aimed at preventing abuse of coolies on the estates. The living circumstances and treatment of the coolies has been subject of debate, particularly regarding the question whether the government put enough effort in protecting the interests of the workers or allowed abuse to persist (Lindblad 2002b: 150). Colonial drain How large of a proportion of economic profits was drained away from the colony to the mother country? The detrimental effects of the drain of capital, in return for which European entrepreneurial initiatives were received, have been debated, as well as the exact methods of its measurement. There was also a second drain to the home countries of other immigrant ethnic groups, mainly to China (Van der Eng 1998; Lindblad 2002b: 151). The position of the Chinese in the Indonesian economy In the colonial economy, the Chinese intermediary trader or middleman played a vital role in supplying credit and stimulating the cultivation of export crops such as rattan, rubber and copra. The colonial legal system made an explicit distinction between Europeans, Chinese and Indonesians. This formed the roots of later ethnic problems, since the Chinese minority population in Indonesia has gained an important (and sometimes envied) position as capital owners and entrepreneurs. When threatened by political and social turmoil, Chinese business networks may have sometimes channel capital funds to overseas deposits. Economic chaos during the ‘Old Order’ The ‘Old Order’-period, 1945-1965, was characterized by economic (and political) chaos although some economic growth undeniably did take place during these years. However, macroeconomic instability, lack of foreign investment and structural rigidity formed economic problems that were closely connected with the political power struggle. Sukarno, the first president of the Indonesian republic, had an outspoken dislike of colonialism. His efforts to eliminate foreign economic control were not always supportive of the struggling economy of the new sovereign state. The ‘Old Order’ has for long been a ‘lost area’ in Indonesian economic history, but the establishment of the unitary state and the settlement of major political issues, including some degree of territorial consolidation (as well as the consolidation of the role of the army) were essential for the development of a national economy (Dick 2002: 190; Mackie 1967). Development policy and economic planning during the ‘New Order’ period The ‘New Order’ (Orde Baru) of Soeharto rejected political mobilization and socialist ideology, and established a tightly controlled regime that discouraged intellectual enquiry, but did put Indonesia’s economy back on the rails. New flows of foreign investment and foreign aid programs were attracted, the unbridled population growth was reduced due to family planning programs, and a transformation took place from a predominantly agricultural economy to an industrializing economy. Thee Kian Wie distinguishes three phases within this period, each of which deserve further study: (a) 1966-1973: stabilization, rehabilitation, partial liberalization and economic recovery; (b) 1974-1982: oil booms, rapid economic growth, and increasing government intervention; (c) 1983-1996: post-oil boom, deregulation, renewed liberalization (in reaction to falling oil-prices), and rapid export-led growth. During this last phase, commentators (including academic economists) were increasingly concerned about the thriving corruption at all levels of the government bureaucracy: KKN (korupsi, kolusi, nepotisme) practices, as they later became known (Thee 2002: 203-215). Financial, economic and political crisis: KRISMON, KRISTAL The financial crisis of 1997 started with a crisis of confidence following the depreciation of the Thai baht in July 1997. Core factors causing the ensuing economic crisis in Indonesia were the quasi-fixed exchange rate of the rupiah, quickly rising short-term foreign debt and the weak financial system. Its severity had to be attributed to political factors as well: the monetary crisis (KRISMON) led to a total crisis (KRISTAL) because of the failing policy response of the Soeharto regime. Soeharto had been in power for 32 years and his government had become heavily centralized and corrupt and was not able to cope with the crisis in a credible manner. The origins, economic consequences, and socio-economic impact of the crisis are still under discussion. (Thee 2003: 231-237; Arndt and Hill 1999). (Note: I want to thank Dr. F. Colombijn and Dr. J.Th Lindblad at Leiden University for their useful comments on the draft version of this article.) Selected Bibliography In addition to the works cited in the text above, a small selection of recent books is mentioned here, which will allow the reader to quickly grasp the most recent insights and find useful further references. General textbooks or periodicals on Indonesia’s (economic) history: Booth, Anne. The Indonesian Economy in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries: A History of Missed Opportunities. London: Macmillan, 1998. Bulletin of Indonesian Economic Studies. Dick, H.W., V.J.H. Houben, J.Th. Lindblad and Thee Kian Wie. The Emergence of a National Economy in Indonesia, 1800-2000. Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 2002. Itinerario “Economic Growth and Institutional Change in Indonesia in the 19th and 20th centuries” [special issue] 26 no. 3-4 (2002). Reid, Anthony. Southeast Asia in the Age of Commerce, 1450-1680, Vol. I: The Lands below the Winds. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1988. Reid, Anthony. Southeast Asia in the Age of Commerce, 1450-1680, Vol. II: Expansion and Crisis. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1993. Ricklefs, M.C. A History of Modern Indonesia since ca. 1300. Basingstoke/Londen: Macmillan, 1993. On the VOC: Gaastra, F.S. De Geschiedenis van de VOC. Zutphen: Walburg Pers, 1991 (1st edition), 2002 (4th edition). Jacobs, Els M. Koopman in Azië: de Handel van de Verenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie tijdens de 18de Eeuw. Zutphen: Walburg Pers, 2000. Nagtegaal, Lucas. Riding the Dutch Tiger: The Dutch East Indies Company and the Northeast Coast of Java 1680-1743. Leiden: KITLV Press, 1996. On the Cultivation System: Elson, R.E. Village Java under the Cultivation System, 1830-1870. Sydney: Allen and Unwin, 1994. Fasseur, C. Kultuurstelsel en Koloniale Baten. De Nederlandse Exploitatie van Java, 1840-1860. Leiden, Universitaire Pers, 1975. (Translated as: The Politics of Colonial Exploitation: Java, the Dutch and the Cultivation System. Ithaca, NY: Southeast Asia Program, Cornell University Press 1992.) Geertz, Clifford. Agricultural Involution: The Processes of Ecological Change in Indonesia. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1963. Houben, V.J.H. “Java in the Nineteenth Century: Consolidation of a Territorial State.” In The Emergence of a National Economy in Indonesia, 1800-2000, edited by H.W. Dick, V.J.H. Houben, J.Th. Lindblad and Thee Kian Wie, 56-81. Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 2002. On the Late-Colonial Period: Dick, H.W. “Formation of the Nation-state, 1930s-1966.” In The Emergence of a National Economy in Indonesia, 1800-2000, edited by H.W. Dick, V.J.H. Houben, J.Th. Lindblad and Thee Kian Wie, 153-193. Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 2002. Lembaran Sejarah, “Crisis and Continuity: Indonesian Economy in the Twentieth Century” [special issue] 3 no. 1 (2000). Lindblad, J.Th., editor. New Challenges in the Modern Economic History of Indonesia. Leiden: PRIS, 1993. Translated as: Sejarah Ekonomi Modern Indonesia. Berbagai Tantangan Baru. Jakarta: LP3ES, 2002. Lindblad, J.Th., editor. The Historical Foundations of a National Economy in Indonesia, 1890s-1990s. Amsterdam: North-Holland, 1996. Lindblad, J.Th. “The Outer Islands in the Nineteenthh Century: Contest for the Periphery.” In The Emergence of a National Economy in Indonesia, 1800-2000, edited by H.W. Dick, V.J.H. Houben, J.Th. Lindblad and Thee Kian Wie, 82-110. Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 2002a. Lindblad, J.Th. “The Late Colonial State and Economic Expansion, 1900-1930s.” In The Emergence of a National Economy in Indonesia, 1800-2000, edited by H.W. Dick, V.J.H. Houben, J.Th. Lindblad and Thee Kian Wie, 111-152. Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 2002b. Touwen, L.J. Extremes in the Archipelago: Trade and Economic Development in the Outer Islands of Indonesia, 1900‑1942. Leiden: KITLV Press, 2001. Van der Eng, Pierre. “Exploring Exploitation: The Netherlands and Colonial Indonesia, 1870-1940.” Revista de Historia Económica 16 (1998): 291-321. Zanden, J.L. van, and A. van Riel. Nederland, 1780-1914: Staat, instituties en economische ontwikkeling. Amsterdam: Balans, 2000. (On the Netherlands in the nineteenth century.) Independent Indonesia: Arndt, H.W. and Hal Hill, editors. Southeast Asia’s Economic Crisis: Origins, Lessons and the Way forward. Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 1999. Cribb, R. and C. Brown. Modern Indonesia: A History since 1945. Londen/New York: Longman, 1995. Feith, H. The Decline of Constitutional Democracy in Indonesia. Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press, 1962. Hill, Hal. The Indonesian Economy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000. (This is the extended second edition of Hill, H., The Indonesian Economy since 1966. Southeast Asia’s Emerging Giant. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996.) Hill, Hal, editor. Unity and Diversity: Regional Economic Development in Indonesia since 1970. Singapore: Oxford University Press, 1989. Mackie, J.A.C. “The Indonesian Economy, 1950-1960.” In The Economy of Indonesia: Selected Readings, edited by B. Glassburner, 16-69. Ithaca NY: Cornell University Press 1967. Robison, Richard. Indonesia: The Rise of Capital. Sydney: Allen and Unwin, 1986. Thee Kian Wie. “The Soeharto Era and After: Stability, Development and Crisis, 1966-2000.” In The Emergence of a National Economy in Indonesia, 1800-2000, edited by H.W. Dick, V.J.H. Houben, J.Th. Lindblad and Thee Kian Wie, 194-243. Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 2002. World Bank. The East Asian Miracle: Economic Growth and Public Policy. Oxford: World Bank /Oxford University Press, 1993. On economic growth: Booth, Anne. The Indonesian Economy in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. A History of Missed Opportunities. London: Macmillan, 1998. Van der Eng, Pierre. “The Real Domestic Product of Indonesia, 1880-1989.” Explorations in Economic History 39 (1992): 343-373. Van der Eng, Pierre. “Indonesia’s Growth Performance in the Twentieth Century.” In The Asian Economies in the Twentieth Century, edited by Angus Maddison, D.S. Prasada Rao and W. Shepherd, 143-179. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, 2002. Van der Eng, Pierre. “Indonesia’s Economy and Standard of Living in the Twentieth Century.” In Indonesia Today: Challenges of History, edited by G. Lloyd and S. Smith, 181-199. Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 2001. Citation: Touwen, Jeroen. “The Economic History of Indonesia”. EH.Net Encyclopedia, edited by Robert Whaples. March 16, 2008. URL http://eh.net/encyclopedia/the-economic-history-of-indonesia/ Indentured Servitude in the Colonial U.S. Joshua Rosenbloom, University of Kansas During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries a variety of labor market institutions developed to facilitate the movement of labor in response to the opportunities created by American factor proportions. While some immigrants migrated on their own, the majority of immigrants were either indentured servants or African slaves. Because of the cost of passage—which exceeded half a year’s income for a typical British immigrant and a full year’s income for a typical German immigrant—only a small portion of European migrants could afford to pay for their passage to the Americas (Grubb 1985a). They did so by signing contracts, or “indentures,” committing themselves to work for a fixed number of years in the future—their labor being their only viable asset—with British merchants, who then sold these contracts to colonists after their ship reached America. Indentured servitude was introduced by the Virginia Company in 1619 and appears to have arisen from a combination of the terms of two other types of labor contract widely used in England at the time: service in husbandry and apprenticeship (Galenson 1981). In other cases, migrants borrowed money for their passage and committed to repay merchants by pledging to sell themselves as servants in America, a practice known as “redemptioner servitude (Grubb 1986). Redemptioners bore increased risk because they could not predict in advance what terms they might be able to negotiate for their labor, but presumably they did so because of other benefits, such as the opportunity to choose their own master, and to select where they would be employed. Although data on immigration for the colonial period are scattered and incomplete a number of scholars have estimated that between half and three quarters of European immigrants arriving in the colonies came as indentured or redemptioner servants. Using data for the end of the colonial period Grubb (1985b) found that close to three-quarters of English immigrants to Pennsylvania and nearly 60 percent of German immigrants arrived as servants. A number of scholars have examined the terms of indenture and redemptioner contracts in some detail (see, e.g., Galenson 1981; Grubb 1985a). They find that consistent with the existence of a well-functioning market, the terms of service varied in response to differences in individual productivity, employment conditions, and the balance of supply and demand in different locations. The other major source of labor for the colonies was the forced migration of African slaves. Slavery had been introduced in the West Indies at an early date, but it was not until the late seventeenth century that significant numbers of slaves began to be imported into the mainland colonies. From 1700 to 1780 the proportion of blacks in the Chesapeake region grew from 13 percent to around 40 percent. In South Carolina and Georgia, the black share of the population climbed from 18 percent to 41 percent in the same period (McCusker and Menard, 1985, p. 222). Galenson (1984) explains the transition from indentured European to enslaved African labor as the result of shifts in supply and demand conditions in England and the trans-Atlantic slave market. Conditions in Europe improved after 1650, reducing the supply of indentured servants, while at the same time increased competition in the slave trade was lowering the price of slaves (Dunn 1984). In some sense the colonies’ early experience with indentured servants paved the way for the transition to slavery. Like slaves, indentured servants were unfree, and ownership of their labor could be freely transferred from one owner to another. Unlike slaves, however, they could look forward to eventually becoming free (Morgan 1971). Over time a marked regional division in labor market institutions emerged in colonial America. The use of slaves was concentrated in the Chesapeake and Lower South, where the presence of staple export crops (rice, indigo and tobacco) provided economic rewards for expanding the scale of cultivation beyond the size achievable with family labor. European immigrants (primarily indentured servants) tended to concentrate in the Chesapeake and Middle Colonies, where servants could expect to find the greatest opportunities to enter agriculture once they had completed their term of service. While New England was able to support self-sufficient farmers, its climate and soil were not conducive to the expansion of commercial agriculture, with the result that it attracted relatively few slaves, indentured servants, or free immigrants. These patterns are illustrated in Table 1, which summarizes the composition and destinations of English emigrants in the years 1773 to 1776. Table 1 English Emigration to the American Colonies, by Destination and Type, 1773-76 Total Emigration Source: Grubb (1985b, p. 334). References Dunn, Richard S. “Servants and Slaves: The Recruitment and Employment of Labor.” In Colonial British America: Essays in the New History of the Early Modern Era, edited by Jack P. Greene and J.R. Pole. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1984. Galenson, David W. White Servitude in Colonial America. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1981. Galenson, David W. “The Rise and Fall of Indentured Servitude in the Americas: An Economic Analysis.” Journal of Economic History 44, no. 1 (1984): 1-26. Grubb, Farley. “The Market for Indentured Immigrants: Evidence on the Efficiency of Forward Labor Contracting in Philadelphia, 1745-1773.” Journal of Economic History 45, no. 4 (1985a): 855-68. Grubb, Farley. “The Incidence of Servitude in Trans-Atlantic Migration, 1771-1804.” Explorations in Economic History 22 (1985b): 316-39. Grubb, Farley. “Redemptioner Immigration to Pennsylvania: Evidence on Contract Choice and Profitability.” Journal of Economic History 46, no. 2 (1986): 407-18. McCusker, John J. and Russell R. Menard. The Economy of British America: 1607-1789. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1985. Morgan, Edmund S. “The Labor Problem at Jamestown, 1607-18.” American Historical Review 76 (1971): 595-611. Citation: Rosenbloom, Joshua. “Indentured Servitude in the Colonial U.S.”. EH.Net Encyclopedia, edited by Robert Whaples. March 16, 2008. URL http://eh.net/encyclopedia/indentured-servitude-in-the-colonial-u-s/ Immigration to the United States Raymond L. Cohn, Illinois State University For good reason, it is often said the United States is a nation of immigrants. Almost every person in the United States is descended from someone who arrived from another country. This article discusses immigration to the United States from colonial times to the present. The focus is on individuals who paid their own way, rather than slaves and indentured servants. Various issues concerning immigration are discussed: (1) the basic data sources available, (2) the variation in the volume over time, (3) the reasons immigration occurred, (4) nativism and U.S. immigration policy, (5) the characteristics of the immigrant stream, (6) the effects on the United States economy, and (7) the experience of immigrants in the U.S. labor market. For readers who wish to further investigate immigration, the following works listed in the Reference section of this entry are recommended as general histories of immigration to the United States: Hansen (1940); Jones (1960); Taylor (1971); Nugent (1992); Erickson (1994); Miller (1985); and Walker (1964). The Available Data Sources The primary source of data on immigration to the United States is the Passenger Lists, though U.S. and state census materials, Congressional reports, and company records also contain material on immigrants. In addition, the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) web site at the University of Minnesota ( http://www.ipums.umn.edu/usa/ ) contains data samples drawn from a number of federal censuses. Since the samples are of individuals and families, the site is useful in immigration research. A number of the countries from which the immigrants left also kept records about the individuals. Many of these records were originally summarized in Ferenczi (1970). Although records from other countries are useful for some purposes, the U.S. records are generally viewed as more complete, especially for the period before 1870. It is worthy of note that comparisons of the lists between countries often lead to somewhat different results. It is also probable that, during the early years, a few of the U.S. lists were lost or never collected. Passenger Lists The U.S. Passenger Lists resulted from an 1819 law requiring every ship carrying passengers that arrived in the United States from a foreign port to file with the port authorities a list of all passengers on the ship. These records are the basis for the vast majority of the historical data on immigration. For example, virtually all of the tables in the chapter on immigration in Historical Statistics of the United States (1976) are based on these records. The Passenger Lists recorded a great deal of information. Each list indicates the name of the ship, the name of the captain, the port(s) of embarkation, the port of arrival, and the date of arrival. Following this information is a list of the passengers. Each person’s name is listed, along with age, gender, occupation, country of origin, country of destination, and whether or not the person died on the voyage. It is often possible to distinguish family groups since family members were usually grouped together and, to save time, the compilers frequently used ditto marks to indicate the same last name. Various data based on the lists were published in Senate or Congressional Reports at the time. Due to their usefulness in genealogical research, the lists are now widely available on microfilm and are increasingly available on CD-rom. Even a few public libraries in major cities have full or partial collections of these records. The Volume of Immigration Both the total volume of immigration to the United States and the immigrants’ countries of origins varied substantially over time. Table 1 provides the basic data on total immigrant volume by time period broken down by country of origin. The column “Average Yearly Total – All Countries” presents the average yearly total immigration to the United States in the time period given. Immigration rates – the average number of immigrants entering per thousand individuals in the U.S. population – are shown in the next column. The columns headed by country or area names show the percentage of immigrants coming from that place. The time periods in Table 1 have been chosen for illustrative purposes. A few things should be noted concerning the figures in Table 1. First, the estimates for much of the period since 1820 are based on the original Passenger Lists and are subject to the caveats discussed above. The estimates for the period before 1820 are the best currently available but are less precise than those after 1820. Second, though it was legal to import slaves into the United States (or the American colonies) before 1808, the estimates presented exclude slaves. Third, though illegal immigration into the United States has certainly occurred, the figures in Table 1 include only legal immigrants. Trends over Time From the data presented in Table 1, it is apparent that the volume of immigration and its rate relative to the U.S. population varied over time. Immigration was relatively small until the 1840s when it rose substantially. The volume passed 200,000 for the first time in 1847 and the period between 1847 and 1854 saw the highest rate of immigration in U.S. history. From the level reached between 1847 and 1854, volume decreased and increased over time through 1930. For the period from 1847 through 1930, the average yearly volume was 434,000. During these years, immigrant volume peaked between 1900 and 1914, when an average of almost 900,000 immigrants arrived in the United States each year. This period is also second in terms of the rate of immigration relative to the U.S. population. The volume and rate fell to low levels between 1931 and 1946, though by the 1970s the volume had again reached that experienced between 1847 and 1930. The rise in volume continued through the 1980s and 1990s, though the rate per one thousand American residents has remained well below that experienced before 1915. It is notable that during the 1990s, the average yearly volume of immigration surpassed the previous peak experienced between 1900 and 1914. Table 1 25 24 Sources: Years before 1820: Grabbe (1989). 1820-1970: Historical Statistics (1976). Years since 1970: U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (various years). Note: Entries with a zero indicate less than one-half of one percent. Entries with dashes indicate no information or no immigrants. Sources of Immigration The sources of immigration have changed a number of times over the years. In general, four relatively distinct periods can be identified in Table 1. Before 1881, the vast majority of immigrants, almost 86% of the total, arrived from northwest Europe, principally Great Britain, Ireland, Germany, and Scandinavia. During the colonial period, though the data do not allow an accurate breakdown, most immigrants arrived from Britain, with smaller numbers coming from Ireland and Germany. The years between 1881 and 1893 saw a transition in the sources of U.S. immigrants. After 1881, immigrant volume from central, eastern, and southern Europe began to increase rapidly. Between 1894 and 1914, immigrants from southern, central, and eastern Europe accounted for 69% of the total. With the onset of World War I in 1914, the sources of U.S. immigration again changed. From 1915 to the present day, a major source of immigrants to the United States has been the Western Hemisphere, accounting for 46% of the total. In the period between 1915 and 1960, virtually all of the remaining immigrants came from Europe, though no specific part of Europe was dominant. Beginning in the 1960s, immigration from Europe fell off substantially and was replaced by a much larger percentage of immigrants from Asia. Thus, over the course of U.S. history, the sources of immigration changed from northwestern Europe to southern, central and eastern Europe to the Americas in combination with Europe to the current situation where most immigrants come from the Americas or Asia. Duration of Voyage and Method of Travel Before the 1840s, immigrants arrived on sailing ships. General information on the length of the voyage is unavailable for the colonial and early national periods. By the 1840s, however, the average voyage length for ships from the British Isles was five to six weeks, with those from the European continent taking a week or so longer. In the 1840s, a few steamships began to cross the Atlantic. Over the course of the 1850s, steamships began to account for a larger, though still minority, percentage of immigrant travel. After the Civil War, the vast majority of immigrants arrived on steamships. As a result, the voyage time fell initially to about two weeks and it continued to decline into the twentieth century. Steamships remained the primary means of travel until after World War II. As a consequence of the boom in airplane travel over the last few decades, most immigrants now arrive via air. Place of Arrival Where immigrants landed in the United States varied, especially in the period before the Civil War. During the colonial and early national periods, immigrants arrived not only at New York City but also at a variety of other ports, especially Philadelphia, Boston, New Orleans, and Baltimore. Over time, and especially when most immigrants began arriving via steamship, New York City became the main arrival port. No formal immigration facilities existed at any of the ports until New York City established Castle Garden as its landing depot in 1855. This facility, located at the tip of Manhattan, was replaced in 1892 with Ellis Island, which in turn operated until 1954. Death Rates during the Voyage A final aspect to consider is the mortality experienced by the individuals on board the ships. Information taken from the Passenger Lists for the period of the sailing ship between 1820 and 1860 finds a loss rate of slightly over onepercent of the immigrants who boarded (Cohn, 1984). Given the length of the trip and taking into account the ages of the immigrants, this rate represents mortality approximately four times higher than that experienced by non-migrants. Mortality was especially high among children and the elderly. There appears to have been little trend over time in mortality or differences in the loss rate by country of origin, though some evidence suggests the loss rate may have differed by port of embarkation. In addition, the best evidence from the colonial period finds a loss rate only slightly higher than that of the antebellum years. In the period after the Civil War, with the change to steamships and the resulting shorter travel time and improved on-board conditions, mortality on the voyages fell, though exactly how much has not been determined. The Causes of Immigration Economic historians generally believe no single factor led to immigration. In fact, different studies have tried to explain immigration by emphasizing different factors, with the first important study being done by Thomas (1954). The most recent attempt to comprehensively explain immigration has been by Hatton and Williamson (1998), who focus on the period between 1860 and 1914. Massey (1999) expresses relatively similar views. Hatton and Williamson view immigration from a country during this time as being caused by up to five different factors: (a) the difference in real wages between the country and the United States; (b) the rate of population growth in the country 20 or 30 years before; (c) the degree of industrialization and urbanization in the home country; (d) the volume of previous immigrants from that country or region; and (e) economic and political conditions in the United States. To this list can be added factors not relevant during the 1860 to 1914 period, such as the potato famine, the movement from sail to steam, and the presence or absence of immigration restrictions. Thus, a total of at least eight factors affected immigration. Causes of Fluctuations in Immigration Levels over Time As discussed above, the total volume of immigration trended upward until World War I. The initial increase in immigration during the 1840s was caused by the potato famine, which affected not only Ireland but also much of northwest Europe. As previously noted, the steamship replaced the sailing ship after the Civil War. By substantially reducing the length of the trip and increasing comfort and safety, the steamship encouraged an increase in the volume of immigration. Part of the reason volume increased was that temporary immigration became more likely. In this situation, an individual came to the United States not planning to stay permanently but instead planning to work for a period of time before returning home. All in all, the period from 1865 through 1914, when immigration was not restricted and steamships were dominant, saw an average yearly immigrant volume of almost 529,000. In contrast, average yearly immigration between 1820 and 1860 via sailing ship was only 123,000, and even between 1847 and 1860 was only 266,000. Another feature of the data in Table 1 is that the yearly volume of immigration fluctuated quite a bit in the period before 1914. The fluctuations are mainly due to changes in economic and political conditions in the United States. Essentially, periods of low volume corresponded with U.S. economic depressions or times of widespread opposition to immigrants. In particular, volume declined during the nativist outbreak in the 1850s and the major depressions of the 1870s and 1890s and the Great Depression of the 1930s. As discussed in the next section, the United States imposed widespread restrictions on immigration beginning in the 1920s. Since then, the volume has been subject to more direct determination by the United States government. Thus, fluctuations in the total volume of immigration over time are due to four of the eight factors discussed in the first paragraph of this section: the potato famine, the movement from sail to steam, economic and political conditions in the United States, and the presence or absence of immigration restrictions. Factors Influencing Immigration Rates from Particular Countries The other four factors are primarily used to explain changes in the source countries of immigration. A larger difference in real wages between the country and the United States increased immigration from the country because it meant immigrants had more to gain from the move. Because most immigrants were between 15 and 35 years old, a higher population growth 20 or 30 years earlier meant there were more individuals in the potential immigrant group. In addition, a larger volume of young workers in a country reduced job prospects at home and further encouraged immigration. A greater degree of industrialization and urbanization in the home country typically increased immigration because traditional ties with the land were broken during this period, making laborers in the country more mobile. Finally, the presence of a larger volume of previous immigrants from that country or region encouraged more immigration because potential immigrants now had friends or relatives to stay with who could smooth their transition to living and working in the United States. Based on these four factors, Hatton and Williamson explain the rise and fall in the volume of immigration from a country to the United States. Immigrant volume initially increased as a consequence of more rapid population growth and industrialization in a country and the existence of a large gap in real wages between the country and the United States. Within a number of years, volume increased further due to the previous immigration that had occurred. Volume remained high until various changes in Europe caused immigration to decline. Population growth slowed. Most of the countries had undergone industrialization. Partly due to the previous immigration, real wages rose at home and became closer to those in the United States. Thus, each source country went through stages where immigration increased, reached a peak, and then declined. Differences in the timing of these effects then led to changes in the source countries of the immigrants. The countries of northwest Europe were the first to experience rapid population growth and to begin industrializing. By the latter part of the nineteenth century, immigration from these countries was in the stage of decline. At about the same time, countries in central, eastern, and southern Europe were experiencing the beginnings of industrialization and more rapid population growth. This model holds directly only through the 1920s, because U.S. government policy changed. At that point, quotas were established on the number of individuals allowed to immigrate from each country. Even so, many countries, especially those in northwest Europe, had passed the point where a large number of individuals wanted to leave and thus did not fill their quotas. The quotas were binding for many other countries in Europe in which pressures to immigrate were still strong. Even today, the countries providing the majority of immigrants to the United States, those south of the United States and in Asia, are places where population growth is high, industrialization is breaking traditional ties with the land, and real wage differentials with the United States are large. Immigration Policy and Nativism This section summarizes the changes in U.S. immigration policy. Only the most important policy changes are discussed and a number of relatively minor changes have been ignored. Interested readers are referred to Le May (1987) and Briggs (1984) for more complete accounts of U.S. immigration policy. Few Restrictions before 1882 Immigration into the United States was subject to virtually no legal restrictions before 1882. Essentially, anyone who wanted to enter the United States could and, as discussed earlier, no specified arrival areas existed until 1855. Individuals simply got off the ship and went about their business. Little opposition among U.S. citizens to immigration is apparent until about the 1830s. The growing concern at this time was due to the increasing volume of immigration in both absolute terms and relative to the U.S. population, and the facts that more of the arrivals were Catholic and unskilled. The nativist feeling burst into the open during the 1850s when the Know-Nothing political party achieved a great deal of political success in the 1854 off-year elections. This party did not favor restrictions on the number of immigrants, though they did seek to restrict their ability to quickly become voting citizens. For a short period of time, the Know-Nothings had an important presence in Congress and many state legislatures. With the downturn in immigration in 1855 and the nation’s attention turning more to the slavery issue, their influence receded. Chinese Exclusion Act The first restrictive immigration laws were directed against Asian countries. The first law was the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. This law essentially prohibited the immigration of Chinese citizens and it stayed in effect until it was removed during World War II. In 1907, Japanese immigration was substantially reduced through a Gentlemen’s Agreement between Japan and the United States. It is noteworthy that the Chinese Exclusion Act also prohibited the immigration of “convicts, lunatics, idiots” and those individuals who might need to be supported by government assistance. The latter provision was used to some extent during periods of high unemployment, though as noted above, immigration fell anyway because of the lack of jobs. Literacy Test Adopted in 1917 The desire to restrict immigration to the United States grew over the latter part of the nineteenth century. This growth was due partly to the high volume and rate of immigration and partly to the changing national origins of the immigrants; more began arriving from southern, central, and eastern Europe. In 1907, Congress set up the Immigration Commission, chaired by Senator William Dillingham, to investigate immigration. This body issued a famous report, now viewed as flawed, concluding that immigrants from the newer parts of Europe did not assimilate easily and, in general, blaming them for various economic ills. Attempts at restricting immigration were initially made by proposing a law requiring a literacy test for admission to the United States, and such a law was finally passed in 1917. This same law also virtually banned immigration from any country in Asia. Restrictionists were no doubt displeased when the volume of immigration from Europe resumed its former level after World War I in spite of the literacy test. The movement then turned to explicitly limiting the number of arrivals. 1920s: Quota Act and National Origins Act The Quota Act of 1921 laid the framework for a fundamental change in U.S. immigration policy. It limited the number of immigrants from Europe to a total of about 350,000 per year. National quotas were established in direct proportion to each country’s presence in the U.S. population in 1910. In addition, the act assigned Asian countries quotas near zero. Three years later in 1924, the National Origins Act instituted a requirement that visas be obtained from an American consulate abroad before immigrating, reduced the total European quota to about 165,000, and changed how the quotas were determined. Now, the quotas were established in direct proportion to each country’s presence in the U.S. population in 1890, though this aspect of the act was not fully implemented until 1929. Because relatively few individuals immigrated from southern, central, and eastern Europe before 1890, the effect of the 1924 law was to drastically reduce the number of individuals allowed to immigrate to the United States from these countries. Yet total immigration to the United States remained fairly high until the Great Depression because neither the 1921 nor the 1924 law restricted immigration from the Western Hemisphere. Thus, it was the combination of the outbreak of World War I and the subsequent 1920s restrictions that caused the Western Hemisphere to become a more important source of immigrants to the United States after 1915, though it should be recalled the rate of immigration fell to low levels after 1930. Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 The last major change in U.S. immigration policy occurred with the passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. This law abolished the quotas based on national origins. Instead, a series of preferences were established to determine who would gain entry. The most important preference was given to relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens. Preferences were also given to professionals, scientists, artists, and workers in short supply. The 1965 law kept an overall quota on total immigration for Eastern Hemisphere countries, originally set at 170,000, and no more than 20,000 individuals were allowed to immigrate to the United States from any single country. This law was designed to treat all countries equally. Asian countries were treated the same as any other country, so the virtual prohibition on immigration from Asia disappeared. In addition, for the first time the law also limited the number of immigrants from Western Hemisphere countries, with the original overall quota set at 120,000. It is important to note that neither quota was binding because immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, such as spouses, parents, and minor children, were exempt from the quota. In addition, the United States has admitted large numbers of refugees at different times from Vietnam, Cuba, and other countries. Finally, many individuals enter the United States on student visas, enroll in colleges and universities, and eventually get companies to sponsor them for a work visa. Thus, the total number of legal immigrants to the United States since 1965 has always been larger than the combined quotas. This law has led to an increase in the volume of immigration and, by treating all countries the same, has led to Asia recently becoming a more important source of U.S. immigrants. Though features of the 1965 law have been modified since it was enacted, this law still serves as the basis for U.S. immigration policy today. The most important modifications occurred in 1986 when employer sanctions were adopted for those hiring illegal workers. On the other hand, the same law also gave temporary resident status to individuals who had lived illegally in the United States since before 1982. The latter feature led to very high volumes of legal immigration being recorded in 1989, 1990, and 1991. The Characteristics of the Immigrants In this section, various characteristics of the immigrant stream arriving at different points in time are discussed. The following characteristics of immigration are analyzed: gender breakdown, age structure, family vs. individual migration, and occupations listed. Virtually all the information is based on the Passenger Lists, a source discussed above. Gender and Age Data are presented in Table 2 on the gender breakdown and age structure of immigration. The gender breakdown and age structure remain fairly consistent in the period before 1930. Generally, about 60% of the immigrants were male. As to age structure, about 20% of immigrants were children, 70% were adults up to age 44, and 10% were older than 44. In most of the period and for most countries, immigrants were typically young single males, young couples, or, especially in the era before the steamship, families. For particular countries, such as Ireland, a large number of the immigrants were single women (Cohn, 1995). The primary exception to this generalization was the 1899-1914 period, when 68% of the immigrants were male and adults under 45 accounted for 82% of the total. This period saw the immigration of a large number of single males who planned to work for a period of months or years and return to their homeland, a development made possible by the steamship shortening the voyage and reducing its cost (Nugent, 1992). The characteristics of the immigrant stream since 1930 have been somewhat different. Males have comprised about one-half of all immigrants. In addition, the percentage of immigrants over age 45 has increased at the expense of those between the ages of 14 and 44. Table 2 Immigration by Gender and Age Percent Males 65 18 Notes: From 1918-1970, the age breakdown is “Under 16″ and “16-44.” From 1971 to 1998, the age breakdown is “Under 15″ and “15-44.” Sources: 1820-1970: Historical Statistics (1976). Years since 1970: U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (various years). Occupations Table 3 presents data on the percentage of immigrants who did not report an occupation and the percentage breakdown of those reporting an occupation. The percentage not reporting an occupation declined through 1914. The small percentages between 1894 and 1914 are a reflection of the large number of single males who arrived during this period. As is apparent, the classification scheme for occupations has changed over time. Though there is no perfect way to correlate the occupation categories used in the different time periods, skilled workers comprised about one-fourth of the immigrant stream through 1970. The immigration of farmers was important before the Civil War but declined steadily over time. The percentage of laborers has varied over time, though during some time periods they comprised one-half or more of the immigrants. The highest percentages of laborers occurred during good years for the U.S. economy (1847-54, 1865-73, 1881-93, 1899-1914), because laborers possessed the fewest skills and would have an easier time finding a job when the U.S. economy was strong. Commercial workers, mainly merchants, were an important group of immigrants very early when immigrant volume was low, but their percentage fell substantially over time. Professional workers were always a small part of U.S. immigration until the 1930s. Since 1930, these workers have become a larger percentage of all immigrants. Table 3 a – included with “Farm laborers and foremen” b – included with “Service workers, etc.” c – included with “Craftsmen, etc.” Sources: 1820-1970: Historical Statistics (1976). Years since 1970: U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (various years). Since 1970, the INS has provided the following occupational categories: Professional, specialty, and technical (listed above under “Professional”); Executive, administrative, and managerial (listed above under “Managers, etc.”); Sales; Administrative support (these two are combined and listed above under “Clerical, etc.”); Precision production, craft, and repair; Operator, fabricator, and laborer (these two are combined and listed above under “Craftsmen, etc.”); Farming, forestry, and fishing (listed above under “Farm laborers and foremen”); and Service (listed above under “Service workers, etc.). Note: Entries with a zero indicate less than one-half of one percent. Entries with dashes indicate no information or no immigrants. Skill Levels The skill level of the immigrant stream is important because it potentially affects the U.S. labor force, an issue considered in the next section. Before turning to this issue, a number of comments can be made concerning the occupational skill level of the U.S. immigration stream. First, skill levels fell substantially in the period before the Civil War. Between 1820 and 1831, only 39% of the immigrants were farmers, servants, or laborers, the least skilled groups. Though the data are not as complete, immigration during the colonial period was almost certainly at least this skilled. By the 1847-54 period, however, the less-skilled percentage had increased to 76%. Second, the less-skilled percentage did not change dramatically late in the nineteenth century when the source of immigration changed from northwest Europe to other parts of Europe. Comparing 1873-80 with 1899-1914, both periods of high immigration, farmers, servants, and laborers accounted for 66% of the immigrants in the former period and 78% in the latter period. The second figure is, however, similar to that during the 1847-54 period. Third, the restrictions on immigration imposed during the 1920s had a sizable effect on the skill level of the immigrant stream. Between 1930 and 1970, only 31-34% of the immigrants were in the least-skilled group. Fourth, a deterioration in immigrant skills is apparent in the 1980s and 1990s. In Table 3, the percentage in the “Professional” category falls while the percentages in the “Service” and “Farm workers” categories rise. These changes are due to the amnesty for illegal immigrants resulting from the 1986 law. The amnesty led to the recorded volume of immigration in 1989, 1990, and 1991 being much higher than typical, and most of the “extra” immigrants recorded their occupation as “Service” or “Farm laborer.” If these years are ignored, then little change occurred in the occupational distribution of the immigrant stream during the 1980s and 1990s. Two caveats, however, should be noted. First, the illegal immigrants can not, of course, be ignored. Second, the skill level of the U.S. labor force was improving over the same period. Thus, relative to the U.S. labor force and including illegal immigration, it is apparent the occupational skill level of the U.S. immigrant stream declined during the 1980s and 1990s. The Effects of Immigration on the United States Economy Though immigration has effects on the country from which the immigrants leave, this section only examines the effects on the United States. The following issues are discussed: the effects of immigration on the overall wage rate of U.S. workers; the effects on the wages of particular groups of workers, such as those who are unskilled; and the effects on the rate of economic growth, that is, the standard of living, in the United States. Determining the effects of immigration on the United States is complex and virtually none of the conclusions presented here are without controversy. Yet most economic historians believe the effects of immigration have been much less harmful than commonly supposed and, in many ways, have been beneficial. Immigration’s Impact on Overall Wage Rates Immigration is popularly thought to lower the overall wage rate in the United States by increasing the supply of individuals looking for jobs. This effect may occur in an area over a fairly short period of time. Over longer time periods, however, wages will only fall if the amounts of other resources don’t change. Wages will not fall if the immigrants bring sufficient amounts of other resources with them, such as capital, or cause the amount of other resources in the economy to increase sufficiently. For example, historically the large-scale immigration from Europe contributed to rapid westward expansion of the United States during most of the nineteenth century. The westward expansion, however, increased the amounts of land and natural resources that were available, factors that almost certainly kept immigration from lowering wage rates. Immigrants also increase the amounts of other resources in the economy through running their own businesses, which both historically and in recent times has occurred at a greater rate among immigrants than native workers. By the beginning of the twentieth century, the westward frontier had been settled. A number of researchers have estimated that immigration did lower wages at this time (Hatton and Williamson, 1998; Goldin, 1994), though others have criticized these findings (Carter and Sutch, 1999). For the recent time period, most studies have found little effect of immigration on the level of wages, though a few have found an effect (Borjas, 1999). Even if immigration leads to a fall in the wage rate, it does not follow that individual workers are worse off. Workers typically receive income from sources other than their own labor. If wages fall, then many other resource prices in the economy rise. For example, immigration increases the demand for housing and land and existing owners benefit from an increase in the current value of their property. Whether any individual worker is better off or worse off in this case is not easy to determine. It depends on the amounts of other resources each individual possesses. Immigration’s Impact on Wages of Unskilled Workers Consider the second issue, the effects of immigration on the wages of unskilled workers. If the immigrants arriving in the country are primarily unskilled, then the larger number of unskilled workers could cause their wage to fall if the overall demand for these workers doesn’t change. A requirement for this effect to occur is that the immigrants be less skilled than the U.S. labor force they enter. As discussed above, during colonial times immigrant volume was small and the immigrants were probably more skilled than the existing U.S. labor force. During the 1830s and 1840s, the volume and rate of immigration increased substantially and the skill level of the immigrant stream fell to approximately match that of the native labor force. Instead of lowering the wages of unskilled workers relative to those of skilled workers, however, the large inflow apparently led to little change in the wages of unskilled workers, while some skilled workers lost and others gained. The explanation for these results is that the larger number of unskilled workers resulting from immigration was a factor in employers adopting new methods of production that used more unskilled labor. As a result of this technological change, the demand for unskilled workers increased so their wage did not decline. As employers adopted these new machines, however, skilled artisans who had previously done many of these jobs, such as iron casting, suffered losses. Other skilled workers, such as many white-collar workers who were not in direct competition with the immigrants, gained. Some evidence exists to support a differential effect on skilled workers during the antebellum period (Williamson and Lindert, 1980; Margo, 2000). After the Civil War, however, the skill level of the immigrant stream was close to that of the native labor force, so immigration probably did not further affect the wage structure through the 1920s (Carter and Sutch, 1999). Impact since World War II The lower volume of immigration in the period from 1930 through 1960 meant immigration had little effect on the relative wages of different workers during these years. With the resumption of higher volumes of immigration after 1965, however, and with the immigrants’ skill levels being low, an effect on relative wages again became possible. In fact, the relative wages of high-school dropouts in the United States deteriorated during the same period, especially after the mid-1970s. Researchers who have studied the question have concluded that immigration accounted for about one-fourth of the wage deterioration experienced by high-school dropouts during the 1980s, though some researchers find a lower effect and others a higher one (Friedberg and Hunt, 1995; Borjas, 1999). Wages are determined by a number of factors other than immigration. In this case, it is thought the changing nature of the economy, such as the widespread use of computers increasing the benefits to education, bears more of the blame for the decline in the relative wages of high-school dropouts. Economic Benefits from Immigration Beyond any effect on wages, there are a number of ways in which immigration might improve the overall standard of living in an economy. First, immigrants may engage in inventive or scientific activity, with the result being a gain to everyone. Evidence exists for both the historical and more recent periods that the United States has attracted individuals with an inventive/scientific nature. The United States has always been a leader in these areas. Individuals are more likely to be successful in such an environment than in one where these activities are not as highly valued. Second, immigrants expand the size of markets for various goods, which may lead to lower firms’ average costs due to an increase in firm size. The result would be a decrease in the price of the goods in question. Third, most individuals immigrate between the ages of 15 and 35, so the expenses of their basic schooling are paid abroad. In the past, most immigrants, being of working age, immediately got a job. Thus, immigration increased the percentage of the population in the United States that worked, a factor that raises the average standard of living in a country. Even in more recent times, most immigrants work, though the increased proportion of older individuals in the immigrant stream means the positive effects from this factor may be lower than in the past. Fourth, while immigrants may place a strain on government services in an area, such as the school system, they also pay taxes. Even illegal immigrants directly pay sales taxes on their purchases of goods and indirectly pay property taxes through their rent. Finally, the fact that immigrants are less likely to immigrate to the United States during periods of high unemployment is also beneficial. By reducing the number of people looking for jobs during these periods, this factor increases the likelihood U.S. citizens will be able to find a job. The Experience of Immigrants in the U.S. Labor Market This section examines the labor market experiences of immigrants in the United States. The issue of discrimination against immigrants in jobs is investigated along with the issue of the success immigrants experienced over time. Again, the issues are investigated for the historical period of immigration as well as more recent times. Interested readers are directed to Borjas (1999), Ferrie (2000), Carter and Sutch (1999), Hatton and Williamson (1998), and Friedberg and Hunt (1995) for more technical discussions. Did Immigrants Face Labor Market Discrimination? Discrimination can take various forms. The first form is wage discrimination, in which a worker of one group is paid a wage lower than an equally productive worker of another group. Empirical tests of this hypothesis generally find this type of discrimination has not existed. At any point in time, immigrants have been paid the same wage for a specific job as a native worker. If immigrants generally received lower wages than native workers, the differences reflected the lower skills of the immigrants. Historically, as discussed above, the skill level of the immigrant stream was similar to that of the native labor force, so wages did not differ much between the two groups. During more recent years, the immigrant stream has been less skilled than the native labor force, leading to the receipt of lower wages by immigrants. A second form of discrimination is in the jobs an immigrant is able to obtain. For example, in 1910, immigrants accounted for over half of the workers in various jobs; examples are miners, apparel workers, workers in steel manufacturing, meat packers, bakers, and tailors. If a reason for the employment concentration was that immigrants were kept out of alternative higher paying jobs, then the immigrants would suffer. This type of discrimination may have occurred against Catholics during the 1840s and 1850s and against the immigrants from central, southern, and eastern Europe after 1890. In both cases, it is possible the immigrants suffered because they could not obtain higher paying jobs. Yet the open nature of the U.S. schooling system and economy has been such that this effect usually did not impact the fortunes of the immigrants’ children or did so at a much smaller rate. Wage Growth, Job Mobility, and Wealth Accumulation Another aspect of how immigrants fared in the U.S. labor market is their experiences over time with respect to wage growth, job mobility, and wealth accumulation. A study done by Ferrie (1999) for immigrants arriving between 1840 and 1850, the period when the inflow of immigrants relative to the U.S. population was the highest, found immigrants from Britain and Germany generally improved their job status over time. By 1860, over 75% of the individuals reporting a low-skilled job on the Passenger Lists had moved up into a higher-skilled job, while fewer than 25% of those reporting a high-skilled job on the Passenger Lists had moved down into a lower-skilled job. Thus, the job mobility for these individuals was quite high. For immigrants from Ireland, the experience was quite different; the percentage of immigrants moving up was only 40% and the percentage moving down was over 50%. It isn’t clear if the Irish did worse because they had less education and fewer skills or whether the differences were due to some type of discrimination against them in the labor market. As to wealth, all the immigrant groups succeeded in accumulating larger amounts of wealth the longer they were in the United States, though their wealth levels fell short of those enjoyed by natives. Essentially, the evidence indicates antebellum immigrants were quite successful over time in matching their skills to the available jobs in the U.S. economy. The extent to which immigrants had success over time in the labor market in the period since the Civil War is not clear. Most researchers have thought that immigrants who arrived before 1915 had a difficult time. For example, Hanes (1996) concludes that immigrants, even those from northwest Europe, had slower earnings growth over time than natives, a finding he argues was due to poor assimilation. Hatton and Williamson (1998), on the other hand, criticize these findings on technical grounds and conclude that immigrants assimilated relatively easily into the U.S. labor market. For the period after World War II, Chiswick (1978) argues that immigrants’ wages have increased relative to those of natives the longer the immigrants have been in the United States. Borjas (1999) has criticized Chiswick’s finding by suggesting it is caused by a decline in the skills possessed by the arriving immigrants between the 1950s and the 1990s. Borjas finds that 25- to 34-year-old male immigrants who arrived in the late 1950s had wages 9% lower than comparable native males, but by 1970 had wages 6% higher. In contrast, those arriving in the late 1970s had wages 22% lower at entry. By the late 1990s, their wages were still 12% lower than comparable natives. Overall, the degree of success experienced by immigrants in the U.S. labor market remains an area of controversy. References Borjas, George J. Heaven’s Door: Immigration Policy and the American Economy. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1999. Briggs, Vernon M., Jr. Immigration and the American Labor Force. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1984. Carter, Susan B., and Richard Sutch. “Historical Perspectives on the Economic Consequences of Immigration into the United States.” In The Handbook of International Migration: The American Experience, edited by Charles Hirschman, Philip Kasinitz, and Josh DeWind, 319-341. New York: Russell Sage Foundation, 1999 Chiswick, Barry R. “The Effect of Americanization on the Earnings of Foreign-Born Men.” Journal of Political Economy 86 (1978): 897-921. Cohn, Raymond L. “Mortality on Immigrant Voyages to New York, 1836-1853.” Journal of Economic History 44 (1984): 289-300. Cohn, Raymond L. “A Comparative Analysis of European Immigrant Streams to the United States during the Early Mass Migration.” Social Science History. 19 (1995): 63-89. Erickson, Charlotte J. Leaving England: Essays on British Emigration in the Nineteenth Century. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1994. Ferenczi, Imre. International Migrations. New York: Arno Press, 1970. Ferrie, Joseph P. Yankeys Now: Immigrants in the Antebellum United States, 1840-1860. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999. Friedberg, Rachael M., and Hunt, Jennifer. “The Impact of Immigrants on Host Country Wages, Employment and Growth.” The Journal of Economic Perspectives 9 (1995): 23-44. Goldin, Claudia. “The Political Economy of Immigration Restrictions in the United States, 1890 to 1921.” In The Regulated Economy: A Historical Approach to Political Economy, edited by Claudia Goldin and Gary D. Libecap, 223-257. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1994. Grabbe, Hans-Jürgen. “European Immigration to the United States in the Early National Period, 1783-1820.” Proceeding of the American Philosophical Society 133 (1989): 190-214. Hanes, Christopher. “Immigrants’ Relative Rate of Wage Growth in the Late Nineteenth Century.” Explorations in Economic History 33 (1996): 35-64. Hansen, Marcus L. The Atlantic Migration, 1607-1860. Cambridge, MA.: Harvard University Press, 1940. Hatton, Timothy J., and Jeffrey G. Williamson. The Age of Mass Migration: Causes and Economic Impact. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998. Jones, Maldwyn Allen. American Immigration. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, Second Edition, 1960. Le May, Michael C. From Open Door to Dutch Door: An Analysis of U.S. Immigration Policy Since 1820. New York: Praeger, 1987. Margo, Robert A. Wages and Labor Markets in the United States, 1820-1860. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000. Massey, Douglas S. “Why Does Immigration Occur? A Theoretical Synthesis.” In The Handbook of International Migration: The American Experience, edited by Charles Hirschman, Philip Kasinitz, and Josh DeWind, 34-52. New York: Russell Sage Foundation, 1999. Miller, Kerby A. Emigrants and Exiles: Ireland and the Irish Exodus to North America. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1985. Nugent, Walter. Crossings: The Great Transatlantic Migrations, 1870-1914. Bloomington and Indianapolis: Indiana University Press, 1992. Taylor, Philip. The Distant Magnet. New York: Harper & Row, 1971. Thomas, Brinley. Migration and Economic Growth: A Study of Great Britain and the Atlantic Economy. Cambridge, U.K.: Cambridge University Press, 1954. U.S. Department of Commerce. Historical Statistics of the United States. Washington, DC, 1976. U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. Statistical Yearbook of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, various years. Walker, Mack. Germany and the Emigration, 1816-1885. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1964. Williamson, Jeffrey G., and Peter H. Lindert, Peter H. American Inequality: A Macroeconomic History. New York: Academic Press, 1980. Hours of Work in U.S. History Robert Whaples, Wake Forest University In the 1800s, many Americans worked seventy hours or more per week and the length of the workweek became an important political issue. Since then the workweek’s length has decreased considerably. This article presents estimates of the length of the historical workweek in the U.S., describes the history of the shorter-hours “movement,” and examines the forces that drove the workweek’s decline over time. Estimates of the Length of the Workweek Measuring the length of the workweek (or workday or workyear) is a difficult task, full of ambiguities concerning what constitutes work and who is to be considered a worker. Estimating the length of the historical workweek is even more troublesome. Before the Civil War most Americans were employed in agriculture and most of these were self-employed. Like self-employed workers in other fields, they saw no reason to record the amount of time they spent working. Often the distinction between work time and leisure time was blurry. Therefore, estimates of the length of the typical workweek before the mid-1800s are very imprecise. The Colonial Period Based on the amount of work performed — for example, crops raised per worker — Carr (1992) concludes that in the seventeenth-century Chesapeake region, “for at least six months of the year, an eight to ten-hour day of hard labor was necessary.” This does not account for other required tasks, which probably took about three hours per day. This workday was considerably longer than for English laborers, who at the time probably averaged closer to six hours of heavy labor each day. The Nineteenth Century Some observers believe that most American workers adopted the practice of working from “first light to dark” — filling all their free hours with work — throughout the colonial period and into the nineteenth century. Others are skeptical of such claims and argue that work hours increased during the nineteenth century — especially its first half. Gallman (1975) calculates “changes in implicit hours of work per agricultural worker” and estimates that hours increased 11 to 18 percent from 1800 to 1850. Fogel and Engerman (1977) argue that agricultural hours in the North increased before the Civil War due to the shift into time-intensive dairy and livestock. Weiss and Craig (1993) find evidence suggesting that agricultural workers also increased their hours of work between 1860 and 1870. Finally, Margo (2000) estimates that “on an economy-wide basis, it is probable that annual hours of work rose over the (nineteenth) century, by around 10 percent.” He credits this rise to the shift out of agriculture, a decline in the seasonality of labor demand and reductions in annual periods of nonemployment. On the other hand, it is clear that working hours declined substantially for one important group. Ransom and Sutch (1977) and Ng and Virts (1989) estimate that annual labor hours per capita fell 26 to 35 percent among African-Americans with the end of slavery. Manufacturing Hours before 1890 Our most reliable estimates of the workweek come from manufacturing, since most employers required that manufacturing workers remain at work during precisely specified hours. The Census of Manufactures began to collect this information in 1880 but earlier estimates are available. Much of what is known about average work hours in the nineteenth century comes from two surveys of manufacturing hours taken by the federal government. The first survey, known as the Weeks Report, was prepared by Joseph Weeks as part of the Census of 1880. The second was prepared in 1893 by Commissioner of Labor Carroll D. Wright, for the Senate Committee on Finance, chaired by Nelson Aldrich. It is commonly called the Aldrich Report. Both of these sources, however, have been criticized as flawed due to problems such as sample selection bias (firms whose records survived may not have been typical) and unrepresentative regional and industrial coverage. In addition, the two series differ in their estimates of the average length of the workweek by as much as four hours. These estimates are reported in Table 1. Despite the previously mentioned problems, it seems reasonable to accept two important conclusions based on these data — the length of the typical manufacturing workweek in the 1800s was very long by modern standards and it declined significantly between 1830 and 1890. Table 1 60.0 Sources: U.S. Department of Interior (1883), U.S. Senate (1893) Note: Atack and Bateman (1992), using data from census manuscripts, estimate average weekly hours to be 60.1 in 1880 — very close to Weeks’ contemporary estimate. They also find that the summer workweek was about 1.5 hours longer than the winter workweek. Hours of Work during the Twentieth Century Because of changing definitions and data sources there does not exist a consistent series of workweek estimates covering the entire twentieth century. Table 2 presents six sets of estimates of weekly hours. Despite differences among the series, there is a fairly consistent pattern, with weekly hours falling considerably during the first third of the century and much more slowly thereafter. In particular, hours fell strongly during the years surrounding World War I, so that by 1919 the eight-hour day (with six workdays per week) had been won. Hours fell sharply at the beginning of the Great Depression, especially in manufacturing, then rebounded somewhat and peaked during World War II. After World War II, the length of the workweek stabilized around forty hours. Owen’s nonstudent-male series shows little trend after World War II, but the other series show a slow, but steady, decline in the length of the average workweek. Greis’s two series are based on the average length of the workyear and adjust for paid vacations, holidays and other time-off. The last column is based on information reported by individuals in the decennial censuses and in the Current Population Survey of 1988. It may be the most accurate and representative series, as it is based entirely on the responses of individuals rather than employers. Table 2 Estimated Average Weekly Hours Worked, 1900-1988 Year 1988 39.2 Sources: Whaples (1990a), Jones (1963), Owen (1976, 1988), and Greis (1984). The last column is based on the author’s calculations using Coleman and Pencavel’s data from Table 4 (below). * = these estimates are from one year earlier than the year listed. (The figures in parentheses in the first column are unofficial estimates but are probably more precise, as they better estimate the hours of workers in industries with very long workweeks.) Hours in Other Industrial Sectors Table 3 compares the length of the workweek in manufacturing to that in other industries for which there is available information. (Unfortunately, data from the agricultural and service sectors are unavailable until late in this period.) The figures in Table 3 show that the length of the workweek was generally shorter in the other industries — sometimes considerably shorter. For example, in 1910 anthracite coalminers’ workweeks were about forty percent shorter than the average workweek among manufacturing workers. All of the series show an overall downward trend. Table 3 31.4 Sources: Douglas (1930), Jones (1963), Licht (1983), and Tables 1 and 2. Note: The manufacturing figures for the 1850s and 1870s are approximations based on averaging numbers from the Weeks and Aldrich reports from Table 1. The early estimates for the railroad industry are also approximations. Recent Trends by Race and Gender Some analysts, such as Schor (1992) have argued that the workweek increased substantially in the last half of the twentieth century. Few economists accept this conclusion, arguing that it is based on the use of faulty data (public opinion surveys) and unexplained methods of “correcting” more reliable sources. Schor’s conclusions are contradicted by numerous studies. Table 4 presents Coleman and Pencavel’s (1993a, 1993b) estimates of the average workweek of employed people — disaggregated by race and gender. For all four groups the average length of the workweek has dropped since 1950. Although median weekly hours were virtually constant for men, the upper tail of the hours distribution fell for those with little schooling and rose for the well-educated. In addition, Coleman and Pencavel also find that work hours declined for young and older men (especially black men), but changed little for white men in their prime working years. Women with relatively little schooling were working fewer hours in the 1980s than in 1940, while the reverse is true of well-educated women. Table 4 Source: Coleman and Pencavel (1993a, 1993b) Broader Trends in Time Use, 1880 to 2040 In 1880 a typical male household head had very little leisure time — only about 1.8 hours per day over the course of a year. However, as Fogel’s (2000) estimates in Table 5 show, between 1880 and 1995 the amount of work per day fell nearly in half, allowing leisure time to more than triple. Because of the decline in the length of the workweek and the declining portion of a lifetime that is spent in paid work (due largely to lengthening periods of education and retirement) the fraction of the typical American’s lifetime devoted to work has become remarkably small. Based on these trends Fogel estimates that four decades from now less than one-fourth of our discretionary time (time not needed for sleep, meals, and hygiene) will be devoted to paid work — over three-fourths will be available for doing what we wish. Table 5 Division of the Day for the Average Male Household Head over the Course of a Year, 1880 and 1995 Activity 246,000 Source: Fogel (2000) Notes: Discretionary hours exclude hours used for sleep, meals and hygiene. Work hours include paid work, travel to and from work, and household chores. Postwar International Comparisons While hours of work have decreased slowly in the U.S. since the end of World War II, they have decreased more rapidly in Western Europe. Greis (1984) calculates that annual hours worked per employee fell from 1908 to 1704 in the U.S. between 1950 and 1979, a 10.7 percent decrease. This compares to a 21.8 percent decrease across a group of twelve Western European countries, where the average fell from 2170 hours to 1698 hours between 1950 and 1979. Perhaps the most precise way of measuring work hours is to have individuals fill out diaries on their day-to-day and hour-to-hour time use. Table 7 presents an international comparison of average work hours both inside and outside of the workplace, by adult men and women — averaging those who are employed with those who are not. (Juster and Stafford (1991) caution, however, that making these comparisons requires a good deal of guesswork.) These numbers show a significant drop in total work per week in the U.S. between 1965 and 1981. They also show that total work by men and women is very similar, although it is divided differently. Total work hours in the U.S. were fairly similar to those in Japan, but greater than in Denmark, while less than in the USSR. Table 7 Source: Juster and Stafford (1991) The Shorter Hours “Movement” in the U.S. The Colonial Period Captain John Smith, after mapping New England’s coast, came away convinced that three days’ work per week would satisfy any settler. Far from becoming a land of leisure, however, the abundant resources of British America and the ideology of its settlers, brought forth high levels of work. Many colonial Americans held the opinion that prosperity could be taken as a sign of God’s pleasure with the individual, viewed work as inherently good and saw idleness as the devil’s workshop. Rodgers (1978) argues that this work ethic spread and eventually reigned supreme in colonial America. The ethic was consistent with the American experience, since high returns to effort meant that hard work often yielded significant increases in wealth. In Virginia, authorities also transplanted the Statue of Artificers, which obliged all Englishmen (except the gentry) to engage in productive activity from sunrise to sunset. Likewise, a 1670 Massachusetts law demanded a minimum ten-hour workday, but it is unlikely that these laws had any impact on the behavior of most free workers. The Revolutionary War Period Roediger and Foner (1989) contend that the Revolutionary War era brought a series of changes that undermined support for sun-to-sun work. The era’s republican ideology emphasized that workers needed free time, away from work, to participate in democracy. Simultaneously, the development of merchant capitalism meant that there were, for the first time, a significant number of wageworkers. Roediger and Foner argue that reducing labor costs was crucial to the profitability of these workers’ employers, who reduced costs by squeezing more work from their employees — reducing time for meals, drink and rest and sometimes even rigging the workplace’s official clock. Incensed by their employers’ practice of paying a flat daily wage during the long summer shift and resorting to piece rates during short winter days, Philadelphia’s carpenters mounted America’s first ten-hour-day strike in May 1791. (The strike was unsuccessful.) 1820s: The Shorter Hours Movement Begins Changes in the organization of work, with the continued rise of merchant capitalists, the transition from the artisanal shop to the early factory, and an intensified work pace had become widespread by about 1825. These changes produced the first extensive, aggressive movement among workers for shorter hours, as the ten-hour movement blossomed in New York City, Philadelphia and Boston. Rallying around the ten-hour banner, workers formed the first city-central labor union in the U.S., the first labor newspaper, and the first workingmen’s political party — all in Philadelphia — in the late 1820s. Early Debates over Shorter Hours Although the length of the workday is largely an economic decision arrived at by the interaction of the supply and demand for labor, advocates of shorter hours and foes of shorter hours have often argued the issue on moral grounds. In the early 1800s, advocates argued that shorter work hours improved workers’ health, allowed them time for self-improvement and relieved unemployment. Detractors countered that workers would abuse leisure time (especially in saloons) and that long, dedicated hours of work were the path to success, which should not be blocked for the great number of ambitious workers. 1840s: Early Agitation for Government Intervention When Samuel Slater built the first textile mills in the U.S., “workers labored from sun up to sun down in summer and during the darkness of both morning and evening in the winter. These hours ? only attracted attention when they exceeded the common working day of twelve hours,” according to Ware (1931). During the 1830s, an increased work pace, tighter supervision, and the addition of about fifteen minutes to the work day (partly due to the introduction of artificial lighting during winter months), plus the growth of a core of more permanent industrial workers, fueled a campaign for a shorter workweek among mill workers in Lowell, Massachusetts, whose workweek averaged about 74 hours. This agitation was led by Sarah Bagley and the New England Female Labor Reform Association, which, beginning in 1845, petitioned the state legislature to intervene in the determination of hours. The petitions were followed by America’s first-ever examination of labor conditions by a governmental investigating committee. The Massachusetts legislature proved to be very unsympathetic to the workers’ demands, but similar complaints led to the passage of laws in New Hampshire (1847) and Pennsylvania (1848), declaring ten hours to be the legal length of the working day. However, these laws also specified that a contract freely entered into by employee and employer could set any length for the workweek. Hence, these laws had little impact. Legislation passed by the federal government had a more direct, though limited effect. On March 31, 1840, President Martin Van Buren issued an executive order mandating a ten-hour day for all federal employees engaged in manual work. 1860s: Grand Eight Hours Leagues As the length of the workweek gradually declined, political agitation for shorter hours seems to have waned for the next two decades. However, immediately after the Civil War reductions in the length of the workweek reemerged as an important issue for organized labor. The new goal was an eight-hour day. Roediger (1986) argues that many of the new ideas about shorter hours grew out of the abolitionists’ critique of slavery — that long hours, like slavery, stunted aggregate demand in the economy. The leading proponent of this idea, Ira Steward, argued that decreasing the length of the workweek would raise the standard of living of workers by raising their desired consumption levels as their leisure expanded, and by ending unemployment. The hub of the newly launched movement was Boston and Grand Eight Hours Leagues sprang up around the country in 1865 and 1866. The leaders of the movement called the meeting of the first national organization to unite workers of different trades, the National Labor Union, which met in Baltimore in 1867. In response to this movement, eight states adopted general eight-hour laws, but again the laws allowed employer and employee to mutually consent to workdays longer than the “legal day.” Many critics saw these laws and this agitation as a hoax, because few workers actually desired to work only eight hours per day at their original hourly pay rate. The passage of the state laws did foment action by workers — especially in Chicago where parades, a general strike, rioting and martial law ensued. In only a few places did work hours fall after the passage of these laws. Many become disillusioned with the idea of using the government to promote shorter hours and by the late 1860s, efforts to push for a universal eight-hour day had been put on the back burner. The First Enforceable Hours Laws Despite this lull in shorter-hours agitation, in 1874, Massachusetts passed the nation’s first enforceable ten-hour law. It covered only female workers and became fully effective by 1879. This legislation was fairly late by European standards. Britain had passed its first effective Factory Act, setting maximum hours for almost half of its very young textile workers, in 1833. 1886: Year of Dashed Hopes In the early 1880s organized labor in the U.S. was fairly weak. In 1884, the short-lived Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions (FOTLU) fired a “shot in the dark.” During its final meeting, before dissolving, the Federation “ordained” May 1, 1886 as the date on which workers would cease working beyond eight hours per day. Meanwhile, the Knights of Labor, which had begun as a secret fraternal society and evolved a labor union, began to gain strength. It appears that many nonunionized workers, especially the unskilled, came to see in the Knights a chance to obtain a better deal from their employers, perhaps even to obtain the eight-hour day. FOTLU’s call for workers to simply walk off the job after eight hours beginning on May 1, plus the activities of socialist and anarchist labor organizers and politicians, and the apparent strength of the Knights combined to attract members in record numbers. The Knights mushroomed and its new membership demanded that their local leaders support them in attaining the eight-hour day. Many smelled victory in the air — the movement to win the eight-hour day became frenzied and the goal became “almost a religious crusade” (Grob, 1961). The Knights’ leader, Terence Powderly, thought that the push for a May 1 general strike for eight-hours was “rash, short-sighted and lacking in system” and “must prove abortive” (Powderly, 1890). He offered no effective alternative plan but instead tried to block the mass action, issuing a “secret circular” condemning the use of strikes. Powderly reasoned that low incomes forced workmen to accept long hours. Workers didn’t want shorter hours unless their daily pay was maintained, but employers were unwilling and/or unable to offer this. Powderly’s rival, labor leader Samuel Gompers, agreed that “the movement of ’86 did not have the advantage of favorable conditions” (Gompers, 1925). Nelson (1986) points to divisions among workers, which probably had much to do with the failure in 1886 of the drive for the eight-hour day. Some insisted on eight hours with ten hours’ pay, but others were willing to accept eight hours with eight hours’ pay, Haymarket Square Bombing The eight-hour push of 1886 was, in Norman Ware’s words, “a flop” (Ware, 1929). Lack of will and organization among workers was undoubtedly important, but its collapse was aided by violence that marred strikes and political rallies in Chicago and Milwaukee. The 1886 drive for eight-hours literally blew up in organized labor’s face. At Haymarket Square in Chicago an anarchist bomb killed fifteen policemen during an eight-hour rally, and in Milwaukee’s Bay View suburb nine strikers were killed as police tried to disperse roving pickets. The public backlash and fear of revolution damned the eight-hour organizers along with the radicals and dampened the drive toward eight hours — although it is estimated that the strikes of May 1886 shortened the workweek for about 200,000 industrial workers, especially in New York City and Cincinnati. The AFL’s Strategy After the demise of the Knights of Labor, the American Federation of Labor (AFL) became the strongest labor union in the U.S. It held shorter hours as a high priority. The inside cover of its Proceedings carried two slogans in large type: “Eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, eight hours for what we will” and “Whether you work by the piece or work by the day, decreasing the hours increases the pay.” (The latter slogan was coined by Ira Steward’s wife, Mary.) In the aftermath of 1886, the American Federation of Labor adopted a new strategy of selecting each year one industry in which it would attempt to win the eight-hour day, after laying solid plans, organizing, and building up a strike fund war chest by taxing nonstriking unions. The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners was selected first and May 1, 1890 was set as a day of national strikes. It is estimated that nearly 100,000 workers gained the eight-hour day as a result of these strikes in 1890. However, other unions turned down the opportunity to follow the carpenters’ example and the tactic was abandoned. Instead, the length of the workweek continued to erode during this period, sometimes as the result of a successful local strike, more often as the result of broader economic forces. The Spread of Hours Legislation Massachusetts’ first hours law in 1874 set sixty hours per week as the legal maximum for women, in 1892 this was cut to 58, in 1908 to 56, and in 1911 to 54. By 1900, 26 percent of states had maximum hours laws covering women, children and, in some, adult men (generally only those in hazardous industries). The percentage of states with maximum hours laws climbed to 58 percent in 1910, 76 percent in 1920, and 84 percent in 1930. Steinberg (1982) calculates that the percent of employees covered climbed from 4 percent nationally in 1900, to 7 percent in 1910, and 12 percent in 1920 and 1930. In addition, these laws became more restrictive with the average legal standard falling from a maximum of 59.3 hours per week in 1900 to 56.7 in 1920. According to her calculations, in 1900 about 16 percent of the workers covered by these laws were adult men, 49 percent were adult women and the rest were minors. Court Rulings The banner years for maximum hours legislation were right around 1910. This may have been partly a reaction to the Supreme Court’s ruling upholding female-hours legislation in the Muller vs. Oregon case (1908). The Court’s rulings were not always completely consistent during this period, however. In 1898 the Court upheld a maximum eight-hour day for workmen in the hazardous industries of mining and smelting in Utah in Holden vs. Hardy. In Lochner vs. New York (1905), it rejected as unconstitutional New York’s ten-hour day for bakers, which was also adopted (at least nominally) out of concerns for safety. The defendant showed that mortality rates in baking were only slightly above average, and lower than those for many unregulated occupations, arguing that this was special interest legislation, designed to favor unionized bakers. Several state courts, on the other hand, supported laws regulating the hours of men in only marginally hazardous work. By 1917, in Bunting vs. Oregon, the Supreme Court seemingly overturned the logic of the Lochner decision, supporting a state law that required overtime payment for all men working long hours. The general presumption during this period was that the courts would allow regulation of labor concerning women and children, who were thought to be incapable of bargaining on an equal footing with employers and in special need of protection. Men were allowed freedom of contract unless it could be proven that regulating their hours served a higher good for the population at large. New Arguments about Shorter Hours During the first decades of the twentieth century, arguments favoring shorter hours moved away from Steward’s line that shorter hours increased pay and reduced unemployment to arguments that shorter hours were good for employers because they made workers more productive. A new cadre of social scientists began to offer evidence that long hours produced health-threatening, productivity-reducing fatigue. This line of reasoning, advanced in the court brief of Louis Brandeis and Josephine Goldmark, was crucial in the Supreme Court’s decision to support state regulation of women’s hours in Muller vs. Oregon. Goldmark’s book, Fatigue and Efficiency (1912) was a landmark. In addition, data relating to hours and output among British and American war workers during World War I helped convince some that long hours could be counterproductive. Businessmen, however, frequently attacked the shorter hours movement as merely a ploy to raise wages, since workers were generally willing to work overtime at higher wage rates. Federal Legislation in the 1910s In 1912 the Federal Public Works Act was passed, which provided that every contract to which the U.S. government was a party must contain an eight-hour day clause. Three year later LaFollette’s Bill established maximum hours for maritime workers. These were preludes to the most important shorter-hours law enacted by Congress during this period — 1916’s Adamson Act, which was passed to counter a threatened nationwide strike, granted rail workers the basic eight hour day. (The law set eight hours as the basic workday and required higher overtime pay for longer hours.) World War I and Its Aftermath Labor markets became very tight during World War I as the demand for workers soared and the unemployment rate plunged. These forces put workers in a strong bargaining position, which they used to obtain shorter work schedules. The move to shorter hours was also pushed by the federal government, which gave unprecedented support to unionization. The federal government began to intervene in labor disputes for the first time, and the National War Labor Board “almost invariably awarded the basic eight-hour day when the question of hours was at issue” in labor disputes (Cahill, 1932). At the end of the war everyone wondered if organized labor would maintain its newfound power and the crucial test case was the steel industry. Blast furnace workers generally put in 84-hour workweeks. These abnormally long hours were the subject of much denunciation and a major issue in a strike that began in September 1919. The strike failed (and organized labor’s power receded during the 1920s), but four years later US Steel reduced its workday from twelve to eight hours. The move came after much arm-twisting by President Harding but its timing may be explained by immigration restrictions and the loss of immigrant workers who were willing to accept such long hours (Shiells, 1990). The Move to a Five-day Workweek During the 1920s agitation for shorter workdays largely disappeared, now that the workweek had fallen to about 50 hours. However, pressure arose to grant half-holidays on Saturday or Saturday off — especially in industries whose workers were predominantly Jewish. By 1927 at least 262 large establishments had adopted the five-day week, while only 32 had it by 1920. The most notable action was Henry Ford’s decision to adopt the five-day week in 1926. Ford employed more than half of the nation’s approximately 400,000 workers with five-day weeks. However, Ford’s motives were questioned by many employers who argued that productivity gains from reducing hours ceased beyond about forty-eight hours per week. Even the reformist American Labor Legislation Review greeted the call for a five-day workweek with lukewarm interest. Changing Attitudes in the 1920s Hunnicutt (1988) argues that during the 1920s businessmen and economists began to see shorter hours as a threat to future economic growth. With the development of advertising — the “gospel of consumption” — a new vision of progress was proposed to American workers. It replaced the goal of leisure time with a list of things to buy and business began to persuade workers that more work brought more tangible rewards. Many workers began to oppose further decreases in the length of the workweek. Hunnicutt concludes that a new work ethic arose as Americans threw off the psychology of scarcity for one of abundance. Hours’ Reduction during the Great Depression Then the Great Depression hit the American economy. By 1932 about half of American employers had shortened hours. Rather than slash workers’ real wages, employers opted to lay-off many workers (the unemployment rate hit 25 percent) and tried to protect the ones they kept on by the sharing of work among them. President Hoover’s Commission for Work Sharing pushed voluntary hours reductions and estimated that they had saved three to five million jobs. Major employers like Sears, GM, and Standard Oil scaled down their workweeks and Kellogg’s and the Akron tire industry pioneered the six-hour day. Amid these developments, the AFL called for a federally-mandated thirty-hour workweek. The Black-Connery 30-Hours Bill and the NIRA The movement for shorter hours as a depression-fighting work-sharing measure built such a seemingly irresistible momentum that by 1933 observers predicting that the “30-hour week was within a month of becoming federal law” (Hunnicutt, 1988). During the period after the 1932 election but before Franklin Roosevelt’s inauguration, Congressional hearings on thirty hours began, and less than one month into FDR’s first term, the Senate passed, 53 to 30, a thirty-hour bill authored by Hugo Black. The bill was sponsored in the House by William Connery. Roosevelt originally supported the Black-Connery proposals, but soon backed off, uneasy with a provision forbidding importation of goods produced by workers whose weeks were longer than thirty hours, and convinced by arguments of business that trying to legislate fewer hours might have disastrous results. Instead, FDR backed the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA). Hunnicutt argues that an implicit deal was struck in the NIRA. Labor leaders were persuaded by NIRA Section 7a’s provisions — which guaranteed union organization and collective bargaining — to support the NIRA rather than the Black-Connery Thirty-Hour Bill. Business, with the threat of thirty hours hanging over its head, fell raggedly into line. (Most historians cite other factors as the key to the NIRA’s passage. See Barbara Alexander’s article on the NIRA in this encyclopedia.) When specific industry codes were drawn up by the NIRA-created National Recovery Administration (NRA), shorter hours were deemphasized. Despite a plan by NRA Administrator Hugh Johnson to make blanket provisions for a thirty-five hour workweek in all industry codes, by late August 1933, the momentum toward the thirty-hour week had dissipated. About half of employees covered by NRA codes had their hours set at forty per week and nearly 40 percent had workweeks longer than forty hours. The FSLA: Federal Overtime Law Hunnicutt argues that the entire New Deal can be seen as an attempt to keep shorter-hours advocates at bay. After the Supreme Court struck down the NRA, Roosevelt responded to continued demands for thirty hours with the Works Progress Administration, the Wagner Act, Social Security, and, finally, the Fair Labor Standards Acts, which set a federal minimum wage and decreed that overtime beyond forty hours per week would be paid at one-and-a-half times the base rate in covered industries. The Demise of the Shorter Hours’ Movement As the Great Depression ended, average weekly work hours slowly climbed from their low reached in 1934. During World War II hours reached a level almost as high as at the end of World War I. With the postwar return of weekly work hours to the forty-hour level the shorter hours movement effectively ended. Occasionally organized labor’s leaders announced that they would renew the push for shorter hours, but they found that most workers didn’t desire a shorter workweek. The Case of Kellogg’s Offsetting isolated examples of hours reductions after World War II, there were noteworthy cases of backsliding. Hunnicutt (1996) has studied the case of Kellogg’s in great detail. In 1946, 87% of women and 71% of men working at Kellogg’s voted to return to the six-hour day, with the end of the war. Over the course of the next decade, however, the tide turned. By 1957 most departments had opted to switch to 8-hour shifts, so that only about one-quarter of the work force, mostly women, retained a six-hour shift. Finally, in 1985, the last department voted to adopt an 8-hour workday. Workers, especially male workers, began to favor additional money more than the extra two hours per day of free time. In interviews they explained that they needed the extra money to buy a wide range of consumer items and to keep up with the neighbors. Several men told about the friction that resulted when men spent too much time around the house: “The wives didn’t like the men underfoot all day.” “The wife always found something for me to do if I hung around.” “We got into a lot of fights.” During the 1950s, the threat of unemployment evaporated and the moral condemnation for being a “work hog” no longer made sense. In addition, the rise of quasi-fixed employment costs (such as health insurance) induced management to push workers toward a longer workday. The Current Situation As the twentieth century ended there was nothing resembling a shorter hours “movement.” The length of the workweek continues to fall for most groups — but at a glacial pace. Some Americans complain about a lack of free time but the vast majority seem content with an average workweek of roughly forty hours — channeling almost all of their growing wages into higher incomes rather than increased leisure time. Causes of the Decline in the Length of the Workweek Supply, Demand and Hours of Work The length of the workweek, like other labor market outcomes, is determined by the interaction of the supply and demand for labor. Employers are torn by conflicting pressures. Holding everything else constant, they would like employees to work long hours because this means that they can utilize their equipment more fully and offset any fixed costs from hiring each worker (such as the cost of health insurance — common today, but not a consideration a century ago). On the other hand, longer hours can bring reduced productivity due to worker fatigue and can bring worker demands for higher hourly wages to compensate for putting in long hours. If they set the workweek too high, workers may quit and few workers will be willing to work for them at a competitive wage rate. Thus, workers implicitly choose among a variety of jobs — some offering shorter hours and lower earnings, others offering longer hours and higher earnings. Economic Growth and the Long-Term Reduction of Work Hours Historically employers and employees often agreed on very long workweeks because the economy was not very productive (by today’s standards) and people had to work long hours to earn enough money to feed, clothe and house their families. The long-term decline in the length of the workweek, in this view, has primarily been due to increased economic productivity, which has yielded higher wages for workers. Workers responded to this rise in potential income by “buying” more leisure time, as well as by buying more goods and services. In a recent survey, a sizeable majority of economic historians agreed with this view. Over eighty percent accepted the proposition that “the reduction in the length of the workweek in American manufacturing before the Great Depression was primarily due to economic growth and the increased wages it brought” (Whaples, 1995). Other broad forces probably played only a secondary role. For example, roughly two-thirds of economic historians surveyed rejected the proposition that the efforts of labor unions were the primary cause of the drop in work hours before the Great Depression. Winning the Eight-Hour Day in the Era of World War I The swift reduction of the workweek in the period around World War I has been extensively analyzed by Whaples (1990b). His findings support the consensus that economic growth was the key to reduced work hours. Whaples links factors such as wages, labor legislation, union power, ethnicity, city size, leisure opportunities, age structure, wealth and homeownership, health, education, alternative employment opportunities, industrial concentration, seasonality of employment, and technological considerations to changes in the average workweek in 274 cities and 118 industries. He finds that the rapid economic expansion of the World War I period, which pushed up real wages by more than 18 percent between 1914 and 1919, explains about half of the drop in the length of the workweek. The reduction of immigration during the war was important, as it deprived employers of a group of workers who were willing to put in long hours, explaining about one-fifth of the hours decline. The rapid electrification of manufacturing seems also to have played an important role in reducing the workweek. Increased unionization explains about one-seventh of the reduction, and federal and state legislation and policies that mandated reduced workweeks also had a noticeable role. Cross-sectional Patterns from 1919 In 1919 the average workweek varied tremendously, emphasizing the point that not all workers desired the same workweek. The workweek exceeded 69 hours in the iron blast furnace, cottonseed oil, and sugar beet industries, but fell below 45 hours in industries such as hats and caps, fur goods, and women’s clothing. Cities’ averages also differed dramatically. In a few Midwestern steel mill towns average workweeks exceeded 60 hours. In a wide range of low-wage Southern cities they reached the high 50s, but in high-wage Western ports, like Seattle, the workweek fell below 45 hours. Whaples (1990a) finds that among the most important city-level determinants of the workweek during this period were the availability of a pool of agricultural workers, the capital-labor ratio, horsepower per worker, and the amount of employment in large establishments. Hours rose as each of these increased. Eastern European immigrants worked significantly longer than others, as did people in industries whose output varied considerably from season to season. High unionization and strike levels reduced hours to a small degree. The average female employee worked about six and a half fewer hours per week in 1919 than did the average male employee. In city-level comparisons, state maximum hours laws appear to have had little affect on average work hours, once the influences of other factors have been taken into account. One possibility is that these laws were passed only after economic forces lowered the length of the workweek. Overall, in cities where wages were one percent higher, hours were about -0.13 to -0.05 percent lower. Again, this suggests that during the era of declining hours, workers were willing to use higher wages to “buy” shorter hours. Annotated Bibliography Perhaps the most comprehensive survey of the shorter hours movement in the U.S. is David Roediger and Philip Foner’s Our Own Time: A History of American Labor and the Working Day (1989). It contends that “the length of the working day has been the central issue for the American labor movement during its most vigorous periods of activity, uniting workers along lines of craft, gender, and ethnicity.” Critics argue that its central premise is flawed because workers have often been divided about the optimal length of the workweek. It explains the point of view of organized labor and recounts numerous historically important events and arguments, but does not attempt to examine in detail the broader economic forces that determined the length of the workweek. An earlier useful comprehensive work is Marion Cahill’s Shorter Hours: A Study of the Movement since the Civil War (1932). Benjamin Hunnicutt’s Work Without End: Abandoning Shorter Hours for the Right to Work (1988) focuses on the period from 1920 to 1940 and traces the political, intellectual, and social “dialogues” that changed the American concept of progress from dreams of more leisure to an “obsession” with the importance of work and wage-earning. This work’s detailed analysis and insights are valuable, but it draws many of its inferences from what intellectuals said about shorter hours, rather than spending time on the actual decision makers — workers and employers. Hunnicutt’s Kellogg’s Six-Hour Day (1996), is important because it does exactly this — interviewing employees and examining the motives and decisions of a prominent employer. Unfortunately, it shows that one must carefully interpret what workers say on the subject, as they are prone to reinterpret their own pasts so that their choices can be more readily rationalized. (See EH.NET’s review: http://eh.net/book_reviews/kelloggs-six-hour-day/ .) Economists have given surprisingly little attention to the determinants of the workweek. The most comprehensive treatment is Robert Whaples’ “The Shortening of the American Work Week” (1990), which surveys estimates of the length of the workweek, the shorter hours movement, and economic theories about the length of the workweek. Its core is an extensive statistical examination of the determinants of the workweek in the period around World War I. References Atack, Jeremy and Fred Bateman. “How Long Was the Workday in 1880?” Journal of Economic History 52, no. 1 (1992): 129-160. Cahill, Marion Cotter. Shorter Hours: A Study of the Movement since the Civil War. New York: Columbia University Press, 1932. Carr, Lois Green. “Emigration and the Standard of Living: The Seventeenth Century Chesapeake.” Journal of Economic History 52, no. 2 (1992): 271-291. Coleman, Mary T. and John Pencavel. “Changes in Work Hours of Male Employees, 1940-1988.” Industrial and Labor Relations Review 46, no. 2 (1993a): 262-283. Coleman, Mary T. and John Pencavel. “Trends in Market Work Behavior of Women since 1940.” Industrial and Labor Relations Review 46, no. 4 (1993b): 653-676. Douglas, Paul. Real Wages in the United States, 1890-1926. Boston: Houghton, 1930. Fogel, Robert. The Fourth Great Awakening and the Future of Egalitarianism. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000. Fogel, Robert and Stanley Engerman. Time on the Cross: The Economics of American Negro Slavery. Boston: Little, Brown, 1974. Gallman, Robert. “The Agricultural Sector and the Pace of Economic Growth: U.S. Experience in the Nineteenth Century.” In Essays in Nineteenth-Century Economic History: The Old Northwest, edited by David Klingaman and Richard Vedder. Athens, OH: Ohio University Press, 1975. Goldmark, Josephine. Fatigue and Efficiency. New York: Charities Publication Committee, 1912. Gompers, Samuel. Seventy Years of Life and Labor: An Autobiography. New York: Dutton, 1925. Greis, Theresa Diss. The Decline of Annual Hours Worked in the United States, since 1947. Manpower and Human Resources Studies, no. 10, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, 1984. Grob, Gerald. Workers and Utopia: A Study of Ideological Conflict in the American Labor Movement, 1865-1900. Evanston: Northwestern University Press, 1961. Hunnicutt, Benjamin Kline. Work Without End: Abandoning Shorter Hours for the Right to Work. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1988. Hunnicutt, Benjamin Kline. Kellogg’s Six-Hour Day. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1996. Jones, Ethel. “New Estimates of Hours of Work per Week and Hourly Earnings, 1900-1957.” Review of Economics and Statistics 45, no. 4 (1963): 374-385. Juster, F. Thomas and Frank P. Stafford. “The Allocation of Time: Empirical Findings, Behavioral Models, and Problems of Measurement.” Journal of Economic Literature 29, no. 2 (1991): 471-522. Licht, Walter. Working for the Railroad: The Organization of Work in the Nineteenth Century. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1983. Margo, Robert. “The Labor Force in the Nineteenth Century.” In The Cambridge Economic History of the United States, Volume II, The Long Nineteenth Century, edited by Stanley Engerman and Robert Gallman, 207-243. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2000. Nelson, Bruce. “‘We Can’t Get Them to Do Aggressive Work': Chicago’s Anarchists and the Eight-Hour Movement.” International Labor and Working Class History 29 (1986). Ng, Kenneth and Nancy Virts. “The Value of Freedom.” Journal of Economic History 49, no. 4 (1989): 958-965. Owen, John. “Workweeks and Leisure: An Analysis of Trends, 1948-1975.” Monthly Labor Review 99 (1976). Owen, John. “Work-time Reduction in the United States and Western Europe.” Monthly Labor Review 111 (1988). Powderly, Terence. Thirty Years of Labor, 1859-1889. Columbus: Excelsior, 1890. Ransom, Roger and Richard Sutch. One Kind of Freedom: The Economic Consequences of Emancipation. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1977. Rodgers, Daniel. The Work Ethic in Industrial America, 1850-1920. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1978. Roediger, David. “Ira Steward and the Antislavery Origins of American Eight-Hour Theory.” Labor History 27 (1986). Roediger, David and Philip Foner. Our Own Time: A History of American Labor and the Working Day. New York: Verso, 1989. Schor, Juliet B. The Overworked American: The Unexpected Decline in Leisure. New York: Basic Books, 1992. Shiells, Martha Ellen, “Collective Choice of Working Conditions: Hours in British and U.S. Iron and Steel, 1890-1923.” Journal of Economic History 50, no. 2 (1990): 379-392. Steinberg, Ronnie. Wages and Hours: Labor and Reform in Twentieth-Century America. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1982. United States, Department of Interior, Census Office. Report on the Statistics of Wages in Manufacturing Industries, by Joseph Weeks, 1880 Census, Vol. 20. Washington: GPO, 1883. United States Senate. Senate Report 1394, Fifty-Second Congress, Second Session. “Wholesale Prices, Wages, and Transportation.” Washington: GPO, 1893. Ware, Caroline. The Early New England Cotton Manufacture: A Study of Industrial Beginnings. Boston: Houghton-Mifflin, 1931. Ware, Norman. The Labor Movement in the United States, 1860-1895. New York: Appleton, 1929. Weiss, Thomas and Lee Craig. “Agricultural Productivity Growth during the Decade of the Civil War.” Journal of Economic History 53, no. 3 (1993): 527-548. Whaples, Robert. “The Shortening of the American Work Week: An Economic and Historical Analysis of Its Context, Causes, and Consequences.” Ph.D. dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1990a. Whaples, Robert. “Winning the Eight-Hour Day, 1909-1919.” Journal of Economic History 50, no. 2 (1990b): 393-406. Whaples, Robert. “Where Is There Consensus Among American Economic Historians? The Results of a Survey on Forty Propositions.” Journal of Economic History 55, no. 1 (1995): 139-154. Citation: Whaples, Robert. “Hours of Work in U.S. History”. EH.Net Encyclopedia, edited by Robert Whaples. August 14, 2001. URL http://eh.net/encyclopedia/hours-of-work-in-u-s-history/ Economic History of Hong Kong Catherine R. Schenk, University of Glasgow Hong Kong’s economic and political history has been primarily determined by its geographical location. The territory of Hong Kong is comprised of two main islands (Hong Kong Island and Lantau Island) and a mainland hinterland. It thus forms a natural geographic port for Guangdong province in Southeast China. In a sense, there is considerable continuity in Hong Kong’s position in the international economy since its origins were as a commercial entrepot for China’s regional and global trade, and this is still a role it plays today. From a relatively unpopulated territory at the beginning of the nineteenth century, Hong Kong grew to become one of the most important international financial centers in the world. Hong Kong also underwent a rapid and successful process of industrialization from the 1950s that captured the imagination of economists and historians in the 1980s and 1990s. Hong Kong from 1842 to 1949 After being ceded by China to the British under the Treaty of Nanking in 1842, the colony of Hong Kong quickly became a regional center for financial and commercial services based particularly around the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank and merchant companies such as Jardine Matheson. In 1841 there were only 7500 Chinese inhabitants of Hong Kong and a handful of foreigners, but by 1859 the Chinese community was over 85,000 supplemented by about 1600 foreigners. The economy was closely linked to commercial activity, dominated by shipping, banking and merchant companies. Gradually there was increasing diversification to services and retail outlets to meet the needs of the local population, and also shipbuilding and maintenance linked to the presence of the British naval and merchant shipping. There was some industrial expansion in the nineteenth century; notably sugar refining, cement and ice factories among the foreign sector, alongside smaller-scale local workshop manufactures. The mainland territory of Hong Kong was ceded to British rule by two further treaties in this period; Kowloon in 1860 and the New Territories in 1898. Hong Kong was profoundly affected by the disastrous events in Mainland China in the inter-war period. After overthrow of the dynastic system in 1911, the Kuomintang (KMT) took a decade to pull together a republican nation-state. The Great Depression and fluctuations in the international price of silver then disrupted China’s economic relations with the rest of the world in the 1930s. From 1937, China descended into the Sino-Japanese War. Two years after the end of World War II, the civil war between the KMT and Chinese Communist Party pushed China into a downward economic spiral. During this period, Hong Kong suffered from the slowdown in world trade and in China’s trade in particular. However, problems on the mainland also diverted business and entrepreneurs from Shanghai and other cities to the relative safety and stability of the British colonial port of Hong Kong. Post-War Industrialization After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1949, the mainland began a process of isolation from the international economy, partly for ideological reasons and partly because of Cold War embargos on trade imposed first by the United States in 1949 and then by the United Nations in 1951. Nevertheless, Hong Kong was vital to the international economic links that the PRC continued in order to pursue industrialization and support grain imports. Even during the period of self-sufficiency in the 1960s, Hong Kong’s imports of food and water from the PRC were a vital source of foreign exchange revenue that ensured Hong Kong’s usefulness to the mainland. In turn, cheap food helped to restrain rises in the cost of living in Hong Kong thus helping to keep wages low during the period of labor-intensive industrialization. The industrialization of Hong Kong is usually dated from the embargoes of the 1950s. Certainly, Hong Kong’s prosperity could no longer depend on the China trade in this decade. However, as seen above, industry emerged in the nineteenth century and it began to expand in the interwar period. Nevertheless, industrialization accelerated after 1945 with the inflow of refugees, entrepreneurs and capital fleeing the civil war on the mainland. The most prominent example is immigrants from Shanghai who created the cotton spinning industry in the colony. Hong Kong’s industry was founded in the textile sector in the 1950s before gradually diversifying in the 1960s to clothing, electronics, plastics and other labor-intensive production mainly for export. The economic development of Hong Kong is unusual in a variety of respects. First, industrialization was accompanied by increasing numbers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) rather than consolidation. In 1955, 91 percent of manufacturing establishments employed fewer than one hundred workers, a proportion that increased to 96.5 percent by 1975. Factories employing fewer than one hundred workers accounted for 42 percent of Hong Kong’s domestic exports to the U.K. in 1968, amounting to HK$1.2 billion. At the end of 2002, SMEs still amounted to 98 percent of enterprises, providing 60 percent of total private employment. Second, until the late 1960s, the government did not engage in active industrial planning. This was partly because the government was preoccupied with social spending on housing large flows of immigrants, and partly because of an ideological sympathy for free market forces. This means that Hong Kong fits outside the usual models of Asian economic development based on state-led industrialization (Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan) or domination of foreign firms (Singapore) or large firms with close relations to the state (Japan, South Korea). Low taxes, lax employment laws, absence of government debt, and free trade are all pillars of the Hong Kong experience of economic development. In fact, of course, the reality was very different from the myth of complete laissez-faire. The government’s programs of public housing, land reclamation, and infrastructure investment were ambitious. New industrial towns were built to house immigrants, provide employment and aid industry. The government subsidized industry indirectly through this public housing, which restrained rises in the cost of living that would have threatened Hong Kong’s labor-cost advantage in manufacturing. The government also pursued an ambitious public education program, creating over 300,000 new primary school places between 1954 and 1961. By 1966, 99.8% of school-age children were attending primary school, although free universal primary school was not provided until 1971. Secondary school provision was expanded in the 1970s, and from 1978 the government offered compulsory free education for all children up to the age of 15. The hand of government was much lighter on international trade and finance. Exchange controls were limited to a few imposed by the U.K., and there were no controls on international flows of capital. Government expenditure even fell from 7.5% of GDP in the 1960s to 6.5% in the 1970s. In the same decades, British government spending as a percent of GDP rose from 17% to 20%. From the mid-1950s Hong Kong’s rapid success as a textile and garment exporter generated trade friction that resulted in voluntary export restraints in a series of treaties with the U.K. beginning in 1959. Despite these agreements, Hong Kong’s exporters continued to exploit their flexibility and adaptability to increase production and find new markets. Indeed, exports increased from 54% of GDP in the 1960s to 64% in the 1970s. Figure 1 shows the annual changes in the growth of real GDP per capita. In the period from 1962 until the onset of the oil crisis in 1973, the average growth rate was 6.5% per year. From 1976 to 1996 GDP grew at an average of 5.6% per year. There were negative shocks in 1967-68 as a result of local disturbances from the onset of the Cultural Revolution in the PRC, and again in 1973 to 1975 from the global oil crisis. In the early 1980s there was another negative shock related to politics, as the terms of Hong Kong’s return to PRC control in 1997 were formalized. Reintegration with China, 1978-1997 The Open Door Policy of the PRC announced by Deng Xiao-ping at the end of 1978 marked a new era for Hong Kong’s economy. With the newly vigorous engagement of China in international trade and investment, Hong Kong’s integration with the mainland accelerated as it regained its traditional role as that country’s main provider of commercial and financial services. From 1978 to 1997, visible trade between Hong Kong and the PRC grew at an average rate of 28% per annum. At the same time, Hong Kong firms began to move their labor-intensive activities to the mainland to take advantage of cheaper labor. The integration of Hong Kong with the Pearl River delta in Guangdong is the most striking aspect of these trade and investment links. At the end of 1997, the cumulative value of Hong Kong’s direct investment in Guangdong was estimated at US$48 billion, accounting for almost 80% of the total foreign direct investment there. Hong Kong companies and joint ventures in Guangdong province employed about five million people. Most of these businesses were labor-intensive assembly for export, but from 1997 onward there has been increased investment in financial services, tourism and retail trade. While manufacturing was moved out of the colony during the 1980s and 1990s, there was a surge in the service sector. This transformation of the structure of Hong Kong’s economy from manufacturing to services was dramatic. Most remarkably it was accomplished without faltering growth rates overall, and with an average unemployment rate of only 2.5% from 1982 to 1997. Figure 2 shows that the value of manufacturing peaked in 1992 before beginning an absolute decline. In contrast, the value of commercial and financial services soared. This is reflected in the contribution of services and manufacturing to GDP shown in Figure 3. Employment in the service sector rose from 52% to 80% of the labor force from 1981 to 2000 while manufacturing employment fell from 39% to 10% in the same period. Asian Financial Crisis, 1997-2002 The terms for the return of Hong Kong to Chinese rule in July 1997 carefully protected the territory’s separate economic characteristics, which have been so beneficial to the Chinese economy. Under the Basic Law, a “one country-two systems” policy was formulated which left Hong Kong monetarily and economically separate from the mainland with exchange and trade controls remaining in place as well as restrictions on the movement of people. Hong Kong was hit hard by the Asian Financial Crisis that struck the region in mid-1997, just at the time of the handover of the colony back to Chinese administrative control. The crisis prompted a collapse in share prices and the property market that affected the ability of many borrowers to repay bank loans. Unlike most Asian countries, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and mainland China maintained their currencies’ exchange rates with the U.S. dollar rather than devaluing. Along with the Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) threat in 2002, the Asian Financial Crisis pushed Hong Kong into a new era of recession with a rise in unemployment (6% on average from 1998-2003) and absolute declines in output and prices. The longer-term impact of the crisis has been to increase the intensity and importance of Hong Kong’s trade and investment links with the PRC. Since the PRC did not fare as badly from the regional crisis, the economic prospects for Hong Kong have been tied more closely to the increasingly prosperous mainland. Suggestions for Further Reading For a general history of Hong Kong from the nineteenth century, see S. Tsang, A Modern History of Hong Kong, London: IB Tauris, 2004. For accounts of Hong Kong’s economic history see, D.R. Meyer, Hong Kong as a Global Metropolis, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000; C.R. Schenk, Hong Kong as an International Financial Centre: Emergence and Development, 1945-65, London: Routledge, 2001; and Y-P Ho, Trade, Industrial Restructuring and Development in Hong Kong, London: Macmillan, 1992. Useful statistics and summaries of recent developments are available on the website of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority www.info.gov.hk/hkma . Citation: Schenk, Catherine. “Economic History of Hong Kong”. EH.Net Encyclopedia, edited by Robert Whaples. March 16, 2008. URL http://eh.net/encyclopedia/economic-history-of-hong-kong/ Health Insurance in the United States Melissa Thomasson, Miami University This article describes the development of the U.S. health insurance system and its growth in the twentieth century. It examines the roles of important factors including medical technology, hospitals and physicians, and government policy culminating in the development of Medicare and Medicaid. 1900-1920: Sickness Insurance versus Health Insurance Prior to 1920, the state of medical technology generally meant that very little could be done for many patients, and that most patients were treated in their homes. Table 1 provides a list of pioneering early advances in medicine. Hospitals did not assume their modern form until after the turn of the century when antiseptic methods were well established. Even then, surgery was often performed in private homes until the 1920s. Table 1: Milestones in Medical Technology 1850-1870: Louis Pasteur, Joseph Lister and others develop understanding of bacteriology, antisepsis, and immunology.1870-1910: Identification of various infectious agents including spirochaeta pallida (syphilis), typhus, pneumococcus, and malaria. Diphtheria antitoxin developed. Surgery fatality rates fall. 1887: S.S.K. von Basch invents instrument to measure blood pressure. 1895: Wilhelm Roentgen develops X-rays. 1910: Salvarsan (for syphilis) proves to be first drug treatment that destroys disease without injuring patient. 1920-1946: Insulin isolated (1922), sulfa developed (1935), large-scale production of synthetic penicillin begins (1946). 1955: Jonas Salk announces development of vaccine for polio. Medical Expenditures Initially Low Given the rudimentary state of medical technology before 1920, most people had very low medical expenditures. A 1918 Bureau of Labor Statistics survey of 211 families living in Columbus, Ohio found that only 7.6 of their average annual medical expenditures paid for hospital care (Ohio Report, p. 116). In fact, the chief cost associated with illness was not the cost of medical care, but rather the fact that sick people couldn’t work and didn’t get paid. A 1919 State of Illinois study reported that lost wages due to sickness were four times larger than the medical expenditures associated with treating the illness (State of Illinois, pp. 15-17). As a result, most people felt they didn’t need health insurance. Instead, households purchased “sickness” insurance — similar to today’s “disability” insurance — to provide income replacement in the event of illness.1 Insurance Companies Initially Unwilling to Offer Health Insurance Policies The low demand for health insurance at the time was matched by the unwillingness of commercial insurance companies to offer private health insurance policies. Commercial insurance companies did not believe that health was an insurable commodity because of the high potential for adverse selection and moral hazard. They felt that they lacked the information to accurately calculate risks and write premiums accordingly. For example, people in poor health may claim they to be healthy and then sign up for health insurance. A problem with moral hazard may arise if people change their behavior — perhaps engaging in more risky activities — after they purchase health insurance. According to The Insurance Monitor, “the opportunities for fraud [in health insurance] upset all statistical calculations…. Health and sickness are vague terms open to endless construction. Death is clearly defined, but to say what shall constitute such loss of health as will justify insurance compensation is no easy task” (July 1919, vol. 67 (7), p. 38). Failure of Compulsory, Nationalized Health Insurance The fact that people generally felt actual health insurance (as opposed to sickness insurance) was unnecessary prior to 1920 also helped to defeat proposals for compulsory, nationalized health insurance in the same period. Although many European nations had adopted some form of compulsory, nationalized health insurance by 1920, proposals sponsored by the American Association for Labor Legislation (AALL) to enact compulsory health insurance in several states were never enacted (see Numbers 1978). Compulsory health insurance failed in this period for several reasons. First, popular support for the legislation was low because of the low demand for health insurance in general. Second, physicians, pharmacists and commercial insurance companies were strong opponents of the legislation. Physicians opposed the legislation because they feared that government intervention would limit their fees. Pharmacists opposed the legislation because it provided prescription drugs they feared would undermine their business. While commercial insurance firms did not offer health insurance during this period, a large part of their business was offering burial insurance to pay funeral costs. Under the proposed legislation, commercial firms would be excluded from offering burial insurance. As a result, they opposed the legislation, which they feared would also open the door towards greater government intervention in the insurance business. 1920-1930: The Rising Price of Medical Care As the twentieth century progressed, several changes occurred that tended to increase the role that medicine played in people’s lives and to shift the focus of treatment of acute illness from homes to hospitals. These changes caused the price of medical care to rise as demand for medical care increased and the cost of supplying medical care rose with increased standards of quality for physicians and hospitals. Increases in the Demand for Medical Care As the population shifted from rural areas to urban centers, families lived in smaller homes with less room to care for sick family members (Faulkner 1960, p. 509). Given that health insurance is a normal good, rising incomes also helped to increase demand. Advances in medical technology along with the growing acceptance of medicine as a science led to the development of hospitals as treatment centers and helped to encourage sick people to visit physicians and hospitals. Rosenberg (1987) notes that “by the 1920s… prospective patients were influenced not only by the hope of healing, but by the image of a new kind of medicine — precise, scientific and effective” (p. 150). This scientific aura began to develop in part as licensure and standards of care among practitioners increased, which led to an increase in the cost of providing medical care. Rising Medical Costs Physician quality began to improve after several changes brought about by the American Medical Association (AMA) in the 1910s. In 1904, the AMA formed the Council on Medical Education (CME) to standardize the requirements for medical licensure. The CME invited Abraham Flexner of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching to evaluate the status of medical education. Flexner’s highly critical report on medical education was published in 1910. According to Flexner, the current methods of medical education had “… resulted in enormous over-production at a low level, and that, whatever the justification in the past, the present situation… can be more effectively met by a reduced output of well trained men than by further inflation with an inferior product” (Flexner, p. 16). Flexner argued for stricter entrance requirements, better facilities, higher fees, and tougher standards. Following the publication of the Flexner Report, the number of medical schools in the United States dropped from 131 in 1910 to 95 in 1915. By 1922, the number of medical schools in the U.S. had fallen even further to 81 (Journal of the American Medical Association, August 12, 1922, p. 633). These increased requirements for physician licensure, education and the accreditation of medical schools restricted physician supply, putting upward pressure on the costs of physicians’ services.2 After Flexner’s report, a further movement towards standardization and accreditation came in 1913, when the American College of Surgeons (ACS) was founded. Would-be members of the ACS had to meet strict standards. For a hospital to gain the accreditation of the ACS, it had to meet a set of standards relating to the staff, records, and diagnostic and therapeutic facilities available. Of 692 large hospitals examined in 1918, only 13 percent were approved. By 1932, 93 percent of the 1,600 hospitals examined met ACS requirements (Shyrock 1979, p. 348). Increasing requirements for licensure and accreditation, in addition to a rising demand for medical care, eventually led to rising costs. In 1927, the Committee on the Costs of Medical Care (CCMC) was formed to investigate the medical expenses of American families. Comprised of physicians, economists, and public health specialists, the CCMC published 27 research reports, offering reliable estimates of national health care expenditures. According to one CCMC study, the average American family had medical expenses totaling $108 in 1929, with hospital expenditures comprising 14 percent of the total bill (Falk, Rorem, and Ring 1933, p. 89). In 1929, medical charges for urban families with incomes between $2,000 and $3,000 per year averaged $67 if there were no hospitalizations, but averaged $261 if there were any illnesses that required hospitalization (see Falk, Rorem, and Ring). By 1934, Michael M. Davis, a leading advocate of reform, noted that hospital costs had risen to nearly 40 percent of a family’s medical bill (Davis 1934, p. 211). By the end of the 1920s, families began to demand greater amounts of medical care, and the costs of medical care began to increase. 1930-1940: The Birth of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Blue Cross: Hospital Insurance As the demand for hospital care increased in the 1920s, a new payment innovation developed at the end of the decade that would revolutionize the market for health insurance. The precursor to Blue Cross was founded in 1929 by a group of Dallas teachers who contracted with Baylor University Hospital to provide 21 days of hospitalization for a fixed $6.00 payment. The Baylor plan developed as a way to ensure that people paid their bills. One official connected with the plan compared hospital bills to cosmetics, noting that the nation’s cosmetic bill was actually more than the nation’s hospital bill, but that “We spend a dollar or so at a time for cosmetics and do not notice the high cost. The ribbon counter clerk can pay 50¢, 75¢, or $1 a month, yet…. it would take about twenty years to set aside a large hospital bill” (The American Foundation 1937, p. 1023). Pre-paid hospital service plans grew over the course of the Great Depression. Pre-paid hospital care was mutually advantageous to both subscribers and hospitals during the early 1930s, when consumers and hospitals suffered from falling incomes. While the pre-paid plans allowed consumers to affordably pay for hospital care, they also benefited hospitals by providing them with a way to earn income during a time of falling hospital revenue. Only 62 percent of beds in private hospitals were occupied on average, compared to 89 percent of beds in public hospitals that accepted charity care (Davis and Rorem 1932, p. 5). As one pediatrician in the Midwest noted, “Things went swimmingly as long as endowed funds allowed the hospitals to carry on. When the funds from endowments disappeared the hospitals got into trouble and thus the various plans to help the hospitals financially developed” (American Foundation 1937, p. 756). The American Hospital Association (AHA) encouraged hospitals in such endeavors ostensibly as a means of relieving “… from financial embarrassment and even from disaster in the emergency of sickness those who are in receipt of limited incomes” (Reed 1947, p. 14). However, the prepayment plans also clearly benefited hospitals by giving them a constant stream of income. Since single-hospital plans generated greater competition among hospitals, community hospitals began to organize with each other to offer hospital coverage and to reduce inter-hospital competition. These plans eventually combined under the auspices of the AHA under the name Blue Cross. Blue Cross Designed to Reduce Price Competition among Hospitals The AHA designed the Blue Cross guidelines so as to reduce price competition among hospitals. Prepayment plans seeking the Blue Cross designation had to provide subscribers with free choice of physician and hospital, a requirement that eliminated single-hospital plans from consideration. Blue Cross plans also benefited from special state-level enabling legislation allowing them to act as non-profit corporations, to enjoy tax-exempt status, and to be free from the usual insurance regulations. Originally, the reason for this exemption was that Blue Cross plans were considered to be in society’s best interest since they often provided benefits to low-income individuals (Eilers 1963, p. 82). Without the enabling legislation, Blue Cross plans would have had to organize under the laws for insurance companies. If they organized as stock companies, the plans would have had to meet reserve requirements to ensure their solvency. Organizing as mutual companies meant that they would either have to meet reserve requirements or be subject to assessment liability.3 Given that most plans had little financial resources available to them, they would not have been able to meet the requirements. The enabling legislation freed the plans from the traditional insurance reserve requirements because the Blue Cross plans were underwritten by hospitals. Hospitals contracted with the plans to provide subscriber services, and agreed to provide service benefits even during periods when the plans lacked funds to provide reimbursement. Under the enabling legislation, the plans “enjoy the advantages of exemption from the regular insurance laws of the state, are freed from the obligation of maintaining the high reserves required of commercial insurance companies and are relieved of paying taxes” (Anderson 1944, p. 11).4 Enabling laws served to increase the amount of health insurance sold in states in which they were implemented, causing growth in the market (Thomasson 2002). Blue Shield: Insurance for Physician Services Despite the success of Blue Cross and pre-paid hospitalization policies, physicians were much slower in providing pre-paid care. Blue Cross and Blue Shield developed separately, with little coordination between them (McDavitt 1946). Physicians worried that a third-party system of payment would lower their incomes by interfering with the physician-patient relationship and restricting the ability of physicians to price discriminate. However, in the 1930s, physicians were faced with two situations that spurred them to develop their own pre-paid plans. First, Blue Cross plans were becoming popular, and some physicians feared that hospitals would move into the realm of providing insurance for physician services, thus limiting physician autonomy. In addition, advocates of compulsory health insurance looked to the emerging social security legislation as a logical means of providing national health care. Compulsory health insurance was even more anathema to physicians than voluntary health insurance. It became clear to physicians that in order to protect their interests, they would be better off pre-empting both hospitals and compulsory insurance proponents by sculpting their own plan. Thus, to protect themselves from competition with Blue Cross, as well as to provide an alternative to compulsory insurance, physicians began to organize a framework for pre-paid plans that covered physician services. In this regard, the American Medical Association (AMA) adopted a set of ten principles in 1934 “… which were apparently promulgated for the primary purposes of preventing hospital service plans from underwriting physician services and providing an answer to the proponents of compulsory medical insurance” (Hedinger 1966, p. 82). Within these rules were provisions that ensured that voluntary health insurance would remain under physician supervision and not be subject to the control of non-physicians. In addition, physicians wanted to retain their ability to price discriminate (to charge different rates to different customers, based on their ability to pay). These principles were reflected in the actions of physicians as they established enabling legislation similar to that which allowed Blue Cross plans to operate as non-profits. Like the Blue Cross enabling legislation, these laws allowed Blue Shield plans to be tax-exempt and free from the provisions of insurance statutes. Physicians lobbied to ensure that they would be represented on the boards of all such plans, and acted to ensure that all plans required free choice of physician. In 1939, the California Physicians’ Service (CPS) began to operate as the first prepayment plan designed to cover physicians’ services. Open to employees earning less than $3,000 annually, the CPS provided physicians’ services to employee groups for the fee of $1.70 per month for employees (Scofea, p. 5). To further these efforts, the AMA encouraged state and local medical societies to form their own prepayment plans. These physician-sponsored plans ultimately affiliated and became known as Blue Shield in 1946. Blue Shield plans offered medical and surgical benefits for hospitalized members, although certain plans also covered visits to doctors’ offices. While some plans were like the Blue Cross plans in that they offered service benefits to low-income subscribers (meaning that the plans directly reimbursed physicians for services), most Blue Shield plans operated on a mixed service-indemnity basis. Doctors charged patients who were subscribers to Blue Shield the difference between their actual charges and the amount for which they were reimbursed by Blue Shield. In this manner, doctors could retain their power to price discriminate by charging different prices to different patients. 1940-1960: Growth in the Health Insurance Market After the success of Blue Cross and Blue Shield in the 1930s, continued growth in the market occurred for several reasons. The supply of health insurance increased once commercial insurance companies decided to enter the market for health coverage. Demand for health insurance increased as medical technology further advanced, and as government policies encouraged the popularity of health insurance as a form of employee compensation. Growth in Supply: Commercial Insurance Companies Enter the Market Blue Cross and Blue Shield were first to enter the health insurance market because commercial insurance companies were reluctant to even offer health insurance early in the century. As previously mentioned, they feared that they would not be able to overcome problems relating to adverse selection, so that offering health insurance would not be profitable. The success of Blue Cross and Blue Shield showed just how easily adverse selection problems could be overcome: by focusing on providing health insurance only to groups of employed workers. This would allow commercial insurance companies to avoid adverse selection because they would insure relatively young, healthy people who did not individually seek health insurance. After viewing the success of Blue Cross and Blue Shield, commercial health insurance companies began to move rapidly into the health insurance market. As shown in Figure 1, the market for health insurance exploded in size in the 1940s, growing from a total enrollment of 20,662,000 in 1940 to nearly 142,334,000 in 1950 (Health Insurance Institute 1961, Source Book, p. 10). As the Superintendent of Insurance in New York, Louis H. Pink, noted in 1939 … There are twenty stock insurance companies which are today issuing in this state Individual Medical Reimbursement, Hospitalization, and Sickness Expense Policies. About half of these have only recently gone into this field. It is no doubt the interest aroused by the non-profit associations which has induced the regular insurance companies to extend their activities in this way (Pink 1939). Figure 1: Number of Persons with Health Insurance (thousands), 1940-1960 Source: Source Book of Health Insurance Data, 1965. Community Rating versus Experience Rating The success of commercial companies was aided by two factors. First, the competitiveness of Blue Cross and Blue Shield was limited by the fact that their non-profit status required that they community rate their policies. Under a system of community rating, insurance companies charge the same premium to sicker people as they do to healthy people. Since they were not considered to be nonprofit organizations, commercial insurance companies were not required to community rate their policies. Instead, commercial insurance companies could engage in experience rating, whereby they charged sicker people higher premiums and healthier people lower premiums. As a result, commercial companies could often offer relatively healthy groups lower premiums than the Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans, and gain their business. Thus, the commercial health insurance business boomed, as shown in Figure 2. Figure 2: Enrollment in Commercial Insurance Plans v. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Source: Source Book of Health Insurance Data, 1965. Figure 2 illustrates the growth of commercial insurance relative to Blue Cross and Blue Shield. So successful was commercial insurance that by the early 1950s, commercial plans had more subscribers than Blue Cross and Blue Shield. In 1951, 41.5 million people were enrolled in group or individual hospital insurance plans offered by commercial insurance companies, while only 40.9 million people were enrolled in Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans (Health Insurance Institute 1965, Source Book, p. 14). Growth in Demand: Government Policies that Encouraged Health Insurance Offering insurance policies to employee groups not only benefited insurers, but also benefited employers. During World War II, wage and price controls prevented employers from using wages to compete for scarce labor. Under the 1942 Stabilization Act, Congress limited the wage increases that could be offered by firms, but permitted the adoption of employee insurance plans. In this way, health benefit packages offered one means of securing workers. In the 1940s, two major rulings also reinforced the foundation of the employer-provided health insurance system. First, in 1945 the War Labor Board ruled that employers could not modify or cancel group insurance plans during the contract period. Then, in 1949, the National Labor Relations Board ruled in a dispute between the Inland Steel Co. and the United Steelworkers Union that the term “wages” included pension and insurance benefits. Therefore, when negotiating for wages, the union was allowed to negotiate benefit packages on behalf of workers as well. This ruling, affirmed later by the U.S. Supreme Court, further reinforced the employment-based system.5 Perhaps the most influential aspect of government intervention that shaped the employer-based system of health insurance was the tax treatment of employer-provided contributions to employee health insurance plans. First, employers did not have to pay payroll tax on their contributions to employee health plans. Further, under certain circumstances, employees did not have to pay income tax on their employer’s contributions to their health insurance plans. The first such exclusion occurred under an administrative ruling handed down in 1943 which stated that payments made by the employer directly to commercial insurance companies for group medical and hospitalization premiums of employees were not taxable as employee income (Yale Law Journal, 1954, pp. 222-247). While this particular ruling was highly restrictive and limited in its applicability, it was codified and extended in 1954. Under the 1954 Internal Revenue Code (IRC), employer contributions to employee health plans were exempt from employee taxable income. As a result of this tax-advantaged form of compensation, the demand for health insurance further increased throughout the 1950s (Thomasson 2003). The 1960s: Medicare and Medicaid The AMA and the Defeat of Government Insurance before 1960 By the 1960s, the system of private health insurance in the United States was well established. In 1958, nearly 75 percent of Americans had some form of private health insurance coverage. By helping to implement a successful system of voluntary health insurance plans, the medical profession had staved off the government intervention and nationalized insurance that it had feared since the 1910s. In addition to ensuring that private citizens had access to voluntary coverage, the AMA also was a vocal opponent of any nationalized health insurance programs, suggesting that such proposals were socialistic and would interfere with physician income and the doctor-patient relationship. The AMA had played a significant role in defeating proposals for nationalized health insurance in 1935 (under the Social Security Act) and later in defeating the proposed Murray-Wagner-Dingell (MWD) bill in 1949. The MWD bill would have provided comprehensive nationalized health insurance to all Americans. To ensure the defeat of the proposal, the AMA charged every physician who was a member $25 for their lobbying efforts (Marmor 2000). While serious proposals for government-sponsored health insurance were not put forth during the Eisenhower Administrations of 1952-1960, proponents of such legislation worked to ensure that their ideas would have a chance at passing in the future under more responsive administrations. They realized that the only way to enact government-sponsored health insurance would be to do so incrementally — and they began by focusing on the elderly (Marmor 2000). Offering insurance to aged persons age 65 and over provided a means to successfully counter several criticisms that opponents to government-sponsored health insurance had aimed at previous bills. Focusing on the elderly allowed proponents to counter charges that nationalized health insurance would provide health care to individuals who were generally able to pay for it themselves. It was difficult for opponents to argue that the elderly were not among the most medically needy in society, given their fixed incomes and the fact that they were generally in poorer health and in greater need of medical care. Supporters also tried to limit the opposition of the AMA by putting forth proposals that only covered hospital services, which also stemmed criticism that said nationalized health insurance would encourage extensive — and unnecessary — utilization of medical services. Medicare Provisions The political atmosphere become much more favorable towards nationalized health insurance proposals after John F. Kennedy was elected to office in 1960, and especially when the Democrats won a majority in Congress in 1964. Passed in 1965, Medicare was a federal program with uniform standards that consisted of two parts. Part A represented the compulsory hospital insurance program the aged were automatically enrolled in upon reaching age 65. Part B provided supplemental medical insurance, or subsidized insurance for physicians’ services. Ironically, physicians stood to benefit tremendously from Medicare. Fearing that physicians would refuse to treat Medicare patients, legislators agreed to reimburse physicians according to their “usual, customary, and reasonable rate.” In addition, doctors could bill patients directly, so that patients had to be reimbursed by Medicare. Thus, doctors were still permitted to price discriminate by charging patients more than what the program would pay, and forcing patients to pay the difference. Funding for Medicare comes from payroll taxes, income taxes, trust fund interest, and enrollee premiums for Part B. Medicare has grown from serving 19.1 million recipients in 1966 to 39.5 million in 1999 (Henderson 2002, p. 425). Medicaid In contrast to Medicare, Medicaid was enacted as a means-tested, federal-state program to provide medical resources for the indigent. The federal portion of a state’s Medicaid payments is based on each state’s per capita income relative to national per capita income. Unlike Medicare, which has uniform national benefits and eligibility standards, the federal government only specifies minimum standards for Medicaid; each of the states is responsible for determining eligibility and benefits within these broad guidelines. Thus, benefits and eligibility vary widely across states. While the original legislation provided coverage for recipients of public assistance, legislative changes have expanded the scope of benefits and beneficiaries (Gruber 2000). In 1966, Medicaid provided benefits for 10 million recipients. By 1999, 37.5 million people received care under Medicaid (Henderson 2002, p. 433). Growth of Medicare and Medicaid Expenditures Figure 3 shows how Medicare and Medicaid expenditures have grown as a percentage of total national health care expenditures since their inception in 1966. The figure points to some interesting trends. Expenditures in both programs rose dramatically in the late 1960s as the programs began to gear up. Then, Medicare expenditures in particular rose sharply during the 1970. This growth in Medicare expenditures resulted in a major change in Medicare reimbursement policies in 1983. Instead of reimbursing according to the “usual and customary” rates, the government enacted a prospective payment system where providers were reimbursed according to set fee schedules based on diagnosis. Medicaid expenditures were fairly constant over the 1970s and 1980s, and did not begin to rise until more generous eligibility requirements were implemented in the 1990s. By 2001, Medicare and Medicaid together accounted for 32 percent of all health care expenditures in the U.S. Figure 3: Medicare and Medicaid as a Share of National Health Expenditures, 1966-2001 Source: Calculations by author based on data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ( http://cms.gov ). Notes: Percentages are calculated from price-adjusted data for all consumer expenditures, 1996=100. Endnotes 1 In Canada, fraternal societies were the primary source of sickness benefits and access to a physician in the event of illness. The role of fraternal lodges in insurance declined significantly after 1929. See Emery 1996 and Emery and Emery 1999. 2 These changes may also have increased physician quality, thus leading to an increase in demand for physicians’ services that put additional pressure on prices. 3 Stock companies are companies that are owned by stockholders and who are entitled to the earnings of the company. Stock companies are required to hold reserves to guard against insolvency (see Faulkner 1960, pp. 406-29 for a detailed discussion on reserves). Mutual companies are cooperative organizations in which the control of the company and its ownership rest with the insureds. Mutual companies may be required to have reserves, or to engage in assessment liability (in which insureds must pay additional amounts if premiums fall short of claims). Both stock and mutual companies pay taxes. 4 However, the enabling legislation did not give the Blue Cross plans free rein. They required the plans to be non-profit, and to allow free choice of physician by subscribers, and some specified additional requirements. New York was the first state to enact such enabling legislation in 1934, and 32 states had adopted special enabling legislation for hospital service plans by 1943. Other states exempted Blue Cross plans by categorizing them strictly as nonprofit organizations (Eilers 1963, pp. 100-07). 5 Scofea, p. 6. See also Inland Steel Co. v. NLRB (170 F. 2d 247 (7th Cir. 1948) and Eilers, p. 19. References American Foundation. American Medicine, Volume II. New York: The American Foundation, 1937. Anderson, Odin W. State Enabling Legislation for Non-Profit Hospital and Medical Plans, 1944. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 1944. Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. Statistics. Retrieved from http://cms.gov/statistics/ on April 4, 2003. Davis, Michael M. “The American Approach to Health Insurance.” Milbank Memorial Fund Quarterly 12 (July 1934): 201-17. Davis, Michael M. and C. Rufus Rorem. The Crisis in Hospital Finance and Other Studies in Hospital Economics. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1932. Eilers, Robert D. Regulation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. Homewood, IL: Richard D. Irwin, Inc., 1963. Emery, J.C. Herbert. “Risky Business? Nonactuarial Pricing Practices and the Financial Viability of Fraternal Sickness Insurers.” Explorations in Economic History 33, no. 2 (April 1996): 195-226. Emery, George and J.C. Herbert Emery. A Young Man’s Benefit: The Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Sickness Insurance in the United States and Canada. Montreal and Kingston: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1999. Falk, I.S. C. Rufus Rorem, and Martha D. Ring. The Cost of Medical Care. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1933. Faulkner, Edwin J. Health Insurance. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1960. Flexner, Abraham. Medical Education in the United States and Canada. New York: Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, 1910. Gruber, Jonathan B. “Medicaid.” National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper 7829, August 2000. Health Insurance Institute. Source Book of Health Insurance Data, 1960. New York: Health Insurance Institute, 1961. Health Insurance Institute. Source Book of Health Insurance Data, 1965. New York: Health Insurance Institute, 1966. Hedinger, Fredric R. The Social Role of Blue Cross as a Device for Financing the Costs of Hospital Care: An Evaluation. Iowa City: University of Iowa, 1966. Henderson, James W. Health Economics and Policy, second edition. Cincinnati: South-Western, 2002. The Insurance Monitor. Walter S. Nichols, editor. 67, no. 7. (July 1919). Journal of the American Medical Association, August 12, 1922. Marmor, Theodore R. The Politics of Medicare, second edition. New York: Aldine de Gruyter, 2000. McDavitt, T.V. “Voluntary Prepayment Medical Care Plans.” Journal of American Insurance, December 23, no. 2 (1946). Numbers, Ronald L. Almost Persuaded: American Physicians and Compulsory Health Insurance, 1912-1920. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1978. Pink, Louis H. “Voluntary Hospital and Medical Associations and the State,” address to the Meeting of the Medical Society of the County of Queens, Forest Hills, NY, February 28, 1939. Journal of American Insurance 16, no. 3 (March 1939). Reed, Louis S. Blue Cross and Medical Service Plans. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Public Health Service, 1947. Rosenberg, Charles E. The Care of Strangers. New York: Basic Books, Inc., 1987. Scofea, Laura A. “The Development and Growth of Employer-Provided Health Insurance.” Monthly Labor Review (March 1994): 117. Shyrock, Richard Harrison. The Development of Modern Medicine. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1979. State of Illinois. Report of the Health Insurance Commission, 1919. State of Ohio, Health and Old Age Insurance Commission. Health, Health Insurance, Old Age Pensions. Columbus, OH: 1919. Thomasson, Melissa A. “From Sickness to Health: The Twentieth-Century Development of U.S. Health Insurance.” Explorations in Economic History 39 (July 2002): 233-53. Thomasson, Melissa A. “The Importance of Group Coverage: How Tax Policy Shaped U.S. Health Insurance.” American Economic Review, forthcoming 2003. Yale Law Journal, “Taxation of Employee Accident and Health Plans before and under the 1954 Code.” 64, no. 2 (1954): 222-47. Citation: Thomasson, Melissa. “Health Insurance in the United States”. EH.Net Encyclopedia, edited by Robert Whaples. April 17, 2003. URL http://eh.net/encyclopedia/health-insurance-in-the-united-states/ Smoot-Hawley Tariff Anthony O’Brien, Lehigh University The Smoot-Hawley Tariff of 1930 was the subject of enormous controversy at the time of its passage and remains one of the most notorious pieces of legislation in the history of the United States. In the popular press and in political discussions the usual assumption is that the Smoot-Hawley Tariff was a policy disaster that significantly worsened the Great Depression. During the controversy over passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in the 1990s, Vice President Al Gore and billionaire former presidential candidate Ross Perot met in a debate on the Larry King Live program. To help make his point that Perot’s opposition to NAFTA was wrong-headed, Gore gave Perot a framed portrait of Sen. Smoot and Rep. Hawley. Gore assumed the audience would consider Smoot and Hawley to have been exemplars of a foolish protectionism. Although the popular consensus on Smoot-Hawley is clear, the verdict among scholars is more mixed, particularly with respect to the question of whether the tariff significantly worsened the Great Depression. Background to Passage of the Tariff The Smoot-Hawley Tariff grew out of the campaign promises of Herbert Hoover during the 1928 presidential election. Hoover, the Republican candidate, had pledged to help farmers by raising tariffs on imports of farm products. Although the 1920s were generally a period of prosperity in the United States, this was not true of agriculture; average farm incomes actually declined between 1920 and 1929. During the campaign Hoover had focused on plans to raise tariffs on farm products, but the tariff plank in the 1928 Republican Party platform had actually referred to the potential of more far-reaching increases: [W]e realize that there are certain industries which cannot now successfully compete with foreign producers because of lower foreign wages and a lower cost of living abroad, and we pledge the next Republican Congress to an examination and where necessary a revision of these schedules to the end that American labor in the industries may again command the home market, may maintain its standard of living, and may count upon steady employment in its accustomed field. In a longer perspective, the Republican Party had been in favor of a protective tariff since its founding in the 1850s. The party drew significant support from manufacturing interests in the Midwest and Northeast that believed they benefited from high tariff barriers against foreign imports. Although the free trade arguments dear to most economists were espoused by few American politicians during the 1920s, the Democratic Party was generally critical of high tariffs. In the 1920s the Democratic members of Congress tended to represent southern agricultural interests — which saw high tariffs as curtailing foreign markets for their exports, particularly cotton — or unskilled urban workers — who saw the tariff as driving up the cost of living. The Republicans did well in the 1928 election, picking up 30 seats in the House — giving them a 267 to 167 majority — and seven seats in the Senate — giving them a 56 to 39 majority. Hoover easily defeated the Democratic presidential candidate, New York Governor Al Smith, capturing 58 percent of the popular vote and 444 of 531 votes in the Electoral College. Hoover took office on March 4, 1929 and immediately called a special session of Congress to convene on April 15 for the purpose of raising duties on agricultural products. Once the session began it became clear, however, that the Republican Congressional leadership had in mind much more sweeping tariff increases. The House concluded its work relatively quickly and passed a bill on May 28 by a vote of 264 to 147. The bill faced a considerably more difficult time in the Senate. A block of Progressive Republicans, representing midwestern and western states, held the balance of power in the Senate. Some of these Senators had supported the third-party candidacy of Wisconsin Senator Robert LaFollette during the 1924 presidential election and they were much less protectionist than the Republican Party as a whole. It proved impossible to put together a majority in the Senate to pass the bill and the special session ended in November 1929 without a bill being passed. By the time Congress reconvened the following spring the Great Depression was well underway. Economists date the onset of the Great Depression to the cyclical peak of August 1929, although the stock market crash of October 1929 is the more traditional beginning. By the spring of 1930 it was already clear that the downturn would be severe. The impact of the Depression helped to secure the final few votes necessary to put together a slim majority in the Senate in favor of passage of the bill. Final passage in the Senate took place on June 13, 1930 by a vote of 44 to 42. Final passage took place in the House the following day by a vote of 245 to 177. The vote was largely on party lines. Republicans in the House voted 230 to 27 in favor of final passage. Ten of the 27 Republicans voting no were Progressives from Wisconsin and Minnesota. Democrats voted 150 to 15 against final passage. Ten of the 15 Democrats voting for final passage were from Louisiana or Florida and represented citrus or sugar interests that received significant new protection under the bill. President Hoover had expressed reservations about the wide-ranging nature of the bill and had privately expressed fears that the bill might provoke retaliation from America’s trading partners. He received a petition signed by more than 1,000 economists, urging him to veto the bill. Ultimately, he signed the Smoot-Hawley bill into law on June 17, 1930. Tariff Levels under Smoot-Hawley Calculating the extent to which Smoot-Hawley raised tariffs is not straightforward. The usual summary measure of tariff protection is the ratio of total tariff duties collected to the value of imports. This measure is misleading when applied to the early 1930s. Most of the tariffs in the Smoot-Hawley bill were specific — such as $1.125 per ton of pig iron — rather than ad valorem — or a percentage of the value of the product. During the early 1930s the prices of many products declined, causing the specific tariff to become an increasing percentage of the value of the product. The chart below shows the ratio of import duties collected to the value of dutiable imports. The increase shown for the early 1930s was partly due to declining prices and, therefore, exaggerates the effects of the Smoot-Hawley rate increases. Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Historical Statistics of the United States, Colonial Times to 1970, Washington, D.C.: USGPO, 1975, Series 212. A more accurate measure of the increase in tariff rates attributable to Smoot-Hawley can be found in a study carried out by the U.S. Tariff Commission. This study calculated the ad valorem rates that would have prevailed on actual U.S. imports in 1928, if the Smoot-Hawley rates been in effect then. These rates were compared with the rates prevailing under the Tariff Act of 1922, known as the Fordney-McCumber Tariff. The results are reproduced in Table 1 for the broad product categories used in tariff schedules and for total dutiable imports. Table 1 Tariffs Rates under Fordney-McCumber vs. Smoot-Hawley Equivalent ad valorem rates 41.14 Source: U.S. Tariff Commission, The Tariff Review, July 1930, Table II, p. 196. By this measure, Smoot-Hawley raised average tariff rates by about 2 ½ percentage points from the already high rates prevailing under the Fordney-McCumber Tariff of 1922. The Basic Macroeconomics of the Tariff Economists are almost uniformly critical of tariffs. One of the bedrock principles of economics is that voluntary trade makes everyone involved better off. For the U.S. government to interfere with trade between Canadian lumber producers and U.S. lumber importers — as it did under Smoot-Hawley by raising the tariff on lumber imports — makes both parties to the trade worse off. In a larger sense, it also hurts the efficiency of the U.S. economy by making it rely on higher priced U.S. lumber rather than less expensive Canadian lumber. But what is the effect of a tariff on the overall level of employment and production in an economy? The usual answer is that a tariff will leave the overall level of employment and production in an economy largely unaffected. Although the popular view is very different, most economists do not believe that tariffs either create jobs or destroy jobs in aggregate. Economists believe that the overall level of jobs and production in the economy is determined by such things as the capital stock, the population, the state of technology, and so on. These factors are not generally affected by tariffs. So, for instance, a tariff on imports of lumber might drive up housing prices and cause a reduction in the number of houses built. But economists believe that the unemployment in the housing industry will not be long-lived. Economists are somewhat divided on why this is true. Some believe that the economy automatically adjusts rapidly to reallocate labor and machinery that are displaced from one use — such as making houses — into other uses. Other economists believe that this adjustment does not take place automatically, but can be brought about through active monetary or fiscal policy. In either view, the economy is seen as ordinarily being at its so-called full-employment or potential level and deviating from that level only for brief periods of time. Tariffs have the ability to change the mix of production and the mix of jobs available in an economy, but not to change the overall level of production or the overall level of jobs. The macroeconomic impact of tariffs is therefore very limited. In the case of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff, however, the U.S. economy was in depression in 1930. No active monetary or fiscal policies were carried out and the economy was not making much progress back to full employment. In fact, the cyclical trough was not reached until March 1933 and the economy did not return to full employment until 1941. Under these circumstances is it possible for Smoot-Hawley to have had a significant impact on the level of employment and production and would that impact have been positive or negative? A simple view of the determination of equilibrium Gross Domestic Product (Y) holds that it is equal to the sum of aggregate expenditures. Aggregate expenditures are divided into four categories: spending by households on consumption goods (C), spending by households and firms on investment goods — such as houses, and machinery and equipment (I), spending by the government on goods and services (G), and net exports, which are the difference between spending on exports by foreign households and firms (EX) and spending on imports by domestic households and firms (IM). So, in the basic algebra of the principles of economics course, at equilibrium, Y = C + I + G + (EX – IM). The usual story of the Great Depression is that some combination of falling consumption spending and falling investment spending had resulted in the equilibrium level of GDP being far below its full employment level. By raising tariffs on imports, Smoot-Hawley would have reduced the level of imports, but would not have had any direct effect on exports. This simple analysis seems to lead to a surprising conclusion: by reducing imports, Smoot-Hawley would have raised the level of aggregate expenditures in the economy (by increasing net exports or (EX – IM)) and, therefore, increased the level of GDP relative to what it would otherwise have been. A potential flaw in this argument is that it assumes that Smoot-Hawley did not have a negative impact on U.S. exports. In fact, it may have had a negative impact on exports if foreign governments were led to retaliate against the passage of Smoot-Hawley by raising tariffs on imports of U.S. goods. If net exports fell as a result of Smoot-Hawley, then the tariff would have had a negative macroeconomic impact; it would have made the Depression worse. In 1934 Joseph Jones wrote a very influential book in which he argued that widespread retaliation against Smoot-Hawley had, in fact, taken place. Jones’s book helped to establish the view among the public and among scholars that the passage of Smoot-Hawley had been a policy blunder that had worsened the Great Depression. Did Retaliation Take Place? This is a simplified analysis and there are other ways in which Smoot-Hawley could have had a macroeconomic impact, such as by increasing the price level in the U.S. relative to foreign price levels. But in recent years there has been significant scholarly interest in the question of whether Smoot-Hawley did provoke significant retaliation and, therefore, made the Depression worse. Clearly it is possible to overstate the extent of retaliation and Jones almost certainly did. For instance, the important decision by Britain to abandon a century-long commitment to free trade and raise tariffs in 1931 was not affected to any significant extent by Smoot-Hawley. On the other hand, the case for retaliation by Canada is fairly clear. Then, as now, Canada was easily the largest trading partner of the United States. In 1929, 18 percent of U.S. merchandise exports went to Canada and 11 percent of U.S. merchandise imports came from Canada. At the time of the passage of Smoot-Hawley the Canadian Prime Minister was William Lyon Mackenzie King of the Liberal Party. King had been in office for most of the period since 1921 and had several times reduced Canadian tariffs. He held the position that tariffs should be used to raise revenue, but should not be used for protection. In early 1929 he was contemplating pushing for further tariff reductions, but this option was foreclosed by Hoover’s call for a special session of Congress to consider tariff increases. As Smoot-Hawley neared passage King came under intense pressure from the Canadian Conservative Party and its leader, Richard Bedford Bennett, to retaliate. In May 1930 Canada imposed so-called countervailing duties on 16 products imported from the United States. The duties on these products — which represented about 30 percent of the value of all U.S. merchandise exports to Canada — were raised to the levels charged by the United States. In a speech, King made clear the retaliatory nature of these increases: [T]he countervailing duties ? [are] designed to give a practical illustration to the United States of the desire of Canada to trade at all times on fair and equal terms?. For the present we raise the duties on these selected commodities to the level applied against Canadian exports of the same commodities by other countries, but at the same time we tell our neighbour ? we are ready in the future ? to consider trade on a reciprocal basis?. In the election campaign the following July, Smoot-Hawley was a key issue. Bennett, the Conservative candidate, was strongly in favor in retaliation. In one campaign speech he declared: How many thousands of American workmen are living on Canadian money today? They’ve got the jobs and we’ve got the soup kitchens?. I will not beg of any country to buy our goods. I will make [tariffs] fight for you. I will use them to blast a way into markets that have been closed. Bennett handily won the election and pushed through the Canadian Parliament further tariff increases. What Was the Impact of the Tariff on the Great Depression? If there was retaliation for Smoot-Hawley, was this enough to have made the tariff a significant contributor to the severity of the Great Depression? Most economists are skeptical because foreign trade made up a small part of the U.S. economy in 1929 and the magnitude of the decline in GDP between 1929 and 1933 was so large. Table 2 gives values for nominal GDP, for real GDP (in 1929 dollars), for nominal and real net exports, and for nominal and real exports. In real terms, net exports did decline by about $.7 billion between 1929 and 1933, but this amounts to less than one percent of 1929 real GDP and is dwarfed by the total decline in real GDP between 1929 and 1933. Table 2 $2.0 $3.3 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, National Income and Product Accounts of the United States, Vol. I, 1929-1958, Washington, D.C.: USGPO, 1993. If we focus on the decline in exports, we can construct an upper bound for the negative impact of Smoot-Hawley. Between 1929 and 1931, real exports declined by an amount equal to about 1.7% of 1929 real GDP. Declines in aggregate expenditures are usually thought to have a multiplied effect on equilibrium GDP. The best estimates are that the multiplier is roughly two. In that case, real GDP would have declined by about 3.4% between 1929 and 1931 as a result of the decline in real exports. Real GDP actually declined by about 16.5% between 1929 and 1931, so the decline in real exports can account for about 21% of the total decline in real GDP. The decline in real exports, then, may well have played an important, but not crucial, role in the decline in GDP during the first two years of the Depression. Bear in mind, though, that not all — perhaps not even most — of the decline in exports can be attributed to retaliation for Smoot-Hawley. Even if Smoot-Hawley had not been passed, U.S. exports would have fallen as incomes declined in Canada, the United Kingdom, and in other U.S. trading partners and as tariff rates in some of these countries increased for reasons unconnected to Smoot-Hawley. Hawley-Smoot or Smoot-Hawley: A Note on Usage Congressional legislation is often referred to by the names of the member of the House of Representatives and the member of the Senate who have introduced the bill. Tariff legislation always originates in the House of Representatives and according to convention the name of its House sponsor, in this case Representative Willis Hawley of Oregon, would precede the name of its Senate sponsor, Senator Reed Smoot of Utah — hence, Hawley-Smoot. In this instance, though, Senator Smoot was far better known than Representative Hawley and so the legislation is usually referred to as the Smoot-Hawley Tariff. The more formal name of the legislation was the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930.) Further Reading The Republican Party platform for 1928 is reprinted as: “Republican Platform [of 1928]” in Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., Fred L. Israel, and William P. Hansen, editors, History of American Presidential Elections, 1789-1968, New York: Chelsea House, 1971, Vol. 3. Herbert Hoover’s views on the tariff can be found in Herbert Hoover, The Future of Our Foreign Trade, Washington, D.C.: GPO, 1926 and Herbert Hoover, The Memoirs of Herbert Hoover: The Cabinet and the Presidency, 1920-1933, New York: Macmillan, 1952, Chapter 41. Trade statistics for this period can be found in U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Analysis of Foreign Trade of the United States in Relation to the Tariff. Washington, D.C.: GPO, 1933 and in the annual supplements to the Survey of Current Business. A classic account of the political process that resulted in the Smoot-Hawley Tariff is given in E. E. Schattschneider, Politics, Pressures and the Tariff, New York: Prentice-Hall, 1935. The best case for the view that there was extensive foreign retaliation against Smoot-Hawley is given in Joseph Jones, Tariff Retaliation: Repercussions of the Hawley-Smoot Bill, Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1934. The Jones book should be used with care; his argument is generally considered to be overstated. The view that party politics was of supreme importance in passage of the tariff is well argued in Robert Pastor, Congress and the Politics of United States Foreign Economic Policy, 1929-1976, Berkeley: University of California Press, 1980. A discussion of the potential macroeconomic impact of Smoot-Hawley appears in Rudiger Dornbusch and Stanley Fischer, “The Open Economy: Implications for Monetary and Fiscal Policy.” In The American Business Cycle: Continuity and Change, edited by Robert J. Gordon, NBER Studies in Business Cycles, Volume 25, Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1986, pp. 466-70. See, also, the article by Barry Eichengreen listed below. An argument that Smoot-Hawley is unlikely to have had a significant macroeconomic effect is given in Peter Temin, Lessons from the Great Depression, Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1989, p. 46. For an argument emphasizing the importance of Smoot-Hawley in explaining the Great Depression, see Alan Meltzer, “Monetary and Other Explanations of the Start of the Great Depression,” Journal of Monetary Economics, 2 (1976): 455-71. Recent journal articles that deal with the issues discussed in this entry are: Callahan, Colleen, Judith A. McDonald and Anthony Patrick O’Brien. “Who Voted for Smoot-Hawley?” Journal of Economic History 54, no. 3 (1994): 683-90. Crucini, Mario J. and James Kahn. “Tariffs and Aggregate Economic Activity: Lessons from the Great Depression.” Journal of Monetary Economics 38, no. 3 (1996): 427-67. Eichengreen, Barry. “The Political Economy of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff.” Research in Economic History 12 (1989): 1-43. Irwin, Douglas. “The Smoot-Hawley Tariff: A Quantitative Assessment.” Review of Economics and Statistics 80, no. 2 (1998): 326-334. Irwin Douglas and Randall S. Kroszner. “Log-Rolling and Economic Interests in the Passage of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff.” Carnegie-Rochester Series on Public Policy 45 (1996): 173-200. McDonald Judith, Anthony Patrick O’Brien, and Colleen Callahan. “Trade Wars: Canada’s Reaction to the Smoot-Hawley Tariff.” Journal of Economic History 57, no. 4 (1997): 802-26. Citation: O’Brien, Anthony. “Smoot-Hawley Tariff”. EH.Net Encyclopedia, edited by Robert Whaples. August 14, 2001. URL http://eh.net/encyclopedia/smoot-hawley-tariff/ Economic History of Hawai’i Sumner La Croix, University of Hawai’i and East-West Center The Hawaiian Islands are a chain of 132 islands, shoals, and reefs extending over 1,523 miles in the Northeast Pacific Ocean. Eight islands — Hawai’i, Maui, O’ahu, Kaua’i, Moloka’i, Lana’i, Ni’ihau, and Kaho’olawe — possess 99 percent of the land area (6,435 square miles) and are noted for their volcanic landforms, unique flora and fauna, and diverse climates. From Polynesian Settlement to Western Contact The Islands were uninhabited until sometime around 400 AD when Polynesian voyagers sailing double-hulled canoes arrived from the Marquesas Islands (Kirch, 1985, p. 68). Since the settlers had no written language and virtually no contact with the Western world until 1778, our knowledge of Hawai’i’s pre-history comes primarily from archaeological investigations and oral legends. A relatively egalitarian society and subsistence economy were coupled with high population growth rates until about 1100 when continued population growth led to a major expansion of the areas of settlement and cultivation. Perhaps under pressures of increasing resource scarcity, a new, more hierarchical social structure emerged, characterized by chiefs (ali’i) and subservient commoners (maka’ainana). In the two centuries prior to Western contact, there is considerable evidence that ruling chiefs (ali’i nui) competed to extend their lands by conquest and that this led to cycles of expansion and retrenchment. Captain James Cook’s ships reached Hawai’i in 1778, thereby ending a long period of isolation for the Islands. Captain James King observed in 1779 that Hawaiians were generally “above the middle size” of Europeans, a rough indicator that Hawaiians generally had a diet superior to eighteenth-century Europeans. At contact, Hawaiian social and political institutions were similar to those found in other Polynesian societies. Hawaiians were sharply divided into three main social classes: ali’i (chiefs), maka’ainana (commoners), and kahuna (priests). Oral legends tell us that the Islands were usually divided into six to eight small kingdoms consisting of an island or part of an island, each governed by an ali’i nui (ruling chief). The ali’i nui had extensive rights to all lands and material goods and the ability to confiscate or redistribute material wealth at any time. Redistribution usually occurred only when a new ruling chief took office or when lands were conquered or lost. The ali’i nui gave temporary land grants to ali’i who, in turn, gave temporary land grants to konohiki (managers), who then “contracted” with maka’ainana, the great majority of the populace, to work the lands. The Hawaiian society and economy has its roots in extended families (‘ohana) working cooperatively on an ahupua’a, a land unit running from the mountains to the sea. Numerous tropical root, tuber, and tree crops were cultivated. Taro, a wetland crop, was cultivated primarily in windward areas, while sweet potatoes and yams, both dryland crops, were cultivated in drier leeward areas. The maka’ainana apparently lived well above subsistence levels, with extensive time available for cultural activities, sports, and games. There were unquestionably periods of hardship, but these times tended to be associated with drought or other causes of poor harvest. Unification of Hawai’i and Population Decline The long-prevailing political equilibrium began to disintegrate shortly after the introduction of guns and the spread of new diseases to the Islands. In 1784, the most powerful ali’i nui, Kamehameha, began a war of conquest, and with his superior use of modern weapons and western advisors, he subdued all other chiefdoms, with the exception of Kaua’i, by 1795. Each chief in his ruling coalition received the right to administer large areas of land, consisting of smaller strips on various islands. Sumner La Croix and James Roumasset (1984) have argued that the strip system conveyed durability to the newly unified kingdom (by making it more costly for an ali’i to accumulate a power base on one island) and facilitated monitoring of ali’i production by the new king. In 1810, Kamehameha reached a negotiated settlement with Kaumuali’i, the ruling chief of Kaua’i, which brought the island under his control, thereby bringing the entire island chain under a single monarchy. Exposure to Western diseases produced a massive decline in the native population of Hawai’i from 1778 through 1900 (Table 1). Estimates of Hawai’i’s population at the time of contact vary wildly, from approximately 110,000 to one million people (Bushnell, 1993; Dye, 1994). The first missionary census in 1831-1832 counted 130,313 people. A substantial portion of the decline can be attributed to a series of epidemics beginning after contact, including measles, influenza, diarrhea, and whooping cough. The introduction of venereal diseases was a factor behind declining crude birth rates. The first accurate census conducted in the Islands revealed a population of 80,641 in 1849. The native Hawaiian population reached its lowest point in 1900 when the U.S. census revealed only 39,656 full or part Hawaiians. Table 1: Population of Hawai’i Year 1,211,537 239,655 Sources: Total population from http://www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/db99/index.html , Table 1.01, Dye (1994), and Bushnell (1993). Native Hawaiian population for 1853-1960 from Schmitt (1977), p. 25. Data from the 2000 census includes people declaring “Native Hawaiian” as their only race or one of two races. See http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/DTTable?_ts=18242084330 for the 2000 census population. The Rise and Fall of Sandalwood and Whaling With the unification of the Islands came the opening of foreign trade. Trade in sandalwood, a wood in demand in China for ornamental uses and burning as incense, began in 1805. The trade was interrupted by the War of 1812 and then flourished from 1816 to the late 1820s before fading away in the 1830s and 1840s (Kuykendall, 1957, I, pp. 86-87). La Croix and Roumasset (1984) have argued that the centralized organization of the sandalwood trade under King Kamehameha provided the king with incentives to harvest sandalwood efficiently. The adoption of a decentralized production system by his successor (Liholiho) led to the sandalwood being treated by ali’i as a common property resource. The reallocation of resources from agricultural production to sandalwood production not only led to rapid exhaustion of the sandalwood resource but also to famine. As the sandalwood industry declined, Hawai’i became the base for the north-central Pacific whaling trade. The impetus for the new trade was the 1818 discovery of the “Offshore Ground” west of Peru and the 1820 discovery of rich sperm whale grounds off the coast of Japan. The first whaling ship visited the Islands in 1820, and by the late 1820s over 150 whaling ships were stopping in Hawai’i annually. While ship visits declined somewhat during the 1830s, by 1843 over 350 whaling ships annually visited the two major ports of Honolulu and Lahaina. Through the 1850s over 500 whaling ships visited Hawai’i annually. The demise of the Pacific whaling fleet during the U.S. Civil War and the rapid rise of the petroleum industry led to steep declines in the number of ships visiting Hawai’i, and after 1870 only a trickle of ships continued to visit. Missionaries and Land Tenure In 1819, King Kamehameha’s successor, Liholiho, abandoned the system of religious practices known as the kapu system and ordered temples (heiau) and images of the gods desecrated and burnt. In April 1820, missionaries from New England arrived and began filling the religious void with conversions to protestant Christianity. Over the next two decades as church attendance became widespread, the missionaries suppressed many traditional Hawaiian cultural practices, operated over 1,000 common schools, and instructed the ali’i in western political economy. The king promulgated a constitution with provisions for a Hawai’i legislature in 1840. It was followed, later in the decade, by laws establishing a cabinet, civil service, and judiciary. Under the 1852 constitution, male citizens received the right to vote in elections for a legislative lower house. Missionaries and other foreigners regularly served in cabinets through the end of the monarchy. In 1844, the government began a 12-year program, known as the Great Mahele (Division), to dismantle the traditional system of land tenure. King Kauikeaouli gave up his interest in all island lands, retaining ownership only in selected estates. Ali’i had the right to take out fee simple title to lands held at the behest of the king. Maka’ainana had the right to claim fee simple title to small farms (kuleana). At the end of the claiming period, maka’ainana received less than ~40,000 acres of land, while the government (~1.5 million acres), the king (~900,000 acres), and the ali’i (~1.5 million acres) all received substantial shares. Foreigners were initially not allowed to own land in fee simple, but an 1850 law overturned this restriction. By the end of the 19th century, commoners and chiefs had sold, lost, or given up their lands, with foreigners and large estates owning most non-government lands. Lilikala Kame’eleihiwa (1992) found the origins of the Mahele in the traditional duty of a king to undertake a redistribution of land and the difficulty of such an undertaking during the initial years of missionary influence. By contrast, La Croix and Roumasset (1990) found the origins of the Mahele in the rising value of Hawaii land in sugar cultivation, with fee simple title facilitating investment in the land, irrigation facilities, and processing factories. Sugar, Immigration, and Population Increase The first commercially-viable sugar plantation, Ladd and Co., was started on Kaua’i in 1835, and the sugar industry achieved moderate growth through the 1850s. Hawai’i’s sugar exports to California soared during the U.S. Civil War, but the end of hostilities in 1865 also meant the end of the sugar boom. The U.S. tariff on sugar posed a major obstacle to expanding sugar production in Hawai’i during peacetime, as the high tariff, ranging from 20 to 42 percent between 1850 and 1870, limited the extent of profitable sugar cultivation in the islands. Sugar interests helped elect King Kalakaua to the Hawaiian throne over the British-leaning Queen Emma in February 1874, and Kalakaua immediately sought a trade agreement with the United States. The 1876 reciprocity treaty between Hawai’i and the United States allowed duty-free sales of Hawai’i sugar and other selected agricultural products in the United States as well as duty-free sales of most U.S. manufactured goods in Hawai’i. Sugar exports from Hawai’i to the United States soared after the treaty’s promulgation, rising from 21 million pounds in 1876 to 114 million pounds in 1883 to 224.5 million pounds in 1890 (Table 2). Table 2: Hawai’i Sugar Production (1000 short tons) Year 1999 367.5 Sources: Data for 1850-1970 are from Schmitt (1977), pp. 418-420. Data for 1990 and 1999 are from http://www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/db99/index.html , Table 22.09. Data for 1850-1880 are exports. Data for 1910-1990 are converted to 96° raw value. The reciprocity treaty set the tone for Hawai’i’s economy and society over the next 80 years by establishing the sugar industry as the Hawai’i’s leading industry and altering the demographic composition of the Islands via the industry’s labor demands. Rapid expansion of the sugar industry after reciprocity sharply increased its demand for labor: Plantation employment rose from 3,921 in 1872 to 10,243 in 1882 to 20,536 in 1892. The increase in labor demand occurred while the native Hawaiian population continued its precipitous decline, and the Hawai’i government responded to labor shortages by allowing sugar planters to bring in overseas contract laborers bound to serve at fixed wages for 3-5 year periods. The enormous increase in the plantation workforce consisted of first Chinese, then Japanese, then Portuguese contract laborers. The extensive investment in sugar industry lands and irrigations systems coupled with the rapid influx of overseas contract laborers changed the bargaining positions of Hawai’i and the United States when the reciprocity treaty was due for renegotiation in 1883. La Croix and Christopher Grandy (1997) argued that the profitability of the planters’ new investment was dependent on access to the U.S. market, and this improved the bargaining position of the United States. As a condition for renewal of the treaty, the United States demanded access to Pearl Bay [now Pearl Harbor]. King Kalakaua opposed this demand, and in July 1887, opponents of the government forced the king to accept a new constitution and cabinet. With the election of a new pro-American government in September 1887, the king signed an extension of the reciprocity treaty in October 1887 that granted access rights to Pearl Bay to the United States for the life of the treaty. Annexation and the Sugar Economy In 1890, the U.S. Congress enacted the McKinley Tariff, which allowed raw sugar to enter the United States free of duty and established a two-cent per pound bounty for domestic producers. The overall effect of the McKinley Tariff was to completely erase the advantages that the reciprocity treaty had provided to Hawaiian sugar producers over other foreign sugar producers selling in the U.S. market. The value of Hawaiian merchandise exports plunged from $13 million in 1890 to $10 million in 1891 to a low point of $8 million in 1892. La Croix and Grandy (1997) argued that the McKinley Tariff threatened the wealth of the planters and induced important changes in Hawai’i’s domestic politics. King Kalakaua died in January 1891, and his sister succeeded him. After Queen Lili’uokalani proposed to declare a new constitution in January 1893, a group of U.S. residents, with the incautious assistance of the U.S. Minister and troops from a U.S. warship, overthrew the monarchy. The new government, dominated by the white minority, offered Hawai’i for annexation by the United States from 1893. Annexation was first opposed by U.S. President Cleveland, and then, during U.S. President McKinley’s term, failed to obtain Congressional approval. The advent of the Spanish-American War and the ensuing hostilities in the Philippines raised Hawai’i’s strategic value to the United States, and Hawai’i was annexed by a joint resolution of Congress in July 1898. Hawai’i became a U.S. territory with the passage of the Organic Act on June 14, 1900. Economic Integration with the United States In 1900 annexation by the United States eliminated bound labor contracts and freed the existing labor force from their contracts. After annexation, the sugar planters and the Hawaii government recruited workers from Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Spain, Portugal, Puerto Rico, England, Germany, and Russia. The ensuing flood of immigrants swelled the population of the Hawaiian Islands from 109,020 people in 1896 to 232,856 people in 1915. The growth in the plantation labor force was one factor behind the expansion of sugar production from 289,500 short tons in 1900 to 939,300 short tons in 1930. Pineapple production also expanded, from just 2,000 cases of canned fruit in 1903 to 12,808,000 cases in 1931. La Croix and Price Fishback (2000) established that European and American workers on sugar plantations were paid job-specific wage premiums relative to Asian workers and that the premium paid for unskilled American workers fell by one third between 1901 and 1915 and for European workers by 50 percent or more over the same period. While similar wage gaps disappeared during this period on the U.S. West Coast, Hawai’i plantations were able to maintain a portion of the wage gaps because they constantly found new low-wage immigrants to work in the Hawai’i market. Immigrant workers from Asia failed, however, to climb many rungs up the job ladder on Hawai’i sugar plantations, and this was a major factor behind labor unrest in the sugar industry. Edward Beechert (1985) concluded that large-scale strikes on sugar plantations during 1909 and 1920 improved the welfare of sugar plantation workers but did not lead to recognition of labor unions. Between 1900 and 1941, many sugar workers responded to limited advancement and wage prospects on the sugar plantation by leaving the plantations for jobs in Hawai’i’s growing urban areas. The rise of the sugar industry and the massive inflow of immigrant workers into Hawaii was accompanied by a decline in the Native Hawaiian population and its overall welfare (La Croix and Rose, 1999). Native Hawaiians and their political representatives argued that government lands should be made available for homesteading to enable Hawaiians to resettle in rural areas and to return to farming occupations. The U.S. Congress enacted legislation in 1921 to reserve specified rural and urban lands for a new Hawaiian Homes Program. La Croix and Louis Rose have argued that the Hawaiian Homes Program has functioned poorly, providing benefits for only a small portion of the Hawaiian population over the course of the twentieth century. Five firms-Castle & Cooke, Alexander & Baldwin, C. Brewer & Co., Theo. Davies & Co., and American Factors-came to dominate the sugar industry. Originally established to provide financial, labor recruiting, transportation, and marketing services to plantations, they gradually acquired the plantations and also gained control over other vital industries such as banking, insurance, retailing, and shipping. By 1933, their plantations produced 96 percent of the sugar crop. The “Big Five’s” dominance would continue until the rise of the tourism industry and statehood induced U.S. and foreign firms to enter Hawai’i’s markets. The Great Depression hit Hawai’i hard, as employment in the sugar and pineapple industries declined during the early 1930s. In December 1936, about one-quarter of Hawai’i’s labor force was unemployed. Full recovery would not occur until the military began a buildup in the mid-1930s in reaction to Japan’s occupation of Manchuria. With the Japanese invasion of China in 1937, the number of U.S. military personnel in Hawai’i increased to 48,000 by September 1940. World War II and its Aftermath The Japanese attack on the American Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 led to a declaration of martial law, a state that continued until October 24, 1944. The war was accompanied by a massive increase in American armed service personnel in Hawai’i, with numbers increasing from 28,000 in 1940 to 378,000 in 1944. The total population increased from 429,000 in 1940 to 858,000 in 1944, thereby substantially increasing the demand for retail, restaurant, and other consumer services. An enormous construction program to house the new personnel was undertaken in 1941 and 1942. The wartime interruption of commercial shipping reduced the tonnage of civilian cargo arriving in Hawai’i by more than 50 percent. Employees working in designated high priority organizations, including sugar plantations, had their jobs and wages frozen in place by General Order 18 which also suspended union activity. In March 1943, the National Labor Relations Board was allowed to resume operations, and the International Longshoreman’s Union (ILWU) organized 34 of Hawai’i’s 35 sugar plantations, the pineapple plantations, and the longshoremen by November 1945. The passage of the Hawai’i Employment Relations Act in 1945 facilitated union organizing by providing agricultural workers with the same union organizing rights as industrial workers. After the War, Hawai’i’s economy stagnated, as demobilized armed services personnel left Hawai’i for the U.S. mainland. With the decline in population, real per capita personal income declined at an annual rate of 5.7 percent between 1945 and 1949 (Schmitt, 1976, pp. 148, 167). During this period, Hawai’i’s newly formed unions embarked on a series of disruptive strikes covering West Coast and Hawai’i longshoremen (1946-1949); the sugar industry (1946); and the pineapple industry (1947, 1951). The economy began a nine-year period of moderate expansion in 1949, with the annual growth rate of real personal income averaging 2.3 percent. The expansion of propeller-driven commercial air service sent visitor numbers soaring, from 15,000 in 1946 to 171,367 in 1958, and induced construction of new hotels and other tourism facilities and infrastructure. The onset of the Korean War increased the number of armed service personnel stationed in Hawai’i from 21,000 in 1950 to 50,000 in 1958. Pineapple production and canning also displayed substantial increases over the decade, increasing from 13,697,000 cases in 1949 to 18,613,000 cases in 1956. Integration and Growth after Statehood In 1959, Hawai’i became the fiftieth state. The transition from territorial to statehood status was one factor behind the 1958-1973 boom, in which real per capita personal income increased at an annual rate of 4 percent. The most important factor behind the long expansion was the introduction of commercial jet service in 1959, as the jet plane dramatically reduced the money and time costs of traveling to Hawai’i. Also fueled by rapidly rising real incomes in the United States and Japan, the tourism industry would continue its rapid growth through 1990. Visitor arrivals (see Table 3) increased from 171,367 in 1958 to 6,723,531 in 1990. Growth in visitor arrivals was once again accompanied by growth in the construction industry, particularly from 1965 to 1975. The military build-up during the Vietnam War also contributed to the boom by increasing defense expenditures in Hawai’i by 3.9 percent annually from 1958 to 1973 (Schmitt, 1977, pp. 148, 668). Table 3: Visitor Arrivals to Hawai’i Year 6,975,866 Source: Hawai’i Tourism Authority, http://www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/monthly/historical-r.xls at Table 5 and http://www.state.hi.us/dbedt/monthly/index2k.html . From 1973 to 1990, growth in real per capita personal income slowed to 1.1 percent annually. The defense and agriculture sectors stagnated, with most growth generated by the relentless increase in visitor arrivals. Japan’s persistently high rates of economic growth during the 1970s and 1980s spilled over to Hawai’i in the form of huge increases in the numbers of Japanese tourists and in the value of Japanese foreign investment in Hawai’i. At the end of the 1980s, the Hawai’i unemployment rate was just 2-3 percent, employment had been steadily growing since 1983, and prospects looked good for continued expansion of both tourism and the overall economy. The Malaise of the 1990s From 1991 to 1998, Hawai’i’s economy was hit by several negative shocks. The 1990-1991 recession in the United States, the closure of California military bases and defense plants, and uncertainty over the safety of air travel during the 1991 Gulf War combined to reduce visitor arrivals from the United States in the early and mid-1990s. Volatile and slow growth in Japan throughout the 1990s led to declines in Japanese visitor arrivals in the late 1990s. The ongoing decline in sugar and pineapple production gathered steam in the 1990s, with only a handful of plantations still in business by 2001. The cumulative impact of these adverse shocks was severe, as real per capita personal income did not change between 1991 and 1998. The recovery continued through summer 2001 despite a slowing U.S. economy. It came to an abrupt halt with the terrorism attack of September 11, 2001, as domestic and foreign tourism declined sharply. References Beechert, Edward D. Working in Hawaii: A Labor History. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1985. Bushnell, Andrew F. “The ‘Horror’ Reconsidered: An Evaluation of the Historical Evidence for Population Decline in Hawai’i, 1778-1803.” Pacific Studies 16 (1993): 115-161. Daws, Gavan. Shoal of Time: A History of the Hawaiian Islands. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1968. Dye, Tom. “Population Trends in Hawai’i before 1778.” The Hawaiian Journal of History 28 (1994): 1-20. Hitch, Thomas Kemper. Islands in Transition: The Past, Present, and Future of Hawaii’s Economy. Honolulu: First Hawaiian Bank, 1992. Kame’eleihiwa, Lilikala. Native Land and Foreign Desires: Pehea La E Pono Ai? Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1992. Kirch, Patrick V. Feathered Gods and Fishhooks: An Introduction to Hawaiian Archaeology and Prehistory. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1985. Kuykendall, Ralph S. A History of the Hawaiian Kingdom. 3 vols. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1938-1967. La Croix, Sumner J., and Price Fishback. “Firm-Specific Evidence on Racial Wage Differentials and Workforce Segregation in Hawaii’s Sugar Industry.” Explorations in Economic History 26 (1989): 403-423. La Croix, Sumner J., and Price Fishback. “Migration, Labor Market Dynamics, and Wage Differentials in Hawaii’s Sugar Industry.” Advances in Agricultural Economic History 1 (2000): 31-72. La Croix, Sumner J., and Christopher Grandy. “The Political Instability of Reciprocal Trade and the Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.” Journal of Economic History 57 (1997): 161-189. La Croix, Sumner J., and Louis A. Rose. “The Political Economy of the Hawaiian Homelands Program.” In The Other Side of the Frontier: Economic Explorations into Native American History, edited by Linda Barrington. Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press, 1999. La Croix, Sumner J., and James Roumasset. “An Economic Theory of Political Change in Pre-Missionary Hawaii.” Explorations in Economic History 21 (1984): 151-168. La Croix, Sumner J., and James Roumasset. “The Evolution of Property Rights in Nineteenth-Century Hawaii.” Journal of Economic History 50 (1990): 829-852. Morgan, Theodore. Hawaii, A Century of Economic Change: 1778-1876. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1948. Schmitt, Robert C. Historical Statistics of Hawaii. Honolulu: University Press of Hawaii, 1977. Citation: La Croix, Sumner. “Economic History of Hawai’i”. EH.Net Encyclopedia, edited by Robert Whaples. September 27, 2001. URL http://eh.net/encyclopedia/economic-history-of-hawaii/ Medieval Guilds Gary Richardson, University of California, Irvine Guilds existed throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. Guilds were groups of individuals with common goals. The term guild probably derives from the Anglo-Saxon root geld which meant ‘to pay, contribute.’ The noun form of geld meant an association of persons contributing money for some common purpose. The root also meant ‘to sacrifice, worship.’ The dual definitions probably reflected guilds’ origins as both secular and religious organizations. The term guild had many synonyms in the Middle Ages. These included association, brotherhood, college, company, confraternity, corporation, craft, fellowship, fraternity, livery, society, and equivalents of these terms in Latin, Germanic, Scandinavian, and Romance languages such as ambach, arte, collegium, corporatio, fraternitas, gilda, innung, corps de métier, societas, and zunft. In the late nineteenth century, as a professional lexicon evolved among historians, the term guild became the universal reference for these groups of merchants, artisans, and other individuals from the ordinary (non-priestly and non-aristocratic) classes of society which were not part of the established religious, military, or governmental hierarchies. Much of the academic debate about guilds stems from confusion caused by incomplete lexicographical standardization. Scholars study guilds in one time and place and then assume that their findings apply to guilds everywhere and at all times or assert that the organizations that they studied were the one type of true guild, while other organizations deserved neither the distinction nor serious study. To avoid this mistake, this encyclopedia entry begins with the recognition that guilds were groups whose activities, characteristics, and composition varied greatly across centuries, regions, and industries. Guild Activities and Taxonomy Guilds filled many niches in medieval economy and society. Typical taxonomies divide urban occupational guilds into two types: merchant and craft. Merchant guilds were organizations of merchants who were involved in long-distance commerce and local wholesale trade, and may also have been retail sellers of commodities in their home cities and distant venues where they possessed rights to set up shop. The largest and most influential merchant guilds participated in international commerce and politics and established colonies in foreign cities. In many cases, they evolved into or became inextricably intertwined with the governments of their home towns. Merchant guilds enforced contracts among members and between members and outsiders. Guilds policed members’ behavior because medieval commerce operated according to the community responsibility system. If a merchant from a particular town failed to fulfill his part of a bargain or pay his debts, all members of his guild could be held liable. When they were in a foreign port, their goods could be seized and sold to alleviate the bad debt. They would then return to their hometown, where they would seek compensation from the original defaulter. Merchant guilds also protected members against predation by rulers. Rulers seeking revenue had an incentive to seize money and merchandise from foreign merchants. Guilds threatened to boycott the realms of rulers who did this, a practice known as withernam in medieval England. Since boycotts impoverished both kingdoms which depended on commerce and governments for whom tariffs were the principal source of revenue, the threat of retaliation deterred medieval potentates from excessive expropriations. Merchant guilds tended to be wealthier and of higher social status than craft guilds. Merchants’ organizations usually possessed privileged positions in religious and secular ceremonies and inordinately influenced local governments. Craft guilds were organized along lines of particular trades. Members of these guilds typically owned and operated small businesses or family workshops. Craft guilds operated in many sectors of the economy. Guilds of victuallers bought agricultural commodities, converted them to consumables, and sold finished foodstuffs. Examples included bakers, brewers, and butchers. Guilds of manufacturers made durable goods, and when profitable, exported them from their towns to consumers in distant markets. Examples include makers of textiles, military equipment, and metal ware. Guilds of a third type sold skills and services. Examples include clerks, teamsters, and entertainers. These occupational organizations engaged in a wide array of economic activities. Some manipulated input and output markets to their own advantage. Others established reputations for quality, fostering the expansion of anonymous exchange and making everyone better off. Because of the underlying economic realities, victualling guilds tended towards the former. Manufacturing guilds tended towards the latter. Guilds of service providers fell somewhere in between. All three types of guilds managed labor markets, lowered wages, and advanced their own interests at their subordinates’ expense. These undertakings had a common theme. Merchant and craft guilds acted to increase and stabilize members’ incomes. Non-occupational guilds also operated in medieval towns and cities. These organizations had both secular and religious functions. Historians refer to these organizations as social, religious, or parish guilds as well as fraternities and confraternities. The secular activities of these organizations included providing members with mutual insurance, extending credit to members in times of need, aiding members in courts of law, and helping the children of members afford apprenticeships and dowries. The principal pious objective was the salvation of the soul and escape from Purgatory. The doctrine of Purgatory was the belief that there lay between Heaven and Hell an intermediate place, by passing though which the souls of the dead might cleanse themselves of guilt attached to the sins committed during their lifetime by submitting to a graduated scale of divine punishment. The suffering through which they were cleansed might be abbreviated by the prayers of the living, and most especially by masses. Praying devoutly, sponsoring masses, and giving alms were three of the most effective methods of redeeming one’s soul. These works of atonement could be performed by the penitent on their own or by someone else on their behalf. Guilds served as mechanisms for organizing, managing, and financing the collective quest for eternal salvation. Efforts centered on three types of tasks. The first were routine and participatory religious services. Members of guilds gathered at church on Sundays and often also on other days of the week. Members marked ceremonial occasions, such as the day of their patron saint or Good Friday, with prayers, processions, banquets, masses, the singing of psalms, the illumination of holy symbols, and the distribution of alms to the poor. Some guilds kept chaplains on call. Others hired priests when the need arose. These clerics hosted regular religious services, such as vespers each evening or mass on Sunday morning, and prayed for the souls of members living and deceased. The second category consisted of actions performed on members’ behalf after their deaths and for the benefit of their souls. Postmortem services began with funerals and burials, which guilds arranged for the recently departed. The services were elaborate and extensive. On the day before internment, members gathered around the corpse, lit candles, and sung a placebo and a dirge, which were the vespers and matins from the Office of the Dead. On the day of internment, a procession marched from churchyard to graveyard, buried the body, distributed alms, and attended mass. Additional masses numbering one to forty occurred later that day and sometimes for months thereafter. Postmortem prayers continued even further into the future and in theory into perpetuity. All guilds prayed for the souls of deceased members. These prayers were a prominent part of all guild events. Many guilds also hired priests to pray for the souls of the deceased. A few guilds built chantries where priests said those prayers. The third category involved indoctrination and monitoring to maintain the piety of members. The Christian catechism of the era contained clear commandments. Rest on the Sabbath and religious holidays. Be truthful. Do not deceive others. Be chaste. Do not commit adultery. Be faithful to your family. Obey authorities. Be modest. Do not covet thy neighbors’ possessions. Do not steal. Do not gamble. Work hard. Support the church. Guild ordinances echoed these exhortations. Members should neither gamble nor lie nor steal nor drink to excess. They should restrain their gluttony, lust, avarice, and corporal impulses. They should pray to the Lord, live like His son, and give alms to the poor. Righteous living was important because members’ fates were linked together. The more pious one’s brethren, the more helpful their prayers, and the quicker one escaped from purgatory. The worse one’s brethren, the less salutary their supplications and the longer one suffered during the afterlife. So, in hopes of minimizing purgatorial pain and maximizing eternal happiness, guilds beseeched members to restrain physical desires and forgo worldly pleasures. Guilds also operated in villages and the countryside. Rural guilds performed the same tasks as social and religious guilds in towns and cities. Recent research on medieval England indicates that guilds operated in most, if not all, villages. Villages often possessed multiple guilds. Most rural residents belonged to a guild. Some may have joined more than one organization. Guilds often spanned multiple dimensions of this taxonomy. Members of craft guilds participated in wholesale commerce. Members of merchant guilds opened retail shops. Social and religious guilds evolved into occupational associations. All merchant and craft guilds possessed religious and fraternal features. In sum, guild members sought prosperity in this life and providence in the next. Members wanted high and stable incomes, quick passage through Purgatory, and eternity in Heaven. Guilds helped them coordinate their collective efforts to attain these goals. Guild Structure and Organization To attain their collective goals, guild members had to cooperate. If some members slacked off, all would suffer. Guilds that wished to lower the costs of labor had to get all masters to reduce wages. Guilds that wished to raise the prices of products had to get all members to restrict output. Guilds that wished to develop respected reputations had to get all members to sell superior merchandise. Guild members contributed money – to pay priests and purchase pious paraphernalia – and contributed time, emotion, and personal energy, as well. Members participated in frequent religious services, attended funerals, and prayed for the souls of the brethren. Members had to live piously, abstaining both from the pleasures of the flesh and the material temptations of secular life. Members also had to administer their associations. The need for coordination was a common denominator. To convince members to cooperate and advance their common interests, guilds formed stable, self-enforcing associations that possessed structures for making and implementing collective decisions. A guild’s members met at least once a year (and in most cases more often) to elect officers, audit accounts, induct new members, debate policies, and amend ordinances. Officers such as aldermen, stewards, deans, and clerks managed the guild’s day to day affairs. Aldermen directed guild activities and supervised lower-ranking officers. Stewards kept guild funds, and their accounts were periodically audited. Deans summoned members to meetings, feasts, and funerals, and in many cases, policed members’ behavior. Clerks kept records. Decisions were usually made by majority vote among the master craftsmen. These officers administered a nexus of agreements among a guild’s members. Details of these agreements varied greatly from guild to guild, but the issues addressed were similar in all cases. Members agreed to contribute certain resources and/or take certain actions that furthered the guild’s occupational and spiritual endeavors. Officers of the guild monitored members’ contributions. Manufacturing guilds, for example, employed officers known as searchers who scrutinized members’ merchandise to make sure it met guild standards and inspected members’ shops and homes seeking evidence of attempts to circumvent the rules. Members who failed to fulfill their obligations faced punishments of various sorts. Punishments varied across transgressions, guilds, time, and space, but a pattern existed. First time offenders were punished lightly, perhaps suffering public scolding and paying small monetary fines, and repeat offenders punished harshly. The ultimate threat was expulsion. Guilds could do nothing harsher because laws protected persons and property from arbitrary expropriations and physical abuse. The legal system set the rights of individuals above the interests of organizations. Guilds were voluntary associations. Members facing harsh punishments could quit the guild and walk away. The most the guild could extract was the value of membership. Abundant evidence indicates that guilds enforced agreements in this manner. Other game-theoretic options existed, of course. Guilds could have punished uncooperative members by taking actions with wider consequences. Members of a manufacturing guild who caught one of their own passing off shoddy merchandise under the guilds’ good name could have punished the offender by collectively lowering the quality of their products for a prolonged period. That would lower the offender’s income, albeit at the cost of lowering the income of all other members as well. Similarly, members of a guild that caught one of their brethren shirking on prayers and sinning incessantly could have punished the offender by collectively forsaking the Lord and descending into debauchery. Then, no one would or could pray for the soul of the offender, and his period in Purgatory would be extended significantly. In broader terms, cheaters could have been punished by any action that reduced the average incomes of all guild members or increased the pain that all members expected to endure in Purgatory. In theory, such threats could have convinced even the most recalcitrant members to contribute to the common good. But, no evidence exists that craft guilds ever operated in such a manner. None of the hundreds of surviving guild ordinances contains threats of such a kind. No surviving guild documents describe punishing the innocent along with the guilty. Guilds appear to have eschewed indiscriminant retaliation for several salient reasons. First, monitoring members’ behavior was costly and imperfect. Time and risk preferences varied across individuals. Uncertainty of many kinds influenced craftsmen’s decisions. Some members would have attempted to cheat regardless of the threatened punishment. Punishments, in other words, would have occurred in equilibrium. The cost of carrying out an equilibrium-sustaining threat of expulsion would have been lower than the cost of carrying out an equilibrium-sustaining threat that reduced average income. Thus, expelling members caught violating the rules was an efficient method of enforcing the rules. Second, punishing free riders by indiscriminately harming all guild members may not have been a convincing threat. Individuals may not have believed that threats of mutual assured destruction would be carried out. The incentive to renegotiate was strong. Third, skepticism probably existed about threats to do onto others as they had done onto you. That concept contradicted a fundamental teaching of the church, to do onto others as you would have them do onto you. It also contradicted Jesus’ admonition to turn the other cheek. Thus, indiscriminant retaliation based upon hair-trigger strategies was not an organizing principle likely to be adopted by guilds whose members hoped to speed passage through Purgatory. A hierarchy existed in large guilds. Masters were full members who usually owned their own workshops, retail outlets, or trading vessels. Masters employed journeymen, who were laborers who worked for wages on short term contracts or a daily basis (hence the term journeyman, from the French word for day). Journeymen hoped to one day advance to the level of master. To do this, journeymen usually had to save enough money to open a workshop and pay for admittance, or if they were lucky, receive a workshop through marriage or inheritance. Masters also supervised apprentices, who were usually boys in their teens who worked for room, board, and perhaps a small stipend in exchange for a vocational education. Both guilds and government regulated apprenticeships, usually to ensure that masters fulfilled their part of the apprenticeship agreement. Terms of apprenticeships varied, usually lasting from five to nine years. The internal structure of guilds varied widely across Europe. Little is known for certain about the structure of smaller guilds, since they left few written documents. Most of the evidence comes from large, successful associations whose internal records survive to the present day. The description above is based on such documents. It seems likely that smaller organizations fulfilled many of the same functions, but their structure was probably less formal and more horizontal. Relationships between guilds and governments also varied across Europe. Most guilds aspired to attain recognition as a self-governing association with the right to possess property and other legal privileges. Guilds often purchased these rights from municipal and national authorities. In England, for example, a guild which wished to possess property had to purchase from the royal government a writ allowing it to do so. But, most guilds operated without formal sanction from the government. Guilds were spontaneous, voluntary, and self-enforcing associations. Guild Chronology and Impact Reconstructing the history of guilds poses several problems. Few written records survive from the twelfth century and earlier. Surviving documents consist principally of the records of rulers – kings, princes, churches – that taxed, chartered, and granted privileges to organizations. Some evidence also exists in the records of notaries and courts, which recorded and enforced contracts between guild masters and outsiders, such as the parents of apprentices. From the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, records survive in larger numbers. Surviving records include statute books and other documents describing the internal organization and operation of guilds. The evidence at hand links the rise and decline of guilds to several important events in the history of Western Europe. In the late Roman Empire, organizations resembling guilds existed in most towns and cities. These voluntary associations of artisans, known as collegia, were occasionally regulated by the state but largely left alone. They were organized along trade lines and possessed a strong social base, since their members shared religious observances and fraternal dinners. Most of these organizations disappeared during the Dark Ages, when the Western Roman Empire disintegrated and urban life collapsed. In the Eastern Empire, some collegia appear to have survived from antiquity into the Middle Ages, particularly in Constantinople, where Leo the Wise codified laws concerning commerce and crafts at the beginning of the tenth century and sources reveal an unbroken tradition of state management of guilds from ancient times. Some scholars suspect that in the West, a few of the most resilient collegia in the surviving urban areas may have evolved in an unbroken descent into medieval guilds, but the absence of documentary evidence makes it appear unlikely and unprovable. In the centuries following the Germanic invasions, evidence indicates that numerous guild-like associations existed in towns and rural areas. These organizations functioned as modern burial and benefit societies, whose objectives included prayers for the souls of deceased members, payments of weregilds in cases of justifiable homicide, and supporting members involved in legal disputes. These rural guilds were descendents of Germanic social organizations known as gilda which the Roman historian Tacitus referred to as convivium. During the eleventh through thirteenth centuries, considerable economic development occurred. The sources of development were increases in the productivity of medieval agriculture, the abatement of external raiding by Scandinavian and Muslim brigands, and population increases. The revival of long-distance trade coincided with the expansion of urban areas. Merchant guilds formed an institutional foundation for this commercial revolution. Merchant guilds flourished in towns throughout Europe, and in many places, rose to prominence in urban political structures. In many towns in England, for example, the merchant guild became synonymous with the body of burgesses and evolved into the municipal government. In Genoa and Venice, the merchant aristocracy controlled the city government, which promoted their interests so well as to preclude the need for a formal guild. Merchant guilds’ principal accomplishment was establishing the institutional foundations for long-distance commerce. Italian sources provide the best picture of guilds’ rise to prominence as an economic and social institution. Merchant guilds appear in many Italian cities in the twelfth century. Craft guilds became ubiquitous during the succeeding century. In northern Europe, merchant guilds rose to prominence a few generations later. In the twelfth and early thirteenth centuries, local merchant guilds in trading cities such as Lubeck and Bremen formed alliances with merchants throughout the Baltic region. The alliance system grew into the Hanseatic League which dominated trade around the Baltic and North Seas and in Northern Germany. Social and religious guilds existed at this time, but few records survive. Small numbers of craft guilds developed, principally in prosperous industries such as cloth manufacturing, but records are also rare, and numbers appear to have been small. As economic expansion continued in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, the influence of the Catholic Church grew, and the doctrine of Purgatory developed. The doctrine inspired the creation of countless religious guilds, since the doctrine provided members with strong incentives to want to belong to a group whose prayers would help one enter heaven and it provided guilds with mechanisms to induce members to exert effort on behalf of the organization. Many of these religious associations evolved into occupational guilds. Most of the Livery Companies of London, for example, began as intercessory societies around this time. The number of guilds continued to grow after the Black Death. There are several potential explanations. The decline in population raised per-capita incomes, which encouraged the expansion of consumption and commerce, which in turn necessitated the formation of institutions to satisfy this demand. Repeated epidemics decreased family sizes, particularly in cities, where the typical adult had on average perhaps 1.5 surviving children, few surviving siblings, and only a small extended family, if any. Guilds replaced extended families in a form of fictive kinship. The decline in family size and impoverishment of the church also forced individuals to rely on their guild more in times of trouble, since they no longer could rely on relatives and priests to sustain them through periods of crisis. All of these changes bound individuals more closely to guilds, discouraged free riding, and encouraged the expansion of collective institutions. For nearly two centuries after the Black Death, guilds dominated life in medieval towns. Any town resident of consequence belonged to a guild. Most urban residents thought guild membership to be indispensable. Guilds dominated manufacturing, marketing, and commerce. Guilds dominated local politics and influenced national and international affairs. Guilds were the center of social and spiritual life. The heyday of guilds lasted into the sixteenth century. The Reformation weakened guilds in most newly Protestant nations. In England, for example, the royal government suppressed thousands of guilds in the 1530s and 1540s. The king and his ministers dispatched auditors to every guild in the realm. The auditors seized spiritual paraphernalia and funds retained for religious purposes, disbanded guilds which existed for purely pious purposes, and forced craft and merchant guilds to pay large sums for the right to remain in operation. Those guilds that did still lost the ability to provide members with spiritual services. In Protestant nations after the Reformation, the influence of guilds waned. Many turned to governments for assistance. They requested monopolies on manufacturing and commerce and asked courts to force members to live up to their obligations. Guilds lingered where governments provided such assistance. Guilds faded where governments did not. By the seventeenth century, the power of guilds had withered in England. Guilds retained strength in nations which remained Catholic. France abolished its guilds during the French Revolution in 1791, and Napoleon’s armies disbanded guilds in most of the continental nations which they occupied during the next two decades. References Basing, Patricia. Trades and Crafts in Medieval Manuscripts. London: British Library, 1990. Cooper, R.C.H. The Archives of the City of London Livery Companies and Related Organizations. London: Guildhall Library, 1985. Davidson, Clifford. Technology, Guilds, and Early English Drama. Early Drama, Art, and Music Monograph Series, 23. Kalamazoo, MI: Medieval Institute Publications, Western Michigan University, 1996 Epstein, S. R. “Craft Guilds, Apprenticeships, and Technological Change in Pre-Industrial Europe.” Journal of Economic History 58 (1998): 684-713. Epstein, Steven. Wage and Labor Guilds in Medieval Europe. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1991. Gross, Charles. The Gild Merchant; A Contribution to British Municipal History. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1890. Gustafsson, Bo. “The Rise and Economic Behavior of Medieval Craft Guilds: An Economic-Theoretical Interpretation.” Scandinavian Journal of Economics 35, no. 1 (1987): 1-40. Hanawalt, Barbara. “Keepers of the Lights: Late Medieval English Parish Gilds.” Journal of Medieval and Renaissance Studies 14 (1984). Hatcher, John and Edward Miller. Medieval England: Towns, Commerce and Crafts, 1086 – 1348. London: Longman, 1995. Hickson, Charles R. and Earl A. Thompson. “A New Theory of Guilds and European Economic Development.” Explorations in Economic History. 28 (1991): 127-68. Lopez, Robert. The Commercial Revolution of the Middle Ages, 950-1350. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1971. Mokyr, Joel. The Lever of Riches: Technological Creativity and Economic Progress. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1990 Pirenne, Henri. Medieval Cities: Their Origins and the Revival of Trade. Frank Halsey (translator). Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1952. Richardson, Gary. “A Tale of Two Theories: Monopolies and Craft Guilds in Medieval England and Modern Imagination.” Journal of the History of Economic Thought (2001). Richardson, Gary. “Brand Names Before the Industrial Revolution.” UC Irvine Working Paper, 2000. Richardson, Gary. “Guilds, Laws, and Markets for Manufactured Merchandise in Late-Medieval England,” Explorations in Economic History 41 (2004): 1–25. Richardson, Gary. “Christianity and Craft Guilds in Late Medieval England: A Rational Choice Analysis” Rationality and Society 17 (2005): 139-89 Richardson, Gary. “The Prudent Village: Risk Pooling Institutions in Medieval English Agriculture,” Journal of Economic History 65, no. 2 (2005): 386–413. Smith, Toulmin. English Gilds. London: N. Trübner & Co., 1870. Swanson, Heather. 1983. Building Craftsmen in Late Medieval York. York: University of York, 1983. Thrupp, Sylvia. The Merchant Class of Medieval London 1300-1500. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1989. Unwin, George. The Guilds and Companies of London. London: Methuen & Company, 1904. Ward, Joseph. Metropolitan Communities: Trade Guilds, Identity, and Change in Early Modern London. Palo Alto: Stanford University Press, 1997. Westlake, H. F. The Parish Gilds of Mediaeval England. London: Society for Promotion of Christian Knowledge, 1919. Citation: Richardson, Gary. “Medieval Guilds”. EH.Net Encyclopedia, edited by Robert Whaples. March 16, 2008. URL http://eh.net/encyclopedia/medieval-guilds/	Dutch East India Company
Technically the potato is a?	world trade organization by culture culture - issuu issuu Issuu on Google+ GLOBAL ORGANIZATIONS The World Trade Organization GLOBAL ORGANIZATIONS The African Union The Arab League The Association of Southeast Asian Nations The Caribbean Community The European Union The International Atomic Energy Agency The Organization of American States The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries The United Nations The United Nations Childrenâ€™s Fund The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund The World Health Organization The World Trade Organization GLOBAL ORGANIZATIONS The World Trade Organization Ronald A. Reis Series Editor Peggy Kahn University of Michiganâ€“Flint The World Trade Organization Copyright © 2009 by Infobase Publishing All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher. For information contact: Chelsea House An imprint of Infobase Publishing 132 West 31st Street New York NY 10001 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Reis, Ronald A. The World Trade Organization / Ronald A. Reis. p. cm. — (Global organizations) Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-0-7910-9542-3 (hardcover) 1. World Trade Organization. 2. International trade agencies. 3. International trade agencies. I. Title. II. Series. HF1385.R435 2008 382'.92—dc22 2008054308 Chelsea House books are available at special discounts when purchased in bulk quantities for businesses, associations, institutions, or sales promotions. Please call our Special Sales Department in New York at (212) 967-8800 or (800) 322-8755. You can find Chelsea House on the World Wide Web at http://www.chelseahouse.com Series design by Erik Lindstrom Cover design by Ben Peterson Printed in the United States of America Bang KT 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 This book is printed on acid-free paper. All links and Web addresses were checked and verified to be correct at the time of publication. Because of the dynamic nature of the Web, some addresses and links may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. Contents Introduction: Free Turtles窶認ree Trade 7 The World Trade Organization Takes the Stage 41 The Environment and the WTO 56 Workers of the World and the WTO 69 Public Safety and the WTO 82 Intellectual Property Rights and the WTO 95 149 intRodUCtion Free Turtlesâ€” Free Trade The leatherback, so named because its shell is leathery to the touch, is a western Pacificâ€“based sea turtle that can grow to six feet in length. Some leatherbacks weigh nearly a ton. If they are lucky (lately, luck for them has all but run out), such turtles can live 80 years or more. Having survived the age of dinosaurs, leatherbacks may finally have reached the end of their 100-million-year run, or crawl. On the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia (normally a nesting ground for tens of thousands of hatchlings each year), the birth numbers have dwindled to an average of 10 per season. In 2006, only five nests were found, from two turtles. Not a single hatchling emerged. Today, the leatherback turtle, the largest animal of its kind, is on the verge of extinction. 7 The World Trade Organization Leatherbacks, at least those that remain, spend virtually their entire life at sea. Migratory patterns carry them throughout the world’s oceans. Females seek land once each year to deposit their eggs on sandy beaches. Turtle hunting, egg harvesting, and even global climate changes are key factors that have harmed the leatherback. “People sell eggs, they eat eggs, then there are the pigs and dogs that come in and dig up nests,” says Kitty Simonds of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council. “Then there’s development . . . hotels . . . and anything that comes close to the shore, like lights, is bad for turtles.”1 When out to sea, which is almost always, leatherbacks often dive for jellyfish, their favorite food. These turtles have been known to descend to a depth of 3,900 feet (1,188 meters), holding their breath all the while. Although leatherbacks can stay beneath the surface for nearly half an hour while diving, they must come up to take in air. If trapped underwater, leatherbacks will drown. They have been drowning by the thousands. Although egg hunters and scavenging pigs have taken their toll on the leatherback, it is the suffocating of turtles in the nets of trolling shrimp hunters that has brought the creatures’ plight to the attention of the world and has compelled at least one country, the United States, to take the lead in combating the problem. In 1989, in accordance with the terms of the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, the United States Congress banned the “taking” (harassment, hunting, capturing, killing, or attempting to do any of these) of five species of sea turtles found in U.S. waters. Shrimp hunters, when fishing in areas where there was a high likelihood of encountering turtles, were required to use Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) to prevent the animals from becoming entangled in their nets and drowning. A TED is essentially a grid of bars with an opening that is placed at the top or bottom of a trawl net. It acts as a trapdoor: Smaller animals, such as shrimp, pass through the bars, but Introduction larger animals, such as turtles and sharks, are ejected from the trawl when they strike the bars. According to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), “TEDs are effective at excluding up to 97% of sea turtles from shrimp nets.”2 The U.S. law also affected countries that wished to export shrimp to the United States. If fishers of other countries did not use TEDs (where appropriate) as they gathered shrimp in their nets, their shrimp catch was banned from importation into the United States. Countries that wished to avoid this exclusion had to become certified as “turtle friendly” by the United States. In October 1996, India, Pakistan, Thailand, and Malaysia complained. They claimed that the TED law was an unfair barrier to free trade (an open trading system with few limitations). The four Asian countries said, in effect, that the United States had no right to impose its domestic environmental values on other countries. To these countries this was a trade issue, pure and simple. The United States was seeking to exclude their products (shrimp) in a blatant protectionist effort to shield its own fishers from foreign competition. Fortunately for the “Asian four,” there was now a world body to which they could turn to for resolution: the World Trade Organization (WTO). Established in 1995 as a successor to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the WTO has the function of promoting (some would say mandating) freer trade. The WTO took up the case, and in April 1998 it ruled in favor of the Asian nations. The WTO ruling declared that the U.S. law was discriminatory and a barrier to free trade. To environmentalists, the WTO action was no surprise. By 1998, the World Trade Organization already had become the object of resentment and animosity: It was an organization run by rich countries and beholden to multinational corporations, the environmentalists felt. Commerce was the only thing on the WTO’s mind, and never mind the environment. Even though one of the richest of all countries, the United States, was, in this case, “fighting the good fight” for sea turtle survival.The WTO 10 The World Trade Organization On November 29, 1999, animal protection advocates wearing sea turtle costumes while carrying signs marched in protest of a WTO ruling that the U.S. Turtle-Shrimp law, which required shrimpers to use a turtle lifesaving device in their nets, as an unfair barrier to trade. A crowd of demonstrators that some say numbered over 40,000 clashed with police and the National Guard, drawing worldwide attention and giving it the name â€œthe Battle of Seattle.â€? Introduction itself was, the environmentalists bemoaned, doing what it does best: forcing countries to lift barriers to the free flow of goods and services at the expense of the environment. On further examination, however, it turns out that the initial WTO ruling against the United States was more complex and not nearly so insistent. The WTO was quick to point out just what its Appellate (review) Body said and did not say in the case. According to the WTO Web site, the international organization declared: We have not decided that the protection and preservation of the environment is of no significance to the Members of the WTO. Clearly it is. We have not decided that the sovereign nations that are Members of the WTO cannot adopt effective measures to protect endangered species, such as sea turtles. Clearly they can and should. And we have not decided that sovereign states should not act together . . . either within the WTO or in other international fora [forums], to protect endangered species or to otherwise protect the environment. Clearly they should and do.3 What the WTO did say, as is pointed out on its Web site, is that the measure as applied by the United States is being carried out in an arbitrary and discriminatory manner among members of the WTO. The United States lost the case not, as some critics of the ruling supposed, because it sought to protect the environment. It lost because it discriminated among WTO members. According to the WTO, “the United States provided countries in the Western Hemisphere—mainly the Caribbean—technical and financial assistance and longer transition periods for their fishermen to start using turtle-excluder devices. It did not give the same advantage, however, to the four Asian countries 11 12 The World Trade Organization (India, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Thailand) who filed the complaint with the WTO.”4 Under the WTO charter, a nondiscrimination clause requires that one country not impose restrictions on another country that it does not require of all other countries. The WTO determined that the United States had done just that by favoring Caribbean countries over the Asian countries. The United States appealed the WTO decision. At the same time, it sought to conform to the WTO compliance steps designed to eliminate the discrimination. For example, the United States offered technical training in the design, construction, installation, and operation of TEDs (each of which cost from $50 to $300) to any government that requested it. As a result of such actions, the WTO reversed its earlier ruling and declared that the United States had made good-faith efforts to negotiate new, nondiscriminatory agreements. Malaysia was not satisfied and again appealed the case, but to no avail. Malaysia never attempted to attain certification as a nation that could export shrimp to the United States. On June 15, 2001, the WTO Dispute Settlement Body upheld America’s revised, although considerably weakened, turtle protection measures. Now, shrimp are allowed into the United States if they are carried there by any ship that employs turtle protection technology, regardless of whether the ship actually caught the shrimp. Critics call this “shrimp laundering.” Today, as a result of U.S. environmental polices and the efforts of many Malaysians and others who are concerned with saving sea turtles, the prospects for sea turtle survival have increased. There is no guarantee, however, that all will end well for the leatherbacks. It will be many years, perhaps 20 or 30, before efforts to revive turtle populations can be declared a success. In this situation, the WTO comes out looking reasonably good because, ultimately, it sided with a country’s right to impose environmental regulations beyond its borders. Many Introduction people around the world do not see the WTO in such a positive light, however. According to detractors, the WTO’s actions in this case only illustrate that the exception (if, indeed, it can be called that) proves the rule. When taken in total, the detractors say, the international trade organization’s decisions affecting the environment are almost always pro-corporate and anti-environment. On such matters as the right of workers to a decent wage, the importation of dangerous substances, environmental degradation, the loss of national sovereignty, and antagonisms between rich countries and poor countries, activists increasingly seek to challenge the WTO in its role as champion of free trade and globalization (a closer integration of the countries of the world). Today, the WTO consists of 152 member nations, and the organization sets the rules for world trade. In 2006, that trade was valued at $17 trillion.5 Sea turtle survival may be the least of the WTO’s, and the world’s, challenges in the years to come. 13 1 Traders and Raiders Whether it is approached head-on or in profile, the gangly, cud-chewing camel, either single-humped (dromedary) or double-humped (Bactrian), is one goofy-looking creature. Why humans, beginning around 3000 b.c., ever chose to domesticate this hairy, plodding mammal seems, at first, to be a mystery. The camel has a single characteristic of considerable advantage, however. A camel can drink up to 50 gallons of water in a single session at a waterhole, and the precious liquid quickly courses through the animal’s body as a cooling agent. Thus refreshed, a camel can march for days, or even for a week, through torrid desert terrain and not need another drop of liquid relief. Fitted with an Arabian saddle, a camel can carry an average of 500 pounds. A “super camel,” the hybridized result of a 14 Traders and Raiders dromedary-Bactrian mix, might haul half a ton. From Morocco to India to China, these beasts, tethered together in groups of between three and six, can cover between 20 and 60 miles in one day. Having all but replaced the lowly donkey by 1500 b.c., the camel soon became the trade “vehicle” of choice throughout the Middle East and across the steppes of Asia. For three millennia, camels carried ivory, incense, cotton, gold, and copper eastward, through Asia to far-off China. From the Spice Islands of the Moluccas in present-day Indonesia and China’s Middle Kingdom came nutmeg, mace, cloves, sandalwood, porcelain, and, of course, silk. All along the way, goods going and coming changed hands at dozens of trading posts and desert oases, and the desire to trade rather than raid asserted itself. It was, if you will, an early version of the World Trade Organization: WTO 1.0. Taxing traders and selling them safe conduct, it turned out, paid better than plundering a shrunken, fearful traffic.6 That said, much danger still awaited traders as they hauled their cargos across barren landscapes, over rugged hills, and through hostile populations. To reduce the hazards, men of commerce, early on, sought safer routes—ones with fewer stops and limited adverse contacts. Arabian sailing ships and oared craft plied the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, and dhows—lateen-rigged boats with hulls stitched together with coconut fiber—sailed eastward and westward through the Indian Ocean. Not to be outdone, the Chinese soon developed a powerful and advanced merchant fleet of their own. Their vessels were constructed with nested hulls fastened with iron nails, and they contained several decks. They used effective stern-mounted rudders, boasted a magnetic compass guidance system, and featured an advanced fore-and-aft sail arrangement that enabled ships to tack almost directly into the wind.7 Chinese naval efforts reached their zenith with the construction of the famous 15 16 The World Trade Organization A man walks past a replica of a Zheng He treasure ship at the Zheng He Treasure Boat Factory Ruins Park in Nanjing, China. Zheng sailed his well-equipped fleets to Arabia, East Africa, India, Indonesia, and Thailand (formerly Siam), trading goods along the way. treasure fleets, which were commanded, from a.d. 1405 to 1433, by a seven-foot-tall admiral named Zheng He. Sporting up to nine masts and dozens of spacious cabins, the largest Chinese ships were 400 feet in length and displaced up to 3,000 tons. When a flotilla of perhaps 300 vessels set sail from southern China for the Indian Ocean, bound for ports as far away as Somalia and Kenya, in East Africa, 30,000 sailors and marines were aboard. In the seven voyages he commanded, Zheng He sought everywhere to trade, not plunder and, as he wrote, to â€œmanifest the transforming power of virtue and to treat distant Traders and Raiders people with kindness.”8 In the late fifteenth century, however, Europeans sought to break out and capture trade routes that had been dominated by Muslims for nearly a thousand years. Soon, Admiral Zheng’s “trade not raid” approach to international commerce—a course the World Trade Organization (as will be discovered) exists to promote in the modern era—was sorely tested. Securing World Trade Routes Unexpectedly, within a few generations of Zheng’s death in 1433, China pulled back from its extensive sea trading. It eventually destroyed its gargantuan ships and made the construction of new ones with two or more masts an offense punishable by death. Into the void rushed the Europeans, led by the Portuguese. Encouraged to explore by their far-sighted monarch, Prince Henry the Navigator, Portuguese seamen sought a path to India and beyond via a route they were sure existed: around the southern tip of Africa. In 1498, Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama rounded Africa’s Cape of Good Hope and then proceeded on to Calicut (modern Kozhikode) on the west coast of the Indian subcontinent (the landmass that today holds India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh). Because he failed to carry much in the way of trade goods, da Gama soon was sent packing back to Lisbon. In 1502, he returned to India in a sour mood. He was spoiling for a fight and eager for a takeover. According to historian Daniel Boorstin, “He [da Gama] seized a number of traders and fishermen whom he picked up casually in the harbor. He hanged them at once, then cut up their bodies, and tossed hands, feet, and heads into a boat, which he sent ashore with a message in Arabic suggesting that the Samuri use these pieces of his people to make himself a curry.”9 Such brutality characterized the actions of the Portuguese as they advanced eastward. They sought to secure the Spice 17 18 The World Trade Organization Islands of the Moluccas and trading stations on the island of Timor and in Macau, in China. They also sought to secure a vital choke point in the Straits of Malacca, between the island of Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. For the Portuguese, trade was to be forced at the point of a gun. This Portuguese ascendancy lasted, in places, for 100 years or more. If sixteenth century east-west trade belonged to the Portuguese, seventeenth century trade was ruled by the Dutch. Although at times they were as cruel as their predecessors, the Dutch merchants came to the Spice Islands to trade. They also formed a company to carry on their commerce. Known as the Dutch East India Company (in old Dutch, Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie, or VOC), this government-granted monopoly was blessed early on with the ability to borrow money at low interest rates. In consequence, as it spread its financial risk among investors small and large, the VOC saw its capital (worth) rapidly accumulate. Thus structured, the company set out to acquire permanent bases in Asia, where it could repair and provision its ships and trade in various goods. It also sought to do business without interference from local rulers or the Portuguese. Next, in the eighteenth century, came the British. Through their own East India Company (EIC), the British considerably expanded the exchange of goods. Grabbing a main foothold in the subcontinent, the EIC sought to import raw cotton to England and then export finished goods from its burgeoning industrial weaving centers in Manchester and throughout England. When the cotton trade played out, the EIC turned to importing tea from China. The EIC later forced that country to accept Indian opium in exchange for its tea. At the same time, English traders traveled to the New World of the Americas and, in particular, to the Caribbean. There, colonists set up vast sugarcane plantations. To run these labor-intensive enterprises, the British turned to an entirely different kind of trade, one in human beings. Between 1519 and Traders and Raiders the end of the slave trade in the 1860s, 13 million Africans were torn from their continent in chains. At least 1.5 million of them perished in transit. By the dawn of the nineteenth century, international trade, worldwide and still growing, encompassed both the good and the bad. There was trade in raw materials and industrial products on the one hand, and in slaves and opium on the other. Comparative Advantage An eighteenth-century Scotsman, Adam Smith, is perhaps the worldâ€™s most famous economist. He may not have said it first, but he said it well enough, in his great work, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (published in 1776): â€œMan has an intrinsic propensity to truck, barter, and exchange one thing for another.â€?10 By that year, at the time of the American Revolution, people did not need to be told that trade was happening all around them. Smith was stating the obvious. Not so for Englishman David Ricardo, however. This worthy successor to Adam Smith published his On the Principles of Political Economy and Taxation in 1817. In his treatise, Ricardo put forward a theory that has come to be seen as perhaps the single most important statement in all of economics. This theory also is considered the foundation on which the concept of free trade, and thus the WTO itself, is founded. It is known as the principle of comparative advantage. It took some time for the merchant class to grasp what Ricardo was saying; even today, there are those who find the concept troublesome to comprehend or accept. The principle of comparative advantage says that a country should concentrate on producing or providing what it does best (at the lowest cost), even if it also can produce other goods and services a bit better than competing countries. Each country then should trade what it produces for what it does not have. In other words, it is better for China to concentrate on turning 19 20 The World Trade Organization out DVD players, for Argentina to raise beef, for Japan to build cars, and for France to design high fashions, than for these countries to seek self-sufficiency. Countries should specialize in the areas in which they excel. In doing so, all countries will benefit, provided that they freely trade what they produce. On a personal level, comparative advantage means that if a person is extremely good at creating Web sites, and merely good at fixing motorcycles, he should concentrate exclusively on designing fantastic Web pages even if he is better able to maintain his Harley than the mechanic down the street. Let the mechanic do the tune-up while the Web designer stays in front of his computer screen. The Web designer would experience a loss in comparative advantage in the form of the net income he would have to forgo if he were to spend time fixing his bike rather than creating Web pages. Of course, a country may not want to put all of its eggs in a limited number of baskets. There may be strategic goods and processes that it needs to reserve for its own production and, thus, protection. Furthermore, there is always the danger of disruption to international supply chains, and competition for goods and services is never perfect. Nonetheless, the concept of comparative advantage speaks to the fundamental proposition that it is best to do what one does best, to let others do the same, and to barter and truck for what is needed. The free-trade principle manifested itself most clearly more than 20 years after Ricardo’s death. In 1845, a potato fungus attacked crops in Ireland and England, wiping out this staple foodstuff and causing widespread misery and starvation. Relief was not immediately forthcoming, in part because of Great Britain’s infamous Corn Laws of the time. These laws heavily taxed imports of foreign-grown grain (the word corn meant, in effect, “all grains”) to keep the domestic price of grains, grown by the nobility on their vast estates, high. The working class paid dearly, of course, through artificially high food prices. Traders and Raiders Robert Peel (center, standing) announces to the House of Commons in London that he supports free-trade principles during the Corn Law debate in 1846. Peel hoped that repealing the Corn Laws would free up more food for the Irish during the Irish Potato Famine (1845â€“1849) and spoke out, although he knew it would mean the end of his ministry. 21 22 The World Trade Organization In response to their suffering, British workers rioted for free trade. They demanded that the government repeal (withdraw) the Corn Laws and allow lower-priced grain into the country. In return, the workers agreed to pay for the imported grain with their labor, as manufacturers of bread. In June 1846, the Corn Laws were repealed by the British Parliament. In spearheading the effort to do this, Prime Minister Robert Peel lost his job. Nevertheless, as a result, the free-trade principle took a giant leap forward. It became the dominant economic reality throughout the world until the outbreak of the First World War, nearly 70 years later. Free Tradeâ€™s Chill Wind Using a horse-drawn contraption with cutting teeth on a rectangular frame, Nathaniel Wyeth, an enterprising New England hotelkeeper, cut chunks of ice into uniform blocks 20 inches on each side, all the better to load and stack them tightly. Working in the dead of winter, Wyeth carted the blocks from the frozen rivers and ponds of the American Northeast to ships that waited in East Coast harbors, most notably in Boston. Crammed onto the decks of sailing ships and covered with sawdust, up to 150 tons of ice could be made ready to sail on a four-month journey to far-off India. Thanks to Wyeth and his imitators, in the decade before the American Civil War, a higher tonnage of ice was shipped out of Boston harbor than any other commodity. Americans quenched the thirst of men and women half a world away by cooling their drinks with crystal-clear New England ice, only a third of which melted in transit. This story illustrates how far the imperative to truck and barter under the principle of free trade had come by the mid-nineteenth century. The desire to exchange needed to be backed by the means to do so, of course. As the century wore on and the transition from sail to steam manifested itself on the high seas, the bartering of the worldâ€™s goods multiplied enormously. Traders and Raiders The triumph of the steamship over the sailing ship took decades to materialize and wasnâ€™t fully accomplished until the turn of the twentieth century. Competing against the newer, faster, wooden-hulled sailing shipsâ€”clippersâ€”that were being built in New England, steamships of iron and, later, steel had a rough go of it at first. The biggest problem facing the steamers was the need to refuel en route. A steamship either carried tons of coal to feed its boilers, thus sacrificing valuable cargo space, or had to find refueling stations along the way, thus adding time and cost to the journey. Nonetheless, with the development of more efficient engines that consumed less fuel, the advantage of steam eventually became obvious. By the end of the nineteenth century, steam propulsion was economical on all but the longest routes. When the digging of the Suez Canal in 1869 cut the distance from London to Bombay (modern Mumbai) from 11,500 to 6,200 miles, the age of sail was all but doomed. By the time the Panama Canal opened in 1914, low-cost steam shipping was a reality everywhere. Steam powered the engine of free trade. Free trade was to see its first major interruption, indeed a contraction, soon enough, however. From 1914 to 1918, the world (and particularly Europe) tore itself asunder in the First World War. With the advent of a worldwide Great Depression a dozen years later, the desire for protectionism (an attempt to regulate trade and subsidize domestic industries) rose in triumph. In the United States, passage of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff on June 17, 1930, exemplified this turn inward. The tariff attempted to save domestic industries from low-cost foreign competition. Smoot-Hawley raised tariffs (fees) on more than 20,000 imported goods to record levels. The tax on 3,200 specific products and materials went to 60 percent. Other countries retaliated by slapping their own import duties (fees) on American products. Canada established new tariffs on 16 products that 23 24 The World Trade Organization constituted 30 percent of all U.S. merchandise exported north of the border.11 The Smoot-Hawley Tariff did not cause the Great Depression; in 1929, imports represented just 4.2 percent of the United States’ gross national product (the sum total of goods and services produced). The worldwide rush to protectionism and the vicious spiral downward that it instigated did put a chill on world trade, however. A New International Economic Order As the fourth decade of the twentieth century dragged on, depression spread around the world and the threat of a new international conflict grew. As matters became more dire, some people saw an urgent need to reverse the protectionist course and found a new world order based on the principles of freer trade. Doing so, these thinkers reasoned, not only would bring desired economic stability and greater prosperity; it also would contribute to world peace and understanding. One man who championed this cause was an American politician, born in a log cabin in Tennessee, who went on to be the longest-serving secretary of state in American history. In 1945, he won the Nobel Peace Prize for his help in establishing the United Nations. Cordell Hull’s founding belief was that trade and peace were interwoven: One contributed to and promoted the other. According to the Web site of the Cordell Hull Institute, Hull declared in 1937, “I have never faltered in my belief that enduring peace and the welfare of nations are indissolubly connected with friendliness, fairness, equality and the maximum practical degree of freedom in international trade.”12 Hull liked to illustrate the moral value of trade by reciting stories, the most telling of which were gleaned from his childhood: When I was a boy on the farm in Tennessee, we had two neighbors—I’ll call them Jenkins and Jones—who Traders and Raiders Cordell Hull was a distinguished member of Congress and the leader of the movement for low tariffs, as well as the author of several tax bills. In 1933, Hull was appointed secretary of state. In this role, he negotiated reciprocal trade agreements with numerous countries, lowering tariffs and stimulating trade. Pictured is Hull (left, seated) with U.S. president Franklin Roosevelt (center, seated) and Italian finance minister Guido Jung (right, seated) and a group of advisers. were enemies of each other. For many years there had been bad feelings between them—I don’t know why— and when they met on the road or in town or at church, they stared at each other coldly and didn’t speak. Then one of the Jenkins’ mules went lame in the spring just when Jenkins needed him the most for plowing. At the same time Jones ran short of corn for hogs. Now it happened that Jones was through with his own plowing and had a mule to spare, and Jenkins had a bin filled with corn. A friendly third party brought 25 26 The World Trade Organization the two men together, and Jones let Jenkins use his mule in exchange for corn for the hogs. As a result, it wasnâ€™t long before the two old enemies were the best of friends. A common-sense trade and ordinary neighborliness had made them aware of their economic need for each other and brought them peace.13 Jenkins and Jones, in other words, discovered that they were worth more to each other alive than dead. In 1944, as the Second World War pressed toward its conclusion, representatives of the United States and Great Britain met in the sleepy New England town of Bretton Woods to hammer out an agreement to reverse the protectionism of the previous decades, to expand international trade, and to establish binding rules on economic activity in general. To carry out their ambitious plan, the delegates at Bretton Woods agreed to form three international organizations. In 1945, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was created to administer the international monetary (money) system. Beginning in 1946, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, later known as the World Bank, provided loans for Europeâ€™s reconstruction and, eventually, assisted developing countries. In 1947, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was established as a global trade organization; it was charged with fashioning and enforcing multilateral (that is, multi-nation) trade agreements. Almost a half-century later (1995), the World Trade Organization, with greatly expanded powers, emerged from the GATT. 2 Globalization He is the second most recognized character in America, exceeded in popularity only by Santa Claus. Worldwide, the corporate symbol that Ronald McDonald represents, the Golden Arches, is more readily identified than the Christian cross. At the turn of the twenty-first century, the fast-food giant had franchised no less than 30,000 restaurants, in places that range from the highways of the United States to the cities of sub-Saharan Africa. As a symbol of American corporate expansion and cultural and economic penetration, the globalization of McDonald’s has few equals.14 McDonald’s founder, Ray Kroc, once said of his rivals, “If they were drowning I’d put a hose in their mouth.”15 Today, the enterprise is ranked 217 on Forbes’s “Global 2000,” with sales 27 28 The World Trade Organization McDonald’s, which was founded in 1940, now has more than 31,000 restaurants worldwide. In an effort to satisfy public demands for ethical products, McDonald’s began sourcing all their coffee beans from farms certified by the Rainforest Alliance, a nonprofit group working to give farmers in developing countries sustainable livelihoods. Above, a McDonald’s in Tokyo’s Shibuya shopping district. Globalization of $22,787,000,000 in 2007.16 McDonald’s, as American as the hamburger itself, is everywhere. And then there’s Pollo Campero (Spanish for “country chicken”). Not yet the size of McDonald’s, even in its domestic market of Guatemala, this Central American restaurant chain has, nonetheless, gone international. It entered the United States in 2002. After selling 3 million takeout orders in its Central American airport stores, mainly to hungry travelers bound for the United States to visit relatives, the company decided to go global. “Our roots are Latin American, but our restaurant is for everybody,” said Pollo Campero spokesman Robert Lasala to United Press International. “All nationalities are welcome.”17 Food is not the only Latin American export making its way onto the world stage. “Salsa has become the biggest international dance craze since the advent of rock ’n’ roll in the 1950s, and dwarfs even the popularity of tango during the 1920s,” reports the London-based newspaper The Economist. “Almost every city in Europe now has a cluster of clubs offering classes at all levels, with Britain, Germany, and Scandinavia especially well-served.”18 If globalization is, in part, about shifting forms of human contact, salsa, with its fast, intimate embrace between partners, is out there leading the charge. Certainly, globalization, a closer integration of the countries of the world, takes many forms, ranging from the social and cultural to the political and economic. Remittances—sums of money sent home to families in undeveloped countries by migrants who work in developed nations—involve, for example, all four of these aspects of globalization. In 2007, nearly $240 billion moved from rich lands to poor lands.19 Although a construction worker from Bangladesh who works in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on the tallest tower in the world may earn just $1 per hour, that wage is a lot better than the $1 a day his compatriot back home makes as he tends a rice paddy. By sending home half his salary, the laborer in Dubai who swings crossbeams into place a thousand feet above 29 30 The World Trade Organization the desert sand can make all the difference to a family barely subsisting in Bangladesh. When Ann Sanchez, slinging fish tacos at a stall in the Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles, sent $1,500 home to Mexico in 2007, that individual source of foreign exchange was roughly equivalent to an average annual salary in that country, with its minimum wage of about $4.65 per day.20 Coming and going—here, there, and everywhere—goods, services, and labor are all part of today’s globalization, the phenomenon of our time. An Interconnected World Globalization, whether through finance, travel, communications, cultural penetration, or trade, is, in effect, all about connectivity: the closer integration of the countries and peoples of the world. Although the phenomenon of globalization has been with us, to varying degrees, for thousands of years, it is in the post–World War II period, and particularly since 1980, that globalization has become all-pervasive and encompassing. With the enormous reductions in the cost of communication and transportation that have taken place in the past 25 years, the barriers to the flow of capital, goods, services, knowledge, and people also have fallen. In turn, new international organizations, such as the World Trade Organization, have emerged to facilitate the integration of our world. Many formal definitions of globalization exist. This one, from economist Manfred B. Steger, is particularly relevant: Globalization refers to a multidimensional set of social processes that create, multiply, stretch, and intensify worldwide social interdependencies and exchanges while at the same time fostering in people a growing awareness of deepening connections between the local and the distant.21 Globalization That such interconnectivity exists, there can be no doubt. The global labor force has risen fourfold since the beginning of the 1980s. Globalization of labor has led to a strong expansion in trade, with such trade growing by an average of 7.1 percent annually since 1980. World trade has almost sextupled in less than a generation. Foreign direct investment has exploded, too. In 1980, it stood at US$55 billion. By 2005, it had climbed to almost one trillion dollars (US$916 billion). Money, goods, and people are ranging the globe.22 Of course, there are pros and cons to what is happening—to the increase in social integration and economic activity worldwide. On the plus side: • Individuals have more access to products of different • • • • countries. Developing countries have seen increased cash flows as an aid to development. There is a greater exchange of information between countries. Cultural intermingling has increased. Socially, the peoples of the world have become more tolerant and open to one another. On the minus side: • The outsourcing of jobs from developed economies to emerging economies has hurt many people in the industrial West. • Multinational corporations have grown in size and power; increasingly, they call the shots in the distribution of goods and services. • Social degeneration and the spread of communicable diseases are clearly downsides to increased globalization. 31 32 The World Trade Organization For all the controversy surrounding globalization, however, its reality has earned a remarkably high degree of support from ordinary citizens around the world. The Pew Global Attitudes Project surveyed 38,000 people in 44 countries and concluded, “Generally, peoples of the world agree—albeit to different degrees—that after experiencing globalization through trade, Outsourcing on the Fly Traveling across town for routine auto maintenance may not seem much of a stretch for someone who wants expert car care at a reduced price. But flying a commercial aircraft out of the country for the same type of service certainly is going a step, or quite a few miles, further. Increasingly, however, that is what U.S. airline companies are doing as they seek to lower their maintenance costs in the face of rising fuel prices. Flying a jet to El Salvador, to Aeroman—a 1,300-employee, fully approved Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facility—for servicing can save a U.S. carrier as much as 30 percent on maintenance bills. Such upkeep, known as Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), is already a huge business—one that is expected to reach nearly $60 billion worldwide within a decade. According to Marla Dickerson, a Los Angeles Times staff writer, all Aeroman mechanics speak at least some English, the language in which all paperwork for the FAA must be completed. An experienced Salvadoran mechanic can make $1,000 per month, plus $120 monthly in bonuses. In a country in which the minimum wage for service workers is about $175 per month, that is an impressive income. Considered a first-class facility by any standards, the Aeroman operation is at El Salvador International Airport, about 30 miles Globalization finance, travel, communications, and culture, they favor an interconnected world.” Even when confronted with economic and social problems in their lives, people are less likely to blame globalization than to recognize the positives. This is particularly true with regard to the economic aspects of globalization. The Pew survey found south of San Salvador, the capital city. The facility welcomes frequent, unannounced FAA inspectors. “We are used to being constantly under surveillance,” Andres Garcia, the commercial director for Aeroman, told the Los Angeles Times. Aeroman’s 600 mechanics are rigorously trained and hold Salvadoran licenses recognized by the European Aviation Safety Agency. About 100 of the mechanics hold FAA certificates. Luis Barrera is one such mechanic. “It’s interesting work,” he told Dickerson. “And it’s a big responsibility. . . . We always try to do things in the best way. Our families fly too.” Unionized mechanics in the United States resent such outsourcing, whereby jobs traditionally done by Americans now are done overseas. These mechanics claim that the United States is not only losing good jobs but also potentially putting passengers at risk. Such outsourcing is here to stay, however. As an American worker loses a job, a Salvadorian worker (in this case) gains one. Globalization has both winners and losers. Marla Dickerson, “U.S. Airlines Flock to Foreign Repair Shops,” Los Angeles Times, April 30, 2008. C1, C5. 33 34 The World Trade Organization that in 41 of the 44 nations studied, majorities think growing trade and business ties are good both for their country and for their families.23 Market Fundamentalism and its Discontents A famous African proverb speaks poignantly to the way the world is said to work, at least according to those who champion unregulated globalization and its competitive rules. The proverb goes something like this: Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesnâ€™t matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle. When the sun comes up, you better start running.24 The dog-eat-dog, or, in this case, lion-eat-gazelle philosophy expressed in the proverbâ€”a philosophy which says that competition is ruthless and there will be clear winners and losersâ€”pretty much summarizes the way champions of the new global order, an order that advocated free trade, saw things in the 1980s. U.S. president Ronald Reagan and U.K. prime minister Margaret Thatcher spoke out loudly and forcefully for a free-market ideology, one based on what came to be known as market fundamentalism. The two world leaders advocated economic liberalization: the removal of government interference in financial markets and capital markets, and the removal of barriers to free trade. To Reagan, Thatcher, and their supporters, deregulation was to be carried out on a worldwide scale, come what may. Even as such supercapitalists claimed that the results would Globalization benefit all—that “a rising tide would lift all boats,” as the saying goes—it was clear to others that many millions of people would suffer in the free-market version of globalization, in a world in which there was little in the way of a safety net to soften the impact of unrestrained competition. Although some conservatives think that what supposedly is good enough for the United States should be good enough for the world, a closer look at American history shows no such unfettered economic philosophy in our past. Indeed, as the United States expanded in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, as transportation and communication costs fell, the national government took an active role in shaping and regulating the new economy. According to Nobel Prize– winning economist Joseph Stiglitz, “The federal government began to regulate the financial system, set minimum wages and working conditions, and eventually provided unemployment and welfare systems to deal with the problems posed by a market system.”25 During the Great Depression of the 1930s, there were those in the United States who insisted that by letting the free market work, its self-regulating mechanisms (Adam Smith’s so-called “invisible hand”) would, in time, return economic prosperity to the nation. President Franklin Roosevelt, however, heeded the call of liberal British economist John Maynard Keynes and so thought otherwise. To both men, government intervention was required. Today, there are many who insist that, just as Keynes saved capitalism in the 1930s by advocating a degree of regulation and control, the world now needs a similar reform to see globalization benefit a wider populus. Like capitalism, they declare, globalization must be managed. India’s Killing Fields The headline in The Economist required a double take, or at least a second look: “Is Globalisation Killing India’s Cotton 35 36 The World Trade Organization Farmers?” At first glance, a reader of the headline might think that the word killing refers, figuratively, to driving farmers off their land, forcing them to give up and, perhaps, head to crowded cities to find work. In reality, however, the word is to be taken literally. From mid-2005 to the end of 2006, no fewer than 1,200 farmers in Vidarbha, the cotton bowl of India, took their own lives to escape debts owed to moneylenders. Most Westerners are well aware of India’s success in attracting high-tech jobs to urban centers such as Bangalore, where tens of thousands of smart, well-trained Indians staff call centers and develop sophisticated software programs. The median income for the country as a whole, however, is just $2.70 a day. Yet the farmers of Vidarbha, along with the tech workers of Bangalore, have, like it or not, become part of the world economy. The farmers are forced to borrow money at punitive rates to pay for the equipment necessary to sink wells and to buy costly biotech-derived cottonseeds. When fuel prices for diesel pumps soar and the new seeds prove ill-suited to the farmers’ plots of land, the crops fail. “A man loses hope,” says M.S. Swaminathan, the father of India’s green revolution. “He has the moneylender waiting at the door every day and taunting him.”26 As the Economist article points out, none of this is necessarily globalization’s fault. Nonetheless, with American cotton highly subsidized and India’s textile industry only too happy to purchase cheap fibers, the farmers are squeezed. With few jobs available in the cities and no social safety net for those working the land, farmers are left clinging to their marginal patches of land, or worse. Of the 6.6 billion people who occupy planet Earth, it is estimated that 2.8 billion live on less than $2 per day. These people are known as the middling poor. Approximately half of that number, 1.2 billion, live on about $1 per day (taking inflation into account, actually about $1.25 per day), the common measure of absolute poverty. The truly desperate, those who live on Globalization less than 50 cents a day, are in danger of succumbing—that is, dying—at any time. In Zambia, an extremely poor southern African country in which the dollar-per-day figure holds true, this means that a poor person cannot afford to buy, as a daily food ration, at least two or three plates of nshima (porridge), a few spoonfuls of oil, a sweet potato, a handful of ground nuts, and a couple of teaspoons of sugar, plus a banana and a chicken twice a week. Pro-globalists rightly point out that, as bad as these numbers are, the situation worldwide actually is getting better. They claim that this improvement is, in no small part, a result of globalization. According to World Bank figures, between 1981 and 2001, the number of people who lived on $1 per day or less fell from 1.5 billion to 1.1 billion in absolute terms.27 Globalization backers assert that the greatest declines occurred in economies that rapidly reduced barriers to trade and investment. The percentage of those who live on less than $2 per day also has decreased, supporters point out: Globalist countries such as China have seen a 50-percent decrease in people living at this level, even as sub-Saharan Africa, a region less globally connected, has seen a 2.2 percent increase.28 It is doubtful that many Vidarbha cotton farmers have heard of globalization, much less the World Trade Organization. Yet what WTO members decide with regard to subsidies and trade can, as will be seen, have a profound effect on the lives (and possible deaths) of such farmers. Winners and Losers Helen Buyaki is a Kenyan rose picker—a very careful one. One of 1,800 employees at the 60-acre Longonot horticulture farm in Kenya’s Rift Valley, Buyaki takes roses from a cold room, cuts them to a standard length of 20.5 inches, removes leaves and thorns, bunches them, and wraps them, complete with a tiny plant-food package. Within two days, 63,000 rose stems 37 38 The World Trade Organization Kenya, the largest producer of roses in the world, is dependent on the flower industry for foreign exchange, but ethnic violence has virtually paralyzed the East African country. The Kenya Flower Council estimates that the industry lost more than $100 million in 2008. There has been an international push to buy Kenyan roses in order to support the flower growers who continue to work hard under political crisis. will be in Europe: 70 percent of what Longonot exports each morning. By the fifth day, the roses will be in supermarkets. With a four-day shelf life and a seven-day guarantee given to buyers, the Kenyan roses must remain salable for just over two weeks, anywhere in the world.29 Kenya growing roses for export to far-off lands! Why not? The climate is right, the land is good, and workers like Buyaki are glad for the jobs they have. Although Buyaki earns just US$70 per monthâ€”the equivalent of seven bunches of roses Globalization that sell for $10 each at destination supermarketsâ€”she does not feel exploited. Because of globalization, Buyaki and her fellow workers have jobs they otherwise never would have had. Furthermore, because Longonot Horticulture has worked to acquire fair-trade certification from the International Fair Trade Association, an organization that insists that workers be treated fairly, those who purchase Longonot roses understand that what they are getting, according to Roger Cohen from the New York Times, is a â€œsocially and ethically acceptable rose.â€? Buyaki, in turn, receives free health care, among other benefits. Although globalization has given poor countries such as Kenya access to world markets, thereby giving such countries something to trade for much-needed cash or imports, concerns about the effects of globalization remain. Even as there are winners in the global market for goods and services, there are also losers, and something must be done to confront this situation. According to economist Joseph Stiglitz, at least five anxieties can readily be identified: One, the rules of the game are unfair. They clearly benefit advanced industrial countries over developing ones. Two, globalization tends to advance material values over other values, such as concern for the environment. Three, with the way globalization has been managed, developing countries find themselves with obligations to wealthier, more advanced nations. Four, although advocates of globalization claim that, eventually, all people will benefit from freer trade and a more interconnected world, there are many losers, in both rich and poor countries. Five, globalization often can mean Americanization, both economic and cultural. In developing countries, this rarely is seen as a good thing.30 As the facilitator of globalization, the WTO has been, and is, required to confront these and a host of other issues. Before 39 40 The World Trade Organization we turn to such concerns as the environment, worker rights, public safety, intellectual property rights, and the rich countryâ€“poor country divide, however, we first must explore the origins of the WTO, its basic operating principles, its disputesettlement processes, and the way its decisions are reached. We must, in short, examine the inner workings of the WTO. 3 The World Trade Organization Takes the Stage Representatives of the victorious allies knew that it would not be easy to bring world economic order out of the chaos and destruction of World War II. In the conflict’s aftermath, the United States and its war-devastated European partners sensed an opportunity, however. A concerted attempt to stabilize the world’s monetary supplies, to rebuild Europe, and to liberalize international trade required the establishment of new economic institutions. In July 1944, even before the war ended, delegates from the United States and Great Britain met in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, to begin hammering out agreements to create three pillars of a workable economic system. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was to administer the world’s monetary system. This was the organization charged with preventing another global depression. Nations 41 42 The World Trade Organization During the Bretton Woods Conference (above), agreements were signed to create the International Monetary Fund, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.The purpose of the conference was to encourage open markets and to lower barriers to international trade and the movement of capital. that were found to be letting their economies slump were to be pressured by the IMF to increase economic growth. If such countries could not stimulate aggregate demand on their own, they were to be offered loans to get their economies going. Today, the IMF consists of 185 member countries and has its headquarters in Washington, D.C. The IMF director is always a European, a condition agreed on when the organization was established. In exchange for this requirement, the voting rules are structured in such a way that the United States, with its enormous economic clout, has sole veto power to nix any IMF measure put forward that it does not like. The World Trade Organization Takes the Stage There has been much criticism about the way the IMF has conducted itself since its founding over 60 years ago. The IMF was charged with the job of reducing global financial instability, but critics claim that the fund’s free-market, probanking polices often have contributed to the very thing the organization was supposed to prevent. Countries now are eager to pay off their loans as soon as possible to avoid being in the grip of the IMF forever. The World Bank also was created at Bretton Woods. It was known originally as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Significantly, the word Development was added at the last moment, almost as an afterthought. In the immediate postwar years, the bank’s focus remained almost exclusively on providing aid to war-torn Europe. When the United States’ Marshall Plan pumped billions of dollars into Europe during the late 1940s and early 1950s, the World Bank shifted its focus to that of building the infrastructure of Europe’s former colonies. Today, the bank concentrates on providing loans to underdeveloped and developing countries across the globe, regardless of any former colonial status. Like the IMF, the World Bank consists of 185 members and has its headquarters in Washington, D.C. Its president is always an American. That decision was made in 1944, at the same time as the agreement that gave European leadership to the IMF. With two pillars of a new economic order now in place, all that remained was to create a viable multilateral trade regime. To do this proved to be much harder than to agree on monetary and redevelopment matters. Indeed, it took another 50 years before a true multilateral entity, the WTO, materialized to govern international trade. The GATT Substitute The name was simple enough: the International Trade Organization (ITO). When it was proposed, along with the IMF and the World Bank, the ITO represented an attempt to establish 43 44 The World Trade Organization the world’s third economic pillar. Certainly, an institution was needed to regulate trade and set ground rules. Yet the ITO never came to be. As American diplomat Richard Gardner declared, “It did not have a chance to die; it was simply stillborn.”31 Despite America’s leading role in pushing to create the ITO, by 1948 it was clear that conservatives in Congress would never ratify an agreement establishing the organization. They, along with their corporate allies, were fearful that the ITO— burdened, in their eyes, with excessive regulation—would infringe on national sovereignty. To these critics, the ITO would be too intrusive; it would dictate domestic policy on many fronts, such as fair labor practices. Without U.S. support, the ITO did not stand a chance. In 1950, President Harry S. Truman announced that he would not submit the ITO Charter to Congress for ratification. Because the Truman administration knew full well that ITO ratification was problematic, it proposed, at the same time, that a multilateral commercial treaty on tariff reductions be negotiated. The negotiation of this treaty would be led by the advanced industrial nations. Such a treaty, the administration felt, would not require congressional approval. The treaty, known as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), was established in 1948. Signed by 23 countries, the agreement was meant to be temporary; it would last only until the ITO might come into effect. As it turned out, the GATT lasted for 47 years. From 1948 to 1995, the GATT system operated on a key principle that was carried over with the formation of the WTO in 1995. Known as the nondiscrimination, or most favored nation, principle, it is, at first glance, contradictory. Although the term most favored nation suggests that some nations get special treatment, in reality, the exact opposite is the case. The most favored nation principle means that each country will treat all other countries the same; all will be the most favored. The World Trade Organization Takes the Stage This nondiscrimination principle also incorporates what is known as national treatment. According to this concept, foreign producers are to be treated the same as domestic producers. In other words, imported goods, once they enter a country, cannot be discriminated against just because they are foreign. The GATT operated through the establishment of a series of trade rounds (negotiations). Sometimes lasting for years, such rounds sought to hammer out agreements among participants to lower tariffs and open markets, and to do so on a reciprocal basis. Throughout its existence, the GATT focused on the liberalization of trade in manufactured goods, to the comparative advantage of advanced industrial countries. Liberalization of trade was much more limited in products, such as textiles and agricultural commodities—something that would have helped developing nations. The GATT’s last round of trade negotiations began in Uruguay in 1986 and ended in Morocco in 1994. Under the final agreement, the GATT, which at the time had grown to 128 members, was to be replaced with the WTO. The WTO was to be based in Geneva, as had been the GATT. The WTO was to occupy the same facilities as the GATT, and the GATT’s director-general was to become the WTO’s first director-general. Although the WTO seemed to be an extension of the GATT, it soon became apparent that the WTO was to be a great deal more than the GATT ever was or could have hoped to be. Principles and Organization of the WTO In addition to the fundamental principle of nondiscrimination that the WTO inherited from the GATT, four additional principles form the foundation on which the WTO now operates. The principle of reciprocity—also a GATT-derived principle—requires countries to make concessions: They have to agree to lower tariffs and nontariff barriers (such as import (continues on page 48) 45 46 The World Trade Organization Pascal Lamy: Leading the WTO Every four years, a director-general is appointed by the Ministerial Conference to oversee the negotiation and implementation of new trade agreements and to police member countries’ adherence of those agreements. In 2005, France’s Pascal Lamy was chosen as the fifth director-general of the WTO. A graduate of the prestigious Sciences Po school in Paris, Lamy started his career in civil service and quickly became the adviser to Jacques Delors, then president of the European Commission. Lamy became known as “the Exocet,” named after the missile built in his homeland. Lamy ran Delors’ office “with a rod of iron” and was known to banish those who crossed him to less pleasant European posts. Lamy served with Delors during his entire time at the commission, then briefly worked in business at Crédit Lyonnais, where he rose to the level of second in command. His appointment as European Trade Commissioner in 2000 came as a bit of a surprise, considering his reputation for being blunt, and some thought that Lamy might alienate Europe’s trading WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy partners with his nononsense approach. The World Trade Organization Takes the Stage Instead, he was an adept negotiator, being the first top-level trade official to propose a plan to restart the talks that collapsed during the WTO Ministerial Conference of 1999 in Seattle, Washington. With his encouragement, negotiations commenced in Doha, Qatar, in 2001. This round was set to conclude in four years, in December 2005, in anticipation of two more ministerial conferences producing a final draft agreement on the Doha Round objectives. Unfortunately, these talks also failed. In fact, eight years after the Doha Round, negotiations are still ongoing. Before the most recent conference at the WTO’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on July 21, 2008, Pascal Lamy—who had been appointed the organization’s director-general in 2005—said that the odds of success were over 50 percent. Although after one week of negotiations many considered an agreement within reach, once again negotiations collapsed over issues of agricultural trade among the United States, India, and China. The countries disagreed over the threshold of the special safeguard mechanism (SSM)—which allows countries to protect poor farmers by imposing a tariff on imports of specific goods if the price of those goods drops or there is a surge in imports. The United States argued that the threshold had been set too low. Lamy said, “Out of a to-do list of 20 topics, 18 had seen positions converge but the gaps could not narrow on the 19th—the special safeguard mechanism.”* Several countries blamed each other for the breakdown and the EU trade commissioner, Peter Mandelson, characterized the collapse as a “collective failure.” Besides the failure of the Doha rounds, Lamy faces deepseated differences between Europe and the United States over the American view (one backed by other exporting countries) that farm goods should be treated like any other trade item. Officials (continues) 47 The World Trade Organization (continued) have called his subtle management between dissenting factions a “highly pleasant surprise.” On December 17, 2008, Lamy told the Trade Negotiations Committee that concluding the round would be the main focus of the WTO in 2009, as well as monitoring trade measures taken in relation to the financial crisis.* * “Remember Doha?: An Opportunity to Cheer Up the World Economy,” The Economist, July 17, 2008. Available online at http://www.economist.com/ opinion/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11750413. “Dismay at Collapse of Trade Talks,” BBC News, July 30, 2008. Available online at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7532302.stm. * “WTO to Move Quickly on Wider Front in 2009—Lamy,” WTO News, December 18, 2008. Available online at http://www.wto.int/english/news_e/ news08_e/tnc_dg_stat_17dec08_e.htm. (continued from page 45) bans and quotas) to obtain the same concessions for their exports to other countries. When a country knows that such concessions must be made, it can be assumed that the necessity of making them will render the country somewhat more palatable to protectionist interests at home. In other words, a government can say, when it denies protection to special interests, “The WTO made us do it.” When countries join the WTO, they agree to “bind” their commitments—that is, not to increase a rate of duty beyond an agreed level. Once a rate of duty is bound, it may not be raised without compensating the affected party. In other words, binding establishes a “ceiling.” A country can change its binding, but only after negotiating with its trading partners. As a result, The World Trade Organization Takes the Stage the partners may demand compensation for a loss of trade. Binding is clearly another important WTO principle. Transparency is a WTO principle that has raised much controversy. Although the organization, as required, publishes its trade regulations, it often does so after the fact. The WTO’s actual trade negotiations generally are closed to all but a select few. Finally, there is a safety valve principle. Paradoxically, this principle allows governments, under certain circumstances, to restrict trade. Governments may do so under this principle when seeking to attain non-economic objectives, to ensure fair competition, and to intervene in trade for economic reasons. The WTO is governed through ministerial conferences. These meet every two years in various parts of the world. Until 2007, there had been seven such conferences. Some, like the third one, which was held in Seattle, Washington, in 1999, have been contentious and have drawn protesters from near and far. The Ministerial Conference is the topmost decision-making body of the member-driven WTO. Those who participate in conference deliberations are led by the trade ministers of member countries. In addition to conferences, there also are trade rounds, in which tough and tedious negotiations are supposed to lead to ever-freer trade. Since the creation of the GATT in 1947–1948, there have been eight such rounds. As has been noted, some have dragged on for years. Technically, the so-called Doha “development” Round is still in progress, though negotiations broke off in the middle of 2008. The Doha Round began back in November of 2001, at a ministerial conference held in Doha, Qatar. This round is supposed to cover issues of particular interest to developing countries, such as agriculture, labor standards, the environment, transparency, and patents. Although most observers agree that the Doha Round has been more open than previous WTO trade rounds, what its final outcome will be remains to be seen. 49 50 The World Trade Organization The World Trade Organization Takes the Stage The WTO, which today consists of 153 nations, seeksâ€” through its core principles, its administrative ministerial conferences, and, most importantly, its rounds of trade negotiationsâ€”to set the rules for world trade. The organization is ever mindful to expand such trade whenever and wherever it can. To accomplish its mission, the WTO was, almost from its start, given powers far beyond those of its predecessor, the GATT. Today, in the eyes of many people, the WTO is the GATT on steroids. The All-Powerful WTO Although there has been continuity in the move from the GATT to the WTO, the World Trade Organization differs markedly from its precursor in at least five ways. In every case, the WTO has substantially greater authority to govern international trade, to set enforcing rules, and to punish offenders. First, the WTO provides the legal and institutional framework for the conduct of trade relations among its members. Its rules are binding. If, at the end of any integrated dispute settlement process, there is no other way to resolve issues, multilaterally authorized trade sanctions can be imposed. Paradoxically, perhaps, for a trade organization, the WTO punishes a wayward nation by restricting trade. Second, unlike the GATT, which was provisional, the WTO is an organization in its own right, and it requires member countries to accept its rulesâ€”all of them. Countries no longer can appeal to preexisting domestic legislation to avoid adhering to WTO agreements. Even if to do so involves amending its own (Opposite page) The WTO has 153 members (95 percent of total world trade) and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The WTO is governed by a ministerial conference, a general council, and the director-general. Its members are currently working to settle new trade negotiations called the Doha Development Agenda. 51 52 The World Trade Organization domestic laws, a member nation must do whatever it takes to comply with WTO rulings or risk retaliation. Many countries see this WTO requirement as an attack on their sovereignty. Third, all WTO agreements are held together by a “single understanding.” This means that participating countries cannot selectively apply the range of agreements within the WTO. They cannot cherry-pick—decide what they like or do not like and choose accordingly. With the WTO, each deal is an all-ornothing deal. Fourth, the WTO goes well beyond national borders. It penetrates deep within a country to affect a multitude of trade- and commerce-related issues. With regard to trade, the GATT was a traditional entity that dealt with trade in goods. The WTO does much more. In addition to goods, it covers such factors as services, trade-related intellectual property rights (TRIPs), and trade-related investment measures (TRIMs). Critics see this as yet another threat to national sovereignty. Finally, the WTO has a significantly stronger dispute settlement mechanism (DSM) than the GATT ever had. The WTO enjoys what is known as the rule of negative consensus. This means that if a WTO panel’s findings are to be overruled, there must be a consensus to overrule. Under the GATT, it was the other way around: There had to be a consensus to adopt a panel ruling. Thus, under the GATT, a losing party could block a ruling. The WTO has rules that are more intrusive, more formalized, and clearly more enforceable than those of the GATT. As international trade expert Amrita Narlikar points out, “The organizational structure of the WTO . . . builds on some old GATT features but formalizes and legalizes them in a way so unprecedented that the resulting change is a qualitative one.”32 The WTO and Realpolitik Given all the rules, restrictions, and outright demands made by the WTO, it is fair to ask, “Why are countries desperate to join the organization; why do they stand in line to seek The World Trade Organization Takes the Stage accession [admission]?” After all, it is not that easy to get in; in fact, it is anything but easy. To join, a country first must complete a lengthy application. In the application, the country describes in detail all aspects of its trade and economic policies that may be of relevance to the WTO. Second, the applicant has to tell interested parties (other countries) what it is willing to give up, in terms of trade concessions, to enter the WTO. Third, the list of the member-to-be’s commitments are drawn up by the WTO. Finally, two-thirds of the WTO’s member states must vote in favor of acceptance for admission to be offered to the applicant. The process may not end there. In many cases, a country’s own legislature or parliament has to ratify the agreement before WTO membership is complete. This accession process can take years. Some of the world’s major economic and political players, such as Russia, still are queuing up to get in. Why go through all the hassle? As Amrita Narlikar points out: Members assume that the cost of accession, as well as some questionable decision-making procedures and politicized negotiation processes, will be easily outweighed by the benefits of belonging to the WTO. The expected benefits for developing countries (and indeed, most of the recent accessions have been developing countries) include MFN-based [Most Favored Nation] market access with all the other members, the protection of rules against the whims of the powerful, and an enforceable dispute-settlement mechanism to uphold that protection.33 In other words, all the hassles and intrusions aside, most countries find participating in a trading world based on rules 53 54 The World Trade Organization (even if many of those rules are not to their liking) preferable to existing in one with no rules at all—a world in which a twisted version of the golden rule prevails: “He who has the gold makes the rules.” It is naive to assume, however, that such a rule-free world (WTO rules aside) does not exist. In most cases, realpolitik (a politics based on practical and material factors rather than on theoretical or ethical objectives) prevails. As economist Joseph Stiglitz observes: The trade ministries [of WTO Members] reflect the concerns of the business community—both exporters who want to see new markets opened up for their products and producers of goods which fear competition from new imports. These constituencies, of course, want to maintain as many barriers to trade as they can and keep whatever subsidies they can persuade Congress (or their parliament) to give them.34 According to Rachel’s Environment & Health Weekly #679, the WTO isn’t mainly about trade. It is mainly about establishing the kind of economy, worldwide, in which the owning class gets to make all important decisions without interference from governments or from anyone else. Today the key institution of the owning class is the corporation, so the aim of the WTO is to ensure that corporations are empowered to make all the important decisions without interference.35 Rules, rules, rules! Details, details, details! Some WTO agreements, derived from the various trade rounds, run to thousands of pages. WTO critics may have it wrong when they accuse the organization of being high on free trade. If free trade (beyond trade liberalization) is supposedly the WTO’s goal, why, then, are there so many rules about tariffs, subsidy elimination, and quota reductions? Why is there not simply a sentence or two to require members to eliminate all restrictions? In the chapters to come, The World Trade Organization Takes the Stage we will find out why the World Trade Organization—which operates in the real world, where countries constantly seek “concessions” for every tariff reduction they give, even if reducing such tariffs is in their own best interests—finds doing such a “simple” thing impossible. 55 4 The Environment and the WTO Using the pole-and-line method, sport fishers have for decades caught tuna, particularly yellowfin, as the fish swim the warm waters of the eastern tropical Pacific (ETP). It can be a thrilling experience, bringing in a 400-pound tuna after hours of struggle. Catching tuna one fish at a time is no way to make a living from the tasty, meaty giants, however. To catch tons of tuna requires other, more inclusive methods. In the late 1950s, commercial fishers in San Diego, California, took tuna harvesting to a new level with the development of a technology based on the use of synthetic purse-seine netting. As a result, millions of tuna have, over the last half-century, wound up in sandwiches for school kids and salads for their parents. As a by-product of such productive tuna catches, however, millions of dolphins have been killed. 56 The Environment and the WTO Experts look at the body of a dead dolphin on the beach near the Black Sea town of Shabla, Bulgaria, in May 2006. More than 50 dead dolphins were spotted near Shabla. The government’s environmental office believes that the animals died of suffocation after getting entangled in fishing nets. A seine is a large net that hangs vertically in the water. Along the top edge are floats; along the bottom edge are weights. The net hangs like a fence in the water, ready to be towed into a capturing circle by a boat. In a purse seine, a rope that passes through rings at the bottom of the net is pulled tight to prevent fish from “sounding,” or swimming down, to escape the net. (The name comes from the fact that the rope-and-ring arrangement, when pulled in, resembles the closing on an oldfashioned drawstring purse.) When set, purse-seine nets can be up to a mile in circumference. Tuna fishers have known for some time that their prey swim with dolphins. The dolphin schools swim above the yellowfin 57 58 The World Trade Organization tuna. Because the dolphins must come to the surface to breathe, they are easy to spot. Tuna boats simply set nets around schools of dolphins, knowing that tuna will be caught as well. Using speedboats, helicopters, and small explosives, the fishers herd both tuna and dolphins into the encircling purse-seine nets. As dolphins become entangled in a seine net, they, along with the tuna, die. The animals drown or are crushed. Throughout the 1960s, as many as 250,000 dolphins perished each year because of this form of industrial tuna fishing. It is estimated that 7 million dolphins have died in the ETP as a result of being snarled in purse-seine nets.36 In 1972, the United States Congress, in no small part in reaction to the enormous dolphin kill rate, passed the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). By the end of the 1970s, mainly because of improved technology, dolphin bycatch death rates declined significantly to approximately 20,000 per year.37 As U.S. tuna fleets decreased in size over the years, fleets in Latin American countries, particularly in Mexico, picked up the slack. The dolphin bycatch started to rise again. In response, the United States began to require that imported tuna be caught at dolphin mortality rates comparable to those achieved by U.S. fishers. Mexico was not happy. In 1990, it appealed to the GATT for redress. Mexico claimed that the United States had no right to exclude from its market tuna caught by fishers using purse seines. The United States, Mexico argued, should not be allowed to require standards of conduct outside its borders, even with regard to a product destined for its domestic market. In 1991, the GATT sided with Mexico. It declared that Section 101 (a) (2) of the MMPA, which excluded foreign-caught tuna caught in seine nets, was in violation of GATT rules. GATTzilla Versus Flipper Fortunately for the dolphins, the 1991 GATT ruling never went into effect. The Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act The Environment and the WTO that the United States had passed in 1990, mandating standards for the labeling of tuna as “dolphin-safe,” still held. Through it, and the subsequent International Dolphin Conservation Act of 1992, fishing fleets were prohibited from chasing, capturing, and setting nets on dolphins if they wanted to sell their end product as dolphin-safe. Yet, also in 1992, the European Economic Community (EEC), which sought to export prepared tuna processed from fish caught by encirclement, followed Mexico’s action and challenged the U.S. law. In 1994, the GATT again ruled against the U.S. dolphin-protection law. Both rulings, because they came from the GATT, were not automatically enforceable. After the birth, in 1995, of the WTO, with its stronger enforcement mechanisms, Mexico threatened to take its 1991 case (dubbed GATTzilla versus Flipper by environmentalists) to the new organization. With that—according to Lori Wallach and Patrick Woodall, in their comprehensive guide to the WTO—“To avoid the political embarrassment of having the WTO order the U.S. to weaken the dolphin protection (or face millions of dollars in trade sanctions), the Clinton administration obtained a reprieve from Mexico and launched a two-year campaign that ultimately resulted in the gutting of the MMPA.”38 In the GATT/WTO rulings, the argument was made that “like products” could not be discriminated against—not only on the basis of where they were produced, but also on the basis of how they were produced. In other words, tuna was tuna, no matter where or how it was caught. Environmentalists were furious. The rulings threatened a long list of environmental laws throughout the world that focused on how seafood and other commodities were harvested or manufactured. According to Wallach and Woodall, “Thus under GATT/WTO jurisprudence, unless there is literally dolphin meat in a can of tuna, making it physically different, a can of tuna caught with dolphin-deadly nets must be treated exactly the same as one caught by dolphin-safe methods.”39 59 60 The World Trade Organization The question is raised, then, as to just what a “dolphin-safe” label indicates today. The U.S. Tuna Federation, which represents such tuna industry giants as StarKist, Chicken of the Sea, and Bumblebee, reports that, at least for its members, a “dolphin-safe” label means that the tuna they purchase and process was not caught by setting nets on dolphins. On New Year’s Eve 2002, however, the George W. Bush administration announced that it would allow “dolphin-safe” labels on tuna caught using purse seines. The GATT/WTO decisions in the dolphin cases have implications beyond environmental concerns. “Dolphin-safe” is one thing, but “people-safe” is quite another. Can a country ban the import of products made with child labor? Perhaps not. After all, if a country cannot discriminate on the basis of how a product is produced, under WTO rules, it may have no recourse in banning it even if the product is made by child labor. The United States, for example, has a federal law that prohibits the sale of products produced with child labor. The law applies only to items made in the United States, however, not to imports. Caught in the Grip Fur trapping, the catching of animals for their pelts, is big business, especially in North America, Russia, and parts of Europe. In the United States, more than 4 million wild animals are trapped for the fashion industry every year.40 In Canada, the number exceeds a million. In the European Union (EU), the figure is as high as 5 million.41 Animal trapping systems either kill an animal outright (90 to 95 percent of the time) or hold the creature alive until a trapper arrives (5 to 10 percent of the time). In the latter instances, a steel-jawed leg-hold trap often is used. Such a trap can be so painful that some animals chew off the trapped limb to escape. Some studies have estimated that as many as one in four animals caught in such traps may resort to this terrible solution.42 The Environment and the WTO In 1995, the European Union, long concerned with animal welfare issues, prohibited the use of steel-jawed leg-hold traps for hunting 13 fur-bearing animals. The EU then outlawed the importation of pelts from these animals unless the exporting country forbade the use of steel-jawed leg-hold traps or met other humane trapping standards. Canada complained bitterly about the EU decision. Canadian representatives were quick to point out that such restraining traps are used because there often is no other practical way to catch certain species. The Canadians reminded critics that the EU traps animals using neck snares, box cages, and leg snares. In 1997, James Stone, the first secretary (trade policy) of the Mission of Canada to the EU, told a symposium, “It is legal to use neck snares in France and the UK, but not in Germany; drowning is permitted for wild animals in Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands but not in Finland unless it is done with state authority. Traps with teeth are banned in France and the UK but permitted in Germany.”43 In Canada’s eyes, the EU had no consistent policy regarding animal entrapment but displayed, nonetheless, a good deal of hypocrisy. Soon enough, the United States and Canada came together to threaten a WTO challenge to the EU policy. The North American countries based their warning on a familiar theme: The WTO, they pointed out, prevents discrimination on the basis of how a product is produced (in this case, trapped). Such trapping, the United States and Canada asserted, does not affect the physical characteristics of the product; the “product” remains the same everywhere. Furthermore, the “production process” in question occurs not only within EU jurisdiction, but also in the territories of third world countries as well. In other words, the EU was, through its ban, imposing restrictions on trade. If the EU wanted, it could ban steel-jawed leghold traps within its own territory. It could not, however, ban (continues on page 64) 61 62 The World Trade Organization Climate Refugees Lately, some strange things have been happening in Bangladesh, a poor south Asian country with a population of 147 million people: In the Sundarbans nature reserve, which is home to the largest population of tigers left in the wild, the trees suddenly have begun to die. What is more, they have started to die in a peculiar way: from the top down. The countryâ€™s leading scientists believe that this is happening because the water of the massive mangrove swamp in which the trees grow is turning from fresh to salty. Water from the sea is beginning to encroach on the water of the swamp. The seawater is doing this because the level of the sea is rising. It is rising, most scientists believe, because of global warming. In 2004, it was noticed that the tides in the estuaries of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers stopped ebbing and flowing. The waters just stayed at high tide. Also in 2004, Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, was hit by floods so severe that the ground floors of most buildings were underwater. A catfish was caught in one of the government buildings. In 2005, Bangladesh had no winter at all. Although many Westerners assume that the entire subcontinent never has any winterâ€”that the weather is always hot and muggyâ€”this is not the case. For Bangladesh to experience no winter is extremely unusual. Clearly, the country was getting hotter. In the summer of 2007, thousands of fishers in the Bay of Bengal drowned. The seas were particularly rough, and the government issued storm warnings four times in the space of two months. In the past, such warnings normally occurred twice a year. Every warning meant that fishers who stayed at home lost valuable days at sea. In the face of the fourth warning, many fishers The Environment and the WTO simply had to go out. Officially, 1,700 drowned. Many Bangladeshis believe, however, that the actual number may be closer to 10,000. “Was it climate change?” asked Dr. Ainun Nishat, one of the country’s leading environmentalists, as reported in the British newspaper The Independent. “We don’t know. Was it unusual? Yes.”* Most of Bangladesh is a vast delta of alluvial plains—land built up from the soil deposited by rivers running to the sea. This land is barely above sea level, which makes it susceptible to flooding from waterways swollen by increased infiltration by the ocean. If, by the end of the twenty-first century, sea levels were to rise by three feet—a rise already predicted by some scientists—Bangladesh would, it is feared, experience apocalyptic, Atlantis-like conditions. “A quarter of the country would be submerged,” says Henry Chu, reporting in the Los Angeles Times. “Dhaka, now in the center of the nation, would sit within 60 miles of the coast, where boats would float over the drowned remnants of countless town squares, markets, houses, and schools. As many as 30 million people would become refugees in their own land, many of them subsistence farmers with nothing to subsist on any longer.”** Plainly, for Bangladesh, global warming is not a far-off problem; it is a clear and present danger. * “Bangladesh: At the Mercy of Climate Change,” The Independent. February 19, 2007. Available online at http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/ climate-change/bangladesh-at-the-mercy-of-climate-change-436950.html. ** Henry Chu, “Global Warming Gains Foothold in Bangladesh,” Los Angeles Times. February 25, 2007. Available online at http://www.boston.com/ news/world/asia/articles/2007/02/25/global_warming_gains_foothold_in_ bangladesh/. 63 64 The World Trade Organization (continued from page 61) imported pelts from animals caught in such traps outside the EU’s dominion. The threat of a WTO challenge, through a long, drawnout process, effectively succeeded in halting the EU policy that banned the importation of cruelly trapped animals. Such threats by the WTO to take action, with the possibility of follow-up economic sanctions, are, by themselves, often enough to thwart pro-environmental or humanitarian impulses on the part of individual countries or political unions. Invasion of the Longhorned Beetles The Asian long horned beetle (ALB) is one nasty bug. About an inch long when fully grown, the showy insect, native to China, is shiny and black with white spots. Its antennae, alternately ringed in black and white, are longer than its body. What makes this invasive bug so wicked is its voracious appetite for hardwood trees, particularly maple trees. A female ALB chews into a tree’s bark and lays eggs. When the eggs hatch, the immature beetles burrow deeper into the tree. When they reach adulthood, the beetles bore their way out of the tree through half-inch-diameter holes. The beetles’ home tree is left riddled with holes and fatally oozing sap. The only way to get rid of the ALB menace is to destroy the beetle in its larval stage. To do so calls for cutting down and burning each infested tree. The Asian long horned beetle first found its way into the United States sometime in the mid-1990s, in wooden packing containers that came from China and Hong Kong. The beetles soon infested trees in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, among other places. In New York City, more than 5,700 trees had to be destroyed; in Chicago, 1,500 trees.44 On December 17, 1998, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a regulation to ban the ALB. The USDA wanted to require that all wood packing material coming from China and Hong Kong be treated by heating and, if The Environment and the WTO The Asian longhorned beetle has destroyed more than 30,000 U.S. trees since it was first found in 1996. It is brought through untreated wood packing material used to ship imported goods from China. After the United States imposed regulations to stop the beetle, Hong Kong charged that the new safeguards were an illegal trade barrier and threatened to file suit with the WTO. necessary, fumigation, to insure that no ALB larvae survived to enter the United States. Hong Kong objected and, as a WTO member, was empowered to take its grievance to the international trade organization. (China was miffed, too; but as it did not become a member of the WTO until 2001, it could not, at the time, bring a case to the trade body.) 65 66 The World Trade Organization Hong Kong claimed that the standards for irradiation (heating) set forth by the United States were too strict and expensive. Hong Kong said that the U.S. requirements lacked the scientific evidence needed to support such actions. Hong Kong further asserted that the United States was just being protectionist, using USDA regulations to thwart Chinese imports. Once again, the mere threat of a WTO challenge caused a regulating country (in this case, the United States) to pause and reconsider its policy. The United States agreed to let the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), a treaty enacted in 1952 to set international standards regarding pest control, lead the way toward a new, anti-invasive species standard. IPPC criteria are presumed to be WTO legal. Thus, in agreeing to work with the IPPC, the United States also was acquiescing in a major goal of the WTO—the goal of harmonizing. The idea behind harmonization is to replace the various national product standards with one global standard. Because such harmonizing standards, in the eyes of the WTO, serve as ceilings that countries cannot exceed rather than floors that they all must meet, the adaptation of such standards tends to lower the best existing domestic environmental standards. The result, as Lori Wallach and Patrick Woodall claim, is “a one-way downward ratchet on domestic standards—the race-to-thebottom effect.”45 Win-Win Scenarios The heart of the environmentalists’ criticism of the WTO is the organization’s understanding that like products cannot be treated differently according to the ways they are produced or harvested. This issue is sure to remain a strong bone of contention with environmentalists long into the future. That antagonism aside, however, there are those in both the WTO and in various environmental organizations who believe that positive links exist between trade liberalization and improvement of the environment, and that such connections should be exploited. The Environment and the WTO These believers claim that market forces can, at times, work for both the economy and the environment simultaneously, rather than always working for one at the expense of the other. Fundamental to the above proposition is the belief that trade restrictions are the problem, and that in their liberalization lies the solution. As Gary P. Sampson writes, â€œTrade restrictions can distort the optimal functioning of markets and thus the exploitation of comparative advantage, just as they can frustrate the implementation of sound environmental management policies.â€?46 Those who declare that there is a positive link between trade liberalization and environmental improvement believe that many examples of win-win scenarios existâ€”scenarios in which the elimination of trade restrictions actually improves environmental sustainability. Fisheries offer one example. Government fishery subsidies (a sum of money granted by the government to a private person or company to benefit the public) that make it less costly to exploit fisheries lead to overfishing and thus to depleted fish stocks. If the government subsidies are eliminated, the argument goes, it will cost more to fish, fewer fish will be caught, and fish stocks will reach more sustainable levels. The same link is said to exist for agriculture. Trade-distorting agricultural export subsidies in developed countries depress world prices. As a consequence, it is said, poor farmers in developing countries cannot compete. In an attempt to grow more crops, the poor farmers are forced to cultivate marginal lands that are subject to erosion and runoff and are moved to clear forests for agricultural use. These practices obviously are bad for the environment. Links between subsidies and environmental degradation also can exist with regard to energy. Among other things, such subsidies often encourage obsolete and environmentally inefficient energy technologies to continue to operate. Central to a belief in a win-win scenario to which trade liberalization is the key is the issue of trade in environmental goods and services. The value of pollution-control and solid-waste 67 68 The World Trade Organization management products and services is estimated at more than $450 billion per year. As Sampson points out, â€œIn this sector, as in others, it is in the interest of all WTO members that environmentally sound goods and services be made available on the international market at the cheapest prevailing world prices.â€?47 In the final analysis, those who support the link between freer trade (with its resulting growth) and environmental sustainability rest their case most persuasively on the belief that in such a world, there will be more resources available to protect the environment. It is rich countries, the argument goes, that can best afford to seek environmental sustainability. The sooner poor countries become rich, or richer, the better off the world, and its environment, will be. 5 Workers of the World and the WTO In the Huanya Gifts factory, Christmas tree ornaments are made for retail giant Wal-Mart. The factory is located in Guangzhou, China, a huge, gritty industrial city 75 miles northwest of Hong Kong. It is to Huanya that brothers Xu Wenquan (age 16) and Xu Wenjie (age 18) went to look for work in late 2007, having journeyed over 500 miles from impoverished Guizhou Province. “I work on the plastic molding machine from six in the morning to six at night,” Xu Wenquan told New York Times reporter David Barboza. The machines are “quite hot, so I’ve burned my hands.” Xu’s hands were covered with blisters.48 When Chinese government inspectors visited Huanya, the two young brothers were given a day off. A former employee gave Barboza a similar account of what amounted to a sweatshop environment—a workplace in which 6 70 The World Trade Organization employees work under dreadful conditions—at Huanya. “It’s quite noisy, and you stand up all day, 12 hours, and there’s no air-conditioning,” he told Barboza, as reported in the Times article above. “We get paid by the piece we make but they never told us how much. Sometimes I got $110, sometimes I got $150 a month.” Factories such as Huanya have been accused of routinely shortchanging their employees; exposing their workers to dangerous machinery and harmful chemicals (among them lead, cadmium, and mercury); and withholding health benefits. According to a study published by the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, factory workers in and around Guangzhou lose or break about 40,000 fingers on the job each year.49 Darin Sisoipha (age 15) also has experienced physical abuse in her work at a factory in Bangkok, Thailand. There, she labors for nine hours a day, six days a week, for $2 per day. “Twice the needles went right through her hands,” the girl’s mother, Maesubin Sisoipha, told New York Times reporter Nicholas Kristof. “But the managers bandaged up her hands, and both times she got better again and went back to work.”50 Maesubin Sisoipha’s comment may strike many as callous, but this mother was not indifferent to her daughter’s suffering. Quite simply, this family’s take on a sweatshop job is entirely different from that of most Westerners. “It’s good pay,” a friend, Mongkol Latlakorn, told Kristof. “I hope she can keep that job. There’s all this talk about factories closing. . . . I don’t know what she would do then.” Clearly, what some see as exploitation, others see as opportunity. As grim as many southern Chinese factories are, they have contributed to a remarkable explosion of wealth among that country’s 1.2 billion people. In Dongguan Province, wages have gone from $50 per month to more than $250 per month in less than a decade.51 There, as elsewhere, workers seek Workers of the World and the WTO out factories that allow employees to toil seven days a week, regardless of the grueling workload. More time at work means more income. Such is the situation throughout much of Asia and in many other parts of the developing world. For many poor countries, particularly those at or near the very bottom of the economic ladder (Cambodia and Bangladesh come quickly to mind), the only things they have to offer the world are workers who are willing to toil for dirt-cheap wages. It is their one comparative advantage—at least for now. Although sweatshops can and must be improved, for many poor countries and their workers, they are, quite simply, the price paid for development. Had Taiwan and South Korea not allowed for sweatshops decades ago (the argument goes), these two East Asian countries might never have achieved their phenomenal economic success. Nike on the Run Nike—the shoe manufacturer with the “Swoosh” logo that is recognized around the world—employs about 500,000 workers in 51 countries, many in Southeast Asia. In 1989, the company paid its lead celebrity spokesperson, basketball superstar Michael Jordan, more money—$25 million—than the 25,000 workers in the entire Indonesian shoe industry made in combined wages.52 In the 1990s, people around the world, but particularly in developed countries such as the United States, began to protest this seeming economic disparity. Critics wanted working conditions to be improved at Nike plants everywhere. Protesters demanded that Nike make commitments to raise the minimum age for their factory workers, to expand worker education, to increase factory monitoring, and to ensure that their factories met standards for indoor air quality set by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 71 72 The World Trade Organization Supporters and detractors of globalization have been at odds about American companies with factories in underdeveloped countries. Some activists oppose these factories saying that they pay miniscule wages while reaping enormous profits at the expense of workers. Economists point out that those wages, though small by U.S. standards, are in fact high in a third-world country. Above, workers at a Nike factory on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, assemble shoes. Nike agreed to implement the previously named improvements but balked when it came to raising wages, eliminating forced overtime, and granting broader worker rights. At the heart of the matter was the issue of comparative advantage. Nike was making shoes in Southeast Asia rather than in the United States for a reason: lower costs. Sarah Bachman summed up the matter best in YaleGlobal (the online magazine of the Yale Center for the Study of Globalization) when she asked, on June 27, 2003: Workers of the World and the WTO What is a ‘sweatshop’ after all? Should third-world factories, where people are evidently happy for factory jobs making products for export and often are paid more than workers in an economy’s domestic sector, have the same worker safety and pay standards as in U.S. or European workplaces? Don’t lower safety and pay standards serve developing countries by making them more competitive, and thus more able to work their way out of poverty? Are anti-sweatshop protests merely a smokescreen for protectionism?53 Enter the World Trade Organization. Many of the protesters at the WTO’s Seattle Ministerial Meeting in 1999 demanded, among other things, that the trade organization address the issue of dismal labor standards in developing countries. The WTO’s response was a familiar one. As has been seen, the WTO strongly discourages nations from excluding imported goods because of the way those goods are produced. The WTO’s antidiscrimination principles notwithstanding, the organization attempts to address low worker standards around the world in a more fundamental way. The WTO believes that freer trade leads to economic growth. Growth, in turn, will be followed by increased incentives to raise worker wages and working conditions. In other words, the WTO insists that freeing up market forces, through trade liberalization, to do their “magic”, is the answer to the eventual elimination of sweatshop working conditions around the world. Two Thousand Bricks a Day To let adults work long hours, under harsh conditions, with minimal health and safety provisions, all for subsistence wages, is one thing. To force children, many of them under 16 and some as young as 5, to do so is quite another. It happens, however. Officially, 320 million children work worldwide, often under incredible stress, both physical and mental.54 73 74 The World Trade Organization According to Dr. David Parker, an occupational physician and the author of the book Before Their Time: The World of Child Labor, the following accounts are typical: Throughout much of the world, bricks are made by hand. In Asia, Latin America, and Africa, children and adults dig clay for bricks using shovels, picks, and awls. . . . When the bricks are dry, barefoot workers load them on their backs or on top of their heads and carry them across fields of stones and broken bricks. Each brick weighs four to nine pounds. A small child may haul 1,000 to 2,000 bricks each day. . . . In India, Pakistan, Turkey, and other countries, children knot wool or silk carpets. Children who spend day after day doing this type of detailed handwork are likely to develop arthritis at an early age. Virtually all children who knot carpets get skin rashes and frequently cut their hands with razors or knives. . . . Children tan leather in cottage industries around the world. Leather tanning is one of the dirtiest jobs imaginable, carried out in a tumbling barrel or large vats using chromic acid, oxalic acid, formaldehyde, and alkalis such as trisodium phosphate and borax. In addition to exposing workers to toxic chemicals, the process releases carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and other noxious gases.55 So disgusting is the tanning industry, even China is fed up with it. As a consequence, the Asian giant is seeking to export what little it has left of tanning to countries such as Bangladesh. There are, of course, international laws and treaties that attempt to regulate or eliminate child labor. Since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations in 1948, dozens of international treaties concerning children’s rights have been written. Workers of the World and the WTO Three young participants in the Global March Against Child Labor hold a banner after arriving at the 1998 International Labor Organization Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.The march, which included thousands of people, not only brought awareness to the problem of child labor and the need for education for all children, it also helped the revision of Convention No. 182 get passed, the decree that became the guideline for governments when creating labor laws. Yet, clearly, more needs to be done. In May 2008, Chinese officials broke up a child-labor ring that forced children from poor inland areas to work in booming coastal cities. “Most of the work force comes from underdeveloped or poverty-stricken areas,” said Hu Xingdou, a professor of economics and social policy at the Beijing Institute of Technology, as reported by David Barboza in the New York Times. “Some children are even sold by their parents, who often don’t have any idea of the working conditions.”56 75 76 The World Trade Organization The WTO does not, of course, condone child labor. Yet, given the WTO’s nondiscrimination principle, it is perhaps fair to ask whether a country can prohibit the importation of products made by child labor. Would such a prohibition not discriminate against a product on the basis of how it is manufactured? Corporate Giants Multinational corporations are at the center of today’s world economy and thus of world trade. Some of these worldwide corporations are richer than most countries. In 2005, WalMart, with revenues of $285 billion, outdid the combined gross domestic product (GDP; the total market value of the goods and services that a country or countries produce in a specific period) of all of sub-Saharan Africa.57 Such corporations, according to critics, spread their tentacles everywhere and often answer only to themselves; they seek profits by cutting costs through holding wages down, often to starvation levels. In the developed world, when wage demands become too aggressive, multinationals are quick to prove just how global they are: They send jobs offshore by the thousands or simply pack up and leave for greener (cheaper) pastures. It is said that multinationals pollute wherever they go; bribe whenever necessary; care only for the bottom line; and, by doing so, make outrageous profits. As one argument goes, multinationals live to trade and—through their “puppet,” the WTO—see to it that ever-freer trade (their own industries’ protectionist demands notwithstanding) dominate economic agendas everywhere. Yet, as Joseph Stiglitz, no corporate lackey, is quick to concede, “Corporations have been at the center of helping to raise standards of living throughout much of the world. . . . Corporations have brought jobs and economic growth to the developing nations, and inexpensive goods of increasingly high quality to the developed ones, lowering the cost of living and so contributing to an era of low inflation and low interest rates.”58 Workers of the World and the WTO Good, bad, or both, multinational corporations are here to stay. Indeed, new ones are popping up in some unlikely places. Long identified with the West and with developed countries, homegrown, giant multinationals recently have sprung up in countries such as Brazil, India, and China, ready to compete with the likes of Cisco Systems, Boeing, IBM, and Sony. The emerging multinationals represent both an opportunity and a threat to workers worldwide. “These companies are hiring people from anywhere in the world,” says economist Peter J. Williamson, as reported by William J. Holstein in the New York Times. “A lot of people who felt that their companies or their jobs were protected because they were in the highvalue-added or high-tech kinds of businesses used to think that the rise of these companies was irrelevant to them. . . . But now they are going to find they are under significant competition from these companies.”59 Can the United States compete in this new world economic reality, a world that seems to make while Americans take? Contrary to public perception, the answer is a cautionary yes. Believe it or not, the United States still makes stuff—lots of stuff. Today, the United States is the world’s largest manufacturer. America has never exported more, both in terms of dollars ($1.6 trillion in 2007) and as a percentage of GDP (11.8 percent). True, the United States imports even more than it exports. As Justin Fox, writing in Time magazine, puts it, “The United States has continued to run surpluses in some hightech, high-price-tag categories—aircraft, specialized industrial machines—and in agricultural commodities. It’s in consumer goods—clothing, TVs, cars—that the big deficits show up.”60 Of course, although trade benefits an economy as a whole, some workers, especially at the bottom, will be displaced. According to The Economist, “When a country with relatively more high-skilled workers (such as America) trades with poorer countries that have relatively more low-skilled workers, America’s low skilled will lose out.”61 There are many who 77 78 The World Trade Organization argue that it is, in part, the WTO’s job to help moderate what is a difficult adjustment for many workers or, more importantly, to insist on some kind of linkage between universal labor standards and trade. The WTO, however, has been reluctant to establish such a connection. The WTO and the Social Clause Interestingly, even before the WTO came into existence, there was talk of just such a linkage in the form of a so-called “social clause.” In 1994, the year before the WTO’s founding, France and the United States suggested that a social clause advocating international labor standards be included in the charter for the WTO. According to Wallach and Woodall, The Social Clause concept would allow importing countries to take trade measures against exporting countries that failed to enforce core labor standards with punitive actions ranging from reduced quotas or raised tariffs to complete embargoes on all imports from the country in question. . . . While such a policy would not inherently raise wages in poorer countries, it would eliminate corporate profit incentives to deny the labor rights necessary for workers to fight for improvements. The bottom line would be altered: If a product cannot be sold in the desired market, it does not matter how cheaply it can be produced.62 In determining what such a social clause would consist of, proponents suggested that the WTO needed to look no further than action taken by the International Labor Organization (ILO) in establishing four core labor rights principles: 1. the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labor Workers of the World and the WTO The Prisoners’ Dilemma As they seek a comparative advantage by providing low-cost manufacturing opportunities to multinational corporations, poor countries strive to outdo each other in what many observers see as a race to the bottom. Such countries do not set out to see their workers paid a pittance, receive little in the way of benefits, or succumb to health and safety calamities. Uncertain as to how competing countries will act, however, an undeveloped country, with little else to offer, may keep lowering the bar in order to gain or maintain a comparative advantage. The solution to this predicament—a solution whereby wages and working conditions for all workers at the bottom would rise—is for various countries to cooperate in demanding higher standards from multinational corporations. For that to occur, however, all, or nearly all, of the cooperating countries would have to understand where the others stood and work together to achieve a common goal. All would have to agree to abide by the new standards and to not give in when a multinational attempted to pick off a country by providing work at lower standards for its nationals. In other words, countries would have to trust each other not to cheat, not to break the deal, and not to seek a temporary comparative advantage. Failure to achieve cooperation can, perhaps, best be understood in reference to the classic problem called “the prisoners’ dilemma,” which seeks to illustrate the tension between cooperation and competition. In the traditional version of the social scientists’ prisoners’ dilemma game, the police have arrested two suspects and are interrogating them separately. Each suspect can keep silent, or one (continues) 79 The World Trade Organization (continued) can confess and thereby incriminate the other. Each suspect, regardless of what the other does, can improve his or her position by confessing. When both confess, however, the outcome is worse for both suspects than it is when both keep silent. The dominant strategy is for each to confess. This is too bad, because if both suspects trusted each other to cooperate, and neither confessed, both would escape punishment. “However,” Wallach and Woodall point out, in Whose Trade Organization?, “each prisoner experiences strong temptation to betray the other and thus be punished only slightly, out of fear of being betrayed and suffering severe punishment.” So it is with developing countries. As Wallach and Woodall continue, “Developing-world countries, desperate for investment and creation of jobs and lacking information about each other’s choices and motives, opt for bad bargains out of fear that their neighbors cannot be trusted to transact with common interests in mind.” Clearly, as long as solidarity among developing countries on matters of working conditions is lacking, a divide-and-conquer pattern will allow multinational corporations to keep calling the shots. Only cooperation and trust can break the cycle. 2. the elimination of discrimination in respect to employment and occupation 3. freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining 4. the effective abolition of child labor. As commendable as these principles are, the ILO was (and is) an international body with weak enforcement capacity and Workers of the World and the WTO was unable to do much to insist that such principles be carried out. The WTO, on the other hand, can enforce trade sanctions on rule violators. Why not (the argument went) have the WTO adopt and enforce the ILO’s principles? Opposition came from a number of sources, including many developing countries. The opposition’s first concern was, and still is, that any such labor standards and trade linkages are, in fact, nothing but ill-disguised protectionism. Such standards, some critics felt, were a neocolonial encroachment on countries’ national sovereignty. In other words, the cry by developed countries to see labor standards rise in developing countries is motivated more by self-interest than by any altruism on the developed countries’ parts. A more significant reason to oppose a forced raising of labor standards through the WTO was perhaps best expressed by developing country representatives at the WTO’s first ministerial meeting, in Singapore, in 1996. There, the representatives stated: “[We] reject the use of labor standards for protectionist purposes, and agree that the comparative advantage of countries, particularly low-wage developing countries, must in no way be put into question.”63 Thus, with resistance from the very countries for which higher labor standards are designed to provide uplift, the prospect of the WTO’s adopting a social clause any time soon seems remote, indeed. 81 6 Public Safety and the WTO Barry Bonds, the former San Francisco Giants homerun king, may or may not have used steroids to pump up his muscle mass. When it comes to U.S. cattle, however, there is no argument: The vast majority are injected with drugs, particularly anabolic steroids, to make them lean, strong, and, well, beefier. The meat of these hormone-treated bovines has been gracing American dinner tables for decades. Beef producers administer a host of synthetic hormones by inserting a slow-release pellet into a steerâ€™s ear. Because ears become by-products and so are not processed as meat for human consumption, local concentrations of the hormone do not wind up in peopleâ€™s food. Furthermore, the USDA requires that the synthetic hormones be withdrawn before the animals 2 Public Safety and the WTO are slaughtered. “The regulatory goal is to ensure that anyone eating beef will get a dose of residual hormones that’s less than one percent of the highest dose that caused no ill effect in test animals,” says Susan Brewer, associate professor of food chemistry at the University of Illinois at Champaign. “We have a 100-fold safety factor built into the tolerances.”64 Although consumers in the United States may consider steroid-pumped beef safe for consumption, the European Union does not. In 1988, the EU banned the sale of beef (grown domestically or in foreign countries) from cattle treated with any of six artificial hormones that are linked to cancer and to premature pubescence (very early puberty) in girls. In doing this, the EU adopted what is known as a “zero risk” standard. This means that, although the health risk from hormonetreated beef is uncertain, the EU was not going to take any chances. Besides, the argument went, as Europeans simply did not want to eat such beef, why offer it for sale? All such beef was to be banned. In 1996, the United States, acting at the request of the U.S.based National Cattlemen’s Association, challenged the EU policy at the WTO. A year later, the WTO ruled against the European Union. The WTO ruling said, in part, that hormones in beef had not been scientifically proven to be dangerous to humans. In 1998, the WTO ordered the EU either to begin importing artificial hormone-treated beef from the United States by May 13, 1999, or to conduct a WTO-legal (high standard) risk assessment to justify not doing so. In this case, the WTO was saying that the EU must base any assessment of risk on international standards, or, if the EU’s standards departed from international standards, the EU standards must be based on an extensive risk assessment. If, after the risk assessment, no health hazard was found to exist, the EU must remove what the United States and other beef-exporting countries were claiming was an unfair barrier to trade. 83 84 The World Trade Organization The EU attempted to conduct such a risk assessment in answer to the WTO ruling. The results did not satisfy the WTO, however. In response, the WTO authorized the United States to impose $116.8 million worth of trade sanctions against European-made products. As a penalty for not accepting American hormone-raised beef (a loss to the American cattle industry of about $500 million annually), European Union products such as truffles, mustards, and cheeses would not be allowed to cross the Atlantic for U.S. consumption.65 The $116.8 million per year in sanctions that the EU suffers is a price most Europeans seem willing to pay for keeping a product they do not want off their dinner tables. Interestingly, as Wallach and Woodall’s book is quick to point out, “This is the only WTO ruling—with two wealthy nations [the United States and the EU as a whole], each of whom can afford continuing WTO litigation and bear sanctions—that has resulted in such an outcome rather than the losing country changing its policy.”66 Trade Barriers Versus Public Health One of the first agreements signed when the WTO came into existence has turned out, arguably, to be the WTO’s most controversial agreement. Known as the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement, or SPS, it is designed to deal with health threats from plant-borne organisms. More generally, the SPS is supposed to ensure a government’s right to protect its citizens’ food sources, both plant and animal. According to the WTO Web site, the agreement was formulated “to maintain the sovereign right of any government to provide the level of health protection it deems appropriate.” The Web site, referring to a government inquiry, poses a simple question: “How do you ensure that your country’s consumers are being supplied with food that is safe to eat—‘safe’ by the standards you consider appropriate?” The Web site then goes on to ask a follow-up question, one that has served to ignite international quarrels: “And at the same time, how can you Public Safety and the WTO A cook prepares imported U.S. beef at a store in Seoul, Korea, in July 2007. For the first time in four years, the country resumed limited imports of U.S. beef, amid public protest. In 2003, the country closed what was then the third-largest market for U.S. beef exporters due to concerns of mad cow disease. As of October 2008, the WTO’s top court backed the United States and Canada in their suit against Europe’s long-standing ban on beef treated with growth hormones. ensure that strict health and safety regulations are not being used as an excuse for protecting domestic producers?”67 For the WTO—which always is keen to remind everyone that WTO agreements are negotiated by member governments and therefore reflect those governments’ concerns—the bottom line is clear: Do not use safety as an excuse to limit imports and thus protect domestic producers. This bottom line is to be true even if domestic products are subject to the same health standards (nondiscrimination) as foreign products seeking entrance. As has been shown, the EU controversy regarding the importation of U.S. beef illustrates the tension the SPS 85 86 The World Trade Organization Agreement engenders. Is American hormone-fed beef really unsafe for human consumption, or is halting its import just a protectionist excuse? Is James Marsden, a former chief scientist of the American Meat Institute, right when he argues that oversupply of beef on the continent is the real issue? “I’ve lost any confidence that any science is driving this,” he has said. “It’s a convenient way to prevent competition.”68 Critics of the WTO’s SPS Agreement become most vocal when they point out that the agreement, in their minds, turns the common-sense precautionary principle on its head. That principle, which is claimed to be an established pillar of public policy everywhere, says that when suspicion exists as to the safety of a substance or process, it is better to err on the side of caution. In other words, when in doubt, play it safe: Restrict. Detractors claim, however, that under the WTO SPS Agreement, one must prove that a substance is dangerous before one can restrict its use. According to the Web site “What’s Wrong with the WTO?”, “The WTO assumes untested chemicals and technologies are safe until proven otherwise. This stands the Precautionary Principle—better safe than sorry—on its head, and can force nations to lower their public health, safety, and environmental standards.”69 As was shown in the EU beef case, the WTO requires “scientifically supported” risk assessment before countries can justifiably restrict what they claim are dangerous imports. Critics maintain, however, that as the WTO establishes standards for risk assessment, it does not set floors on safety provisions, thereby allowing nations and localities to set higher levels of safety and protection. Instead, the WTO actually does the reverse. It sets ceilings that can be used to strike down any protections that exceed them. Toxic Teething Rings When babies and small children put things other than food in their mouths, there is always cause for concern. Small objects Public Safety and the WTO such as fasteners, toy parts, and the like are to be avoided at all costs. But teethers? Teethers are designed to be placed in a baby’s mouth. Infants gnaw on teething rings to ease their aching gums, to provide some relief to the pain that is caused as growing teeth stretch and then break through those tender baby gums. A good teething ring should be pliable, not brittle. To make hard plastic (the substance from which most teething rings are made) softer, certain chemical additives are mixed in with the plastic as it is formed in a mold. The result is a pleasingly chewable object. Such rings have failed to calm parents, however—at least many parents who live in the European Union. Worried about potentially toxic substances called phthalates that were used to make teething rings spongier, in 1997 the EU moved to regulate toxic substances placed in teethers and other toys that might be put in the mouth. American toy manufacturers were not amused. They were quick to suggest that the EU’s proposal might be an illegal barrier to trade and suggested that a WTO challenge might be in order. According to a U.S. State Department memo, “Leading toy manufacturers contacted the Commerce Department . . . to rectify the problem.”70 The United States, of course, had its own standards when it came to limiting phthalates in toys. The State Department informed its European station chiefs that the Toy Manufacturers of America voluntarily limited such phthalates to 3 percent in pacifiers and teethers. The United States told European countries that American standards were high enough and that any attempt on their part to raise standards further was not only unnecessary, but also a hindrance to free trade. The State Department urged its European embassies to press for the elimination of the EU ban on phthalates. In doing this, America’s Clinton administration went to bat for Mattel and other United States–based toy manufacturers. The Europeans refused to be intimidated, however. They 87 88 The World Trade Organization Phthalates are additives used in a variety of products, including nail polish, caulk, and childrenâ€™s toys. In 2004, a SwedishDanish research team found a strong link between allergies in children and the phthalates DEHP and BBzP. Several countries have banned phthalates from childrenâ€™s toys, and some phthalates will be restricted in the U.S. state of California. Public Safety and the WTO decided simply to let individual nations regulate phthalates on a country-by-country basis. In a Wall Street Journal article dated November 12, 1998, and entitled “Toy Makers Say Bye-Bye to ‘Plasticizers,’” it was announced that the U.S. toy industry would begin phasing out phthalates from products designed to be placed in the mouths of babies. The teething-ring controversy is one of only a few cases in which the threat of taking it to the WTO backfired. Critics maintain that in the vast majority of situations, especially when a threatened country lacks the knowledge and resources to fight back, that sort of bullying works, and some sort of “accommodation” is reached before the WTO is “forced” to take action. Up in Smoke In 2001, in response to a cigarette labeling regulatory proposal by Canada, American tobacco giant Philip Morris was quick to disclaim any health benefits to its “light” or “ultra-light” cigarettes. The company agreed that “consumers should not be given the message that descriptors mean that any brand of cigarettes has been shown to be less harmful than other brands.”71 Philip Morris did contend, however, that such words communicated a difference in taste. In view of this, Philip Morris asserted, the use of the terms light and ultra-light was harmless. In consequence, the company concluded, it had every right to print the descriptors on its cigarette packages as part of its tobacco trademark. Earlier, the Canadian government had insisted that the descriptors mild and light were fundamentally misleading. The government cited data that suggested that more than a third of the people who purchased “light” or “mild” cigarettes did so for health reasons, believing that such cigarettes were less harmful than “regular” brands. In reality, the data showed, 89 90 The World Trade Organization these types of cigarettes are not less harmful, in part because smokers compensate for the cigarettes’ lower tar and nicotine levels by inhaling more deeply. Canada wanted the “mild” and “light” labels removed from cigarettes sold within its borders. In response to Canada’s threat to regulate tobacco labeling, Philip Morris claimed that such regulations would violate a basic WTO rule by “encumbering the use and function of valuable, well-known tobacco trademarks.”72 Even more importantly, according to the tobacco company, Canada would be in violation of a key WTO agreement, an actual treaty known as the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). A violation of the WTO’s TBT was to be considered a serious matter. The objective of the TBT agreement is to ensure that technical negotiations and standards, as well as testing and certification procedures, do not create unnecessary obstacles to trade. The TBT agreement requires that governments, as they seek to regulate matters such as health, choose the least trade-restrictive means of pursuing their objectives. The WTO wants to make sure that governments do not lay down mandatory technical regulations in a protectionist attempt to limit trade. Specifically, the TBT agreement insists that: 1. Any regulations must not be more trade restrictive than what is necessary to fulfill a legitimate objective. 2. The risks involved in not having a regulation will need to be weighted against the effects on trade, to determine whether the regulations are disproportionate in light of the risks. 3. The assessment of the risks must be based on rational considerations, such as scientific information.73 Philip Morris argued that the WTO’s TBT agreement was being violated in the Canadian case because less restrictive means exist to ensure that consumers are not mislead into believing that there are any health benefits to “light” and “mild” Public Safety and the WTO tobacco products. The company claimed, for example, that it simply could have been required to state on a cigarette package that the term light does not mean that the product has been shown to be safer than other cigarettes. Philip Morris never pressured the United States government to take its case to the WTO, probably because the company feared negative publicity. Tobacco-control advocates fear, however, that other national governments, less able to withstand pressure from big tobacco, will cave in and refuse to seek such labeling protection. Thus, in critics’ eyes, this is another example of a mere threat to take a matter to the WTO being sufficient to dampen any action by a government to set higher health standards. Harmonization The central goal of the WTO—indeed, its key mandate—is to promote freer trade everywhere, and to do so by reducing tariff and nontariff barriers, in addition to minimizing regulations and standards that, in the mind of the WTO, restrict the free flow of goods and services. The organization’s job is to promote a worldwide market economy in which government regulation is kept to a minimum. Governments, however, as they attempt to fulfill their mandate to promote the general welfare, do impose restrictions, regulations, and standards that relate to a host of items and processes. In the eyes of the WTO, such domestic rules and regulations pose a problem in that they are not only numerous and varied, but also often arbitrary and unbacked by sound science. To correct these problems, the WTO seeks to harmonize standards; that is, to promote international standards that all its members must agree to. In other words, the WTO seeks global standardization. For the WTO, harmonization is based on the idea that the world is one huge market. Rather than allow for individual national standards, which (in the view of the WTO) are 91 92 The World Trade Organization undesirable because they fragment global markets, the WTO wants universal standards. The WTO wants such harmonized standards even if standards that vary from country to country reflect differences in cultures and values. This is true even if national standards provide a greater level of consumer protection than harmonized, universal standards would. Pig Guts and Bad Drugs Heparin is a hugely popular blood thinner that is used around the world in surgery and dialysis (a machine-aided blood-cleansing method used in patients whose kidneys have failed). In 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) linked 19 deaths and hundreds of severe allergic reactions to the use of heparin. The heparin in question came from China and contained a chemically modified substance that mimicked the real drug. Although it is yet to be determined that the contaminant actually caused the problem, it seems likely that there is a link. Because this situation came on the heels of a pet-food scare in which hundreds, if not thousands, of pets died or were sickened in the United States by Chinese pet-food ingredients that contained deadly levels of a chemical substance called melamine, Americans had cause for concern. In China, raw material for heparin comes from mucous membranes in the intestines of slaughtered pigs. Once they are harvested, these pig guts are mixed together and cooked. In many parts of China, this process takes place on stove tops in unregulated family workshops. After this brew is cooked, it is transported to plants that process the active ingredients of heparin for shipment to a finished dose manufacturer. There can be many steps from the slaughter of the pigs to the final pharmaceutical. Much can go wrong along this extended supply chain, especially as inspection and regulation often fall short. Public Safety and the WTO Of course, as one sets such harmonized international standards, the question arises as to just what level of standardization is to be sought. Critics of harmonization maintain that the strivedfor WTO standards always will be the lowest possible—the better to encourage the freest flow of goods and services. As Wallach and Woodall point out: According to investigative journalist Walt Bogdanich, writing in the New York Times, “After many near misses and warning signs, the heparin scare has eliminated any doubt that, here and abroad, regulatory agencies overseeing the safety of medicine are overwhelmed in a global economy where supply chains are long and opaque, and often involve many manufacturers.” Central to the problem are the opportunities for counterfeiting and adulterating drug products. “Advanced technology and global manufacturing outlets have made fake drugs a big and illicit business that is literally poisoning patients,” Alan C. Drewsen (executive director of the International Trademark Association) told Bogdanich. “The World Health Organization runs a program that helps track counterfeit medicine, but it has no regulatory authority,” Bogdanich wrote. “In the 1990s governments were all about trying to maximize the volume of international trade,” Moisés Naím (editor in chief of Foreign Policy magazine and author of Illicit: How Smugglers, Traffickers and Copycats Are Hijacking the Global Economy) told the Times. “I’m all for that, but I believe this decade is going to be about maximizing the quality of that trade, not quantity.” Walt Bogdanich. “The Drug Scare That Exposed a World of Hurt,” New York Times. March 30, 2008, The World, 3. 93 94 The World Trade Organization Theoretically, international harmonization could occur at the lowest or highest levels of public health or environmental protection. Unfortunately, the actual WTO harmonization provisions promote lowering of the best existing domestic public-health, food-safety, plantand animal-protection and environmental standards around the world. This is the case because, under the WTO, international standards serve as a ceiling which countries cannot exceed, rather than as a floor all countries must meet.74 Certainly, the WTO doesn’t see it quite that way. Its Web site tells readers that “It allows countries to set their own standards.” It says that even though it encourages members to use international standards, “Members may use measures which result in higher standards.” To be sure, the WTO then quickly points out that such standards must be based on scientific justification. The WTO, its Web site clarifies, even allows for application of the “safety first” precautionary principle, but only on a temporary basis.75 No matter what level of harmonization is achieved, for the WTO the bottom line is always there: Take restrictions down to their lowest level to facilitate the freest possible trade in all commodities and services. If harmonization does not do that, the WTO’s market-based philosophy still must prevail, even when countries seek bilateral trade agreements. The WTO Web site states, “If an exporting country can demonstrate that the measures it applies to its exports achieve the same level of health protection as in the importing country, then the importing country is expected to accept the exporting country’s standards and methods.”76 7 Intellectual Property Rights and the WTO It has been called the “curer of all ailments,” the “panacea for all diseases,” and the “blessed divine,” among other things. It is the neem tree. There are approximately 14 million of these trees in India alone, and more grow in the other countries of the subcontinent and in parts of West Africa. The neem, which can grow up to 50 feet tall, has been revered for its versatile traits for more than 5,000 years. The neem has been called on to treat leprosy, ulcers, and skin disorders. It has been used to make pesticides and spermicides. The tree’s oil can serve as a fuel for lamps. Extracts from the neem tree can be employed as a potent insecticide that is effective against nearly 200 kinds of insects. Millions of Indians have used the tree’s twigs as antiseptic toothbrushes. Some people chew neem leaves when they get up in the morning, 5 96 The World Trade Organization in the hope that after 24 days of doing so, their bodies will be protected from diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. To countless South Asians, urban as well as rural, the neem tree is nature’s drugstore, a virtual village pharmacy. With neem products so useful, it is logical to think that people have made money from these products’ extraction and sale. Indeed, people have. Many enterprising individuals use traditional methods to smash neem seeds, scoop the emulsion (pulp) from the top, and sell it to local farmers for use as a pesticide. Making money from the neem tree was never a problem for village entrepreneurs who hoped to earn a few rupees, either as a sideline or as a full-time occupation. Some Indian companies have produced large quantities of neem-based pesticides, cosmetics, and medicines for wide distribution. No Indian firms have ever attempted to take ownership of their neem-extraction and development processes, however. This is because Indian law does not allow for the patenting of agricultural and medical products. The Indian government claims that because the neem tree is a product of nature, there is nothing there to be patented. A patent, the government says, requires innovation and discovery. Indians have been using homegrown methods to extract neem products for years. There’s nothing new or innovative in that, the government maintains. One country’s folk medicine is another country’s recent find, however. In 1995, a United States–based multinational company, W.R. Grace & Company, obtained a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for fungicidal properties of seeds extracted from the neem tree. The company claimed that the processes it had perfected represented a “discovery” because it entailed “manipulation yielding greater and better results.”77 Grace was saying that it had gone one giant step further, building on Indian techniques to create truly novel advances. The multinational asserted that it was being new and innovative and was adding value to the Intellectual Property Rights and the WTO extraction process. Grace owned exclusive rights to the neembased biopesticides used on food crops that it had “developed,” the company now declared. The claims did not stop there, however. Because it was a multinational corporation, Grace said, it had the right to sue Indian companies for making the neem emulsion. Grace demanded that such companies stop producing neem-based pesticides. This United States–based multinational insisted that it had the sole, exclusive right to sell the neem extract, even in India, the home of the neem tree. Accusations of biopiracy soon filled the air. Interestingly, the accusations came from Grace as well as from the Indian government. Once again, the WTO stood ready to enter the picture. TRIPs Intellectual property rights (IPRs) have been recognized for centuries. Such rights represent an attempt to foster creativity and innovation. If a company knows that it has exclusive rights to what it has created, the argument goes, society as a whole will benefit. It will benefit because the profit motive, enhanced by secure property rights, will bring on new products and services. This will be true whether the creation involves books, paintings, and films (protected by copyright); inventions and technological innovations (protected by patents); or marketing tools (logos and trademarks, also protected). By the middle of the 1990s, if not sooner, holders of copyrights, patents, trademarks, and the like—most of whom were based in developed countries—began to feel that greater international protection was necessary to secure what they owned. The emerging world economic and trade scene, these rights holders were convinced, offered great opportunities to expand their product penetration. At the same time, however, this emerging scene signaled that the same products might be in danger of being copied or stolen. 97 98 The World Trade Organization Above, a child dances next to pirated versions of Teletubbies bags on sale at an outdoor stall in Beijing, China. China was put on a list of 14 countries that will receive special scrutiny due to rampant violations of intellectual property rights. With the formation of the WTO, Western corporations, backed by their governments, saw an opportunity to expand the GATT’s traditional focus on trade in goods to include more inclusive agreements on intellectual property rights. Thus was born a fundamental WTO agreement on what are known as trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights, or TRIPs. The WTO’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights is designed to enforce global property rights. The agreement fixes common international rules. According to the WTO Web site, the TRIPs Agreement “establishes minimum levels of protection that each government has to give to the intellectual property of fellow WTO Members.”78 Intellectual Property Rights and the WTO Under this agreement, which all 152 WTO members must adhere to, each country is obligated to implement the agreement through its own domestic legislation. The United States, for example, is required to extend its patent protection from 17 to 20 years, the new international standard established under the TRIPs Agreement. Nowhere does the extension of corporate monopoly on innovations get more controversial than in the realm of pharmaceuticals. Here is just one example: According to critics, the TRIPs Agreement impedes developing countries in their efforts to make or obtain cheap, generic drugs to fight AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Companies that hold patents on such drugs are naturally reluctant to allow for the dissemination of low-cost substitutes. It is true that, under the terms of the TRIPs Agreement, governments are allowed to reduce short-term costs through various exceptions that are designed to tackle public health problems. According to the TRIPs Agreement’s detractors, however, “Wealthy countries— particularly the United States—and transnational pharmaceutical firms have exerted heavy pressure on developing countries against such policies.”79 In gaining a patent for its claimed innovative neem tree extracting processes, W.R. Grace & Company was certain that the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the main global body dealing with international patents at the time the patent was sought, would provide the company with the protection it needed to press its case, should that be required. When the TRIPs Agreement was implemented, on January 1, 1995, Grace found a new, even more powerful ally in its corner. What Grace did not count on, however, was the coming together of more than 200 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) from 35 countries to challenge the multinational corporation’s claim. Grace was quick, of course, to remind India of its obligation under the TRIPs Agreement. Piracy—bio- and otherwise—is, it would seem, in the eye of the beholder. 99 100 The World Trade Organization “Babies Are Our Business” Breast-feeding or formula? The debate has gone on for decades. In developed countries, even people who champion the natural approach would be hard-pressed to find evidence that formula-fed infants are subject to serious health risks just because their mothers choose not to breast-feed. Whether a formula is bought already mixed in liquid or as a powder to which water is to be added, there is little concern in Western countries that the water used is less than pure. This is not so in many developing countries, however. There, the health hazards associated with the use of formula originate in a lack of clean water. When powdered formula is mixed with dirty water (water swarming with invasive microorganisms that no one wants to think about), babies are in jeopardy. Indeed, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 1.5 million infants die each year; in the majority of cases, these babies die from fatal infant diarrhea because artificial breast-milk is mixed with unclean water. So serious had the problem become that in 1981, a World Health Organization (WHO)/UNICEF International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes was signed by a host of nations.80 In 1987, Guatemala passed a law designed to implement important provisions of the WHO/UNICEF code. The goal of the law was to encourage mothers to breast-feed. The law included prohibitions on the use of certain words and phrases, such as “equivalent to breast-milk” or “humanized breast-milk,” in advertisements for infant formula. Furthermore, Guatemala, with a fairly large illiterate population, wanted pictures of chubby, healthy babies, presumably happy after having consumed breast-milk substitutes, removed from formula packages.81 Gerber, a U.S.-incorporated baby-products company that placed its pudgy “Gerber baby” logo on nearly everything it sold, was not happy. Gerber resisted attempts by the Guatemalan government to get the company to remove the image and add Intellectual Property Rights and the WTO the words “Breast-milk is the best for baby.” The company threatened a challenge and promised to take its case to the soon-to-become TRIPs Agreement under the WTO.82 According to Gerber, its “Gerber baby” was an integral part of its trademark, just as the phrase “Babies are our business” was its copyrighted slogan. The TRIPs Agreement, Gerber felt, provided the company with trademark protection, and thus the Guatemalan government could not require removal of the “Gerber baby” image from the company’s packaging. In the end, not having the million-dollar resources necessary to fight the case with the WTO, Guatemala backed down. It was, critics declared, another example of a WTO threat doing the trick, forcing an undeveloped country to withdraw its claims. Many observers, including the International Baby Food Action Network (a group that monitors compliance with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes) felt that Guatemala could have won against Gerber if the country had had the funds to pursue the case. Compulsory Licensing AIDS has been called the Black Death of our time. In one part of the world in particular, sub-Saharan Africa, the AIDS death toll is devastating. There, more than 7,000 people succumb each day to the disease. As of July 2002, 80 percent of the 28.5 million people who had died of AIDS had done so in sub-Saharan Africa, where some of the world’s least developed countries, such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are located.83 Drugs to prolong the lives of AIDS sufferers do exist. Such drugs—patented, for the most part, by Western-based multinational drug companies—are notoriously expensive, however. A typical AIDS drug cocktail costs more than $12,000 per year per patient. Almost no African can afford that kind of money. Clearly, in sub-Saharan Africa, licensed AIDS drugs are beyond the reach of the vast majority of those who need them the most.84 101 102 The World Trade Organization As was noted earlier, the World Trade Organizationâ€™s TRIPs Agreement, which expands companiesâ€™ property rights and thus patent protection, does offer exceptions. Under certain circumstances (such as public-health emergencies), the TRIPs Agreement permits countries to obtain drugs at vastly reduced prices. Known as compulsory licensing, this procedure allows a government to have someone else produce a patented product or process without the consent of the patent owner. To do so can mean a cost reduction, for some drugs, of 90 percent or more. The patent holder is to be compensated financially in the form of a reasonable royalty.85 In 1997, in response to its ever-worsening AIDS epidemic, the South African government passed the South African Medicines Act. Among other features, this law allowed the government to require compulsory licensing. The U.S pharmaceutical industry, along with pharmaceutical companies in South Africa, objected to the new law. The companies claimed that it violated aspects of the TRIPs Agreement. With a few exceptions, in which some pharmaceutical companies voluntarily gave away their rights in an attempt to fight the spread of AIDS, most of the companies insisted on their right to patent protection. They insisted, even if to do so might result in the deaths of millions of AIDS sufferers. Drug company opposition to the South African law galvanized an impressive coalition of developing countries and NGOs into action. According to international trade expert Amrita Narlikar: The coalition drew a direct link between corporate greed and countless preventable HIV/AIDS-related deaths. It further pointed out that the U.S. was trying to prevent countries from using the emergency exception that TRIPs provided to save lives. Led by the African Group, developing countries and NGOs sought a ministerial declaration that clarified TRIPs Intellectual Property Rights and the WTO Members of the African National Congress protest outside the Pretoria High Court in Pretoria, South Africa, in 2001. Thirty-nine makers of AIDS medications brought a suit against the South African government in hopes of amending a 1997 law that favored generic drugs. One in five adults in South Africa are thought to be HIV-positive, and few people have access to expensive drugs.The companies were forced to withdraw their petition. provisions on public health and guaranteed the right of governments to put public health and welfare before patents protection.86 Just such a declaration came at the WTO’s ministerial meeting in Doha, Qatar, in 2001. “The TRIPs Agreement does not and should not prevent Members from taking measures to protect public health,” it said. “. . . In this connection, we reaffirm the right of WTO Members to use, to the full, the provisions in the TRIPs Agreement, which provide flexibility for this purpose.”87 Amrita Narlikar went on to observe, “The Declaration will make it politically very difficult to bring a 103 104 The World Trade Organization dispute against a country that uses compulsory licensing or parallel imports of patented medicines in response to public health emergencies.”88 Who Benefits? The name for which TRIPs is the acronym was and is a misnomer. There is nothing in the TRIPs Agreement that actually is related to trade: The agreement is all about the protection of intellectual property rights. Trade agreements, especially WTO trade agreements, are supposed to liberalize the movement of goods and services across borders. Some critics argue that by concerning itself with stronger intellectual property rights, the TRIPs Agreement actually does the opposite: It restricts the movement of knowledge between countries. That said, the negotiators who set up the TRIPs Agreement demanded the insertion of the words trade-related ahead of the term intellectual property. Thus was born the phrase “Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights.” To those who forced through TRIPs, there is, essentially, no aspect of intellectual property that is not trade related. It is no secret that the TRIPs Agreement was the creation of the United States and other advanced industrial nations. It was they who sought monopoly status for their home-based companies by demanding copyright, trademark, and patent protection. By doing so, the industrialized nations ensured higher prices for their companies’ products and services. Such monopoly power, it is said, generates higher profits. These profits, in turn, are supposed to provide the capital necessary to fund research and development. There is no denying the need for and the importance of innovation. Many new products and practices, particularly in the medical field, have transformed the lives of billions of people. Furthermore, well-designed intellectual property rights clearly aid the innovative process. As economist Joseph Stiglitz Intellectual Property Rights and the WTO The Wildlife Trade The international trade in wild things—plants and animals—is big business. The trade was worth around $300 billion in 2005, according to TRAFFIC (the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). If done correctly and managed properly, the legal trade in wildlife can be a boon for the poor in developing countries, providing them with subsistence and livelihood. According to Dr. Susan Lieberman, Director of the WWF’s International Species Program, “Trade in wildlife products can have a significant economic impact on people’s livelihoods, childhood education, and the role of women in developing countries, provided it is legal, well-managed, and sustainable.” In one case study, it was shown that Uganda’s lake fisheries produce fish worth over $200 million per year and employ 135,000 fishers and 700,000 small-scale operators in processing, trade, and associated industries. Fully 2.2 percent of Uganda’s export earnings, $87.5 million worth, are derived from the country’s Lake Victoria fisheries. In another case, it was found that trade in wild meat contributes up to 34 percent of household income in eastern and southern Africa. Such meat provides both an affordable source of animal protein and a livelihood for men (as hunters) and women (as traders). Trade in Latin America in wild peccary (pig), caiman (a small, alligatorlike crocodilian), and the wool of the vicuña (a relative of the llama) can be quite productive, too. According to trade experts, “The caiman skin trade generates a low income for ranchers compared to cattle, but it can be significant for the poor and landless with few other income-generating opportunities.” (continues) 105 The World Trade Organization (continued) In the Philippines, seahorse fishers and traders report that their catch contributes about 30 percent or 40 percent of their annual income. In some cases, it can reach 80 percent. Estimates as to how many people depend on some sort of trade in wildlife for at least part of their income vary considerably. When the definition of what is traded—including such wildderived products as medicines, food, clothing, ornamental plants, pets, and more —is a liberal one, the estimates range from 200 million people worldwide to a billion people in Asia and the Pacific alone. If habitats for these wild things are degraded significantly, the living standards of the world’s poor could plummet, too. Establishing property rights to or ownership of wildlife is key to that wildlife’s sustainability. According to The Economist, “Allowing for the secure ownership of wildlife resources by a clearly defined group of poor people is essential for sustainable harvesting. If no public authority is able to offer secure tenure of land or resource rights to a reasonable number of people, there is little incentive to invest in long-term sustainability.” “Manage wildlife trade for better development outcomes,” WWF. May 24, 2008. Available online at http://www.panda.org/news_facts/newsroom/index. cfm?uNewsID=134781. “Just let them get on with it,” The Economist. May 31, 2008, 64. observes, “Drug companies claim that without strong intellectual property protection, they would have no incentive to do research. And without research, the drugs that companies in the developing world would like to imitate would not exist.”89 Intellectual Property Rights and the WTO Nonetheless, the rights and interests of producers need to be balanced with those of users. Stiglitz continues: “There will always be a need to balance the desire of inventors to protect their discoveries, and the incentives to which such protection gives rise, and the needs of the public, which benefits from wider access to knowledge, with a resulting increase in the pace of discovery and the lower prices that come from competition.”90 Curiously, as Stiglitz and others point out, in the establishment of the TRIPs Agreement, negotiators had no trouble linking nontrade intellectual property with trade. Yet labor standards, to use just one example, are given no such linkage. As has been noted, workers’ rights are not supposed to be part of what determines the decision to import foreign-made goods. Nonetheless, patent protection under the TRIPs Agreement is to be considered part of the trade equation. In the end, the TRIPs Agreement in particular and the WTO in general are all about realpolitik. It is the job of Western trade negotiators to get the best deals for their countries’ industries, either by gaining more market access or by asserting stronger intellectual property rights. As a senior adviser to Al Gore remarked in 2000, when the then–vice-president was running for president and had been accused of attempting to undermine the South African Medicines Act, “Obviously the Vice President’s got to stick up for the commercial interests of U.S. companies.”91 Fairness, it would seem, is not part of what trade negotiations are all about. The job of everyone in the process is to get as much as he or she can while giving up as little as necessary in return. Welcome to the real world! 107 8 The Development Agenda Seattle, Washington, was chosen to host the WTOâ€™s Third Ministerial Conference in November 1999. This choice was made, in part, because the cityâ€™s police chief, Norm Stamper, assured both local and WTO officials that he could handle any protests that might arise. Stamper was wrong. According to economic historian William Bernstein, A large minority of protesters, well-stocked with bottles, gas masks, crowbars, masonry hammers, and tripods from which to suspend observers above the throng, wreaked mayhem. By the third day of the conference, Seattleâ€™s finest had lost control. Mobs slashed 10 The Development Agenda tires, broke windows, and looted shops, and more than a thousand attackers laid siege to a precinct house for hours before its astonished defenders dispersed the assault with tear gas and rubber bullets.92 From 40,000 to 50,000 protestors, representing more than 700 organizations and groups, took part. They included consumer activists, labor activists, animal-rights activists, and human-rights activists, along with Indian farmers and representatives of the Philippine peasant movement. These antiglobalists came together to voice the same message: “The WTO had gone too far in setting global rules that supported corporate interests at the expense of developing countries, the poor, the environment, workers, and consumers.”93 Key to the demonstrators’ concerns was the proposal, first unveiled two years earlier, in which the WTO sought expansion of its mandate. This expansion, detractors claimed, would only enhance the power of developed countries at the expense of less developed nations. In the end, the Seattle Ministerial Conference collapsed in disarray, unable to settle anything meaningful. Lori Wallach, in Seattle as an activist for the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen, announced into her walkie-talkie, “The WTO expansion is stopped! The people have won—there will be no new WTO round!”94 When trade ministers next met, in 2001, they chose Doha, Qatar, as their gathering site. Qatar, they knew, could severely limit any bothersome demonstrations. The Doha Ministerial Conference launched the Doha Round, which soon became known as the Doha Development Agenda (DDA). The round was to have the express purpose of aiding developing countries, with the hope of making globalization more inclusive for the world’s poor. In response to both 109 110 The World Trade Organization the Seattle debacle and the tragedy of 9/11, there were strong feelings among many WTO members that a major gesture was needed to enhance multinational cooperation. As of 2008, however, the DDA, begun in November 2001, has yet to reach a consensus. Tariffs, nontariff measures, labor standards, the environment, competition, investment, transparency, and patents are supposed to be on this development agenda. Another focus of the DDA is supposed to be agriculture. It is this last topic that has caused the most contention and that has, in effect, stalled negotiations. The continued subsidizing of agricultural production in the EU and the United States, which adversely affects billions of people in the world’s developing economies, is at the root of the problem. Without a reduction in developed-country subsidies, critics assert, many developing countries are likely to remain in an economically disadvantageous, if not precarious, position. Farm Subsidies for Rich and Poor Television personality David Letterman and banker David Rockefeller get their “fair” share. So do 25,000 California cotton farmers who divide up $3 billion to $4 billion per year in government largesse. American farmers, particularly those with large farms, get a windfall from U.S. taxpayers that amounts to approximately $60 billion per year to grow—and sometimes not to grow—crops. The subsidies are supposed to keep the family farmer (the backbone of homespun, rural America) down on the farm and in business. When all crops are considered, however, 30,000 farms (1 percent of the total) receive almost 25 percent of the money doled out, or about $1 million per farm. Eighty-seven percent goes to the top 20 percent of farmers. A true family farmer (2,440,184 of them are at the bottom of the subsidy list) gets less than $7,000 per year. U.S. farm subsidies are big business, are for big business, and are for agribusiness.95 The Development Agenda Critics against the U. S. Dairy Program state that dairy policy reform is needed to allow farmers to make a living from markets, like entrepreneurs, rather than receiving a government check. The dairy farmer above argues that fees assessed on him are helping to subsidize his competitorsâ€™ imported dairy products. Other Western countries can be just as generous, if not more so, in taking care of their farmers. More than two-thirds of farm income in Norway and Switzerland comes from subsidies. In Japan, the figure is close to half. In the EU, it is a third. According to the World Bank, the average European cow receives a subsidy of $2 per day. Because more than half of the people who live in developing countries live on less 111 112 The World Trade Organization than that, as Joseph Stiglitz points out, “It appears that it is better to be a cow in Europe than to be a poor person in a developing country.”96 Farm subsidies in developed countries increase farm output and thus lower prices for food commodities on the international market. This lowering of prices hurts millions of farmers in developing countries who are trying to compete in the export arena. As Stiglitz observes, the problem doesn’t stop there, however: As global agricultural prices are depressed by the huge American and EU subsidies, domestic agricultural prices fall too, so that even those farmers who do not export—who only sell at home—are hurt. And lower incomes for farmers translate into lower incomes for those who sell goods to the farmers: the tailors and butchers; storekeepers and barbers. Everyone in the country suffers.97 Subsidies, preferential tariffs, and the like can, of course, be put in place to aid small farmers in their fight to maintain market share against the big guys. Indeed, that is what the EU has sought to do in establishing a special relationship between it and many of its former colonies in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific (ACP). The EU, for example, set aside a portion of its banana market for Caribbean Island producers. These producers grow bananas on small plots of land, usually on mountainous terrain. This results in relatively high production costs. On the open market, fruit from such producers cannot compete with fruit grown by the likes of Chiquita, Del Monte, and Dole, giant corporations that grow bananas on large plantations using cheap farm labor. Hence the EU’s special treatment for its former colonies, for which banana sales can account for between 63 percent and 91 percent of export earnings.98 The Development Agenda In 1996, the U.S. government, with corporate urging, filed a challenge with the WTO against the EU. The United States charged the EU with providing preferential treatment in violation of WTO rules. The United States won the case, and when the EU refused to eliminate its banana support program, the United States, with the WTO’s blessing, imposed $190 million per year in trade sanctions against the European Union. The EU’s willingness to withstand the large imposed sanctions is, in many minds, the only thing standing between economic survival and ruin for Caribbean farmers. A development agenda can get complicated. The Resource Curse If developing countries are rich in anything other than an abundance of low-wage labor, it is natural resources. Indeed, it was for such resources—minerals, timber, agricultural goods, and, later, oil—that many of these countries were colonized by the West. The greatest part of the world’s natural resources (approximately 80 percent) is consumed by a relatively small percentage of users (about 20 percent) in the developed world. The WTO, on its formation in 1995, made it a top priority to grant favorable treatment for the exporting of these resources to markets in the West. Low import tariffs were granted on raw wood products, for example, while high input tariffs were imposed on manufactured goods. At first glace, this would seem to work well for developing nations, as it allows them to export products that are, for them, clearly a comparative advantage. On closer inspection, however, two difficulties emerge: the problem of “rip-and-ship” and the “resource curse.” The WTO did not encourage the freer flow of raw materials from poorer to richer countries because the WTO sought to aid the developing world. On the contrary, the idea was to gain resources for rich countries by imposing low tariffs on raw materials from developing countries while at the same time excluding (as much as possible) competing manufactured 113 114 The World Trade Organization Although many resource-rich countries have failed to transform their natural wealth into growth, Botswana has been a marked exception to the resource curse. Its abundance of diamonds has contributed significantly to its economic growth over several decades. As a result, it has experienced good governance, political stability, and strong fiscal regulation. The country has also achieved one of the highest levels of education enrollment in the region. Above, a worker looks out over the Jwaneng diamond mine, the largest producer of gem diamonds in the world. goods from the same developing countries by imposing high tariffs. The result, in many cases, is the â€œrip-and-shipâ€? use of natural resources. The tariff structure encourages extensive, nonsustaining exploitation of a developing nationâ€™s resources even as it retards the development of domestic manufacturing industries to process the same raw materials in the nations where they originate. The system rewards, for example, the exportation of raw timber but discourages the exportation of finished furniture made from such logs. The Development Agenda Many developing countries, particularly those at or close to the bottom of the economic pile, also suffer from another problem of resource abundance: the “paradox of plenty.” As counterintuitive as it may seem, many countries seemingly rich in natural resources, whether trees, diamonds, or oil, actually are poorer for it. They are victims of what is known as the “resource curse.” The resource curse was first described in the early 1990s, although it has existed for centuries. Here is how the curse works: When a country finds itself “in the money” because it is selling and exporting its highly desired natural resource (think oil or natural gas), its currency increases in value. Because this higher-valued currency makes exports in other sectors of the country’s economy more expensive, the export value of these other products is suppressed, or reduced. This happens even when these other exports may have been the best vehicles for the country’s technical progress. The resource curse, in effect, crowds out export activities that are more likely to be growth oriented—those that offer the country’s citizens the chance of significant employment. In the long run, the country might have been better off if, instead of raking in money from its desirable natural resource, it had been forced to develop its infrastructure, invest in health and education, and concentrate on the export of manufactured goods. The resource curse can lead a country to political, as well as economic, degeneration. Major conflicts, armed and otherwise, often develop as different groups fight over their share of the resource pie. Furthermore, a country rich in a single natural resource—a country in the Persian Gulf that is awash with oil, for example—will have no need to tax its citizens. As desirable as that may seem at first, it means that the citizens are in no position to demand accountability from their leaders because the citizens have not been asked to “buy in” to the country’s economy. Repressive, autocratic rule is often the result. 115 116 The World Trade Organization The negative effects of the resource curse are not inevitable, of course. Countries can and have overcome the curse by creating sovereign wealth funds to manage the influx of resource wealth and by investing in education and infrastructure to increase the competitiveness of their manufacturing sectors. It is not easy for a government to do this, however, because there always will be intense political pressure to spend the boom revenues, either on grandiose show projects or to alleviate poverty. Reforming the WTO There was a time when the world easily might have been divided into two groups—developed countries and undeveloped countries, with the latter often referred to, more optimistically, as “developing,” or “emerging.” The population of the former consisted of the world’s top billion people; the population of the latter, the bottom 5 billion people. According to economist Paul Collier, this concept is now outdated. Indeed, to Collier, the world has flipped: About 85 percent of the planet’s population of 6 billion currently lives either in developed countries or in those that, while they are still developing, have been doing so at amazing speeds. It is the bottom billion (approximately 15 percent) that are in dire straits and in need of help, Collier asserts. “We must learn to turn the familiar numbers upside down,” he says. “A total of five billion people who are already prosperous, or at least are on track to be so, and one billion who are stuck at the bottom.”99 The WTO protests in Seattle were, it would seem, primarily about the bottom billion. Yet Thomas Friedman, the author of the hugely successful book The World is Flat, sees the Seattle protests in a less-than-positive light. Friedman cites five factors behind the disturbances. The first four of these factors he dismisses more or less out of hand. He has little use for what he terms upper-middle-class guilt, Old Left socialism, the inability The Development Agenda Poverty Facts and Statistics Despite much progress over the past three decades, the world remains a poor place. The statistics can be sobering: • According to UNICEF, between 26,500 and 30,000 children die each day because of poverty. Furthermore, they “die quietly in some of the poorest villages on Earth, far removed from the scrutiny and the conscience of the world. Being meek and weak in life makes these dying multitudes even more invisible in death.” • Based on enrollment data, about 72 million children of primary-school age in the developing world were not in school in 2005; 57 percent of them were girls. Moreover, these are regarded as optimistic numbers. • Nearly a billion people entered the twenty-first century unable to read a book or sign their names. • Number of children in the world: 2.2 billion; number in poverty: 1 billion (every second child). • Some 1.8 million child deaths occur each year as a result of diarrhea. • Some 443 million school days are lost each year as a result of water-related illnesses. • Approximately half of the world’s population now lives in cites and towns. In 2005, one out of three urban dwellers, or approximately 1 billion people, lived in slum conditions. • More than 80 percent of the world’s population lives in countries where income differentials between rich and poor are widening. • In developing countries, some 2.5 billion people are forced to rely on biomass—fuelwood, charcoal, and animal (continues) 117 The World Trade Organization (continued) dung—to meet their energy needs for cooking. In subSaharan Africa, more than 80 percent of the population depends on traditional biomass for cooking, as does more than half of the populations of India and China. • In 2006, the world’s population was approximately 6.5 billion people. That same year, world gross domestic product— the total market value of the goods and services that a country or countries produce in a specific period—was $48.2 trillion. The wealthiest countries, with a total population of approximately 1 billion people, accounted for $36.6 trillion, or 76 percent. Low-income countries, with a total population of about 2.4 billion people, accounted for just $1.6 trillion, or 3.3 percent. Middle-income countries, with a total population of about 3 billion people, made up the rest of the world’s GDP at just over $10 trillion, or 20.7 percent. Anup Shah, “Causes of Poverty: Poverty Facts and Stats.” Available online at http://www.globalissues.org/TradeRelated/Facts.asp?p=1. to deal with rapid change, or anti-Americanism as justifications for protest. He has more respect for a fifth force at work in Seattle: There, activists showed genuine concern with how globalization is to proceed, rather than concern about whether it is to go forward at all. There is little doubt, however (Friedman’s judgment aside) that the activists at Seattle also were protesting the genuine inequality and hypocrisy of the advanced industrial countries, those whose power and influence have allowed them to domi- The Development Agenda nate the WTO. “While these countries had preached—and forced—the opening of the markets in the developing countries to their industrial products, they had continued to keep their markets closed to the products of developing countries, such as textiles and agriculture,” Joseph Stiglitz notes. “While they preached that developing countries should not subsidize their industries, they continued to provide billions in subsidies to their own farmers, making it impossible for the developing countries to compete.”100 Clearly, the WTO is in need of reform. Developing countries, particularly those that still struggle mightily, perceive a genuine disenfranchisement: They see a WTO with an institutional structure that works against them. Yet, as Amrita Narlikar, in reference to developing nations, points out with regard to a possible WTO meltdown, It has taken them [developing nations] a long time to learn to operate within the multilateral forum of the GATT/WTO, and they are now finally beginning to do so with some panache through the newfound strength of their coalitions. They would find themselves exposed to unprecedented bilateral pressures from the developed countries against which they would have no institutional protection. The WTO is all that they have against the use of unmitigated power, and it is in their own interests to ensure its strength and survival.101 Failure and Success Both are African countries, thousands of miles south of the Sahara Desert. Both are landlocked—no ships brimming with imports and exports sail into or out of their nonexistent harbors. They share a common 500-mile-long border, much of it defined by the Zambezi River. Yet Zimbabwe, to the east, and Botswana, to the west, have taken decidedly different directions toward democracy and development since they achieved independence 119 120 The World Trade Organization from British rule, the former in 1980, the latter in 1966. Today, Botswana is Africa’s oldest democracy. Zimbabwe, despite its democratic trappings, is anything but a free society. It was two days before Zimbabwe’s scheduled presidential runoff election on June 27, 2008. Armed youths by the thousands roamed the streets of the country’s capital, Harare, proclaiming their support for autocratic president Robert Mugabe and threatening to kill supporters of rival Morgan Tsvangirai. “Don’t vote for Tsvangirai or the youth will kill you,” a leader representing Mugabe told terrified gatherings of opposition supporters. “We have got strong youth and we are not joking. We are serious. This is not America.”102 Zimbabwe, a founding member of the WTO, is not only an international pariah because of its human rights abuses; it is also a country in economic free fall. Despite Zimbabwe’s ascension to the WTO in 1995, when the country agreed to “lock in” trade liberalization measures advocated by the WTO, economically, the country has suffered grievously. Hyperinflation reached 100,000 percent in 2008; Zimbabwean consumers carried bags of money around to purchase simple necessities. Unemployment reached 80 percent, and the country’s dollar was basically worthless. According to the World Heath Organization, Zimbabwe has the world’s lowest life expectancy.103 What a difference a river-crossing can make. Botswana has held free elections every five years since the country’s formation over four decades ago. Between 1970 and 1990, Botswana had the fortunate distinction of having the highest economic growth rate in the world—13 percent per year. Today, its growth numbers have declined to a still quite respectable 5 percent to 6 percent. Inflation hovers at around 7 percent. Botswana—whose main export product, diamonds, needs no expensive port to ship out from, but can fly forth on any aircraft—has, according to Time magazine correspondent Alex Perry, beaten the resource curse. “Botswana,” he declares, “the The Development Agenda world’s biggest producer of diamonds, has proved an exception to this rule [the resource curse], raising its 1.9 million people out of poverty within the span of a generation.”104 According to the International Monetary Fund, Botswana has graduated to middle-income status. The country has problems, of course, not the least of which is the devastation that AIDS has inflicted on its population. With 37.5 percent of its residents infected, Botswana’s very future is in jeopardy. Yet, with the help of international donors, Botswana launched an ambitious national campaign that provided free antiviral drugs to anyone who needed them. By March 2004, Botswana’s infection rate had dropped significantly.105 Botswana, like Zimbabwe, was a founding member of the WTO. It has been a dutiful WTO player in many respects. According to the WTO’s Web site, “Botswana’s new foreign trade policy is aimed at achieving free and dependable access for its exports and lowering the cost of importing goods by reducing tariffs and trade barriers.”106 According to the WTO mandate, this is just what every good trading member should do. Botswana has followed the WTO script only to a point, however. When the deals appeared to be advantageous, the country has entered into agreements that have given it special treatment for its diamond and beef exports. In a successful attempt to mitigate the resource curse, Botswana prudently put aside reserve funds from the sale of diamonds and beef for the rainy day that always comes. The country also negotiated with one of the world’s most powerful multinationals, the diamond cartel De Beers, to get its share of revenues boosted from 15 percent to 50 percent. Botswana—a developing country shrewdly negotiating its options, enhancing the welfare of its people, and eagerly trading and bartering on the world stage—is the kind of developing country that the WTO can expect to see a lot more of in the years to come. 121 Chronology 1947 October Twenty-three countries sign the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in Geneva, Switzerland, to try and give an early boost to post– World War II trade liberalization. 1948 January 1 GATT is formally established. 1948–1979 Seven rounds of GATT negotiations take place, with an emphasis on tariff reductions and antidumping measures. 1986–1994 A seven-and-a-half-year round of negotiations culminates in the decision to establish the World Trade Organization (WTO). 1995 January 1 The WTO is officially created in Geneva, Switzerland. Intellectual property rights are high on the new organization’s agenda. 1996 December At the first WTO ministerial meeting, held in Singapore, developing countries reject the establishment of any linkage between labor standards and trade rules. 1998 May At the second WTO ministerial meeting, held in Geneva, Switzerland, members pledge, in the wake of the East Asian financial crisis, to reject protectionism and “keep all markets open.” 1999 November The third WTO ministerial meeting, held in Seattle, Washington, results in the “Battle of Seattle,” in which thousands of protestors, spearheaded by environmentalists and some U.S. labor unions, essentially shut down the meeting. 2001 November The fourth WTO ministerial meeting, held in Doha, Qatar, just two months after the September 11 terrorist attacks, seeks to demonstrate North-South solidarity in the face of terrorism. 122 Chronology The Doha Development Agenda (DDA) or Doha Round is launched. The GATT/WTO ninth trade round is intended to help developing countries but, to date, has failed to achieve success. December The Peopleâ€™s Republic of China joins the WTO after 15 years of negotiations (the longest in GATT/WTO history). 2002 August The WTO rules that the EU can impose up to $4 billion in sanctions on U.S. goods after winning a dispute over U.S. government tax breaks for American exporters. These are the highest damages ever awarded by the WTO. 2003 September The WTO announces a deal aimed at giving developing countries access to cheap medicines, particularly AIDS medications. September The fifth WTO ministerial meeting, held in Cancun, Mexico, collapses after arguments highlight the sharp differences between rich and poor nations in terms of agriculture and global investment issues. 2005 December The sixth WTO ministerial meeting, held in Hong Kong, fails to reach a breakthrough in trade negotiations. 2006 October The United States and Russia reach an agreement in principle on a bilateral market access deal in the context of Russiaâ€™s efforts to join the WTO. 2008 May Ukraine becomes the 152nd member of the WTO. 123 Notes Introduction 1. Clarence Fernandez, “Simple Strategies Could Save Malaysia Sea Turtles,” Reuters, July 20, 2007. Available online at http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/id USKLR11194120070720. 2. “WTO and Sea Turtles Clash Again and Again,” Animal Welfare Institute Quarterly, Summer 2001, vol. 50, no. 3, 1–2. 3. “India etc. versus US: ‘shrimp-turtle,’” World Trade Organization. Available online at http://www.wto.org/english/ tratop_e/envir_e/edis08_e.htm. 4. Ibid., 2. 5. Dieter Braeuninger, “Has Globalization Deepened Inequality?” YaleGlobal, February 6, 2008. Available online at http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/display.article?id=10309. Chapter 1 6. William J. Bernstein, A Splendid Exchange: How Trade Shaped the World. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2008, 69. 7. Ibid., 98. 8. Frank Viviano, “China’s Great Armada,” National Geographic, July 2005, 52. 9. Daniel J. Boorstin, The Discoverers: A History of Man’s Search to Know His World and Himself. New York: Random House, 1983, 177. 10. Adam Smith, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1976, I: 17. 11. “Smoot-Hawley Tariff,” U.S. Department of State. Available online at http://future.state.gov/when/timeline/1921_time line/smoot_tariff.html 124 Notes 12. “Who Was Cordell Hull?” Cordell Hull Institute. Available online at http://www.cordellhullinstitute.org/role/who. html. 13. William J. Bernstein, A Splendid Exchange, 352–353. Chapter 2 14. Eric Schlosser, Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the AllAmerican Meal. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2001, 4. 15. “Big Bite,” The Economist, April 24, 2008, 107. 16. “The Global 2000,” Forbes, April 21, 2008, 196. 17. Dar Haddix, “Faces of Globalization—Pollo Campero,” Global Envision, August 16, 2004, 1–2. 18. “Selling Rhythm to the World,” The Economist; March 27, 2008, 52. 19. “Work In, Cash Out,” Time, May 19, 2008, 14–15. 20. Marla Dickerson and Tiffany Hsu, “Economy crimps flow of funds over border,” Los Angeles Times, March 12, 2008, C1. 21. Manfred B. Steger, Globalization: A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford University Press, 2003, 13. 22. Dieter Braeuninger, “Has Globalization Deepened Inequality?” YaleGlobal, February 6, 2008. Available online at http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/display.article?id=10309. 23. “Globalization with Few Discontents?” YaleGlobal, June 3, 2003. Available online at http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/display. article?id=1764. 24. Thomas L. Friedman, The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2005, 114. 25. Joseph E. Stiglitz, Globalization and Its Discontents. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2003, 21. 125 126 Notes 26. “Is Globalisation Killing India’s Cotton Farmers?” The Economist, January 18, 2007, 63. 27. Michel Chossudovsky, “Global Falsehoods.” Available online at http://www.canadianliberty.bc.ca/relatedinfo/ globalpoverty.html. 28. Anup Shah, “Poverty Facts and Stats.” Available online at http://www.globalissues.org/TradeRelated/Facts. asp?p=1. 29. Roger Cohen, “The Global Rose as a Social Tool,” New York Times, March 13, 2008, 1. 30. Joseph E. Stiglitz, Making Globalization Work. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2006, 9. Chapter 3 31. Amrita Narlikar, The World Trade Organization: A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005, 12. 32. Ibid., 33. 33. Ibid., 57–58. 34. Joseph E. Stiglitz, Globalization and its Discontents, 19. 35. Peter Montagne, “Making Sense out of the WTO,” Rachel’s Environment & Health Weekly #679, 3. Available online at http://www.rachel.org/en/node/4975. Chapter 4 36. “Threats to the Bottlenose Dolphin and Other Marine Mammals,” The Dolphin Institute, 2002. Available online at http://www.dolphin-institute.org/resource_guide/ conservation.htm. 37. “Tuna-Dolphin Issue,” Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. San Diego: Academic Press, 2002, 1269–1273. 38. Lori Wallach and Patrick Woodall, Whose Trade Organization? New York: The New Press, 2004, 30. 39. Ibid., 29. Notes 40. Lori Wallach and Patrick Woodall, Whose Trade Organization?, 39. 41. James Stone, “Resolving the Animal Welfare and Legal Issues of the EU Fur Import Prohibition; View of Canada,” January 17, 1997, 2. Available online at http://www.high north.no/Library/Trade/GATT_WTO/re-th-an.htm 42. Ibid., 2. 43. Ibid., 3. 44. Lori Wallach and Patrick Woodall, Whose Trade Organization?, 37. 45. Ibid., 63. 46. Gary P. Sampson, Trade, Environment, and the WTO: The Post-Seattle Agenda. Washington, D.C.: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2000, 52. 47. Ibid., 58. Chapter 5 48. David Barboza, “In Chinese Factories, Lost Fingers and Low Pay,” New York Times, January 5, 2008. Business, 3. 49. Ibid., 2. 50. Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl Wudunn, “Two Cheers for Sweatshops,” New York Times Magazine, September 24, 2000, 1. 51. Ibid., 2. 52. Brendan January, Globalize It! Brookfield: Twenty-First Century Books, 2003, 39. 53. S.L. Bachman, “Nike v. Sweatshop Critic: Back to California,” YaleGlobal, June 27, 2003, 2. 54. David L. Parker, “Before Their Time: Child Labor Around the World,” American Educator, Spring 2008, 38. 55. Ibid., 39–41. 56. David Barboza, “China Says Abusive Child Labor Ring Is Exposed,” New York Times, May 1, 2008, 1, 5. 57. Joseph E. Stiglitz, Making Globalization Work, 187–188. 127 128 Notes 58. Ibid., 188. 59. William J. Holstein, “Emerging Markets, Emerging Giants,” New York Times, April 22, 2007, 2–3. 60. Justin Fox, “A Port That Exports,” Time, June 9, 2008, 37. 61. “Economic Focus,” The Economist, April 19, 2008, 92. 62. Lori Wallach and Patrick Woodall, Whose Trade Organization?, 227. 63. Ibid., 228. Chapter 6 64. Terry Devitt, “The Beef War,” The Why? Files, p. 2. Available online at http://whyfiles.org/088beef/. 65. Ibid., 2 66. Lori Wallach and Patrick Woodall, Whose Trade Organization?, 71. 67. “Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures,” World Trade Organization. Available online at http://www.wto.org/ english/tratop_e/sps_e/spsund_e.htm. 68. Terry Devitt, “The Beef War,” The Why? Files, p.3. Available online at http://whyfiles.org/088beef/. 69. “What’s wrong with the WTO?” Available online at http://www.speakeasy.org/~peterc/wtow/. 70. Lori Wallach and Michelle Sforza, The WTO: Five Years of Reasons to Resist Corporate Globalization. New York: Seven Stories Press, 1999, 44. 71. Lori Wallach and Patrick Woodall, Whose Trade Organization?, 90. 72. Ibid., 91. 73. Bhagirath Lal Das, The World Trade Organisation: A Guide to the Framework for International Trade. London: Zed Books Ltd., 1999, 120. 74. Lori Wallach and Patrick Woodall, Whose Trade Organization?, 63. Notes 75. “Understanding the WTO: The Agreements, Standards and Safety.” Available online at http://www.wto.org/ english/thewto_e/whatis_e/tif_e/agrm4_e.htm. 76. Ibid. Chapter 7 77. Sara Hasan, “The Neem Tree, Environment, Culture and Intellectual Property,” TED Case Studies No. 665, 4, 2002. Available online at http://www.american.edu/TED/ neemtree.htm. 78. Bhagirath Lal Das, The World Trade Organisation, 357. 79. “You Must Treat Life Forms and Life-Saving Drugs as Commodities,” What’s Wrong with the WTO? Available online at http://www.speakeasy.org/~peterc/wtow/wtotrip.htm. 80. Lori Wallach and Patrick Woodall, Whose Trade Organization?, 92. 81. Ibid. 82. Ibid., 93. 83. Lori Wallach and Patrick Woodall, Whose Trade Organization?, 94. 84. Ibid. 85. “WTO Summit: Don’t Undercut AIDS Drug Access,” Human Rights Watch. 2006, 2. Available online at http:// www.hrw.org/en/news/2001/11/06/wto-summit-dont- undercut-aids-drug-access. 86. Amrita Narlikar, The World Trade Organization, 107. 87. Ibid., 105. 88. Ibid. 89. Joseph E. Stiglitz. Making Globalization Work, 106. 90. Ibid. 91. Lori Wallach and Patrick Woodall, Whose Trade Organization?, 96. 129 130 Notes Chapter 8 92. William J. Bernstein, A Splendid Exchange, 366. 93. Manfred B. Steger, Globalization: A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford University Press, 123. 94. Lori Wallach and Patrick Woodall, Whose Trade Organization?, 7. 95. Joseph E. Stiglitz, Making Globalization Work, 86. 96. Ibid., 85. 97. Ibid., 86. 98. Lori Wallach and Michelle Sforza, The WTO, 58. 99. Paul Collier. The Bottom Billion. New York: Oxford University Press, 2007, 3. 100. Joseph E. Stiglitz, Globalization and Its Discontents, 244. 101. Amrita Narlikar, The World Trade Organization, 137–138. 102. “Ballot Box Death Threats,” Los Angeles Times, June 25, 2008, 1. 103. Christian Nordquist, “Zimbabwe Life Expectancy Lowest in the World.” Available online at http://www.medical newstoday.com/articles/41339.php. 104. Alex Perry, “Gem of an Idea,” Time, May 12, 2008, 10. 105. “Botswana.” Available online at http://www.infoplease. com/ipa/A0107353.html. 106. Kennedy K. Mbekeani, “Inter-Agency Policy Co- ordination in Botswana,” World Trade Organization. Available at http://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_ e/casestudies_e/case6_e.htm. Bibliography Bachman, S.L. “Nike v. Sweatshop Critic: Back to California.” YaleGlobal, June 27, 2003, 2. “Ballot Box Death Threats.” Los Angeles Times, June 25, 2008, 1. Barboza, David. “China Says Abusive Child Labor Ring Is Exposed.” New York Times, May 1, 2008, 1, 5. ———. “In Chinese Factories, Lost Fingers and Low Pay.” New York Times, Business, January 5, 2008, 3. Barnet, Richard J., and John Cavanagh. Global Dreams: Imperial Corporations and the New World Order. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1994. Bernstein, William J. A Splendid Exchange: How Trade Shaped the World. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2008. “Big Bite.” The Economist, April 24, 2008, 107. Boorstin, Daniel J. The Discoverers: A History of Man’s Search to Know His World and Himself. New York: Random House, 1983. “Botswana.” Available online at http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/ A0107353.html. Braeuninger, Dieter. “Has Globalization Deepened Inequality?” YaleGlobal, February 6, 2008. Available online at http://yale global.yale.edu/display.article?id=10309. Chossudovsky, Michel. “Global Falsehoods.” Available online at http://www.canadianliberty.bc.ca/relatedinfo/global poverty.html. Cohen, Roger. “The Global Rose as a Social Tool.” New York Times, March 13, 2008, 1. Collier, Paul. The Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Countries Are Failing and What Can Be Done About it. New York: Oxford University Press, 2007. 131 132 Bibliography Dasgupta, Partha. Economics: A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford University Press, 2007. Devitt, Terry. “The Beef War.” The Why? Files. Available online at http://whyfiles.org/088beef/. Dickerson, Marla and Tiffany Hsu. “Economy crimps flow of funds over border.” Los Angeles Times, March 12, 2008, C1. “Economic Focus.” The Economist, April 19, 2008, 92. Fernandez, Clarence. “Simple Strategies Could Save Malaysia Sea Turtles.” Reuters, July 20, 2007. Available online at http:// www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSKLR111941 20070720. Flynn, Sean Masaki. Economics for Dummies. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2005. Fox, Justin. “A Port That Exports.” Time, June 9, 2008, 37. Friedman, Thomas L. The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2005. Fulcher, James. Capitalism: A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004. “Globalization with Few Discontents?” YaleGlobal, June 3, 2003. Available online at http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/display.article? id=1764. Haddix, Dar. “Faces of Globalization—Pollo Campero.” Global Envision, August 16, 2004, 1–2. Hasan, Sara. “The Neem Tree, Environment, Culture and Intellectual Property.” TED Case Studies No. 665, 4, 2002. Available online at http://www.american.edu/TED/neemtree.htm. Holstein, William J. “Emerging Markets, Emerging Giants.” New York Times, April 22, 2007, 2–3. “India etc. versus US: ‘shrimp-turtle.’” World Trade Organization. Available online at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/ envir_e/edis08_e.htm. Bibliography “Is Globalisation Killing India’s Cotton Farmers?” The Economist, January 18, 2007, 63. January, Brendan. Globalize It! The Stories of the IMF, the World Bank, the WTO—and Those Who Protest. Brookfield, Conn.: Twenty-First Century Books, 2003. Kristof, Nicholas D., and Sheryl Wudunn. “Two Cheers for Sweatshops.” New York Times Magazine, September 24, 2000, 1. Lal Das, Bhagirath. The World Trade Organisation: A Guide to the Framework for International Trade. London: Zed Books Ltd., 1999. “Making Sense out of the WTO.” Rachel’s Environment & Health Weekly #679.3. Available online at http://www.rachel. org/en/node/4975. Mander, Jerry and Edward Goldsmith, eds. The Case Against the Global Economy and for a Turn Toward the Local. San Francisco: Sierra Club Books, 1996. Mbekeani, Kennedy K. “Inter-Agency Policy Co-ordination in Botswana.” World Trade Organization. Available online at http://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/casestudies_e/ case6_e.htm. Narlikar, Amrita. The World Trade Organization: A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005. Nordquist, Christian. “Zimbabwe Life Expectancy Lowest in the World.” Available online at http://www.medicalnewstoday. com/articles/41339.php. Olson, Elizabeth. “A Modern French Aristocrat in Trade’s Fractious Arena.” New York Times, February 10, 2000. Available online at http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html? res=9B07E5DE133EF933A25751C0A9669C8B63. Parker, David L. “Before Their Time: Child Labor Around the World.” American Educator, Spring 2008, 38. 133 134 Bibliography Perry, Alex. “Gem of an Idea.” Time, May 12, 2008, 10. Sampson, Gary P. Trade, Environment, and The WTO: The Post-Seattle Agenda. Washington, D.C.: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2000. “Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.” World Trade Organization. Available online at http://www.wto.org/english/tra top_e/sps_e/spsund_e.htm. Schlosser, Eric. Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the AllAmerican Meal. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2001. “Selling Rhythm to the World.” The Economist, March 27, 2008, 52. Shah, Anup. “Poverty Facts and Stats.” Available online at http://www.globalissues.org/TradeRelated/Facts.asp?p=1. Smith, Adam. An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. Chicago, Ill.: University of Chicago Press, 1976. “Smoot-Hawley Tariff.” U.S. Department of State. Available online at http://future.state.gov/when/timeline/1921_timeline/ smoot_tariff.html Steger, Manfred B. Globalization: A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford University Press, 2003. Stiglitz, Joseph E. Globalization and Its Discontents. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2003. ———. Making Globalization Work. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2006. Stone, James. “Resolving the Animal Welfare and Legal Issues of the EU Fur Import Prohibition; View of Canada.” January 17, 1997. Available online at http://www.highnorth.no/ Library/Trade/GATT_WTO/re-th-an.htm. “The Global 2000.” Forbes, April 21, 2008, 196. Bibliography “Tuna-Dolphin Issue.” Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. San Diego: Academic Press, 2002. “Threats to the Bottlenose Dolphin and Other Marine Mammals.” The Dolphin Institute, 2002. Available online at http:// www.dolphin-institute.org/resource_guide/conservation.htm. “Understanding the WTO: The Agreements, Standards and Safety.” Available online at http://www.wto.org/english/the wto_e/whatis_e/tif_e/agrm4_e.htm. Viviano, Frank. “China’s Great Armada.” National Geographic, July 2005, 52. Wallach, Lori and Michelle Sforza. The WTO: Five Years of Reasons to Resist Corporate Globalization. New York: Seven Stories Press, 1999. Wallach, Lori and Patrick Woodall. Whose Trade Organization? New York: The New Press, 2004. “What’s wrong with the WTO?” Available online at http://www. speakeasy.org/~peterc/wtow/. “Who was Cordell Hull?” Cordell Hull Institute. Available online at http://www.cordellhullinstitute.org/role/who.html. Wolf, Martin. Why Globalization Works. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 2004. “Work In, Cash Out.” Time, May 19, 2008, 14–15. “WTO and Sea Turtles Clash Again and Again.” Animal Welfare Institute Quarterly. Summer 2001, vol. 50, no. 3, 1–2. “WTO Summit: Don’t Undercut AIDS Drug Access.” Human Rights Watch, 2006. Available online at http://www.hrw.org/ en/news/2001/11/06/wto_summit_dont_undercut_aids_ drug_access. “You Must Treat Life Forms and Life-Saving Drugs as Commodities.” What’s Wrong with the WTO? Available online at http://www.speakeasy.org/~peterc/wtow/wto-trip.htm. 135 further reading Ballard, Nadejda. Globalization and Poverty. New York: Chelsea House, 2005. Cooper, Adrian. Fair Trade? London: Franklin Watts Ltd., 2008. David, Laurie and Cambria Gordon. The Down-to-Earth Guide To Global Warming. New York: Scholastic, 2007. Enderwick, Peter. Globalization and Labor. New York: Chelsea House, 2005. Flynn, Sean Masaki. Economics for Dummies. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2005. Gifford, Clive. The Arms Trade. London: Chrysalis Children’s Books, 2004. Hastings, Terry. The Peace Corps. New York: Chelsea House, 2005. Hibbert, Adam. Globalization. New York: Raintree, 2005. Jaffe, Eugene D. Globalization and Development. New York: Chelsea House, 2005. January, Brendan. Globalize It! The Stories of the IMF, the World Bank, the WTO—and Those Who Protest. Brookfield, Conn.: Twenty-First Century Books, 2003. Web Sites Disinformation: World Trade Organization http://www.disinfo.com/archive/pages/dossier/id216/pg1/ Disinformation is a search service for those looking for information on current affairs, politics, new science, and “hidden information” that is seldom reported in detail by the traditional media. 50 Years Is Enough http://www.50years.org/ 136 Further Reading 50 Years is Enough: U.S. Network for Global Economic Justice is a coalition of over 200 U.S. grassroots, womenâ€™s, solidarity, faith-based, policy, social- and economic-justice, youth, labor, and development organizations dedicated to the transformation of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Globalization101.org http://www.globalization101.org/What_is_Globalization.html Globalization 101 is an Internet resource offered by the Levin Institute that is devoted to a better understanding of what globalization is and, as a result, challenges one to think about its many controversies and trade-offs. Global Policy Forum http://www.globalpolicy.org/ngos/index.htm Global Policy Form (GPF) monitors policy making at the United Nations, promotes accountability of global decisions, educates and mobilizes for global citizen participation, and advocates on vital issues of international peace and justice. ImportGenius.com http://www.importgenius.com/?gclid=CIi08aiFtpQCFRJxxwodlXPVTw Import Genius provides detailed shipment data for every container that enters the United States. It claims to have the worldâ€™s most powerful and accessible database of international trade intelligence. International Forum on Globalization http://www.ifg.org/ The International Forum on Globalization (IFG) is a NorthSouth research and educational institution composed of leading activists, economists, scholars, and researchers providing 137 analyses and critiques on the cultural, social, political, and environmental impacts of economic globalization. NGO Global Network http://www.ngo.org/ngo5.htm NGO Global Network is a site with links to non-governmental organizations associated with the United Nations. Oxfam International http://www.oxfam.org Oxfam International is a confederation of 13 like-minded organizations working together and with partners and allies around the world to bring about lasting change. They work directly with communities and seek to influence the powerful to ensure that poor people can improve their lives and livelihoods and have a say in decisions that affect them. The US-China Business Council http://www.uschina.org/public/wto/ The US-China Business Council, Inc. (USCBC) is a private, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization of roughly 250 American companies that do business with China. World Trade Organization This is the official site for the World Trade Organization (WTO). Worldwide NGO Directory http://www.wango.org/resources.aspx?section=ngodir The World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (WANGO) is an international organization uniting Further Reading NGOs worldwide in the cause of advancing peace and global well-being. WANGO helps to provide the mechanism and support needed for NGOs to connect, partner, share, inspire, and multiply their contributions to solve humanityâ€™s basic problems. 139 Picture credits Page 10: AP Images 16: Getty Images 21: Getty Images 25: Getty Images 28: ÂŠ Photo Japan/Alamy 38: AP Images 42: AP Images 46: Getty Images 50: Infobase Publishing 57: AP Images 65: Newscom 72: AP Images 75: AP Images 85: Getty Images 88: Newscom 98: AP Images 103: AP Images 111: AP Images 114: Obed Zilwa/AP Images 140 Index A accession process, 53 Aeroman, 32–33 Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), 90 Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs Agreement) compulsory licensing and, 102–104 national sovereignty and, 52 patent protection under, 98–99, 101 research and, 104, 106, 107 agriculture industry cotton trade, 35–36 Doha Round and, 47 environmental degradation by, 67 flower industry, 37–39 fruit production, 112–113 history of tariffs, 20, 22 patents and, 96–97, 99 subsidies, 36, 67, 110–113 synthetic hormones, 82–84 AIDS, 101–103, 121 airplane maintenance, 32–33 Americanization, 27, 29, 39 animal trapping industry, 60–61, 64 Asian long horned beetles (ALBs), 64–66 B baby formula, 100–101 Bachman, Sarah, 72–73 bananas, 112–113 Bangladesh, 29, 62–63 Barboza, David, 69, 70, 75 Barrera, Luis, 33 beef industry, 82–84 beetles, 64–66 Before Their Time: The World of Child Labor (Parker), 74 141 Bernstein, William, 108–109 binding principle, 48–49 biopiracy, 87, 97, 99 Bogdanich, Walt, 93 Boorstin, Daniel, 17 Botswana, 119, 120–121 breastfeeding, 100–101 Bretton Woods, 26, 41 Brewer, Susan, 83 Britain agricultural tariffs imposed by, 20, 22 Bretton Woods and, 41 slave trade and, 18–19 Buyaki, Helen, 37–39 C camels, 14–15 Canada cigarette labeling and, 89–91 fur trapping industry in, 60–61, 64 tariffs during Great Depression, 23–24 cattle, 82–84 children labor by, 73–76, 80 overview of global status, 117 China agriculture and Doha Round and, 47 Asian long horned beetles and, 64–66 child labor in, 74, 75 early international trade, 15–17 energy used in, 118 heparin production, 92–93 standard of living in, 36–37, 70–71 sweatshops in, 69–70 Chu, Henry, 63 cigarette labeling, 89–91 climate change, 8, 62–63 Cohen, Roger, 39 142 Index Collier, Peter, 116 comparative advantage, 19–20 compulsory licensing, 102 Corn Laws (Great Britain), 20, 22 corporations agricultural, 110, 112–113 intellectual property rights and, 96–97, 99, 106 logos, 100–101 overview of multinational, 76–78 power in WTO of, 54, 108–109 public health and, 89–91, 92–93, 101–103, 121 standard of living and, 70–71, 76 treatment of workers, 37–39, 69–73, 78–81 cotton trade, 35–36 D da Gama, Vasco, 17 Delors, Jacques, 46 deregulation of markets, 34–35 diamond industry, 120, 121 Dickerson, Marla, 32 dog-eat-dog philosophy, 34–35 Doha Development Agenda (DDA). See Doha Round Doha Round Lamy proposal for, 47 overview of, 49 purpose of, 109–110 success of, 110 TRIPs Agreement and, 103–104 Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act (U.S., 1990), 58–59 dolphins, 57–60 Drewsen, Alan C., 93 drugs, production of, 92–93, 101–103, 121 Dutch East India Company (VOS, Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie), 18 E The Economist, 29, 35–36, 77, 106 education, overview of global status, 117 El Salvador, 32–33 Endangered Species Act (U.S., 1973), 8–9, 11–12 environment climate change, 8, 62–63 globalization and, 39 harmonization and, 66 product production and, 7–9, 11–12, 59–61, 64–66 “rip-and-ship” tariff policies and, 113–114 trade restrictions as harmful to, 67 wildlife trade, 105–106 Europe, 17–19, 42 European Union (EU) agriculture subsidies, 110, 111–113 fur trapping industry methods and, 60–61, 64 phthalates in teething rings, 87, 89 “zero risk” standard and American beef, 83–84 “the Exocet,” 46 exploration and sea trade, 17–19 F fair-trade certification, 39 fishing industry climate change and, 62–63 importance of, 105, 106 shrimp, 7–9, 11–12 subsidies, 67 tuna, 56–60 flower industry, 37–39 Fox, Justin, 77 free market ideology, 34–35, 73 free trade as benefit to environment, 67–68 Index development of theory of, 19–20 domination of, 20, 22 free market ideology and, 34–35, 73 GATT and, 45 See also trade restrictions Friedman, Thomas, 116 fruit industry, 112–113 fur trapping industry, 60–61, 64 G Garcia, Andres, 33 Gardner, Richard, 44 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) background of, 43–44 established, 26 fishing rulings, 58–59 most favored nation principle, 44–45 WTO compared to, 51–52 “Gerber baby” logo, 100–101 global warming, 62–63 globalization agriculture industry and, 35–39, 112–113 Americanization and, 27, 29, 39 defined, 30 harmonization of standards, 66 of labor, 29–31, 32–33, 37–39, 77 overview of advantages and disadvantages of, 31, 39 public opinion about, 32–34 remittances, 29–30 restaurant chains, 27, 29 standard of living and, 36–37, 70–71 Great Britain agricultural tariffs imposed by, 20, 22 Bretton Woods and, 41 slave trade and, 18–19 Great Depression, 23–24, 35 Guatemala, 100–101 H harmonization, 66, 91–94 Henry the Navigator (prince of Portugal), 17 heparin, 92–93 Holstein, William J., 77 Hong Kong, 64–66 Hu Xingdou, 75 Hull, Cordell, 24–26 Huyana Gifts Factory, 69–70 I ice trade, 22 The Independent, 63 India agriculture and Doha Round and, 47 energy used in, 118 globalization and cotton trade, 35–36 neem tree products, 95–97 TEDs law complaint, 9, 12 An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (Smith), 19 intellectual property rights (IPRs), 52, 96–99, 106 See also Agreement on TradeRelated Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs Agreement) International Baby Food Action Network, 101 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, 26, 43 International Code of Marketing Breastmilk Substitutes (1981), 100 International Dolphin Conservation Act (1992), 59 International Labor Organization (ILO), 78, 80–81 International Monetary Fund (IMF) criticism of, 43 143 144 Index established, 26 overview of, 41–42 International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC, 1952), 66 international trade, value of (2006), 13 International Trade Organization (ITO), 43–44 “Is Globalisation Killing India’s Cotton Farmers?” (The Economist), 35–36 J Kenya, 37–39 Keynes, John Maynard, 35 Kristof, Nicholas, 70 Kroc, Ray, 27 L labor of children, 73–76, 80 globalization and, 29–31, 32–33, 37–39, 77 sweatshop conditions, 69–73 universal standards, 77–78, 80–81, 107 Lamy, Pascal, 46–48 Lasala, Robert, 29 Latin America, 105 leatherbacks (turtles), 7–9, 11–12 Letterman, David, 110 Lieberman, Susan, 105 Longonot Horticulture, 37–39 Los Angeles Times (newspaper), 32, 33, 63 M Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), 32–33 Malaysia, 7–9, 11–12 Mandelson, Peter, 47 Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA, U.S., 1972), 58 market fundamentalism, 34–35 Marsden, James, 86 McDonald’s, 27, 29 medicine production, 92–93, 101–103, 121 Mexico, 58, 59 Ministerial Conferences purpose of, 49 Seattle, 47, 108–109, 116, 118 most favored nation principle. See nondiscrimination clause (WTO charter) multinational corporations, 76–78 N Naím, Moisés, 93 Narlikar, Amrita on accession process, 53 on compulsory licensing of AIDS drugs, 102–103 on Doha declaration about compulsory licensing, 103–104 on structure of WTO, 52 on use of WTO by developing nations, 119 National Cattlemen’s Association, 83 national sovereignty trade and endangered species and, 11 WTO as threat to, 51–52 national treatment concept, 45 natural resources, curse of, 113–116 neem tree products, 95–97, 99 negative consensus rule, 52 New York Times (newspaper), 39, 69, 70, 75, 77, 93 Nike, 71–72 Nishat, Ainum, 63 Index nondiscrimination clause (WTO charter) child labor and, 76 explained, 12, 44–45 sweatshop conditions and, 73 Norway, 111 O Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA, U.S.), 61–72 On the Principles of Political Economy and Taxation (Ricardo), 19–20 outsourcing, 32–33 P Pakistan, 9, 12 Panama Canal, 23 “paradox of plenty,” 114 Parker, David, 74 patents, 96–97, 99, 102 Peel, Robert, 22 Perry, Alex, 120 pharmaceutical industry compulsory licensing of AIDS drugs, 102 heparin, 92–93 neem tree products, 96–97, 99 research and intellectual property rights, 106 Philip Morris, 89–91 Philippines, 106 phthalates in teething rings, 87, 89 pigs, 92 Pollo Campero, 29 Portugal, 17–18 poverty, overview of global, 117–118 prisoner’s dilemma, 79–80 protectionism Bretton Woods and, 26 during Great Depression, 23–24 labor standards as, 81 See also tariffs public health cigarette labeling, 89–91 global statistics, 117 harmonization and, 91–94 medicine production, 92–93, 101–103 phthalates in teething rings, 87, 89 Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement, 84–86 synthetic hormones in beef, 82–84 TRIPs Agreement and, 99, 101, 103–104 purse-seine netting, 56–60 R Rachel’s Environment & Health Weekly #679, 54 Reagan, Ronald, 34 realpolitik, 54, 55, 107 reciprocity principle, 45, 48 remittances, 29–30 resource curse, 113–116, 120, 121 Ricardo, David, 19–20 “rip-and-ship,” 113–114 Rockefeller, David, 110 Roosevelt, Franklin, 35 S safety valve principle, 49 Sampson, Gary P., 67, 68 Sanchez, Ann, 30 Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement (SPS), 84–86 sea trade early Chinese, 15–17 exploration and, 17–19 steamship and, 23 Seattle Ministerial Conference Doha and, 47 labor standards and, 73 145 146 Index protests at, 108–109, 116, 118 seine fishing, 56–60 shrimp fishing, 7–9, 11–12 “shrimp laundering,” 12 Simonds, Kitty, 8 single understanding principle, 52 Sisoipha, Darin, 70 Sisoipha, Maesubin, 70 slave trade, 18–19 Smith, Adam, 19 Smoot-Hawley (U.S., 1930), 23 social clause, 78, 80–81 South African Medicines Act (1997), 102, 107 special safeguard mechanism (SSM) threshold, 47 specialization vs. self-sufficiency, 19–20 Spice Islands, 15, 17–18 spice trade, 15 Stamper, Norm, 108 standard of living, 36–37, 70–71, 76 steamships, 23 Steger, Manfred B., 30 Stiglitz, Joseph on actions of wealthier nations toward poorer, 118–119 on agricultural subsidies, 111, 112 on benefits from corporations, 76 on business community influence, 54 on disadvantages of globalization, 39 on link between innovation and property rights, 104, 106, 107 on role of American government in nineteenth century economy, 35 Stone, James, 61 sub-Saharan Africa, 101–103, 118, 119–121 subsidies agriculture industry, 36, 67, 110–113 fishing industry, 67 Suez Canal, 23 Swaminathan, M.S., 36 sweatshops, 69–73 Switzerland, 111 synthetic hormones, 82–84 T tariffs agricultural, 20, 22 during Great Depression, 23–24 on raw materials, 113 teething rings, 86–87, 89 Thailand sweatshops in, 70 TEDs law complaint, 9, 12 Thatcher, Margaret, 34 Third Ministerial Conference. See Seattle Ministerial Conference Time (magazine), 77, 120 Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) Agreement compulsory licensing and, 102–104 national sovereignty and, 52 patent protection under, 98–99, 101 research and, 104, 106, 107 trade-related invested measures (TRIMs), 52 trade restrictions based on how products are produced, 59–60, 61, 64, 73 environmental protections as, 7–9, 11–12, 59–61 GATT focus on removal, 45 during Great Depression, 23–24 as harmful to environment, 67–68 subsidies as, 36, 67, 110–113 Index tariffs as, 20, 22, 23–24, 113–114 WTO principles to reduce, 45, 48–49 WTO safety valve principle and, 49 TRAFFIC (the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network), 105 transparency principle, 49 treasure fleets, 16–17 Truman, Harry S., 44 tuna, 56–60 Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs), 8–9 turtles, 7–9, 11–12 W Wal-Mart, 69, 76 Wall Street Journal (newspaper), 89 Wallach, Lori on developing countries’ dealings with corporations, 80 on European litigation against American beef, 84 on harmonization, 66, 93–94 on prisoner’s dilemma, 80 on Seattle Ministerial Conference, 109 on social clause, 78 on weakening of MMPA, 59 U “What’s Wrong with the WTO?” Uganda, 105 (Web site), 86 United Nations Children’s Fund Whose Trade Organization ? (Wal(UNICEF), 100 lach and Woodall), 80 United States wildlife agriculture subsidies, 36, 110, importance of trade in, 112–113 105–106 Asian long horned beetles and, protection of, 8–9, 11–12, 58–59, 64–66 60–61, 64 beef industry, 82–84 Wildlife Trade Monitoring NetDoha Round and, 47 work, 105 dolphin protection and, 58–59 Williamson, Peter J., 77 fur trapping industry in, 60–61, win-win scenarios, 66–68 64 Woodall, Patrick government role in nineteenth on developing countries’ dealcentury economy, 35 ings with corporations, 80 heparin and, 92 on European litigation against IMF and, 41, 42 American beef, 84 ITO and, 44 on harmonization, 66, 93–94 leatherback turtle protection on prisoner’s dilemma, 80 and, 7–9, 11–12 on social clause, 78 manufacturing in, 77 on weakening of MMPA, 59 OSHA indoor air standards, World Bank, 26, 43 61–72 World Health Organization patents and, 96–97, 99 (WHO), 93, 100 phthalates in toys, 87, 89 World Intellectual Property Orgatariffs during Great Depression, nization (WIPO), 99 23 The World is Flat (Friedman), 116 World Bank leadership and, 43 147 148 Index World Trade Organization (WTO) charter, 12 established, 9, 45 goal, 91 leadership, 46–48 membership, 13, 52–54 powers, 51–52 principles and organization of, 45, 48–51 World Wildlife Fund (WWF), 105 W.R. Grace & Company, 96–97, 99 Wyeth, Nathaniel, 22 X Xu Wenjie, 69 Xu Wenquan, 69 Y YaleGlobal (online magazine), 72–73 yellowfin tuna, 56–60 Z Zambia, 37 “zero risk” standard, 83 Zheng He, 16–17 Zimbabwe, 119–120 About the Contributors Author RONALD A. REIS is the Technology Department Chair at Los Angeles Valley College. He has a bachelorâ€™s degree in applied technology and a masterâ€™s degree in the social sciences. He is the author of 10 books for Facts On File and Chelsea House, including The Dust Bowl, The Empire State Building, African Americans and the Civil War, and biographies of Eugenie Clark, Jonas Salk, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, and Ted Williams. In the 1960s, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Malaysia. Series editor PEGGY KAHN is a professor of political science at the University of Michigan-Flint, where she teaches world and European politics. She has been a social studies volunteer in the Ann Arbor, Michigan, public schools, and she helps prepare college students to become teachers. She has a Ph.D. in political science from the University of California-Berkeley and a B.A. in history and government from Oberlin College. She has lived in Europe and visited South Africa. 149	i don't know
In what modern country did the ancient Sumer or Sumerian civilisation develop and flourish?	Sumeria, Ancient Sumeria (Sumer), A history of Ancient Sumer Including its Contributions Primary Author:� Robert A. Guisepi Portions of this work Contributed By: F. Roy Willis of the University of California 1980 and 2003 The History of Ancient Sumeria including its cities, kings and religions Now, I swear by the sun god Utu on this very day -- and my younger brothers shall be witness of it in foreign lands where the sons of Sumer are not known, where people do not have the use of paved roads, where they have no access to the written word -- that I, the firstborn son, am a fashioner of words, a composer of songs, a composer of words, and that they will recite my songs as heavenly writings, and that they will bow down before my words...... King Shulgi (c. 2100 BC) on the future of Sumerian literature. Mesopotamia: The First Civilization� Authorities do not all agree about the definition of civilization. Most accept the view that "a civilization is a culture which has attained a degree of complexity usually characterized by urban life." In other words, a civilization is a culture capable of sustaining a substantial number of specialists to cope with the economic, social, political, and religious needs of a populous society. Other characteristics usually present in a civilization include a system of writing to keep records, monumental architecture in place of simple buildings, and an art that is no longer merely decorative, like that on Neolithic pottery, but representative of people and their activities. All these characteristics of civilization first appeared in Mesopotamia.� The Geography Of Mesopotamia Around 6000 B.C., after the agricultural revolution had begun to spread from its place of origin on the northern fringes of the Fertile Crescent, Neolithic farmers started filtering into the Fertile Crescent itself. Although this broad plain received insufficient rainfall to support agriculture, the eastern section was watered by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Known in ancient days as Mesopotamia (Greek for "between the rivers"), the lower reaches of this plain, beginning near the point where the two rivers nearly converge, was called Babylonia. Babylonia in turn encompassed two geographical areas - Akkad in the north and Sumer, the delta of this river system, in the south.� Broken by river channels teeming with fish and re-fertilized frequently by alluvial silt laid down by uncontrolled floods, Sumer had a splendid agricultural potential if the environmental problems could be solved. "Arable land had literally to be created out of a chaos of swamps and sand banks by a 'separation' of land from water; the swamps ... drained; the floods controlled; and lifegiving waters led to the rainless desert by artificial canals." ^4 In the course of the several successive cultural phases that followed the arrival of the first Neolithic farmers, these and other related problems were solved by cooperative effort. Between 3500 B.C. and 3100 B.C. the foundations were laid for a type of economy and social order markedly different from anything previously known. This far more complex culture, based on large urban centers rather than simple villages, is what we associate with civilization.� [Footnote 4: V. Gordon Childe, New Light on the Most Ancient East (London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1954), p. 114.]� Prelude To Civilization� By discovering how to use metals to make tools and weapons, late Neolithic people effected a revolution nearly as far-reaching as that wrought in agriculture. Neolithic artisans discovered how to extract copper from oxide ores by heating them with charcoal. Then about 3100 B.C., metal workers discovered that copper was improved by the addition of tin. The resulting alloy, bronze, was harder than copper and provided a sharper cutting edge. Thus the advent of civilization in Sumer is associated with the beginning of the Bronze Age in the West, which in time spread to Egypt, Europe, and Asia. The Bronze age lasted until about 1200 B.C., when iron weapons and tools began to replace those made of bronze. The first plow was probably a stick pulled through the soil with a rope. In time, however, domesticated cattle were harnessed to drag the plow in place of the farmer. Yoked, harnessed animals pulled plows in the Mesopotamian alluvium by 3000 B.C. As a result, farming advanced from the cultivation of small plots to the tilling of extensive fields. "By harnessing the ox man began to control and use a motive power other than that furnished by his own muscular energy. The ox was the first step to the steam engine and gasoline motor." ^5 [Footnote 5: V. Gordon Childe, What Happened in History (New York: Pelican Books, 1946), p. 74.] Since the Mesopotamian plain had no stone, no metals, and no timber except its soft palm trees, these materials had to be transported from Syria and Asia Minor. Water transport down the Tigris and Euphrates solved the problem. The oldest sailing boat known is represented by a model found in a Sumerian grave of about 3500 B.C. Soon after this date wheeled vehicles appear in the form of ass-drawn war chariots. For the transport of goods overland, however, people continued to rely on the pack ass. Another important invention was the potter's wheel, first used in Sumer soon after 3500 B.C. Earlier, people had fashioned pots by molding or coiling clay by hand, but now a symmetrical product could be produced in a much shorter time. A pivoted clay disk heavy enough to revolve of its own momentum, the potter's wheel has been called "the first really mechanical device." The Land of the Two Rivers The word Mesopotamia , derived from the Greek, means literally "between the rivers," but it is generally used to denote the whole plain between and on either side of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The plain was bordered to the north and east by mountain ranges, in whose foothills, as we have seen, agriculture was first practiced. To the southwest lay the forbidding deserts of Syria and Arabia . Each year the two great rivers were swollen with the winter snows of the northern mountains, and each year at flood stage they spread a thick layer of immensely fertile silt across the flood plain where they approached the Persian Gulf . This delta, a land of swamp rich in fish, wildlife, and date palms, was the most challenging and rewarding of the three natural units into which the river valleys were divided; and it was here, between 3500 and 3000 B. c., that agricultural settlers created the rich city-states of Sumer , of which the best known is Ur . The delta could only be made habitable by large-scale irrigation and flood control, which was managed first by a priestly class and then by godlike kings. Except for the period 2370-2230 B. c., when the Sumerian city-states were subdued by the rulers of Akkad , the region immediately to the north, the Sumerians remained prosperous and powerful until the beginning of the second millennium B. C. Immediately to the north of Sumer , where the two rivers came most closely together, the plain was less subject to flooding but made fertile by rainfall and irrigation. This area, known first as Akkad , was inhabited by Semitic peoples who subdued the Sumerians in the middle of the third millennium; but when a new Semitic people called the Amorites conquered the area about 2000 B. c. and founded a great new capital city of Babylon ; the area henceforth came to be known as Babylonia . Except for invasions of Hittites and Kassites, who were Indo-European peoples from Asia , Babylonia continued to dominate Mesopotamia for a thousand years. The third natural region, called Assyria , stretched from the north of Babylonia to the Taurus range. Its rolling hills were watered by a large number of streams flowing from the surrounding mountains as well as by the headwaters of the two great rivers themselves. The Assyrians, a viciously warlike Semitic people, were able to conquer the whole of Mesopotamia in the eighth and seventh centuries B. c. Thus the history of Mesopotamia can be envisaged as a shift of the center of power northwards, from Sumer to Babylonia and then to Assyria. An Introduction To Sumerian History During the 5th millennium BC a people known as the Ubaidians established settlements in the region known later as Sumer; these settlements gradually developed into the chief Sumerian cities, namely Adab, Eridu, Isin, Kish, Kullab, Lagash, Larsa, Nippur, and Ur. Several centuries later, as the Ubaidian settlers prospered, Semites from Syrian and Arabian deserts began to infiltrate, both as peaceful immigrants and as raiders in quest of booty. After about 3250 BC, another people migrated from its homeland, located probably northeast of Mesopotamia, and began to intermarry with the native population. The newcomers, who became known as Sumerians, spoke an agglutinative language unrelated apparently to any other known language. In the centuries that followed the immigration of the Sumerians, the country grew rich and powerful. Art and architecture, crafts, and religious and ethical thought flourished. The Sumerian language became the prevailing speech of the land, and the people here developed the cuneiform script, a system of writing on clay. This script was to become the basic means of written communication throughout the Middle East for about 2000 years. The first Sumerian ruler of historical record, Etana, king of Kish (flourished about 2800 BC), was described in a document written centuries later as the "man who stabilized all the lands." Shortly after his reign ended, a king named Meskiaggasher founded a rival dynasty at Erech (Uruk), far to the south of Kish. Meskiaggasher, who won control of the region extending from the Mediterranean Sea to the Zagros Mountains, was succeeded by his son Enmerkar (flourished about 2750 BC). The latter�s reign was notable for an expedition against Aratta, a city-state far to the northeast of Mesopotamia. Enmerkar was succeeded by Lugalbanda, one of his military leaders. The exploits and conquests of Enmerkar and Lugalbanda form the subject of a cycle of epic tales constituting the most important source of information on early Sumerian history. At the end of Lugalbanda�s reign, Enmebaragesi (flourished about 2700 BC), a king of the Etana dynasty at Kish, became the leading ruler of Sumer. His outstanding achievements included a victory over the country of Elam and the construction at Nippur of the Temple of Enlil, the leading deity of the Sumerian pantheon. Nippur gradually became the spiritual and cultural center of Sumer. Enmebaragesi�s son Agga (probably died before 2650 BC), the last ruler of the Etana dynasty, was defeated by Mesanepada, king of Ur (fl. about 2670 BC), who founded the so-called 1st Dynasty of Ur and made Ur the capital of Sumer. Soon after the death of Mesanepada, the city of Erech achieved a position of political prominence under the leadership of Gilgamesh (flourished about 2700-2650 BC), whose deeds are celebrated in stories and legends. Sometime before the 25th century bc the Sumerian Empire, under the leadership of Lugalanemundu of Adab (flourished about 2525-2500 BC), was extended from the Zagros to the Taurus mountains and from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea. Subsequently the empire was ruled by Mesilim (fl. about 2500 BC), king of Kish. By the end of his reign, Sumer had begun to decline. The Sumerian city-states engaged in constant internecine struggle, exhausting their military resources. Eannatum (fl. about 2425 BC), one of the rulers of Lagash, succeeded in extending his rule throughout Sumer and some of the neighboring lands. His success, however, was short-lived. The last of his successors, Uruinimgina (fl. about 2365 BC), who was noteworthy for instituting many social reforms, was defeated by Lugalzagesi (reigned about 2370-2347 BC), the governor of the neighboring city-state of Umma. Thereafter, for about 20 years, Lugalzagesi was the most powerful ruler in the Middle East. By the 23rd century bc the power of the Sumerians had declined to such an extent that they could no longer defend themselves against foreign invasion. The Semitic ruler Sargon I (reigned about 2335-2279 BC), called The Great, succeeded in conquering the entire country. Sargon founded a new capital, called Agade, in the far north of Sumer and made it the richest and most powerful city in the world. The people of northern Sumer and the conquering invaders, fusing gradually, became known ethnically and linguistically as Akkadians. The land of Sumer acquired the composite name Sumer and Akkad. The Akkadian dynasty lasted about a century. During the reign of Sargon�s grandson, Naram-Sin (r. about 2255-2218 BC), the Gutians, a belligerent people from the Zagros Mountains, sacked and destroyed the city of Agade. They then subjugated and laid waste the whole of Sumer. After several generations the Sumerians threw off the Gutian yoke. The city of Lagash again achieved prominence, particularly during the reign of Gudea (circa 2144-2124 BC), an extraordinarily pious and capable governor. Because numerous statues of Gudea have been recovered, he has become the Sumerian best known to the modern world. The Sumerians achieved complete independence from the Gutians when Utuhegal, king of Erech (reigned about 2120-2112 BC), won a decisive victory later celebrated in Sumerian literature. One of Utuhegal�s generals, Ur-Nammu (r. 2113-2095 BC), founded the 3rd Dynasty of Ur. In addition to being a successful military leader, he was also a social reformer and the originator of a law code that antedates that of the Babylonian king Hammurabi by about three centuries (see Hammurabi, Code of). Ur-Nammu�s son Shulgi (r. 2095-2047 BC) was a successful soldier, a skillful diplomat, and a patron of literature. During his reign the schools and academies of the kingdom flourished. Before the beginning of the 2nd millennium BC the Amorites, Semitic nomads from the desert to the west of Sumer and Akkad, invaded the kingdom. They gradually became masters of such important cities as Isin and Larsa. The resultant widespread political disorder and confusion encouraged the Elamites to attack (circa 2004 BC) Ur and to take into captivity its last ruler, Ibbi-Sin (r. 2029-2004 BC). During the centuries following the fall of Ur bitter intercity struggle for the control of Sumer and Akkad occurred, first between Isin and Larsa and later between Larsa and Babylon. Hammurabi of Babylon defeated Rim-Sin of Larsa (r. about 1823-1763 BC) and became the sole ruler of Sumer and Akkad. This date probably marks the end of the Sumerian state. Sumerian civilization, however, was adopted almost in its entirety by Babylonia. The Emergence Of Civilization In Sumer, c. 3100-2800 B.C. By 3100 B.C. the population of Sumer had increased to the point where people were living in cities and had developed a preponderance of those elements previously noted as constituting civilization. Since these included the first evidence of writing, this first phase of Sumerian civilization, to about 28 B.C., is called the Protoliterate period. The original homeland of the Sumerians is unknown. It is believed that they came from the east, but whether by sea or from the highlands is unknown. Their language is not related to those major language families that later appear in the Near East - Semites and Indo-Europeans. (The original home of the Semitic-speaking peoples is thought to have been the Arabian peninsula, while the Indo-Europeans seem to be migrated from the region north of the Black and Caspian seas. A third, much smaller language family is the Hamitic, which included the Egyptians and other peoples of northeastern Africa.) How would life in Protoliterate Sumer have appeared to visitors seeing it for the first time? As they approached Ur, one of about a dozen Sumerian cities, they would pass farmers working in their fields with ox-drawn plows. They might see some of the workers using bronze sickles. The river would be dotted by boats carrying produce to and from the city. Dominating the flat countryside would be a ziggurat, a platform (later a lofty terrace, built in the shape of a pyramid) crowned by a sanctuary, or "high place." This was the "holy of holies," sacred to the local god. Upon entering the city, visitors would see a large number of specialists pursuing their appointed tasks as agents of the community and not as private entrepreneurs - some craftsmen casting bronze tools and weapons, others fashioning their wares on the potter's wheel, and merchants arranging to trade grain and manufactures for the metals, stone, lumber, and other essentials not available in Sumer. Scribes would be at work incising clay tablets with picture signs. Some tablets might bear the impression of cylinder seals, small stone cylinders engraved with a design. Examining the clay tablets, the visitors would find that they were memoranda used in administering a temple, which was also a warehouse and workshop. Some of the scribes might be making an inventory of the goats and sheep received that day for sacrificial use; others might be drawing up wage lists. They would be using a system of counting based on the unit 60 - the sexagismal system rather than the decimal system which is based on the unit 10. It is still used today in computing divisions of time and angles. Certain technical inventions of Protoliterate Sumer eventually made their way to both the Nile and the Indus valleys. Chief among these were the wheeled vehicle and the potter's wheel. The discovery in Egypt of cylinder seals similar in shape to those used in Sumer attests to contact between the two areas toward the end of the fourth millennium B.C. Certain early Egyptian art motifs and architectural forms are also thought to be of Sumerian origin. And it is probable that the example of Sumerian writing stimulated the Egyptians to develop a script of their own. The Rise of the Sumerian City States Little is known about the origins of the Sumerian people, who spoke a language totally distinct from that of the Semitic inhabitants of the valleys to the north. The Sumerians probably moved down into the swamps of the delta under pressure of over-population of the foothills after 3900 B. c. Al- though at first they formed small agricultural villages, they soon found not only that the richness of the alluvial land permitted greater density of settlement but also that the vast engineering works in canals and dikes necessary to harness the annual floods required work forces of hundreds of men. Moreover, the layout and clearing of the canals required expert planning, while the division of the irrigated land, the water, and the crops demanded political control. By 3000 B. c. the Sumerians had solved this problem by forming "temple-communities," in which a class of priest-bureaucrats con- trolled the political and economic life of the city in the name of the city gods. All Sumerian cities recognized a number of gods in common, including Anu the sky god, Enlil the lord of storms, and Ishtar the morning and evening star. The gods seemed hopelessly violent and unpredictable, and one's life a period of slavery to their whims. The epic poem, The Creation, emphasizes that mortals were created to enable the gods to give up working. Each city moreover had its own god, who was considered literally to inhabit the temple and who was in theory the owner of all property within the city. Hence the priests who interpreted the will of the god and controlled the distribution of the economic produce of the city were venerated for their supernatural and material functions alike. When, after 3000 B. c., the growing warfare among the cities made military leadership vital, the head of the army who became king assumed an intermediate position between the god, whose agent he was, and the priestly class, whom he had both to use and to conciliate. Thus, king and priests represented the upper class in a hierarchical society. Below them were the scribes, the secular attendants of the temple, who supervised every aspect of the city's economic life and who developed a rough judicial system. Outside the temple officials, society was divided between an elite or noble group of large landowners and military leaders; a heterogeneous group of merchants, artisans, and craftsmen; free peasants who composed the majority of the population; and slaves. The Sumerian Achievement The priests and scribes of the temples must be credited with the great advances made by the Sumerians in both arts and science. Following the invention of cuneiform writing, a rich epic literature was created, of which the three most impressive survivals are the story of the creation, an epic of the flood which parallels in many details the Biblical story of Noah, and the Epic of Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh, two-thirds god and one-third man, is the classic hero of Mesopotamian literature, a majestic, almost overly powerful figure pressing the gods in vain for the secret of immortality. He is also a great lover of his city Uruk; and throughout the poem we find, perhaps for the first time in literature, the celebration of the appeal of the civilized life of a great city. Gilgamesh, we are told at the start of the poem, has built the great rampart which still today runs seven miles around the ruins of his city: Of ramparted Uruk the wall he built.� Of hallowed Eanna, the pure sanctuary.� Behold its outer wall, whose cornice is like copper. Peer at the inner wall, which none can equal. Seize upon the threshold which is of old.� Draw near to Eanna the dwelling of Ishtar Which no future kin, no man, can equal.� Go up and walk on the walls of Uruk, Inspect the base terrace, examine the brickwork: Is it not the brickwork of burnt brick?� Did not the Seven Sages lay its foundation? Sculpture, too, advanced to serve the needs of the temples and then of the kings. The earliest statues surviving show bearded figures with wide staring eyes and piously clasped hands who represent some form of fertility cult. Later work in limestone or alabaster shows the female goddess bringing water, once again the symbol of fertility, while the achievements of the Akkadian rulers during their brief hegemony are recorded on enormous sandstone tablets. Few portrait busts cast in antiquity rival the expressive dignity of the head of Sargon of Akkad. Even more demanding in artistic technique were the small cylinder seals used to roll one's signature into the wet clay of a tablet recording a commercial transaction. Thousands of these tablets have been found in the temple compounds, proving that the bureaucrats of Sumer had developed a complex commercial system, including con- tracts, grants of credit, loans with interest, and business partnerships. Moreover, the planning of the vast public works under their control led the priests to develop a useful mathematical notation, including both a decimal notation and a system based upon 60, which has given us our sixty-second minute, our sixty-minute hour and our division of the circle into 360 degrees. They invented mathematical tables and used quadratic equations. Both for religious and agricultural purposes, they studied the heavens, and they created a lunar calendar with a day of 24 hours and a week of seven days. Much of this science was transmitted to the West by the Greeks and later by the Arabs. It is not surprising, however, that the achievement which the Sumerians themselves admired most was the city itself. The Sumerian Writing System Whether the Sumerians were the first to develop writing is uncertain, but theirs is the oldest known writing system. The clay tablets on which they wrote were very durable when baked. Archaeologists have dug up many thousands of them--some dated earlier than 3000 BC. The earliest writing of the Sumerians was picture writing similar in some ways to Egyptian hieroglyphs. They began to develop their special style when they found that on soft, wet clay it was easier to impress a line than to scratch it. To draw the pictures they used a stylus--probably a straight piece of reed with a three-cornered end. An unexpected result came about: the stylus could best produce triangular forms (wedges) and straight lines. Curved lines therefore had to be broken up into a series of straight strokes. Pictures lost their form and became stylized symbols. This kind of writing on clay is called cuneiform, from the Latin cuneus, meaning "wedge." A tremendous step forward was accomplished when the symbols came to be associated with the sound of the thing shown rather than with the idea of the thing itself. Each sign then represented a syllable. Although cuneiform writing was still used long after the alphabet appeared, it never fully developed an alphabet. As we have noted, the symbols on the oldest Sumerian clay tablets, the world's first writing, were pictures of concrete things such as a person, a sheep, a star, or a measure of grain. Some of these pictographs also represented ideas; for example, the picture of a foot was used to represent the idea of walking, and a picture of a mouth joined to that for water meant "to drink." This early pictograph writing gave way to phonetic (or syllabic) writing when the scribes realized that a sign could represent a sound as well as an object or idea. Thus, the personal name "Kuraka" could be written by combining the pictographs for mountain (pronounced kur), water (pronounced a), and mouth (pronounced ka). By 2800 B.C., the use of syllabic writing had reduced the number of signs from nearly two thousand to six hundred. �In writing, a scribe used a reed stylus to make impressions in soft clay tablets. The impressions took on a wedge shape, hence the term cuneiform (Latin cuneus, "wedge"). The cuneiform system of writing was adopted by many other peoples of the Near East, including the Babylonians, Assyrians, Hittites, and Persians. �Sumerian Schools Cuneiform was difficult to learn. To master it children usually went to a temple school. Using a clay tablet as a textbook, the teacher wrote on the left-hand side, and the pupil copied the model on the right. Any mistakes could be smoothed out. The pupil began by making single wedges in various positions and then went on to groups of wedges. Thousands of groups had to be mastered. Finally the pupil was assigned a book to copy, but the work was slow and laborious. Many first chapters of all the important Sumerian works have been handed down from students' tablets, but only fragments of the rest of the books survive. The pupils also studied arithmetic. The Sumerians based their number system on 10, but they multiplied 10 by 6 to get the next unit. They multiplied 60 by 10, then multiplied 600 by 6, and so on. (The number 60 has the advantage of being divisible by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, and 30.) The Sumerians also divided the circle into 360 degrees. From these early people came the word dozen (a fifth of 60) and the division of the clock to measure hours, minutes, and seconds. The Sumerians had standard measures, with units of length, area, and capacity. Their standard weight was the mina, made up of 60 shekels--about the same weight as a pound. There was no coined money. Standard weights of silver served as measures of value and as a means of exchange. From the earliest times the Sumerians had a strong sense of private property. After they learned to write and figure, they kept documents about every acquired object, including such small items as shoes. Every business transaction had to be recorded. Near the gates of the cities, scribes would sit ready to sell their services. Their hands would move fast over a lump of clay, turning the stylus. Then the contracting parties added their signatures by means of seals. The usual seal was an engraved cylinder of stone or metal that could be rolled over wet clay. In the course of time cuneiform was used for every purpose, just as writing is today--for letters, narratives, prayers and incantations, dictionaries, even mathematical and astronomical treatises. The Babylonians and Assyrians adapted cuneiform for their own Semitic languages and spread its use to neighboring Syria, Anatolia, Armenia, and Iran. Sumerian Cities Sumerian towns and cities included Eridu, Nippur, Lagash, Kish, and Ur. The cities differed from primitive farming settlements. They were not composed of family-owned farms, but were ringed by large tracts of land. These tracts were thought to be "owned" by a local god. A priest organized work groups of farmers to tend the land and provide barley, beans, wheat, olives, grapes, and flax for the community. These early cities, which existed by 3500 BC, were called temple towns because they were built around the temple of the local god. The temples were eventually built up on towers called ziggurats (holy mountains), which had ramps or staircases winding up around the exterior. Public buildings and marketplaces were built around these shrines. The temple towns grew into city-states, which are considered the basis of the first true civilizations. At a time when only the most rudimentary forms of transportation and communication were available, the city-state was the most governable type of human settlement. City-states were ruled by leaders, called ensis, who were probably authorized to control the local irrigation systems. The food surplus provided by the farmers supported these leaders, as well as priests, artists, craftsmen, and others. The Sumerians contributed to the development of metalworking, wheeled carts, and potter's wheels. They may have invented the first form of writing. They engraved pictures on clay tablets in a form of writing known as cuneiform (wedge-shaped). The tablets were used to keep the accounts of the temple food storehouses. By about 2500 BC these picture-signs were being refined into an alphabet. The Sumerians developed the first calendar, which they adjusted to the phases of the moon. The lunar calendar was adopted by the Semites, Egyptians, and Greeks. An increase in trade between Sumerian cities and between Sumeria and other, more distant regions led to the growth of a merchant class. The Sumerians organized a complex mythology based on the relationships among the various local gods of the temple towns. In Sumerian religion, the most important gods were seen as human forms of natural forces--sky, sun, earth, water, and storm. These gods, each originally associated with a particular city, were worshiped not only in the great temples but also in small shrines in family homes. Warfare between cities eventually led to the rise of kings, called lugals, whose authority replaced that of city-state rulers. Sumeria became a more unified state, with a common culture and a centralized government. This led to the establishment of a bureaucracy and an army. By 2375 BC, most of Sumer was united under one king, Lugalzaggisi of Umma. Architecture The Sumerian temple was a small brick house that the god was supposed to visit periodically. It was ornamented so as to recall the reed houses built by the earliest Sumerians in the valley. This house, however, was set on a brick platform, which became larger and taller as time progressed until the platform at Ur (built around 2100 BC) was 150 by 200 feet (45 by 60 meters) and 75 feet (23 meters) high. These Mesopotamian temple platforms are called ziggurats, a word derived from the Assyrian ziqquratu, meaning "high." They were symbols in themselves; the ziggurat at Ur was planted with trees to make it represent a mountain. There the god visited Earth, and the priests climbed to its top to worship. The ziggurat continued as the essential temple form of Mesopotamia during the later Assyrian and Babylonian eras. In these later times it became taller and more tower-like, perhaps with a spiral path leading up to the temple at the top. The Greek historian Herodotus wrote that the main temple of Babylon, the famous Tower of Babel, was such a tower divided into seven diminishing stages, each a different color: white, black, purple, blue, orange, silver, and gold. Each Sumerian city rose up around the shrine of a local god. As a reflection of a city's wealth, its temple became an elaborate structure. The temple buildings stood on a spacious raised platform reached by staircases and ramps. From the platform rose the temple tower, called a ziggurat (holy mountain), with a circular staircase or ramp around the outside. On the temple grounds were quarters for priests, officials, accountants, musicians, and singers; treasure chambers; storehouses for grain, tools, and weapons; and workshops for bakers, pottery makers, brewers, leatherworkers, spinners and weavers, and jewelers. There were also pens for keeping the sheep and goats that were destined for sacrifice to the temple god. Horses and camels were still unknown, but sheep, goats, oxen, donkeys, and dogs had been domesticated. The plow had been invented, and the wheel, made from a solid piece of wood, was used for carts and for shaping pottery. Oxen pulled the carts and plows; donkeys served as pack animals. Bulky goods were moved by boat on the rivers and canals. The boats were usually hauled from the banks, but sails also were in use. Before 3000 BC the Sumerians had learned to make tools and weapons by smelting copper with tin to make bronze, a much harder metal than copper alone. Mud, clay, and reeds were the only materials the Sumerians had in abundance. Trade was therefore necessary to supply the city workers with materials. Merchants went out in overland caravans or in ships to exchange the products of Sumerian industry for wood, stone, and metals. There are indications that Sumerian sailing vessels even reached the valley of the Indus River in India. The chief route, however, was around the Fertile Crescent, between the Arabian Desert and the northern mountains. This route led up the valley of the two rivers, westward to Syria, and down the Mediterranean coast. The Physical Appearance of the Sumerian City All of the Sumerian cities were built beside rivers, either on the Tigris or Euphrates or on one of their tributaries. The city rose, inside its brown brick walls, amid well-watered gardens and pastures won from the swamps. In all directions, the high levees of the irrigation canals led to grain and vegetable fields. The trading class lived and worked in the harbor area, where the river boats brought such goods as stone, copper, and timber from the north. Most citizens lived within the walls in small, one-story houses constructed along narrow alleyways, although the more elaborate homes were colonnaded and built around an inner courtyard. By far the most impressive section of the city was the temple compound, which was surrounded by its own wall. Here were the workshops and homes of large numbers of temple craftsmen, such as gwiers, jewelers, carpenters, and weavers, the offices and schoolrooms of the scribes, and the commercial and legal offices of the bureaucrat-priests. The king's palace and graveyard was located near the temple; and, as Leonard Woolley's excavations at Ur proved, an increasingly lavish form of ceremonial life was organized here as the kings gained greater control over the city's surplus. Woolley himself de- scribed the growing horror his archaeological party felt as they slowly un- covered the royal graves, because they discovered not only elaborate golden daggers, headdresses of gold, lapis lazuli and camelian, fantastically worked heads of bulls, harps and lyres, sledges and chariots, but also lines of elegantly costumed skeletons laid carefully in rows. In a gigantic mass suicide, probably through the drinking of a drug, the king's courtiers and some of his soldiers had gone to their deaths with their master. The most elaborate of the Sumerian buildings was the temple or ziggurat. Normally a huge platform or terrace was first constructed, upon which the temple could be built; but in later times, as the terraces grew to be like artificial mountains, they were built in huge steps or levels mounted by an elaborate stairway clearly symbolizing the ascent toward heaven. The purpose of these ziggurats is still unclear. We do know that they were not burial chambers like the pyramids of Egypt , nor were they for human sacrifice like the pyramids of Aztec Mexico. It has been suggested that they were a nostalgic re-creation of the mountains the original settlers had left, or an at- tempt to raise the city's god above the material life of the streets below, or an attempt to reach closer to heaven. We do know that the creation of a temple was regarded as a god-imposed task for every ruler of any ambition. Gudea, ruler of Lagash about 2000 B. c., built fifteen large temples with the aid of the gods: "Inscrutable as the sky, the wisdom of the Lord, of Ningirsu, the son of Enlil, will soothe thee," he was told. "He will reveal to thee the plan of His temple, and the Warrior whose decrees are great will build it for thee." The task proved enormous. [Gudea purified the holy city and encircled it with fires .... He collected clay in a very pure place; in a pure place he made with it the brick and put the brick into the mold. He followed the rites in all their splendor: he purified the foundations of the temple, surrounded it with fires, anointed the platform with an aromatic balm... Gudea, the great en-priest of Ningirsu, made a path in the Cedar mountains which nobody had entered before; he cut its cedars with great axes. . . . Like giant snakes, cedars were floating down the water.... In the quarries which nobody had entered before, Gudea, the great en- priest of Ningirsu, made a path, and then the stones were delivered in large blocks.... Many other precious metals were carried to the ensi. From the Copper mountain of Kimash�� ... its copper was mined in clusters; gold was delivered from its mountains as dust ....� For Gudea, they mined silver from its mountains, delivered red stone from Aeluhha in great amount .... Finally, when the temple was finished, Gudea declared proudly: "Respect for the temple pervades the country; the fear of it fills the strangers; the brilliance of the Eninnu enfolds the universe like a mantle. Stories of Gods and Heroes As the people in a city-state became familiar with the gods of other cities, they worked out relationships between them, just as the Greeks and Romans did in their myths centuries later. Sometimes two or more gods came to be viewed as one. Eventually a ranking order developed among the gods. Anu, a sky god who originally had been the city god of Uruk, came to be regarded as the greatest of them all--the god of the heavens. His closest rival was the storm god of the air, Enlil of Nippur. The great gods were worshiped in the temples. Each family had little clay figures of its own household gods and small houses or wall niches for them. The Sumerians believed that their ancestors had created the ground they lived on by separating it from the water. According to their creation myth, the world was once watery chaos. The mother of Chaos was Tiamat, an immense dragon. When the gods appeared to bring order out of Chaos, Tiamat created an army of dragons. Enlil called the winds to his aid. Tiamat came forward, her mouth wide open. Enlil pushed the winds inside her and she swelled up so that she could not move. Then Enlil split her body open. He laid half of the body flat to form the Earth, with the other half arched over it to form the sky. The gods then beheaded Tiamat's husband and created mankind from his blood, mixed with clay. The longest story is the Gilgamesh epic, one of the outstanding works of ancient literature. The superhero Gilgamesh originally appeared in Sumerian mythology as a legendary king of Uruk. A long Babylonian poem includes an account of his journey to the bottom of the sea to obtain the plant of life. As he stopped to bathe at a spring on the way home, a hungry snake snatched the plant. When Gilgamesh saw the creature cast off its old skin to become young again, it seemed to him a sign that old age was the fate of humans. Another searcher for eternal life was Adapa, a fisherman who gained wisdom from Ea, the god of water. The other gods were jealous of his knowledge and called him to heaven. Ea warned him not to drink or eat while there. Anu offered him the water of life and the bread of life because he thought that, since Adapa already knew too much, he might as well be a god. Adapa, however, refused and went back to Earth to die, thus losing for himself and for mankind the gift of immortal life. These legends somewhat resemble the Bible story of Adam and Eve. It is highly probable, in fact, that the ancient legends and myths of Mesopotamia supplied material that was reworked by the biblical authors. It was during the Sumerian era that a great flood overwhelmed Mesopotamia. So great was this flood that stories about it worked their way into several ancient literatures. The Sumerian counterpart of Noah was Ziusudra, and from him was developed the Babylonian figure Utnapishtim, whose story of the flood was related in the 'Epic of Gilgamesh'. Immortal after his escape from the flood, Utnapishtim was also the wise man who told Gilgamesh where to find the youth-restoring plant. The Old Sumerian Period, c. 2800-2300 B.C.� By 2800 B.C., the Sumerian cities had emerged into the light of history.� This first historical age, called the Old Sumerian (or Early Dynastic) period, was characterized by incessant warfare as each city sought to protect or enlarge its land and water rights. Each city-state was a theocracy, for the chief local god was believed to be the real sovereign. The god's earthly representative was the ensi, the high priest and city governor, who acted as the god's steward in both religious and secular functions. Though endowed with divine right by virtue of being the human agent of the god, the ensi was not considered divine. �Early Sumerian society was highly collectivized, with the temples of the city god and subordinate deities assuming a central role. "Each temple owned lands which formed the estate of its divine owners. Each citizen belonged to one of the temples, and the whole of a temple community - the officials and priests, herdsmen and fishermen, gardeners, craftsmen, stonecutters, merchants, and even slaves - was referred to as 'the people of the god X.'" ^6 That part of the temple land called 'common' was worked by all members of the community, while the remaining land was divided among the citizens for their support at a rental of from one third to one sixth of the crop. Priests and temple administrators, however, held rent-free lands. [Footnote 6: H. Frankfort, The Birth of Civilization in the Near East (London: Williams and Norgate, 1951), p. 60.] In addition to the temples lands, a considerable part of a city's territory originally consisted of land collectively owned by clans, kinship groups comprising a number of extended families. By 2600 B.C., these clan lands were becoming the private property of great landowners called lugals (literally "great men"). Deeds of sale record the transfer of clan lands to private owners in return for substantial payments in copper to a few clan leaders and insignificant grants of food to the remaining clan members. These private estates were worked by "clients" whose status resembled that of the dependents of the temples.� In time, priests, administrators, and ensis became venal, usurping property and oppressing the common people. This frequently led to the rise of despots who came to power on a wave of popular discontent. Since these despots were usually lugals, lugal became a political title and is generally translated as "king." The Sumerian lugals made the general welfare their major concern. Best known is Urukagina, who declared himself lugal of Lagash near the end of the Old Sumerian period and ended the rule of priests and "powerful men," each of whom, he claimed, was guilty of acting "for his own benefit." Urukagina's inscriptions describe his many reforms and conclude: "He freed the inhabitants of Lagash from usury, burdensome controls, hunger, theft, murder, and seizure (of their property and persons). He established freedom. The widow and the orphan were no longer at the mercy of the powerful man." ^7 [Footnote 7: "The Reforms of Urukagina" in Nels M. Bailkey, ed., Readings in Ancient History: Thought and Experience from Gilgamesh to St. Augustine, 4th ed. (Lexington, MA: D. C. Heath, 1992), p. 21.] The Fall of the Sumerian Cities Around 2000 B. c. both Sumer and Akkad were attacked by barbarian invaders. The Amorites from Syria seized control in Akkad , and built a powerful new state around the city of Babylon . The Elamites from Iran took the city of Ur , sacked it, and burnt it down. When Ur was later rebuilt under Babylonian rule, its inhabitants remembered with terror the Elamite destruction of their beloved city: 0 Father Nanna, that city into ruins was made ...Its people, not potsherds, filled its sides;� Its walls were breached; the people groan.� In its lofty gates, where they were wont to promenade, dead bodies were lying about; in its boulevards, where the feasts were celebrated, scattered they lay.� In all its streets, where they were wont to promenade, dead bodies were lying about;� In its places, where the festivities of the land took place, the people lay in heaps ... Ur -its weak and its strong perished through hunger;� Mothers and fathers who did not leave their houses were overcome by fire; The young, lying on their mothers' laps, like fish were carried off by the waters;� In the city the wife was abandoned, the son was abandoned, the possessions were scattered about...0 Nanna, Ur has been destroyed, its people have been dispersed. The Last of the Sumerians Within a few centuries the Sumerians had built up a society based in 12 city-states: Kish, Uruk (in the Bible, Erech), Ur, Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and Larsa. According to one of the earliest historical documents, the Sumerian King List, eight kings of Sumer reigned before the famous flood. Afterwards various city-states by turns became the temporary seat of power until about 2800 BC, when they were united under the rule of one king--Etana of Kish. After Etana, the city-states vied for domination; this weakened the Sumerians, and they were ripe for conquest--first by Elamites, then by Akkadians. The Sumerians had never been very warlike, and they had only a citizen army, called to arms in time of danger. In about 2340 BC King Sargon of Akkad conquered them and went on to build an empire that stretched westward to the Mediterranean Sea. The empire, though short-lived, fostered art and literature. Led by Ur, the Sumerians again spread their rule far westward. During Ur's supremacy (about 2150 to 2050 BC) Sumerian culture reached its highest development. Shortly thereafter the cities lost their independence forever, and gradually the Sumerians completely disappeared as a people. Their language, however, lived on as the language of culture. Their writing, their business organization, their scientific knowledge, and their mythology and law were spread westward by the Babylonians and Assyrians Archaeology Before the mid-19th century AD, the existence of the Sumerian people and language was not suspected. The first major excavations leading to the discovery of Sumer were conducted (1842-1854) at Assyrian sites such as Nineveh, Dur Sharrukin, and Calah by the French archaeologists Paul �mile Botta and Victor Place; the British archaeologists Sir Austen Henry Layard and Sir Henry Creswicke Rawlinson; and the Iraqi archaeologist Hormuzd Rassam. Thousands of tablets and inscriptions dating from the 1st millennium bc, the vast majority written in Akkadian, were uncovered. Thus, scholars assumed at first that all Mesopotamian cuneiform inscriptions were in the Akkadian language. Rawlinson and the Irish clergyman Edward Hincks made a study of the inscriptions, however, and discovered that some were in a non-Semitic language. In 1869 the French archaeologist Jules Oppert suggested that the name Sumerian, from the royal title King of Sumer and Akkad appearing in numerous inscriptions, be applied to the language. In the late 19th century, a series of excavations was undertaken at Lagash by French archaeologists working under the direction of the Louvre and at Nippur by Americans under the auspices of the University of Pennsylvania. The French excavations at Lagash were conducted from 1877 to 1900 by Ernest de Sarzec; from 1903 to 1909 by Gaston Cros; from 1929 to 1931 by Henri de Genouillac; and from 1931 to 1933 by Andr� Parrot. The excavations at Nippur were conducted (1889-1900) by John Punnett Peters, John Henry Haynes, and Hermann Vollrat Hilprecht. Since 1948, excavations have been conducted by archaeologists working under the direction of the University of Pennsylvania, the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago, and the American Schools of Oriental Research (after 1957 under the sole direction of the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago). Other Sumerian excavations have been conducted at Kish, Adab, Erech, Eridu, Eshnunna, Jemdet Nasr, Shuruppak, Tell al-Ubaid, Tutub, and Ur. The canalled city of Kish, which was situated 13 km (8 mi) east of Babylon on the Euphrates River, is known to have been one of the most important cities of Sumer. Extensive excavations since 1922 have uncovered an invaluable sequence of pottery. Archaeologists also unearthed a temple of Nebuchadnezzar II and Nabonidus (r. 556-539 BC) and the palace of Sargon of Akkad, ruins that date from the 3rd millennium BC to about 550 BC. Primary Author:� Robert A. Guisepi Portions of this work Contributed By: F. Roy Willis of the University of California �	Iraq
Modern DNA studies show that the first migrants to the North American continent were?	World History Timeline Ancient Mesopotamian civilization timeline and overview Overview and Timeline of Ancient Mesopotamian Civilization Mesopotamia is one of the cradles of human civilization. Here, the earliest cities in world history appeared, about 3500 BC. Timeline of Ancient Mesopotamian civilization: c. 5000-3500 BC: The first city-states gradually develop in southern Mesopotamia. This is the achievement of the Sumerian people. c. 3500: Writing begins to be developed . At first this is based on pictograms, and takes about a thousand years to evolve into a full cuneiform script. c. 2300: King Sargon of Akkad starts conquering the first empire in world history . The empire reaches its height in c. 2220. c. 2100: The city of Ur becomes the centre of a powerful Mesopotamian state . It soon falls into decline. This marks the decline of the Sumerians as the Amorites , a nomadic people, start moving into Mesopotamia. 1792-49: King Hammurabi of Babylon conquers a large empire. Hammurabi is famous for the law code which he issues. His empire begins to decline immediately after his death. c. 1530: Babylonia is conquered by the Kassites , who rule the area for 400+ years. c. 1500: The Mitanni, an Indo-European people, conquer northern Mesopotamia, plus areas of Syria and Asia Minor. After 200 years the kingdom of Assyria conquers northern Mesopotamia from the Mitanni From 1100: Nomadic peoples such as the Aramaeans and the Chaldeans overrun much of Mesopotamia . The kingdoms of Babylon and Assyria go into temporary decline. Please see the articles on Assyrian civilization and Ancient Babylonian civilization for later developments within Mesopotamia. Geography of Ancient Mesopotamia "Mesopotamia" is a Greek word meaning, "Land between the Rivers". The region is a vast, dry plain through which two great rivers, the Euphrates and Tigris, flow. These rivers rise in mountain ranges to the north before flowing through Mesopotamia to the sea. As they approach the sea, the land becomes marshy, with lagoons, mud flats, and reed banks. Today, the rivers unite before they empty into the Persian Gulf, but in ancient times the sea came much further inland, and they flowed into it as two separate streams. (The first of a sequence of maps covering Mesopotamia's history ) The land is too dry to grow many crops on. As a result, much of it has been - and is still - home to herders of sheep and goat. These nomads move from the river pastures in the summer to the desert fringes in the winter, which get some rain at this time of year. At various times they have had a large impact on Mesopotamian history. Near the rivers themselves, the soil is extremely fertile. It is made up of rich mud brought down by the rivers from the mountains, and deposited over a wide area during the spring floods. When watered by means of irrigation channels, it makes some of the best farmland in the world. The marshy land near the sea also makes very productive farmland, once it had been drained. Here, the diet is enriched by the plentiful supply of fish to had from the lagoons and ponds. It is this geography which gave rise to the earliest civilization in world history. Agriculture is only possible in the dry climate of Mesopotamia by means of irrigation. With irrigation, however, farming is very productive indeed. A dense population grew up here along the Tigris and Euphrates and their branches in the centuries after 5000 BC. By 3500 BC, cities had appeared. The surplus food grown in this fertile landscape enabled the farming societies to feed a class of people who did not need to devote their lives to agriculture. These were the craftsmen, priests, scribes, administrators, rulers and soldiers who made civilization possible. Language and Writing of Ancient Mesopotamia At the time when civilization first arose in Mesopotamia, the population was divided into two distinct groups: those who spoke Sumerian (a language unrelated to any modern language), and those who spoke Semitic dialects (related to modern Arabic and Hebrew). It was the Sumerian-speakers who lived near the great rivers, and it was they who built the first cities. Their language therefore became the first to be written down in world history. The first script to be used was based on pictures, and is therefore known as "pictographic". They first appeared around 3500 BC. By 3000 BC the pictograms (of which there were more than a thousand) had become highly stylized, and were losing their original meanings. They were gradually becoming more "phonetic" - that is, reflecting spoken words. Finally, around 2500 BC, the script had evolved into "cuneiform" - or wedge-shaped - writing. This was written by means of triangular-tipped stylus tools being pressed onto wet clay, and the symbols (which had been reduced to a more manageable 600 or so) were highly stylized and abstract. Early Mesopotamian writing (The Schoyen Collection) Learning to write in cuneiform was a long and rigorous process, and literacy was confined to a small elite of priests and officials. (Click here for more on the historical context in which writing first developed.) Cuneiform was at first written in the Sumerian language. For more than a millennium Sumerian retained importance as the language of administration, religion and high culture. However, in the centuries after 2000 BC, it increasingly fell out of everyday use. In its place, a Semitic dialect, Akkadian (also known as "Old Babylonian") became widespread. Later still, in the early 1st millennium BC, another Semitic dialect, Amaraic, took its place. The waxing and waning of these languages reflected population movements within Mesopotamia, and to the rise and fall of ruling kingoms and empires with which they were linked. As each language fell into decline in everyday use, it retained its useage amongst the conservative temple priests - much like Latin was used in the monasteries of Medieval Europe long after the rest of society had moved on. The cuneiform script, first developed by the Sumerians, remained in use, adapted for each successive language. Government of Ancient Mesopotamia One of the most remarkable things about Mesopotamian civilization is that here, right at the dawn of recorded history, we find states which organized their populations more tightly than all but a very few in subsequent ages. In truth, this situation is the result of gradual steps taken over hundreds, even thousands, of years, and only appears to arrive fully formed as written records begin to shed their light; however, the sheer scope of the state's control over the lives of the people is astonishing. Politically, the each Sumerian city formed its own city-state , composed of the city itself and the farmland for several miles around. These city-states were fiercely independent from one another, and warfare between them was frequent. Priests and bureaucrats In early Sumerian cities, the temple stood at the very centre of public life, both political and religious. The god of the city was held to own the city; in practice, this translated into the temple controlling the productive land of the city-state. There are indications that the common people (who were also owned by the god, an therefore under the temple's authority) brought what they grew to the temple, and received back what they needed to live on from the priests. If this is correct, then we have here as near a communist state as we ever get in history. Whatever the true situation (and it probably varied from city to city) the temple acted as a major centre of distribution: receiving, storing and disbursing the food (and other goods, such as seed and agricultural implements) as needed, and keeping back stocks for years of poor harvest or floods. In these circumstances the first bureaucracies in history emerged. Scribes and accountants were needed to keep track of what was being brought into and sent out of the temple store houses. They left behind them thousands and thousands of documents on clay tablets, the majority of them as yet unstudied. The temple would also have employed a large number of menial labourers, as well as skilled craftsmen, and probably even traders who were dispatched to barter with peoples further afield for much needed building materials and other products. In a sense, in fact, the farmers too were temple employees, working the god's land and under the authority of the temple priests and overseers. The remains of the ancient ziggurat temple at the great Mesopotamian city of Ur (Photo: Hardnfast) Kings By the mid-third millennium, the political dominance of the temple was seriously modified by the rise of kingship in all the Mesopotamian city-states. Exactly how this first came about is unknown, but it seems likely that this development was linked to the endemic warfare that set in between city-states at this time (attested by the appearance of city walls). It may have been that the high priests of the temples - who, in an age when politics and religion were deeply entwined would always have been highly political figures - became more and more important as the people of the city looked to them for military leadership; or it may have been that gifted war-leaders were given (or seized) pre-eminent power in the states. In any event, during the early third millennium BC kingship arose in all the city-states, and in subsequent centuries became gathered more and more power and status to themselves (judging by the ever-larger palaces that they built). Accompanying this process was the alienation of land away from the temples, with the growth of large estates in the hands of rulers, and later of private individuals. Other aspects of economic life, such as trade and craftwork, followed a similar course. Hammurabi enthroned as king of Babylon by the god, Shamash (The Louvre) The king was held to be the earthly representative of the patron god of the city. He was a sacred being, and to disobey him was to disobey the god. His primary duty was to ensure that the people served their god properly. Because the people believed themselves to be the slaves of their god, they were also viewed as being slaves of the king. However, the king was also seen as the shepherd of his people, and his duty was not simply to ensure their obedience; it was also to provide justice and order, to protect property, and of course to defend the people from attack. Larger states From time to time, one of these city-states would succeed in conquering its neighbours, with the conquering ruler becoming acknowledged by other kings as their overlord, or high king. Extensive states would thus be formed temporarily, enduring for a generation or two. However, holding such conquests together was hard, in the face of invasions from the surrounding mountains or deserts, or from rebellions from within. Mesopotamia would soon fall back into its normal patchwork of small states. As time went by, however, the independence of the city-states was gradually undermined as more enduring states covering many cities arose. From the early 2nd millennium, southern Mesopotamia was usually unified under the control of various dynasties, ruling from the large city of Babylon. As a result, this region came to be called Babylonia. Some time later, northern Mesopotamia came to be dominated by the Assyrians . (You can see these trends by contrasting the map of Mesopotamia in 2500 BC and in 1500 BC .) Administration Mesopotamian rulers had wide duties. Not only had they to maintain law and order, but they had to ensure that the canals and irrigation systems were in proper working order, so that agriculture could thrive. As a result, much of the bureaucratic apparatus that had grown up to serve the temple was now under the orders of the king, to assist him in fulfilling his awesome responsibilities. The Sumerian city-states had a complex hierarchy of scribes and officials to look after the complex workings of the temple and royal government. Most notably, Ur, at the height of its power under Shulgi (reigned 2094-2047 BC), had a large and elaborate bureaucracy to administer the remarkably centralized state it had built up. A few centuries later, Hammurrabi , king of Babylon (1792-49 BC) also had a large organization of officials to assist him rule his empire. By this date, Mesopotamian states also had a regular postal system at their service. To sustain the state apparatus, Mesopotamian landowners had to pay the king a portion of the crops they grew. They also had to provide labour services ("corvee") to work on the irrigation dykes, channels and canals, and men for the army - theoretically, every male was liable for military service, with only a few exemptions. Also, the king owned large estates from which he could draw income. The individual cities were also responsible for the upkeep of their local irrigation systems, and could raise their own labour for this. To meet their local government needs, the subordinate cities could impose their own taxes and dues, as well as levy duties on local trade. Law One of the major contributions of ancient Mesopotamia to government practice was the development of written law codes. The most famous of these is the Code of Hammurabi, written about 1780 BC. However, this code drew on earlier codes going back to the Sumerian city-states of the 3rd millennium BC. Excerpt from Hammurabis Code (The Louvre: photo by Marie-Lan Nguyen) Hammurabi's code and its predecessors were written on clay tablets or stone pillars, so that they could be seen in public. From them, we know a great deal about the Mesopotamian legal system. Cases were heard by judges appointed by the king; in important cases, a panel of judges was appointed. Appeals could be made to the king. Indeed, it seems that one of the reasons for Hammurabi issuing his Code was to make it clear to all his subjects (who would have been accustomed to different laws in different places) on what basis decisions would be arrived at if appeals were made to the royal court. A person could not be convicted unless there was clear evidence of his or her guilt. However, carelessness or negligence could be harshly punished - famously, the builder of a building which fell down and killed a person could himself be killed (and if it killed a man's son, then his own son could be killed!). By modern standards, punishments could be harsh - many crimes carried the death penalty (with sentences ranging from hanging to burning). Flogging was used for various crimes, but fines were the most common punishment. As well as criminal law, there was a well-developed body of civil law. Contracts, deeds and agreements had to be written on a clay tablet, witnessed on oath and placed in the temple archives, so that in case of dispute they could be referred to later. Warfare Warfare was endemic in early Mesopotamian society, as cities quarrelled over land and water rights. The Sumerian city-states organized the first true armies (as opposed to warrior bands) in history. We know very little about how these armies were composed or organized. Fragmentary evidence suggests that there was a small permanent corps of trained soldiers, which would be supplemented in times of war by a larger group of citizens, called up until they were no longer needed (presumably at the end of the years' fighting season). Their elite soldiers were armed with bronze armour and weapons, and less-well armed but more mobile troops were deployed slings and bows and arrows. In the 2nd millennium BC, Mesopotamian armies adopted a new piece of military technology, the horse-drawn chariot. This was an innovation imported from the nomads of the steppes to the north. Mastering chariot warfare demanded considerable training and practice, and the adoption of this technology must have given further impetus to the use of trained, perhaps even professional, soldiers. (Click here for the Assyrian army , which brought Mesopotamian warfare to its peak.) A bas relief showing a Mesopotamian army on the march (Stele of the Vultures, the Louvre; photo: Eric Garba) Religion Mesopotamian religion was polytheistic; more than 2,000 gods and goddesses have been identified. The chief of the gods varied from period to period. For the Sumerians, it was Enlin, the Sky God. The Babylonians worshipped Marduk above all others, and Ashur was the supreme god of the Assyrians. Other notable gods and goddesses were Ishtar, goddess of love and fertility, Tiamat, god of the sea and chaos, and Sin, the moon god. Marduk, high god of the Babylonians (the Louvre) The Mesopotamians conceived of the material world as being deeply bound up with the divine. Every household, village and city had its own god. Everything that happened on Earth had a divine dimension to it - was at least as much the result of the wishes of gods as of men and women. The overriding purpose of man was to serve the gods. This meant not just tending the gods' sanctuaries and burning incense at their altars, it meant feeding them and providing them with all their material needs. In early Mesopotamian times this meant that the entire economic life of a city-state was geared to the service of the temple. Later, with the rise of kings, the idea grew that, as representatives of the gods on Earth (indeed, in some senses kings were seen as being the patron gods of their cities) they were responsible for the people's service to the gods. This gave religious justification for their complete authority over their subjects. Mesopotamian cosmology viewed the world as a flat disc, with a canopy of air above, and beyond that, surrounding water above and below. The universe was held to have come out of this water. The Mesopotamians had a rich store of myths and legends. The most famous of these today is the epic of Gilgamesh, due to the fact that it contains a legend of the flood which has various similarities with (but also glaring differences to) the Biblical account of Noah's Ark. Economy and Society The early Mesopotamian city-state was, to a very large extent, a self-sufficient economic unit. It was viewed as being the household of the patron god - which meant, in practice, that the temple had an immense degree of control over economic activity. Craftsmen - metal-smiths, potters, spinners, weavers, carpenters - and labourers were (what we would call) employees of the temple. So too were traders. Long-distance trade caravans were organized and supplied by the temple, and the traders were temple servants. As time went by this situation was modified by the rising importance of the secular ruler, the king. As he grew in power, little by little he arrogated more economic control to himself. This was achieved through taking land (the primary economic asset) from the temple, and diverting the work of scribes, overseers, craftsmen and workmen to his own purposes. As more time passed, the situation changed again as the king granted lands and wealth to his officials and supporters, and so created a private market for goods and services separate from either king or temple. Traders, craftsmen and labourers increasingly worked on their own account. Nevertheless, throughout ancient Mesopotamian times, temples and palaces retained huge economic influence. Agriculture The Mesopotamian economy, like all pre-modern economies, was based primarily on agriculture. The Mesopotamians grew a variety of crops, including barley, wheat, onions, turnips, grapes, apples and dates. They kept cattle, sheep and goats; they made beer and wine. Fish were also plentiful in the rivers and canals. The rivers Tigris and Euphrates, and their numerous branches, made farming possible in Mesopotamia. However, they could be wild rivers, and floods were frequent. At the same time, the hot, dry climate meant that year-round irrigation was needed to grow crops. The Euphrates river runs through a hot and dry landscape in Mesopotamia (Sergeant James McCauley, US military) Irrigation is needed to bring the arid Mesopotamian landscape to life (photo: jamesdale10) The Mesopotamians were the first people to attempt to control water on a large scale by the use of an integrated system of dykes, reservoirs, canals, drainage channels and aqueducts. Maintaining, repairing and extending this system was seen as one of the prime duties of a king. Scribes and overseers managed the projects, and the common people were dragooned into working on them through the system of forced labour (or corvee). The water control system was built up generation by generation, covering an ever wider area and involving an ever denser network of waterways. As a result of the large and concentrated population which grew up in Mesopotamia, farming was carried out by peasants rather than by slaves (mass slavery tends to be a response to a shortage of labour). In early times these were bound to the land as temple or royal serfs; later, some became free farmers, owning their land outright, but many farmed estates owned by kings, temples, high officials and other wealthy members of the ruling classes. All remained liable to forced labour on irrigation projects, or on the construction and maintenance of temples, palaces and city walls. Until the spread of the use of iron, in the first millennium BC, farming implements were made of stone and bone - as they had been during the Stone Age. Metals such as bronze were far too expensive to use in this way, while copper was too soft for most uses. Wood was also quite rare, as there is little tree cover in the region. However, the soil of Mesopotamia, once watered, is easy to work, and agriculture was highly productive. Trade The plain of Mesopotamia was created in comparatively recent times (from an geological point of view) by the mud brought down by the rivers. This means that the region is very short of useful minerals such as stone for building, precious metals and timber. This had the effect of stimulating trade with neighbouring regions, and beyond. Early in Mesopotamia's history food surpluses and craft goods were exchanged for mineral resources. Later, Mesopotamian merchants ventured further afield, with trading contacts being developed with peoples in Syria and Asia Minor in the west, and in Iran and the Indus civilization , in the east. With the coming of the Bronze Age, in about 3000 BC, an added incentive to trade was the desire to acquire the copper and tin needed to make this valuable metal. Once Mesopotamian states started to equip their soldiers with bronze armour and weapons, this hunger intensified. However, these minerals are only found in widely scattered locations, so the search for them involved developing long distance trade routes. Trade caravans (of donkeys - camels were only domesticated after 1000 BC) were organized by specialist agents, to whom merchants entrusted their goods. Overland transport was by oxen. Most bulk goods (such as the timbers brought from as far away as Lebanon ) was transported by river. Sea-going ships were also used, with trading voyages being made to the ports of northern India . Metal coinage would not come into use until much later, but trade was based on a regulated system of exchange - a given amount of seed would be worth so many ounces of silver, for example. These relative values were enshrined in the law codes. Temples acted as banks, with merchants and landowners acting as lenders. Written drafts (inscribed on clay tablets) were used by merchants to draw "money" from the temple-banks. Temples also made loans on their own account. If the debt was repaid before the due date, no interest was levied. If it was late, a high interest of 20-30% was charged. Settlements The ancient Mesopotamians lived in cities, which formed the core of the city-states. These cities were surrounded by numerous satellite villages, and in the case of the larger cities, smaller towns were also under their authority. Estimates for the size of Mesopotamian cities vary wildly. However, a typical city may have housed 20,000 people, and a larger one 50,000. Once it became the chief city of southern Mesopotamia, Babylon could have had a population of as much as 100,000. The typical Mesopotamian city was built around the temple, a monumental structure sitting at the centre of a complex of granaries, storehouses and other administrative buildings. From the mid-second millennium onwards, a monumental royal palace would also stand nearby, sometimes rivalling the temple in magnificence. One or more wide streets connected the central area to the city gates. Away from these public spaces, the large homes of the elite and the squat mud dwellings of the common people crowded together, interspersed by narrow passages down which even pack animals could not pass. The stench must have been appalling, as most people had no means of disposing of their waste apart from into the street. No wonder the better-off houses had all their windows facing inwards, onto their courtyards! The larger cities followed the above pattern except that they were composed of several districts, each one centred on its own temple (whose god was subordinate to the patron god of the city). The city proper would be enclosed by a stout mud or baked brick wall, pierced by guarded gates. Just outside these gates were probably reed huts of those unable to afford to live inside the walls. The remains of such structures have long since perished, but carvings depict them, and many people in modern Iraq live in similar houses. Reconstruction of the avenue leading to the Ishtar Gate, Babylon (Pergamum museum, Berlin; photo: gryffindor) Either joined to the main town, or a little distance from it, were the quays of the river or sea port. Around the harbour were the homes of foreign traders, who would not have been allowed to live in the city itself. The city's market would probably have been held here. Surrounding this built up area was the territory ruled from the city. Nearest the city were the irrigated farms and meadows. Dense villages of closely-packed mud huts dotted this countryside, and every now and then the large courtyard-style house of a wealthy landowner. Beyond the fertile farmland would be the grassland where shepherds and nomads grazed their sheep and goat; and beyond this, the desert. Social classes Most of the population in ancient Mesopotamia were farmers, working small plots of land. Above them stood a very small elite group made up of the ruling classes - kings, courtiers, officials, priests and soldiers. Merchants and craftsmen also held a high position in society. The elite was greatly restricted in size by the difficulty, length of time and expense it took to acquire literacy and numeracy. The cuneiform script had hundreds of symbols to master, which took long years of hard schooling - and one can be sure that access to such schooling was available only to the children of elite families. In any case, the vast majority of ordinary folk needed their children to be contributing to the family income as soon as they were able, and not spending time in education. All this would have given the members of the literati a huge amount of authority over the rest of the population. Only through exercising the skills of literacy and numeracy could the large bodies of people be organized. Very probably literacy was seen as a mysterious and sacred skill, conferring high status on those who possessed it. In early Mesopotamia, members of this elite group would have been supported by temple revenues. later, as temples lost their pre-eminent place in Mesopotamian society, a career in royal service would have become a more important source of income for ambitious officials. Later still, as kings gave away landed estates, or as wealthy individuals were able to purchase them, the topmost levels of Mesopotamian society would have come to form an hereditary landed aristocracy. Near the bottom of society was an underclass of landless labourers and beggars. These had only restricted rights as citizens; and right at the bottom was a class of slaves, who had very few rights. They could be bought and sold like other property. They had either been war captives, or had fallen into slavery through debt, or had been born into slavery. They worked as household servants, as workers in workshops, and in other menial roles. However, they could acquire property, and even own other slaves. They also had the right to buy their freedom, if they were able. The Family Most marriages were monogamous, though concubines were farily frequent, especially in wealthy families, and more especially where the wife was unable to have children. Women had a respected place in Mesopotamian society, at least by the time of Hammurabi's Code. They had rights and duties as citizens, they could act as witnesses in court, and they could own property. She brought a dowry into the family, and although divorce was entirely a husband's prerogative, the divorced wife would take her dowry with her out of the marriage. A widow took the husband's place at the head of the household until her children were adults. She was not able to sell any of the family's property, however; this was so that the children could inherit their full share from their father's wealth. Should she remarry, the children still retained their full rights to their father's inheritance. A father had complete control over his children's lives, even to the point of selling them into slavery, until they married. A father could will his inheritance to any of his children, but generally daughters received an equal share with their brothers. Science, Mathematics and Technology Numerous technological advances can be attributed to the Mesopotamians: irrigation, the plough, the sail, clay bricks, the potters wheel, metal-working (including metal armour and weaponry), writing, accounting, filing, glass and lamp making, weaving and much more. They also developed an impressive body of scientific knowledge through close observation of the natural world. Exhaustive lists of animals, plants and minerals have come down to us, as well as lists of Geographical features - rivers, mountains, cities and peoples. Plans of cities have been discovered, the most complete one being of Nippur, which matches the maps made by archaeologists. The Mesopotamians also showed a practical grasp of chemical processes in many fields, for example in the preparation of recipes and pigments, and the manufacture of coloured glass. Mesopotamian science was particularly fruitful in three areas, mathematics, astronomy and medicine. Mathematics The Mesopotamians developed mathematics to a more advanced level than any contemporary people, and in so doing laid many of the foundations for modern mathematics. Ancient Mesopotamian clay tablet showing knowledge of Pythagorus' theorum (Yale Babylonian collection; photo: Bill Casselman, http://www.math.ubc.ca/~cass/Euclid/ybc/ybc.html ) Mesopotamian scribes produced detailed mathematical tables, as well as texts posing advanced mathematical problems. From these we know that they developed a number system based on base 60, which has given us the 60-minute hour, the 24-hour day, and the 360-degree circle. The Sumerian calendar was based on the seven-day week. Their number system, alone in the ancient world, had a place-marker to denote values, as in modern mathematics (as in 3,333 when the number 3 represents 3,000, 300, 30 and 3 respectively). They developed theorems on how to measure the area of several shapes and solids, and came close to an accurate measure of the circumference of circles. They fully understood square roots and cube roots. This knowledge was not just theoretical. It was applied to the design and construction of large buildings, long aqueducts and other ambitious engineering projects. Astronomy A major branch of Mesopotamian science was astronomy. Mesopotamian priests produced astronomical tables, and could predict eclipses and solstices. They worked out a 12-month calendar based on the cycles of the moon. Mesopotamian astronomical knowledge was later to have a major influence on Greek astronomy. As with most pre-modern cultures, astronomy and astrology were inextricably bound together: the movement of the heavenly bodies were seen as having a direct influence on the affairs of men. This was a powerful stimulus for priests to work out as exactly as they could the movement of the planets and stars. Medicine As in all ancient societies, medicine and religion went hand in hand. Disease was seen as a sign of the gods' displeasure with a person, or even as a manifestation of evil spirits indwelling them. The duty of the doctor was to identify the sin which had caused such displeasure, and to prescribe the correct religious ceremony to bring about healing. Exorcism commonly recommended. It is clear, however, that many Mesopotamian doctors mingled this approach with a more practical study of the human body and its maladies. Many tablets, for example a text called the Diagnostic Handbook, dated to 11th century BC Babylon, list symptoms and prognoses. These show that Mesopotamian doctors had developed rational techniques of diagnosis, prognosis, physical examination, and prescriptions alongside the more mystical elements of their trade. Diagnosis and prognosis were based on rules of empirical observation and logical reasoning (as in modern medicine). Doctors used bandages, creams and pills in their treatments. This involved a sound understanding of the properties of different herbs and minerals. Art and Culture Literature A large amount of ancient Mesopotamian literature has come down to us, much of it found in royal libraries dating from Assyria and late Babylonian times. The literature is written in cuneiform script, and contains prayers, hymns, myths, epic poetry, collections of proverbs, works on theology, philosophy, politics and astrology, books of spells, historical records and many other kinds of texts. The best-kown piece of Mesopotamian literature is the Gilgamesh Epic, which, in the form it has come down to us, dates to around 2000 BC; this long poem is famous for pre-dating the Biblical story of Noah's Ark by telling of a world-wide flood. Art The main forms of Mesopotamian art which have come down to us are sculptured figures in stone and clay. Few paintings have survived, though most sculpture was also painted. Mesopotamian sculpture comes in all sizes, and appears in the round and as reliefs. It often depicts animals, such as goats, rams, bulls and lions, as well as mythical creatures such as lions and bulls with men's heads. Others show gods and goddesses, as well as priests and worshippers. Most human figures from the early period have large, staring eyes, and, on men, long beards. As time goes by the figures become increasingly realistic. Under the Assyrian and Babylonian empires, sculpture takes on a colossal form, with giant statues guarding the royal palaces. Bas relief of a Babylonian goddess (British Museum; photo by Manuel Parada LÃ³pez de Corselas) On a smaller scale, cylinder seals come from all periods of Mesopotamian history. many are beautifully executed, with highly complex and sophisticated designs. Architecture Temples: Mesopotamian temples were designed to a rectangular plan. Early examples were constructed atop a small earthen platform; as time went by, these platforms became taller and taller, giving rise to the classic Mesopotamian ziggurat. Ziggurats probably represented the sacred mountain where gods and men could meet. They were brick-built temple-mounds, taking the form of a layered platform. They resembled step pyramids with a flat roof, on which a shrine would be built. Access to this shrine was by a broad staircase or ramp. A reconstruction of a Sumerian ziggurat (mike.the.kitty) Constructing these great buildings demanded high level design and engineering skills. Their exact proportions show that their builders had a complete mastery of the mathematics involved. Surrounding the central temple building was a complex of ceremonial courtyards, shrines, burial chambers for the priests and priestesses, ceremonial banqueting halls, along with workshops, granaries, storehouse and administrative buildings, as temples were main centres of economic and administrative activity in ancient Mesopotamia. Palaces: The palaces of Mesopotamian rulers were large and lavishly decorated. Built around a series of courtyards, these complexes housed craftsmen's workshops, servants quarters, food storehouses, shrines, and of course the domestic accomodation for the royal family. The largest of these led off to the throne room, of a size and majesty designed to stun visitors. The palace walls were decorated with carved stone slabs on which pictorial and textual depictions of cultural scenes or the the Kings' deeds. Gates and important passageways were flanked with massive stone sculptures of mythological figures. Outside, these palaces were often adjoined to expansive gardens and parks, stocked with wild animals for hunting. The massive remains of the palace walls of Mari, western Mesopotamia (photo: Zukaa) Houses: The materials used to build a Mesopotamian house were the same as those used today: sun-baked brick made of mud mixed witrh straw, mud plaster and wooden doors. These all used materials naturally available in the locality. Most large houses, whether in town or country, were built around a courtyard. Off one side was a large square room, where the family received guests and ate together. Leading off this room were the private family quarters. Other sides of the courtyard led to the kitchen, store rooms and servants accommodation. The homes of the poor were probably built of materials such as mud and reeds, which have long since perished. They may have been situated in the ancient equivalent of shanty towns outside of the city walls, but there is very little archaeological evidence for this. Ancient Mesopotamia's place in World History Ancient Mesopotamia must surely be the most influential civilization in world history. For a start, it was the first. The Mesopotamians were the first to build cities, use the potter's wheel, develop writing, use bronze in large quantities, evolve complex bureaucracies, organize proper armies, and so on. All subsequent Western civilizations were ultimately built largely upon foundations laid here. Mesopotamian civilization deeply influenced societies in Syria, Palestine and Egypt. These in turn, especially via the Phoenicians and the Israelites , would provide the material, religious and cultural models on which the Greek , Roman and Islamic civilizations would later be constructed. A whole range of technologies and scientific advances were thus made in ancient Mesopotamia which eventually found their way to Medieval and Modern European civilization. To the east, powerful Mesopotamian influences flowed into India at the time of the Assyrians and Persians - for example, the Sanskrit alphabet is based on the Aramean script. So, the Mesopotamians built long and well; they were the giants upon whose shoulders later ages have stood. And given that they were the first people to have writing, and the first to record their deeds, their place in world history is, it is no exaggeration to say, as the ones who got it going! MORE ARTICLES ON ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA: Society and culture:	i don't know
What modern convenient foodstuff takes its name from the Latin meaning 'salted (and preserved meat)'?	The Happy Wanderer \| I wander round the World looking at things; it makes me happy. I wander round the World looking at things; it makes me happy. 3 I have visited London many times, and as a UK citizen I feel almost as if I am a resident of the great metropolis. Even though I feel disenfranchised with previously strong institutions, I still claim a stake in the capital which I wouldn’t in other cities of the UK. In this greyish vacuum between being a tourist and local, I often feel a deep sadness and nostalgia when I visit places which have changed in directions which I feel a little queezy about. Without doubt, my favourite location in London is the area between Liverpool Street and Brick Lane – where Whitechapel meets Shoreditch. Every time I have visited London I have made an attempt to get there. It’s a well worn route so I will try to describe to describe it with various layers of time piled on top of each other. As I try to imagine it I realise that it’s not a journey thought the actual locality but more of a journey through my own memories of the place. I leave the station and walk down through the large banks of the City of London. The City of London Police station is where I once spent some time, a very brief time. I was once interrupted during an outdoor McDonald’s breakfast by two very polite policemen who wanted me to take part in an identity parade. They spoke in that dusty old man London accent that you get in original Sherlock Holmes dramas with Jeremy Brett, the accent used by Johnny Depp in the ripper movie. I obliged and spent some time standing next to various young adults, all of whom had short dark hair and a similar build to myself. Since I was a teenager I have always been followed in shops and generally suspected of wrongdoings, this was the final proof. The lawyer decided that we were not right so I never actually got to have the witnesses inspect me. There was an element of anxiety despite the Police telling us that it’s impossible for any of the identity parade to be incorrectly sent down. I think I may have watched too many movies to fully believe them. Anyway, I got paid so I was happy Outside the police station I head down the Bishopsgate then make a right turn into the wide street running down to Spitalfield’s Market. I love the houses in this part of London, they are very London in colour and seem to watch disapprovingly as their friends and neighbours get turned into start-up tech firms and overpriced bistros. I think most of the houses and buildings were used as storehouses and shop-fronts when the East India Company was still going. At leasts some of the pubs seem to have remained intact and kept their character – like the 10 Bells on the corner. I walk through the line of franchises into the vast market, a lady with a local accent mistakes me for a foreign tourist because I don’t shave and I wear sunglasses ” I fought you woz Spanish or samfink!” I smile and move on to another stall. The cafes get hipper and seem expensive so I plot my escape. Opposite the large right angle of original terraces I am interrupted by the eccentricity of Hawkmoor’s church on the corner. This spawns a cross London quest in which I try to visit as many Hawksmoor churches as possible. The quest is made all the more interesting by running out of battery and forgetting my A to Z map of London. Christchurch looks on silently as if unaffected by the earthly pursuits of buying vintage furniture and comparing new cocktails. For Christchurch guards one of the points of the underworld pentagram which connects the other Hawksmoor Churches. The streets near Fournier Street remind us of the Huguenots and of course Jack the Ripper. This part of London has always been the first port of call for many immigrant communities. In some cases they only remain in the proper nouns of streets and surnames, in others they can still be smelt. As I approach Brick Lane I enjoy the smell of the Bangladeshi spices in the numerous curry houses. I’m sure they are good but I have no intention of eating there. A brief sensation of Northern pride prevents me from analysis, Manchester’s Curry Mile must be much better. Brick Lane is colourful and bewildering, the novelty of Bengali Street names on such typically domestic streets quickly wears off as I spot Rough Trade East. The ghost of John Peel tells me to go in and find a gem but I settle for a catalogue instead. I really really want to buy a T Shirt but I have never been good at being a fan of anything. Moderation stops my impulse buys and hunger takes over. I have a OCD capacity to know everything about food. One of those foods is the humble bagel – invented in Poland for pregnant women. The bajgiel was eaten by the Yiddish speaking Jewish community in Krakow. Many of the Jewish diaspora emigrated to this part of London too. One of my many food quests led me to search out two beigel shops towards the end of Brick Lane. After getting past the post industrial chic of the warehouses I finally make it. It seemed like a shorter journey in my head but it doesn’t matter because salt beef makes everything vanish. If mindfulness is living in the moment and forgetting all other thoughts then I may have just experienced it. The lady put huge quantities of salt beef on the בײגל and then doused it in strong English mustard. I stand on a corner eating my beygl and my journey stops. I’m not sure why people choose to eat cereal for double the price but that’s the price of being hip these days. I backtrack to the cereal killer cafe because it wasn’t there when I last walked past. I noticed the cereal fetish with many North Americans in Korea. Someone tried to explain it to me once but I didn’t understand. I believe it may be mixture of nostalgia and brand loyalty. I appreciated the concept and quirkiness of the imported cereal, and I do admire the willingness to follow crazy ideas. However, I think I fall into the category of feeling slightly ashamed that people would spend a fiver on a bowl of cereal when you could buy a full box and a pint of milk round the corner. My breakfast habits have changed beyond recognition since wolfing down crunchy-nut cornflakes as a kid. These days I only eat oatmeal or refrain from cereal all together. If you think it’s difficult to quit eating cereal, I assure you it’s not – just read the ingredients. Most of what you find in boxes of cereal is pseudo food and by the way, what does fortified actually mean? I’ve never found a castle in my cereal. My hunger is busted now so I try to find a coffee. If all coffee is a little overpriced and if most cafes look and feel the same then why not go for something different? This is why I choose to support another hipster, and if you wanted proof then he has the beard to prove it. I get a coffee from a converted black cab. Admiration and anti-hipster reflexes conflict again in my conscience. The solid authenticity of this neighbourhood really does clash with some of the modern elements. If anything, Shoreditch and its environs echo what is going on the real world day to day. There is no authentically industrialised inner city any more. There are no jobs for life, no job security. The service sector has taken over. You don’t need to make anything or be good at anything. You just need a new concept and hope people are dumb enough to buy into it. I leave my favourite neighbourhood with mixed feelings and as if to raise more questions Russell Brand walks past me whilst nattering into his mobile. Is he an authentic East End boy done good, looking out for social justice? Or, is he just another hipster? 2 I have researched more information about the Sosu Seowon than any other post I have written (or not written). My reasons are not really from any deep desire to uncover the mysteries of Confucianism, nor are they based on extra enthusiasm for this subject. The reason I have read so much is partly because I don’t understand it, but mostly because of a constantly nagging suspicion about Korea, if I was in any way scientific I would even call it a theory. I don’t want to use inverted commas for theory, so I will call it my idea. My idea is that despite Korea’s futuristic aesthetics, fast internet connections, huge shiny skyscrapers and an entire generation plugged into their smart phones, I believe that you can find something timeless underneath. The neon flashing modernity that lights up the huge construction projects of modern Korea easily distracts you from several truths. These truths, rules of behaviour, and manifestations of culture reach back deep into history, a history which goes back way beyond most nation states of the early 21st Century. It’s true, many civilizations stretch back even further than Korea, many have never been conquered, colonized or generally abused by the other cultures jostling around it. However, I believe that Korea has managed to preserve many of its “intangible cultural assets” through persistence, resistance and centuries of isolation. The longer I stay in Korea the more echoes of neolithic life I find, perhaps neolithic is an exaggeration but there are many historical precedents to be found which account for the modern behaviour we see today. One aspect in which I have found a constant thread is the dedication to study. One of the most notable features of Korea is the dedication to studying and the breadth of the various spheres of education. Korea has the highest tertiary gross enrollment ratio of any country in the world (UNESCO 2010). There is a strong deference to teachers or leader figures whether it be the hastily prepared power point presentation for the boss, or the middle school students hunched over their books in after school academies. The word Seonsaengnim is used for people of higher status but roughly translates as Master. You might argue that the deference is not being subject to the person of higher status but rather the undeniable truth that education is the most powerful tool to get ahead in this most competitive of countries. This deeply entrenched philosophy of working hard and studying harder is not some modern concept, it’s not playing catch up with the West because of the hard times in the first half of the last Century. The philosophy, or even religion, of hard work and diligent studying is something you can see throughout the history of Korea, especially during the last dynasty – the Joseon Dynasty. Buddhism found a natural home in Korea, especially during the Shilla Dynasty. The various tribes and clans of the peninsula always found a neat way to co-opt their local shamanistic beliefs into their branch of Buddhism. I have even seen discrete shrines to mountain gods tucked behind some temples. Despite the Buddhist influence, by the time the Joseon dynasty kicked off they were getting tired of the old ways. Buddhism was associated with the debauchery and excess of the elite, the elite who were often propped up by the Yuan (Mongol) Dynasty in China. In many cases the Kings had Mongol wives and many of the rulers were part Mongol or at least put in place by the Mongols. The Joseon Dynasty started to shed the centuries of superstition and metaphysics of Buddhism and to a lesser extent Taoism. What came in its place was a Korean version of Neo-Confucianism. One of the great advantages of the previous Goryeo Dynasty was the access officials had to Chinese culture and in particular literature. These ideas filtered into Korea through the various scholars (still venerated to this day) and became the corner-stone of the new Joseon Dynasty. Buddhism and the temples of Buddhism were increasingly marginalised – which is why if you visit Korea you will find many temples way out of the cities and perched halfway up high mountains. Many of the original temples were converted into use as private educational institutions – seowons. When I first read about seowons (서원) they reminded me of the endless Hagwons you see in modern Korea. These days most of the school students study maths, science, and of course English in these private academies. In the past they would have studied the Chinese classics which were essential to pass the state exams to enter government service. The modern equivalent is perhaps the dreaded entrance exam which permits entry into the exclusive Universities – once you have a degree from the better Universities you are more or less guaranteed a position in one of Korea’s top firms. The name of a top University is seen as being more important than experience, potential or personality. There are many more parallels between modern Korea and the original use of seowons, but the underlying theme is that to get on in a Neo-Confucian society you need to study. Social mobility came and went with various monarchs but rich or poor you would have to study to get anywhere near the top. The seowons served this purpose, and the Sosu Seowon was the first. This private Neo-Confucian academy was founded by the magistrate of Punggi County Ju Sebung (주세붕/周世鵬 1495–1554), during the reignof King Jungjong. It’s located near Suksusa Temple, in Sunheung-myeon, about 30 minutes from Yeongju. Aside from being the first of its kind, it is also unique for many other reasons. It was the only seowon that survived from the Seowon Abolishment Act in 1871. Ju Se-bung was criticized for founding a school because of other more pressing matters of the time – especially famine and drought. Being a scholar himself he was able to use reason and wisdom to defend his actions “Education is the cardinal virtue of man, and ought to be promoted above all else.” Other seowons enjoyed a fruitful period but Sosu Seowon was the first thus it became one of the richest. Sosu Seowon also enjoyed more attention because it enshrined An Hyang (1243 -1306). An Hyang is a name you see many times in the history books; he was a Confucian scholar who brought Neo-Confucianism to Korea from China in the 13th century.The academy gained even more prestige when Toegye (another big name in the list or Confucian greats) became magistrate of the county. He asked King Myeongjong to grant the academy a royal charter and the King responded with a hand signed “Sosu Seowon”, and a supply of books. Many seowons and temples before them had a mixed relationship with the Monarchy, similar to some of the more powerful monastic orders in Europe. In this case the annals of the king specify that the local magistrate cannot interfere in the affairs of the academy, nor disturb the Confucian scholars. Sosu Seowon as an institution and as a physical place, was free from interference from the monarchy. Its location, even in our times, underlines this fact. The institute is spread over the hills and the various complexes would have accommodated about 4,000 scholars. There is also a shrine for An Hyang, An Bo, An Chuk and Ju Se-bung, where a memorial services take place on the first day of the third and ninth months of the lunar calendar every year. The study facilities have been placed in the east and the shrine placed in the west. Outside the entrance to Sosu Seowon is the Okgyesu stream of the Nakdong River. This stream comes down from the impressive Mt. Sobaek. Although I made my quest to reach this place I would definitely recommend stopping by on the end of a Sobaek hike. I took a very local bus from Yeongju but the easiest and quickest way to get there is by taking a train to Punggi and then taking the bus I mentioned up the valley. At the time of writing the road was being widened so I expect it will be a much easier journey in the future. The train i from Cheongyangni (Seoul’s eastern terminus) is exceptional. You can pass through some mountain scenery and the pleasant town of Danyang on the way. If you plan on sticking around there is an Azalea festival and some other Temples scattered around Mt. Sobaek. You can take bus number 27 from Punggi Station – check it’s not going to Yeongju. For the bus times coming back check in the tourist office at the Sosu Carpark (their timetable is different from the one at the bus stop. Extra links: Palsaik Samgyeopsal serves pork belly meat (samgyupsal) They are seasoned or perhaps marinated with eight (pal) special sauces. All the sauces have different colours (saik) eight + colour + porkbelly = Palsaik Samgyupsal The flavours are amazing and the novelty fun is the constant bickering over which is the best flavour: ginger, wine, ginseng, pine leaves, herbs, curry, soybean paste, and chilli pepper paste or gochujang (as it’s known in Korea). My personal favourite is the pine leaves, but I enjoyed all the other flavours too. Each sauce has its own nutritional benefits, however, I’m not sure of eating one of the fattier parts of a pig counts as well-being food. I read some research not long ago about pork fat producing some kind of chemicals in the brain to make you feel good – like pineapple and chilli. Every time I eat samgyupsal I feel great, mentally. I would recommend this place as a great introduction to samgyupsal, my only reservation is that it is perhaps too good. This may lead to the typical street corner BBQ places being pretty run of the mill. If you are a seasoned veteran when it comes to samgyupsal, I still think this place would provide something of a welcome surprise. As you can see from the map there hare various branches in other global locations. This is one of the flagfliers for the wave of Korean food which is set to sweep across the early 21st century – along with Bibigo’s bibimbap and Kimchi. If you have a chance to visit I strongly recommend you take the opportunity. It does smell of clever marketing and contrived advertising copy, but the flavours are real and the atmosphere is authentic. There are various options available, but if it’s your first visit then you should definitely get the whole lot. The aesthetics alone make this the best option because they come in their own small bowls on a long wooden serving tray. The rest is as you would expect from any BBQ place, just throw it on and cut it up with the scissors once it’s done. Due to the often messy nature of fat spitting and sauces dripping you have the option of wearing an apron. This is a feature of many dalkgalbi restaurants in Korea, but it’s the first time I’ve seen it in a samgyupsal place. 0 If you are in Kyoto for more than a couple of days, you should find some time to get to Fushimi Inari-taisha. There is a temple complex near the station, but as you wind your way up one of the mountain park paths you can see an amazing Shinto Shrine – the head shrine of Inari. The shrine, or shrines, which span about 4 kilometers, are an eye catching introduction to Shintoism. I found the whole area quite confusing and I have been trying to make sense of it ever since. What struck me the most was how current and relevant to contemporary life the whole place seems to be. This is possibly due to the importance of the Inari. Inari is the Japanese kami (spirit) of foxes, fertility, rice, tea and business in general. This spirit seems to relate to a general sense of prosperity in various fields. In the past I imagine the rice harvest was the most important reason to visit the shrine, but these days many modern businesses also place great importance on this magical fox spirit. Inari may have been worshipped since the founding of this shrine at the mountain of the same name. Some scholars believe that worship started in the late 5th century, but most agree that it began in the early eighth century. It’s such an important kami that more than one-third of the Shinto shrines in Japan are dedicated to Inari. I was confused because I am used to the single shrine structures of Catholicism. In some cases I have also found the Stations of the Cross ascending sanctuary hills or several different chapels devoted to different saints in a cathedral. The Inari area contains numerous structures from the main shrine structure, main gate, tower gate – located at the foot of the mountain, through to the more spiritual altars towards the top. I use the word spiritual because there are fewer people at the top and there is a peaceful lake. As people often remind me ‘life is a journey; not a destination’. This statement is never truer than at Inari shrine. The most impressive aspect of the visit is the fact that the top of the mountain is only reachable by a path lined with thousands of torii. The torii are the brightly painted arches which are planted next to each other like a bamboo forest. The reason there are so many here relates to the function of the kami – business. This means that those who have been successful in the business world often attribute their success to the shrine, they subsequently donate the torii archways to the shrine. The walk to the top is a beautiful experience once the crowds thin out. The sunlight often glimmers through the numerous gaps of the arches and illumintes the shady pathway. The forested mountain on either side of the pathway provides peaceful noises to contemplate the new harvest or business venture. The more I read about it the more it seemed like some kind of inpenetrable animistic place, almost like the native American totems you might find on the pacific coast. However, as is always the case, the longer you contemplate something the more familiar it becomes. If a Catholic wanted to pray for a successful harvest or business venture, or in fact any number of different concerns, thay could turn to the wide array of saints on offer. After living in Korea for a few years I have never seen anything quite like the Inari shrine, although beneath the Buddhism of Koran mountain temples there always seems to be some kind of mountain god. I don’t think I’ll ever fully understand the religious or animistic rituals of the Far East but it will be great fun trying. To get to this shrine I recommend taking the train from Kyoto station. There are two stations at Fushimi: JR Inari Station on the JR Nara Line (5 minutes, 140 yen one way from Kyoto Station) and there is also Fushimi Inari Station on the Keihan main line. As you can see from the map, Inari station is very close to the entrance of the main temple. Like this: The Dongdaemun Design Plaza is the new landmark building in a landmark area of Seoul. It can get confusing around here, so let me be specific. 동 = east대 = big문 = gate Dongdaemun is literally a large gate on the eastern part of what once was the Seoul wall. This wall is intact (if recreated) in many places. Several of these gates necklace the former walls of Seoul and provide useful compass points for navigating the city. Dongdaemun-gu is the district which takes its name from this famous gate; it’s a bit further east from the gate. It’s also my home. Dongdaemun History & Culture Park is the area which used to house a famous baseball and football stadium. It has been demolished and rebuilt to include museums and ramparts from the wall. This backs on to the markets and busy fashion trade centres. It is also the name for the underground station. Finally we get to the edifice I would like to write about – Dongdaemun Design Plaza. It is quite a mouthful so has been shortened to ddp. I have noticed that many Seoul residents are still unfamiliar with this acronym, but from here on I will refer to it as ddp. ddp has been taking shape during the years I have been in Korea. It used to be a building site but as it neared completion I used to ascend the building opposite to view it from above, luckily there is an elevator on the outside of the building which goes up about 17 floors. Finally after 5 years it has been officially inaugurated and I have been able to see it from every other angle, including from the inside. It was designed by Iraqi British architect Zaha Hadid , and it’s a multifunctional mixture of post modern play things. Under the shiny aluminium panels you can find a fashion design information center with seminar rooms and a lecture hall. There is a convention hall, exhibition halls, museum and my personal favourite – a kind of design market. Zaha Hadid 360 degrees Opening Event The fun mixed use nature of the building adds to the playfulness and post industrial vibe that you can find here. Each part of the building morphs into the next and getting from one area to the next is so much fun that you almost don’t care what’s going on in the exhibition spaces. It’s got a minimal feel to it, especially with all the white. However, it differs from any modernist structure because it is completely freeform. There seems to be nothing holding anything up. Moving around the building makes no sense at all, but that’s one of the reasons I like it so much, you never quite know what’s going to happen round the next corner. The highlight of the interior has to be the staircase which coils round in a triangular direction. There seem to be no straight lines and at one point you can look across to a window and realise that the floor is uphill, the same floor you walked on before without noticing the gradient. I think a lot of organic architecture dates quickly with materials and concrete looking shabby after only a couple of years. With ddp I think technology has finally caught up with concept and it has allowed Hadid to build something straight from the sketch book with very little compromise. From above, and from certain other angles it looks like a spaceship has docked in the middle of the city. The shape of the spaceship resembles the head of some exotic reptile. These curving forms are all contained within a metallic shell of aluminium panels. The underbelly of the building joins into the cultural plaza where you can find some shops and the subway station. There is a lot of concrete surrounding the building but it manages to keep some kind of harmony with the grassy park and the ramparts of the old buildings which sit in the shadow of the silver spaceship. It has been criticized for not fitting in with the surrounding area and for not having a specific purpose. I would admit that it does look strange next to some of the larger retail buildings in that area, but it was a large space to fill and I admire the bravery of going for such a structure. I think over time many of the surrounding buildings will be knocked down, and Seoul has far too many geometric blocks littering the skyline anyway. Whether it will be the new fashion and design hub of Asia only time will tell. For the moment, it has provided the city with something different and something which goes some way to shaping the future urban landscape. I think it is far more successful than the City Hall building for demonstrating how this metropolis sees itself moving into the future. The future here seems to be soft edged, fun and playful. If you visit ddp you will be able to walk on it, in it, through it, round it, under it and over it. Someone told me that you can do those things in a multi story car park, if it is just a large post modern car park then I would be more than happy to park myself there every Saturday afternoon – because I love the place! 1 Far from idleness being the root of all evil, it is rather the only true good. – Soren Kierkegaard It is in our idleness, in our dreams, that the submerged truth sometimes comes to the top. – Virginia Woolf I’ve already written one post today so I’m pretty tired. I remember some time ago making a photo essay about being idle. I used the verb ‘making’ because ‘shooting’ would have been incorrect. I didn’t have the idea then decide to go out and take pictures. On the contrary, I had the idea after looking at pictures. This was a great idea and really fits into my theme because I didn’t have to do anything. In fact, as I type I have just realised that I am going to just recycle some old pictures from Facebook and re-post them on here. The reason I want to write about idleness is because I am particularly tired after recently working quite hard. I realise that in my day-to-day life I may have the time to ‘blog’ but I don’t necessarily have the will. I believe this lack of will stems from some part of my brain or soul being spent. I believe quite passionately in a particular kind of ‘creative idleness’. I use this term to make a distinction between simple laziness or idleness. When you are tired after working a long day you may want to lie down on the sofa, ottoman, or some other type of comfortable furniture. If your brain is spent, like mine often is, you may resort to watching a conventional soap opera or drama. Let’s take Coronation Street, Eastenders, Emmerdale and any other type of soap. People watch them because they are shit. After a hard day’s work these types of soaps act like a kind of anaesthetic to dull our creative impulses. This is the reason I have not written a blog post for so long. Even if I have a good idea it cannot swim to the surface because of extreme apathy. By the way, I don’t watch any of those soaps. I have thought about watching them, but only if they were animated with more cartoonish violence. I have come to understand the lack of creative idleness on an almost spiritual level whilst living in Korea. Koreans work the longest hours in the OECD yet have the lowest productivity. The lack of holidays and the culture of working ‘hard’ instead of working ‘smart’, means that the highly intelligent workers returning home on the subway only have the cerebral potential to play phone games. Everyday I see the empty gazes of Seoul’s workforce as they stare blankly into whatever trivial game or social media they are looking at. I’m not saying that salarymen should be composing sonnets or contemplating the Hegelian Dialectic, but simply acknowledging another human or appreciating something outside their smart phone would help. I wish I could show people the infinite ways of passing idle time. I consider myself very lucky indeed to come from a country where I could save up money then travel for a year, in trying to enjoy idle bliss. Ironically I spent most of this year working, but that ties into the ‘idler’s paradox’ – more of that later. On my journey to various parts of the World, the biggest gift I got was perspective. To see the World objectively and to question common ways of doing things. After seeing that some Samoans only work for 3 months in a year, and that Australians often go for month-long fishing trips, I was intrigued to know why this didn’t really happen much in the fast paced ‘real World’. After returning to the UK after my trip I became obsessed with productivity and the use of time. I had a time-consuming job in the back office of an academic booksellers. I was never much into counting things, so the idea of making reading lists and counting money seemed abhorrent to me. However, what I found was that I really enjoyed finding ways of saving time and saving man hours. Many of the practices I tried to fold into everyday life were not necessarily ‘good practice’, but the combination of various useful time-saving tips really helped cut the amount of time counting money. This extra time could then be used for creative idleness. This is the paradox which I mentioned earlier. Being extremely well-organized and efficient ultimately leads to the creation of idle time. If your brain is not spent you can use idle time to do more worthwhile things than making money for the ‘man’ or chasing the Yankee dollar. Most of the great ideas in the world have appeared out of context. We are at our creative best when we daydream, when we swap ideas over coffee and draw on napkins. Most conventionally bad ideas come when we are sitting in a ‘study’ or sitting at our desk. Unfortunately we have inherited an industrialized world in which we generally have to conform to set shift patterns and gruelling hours per week measurements. Most people, given the opportunity could easily condense their week down drastically leaving free time to do creative things, or to be with their friends and family. The biggest fears of course are money and public perception. Nobody wants to be seen as a slacker, and money is a drug in the sense that the more we get the more we spend, and the more we spend the more we want. I wonder how much time at work is spent doing almost nothing? Hopefully, as we enter an era of post industrialization work practices will become more flexible and allow us to do things which make us human. There are some new cultural trends which will really make life much better. The ‘mini retirement’ is one of the best. Stopping work to do other things actually makes us more productive and focussed in the long run. many companies and industries are not set up for this yet, and of course it relies on reasonably well paid jobs where paying the rent isn’t a constant worry. Now I find my photographs which I hope will illustrate how being idle can ultimately lead to increased happiness, longevity, and a sense of self. Befriend foreign nationals to see if they have any tips on finding time to be idle. If they don’t have any revolutionary ways then you could always help them into an idle lifestyle. Yasu and Kohei come from a land which is known for it’s low tolerance for slackers, however as you can see, they have no problems leading an idle life Make time to make music. The guy on the right got up at 4 am to play his dig at sunrise. The Digeridoo also vibrates your body on a sub atomic level which helps to relax. Be sure to take a holiday and don’t be bashful about telling others. You may lose some business in the short term but a well rested individual is far more productive in the workplace. Be open mided about other cultures and habits which you may have overlooed in your daily regime. Make and take time to appreciate your surroundings instead of walking in straight lines to your office. Old businessman = hunched , fat and depressed/ Artists = slim, flexible and happy Too much to explain so just go here instead – http://www.slowfood.com/ Set aside a place for relaxation. Time spent cooking and eating is always time well spent. Generally the longer something takes to cook the better it is to eat. A hot tub, sauna and plunge pool rotation is always good for the idler. Saunas are especially good because you have a rare window to do nothing at all. In case you are confused, sauna sweat is good sweat, gym sweat is bad sweat. Learn from you ancestors. Life was tough for my Armenian family so they moved to New York to make enough money to do less work. Allow time for play, in this case third world pool (less balls more insects) Take a hint from your environment Getting perspective. I find that a good view of things helps me to realise how trivial most worries are. I used to ascend this hill to escape studying in Barcelona. Take the time to enjoy simple pleasures. In this case a sunset. I myself like watching people who watch sunsets, I believe calmness is contagious. You don’t always need to sit in a lotus position to meditate. Avoiding clutter and mess helps the mind and body achieve true idleness. Be prepared on excursions. Hunting round for food at lunch time infringes on time in the park. Most food groups are represented in this simple pack lunch combo. Choice is generally bad for the true idler, imagine how much easier this decision would have been if there were only one shot of liquer. Herbs and spices are full of wonder. Look at the ingredients on everything in the supermarket on your next visit, you will soon realise that making things for yourself is more fun and healthier. Spices used to be essential for medicinal purposes and wellbeing but Victorian protestants attached a stigma to them as they probably hampered the ‘work ethic’. Why work 9 to 5 when you can work whenever you want? Further reading: http://idler.co.uk/ – This is a great magazine site made by Tom Hodgkinson. If you like the site then there are also some books published on the same theme. http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/ – Tim Ferris has become famous by trying to do things really quickly and easily. I question some of the content but the overall message is one of working less and enjoying life. There are many interesting ideas in the various books. e.g – only responding to e-mails at certain times each week, deleting all facebook friends and having people ‘follow you’, taking mini retirements. 1 This is along overdue post, mainly because the more I read about it, the more I taste it, and the more I try to understand it, the more confused I become. I will try to break it down into smaller sections so as not to confuse myself. What is it? Kimchi is a traditional fermented Korean side dish made from various types of vegetables. Most of the Kimchi you will find in restaurants in the little dish next to your main meal will be cabbage or radish. You could liken it to the German and east European sauerkraut, which is also pickled cabbage. However, kimchi also comes with a variety of seasonings, the most common being chilli which gives it the notable deep red colour. The mixture of its fermentation and seasoning gives it a characteristic spicy or sour taste. Despite being a side dish, there are many main dishes in which kimchi is used. It is also considered as Korea’s national dish. The English word for kimchi is kimchi. What is made from? According to the Kimchi Field Museum there are 187 varieties which can be made from the following main vegetable ingredients: Napa cabbage, radish (sliced in various ways), green onion, cucumber, green pepper, sesame leaf, mustard leaf, turnip, gourd, aubergine and so on…The other ingredients used for the fermentation process and flavour are:brine, scallions, spices, ginger, chopped radish, garlic,shrimp sauce, and fish sauce. Why is it made? Most civilizations had some processes for fermenting food. The prime reason being for times of shortage. This is especially true in the Korean peninsula which has a particularly harsh winter. The preservation of vegetables in earthenware pots allowed people to consume vegetables for 3 to 4 months over winter. Korea has four distinct seasons and the cultivation of vegetables is too difficult after November. Despite this fact, kimchi has evolved to be eaten at different times of the year. Many different types of kimchi are suited to the four seasons. Before the age of refrigeration kimchi was stored in the giant earthenware pots which you can still see to this day. The same type of pots are also used to make various other types of fermented pastes. Modern Korea has now has kimchi fridges which can separate the rather pungent odours from the rest of the items in your fridge. When was it first made? To trace the history of kimchi would involve tracing the history of cabbage. Cabbages travelled from the Indian subcontinent via the south of China to what is now Korea, this happened around 4000 years ago. It’s difficult to say whether kimchi was made at this time, but it is likely that the first agricultural societies were at least storing vegetables. The first mention in written accounts is by a famous writer called Yi, Kyu-bo(1164 – 1241 AD). In the History of the Koryeo Dynasty one of his verses includes the line: ‘the leaves of white radish dipped in paste are good to eat during three months in Summer and the salted ones are endurable during Winter.’ Yi, Kyu-bo’s obvious problem was that the Spanish had not yet colonized the Americas. It wasn’t until after the Japanese invasion (1592–1598) that kimchi began to take on its distinctive red colour and spicy taste. Although before this time there may have been other spices added to the dish. How is it made? The damaged outer leaves are removed from the cabbages, they are then are cut in half and left to soak overnight in salt. After soaking they are rinsed and drained. Garlic and ginger are minced and the red pepper powder is mixed with the other seasoning. The various vegetables are sliced. The seasoning mix is stuffed between the layers of cabbage. The cabbage is then securely wrapped with the outermost leaf and left to ferment. Is it healthy? A quick look at the list of ingredients used for kimchi will no doubt assure you of the health benefits. A serving of kimchi can provide Vitamin C, carotene, vitamin A, thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), calcium, and iron. It is usually considered one of the World’s superfoods, especially after outbreaks of avian flu and Sars. After much speculation and research, immunity to both these diseases, and many others, is increased by kimchi consumption. The magic is said to be in the bacteria from the fermentation process. I’m not sure about the overall health benefits but I can testify personally that my last three occasions without kimchi have been difficult. The main benefits I have seen first hand have been a general speeding up of the metabolism and as a source of fibre. After brief periods spend outside of Korea I have struggled with digestion. I don’t even eat kimchi everyday but I think my system now needs it. Where can I get it? I have seen it in most Asian supermarkets in the UK, although it is a mass-produced variety. It is also made in China and Japan. The best kimchi is of course from ‘someone’s mum or grandma.’ If you live in Korea there is almost no need to ever buy it because someone you work with will have access to it. Much of the kimchi used in restaurants may be mass-produced in China, but I’m sure any neighbourhood store will be able to get it for you. These days there are many workshops in Korea where you can make your own too. What do I do with it? The main use of kimchi is to be eaten with your rice, but this is not the only use! As it is nearly always a side dish you can use it in your ssam wraps with meat, in a big stew like kimchi jjigae, in soup, in a Korean pancake, and my favourite – with fried rice. I have experimented with almost every type of food, especially Western dishes. My personal favourite is a bacon and cheese sandwich with kimchi. You can put the kimchi on a baguette under the grill then melt cheese on top. Another good one is on hot dogs, beef burgers, and inside wraps or burritos. It goes especially well with pork sausages inside lettuce leaves. The only two combinations I cannot get my palette around are kimchi with any type of pasta or pizza, and also with wine. It’s really difficult to appreciate wine after eating any type of kimchi; soju is a much better combination. Final note! Most of the best things in life take a while to enjoy. Most people don’t like their first beer or glass of wine. I never used to like blue cheese. Sushi seems repulsive at first. If you are living in Korea or visiting Korea, I cannot stress enough that you should try to get used to the taste of kimchi. If you do, you will be rewarded with the myriad types and I also believe it will develop your taste by pushing the limits of sourness and spiciness. I have met many young Koreans who don’t enjoy the taste of kimchi, they prefer instead the bland or sugary tastes of modern fast food. I hope the younger generation and foreigners alike can learn to enjoy one of the World’s greatest foods – kimchi. Share this: 1 Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 at the start of the Joseon Dynasty. This new dynasty moved the capital to Seoul, the earlier Goryeo Dynasty was based in Kaesong. The palace dominates the northern part of Seoul and is a testament to one of the longest running dynasties in the World – 1392–1897. The name Gyeongbokgung translates to “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven.” Its dominant location in the heart of the capital is no accident, with Bukhansan to the north and the mighty river Han to the South, the location was deemed ‘auspicious’ by the traditional practice of geomancy or Feng Shui. Gwanghwamun If you ever doubt the benefits of this practice I recommend taking a closer look at this building; it seems like the modern skyscrapers of Seoul are queueing up to pay homage to this building or rather this complex of buildings. My first encounter with the centre of Seoul was ascending the steps from Gwanghwamun station only to be met by the awesome sight of King Sejong guarding the path to the Palace with the snow-capped Bukhansan in the background. The palace grounds stretch all the way to the Blue House – the home of South Korea’s President. I have been to the palace about five times and I would recommend it as being the number one priority on a Seoul bucket list. Changing of the Guards The first structure is Gwanghwamun Gate (mun means gate). This is the main entrance to the palace and it is linked to the major parts of Seoul by the Sejongno boulevard. As I mentioned earlier, this street is the beating heart of Seoul because it contains the statues of King Sejong and Lee Sun-shin. To get a good idea of this central axis I recommend visiting the Seoul City Museum. They have models and pictures which allow you to appreciate this area in all its glory. Gwanghwamun Gate is also where you will see the changing of the guard. During the Japanese occupation of Korea, the Japanese destroyed the gate and built their own government buildings. The gate appears quite modern looking , especially compared to some of the other stone gates in the capital. This is down to the fact that it was rebuilt in 1968 using concrete. As you walk through the gate you get an immediate impression of a large-scale landscaped layout with several important buildings. I will tell you about some of them moving south to north. Gangnyeongjeon ( 강녕전) was used as the king’s main residence, I always imagine King Taejo living here after seeing him in the amazing drama ‘Deep Rooted Tree’. Like most of the palace buildings in Seoul it was destroyed in the Japanese invasion of 1592. It has also suffered fire damage on other occasions. Since then it has been rebuilt to its original design. The only disappointment, especially to any European visitor, is that it doesn’t look particularly old. This is a common problem with many of the monuments in Korea, but at least they are being restored. The building sits on a tall stone foundation, and a stone veranda is in front of the building. You might see similar structures throughout Korea, but few match this one for scale and location. The next building moving north is Geunjeongjeon ( 근정전) which is a Throne Hall, or was a Throne Hall because Korea is a Republic these days. The name means ‘diligence helps governance’, a very Confucian name. This type of room will be familiar to anyone who has seen films like ‘Elizabeth’ or who watches TV shows like ‘Game of Thrones’. This two-tiered stone edifice was where the king formally granted audiences, greeted foreign ambassadors and gave royal declarations. I imagine that King Sejong decreed the new alphabet from here. The highlights for me, and anyone with a love of close up photography, were the sculptures of animals on the balustrades. There is also a stone-paved courtyard lined with rank stones or pumgyeseoks( 품계석). These were important for a Confucian society because each stone indicated where the officials were to stand. This strictly ordered ranking system is still very much a part of corperate culture in Korea. People get very uncomfortable until they know their age or rank relative to others. The most scenic of all the buildings for me is the Gyeonghoeru (경회루) Pavilion. This was a state banquet hall during the Joseon Dynasty. Its first inception was in 1412, but it was burned down in 1592, yes there is a predictable patten with fires in that year! The reason I like it so much is because it is located on an island of an artificial, rectangular lake. The wooden structure sits on top of stone pillars, with wooden stairs connecting the second floor to the first floor. The outer perimeters are supported by square pillars but the inner columns are cylindrical. Three stone bridges connect the building to the rest of the palace grounds, the balustrades around the island are decorated with sculptures depicting twelve Zodiac animals. The same twelve animals can also be seen near the folk museum. I’m going to miss some of the other buildings and move on to another favourite: Hyangwonjeong ( 향원정) This is a smaller, two-story hexagonal pavilion built on an artificial island of a lake. It was built later than the other buildings and reminds me of a kind of oriental folly, the sort you might find in the park of an English stately home. The name Hyangwonjeong apparently means “Pavilion of Far-Reaching Fragrance,”. I’m not sure why it was called this but it does feel less city like at this northern end of the grounds. It is perhaps the most photogenic of all the buildings in the palace, I once fell asleep on the grass next to the lake. Getting there: Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 5. Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 2. Top tip: There is an all in one ticket which you can use for other palaces. However, if you don’t have much time then perhaps just visit this one. 0 When people ask me, and they often do, ‘what’s your favourite food?’ I usually make up a quick answer to avoid unnecessary complications. Korean cuisine is infinitely complex and I have several ‘favourite’ foods. What I can say with some degree of certainty is that for my favourite meal or meals there should be several key elements. These elements are instantly Korean and instantly delicious. I sometimes get nervous when there is a table missing these key dishes or side dishes. They are of course: rice, kimchi, ssamjang, and some kind of meat. Other elements make these taste better, but these are the foundations of flavour. My favourite way to eat these foods is in a ssam. A ssam is basically a wrap. The wraps can differ, but the most common is just some green lettuce. You can wrap meat and vegetables in seaweed (or lava) and different kinds of leaves. Once you start free-styling you can even use two different kinds of leaves e.g a sesame leaf and a plain lettuce leaf. The most common places to eat ssam are at any typical Korean BBQ place or at a Bossam/Possam(보쌈) restaurant (the clue is in the name). The reason I love ssam so much is that you make them yourself to match your own palette. You can also develop them over time to include other key elements, garlic and beansprouts often find their way into my own ssams. I think ultimately, there is no taste better than one’s own taste. The ssam, like the humble sandwich in Western Cuisine, is completely subjective. My own ssams rely on a good dollop of ssamjang – the suffix jang can be added to foods to imply a kind of condiment or paste. I also like cooked kimchi if possible, especially for samgyeopsal (삼겹살) which is bbq pork belly. Obviously the most important thing is the actual meat. This combination of textures and flavours makes for a perfect meal. You don’t need to eat lots of meat and rice for ssam, in fact they can be very healthy relying on fresh seasonal vegetables and leafy greens. Here is a DIY guide to making a decent ssam. I think the order in which the food goes on doesn’t matter too much, but I usually put the meat on towards the end. The most important thing, and a common error, is the size of the ssam. A good ssam should be bite sized; it should fit whole into your mouth without spillage. It’s also great to drink soju with ssam, usually a shot goes together with each saam. If you don’t like soju I recommend trying it with ssam before you give up on it. There is something amazing about the ritual of nailing a shot after each ssam, or before each ssam. Share this: 0 Seolleung (선릉) and the Jeongneung (정릉) are royal tombs in the Gangnam district of Seoul. Most people, including myself simply refer to the whole place as Seolleung (pronounced more like Son Young). Getting there couldn’t be much easier now that the station of the same name has a Yellow Line link. From Seolleung station take exit 8 and continue up the road for about 5 minutes.You can also get there from Samseong station exit 5. From the COEX it is about 10 minutes walk, but beware – there is only one exit to this park so you may have to walk round the entire park if you arrive from the COEX side. There are many tombs and shrines dotted over the whole of Korea, and especially Seoul. If you’ve been in Korea for some time you may become jaded by the conventional 5 colour beams from the typical religious architecture. The tombs and stone statues here are similar to those found in other areas. What differs is the location. Seonjeoneun is hidden away behind the huge office buildings and hotels of Gangnam. It’s also on a hill and surrounded by parkland. Without the tombs I’m pretty sure it would have been developed by now. After visiting a few times I realized that many people come here simply to escape the city. The human scale of this part of Seoul is particularly overwhelming with some of the biggest skyscrapers in the city and some of the biggest traffic jams. Indeed, the gigantic COEX centre is less than 10 minutes walk from here. So if you don’t like history, and you’re not interested in Joseon era tombs, you can still come here to relax. Although you will still have to pay the 1000 won admission fee – well worth it! Seonjeongneung contains the burial mounds of three important royals of the Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1910). They are: Seongjong (1469-1494), his wife Queen Jeonghyeon, and King Jungjong (1506-1544).The red gates as you come in are common to many shrines and tombs, the red symbolises holiness. You will also see the taegeuk (as seen on the Korean flag). The taeguk is usually called by its more famous Chinese name – yinyang. However, in Korea I recommend calling it the taeguk as it is a symbol of national pride. Another interesting feature are the stones paths leading up to the ceremonial buildings. They are spirit roads allowing the dead kings or queens to journey unimpeded into the after life. Apparently you shouldn’t walk on the slightly elevated path because it might impede the spirit of he kings. The lower paths are for humans. Whether this is true or not I don’t know, but in a country which has been conditioned by neo Confucianism I would treat such places with more caution. Whether you are royalist,Confucian or something else, I think it’s always better to respect the dead, especially of they were important enough to deserve such shrines and tombs What strikes me the most after visiting this place, and reading about it,are the similarities between other cultures and the manner in which they treat the deceased. You may notice the monkeys on the eaves of the buildings, these ‘Japsangs’ are to ward off evil spirits in the same way you can find gargoyles on the corners of older Catholic Churches. In addition to this, you can find the stone statues of the departed monarchs who serve as guardians in the afterlife. In this case they are soldiers and animals but similar customs could be found in Egypt, on the steppes of Russia and even in the burial sites of Anglo-Saxon nobles like in Sutton Hoo. If you plan on going to this park then it can be done on the same day as the COEX and Bongeunsa temple. The following photographs were taken on two separate occasions so you may notice the grass and sunlight are different. Share this: 1 I had a very pleasant journey from Gangneung to Samcheok on the special tourist train. The seats faced sideways so the passengers could look out of the window to the East Sea. There was of course out of context Muzak on the journey but I have learnt to tune it out and focus on other senses – a useful skill in Korea. When I finally alighted I tried to find a way from the station to the centre of Samcheok. Despite the small size of the town, the train station is a considerable distance from ‘down-town’. As it was the height of summer and I had a backpack, I decided to walk. With hindsight, I believe I was trying to tire myself out so I wouldn’t have to attempt a visit to the famous caves on the same day. I had slept in a jjimjilbang the previous night so I was in need of a decent sleep. I looked in a couple of motels near the bus station but they were triple the usual price, that is literally the price you pay for travelling in peak season. I eventually found a place called the ‘International Motel’, although it was written in Korean which made me giggle. By this point I was sweating more than usual and I probably looked a little pathetic. After checking the prices I was crestfallen again, I asked if there was any discount and the ajumma said she would knock it down from 90,000 to 70,000. I took out 60,000 from my wallet and said this is all I have. She made a brief phone call to the boss and then let me stay. I don’t usually haggle to that extent but I had a strict budget and didn’t want to cut my trip short because of one motel. The evening approached quickly and I noted the bus timetable for the caves then wandered down the river through the long shadows. All the special cave museums watch over the river and face the usual apartment buildings on the other side. The style of architecture in the cultural type buildings of Samcheok is Vegas meets Disneyworld. They don’t seem to be going for the natural wonders angle. I enjoyed walking round Samcheok and I would like to visit on another occasion to stay nearer to the sea and to visit the crazy looking museums which were closed during my stay. I awoke fresh and well rested, the previous days exertions mixed with some cans of Asahi had rendered me comatose throughout the night. I got to the bus station early and found some other tourists waiting for the same local bus which was cavebound. Luckily the caves are by far the biggest draw in this part of Gangwondo, this makes getting the bus pretty easy because there is always an expectation from those working in the bus station; they know where you are going. The lady in the tourist information booth next to the bus station also spoke pretty good English. After a rickety journey through some spectacular valleys and mountains we finally reached Hwanseon. There were many minbaks and pensions along the way. This was a rustic part of a rustic province and the journey made me feel cut off from the rest of Korea. If I ever return I would like to stay in one of the small pensions in those valleys, a place to escape subways and mobile phone shops. Hwanseongul is a huge cave. In Korean the word gul (굴) means cave, so you don’t need to say Hwaseongul cave. There are other cave systems around in this part of Gangwondo but this is the most famous and the biggest too. The main reason I wanted to see the cave was not to tick off another Lonely Planet highlight, it was to re live some experiences I had as a schoolboy. I was a pretty keen geography student at school, mainly because I love excursions. I even love the word excursion. Being from the Northern part of Lancashire the impressive limestone features of the Yorkshire Dales were only a short bus ride away. There seemed to be a trip to Malham every year and I always attended. I went on the trips to see limestone caves and features even when I wasn’t studying them. After I had finished studying them I still returned to visit the limestone features. Even on the other side of the world I was able to see some of the same things I studied in class as a child. On my solo geological excursion I couldn’t find any clints or grykes like in Malham, but the karst scenery was outstanding and has bestowed one of the largest limestone caves in Asia. The cave system was immense with over 6 kilometres of known passages. The problem with these delicate environments is the human contact. Many of the nearby caves are closed to the public and you are restricted from taking photographs or touching anything. Although I managed to get a few phone camera shots. I took a cable car up to the entrance because I was there for caves not for hiking. I expect it would take a minimum of 30 minutes to reach the top by foot but the cable cars or funiculars are a nice way to take in the scenery before you enter the huge natural gateway. Once inside, the temperature plummeted from the outside summer highs of 33°C to about 12°C. It was a great relief to be in the cool in what was a pretty vicious heat wave. Some of the rocks drip and spout water from crevasses, this then joins other little trickles to make streams, waterfalls and plunge pools. Some of the chambers are higher than Gothic cathedrals at over 100m tall. In fact I have many theories about church architecture and caves, but that’s another post. Many of the difficult features have been made accessible by metal bridges which gives it the air of an Indiana Jones movie. Unfortunately the majesty of nature has been sabotaged by using glowing lights and exploiting some of the features with bizarre names. The bridge of seven hells, the chamber of coarsely whispered insults, the valley of misshapen croutons, the cascade of venereal diseases…etc. Actually, my fake names may be even better than the ones I saw. I don’t think it’s necessary to adorn such an impressive site with anything other the basic ways of traversing through the features. It was quite funny for a while but in the end I think I felt sorry for the rocks. I certainly recommend the effort it takes to get to Hwaseongul. The best place to travel from is Samcheok and given the local scenery it should be worth taking some pack lunch and going hiking. I expect it gets incredibly busy later in the day so to appreciate the place fully I think it’s a good idea to take the early bus. 3 Nicholas Hawksmoor is one of those strange figures of British history who have remained buried at the bottom of history, not much recognition, not famous, nobody seems to care much. He should be mentioned in the same breath as Newton, Blake, Shakespeare, or Dickens. He should be one of those we mention without needing to use his first name or his profession. So why is he little known outside the fields of Baroque architecture and London history? English Baroque never became as fashionable as its continental counterparts, I believe this is a principle reason why Hawksmoor never quite made it among those lofty names. He has also been overshadowed in notoriety and in the legacy of his work by his master – Sir Christopher Wren. Hawksmoor was ‘spotted’ by Sir Christopher Wren. He subsequently worked for Wren as a clerk in the last 20 years of the 18th century. This is both a blessing and a curse for Hawksmoor because much of his work has been overshadowed by the figure of Wren. Wren’s shadow is cast from the huge cupola of St Paul’s over the last 300 years of British Architecture. This period was also characterised by the rebuilding of London after the great fire. I said blessed because Wren is undoubtedly a genius of this period. The job of an architect was not really conceived before Wren. The idea of planning construction sites and project managing was not really a professional concern, it was left to the skilled labourers and masons. Working with Wren during this time must have given Hawksmoor many opportunities which allowed him to develop and exploit his skills. Hawksmoor worked with Wren on the Chelsea Hospital, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Hampton Court Palace and Greenwich Hospital. Wren was also surveyor general. It’s easy to see how Hawksmoor’s influence can be overshadowed by the celebrity of Wren, but many argue that some of the features and developments of Wren’s projects owe much to Hawksmoor. Imagine the modern celebrity chefs who lend their names to famous restaurants only to have another more than competent chef actually cook the meals. I think there is a distinct possibility that their close professional relationship created a level of trust whereby Hawksmoor could carry out the projects of Wren’s ‘brand’ without much interference. Wren also had many other concerns at that time so I think it’s safe to assume that not every Wren project was completed in its entirety by Wren By 1700, Hawksmoor was a major architectural force with his own style; his own baroque style. I say his own Baroque style consciously, because unlike many architects of that time Hawksmoor never completed the almost obligatory Grand Tour. He did not see the famous sights first-hand, and had to rely on pictures and engravings. The lack of first-hand experiences may have hindered his style, but I choose to believe that it prevented cheap mimicry and afforded him a rare objective approach when studying ancient monuments and edifices. Anyone who has seen his churches can see that he paid close attention to the monuments of ancient Rome and even Greek, Egyptian, and Hebrew works. How many churches in England have a pyramid in their graveyards? His grand tour was carried out in the library where he travelled effortlessly from Medieval Europe to Ancient Egypt. He was free from the constraints and prejudice of direct contact and instead had to rely more on the free-flowing artistic imagination to complete his works. This continuity of history, be it Christian, pagan or anything else, is explored in the baffling yet brilliant book ‘Hawksmoor’ by Peter Ackroyd. I read the book after visiting his churches in London. The narrative switches between the slightly mundane modern murder investigations to the initial drawing board of the architect/mason. Many themes are explored which you can see clearly in the fabric of the unusual churches. The main theme being the relentless rationality of Wren compared to NIcholas Dyer’s satanic mysticism. I won’t go into too many details about the book here because I want to talk about my journey through the architecture. However, the book provides an unbelievable analysis of religious architecture in relation to the history of belief itself. The book really helped to explain the continuity of history in the church both physical and religious. Some of the prose adds another layer of meaning to most of the structures built by Hawksmoor. The book has also left a cult of the occult. The belief is that the pattern of the churches relates to some diabolical pentagram. I cannot confirm this but what I will say is that there is an otherworldly quality of the churches. Each building seems to exist on a separate timeline than our Judeo-Christian heritage. In many ways the churches seem a little dislocated from their physical surroundings too. Too grand to sit between the simple dwellings of East London, and far too mysterious too be nestled between the large Victorian Banks and Institutions of Central London. To the untrained eye they may look the same in colour and texture as their neighbouring buildings, but on closer inspection they bear little resemblance to the safe classical buildings we commonly see. I wondered why Hawksmoor had so many churches to his name so long after the great fire. I found my answer when I visited Christchurch in Spitalfields. In 1711, parliament passed the following: Act for the building of Fifty New Churches in the Cities of London and Westminster or the Suburbs thereof. The act was passed for various political reasons, but it was supported by Queen Ann as a way of providing a pastoral guidance for the godless masses, especially in the East. London at this time was turning into a huge metropolis and the infrastructure had not caught up with the demands of the growing population. There was also a concern about the growing number of non conformist meeting houses, especially in the Spitalfields area which contained large numbers of Huguenots . The creation of large churches was a way to erect towering steeples to watch over the less imposing meeting houses. Whatever the reasoning, it was a serious commission, a commission which included Christopher Wren, John Vanburgh, Thomas Archer and a number of churchmen. Hawksmoor served as one of its surveyors and remained until the commission ran out of enthusiasm and money in 1733. The declining will for the 50 churches meant that only twelve churches were actually completed. I believe they ran out of money because they were far more grandiose than originally intended. Some of the churches were collaborations but six of the churches were designed or rebuilt by Hawksmoor: Christ Church, Spitalfields Hawksmoor 1714-29 St Alfege Church, Greenwich Hawksmoor 1712-18 (rebuilt) St Anne’s Limehouse Hawksmoor 1714-30 St George’s, Bloomsbury Hawksmoor 1716-31 St George in the East Hawksmoor 1714-29 St Mary Woolnoth Hawksmoor 1716-24 (rebuilt) I spent the best part of a day travelling across London to look at the churches. Unfortunately St. Georges in the East was closed and as I was in the East I failed to visit Bloomsbury, this is strange because I have been in that area many times. If you live in London, or if you are spending a reasonable amount of time there I highly recommend setting aside a full day to visit the churches. I started in Spitalfields and headed East. Actually, I forgot my map and notes but a leaflet from Christchurch was enough to get me going to Limehouse and beyond. I will not label all the pictures or describe how to get there, I believe it should be a personal journey. If you need a guide then consider following the gruesome murders in Peter Ackroyd’s Hawksmoor . Good luck! Share this: 0 In a country with hostile neighbours it comes as no surprise that most people in Korea have traditionally been reluctant to travel. Even after the rapid development of the economy, and a huge increase in disposable income, few Koreans seem to enjoy travelling. I say this not from some dry UN statistic, but from general conversations and by visiting various places in the world. Compared to Australians, Germans, British and even Japanese, Koreans don’t really clog up the international flight map. This is mostly because of the working schedule which leaves little time for long holidays overseas. The only red days in the calendar are those that cling to the traditional family festivals like Chuseok and Seollal – the harvest festival and Lunar New Year. The boat from Udo So when Koreans do get time to go on holiday where do they go? What constitutes the exotic for this nation of workaholics? Where is the Korean Hawaii, Tenerife or St Tropez? How do people escape the grey apartments and white shirted offices? There is one resounding answer – Jeju. Jeju is the self-governing island located to the South of the Korean peninsula. It’s near enough to be a comfortable flight and to get instant noodles and kimchi. However, it’s just far enough, and isolated enough, to have its own dialect, climate and cuisine. This distance from the rest of Korea gives Jeju a sub-tropical edge which has affected all aspects of life here. Jeju is the ultimate destination for all Koreans; you rarely get through any conversation about travelling without the name Jeju cropping up. Everyone knows someone who has been to Jeju. It’s one of those ‘must see’ places on any Korean bucket lists. I have always been luke warm to must see destinations, I feel so pressured. With this weight of obligation and the lack of other viable destinations (I’ve been in Korea 2 years) I chose to go to Jeju for my last holiday. Apart from the flight I actually spent very little time researching the place. I imagined it would be one of those step off the boat and select the best option places. There are countless things to do in Jeju but I would caution against being too casual because the weather and the public transport can be quirky. Despite a couple of grey days and some timetable wrangling, I found Jeju to be everything I expected and a little bit more. The airport was much bigger and more urbane than I expected, I thought it would be more akin to one of those Caribbean places that James Bond arrives at. Instead of light-hearted trans-atlantic banter with Felix Lighter – I settled for a taxi. Like most Korean taxi drivers the guy had no idea where my hotel was, and forget using a map because taxi drivers don’t understand the world as seen from above. They work on more of a medieval approach to directions – half instinct half rumour. Eventually he found the hotel which was a cheap love motel turned into a family friendly budget hotel. The owner seemed genuinely surprised to see a guest but the room was large and clean. The best feature was a framed seashell. Fish in the Spirited Garden After seeing Jeju-si (the city) and the hotel district I was pretty disappointed. Most places didn’t seem much different from the average Korean town. The sea comes close to the shore leaving little in the way of a beach, and the ferry port is just a small industrial area. Some of the major hotel chains seemed a bit provincial and drab. However, this was only the city and Jeju-si isn’t Jeju-do. ‘Si’ is city and ‘Do’ is island. After a brief night of fear wondering what I had done, the next two days were amazing. I visited the Eastern side of the island using local buses. The scenery was verdant and a welcome pleasure from the back of a rickety bus. After nodding off several times I kept seeing small forests and green pastures through my half closed eyes. Sometimes I felt like I was home on the roads between Lancashire and the Lake district – they even have dry stone walls! On closer inspection the trees were much different from those found in England. In fact, nature itself was a slightly different shade in all its examples. Islands are separated from the processes of natural history on the nearest landmasses. This gives Jeju its distinct trees, plants, and fruits. On the second day I headed west on an organized tour. The tour was excellent and gave enough time in each place without ever getting bored. The tour guide was informative without feeling the need to entertain. The mixture of scenery and attractions was always stimulating and I would go back without hesitation. I got the chance to walk along the coast, visit Buddhist temples and there was even a buffet at a famous bonsai garden. I am purposefully leaving out details because I hope the pictures can show a glimpse of the colours and scenery that make Jeju so popular. I decided pretty quickly that I will return to Jeju and go hiking up the Halla volcano. Until then, like most Koreans I will keep dreaming about going to Jeju. This slideshow requires JavaScript. 0 On the south coast of Korea, as far away from Seoul as you can get (without getting wet) is Suncheon. Suncheon-si is one of the bigger three places in Jeollanam-do, the others being Mokpo and Yeosu. Gwangju became so big that it became its own special metropolitan city. Jeollanam-do is perhaps the most scenic of all the provinces of Korea. It has an incredible range of scenery and vegetation. There are the heights of Jirisan, the rolling green fields of the Boseong tea plantations, the craggy islands off the coast of Mokpo, and the wetlands of Suncheon Bay. Wetlands and tidal mudflats are often overlooked in favour of more glamorous mountains, glaciers, and rainforests. Even for myself, when someone talks about escaping to nature, I have in my head a North American rocky mountain with log cabins and bears. I imagine catching trout in a fast flowing river then having a fire later on. There is of course the extreme exotic element; the jungles of maddening noises and dangerous snakes. This version of nature comes complete with a soundtrack of those frog noises and small monkeys screeching, natives squat behind large trees ready to shoot their darts from a blowpipe, or panpipes. Wetlands never really enter my mind when thinking about escaping into nature. I have no clear image based on the countless movies I have watched, perhaps only those Florida type reeds and grasses with the alligators and those fun looking boats. Actually, I think they are just swamps. Coastal wetlands and tidal mudflats are hugely important to the World’s ecosystems. The reeds which grow in such places naturally filter out the various types of pollution which find their way into water. The roots of the reeds also hold together soil and prevent erosion and the more serious effects of floods. There are five major coastal wetlands in the World: Georgia in the USA, the Amazonian Delta, the North Sea in the UK and Netherlands, the Great Lakes in Canada, and Suncheon Bay in South Korea. These places are so important because they serve as a rest area for migrating birds. Korea is something of a major crossroads for birds in Asia. Many species stop here on their way from Siberia to Australia and New Zealand. There are also crabs, otters, worms, and countless other fauna which call these places home. I don’t think most wetlands are high on the list of tourists. They are simply too inaccessible, and without any interest in ornithology or photography, there is little to see. Suncheon Bay is a recent development (completed 2009) and with the careful use of raised board walks and birdwatching huts, the place is definitely worth a visit. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed walking among the three metre reeds and grasses. If this wasn’t enough then you can glimpse many birds flying over your head from time to time. The crowning glory of the reed park is the Yongsan Observatory. To get to this amazing viewpoint you have to cut back on yourself and climb a fairly steep hill. Once you have ascended through the pine forest you are awarded a spectacular view of the reed fields spreading out into the ocean. It’s not a windswept salty ocean, but a gentle breezy ocean dotted with interesting islands all the way up to the horizon. The observatory offers a panoramic view and unlike many places in Korea, there is nothing much there, just a wooden structure with some shelters and a large pair of mounted binoculars. You can do the walking course within a couple of hours, but if you have a reasonable camera or an interest in birds, you could fill the better part of a day here. If you tire easily of walking, or you have a short attention span, there is a small train and a boat ride. The entrance to the park has a building with an observatory and some displays on the flora and fauna of the area. You can also buy local agricultural products in a surprisingly tasteful shop. Suncheon will host a Garden Expo in April so I expect many of the facilities to be upgraded. They are working on a small personal rapid transit to reduce traffic impact. Also, some of the ticket offices are being upgraded from their current hut styles. Even without the forthcoming Expo, I recommend visiting the park, the entrance fee is only 2000 won and it’s an easy enough places to reach. From Jeonju it’s an easy half day trip and from Seoul you could make it if you get an early train, but I would stay overnight to make it more relaxing. Getting there: Suncheon is on the KTX route between Seoul Yongsan and Yeosu Expo. If you travel from other cities like Daejeon or Jeonju look at the slower trains before booking KTX, the time difference is minimal. From the train station turn right and you can see the tourist information in a small log cabin. If you pass this walk about 150m to a crossing near a convenience store, immediately in front is the bus stop for Suncheon Bay. The bus is number 67 and it costs 1100 won and takes 20 minutes to the park. This bus also runs past the Bus Terminal. Share this: 2 Britain and the USA can be “two nations divided by a common language” George Bernard Shaw or Oscar Wilde Having lived in Korea for over 2 years I have picked up a lot of Korean. I used to take lessons, which helped, but now I rely on the world being my classroom. One of the stranger aspects of living here is the use of my native tongue – English. Something I didn’t consider deeply before I came, was that I may have to teach, or communicate using ‘American English’. Being the only ‘British English’ speaker in my workplace, I often find myself either questioning or abandoning British expressions or vocabulary. This is not related to a lack of patriotism, it is simply to aid communication. אַ שפּראַך איז אַ דיאַלעקט מיט אַן אַרמיי און פֿלאָט a shprakh iz a dialekt mit an armey un flot “A language is a dialect with an army and navy” Max Weinreich My experience of language is that it is often a contentious issue; people cling to the familiar because they fear losing their identity, or they see a confrontation between their own usage and other forms. Language is about communication, so I’m usually pragmatic when it comes to dropping or adding expressions and vocabulary. However, I am rather pedantic when it comes to verbal accuracy, for example, I prefer saying thrice instead of three times. After trying to explain words and phrases to people, repeatedly, I decided to write this post as a logic test for conflicting expressions. This list clarifies many examples where I think Americans, British, and other native speakers compete to use, their words to describe things. Having been born in Britain I have consumed television from the USA, Australia, and obviously the UK. I have also visited these countries and worked with Americans and Canadians. Something else to note is that most of the Koreans I have been in contact with have learnt American English; they have provided an objective critique of Britishisms or Americanisms which make no sense or more sense. Football v Soccer There is only one winner, football. The word soccer derives from association football as there are many varieties of football. I believe it stems from the British Public School abbreviations – Like turning Rugby into Rugger. Football has gone way beyond the shores of Britain, and its introduction to Europe and South America has turned the word into an international word like okay or taxi. The poor countries whose majority sports are not football often use the word soccer. My advice to people is that if you travel to the USA or Australia then you might use the word soccer to avoid confusion, otherwise use football. Global usage makes a mockery of the word soccer. We have FIFA (Federation of International Football Associations) UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football). The global brands and organizations all use the word football, even in the locations where the word ‘soccer’ is used. If you are Korean then take a look at the listings of the K League. Five teams have Football Club in their names, zero have soccer. Trousers v Pants Many People assume that ‘pants’ is an Americanism for trousers. In my experience, many people in North West England, Scotland, and Ireland use pants to mean the long things worn over your underwear. In Southern England pants generally refers to underwear. I once got into an argument in a pub in Italy about this issue. There was a man from Liverpool and a girl from Australia who both used pants to mean non underwear. I’ll let logic have the last word. If ‘pants’ refers only to underwear then why do we have the word underpants but not overpants? Pants is also British slang for ‘not very good’. Pickles Can you pass me a pickle? Which type? My fondness for pickles prevents me from accepting this word to mean Pickled Gherkins (the type you find on McDonalds Burgers) I can only presume that in America they don’t pickle anything else but gherkins. This word is also used for gherkins in the UK too. I prefer to use gherkin because that’s what it is. In my pickle related nightmare, when I go to the pickle aisle in the supermarket, I see before me 20 metres of gherkins. When I awake from this disturbing briny dream, I become aware that thankfully, there are also pickled onions, Branston pickle, red cabbage, sauerkraut, piccalilli, cucumber, dill, mussels, mango chutney, and even eggs if you go in an old pub. I think I’m fighting a losing battle on the pickle front but I will continue to use the word gherkin just to help the other forgotten pickles, sitting on their dusty shelves in the storage area of the supermarket. In the meantime, the phalanxes of the gherkin super race stand in formation at the front of the pickle shelves, waiting for their pickle fascists to buy them all. Fall v autumn Apparently, fall predates autumn. People used fall in the British Isles before autumn came into use and the emigrants to North America continued using it. I have no real logical argument for this debate. I use the word fall in the classroom to avoid confusion. For this ‘word off’ I make a plea to all North Americans, I think Aussies and Kiwis use autumn. Please, please try to use autumn instead of fall. Fall is a commonly used verb, but autumn is specific to the season; it also makes an easy adjective – autumnal. I believe the word just sounds nicer and as soon as I hear it I feel the colours of the leaves and the cool winds. When I hear fall, I think of an old man dying. Poetically it sounds more beautiful: The wind rustled through her autumnal, auburn hair. This paints an image of a Venus like woman whose hair is graceful and flowing. The wind rustled through her fallish/fall like hair. This paints the image of an alopecia victim. Elevator v Lift I switch my allegiance to the other side of the Atlantic. As a noun, lift already means to give someone transport, whereas elevator is unique to doing its job. I also prefer technical words to come from Latin, in this case ‘elevatore’ the verb for raise. Interestingly French and Italian don’t use ‘elevator’ or ‘elevatore’; they use ascenseur and ascensore. I believe this would give us the much improved word ‘ascender’. Prawn v Shrimp Everybody is wrong, but North Americans are more wrong. In America everything seems to be called a shrimp even when it’s a prawn – these are two different organisms. In the UK and commonwealth shrimp usually refers to the very small prawns, shrimp being a synonym for small. However, I have discovered that not all shrimp are small. The difference is a tiny biological matter – the shrimp’s tail segments don’t overlap in the same way. The second segment overlaps above the first and third segments. The problem with this debate is the difference in seafood worldwide. Despite the differences, I know a prawn when I see one, and I live near Morecambe Bay which is famous for shrimp, so I will use the word prawn for prawns and shrimp for shrimp. Pavement v Sidewalk I still use the British version – pavement. I just like the word. I remember an interview with the Indie band ‘Pavement’ who were from the US, when asked why they were called pavement instead of sidewalk; they said that they got the name from a list of the most beautiful words in the English language. I also like the suffix –ment which can make verbs into nouns: embankment, shipment, allotment….etc Zebra Crossing v Cross walk I like zebra crossing because it’s more poetic. It may cause confusion in very specific circumstances in Kenya or South Africa. If there is an actual zebra crossing the road then cross walk may be easier. Queue v Line Queue is a clear winner here because it gives us the option to make different shades of meaning. I don’t make a line unless I am in an identity parade or perhaps on the school playground. Queue implies that there is something to be gained at the end, like admission or a postage stamp. I just wish the word queue had a better spelling. I think I’ll leave it there for now. I may add more as they arise. The point of this exercise, which may be futile, is to refrain from patriotism when it comes to English. The language has gone international so I want to try to use the best and most logical (or poetic) words on offer. I often feel lucky to be able to choose between different words, but I do feel irritated when my own words are cast aside in favour of less accurate or less descriptive offerings. If you are learning English as a second language my advice is simply to learn both and choose. However, you may have to choose between the following options: American words in the UK: you will be understood but looked down upon. British/Commonwealth words in North America: you may not be understood, or you may cause offence, especially in the case of fanny, fag, tramp, and pissed. Share this: 1 Kalbarri, Western Australia. Just under 600km north of Perth is Kalbarri. This tiny coastal town is found at the mouth of the Murchison River which snakes its way into the Indian Ocean, just as the locals tell in their Dreamtime navigational stories. The name comes from a local Aboriginal man. The history is similar to many of the towns on this coast: thousands of years of Aboriginals, some marooned Dutch mariners, then people selling some land and settling. Today, Kalbarri is a pleasant fishing and tourist centre. Outside of town there is a National Park of the same name. I stopped here without knowing too much, but as with the rest of the west coast, you stop because you can. The end of Civiliztion The beauty of travelling up Western Australia is the lack of choice. The population is so sparse that every place you come to seems exciting. It reminds me of those trips from school where everyone piles out of the coach to the vast excitement of a rest area. When you cover such large distances, getting off the coach to stretch your limbs and buy some snack treats is paradise. In Oz I think it’s called ‘beyond the black stump’. I have also heard it called the sticks. In Ireland there is beyond the pale. All expressions, despite local differences in meaning, have the same general idea – beyond civilization. Although there wasn’t much to see after the northern suburbs of Perth, there were still some agricultural areas and gas stations with shops. The journey up to Kalbarri felt like \I was finally beyond the black stump. Coachgaze I suffer from what I call ‘coachgaze’. This is a condition which goes beyond boredom an into a kind of zen like traveller’s trance. It involves your eyes following the endless landscape and occasionally homing back in on the constantly blurred asphalt of the sun-baked roads. I think coachgaze is brought on by having a limited amount of technology to entertain yourself with, and by having vast distances to cover. The distances usually involve almost nothing of interest to look at. Coachgaze changes your perception of time and space until everything just stretches into one semisomnant blur. Sleeping on coaches is never real sleep, it’s more like being half awake, interrupted by a forgotten dream. I have only experienced coachgaze in Patagonia and Australia. I’m pretty sure you would get it if you travelled through the Midwest of the US or through many parts of Russia. My coachgaze ended as we pulled into another roadhouse and caught a smaller bus off the main highway, it felt nice just to be travelling west instead of north. After a nice sleep in a real bed I headed out to the Kalbarri National Park on a minibus organized by the hostel. In places with few historical and cultural assets it’s really easy to book a tour and head off on a bus. The guide was called Mike and he seemed like a typical Aussie, with a mix of crass humour and aggressive small talk. He did however; really know his subject. Snaking through the bends and canyons of the ancient looking Murchison river, he informed us of every tree, shrub, rock, and insect along the way. The strangest discovery of the day was a ‘ legless lizard ’. Everybody thought it was a snake, but the lack of legs isn’t the only thing separating these two creatures, their anatomy is completely different. It was a paraplegic lizard. Legless lizard Despite the sun beating down, the rock formations kept much of the track in the shade. When we finally got the opportunity to take a dip the water was colder than anything I have ever experienced. Actually, only two of us were stupid enough to swim, just myself and a Swedish lad. The whole day was relaxed and I really got the true sense of being in a different continent. A dry, red, almost Martian landscape. All my references were vindicated with the strange red rock formations and the unusual flora and fauna. From all the parks I visited in Australia this was my favourite for scenery. Share this: 1 Wanaka, New Zealand. Sometimes I hate typing the comma after a place-name, especially ‘Wanaka’ As far as I know there is only one Wanaka, but I insert the comma for clarity. I also use the comma, and insert New Zealand because I didn’t really know about Wanaka until I was there. If I didn’t know then I presume many others won’t know either. It’s at the southern end of Lake Wanaka and serves as the base camp for the Mount Aspiring National Park. Wanaka has the tangible excitement of most resort towns, but it is still quaint and laid back. The town is part of the Queenstown-LakesDistrict and is often overlooked due to the proximity of the hugely famous Queenstown. If some people overlook Wanaka then I underlooked Queenstown. To underlook, is not a word as far as I know, but let me explain further. One of my main reservations about New Zealand was the number of ‘adventure tourists’. I imagined really loud people with crass manners and a wardrobe similar to that of the old ‘ Pepsi Max ’ adverts. A common sight is white people with dreadlocks – which I’ve never been sure of. They spend so much time and energy seeking out carefully controlled fun, that they often forget there is an unfranchised world of excitement beyond the buses and bungee cords. I’ve never trusted manufactured fun. I believe fun is a spontaneous feeling which is driven by s state of mind and can exist in the most mundane places. If you have to travel from the UK or the Midwest to find fun then I think you need to have a long hard look at your life. A famous and venerated Zen Monk once said to me (whist tutting despairingly) ‘The only fun you find at a fun fair is that which you bring within yourself.’ Adrenaline junkies are genuinely hooked on their drug of choice. I would like to say ‘literally’ hooked but I don’t have enough science to back that up. “Have you done a bungee jump? Really? I did two at the same time, in the dark, into a pit of cobras.” Adrenaline tourism is great for the economy of New Zealand. However, after working two jobs and having to cope with adrenaline numpties for too long I decided that Queenstown was not for me. I read about Wanaka being a smaller and quieter version of Queenstown, so I stayed there instead. I was happy, not just with the town and surrounding scenery; I was also happy with the demographic who chose to stay there. I met a few people who had underlooked Queenstown to get somewhere more relaxing. I only passed through Queenstown briefly so I cannot really comment upon the place. What I can say, is that Wanaka was one of the unexpected gems of New Zealand’s South Island. My pleasant hostel opened out to a lawn which ambled down to the Lake. I decided in Wanaka that promenades and waterfronts are nice but Lakeside proms are much nicer. The breeze is gentle and you don’t get salt and sand trapped between your toes all the time. The town has all the tourist infrastructure you would need for both seasons, you can ski here too! I was mainly interested in doing some hiking but I couldn’t be bothered waiting for the bus and I didn’t have enough time to do a multiday hike. In the end, I opted to go to Roy’s Peak to get a good view of the Lake and some of the bigger mountains. I walked along the road to Roy’s Peak which was interesting in the sense of seeing how people live outside the tourist centre. However, I strongly recommend not walking unless you plan on going round the lake; I was pretty tired upon reaching the start of the trail. This part of New Zealand was exactly what I had imagined. There were straw coloured grasses and turquoise lakes. The mountains unfolded as if they had just been laid by the god of terraforming. I had my back to the view while walking, so when I eventually reached the peak I felt very happy with the last vista. My only regret was not being organized enough to re plan and stay longer in this mountain paradise. Despite my creeping envy of everyone who passed me to continue hiking, I had one of my most memorable days here. I needed the rest, not just from working, but from others. Depending on your personality type, hiking can be a great escape from all of life’s distractions. Looking back I think I was always fond of hiking and walking but my experience in Wanaka started me on a gentle quest to always walk to the top of any nearby peak. This has reached a point where if I don’t walk a serious length each week I feel genuinely down. Mountains, lakes and forests always restore my humours, none more so than Wanaka. Share this: 3 In some parts of Australia there are only two seasons: the wet and the dry. People tell you this with that manly swagger common to fishermen and most Australians, at least those outside of the big cities. The subtext is that seasons are for puffs and sissies. Luckily for me I went in the dry because I don’t like rain. The dry is also when you can visit Mindil Markets. What was clear after only one day in Darwin is that they really need to visit other tropical places and work out when to do things. Even non puffs and non sissies would agree that the heat of the afternoon in Darwin prohibits most activity. I walked from the downtown to the park near Mindil, I nearly died. Unfortunately, Darwin was settled by Anglo-Saxons instead of people from the Romance countries of Southern Europe. As most people in Italy and Spain will tell you, in hot places the afternoon is for sleeping; the evening is for promenading and eating. My biggest disappointment in Darwin was that when the weather cooled in the evening there was nothing much to do because all the shops and many eateries were on the British and Irish style workday – opening at 9.00 and closing between 17.00 and 18.00. I suspect most colonial types feared these extreme climes, they probably wore their well ironed khakis around midday as a way with coping with homesickness or overcompensation for being sissies. After having spent time in both Spain and Italy I recommend their working day as being a Godsend in such a climate. I would rather wander around the shops in the evening and if you feel sorry for people who have to work late they can enjoy a three-hour lunch break. Maybe the giant and somewhat sinister bats who terrorize the streets after dusk are the reason everything closes. Overall, I was pleased with Darwin. Even a small city like Darwin seems like a cosmopolitan metropolis when compared the places you travel through to get there, if you are dumb enough to travel overland like myself. Tourism is a big factor here as Darwin is the gateway to some of Australia’s most interesting National Parks and its most authentic Aboriginal settlements. You may see Aboriginal people in some of the cities but it isn’t until you head up to the Northern Territories that you get the real experience. Nothing seems more natural in this part of the world than the strange vibrations of one of the world’s most ancient musical instruments – the didgeridoo. I was an avid fan of the ‘Bushtucker Man’ when I was a kid so I enjoyed every minute of my stay in the Northern Territories. The biggest highlight, hence the title of this post, was Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Firstly, there is a real beach and there is a real sunset, everything else is a bonus. I was a bit worried that it was one of those tie dye hippy kind of places where they deal tarot cards and talk about auras. I was happy that there was a real mix of people there and many forms of entertainment. One of the best experiences in Australia was watching the awesome eMDee didgeridoo band. I was tipped off about these guys by some Germans near Perth had forgotten to check them out. It was more by luck than design that I got to see them performing live. There were several pipes lined up and the speed went to what could almost be described as techno. I don’t know the exact beats per minute but it was fast and furious. There were some ‘genuine’ didgeridoo players squatting nearby but I think they were moved on by the police. The other highlight of the markets was the Roadkill Cafe. I generally eat everything but I found my limit here. I felt my conscience looking at me coldly when I saw camel meat on the menu. This is simply because camels are my favourite animal. My dream since childhood has been to go through a desert on a camel. I was a little upset seeing camel meat next to croc, snake, and kangaroo. Actually, the roo is delicious! I guess I now understand why people don’t eat horses and dogs. I didn’t buy much at the market but I had a great feed and I watched the sunset over my sand laden flip-flops. I loved Mindil Beach Sunset Markets and felt like it was one of the most authentic and rewarding experiences in Australia. Share this: 5 Akaroa is a township and little harbour on the Banks Peninsula. When you look at a map of New Zealand’s South Island it’s a little nib jutting out into an otherwise straight-edged coast. The name Akaroa means ‘Long Harbour’. The peninsula, first thought to be an island by Captain Cook, is named after the famous botanist Joseph Banks who sailed with Cook on the Endeavour. Banks Peninsula The village is an easy day trip from Christchurch, just over an hour if my memory serves. I went on an organised tour from Christchurch and had a pleasant and relaxing day The coach journey was through the winding roads but the scenery was so good I barely noticed. We visited a famous beachcomber who has collected the flotsam of the entire southern hemisphere by the looks of it, there was also a stop at a famous cheese manufacturer. The most impressive thing the tour guide told us was about the Manuka Honey, this truly is a wonder food of unbelievable power. You can find Manuka Honey in various strengths in most health food shops; it’s expensive for a reason! I befriended a Japanese girl at the coffee stop. After photographing nearly everything I jokingly said that she forgot to take a picture of her cappuccino. She couldn’t believe her error. After a quick snap she showed me all the photos of coffees throughout New Zealand. I have since learnt that this is by no means eccentric behaviour in the Far East. I feel that with the Japanese and Koreans I met, memories aren’t real unless they have been documented by camera. I wish I could take more pictures sometimes, but not as many as some people. As we descended down into the protected harbour I was taken back by how pleasant the place was. It seems like a film set devised to lure people from the British Isles to emigrate. I think this is the place people have in their minds when they think of the new life on the other side of the World. The air is crisp and clear in that antipodean way, the only thing to interrupt the serenity is an occasional icy breeze from the Antarctic. Once you have seen the blues of the sky and ocean and the greens of the fields, it’s as if the rest of the world is seen through a veil. Nearly all the buildings of Akaroa are of the colonial wooden panelled variety. This type of architecture can sometimes look a bit tacky and temporary. However, the wooden clap-board houses of Akaroa are impossibly quaint and full of wholesome charm. Like an entire neighbourhood of the Walton family relocated to the South Pacific. There is something distinct about Akaroa, it’s not immediately clear but it adds a slightly different hue to the surroundings and makes the place unique. The distinction is one of those fascinating ‘what if?’ stories. Akaroa has been influenced by the French and was very nearly the first step into a possible French colonization of New Zealand. Captain Jean François L’Anglois made a provisional purchase of land in this area. After returning to France he advertised for settlers and ceded his interest in the land to the Nanto-Bordelaise Company. On 9 March 1840, 63 emigrants left from Rochefort, the maritime town in the South West of France. Unfortunately, the Banks Peninsula had already been claimed by the British. Despite this, the French did arrive here, and there is a distinct French influence. The French settlement was known as Port Louis-Philippe, named after the French King. Whether it’s just my mind filling in the gaps I don’t know, but Akaroa has an undertone of a pleasant fishing village in Normandy or on the Atlantic seaboard. This slightly unusual claim to fame makes Akaroa very popular for tourists and I imagine many residents of the Canterbury area have second homes here for summer months. Share this: 0 San Carlos de Bariloche is a small city in Río Negro, Argentina. Most people seem to call it Bariloche, and for some reason I call it El Bariloche. It’s surrounded by the foothills of the Andes and it sits on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. It’s a regional tourist centre for mountaineering, hiking, and skiing. I don’t remember ever making the decision to come here, it just seemed like a natural progression on my journey from Mendoza to Tierra del Fuego. I had intended to travel down the coast of Chile and return through Argentine Patagonia. The cost of Argentina at the time I visited was considerably less than Chile, so I think this was a strong motivation. I dodged the hotel hustlers at the bus station and decided to walk into the town; I was pursued by several stray dogs as is often the case on my travels in South America. The outskirts seemed unremarkable and didn’t leave much impression. However, after checking into a local hostel I immediately set out to have a look at the town centre and the view across the lake. I was very impressed. Julio Roca statue My experience of both Chile and Argentina was always tainted by watching football. My image of the people from this part of the World was always dark haired swarthy characters who either outclassed or out cheated my long suffering England team. This image is of the exotic Latin types transplanted from the back streets of Napoli or Madrid into the vast regions of the Americas. I was aware that there was an influence, especially this far south, from Germans and British. Although I knew this I never really expected to land in what seemed like mini Switzerland. The style of the centre could have been plucked from William Tell. It’s a beautiful if embarrassingly twee town. Most of the people seem overwhelmingly European, or should I say Northern European. The comparison with Santiago de Chile and Mendoza was quite striking. I felt like an outsider with my scraggily dark hair and unshaven black face. Centro Civico This part of the World was settled by some Germans, the name of the town may actually come from Carlos Wiederhold who established a shop here. There were subsequent migrations of people from all the Alpine areas of Europe. Slovenians, Austrians, Swiss, and Northern Italians. The aesthetics are specifically Alpine with log cabins and those large boulder type walls, the sort you may find in Aspen, Colorado. I always wonder about ski type places whether things are built like this because they have to be or because they just feel that they should be. Is it the abundance of ‘ski lodge’ materials that lead to the ski lodge aesthetic or do people just think, well, it’s a ski lodge kinda place so let’s make it look that way. Either way, I’m not complaining. I love the place! There are many nice little cafes and chocolate shops. You can wander round looking at the semi ethnic souvenirs with an icy breeze rolling in from the lake. It’s so far from most places, including Buenos Aires which feels another world away. It makes me wonder if it could be the perfect hiding place for Germanic types hiding from prosecution or trying to evade War Crime charges. If Hitler ever did escape before the Red Army rolled in I image this place would be a great choice. There are a couple of publications who used this area as the backdrop to their various conspiracies. To lend weight to the argument the local German School was apparently run by former SS Hauptsturmführer Erich Priebke. Anyway, that war is over and Bariloche stands as a testament to solid and tasteful Architecture with streets of old world charm. I actually returned here on the way back from Tierra del Fuego, I wish I had stayed longer! 0 Halong Bay is in Northern Vietnam and translates as Descending Dragon. I suppose the numerous limestone Karsts could look like a dragon’s spine, but then so does everything else in Asia. I’m usually a penny-pinching backpacker but when all my research suggested that when you visit Halong you should try to get a ‘Luxury’ deal. I was really impressed with the standard of food on my boat and every meal felt like a special occasion. By complete chance I picked one of the boats that was not a Karaoke boat, that would have spoilt my trip. Halong is one of the most beautiful locations on planet Earth so why do you need ‘entertainment’? I spent my evenings sitting on the roof of the boat, drinking beer and looking at the huge Karsts. You can also see the squid vessels bobbing up and down with their bright lights. One evening I did some fishing but only caught a jellyfish. I think the boat can make all the difference on this trip. I have included a link at the bottom for the company I used. I hope the standards are still the same. Unfortunately I got some moisture into my lens on this trip so some of the pictures are overexposed. I hope they can still tell the story of an amazing place. The best way to see Halong is from Hanoi, it takes about 4 hours by bus. Vietnam is full of well practised rip off schemes, floods, delays, traffic jams etc. What I’m saying is, it’s not Delaware. With all the variables I recommend doing the following to avoid being hassled: Take a hotel or hostel in Hanoi which offers the specific tour/cruise you want to do. Otherwise they will hassle you every day. Once you express your interest and book a tour they will treat you very well, as do most Vietnamese people in my experience. Don’t do a one day tour! It’s too far to travel and you won’t see the best bits of the bay. I wouldn’t even do a one night tour. I chose two nights and had time to relax properly. In my two night tour there was time to see the caves, go kayaking, sit on a secluded beach, and visit the Floating Village. The Floating Village is the highlight of the trip. If you don’t like seafood and shellfish make sure you take some of your own food because most of the food is freshly caught. If you like shellfish ( I love it) then the food will be like landing in paradise. Vietnamese food is exceptionally good with the vibrant flavours of Asia and the gastronomic refinement of France. Pick your add ons before you go. Some of the add ons can cost so you should include them in your price. I recommend the Kayaking but the trip to the Pearl Farm wasn’t so amazing. The Floating Village is also special. Be ready to jump ship. Due to the logistical complications of people staying varying lengths of time and choosing different options, you may have to use different vessels for several parts of your journey. On my second day only two of us joined another boat to go to a beach. When we returned to the big boat the guests were entirely new. Check the weather forecast carefully. I went in June because it was cheaper, but it was also typhoon season. The roads were flooded on the way there but we made it with a small delay. I was lucky enough to have beautiful sunshine for my two night trip. I used the following company: 1 Arequipa, Peru is a beautiful place with old colonial squares and those traditional Spanish era churches. The main reason I visited Arequipa was to see Juanita the ‘ice mummy’, however, I also stumbled upon the serene and beautiful Santa Catalina Monastery. This monastery is a monastery of nuns of the Dominican Order. I always thought convents were for nuns and monasteries were for monks, but what do I know? It was founded by Maria de Guzman and built in 1579, it was enlarged in following century. The rather large monastery takes up a sizeable part of the older part of Arequipa and there are still some nuns living in the closed off part; tourists can visit the rest. This city is no sprawling metropolis compared to Santiago de Chile or Buenos Aires, but it’s busy enough in that typically Latin way with taxis beeping their horns and people squabbling loudly. The mildly chaotic atmosphere outside is hard to detect once you get inside the peaceful cloisters of Santa Catalina. There are some interesting exhibits on life in yesteryear, but by far the best thing to do is wander around the peaceful maze and get lost among the painted walls and flowers. I even found some guinea pigs nibbling on salad in one of the quieter chambers. If you know anything about Peru then you can imagine what will happen to those little creatures. Santa Catalina is built in the Mudejar style. This is the style adopted by the Moors who remained in Iberia after the Christians took it back. It’s not as obviously Moorish as some of the buildings you would find in Andalusia, but there is more than an echo to the styles of the Al-Andalus Moors. The tiles, brightly painted walls, and vaulted ceilings would seem familiar to anyone who has seen the old Moorish buildings. This particular building is very simple and sits perfectly into the surrounding streets of Arequipa. It reminds me of the places you would see on Spaghetti Westerns with peaceful locals being harangued by angry gunmen. I find that most of the colonial Spanish, or Iberian architecture I have seen in South America fits seamlessly into its surroundings. I think this is a combination of parts of Iberia having similar light and climate, and because the buildings have had time to age. Looking at the history of European exploration, the Spanish and Portuguese have been in America a long time. The reason I talk about this is because I have often found Anglo-Saxon colonial styles to be completely out-of-place, especially in hotter climes. Share this: 0 The Perito Moreno Glacier is in the Los Glaciares National Parkin the south west of Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. I took a tour there from El Calafate and went on a boat to get close to the 60m+ high terminus which is 5 kilometres wide. The glacier is advancing from its 30 km length. The ice cliffs sometimes collapse into the lake which creates a pretty impressive noise and an even more impressive splash. When I think of glaciers I just imagine a world of ice. The reality here is that it juts past the green forest clad hills. These evergreen hills contrast sharply against the blue ice of the glacier. Share this: 0 on…Hahoe Mask Museum (하회동 탈 박물관) Hahoe Mask Museum is just before the entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage Hahoe Village. I have never had an interest in masks, I actually find them very creepy. However, when you have to wait 45 minutes for a bus back to Andong, you may as well go in a mask museum. This museum displays the famous Hahoe masks and other masks from all over the world. despite my poor attitude, I actually enjoyed looking at the different masks and the various uses. I was both impressed and amused that someone went to the trouble of making a ‘Monk with scabies’ mask. Many of the masks were used for exorcism and funerals prior to the more conservative and Confucian Joseon dynasty. If you are interested in the process the picture above shows the various stages of makeing an Andong or Hahoe mask. As I know absolutely nothing about masks, I have included a name for each mask based on what (or who) they remind me of. Tony Adams Frankenstein 0 In this post I am dealing with a large area. So to avoid any potential confusion, I’m going to talk about the parks surrounding the stadium. The World Cup Park was built for the 17th FIFA World Cup in 2002. The tournament was co-hosted between Korea and Japan, this stadium is very much a flagship stadium for football in Korea. Many sports tournaments are famous for leaving white elephants dotted around provincial parts of the host nations. However, in Korea there has been a very specific policy of using such tournaments to spearhead development, or redevelopment of neglected or underused areas. A less ambitious planning policy would have used the stadia and facilities of the Olympic park in Seoul for the World Cup but in their wisdom, the planners of the World Cup of 2002 used the competition as an opportunity to develop the trash mountain on the western edge of Seoul. Development is perhaps a misleading word as it conjures up images of large apartment complexes, mega malls and vast conference halls – the norm for most Korean cities. World Cup Park does have such facilities, including the usual wedding hall, Homeplus supermarket, cinema and gym/jjimjilbang, but they are surrounded by the parks which have transformed a 15-year-old landfill site. It took them 6 years to stabilize the waste and an extra year to build the park itself. The park is located between Seoul World Cup stadium and the river Han. Park should really be plural as it’s made up of five smaller parks including the Pyeonghwa ‘Peace’ Park, Haneul ‘Sky’ Park, and Noeul ‘Sunset’ Park. The Pyeonghwa Park is joined to the World Cup Stadium by a large pedestrian bridge. It’s the easiest to reach from the subway station and there is a pond with fountain, gardens, children’s playground, and forest. If you are a lazy picnic planner there is also the ubiquitous coffee shop and convenience store with ramen by the crate. It seems to be popular with in-line skaters. The Nanjicheon Park and Nanji Hangang Park were recreated from the Nanji Stream, which was once a sewage runoff from the landfill. You can find it next to the river Han, it’s separated from the main park by the express way. It contains an outdoor stage and various sports facilities. You can also camp here, but it doesn’t seem too far from the trappings of the city. Perhaps if you are not ready for a true wilderness experience you may want to choose this location. If you go camping to escape civilization this may not be the best location for you! Haneul Park is the highest part of the whole area – hence the name Skypark. If you approach from the stadium side you need to scale a zigzag staircase to reach the walkway into the park. The stairs look intimidating but they are quite an easy climb. For some reason you cannot enter the park from the eastern side so you have to walk round another path to get to the entrance. If you are flagging there is a small bus. Despite being a flat riverbank area the mountain of waste has created one of the best views in Seoul. It’s flat on the top and gives a panoramic view over western Seoul and you can also see the mountains of Bukhansan too. The flat top is covered with grasses and wild flowers. The small office ha displays showing how they reclaimed the area. If you needed a visual clue for how they achieved this you will find it in the numerous methane pipes throughout the park. They also have a well hidden methane power station located next to the park. The last park is Noeul Park. This is furthest away from the stadium and World Cup Stadium subway station, although you could probably get there easily enough from Suraek station if you wanted to avoid trailing through the other parks.There is a 9-hole golf course and more converted landfill. The park is a useful breathing space between some of the new developments of Digital Media City. They have started constructing another huge skyscraper nearby. Being further away from the built up areas and further to the west, it is perhaps the best area to see the sunset and to get more peace. I have been to this area a few times and I never get bored. If you are visiting Seoul for a few days then I think it’s a worthwhile visit. If you live in Korea it’s a must see, especially if the wild flowers are blooming. Another option is if you are planning on seeing a game at the stadium, in which case you could turn it into an entire day. Getting there: by subway – World Cup Stadium Station (Subway Line 6), Exit 1 or 2. (Mapo-gucheong and Digital Media City are also nearby.) by bus -Get off at the Seoul World Cup Stadium Blue 271, 571 Green 6715, 7714, 7715 Red 9711 Gramophone & Edison Museum (참소리축음기 & 에디슨과학 박물관) The Chamsori Gramophone & Edison Science Museum are just off the beach to the north of Gangneung, you need or take a taxi or bus to get there. I have to admit that it’s never been a huge interest of mine, but my guidebook recommended this place. It is, after all, the biggest collection of gramophones in the world! Both museums are next to each other on the road that circles the lake Gyeonghpoho, the beach is called Gyeongpo beach. After waiting too long for a bus from the train station I took a taxi to the beach then walked to the museum. The lake is very beautiful and you can hire bikes to cycle round it. The museum was curated by an eccentric gentleman called Son Seongmok. It has a collection of 4,500 phonographs, 150,000 phonograph records, 1,000 books, and 5,000 items from 20 nations. The place is very well organised even though I walked round the wrong way. It’s divided into sound, image, lights, inventions, and upstairs there is a smaller toy museum which will get bigger. The history of sound displays the famous phonograph from England, familiar to anyone who has been in an HMV store (His master’s Voice). There are also record players and all sorts of organs. On the guided tour someone will show you how they work and play a few tunes. World of Image displays silent films and some of the early television sets made by John Logie Baird. If you have been to the museum in Bradford, England then it may seem a little small. What you have to remember is that this is all the brainchild of one enthusiast. The Light and invention areas (Edison’s Invention Hall)were the most interesting because you can see the history of Edison’s ideas that eventually led to some of the things we take for granted, the light bulb being jut one of those things. He tinkered and experimented with all manner of things. He is one of the most perfect examples of a polymath I have seen. Edison, like many freethinkers, didn’t do well in school. He was not liked by his teachers who considered his brain addled. He left school early and was educated at home by his mother, and in the real world where he got the opportunity to test his ideas. He has over 1000 patents to his name, and aside from the inventions it was his reasoning and scientific method that has been his greatest legacy. It’s fair to say that his work at Menlo Park was the beginning of what we now call Research and Development. Is the museum the best I have seen? No. Is it the best collection? No. However, the museum is a wondrous place because it catalogues enthusiasm. In the wrong context this museum would be seen as a strange obsession, but it’s not. Son Seongmok has travelled all over the world and met many famous people. Apparently, he came from North Korea and his only possession was a gramophone. Despite the obvious theme of the gramophones Son Seongmok clearly has many interests, like his hero Edison. The exhibits show his interest in popular culture, 20th century music and fame, Hollywood, toys, trinkets and countless other things. In a country where education is very rigid and conventional this museum is vital because it shows that with an enquiring mind and boundless enthusiasm, we are capable of anything. If a person follows their passion and enthusiasm they can achieve great things without the conventional academic accolades. Dongseoul Terminal from 06:00 – 11:00 every 30 to 50 mins 3 hours journey time. Buses are more frequent from Express Terminal in Seoul (every 15 mins). From Gangneung City Centre: 202 bus goes to Gyengpo Beach then round the lake. There is a tourist information office outside the Bus station and Train station. The bus station has been more reliable on my visits, they have a little print out of all the city buses you may need. 3 One of the stranger aspects of teaching and living in Korea is the possibility of giving new students their ‘English’ name. I use inverted commas because of the context of this post. The naming process is new to me, as I have mentioned previously about 99.9% of Korean students take on a ‘Western’ name for English classes. Some Koreans also take a ‘Christian’ name at their Church of choice. Obviously there were no Saint Ji-sungs or Paul’s letter to the Kims, so it makes sense to have a biblical name. I have often wondered at the logic of how the names come about. I have heard stories about people being reminded of friends back home, favourite football players, movie stars. It seems like some people just write a random 3 names on the board and ask the students to choose . When I got my first new class, by this I mean 1st Grade Elementary, I was genuinely concerned about the weight of a multi (secular) Christening. How would I choose the names? What if they don’t like their names? They could be stuck with this name forever? What if their parents know a serial killer with the same name, or some dark family mystery? A James or a John could be a bent priest, a drunk G.I or a family pet with rabies. Names carry so much meaning that I was confounded when my Korean co-teacher told me I would need to name some people. In the end, after asking other teachers, I approached it like this: what names do I not like? The answer being, I do not like modern trendy names. This can often mean ‘American’ names or names that would get you battered in a playground throughout England. Due to pluralistic nature and cultural melting pot of North America, many names float around without any deep analysis. However, names in the UK can often be a bit too traditional and rely upon saints, disciples and kings. Any other names seem to show a disregard for Western society and the traditions of the Church. I guess I wanted to walk the line between the stifled tradition of my home and the more esoteric American names. Names from the Judeo-Christian tradition are fine – Michael, Isaac, Solomon, Joseph. Anglo-Norman names are also fine in my book: Robert, Richard, William, Stephen etc. If you are wondering, nobody in England had names like this before 1066. When I say I don’t like American style names, I mean to say the names which carry no meaning and make no sense on the basic logic of naming traditions. The following is a small selection: Chip (type of potato) Randy (a state of sexual excitement) Chad (a poor country in Central Africa) Butch (isn’t the Sundance kid dead?) Jesse ( slightly weak or soft) Chuck (throw casually or Australian chicken) Buck (a dollar) Krystal (what the maze or the ball?) Dustin (I do it every Sunday after I finish the hoovering) My stance, although slightly xenophobic, is in the best wishes of the students and the future of the Korean nation. I simply thought if they ever go to the UK, Ireland or perhaps even…Australia, then why not choose a name which won’t be a cause for bullying or hysterics. After all, they could have this name for the rest of their lives. I could be responsible for naming a future football star or president. By complete chance my first naming occasion coincided with when I found my Kings and Queens of Britain cards. This is a deck of cards which has a picture of every monarch since William the Conqueror, and some information on the back. I was a bit coy about this but the co teacher and another American teacher discovered that I was using the cards to choose names. I think they discovered this when someone said to me ‘You have another new student, he has no name.’ ‘Hold on, I’ll just get my cards’. Moments later I had a young Korean flicking through past monarchs, he made a very quick decision and liked the look of a rather masculine warrior on horseback brandishing a sword. This young student is now called Richard (as in the lion-heart). He likes his name and the person he’s named after. After several days I had a regal looking young Victoria, an elegant Elizabeth (since shortened to Ellie), a studious Edward (the first), a Charlie, a James and an Anne. After exhausting the list of Monarchs I have also used American Presidents, TV show characters; currently I have a huge list printed out which is all English (Anglo-Saxon) names. I usually find the approximate first letter of a Korean given name then give a choice of all the names with that letter. This printout is from an internet site and carries the meaning of each name. The reason I chose Anglo Saxon was because that’s where English comes from so why not give a context. Also, I wondered which names would have floated around before the Normans arrived. I am not really a patriot or a monarchist but I do think that some sense of tradition should be kept. Working with Koreans, Americans and Canadians has made me realise that people generally don’t care about Britain, England or English for that matter. The English are in a strange situation because we were so dominant but now we are becoming an irrelevance on the edge of an irrelevant continent. This is especially true when you live in East Asia. A place where U.S troops have been posted since the 50’s and where it’s easier to learn English in the Philippines or Australia than the UK. Coming from a previously dominant but now irrelevant nation means that my small political protests and cultural pointers fall on deaf ears. Englishness is simply not important enough for others to worry about, but Englishness is not exotic enough to be curious about. When I protested about being called a ‘Brit’ it was met with a disregard for my utter pettiness. This basic human right of being referred to by the correct adjective based on your state of origin seems to be a weighty issue if you are an Ulster man, Irishman, Basque, Catalan, Bosniak, Kosovan or First Nation, Inuit, African-American, Cherokee… I believe every group, people, nation or ethnicity should have the right to choose how they are referred to by others. Even if this means changing the word for your group, like African-American or First Nation. I may be from Britain but I speak English, my football team is England, my cricket team is England and I follow the English Premier League. I guess I will just correct people until I return to… er…Britain. The worst thing is that other ‘Brits’ have asked me if it really matters. I usually tell people that wanting to be called English is as much about being English as it is about the Welsh being Welsh and the Scots being Scottish; they are other places with other peoples and other traditions. Bring on devolution. This trivial stuff was in the back of my head as I took my new classes. I already knew many students , but many faces were new and they didn’t know me. I decided to have a basic Q and A session. When I say basic I mean basic, where do you think I am from? After naming nearly every nation in the World I asked them if they wanted a clue. Pointing to the badge on a girl’s coat which read “British Culture” above a Union Jack, they still had trouble. I asked the wearer of said garment, what flag are you wearing? She didn’t know. After crying for 5 minutes I told them I’m from England. When they looked and read the coat they said “No Englandu, Britaini” “Same thing.” I said, crying again. I have since noticed that 4 other students were either wearing British flags or had British flags on pencil cases, there are some Italian flags too! It’s very post modern that a nation who planted flags in deserts, jungles and bogs all round the World can now conquer the World without trying or without their ‘subjects’ knowing. The British flag has been added to the list of signs, icons and images with absolutely no meaning whatsoever. This same list includes Che Guevara, Brazil, U.S, anything Cuban, meaningless Chinese tattoos and about a gazillion American Sports Franchises. The only symbol you would think might escape the free use of signs and signifiers is the Nazi Swastika, the Swastika in its Buddhist use is in many places here though, this I think is OK because it pre dates the Third Reich. I have since made a point of reminding students and sometimes other adults about the origin of names, designs, logos, and anything else that seems important. Non English speakers often choose to wear slogan t-shirts with absolutely no regard for the meaning of the words. I once saw a typically olive-skinned Italian girl with jet black hair sporting a t-shirt saying ‘Blondes have more fun.’ I asked ‘E vero?’ (is it true?) She just looked at me blankly. In one of my super shy and impossibly quiet classes a girl once walked in with a t-shirt declaring TALK, TALK, TALK in bold black letters. I chuckled instantly and the irony was not lost on the student in question as she hid her t-shirt from the silence. Share this: 0 Why write? I thought I would let everyone know what’s going on in East Asia. I’ve only been here a few days but most people don’t move to Korea very often so I feel I need to write something, my sleep pattern hasn’t yet normalized either so I will e-mail myself to sleep with any luck. I think I will need to write in Korea because this is a unique experience, at least for me, there are countless other people doing this gig. I didn’t bother writing much in Italy because people know what it’s like, but after only a couple of days here it really is like another world, I also think that most people genuinely don’t know what it’s like over here, I certainly didn’t before reading about it. With this in mind I’d like to think that some conversations will change from… ‘They eat dogs, beat their wives and blow each other up.’ to something more like… ‘Ah yes Korea, I know someone over there in the provincial capital of Jellobuk-do, you know… the famous seat of the Joseon dynasty and the home of the national dish Bibimbap…. what’s that you say? No no I don’t believe the spicy meat dish Bulgogi originates from Jellobuk-do, the rice bowl of Korea. ………yes yes, the sunshine policy towards the North did yield some positives, take the joint flag at the Olympics in Sydney for example……………..blah blah.’………………………………………………………………………….no pressure!! on…the journey: I flew from Manchester to Dubai then Dubai to Incheon (Seoul) with Emirates. The first flight was 7 hours and the second was 8 hours, with 3 and a half hours in Dubai airport. The flights were great because I was on the MASSIVE Airbus A380, you know, the one that the Aussies crashed the other week. It’s difficult to imagine the scale of the thing, the engine looked bigger than my house. Both flights were great and I enjoyed the food which I barely remember eating as I was semi-somnant, I also watched the film Green Zone with Matt Damon and about 6 episodes of the IT Crowd. This is all pretty mundane stuff, one thing which was not mundane however was Dubai Airport. I flew over Dubai at night and got to see the Khalifa tower: The airport itself is extremely sleek, shiny and most importantly well designed, (at least from the outside), it makes me embarrassed that people have to shuffle through places like Manchester and Heathrow, they look like provincial conference centres by comparison. Dubai has several storeys under a semi circular glass canopy which snakes it’s way to encompass all the landing zones. The ground floor is for the basic workings, the first floor is all the gates and the access to the gates are on either side of the gigantic shopping mall above. My lack of time meant I didn’t get to see above but I think it was mostly hotels, leisure clubs and casinos for another 5 levels. The whole place is very long though, I wouldn’t like to rush for a flight in Gate 1000, there is a lot of mileage from one end to the other. Some of the non shopping areas feel spacious and relaxing. However, there is something slightly tacky and crass about the whole thing, I imagine the city is 10 times as bad. Despite my uneasiness about the toy camels, gold phones and general mass commercialism, I can’t help but admire the chic Sheiks for having the ambition and vision to turn a desert into a yuppies playground. The switch from an Oil town to a service sector economy means that it will probably outlive all the other oil rich two camel towns throughout the Gulf. The scale of construction is staggering and I have respect for the ambition of the projects they pursue, if not for the final result. How many artificial islands can one place need? Despite all the glitz and glamour though, having flown over the place there is some nagging feeling that it may well turn into a Mad Max style ghost town within my own life time, I have no rational reason for this, it’s just a feeling, when something is built in a day it can also be destroyed in a day. My second flight was in association with Air Korea so the meal was a spice fest and many of the staff were Korean. On arrival in Korea I had another jolt into the 21st Century, a century which most of the UK hasn’t seen by comparison, have you seen the Milenium Dome? It’s like a theme tent of the 21st Century made by someone from the recent past. The real 21st Century of glass and light (the dome has neither) is another super sleek highly efficient airport. Incheon International is a good 50km from Seoul and sits on a mostly manmade island in the China Sea (or West Sea as I now have to call it). The great thing about this airport is that the basic bones of air travel i.e getting off a plane and having your luggage removed by a funny little truck, are separated from the terminal by a mini underground train. This makes the main terminal less chaotic and more spacious. The whole place facilitates getting from one place to another in comfort and style with minimum fuss. Unlike the relentless shopping frenzy of Dubai, Incheon is understated and extremely convenient. You barely have to look around to find where you are going. the best thing is that ALL transport connections leave from the same place, albeit on different levels. Once you step out of the terminal you are in the fast paced mega busy neon lit world of East Asia. Luckily my instructions to catch my bus were pretty straight forward and I managed to get a ticket easily. Like pretty much all of Asia I have seen so far, all the most important signs are bilingual Korean/English, in some cases they have the Chinese script as well. The bus stops are divided by province and the staff in the ticket booths were comfortable with English. There is no relaxing in the transport zone though, just an incredible number of people coming and going. I arrived in Korea as the sun had set so I only saw Seoul by night, the bus skirted the mighty Han river which divides Seoul north from south. I mostly associated the river with the film Host in which a mutant fish worm goes mental and kills as many Seoulites as possible. I felt a little apprehensive but on the whole quite relieved about arriving in Korea. It seemed modern, efficient and a good place to live. Let’s see. Share this: 6 This slideshow requires JavaScript. I think I have been consuming tea since at least starting secondary school (aged 11). I don’t recall ever wanting to try it, as you might do with cigarettes or alcohol. I don’t even recall the first taste. I do however, remember graduating from ‘putting the kettle on’ to ‘making a full pot’. Helping my mum make tea for herself was probably the initial stimulus which eventually led to full on regular consumption. I thought that if I go to the trouble of filling up the kettle, waiting for it to boil, warming the teapot, and then brewing, I should just drink some for myself. I started with lots of milk and two sugars; over time this changed into my basic well-brewed, zero sugar, strong, builder’s tea. As I got older and began to learn about new cultures I became interested in all types of tea. I now use tea like a prescription drug as much as a refreshing beverage. Here are the various types I consume and what I use them for. 홍차 Black tea (bags): I drink ‘Lancashire Tea’ with breakfast or in the morning. It’s a strong black tea which I brew for 3 minutes then add milk. I drink it ‘Northern style’ or ‘Irish style’. I have noticed that tea is brewed very weakly in the South of England. The colour is brick-red and it should taste strong. If you were to drink this without milk it would stain your teeth with tannin. I will also consume this if I feel down or if I have a headache. I have Lancashire Tea sent over to me from England to Korea, it’s the only thing from home that I would desperately struggle to live without. The tea in my local supermarket is quite good (Homeplus is half owned by Tesco). However, they only have the typical types – English Breakfast, Assam etc. If there is no Lancashire Tea then the taste is similar to the more commonly available ‘Yorkshire Tea’, in fact, its taste is almost identical. Otherwise PG Tips or Dilmah would be my choice. I guess this is my recreational tea. 홍차 Black tea (loose leaf): I now drink one cup of loose leaf ‘Lancaster Blend’. Although I am from Lancaster, I drink this because of the high quality. I’m not particularly patriotic for my red rose city or county but Lancaster is blessed with one of the best Tea & Coffee merchants I’ve ever been to. It was just round the corner from my house in Lancaster and it’s called Atkinson’s http://www.thecoffeehopper.com/ . This tea is a blend and functions a bit like the tea mentioned above. I usually drink it just before work starts and I use a glass cup with a filter and lid. This was an amazing present from my girlfriend. It means I can enjoy loose leaf tea without having to use a teapot at work. I particularly enjoy watching the water change colour into a deep amber. I also add milk at the end. 녹차 Green Tea: I think I first tried Green Tea in a Chinese restaurant in England. It’s a great after dinner drink especially after spicy food. I drink Green Tea after my tea time break at 4.30. It helps settle me down and calm my nerves. I often drink Green Tea in coffee shops and restaurants too. Korea has outstanding Green Teas, from the South Jeolla province and from Jeju Island. I get all my Green Tea directly from the Boseong Plantation. I have only been there twice but I bought enough to last me a long, long time. There are an infinite variety of Green Teas in the Far East but for my daily consumption I continue to drink the first pick from the plantation. I drink Green Tea unadulterated but I sometimes drink Green Tea Latte in cafes around Korea. I’m still not convinced about Green Tee Latte, but I’m open-minded. 생강차 Saenggacha (Ginger Tea) This is a tea made from ginger stored in honey. It looks like a giant jar of fruit preserve you might spread on toast but it works like a gelatinous paste you add hot water to. It’s available in many cafes but I usually just drink it at home before breakfast. The first time I lived in Italy I found the Abruzzo winter was too cold for my humours. I used to make my version of this tea using root ginger, lemon and honey. I took it into work in a thermos and I swear it’s the best cold prevention in existence. My homemade ginger tea was about 4cm of ginger root grated, a full lemon, and two table spoons of honey. You simmer this for about 5 minutes then strain it through a sieve or tea strainer. Sometimes I left some of the grated ginger in for an extra kick. I stopped making it until I felt the same winter chills in Korea. However, infusions such as this are quite prevalent in East Asia so now I can just buy a jar. This tea is an aid to digestion, nausea and a cold or influenza prevention method. I think the best time to drink it would be as the first drink of the day. 유자차 Yujacha (Citron Tea) This is another Korean tea which has the same preparation method as the Ginger Tea described above. It has the rinds of the citron fruit which are preserved in honey and sugar. The first time I tried it was actually in the hairdressers in Jeonju. It was a cold quiet morning and I think the hairdresser was bored. She told me that she had picked it up at a discount and made me sample some. It’s pretty intense and medicine like. It’s not a tea I keep in my larder but if I find myself in a café and it’s too late to drink coffee I often opt for this delicious tea. I believe Koreans use it to prevent the common cold, I’m sure it would prevent scurvy too. You will find this in any Korean supermarket next to the preserve teas in the tea and coffee aisle, most cafés serve it too. 오미자차 Omijacha (5 flavours Tea) After actual tea made from Camellia Sinensis, this is my favourite. I have never seen it in Europe but from what I know it is found in China, Japan, and Russia, in fact the name of the fruit is Schisandra chinensis. The tea is made from the red berries of this plant which can be left in sugar to make a cordial type syrup. The first time I tried it was in a restaurant in Gunsan, Jeolla province. I tried it cold and it was delicious. The name translates to 5 flavour tea; it is said to comprise the five basic flavours i.e sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and pungent. My palette isn’t good enough to detect all those flavours but I do enjoy this tea. I bought the berries from the big Lotte food court in Seoul and I sometimes make it on the weekend. I would love to know the best preparation method without having to leave it in sugar. After trial and error I leave about a tablespoon of berries in a litre of cold water for 2 days. I then pour the water into a pan and simmer it for about 7 minutes, the water should turn a deepish red. I was told that it relieves stress amongst other claims. all I know is that I like it. 율무차 Yulmucha Job’s tears tea This is a fairly common Korean tea made from the grain called Job’s tear. The first time I tried it was in a bus station at a vending machine, it costs almost nothing and I tried it with the perverse curiosity of how bad can something so cheap taste? It didn’t. The nearest taste in the UK would be those malt drinks which help you sleep, such as Horlicks or Ovaltine. However, you don’t add milk to this one, just water. I have spent half my life in Korea waiting for buses so this tea has special significance. I used to wait for my girlfriend to arrive in the morning at a small bus terminal and I walked there each time. The walk was a bout 45 minutes in the morning so the yulmucha was a real reward once I had made it to the bus terminal, I guess for me personally it makes waiting enjoyable. It is particularly good on cold winter mornings. You can buy this in powder form at most Korean shops and you add about 3 teaspoons to a cup then hot water. I keep some in the larder but I mostly drink it whilst waiting for buses. Share this: 2 disclaimer This is from the perspective of a UK citizen who arrived in 2009. Some of the information may be out of date, I recommend checking visa requirements with a school, recruiter, or embassy before applying for a post in Korea. Why? Choosing a tefl job is one of the most difficult ‘professions’ in which to make a choice. I remember being overwhelmed by the potential of of working in virtually any place on the globe. I chose Korea after a lenghty process of elimination, but also because I have always been a huge fan of Korean cinema. This was a starting point which meant I already had a kind of familiarity with all things Korean. My personal elimination process is just a series of questions in no particular order. Is there a competetive tefl market with jobs available? Korea is a developed nation with a strong emphasis on education. In an increasingly international environment, and with an export economy English education is a vital part of Korea’s future. The legacy of a confucian system means that Koreans have a highly competetive education and employment sector. Many children attend academies after school. Most students are test orientated and motivated to finish textbooks and proceed to the next perceived level. This can be a disadvantage if you are accustomed to the communicative approach to teaching. Many parents and students see actual conversation and fluency as superfluous to the basic reading, writing and vocabulary memorization. You may meet Koreans who can read a textbook on microbiology with no trouble but they won’t be able to describe where they live or their parent’s profession. This is the Korean culture and if you cannot go with this black and white approach then life may be difficult. Your job is to teach people in their way not to change the educational methods of an entire nation. Is it possible to communicate with the local population? I compared the language (Hangeul) to both Japanese and Chinese. This was a major selling point for me. The alphabet is probably the best and most logical in the world. You can be reading signs and menus and less than a week if you make the effort. You can also be writing it confidently in a month or so depending on motivation. It can be difficult to speak because of the sentence structure, but Koreans are hugely enthusiastic about people speaking their language. In major cities and transport hubs many of the staff will be able to speak English. ALL street signs and place names are written in Roman script. After taking a few lessons and teaching myself I can order food, buy tickets, go shopping and have some banter with taxi drivers confidently. Finding Koreans to speak to in Korean has been something of a problem. Many are too shy to speak with foreigners or simply too good at English to bother blundering through hit and miss Korean. Are there amenities you may expect from a developed nation? In a larger city you can expect good quality healthcare and excellent tourist and transport facilities. In smaller places the level of organization and sanitation may be lower than Western countries. Timetables and tickets may not be in English in small bus stations. Some restaurants and eateries would not pass environmental health inspectors but there are always reliable chain stores to eat in. International banking facilities are quite difficult outside Seoul. However, most ATMs have English Language options. Is it possible to live comfortably from the salary? Yes! If you eat and shop locally you can usually save in excess of 3000 pounds sterling per year. I manage to live comfortably whilst still saving over 40% of my monthly salary. Transport and food is extremely cheap in comparison with the UK. It often works out cheaper to eat with friends in a restaurant rather than shop and cook yourself. If you find good places you may rarely eat at home. If you can work out the bus system and walk a bit then it will save money. I have heard that people can save over 8000 pounds a year. I personally prefer to stay in the country longer and spend a bit on travelling around and going to the cinema and museums etc. Most teaching salaries will vary between 1.9 to 2.5 million won per month. this is usually over 1000 pounds. I would look at the package rather than the salary. Many schools will offer return flights, accommodation and an end of contract bonus. Vacation time can be difficult in the private sector but if you plan on staying longer than a year you should receive a week in between contracts. In highly organized schools with textbooks and a syllabus your preperation time will be far less than in public schools or universities. Living within walking distance of your work is the best perk to save money. Can you enjoy some elements of a ‘Western’ lifestyle? In a larger place you can live in a Western bubble if you choose. This has the disadvantages of being more expensive and less rewarding. The presence of the U.S military has had a noticeable effect on the number of fast food chains and retail outlets. In bigger cities you are likely to find McDonalds, KFC, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Outback Steakhouse and numerous Tesco Homeplus branches. Imported goods are more expensive but you can enjoy the occassional treats like cheese, wine and familiar brands. Cinemas have subtitles rather than dubbing, this is great as it means you can enjoy version original films. Who? The most important qualification is obviously being a native speaker. Many parents express a preference for North American English and for females. Several high profile news stories about rape and paedophilia have meant that some places are more likely to hire females. I have found that most schools overlook the country in favour of having a good teacher. The World is also changing. Many home stay programmes for Koreans take place in Australia and New Zealand as they are nearer. I have also met many Koreans who have studied in the UK. In my city there are also many South Africans. You are far more likely to get a job if you have experience with young learners and if you have lived in a foreign country for an extended period. For the EPIK programme (which I passed but then turned down) the main focus is on adapting to a foreign environment and people. If you are reasonably adventurous and have spent some time abroad I recommend Korea as a great destination. If you ae fresh out of university with little travelling experience then the food and intensity of the lifestyle may be very difficult to adapt to When? The academic year starts in late February early March. There is aalso a summer break so August can be a good time to start. In the private sector many ‘Hagwons’ hire at any time of the year. This was a huge advantage for me in terms of flexibility. What? To secure a job and a visa you will need: A degree. Sealed University Transcript. Contact your University and tell them what it’s for. It must be sealed with the University stamp to prove the authenticity of the qualification. Some places ask for two sealed transcripts. Apostilled Criminal Record Check. This can be costly and time-consuming. After trying in vain at my local police station I ended up using an online service from Scotland. Once you have the document you must have it verified by a Notary Public. This is usually a solicitor who has the qualification to stamp the documents. I only found one person in North Lancashire who was qualified to do this. It can be an expensive process as you need to visit or send your document to the office in Milton Keynes to finish the process. Where? I think this is the most important question when considering working in Korea. There is a vast difference between Seoul – the second biggest urban agglomeration in the world, and some small town with literally no foreign residents. After passing the EPIK application process to teach in public schools I turned it down based on location. If you apply really early you may get your first choice but I wanted to be in control of exactly where I was going to spend so much time. Seoul is huge and although it’s a fascinating place with so much to do, your school is likely to be in a satellite town or suburb outside the city. This can lead to higher transport costs and if you only visit the centre every weekend then why not just live in another city? The KTX train makes getting to Seoul very fast and easy from almost anywhere in Korea. If you want a good balanced lifestyle with the option of being able to speak to other foreigners then bigger cities are the way to go. A good of size is the presence of a subway system. Cities over a million population have their own subway systems: Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Daecheon, Gwangju and obviously Seoul. Look for Shinsegae or Lotte department stores. If a city has these it shows the presence of a reasonably large affluent population. I chose Jeonju as there is a historical centre, a good K-League football team, World Cup stadium, and good transport links to most places in Korea. On a personal note, I intended on coming for a year to save a bit of money then go travelling in Asia and return home. Since being here I have felt really at home with the food, people, places, and the often insane pace of life. I can still find new national parks, new beaches and interesting palaces and museums after my year long stay. I hope to improve my Korean and stay even longer. On the whole I would say that it’s the best location to work for a teacher of English. There is a great balance between earning enough money to live comfortably and still have enough to travel round and enjoy the beautiful mountains and the spicy foods. Share this: Title: The Wire (Season 1) Creator: David Simon Starring: Domenic West, John Dolman, Idris Elba, Larry Gilliard Jnr and many many more Released: 2002 There isn’t enough space to write about how good “The Wire” is, but I’ll do my best. This show is unlike anything else I have ever experienced in any medium. People often look down upon television for being too passive; less of a spectacle than a movie and less rewarding than a book. “The Wire” proves all these assumptions wrong by exploring character, plot and themes on an exhaustive scale never seen on TV. On a basic level, it focuses on one single case, but the success of the show is down to how all the characters affect this case, be they street level dealers or major players. This is mirrored on the law enforcement side as we see all the action from raids on the streets up to the quiet conversations in the chambers of the courthouse. The facts that originally led to a luke warm reception and criticism are the very things that make “The Wire” a truly unique show. There is little action in the first two or three episodes and the number of characters is almost endless. If you expect a conventional heroes and villains plot with cliffhangers at the end of each episode then this won’t be for you. If you appreciate moral ambiguity, unresolved storylines and dialogue that sometimes needs subtitles for a native English speaker, then you might enjoy “The Wire”. As I mentioned, there is a focus on more than a few characters which gives you the feeling of reading a long novel. The realistic approach to sets and dialogue give an almost voyeuristic feel, it’s as if you are standing at the end of an inner city street when the action is going on and you are compelled to watch. On a purely personal level I have never really been a fan of Cop Shows and I always avoid the Crime section in bookshops. I think the biggest reward for me has been my enhanced understanding of the politics of crime and crime fighting. It’s left me feeling pretty negative about law and order and slightly confused about the people who I previously thought of as being baddies. One last word of advice: try to watch the whole thing in an intensive period, it makes it easier to follow the plot(s) and get involved in the characters. Share this: Title: How to be Idle Author: Tom Hodgkinson Genre: Self Help/ Humour (but really common sense) Lazy cliche: An instruction manual for the modern idler. Within the one broad theme of ‘Idleness’, Hodgkinson manages to encompass so many neglegted yet important facets of life. Our need to work less and play more is justified in a very well written book using examples and quotes from some great thinkers through history. The greatest strength of this book is that it gives you a warm feeling that things you enjoy – beer gardens, sleeping etc – are actually really good for you. The guilt associated with not working so many hours per week, or needing to get up early to do DIY, are actually relics from the industrial revolution. This era of mass production with time as a mere commodity can be changed if people take on board the ideas of this book and adjust their lives to suit their soul and not their bank balance. The book is divided into neat sections, each with a well placed quote, this makes it easy to read when visiting the toilet or having a bath. Although the tone is humourous and flippant I think you can take a serious message from How to be Idle. I think Tom Hodgkinson should be commended for his bravery in taking on outdated and traditional thinking methods. Most people still work as if there is a war on, or of the British Empire is still steaming ahead. In reality we should realise that most modern practices do little to further our health, families, and general wellbeing. It sits amongst other slow living titles very easily and continues a growing trend of questioning why we still live the Victorians. Who would I recommend this book to? Well…, everyone really. Share this: Title: The Road to Oxiana Author: Robert Byron Genre: Classic Travel Literature Lazy cliche: …Indiana Jones meets Noel Coward in exotic Central Asia Byron set out to investigate and explore Islāmic architecture but he found himself doing far more. I don’t doubt his interest and knowledge on the initial subject matter, but I feel it was mainly an excuse to express his unique perspective on all manner of things. The narrative takes in the people and places surrounding his quirky quest from Persia through to the Oxiana river in Turkestan (present day Afghanistan I think). There is a vast cast of characters breezing in and out of the pages which gives it a real Jazz-age feel. This style is of its time and takes a while for the modern reader to be acquainted with the fractured descriptions. Once you get past this whimsical style, the book rewards you with some pretty lyrical descriptions of far-flung places. The undertone of dry humour and numerous witty asides make it very entertaining and enjoyable to read. Byron is at his best when recounting his rakish behaviour e.g – passing himself off as Muslim to enter a Mosque, he is also a master at recording and mocking numerous eccentric conversations. This book is not really for a general readership; if you enjoy those ‘picking-olive-blossoms-in-the-Tuscan-breeze’ type books you may not get into this. If you like well written classics from the Imperial past like Evelyn Waugh, Graham Greene etc you will love this book. 0 This slideshow requires JavaScript. 막걸리, makgeolli or makkoli, is easier to read in hangul than roman. It sounds more like mak go’ li , but I will spell it in whichever way I feel. People call it a Korean ‘rice wine’ which I strongly disagree with. Wine is made from grapes or other types of fruit. I would prefer ‘rice beer’ because it is made from grain, the grain in this case being rice and sometimes wheat. The boiled rice and grain makes the drink look very unlike any beer which is why I might be the only person in the world who calls it rice beer. It usually looks like milk or even milk on the turn. It can be quite sweet but I honestly cannot describe the taste. When you buy it from a shop it is often a little fizzy but I prefer to drink it in a makkoil place. It is unlike anything else I have tried in terms of alcohol because you drink it from small battered metal containers, the kind you would expect a cat to drink milk from. To add to the sheer quirkiness it is served in huge kettles and when you run out you shake a mini-kettle like a bell to get a refill. One large kettle is shared amongst several people and when you order you get a variety of foods to accompany your makkoly. In a great place you can expect to get fried chicken, grilled fish, savoury pancakes, chili mussels and a feast of other dishes. The more kettles you order the more food you get and the more elaborate the food gets. I think after about 5 kettles you can be served ‘live’ squid. The tentacles are still moving when you eat it, and it’s very difficult to eat, each severed tentacle tries to suck onto your chopsticks. I dislike gassy drinks and bland over chilled lager beer so I was excited to discover this unusual beverage. I do genuinely enjoy the taste but the reason I love makkoli so much is the highly ritualised nature of the mokkoly experience. Spending most of my life in the various Catholic institutions has given me a deep respect for any ritualised experience, especially with tea and alcohol. The nearest thing I can think of are the tapas places in Southern Spain which give you a small plate of goodies every time you order a drink. I believe alcohol should always been served with food anyway, it’s just more civilized. Drinking your makkoli with two hands in a down at heels backstreet place seems primal and authentic. It’s a rustic experience because it comes from rice growing areas and has been popular in the countryside. However, in Jeonju you can find a few places in each neighbourhood. The tourist map labels them as Makgeolri towns, this is a bit much but you can get a few places on the same street which adds to the atmosphere. It goes down a bit too easily even though it’s equivalent to a strong ale (about 6 – 8 % volume). Once you have had a few saucerfuls it can hit like a sack of …rice? It also gets you a different kind of drunk. Drinking the stuff on its own is quite good, in fact there are many supposed health benefits, it’s meal like. However, on the odd occasion when I have drunk other alcohol afterwards it has left me in state or confusion, rustic confusion, like a rice farmer in a corn field. The thing I miss most from home are the pubs and ales. I don’t really like getting drunk but I do like the taste of real beer. I like the smell of pubs especially in summer, I like the comfortable carpets and well used pool tables, I like sitting doing nothing on a Sunday afternoon, drinking too much after work on a Friday and doing a pub quiz midweek. Bars in other countries never come close to the greatest institution in the world: The pub. The makkoli places give me a weird sense of home even though they are impossibly exotic. The first time I went to a makkoli place I was surprised to see that when you wash your hands in the shabby toilet the water goes down the plug in the sink and then has a clear drop into a bucket on the floor. I was probably drunk at the time but I thought… Wow! No visible plumbing, how honest! They have since fixed that sink but my sentiments stay the same. With a Miller Time and WA bar on every high street selling German and Czech tasteless lager beer with loud music and overpriced bar snacks, I am more than happy to shell out about 7 pounds sterling for a huge kettle of milky goodness. That’s because … 막걸리좋아하는 (I like mackolly) 0 La Santisima Trinidad de Paraná is a Jesuit ‘reduccione’ or mission in Paraguay. A reduction is like a small city-state used for missionary work, usually ‘helping’ the indigenous people convert to Christianity. The Jesuits allowed the local populations to continue their native lifestyle but under the watchful eyes of the Mother Church. Many of the local tribes would be able to recite hymns in Latin and they often received a classical education. The Society of Jesus was extremely powerful in the 18th Century and the Spanish Empire was laissez-faire in their attitude. Paraguay was as near as you could get to having an almost Jesuit Republic. However, their influence eventually waned and the reducciones fell into disrepair. La Santisima Trinidad de Paraná is accessible from the city of Encarnacion, I took a short bus trip there and simply wandered around the spectacular ruins. Trinidad was built in 1706, there is a central piazza, church, meetinghouse, school, various workshops, a museum and housing for the locals. It must have been overwhelming moving from the simple native dwellings into the large-scale European buildings of the reductions. The architecture is austere in places but beautiful in its pious simplicity. The huge walls still tower over the nearby rickety houses and the modern world beyond the fences seems completely at odds with this open air museum. I found peace and tranquillity in this place, especially after coming from the tattered chaos and clutter of the nearby Encarnacion and Posadas in Argentina. Trinidad is totally deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage status. 0 “Paraguay is nowhere and famous for nothing,” P. J. O’ Rourke Paraguay is one of the most obscure places imaginable, it’s the Timbuktu of Latin America. It doesn’t make much sense as a country. I think even Paraguayans wonder why they are there. The population is about 90% Mestizo, the result of restless Spanish sailors having killed most of the native Guaraní men and taken around 15 concubines each from the local Guaraní women. The Guaraní tribe overlaps into Brazil and Argentina but it is in Paraguay that they find their voice and identity. The language, people, and currency are all Guaraní. Even the Spanish spoken here is heavily influenced by Guaraní. Unlike the neighbouring indigenous people with their red cheeks and mountain lungs, the Guaraní seem more like the Jungle dwellers you are likely to see on the Discovery channel. They have the jet black bowl cut hairstyles and painted red faces. However, as I mentioned earlier the population is so mixed that you are likely to see any number of features, especially in the bigger cities. The Chaco region even has Mennonites and Anabaptists from Germany, U.S.A, and Australia. I view a large insect on the ceiling. As a nation-state it seems as if they missed several memos, or got the blueprints back to front. The history is littered with disastrous military campaigns,comedic coups, and failed colonial experiments. It has been an island of exile for extremely dangerous dictators and war criminals. Apparently Josef Mengele lived in Paraguay after fleeing Europe. If the Angel of Death can live there freely then so can anybody. It seems like the neighbours just forgot about the place, until they need a cheap TV, did I mention that Paraguay’s main industry is smuggling, especially electronics. When I crossed over to Brazil I saw people in the river on dinghies transporting cheap electrical goods. I read many stories about the dangerous state sponsored crimes and complete lawlessness. During my stay I didn’t really feel in any danger, and the people I met were mostly warm and hospitable. Why go to Paraguay? That’s a question which I have never been able to answer, neither could the other two tourists who I met there, in a week. In case you cannot read between the lines, I saw two humans from foreign countries during my week in Paraguay. The other two tourists I met were both from England, one had a cocaine encrusted credit card which prevented him from being able to use a bank ATM. He was a good guy though, we played pool in Asunción for several hours and witnessed the slow sun-baked madness of this strangest of countries. The question circled around our conversation for a while. The resulting answers were unconvincing. He fancied ‘something a bit different’, I came because I ‘read a book’. As we played pool insects sometimes fell from the ceiling and there was a fat man drinking too much on his work break. I spoke to a young guy wearing a Celtic F.C shirt. He had visited London and was perplexed as to why someone from England would visit Paraguay. The other tourist I met was visiting the beautiful Reducciones (Jesuit Missions), he was very straight-laced and seemed the least likely person to find in the rural areas of Paraguay. He was from one of those places in middle England where people try to save the post offices and all the pubs have the word ‘Gastro’ written in front of them. He was a little out of his depth in Paraguay. After visiting the second of the Redduciones we realised there was no way to get back to the main road, the small local bus had retired for a smoke and a siesta. With little hope of getting back I negotiated with a man to give us a life for some token amount of money. He did, but the tourist boy (let’s call him Tarquin) didn’t like it one bit. He asked me what we should do if he tries to kidnap us, I reminded him that we were two and our would be assailant was one. He was also driving one of the worst cars I’d ever seen so if things went south it was possible to just open the door and get out. Tarquin’s reason for being in Paraguay was simply to tick off some sites from his South American list. Palacio de los López It’s very difficult to describe Paraguay, it’s not like the other South American places. Bolivia and Peru are well documented, they retain the Inca thing, panpipes, ponchos, and overpriced Gringo tours. Argentina is the sophistication of Buenos Aires and the desolation of the Pampas and Patagonia. Columbia is plantations and palm trees with the occasional drug lord. Brazil is football and beaches overlooked by a gaping wealth gap. Paraguay is…? I think the best image, the one which sums up the place is in the centre of Asunción, the capital. Directly opposite the Parliament building is a small field in the shade of some trees, in the middle of this field is a net to play volleyball. When I was there I saw a feral pig sniffing under the net. This net was between the offices of high government and some corrugated metal dwellings that tumble-down to the river. Suffice it to say that I didn’t take too many pictures in Paraguay. Despite my lack of photojournalism, I do love the place, not because of what it is, but because of what it isn’t Opposite the Parliament	Sausage
Name the hugely and suddenly successful 'Pictionary-type' online game bought by Zynga for $180m in 2012?	Irish cuisine - Wikipedia Irish cuisine This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (January 2012) Irish stew Irish cuisine is a style of cooking originating from Ireland or developed by Irish people . It evolved from centuries of social and political change and mixing between the different cultures on the island, predominantly English and Irish. The cuisine takes its influence from the crops grown and animals farmed in its temperate climate. However, the development of Irish cuisine was affected negatively by the English conquest in the early 17th century because this forced the impoverishment of the mass of the people through both land dispossession, and the organisation of Ireland's food economy to provide supplies to England and its armed forces. This also replaced the more sophisticated levels of native cuisine with English norms. Consequently, the potato , after its widespread adoption in the 18th century became almost the only food of the poor (the vast majority of the population) and, as a result, is often now closely associated with Ireland. Many elements of Irish cuisine were lost or abandoned during this time, with loss particularly acute from the Great Famine up until the mid 20th century. Much of Irish cuisine is now being revived. Representative modern Irish dishes include Irish stew , bacon and cabbage , boxty , coddle , and colcannon . Contents A pint of stout and some wheaten soda bread There are many references to food and drink in Irish mythology and early Irish literature such as the tale of Fionn mac Cumhaill and the Salmon of Knowledge . [1] The old stories also contain many references to banquets involving the heroes portion and meat cooked in cauldrons and on spits. The Irish mythology is a Celtic Indo-European tradition and shares many foods with others in this group. For example, honey has always been valued and was used in the making of mead , a drink featuring in many ancient Indo-European myths and rituals from Ireland to India. Prehistory[ edit ] In the Mesolithic seafood appears to have played a large part in the diet. Huge mounds of shellfish, known as middens , are common in many parts of the coast, for example at Sligo , a place meaning "shells" in reference to these mounds. Red deer, wild boar, fish, shellfish, berries, nuts and fruits were the staples of this hunter gatherer economy. With the arrival of Neolithic groups emmer wheat, einkorn and barley began to be grown as well as sheep, cattle and goats kept for their meat, milk and skins. The most common sites associated with cooking are fulacht fiadh , the name means sites for cooking deer, consisting of holes in the ground which were filled with water. The water was heated by the introduction of hot stones. There are thousands of fulacht fiadh sites across the island of Ireland, they mostly seem to date from the Bronze Age 1800-900 BC, although many appear to have been used into much more recent times. Horses arrived in the Bronze Age and seem always to have been taboo as a foodstuff, as they are in neighbouring Britain. Gaelic Ireland[ edit ] Customs and equipment[ edit ] Hospitality was compulsory on all householders under Irish law and those entitled could sue on refusal. Much evidence for early Irish food exists in the law texts and poetry which were written down from the 7th and 8th century AD onwards. The arrival of Christianity also brought new influences from the Middle east and Roman culture. The main meal was eaten in the afternoon or evening. A daytime meal was termed díthat. A meal at night, and especially a celebratory one, was called a feis and was often accompanied by beer. Food was served on wooden boards or low tables termed a mias (from mensa, a table, in Latin). Only a knife was used to cut food which was eaten with the hand and using bread. The taste even among very high status individuals seems to have been towards simply prepared dishes, without many spices but with a variety of seasonal accompaniments.The main cooking utensil was the cauldron in which a variety of broths and stews were made. Meals consisted of a staple of bread, fresh milk, or a fermented variety such as bainne clabhair , yoghurt or cheese accompanied by an anlann or tarsunn (relish, condiment) usually of vegetables, salted meat or honey, but could be any variety of seasonal foods. At the public guesthouses (bruiden) a person of high rank was entitled to 3 tarsunn, a lesser person only one. Grains[ edit ] Until the arrival of the potato in the 16th century, grains such as oats, wheat and barley, cooked either as porridge or bread, formed the staple of the Irish diet. The most common form of bread consisted of flatbread made from ground oats. These flatbreads could be wafer thin, like chapati, or thicker like the oatcakes still popular in Scotland. Household equipment included a kneading trough lasat, a kneading slab lecc, a griddle lann and a griddle turner lainnéne. While oats were the most commonly used grain, bread made from wheat was regarded as a luxury of the aristocratic class. Bread and milk formed the staple of the Irish diet for millennia. From Latin came tortine meaning a small loaf. Four varieties of porridge are described in old texts as appropriate for various social classes. Traditional porridge was cooked from oats, barley or wheat meal mixed with water, buttermilk or new milk and cooked to a smooth consistency. This was accompanied by either heavily salted butter, fresh butter or honey. A fermented mixture of cracked wheat and heated milk was prepared as some form of frumenty or product similar to Turkish tarhana or middle eastern kashk . [2] This could have other ingredients added such as egg yolks making a highly nutritious food that could also be dried and stored over winter. Another grain preparation known as menedach was made by kneading grains and butter together into a type of paste and was known for its medicinal qualities, especially for monks on strict penitential diets. It may have been an early form of roux or perhaps a type of polenta . It could be spread on bread. It is described in the 12th century Icelandic saga Landnamabok in which Irish slaves prepare the food claiming that it will cure thirst. "The Irish thralls found the expedient of kneading meal and butter and said it would quench the thirst. They called it minapak". Meat[ edit ] Meat was generally cooked fresh and unspiced, or salted and was boiled in a cauldron (coire). Sometimes it was flavoured with honey. There are many descriptions of meat boiled in a cauldron in a form of stew. One recipe appears to have used "purple berries" to colour the meal. There are also descriptions of meat being parboiled and then roasted over a fire on wooden spits somewhat similar to shish kebab . Consumption of meat was forbidden twice a week on Wednesday and Friday and during Lent . Céadaoin, the name for Wednesday in Irish, means first fast and Aoine the name for Friday, means fast. Orthodox Christian churches still maintain this practice. Deer were hunted for meat, being trapped in pits or hunted with dogs. Both domestic pig and wild boar were eaten. Pork was probably the most common meat consumed in Ireland. Pigs were fattened on acorns in the forests. The flitch of bacon suspended on a hook is frequently mentioned in sources. Sausages made of salted pork are mentioned.Two types of sausage known as maróc (from a Norse loanword) and indrechtán (a sausage or pudding) are mentioned. The dominant feature of the rural economy was the herding of cattle. Cows were not generally slaughtered for meat unless old or injured, but male cattle, if not destined to be oxen, were often slaughtered at one or two years. Salted beef Meat was cooked in a cauldron where different forms of stew were commonly made. Meat was also barbecued on spits (bir) made of either wood or iron. The poem Aislinge Meic Con Glinne describes the roasting of pieces of beef, mutton and ham on spits of whitebeam. The meat was marinated in salt and honey first. Offal was used in various dishes, with tripe being mentioned the most. Fish was also sometimes grilled on a spit or griddle over a fire. The meat of horses and the crane was taboo and avoided. Fowl in general does not seem to have featured much in the diet.There is also evidence for taboos related to totem animals amongst certain groups or tribes for whom consumption of these animals was forbidden. Dairy[ edit ] Ireland with grass growth ten months of the year and no need to house cattle in winter has always produced exceptional quality dairy products.[ citation needed ] Dairy products were known as bánbia (whitefoods) and milk, butter, curds and cheese formed a very important staple of the diet.Táth was a form of pressed curds, perhaps similar to paneer , and Cottage cheese. Milk was heated with butter to make a sweet drink called milseán. Milk diluted with water was termed englas. The practice of bleeding cattle and mixing the blood with milk and butter (similar to the practice of the Maasai) was not uncommon. Black pudding is made from blood, grain, (usually barley) and seasoning, and remains a breakfast staple food in Ireland. Honey seems to have been a precious commodity, with beekeeping particularly associated with the church and much used in medicine. A hard cheese called tánach, a skimmed milk cheese called mulchán, Bog butter was allowed to ferment and was buried in bogs to provide a stable temperature during the aging process. The end product may have been something similar to smen , a north African ingredient in many dishes. Fruit and vegetables[ edit ] Due to the extensive periods of fasting and the natural shortage of meat and dairy in the early spring, Irish cuisine made extensive use of vegetarian meals. Vegetables included onions, chives, cabbage, celery, wild garlic and leeks. Fathen ( Chenopodium album ) a form of wild lentil, is often found on pre Norman archaeological sites and appears to have been an important part of the diet, as it still is in Northern India. Skirret (Sium sisaram) in Irish cearrachán, appears to have been grown as a root vegetable, this is no longer used. Watercress, sorrel, parsley and nettles were picked wild and eaten raw or added to broth. Apples and plums seem to have been the most common cultivated fruit. Pulses such as peas and broad beans and lentils were grown and dried since early medieval times, providing a valuable source of protein when meat was unavailable. Berries and nuts were extensively eaten. Hazelnuts were of great importance. Bilberries known as fraochán in Irish were traditionally picked on the festival of Lúghnasa in August. Sloes , mulberries and blackberries were also available. Pepper has been known in Ireland since early Christian times, being an import from the Roman empire.. The fruit of the strawberry tree, known as caithne in Irish ( Arbutus unedo ) is associated with religious establishments and may have been used to make or flavour medicine. Drinks[ edit ] A four handled wooden cup called a meadair was used, or a drinking horn for high status individuals.. Fermented milk Beer was a prerequisite of a nobles house and was usually brewed from barley, although a wheat beer was also made. Malting kilns are a very common find in archaeological digs in Ireland and appear from early Christian times on. Uisce beatha (water of life) or whisky is an invention of the Gaelic world and was developed after the introduction of distilling in the 12th century. Religious diets[ edit ] Vegetarian diets were known among the strict monastic orders, but it was not compulsory. However, those that did eat meat were only permitted to eat wild pig or deer. Monks lived on a staple gruel made with water or milk and meal known as brothchán. This, on Sundays and festivals had seasonal fruits and nuts and honey added, and it has been suggested that brothchán may have been an early form of muesli. [3] The Pale[ edit ] The Pale was the small area around Dublin in which English influence was strongest, here a hybrid food culture developed consisting of Norse, English and Irish influences. Excavations at the Viking settlement in the Wood Quay area of Dublin have produced a significant amount of information on the diet of the inhabitants of the town. The main meats eaten were beef, mutton , and pork . Domestic poultry and geese as well as fish and shellfish were also common, as was a wide range of native berries and nuts, especially hazel. The seeds of knotgrass and goosefoot were widely present and may have been used to make a porridge. The Norse word for bean was borrowed into Gaelic as ponaire. Ovens for baking were used in the towns Evidence for cherries has been found in 11th century Dublin. Bread was sometimes flavoured with aniseed. Crubeens are an Irish food made of boiled pigs' feet. Pot of colcannon , an Irish potato and kale dish The Normans[ edit ] The Norman invasion brought new additions to the diet, introducing rabbit s, fallow deer and pheasants in the 12th century. They may also have introduced some freshwater fish, notably pike. The Norman invasion marked the beginning of both the English and French presence in the country which continued as a unique Hiberno-Norman culture developed in the Norman settled areas and towns. The Norman cuisine characteristically consisted of spicy meat and fowl along with potages and broths , roasts and sauces. The Normans may also have introduced the making of cider. Oysters and scallops were another favourite of the Normans. Colonial Ireland[ edit ] Two widely divergent diets developed in British ruled Ireland, with stark differences between rich and poor. The rich dined on an abundance of meat such as turkey with beef, roast goose with roasted bacon, cheese and butter. Game birds such as snipe and pheasant were regularly eaten. Sweets included apple tarts. The cuisine combined that of the developing Imperial world, for example curries, alongside Irish staples such as soda bread and potatoes. A 19th century recipe book lists "sweet and savoury puddings of both a baked and boiled variety are the most numerous recipes, followed by recipes for preserved fruits, meat, fish and oysters". [4] The situation was very different for the poor, who made up 75% of the population of around nine million by 1840. Potatoes form the basis for many Irish dishes and indeed were eaten both by the Anglo-Irish gentry and the mass of the people. Which was unusual as the potato was shunned in most of Europe for centuries after its introduction, particularly by the elites. The potato was first introduced into Ireland in the second half of the 16th century, initially as a garden crop. It eventually came to be the main food crop of the poor. As a food source, the potato is extremely valuable in terms of the amount of energy produced per unit area of crop. The potato is also a good source of many vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C when fresh. Potatoes were widely cultivated, but in particular by those at a subsistence level; the diet of this group of this period consisted mainly of potatoes supplemented with buttermilk. At this time Ireland produced large quantities of salted ( corned) beef , almost all of it for export. This beef was packed into barrels to provide supplies to the British Navy , army and merchant fleet. Corned beef became associated with the Irish in America where it was plentiful and used as a replacement for the bacon in bacon and cabbage. However, it was not traditional fare in Ireland. Fresh meat was generally considered a luxury except for the most affluent until the late 19th century. A pig was often kept for bacon and was known as the "gentleman that pays the rent".Potatoes were also fed to pigs, to fatten them prior to their slaughter at the approach of the cold winter months. Much of the slaughtered pork would have been cured to provide ham and bacon that could be stored over the winter. Chickens were not raised on a large scale until the emergence of town grocers in the 1880s allowed people to exchange surplus goods, like eggs, and for the first time purchase a variety food items to diversify their diet. The over reliance on potatoes as a staple crop meant that the people of Ireland were vulnerable to poor potato harvests.The first Great Famine of 1739 was the result of extreme cold weather but the famine of 1845 to 1849 (see Great Irish Famine ) was caused by potato blight which spread throughout the Irish crop which consisted largely of a single variety, the Lumper. During the famine approximately 1 million people died and a million more emigrated from Ireland. [5] Dishes that were popular then are Introduced baking and roasts Tea was introduced during Ireland's time as part of the British empire and became increasingly popular, especially during the 19th century. Irish people are now amongst the highest per capita tea drinkers in the world. Tea is drunk hot and with milk at all times of the day, slightly stronger varieties are preferred than in England. e In the 21st century, the usual modern selection of foods common to Western culture has been adopted in Ireland. Common meals include pizza , curry , Chinese food , Thai food, and lately, some West African dishes and East European (especially Polish ) dishes have been making an appearance, as ingredients for these and other cuisines have become more widely available. In tandem with these developments, and led by Myrtle Allen , [6] the last quarter of the 20th century saw the emergence of a new Irish cuisine based on traditional ingredients handled in new ways. This cuisine is based on fresh vegetables, fish (especially salmon and trout ), oysters , mussels and other shellfish, traditional soda bread, the wide range of cheeses that are now being made across the country, and, of course, the potato. Traditional dishes, such as Irish stew , coddle , the Irish breakfast , and potato bread have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity. Schools like the Ballymaloe Cookery School have emerged to cater for the associated increased interest in cooking. Fish and chips take-away is popular. The first fish and chips were sold in Dublin in the 1880s by an Italian immigrant from San Donato Val di Comino , Giuseppe Cervi. His wife Palma would ask customers 'Uno di questa, uno di quella?' This phrase (meaning 'one of this, one of the other') entered the vernacular in Dublin as 'one and one', which is still a common way of referring to fish and chips in the city. [7] In much of Ulster (especially Northern Ireland and County Donegal ), fish and chips are usually known as a 'fish supper'. The proliferation of fast food has led to increasing public health problems, including obesity , where it was reported that as many as 327,000 Irish children are now obese or overweight and in response the Irish Government is now considering introducing a "Fast Food Tax". [8] Government efforts to combat obesity have also included television advertising campaigns and education programmes in schools. [9] Seafood[ edit ] The eating of seafood, despite Irelands enormous coastline, is not as common as in other maritime countries. [13] Irish people eat well below the European average of seafood. [14] It appears that it may have been more common in the past, but declined markedly in the last few centuries. There may be various reasons for this. Irish owned shipping was severely restricted under English governance from the late 16th century on. Ireland was traditionally a cattle based economy and fish was associated with religious fasting. It was the traditional food of fast on Fridays, in common with other Catholic countries. Also, seafood and particularly shellfish became associated with the poor and the shame of colonisation. [15] Seafood remained an important part of the diet in coastal cities like Galway and Dublin . In Dublin the fish seller is celebrated in the traditional folk song " Molly Malone ", and in Galway the international Galway Oyster Festival is held every September. [16] An example of a modern Irish shellfish dish is Dublin Lawyer ( lobster cooked in whiskey and cream). [17] Salmon and cod are perhaps the two most common types of fish eaten. Carrageen moss and dulse (both types of red algae ) are commonly used in Irish seafood dishes. Seaweed, by contrast, has always been an important part of the Irish diet and remains to some extent popular today. Two popular forms are Dillisk ( Palmaria palmata ) and Carageen moss or Irish moss ( Chondrus crispus , Mastocarpus stellatus ), also eaten in the Caribbean. Further reading[ edit ] Broadway, Michael. "Implementing the Slow Life in Southwest Ireland: A Case Study of Clonakilty and Local Food." Geographical Review 105.2 (2015): 216-234. Danaher, Pauline. "From Escoffier to Adria: Tracking Culinary Textbooks at the Dublin Institute of Technology 1941–2013." M/C Journal 16.3 (2013). Lucas, Anthony T. "Irish food before the potato." Gwerin: A Half-Yearly Journal of Folk Life 3.2 (1960): 8-43. Mac Con Iomaire, M. (2004) "The history of seafood in Irish cuisine and culture,'" History Studies, Vol. 5, University of Limerick pp. 61–76. ( http://arrow.dit.ie/tfschafart/106 ) Mac Con Iomaire, M. (2008) "Searching for Chefs, Waiters and Restaurateurs in Edwardian Dublin: A Culinary Historian’s Experience of the 1911 Dublin Census Online" in Petits Propos Culinaires 86. pp. 92–126. ( http://arrow.dit.ie/tfschafart/1/ ) Mac Con Iomaire, M. and P. Gallagher (2009) "The Potato in Irish Cuisine and Culture" in Journal of Culinary Science and Technology Vol. 7, Issues 2-3, pp. 1–16 ( http://arrow.dit.ie/tfschafart/3/ ) Mac Con Iomaire, M. (2010) "The Pig in Irish Cuisine and Culture" in MC Journal – the Journal of Media and Culture, Vol. 13, No. 5. ( http://arrow.dit.ie/tfschafart/2/ ) Mac Con Iomaire,M. (2010) "Irish Corned Beef: A Culinary History" in Journal of Culinary Science and Technology, Vol. 9, No. 2. ( http://arrow.dit.ie/tfschafart/23/ ) Mac Con Iomaire, M. (2011) "The Changing Geography and Fortunes of Dublin’s Haute Cuisine Restaurants 1958-2008," in Food, Culture & Society: An International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, Vol. 14, No. 4. pp. 525–545. ( http://arrow.dit.ie/tfschafart/112/ ) Mac Con Iomaire, M. (2012) "Coffee Culture in Dublin: A Brief History." in M/C Journal - A Journal of Media and Culture. Vol. 15, No. 2. -'coffee'. online another copy Mac Con Iomaire, Máirtín. (2013) "Public dining in Dublin: The history and evolution of gastronomy and commercial dining 1700-1900." International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management 25.2 (2013): 227-246. Mahon, Bríd. Land of Milk and Honey: The Story of Traditional Irish Food & Drink (Dufour Editions, 1991)	i don't know
Where did the modern common potato originate?	Origins of the Potato Origins of the Potato 0 Potatoes are one of the most common foods found today. But, do you ever wonder how this came to be. Where do potatoes come from? What is their history? The life of the potato began around 7,000 years ago in the high plateau of the Andean Mountains of South America, which is known today as the Titicaca Plateau and which stretches across the modern countries of Peru and Bolivia. In this region at elevations of up to 15,000 feet the Aymara Indians were able to develop and cultivate more than two hundred varieties of the potato. These potatoes formed the main basis of the Aymara Indian and the Incan diet. These natives were impressed by the durability, ruggedness, storage quality and nutritional value this vegetable of the earth offered them. Potatoes also influenced the Incan culture, as potato shaped pottery (with even eyes) is found commonly at excavation sites. Also Incan units of time were correlated to the length of time it took for a potato to cook to various consistencies. In the Incan world potatoes were even used to predict the weather. Europeans were not exposed to the potato until the late 1400s and 1500s when the Spanish Conquistadors sacked Peru. When they did not find the silver and gold they were looking for they quickly took over the potato market. From here potatoes were soon a standard supply item on Spanish ships and it was noted that sailors who ate papas (potatoes) did not suffer from scurvy (a disease associated with a deficiency in vitamin C) because potatoes are packed with vitamin C. Though the potato was very productive and hardy, the Spanish did not really embrace it and it was considered a food for the underclass. After Spain introduced the potato to Europe it would take another three decades before its knowledge was spread to the rest of the European nations. Even when this occurred it was only at first mainly cultivated by amateur botanists as a curiosity thing. Resistance to the growth and consumption of potatoes was due to established eating habits, the potatoes reputation as a food for the underprivileged and also the fact that it has a relationship to poisonous plants, being poisonous at times itself. Potato cultivation in Europe did spread slowly and eventually hit the Low Countries and Switzerland. In the 1620’s the spud was introduced to Germany and here the nutritional properties of the potato were finally acknowledged as Frederick the Great, the Prussian Ruler ordered the German people to eat potatoes as a deterrent to famine. People’s fears of poisoning from the plant led Frederick to enforce this decree by threatening those who did not consume the spuds with the idea of cutting of their ears and noses. In response to this, by the time of the Seven Years War potatoes were a basic part of the Prussian diet. During the time of the Seven Years War (1756-63) a certain French intellectual, Antoine Augustine Parmentier was a prisoner of war in Prussia. Here he saw, first hand, the nutritional benefits of the potato and he realized that its productive capacity could be a real boom for the French farmer. He became obsessed with the crop and when he returned to France, where he was a pharmacist, chemist and an employee of Louis the 15th, he set out to make the potato a staple of the French diet. When he failed to convince his fellow Frenchman of the advantages of potatoes by conventional means he thought up a scheme. Parmentier acquired some unproductive land on the outskirts of Paris. Here he planted 50 acres of potatoes and set a guard over this land. The presence of the guard grew considerable attention in the neighborhood and in the evening when the guard was mostly relaxing the locals came to see what all the fuss was about. Thinking that this plant must be valuable many peasants took some of the potatoes from the plot to their own home gardens to be grown. He helped to overcome many of his fellow Frenchman’s initial resistance to the vegetable with their own curiosity and desire to better their lot with this obviously valuable (due to presence of the guard) new produce taking them over. Therefore, Parmentier achieved his goal, although he spread the potato in a very sneaky and unique way. The potato would not gain true prominence however until the 1780’s when this rugged food crop was adopted by the Irish; who adopted this crop for the prime reason that it could be abundantly produced and was nutritious. Soon after this the potato would gain acceptance across Europe. It would eventually make its way back across the Atlantic to North America with many of those who were migrating here. As time passed and as still follows today potatoes have become one of the world’s major food stuffs. In fact, these oval or often misshapen vegetables are so common in the Western diet that they are often taken for granted. We should appreciate this great food and realize that they have only truly been with us for a few hundred years but have a history and have traveled a journey that none of us would ever repeat. Related	South America
What material was used in making the 2,000 year-old dome of the Pantheon in Rome?	Archaeological Evidence for Domesticating Potatoes By Nicoletta Maestri Updated February 25, 2016. Potato (Solanum tuberosum) belongs to the Solanaceae family, which also includes tomatoes, eggplants , and chili peppers . Potato is currently the second widest used staple crop in the world. It was first domesticated in South America, in the Andean highlands, between Peru and Bolivia, more than 10,000 years ago. Different species of potato (solanum) exist, but the most common worldwide is the S. tuberosum ssp. Tuberosum. This species was introduced in Europe in the mid-1800s from Chile when a fungus disease almost completely destroyed S. tuberosum ssp. andigena, the original species imported by the Spanish directly from the Andes in the 1500s. The edible part of the potato is its root, called tuber. Because the tuber of wild potatoes contains poisonous alkaloids, one of the first steps made by ancient Andean farmers toward domestication was to select and replant a variety with low alkaloid contents. Also, since wild tubers are quite small, farmers also selected the bigger examples. continue reading below our video 10 Best Universities in the United States Archaeological Evidence of Potato Cultivation Archaeological evidence suggests that people were consuming potatoes in the Andes as early as 13,000 years ago. In the Tres Ventanas Cave in the Peruvian highlands, several root remains, including S. tuberosum, have been recorded and direct-dated to 5800 cal B.C. (C14 calibrated date) Also, remains of 20 potato tubers, both white and sweet potato, dating between 2000 and 1200 B.C. have been found in the trash middens of four archaeological sites in the Casma valley, on the coast of Peru. Finally, in a Inca period site near Lima, called Pachacamac , pieces of charcoal have been found within the remains of potato tubers suggesting that one of the possible preparation of this tuber involved baking. Spread of Potato Around the World Although this may be due to a lack of data, current evidence indicates that the spread of potatoes from Andean highlands to the coast and the rest of the Americas was a slow process. Potatoes reached Mexico by 3000-2000 B.C., probably passing through Lower Central America or the Caribbean Islands. In Europe and North America, the South American root arrived only in the 16th and 17th century, respectively, after its importation by the first Spanish explorers. Sources This glossary entry is a part of the About.com guide to Plant Domestication , and the Dictionary of Archaeology . Hancock, James, F., 2004, Plant Evolution and the Origin of Crop Species. Second Edition. CABI Publishing, Cambridge, MA Ugent Donald, Sheila Pozoroski and Thomas Pozoroski, 1982, Archaeological Potato Tuber Remains from the Casma Valley of Peru, Economic Botany, Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 182-192.	i don't know
The Renminbi is currency, and increasingly important in global trading, of which country?	Will the Renminbi Rule? -- Finance & Development, March 2012 Will the Renminbi Rule? IMF podcast: China Rising The Chinese currency is on track to become more important globally, but is unlikely to challenge the dollar anytime soon THE Chinese economy is now the world’s second largest and a key driver of global growth. It amounts to between 10 percent and 15 percent of world GDP (depending on how it is measured) and, in 2011, accounted for about one-quarter of world GDP growth. But among the currencies of the six largest economies in the world, China’s renminbi is the only one that is not traded easily and accepted worldwide—that is, it is not a hard currency. China’s government has taken steps recently to promote the international use of the renminbi, even though it has not been willing to open up its economy to the free flow of capital and allow its exchange rate to be flexible. Nevertheless, given the sheer size of China’s economy and its rising shares of global output and trade, these steps portend a rising role for the renminbi in international finance and trade. But a compelling question is whether the renminbi’s global stature will rise to match that of the Chinese economy—perhaps approaching the U.S. dollar. The answer to that question depends on three related but distinct concepts about the currency: •Internationalization: its use in denominating and settling cross-border trade and financial transactions—that is, as an international medium of exchange; •Capital account convertibility: how much a country restricts inflows and outflows of financial capital—a fully open capital account has no restrictions; and •Reserve currency: whether it is held by foreign central banks as protection against balance of payments crises. A country’s currency can be used internationally even if its capital account is not fully open. And even in the absence of restrictions on capital flows, a country’s currency may be used little or not at all internationally. But both international use and an open capital account are necessary for a currency to become an international reserve currency. This article evaluates the current state of and prospects for the renminbi in each of these three dimensions in terms of the balance and sustainability of China’s economic development and the associated implications for the global monetary system. Becoming a reserve currency Given China’s size and growth prospects, it is widely seen as inevitable that the renminbi will eventually become a reserve currency. To gauge the likelihood and timing, it is necessary to consider the typical attributes of a reserve currency and evaluate China’s progress in each of these dimensions. The factors that generally affect a currency’s reserve status include •Economic size: A country’s GDP and its shares of global trade and finance are important, although not crucial, determinants of a country’s reserve currency status. •Macroeconomic policies: Investors in a country’s sovereign assets must have faith in the ability of its economic policies, especially its commitment to low inflation and sustainable public debt, to protect the value of the currency from erosion. •Flexible exchange rate: Reserve currencies are typically traded freely and their external value is market determined, although this does not entirely preclude central bank intervention in foreign exchange markets. An open capital account is not synonymous with a freely floating exchange rate. •Open capital account: Reserves must be acceptable as payments to a country’s trade and financial partners, which requires that the currency be easily tradable in global financial markets. This is difficult if a country imposes restrictions on capital flows and if its foreign exchange markets are thin and subject to the government’s direct control. •Financial market development: A country must have deep and liquid financial markets—that is, markets, especially in government bonds, with many buyers and sellers to provide “safe” assets that can be held by international investors and central banks from other countries. Turnover (trading volume) in these bond markets, which is a measure of liquidity, is also important. There is no hard-and-fast rule that dictates which of these factors are important or even essential. For instance, the Swiss franc is a global reserve currency even though Switzerland’s shares of global GDP and trade are small. Moreover, many major reserve currency economies—the euro area, Japan, and the United States, for example—have large and rising public debt, which casts doubt on their macroeconomic stability but has not affected their currencies’ reserve status, at least so far. Some analysts have in fact extrapolated from the U.S. experience to argue that China will have to run large current account deficits if it wants to provide reserve assets to the rest of the world. But that is not the case. The currencies of Japan and Switzerland have achieved reserve status despite those countries’ consistent current account surpluses. How the renminbi fits in China’s size and importance in world trade are well known. It now accounts for 10 percent of global trade in goods, up from 4 percent a decade ago, and is extensively connected with other economies through trade linkages. Whether China’s fiscal and monetary policies anchor long-run inflation expectations and foster macroeconomic stability is an open question. China has a moderate level of explicit public debt and a small government budget deficit relative to the major reserve currency economies. Moreover, despite its tightly managed exchange rate, which has compromised the independence of monetary policy, China has had a relatively stable inflation rate in the recent past. The next question is whether China is opening up its capital account. Although China still has extensive capital controls in place, they are being selectively and cautiously dismantled. As a result, gross inflows have risen sharply over the past decade, reflecting China’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign investment. Outflows other than foreign exchange reserves, including investments abroad by Chinese corporations and institutional investors such as pension funds, have also grown substantially, albeit from a low base. In short, China’s capital account is becoming increasingly open in actual terms, although even by this measure it remains less open than those of the reserve currency economies—the euro area, Japan, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Financial market development in the home country is a crucial determinant of a currency’s international status. Historically, each reserve currency has risen to prominence under unique circumstances and spurred by differing motivations, but one constant is that this process has always required strong financial markets. The relevant aspects of financial market development include •Breadth: the availability of a broad range of financial instruments, including markets for hedging risk; •Depth: a large volume of financial instruments in specific markets; and •Liquidity: a high level of turnover (trading volume). Without a sufficiently large debt market, the renminbi cannot be credibly used in international transactions. If there is insufficient liquidity in markets for renminbi-denominated debt, the currency will not be attractive to foreign businesses. Both importers and exporters may be concerned about greater exchange rate volatility from an open capital account if they don’t have access to derivatives markets to hedge foreign exchange risk. Where do things stand? China’s financial system remains bank dominated, with the government directly controlling most of the banking system. Total domestic credit provided by the banking sector outweighs the size of the equity and bond markets combined. The banking system’s size and structure, which protect banks’ profits by limiting competition, and regulatory barriers have stifled broader financial market development. Debt markets in China lag far behind those of major reserve currency economies in size and liquidity (see Chart 1). The government debt market is reasonably large in absolute terms but turnover is low. Turnover is relatively high in China’s corporate bond market, which is still small. Analyzing the shares of international debt securities according to the currencies of issuance reveals a similar picture. The existing reserve currencies dominate; only a paltry 0.1 percent of international debt is denominated in renminbi. While the absolute size of the debt securities market in China is small from a cross-country perspective, it should not mask the rapid growth of these markets, which is consistent with the country’s intention to make the renminbi accepted as an international currency (see Chart 2). Nevertheless, reserve currency status for the renminbi is probably a much longer-term goal. One area in which China has made significant progress is in the development of equity markets. Following reforms in 2005, market capitalization and turnover surged and have grown sixfold, while trading volume has climbed more than tenfold. However, Chinese stock markets are highly volatile and prone to concerns about corporate governance, so they may be of limited help in promoting the renminbi’s role as an international currency. The pace of internationalization of China’s currency depends on its use in international financial transactions, not just trade. Foreign exchange market turnover is a good indicator of a currency’s potential as a vehicle currency for transactions involving cross-border trade in goods and financial assets. Currently, the renminbi accounts for less than 1 percent of all turnover in foreign exchange markets in 2010, but that understates reality. China uses Hong Kong SAR as an important financial center for settling foreign exchange transactions, and in 2010, Hong Kong SAR accounted for 5 percent of global foreign exchange market turnover. Hong Kong SAR provides a useful platform that puts the renminbi on a competitive footing relative to other emerging market currencies in terms of reaching international currency status. Most derivatives markets in China are still nascent, but three of its commodity futures exchanges are among the top 20 derivatives exchanges in the world as measured by the number of futures and options contracts traded. From the perspective of promoting international use of a currency, however, a large commodity derivatives market is not as useful as more diverse and liquid financial derivatives markets. To some extent, policies that direct activity toward Hong Kong SAR are playing a role generally carried out by vibrant domestic financial markets. Both the amount of renminbi deposits and the number of institutions authorized to conduct renminbi business in Hong Kong SAR have risen sharply over the past year. Policies to increase offshore renminbi use have effectively promoted its global role without risking the potentially deleterious effects of capital account liberalization. But the full potential of the Chinese currency’s international use cannot be realized without more active onshore development. Ultimately, it will be difficult to fully develop foreign exchange and derivatives markets without substantial capital account liberalization. To sum up, there has been modest development of the breadth, depth, and liquidity of China’s financial markets over the past decade. But China still comes up short when it comes to the key dimensions of financial market development, and financial system weaknesses are likely to impede its steps to heighten the currency’s international role. A rising international presence Despite the weak financial infrastructure supporting it, the renminbi is gaining an international presence (see Charts 3 and 4). China has been using Hong Kong SAR extensively as a testing ground for initiatives to promote the international use of the renminbi. Personal renminbi business was launched in Hong Kong SAR in 2004, when residents there were allowed to open deposit accounts denominated in renminbi. Other initiatives followed, such as cross-border settlement of trade transactions and renminbi bond issuance. Given China’s rapidly expanding trade volume, promoting renminbi trade settlement is a logical first step toward the currency’s internationalization. Since it began in 2009, cross-border trade settlement in the Chinese currency has surged. In 2011, renminbi trade settlement amounted to about 8 percent of China’s total trade in goods and services. Monthly remittances of renminbi used for cross-border settlement in Hong Kong SAR rose to nearly $25 billion a month in 2011, more than double the 2010 average. Issuance of renminbi-denominated bonds (known as dim sum bonds) in Hong Kong SAR is on the rise as well, tripling from 2007 to 2010 and hitting a high of about $10 billion in the second quarter of 2011. Fewer of these bonds were issued during the remainder of 2011, reflecting weaker global market conditions as the debt crisis in Europe continued to fester. Another way to gauge offshore use of the renminbi is to look at transactions among banks. Such renminbi clearing transactions were virtually nonexistent until mid-2010, when financial institutions in Hong Kong SAR were allowed to open renminbi-denominated accounts. Since then, both the volume and value of transactions have increased dramatically. The total value of transactions hit a peak of more than $500 billion in August 2011. Although still on a modest scale, the initiation and rapid expansion of various elements of the offshore renminbi market foretell the currency’s significant presence in trade and financial transactions in Asia. Some might argue, however, that dim sum bond issuance and cross-border settlement in renminbi are still narrow in scope, with most of the activity accounted for by Chinese mainland companies and their Hong Kong SAR subsidiaries. Some of this activity may also reflect attempts to circumvent capital controls. In short, even the influence of offshore renminbi use has some distance to go to reach its full potential. On another front, China’s central bank is establishing and expanding local currency bilateral swap lines with other central banks around the world to facilitate and expand the use of the renminbi in international trade and financial transactions. The amounts of these bilateral agreements are small, but they indicate efforts to make other countries’ central banks comfortable and familiar with renminbi-denominated instruments and financial facilities. The renminbi has also started to appear in a few central banks’ foreign exchange reserve portfolios. Malaysia and Nigeria first reported renminbi reserves in 2011. Chile’s central bank investment portfolio now has 0.3 percent of its assets in renminbi-denominated instruments. Other central banks are considering adding renminbi assets to their reserve portfolios. These holdings cannot in principle be counted as official reserves, given the renminbi’s lack of convertibility, but that does not seem to deter these central banks, which see renminbi-denominated assets—just like those of other major reserve currencies—as insurance against balance of payments pressures. These moves are all modest in size but symbolically important in signaling the shift in perception about the renminbi’s stability and its future role in the international monetary system. Taking on the dollar Is the renminbi on a trajectory to usurp the U.S. dollar’s role as the dominant global reserve currency? Perhaps, but the day is a long way off. It is more likely that, over the next decade, the renminbi will evolve into a reserve currency that erodes but doesn’t end the dollar’s dominance. About two-thirds of global foreign exchange reserves are now held in U.S. dollar–denominated financial instruments. Other indicators, such as the dollar’s shares of foreign exchange market turnover and cross-border foreign currency liabilities of non-U.S. banks, confirm the currency’s dominance in global finance. There are growing concerns about U.S. macroeconomic stability that might affect the dollar’s desirability. Although the U.S. central bank, the Federal Reserve, has strong worldwide credibility for its inflation-fighting credentials, rising public debt poses a serious concern. U.S. gross general government debt is about 90 percent of GDP, and IMF forecasts indicate that it could reach 110 percent of GDP, or nearly $21 trillion, by 2016. This is dangerous terrain for the world’s largest economy, but paradoxically—given the weaknesses in Japan and the euro area and emerging markets’ demand for so-called safe assets as they continue to accumulate foreign exchange reserves—rising U.S. debt may cement the dollar’s dominance in the global financial system. Moreover, a gulf remains between China and the United States when it comes to the availability of safe and liquid assets such as government bonds. The depth, breadth, and liquidity of U.S. financial markets are unmatched. Rather than catching up to the United States by building up debt, the challenge for China is to develop its other financial markets and increase the availability of high-quality renminbi-denominated assets. The renminbi is attaining more prominence in international trade and finance. While this importance is sure to grow, the renminbi is unlikely to become a prominent reserve currency—let alone challenge the dollar’s dominance—unless it can be freely converted and China adopts an open capital account. The challenge for the Chinese government is to back up its modest international policy actions with substantial domestic reforms. The renminbi’s prospects as a global currency will be shaped by a broader range of policies, especially those related to financial market development, exchange rate flexibility, and capital account liberalization. The path of China’s growth and the renminbi’s role in the global economy will depend on those policy choices. ■ Eswar Prasad is the Tolani Senior Professor of Trade Policy at Cornell University and New Century Chair in International Economics at the Brookings Institution. Lei Ye is a graduate student at Cornell University. This article is based on a Brookings Institution study by the authors titled “The Renminbi’s Role in the Global Monetary System.”	China
An exoplanet is a planet which does what to a sun (outside of our own solar system)?	Renminbi: Soon To Be A Reserve Currency? - Business Insider China's currency manipulation could become a global problem in 2017 I get the question all the time: when will the Chinese renminbi (RMB) replace the US dollar as the major world reserve currency? The assumption behind such questions is almost always that the coming crisis in US entitlement programs will force the Fed to monetize even more debt, thereby killing the dollar. Or some derivative line of that thought. Contrary to the thinking of fretful dollar skeptics, my firm belief is that the US dollar is going to become even stronger and will at some point actually deserve to be the reserve currency of choice rather than merely the prettiest girl in the ugly contest – the last currency standing, so to speak. But whether the Chinese RMB will become a reserve currency is an entirely different question. Of course it will, over time, but the question has always been when. There are some preconditions required for reserve currency status. Quietly, apart from anything that might happen to the US dollar, China is working to meet those conditions. Rather than wallowing in concerns about China's actions, we might opt for a more thoughtful and constructive response: to welcome the RMB to the reserve currency club and hope that it gets here soon. The world will be a better place when that happens. And off the radar screen, it may be happening right now. Today we look at global trade flows and international balances and try to imagine a world in which much "common wisdom" gets stood on its head. It should make for an interesting thought experiment, to say the least. (This letter will print a little longer than usual, as there are numerous chart s and graphs.) One of the prerequisites for a true reserve currency is that there must be a steady and ready supply of the currency to facilitate global trade. The United States has done its part in providing an ample supply of US dollars by running massive trade deficits with the rest of the world, primarily with oil-producing nations and with Asia (most notably China and Japan), for all manner of manufactured products. The US consumer has been the buyer of last resort for several decades (I say, somewhat tongue in cheek). Those dollars typically end up in the reserve balances of various producing nations and find their way back to the US, primarily invested in US government bonds. In an odd sense, the rest of the world has been providing vendor financing to the US, the richest nation in the world. John Mauldin The US Trade Deficit Turns Positive The US trade deficit (a key component of the current account deficit – see chart on next page) fell to an unprecedented percentage of GDP during the last decade, a development that normally heralds a significant drop in a currency. Fortunately, the "exorbitant privilege" of controlling the world's dominant currency in reserve holdings, international trade, and financial transactions has helped shield the US dollar from a hard correction; but that status quo is in danger. After flooding the world with US dollars for more than twenty years, the US has reduced its current account deficit by 58% since the 2007-2008 financial crisis began. Looking ahead, I and many other observers believe this measure can continue to improve, due two surprisingly positive factors: The US energy boom in shale oil and gas. The US has caught an incredibly well-timed "lucky break" made possible by the combination of new exploration, production, and processing technologies (such as horizontal drilling and fracking) and by the serendipitous discovery of massive supplies of oil and gas, often in areas that already have significant infrastructure and/or are accessible at reasonable costs. This energy renaissance is part of the reality that has made Houston, Texas, the number one port in the United States, with even more growth coming in the near future when the Panama Canal expansion is completed in 2014. US manufacturers are turning less-expensive oil and gas into value-added fossil fuel products and exporting them to the world. This trend will become ever more important. Indeed, when the first LNG export terminal is opened in a few years, the additional exports will approach $80 billion a year, I am told. From one terminal! There are four in the process of being approved and more on the planning boards. The math is there for anyone to do. Spot prices in the US natural gas-producing areas are under $4. The Japanese are paying more than $14. Even I can do that arbitrage. Just for fun, the next graph, from the Energy Information Administration, shows the rise in spot gas prices over the last six months, from a level that had been far too low. It also shows the arbitrage potential that exists right here in the US. John Mauldin The consequent renaissance in US manufacturing. With cheaper energy and new technologies like advanced robotics and 3D printing, the US is producing more than we ever have – we're just doing it with fewer people. These two trends are bullish for the US in general. But that's another story for another letter. The point today is that the US current account deficit is collapsing. A positive trade balance is not an unthinkable prospect today. It is quite possible that the US will be more or less energy self-sufficient by the end of the decade and could have a positive trade balance not long after that. I should note that exporting value-added chemicals made from less expensive energy will contribute even more to the positive balance than simply selling the raw natural gas. John Mauldin Should the US achieve a positive trade balance, that shift would have a BIG impact on the rest of the world. For starters, moving from a current account deficit to a current account surplus will disrupt the two most important trade relationships in the world today: (1) the exchange of US dollars for OPEC oil, and (2) the exchange of US dollars for Asian manufactured goods. And while the US will continue to import significant (one could even say huge) quantities of manufactured goods, the quantity of dollars moving permanently offshore will be significantly reduced. As a quick aside, by definition, a shrinking US current account deficit also means falling liquidity around the world (since the USD makes up one side of the trade in 87% of global currency transactions); and, as our friends at GaveKal have argued for years, a falling US current account almost always means that we will see a crisis somewhere in the world. John Mauldin This is why the very same emerging-market central banks that complained about the Federal Reserve's quantitative easing under QE3 are now openly calling upon the Fed to reconsider its tapering stance. Now that Fed has hugely inflated the emerging-market balloon, these economies are more vulnerable to popping. I recently read that the Monetary Authority of Singapore (the Republic of Singapore's central bank) suggested rather strongly that the US Federal Reserve should consider its role to be that of central banker to the world and that it should thus make sure there is a sufficient supply of dollars to facilitate global trade. (Their suggestion may be due in part to the fact that they have lost $10 billion in the last year trying to keep the value of their currency from rising.) With the US current account deficit continuing its fall, we need to be alert for the next crisis abroad. It is very difficult to predict exactly when, where, and how markets will panic, but taking US dollars out of the trading system is akin to losing a chair in a game of musical chairs. Someone is going to be left out. It could be Europe or Japan – there are more chapters to come in the sordid European and Japanese economic sagas – but more likely it will be emerging-market countries loaded with a lot of external debt denominated in US dollars who struggle to keep a seat at the table. Emerging markets, particularly Asian and Latin American economies, took a beating during the 1990s precisely because of boom-and-bust credit cycles caused by hot capital inflows followed by rapid capital outflows. This volatile boom/bust cycle is precisely what emerging-market policy makers were hoping to forestall by holding larger foreign exchange reserves starting in the late '90s, but trading predominantly in the US dollar left them to vulnerable to swings in market interest rates and Fed policy. Let's review the current state of global trade imbalances. Fortunately for us, the Bank for International Settlements just released a paper that gives us the data on this very topic (BIS Working Paper No 424: " Global and Euro Imbalances: China and Germany ," by Guonan Ma and Robert N McCauley). You'll want to view following chart in color (if you printed this letter in black and white) in order to appreciate how important the US trade deficit has been to world trade in the past 15 years. Remember, by definition, if there is a surplus in one part of the world, there must be a deficit in another. World trade balances must even out. That can happen through adjustments in the value of currencies or through countries producing as much as they sell. The US is a special case, since 87% of world trade is denominated in dollars; and the demand for dollars is evidently high enough to keep the price up, despite massive quantitative easing. John Mauldin China Moves to Float Its Currency Now back to China. I did an extended interview with Louis Gave this past Monday on BNN, the national Canadian business network ( part 1 , part 2 ). Let me offer a rough transcription of what he said. I had just commented on my belief that the US is on its way to a positive trade balance, which will make the dollar remarkably strong. The corollary is that there will be fewer dollars available to the world for global trade. Then Louis jumped in: I think it [a positive US trade balance] is a very important development for the part of the world I come from. I live in Hong Kong. Asia up to now has mostly been a US dollar zone. In Asia we basically produce manufactured goods, sell them to the US, and earn the US dollars we need to trade with one another. So when China trades with Indonesia, the trade is denominated in dollars. When Japan trades with Taiwan, that trade is denominated in dollars. The big issue is, if we move into a world where the US current account deficit disappears – both through the energy revolution that the US is going through and the consequent manufacturing renaissance – then, all of the sudden, manufacturing in the US is a lot cheaper than elsewhere because the cost of energy is so much cheaper. If the US basically imports [brings back] all of its manufacturing and no longer exports US dollars, how will Asia trade with itself? And how will emerging-market trade grow if they don't earn the dollars? I think the answer to those very important questions will increasingly be the RMB. What you have witnessed in the past two to three years is China making a very apparent play to internationalize its currency. In just two years, China has gone from settling 0% of its exports in RMB to settling 18% of its exports in RMB. Two years ago, the RMB was a non-currency [in international trade/finance]. Nobody owned it. Nobody traded it. Today, the renminbi is already – in just two years – in the top ten traded currencies in the world…. [See the table my research staff found, below. –John] I think this shift is taking place because China has a massive comparative advantage that most people never think of. If I asked, "What's China's comparative advantage?" 99 out of 100 people would say "cheap labor," but that's not true. Labor is not that cheap in China anymore. China's comparative advantage is that China – alone amongst emerging-market nations – has a deep and credible financial center. It takes 50 years to build a financial center – to, you know, have auditors, lawyers, accountants, judges. And China is very lucky, because in 1997 the Brits – who are quite good at building financial centers – basically built one in Hong Kong and told China, "Here it is. Try not to mess it up." For twelve years, China did nothing with Hong Kong. It was kind of a deal of "You don't bother us, we won't bother you. We've got other fish to fry." And that worked well until all of a sudden, in the past two to three years, China has been internationalizing its currency through Hong Kong, and it is taking off like wildfire. We always talk about what you see and what you don't. Everybody talks about the China slowdown. Everybody talks about the impact this is going to have on commodities, on countries like Canada, on countries like Australia. Nobody talks about what you don't see. And what you don't see is that China is slowly but surely internationalizing its currency. It's slowly freeing capital controls. It's creating deep and liquid capital markets, and this is going to change the way that companies and individuals finance themselves among emerging markets. It's going to make for more stable emerging markets and hopef ully for higher growth. Just as Louis predicted years ago, the Chinese RMB has continued to quickly climb the ranks from an internationally non-existent currency to number nine on the list! John Mauldin This process is happening at lightning speed by historical standards, but we can still expect it to progress over the next 5-10 years. The renminbi is still only involved in 2.2% of foreign currency transactions, but this number can take a big jump when the RMB floats freely, though there is a big difference between the RMB and the true reserve currencies (USD, EUR, JPY, GBP) today. (Note that the renminbi is also called the yuan, abbreviated as CNY in the chart below.) As Louis mentioned, China stands alone among the emerging markets as having the only mature and credible financial center with deep and liquid capital markets, in Hong Kong. The building of a true global financial center typically takes about 50 years, so China is taking advantage of its lucky break to fast-track its currency to reserve status. John Mauldin What may speed the process up is increasing cooperation between Chinese officials and the UK government to support RMB internationalization through London's FX markets. Gregory Clark, Financial Secretary to the UK Treasury, was in Hong Kong this past week and wrote an op-ed in the South China Morning Post. Let's look at a few telling sentences: Over 50 percent of UK investment in Asia is in or flows through Hong Kong. That is a tremendous vote of confidence in Hong Kong by UK companies…. Bilaterial trade in goods between Hong Kong and the UK rose by 13.5% between 2009 and 2012, to a total value of £12.1 billion in 2012. This makes Hong Kong the UK's second biggest export market for goods in Asia Pacific…. According to the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT), London now accounts for 28 per cent of offshore RMB settled transactions. In London, the volume of Renminbi-denominated import and export financing has increased 100 per cent since 2011. This is delivering real benefits and savings for business. It is estimated that firms can reduce their transaction costs with China by up to 7 per cent by denominating their trade in Renminbi. The Renminbi’s rise is being enabled not just in Hong Kong and London. Chinese banks have established clearing banks and accounts in more than 80 other countries in the last four years. But the story runs even deeper. It appears to me that China is getting ready to create another Hong Kong in the traditional financial center of China, Shanghai. My good friend and decades-long China expert Simon Hunt notes: The proposed development of the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in Shanghai, covering 28sq km, will have huge consequences for China's financial markets and that of the world. It will be a tax-free zone; the RMB will be fully convertible; the FTZ will have its own rules and regulations that cannot be trumped by central government; it will be legally outside the Chinese Customs, in fact a separate territory inside China; it has the effect of abolishing control over capital account investment, so allowing freedom to set up all kinds of companies and moving capital in and out of the FTZ, meaning in and out of China; it will become an international settlement centre for international trade and it will allow banks within the FTZ greater flexibility in conducting business. In short, the implications of the development of the FTZ, if the pilot scheme goes smoothly, will be humungous not just for China but for the global economy.< /p> One near-term consequence will be that interest rate arbitrage can be more effectively conducted in the zone and will take business away from Hong Kong and Singapore. Chinese companies won't have to set up offshore companies in Hong Kong or Singapore to conduct this business. Already, Chinese and foreign companies are either renting space, putting up buildings or buying office space in the FTZ, just waiting for the final details to be publicised. This move makes sense for China, as it is a large step toward eventually floating the currency, which is yet another requirement for a true reserve currency. I've written in the past that I think the initial move when the Chinese eventually float their currency will be for the RMB to go down against the dollar (although longer-term it should become quite strong), because there is a lot of money in China that would like to diversify. Setting up a free-trade zone, as they propose in Shanghai, is a way to slowly let the air out of the balloon and perhaps even avoid the dramatic dislocations that might occur if they were to float the currency all at once. Even so, internationalizing the RMB carries a lot of risk, so why does China really want to globalize its currency? Summarizing from a recent report from DBS Bank (based in Singapore), we can piece the picture together: "China has experienced 35 years of relatively stable 10% GDP growth. It's 28 times bigger today than it was in 1978. Why risk this kind of success for a globalized RMB and an open capital account? The structure of the global economy has changed radically since 1978 while the financial architecture has changed barely at all. Between now and 2020, China's two-way trade will grow by $4 trillion. That's nearly the size of the entire of offshore eurodollar market. China doesn't just want a globalized RMB; it needs one. The Middle Kingdom's growth since the 1970s can largely be explained by mobilizing two key factors of production: land and labor. Now that economic growth is slowing in China as a whole (although there are still regional booms in some areas), Chinese policymakers hope they can regain momentum by mobilizing the last factor: capital. For China to become a powerhouse exporter of its own products, it is eventually going to need to be able to offer financing to its ultimate customers in Indonesia, Vietnam, and the rest of Asia. If you are competing with Caterpillar and Komatsu, you not only need to have a less expensive product, you need to be able to offer financing. The same goes if you're selling telecom gear, power-generation equipment, automobiles, or bullet trains. In order for a currency to achieve reserve status, there has to be something for the country receiving the currency to invest in. If a country receives US dollars, they can invest in our bonds and stock markets. Just a few years ago, China created the dim sum bond market in Hong Kong, which is beginning to provide a real investment alternative for emerging markets – particularly in Greater China and Southeast Asia, where trade is largely intraregional. With China's having the largest trading flows in the world (it just passed the US, by roughly $1 billion, in 2012), a free-floating RMB could quickly reach reserve status and, oddly enough, take FX market share from the USD, which could become be too strong and too scarce to work well in global trade. China is on its way to becoming a reserve currency not because of weakness in the US dollar but precisely because the US dollar is going to get stronger and become less readily available. Countries are going to need to be able to trade in something besides dollars. It simply makes sense that if 20% of an emerging-market country's trade is with China, it should do the trades in RMB rather than in relatively scarcer dollars. Of course, this means that China needs to have a relatively stable monetary policy so that its trading partners will have confidence in the long-term RMB, but China realizes that. And of course the RMB will have to meet all the other requirements for being a reserve currency. Note that there is a difference between a reserve currency and a safe-haven currency. A safe-haven currency must be immune from government confiscation, currency controls, taxation, rapid exchange-rate depreciation, etc. As I mentioned, the RMB will probably depreciate rather than appreciate when the currency floats freely. There is a lot of capital trapped behind China's capital-control wall that wants out, and party leaders know the trick is to make the transition to floating very gradually and without precipitating a crisis. The trouble (although the Chinese will not admit it) is that China is even more addicted to money printing than the US or Japan are. For years, the People's Bank of China has been injecting money into the system each time excess foreign capital flows into the region. (This is necessary as long as China wants to effectively peg the RMB to the USD). Recent rate volatility suggests the Chinese credit system is quite fragile. Quite simply, interest rates do not spike from 3% to 13% in a healthy economy, as they recently did in China (see chart below). This instability suggests there is more going on than we understand. It is also why the floating of the RMB will occur as a series of steps on a journey rather than one big leap. And frankly, that makes sense. John Mauldin Finally, floating the RMB would also let China dive right into the global currency war that Japan launched last spring. After all, they would just be "giving in" to long-standing US demands that they not manage their currency. China would be able to simply say, "We did what you asked. Why are you complaining about what the free market says about the value of the RMB?" What a perfectly innocent way to escalate a currency war. In less than a month I will have a new book in the bookstores (see below) on central bank policy and the major global currency war that I and co-author Jonathan Tepper see coming right around the corner. As the proverbial Chinese curse says, "May you live in interesting times." Transformational Technologies I mentioned last week that Pat Cox has come to work for Mauldin Economics and that we will soon be launching a new letter called Transformational Technology Alert. I have spent a good deal of time with Pat over the last few years, talking about the technologies that are changing our future; and those discussions have become intense as we have worked out how to get that information to you. There's just so much happening around us every day that is hard to keep track of. I can't tell you how excited I am to finally have Patrick on board, where he can put into writing our shared belief that transformational technologies will build wealth, eradicate disease, extend lives, create jobs, and eventually help build a world of abundance. Rapid change is never easy for those in its path; but I would not want to go back to the "good old days" of the '60s or '70s and find myself once again mired in inefficient medical care, making do with snail's-pace communications, and wandering in an information desert. I had some good moments then, but I'm enjoying the world a great deal more today and expect to have even more fun in the future. My team is working hard behind the scenes right now to get Pat's new website up and running. But I'm so excited to pull back the curtain on what we have planned for Transformational Technology Alert that I want you to have a clear view of Patrick's work today. You should start reading Patrick immediately – his research is that important. Click here to get access to his letter without delay . Tucson, the Barefoot Ranch, and New York I started this letter on the plane from New York and am finishing it at my apartment in Dallas. I'm wrapping up unusually early for me, as I want to go to good friend David Tice's birthday party this evening. (You may recognize him as the founder of the Prudent Bear Fund.) He is hosting us at the Dallas opening of the new film he invested in, called The Secret Lives of Dorks. It is family fare, with James Belushi and a funny part with Mike Ditka. It will open in LA and New York next week and will soon be available on iTunes. Having grown up as a dork before it was cool to be a dork, I will be interested to see what sorts of memories the film evokes. Next Friday is my birthday, and I will spend it in Tucson with my friends from Casey Research and maybe even try to work in a round of golf. Then I'm back home for a day before driving out to East Texas to join Kyle Bass and a number of fascinating investment minds as we hash through the current economic environment. I will report back. Later in the month I will return to New York, where we will launch my new book, called Code Red, co-authored with Jonathan Tepper (who also co-authored Endgame). The book is about the effects of unorthodox central bank policies and what we believe will be a quite serious currency war that has already begun and will escalate into the latter part of the decade. I will be doing a few presentations, as much media as I can, and taping a video webinar or two for the launch. Jonathan Tepper has promised to fly over from London, so it should be quite fun. I got a text this week from my daughter Melissa, inviting me to a Dallas launch party for something called Lyft, an outfit that she is going to be working with part-time. Basically, it is on-demand ride sharing. They offer a web-based service that lets you arrange for a car and driver to come pick you up and take you to your next destination. Rather than charging a specific fare, they operate on the basis of donations. There is of course a phone app, and your donation is tracked remotely. There were 4,000 applications to be Lyft drivers in Dallas, and they chose 86 people. Lyft is in about seven major cities and seems to be rapidly expanding. I mentioned this new service to my driver as he brought me home from the airport today. He said he had heard of it and then began to tell me about the drama unfolding at the Dallas City Council over the predecessor to Lyft, called Uber. It seems Uber (which is a service that helps you find a town car rather than call a taxi) is taking significant market share from the Yellow Cab franchise, which he says has 70% of the local taxi business. Now those taxis are sitting in a lot during the evenings, as the kids would rather call a town car than a taxi. Go figure. (And given that I prefer my driver service over a cab as I go to and from the airport, I completely understand.) So the Yellow Cab company went to city hall to get Uber banned. And Uber shot back that they don't need a city license because they are licensed by the state. It turns out that the Yellow Cab owners make substantial donations to people running for city council, or at least that is what Mike (my driver) claims. An even more interesting, it turns out that the Dallas Police and Fire Pension Fund (remember them from last week?) is invested in the Yellow Cab company – but now the company is not quite the cash machine that it was. The lawyers are engaged. It will be interesting to see the response from both Yellow Cab and Uber to the new competition from Lyft. Lyft sees itself as a service to help friends help friends find a ride. Melissa just sees it as a way to make a little money to help pay for her auto insurance (which is a move Dad encourages), while she works on her studies and does freelance writing. (By the way, Melissa was the daugher who had the thyroid cancer 19 months ago. She is doing fine, and there appear to be no further problems.) I should note that Lyft has raised $83 million from a group of serious venture capital funds. Mike tells me that Uber just got another $33 million from Google. Serious money, considering that $4 million bought 40% of Yellow Cab of Dallas just over 10 years ago. As a codicil to the above story, when I arrived at the apartment, I stepped out of the car and heard a terrible crunching sound that could only be a serious car wreck. I ran a few feet to the cars, and amazingly both drivers seemed to be okay, although a little shaken up. A Chevy Suburban hit a Lincoln Town Car, so there was a little solid iron around both drivers. It turns out that the town car decided to turn left from the far right-hand lane, which meant it tried to cross four lanes to do so. Looking at the car and driver, Mike speculated, "That must have been an Uber driver. He got a call and was trying to get to the client quickly." Maybe Dad needs to have a serious discussion about driver safety with Melissa before she goes out Lyfting people. We had perfect weather in New York this week. And the conversations were even better. You have a great week and drive safely. Oh, and take a look at our new Mauldin Economics home page! Our techies tell me that if it doesn't look right, you should hit refresh and/or clear your browser's cache. This is just part one of a two-part upgrade we're doing. In the next few weeks the site will be optimized for mobile, so those of you on phones or iPads will soon have a much better experience. Your still thinking about China analyst, John Mauldin	i don't know
Which artist/inventor's famous lost 1504 painting, The Battle of Anghiari, was found in 2012 hidden in Florence Town Hall, behind a later fresco?	Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Battle of Anghiari’: nothing to find but disappointment - Telegraph Leonardo da Vinci Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Battle of Anghiari’: nothing to find but disappointment Uncovering Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Battle of Anghiari’ will destroy one of the great legends of Renaissance art history, says Mark Hudson. Image 1 of 3 National Geographic Fellow Maurizio Seracini (foreground) and his team view footage captured by the endoscope behind the Vasari wall Photo: Dave Yoder A banner showing the painting which might be hidden Photo: DARIO THUBURN/AFP/Getty Images Image 1 of 3 The endoscope and sampling tool used to investigate the air gap behind the Vasari mural in Florence's Palazzo Vecchio Photo: Dave Yoder By Mark Hudson 10:58AM GMT 13 Mar 2012 It is one of the most influential paintings that never quite were. Commissioned for the Hall of the Five Hundred, the gigantic meeting room of Florence’s governing body in the city’s Palazzo Vecchio in 1504, Leonardo’s ‘Battle of Anghiari’ was to have been his largest painting, a vast fresco that was for centuries a watchword among artists for the portrayal of heroic muscular effort. Depicting a battle of 1440, in which the papal forces, led by Florence, defeated those of Leonardo’s home city Milan, it centred on a murderous struggle between four horsemen for the possession of a standard. Their snorting steeds writhing and rolling as the knights grapple, the scene couldn’t be further from the transcendant serenity that characterised the National Gallery’s recent Leonardo blockbuster. Yet it’s a work that changed the way artists approached the problems of movement and physical struggle. Or that is what we’ve been led to understand, for no one has set eyes on the painting for over 450 years. Its great rival in this category of non-existent exemplar was commissioned to hang on the wall opposite: Michelangelo’s ‘Battle of Cascina’. This was to have been the place where the two giants, and the great artistic rivals, of that extraordinary period came face to face across the political fulcrum of the most important city of the Renaissance. In fact, the whole thing was a fiasco from first to last. The two artists had as little to do with each other as possible. Leonardo, who had had problems with fresco – tempera on wet plaster – while working on the ‘Last Supper’, took the unprecedented step of applying oil paint directly onto the wall. A thunderstorm created excessive humidity, causing the colours to drip and merge into each other. Discouraged, he abandoned the project. Related Articles Researchers claim to find lost da Vinci 12 Mar 2012 Michelangelo completed a cartoon, or full scale drawing, but had barely begun the painting itself when he was called to Rome to work on the tomb of Pope Julius II, whereupon his cartoon was destroyed by a jealous rival. These unfinished, compromised works faced each other across the hall for half a century, before the Florentine authorities decided to get some proper frescoes painted over them in 1555 by Giorgio Vasari, author of ‘Lives of the Artists’, a brilliant chronicler of the artists of his age, but a mediocre painter. Leonardo’s painting is known principally from a powerful drawing by Rubens, made from a later engraving. Michelangelo’s work, a supremely unrealistic catalogue of male nudity, is known from a copy of his cartoon made by a pupil. Both of these works and the preparatory drawings produced for them, have been not only endlessly ‘quoted’ over the centuries by artists of the order of Titian, but have been talked and fantasised into a kind of cult-phenomenon. While it would be wonderful to get further insights into either of them – and in the wake of the London Leonardo exhibition interest couldn’t be higher – I’m not going to get over excited on the strength of two holes bored into a wall and a few minute fragments of plaster. Vasari may have been a self-serving opportunist, but he genuinely revered both artists and it’s impossible to believe he would have painted over a significant work by either of them. There is of course the currently much discussed possibility that he painted onto a false wall erected to save Leonardo’s painting. Yet even if a substantial chunk of the Battle of Anghiari is unearthed I suspect the experience will be disappointing. Not only will it be in a deleterious condition, but rather like those lost and legendary albums you wait half a lifetime to hear, only to find your internal life somehow the poorer for the experience, the idea of Leonardo’s painting may prove to be far more potent and inspiring than the actuality.	Leonardo da Vinci
As at 2012 what is the only European country to routinely apply the death penalty?	The Battle of Anghiari (painting) - WOW.com The Battle of Anghiari (painting) Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Battle_of_Anghiari_(painting) Updated: 2016-12-13T07:29Z Peter Paul Rubens 's copy of The Battle of Anghiari. Purportedly, from left to right are Francesco Piccinino ; Niccolò Piccinino ; Ludovico Trevisan ; Giovanni Antonio Del Balzo Orsini . The Battle of Anghiari (1505) is a lost painting by Leonardo da Vinci , at times referred to as "The Lost Leonardo", which some commentators believe to be still hidden beneath one of the later frescoes in the Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundred) in the Palazzo Vecchio , Florence . Its central scene depicted four men riding raging war horses engaged in a battle for possession of a standard , at the Battle of Anghiari in 1440. Many preparatory studies by Leonardo still exist. The composition of the central section is best known through a drawing by Peter Paul Rubens in the Louvre , Paris . This work, dating from 1603 and known as The Battle of the Standard, was based on an engraving of 1553 by Lorenzo Zacchia , which was taken from the painting itself or possibly derived from a cartoon by Leonardo. Rubens succeeded in portraying the fury, the intense emotions and the sense of power that were presumably present in the original painting. Similarities have been noted between this Battle of Anghiari and the Hippopotamus Hunt painted by Rubens in 1616. In March 2012, it was announced that a team led by Maurizio Seracini has found evidence that the painting still exists on a hidden inner wall behind a cavity, underneath a section of Vasari 's fresco in the chamber. [1] The search was discontinued in September 2012, without any further progress having been made, due to conflict among the involved parties. [2] Contents 6 External links History Study of Two Warriors’ Heads for The Battle of Anghiari ( c. 1504–5). Black chalk or charcoal, some traces of red chalk on paper, 19.1 × 18.8 cm. Museum of Fine Arts , Budapest A copy possibly made from the original incomplete work In 1504 Leonardo da Vinci was given the commission by gonfaloniere Piero Soderini , a contract signed by Niccolò Machiavelli , to decorate the Hall of Five Hundred. At the same time his rival Michelangelo , who had just finished his David , was designated the opposite wall. This was the only time that Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo worked together on the same project. The painting of Michelangelo depicted an episode from the Battle of Cascina , when a group of bathing soldiers was surprised by the enemy. However Michelangelo did not stay in Florence long enough to complete the project. He was able to finish his cartoon, but only began the painting. He was invited back to Rome in 1505 by the newly appointed Pope Julius II and was commissioned to build the Pope's tomb . Leonardo da Vinci drew his large cartoon in the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella , on the east wall, depicting a scene from the life of Niccolò Piccinino , a condottiere in the service of duke Filippo Maria Visconti of Milan. He drew a scene of a violent clash of horses and a furious battle of men fighting for the flag in the Battle of Anghiari. Giorgio Vasari in his book Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects praised the magistral way Leonardo had put this scene on paper: It would be impossible to express the inventiveness of Leonardo's design for the soldiers' uniforms, which he sketched in all their variety, or the crests of the helmets and other ornaments, not to mention the incredible skill he demonstrated in the shape and features of the horses, which Leonardo, better than any other master, created with their boldness, muscles and graceful beauty. Study of a Warrior’s Head for the Battle of Anghiari. Red chalk on very pale pink prepared paper, 22.6 × 18.6 cm. Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest Leonardo built an ingenious scaffold in the Hall of Five Hundred that could be raised or folded in the manner of an accordion . This painting was to be his largest and most substantial work. Since he had a bad experience with fresco painting ( The Last Supper ; refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan), he wanted to apply oil colours on the wall. He began also to experiment with such a thick undercoat (possibly mingled with wax), that after he applied the colours, the paint began to drip. Trying to dry the painting in a hurry and save whatever he could, he hung large charcoal braziers close to the painting. Only the lower part could be saved in an intact state, the upper part couldn't dry fast enough and the colours intermingled. Leonardo then abandoned the project.[ citation needed ] Michelangelo's and Leonardo's unfinished paintings adorned the same room together for almost a decade (1505–1512). The cartoon of Michelangelo's painting was cut in pieces by Bartolommeo Bandinelli out of jealousy in 1512. The centerpiece of The Battle of Anghiari was greatly admired and numerous copies were made for decades.[ citation needed ] Reconstruction of room During the mid-16th century (1555–1572), the hall was enlarged and restructured by Vasari and his helpers, on the instructions of Grand Duke Cosimo I ; in order that the Duke could hold court in this important chamber of the palace. In the course of the renovations, the remnants of famous (but unfinished) artworks from the previous plan of decoration for the hall, were lost; including The Battle of Cascina by Michelangelo and The Battle of Anghiari by Leonardo da Vinci. Vasari himself painted new frescoes on the now-extended walls.On the walls are large and expansive frescoes that depict battles and military victories by Florence over Pisa and Siena : The Taking of Siena The Conquest of Porto Ercole The Victory of Cosimo I at Marciano in Val di Chiana Defeat of the Pisans at the Tower of San Vincenzo Maximillian of Austria Attempts the Conquest of Leghorn Pisa Attacked by the Florentine Troops Possible rediscovery Palazzo Vecchio , where it is believed the painting may be concealed Maurizio Seracini , an Italian expert in high-technology art analysis, believes that Leonardo's Anghiari is hidden behind one of the mural Battle of Marciano in Val di Chiana (1563) painted by Vasari. In the upper part of Vasari's fresco, 12 meters above the ground, a Florentine soldier waves a green flag with the words "Cerca trova" ("He who seeks, finds"). These enigmatic words are suggested to be a hint from Vasari, who had praised The Battle of Anghiari highly in his writings, incomplete and damaged as it was. Seracini believes it is unlikely that Vasari would have willingly destroyed da Vinci's work. Vasari's concealment and preservation of another painting, Masaccio 's Holy Trinity , during a subsequent renovation project also assigned to him by Cosimo I, is cited as precedent. Using non-invasive techniques, such as a high-frequency, surface-penetrating radar and a thermographic camera, Seracini made a survey of the hall. Among other findings, he discovered that Vasari had built a curtain wall in front of the original east wall, and painted his fresco on the new wall. Seracini believes the original fresco of Leonardo da Vinci to be located on the older wall, beneath it. Sensors found a gap of 1 to 3 centimeters between the two walls, large enough for the older fresco to be preserved. In early 2007, the city council of Florence and the Italian Minister of Culture gave the green light for further investigation. After unsuccessful attempts to fund the development of a more advanced non-invasive scanning system, in December 2011 Seracini and his associates drilled small holes through areas of the Vasari fresco believed to have been previously damaged and restored, hence no longer comprising "original paint" from Vasari's work. An endoscopic probe with a camera was extended into the cavity behind the curtain wall, and the team discovered fragments of pigment and indications of fresco surfacing on the plaster of the inner wall; samples were taken at the time, with the results being announced publicly on 12 March 2012. Seracini believes that this is conclusive evidence for the continued existence of da Vinci's fresco. Seracini's research is highly controversial with strong criticism being levelled against him for drilling the holes. [3] In March 2012 researchers said "the material found behind the Vasari wall shows a chemical composition similar to black pigment found in brown glazes on Leonardo's Mona Lisa and St. John the Baptist, identified in a recently published scientific paper by the Louvre, which analyzed all the da Vinci paintings in its collection." [4] In September 2012, it was reported that research efforts to investigate the cavity behind Vasari's fresco have been discontinued, due to the conflicting views of interested parties, as to whether and how to proceed. [2] Continuing the heated debate among Italian art scholars and historians, in December 2012 the scholars Alfonso Musci and Alessandro Savorelli, both opponents of Seracini's hypothesis, published an article in the journal of the Italian Institute of Renaissance Studies at Palazzo Strozzi , disputing his interpretation of the motto on the green flag in Vasari's mural. In the article they attempted to investigate the writing “CERCA TROVA” in the context of the real events that occurred during the Battle of Scannagallo (1554) and made known through the works of Bernardo Segni ( it ), Antonio Ramirez de Montalvo ( it ), Domenico Moreni ( it ). These works contain detailed descriptions of anti-Medicean heraldic insignia present in Marciano della Chiana, including eight green flags embroidered with the verse of Dante : " Libertà va cercando, ch'è sì cara ( it ), ch'è sì cara come sa chi per lei vita rifiuta" ( Purgatorio , vv. 70–72 ( it )) and the ancient coat of arms " Libertas " in golden. These banners had been delivered by Henry II of France to the troops of the Florentine exiles, armed by the Republican banker Bindo Altoviti ( it ) and led by Piero Strozzi and Giambattista Altoviti . After the defeat of the Republicans and of the French troops, these green flags would have become spoils of the winners, and handed over to Grand Duke Cosimo I . They would have been publicly displayed in the central nave of the Basilica of San Lorenzo . Following the theme of luck and damnation of the oldest Florentine 'stemma' ( Libertas ) in the cycle of paintings conceived by the Grand Duke Cosimo I and Vincenzo Borghini in the Salone dei Cinquecento ( it ), Musci and Savorelli suggest that the motto "CERCA TROVA" was an allusion to the verse of Dante and to the unfortunate fate of the Republicans ("searching freedom and finding death"), and thereby dispute Seracini's interpretation of the green flag as hint left by Vasari, of the location and fate of da Vinci's painting. However, the article does not address questions about the discovery of pigment and evidence of paintwork found in the cavity behind Vasari's mural. Study of battles on Horseback and foot by Da Vinci Study of battles on Horseback and foot by Da Vinci {apparent sketch for Battle of The Standard at top right} Group of riders in the Battle of Anghiari by Da Vinci References ^	i don't know
Coptic refers to a sect of what religious order?	What is Coptic Christianity, and what do Coptic Christians believe? What is Coptic Christianity, and what do Coptic Christians believe? Subscribe to our Question of the Week : Question: "What is Coptic Christianity, and what do Coptic Christians believe?" Answer: “Coptic” means “Egyptian,” and Christians living in Egypt identify themselves as Coptic Christians. As a denomination they originated in the city of Alexandria, one of the most faithful, respected, and fruitful cities during the Apostolic Period. Proudly, the Coptic Christians acknowledge and herald John Mark, (author of the Gospel of Mark), as their founder and first bishop sometime between A.D. 42 - A.D. 62. The Coptic Church was actually involved in the very first major split in the Church, well before there was such a thing as "Roman" Catholicism, and it was also well before the East/West split. Prior to the “Great” East/West Schism of A.D. 1054, the Coptics were separated from the rest by the Council of Chalcedon in A.D. 451. The council met to discuss the Incarnation of Christ and declared that Christ was "one hypostasis in two natures" (i.e., one person who shares two distinct natures). This became standard orthodoxy for Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant churches from then on. The Coptic understanding is that Christ is one nature from two natures: "the Logos Incarnate." In this understanding, Christ is from, not in, two natures: full humanity and full divinity. Some in the Coptic Orthodox Church believe that their position was misunderstood at the Council of Chalcedon and take great pains to ensure that they are not seen as Monophysitic (denying the two natures of Christ), but rather "Miaphysitic" (believing in one composite/conjoined nature from two). Some believe that perhaps the council understood the church correctly, but wanted to exile the church for its refusal to take part in politics or due to the rivalry between the bishops of Alexandria and Rome. To this day, 95 percent of Christians in Alexandria are members of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The tradition says that when John Mark arrived on a missionary journey to Egypt, the Coptic form of religion of that day was god-centered worship, but focused upon the pyramids. However, John Mark and the Gospel message were well received by the Coptic people as they also believed in “eternal life.” The Coptic people, under Roman rule and societal influence, consisted of Greeks, Jews, and Egyptians; therefore, Christianity had to take into account the different cultural, language, and religious backgrounds when evangelizing and in establishing its church. The Coptic Christians were originally well founded in theology, and other churches in cities throughout the Roman Empire looked up to them with great admiration and respect, willingly following their lead in doctrinal like-mindedness and unity. It is interesting to note that when the Coptics were under the rule of the Roman Empire, they suffered severe persecution and death for their steadfast faith and beliefs in Christ while refusing to worship emperors. However, by A.D. 641, yet another tribulation began when the Arab conquest took place, overthrowing the Romans’ rule in Egypt and, at first, relieving the Coptic Church from persecution. What appeared to be their liberty and freedom became yet again bondage. The societal strength and control of the Arabs caused the Coptics to endure a major language and culture change as well as confront the Islamic faith. Unfortunately, over the centuries, Christianity lost foothold and most Coptics converted to Islam. Today, there is a small population of Coptic Christians remaining in Alexandria, but most are located elsewhere. Estimates of the current population of the Coptic Church range from 10 million to 60 million members worldwide. Theologically, Coptic Christianity is very similar to Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. They profess to be genuine followers of Jesus Christ and a part of His worldwide Church. But, as with Catholicism, they tend to emphasize meritorious works in salvation along with liturgical ritual rather than salvation through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.	Christianity
St Tropez, Sienna X, and Fake Bake are popular brands of what product/service type?	What is the difference between a sect and a cult? What is the difference between a sect and a cult? Subscribe to our Question of the Week : Question: "What is the difference between a sect and a cult?" Answer: The word sect comes from the Latin word secta, which means “school of thought.” It is a subjective term that may apply to a religious faith or denomination, or it may refer to a heretical splinter group. Sometimes, the connotation is one of disapproval, similar to the “destructive heresies” spoken of in 2 Peter 2:1, though there are no consistent or accepted exemplars to use to identify a sect. Sects are found in all religions. Islam has Sunnis and Shias, Judaism has Orthodox and Karaites, Hinduism has Shiyaism and Shaktism, and Christianity has Baptists and Lutherans. These are all examples of religious sects, and they can be thought of as “branches” of different religions. There are also non-religious sects, such as capitalists and socialists among economists, or Freudians and Jungians among psychiatrists. In contradistinction, the word cult always carries a negative connotation. There are specific criteria used to identify a cult . In Combatting Cult Mind Control, deprogrammer Steven Hassan singles out what he refers to as “destructive cults,” which he defines as “a pyramid-shaped authoritarian regime with a person or group of people that have dictatorial control. It uses deception in recruiting new members (e.g. people are NOT told up front what the group is, what the group actually believes and what will be expected of them if they become members).” Hassan also correctly points out that cults are not only religious; they may also be commercial or secular in nature. Hassan developed the BITE acronym, which describes the components employed by destructive cults using mind control. BITE covers the following areas of control: Behavior Control: An individual’s associations, living arrangements, food, clothing, sleeping habits, finances, etc., are strictly controlled. Information Control: Cult leaders deliberately withhold or distort information, lie, propagandize, and limit access to other sources of information. Thought Control: Cult leaders use loaded words and language, discourage critical thinking, bar any speech critical of cult leaders or policies, and teach an “us vs. them” doctrine. Emotional Control: Leaders manipulate their followers via fear (including the fear of losing salvation, fear of shunning, etc.), guilt, and indoctrination. From a Christian perspective, a cult is any group that follows teachings that contradict orthodox Christian doctrine and promote heresy. Under this definition, the Watchtower Society and the Latter-day Saints ( Mormons ) are both cults. Because not all cults are immediately recognized as such, and some people may easily confuse cults with sects or denominations, it is critical to follow the example of the Bereans in Acts 17:11: "Now the Bereans . . . received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." Always research the beliefs of a group before committing to it, examine its behaviors and doctrines in light of the Bible, and beware of the methods listed in the BITE model. Talk to members, but refuse to be coerced by them. Importantly, if something doesn’t seem right, don’t do it.	i don't know
The British pub name 'The Talbot' traditionally refers to a what?	Pubs \| Old Glossop Trail At one time there were at least twelve pubs in Old Glossop. The Queens Arms The Queens Arms was named in the same year that Queen Victoria ascended to the throne in 1837. When the Marple Bridge to Glossop Turnpike arrived here in the early 19th century a turning area was created in front of it, which probably coincided with a diversion of the brook that originally flowed across this area. The plentiful water has often flooded this area, as the audio trail – available on the downloads page – reveals. The Glossop Tramway terminated outside the Queens Arms when it ran for 24 years from 1903. It was a single-track line running from Hadfield Station, weaving around a number of mills along its 4½ mile length. According to the New Mills Local History Society the town’s main administrative building once stood opposite the Queens Arms. “The Town’s Hall…is a strong well-built stone structure, in which a select vestry meet every other Week, to transact the business of the town; underneath which is a hearse house, with two lockups attached, one for male and the other for female delinquents.” The Bulls Head The Bulls Head is thought to be the town’s oldest public house. It was originally a weaver’s house, with a date stone above the back door, now hidden from view, indicating it was built in 1607. It was rebuilt and extended in 1793 and its alehouse status was granted in 1787. There are a number of opinions regarding the name of the pub. Some people believe that it was named after the bull baiting that traditionally took place during the Wakes. The iron ring used to tether the bulls is said to remain under the road surface just outside the pub. Dogs would attack the tethered bull and the winning dog was the one that held on for the longest. Other people believe that the name stems from a religious source and that bull comes from papal bull or bulla, an ecclesiastical seal used by papist Rome. When Henry VIII defied the papal bull in 1538, and added a bull’s head to his coat of arms the name became a popular pub name as people wanted to show loyalty to the crown. The Prizewinning Glossop Handbell ringers used ‘the Bull’ as their HQ. The Talbot The 1841 Census return refers to this building as Bridge House. Within 10 years it had became known as the Bridge Inn before taking the name ‘The Talbot’, prior to the 1861 Census. The name has local historical significance. With the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century the Manor of Glossop was passed to the Talbot family. In 1606 Alathea Talbot the daughter of the 7th Earl of Shrewsbury, married Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel with the Glossop estate part of her dowry. The marriage signified the start of the Howards’ long association with Glossop, and they were to remain Lords of the Manor for the next three centuries. A Talbot was also an extinct breed of dog favoured by packhorse men. The legendary Wild Weekend celebrations took place on land between the Talbot (image above) and Hare and Hounds, where a row of red brick terraced houses stand today. The Hare & Hounds According to the book ‘History in a Pint Pot’, The Hare and Hounds was opened by Joseph Hadfield as an alehouse in 1826. The 1841 Census shows he was still the innkeeper, along with his son Charles and three servants. Although John and then Thomas Higginbotham (who went to hold the Queens Arms license for 21 years) soon took over as licensees, the inn was back in the hands of the Hadfields by 1848. Charles kept the pub for the following 15 years. Today the former Hare and Hounds is two separate private houses. Rita Manzies grew up in the Talbot after it was a pub. http://www.oldglossoptrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/rita_talbot1.mp3 “…that used to be a public house, didn’t it, the house that me mum and dad bought. But we had a ring in our kitchen before me mum and dad had it alterered and what not; a big ring where cattle were tied up to. Wheatsheaf The Wheatsheaf dates to at least 1824 but was only used as an alehouse from 1860. At that time it was called the ‘New Inn’. Our Old Glossop timeline panel stands opposite this building. The Greyhound One of the buildings in Hope Street was a pub called the Greyhound, built about 1829. It was known locally as ‘The Small Dog’ and the local Trail Hound supporters met here when it was a popular local sport. Hope Street was known locally as Roughtown . Ring o’ Bells Numbers 22 and 22A Old Cross (Grade II) are former weavers cottages dating from the early to mid 18th century. They differ from the majority of buildings in that they are 3 storeys in height. During the second half of the 19th century these two houses were a beerhouse called the Ring o’ Bells.	Dog
What religious code refers to 'the three poisons' (or 'unwholesome roots') of ignorance, attachment, aversion, as the roots of all suffering? Islam; Buddhism; Christianity; Hinduism?	Talbot School of Theology › Author Information THOMAS (TOM) H. GROOME (1945 -- ) is a prominent Christian religious educator and post-Vatican II Catholic educator, nationally and internationally. Groome is best known for his Shared Christian Praxis/Sharing Faith approach to religious education. He is also recognized for making significant contributions to practical theology. Groome’s abilities as a teacher and presenter are widely recognized. Biography Early Life and Education Thomas Henry Groome was born September 30, 1945 in Dublin, Ireland. He is the youngest of the ten children of Terence and Margaret (nee Flood). His siblings in order of birth are Terence (Ted), Conleth, Anna Mae (who died in infancy), Kieran, Bernard, Margaret (Peg), Maureen, Austin, and James. Terence Groome was a farmer and local politician who from 1916 to 1923 was involved in the Irish revolutionary movement and War of Independence (sometimes called the Anglo-Irish War). Groome writes that his father gave him “a fire in the belly for justice and liberation.” He remembers his mother as a person of “deep compassion for people in need of any kind” who sparked his own commitment to “the works of compassion.” The values instilled in Groome were affirmed by his siblings, especially Austin, who like his father served in politics, and Peg, a mother and grandmother who embodies deep commitments to family, faith, and social justice. Groome decided at an early age that he, like his brother Bernard, would become a priest. Additionally, Groome’s family, especially his grandparents, taught him the art of storytelling – an art that is central to his teaching (Groome, 2011a, 9-11, quotes from 11; see also Groome, 2003, 511-13). (In addition to the sources cited, biographical information about Groome throughout this entry comes from telephone conversations with him on August 8, 2014, and June 15, 2015.) Groome was raised in a close knit Irish village that was deeply steeped in Catholicism. He attended the Salesian run St. Don Bosco high school seminary in Ballinakill, Co. Laois from 1957 to 1959. He then transferred and in 1962 completed his secondary education at Belcamp College, Dublin, which was sponsored by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. From there he went to St. Patrick’s College and Seminary in Carlow, Ireland; earning the equivalent of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy in 1964, and the equivalent of a Masters of Divinity degree in 1968. While at Carlow Groome was deeply formed by his study of the bible, learned Thomistic approaches to theology and philosophy, and studied the documents of the Second Vatican Council, which were released from 1962 to 1965. Biblical insight, Thomism, and the teaching of the Second Vatican Council have remained central to Groome’s thought from that time to the present. At Carlow Groome also met Kieran Scott, who began his own studies at Carlow the year before Groome arrived. They have enjoyed a lifelong colleagueship. (Scott also became a religious educator and now teaches at Fordham University in New York City.) Groome’s vocation as a religious educator emerged when he was doing a contextual education placement at Carlow as a religion teacher in a local boy’s high school, a placement that Groome embraced reluctantly at first (Groome, 2011a, 12-13; Groome, 2003, 513-14; Groome, 1980, xi-xii, which contains the fullest account the emergence of Groome’s vocation as a religious educator). Thomas Groome was ordained at the Carlow Cathedral on June 8, 1968, for the United States Catholic Diocese of Dodge City, Kansas. His brother Bernard was at that time a priest serving the Diocese of Dodge City and Groome went to minister alongside him. While in Dodge City, Groome developed a religious education/catechetical program for the local youth and young adults. This work kindled a desire for further studies in religious education, which led him to enroll in 1971 at the Fordham University Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education (GSRRE). Groome graduated with a Masters in Religious Education degree in 1973. At Fordham, Groome studied with, among others, Kevin O’Shea, C.Ss.R. and James DiGiacomo, S.J. Groome notes that O’Shea was the Fordham professor who influenced him the most. It was in his classes that Groome encountered for the first time “a humanizing approach to Christian faith” that focused on promoting human flourishing (Groome, 2011a, 14-15, quote from 15; and Groome, 2003, 515). DiGiacomo, a pioneer in the development of new approaches to religious education and youth ministry in the post-Vatican II area, remembers Groome as one of his best students. “Groome and I taught each other,” DiGiacomo once commented (interview with DiGiacomo, August 8, 2011). Overall, the Fordham GSRRE provided Groome with the opportunity to further his studies of the Vatican II renewal and its implications for religious education. C. Ellis Nelson invited Groome to apply to the joint doctoral program in Religion and Education at Union Theological Seminary and Columbia Teachers College in New York City upon his completion of his Fordham degree. Groome graduated from this joint program with his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in 1976. Groome’s doctoral studies focused on understanding the history and theory of the field of religious education, and its theological and educational underpinnings. Nelson served as Groome’s primary advisor at Union, while Dwayne Huebner was his primary adviser at Columbia. In studying with Nelson, Groome developed a fuller sense of the importance of religious socialization and how the practices and life of Christian communities form people in faith. Nelson also helped Groome to recognize how Christian communities can lead people to reflect on their lives and develop a sense of moral conscience (Groome, 2011a, 15; Groome, 2003, 515; see also Nelson, 1967). Heubner was a leader in the Reconceptualist reform movement in education. His work was primarily in the areas of the philosophy of education and curriculum theory. He helped Groome develop an understanding of how educational processes must attend to three important factors: the dynamics and mystery of human growth, the social and political/public context in which that growth takes place, and the importance of attending to the transcendent and ultimately spiritual dimensions of life in order to foster full human growth and development (see Huebner, 1999). As a complement to Nelson’s influence, Huebner helped Groome to see more clearly the limitations of socialization approaches to religious education, and the importance of educating people to reflect intentionally on given social conditions in order to reconstruct them in more life-giving ways. Huebner also introduced Groome to the works of Paulo Friere and Jorgen Habermas – both of whom greatly influenced Groome’s sense of how educational processes can shape human awareness, interaction, and consciousness of the world (Groome, 2011a, 16, Groome, 2003, 515-17). During his doctoral studies, Beverly Harrison at Union introduced Groome to feminist theologies and invited him to explore other liberation theologies as well. This led him to study the works of Latin American liberation theologians Gustavo Gutierrez (who was especially influential for Groome), Rubem Alves, Miguel Bonino, and Jon Sobrino, and black liberation theologians James Cone and James Deotis Roberts. His studies of liberation theologies enabled Groome to develop further his commitment to education for justice and understanding of religious education as an activity that can and should promote fullness of life for all people (Groome, 2011a, 15-16, Groome, 2003, 515-16). Philip Phenix at Columbia chaired Groome’s dissertation committee. Phenix had expansive interests in mathematics, physics, philosophy, ethics, religions, and education. He inspired Groome to think broadly about the nature and scope of religious education (see Phenix, 1961 and Phenix 1966). The course with Phenix that influenced Groome the most was a course on world religions. Phenix challenged students to try to understand how the adherents of the great religious traditions of the world understood their own religious beliefs and practices, that is, to understand these traditions from the inside out, rather than to study them only as an impartial observer (Groome, 2011a, 16-17). In exploring the religioms of the world while studying at Columbia, Groome was deeply influenced by the work of Jewish philosopher and educator Martin Buber (on Buber’s influence see Groome, 1998, 13). During his doctoral studies Groome also studied the history of Protestant theology and the great Protestant theologians, including Karl Barth, Dietrich Bonheoffer, Paul Tillich, Reinhold Niebuhr, and H. Richard Niebuhr. Tillich’s understanding of faith as Ultimate Concern and Bonheoffer’s combining of confessional Christianity and a commitment to justice were especially influential in shaping Groome’s religious educational and theological outlook (Groome, 2003, 515). As part of his doctorial coursework, Groome was able to take a number of courses at Woodstock Seminary, a Jesuit theologiate, including two courses with Avery Dulles. This enabled him to remain grounded in Catholic theology and to keep abreast of changes in the post-Vatican II Catholic Church (Groome, 2011a, 17). Boston College A strong recommendation from Avery Dulles led Groome to be hired to teach at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. However, Groome stayed at CU for only one academic year (1975-1976). He then accepted a faculty position in Theology and Religious Education at Boston College. Groome has worked at Boston College since then, holding the rank of Professor from 1992 to the present. From 1976 to 2008, Groome was one of the faculty members of the Boston College Theology Department who worked out of the Institute of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry (IREPM) (Groome, 2011a, 18). (The IREPM was founded as a summer institute by John R. “Jack” McCall in 1971 and was sponsored jointly by the Theology Department and the School of Education [McCall, 1971, 1]. The following year, 1972, it became a year round program with its own administrative staff. Faculty members hired for the Institute were given office space adjacent to the IREPM administrative staff members and worked collaboratively with them. However, IREPM faculty members were hired into the Theology Department faculty and were subject to Theology Department and Boston College Graduate School of Arts and Sciences personnel norms.) Groome served as Director of the IREPM from 2003-2008. The IREPM merged with Weston Jesuit School of Theology to form the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry (STM) in 2008. Groome maintained his faculty position in the Theology Department and also joined the STM faculty. Within the STM, the IREPM became the Department of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry (DREPM), and Groome served as the Chair of the DREPM from 2008-2015 (Groome, 2015). Maintaining his faculty status in the Theology Department and STM, in 2015 Groome became the director of the Boston College Church in the 21st Century Center (C21). Established in 2002, the mission of C21 is to foster critically constructive conversations about the issues the church must face in this century if it is to remain vibrant. Under Groome’s leadership C21 continues to address the four main issues it has focused on since its inception: handing on the faith (Groome’s favored focus); roles and relationships in the Church; sexuality in the Catholic tradition; and the Catholic intellectual tradition. Groome has also pledged to address the growing needs of the expanding Hispanic population in the church in the United States, the increasing gap between those with great material wealth and those living in poverty (using the teachings of Pope Francis as a guide), and the future of the Roman Catholic diocesan priesthood (Sullivan, 2015). From his first days at Boston College to the present Groome has continued his own academic studies and education in faith. He took three courses with Catholic philosopher and theologian Bernard Lonergan, SJ in his early years at Boston College. Groome’s study of Lonergan’s theory of the dynamics of human knowing affirmed his own efforts to probe how learning experiences can foster reflection and action. (Groome’s most extensive discussion of Lonergan can be found in Groome, 1991, 485-6, chapter 4, note 19.) During this time Groome also studied the works of Lonergan’s student David Tracy, which affirmed his understanding of the importance of dialectical thinking (that is, correlating or integrating faith and lived experience) in a process of education in faith (Groome, 2011a, 18). Over the years Groome took a number of classes with Philosophy Department Professor David Rasmussen. This deepened his understanding of contemporary philosophy and, in particular, enabled Groome to develop a fuller understanding of the thought of Habermas. During his studies with Rasmussen, Groome discovered the work of Hans Georg Gadamer, which enhanced Groome’s understanding of how persons and communities can interpret and appropriate the insights of established traditions in life-giving ways (Groome, 2003, 516). Throughout his time at Boston College Groome has also been part of numerous scholarly reading groups. The most significant of these were a group on postmodern philosophy, focusing on the works of Michel Foucault, Jacques Derrida, and Emmanuel Levinas; and a number of groups exploring the literature on practical theology. In his reading of postmodern philosophy Groome was most attracted to Levinas’ notion of our responsibility as human beings to “the Other,” including both the neighbor and God as “Other” (Groome, 2011a, 21). One of the most significant faith and ministry formation experiences for Groome was a year-long study of the practice of spiritual direction at Mercy Center in Madison, Connecticut with Sr. Florence Trahan, RSM. Groome completed the spiritual direction course while he was on sabbatical from Boston College for the 1994-1995 academic year. In addition to deepening his understanding of the dynamics of faith formation, the discussions in the spiritual direction classes affirmed Groome’s conviction that all people, including those who have not had the opportunity to engage in the formal study of philosophy and theology, can learn to articulate their own spiritual wisdom based on a sense of God’s active presence in their lives. Richard McBrien was the director of the IREPM when Groome arrived at Boston College in 1976. He was a significant mentor during Groome’s first five years at the school. McBrien left Boston College to join the faculty of theology at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana. Groome and McBrien maintained a collegial relationship until McBrien’s death in 2015 (Groome 2011a, 18). Teaching and scholarship are at their best dialogic and collaborative endeavors, and many of Groome’s other colleagues at Boston College have over the years also been important conversation partners, including James Fowler (who served on the faculty of the Boston College IREPM in 1975 and1976), Claire Lowery (who came to Boston College in 1975, served as an IREPM faculty member in Pastoral Care and Counseling, and who in her later years at Boston College served as Acting Director and then Director of the IREPM), Mary C. Boys (who taught at the IREPM from 1977 to 1994), Padraic O’Hare (who was responsible for overseeing all academic issues at the IREPM and who served as an adjunct faculty member in Theology and Religious Education from 1976 to1986), Maureen O’Brien (who was Associate Director of Academic Affairs and adjunct faculty member in Theology and Religious Education from 1987 to 1997), Mary Daly (who was a faculty member in the Theology Department when Groome arrived at Boston College and who retired in 1999) and Daniel Harrington (who chaired the Biblical Studies Department at the Boston College STM and with whom Groome worked collaboratively from the time of the creation of the STM in 2008 until Harrington’s death in 2014). The current permanent faculty members of the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry DREPM, with whom Groome continues to work closely, are Colleen M. Griffith, Theresa O’Keefe, Hosffman Ospino, Nancy Pineda-Madrid, and Jane Regan. After seventeen years of ordained ministry, Groome left the diocesan priesthood with an official dispensation. He married Colleen Griffith on June 8, 1985. Griffith holds a doctorate in theology from Harvard University Divinity School, and has taught at Boston College since 1996. Groome and Griffith have a son Theodore (Teddy) Griffith Groome, who was born on January 4, 2001. Groome’s writings and presentations reveal that marriage and family life and his ongoing dialogue with Griffith have significantly shaped his theological outlook and approach to religious education. Scholarly work In his dissertation at Union/Columbia TC Groome began to articulate a holistic approach to religious education that he calls Shared Christian Praxis, which will be discussed more fully later in this entry. He introduced this approach to the community of scholars in his first peer-reviewed publication in 1976 in the international journal Lumen Vitae (Groome, 1976; Groome, 2003, 516-17; Groome, 2011a, 19). Groome’s first book, Christian Religious Education (CRE) was published in 1980. CRE provides an account of the “what, why, where, how, when, and who” of Christian religious education (Groome, 1980, xiv). In doing so, it explores the theological and educational foundations of educating in Christian faith. The book also offers Groome’s first comprehensive articulation of Shared Christian Praxis. From the time he began teaching at Boston College to the present there have been significant developments in Groome’s scholarly outlook. First, in the early 1980s he began to write about religious education in relation to pastoral ministry. When Groome arrived at Boston College the only degree program offered at the IREPM was a Master of Education in Religious Educaiton (MEd). In 1978 the IREPM began offering a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry (MAPM). From that time forward the IREPM had thriving degree programs in both religious education and pastoral ministry. As Groome responded to the needs and interests of students in these two areas of study, he began to teach and write about religious education in a more expansive way; in particular, he explored the interrelation between the educational ministry of the church and other forms of ministry. Goome’s understanding of the intertwining of religious education and pastoral ministry is expressed most fully in his second major book, Sharing Faith: A Comprehensive Approach to Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry. Drawing insight from his teaching and work as a curriculum developer (which will be discussed later), SF explores the philosophical foundations of Groome’s approach to Christian religious education and offers an in depth exploration of Shared Christian Praxis. SF also includes a discussion of Shared Christian Praxis as a style of ministry, and an analysis of the educational dimensions of liturgy and preaching, the church’s ministry of peace and justice, and pastoral counseling. Second, Groome’s understanding of the religious or spiritual dimensions of education has expanded and deepened over the years. To begin, it is important to note that due to the influence of his home village and family Groome has always been attentive to the transcendent or spiritual dimensions of life. Then, during his graduate work Groome integrated a sense of the importance of attending to the transcendent into his approach to education. In discussing the transcendent in his early work Groome preferred using the term “religious” and he envisioned the religious dimension of life as being a universal aspect of human personhood. From a religious education perspective, Groome wrote: “If indeed all education is ultimately a reaching for transcendence and an expression of that human quest, all good education can be called religious” (Groome, 1980, 21). At the same time, Groome holds that the universal human quest for transcendence is always lived out within specific relationship with others, the world, and God. That is, it is lived out within some specific life context and often a specific religious tradition. Hence, Groome has always thought of himself as a Christian religious educator, and he identifies a Christian life context as the relational context of his religious outlook. Still, he recognizes that he shares “a common quest and bond with all religious educators,” especially “Jewish religious educators” but also “Buddhist, Muslim, and other religious educators” (Groome, 1980, 25) who also attend to the religious dimensions of life in an intentional way. As his thought developed, Groome began to use the terms “spiritual” and “spirituality” rather than the term “religious” to refer to the operative commitments that orient a person to the Transcendent while also grounding the person’s outlook on life in a specific life context. He has discussed spiritual formation as an intentional effort to orient people to the Transcendent, that is, toward a sense of ultimate meaning and value (see, for example, Groome, 1997). Groome’s fullest discussion of spirituality, a spirituality of education, and spiritual formation is presented in his third major book Educating for Life. The subtitle of the book is A Spiritual Vision for Every Teacher and Parent, and the book seeks to outline a catholic or universal philosophy of education that can help all parents and other educators guide people to see their lives in the light of a sense of transcendent meaning and value. As such the book offers a humanizing approach to education. At the same time, Education for Life seeks to offer a specifically Catholic (capital C) philosophy of education. Groome claims that “every attempt to engage conversation with ‘neighbors’ must be ‘made from one’s own backyard’” (Groome, 1998, 16). Hence, Educating for Life mines the deep wisdom of Catholicism to share it with all who are interested in education in order to foster a mutually enriching conversation about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life. Third, in further developing his approach to religious education and often in tandem with his explorations of spirituality and spiritual formation, Groome has also given increasing attention to issues of Catholic education. Specifically, Groome first began to focus intentionally on issues of Catholic education in the early 1980s when he became involved in the development of a basal religious education curriculum for Catholic schools and parishes. Then, in 1990 Groome was commissioned by the Catholic Bishops of Canada to write a position paper to support their challenge to a proposed law that would limit their efforts to ensure that those hired to teach in Catholic schools in Canada would have an open attitude toward a Catholic philosophy of education. Since that time, Groome has written over a dozen articles and book chapters on Catholic education. His most extensive discussion of Catholic education is in his fourth major book What Makes Us Catholic. The book is intended “for Catholics who span the spectrum: from the devout to the alienated; from radical reformers to defenders of the status quo” and strives to explore Catholicism’s “deep currents of faith and imagination” (Groome, 2002, xvii-xviii). Groome’s work on Catholic education and spirituality has expanded his religious educational outlook, leading him in particular to explore family religious education and Catholic schooling more fully. Fourth, Groome’s explorations of practical theology have broadened his approach to religious education. When Groome came to Boston College, he was hired and later tenured within their Theology Department. He continues to hold a faculty position in that department and in the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. Hence, throughout his time at Boston College Groome has had to be concerned with relating religious education to theology. To help him think about this relationship Groome took a course in 1981 with Johann Baptist Metz when Metz was a visiting professor at Boston College. The course explored the shift from an idealistic to a narrative and practical approach to theology (Groome. 2014b, 277-278). Building upon the insights of this course and subsequent studies in practical theology, Groome has sought to explore religious education as a form or sub-discipline of practical theology. There has also been an overriding concern in Groome’s discussions of practical theology with showing how the turn to practical theology should involve more than an effort to generate new theological insights (new content for the field of theology). Groome argues that practical theology must expand the nature, scope, and purpose of theological reflection if it is to move beyond being a specialized, academic field of study and become a mode of inquiry that informs and draws insight from the lived and living faith found in the everyday lives of persons and local church communities. Groome’s most recent major book is Will There Be Faith? He describes it as the “capstone statement” of his work. The book outlines “an approach to religious education that can maximize the life-giving potential of Christian faith for persons, communities, and societies” (Groome, 2011b, 12). In terms of the development of Groome’s scholarly outlook, it is significant that he uses the word “faith” in the title and focuses on faith-education in the book. For Groome, faith is a broader term than either religion or spirituality. Faith includes religious or spiritual commitments or beliefs that orient a person to a transcendent sense of meaning and value. There is also a relational quality to faith; it is based on an ability to trust (that is, enter into trusting relationships with) self, others, and God and to trust that the communities of which one is a part can be life-giving and life-sustaining places to dwell. Groome also emphasizes that faith grounds a person’s outlook in the present realities of everyday life and provides a foundation for doing, that is, for making decisions in one’s life that express one’s faith or puts one’s faith commitments into action. (Groome’s foundational discussion of the meaning of faith is presented in Groome 1980, 57-66; it is re-presented and then developed more fully in Groome, 2011b, 25-28, 107-119.) (In numerous presentations I have heard Groome refer to faith as the salt that flavors everything [Matt. 5:13] and the leaven that raises up our lives [Luke 13:21].) Overall, Will There Be Faith? is Groome’s most comprehensive, holistic, and integrated statement of the educational ministry of the church. It provides guidance for educating Christians within families, parishes, and schools. At the same time it offers an apologetic or defense of faith in our increasingly secular age, based on the claim that education in faith, and Christian faith in particular, can provide an ideal starting point for any quest for fullness of life. Finally, to provide a sense of Groome’s scholarly work as a whole, it can be noted that he has authored nearly 200 scholarly and popular articles and book chapters and seven books (including one with two co-authors), and edited four others books. There is also collection of Grome’s writings that was published as a book in Sweden. Curriculum Development, Teaching, and Mentoring In 1981 Ralph Fletcher, then-president of Sadlier, invited Groome to anchor the writing of a basal religious education curriculum for kindergarten to eighth grade for Catholic schools in the United States (Groome 2011a, 20). The curriculum Groome developed was published by Sadlier as the God with Us series and its publication was completed in 1985. Groome then produced another basal curriculum with Sadlier, the Coming to Faith series, which was completed in 1990. In 2007, Sadlier published two religion text books, We Live our Faith as Disciples of Jesus (for seventh grade) and We Live our Faith as Members of the Church (for eighth grade). Groome is the primary author of these texts, though the publisher does not list an author. Groome has also been the primary author or co-author of a few other specialized curriculum texts as well. Since 2011 Groome has been the anchoring author of a Catholic high school theology curriculum titled the Credo series, published by Veritas Publications. During his first year at Boston College Groome served as a fourth grade volunteer catechist in a parish religious education program. Since that time he has served periodically as a catechist in local religious education programs. Throughout his time at Boston College Groome has taught both undergraduate and graduate students. At the undergraduate level Groome has offered required introductory courses in theology as well as more specialized and upper level courses. At the master’s and doctoral levels, he has taught foundational courses in religious education and more specialized courses in religious education, pastoral ministry, and practical theology. At the doctoral level, Groome’s primary commitment has been to teaching and mentoring students enrolled in the PhD in Theology and Education, sponsored jointly by the Boston College Theology Department in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) and the Boston College Lynch School of Education, with the degree being awarded by GSAS. This doctoral program educates scholars for the interdisciplinary field of religious education. In total, Groome has served as the primary adviser for over 500 master’s degree comprehensive exam papers and been the primary advisor or a reader for over 40 doctoral dissertations. (While serving as director of the Church in the 21st Century Center, Groome remains the director of the PhD program in Theology and Education. He has been the senior faculty anchor for the program since it was created in 1977.) Shared Christian Praxis Central to Groome’s scholarship, teaching, and work as a curriculum developer is his Shared Christian Praxis approach to religious education. This approach involves a focusing activity and five pedagogical movements, which can be described as follows: Focusing Activity: In the focusing activity a symbol is presented (such as a song, poem, case study, picture or work of art, or Scripture story) to (a) raise up a generative theme (that is, an engaging theme that relates to people’s lives), (b) create a shared learning experience, and (c) draw participants into active conversation. (See Groome, 1991, 155-174.) Movement One: Naming or Expressing Present Praxis / Looking at Life: The key task is to invite participants to pay attention to and name their own praxis of the generative theme and/or to consider how the praxis of their local community relates to the generative theme. (See Groome, 1991, 175-186.) Movement Two: Critical Reflection / Thinking about Life: The key task is to invite participants to reflect on what is going on in their lives as it relates to the theme of the learning experience. “Critical reflection can engage people in any or all the activities of critical and social reasoning, analytical and social remembering, creative and social imagining.” (See Groome, 1991, 187- 214, quote from 187). Movement Three: Presenting and Representing Christian Story and Vision / Turning to Christian Faith Traditions: The key task is to share or make accessible the resources of Christian faith traditions as they relate to the theme. For Groome, Christian Story is "the whole faith life and practical wisdom of the Christian community that is congealed in its Scriptures, symbols, myths, rituals, liturgies, creeds, dogmas, doctrines, theologies, practices, spiritualities, expected life-style, values, artifacts, structures, and so on…. Vision is a metaphor for the possibilities and responsibilities, the promises and demands, that are prompted by the Christian community’s Story” (Groome, 1991, 113-114, and 115; see also 215-248). Movement Four: Appropriating the Truths and Wisdom of Christian Faith / Dialogue between Christian Faith Traditions and Life: “The pedagogy here is to stimulate and draw out what is really going on inside of people” in response to what has taken place in the previous movements (Groome, 2011b, 325). In Movement Four “participants ask: How does this Story/Vision affirm, question, and call us beyond present praxis? And conversely, How does present praxis affirm and critically appropriate the version of Story/Vision made accessible in Movement Three?” (Groome, 1991, 249-265, quote from 249). Movement Five: Making Decisions in the Light of Faith / Living our Faith More Fully: “Movement Five offers participants an explicit opportunity for making decisions about how to live Christian faith in the world.” Groome contends that decisions by participants “can be primarily or variously cognitive, affective, and behavioral, and may pertain to the personal, interpersonal, or social/political levels of their lives,” or they may be group decisions “made by the consensus of the learning community" (Groome, 1991, 266-293, quote from 267). Groome refers to Shared Christian Praxis as a “life to faith to life approach” to religious education, noting that the core of this approach involves correlating and integrating life and faith into a lived and living faith. The approach begins with people’s everyday lives, and invites them to reflect on their lives in the light of faith – that is, to reflect on how their understanding of everyday life concerns is shaped by their faith commitments and what they regard as being of ultimate concern. The next movement of Shared Christian Praxis involves exploring the resources of faith traditions. The facilitator then brings the focus back to everyday life and invites people to consider how to take the wisdom of faith more fully to heart and to think and act more intentionally based on their faith or ultimate concerns and values. Groome also claims: “I am convinced that Jesus’ favored pedagogy was to lead people from life to faith to life-in-faith.” He notes that Jesus invited people to look at and think about their own reality as he talked about such everyday activities as “fishing, farming, homemaking, vine keeping.” He then preached the good news of God, the good news concerning faith in God, and “announced the in-breaking of God’s reign.” Finally, Jesus moved back to life and invited people to embrace freely a life as his disciple (Groome, 2014a, 123). To understand Shared Christian Praxis one must have a clear sense of what Groome means by praxis and how he envisions a process of education focused on praxis. In Christian Religious Education he states: “praxis is purposeful, intentional, and reflectively chosen ethical action” (Groome, 1980, 152). A praxis process of education begins with an intentional focus on respecting persons as being capable of ethical action, and it strives to enable people to become more purposeful, intentional, and reflective ethical actors. It also engages all aspect of human personhood (including the body, intellect, will, emotions, and soul) and encourages people to strive to be fully engaged ethical actors in the world. So that learning environments are respectful of persons as persons, Groome claims, participants in educational activities must always be welcomed, included, treated justly and with compassion. In presenting his commitment to a praxis way of knowing, Groome also states that Christian religious educators should strive to educate for justice, but that they can only do so by educating justly, in particular, educating in ways that are respectful of persons as persons (Groome, 1983). Overall, Shared Christian Praxis is a humanizing approach to religious education. It is based on the premise that designated teachers should strive to engage all aspects of human personhood in respectful and just ways (Movement One) and lead persons through a learning process that concludes with an invitation for them to develop a greater sense of their own agency as persons of faith (Movement Five). Groome is also attentive to how the realities of personal and social sin diminish and damage the world. However, he argues that while the image of God within each person may be diminished, it can never be totally destroyed. Hence, he contends that a process of faith education that invites persons, in respectful and just ways, to bring the praxis of their lives into dialogue with Christian faith (Movements Three and Four) will have the potential to nurture the good within persons and communities, and perhaps even enable them to be a transformative presence within the world (Movement Five). (For a discussion of Groome’s understandings of personhood and society, see Groome 1998 [Educating for Life], chapters 2 and 7.) It is also important to note that the focus in Shared Christian Praxis is on persons, not individuals. In a learning encounter the focus is on persons and communities sharing their lives with one another and learning from and with one another, and not just on individual learners. Beyond this, Groome suggests that throughout a Shared Christian Praxis learning experience there should be a focus on helping persons name, reflect upon, and further develop their own sense of personally owned faith but that, at the same time, educators should invite them to recognize how their faith is situated within the historically-grounded faith of a faith community or tradition and a specific life context. As envisioned by Groome, the process of personal development is always both a process of self development over time and a process of social development within church and society. We develop as persons over time in relationship with one another and within a community of persons. Thus, to embrace Shared Christian Praxis, one must begin with a respect for persons as persons-in-relationship or persons-within-community. (As seen in the light of Groome’s personal and intellectual life journey or pilgrimage, Shared Christian Praxis is Groome’s personally owned and appropriated approach to religious education. Yet, Groome recognizes that this approach to religious education is grounded in the commitments to justice, liberation, and compassion that he learned from his parents, practiced in his family of origin, and was immersed within in the local church community in which he was raised. Moreover, Groome acknowledges that the approach has been refined within the many contexts, including the many communities of Christian faith, in which he has lived and worked.) On a broader level, Groome contends that because all educational activity has a social dimension, education is always political. It is political not in the sense of narrow, partisan politics, but in the sense that it involves creating a shared space for being together based on learner’s past histories, their understanding of present realities, and their sense of how they can move out into the world to contribute to a shared future for the common good of all (see Groome, 1980, 15-17). There are several other key aspects of Shared Christian Praxis. To begin, Shared Christian Praxis is an intellectually rigorous and holistic educational approach that, when done well, is neither narrowly didactic nor overly subjective. According to Groome, Christian religious educators have a double mandate. On the one hand, they are to present or re-present the Christian Story faithfully around the theme of the learning experience. That is, as representatives of their church community they are to teach what the church teaches concerning the topic being explored. Christian religious educators are to present, as completely as possible, the faith of the church as the message of liberation and salvation in and through Jesus as the Christ. On the other hand, Christian religious educators should raise up the Christian Vision, the Vision of God’s call to all humanity to fullness of life for both the here and the hereafter (Groome, 2011b, 318-319). In raising up the Christian Vision, Christian religious educators can and should go beyond all narrowly didactic and transmissive modes of teaching by inviting people to imagine how their vision for their lives connects with the Christian Vision. Hence, the process of critical reflection on life begun in Movement Two should continue in Movement Three and, eventually, flow into Movements Four and Five. The primary concern of the Christian religious educator in Movement Three is the ongoing development of the “identity and agency” of participants in the learning process (Groome, 1991, 217). However, educators should not focus on fostering a subjective sense of self-actualization or a purely personal spirituality. They should be concerned with how persons, as persons of faith, have access to and stand in relation to Christian Story and Vision. More concretely, religious educators should focus less on nurturing a quest for personal authenticity and more on enabling people to recognize their responsibility as people of faith to their neighbors (Groome, 2014a, 221; see also Groome 1998, 304-308). Additionally, religious educators should be concerned with helping persons understand and appropriate Christian faith more fully and be able to embody Christian faith more intentionally as members of faith communities. In discussing the dynamics of Shared Christian Praxis in his later writings, Groome writes that Christian religious educators should teach about faith. Then they must go beyond this, he claims, to invite participants in a learning experience to learn from faith, and they should offer the possibility that people can learn to be people of faith more fully, that is, to embrace faith and specific religious convictions more fully. Groome draws the distinctions between learning about, learning from, and learning to be from the British religious educator Michael Grummit, using it to express foundational commitments he first formed while studying with Phenix at Union/Columbia TC (see Groome, 2011b; 6, 91-92). Groome also suggests that Christians and adherents of the other great religious traditions of the world can benefit by learning more about and learning from their own and other faith traditions, that is, learning about and from the stories or whole faith lives of various faith traditions. At the same time, Groome argues that people should strive to learn to be people of faith within their own religious tradition “so that its truth claims become meaningful in the context of their lives” (Groome, 2011b, 117-118). As a holistic learning process Shared Christian Praxis should, Groome contends, engage head, heart, and hands/feet; cognition, affect, and will. It should focus on the personal, social, and even cosmological. It should invite people to reflect on how they can become more involved in their faith community and how they are called to contribute to the common good of society toward the building of God’s Reign. Additionally, from about the midpoint of his career onward Groome has contended that the “three key ‘agents’” of religious education, “the home, the parish, and the school or formal program of instruction” (Groome, 2011b, 13-14) must all be involved in collation with one another if a faith community is to educate in a holistic way. He also states that in order to develop fully, a faith education process must become “A Total Community Affair.” As Groome explains, “the key requirement for total catechesis is that every designated minister and then every Christian develop a ‘faith-education consciousness.’ This means being alert to maximize and take full advantage of the faith-education potential of every aspect of shared life and parish ministry.” (Groome, 2011b, 162-163). In essence, Groome suggests that the shared life of a faith community and family can become a process of Shared Christian Praxis that guides community members to understand and live their faith, personally and collectively, as fully as they possibly can. Another key aspect of Christian Shared Praxis is that it is both grounded yet expansive (see Groome, 1999). Movements One and Two ground people in lived experience. Movement Three invites exploration of the resources of faith traditions. Through dialogue with these resources participants are led to be open to developing a more expansive sense of faith in Movements Four and Five. Yet, when looked at from another angle of vision, Movements Four and Five involve a return to a grounding in a specific faith community and tradition, although a person returns with a deeper, fuller sense of life and faith after having encountered Christian Story and Vision in Movement Three. In discussing Shared Christian Praxis, Groome has remarked that Movement Five brings us back to our faith with new eyes so that “we see as if for the first time” what God desires for us and enables us to be and do as people of faith (personal conversation with Groome, December 26, 2014, Niantic, CT). Thus, an effective Shared Christian Praxis learning experience may at times lead to a sense of conversion or renewal in faith on one or more levels – including the intellectual, moral, religious, affective, social, and embodied dimensions of life (see Groome, 1991, 130-131). (In striving to understand this aspect of Groome’s approach to religious education, it can be helpful to note that the dynamics of Shared Christian Praxis mirror Groome’s personal and professional life journey. Throughout his life his starting point has always been the core Christian faith commitments he learned in his Irish home and village, and he has always sought to remain grounded in these commitments. At the same time, to expand his sense of life and faith, Groome has engaged in a wide-ranging exploration of religious education, theology, education, philosophy, pastoral ministry, and spirituality.) To understand Christian Shared Praxis, one must also consider Groome’s claim that the Reign of God is the meta-purpose or guiding vision of Christian religious education. As Groome explains, the Reign of God is “the realization by God’s grace in Jesus Christ of God’s vision of fullness of life for all humankind and the good stewardship of creation (Groome, 2011b, 255); it is “the realization of God’s intention of peace and justice, love and freedom, holiness and wholeness, and fullness of life for all humankind, here and hereafter” (Groome, 2011b, 292). Groome notes that Jesus preached the Reign of God as the central theme of his ministry (see Mark 1:15) and called all people to fullness of life (see John 10:10). Groome also claims that Christians are called as disciples of Jesus to carry on Jesus’ mission of welcoming and working to bring about the fuller realization of God’s Reign in their lives and world. Responding to this call is, according to Groome, at the heart of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Thinking in terms of Christian Shared Praxis, religious educators should provide opportunities for participants in a learning process to learn about Jesus’ proclamation of the Reign of God (Movement 3). They should also invite them to learn from this central symbol of Christian faith, that is, to consider how they can correlate the vision they have for their own lives with this central symbol and interpret the meaning of their lives in relation to this central symbol (Movement 3 into Movement 4). Finally, religious educators should invite people to consider how a deepened understanding of God’s reign can transform the ways they see and respond to everyday life issues and concerns (Movement 5). The Heart of Groome’s Approach to Christian Religious Education After exploring the movements and underlying convictions of Shared Christian praxis, we can ask: What is the heart or core of Groome’s approach to Christian religious education? Are there central themes upon which Groome’s approach to Christian religious education is built? In responding to these questions, it is helpful to turn first to Jack L. Seymour’s assessment of Groome. Seymour contends that Groome adopts “the interpretation approach” to Christian education. In describing this approach, Seymour writes: “the concern of an interpretation educator is to help persons understand their daily experience and hopes in the light of the story and vision which is available in Christian faith. Much attention is directed at assisting persons to come to awareness about the meaning they derive from daily experience and its meaning for understanding Christian faith” (Seymour, 1996, 9). According to Seymour, the interpretation approach to Christian education can help people address the crisis of meaning in contemporary culture and the difficulties people face today in striving to relate their faith to their everyday lives in a secularized society. Offering a somewhat similar assessment of Groome’s approach to religious education, Michael Horan writes: “The shared praxis approach rests on the assumption that people can actually hear and appropriate the Word of God when that Word becomes effective in their lives. The Christian gospel, what Groome terms the ‘Story and Vision,’ is most alive and effective when it is in conversation with the story of people’s individual life of faith and communal life (Horan, 2015, 140). Hence, like Seymour, Horan claims that a shared praxis approach to religious education entails an effort to invite people to bring their daily experience into conversation with Christian faith so that they can hear, interpret, and appropriate core Christian convictions as they strives to develop a sense of the meaning of their lives. However, according to Horan, at the heart of a shared praxis approach is the theme of mediation. As Horan explains: “The theme of mediation is present in the shared praxis approach to religious education. The shared praxis approach fosters awareness of the power of human action in the world; it helps its participants to consider their potency and agency to proclaim and promote God’s reign. Participants interrogate their own experience to discern whether and how human actions are aligned with the gospel and Jesus’s dream for a just world. Participants also consider whether and how human actions frustrate, postpone, or reverse that dream” (Horan, 2015, 145). Horan’s analysis uncovers an important aspect of Shared Christian Praxis. This educational approach is designed to go beyond interpretation. As a Shared Christian Praxis process unfolds it mediates persons and communities relation to the world. That is, it invites persons and communities to consider their ability, their potency and agency, to act within the world in the light of an understanding of God’s Reign through Jesus. Horan’s assessment of Groome aligns to some degree with that of Harold W. Burgess. Burgess notes that Groome’s approach to Christian religious education “is sustained by his creative interaction with liberation theology” (Burgess, 1996, 230). Burgess adds that “Groome commonly, and consciously, employs the language of freedom as a way of discoursing about the conditions and consequences of living a life in tune with the values of the kingdom of God. Accordingly, that freedom together with its related terms, liberation and emancipation, may be ‘the most adequate words in our time for talking about the historical consequences and responsibilities for Jesus’ disciples of his life, death, and resurrection.’” (Burgess, 1996, 231, emphasis as in original, quote within the quote from Groome 1991, 22). In discussing how Groome’s approach to Christian religious education fosters “awareness of the power of human action” (Horan) and human freedom (Burgess), Horan and Burgess emphasize that Shared Christian Praxis aims at enabling people to recognize and overcome whatever diminishes their lives so that they can proclaim and promote or live in tune with Jesus’s dream/vision of justice and a sense of God’s Reign. Building on the insights of Seymour’s, Horan’s, and Burgess’ discussions of Groome, it can be argued that at the core of Groome’s approach to Christian religious education is a threefold emphasis on 1) interpretation, 2) mediation, and 3) freedom/liberation. To begin, Shared Christian Praxis invites participants in a learning experience to interpret their life experiences in relation to a generative theme from Christian faith traditions with the aim of helping them develop a greater sense of the meaning and purpose of their lives. However, it goes beyond this to mediate the connection between persons and the world and persons and God with the immediate aim of inviting people to consider how God is present in their lives and in the world, and what God desires of them and enables them to be and do in their lives. Then, the ultimate aim of Shared Christian Praxis is to invite people to consider how responding to God’s call can lead to greater fullness of life and freedom for both the here and hereafter on both personal and communal levels of life. To illustrate the core convictions of Shared Christian Praxis, we can think about how to structure a teaching and learning experience about the Trinity. If following Groome’s approach to religious education, we would not begin with a lecture on the biblical background of the doctrine of the Trinity, a historical overview of efforts to define the Trinity beginning with the Fourth Lateran Council, or a analysis of the economic and immanent dimensions of the Trinity – although these can all be regarded as important or even essential for understanding Christian church teaching on the Trinity. Rather, we would want to begin with a generative theme that relates to people’s everyday lives and that is central to understanding the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. For instance, we might begin with the theme of relationships and invite people to think about how they do, and think they should, relate to other people, and why. Then, we could introduce the theme of the Trinity by discussing how the Trinity presents a model for relationships, that is, how the Trinity reveals God as a relational God who provides a model for how we can and should relate to self, others, the world, and God. In the process of discussing the Trinity we could strive to present as clear and comprehensive account of the Trinity as possible while also inviting people to interpret their own relational lives in the light of an understanding of the Trinity. At this point Christians as well as people of other faith and philosophical convictions could be invited to move beyond learning about the Christian doctrine of the Trinity to think about how they could learn from this doctrine. As the interpretive process unfolded it could provide opportunities for people to reflect on the meaning and purpose of their lives from the perspective of their own faith convictions or ultimate concerns. However, in order for a Shared Christian Praxis learning process to continue to unfold, it would need to go beyond this and return to focus fully on people’s own lives. It would need to move first to a focus on mediating the relationships among people and the world and people and God (and their understanding of God’s active presence in the world) or their sense of what is Ultimate or of transcendent value. Concretely, the learning process would need to invite people to consider how making changes in the ways they relate to other people and God can lead them to live better, fuller lives and enable them to make the best use of their talents and gifts in contributing to church and society. At the same time, the learning process would need to be guided by and culminate with a focus on how the Trinity could provides a model for how people can strive (by the grace of God) to overcome and be liberated from relationships that diminish life so that they can relate freely to other people and, from a Christian perspective, welcome and work to bring about the fuller realization of God’s Reign in their lives, faith community, local community, and broader world. Beyond Boston College In discussing Groome’s life and career it is also essential to discuss his public speaking beyond Boston College and the honors and awards he has received. In describing the beginning of his public speaking career, Groome writes, “In the spring of 1973, and before I even began doctoral work in religious education, Francoise [Darcy-Berube] was instrumental in having me invited to be a keynote presenter with her at the annual catechetical congress of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, PA.” Darcy-Berube was one of Groome’s professors at the Fordham University GSRRE. Groome describes this as his “first break” as a presenter (Groome,1995, xiv). Then, while a student at Union/Columbia TC Groome began to be invited to give presentations on religious education in both scholarly and pastoral arenas. During his time at Boston College, the number of speaking invitations Groome received increased after the release of Christian Religious Education and then again after the publication of the God with Us curriculum. As his areas of scholarly interest expanded Groome was invited to address issues of ministry and church life, Catholic education, spirituality, and practical theology as well as religious education and catechesis. Additionally, Groome has presented numerous times at the annual conferences of the Association of Professors and Researchers in Religious Education, the Religious Education Association, the Religious Education Association /Association of Professors, Practitioners, and Researchers in Religious Education, Catholic Theological Society of America, and the International Academy of Practical Theologians. At present Groome has given more than a 1,000 presentations for local, regional, national, and international audiences around the world. These include presentations at parishes, diocesan conferences and events, seminaries, colleges and universities, gatherings of vowed religious men and women, and professional academic meetings and conventions. Groome has also been the featured speaker at various symposia on religion education, ministry, and church life. Groome has been a major presenter at venues sponsored by Catholic, Protestant, ecumenical, and interreligious groups and organizations and his audiences have included bishops, priests and ministers, vowed religious, grade school and high school teachers and principals, paid professional and volunteer lay ecclesial ministers, and scholars in religious education, theology, education, and related areas. Groome’s presentations have also attracted people from many of the great religious traditions of the world. Groome has given presentation throughout the United States and Canada, and around the world, including Australia, Ecuador, England, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jamaica, Korea, Lithuania, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Peru, Scotland, Sweden, South Africa, Taiwan, and Trinidad and Tobago. We can gain a sense of the broad range of national and international groups Groome has addressed by noting that he gave a lecture series for the Australian National Office for Catholic Education in 1980, and was the keynote speaker at the invitation of the United States Catholic Conference at the 1983 National Symposium on Adult Education in Washington D.C. In 1984 he gave keynote addresses at both the English National Symposium on the Adult Catechumenate in London, England, and the Methodist National Assembly on Adult Education in Dallas, Texas. In 1992 he addressed the National Symposium of the Greek Orthodox Church of North America at Hellenic College Holy Cross in Brookline, Massachusetts. In 1993 he offered a seven day lecture series for the Korean Council of Churches (Catholic and Protestant) and the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul, and gave keynote addresses at both the International Colloquium on Catholic Education at Cambridge University, England, and the National Symposium on the Future of Ministry at St. Patrick Seminary, Ireland. In 1993 he was also the invitee for the Distinguished Scholar Program at Mennonite Seminary in Goshen, Indiana. In 2008 he gave a two day presentation at the National Symposium on Religious Education in South Africa. Groome has the distinction of being the first Catholic to be invited to give the Robert S. Jones Lectures at Austin Presbyterian Seminary, Texas (1980). He has also given the John Calvin Payne Lecture at McCormick Theological Seminary (1981), Kendrick-Doersche Lectures at South Eastern Baptist Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina (1984), the Irwin Lecture at Claremont School of Theology (1989), the Brown Jay Lecture at Southern Baptist Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky (1989), the Fahs Lecture in religious education at the Annual Unitarian Universalist Convention (1992 and again in 2001), the Gerety Lecture at Seton Hall University, New Jersey (1998), the Hanley Lecture at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg (1998), and the Thomas More Lecture at Yale University, New Haven, CT (2003). Groome has also been a visiting lecturer at over forty college and universities worldwide. Exercising leadership in the field of religious education, Groome was the president of the Association of Professor and Researchers in Religious Education in 1998-1999; served as a member of the editorial board of Momentum, the National Catholic Education Association journal (1985-86); was an advisory editor of Harper and Row’s Encyclopedia of Religious Education (1990); served as a member of the Centennial Committee of the National Catholic Educational Association (1997-2002); and served on the Excellence in Catechesis Committee of the United States Catholic Conference (1999 – 2000). Groome has also been on the editorial boards for both Religious Education and the International Journal on Religion and Education. In contributing to academic and pastoral leadership beyond religious education, Groome chaired the membership committee of the Catholic Theological Society of America (1988-1989), and was a member of board of trustees of the National Catholic Community Foundation (1998 – 2004). Groome was also one of the select scholars who served on the national advisory committee on religious issues for both Oboma presidential campaigns. Honors and Awards The W.H. Dinger Award for Religious Education was given to Groome in 1983. He was the recipient of the 1991 First Place Book Award on Education/Religious Education for Sharing Faith from the Catholic Press Association. Groome received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Conference of Catechetical Leaders in 1997, the Emmaus Award for Distinguished Leadership in Catechesis from the National Association of Parish Directors of Religious Education in 1999, and the Christian Culture Gold Medal Award from Assumption University, Windsor, in 2006. To recognize excellence in teaching, Groome was honored with the Master’s Teaching Award by the Boston College Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in 2008. Contributions to Christian Education Contributions to Christian Education Thomas Groome has made important contributions to Christian education for over four decades. His most far reaching contributions have been as a curriculum developer and teacher. He has made a significant contribution to the development of post-Vatican II Catholic education. His work has also contributed to the field of practical theology, and he has helped both scholars and pastoral practitioners recognize that pedagogical issues are at the core of practical theological reflection. Groome’s most significant contributions to Christian education have been as a theorist and practitioner who, from his earliest work to the present, has addressed foundational issues in the field of religious education. Each of these contributions will be explored in the following subsections. Curriculum Development and Teaching Groome’s most extensive contribution to Christian education is as a curriculum developer, teacher, and presenter. The three religion textbook series for which he has served as the anchoring writer and, for major parts of all three series the primary author, have been used by several million children around the world. Several hundred thousand people have been educated using the Shared Christian Praxis approach from kindergarten through high school, and more than a million have engaged in Shared Christian Praxis learning processes during some part of their childhood and adolescent religious education. While most of these young people are Christians (primarily Catholics), there are significant numbers of people of other faiths who have been invited through the Shared Christian Praxis approach to learn about Christianity while at the same time learning from Christian traditions by bringing them into dialogue with their own faith convictions. This is especially the case in Pakistan, India, and in other places around the world where the majority of students in Catholic schools are not Catholic. Viewing Groome’s work as a curriculum developer from a broad perspective, there was a renewal in Catholic catechesis/religious education during the first part of the twentieth century. This renewal was further energized by Vatican II. One of the fruits of the renewal was the development of new religious education curricular materials (See Warren, ed., 1983-1987). The Lord and King high school religion textbook series (developed and published between 1958 and 1965) was among the most notable of the new curricular materials produced in the middle of the twentieth century. Vincent Novak S.J. served as the editor-in-chief of the series (see Ryan, 2009). Other notable curricular materials of that era include the Canadian Catechism (1965) and the Come to the Father series (1967-1974) (for both of which Francoise Darcy-Berube served as the anchoring author), the Conscience and Concern series (1969-1975) (anchoring author James DiGiacomo, S.J.), and the On our Way, Vatican II basal curriculum (1966-1970), the New Life basal curriculum (1972-1975), and Jesus Nos Dice (1976) (for which Maria de la Cruz, H.H.S. and Francis J. Buckley, S.J. served as joint anchoring authors). (See the online biographies noted in the works cited by Veverka of Darcy-Berube, Horell of James DiGiacomo, and Buckley of de la Cruz Aymes.) Groome is among the curriculum developers who built upon the insights of mid-twentieth century curriculum developers to further the renewal of Catholic religion textbook publishing. Moreover, Groome has a connection with many of the earlier curriculum developers. When he studied at the Fordham GSRRE Novak was the dean and DiGiacomo and Darcy-Berube taught there. De la Cruz and Buckley worked closely with Groome as contributing authors of the God with Us series (1982-1986), the first series he helped to create. Arguably, Groome is the most innovative and significant of the Catholic curriculum developers who built upon the work of those who initiated the renewal of Catholic religion text book publishing in the 1950s and 1960s. The God with Us series, which is based on the Shared Christian Praxis approach to religious education, had a significant impact on the publishing of Catholic basal curricula in the years after it began to be published. Specifically, the success of the series prompted other publishers to adopt pedagogical approaches that sought to integrate reflection on experience with an effort to make accessible the resources of Christian faith traditions (that is, Christian Story and Vision) and that invite those involved in the learning process to move outward toward the further development of a lived, living, and liberating faith. Thus, the influence of the Groome’s work extends beyond those educated in faith using the curricula he helped to design. Turning to Groome’s teaching, through his courses at Boston College and presentations around the world, Groome has taught thousands of grade and high school teachers and principals, high schools and college campus ministers, and paid professional parish religious educators and pastoral ministers. From 1971 through 2015, Boston College offered master’s degrees in religious education and pastoral ministry that could be earned through five summers of study, six weeks each summer. Groome taught, advised, and mentored students in this program from 1976 through 2015, and in so doing contributed to the professional formation of over a thousand religious educators and pastoral ministers world-wide. Groome’s graduate teaching during the academic year at Boston College contributed to the professional formation of over a thousand additional religious educators and pastoral ministers. It is also significant to note that from the late 1960s to the present an increasing number of lay women and men have responded to a call to be professional, lay ecclesial ministers. Since many lay ecclesial ministers have been attracted to the graduate programs in religious education and pastoral ministry offered by Boston College, Groome has contributed to the education and formation of hundreds of lay ecclesial ministers. (The flowering of lay ministries in the post-Vatican II Roman Catholic Church in the United States was first recognized at the ecclesial level in Called and Gifted [NCCB, 1980]. Three comprehensive studies chart the growth of US Catholic lay ecclesial ministries: Murnian, 1992, Murnian and DeLambo, 1995, and DeLambo, 2005.) Through his academic year undergraduate teaching at Boston College, Groome helped to shape the faith education of over a thousand additional people. In fact, for over four decades Groome’s courses have been among the highest enrolled undergraduate courses at Boston College. Beyond this, his presentations and addresses outside Boston College have extended Groome’s influence to thousands more. Finally, though his teaching and mentoring of doctoral students Groome has contributed to the formation of hundreds of doctoral level graduates, many of whom have made important contributions to the fields of religious education and practical theology and other fields of study as well. Catholic Education Part of Groome’s legacy is the important contributions he has made to Catholic education. More fully, in the post-Vatican II era many Catholic educators embraced the effort to further the catechetical renewal then underway and to develop holistic pedagogies that could move Catholic education beyond pre-Vatican II, largely transmissive, cognitive-based approaches to religious education, as exemplified in the United States, for instance, by pedagogies based on rote memorization of the Baltimore Catechism. When Groome’s first book, Christian Religious Education, was published it provided a language for post-Vatican II Catholic educators to use in naming and being more intentional in their efforts to adopt a holistic pedagogy. In fact, a frequent comment among Catholic educators who read the book when it was first published was that since Vatican II they had been trying to develop something like a Shared Christian Praxis approach, without having had the benefit of Groome’s terminology and intentional and grounded pedagogy. They welcomed the guidance CRE provided for their work. Catholic readers of CRE also recognized that Groome was steeped in Catholic traditions and that his work reflected the insights of developments in post-Vatican II Catholic theology. For example, Catholic readers of CRE noted how Groome developed his ideas in dialogue with Catholic religious educators Gabriel Moran and Berard Marthaler, how his analysis of education for human freedom resonated with the understanding of freedom that is central to the work of Catholic theologian Karl Rahner, and how at various points Groome drew insight from Bernard Lonergan, Walter Kasper, Gustavo Gutierrez and other Catholic theologians. Hence, Catholics also turned to Groome’s work to help them embrace the new theological outlook of Vatican II and post-Vatican II Catholic theology. As his work has developed, Groome has made significant contributions to post-Vatican II Catholic education by articulating a comprehensive approach to Catholic education, embodying this approach in basal curricular materials, and presenting it to both scholarly and pastoral audiences in a wide variety of settings,. He has played a leading role in moving the Roman Catholic Church beyond the transmissive models of Catholic education of the past. In the post-Vatican II era Christian Shared Praxis has also proven to be an ideal way for Catholics in many differing contexts to share their faith with one another and, in the process, to begin to form a sense of common identity. The Second Vatican Council was the first gathering of the Roman Catholic Church as a truly world church, and the Council called Catholic Christians to develop a sense of identity as a world Church. (Rahner, 1979). Prior to the Council Roman Catholics tended to separate into national, regional, and ethnic enclaves. For instance, it was common within the United States in the pre-Vatican II era for German Catholics, Irish Catholics, Italian Catholics, and other Catholic ethnic groups, while living in close proximity with one another, to build their own churches and create separate local church communities. In teaching and presenting Christian Shared Praxis and authoring curricular materials, Groome has taken a leading role in the effort to forge a common sense of Catholic identity for Roman Catholicism as a world church. Additionally, in reshaping the identity of the Roman Catholic Church, Vatican II turned the Church outward toward the world. Through his foci on the public or political dimensions of faith and the importance of learning to make decisions toward lived faith for God’s Reign in Jesus, Groome has helped to educate Catholics to connect their faith with their everyday lives and their efforts to make sense of socio-moral issues in public forums of discourse. Vatican II also called the Roman Catholic Church to commit to ecumenical and interreligious openness (Vatican II, 1964; and Vatican II, 1965). In embracing the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, Groome has sought to draw insight from Protestantism, Judaism, and other religious communities, and to be open to and to engage a variety of religious/spiritual perspectives in his scholarship. For instance, in his first book, Christian Religious Education, he shows how Catholic educators can contribute to longstanding debates in the field of religious education that had at that time been carried on primarily in Protestant discussion forums. In Educating for Life he seeks to offer a spiritual vision that could appeal to people of all faith outlooks. Similarly, What Makes Us Catholic discusses how Catholic educators can embrace an expansive sense of religious openness while being deeply grounded in the spiritual wisdom of Catholicism. Then, in Will There Be Faith? Groome includes an intentional focus on education for interreligious understanding. Specifically, he states: Education for interfaith understanding has become all the more urgent with the religious diversity of postmodern societies due to developments in communication, transportation, and relocation. Traditionally, the great religions remained located in geographic areas, indigenously intertwined with their local cultures. Not anymore? Now the ashram and mosque that were once ‘over there’ are on the same block as the local church and synagogue… In the face of such diversity, religious education that maximizes the life-giving potential of people’s own traditions and promotes interfaith understanding and respect is imperative, not only for the future of religion, but for the future of the world (Groome, 2011b, 11-12). Thus, throughout his career Groome has been a model and guide for how Catholics can embrace a post-Vatican II spirit of ecumenical and interreligious openness. It is also important to note that the religious education movement was largely Protestant from its founding in 1903 until the mid twentieth century. In the late 1950s Religious Education Association (REA) General Secretary Herman Wornom began to welcome Catholics proactively into the REA (Schmidt, 1983, 163-167). Through the efforts of pioneering Catholic educators such as Gerard S. Sloyan and Neil G. McCluskey the groundwork was then laid in the late 1950s and 1960s for Catholics to become more involved in the academic field of religious education. After Vatican II, Gerard S. Sloyan, Neil G. McCluskey, Berard Marthaler, and other Catholic educators led the way in educating Catholics in the United States to make the transition from a pre- to a post-Vatican II outlook, including becoming more open to looking at issues from ecumenical and interreligious perspectives. (See the online biographies noted in the works cited by Pelletier and Panganiban of Gerard S. Sloyan, Horell of Neil G. McCluskey, and Wilhauck of Berard L. Marthaler.) Groome and other Catholic educators of his generation have been able to build upon the efforts of the Catholic educators who came before them in becoming actively involved in the field of religious education and forging religious educational outlooks that are deeply Catholic while at the same time being open to dialogue with Protestants, Orthodox, and people of other faith traditions. Additionally, Groome and other present-day Catholic educators paved the way for the full inclusion of Catholics in the field of religious education and professional organizations such as the Religious Education Association: Association of Professors, Practitioners, and Researchers in Religious Education. Turning to the intersection of religious education and pastoral ministry, in the post-Vatican II era a number of ministry specializations developed, such as youth ministry, social ministry, liturgical ministry, and pastoral care and counseling. Many lay and ordained ministers remained pastoral generalists while also developing specialized areas of ministerial interest and expertise. Other pastoral ministers concentrated only in a specialized area of ministry. In exploring the interrelation of the educational ministry of the church and other forms of ministry and in discussing Shared Christian Praxis as a style of ministry, Groome has contributed to Catholic education by helping many Catholics recognize that all forms of pastoral ministry have a religious educational component and the potential to contribute to how people are educated in faith. Moreover, Groome’s writing and teaching have helped pastoral ministers working in a variety of specialized areas of ministry in parishes or other pastoral contexts to envision how they can work together to foster a faith education consciousness in their pastoral setting and encourage ongoing and life-long education in faith. Groome has also helped to shape the evolution of ministry in the Catholic Church as a world church through the translation of his work into many other languages (including Chinese) and his presentations throughout the world. Finally, it is significant to note that Groome’s writings on Catholic faith and education in the twenty-first century, especially What Makes US Catholic, have had a therapeutic value and have contributed to renewal within the Roman Catholic Church. Working within a faith community diminished by a crisis of sexual abuse in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, Groome has helped to remind Catholics of the deep spiritual wisdom and rich treasury of Catholic traditions that can be a source of healing and provide new direction for the church. Additionally, as Groome has discussed how an openness to finding God in all spheres of life is central the Catholic sense of sacramentality, his work has helped Catholics and Catholic communities resist the temptation to retreat from the complexity and ambiguity of our contemporary postmodern world into narrowly sectarian or parochial understandings of Catholic Christian faith. It has also provided guidance for Christians of other denominations and other religious traditions seeking to enter into dialogue with Catholics and Catholicism. Practical Theology Groome’s work has also made an important contribution to Christian education by being central to efforts to explore the relationship between practical theology and religious education. First, many practical theologians have claimed Groome’s work as an essential contribution to the field of practical theology, seeing in the Shared Praxis approach a model of how to do and teach practical theology. For instance, viewing practical theology as the movement “which makes the process of formation of Christian community and personhood in the world thematic for critical reflection,” Louis S. Mudge and James N. Poling contend that Groome’s Christian Religious Education has “grandparent status” in practical theology (Mudge and Poling, 1987, xiv-xv). Linking Groome with one of the leaders in practical theology, James H. Brandt writes: “The publication of Don Browning’s A Fundamental Practical Theology and Thomas Groome’s Sharing Faith in 1991 was an important moment in the rebirth and re-orientation of practical theology in both Protestant and Catholic circles. These two works focused the stirrings of the previous 20 years and articulated a vision of practical theology as a critical and creative endeavor, integrating theory and practice and moving beyond notions of application” (Brandt, 2012, 367; see also Browning, 1982). Additionally, practical theologian Kathleen A. Cahalen has remarked that she teaches Shared Christian Praxis as a way of doing practical theology (personal conversation with Cahalen, February 8, 2014, Tucson, AZ). Overall, in striving to articulate what practical theology is, as distinct from historical, systematic, and other forms of theology, and how one does practical theology, practical theologians have turned to Groome’s work and Shared Christian Praxis as providing paradigms or examples of practical theological enquiry. In doing so, they have envisioned Christian religious education as being related to the field of practical theology. Second, Groome has helped to advance the field of practical theology. He has focused specifically on what he calls the pedagogy of practical theology, and has argued that in order for theology to be truly practical, practical theologians need to attend to more than the what of practical theology (that is, to attend to more than practical theology as a way of doing theology); they must attend to a range of pedagogical concerns. These concerns include the who, how, where, and why of doing practical theology (see Groome, 1987; Imbelli and Groome, 1992; and Groome, 2014b). From Groome’s perspective, focusing on the who provides the best starting point for developing a fuller understanding of practical theology. That is, thinking about the who in relation to the what enables one to envision practical theology as an activity engaged in by persons and communities. Groome also claims that theological reflection is not an activity of the intellect alone, and that theology becomes practical when persons and communities strive to reflect on all facets of embodied living in the light of their faith. For Groome the how of practical theology follows from the who. That is, he suggests that to engage in practical theological reflection persons and communities must name and critically examine their sense of how God is active in their lives and how their faith shapes their everyday lives. Then they must explore the resources of Christian faith traditions that relate to the theological issues that arise in their everyday lives and correlate or integrate these resources with their life concerns (see Imbelli and Groome, 1992, and Groome, 2014b). Regarding the where or the location of practical theology, Groome contends that in order to be practical, theological reflection needs to be done in more than seminaries, universities or other academic settings. It must be done within and beyond local church communities; specifically pastoral ministers must guide gathered communities of the faithful to reflect on how God is active in their midst, and Christian believers must strive to make sense of the concerns of everyday life in the light of their faith by reflecting on these concerns theologically. (This aspect of practical theology is emphasized in Imbelli and Groome, 1992; but is also addressed in Groome, 1987.) The why question may be phrased more fully as: Toward what end or intended purpose does one aim in doing practical theology? In responding to this question Groome claims that: “Practical theology intends the learning outcome of reliable knowledge, spiritual wisdom for life, and the arts needed to render the services that enact Christian faith in the world” (Groome, 2014b, 280, emphasis as in original). Groome’s discussions of practical theology have and continue to deepen and expand the field of practical theology. Moreover, Groome has offered uniquely insightful analyses of how the central concerns of Christian religious education are also at the heart of the field of practical theology, and how the pedagogy of practical theology must affect a practice to theory to (renewed) practice of Christian faith. The Praxis of Christian Religious Education Groome’s most important contribution to Christian education, and the one that undergirds all the others, is his analysis of the theory and practice of Christian religious education. In exploring this contribution it is necessary to begin with a little historical background. By the mid twentieth century a deep division arose between liberal religious educators and Christian educators. Sketched in broad outline, liberal religious educators in the first half of the twentieth century (including George Albert Coe, Harrison Elliott, Adelaide Case, Sophia Lyon Fahs, and William C. Bower) emphasized the connection between God and human beings. Fahs, for instance, argued that the sacred and secular could not be separated; that “a wise Creator” placed in each child “a great yearning for love” that naturally leads persons to seek out life-giving relationships with God and others (Fahs, 1952, 8-9 and 39). These liberal religious educators also believed that God reveals God’s self in human history to guide persons and communities toward what is true and just. While recognizing the reality of sin, they were generally optimistic about human beings’ abilities, personally and collectively, to structure their lives in accord with God’s will for humanity. Additionally, liberal religious educators tended to place great emphasis on educational processes. From their perspective, a well developed educational process can encourage the natural development of the human person as made in the image of God. It can also enable the divine nature within each person to be revealed to others and, thus, help to forge common bonds among people that can provide a foundation for collective efforts to build a more just social order, a “democracy of God” as Coe called it (Coe, 1919, 54-55). Confidence in liberal theology and liberal religious education was shaken in the first half of the twentieth century by the brutality of two world-wide wars (1914-1918 and 1939-1945), the devastation caused by a world-wide economic depression (1929-1939), and the horrors of the Holocaust/Shoah (the genocide of approximately 6 million Jews) during the Second World War. Neo-orthodox theology developed as a response to the awareness of the human suffering resulting from these horrific events. It focused on the Transcendence or Otherness of God, the distance between God and humanity, the pervasiveness of sin and sinful social conditions, and the need for personal and social redemption in Jesus Christ. Neo-orthodox theology led some Christians to see faith as being opposed to human reason. It led others to focus on how persons and communities needed to be transformed in faith before they could reason rightly, that is, see and reflect on life and the world with an openness to the Transcendent and an orientation to ultimate truth and value. The Christian education movement arose within the field of religious education among those influenced by neo-orthodoxy. Christian educators sought to show how transformation in Christ provided a foundation for the development of a reflective outlook on life that was grounded in Christian faith. Those who came to be identified with the Christian education movement (such as H. Shelton Smith, Lewis J. Sherrill, James D. Smart, Randolph Crump Miller, Sara Little, and C. Ellis Nelson) sought to root education in faith in the study of Christian theology and the church. They tended to think of being led to encounter Jesus and God’s saving grace through the study of Christian theology and being formed in faith in a local church community as the foundational pillars of education in Christian faith (for example, see Smith, 1942-1943). In his early work, Groome sought to bridge the gap between liberal religious education and Christian education. Hence, in his first book, Christian Religious Education, Groome integrates insights from Christian educators and liberal religious educators into a comprehensive approach to what he calls Christian religious education. As the title of the book suggests, Groome discusses education in faith from a distinctly Christian perspective and in doing so incorporates insights from the Christian education movement. At the same time, Groome integrates insights from liberal religious educators and the founding vision of the twentieth century religious education movement into his focus on Christian education; hence he identifies himself as a Christian religious educator (see Groome, 1980, 21-26). The preface to the first edition of CRE reinforces the impression of the title. It begins with a story about Groome’s first effort to teach religion/theology when, as a seminarian, he was assigned to teach a junior religion class at a Catholic boys’ high school (Groome, 1980, xi-xii). From the perspective of many Christian educators, the story lays out the fundamental task (and often challenge) of educating in faith, the task of teaching Christian theology in an engaging and life giving way. Christian educator Randolph Crump Miller envisioned the study of theology as a formative activity that could enable a person to be open to the transforming grace of God. He argued that theology must always be in the background of education in faith (see Miller, 1961, and Miller, 1978). From the opening pages of CRE, teaching theology is an important background concern. When Groome turns to the question of how to teach theology he states: “I have become equally convinced that there are a number of foundational questions which undergird the whole enterprise of education, including Christian religious education” (Groome, 1980, xv). Specifically, there are six questions that “can be characterized by their interrogative pronouns – what, why, where, how, when, and who.” For Randolph Crump Miller and many of the other Christian educators of that time, their pedagogical interests were focused on finding appropriate methods for teaching theology given the age of learners and the personal and social contexts of their lives. D. Campbell Wyckoff was one of the few notable Christian educators of this era who was a strong advocate for a well-thought teaching and learning process that encourages the holistic development of persons. Groome took the pedagogical questions he uses as a guide from Wyckoff (see Wyckoff, 1961). In doing so he goes beyond the limited emphasis on teaching methodology that is characteristic of the religious educational outlooks of Miller and many other Christian educators. Hence, Groome signals clearly here that he will address the concerns of liberal religious educators to design holistic educational processes that encourage the full development of human persons as made in the image and called to grow in the likeness of God. In Part I of CRE Groome goes even further. Liberal religious educators recognized from the beginning of Chapter 1 onwards that Groome’s understanding of education was compatible with their own. For instance, on the first page of the first chapter of CRE Groome writes: “At its root meaning, then, education is an activity of ‘leading out’” (Groome, 1980, 5). This understanding of education resonates with Johann Pestalozzi’s experiential approach to education, and Pestalozzi was one of the principal educational theorists from whom the liberal religious educators drew insight. In commenting on Pestalozzi, liberal religious educator Harrison S. Elliott wrote: “Pestalozzi started to observe and study children, for he believed that education must be based on the nature of the child and the natural laws for his [her] development, and, therefore that education was a ‘drawing out instead of pouring in’” (Elliott, 1940, 40). Throughout the first part of CRE there are also passages that echo the insights of liberal religious educators. For example, Groome writes, “Educational activity with pilgrims in time is a political activity. I understand political activity to be any deliberate and structured intervention in people’s lives which is attempting to influence how they live their lives in society. To be rooted in time is to be in relationship with other people who share that time” (Groome, 1980, 15, emphasis added). This passage from CRE is similar to many passages in liberal religious educator George Albert Coe’s work – such as, “the first and fundamental element in the Christian education process is the introduction of the pupil to the specific happiness of being a member of society” (Coe, 1919, 80, emphasis added). Earlier in this same chapter, Coe wrote: “God does not require to be fed and clothed; the only thing that we can do for [God] that [God] cannot do for [Godself] is to be brothers [and sisters] to one another” (Coe, 1919, 71, emphasis added). On a broader scale, in CRE Groome’s analysis of Christian religious education as a political activity and his focus on educating for the Reign of God echo Coe’s emphasis on educating for the democracy of God. However, in discussing the foundations of Christian religious education Groome crafts an understanding of Christian religious education that not only appeals to liberal religious educators; it addresses a major concern of many Christian educators. That is, at the time CRE was written the field of religious education was influenced greatly by Christian educators such as Randolph Crump Miller and James C. Smart who envisioned education within a Christian community as incorporation into the body of Christ so that a person could be fully immersed in an atmosphere in which grace could flourish; thus, maximizing the potential for personal transformation in Christ (see Smart, 1954; and Miller, 1961). Liberal religious educators and some Christian educators raised questions about whether Christian educators had become so focused on personal formation for life within local church communities that they had lost touch with the mission of the church in the world. Some religious educators contended that the Christian education movement and the influence of Miller in particular had domesticated or subverted the founding ideal of the religious education movement to educate persons to transform the world based on their religious convictions and values (Schmidt, 170-175). The neo-Orthodox critique of liberal theology and religious education was aimed at providing an alternative to the liberal vision of the reconstruction of society, rather than a retreat from the social mission of the church. The domestication of the religious education was thus seen by some Christian educators as an indication that the Christian education movement was failing to show how Christians could be educated to address the often harsh realities of life in the light of faith. Groome signals clearly in CRE that he wants to emphasize the importance of the social mission of the church (which led liberal religious educators to be open to his understanding of religious education). At the same time he indicates that his focus is on the mission of the church to welcome and work for the fuller realization of God’s Reign within the world (which led Christian educators who were concerned about the domestication of the social vision of the religious education movement also to be open to his approach to religious education). The only person associated with liberal religious education whom Groome cites in Part I of CRE is John Dewey. Dewey was a founding member of the Religious Education Association (REA) in 1903 and helped to forge the liberal religious education outlook that was the original guiding vision of the REA. Yet, from 1904 onward, after he became a professor of philosophy at Columbia University in New York, Dewey focused on the philosophy of education and issues of general education, not religious education. Moreover, Dewey’s insights had influenced Miller and some other Christian educators (even though other Christian educators were critical of Dewey’s optimistic humanism and his focus on pragmatic rather than universal truth). Hence, Groome could draw insight from Dewey without too great a concern about alienating Christian educators. To balance the concerns of Christian educators and liberal religious educators in Part I of CRE, Groome turns for guidance to Dwayne Huebner’s efforts to reconceptualize the educational sub-discipline of curriculum theory. In particular, Groome draws insight from Huebner’s understandings of temporality. (In the final chapter of CRE Groome’s discussion of teaching and learning is also influenced by Huebner’s work.) In his work Huebner is concerned about educational experience. However, he argues that if we focus only on present experience we can end up overlooking how our past shapes the way we see the present, and how our present experiences will shape how we move into the future. Hence, Huebner contends that we can develop greater insight into educational processes if we re-frame a concern for human experience as a concern for human temporality, that is, a concern for how people can bring insights from their past into the present with a focus also on the future (Heubner, 1967). Huebner’s understanding of how curriculum can be based on a concern for human temporality provides the foundation for Groome’s conceptualizing of Christian religious education as the education of pilgrims in time, and his analysis of critical reflection as involving remembering (the past), reasoning (in the present), and imagining (the future). Groome argues that if Christian religious education attends to all three temporal dimensions of human personhood on both personal and social levels it can nurture the full development or flourishing of persons, and it can lead people outward to being full participants in society who contribute to the ongoing reformation of all that is not truly life giving in the world. Essentially, Groome builds upon Huebner’s work to re-conceptualize and then re-articulate the goal of liberal religious education to transform the existing social order in the light of faith. Yet, in addressing the past dimension of human temporality Groome incorporates into his approach the central concerns of Christian educators. For instance, Groome contends that “educational activity must maintain a fruitful tension between conservation and creativity.” What must be conserved, Groome suggests, is the “past heritage” of Christian faith, which is, from a Christian educator’s perspective, the theology of salvation in Jesus as the Christ (Groome, 1980, 17). Additionally, Huebner claims that in order to foster critical reflection, educational processes must be open to the other and the transcendent, to that which is beyond one’s own limited life perspective. Groome adopts Heubner’s notion that openness to the transcendent is critically important in an educational process. In doing so he uses language that resonates with the terminology of neo-orthodox theology that was used by many Christian educators. There are many other aspects CRE that reveal Groome’s attempt to bridge Christian education and liberal religious education. The most significant of these is the discussion of what Groome calls “the social process of Christian becoming,” that is, the appropriation of the symbols of Christian traditions and the formation of Christian self-identity within “a Christian social/cultural environment” (Groome, 1980, 115). In this discussion Groome interweaves insights from liberal religious educators and Christian educators to craft an integrated understanding of the social context and dynamics of Christian religious education. The heart of this discussion is the linking of liberal religious educator George Albert Coe with Christian educator C. Ellis Nelson. In his discussion of the social process of Christian becoming Groome presents Coe as being the originator of the socialization approach to religious education. Yet, Groome remarks that Coe did not envision socialization as the formation of Christians to accept passively what was handed down to them. He acknowledges that Coe favored a creative approach to socialization, focusing on the reconstruction of society and the creation of a new world. Groome then links Coe with Nelson. Specifically, Groome describes Nelson as bringing “a fresh impetus” and a “deeper understanding” to the socialization approach when “it seemed to be in its twilight days” (Groome, 1980, 118). Nelson was the first religious educator to draw extensively from research in anthropology, sociology, and social theory in discussing how congregations socialize people into adopting the beliefs and practices of their local church community. However, Nelson holds that congregations need to confront the moral issues of society if they are to socialize people into an ethically alive faith. Nelson also claims that education/socialization in faith should be paired with moral education, that is, with the formation of moral conscience and cultivation of a sense of social responsibility (see Nelson, 1967, especially the discussion of the connections among religious faith, the moral life, and responsibility on 9-10). Thus, Nelson emphasizes the importance of both socialization into the community of the church and education for Christian social responsibility. Stated differently, for Nelson education in Christian faith should be formation for membership in both church and society. Nelson was one of the Christian educators who, unlike Miller and Smart, avoided the pitfall of over-focusing on the church and neglecting the mission of the church in the world. (However, it should be noted that in the latter part of his career Miller placed greater emphasis on education in faith for social responsibility.) The implicit suggestion Groome makes at this point in CRE is that liberal religious educators can bring fresh impetus and a deeper understanding to their work if they develop a more inclusive sense of the social process of becoming a person of faith; specifically if they emphasize the social process of becoming Christian within a church community to the same extent that they highlight Christian education for social reconstruction. Moreover, Groome suggests that the work of Nelson and other Christian educators who have a balanced view of Christian education for church membership and social responsibility can help to guide liberal religious educators in expanding their understanding of religious education. From the perspective of Christian educators, Groome was not only linking liberal religious education and Christian education, he was showing how the theory and practice of Christian education could be developed more fully. In fact, in reviewing CRE some Christian educators judged Groome to be one of their own, a Christian educator. They saw him as a student of C. Ellis Nelson who was building on Nelson’s work to present a balanced view of education within a local church community for both conversion and social responsibility, membership and mission. (Boardman W. Katham, personal conversations November 3-4, 2007, Boston, MA). CRE can be read as an attempt to build upon yet go beyond Nelson’s work. In affirming the work of Nelson and some other Christian educators, Groome contends that there must be an intentional emphasis in Christian religious education on education for membership in both church and society. However, he implies that Christian educators will be better able to maintain such a dual emphasis if they recognize how their own perspectives on education in faith complement rather than stand in contrast with the faith education perspectives of liberal religious educators. Groome also goes beyond Nelson and other Christian educators in claiming that there must be an intentional educational focus on correcting “undesirable socializing influences” (Groome, 1980, 126). He suggests that if Christian educators incorporate an intentional focus on thinking creatively and even reconstructively about socializing influences (such as is found in part in the work of liberal religious educators), they will be better able to correct negative social influences and nurture a sense of conscience and social responsibility. The first three parts of CRE discuss the theological and educational foundations of Groome’s approach to education in faith. When they are considered as a whole, there are two major foci in Groome’s analysis. On the one hand, he emphasizes the importance of teaching theology and striving to enable Christians to embrace more fully the good news/gospel found in Jesus as the Christ. On the hand, he focuses on the educational development of Christian pilgrims over time for Christian political/social responsibility so that they can continue Jesus’ mission of welcoming and working to bring about the fuller realization of God’s Reign in the world. Then in Parts IV-VI of CRE Groome discusses how the theological underpinning and educational foundations of educating in Christian faith presented in Parts I-III can be embodied in an approach to educating in faith. This approach is, of course, Shared Christian Praxis. Shared Christian Praxis begins with the intentional focus on asking Christians to name and reflect critically on their own social location and how their social outlook has developed over time (Movements One and Two). Thus, Groome incorporates into his approach the liberal religious educators’ emphasis on how people live out their lives in society. Yet, Groome uses Huebner’s understanding of curriculum as concern for human temporality to reshape and rearticulate this emphasis. Additionally, when Groome discusses how Christian educators can nurture critical reflection on present social conditions his guide is Paulo Freire, not any of the liberal religious educators of the first half of the twentieth century (Groome, 1980, 185). The next step of a Shared Christian Praxis learning process (Movement Three) turns participants in a learning process to the whole faith life of Christian communities, including Christian theology, core faith convictions, and the collective wisdom of Christian faith communities. Thus, in this movement Groome follows in the footsteps of C. Ellis Nelson and other Christian educators in envisioning how teaching the transformative reality of Christian faith is the core or central dynamic of education in Christian faith. The final movements (Four and Five) of Shared Christian praxis bring the two major foci of the process into dialogue or dialectical engagement with one another. Groome’s efforts in CRE to bridge the gap between liberal religious education and Christian education were largely successful. His nuanced and carefully balanced approach to Christian religious education attracted the attention of a wide range of religious educators. The book was read and discussed by many religious educators, from the most progressive liberal religious educators to the most conservative Christian educators. While there were already at that time a significant number of Catholics involved in the field of religious education, Groome was the first Catholic to be invited into ongoing conversations about religious education in many established Protestant discussion forums. In fact, even before the publication of CRE and based on conversations about the approach to Christian religious education that he was developing, Groome was, as noted earlier, the first Catholic invited to give the Robert S. Jones Lectures at Austin Presbyterian Seminary in Texas. Additionally, after reading CRE and discussing Groome’s “new approach” with prominent Catholic educators, Jim Morgan, a scholar in religious education and pastoral ministry who worked at Sadlier Publishing, recommended to his boss Ralph Fletcher that Groome be considered as a possible anchor and primary author for the development of a new Catholic religious education textbook series. Fletcher then invited Groome to meet with him in New York, and at that meeting Groome’s career as a curriculum developer was launched. After the publication of CRE, Groome’s influence also spread quickly into international discussions of religious education. As a result, Groome became and has remained a sought after presenter about religious education and related issues throughout the world. Most importantly, however, Groome was one of the religious education theorists to help move the field of religious education beyond the polarizing dispute between liberal religious educators and Christian educators. Through his ongoing work, Groome has remained a prominent religious educator and practical theologian for some forty years. Most significantly, Sharing Faith offers a fuller account of the dynamic structures of human living (that is, human being or human existence) that are engaged by a process of education in faith. As noted above, there are two major foci in CRE: Christian faith and Christian believers/persons (who in CRE Groome calls Christian pilgrims in time). In SF Groome integrates these two foci into one as he discusses the education of persons as what he calls “agent-subjects-in relationship” (Groome, 1991, 8-9, 19-20, 85-87, 127-129, 429-30). Groome argues that the starting point in any process of education should not be the subject (topic) to the taught, but the persons (the subjects) who are involved in an educational process. Moreover, persons are subjects who are also always actors in the world (that is, agent-subjects) and who always stand in relationship to other persons, and to the lived and living faith of Christian traditions and communities, and, ultimately, to God. Groome also contends in SF that education in faith should lead outward to decision making (that is, the further development of human persons as agent-subjects) and ongoing conversion (that is, ongoing transformations in how persons relate to God, and to others and the world based on how they relate to God) (Groome, 1991, 129-131). SF further established Groome as a major theorist in the field of religious education. SF also led Groome to be recognized as a major voice in post-Vatican II Catholicism and earned him the 1991 First Place Book Award in Education/Religious Education from the Catholic Press Association. Moreover, SF’s presentation of how persons as agent-subjects-in-relationship engage in theological reflection provides the foundation of Groome’s contributions to practical theology. His holistic understanding of human agency as presented most fully in SF is at the core of his discussions of spirituality and a spiritual vision to guide educational processes. His discussions of a Catholic understanding of the development of human personhood within community, which build upon his analysis of persons as agent-subjects-in-relationship, is at the core of his contributions to Catholic education. Finally, working collaboratively with colleagues at Boston College, Groome helped to create an academic learning community that focuses on the development of persons as agent-subjects in relationship. This learning community has been and continues to be the platform for Groome’s teaching and the home base for his presentations around the world. Since the early years of the twenty-first century there has been another gradual yet significant shift in Groome’s religious educational outlook. Specifically, while continuing to emphasize the importance of the holistic education of persons as agent-subjects in relationship, Groome has focused more and more on faith. In particular, he has highlighted the importance of the cultivation of a lived and living faith within persons and communities. In his current position as director of the Boston College Church in the 21st Century Center C21 Center, Groome now focuses on the critical issues the church must face today if it is to be a place that can nurture a lived and living faith. Looking outward toward the world, Groome has become interested in what he calls a new apologetic that can present the live-giving wisdom of Christian faith as a guide for life in a secular age. In the years to come, Groome’s work on Christian religious education for faith is likely to continue to enrich the theory and practice of religious education. Critical Comments A discussion of Groome’s contributions to Christian education would not be complete without some mention of critical assessments of his work. Without citing specific examples, the majority of the critiques of Groome’s work can be divided into four groups. First, some critics focus on perceived inadequacies in Groome’s underlying educational and theological anthropology, that is, his understanding of human personhood. To begin, it has been argued that in discussing human personhood and the conditions of human life there is a lack in Groome’s work of substantive discussions of the ways culture, race, gender, and class shape human life. Similarly, it has been noted that while Groome champions the use of inclusive language and draws insights from feminist thought and theology, his underlying anthropology is not deeply informed by feminist perspectives. Other critics question Groome’s anthropology from a theological perspective; that is, they critically evalaute his understanding of how the human person stands in relationship to God. The most common critique is that Groome, like the liberal religious educators who were the leaders in the field of religious education in the first part of the twentieth century, is overly optimistic about human nature. Groome is charged with not having an adequate sense of the reality of sin and a fully developed understanding of the human person as in need of the saving grace of God. Second, it has been argued that Groome does not attend carefully enough to the educational nature and dynamics of education in faith. Such arguments are sometimes coupled with the claim that Groome’s approach is too theological. For example, some critics contend that the movements of Shared Christian Praxis are stilted because of Groome’s underlying concern with teaching theology. The best illustration of this, some claim, is Groome’s emphasis on the importance of moving discussions beyond Movement Two critical reflection into a Movement Three presentation of Christian Story and Vision. Focusing on facilitating this movement could, so it is said, lead educators to cut discussions short and stifle the natural unfolding of conversation to deeper insight and understanding. Similarly, some religious educators claim that Groome does not attended carefully enough to the nature of education as a social science. He is also charged with failing to distinguish adequately between differing learning contexts, such as the significant differences between teaching religion in a school setting and providing catechetical instruction in a parish/congregational setting. While Groome discusses how the dynamics of psycho-social and faith development affect learning, he does not, some argue, explore fully how an understanding of the development of perspective taking abilities, cognitive reasoning, and emotional intelligence can and should be taken into account within Shared Christian Praxis in Movement Two critical reflection, Movement Four critical appropriation, and Movement Five decision and action. Within the second group of critiques of Groome’s work, there are those who raise critical questions about Groome’s claim that religious education can be regarded as a form of practical theology. Specifically, it has been argued that religious education should be envisioned as an interdisciplinary field that holds together (and in tension) a commitment to draw insight from both the sub-disciplines of the science of education and the various fields of theological inquiry. While Shared Christian Praxis is an intentional pedagogical process, Groome implicitly undermines the importance of focusing on pedagogical concerns and leads people to overemphasize the importance of theological reflection when he subsumes religious education within practical theology. In essence, Groome undermines efforts to articulate how religious educators bring to discussions of educating in faith a distinctively educational perspective that cannot be reduced to a form of theological inquiry, even a form of practical theological inquiry. Moreover, in reducing religious education to practical theology, Groome undermines to some extent his own efforts to develop a distinctive educational consciousness and focus on the importance of lifelong and life wide education in faith within the church. In contrast with the second, the third major set of criticisms of Groome’s work concerns the theological underpinnings of his approach to Christian religious education. Some critics argue that Groome does not provide an adequate account of God as educator and learning from God, and that he does not discuss as fully as he could how aspects of church life, especially liturgy, play a key role in Christian faith formation. Others critics argue that the dynamics of Shared Christian Praxis can limit the ability of a teacher to present Christian theology and traditions. More fully, the three curricula Groome has designed provide systematic and comprehensive presentations of Catholic Christian faith. However, some critics contend that when Shared Christian Praxis is used outside of a comprehensive, year-long or multi-year curriculum, focusing on a particular theme and using that theme as a guide for what to present in Movement Three can and perhaps inevitably does lead to a piecemeal or partial presentation of Christian faith. Still other critics claim that Groome could develop his theological foundations more fully. Of particular note are critiques of Groome for not engaging fully the neo-orthodox critique of liberal theology that is central to the Christian education movement. Other religious educators contend that Groome does not provide an adequate understanding of the formative power of Christian congregations as the primary place where Christians learn and are shaped by Christian theology and practices, and can experience the grace of salvation. Fourth, some religious educators question the way Groome approaches religious education. Throughout his career Groome has sought to articulate a comprehensive approach to religious education. He also extends his educational approach beyond religious education and envisions it as a way of engaging in ministry, a model of practical theological reflection, and a guide for spiritual formation – with spirituality envisioned as being at its fullest a universal capacity to seek transcendence that is found in all people. In considering the comprehensive nature of Groome’s thought, some critics ask: Is it possible or even desirable to try to articulate a comprehensive approach to religious education (and/or ministry, theological reflection, and spiritual formation) in a postmodern age in which we have become more aware of the local and situated nature of all human knowing and doing? Rather than striving to offer comprehensive accounts of religious education, scholars in the field of religious education should strive, it is argued, to offer paradigms or models for approaching religious education from differing angles of vision. For example, religious education scholarship should offer models of religious education that focus on community, public life, personal and social liberation, and other orienting concerns. In moving into pastoral settings or addressing pastoral concerns, religious educators can then choose, so it is suggested, the model that is most appropriate for their context. In considering critical assessments of Groome’s work, it should be noted that beginning in Sharing Faith Groome strives to take into account many of the criticisms of Shared Christian Praxis as an educational process. SF also addresses many of the theological criticisms of Groome’s earlier work, especially in the section of the book on Shared Christian Praxis as a way of doing ministry. In his most recent book, Will There Be Faith?, Groome considers carefully how faith education can and should be shaped differently in parish/congregational, family, and school settings. A review of Groome’s work also shows that from his earliest work onwards he attends carefully to both educational and theological issues. However, he has been more intentional about addressing theological issues because he has been a faculty member at Boston College in a Department of Theology and a School of Theology and Ministry, not a department or school of Education. In considering the theological critiques of his work, it can be noted that Groome has emphasized that his theological outlook is grounded in the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and post-Vatican II Roman Catholic theology (not liberal Protestant theology), and that he is open to dialogue with people who hold other theological outlooks. Stepping back from the critical assessments of Groome’s work and viewing them more broadly, we can note that they raise foundational questions about religious education, such as: How can and should we conceptualize religious education as an interdisciplinary field of study that draws insights from both the science of education and the discipline of theology? How should religious education as an educational discipline stand in relation to theology, and practical theology in particular? How should religious education as an academic discipline be related to the practices of educating in faith found within ecclesial communities and other pastoral/practical settings? Is it possible to identify underlying concerns that undergird all religious educational theory and practice? Or, should we strive to identify a range of educational concerns articulated by religious educators and then seek to show how these concerns are linked or related to one another (without trying to synthesize these various concerns into a comprehensive approach to religious education)? Perhaps one of the greatest contributions Thomas H. Groome has made to Christian education is that his work raises such fundamental questions. Reading Groome’s work and critiques of his work in dialogue with other major theorists in religious education can provide enriching opportunities for both beginners and seasoned veterans in the field of religious education to engage in deep reflection and conversation about the nature, purpose, and goals of educating in faith. Works Cited Coe, G. A. (1919). A Social Theory of Religious Education. New York: Scribner. Fahs, S. L. (1952). Today’s Children and Yesterday’s Heritage. Boston: Beacon Press. Brandt, J. H. (2012). Historical theology. In The Wiley-Blackwell companion to practical theology, ed. B. J. Miller-McLemore, 367-376. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell. Browning, D. (1982). Religious education in a pluralistic world. The Journal of Religion 62 (4): 418-424. Buckley, F. J. Maria de la Cruz Aymes. http://www.talbot.edu/ce20/educators/catholic/maria_aymes/ Burgess, H. W. (1996). Models of religious education: Theory and practice in historical and contemporary perspective. Wheaton IL: Bridgepoint Books. DeLambo, D. (2005). Lay parish ministers. A study of emerging leadership. New York: Pastoral Life Center. Elliott, H. S. (1940). Can religious education be Christian? New York: MacMillan. Groome, T. H. (2015). Boston College’s Institute of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry. In Encyclopedia of Christian education, v. 3, eds. G. Kurian and M. Lamport, 165. Lanham, MD: Roman and Littlefield. Groome, T. H. (2014a) Catholic education: from and for faith. International Studies in Catholic Education 6 (2): 113-127. Groome, T. H. (2014b). Practices of teaching: A pedagogy of practical theology. In Invitation to practical theology: Catholic voices and visions, ed. C. E. Wolfteich, 277-300. New York: Paulist Press. Groome, T. H. (2011a). From life to faith to life: Some traces. Journal of Adult Theological Education 8 (1): 8-23. Groome, T. H. (2011b).Will there be faith? New York: HarperOne. Groome, T. H. (2003). Remembering and imagining. Religious Education 98 (4): 511-520. Groome, T. H. (2002). What makes us Catholic. New York: HarperSanFrancisco. Groome, T. H. (1999). Roots in the particular with branches for the universal. In Globalization and difference: Practical theology in a world context, eds. P. Ballard and P. Couture, 185-191. Cardiff: Cardiff Academic Press. Groome, T. H. (1998). Educating for life. Allen, TX: Thomas More. Groome, T. H. (1997). Spirituality as purpose and process of catechesis. In The echo within: Emerging issues in religious education: A tribute to Berard L. Marthaler, O.F.M., Conv., eds. C. Dooley and M. Collins, 161-176. Allen, TX: Thomas More. Groome, T. H. (1995). “Forword: Wisdom from the heat of the day.” In Religious Education at a Crossroads, F. Darcy-Berube, ix-xiv. New York: Paulist Press. Groome, T. H. (1991). Sharing faith. New York: HarperSanFrancisco. Groome, T. H. (1987). Theology on our feet: A revisionist pedagogy for healing the gap between academia and ecclesia. In Formation and reflection: The promise of practical theology, eds. L. S. Mudge and J. N. Poling, 55-78. Philadelphia: Fortress Press. Groome, T. H. (1983). Religious education for justice by educating justly. In Education for peace and justice, ed. P. O’Hare, 69-82. San Francisco: Harper and Row. Groome, T. H. (1980). Christian religious education. San Francisco: Harper and Row. Groome, T. H. (1976, June). Shared Christian praxis: A possible theory/method of religious education. Lumen Vitae 31: 186‑208. Horan, M. (2015). Religious Education that promotes Catholic identity: A review and assessment of approaches. In Prisms of faith: Perspectives on religious education and the cultivation of Catholic identity, eds. R. E. Alvis and T. LaMothe, 133-151. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2015. Horell, H. James DiGiacomo. http://www.talbot.edu/ce20/educators/catholic/james_digiacomo/ (accessed July 8, 2015.) Horell, H. Neil G. McCluskey. http://www.talbot.edu/ce20/educators/catholic/neil_mccluskey/ (accessed July 8, 2015.) Huebner, D. (1999). The lure of the transcendent: Collected essays of Dwayne Huebner. ed. V. Hills, collected and intro. W. F. Pinar. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum. Huebner, D. (1967). Curriculum as concern for man’s temporality. Theory into Practice 6 (4): 172-179. Imbelli, R. P. and T. H. Groome. (1992). Signposts towards a pastoral theology. Theological Studies 53: 127-137. McCall, John R. (1971). Proposal for summer session institute or workshop. Institute of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry Archives. Chestnut Hill, MA: Boston College, Institute of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry. (Accessed August 2003.) Miller, R. C. (1978). Theology and the future of religious education. Religious Education 71 (1): 46-60. Miller, R. C. (1961). Christian nurture and the church. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. Mudge, L. S. and J. N. Poling, (1987). Editor’s Introduction. In Formation and reflection: The promise of practical theology, xiii-xxxvi. Philadelphia: Fortress Press. Murnian, P. (1992). New parish ministries: Laity and religious on parish staffs. New York: Pastoral Life Center. Murnian, P. and D. DeLambo. (1995). Parishes & parish ministers: A study in parish lay ministry. New York: Pastoral Life Center. National Conference of Catholic Bishops. (1980). Called and gifted: The American Catholic laity. Washington, D.C.: United States Catholic Conference. Nelson, C. E. (1967). Where faith begins. Richmond: John Knox. Pelletier A. and P. Panganiban, Gerard S. Sloyan, http://www.talbot.edu/ce20/educators/catholic/gerard_sloyan/ (accessed July 11, 2015). Phenix, P. H. (1961). Education and the common good: A moral theory of the curriculum. New York: Harper, 1961. Phenix, P. H. (1966). Education and the worship of God. Philadelphia, Westminster, 1966. Rahner, K. (1979). Towards a fundamental theological interpretation of Vatican II. Theological Studies 40: 716-727. Ryan, P. (2009, February 29). Jesuits in conversation: Interview with Vincent Novak, S.J. Bronx, NY: Fordham University Libraries Digital Collection http://digital.library.fordham.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/JesuitsConv/id/34 (accessed July 8, 2015). Schmidt, S. A. A history of the religious education movement. Birmingham, AL: Religious Education Press. Seymour, J. L. (1996). Contemporary approaches to Christian education. In Theological perspectives on Christian formation: A reader on theology and Christian education, eds. F Asley, L. J. Francis, and C. Crowder, 3-13. Grand Rapid, MI: W. B. Eerdmans. Smart, J.C. (1961). The teaching ministry of the church. Philadelphia: Westminster. Smith, H. S. (1942-1943). The supremacy of Christ in Christian nurture. Religion in Life 12: 31-41 Sullivan, K. (2015, April 08). Groome to lead church in the 21st century center. The Boston College Chronicle. http://www.bc.edu/publications/chronicle/FeaturesNewsTopstories/2015/topstories/groome-to-lead-church-in-the-21st-century-center . (published online April 9, 2015, accessed April 11, 2015) Vatican II. (1965, October 28). Declaration on the relation of the church to non-Christian religions. http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_nostra-aetate_en.html . (accessed July 8, 2015) Vatican II. (1964, Nov. 21). Decree on ecumenism. http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decree_19641121_unitatis-redintegratio_en.html (accessed July 8, 2015). Veverka, F. Francoise Darcy-Berube. http://www.talbot.edu/ce20/educators/catholic/francoise_darcy-berube/ (accessed July 8, 2015) Warren, M., ed. (1983-1987). Sourcebook for modern catechetics, 2 volumes. Winona, MN: St. Mary’s Press, 1983-1987. Wilhauck. S. Berard L. Marthaler. http://www.talbot.edu/ce20/educators/catholic/berard_marthaler/#authors (accessed July 8, 2015.) Wyckoff, D. C. (1961). Theory and design of Christian education curriculum. Philadelphia: Westminster Press. Bibliography BIBLIOGRAPHY Books Brueggerman, W. and S. D. Parks, and T. H. Groome. (2000). Practicar la equidad, amar la ternura, caminar humildemente. Bilbao: Desclée de Brouwer. (Spanish Edition of 1986 original) Brueggerman, W. and S. D. Parks, and T. H. Groome. (1986). To act justly, love tenderly, walk humbly. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press. Griffith, C. M. and T. H. Groome, eds., (2012). Catholic spiritual practices: A treasury of old and new. Brewster, MA: Paraclete Press. Groome, T. H. (2011). Will there be faith? A new vision for educating and growing disciples. Dublin: Veritas. Groome, T. H. (2011). Will there be faith? A new vision for educating and growing disciples. New York. Harper One. Groome, T. H. and M. J. Daley, eds. (2010). Reclaiming Catholocism: Treassures old and new. New York: Orbis. Groome, T. H. and H. D. Horell, eds. (2003). Horizons and hopes: The future of religious education. New York: Paulist Press. Groome, T. H. (2002). What makes us Catholic: Eight gifts for life. New York: HarperSanFrancisco. Groome, T. H. (2002). Inför resan genom livet: En andlig vision för uppfostran och utbildning. Stockholm: Katolska pedagogiska nämnden. (Swedish translation of Educating for life) Groome, T. H. (1999). The way of shared praxis: An approach to religious education, med svensk introduktion av (with a Swedish introduction by) Rune Larsson. Lomma: Religionspedagogiska institutet. Groome, T. H., gen.ed. and M. J. Corso, man. ed. (1999). Empowering catechetical leaders. Washington, DC: National Catholic Educational Association. Groome, T. H. (1998). Educating for life: A spiritual vision for every teacher and parent. Allen, TX: Thomas More Press. Groome, T. H. (1998). Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision (2nd Edition). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. (Contains a new Preface) Groome, T. H. (1997). Na num ui kyo yuk kwa mok hwa / Sharing faith: A comprehensive approach to religious education and pastoral ministry Korean edition. [Seoul, Korea]: Board of Education, The Korean Methodist Church. Groome, T. H. (1995). Language for a “Catholic” Church (Revised 2nd Edition). Kansas City: Sheed and Ward. Groome, T. H. (1991). Sharing faith: A comprehensive approach to religious education and pastoral ministry. San Francisco: HarperCollins. Groome, T. H. (1991). Language for a "Catholic" Church. Kansas City: Sheed and Ward. Groome, T. H. (1983). Kidokkyojok chongggyo kyoyuk. Soul T'ukpyolsi: Han'guk Changnogyo Ch'ulp'ansa. (Korean translation of Christian religious education) (Christian Religious Education has been translated into many other languages, including Portuguese and Spanish, as have many other books by Groome. However, this bibliography includes only those translations of Groome’s works for which I could verify the accuracy of information about publication.) Groome, T. H. (1980). Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision. Melbourne: Dove Communications. Groome, T. H. (1980). Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision. San Francisco: Harper and Row. Groome, T. H. (1975). Toward a theory /method of liberating catechesis. [New York]: Teachers College. (Ed.D. dissertation) Book Chapters, Book Forwards, and Encyclopedia Articles Groome, T. H. (2015). Boston College’s Institute of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry. In Encyclopedia of Christian education, v. 3, ed. G. Kurian and M. Lamport, 165. Lanham, MD: Roman and Littlefield. Groome, T. H. (2014). Practices of teaching: A pedagogy of practical theology. In Invitation to practical theology: Catholic voices and visions, ed. C. E. Wolfteich, 277-300. New York: Paulist Press. Groome, T. H. (2009). Educating for religious identity in secularizing worlds. In Secularization theories, religious identity and practical theology: developing international practical theology for the 21st century, eds. W. Gräb and L. Charbonnier. Berlin: Lit; London; Global [distributor]. Groome, T. H. (2008). “Adolescent catechesis: Where are we now and going?” In Source book on adolescent catechesis: Volume II, National Initiative on Adolescent Catechesis and National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, 59-66. Washington, DC: National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. Groome, T. H. (2007). The future of Catholic ministry: Our best hope. In Priests for the 21st century, ed. D. Dietrich, 166-189. New York: Crossroad. Groome, T. H. (2007). Forward. Christian education as evangelism, ed. N. C. Everist, xi-xii. Minneapolis: Fortress Press. Groome, T. H. (2006). A shared praxis approach to religious education. In International handbook of the religious, moral and spiritual dimensions of education, part one, ed. M. deSouza et al., 763-777. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer, 2006. Groome, T. H. (2006). Shared praxis – a way towards educating for spiritual wisdom. In Guidelines for teachers, 110-112. Dublin, Ireland: National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. Groome, T. H. (2006). Handing on the faith: The need for total catechetical education. In Handing on the Faith, ed. R. Imbelli, 172-192. New York: Crossroad. Groome, T. H. (2006). The church is catechetical. In The many marks of the church, eds. W. Madges and M. Daly, 79-84. New London: Twenty-Third Publications. Groome, T. H. (2004). Religious education and spiritual formation. In Structures for lay leadership. Washington, DC: FADICA. Groome, T. H. (2004). Preface. John Baptist de La Salle: the spirituality of Christian education, eds. C. Koch, J. Calligan, and J. Gros, 1-3. Mahwah, N.J.: Paulist Press. Groome, T. H. (2004). Preface: Educating for spiritual wisdom. Irish national secondary school religion curriculum. Dublin: Department of Education. Groome, T. H. (2004). Good governance, the domestic church, and religious education. In Common calling: The laity and governance of the Catholic church, ed. S. Pope, 195-208. Washington: Georgetown Press. Groome, T. H. (2003). Who was that tall dark stranger?: A memory of Vatican II. In Vatican II: forty personal stories, eds. W. Madges and M. J. Daley, 217-220. Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications. Groome, T. H. (2003). Total catechesis/religious education: A vision for now and always. In Horizons and Hopes, eds. T. H. Groome and H. D. Horell, 1-29. New York: Paulist Press. Groome, T. H. (2003). Forward: May you be so blessed. God’s Law of Love, J. McCarthy. Allen, TX: Thomas More Press. Groome, T. H. (2003). Foreword. Gathered and sent, B. Lee and M. Cowens, 1-4. New York: Paulist Press. Groome, T. H. (2003). Forging the smithy of the teacher's soul: The best hope for Irish education. In Reimaginig the Catholic School, eds. N. Prendergast and L. Monahan, 35-45. Dublin: Veritas. Groome, T. H. (2003). For and from faith for the common good: The charism of Catholic education. In One hundred years of Catholic education: Historical essays in honor of the centennial of the National Catholic Education Association, eds. J. J. Augenstein, C. J. Kauffman, and R. J. Wister, 179-198. Washington, DC: NCEA. Groome, T. H. (2003). Conversion or nurture: When we thought the debate was over. In Mutuality matters: Family, faith and just love, ed. H. Anderson, 211-224. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield. Groome, T. H. (2003). Children and parents: Two-way partners in faith development In Developing a public faith: New directions in practical theology: Essays in honor of James W. Fowler, eds. R. R. Osmer and F. Schweitzer, 203-212. St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press. Groome, T. H. (2003). Catholic identity in the public forum: The challenge for religious educators. In Faithful past: Faith-filled future: Papers commissioned for the centennial of the National Catholic Education Association, 25-36. Washington, DC: NCEA. Groome, T. H. (2002). Wisdom for life: The horizon of theological literacy. In Theological literacy for the twenty-first century, ed. R. L. Petersen and N. M. Rourke, 352-370. Grand Rapids, MI: W. B. Eerdmans Pub. Groome, T. H. (2002). Total catechetical education. In Religious education of boys and girls, ed. by W. G. Jeanrond and L. S. Cahill, 79-87. London: SCM Press.) [Can also be cited as Groome T. H. (2002, Fall). Total catechetical education. Concilium 2002 (4): 79-87.] Groome, T. H. (2002). Building on a rock: A spiritual foundation for Catholic education. In Catholic Teacher Recruitment and Formation, eds. C. Cimono. R. M. Haney, and J. O’Keefe, 63-74. Washington, DC: NCEA. Groome, T. H. (1999). Virgil Elizondo as religious educator: Ever removing boundaries. In Beyond Borders, ed. T. Matovina, 36-46. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis. Groome, T. H. (1999). Roots in the particular with branches for the universal. In Globalization and difference: Practical theology in a world context, eds. P. Ballard and P. Couture, 185-191. Cardiff: Cardiff Academic Press. Groome, T. H. (1998). The purposes of Christian catechesis. In Empowering catechetical leaders, eds. T. H. Groome and M. J. Corso, 3-27. Washington, DC: National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), 1999. Groome, T. H. (1998). Preface. Empowering Catechetical Leaders. In Empowering catechetical leaders, eds. T. H. Groome and M. J. Corso, vii-viii. Washington, DC: National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), 1999. Groome, T. H. (1998). Claiming and breaking ground: The General Directory for Catechesis. In Empowering catechetical leaders, eds. T. H. Groome and M. J. Corso, 233-243. Washington, DC: National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). Groome, T. H. (1997). Spirituality as purpose and process of catechesis. In The echo within: Emerging issues in religious education, eds. C. Dooley and M. Collins, 161-176. Allen, TX: Thomas More. Groome, T. H. (1997). Inculturation: From a pastoral perspective, (in German). In The New Herder Encyclopedia of Theology. Groome, T. H. (1997). Forward. Tomorrow’s Catholic: Understanding God and Jesus in a new millennium, M. Morwood, v.-vi. Twenty-Third Publications. Groome, T. H. (1997) Conversation as a mode of faith formation. In Patterns and possibilities: Exploring religious education in the Catholic secondary school, ed. M. F. Taymans, 25-40. Washington, DC: NCEA. Groome, T. H. (1996). What makes a school Catholic. The contemporary Catholic school: context, identity, and diversity, ed. T. McLaughlan, J. O’Keefe, and B. O’Keefe, 107-125. London: Falmer Press. Groome, T. H. (1995). Religious education. The HarperCollins encyclopedia of Catholicism, gen. ed. R. P. McBrien, 1096-97. San Francisco: HarperCollins. Groome, T. H. (1996). Foreword. Living in the Margins, T. A. Veling, xi-xiv. New York: Crossroads. Groome, T. H. (1995). Foreword: Wisdom from the heat of the day. Religious Education at a Crossroads, F. Darcy-Berube, ix-xiv. New York: Paulist Press. Groome, T. H. (1995). Focus for reflection & Appropriation for life (reflection/discussion questions, beginning and end of each chapter and conclusion). Religious Education at a Crossroads, F. Darcy-Berube, 7-8, 13, 14, 21, 22, 29, 33, 39, 40, 54, 55, 73-74, 75, 84, 85, 97, 103, 110, 111, 137-138, 139, and 148. New York: Paulist Press. Groome, T. H. (1995). Catholicism and education. The HarperCollins encyclopedia of Catholicism, gen. ed. R. P. McBrien, 263-268. San Francisco: HarperCollins. Groome, T. H. (1994). Shared Christian praxis: A possible theory/method of religious education (reproduced). In Critical perspectives on Christian education: A reader on the aims, principles and philosophy of Christian education, ed. J. Astley and L. Francis. Leominster, Herefordshire, England: Gracewing. Groome, T. H. (1994). Inculturation: How to proceed in a pastoral context. In Christianity and cultures: A mutual enrichment. Concilium, vol. 2, eds. N. Greinacher and N. Mette. Maryknoll: Orbis. Groome, T. H. (1994). Education, philosophy of. In The modern encyclopedia of Catholicism, eds. M. Glazier and M. K. Hellwig, 275-277. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press. Groome, T. H. (1994). Forward. A new vision of religious education: Theory, history, practice, and spirituality for DREs, catechists, and teachers, K. Treston, v-vii. Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications. Groome, T. H. (1992). Forward: Ministry to the lost and found. Quicksilvers: Ministering with junior high youth, by C. Goodwin, v-vii. Mystic, CT.: Twenty-Third Publications. Groome, T. H. (1992). Catechesis and religious education: Let's stay together. In Living the vision, ed. C. Pfeiffer and J. Manternach, 18-25. Morristown, NJ: Silver Burdett Ginn. Groome, T. H. (1991). Foreword. Nurturing the spirit: Faith education within Australian Catholicism, M. Trainor, ii-iv. North Blackburn, Vic.: Collins Dove. Groome, T. H. (1990). Alcuin. In Harper’s Encyclopedia of Religious Education, eds. I. V. Cully and K. B. Cully, 27. Harper and Row: San Francisco. Groome, T. H. (1990). Comenius, John Amos. In Harper’s Encyclopedia of Religious Education, eds. I. V. Cully and K. B. Cully, 141-142. Harper and Row: San Francisco. Groome, T. H. (1990). Dialectic(s). In Harper’s Encyclopedia of Religious Education, eds. I. V. Cully and K. B. Cully, 188. Harper and Row: San Francisco. Groome, T. H. (1990). Marx, Karl. In Harper’s Encyclopedia of Religious Education, eds. I. V. Cully and K. B. Cully, 397-398. Harper and Row: San Francisco. Groome, T. H. (1990). Praxis. In Harper’s Encyclopedia of Religious Education, eds. I. V. Cully and K. B. Cully, 493-494. Harper and Row: San Francisco. Groome, T. H. (1990). Reign of God. In Harper’s Encyclopedia of Religious Education, eds. I. V. Cully and K. B. Cully, 543-545. Harper and Row: San Francisco. Groome, T. H. (1989). A religious educator's proposal. In The education of the practical theologian: A response to Joseph Hough and John Cobb’s Christian identity and theological education, ed. D. Browning, 77-93. Atlanta, GA: Scholars Press. Groome, T. H. (1987). Theology on our feet: A revisionist pedagogy for healing the gap between academia and ecclesia. In Formation and reflection: The promise of practical theology, eds. L. S. Mudge and J. N. Poling, 55-78. Philadelphia: Fortress Press. Groome, T. H. (1987). Shared praxis: An ordinary approach to evangelization. Evangelization in America, ed. K. Boyack, 146-159. Paramus, N.J.: Paulist Press. Groome, T. H. (1986). Walking humbly with our God. In To act justly, love tenderly, walk humbly, W. Brueggemann, S. D. Parks, and T. H. Groome, 44-65. New York: Paulist Press. Groome, T. H. (1986). On being “with” late adolescents in ministry. In Readings in youth ministry, volume I: foundations, ed. J. Roberto, 17-32. Washington, D.C.: National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. Groome, T. H. (1986). Introduction: “Catechesis for a new liturgical consciousness.” Catechesis for Liturgy, G. Ostdiek, v-vii. Washington, DC: The Pastoral Press. Groome, T. H. (1985). Reflections of a facilitator. In Adult Learning and the Parish, ed. N. A. Parent. Dubuque: W.C. Brown. Groome, T. H. (1984). Experience/story/vision. Beautiful upon the mountains: A handbook for church education in Appalachia, eds. W. D. C. Wyckoff and H. T. Wilkinson. Memphis: Board of Christian Education, Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Groome, T. H. (1984). And the Word was made flesh. In Dimensions of the Word: Exploring a ministry, ed. G. Baumbach, 47-71. New York: Sadlier. Groome, T. H. (1983). Religious education for justice by educating justly. In Education for peace and justice, ed. P. O’Hare, 69-82. San Francisco: Harper and Row. Groome, T. H. (1982). From chauvinism and clericalism to priesthood: The long march. In Women and Religion, ed. R. Coll, 111-126. New York: Paulist Press. Groome, T. H. (1978). Christian education for freedom. In Foundations of religious education, ed. P. O’Hare, 48-74. New York: Paulist Press. Scholarly and Pastoral Articles, Brief Works and Pamphlets, and Study/Catechetical Guides Boys, M. C. and T. H. Groome (1982). Principles and pedagogy in biblical study. Religious Education 77 (5): 486-507. Groome, T. H. (2014). Catholic education: from and for faith. International Studies in Catholic Education 6 (2): 113-127. Groome, T. H. (2012, Fall). Handing on the faith: More than instruction. C21 Resources: 2-8. Groome, T. H. (2012.) Y aura-t-il encoré de la foi?: tout dépend. Trans. R. Brodeur. Lumen Vitae 67 (4): 407-423. Groome, T. H. (2011, Fall). Parents and communion: Lifting the veil. C21 Resources: 9-10. Groome, T. H. (2011, Fall). Instruction plan. Boston College Magazine: 44-46. Groome, T. H. (2011, Summer). A new apologetics for Christian faith. The Well 4 (1): 9-11. Groome, T. H. (2011). From life to faith to life: Some traces. Journal of Adult Theological Education 8 (1): 8-23. Groome, T. H. (2010, Winter). The seven Sacraments and the sacramentality of life. The Well 3 (1): 5. Groome, T. H. (2010, Winter). The fertile and fruitful Word of God. The Well 3 (1): 3-4. Groome, T. H. (2010, April). The darkest hour: An aisling. Doctrine and Life 60 (4): 13-19. Groome, T. H. (2010, Spring). A shared praxis model for Bible study. Review & Expositor 107 (2): 177-196. Groome, T. H. (2010, Spring). Educating for a faith that does justice. The Well 3 (2): 3-4. Groome, T. H. (2010). The “mind of the church” in the General Directory for Catechesis. Theoforum 41 (1): 11-29. Groome, T. H. (2009, April). Staying Catholic: The ties that bind. Ligourian 97: 30-34. Groome, T. H. (2009, Feb.). Tempted by Satan, served by angels. The Tablet: 13. Groome, T. H. (2009, Feb.). From the mouth of a babe. The Tablet: 12-13. Groome, T. H. (2008, July/Aug.). Benedict XVI: Pilgrim of hope with a new apologetic. Catechetical Leader 19(4): U1-U4. Groome, T. H. (2008, May). Religious education and catechesis: No divorce – for the children’s sake (reprint). The Well 1 (1). Groome, T. H. (2008, Spring). Total community catechesis for lifelong faith formation. Lifelong Faith 2 (1): 30-39. Groome, T. H. (2008, Feb.). Catechesis amidst religious pluralism. Catechetical Leader 19 (1): 1-4. Groome, T. H. (2007, Nov.). Religious education and catechesis: No divorce – for the children’s sake. Catholic Education 16 (4): 12-14. Groome, T. H. (2007, Fall). Advice to beginners—and to myself. Religious Education 102 (4): 362-366. Groome, T. H. (2007, March/April). Visions and dreams for our pilgrim way. Catechetical Leader 18 (2). Groome, T. H. (2007, Feb.). The ‘fertile and fruitful’ word of God: Re-centering the Bible in Catholic faith. Today’s Parish Minister 29 (2): 19-22. Groome, T. H. (2006, Dec.). Why do Catholics ...? Every Day Catholic. Cincinnati, OH: St. Anthony’s Messenger Press. Groome, T. H. (2006, Oct.). For a shared Christian praxis approach and against a detractor. Intercom 36 (8). Groome, T. H. (2006, Oct.). Today’s parish leader: Part 2 of 2: Catholic identity, living as disciples. Today’s Parish Minister 38 (6): 19-22. Groome, T. H. (2006, Sept.). Who then can be saved? Every Day Catholic. Cincinnati, OH: Cincinnati, OH: St. Anthony’s Messenger Press. Groome, T. H. (2006, Sept.). Catholic identity: Today’s parish leader: Part 1 of 2. Today’s Parish Minister 35 (5): 19-22. Groome, T. H. (2006, June). The Sacraments – and more. Every Day Catholic. Cincinnati, OH: St. Anthony’s Messenger Press. Groome, T. H. (2006, May). Catholic identity and education in postmodern times. Le Cheile 5: 4-6. Groome, T. H. (2006, April). Why we need the church. Every Day Catholic. Cincinnati, OH: St. Anthony’s Messenger Press. Groome, T. H. (2006, March/April). Total community catechesis. The Pastoral Review: 17-23. Groome, T. H. (2006, March). La catéchèse fidèle dans un monde de dissidents. Lumen Vitae 61 (1): 101-117. Groome, T. H. (2006, Spring). Bringing life to faith and faith to life. Compass 40 (3): 17-24. Groome, T. H. (2005, Oct.). How the rosary teaches us to pray. Catholic Digest: 28-34. Groome, T. H. (2005, March). We believe in the resurrection. Catholic Update. Cincinnati, OH: St. Anthony's Messenger Press. Groome, T. H. (2004, Winter). Toward total catechetical education. C21 Resources: 3-5. Groome, T. H. (2004, Sept.). Nine things that make us Catholic. Catholic Update. Cincinnati, OH: St. Anthony's Messenger Press. Groome, T. H. (2003, Fall). Remembering and imagining: The tree in the seed. Religious Education 98 (4): 511-520. Groome, T. H. (2003, April/May). American Catholic schools and the common good. Momentum 34 (2): 26-29. Groome, T. H. (2002, Dec.1). Professor Groome replies [to: Religious education and catechesis, No divorce – just separation, by Thomas Deenihan]. The Furrow 53 (12): 690-691. Groome, T. H. (2002, Nov. 1). Religious education and catechesis: Let's stay together. The Furrow 53 (11): 587-596. Groome, T. H. (2002, Fall). Total catechetical education. Concilium 2002 (4): 79-87. (Can also be cited as Groome T. H. (2002). Total catechetical education. In Religious education of boys and girls, ed. by W. G. Jeanrond and L. S. Cahill, 79-87. London: SCM Press.) Groome, T. H. (2002, June). Modeling a catechetical-liturgical alliance. Liturgical Catechesis 5 (3): 4-7. Groome, T. H. (2001, Summer). Conversion, nurture or both: Toward lifelong religious education. The Living Light 37 (4): 16-29. Groome, T. H. (2000, June/July). Sent forth to educate for life. The Catechist Connection 15 (10). Groome, T. H. (1999, Nov./Dec.). Education for wisdom: Catholic education instills a wisdom for life. Momentum 30 (4): 23-25. Groome, T. H. (1999, Aug./Sept.). Teaching a life-giving theology. Priests and People 13 (8/9): 297-302. Groome, T. H. (1998, July 16). School choice: getting “left” aboard. The Christian Science Monitor 90 (162): 15. Groome, T. H. (1998, Summer). Holistic, inclusive, comprehensive catechesis. The Living Light 34 (4): 66-74. Groome, T. H. (1998, March). Hope for the dirty hands: A new General Directory for Catechesis. The Furrow 49 (4): 220-228. Groome, T. H. (1998). Faith demands stewardship and stewardship nurtures faith. [Crownsville, MD]: National Catholic Community Foundation. Groome, T. H. (1998). Catholic education: It’s a long story, Archbishop Gerety lecture. [South Orange, NJ]: Seton Hall University. Groome, T. H. (1997). Trust the Spirit within. The Beginning Catechist. Allen, TX: Tabor. Groome, T. H. (1997, Spring). Religious knowing: Still looking for that tree. Religious Education 92 (2): 204-226. Groome, T. H. (1996, Fall). Keeping our own salt savory. The Catechist Connection. Groome, T. H. (1995, Winter). Looking back on 25 years: A personal reflection. The Living Light 32: 73-81. (substantially the same as the previous essay) Groome, T. H. (1995, Dec.). Of silver jubilees and the ground gained. PACE: 13-20. Groome, T. H. (1994, Fall). Wisdom from the heat of the day. PACE. Groome, T. H. (1994, Spring). Sweeping statement: the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Boston College Magazine 53 (2): 30-35. Groome, T. H. (1994, Feb.) The poor in the Catechism. The Catechist Connection 9:95. Groome, T. H. (1994, Jan.). Identity and change in religious education. The Way 34 (1): 36-45. Groome, T. H. (1994). Pointers to new possibilities for Christian religious education. The Clergy Journal 70 (6): 5-10. [Reprint from Australian Ministry 5 (2): 4-9] Groome, T. H. (1993, Spring). The movements of shared Christian praxis. PACE. Groome, T. H. (1993). You Are invaluable. Religion Teachers Journal 25 (5): 4-9. Groome, T. H. (1993). What is this faith we share? Church Teachers 21 (2): 50-53. Groome, T. H. (1993). Pointers to new possibilities for religious education. Australian Ministry 5 (2): 4-9. Groome, T. H. (1992, Winter). What parishes teach children. Church 8 (4): 43-45. Groome, T. H. (1992, Nov.). An overview of shared Christian praxis. PACE 22: 3-5. Groome, T. H. (1992, Sept./Oct.). A noble past, an open future. Oblate Missionary Record: 30-33. Groome, T. H. (1992, Fall). Ministering to teenagers. Church 8 (3): 46-48. Groome, T. H. (1992, Summer). Ministering to and with young adults. Church 8 (2): 44-46. Groome, T. H. (1992, Spring). Lectionary based catechesis. Church 8 (1): 14-20. Groome, T. H. (1992, Spring). An adult way of doing adult education. Church 8 (1): 40-42. Groome, T. H. (1992). Why Catholic Teachers in Catholic Schools?. [Ottawa, Ontario: Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops]. Groome, T. H. (1992). A future for Christian religious education. Doctrine and Life 42 (6): 368-376. Groome, T. H. (1992). Catechesis and religious education: Lets stay together. Living Light 29: 40-46. Groome, T. H. (1991, Winter). No cheap grace in catechesis. Church 7 (4): 39-40. Groome, T. H. (1991, Winter). Inclusive language in the liturgy. PACE 20: 130‑136. Groome, T. H. (1991, Nov.). Catechesis: Practice and theory Modern Liturgy 18 (10): 7-9. Groome, T. H. (1991, Fall). The missions and religious education. Oblate Missionary Record, Centenary Edition. Groome, T. H. (1991, Fall). Learning by heart. Church 7 (3): 38-40. Groome, T. H. (1991, Summer). To blossom all the more. The Carlovian 43: 31-33. Groome, T. H. (1991. May). Wisdom in Christian faith. The Catechist's Connection 7 (69): 1-2. Groome, T. H. (1990, Fall). Parish as catechist. Church 6 (3): 23-27. Groome, T. H. (1990, Fall). Inclusive language in the life of the church. PACE 20: 95‑100. Groome, T. H. (1990, Summer). Using praxis in your classroom. Youth Worker: 20-26. Groome, T. H. (1988, Winter). The spirituality of the religious educator. Religious Education 82 (1): 9-20. Groome, T. H. (1986, Nov.). The heart of catechesis. The Catechist's Connection 4 (24): 1-4. Groome, T. H. (1986, Oct.). Shared praxis: A possibility for Jesuit religious education? Jesuit Secondary Education Association, News Bulletin XVII (2): 4-8. Groome, T. H. (1986, March) Fruitful tension, socialization and shared praxis. The Living Light 22 (3): 231-233. Groome, T. H. (1985, Jan.). Seven/eleven year olds: Teaching them to pray. Praying 4: 13-16. Groome, T. H. (1984, Winter). On being with late adolescents in ministry. Journal of Youth Ministry II (1): 3-14. Groome, T. H. (1983, Fall). Old task: urgent challenge. Religious Education 78 (4): 492-96. Groome, T. H. (1982, May). Signs of hope for religious education. PACE 12 (8): 1-4. Groome, T. H. (1982, April). Signs of hope for theology. PACE 12 (7): 1-4. Groome, T. H. (1982, March). Signs of hope for the priesthood. PACE 12 (6): 1-5. Groome, T. H. (1982, Feb.). Signs of hope in the diversification of ministries. PACE 12 (5): 1-4. Groome, T. H. (1982, Jan.). Signs of hope in the struggle against sexism. PACE 12 (4): 1-5. Groome, T. H. (1981, Dec.). Signs of hope for an inclusive spirituality. PACE 12 (3): 1-4. Groome, T. H. (1981, Nov.). Signs of hope at the grassroots. PACE 12 (2): 1-4. Groome, T. H. (1981, Oct.). Proclaiming the hope that is in us. PACE 12 (1): 1-5. Groome, T. H. (1981, Sept./Oct.). Conversion, nurture and religious education. Religious Education 76 (5): 482‑496. Groome, T. H. (1978, Fall). Christian education: A task of present dialectical hermeneutics. The Living Light 14: 408‑423. Groome, T. H. (1978, Spring). The ministry of the Christian educator, PACE 8: 2‑10. Groome, T. H. (1977, May/June). The critical principle in Christian education and the task of prophecy. Religious Education 72 (3): 262‑272. Groome, T. H. (1977, March). The Crossroads: A story of Christian education by shared praxis. Lumen Vitae 32 (1): 45‑71. Groome, T. H. (1976, June). Shared Christian praxis: A possible theory/method of religious education. Lumen Vitae 31: 186‑208. Imbelli, R. P. and T. H. Groome. (1992). Signposts towards a pastoral theology. Theological Studies 53: 127-137. Popular Articles Groome, T. H. (2012, Nov. 12). For Oboma because against abortion. Pathos http://www.patheos.com//News-and-Politics/Obama-Abortion-Thomas-Groome-11-05-2012.html . (Accessed August 04, 2015). Groome, T. H. (2011, Feb.). Father, son, and holy homecoming. Catholic Digest 75 (4): 84-87. Groome, T. H. (2003, April). Catholics should be more catholic. U.S. Catholic 68 (4): 32-35. Groome, T. H. (2002). Sins--and crimes-- of the fathers: The shame of priest pedophilia scandals must lead us to repentance and change. U. S. Catholic 67 (4): 50-51. (Originally published in Newsday) Groome, T. H. (2002, May 19). Celibacy and women’s ordination must remain on the table. Boston Globe. Groome, T. H. (2001, Winter). Facing tragedy with faith. Newsletter of National Conference of Catechetical Leaders. Groome, T. H. (2001, Sept. 25). Op Ed: Tragedy and the paradox of faith. The Day. Groome, T. H. (2001, Fall). Editorial. REACH: The newsletter of the Religious Education Association. Groome, T. H. (1999. May/June). Catechesis for life. Faith Works 1 (9). Groome, T. H. (1998, August 23). Advice to President: Fire your theologian. The Boston Sunday Globe. Groome, T. H. (1998, July 16). School choice: Getting “left” aboard. Christian Science Monitor. Groome, T. H. (1998, Feb. 10). And infuse education with more spiritual values. Christian Science Monitor 89 (52): 19. Groome, T. H. (1998, Jan.11). Schools need souls. The Day. Curriculum Materials Groome, T. H., gen. ed. (2011-2014). Credo Series. Westerville, OH: Veritas. Core Texts Book 1: God’s Word Revealed in Sacred Scripture (Freshmen Semester 1) Book 2: Son of God and Son of Mary (Freshmen Semester 2) Book 3: The Promised One: Servant and Savior (Sophomores Semester 1) Book 4: The Body of Christ: The Church (Sophomores Semester 2) Book 5: Encountering Christ in the Sacraments (Juniors Semester 1) Book 6: Living and Loving as Disciples of Christ (Juniors Semester 2) Electives: (Schools chose two of the electives for the Senior Year students) Book 7: Exploring Sacred Scripture Book 8: Living as a Disciple of Jesus in Society Book 9: Responding to the Call of Jesus Christ Book 10 Ecumenical and Interreligious Studies (Available Spring 2016) Book 11 The History of the Catholic Church (Available Autumn 2016) The series, the series fulfills the curriculum requirements presented in the United States Conference of Catholics Bishops, Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework for the Development of Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age. [Groome, T. H. (primary author)]. (2007). We live our faith as members of the church, eighth grade. New York: Sadlier. [Groome, T. H. (primary author)]. (2007). We live our faith as disciples of Jesus, seventh grade. New York: Sadlier. Groome, T. H. and M. M. Moss, co-authors, with V. Esquinaldo, illustrator. (2002). God is here, when bad things happen. Boston: Pauline Books & Media. Groome, T. H. (primary author), and G. F. Baumbach. (2000). First Eucharist. New York: Sadlier. Groome, T. H. (primary author), and G. F. Baumbach. (2000). First reconciliation. New York: Sadlier. Groome, T. H. (primary author), et al. (1989-1990). Coming to faith program, parish edition (8 volume original, 9 volumes after 1994). New York. Sadlier. Groome, T. H. (primary author), et al. (1988-1990). Coming to faith program, Catholic school edition (8 volume original, 9 volumes after 1994). New York. Sadlier. The original release of both editions of the Coming to faith program consisted of the following volumes: Coming to God, First Grade Coming to Jesus, Second Grade Coming to the Church, Third Grade Coming to God's Love, Fourth Grade Coming to God's Life, Fifth Grade Coming to God's Word, Sixth Grade Coming to the Catholic Faith, Seventh Grade Coming to the Catholic Church, Eighth Grade The Coming to faith program was revised in 1992, 1994, and 1996. Beginning with the 1994 revised program a Coming to God’s World, Kindergarten volume was added. For each edition of the Coming to Faith program there is also a teacher’s annotated guide. Groome, T. H. (primary author), et al. (1983-1985). The God with us program, Catholic school guide (edition) (9 volumes). New York. Sadlier. Groome, T. H. (primary author), et al. (1983-1985). The God with us program, parish catechist guide (edition) (9 volumes). New York. Sadlier. Both editions of The God with us program consisted of the following volumes: Growing in God's World: Kindergarten Growing With God: First Grade Growing With Jesus: Second Grade Growing With the Church: Third Grade Growing With God's Love: Fourth Grade Growing With God's Life: Fifth Grade Growing With God's Word: Sixth Grade Growing With the Catholic Faith: Seventh Grade Growing With the Catholic Church: Eighth Grade A separate text titled Growing with the Commandments was published by Sadlier in 1988. It contains the lessons on the 10 Commandments from Growing With the Catholic Faith: Seventh Grade. For the Catholic school edition there is a Resource and Review Book. For the parish catechist edition there is a Parish Catechist Guide Book. Book Reviews Groome, T. H. (2011, April 4). Review of the book: Why stay Catholic: Unexpected answers to a life-changing question, by M. Leach. America 204 (11): 31-33. Groome, T. H. (2008, May 2). Changing a feudal church; Review of Robert McClory, As It was in the beginning: The coming democratization of the Catholic Church. National Catholic Reporter 44 (18): 23. Groome, T. H. (2007, October 15). Review of the book: Passing on the faith: transforming traditions for the next generation of Jews, Christians, and Muslims , ed. J. Heft. America 197 (11): 31-32. Groome, T. H. (2006, Oct.). For the Repair of the World. [Review of the book: Spiritual companions: Jews, Christians and interreligious relations, by Padraic O’Hare] The Furrow 57 (10): 567-570. Groome, T. H. (1993, Spring). Review of the book: A fundamental practical theology: Descriptive and strategic proposals, by D. Browning. Horizons: 20 (1): 162-63. Groome, T.H. (1991, Sept.). Review of the book: Religious education as a second language, by G. Moran. Momentum 21 (3): 78-79. Groome, T.H. (1991, Fall). Review of the book: The Christian initiation of children, by R. D. Duggan and M. A. Kelly. The Living Light 28 (1):86-87. Groome (1986, Winter). Review of the book: Foundations for a social theology: Praxis, process and salvation, by D. A. Lane. Religious Education 81 (1): 154-155. Groome, (1983, July). Review of the book: Vision and character: A Christian educator’s alternative to Kohlberg, by C. Dyksta. Theology Today 40 (2): 250. Groome, T. H. (1982, May/June). Letty Russell: Keeping the rumor alive. [Review of the book: Growth in partnership, by L. Russell] Religious Education 77 (3): 350-53. Groome, T. H. (1981, May/June). Review of the book: The theory of Christian education practice, by R. C. Miller. Religious Education 76 (3): 337-39. Groome, T. H. (1976). Review of the book: Taylor, Marvin (1976, Winter). Foundations of Christian education, by M. Taylor. The Living Light 13 (4): 628. Sound Recordings Bilodeau, G. (facilitator) and T. H. Groome (reflector). (1991, July 5). The Catholic Worker as school: How does learning in the Catholic Worker? Chestnut Hill, MA: The Catholic Worker International Gathering. (1 casette) Groome, T. H. (2002). Meadville/Lombard winter institute, 2002: Spiritual nurture in a postmodern society. Madison, Wis.: M/L Winter Institute. (5 cassettes) Groome, T. H. (2002). What makes us Catholic [eight gifts for life]. Prince Frederick, MD: Recorded Books. (8 cassettes) Groome, T. H. (1995). A Spirituality for everyone. (Religious Education Congress, Anaheim, CA) Simi Valley, CA: Convention Seminar Cassettes. (1 cassette) Groome, T. H. (1995). Reading and integrating the Catechism of the Catholic Church. (Religious Education Congress, Anaheim, CA) Simi Valley, CA: Convention Seminar Cassettes. (1 cassette) Groome, T. H., and R. D. Duggan (1994). Modeling a catechetical/liturgical alliance. (58th Annual Meeting and Exposition, National Conference of Catechetical Leadership) Ft. Mitchell, KY: MAC Audio Duplication Services. (2 cassettes) Groome, T. H. (1992). Professional update; religious education. (20th East Coast Conference for Religious Education, Washington, DC) Elkridge, MD : Chesapeake Audio/Video Communications. (1 cassette) Groome, T. H. (1989, Nov. 14-17). Chapel address, Julius Brown Gay lectures, 1989-1990. [1. The whole faith community as Christian educator; Christian faith education: the mind alone--not enough -- 2. Christian faith education: the marrow bone--nothing less; The minister as cracked pot.] Louisville, KY: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. (2 cassettes) Groome, T. H. (1989). Discussion in conjunction with the Gay lecture series. Louisville, KY: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. (1 cassette) Groome, T. H. (1988). Christian education for liberation: A shared praxis approach for Christian education; the movements of shared Christian praxis in the local church setting. Enid, OK: Philips University. (4 cassettes) Groome, T. H. (1987). Liberation and the task of religious education. (15th East Coast Conference for Religious Education, Washington, DC) Elkridge, MD : Chesapeake Audio/Video Communications. (1 cassette) Groome, T. H. (1983, 1986, 1987). The heart of Catholic education. Kansas City, MO: National Catholic Reporter Pub. Co. (2 cassettes) Groome, T. H. (1986). Until break of day: On the foundations of religious education. Kansas City, MO: Credence Cassettes. Groome, T. H. (1986). Spirituality of the religious educator. New Haven: Religious Education Association. (1 cassette) Groome, T. H. (1980-1986?). The kingdom of God: What did Jesus mean? Albuquerque, NM : [s.n]. (1 cassette) Groome, T. H. (1983). Signs of hope for ministry. Kansas City, MO: National Catholic Reporter Pub. Co. (1 cassette) Groome, T. H, and J. A. Urquhart. (1983). Meadville/Lombard winter institute, February 14-17, 1983: A praxis approach to religious education. Madison: University of Wisconsin. (8 cassettes) Groome, T. H. (1983). Forms and functions for ministry of the future? (15th Mile High Congress, Denver, CO) Denver, CO: Meyer Communication Corp. (1 cassette) Groome, T. H. (1983). Characteristics of Catholicism; partners in faith. Kansas City, MO : National Catholic Reporter Pub. Co. (2 cassettes) Groome, T. H. (1981). Teaching religion with story and vision. Kansas City, KS: New Life: Cassettes. (6 cassettes) Groome, T. H. and M. C. Boys (1981). Principles and pedagogy in biblical praxis. New Haven: Religious Education Association. (2 cassettes) Groome, T. H. (n.d). All Cracked Pots. [Chicago:] Sunday Evening Club. Groome, T. H. (n.d). I Am Not the Messiah. [Chicago:] Sunday Evening Club. Groome, T. H. (n.d). My Name is Jairus. [Chicago:] Sunday Evening Club. Hater, R., E. Ford, B. Husson, T. H. Groome, D. Thomas, L. Freeman, M. C. Widger, M. Sugpon, J. Fowler, and J. Lajo. (1983, November 11-13). “A harvest gathering:” Fifteenth annual Mile High Congress. Denver, CO: Meyer Communication Corp. (12 sound recordings) Sound Recordings of Curricula Groome, T. H., et al. (1993). Growing with the Catholic church, standard edition. New York: Xavier Society for the Blind. Groome, T. H., et al. (1989). Coming to the church, parish edition. New York: Xavier Society for the Blind. Groome, T. H., et al. (1989). Coming to the Catholic faith, Catholic school edition. New York: Xavier Society for the Blind. Groome, T. H., et al. (1989). Coming to God’s word, parish edition. New York: Xavier Society for the Blind. Groome, T. H., et al. (1985). Growing with the Catholic faith, standard edition. New York: Xavier Society for the Blind. Groome, T. H., et al. (1983). Growing with the church, standard edition. New York: Xavier Society for the Blind. Multimedia Materials Gordon, E. F. and M. Rotunno. (2007). Echoes of Faith: Catechist. (Includes interviews with T. H. Groome and R. Pacatte) Allen, TX: Resources for Christian Living. (1 videocassette) Groome, T. H. (2006). What makes us Catholic. [Lebanon, IN]: Silver Burdette Ginn Religion. (9 videocassettes) Groome, T. H. (1989, Nov. 14-17). Chapel address, Julius Brown Gay lectures, 1989-1990. [1. The whole faith community as Christian educator; 2. Christian faith education: the mind alone--not enough; 3. Christian faith education: the marrow bone--nothing less; 4. The minister as cracked pot.] Louisville, KY: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. (1 videocassette) Groome, T. H. (1989). The school: A community for life. (96th Convention of the National Catholic Education Assocaition, New Orleans) Elkridge, MD: Chesapeake Audio Communications. (1 videocassette) Groome, T. H. (1988). Shared Christian praxis and lifelong learning. Denver, CO: Regis College. (1 videocassette) Groome, T H. (1985). The shared praxis approach to religious education. Allen, TX: Argus Communications. (1 videocassette) Groome, T. H. (1985). The praxis approach in the God With Us Series. New York: Sadlier. (1 videocassette) Book Reviews of Books by Thomas H. Groome American Catholic Studies Newsletter (2010, Fall). Review of the book: Reclaiming Catholicism: Treasurers old and new. American Catholic Studies Newsletter 37 (2): 15. Arthur, R. H. (1981, Spring). Review of the book: Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision. Journal of Ecumenical Studies 18 (2): 314. Astley, J. and L. Bowman. (2012, Jan.). Review of the book: Will there be faith?. Journal of Adult Education 9 (1): 94-99. Beck, A. (2012, Sept./Oct.). Review of the book: Reclaiming Catholicism: Treasures old and new. Pastoral Review 8 (5): 92-93. Browning, D. (1982, Oct.). On religious education in a pluralistic world. [Review of the book: Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision] The Journal of Religion 62 (4): 418-24. Calle, J. (1981). Review of the book: Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision. East Asian Pastoral Review 18 (2): 190-196. Carmody, B. (2013, January). Review of the book: Will there be faith?. British Journal of Religious Education 35 (1): 118-120. Carmody, B. (1981, June). Review of the book: Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision. The Furrow 32: 408. Conrad, R. (1982, April). Review of the book: Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision. Currents in Theology and Mission 9 (2): 921. Crain, M. A. (2012, Jan.). Review of the book: Will there be faith?. Religious Education 107 (3): 312-14. Cunningham, L. S. (1999, April 9). Review of the book: Educating for life: A spiritual vision for every teacher and parent. Commonweal 126 (7): 44-45. Devenish, P. E. (1994, April). Review of the book: Sharing faith: A comprehensive approach to religious education and pastoral ministry: The way of shared praxis. Journal of Religion 74 (2): 276-277. Devettere, R. (1980, Dec.). Review of the book: Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision. Theological Studies 41: 808. DiGiacomo, J. (1981, October 10). Review of the book: Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision. America 145:203. Dykstra, C. (1982, June). Review of the book: Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision. New Review of Books and Religion 4 (10): 7+. Edge, F. B. (1982, Summer). Review of the book: Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision. Review & Expositor 79 (3): 551-552. Foster, C. R. (1982, Fall). Review of the book: Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision. Quarterly Review 2 (3): 98-107. Fox, M. (1999). Review of the book: Educating for life: A spiritual vision for every teacher and parent. Journal of Catholic Education 2 (3): 369-370. Fox, T. C. (2004, Feb. 27). Mapping the spirituality of Catholicism. [Review of the book: What makes us Catholic] National Catholic Reporter 40 (17): 21. Frazier, D. (2003). Review of the book: What makes us Catholic: Eight gifts for life. Journal of Catholic Education 7 (2): 281-283. Garrotto, A. J. (2013, Feb.). Review of the book: Catholic spiritual practices: A Treasury of old and new. U.S. Catholic 78 (2): 51. Greg, C. (2011, Sept. 30). Review of the book: Will there be faith?. Pathos http://www.patheos.com/blogs/carlgregg/2011/09/book-review-will-there-be-faith-by-thomas-groome/ (accessed Nov. 11, 2014) Groden, J. (2003, March). Review of the book: Educating for life: A spiritual vision for every teacher and parent. The Furrow 54 (3): 181-186. Heiser, W. (1992, Autumn). Review of the book: Sharing faith: A comprehensive approach to religious education and pastoral ministry: The way of shared praxis. Theology Digest 39: 265. Henessey, M. (1992, Spring). Review of the book: Sharing faith: A comprehensive approach to religious education and pastoral ministry: The way of shared praxis. Books and Religion: 25-26. Hess, C. L. (2003, Winter). Review of the book: Horizons and hopes: The future of religious education. Journal of Family Ministry 17 (4): 93-94. Hess, C. L. (1993). Review of the book: Sharing faith: A comprehensive approach to religious education and pastoral ministry: The way of shared praxis. Princeton Seminary Bulletin 14 (1): 106-107. Holst, W. A. (2002, Aug. 16). Review of the book: What makes us Catholic: Eight gifts for life. National Catholic Reporter 38 (36): 19. Horan, M. (1993, Summer). Living, Conscious…and Metapurposeful. [Review of the book: Sharing faith: A comprehensive approach to religious education and pastoral ministry: The way of shared praxis] Cross Currents 43 (2): 268-69. Haggerty, B. A. (1980, Dec. 31). Shared Praxis. [Review of the book: Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision] Christian Century 97 (4): 1298-1300. Irwin, J. L. (1992, Fall). Review of the book: Language for a catholic church: A program of study. Journal of Ecumenical Studies 29 (3/4): 481-482. Kaczor, C. (1992, Oct.). Review of the book: Language for a catholic church: A program of study. Crisis 10: 55-56. Kennedy, L. A. (2003, Sept.) Review of the book: What makes us Catholic: Eight gifts for life. Catholic Insight: 11 (7): 42-43. Kujawa-Holbrook, S. A. (1993, Winter). Review of the book: Sharing faith: A comprehensive approach to religious education and pastoral ministry: The way of shared praxis. Anglican Theological Review 75 (1): 155-57. Lebeau, P. (1981). Review of the book: Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision. Lumen Vitae 36 (2): 250. Marthaler, B. (1993, Spring). Review of the book: Sharing faith: A comprehensive approach to religious education and pastoral ministry: The way of shared praxis. The Living Light 29: 86-87. Martin, R. K. (1993, Spring). Review of the book: Sharing faith: A comprehensive approach to religious education and pastoral ministry: The way of shared praxis. Koinonia 5 (1): 131-135. O’Malley, W. J. (2011, Oct. 3). Hope for future church. [Review of the book: Will there be faith?.] America 205 (9): 28-29. O’Malley, W. J. (1993, May 15). Sharing the Faith. [Review of the book: Sharing faith: A comprehensive approach to religious education and pastoral ministry: The way of shared praxis] America 168: 18-19. Oppewal. D. (1981, April). Praxis and pedagogy. [Review of the book: Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision] Reformed Journal 31 (4): 26-37. Reiss, J., L. Garrett, and J. Zaleski. (2012, Feb. 11). Review of the book: What makes us Catholic: Eight gifs for life. Publishers Weekly 249 (6): 182. Riley, P. (2002, Nov.). Review of the book: What makes us Catholic: Eight gifs for life. Emmanuel 108 (9): 575-576. Piraro, D. (2002, Aug.). Review of the book: What makes us Catholic: Eight gifs for life. The Priest 58 (8): 49-50. Prevost, R. (2012, Summer). Review of the book: Will there be faith?. Review & Expositor 109 (4): 609-10. Redington, P. E. (2001, Summer). Review of the book: Empowering catechetical leaders. The Living Light 37 (4): 83-84. Robinson, A. B. (1993, Jan./Feb.). Review of the book: Sharing faith: A comprehensive approach to religious education and pastoral ministry: The way of shared praxis. The Christian Ministry 24 (1): 33-34. Schulte, A. R. (2011, Sept.). Review of the book: Will there be faith?. U.S. Catholic 76 (9): 51. Scott, K. (1980) Review of the book: Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision. New Catholic World 223 (6). Smith, K. S. (2002, Summer). Review of the book: What makes us Catholic: Eight gifs for life. Church 18 (2): 54-55. Smith, M. G. (1982, Fall). Review of the book: Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision. The Westminster Theological Journal 44 (2): 388. Sullivan, E. V. (1981, Jan./Feb.). Review of the book: Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision. Religious Education 76 (1) 104-106. Suther, E. (1993, July). Review of the book: Sharing faith: A comprehensive approach to religious education and pastoral ministry: The way of shared praxis. Worship 67 (4): 373-375. Sutterfield (2012, Dec. 10). Training in Christianity: A review of the book Catholic spiritual practices. Pathos http://www.patheos.com/blogs/soulwod/2012/12/training-in-christianity/ (accessed August 4, 2015) Toton, S. C. (1981, Fall). Review of the book: Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision. Horizons 8 (2): 442-443. Tozzi, E. (1993, Spring). Review of the book: Sharing faith: A comprehensive approach to religious education and pastoral ministry: The way of shared praxis. Church 9: 59-60. Tully, M. (1981, May). Review of the book: Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision. The Critic 29 (2): 5 Van Brummelon, H. (2013). Review of the book: Will there be faith?. Journal of Education & Christian Belief 17 (1): 160-63. Veverka, F. B. (2003, Summer). Review of the book: What makes us Catholic: Eight gifs for life. American Catholic Studies 114 (2): 82-85. Walters, T. P. (2004, Spring). Review of the book: Horizons and hopes: The future of religious education. Religious Education 99 (2): 207-209. Walters, T. (1982, April 9). Review of the book: Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision. Commonweal 109: 214. Waters, C. (1982, July). Review of the book: Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision. Heythrop Journal 23: 317. Wigger, J. B. (1999, Jan.). Review of the book: Educating for life: A spiritual vision for every teacher and parent. Theology Today 55 (4): 589-590. Wilkens, M. M. (2004, April). Review of the book: What makes us Catholic: Eight gifs for life. St. Anthony Messenger 111 (11): 50. Wilkes, P. (2002, April 8-15). Review of the book: What makes us Catholic: Eight gifs for life. America 186 (12): 26-27. Willumsen, K. L. (1992, Dec.). Review of the book: Sharing faith: A comprehensive approach to religious education and pastoral ministry: The way of shared praxis. Theological Studies 53 (4): 791-792. Woodbridge, N. B. (2010, Sept.). Review of the book: Sharing faith. A comprehensive approach to religious education and pastoral ministry: The way of shared praxis. Conspectus (South African Theological Seminary)10 (1): 114-132. Wyckoff, D. C. (1981, Jan.). Review of the book: Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision. Theology Today 37 (4): 532-535. Selected Articles about or building upon the Work of T. H. Groome Beaudoin, T. (2005, Spring). The theological anthropology of Thomas Groome. Religious Education100 (2): 127-38. Bezzina, M. (1996, October). Shared Christian praxis as the basis for religious education curriculum: The Parramatta Experience (Paper presented at the Annual Conference of the Australian Association of Religious Education, Southport Australia) http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED401266.pdf (accessed 08/09/2015) Boys, M. C. (1982). Narrative and religious education: A story full of promise. Chicago Studies 21 (1): 85-101. Brandt, J. H.(2012.) Historical theology. In The Wiley-Blackwell companion to practical theology, ed. B. J. Miller-McLemore, 367-376. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell. Chizurum, Ugbor (2010). Thomas Groome’s shared Christian praxis as a prophetic pastoral accompaniment with youth: Insights for a pastoral counseling approach in Africa. Africa Theological Journal 31 (1): 45-67. Dykstra, C. (1999). Chapter 6: The formative power of the congregation. In Growing in the life of faith: Education and Christian practices, 83-96. Louisville, KY: Geneva Press. Ford, J. (2008, Feb. 1). Reflections on the liberal church: Education as spiritual practice. Pathos http://www.patheos.com/blogs/monkeymind/2008/02/relections-on-the-liberal-church-education-as-spiritual-practice.html (accessed August 4, 2015) Hobson, P. and L. Welbourne. (1997). A conceptual basis for transformative Christian religious education. Journal of Christian Education 40 (1): 37-46. Horan, M. (2015). Religious Education that promotes Catholic identity: A review and assessment of approaches. In Prisms of faith: Perspectives on religious education and the cultivation of Catholic identity, eds. R. E. Alvis and T. LaMothe, 133-151. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2015. Kalathuveettil, T. and P. Puthanangady (1992). Shared-praxis as Christian religious education: the catechetical approach of Thomas H. Groome. Bangalore, India: Kristu Jyoti Publications. Larson, R. (2005). Livets berättelser: Introduktion till Thomas H. Groomes religionspedagogik. Stockholm: Verbum. Lehman, V. (1992, April). Reflections on Thomas H. Groome: an opportunity for renewal in Christian education. Journal of Christian Education 35: 7-17. Ligo, V. (2007, Sept.). Evaluation as pedagogy: Models of theological and pastoral formation. Catholic Education 11 (1): 52-66. Marangos, F. (1984). Shared Christian praxis: Approaching the Orthodox funeral service. Greek Orthodox Theological Review 29 (2): 195-206. Meehan, A. (2007). Paradise regained: Teaching science from a Christian standpoint in a postmodern age. Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith 59 (4): 275-282. Palladino, J. M. and A. Schroeder. (2002, Sept./Oct.). Using the shared Christian praxis in an elementary religion curriculum. Momentum 33 (3): 16-21. Quezada, R. L. (2011, June). Global student teacher transformation experiences: Living the faith through the shared Christian praxis learning process. Catholic Education 14 (4): 417-440. Raduntz, H. (1995). Shared praxis approach to Christian religious education: Why is it not so critical. In Potential and opportunity: Critical issues for Australian Catholic education into the 21st century, ed. H. Raduntz, 191–203. Blackwood, AUS: Auslib. Rooney, P. (2009). Educational and biblical perspectives for academic achievement in Christian schools. Journal of Christian Education 52 (3): 7-19. Rossiter, G. M. (1988, Spring). Perspectives on change in Catholic religious education since the Second Vatican Council. Religious Education 83 (2): 264-76. Scott, K. (1984, Summer). Three traditions of religious education. Religious Education 79 (3): 323-29. Seymour, J. L. (1996). Contemporary approaches to Christian education. In Theological perspectives on Christian formation: A reader on theology and Christian education, eds. F Asley, L. J. Francis, and C. Crowder, 3-13. Grand Rapid, MI: W. B. Eerdmans. Sheridan, N. Y. (1987, Sept.-Oct.). Shared Christian praxis: an evaluation of Thomas Groome’s methodology. New Catholic World: 231-251. Smallbones, J. (1986). Thomas Groome’s shared Christian praxis. Journal of Christian Education 7 (1): 57-67. Sorenssen, K. M. (1993, April/May). Rebuilding broken lives. Momentum 24 (2): 20-25. Street, J. L. (1988, Spring). A shared praxis approach. Religious Education 83 (2): 234-42. Steinhoff Smith, R. H. (1977). Dialogue: hermeneutical and practical. Pastoral Psychology 45 (6): 439-449. Wassner, W. J. (1987). Institutional violence: A challenge to the church and pastoral care. Encounter 48 (3): 293-307. Wong, A. C. K., B. McAlpine, T. Moore, D. Brotherton, I. R. Charter, E. Emgård, F. Buszuwski (2009, Oct.). Learning through shared Christian praxis: Reflective practice in the classroom. Teaching Theology & Religion 12 (4): 305-20. Doctoral Dissertations and Theses Reviewing or Building upon the Work of T. H. Groome Anderson, K. R. (2002). A protocol for assessing and developing spiritual formation among Council for Christian Colleges and Universities schools in North America. D.Min. George Fox University, George Fox Evangelical Seminary. Bacon, W. R. (1993). Shared praxis as an inquiry into the Christian faith of young adults. Ed.D. Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Blocher, K. M. (2009). Rehearsing resurrection by practicing what we proclaim. D.Min. Lancaster Theological Seminary. Bower, T. R. (2003). Identifying current uses of philosophies of critical pedagogy in religious education. Ed.D. Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education. Brocious, R. A. (1991). Thomas Groome’s “Shared Christian Praxis:” an alternative paradigm for Southern Baptist theological education. Ed.D. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Burwell, J. S. (2012). From checkpoints to classrooms: The managerial challenges facing Catholic school leaders in East Jerusalem and the West Bank and their relation to and influence on school Catholicity. Ph.D. University of Manitoba (Canada). Cappel, J. J. (1994). An administrative model based on Thomas Groome’s Christian religious education. Ed.D. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Coleman, R. W. (1991). A Critical evaluation of the curriculum of the school of Christian education of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary: 1950-1990. Ed.D. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Confoy, M. P. (1981). Adult faith development and Christian religious education. Ph.D. Boston College. Crawford, J. M. (2008). Extending Lasallian charism: Its texts and lived contexts for the spirituality of teachers. Ph.D. Boston College. Erickson, R. C. Jr. (1996). From compassion to Koinonia: Shifting the paradigm for homeless ministry from a parental model to a partnership in the Gospel. D.Min. Princeton Theological Seminary. Fenrick, D. E. (2007). Mission experiential education for developing Christian global citizens. Ph.D. Asbury Theological Seminary. Hagarty, M. T. (2000). The role of “experience” in religious education/catechesis in the United States since the Second Vatican Council: An analysis and critique. Ph.D. The Catholic University of America. Howell, P.J. (1985). Toward a better understanding of religious life: A workshop based on a narrative theology (Groome). D.Min. The Catholic University of America. Hurtado, P. (2007). Promoting the spirituality of the permanent deacon by means of theological reflection in small faith communities. D.Min. The Catholic University of America. Imbrigiotta R.A. (2015). Blessed are the sorrowing: A case study exploring the need for a comprehensive ministry of consolation. D.Min. Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology. Jantzi, K. (2005). Faith literacy: Expanding the definition of education in faith communities. Ph.D. Temple University. Johnson-Miller, B. C. (2000). The complexity of religious transformation. Ph.D. School of Theology at Claremont. Kalathuveettil, T. (1992). Groome's "Shared Christian Praxis" approach: a critical analysis of its educational, philosophical and theological foundations. Ph.D. Universita Pontificia Salesiana (Rome). Kasonga, K. (1988). Toward revisioning Christian education in Africa: A critical reinterpretation of hope and imagination in the light of African understanding of Muoyo. Ph.D. Princeton Theological Seminary. Kim, I. (2005). Shared poiesis: A critical dialogue and creative synthesis of the pedagogical proposals of Thomas Groome and Maxine Greene. Ph.D. Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education. Kinnison, Q. P. (2008). Pastoral leadership in transitioning communities: Congregational praxis as interpretive leadership. Ph.D. Fuller Theological Seminary, School of Theology. Krivak, J. A. (1993). An analysis of Thomas Groome’s philosophy of Christian religious education in the light of Richard Paul’s concerns for promoting critical thinking in education. Ed.D. Lehigh University. Leuze, T. (1995). Contemporary theological religious education within the context of postmodern thought. Ed.D. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Lynch-Baldwin, K. A. (2009). The rediscovery of early Irish Christianity and its wisdom for religious education today. Ph.D. Boston College. Maldonado, S. R. (1999). Actualidad de la palabra de dios: A workshop for reading the Bible from a Hispanic perspective. D, Min. The Catholic University of America. Nehrbras, D. M. (2012). The therapeutic and preaching value of the imprecatory psalms. Ph.D. Fuller Theological Seminary. Nuhamara, D. (2002). The significance of critical theory and liberation theologies in religious education for social transformation. Ed.D. Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education. O’Connell, D. (2008). Educating religiously toward a public spirituality. Ph.D. Boston College. Okrzynski, J. (2015). Gifted, called and sent: A retrieval of Martin Luther’s understanding of vocation through a shared praxis approach to Christian Religious Education in an age of faith drift. Ph.D. Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Paik, E. M. (1999). Women’s embodied spiritual growth: Learning through narrative research, teaching through narrative education. Ph.D. School of Theology at Claremont. Parsons, S. B. (2005). Reformed and feminist: A challenge to Presbyterian Bible study curriculum for older youth. Ph.D. Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education. Pedrera Granada, J. P. Z. (2014). Theological aspects of catechesis in the United States of America in the first decade of the 21st century. PhD. Universidad de Navarra Facultad de Teología. Reiff, J. T. (1992). A practical theology of congregational studies, ecclesiology, and formation/commitment in the congregation: The story of St. Paul United Methodist Church. Ph.D. Emory University. Rothrock, B. (2014). Authenticity, meaning, and the search for God: Philosophical theology for Catholics theological and religious education today. Ph.D. Boston College. Snyder, E. D. K. (1999). Including children in the life of the congregation: A contemporary Mennonite exploration. Ph.D. Emmanuel College of Victoria University (Canada). Turner, D. (1996). Story and vision: Shared Praxis in service to an institutional mission. D. Min. Princeton Theological Seminary. Wuelfing, M. A. (2002). Comprehensive curricular integration: A rationale and strategy for the articulation of distinctively Catholic concepts, values, and competencies across subject areas in United States Catholic secondary schools. Ph.D. The University of Dayton. Additional Resources Arca, D. (2012, Dec. 11). Practicing our faith: A Q&A with Colleen Griffith and Thomas Groome. Pathos http://www.patheos.com/blogs/takeandread/2012/12/practicing-our-faith-a-qa-with-colleen-griffith-and-thomas-groome/ (accessed August 4, 2015) Cusak, Tim. (2011, Winter). In conversation with Thomas Groome. Embrace of the Spirit 13 (2): 14-16. Gideau, Dawn. (1995, March 31). Catechism is reinvigorating Catholic schools: Interview with Prof. Thomas H. Groome of Boston College. The National Catholic Reporter 31 (22): 21-22. Goodwin, Joan, interviewer. (1993, Sep. 10). Talking with Thomas Groome. Liberal Religious Education 10: 62-72. Groome, T. H. (2001, April). Conversation with Tom Groome. FaithWorks 2 (8). Greg, C. (2011, Dec. 7). Best response to, ‘I think I don’t believe in Santa anymore.” Pathos http://www.patheos.com/blogs/carlgregg/2011/12/best-response-to-i-think-i-dont-believe-in-santa-anymore/ (Greg reflects on Groome’s response to his nine-year-old son’s comment about not believing in Santa anymore, as told in Will there be faith?, 300-301). Heffren, R. (2011, March). Forming disciples in the family (interview with Thomas Groome). National Catholic Reporter 47 (10): 4a. Travis, M. P. (1999). Interview with Thomas H. Groome. Journal of Catholic Education 3 (1). Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.lmu.edce/vol3/iss1/14 . (includes a review and discussion of the book Educating for life) (accessed Nov. 11, 2014) U.S. Catholic. (2013, Feb.). Show me the way: the editors interview Thomas Groome. U.S. Catholic 78 (2): 18-21. Groome, T. H. (1991). Sharing faith. New York: HarperSanFrancisco, 12, emphasis as in original. On education and religious education: “Education includes but is more than schooling, and teaching/learning can include but is more than didactic instruction. I contend that the essential characteristic of all education is that it is a political activity. “I regard as ‘political’ (from the Greek politike, meaning the art of enabling the shared life of citizens) any deliberate intervention in people’s lives that influences how they live their lives as social beings in history, that is, as agent-subjects-in-relationship. In this broad but traditional sense of ‘politics,’ one can readily recognize, as Plato and Aristotle first recognized, that all education is political… Its power is hopefully of persuasion rather than coercion, but it is real nonetheless. In a teaching/learning event power and knowledge combine to form how people respond to the deepest questions about what it means to be human, how to participate with others in the world, and the kind of future to create together out of their past and present… “Rather than lessoning its political nature, making education ‘religious’ augments its political dimension. Nothing is more politically significant than shaping the ultimate myths of meaning and ethic by which people live their lives.” Groome, T. H. (1991). Sharing faith. New York: HarperSanFrancisco, 106-108, emphasis as in original. On the language of education: “The language world created by Christian religious education should reflect and propose to people a deep conviction of the profound dignity and worth of all people, a mode of relating that is based on the justice of ‘right relationship,’ mutuality, and partnership, a worldview that is humanizing for all and care-full of creation. Conversely, language that disvalues or degrades people, that is chauvinist, oppressive, or exclusive on any basis, that is mechanistic, controlling, or destructive, should be absent from the language patterns of religious educators…. “… To clarify the kind of dialogue and conversation most likely to educate for conation in Christian faith I find the work of Buber and Habermas most helpful. “Buber’s understanding of relationship and dialogue was shaped by his Hasidic tradition and by his existentialist philosophy. Both brought him to recognize and criticize two prevalent errors of our age—individualism and collectivism; the former honors only a part of us and the latter treats us only as a part. Over against these errors Buber posed ‘community’ as the alternative. He characterized community as ‘the being … with one another of a multitude of persons’ in which one ‘experiences a dynamic force … a flowing from I to Thou.’ He noted that community requires a ‘vital dialogic, demanding the staking of the self.’…. “When Buber’s characteristics of true community and conversation are fulfilled, I believe participants experience what Habermas calls a situation of ‘communicative competence … the mastery of an ideal speech situation.’ Habermas’s work brings further clarity to the dialogical ‘place’ that is the ideal and goal of a conative pedagogy. He claims that for critical reflection on social reality to be emancipatory and to promote the dialectic between the ‘life world’ of the self and the ‘systemic world’ of our sociocultural context, we do best in a situation of ‘communicative competence.’ Habermas describes this ‘communicative action’ as a situation of nondistorted reciprocal communication that is oriented to mutual understanding according to commonly held validity claims. Contrary to interests of personal ‘success’ or ‘strategic advantage,’ ‘communicative action’ takes place in a situation of mutuality between participants; it happens when the ‘symbolic interaction’ of language is free of domination or manipulation and there is no compulsion to agreement other than the persuasiveness and validity claims of a particular position. In less technical language, it is an honest and fair conversation among partners in quest of the truth.” Groome, T. H. (2006). A shared praxis approach to religious education. In International handbook of the religious, moral and spiritual dimensions of education, part one, ed. M. deSouza et al., 673-777. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer, 2006, 770. On Christian story and vision & religious education: “I do not pose Christian story as a meta-narrative that is the only way to explain everything to everyone all the time and everywhere. We are not the only people among whom God has been revealing Godself with saving intent; to claim that we are would deny the universality of God’s love for all people, a dogma of Christian faith. Yet the Christian story is a powerful, particular narrative that is deeply life-giving, reflecting the spiritual wisdom of thousands of years and enabling people to live humanly and religiously with great integrity, truth and beauty. The religious educator’s responsibility is to see to it that people of the Christian community have ready access to the ‘whole story’ of their rich faith tradition, and in ways that are absolutely faithful to its constitutive truths, practices, and values. “The vision prompted by the Christian story is ultimately the reign of God, the realization of God’s intentions of peace and justice, love and freedom, wholeness and fullness of life for all humankind, here and hereafter. Practically, the vision reflects the implications that the Christian story has for the lives of its adherents. It is the meaning in front of the story: its gifts and demands, its hopes and promises for lives and societies today. The vision is what guides people in living their faith in their present time and place. This vision of Christian faith will and should shape the whole curriculum of Christian Religious Education: why, what, and how it is taught.” Groome, T. H. (2002). What makes us Catholic. New York: HarperSanFrancisco, 163-165, emphases as in original. On studying religion and theology: “The most life-giving way to study any great religion is to approach it as a treasury of spiritual wisdom for life. This means not only learning about a tradition but learning from it and learning to become wise as it proposes. Such is the biblical approach to study. “The Hebrews placed great value on scholarship. Their aim, however, was not knowledge for knowledge’s sake—as the Greeks might favor—but the pursuit of spiritual wisdom. All study was directed toward living the covenant with God. Biblically, the wise are those who keep the covenant; the foolish, those who break it. Thus, the old rabbis saw study of the sacred texts as a form of prayer—a way to come closer to God. “From their Hebrew/Jewish roots, the first Christians learned the value of studying for spiritual wisdom. In fact, wisdom was the primary purpose of Christian scholarship up until about the year 1100. Take, for example, the theological method of lectio divina…; it was study for spiritual wisdom, for what would help in living as a people of God. “Beginning about the twelfth century, the formal study of Christian faith relocated to the emerging universities. Now the focus of theology shifted from a prayerful quest for spiritual wisdom to a scientific study seeking rational knowledge about God. The latter has remained theology’s prime intent ever since, encouraged by the Enlightenment emphasis on ‘sure and certain ideas’ (Descartes). Thus a rift developed between religious knowledge and spiritual wisdom, between theology and spirituality. “There are hopeful signs that, without losing the assets of critical reason, theology is once again turning toward spiritual wisdom. It is reaching beyond ‘faith seeking understanding’—the time-honored definition of scholastic theology—toward the intent of faith that is lived wisely in the world. This shift is reflected especially in the various theologies of liberation; each shares the passion that Christian faith be for life for all…. “I’m convinced that the very future of the planet and of the human family depends on how we grow in spiritual wisdom. Our scientific knowledge, and especially our technical knowledge, if not accompanied by spiritual wisdom, is likely to destroy us…. “Protestants have done far better than Catholics in continuing education, taking it for granted that Bible study is a permanent part of Christian life. In Kansas, I once met an eighty-four-year-old Methodist man who has been in the same adult Bible study group since he was a teenager, and has rarely missed a meeting. The idea that religious education is not just for children is gradually sinking in for Catholics, too. A recent Roman document calls for ‘permanent catechesis’ across the life span, recognizing that faith development is a lifelong affair.” Groome T. H. (2011).Will there be faith? New York: HarperOne, 9. On faith: “Regardless of contemporary conditions to the contrary, faith of some kind will always remain a human universal. Everyone needs a center of value around which to craft their lives, a core commitment that lends meaning to the rest.” Groome. T. H. (2012.) Y aura-t-il encoré de la foi?: tout dépend, trans. R. Brodeur. Lumen Vitae 67 (4): 407-423. (Excerpt from English original, emphases as in original.) Defining the Core of the Christian Faith We Teach: “What will be the defining core of the Christian faith we teach?... To this, I believe, we have only one resounding answer: Jesus Christ. Though patently obvious, yet this is worth stating and particularly, perhaps, for Catholic Christians: the heart of Christian faith is Jesus Christ. It is not the Church, nor the scriptures, nor the dogmas and doctrines, nor the commandments, nor the sacraments, nor any other one ‘thing’ – important and vital as all these are to our faith. Rather, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church so well summarizes, ‘At the heart. . . we find a Person, the Person of Jesus of Nazareth, the only Son from the Father’ (CCC #426). “Note well that this statement names the core ‘Person’ as both the Jesus of history, the one ‘of Nazareth,’ and the Christ of faith, ‘the only Son from the Father.’ So, Christians are called to be disciples to that carpenter from Nazareth who walked the roads of Galilee, who preached the reign of God with its rule of radical love, even of enemies, who fed the hungry, cured the sick, consoled the sorrowing, and welcomed the marginalized, who claimed to be the kind of Messiah that brings liberty to captives, sight to the blind, good news to the poor, and sets free the oppressed (Isaiah 61:1 and Luke 4: 21), who presented himself as ‘the way, truth and life’ (John 14:6), and invited all and sundry to ‘come follow me.’ Such is the way that the historical Jesus modeled for us. To follow the way of Jesus, however, we need him also to be the Christ of faith, the Son of God, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, who by his life, death, and resurrection, makes it possible for us to so live. The paschal mystery forever mediates to us God’s abundant grace. Because of his dying and rising, we can live as disciples of Jesus. Whatever we do by way of educating in Christian faith, then, Jesus Christ must be its defining center. We must teach disciples to follow his way, and then to embrace him as Lord and Savior, and likewise teach what he taught us of God, of the Holy Spirit, and how to live as a people of God.” Groome. T. H. (2012.) Y aura-t-il encoré de la foi?: tout dépend. Trans. R. Brodeur. Lumen Vitae 67 (4): 407-423. (Excerpt from English original, emphases as in original.) The Pedagogy of Jesus: “To appreciate Jesus’ distinctive pedagogy, I first note four salient features of his whole way of being with people…. I detect that Jesus incarnated the divine pedagogy by being: a) welcoming and inclusive; b) respectful of learners; c) compassionate and committed to justice; d) encouraging of partnership among servant leaders. “Welcoming and Inclusive: Jesus’ style was distinguished by its proactive outreach and radical inclusion; the two went hand in hand. Both would have been distinctive in his time and culture…. Jesus reached out to men, women, and children and to ordinary people - farmers, shepherds, merchants, homemakers, and fishermen. He reached out especially to the marginalized, to lepers and public sinners, to the physically and psychologically ill, to the poor and hungry, to the suffering and bereaved, to all who were oppressed by the cultural mores of the time… “Respectful of Learners: Jesus’ approach had tremendous respect for his learners. His clear intent was to empower people to become agents of their faith rather than dependents. He was not looking for docile devotees as we might associate with cult-like figures. Jesus wanted his disciples to become fully alive people to the glory of God… Think, too, of so many of Jesus’ miracles of healing; instead of boasting, ‘I have cured you,’ Jesus’ typical comment was ‘your faith has healed you’ (Mark 5: 34). Note how he affirmed the widow’s mite, the prayer of the publican, the innocence of children, and so on. Respect and affirmation for all were hallmarks of his style. “Compassionate and Committed to Justice: New Testament scholars agree that a defining feature of Jesus’ public ministry was his compassion for those in need. One of his greatest parables taught that God is like a loving parent whose heart was ‘filled with compassion’ upon seeing the prodigal return (Luke 15: 20)…. “Likewise, the work of justice was at the heart of Jesus’ ministry. His central teaching of God’s reign reflects as much. In his Jewish faith, God’s kingdom was understood as both a spiritual and a social symbol that calls people to holiness of life which demands the works of peace and justice (see the ‘holiness code’ of Leviticus 19). It is no surprise, then, that Jesus rejected every form of chauvinism and sexism, of racism and ethnic bias. The story of the Samarian woman hit all those bases. “Partnership Among Servant Leaders: The previous features imply that Jesus’ whole approach was to call people into a community of disciples, a community of partnership with him and with one another….” Recommended Readings Groome, T. H. (1980). Christian religious education. San Francisco: Harper and Row. & Groome, T. H. (2011). Will there be faith? New York: HarperOne. When read together these two books provide an overview of Groome’s understanding of Christian religious education and show the development of his thought. Groome, T. H. (1991). Sharing faith. New York: HarperSanFrancisco. Sharing Faith offers Groome’s most comprehensive presentations of Christian religious education and Shared Christian Praxis. Groome, T. H. (2006). A shared praxis approach to religious education. In International handbook of the religious, moral and spiritual dimensions of education, part one, ed. M. deSouza et al., 763-777. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer, 2006. This article provides a succinct statement of Groome’s core convictions as an educator as well as an excellent summary of Shared Christian Praxis. Grrome, T. H. (2003). Total catechesis/religious education: A vision for now and always. In Horizons and hopes: The future of religious education, eds. T. H. Groome and H. D. Horell, 1-29. New York: Paulist Press. Groome presents here one of his fullest descriptions of a community-centered paradigm for education in Christian faith. The chapter also brings together Groome’s thoughts on Catholic education and holistic education in Christian faith. Groome, T.H, (2014). Catholic education: from and for faith. International Studies in Catholic Education 6(2): 113-127. This article offers a fairly comprehensive overview of Groome’s view of Catholic education. Groome, T. H. (1986). On being “with” late adolescents in ministry. In Readings in youth ministry, volume I: foundations, ed. J. Roberto, 17-32. Washington, D.C.: National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. This chapter shows how Shared Christian Praxis can be an approach to ministry. It has been used in courses on youth ministry and pastoral ministry. Groome, T. H. (2014). Practices of teaching: A pedagogy of practical theology. In Invitation to practical theology: Catholic voices and visions, ed. C. E. Wolfteich, 277-300. New York: Paulist Press. & Groome, T. H. (1987). Theology on our feet: A revisionist pedagogy for healing the gap between academia and ecclesia. In Formation and reflection: The promise of practical theology, eds. L. S. Mudge and J. N. Poling, 55-78. Philadelphia: Fortress Press. Groome’s approach to practical theology is outlined in a fairly comprehensive way when these two pieces are read together. Groome, T. H. (1986). Walking humbly with our God. In To act justly, love tenderly, walk humbly, W. Brueggemann, S. D. Parks, and T. H. Groome, 44-65. New York: Paulist Press. & Groome, T. H. (1997). Spirituality as purpose and process of catechesis. In The echo within: Emerging issues in religious education, eds. C. Dooley and M. Collins, 161-176. Allen, TX: Thomas More. These essays present Groome’s understanding of spirituality and spiritual formation. Author Information Harold Daly Horell Harold D. Horell is a tenured assistant professor of religious education at the Fordham University Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education. He teaches courses in moral education; social ministry; the religious and educational development of children, youth, and young adults; and the history of religious education. Dr. Horell holds an interdisciplinary doctorate in Theology and Education from the Boston College Institute of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry (IREPM). Before moving to Fordham University he served as Associate Director for Academic Affairs at the Boston College IREPM from 1997-2003.	i don't know
As at at 2012 Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao are/were president and premier of which country?	What did Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao do for China? - BBC News BBC News What did Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao do for China? By Kerry Brown Professor of Chinese politics, University of Sydney 14 March 2013 Close share panel Image caption Tackling inequality proved a tough task for Mr Hu (L) and Mr Wen A decade ago, immediately after Hu Jintao had been appointed Communist Party leader, he went down to a village in Hebei. Making such a place the destination for one of his earliest "investigative inspections" was interpreted as an attempt to reconnect with the party grassroots, and to demonstrate that the new leadership were earnest in wanting to do something about inequality. Inequality was seen as being something that had been rising over the previous decade as the country emerged even further from its state-led economic model of the past and was getting close to unsustainable levels. In 2013, when we look back at the Hu and Wen period, we can see that this aspiration was bold, and no doubt well-meant, but China is as unequal a place now as it was then. The best that can be said for Mr Hu and his premier, Wen Jiabao, is that in their final three years in power, the country stabilised inequality even if it didn't reign it in. But the grand talk at one party meeting in 2005 of moving towards addressing broader development objectives as opposed to narrowly economic ones looks misplaced now. Growth first As Mr Hu retires from public life in China, this failure to do much about such a critical area raises the more general question of what, in the end, his achievement really was. Image caption The leadership appeared united as former high-flier Bo Xilai fell from grace Answering this is not easy. The things that he did were the results of painstaking political work and administrative patience. This crucial but unexciting stuff usually fails to excite anyone, even historians. In the long term therefore we may well view the Hu and Wen period as a great success. It made China a truly wealthy and significant country, saw off the threats of the economic crisis in 2008, and managed to build up national esteem and importance. The political elite remained unified enough to see through a tricky leadership change, despite needing to sacrifice one of their members - Bo Xilai. Mr Hu was able to create consensus over this period and to maintain the Party's privileged place in society. Mr Hu and Mr Wen were also able to maintain growth over this period in ways which were indisputable and visible. China is now four times larger as an economy than it was in 2002. It has risen on almost every major indicator. It is an economic superpower, whatever its geopolitical status. Those who travel through China today see a country almost awash with activity, from infrastructure to housing, to rising car usage, to the emergence of a middle class in the main cities as consumption-driven as anywhere else on the planet. Consensus builder Image caption Mr Hu (3rd left) may find his legacy lies in the hands of his successors Mr Hu and Mr Wen also presided over an era of crises which they were able to manage and contain. They dealt with the snow storms of early 2008, the impact of the collapse of exports in 2009, the uprisings in Tibet and Xinjiang in 2008 and 2009 respectively, and the scandal around the fall of Bo Xilai and his wife in 2012. Through all this, Mr Hu was the great consensus builder, almost pathologically tedious in his public statements, but someone amorphous enough in their public persona to never side too obviously with any group in the party against another so that it risked causing schism. Mr Wen performed the function of faithful implementer, the reassuringly human face of the modern Chinese elite, holding the banner of reform up towards the end in ways which granted hope, even though they lacked practical details. But in terms of a single historically significant event in this period, something like entry to the World Trade Organization in 2001 under the previous leaders, the Hu and Wen period is oddly sparse. The Beijing Olympics was important at the time - but securing it was the achievement of Jiang Zemin. There were no mould-breaking moves in terms of domestic reform, no rolling out of village elections to a higher level in government, no bold changes in terms of rule of law, nor of the military or the government system. Plenty of smaller changes, consistent with a cautious leadership, but nothing that stands out as a genuinely historic legacy. The great contradiction of the Hu and Wen period is that, at a time of immense dynamism and change within China socially, economically, and technologically, the politicians proved themselves eerily faceless and, more often than not, absent. China was changing, whether they were there or not. Missed opportunity? Perhaps the single achievement that Mr Hu really expended personal political capital on was the dramatic improvement in relations with Taiwan on the re-election of the Nationalist Party there from 2008. Image caption It was Jiang Zemin, not Mr Hu or Mr Wen, that secured the Olympics for China The symbolic importance of signing of a major quasi-free trade deal in the form of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement in 2009 was immense, despite the lack of tangible results in terms of cross-strait trade. In leading however to direct air, postal and tourist links, this agreement and Mr Hu's leadership have done more to normalise the relationship than previous leaders. It is here that Mr Hu personally has some claim to historic leadership. Paradoxically, Mr Hu, who often came across as a highly controlled and a controlling political personality, may find that his legacy lies in the hands of his immediate successors. If they are able to address the long menu of internal reforms in the areas of law, politics, administration and civil society, which he and Mr Wen seemed so reluctant to hit head on, then the Hu-Wen strategy of growth first, political and social change second, will have been proved the correct one. But if the ensuing decade proves unstable and leads to party division, then the Hu-Wen period will be judged a missed opportunity. For the next few years, the court will be out. But the judgment might come through quicker than Mr Hu, Mr Wen or anyone else might imagine.	China
Behind Wal-Mart, Carrefour, and Tesco, what corporation is the fourth largest retail group (by turnover, at 2012) in the world?	Wen Jiabao \| The Plaid Avenger The Plaid Avenger Official Title: Premier of the People's Republic of China Government: One-Party State Years Left in Office: To 2012 Political Classification: Right Age: 74 (born September 15, 1942) Wen Jiabao Facts and Information Important Points Wen is essentially a very powerful 2nd in command of China Wen has shifted China's domestic policy to deal with more social issues Wen has mostly focused on resource acquisition in his foreign affairs dealings However, Wen increasingly does high-level diplomatic work for China abroad too Know who is Hu, and when to say Wen! The Rundown Wow! I can’t say enough about the unlimited energies and non-stop political action of Wen Jiabao! This dude may be the 2nd in command in China, but he has the top slot in international kick-ass as far as the Avenger is concerned! Soft-spoken, mild-tempered, and with a killer work ethic that would put Bill Gates to shame, Wen is certainly a mover and shaker on the world stage that you should know. Why? Cuz he’s affecting your world, people! So who is this dude? No! Hu is the President! This is Wen we are talking about here. And Wen wears many hats too: he is in the top tier of the Communist Party ruling council, Wen is the Premier of China, essentially the head of the operational government, and is kind of the top ranking cabinet member of the President too. I think of Wen as one part Commie Party leader, one part Prime Minister, one part Secretary of State, and one part Vice-president. That’s a lot of parts! Just like his boss Hu Jintao, Wen originally studied engineering and made his way up the political chain through intense work ethic and quiet patience. Just like Hu, Wen spent a lot of his career out in the rural areas of China. And just like Hu, because of all these factors, Wen is seen as much more a ‘man of the people’ who is more in touch with the needs of China’s 1.4 billion citizens. He is fiercely proud of his country, and genuinely cares about the needs of the people. [sniff, sniff] I’m getting all teared up here. Okay, enough of the gushing. A “populist” is what political scientists would call Wen, and he has been dubbed “the people’s premier” by locals and foreigners alike….for his populist approach and commoner image….again, much like Hu Jintao. But I digress…. Domestically, Wen has helped oversee and manage the huge economic growth spurt that China has undergone in the last decade. He has earned a reputation for meticulousness, competence, and a focus on tangible results…and damn if he has not got them results too. China is now the 3rd biggest economy in the world! Growing at a blistering rate! But with big growth has come big problems, and Wen has been ponying up to the responsibility. In fact, in his role as the primary leader of the domestic governmental issues, Wen has shifted focus from China’s ‘economic growth at all costs’ goal to focusing on more social issues like the growing wealth disparity, rural poverty, public health, drug addiction, public education, environmental destruction, and even openly tackling AIDS as a major (and previously not talked about) problem for the country. As the main public face of China (he is on TV more than his boss), Wen also does a hell of a lot of on-the-ground visits across the country promoting programs and listening to the needs of the peoples. Wen studied catastrophic theory while garnering his college degrees in engineering and geological sciences…which has served him well as the johnny-on-the-scene for the multiple earthquakes, snowstorms, floods and other natural disasters that have befallen China under his watch. And his quick actions and attentive demeanor have made all the difference in keeping public support for the current administration extremely high, even under deadly destructive disasters. (In contrast, compare the public debacle that befell the Bush administration after Hurricane Katrina). Dudes, he even is trying to make the Chinese government more transparent too! After the SARS scare (which the government tried to cover up) and ongoing health problems due to lack of product regulation (there was a big tainted baby formula scandal), Wen has called for more openness and information sharing from the government. Dudes! That is new! Wen has even gone live on-line to do Q&A session direct with the Chinese public…that is crazy! No other high-ranking official in China, (or hell, even in the US) does stuff like that! He even has one of the most visited and most popular Facebook pages ever too! Wen on the web! Totally tight! This is the beginning of a whole new type of leadership for the one-party state. Let’s hope it lasts. However, it is Wen’s international instigations that interest me most….and is what makes him a world events mover and shaker and shaper. He has spent the last decade in an international blitzkrieg of visits to virtually every part of the globe….mostly with an eye towards resource acquisitions and cutting sweet trade deals. What is resource acquisition? A fancy way of saying ‘buying tons of shit’! In order for China to continue its phenomenal double-digit economic growth, it needs energy and raw materials to keep the factories working…and Wen has been bringin’ home the bacon, baby! Buying raw resources for cheap, and then setting up sweet trade deals in order to establish markets for all the stuff China is making. Win-win-Wen! And in a very savvy foreign policy move, he has mostly focused on the developing countries (read: poorer). He has been personally responsible for strengthening trade relations with key energy and commodity producers in Africa, Central Asia, and Latin America (which especially irks the US since they have been losing influence south of their border for years). Wen brings good business, good trade, and good aid to lots of places on planet earth that have historically been ignored or abused by the other big powers….and this is setting up China as a very appealing alternative option for countries to partner with. The US and Europe are rightly worried….and they should be. The world is being re-shaped quickly, and Wen is one of the guys responsible for the recasting. So who cannot love Wen? Well, now that I’ve spouting about how Wen-derful he is, I should tell you that Wen Jiabao does have his limits of niceness too. One dude that Wen cannot stand is the Dalai Lama! Wen has been on the active front of Lama-bashing for years, and truly sees him as a separatist threat to China proper, and works hard to isolate and not negotiate with the Lama or any of the more vocal free-Tibetan campaigners. Why would I point this out? Because Wen also uses his considerable influence and diplomacy to make sure that other world leaders don’t meet with the Lama either…including most recently US President Barack Obama’s decision to not meet with the Lama in October of 2009. Wen got game! So Wen Jiabao is a Chinese cat you definitely need to keep tabs on if you truly want to understand how the world works. His boundless energy is transforming China domestically, and his international diplomatic deeds are reshaping the global order too. Know who is Hu, and when to say Wen! Photos	i don't know
What organ of the body has a pericardium, pulmonary trunk, and superior vena cava?	The Pericardium - TeachMeAnatomy The Pericardium Last Updated: August 18, 2016 Revisions: 36 © 2015-2017 TeachMeAnatomy.com [CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0] Fig 1.0 – Orange peel and the pericardium, not much in common? If the heart is the fun, interesting inside bit of an orange, the pericardium could be compared to the peel around it. Like peel, it can seem vaguely unexciting – that is until you learn some of its very important (appeeling. ahem.) physiological functions 1. In scientific terms, the pericardium is a fibroserous, fluid filled sack that surrounds the muscular body of the heart and the roots of the great vessels (the aorta, pulmonary artery, pulmonary vein and the superior and inferior vena cava). This article will give an outline of its functions, structure, innervation and its clinical significance. Functions The pericardium has many physiological roles, the most important of which are detailed below Fixes the heart in the mediastinum and limits its motion – this is due to its attachment to the diaphragm, the sternum and the tunica adventitia (outer layer) of the great vessels Prevents overfilling of the heart – The relatively inextensible fibrous layer of the pericardium prevents the heart from increasing in size too rapidly, thus placing a physical limit on the potential size of the organ Lubrication – A thin film of fluid between the two layers of the serous pericardium reduces the friction generated by the heart as it moves within the thoracic cavity Protection from infection – The fibrous pericardium serves as a physical barrier between the muscular body of the heart and adjacent organs prone to infection, such as the lungs. © 2015-2017 TeachMeAnatomy.com [CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0] Fig 1.4 – Anterior view of the pericardium. Note the attachments to the diaphragm, and the roots of the great vessels. Anatomical Structure The pericardium is made up of two main layers – a tough external layer known as the fibrous pericardium, and a thin, internal layer known as the serous pericardium (to overextend the orange metaphor, the outer peel could be thought of as the fibrous layer, with the inner white stuff being the serous layer). Fibrous Pericardium Continuous with the central tendon of the diaphragm, the fibrous pericardium is made of tough connective tissue and is relatively non-distensible. This rigidity prevents rapid overfilling of the heart, but can have several serious clinical consequences (see cardiac tamponade). Serous Pericardium Enclosed within the fibrous pericardium, the serous pericardium is itself divided into two layers – the outer parietal layer which lines the internal surface of the fibrous pericardium and the internal visceral layer which forms the outer layer of the heart (also known as the epicardium). Each layer is made up of a single sheet of epithelial cells, known as mesothelium. Found between the outer and inner serous layers, is the pericardial cavity, which contains a small amount of lubricating serous fluid. This fluid serves to minimize the friction generated by the heart as it contracts and moves about within the thoracic cavity. © 2015-2017 TeachMeAnatomy.com [CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0] Fig 1.0 – Overview of the layers of the heart wall. The order of these layers can be easily remembered using the acronym Fart Police Smell Villains. F – Fibrous layer of the pericardium P – Parietal layer of the serous pericardium S – Serous fluid V – Visceral layer of the serous pericardium Clinical Relevance: Transverse Pericardial Sinus Formed as a result of the embryological folding of the heart tube, the transverse pericardial sinus is a passage through the pericardial cavity. It is located: Posteriorly to the ascending aorta and pulmonary trunk. Anteriorly to the superior vena cava. Superior to the left atrium. In this position, the transverse pericardial sinus separates the arterial vessels (aorta, pulmonary trunk) and the venous vessels (superior vena cava, pulmonary veins) of the heart. This can be used to identify and subsequently ligate the arteries of the heart during coronary artery bypass grafting. © 2015-2017 TeachMeAnatomy.com [CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0] Fig 1.2 – The Transverse pericardial sinus, separating the major arteries and veins. Also note the close relationship of the fibrous pericardium and the diaphragm Innervation The phrenic nerve (C3-C5) is responsible for the innervation of the pericardium, as well as providing motor and sensory innervation to the diaphragm. Originating in the neck and travelling down through the thoracic cavity, the phrenic nerve is a common source of referred pain, with a key example being shoulder pain experienced as a result of pericarditis. Clinical Relevance By James Heilman, MD [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons Fig 1.3 – Radiograph of a pericardial effusion – note the enlarged heart shadow. The relatively inextensible fibrous pericardium can cause problems when there is an accumulation of fluid, known as pericardial effusion, within the pericardial cavity. This rigidity means that the heart is subject to the resulting increased pressure. The chambers can become compressed, thus compromising cardiac output. The causes of tamponade are many and varied, and include haemopericardium (blood in the pericardium) and pericarditis, which is detailed below. Pericarditis Pericarditis, or inflammation of the pericardium, has myriad of causes, including bacterial infection and myocardial infarction. The main symptom is chest pain, but it can also cause acute cardiac tamponade due to an accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity. 1 The exciting functions of orange peel are documented at length in academic literature – for instance, did you know that the juice from orange peel is highly flammable? Rate This Article	Heart
Who succeeded Joseph Stalin as leader of the Sovient Union?	Heart 1. Epicardium (visceral pericardium) is described above 2. Myocardium consists of multiple interlocking layers of cardiac muscle tissue with associated connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves. 3. Endocardium is the inner lining of the heart. It is continuous with the endothelium that lines the blood vessels. Cardiac Muscle Tissue Cardiac muscle cells form a branching, network of cells bound strongly to one another by intercalated discs. Intercalated discs are regions of close attachment between cardiac cells that enable the cardiac muscles to work together during a contraction. This is because desmosomes at the discs physically bind the cell membranes; contractile fibers within the cells in turn attach to the desmosomes; and gap junctions at the discs enables rapid communication between cells. Fibrous Skeleton The fibrous skeleton of the heart consists of four fibrous rings that surround the valve orifices and two triangular fibrous connections between these rings, the right and left fibrous trigones. The valves include the aortic and pulmonary semilunar valves and the right and left atrioventricular valves. The fibrous skeleton physically supports the valves, provides independent attachment for the atrial and ventricular myocardium, and acts an electrical insulator between the atria and ventricles. Orientation and Superficial Anatomy of Heart 1. The heart lies slightly to left of midline. The base of the heart is formed mainly by the left atrium, and, to a small extent, by the back part of the right atrium. The apex is the inferior rounded tip. 2. The heart at oblique angle to longitudinal axis. Because of this tilt, the apex points obliquely toward the left. This tilt in the orientation of the heart also causes the horizontal and vertical borders of the heart to be as follows: 3. The inferior border is formed by the inferior wall of the right ventricle. 4. The left border is formed by the left ventricle and a small portion of the left atrium. 3. The heart rotated slightly toward left. Because of this rotation: The surface of the heart underneath the sternum and the ribs on the left side, the sternocostal surface, is that of the right atrium and ventricle. The surface of the heart that rests on the diaphragm, which curves directly behind the heart, is called the diaphragmatic surface, and is formed by the posterior walls of the right and left ventricles The atria have thin muscular walls that are distended as they receive blood. When contracted, the anterior walls form flaps that are called auricles. A deep groove between the atria and ventricles is called the coronary sulcus. The boundary between the right and left ventricles is indicated externally by a shallow groove on the anterior surface, the anterior interventricular sulcus, and the posterior surface, the posterior interventricular sulcus. Internal Anatomy and Organization of the Heart The atria and ventricles are side by side and share a common wall (like adjoining apartments). The common wall between the atria is the interatrial septum and the common wall between the ventricles is the interventricular septum. The internal anatomy of the four chambers reflects the functional demands placed on each chamber as blood flows through it. Right Atrium The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from superior vena cava, inferior vena cava and coronary sinus. Parallel ridges of muscle called pectinate muscles are found in the interior of the right auricle. In the fetus, there is an oval opening called the foramen ovale in the interatrial septum. Forty-eight hours after birth, the foramen ovale closes and becomes a oval depression called the fossa ovalis. Right Ventricle The deoxygenated blood from right atrium enters the right ventricle through an opening bounded by three flaps, or cusps, of the right atrioventricular (tricuspid) valve. The free edges of the cusps are attached to strings of connective tissue called the chordae tendineae. The chordae tendineae are anchored to the ventricular wall by papillary muscles that are conical projections from the wall. The inner surface of the right ventricles has irregular, muscular folds called trabeculae carneae. The moderator band is a band of muscle that extends from the interventricular septum to the anterior wall of the right ventricle. The superiorly right ventricle tapers into a funnel-shaped passage, the conus arteriosus, where blood is ejected into the pulmonary trunk. Backflow of blood is prevented by three half-moon flaps attached to the base of the pulmonary trunk that forms the pulmonary semilunar valve. The pulmonary trunk branches into the right and left pulmonary arteries. Left Atrium The left (2) and right (2) pulmonary veins drain oxygenated blood from the lungs into the left atrium. The auricle of the left atrium lacks pectinate muscles. The oxygenated blood enters the left ventricle through a valve with two flaps, the left atrioventricular (a.k.a. bicuspid, mitral) valve. Left Ventricle The left ventricle, as explained below, has a thicker wall than the right. It also differs from the right in lacking a moderator band and having more prominent trabeculae carneae. As oxygenated blood is ejected from the left ventricle is passes through the aortic semilunar valve and enters the ascending aorta. Sac-like expansions at the base of the ascending aorta are called aortic sinuses. The aortic sinuses prevent the flaps of the semilunar valves from adhering to the walls of the aorta and permits blood to flow unimpeded into the right and left coronary arteries that originate from the aortic sinuses. Conducting cells distribute the contractile stimulus throughout the myocardium. Conducting System of Heart The sinoatrial node is the cardiac pacemaker of the cardiac cycle. This node is located near the entrance of the superior vena cava in the wall of the right atrium. This node has the most rapid autorhythmicity, as isolated cells generate 80 -100 impulses per minute. Because of the dominance of parasympathetic innervation, the actual heart rate is slower at 70 � 80 beats per minute. An abnormally low heart rate is called bradycardia. An abnormally high heart rate is called tachycardia. The impulse that originates from the SA node travels to the atrioventricular (AV) node by way of internodal fibers that stimulate the myocardial cells of the atria to contract. The impulse passes more slowly through the AV node which is located in the interatrial septum near the opening of the coronary sinus. The impulse slows as it goes through the AV node and travels through the interventricular septum by way of the AV bundle (bundle of His). The AV bundle divides into right and left bundles that go to the apex. Then branches at the apex radiate on inner surfaces of ventricles and Purkinje cells finally distribute the impulse to the myocardial cells of the ventricles. Electrocardiogram ECG (EKG) The electrical impulses generated and distributed by the conducting system create electrical impulses that spread through the body. These impulses can be measured by electrodes placed on the surface of the body. Depending on the placement of the leads, various traces are produced that reflect the electrical activity of the heart.	i don't know
A dagga (duggi or dhama) is the bass element of what Indian percussion instrument?	Tabla lessons online guru \| Beginners Tabla classes \| Indian Tabla School Academy Tabla Learning Free Videos » GAALC - Indian Music School - Online Tabla Class Lessons GAALC - the Global Academy of Arts, Languages and Culture, is one of the top rated international online performing arts learning school academy based at New Delhi in India offering online musical instruments training class lessons facilitated on Skype and Google Hangouts (Google Talk)as real time. one-on-one, interactive, live instrumental music learning class lessons online for the global music students. GAALC offers certificate level hobby learning courses of short term (24 months duration), regular term (36 months duration) and extended term (54 months duration) duration with modern curriculum guided online class lessons to learn performing arts - learning how to play musical instruments, voice training - vocal singing music lessons online and online dance lessons to learn dancing. GAALC music school academy conducts online instrumental music learning lessons to learn playing Indian classical musical instrument Tabla, Tabla is a popular string musical instrument and the online lessons for learning how to play Tabla are offered as Tabla beginner level lessons for beginners learning to play Tabla online, Intermediate level Tabla lessons and Advanced level Tabla lessons online. The Tabla learning course lessons curriculum - the Tabla teaching syllabus is exclusively developed for providing an effective online Tabla training to the kids, children, young adults, school / university / college students learning Tabla as a hobby and equally providing professional level Tabla training to the aspiring musicians learning to play Tabla to perform in public music concerts or musical shows as professional Tabla expert players.The online Tabla class lessons offered by GAALC are conducted by the senior, experienced and qualified Indian Tabla Gurus, the famous Tabla teachers as top online Tabla trainers, the best trained Tabla players working as the online Tabla instructors in the instrumental music faculty at GAALC music school academy in India. ABOUT TABLA PERCUSSION MUSICAL INSTRUMENT: Tabla is a membranophone percussion instrument, a pair of hand drums of contrasting sizes and timbres, used in the Indian Hindustani classical music and believed to be evolved from barrel shaped drum called Pakhawaj musical instrument. The term Tabla is derived from an Arabic word, 'tabl', meaning "drum. The higher-pitched of the two Tabla drums, which is made of wood and played with the right hand is smaller in size and is referred to individually as the Tabla or as the daya (dahina or dayan, meaning “right”), Siddha or Chatto. The left hand metal drum, larger in size and has a much deeper bass tone is called Dagga, Duggi, Dhama or baya (bahina or bayan, meaning "left") and may be made of iron, aluminium, copper, steel, or clay; although brass with a nickel or chrome plate is the most common material used. Each Tabla drum has two layers of goatskin stretched across its top to provide a playing surface. The top layer is cut in a circle around the rim, and the bottom layer stretches across the entire drum. The most unique aspect of tabla is the application of an iron and rice paste that is placed in a circle on top of the drum head. That black paste called the Tabla Shyahi, a mixture of gum, soot, and iron filings affects pitch resulting in the clarity of pitch and variety of tonal possibilities unique to Tabla percussion instrument and produces a bell-like timbre. Both drums are played by seated musicians with the fingers and hand strokes, sometimes with the palm of the hand. CONSTRUCTION OF TABLA MUSICAL INSTRUMENT: The Daya Tabla drum (right hand Tabla drum) is a single-headed bass drum made from a conical piece of mostly teak and rosewood hollowed out to approximately half of its total depth and having the profile of two truncated cones bulging at the centre, the lower portion being shorter. It is about 25 cms in height and 15 cms across. Skin tension is maintained by thong lacings and with cylindrical wood blocks, known as ghatta which are inserted between the straps and the shell allowing tension to be adjusted by their vertical positioning. The daya or right hand Tabla drum is tuned to a specific note, usually either the tonic, dominant or subdominant and complements the melody, so is tuned to the tonic pitch of the composition the instrumentalist or vocalist performs, usually tuned to the tonic, or ground note, of the Indian Hindustani classical raga (melodic framework). Fine tuning of Tabla is achieved while striking vertically on the braided portion of the head using a small, heavy Tabla hammer. The Baya Tabla drum (left hand Tabla drum) is a deep kettledrum measuring about 25 cms in height, and the drum face is about 20 cms in diameter. It is usually made of brass, copper, clay, aluminum, steel or wood, with a hoop and thong lacings to maintain skin tension. Pressure from the heel of the player’s hand changes the tone colour and pitch. The Tabla tuning of the baya Tabla varies, which may be a fifth or an octave below the daya Tabla, Bayan or left hand Tabla drum is tuned not to a specific pitch, but to one that can easily be modulated to imitate the intricate drum. Both Tabla drum shells are covered with a head (called puri) constructed from goat skin, an outer ring of skin (keenar) is overlaid on the main skin and serves to suppress some of the natural overtones. These two skins are bound together with a complex woven braid that gives the assembly enough strength to be tensioned on the Tabla drum shell. There are goatskin straps to hold the Tabla drum heads in place at a very high tension, and Tabla tuning blocks on the side of the drums to control the pitch. The head is affixed to the drum shell with a single camel hide strap laced between the braid of the head assembly and another ring of same strap material is placed on the bottom of the drum. For stability while playing, each drum is positioned on a toroidal bundle called chutta or guddi, consisting of plant fiber or another malleable material wrapped in cloth. The name of the head areas of the Tabla drums are: Chat, Chanti, Keensar, Kinar, Kisur, Maidan, Lao and Luv, the name of the center areas of the Tabla drums are: Syahi, Siaahi and Gob. The unmatched advantages of the online Tabla learning lessons offered by GAALC music school India is.: Live, one-on-one, real time, interactive online music lessons for the music students of all learning levels and Genre of music - vocal music & instrumental music. Convenient online music lessons schedules for almost all the global time zones, multilingual music lessons with options of 1/2 or 3 online Tabla music classes / week. Affordable, low cost price vocal and musical instruments learning lessons fees for the top best rated & convenient online Tabla music class lessons by GAALC. Save on the valuable travel time, traffic woes and the cost of travelling to the nearest music teacher / music school, learn Tabla in relaxed manner at home. Safe & convenient option for kids, children, women & elderly to learn music at home online, the family members or friends & colleagues can learn music together comfortably. Unmatched advantage of the flexible time schedules of online music class lessons for international Tabla music school students, best for the busy modern lifestyle Freedom to learn music at one's own pace & convenient time schedules with the flexible music course duration programs, easily adjustable with the busy work schedules. Better consistency & concentration, least missed music classes due to flexible online music classes. Make-up / replacement classes available for the classes missed. Advanced, international standard music training curriculum, an effective and modern distance e-learning program by a truly global music school academy. Learning from the International faculty of Tabla musicians including the top qualified, best experienced professional music teachers online from all over the world. Advanced music E-books learning content & music practice (Riyaaz) tools for all of the online music learning levels and for global Tabla music students. Well defined curriculum with traditional music + modern music concepts for all levels of learning vocal & instrumental music, curriculum developed by the global music experts. Online music class lessons available for learning the widest range of global vocal and instrumental music genre, conducted by the GAALC music school faculty. Online music lessons for beginners, intermediate & advanced levels, online private music lessons & group music classes for all age groups & music training levels. Freedom to Join the appropriate level of the vocal & instrumental music course classes after an individual level evaluation & the expert opinion by GAALC music school faculty. Get regular music expert opinion feedback from GAALC music teachers faculty on educational performance with the right guidance & performance improvement tips. Read more benefits of online music classes: Advantages of Online Music Learning Lessons For further details on Indian music learning online courses and dance training courses, online learning lessons fees, dance and online music training instructors, Tabla teachers online class schedules, Google Hangouts music trainers and dance trainer lessons, affordable low cost price online Tabla Skype lessons, online classes by Indian Tabla Guru and Youtube free music learning lessons. For online music school programs and online dance / music academy admissions: Contact GAALC music school academy India	Tabla
Lye is an old English word for?	Tabla Newikis Tabla This article is about a musical instrument. For the Egyptian tablah, see goblet drum . For the Singaporean newspaper, see tabla! Pakhavaj , Mridangam , Khol , Dholak , Nagada ● The tabla [nb 1] is a South Asian membranophone percussion instrument (similar to bongos ) consisting of a pair of small drums. [1] It has been a particularly important instrument in Hindustani classical music since the 18th century, and remains in use in India , Pakistan , Nepal , Bangladesh , and Sri Lanka . [2] The name tabla likely comes from tabl, the Persian and Arabic word for drum. [3] However, the ultimate origin of the musical instrument is contested by scholars, some tracing it to West Asia , others tracing it to the evolution of indigenous musical instruments of the Indian subcontinent . [4] The tabla consists of two single headed, barrel shaped small drums of slightly different size and shapes: daya also called dahina meaning right, and baya also called bahina meaning left. [2] [5] The daya tabla is played by the musician's right hand (dominant hand), and is about 15 centimetres (~6 in) in diameter and 25 centimetres (~10 in) high. The baya tabla is a bit bigger and deep kettledrum shaped, about 20 centimetres (~8 in) in diameter and 25 centimetres (~10 in) in height. Each is made of hollowed out wood or clay or brass, the daya drum laced with hoops, thongs and wooden dowels on its sides. The dowels and hoops are used to tighten the tension of the membrane. The daya is tuned to the ground note of the raga called Sa ( tonic in Western music). [2] [6] The baya construction and tuning is about a fifth to an octave below that of the daya drum. The musician uses his hand's heel pressure to change the pitch and tone color of each drum during a performance. [2] [6] Play media Tabla playing, a demo. The playing technique is complex and involves extensive use of the fingers and palms in various configurations to create a wide variety of different sounds and rhythms, reflected in mnemonic syllables ( bol ). In the Hindustani style tabla is played in two ways: band bol and khula bol. In the sense of classical music it is termed "tali" and "khali". It is similar to bongos of African-Caribbean music, and one of the main qawali instrument used by Sufi musicians of Bangladesh, Pakistan and India. [7] The tabla is also an important instrument in the bhakti devotional traditions of Hinduism and Sikhism , such as during bhajan and kirtan singing. [8] [9] Contents Origins[ edit ] The history of tabla is unclear, and there are multiple theories regarding its origins. [4] [10] There are two groups of theories, one that traces its origins to Muslim and Moghul invaders of the Indian subcontinent, the other traces it to indigenous origins. [4] Turk-Arab origins[ edit ] The first theory, very common during the colonial period scholarship, is based on the etymological links of the word tabla to Arabic word tabl which means "drum". Beyond the root of the word, this proposal points to the abundant documentary evidence that the Muslim armies, as they invaded Indian subcontinent, had hundreds of soldiers on camels and horses carrying paired drums. They would beat these drums to scare the residents, the non-Muslim armies, their elephants and chariots, that they intended to attack. Babur , the Turk founder of the Mughal Empire , is known to have used these paired drums carrying battalions in their military campaigns. However, this theory has had the flaw that the war drums did not look or sound anything like tabla, they were large paired drums and were called naqqara (noise, chaos makers). [4] The second version of the Arab theory is that Amir Khusraw, a musician patronized by Sultan Alauddin Khilji invented the tabla when he cut an Awaj drum, which used to be hourglass shaped. This is, however, unlikely, as no painting or sculpture or document dated to his period supports it with evidence. If tabla had arrived, or had been invented under Arabic influence from the root word tabl, it would be in the list of musical instruments that were written down by Muslim historians, but such evidence is also absent. For example, Abul Fazi included a long list of musical instruments in his Ain-i-akbari written in the time of the 16th century Mughal Emperor Akbar , the generous patron of music. Abul Fazi's list makes no mention of tabla. [4] The third version of the Arab theory credits the invention of tabla to the 18th century musician, with a similar sounding name Amir Khusru, where he is suggested to have cut a Pakhawaj into two to create tabla. This is not an entirely unreasonable theory, and miniature paintings of this era show instruments that sort of look like tabla, but this would mean that tabla emerged from within the Muslim community of Indian subcontinent and were not an Arabian import. [4] [11] However, scholars such as Neil Sorrell and Ram Narayan state that this legend of cutting a pakhawaj drum into two to make tabla drums "cannot be given any credence". [6] Indigenous origins[ edit ] Five Gandharvas (celestial musicians) from 4th-5th century CE. Two of them are playing drums, but these don't look like tabla. Other temple carvings do. [12] [13] The second theory traces the origin of tabla to indigenous ancient influences. This version states that this musical instrument acquired a new Arabic name during the Islamic rule, but it is an evolution of the ancient puskara drums. The evidence of the hand held puskara is founded in many temple carvings, such as at the 6th and 7th century Muktesvara and Bhuvaneswara temples. [10] [12] [14] These arts show drummers who are sitting, with two or three separate small drums, with their palm and fingers in a position as if they are playing those drums. [12] However, it is not apparent in these carvings that those drums were made of the same material and skin, or played the same music, as the modern tabla. [12] The textual evidence for similar material and methods of construction as tabla comes from Sanskrit texts. The earliest discussion of tabla-like musical instrument building methods, including paste-patches, are found in the Hindu text Natyashastra . [12] The Natyashastra also discusses how to play these drums. The South Indian text Silappatikaram , likely composed in the early centuries of 1st millennium CE, describes thirty types of drums along with many stringed and other instruments, but none of those drums are named tabla. [15] History[ edit ] 200 BCE carvings at Buddhist Bhaja Caves , Maharashtra , India showing a woman playing a pair of drums and another dancer performing. [16] Drums and Taals are mentioned in the Vedic era texts. [17] [18] A percussion musical instrument with two or three small drums, held with strings, called Pushkara (also spelled Pushkala) were in existence in pre-5th century Indian subcontinent along with other drums such as the Mridang , but these are not called tabla then. [19] The pre-5th century paintings in the Ajanta Caves , for example, show a group of musicians playing small tabla-like upright seated drums, a kettle-shaped mridang drum and cymbals. [20] Similar artwork with seated musicians playing drums, but carved in stone, are found in the Ellora Caves , [21] and others. [22] A type of small Indian drums, along with many other musical instruments, are also mentioned in Tibetan and Chinese memoirs written by Buddhist monks who visited the Indian subcontinent in the 1st millennium CE. The pushkala are called rdzogs pa (pronounced dzokpa) in Tibetan literature. [23] The pushkara drums are also mentioned in many ancient Jainism and Buddhism texts, such as Samavayasutra, Lalitavistara and Sutralamkara. [24] Some drums of central India that look like tabla, but are a bit different. Various Hindu and Jain temples, such as the Eklingaji in Jaipur, Rajasthan show stone carvings of a person playing tabla-like small pair of drums. Small drums were popular during the Yadava rule (1210 to 1247) in the south, at the time when Sangita Ratnakara was written by Sarangadeva . There is recent iconography of the tabla dating back to 1799. [25] This theory is now obsolete with iconography carvings found in Bhaje caves providing solid proof that the tabla was used in ancient India. There are Hindu temple carvings of double hand drums resembling the tabla that date back to 500 BCE. [26] The tabla was spread widely across ancient India. A Hoysaleshwara temple in Karnataka shows a carving of a woman playing a tabla in a dance performance. [27] The tabla uses a "complex finger tip and hand percussive" technique played from the top unlike the Pakhawaj and mridangam which mainly use the full palm, and are sideways in motion and are more limited in terms of sound complexity. [28] The origins of tabla repertoire and technique may be found in all three, and in physical structure there are also similar elements: the smaller pakhawaj head for the dayan, the naqqara kettledrum for the bayan, and the flexible use of the bass of the dholak. [29] Construction and features[ edit ] ( Learn how and when to remove this template message ) The smaller drum, played with the dominant hand, is sometimes called dayan (literally "right"), dāhina, siddha or chattū, but is correctly called the "tabla." It is made from a conical piece of mostly teak and rosewood hollowed out to approximately half of its total depth. The drum is tuned to a specific note, usually either the tonic , dominant or subdominant of the soloist's key and thus complements the melody . The tuning range is limited although different dāyāñs are produced in different sizes, each with a different range. Cylindrical wood blocks, known as ghatta, are inserted between the strap and the shell allowing tension to be adjusted by their vertical positioning. Fine tuning is achieved while striking vertically on the braided portion of the head using a small, heavy hammer. The larger drum, played with the other hand, is called bāyāñ (literally "left") or sometimes dagga, duggī or dhāmā. The bāyāñ has a much deeper bass tone , much like its distant cousin, the kettle drum . The bāyāñ may be made of any of a number of materials. Brass is the most common, copper is more expensive, but generally held to be the best, while aluminum and steel are often found in inexpensive models. Sometimes wood is used, especially in old bāyāñs from the Punjab. Clay is also used, although not favored for durability; these are generally found in the North-East region of Bengal. The name of the head areas are: chat, chanti, keenar, kinar, ki sur, maidan, lao, luv center: syahi, siaahi, gob The head of each drum has a central area of "tuning paste" called the syahi (lit. "ink"; a.k.a. shāī or gāb). This is constructed using multiple layers of a paste made from starch (rice or wheat) mixed with a black powder of various origins. The precise construction and shaping of this area is responsible for modification of the drum's natural overtones, resulting in the clarity of pitch (see inharmonicity ) and variety of tonal possibilities unique to this instrument which has a bell-like sound. The skill required for the proper construction of this area is highly refined and is the main differentiating factor in the quality of a particular instrument. For stability while playing, each drum is positioned on a toroidal bundle called chutta or guddi, consisting of plant fiber or another malleable material wrapped in cloth. ( Learn how and when to remove this template message ) Indian music is traditionally practice-oriented and until the 20th century did not employ written notations as the primary media of instruction, understanding, or transmission. The rules of Indian music and compositions themselves are taught from a guru to a shishya, in person. Thus oral notation, such as the tabla stroke names, is very developed and exact. However, written notation is regarded as a matter of taste and is not standardized. Thus there is no universal system of written notation for the rest of the world to study Indian music. Maula Bakhsh (born as Chole Khan in 1833) was an Indian musician, singer and poet. His grandfather was Hazrat Inayat Khan , founder of Universal Sufism. He developed the "first system of notation for Indian music". He also founded the "first Academy of Music in India" in 1886, based in Baroda that encompassed both Eastern and Western musical cultural traditions. [30] Basic strokes[ edit ] Ustad Zakir Hussain performing at Konark , Odisha Some basic strokes with the dayan on the right side and the bayan on the left side are: Ta: (on dayan) striking sharply with the index finger against the rim while simultaneously applying gentle pressure to the edge of the syahi with the ring finger to suppress the fundamental vibration mode Ghe or ga: (on bayan) holding wrist down and arching the fingers over the syahi; the middle and ring-fingers then strike the maidan (resonant) Thin: (on dayan) placing the last two fingers of the right hand lightly against the syahi and striking on the border between the syahi and the maidan (resonant) Dha: combination of Na and Ghe Dhin: combination of Tin and Ghe Ka or kath: (on bayan) striking with the flat palm and fingers (non resonant) Na: (on dayan) striking the edge of the syahi with the last two fingers of the right hand Te: (on dayan) striking the center of the syahi with the middle finger (non resonant) Tu \| Tun: [31] (on dayan) striking the center of the syahi with the index finger to excite the fundamental vibration mode (resonant) Dhere dhere (on dayan) striking of syahi with palm Tabla Taals[ edit ] Some taals, for example Dhamaar, Ek, Jhoomra and Chau tals, lend themselves better to slow and medium tempos. Others flourish at faster speeds, pratham bhagati like Jhap or Rupak talas. Trital or Teental is one of the most popular, since it is as aesthetic at slower tempos as it is at faster speeds. There are many taals in Hindustani music. Some of the more popular ones are: Name	i don't know
Which Greek hero killed the 'half-man/half-bull' Minotaur?	Minotaur Minotaur (MIN-uh-tawr) The Minotaur was a monster, half-man, half-bull, that devoured sacrificial victims thrown into the Labyrinth. Born of Queen Pasiphae's god-inflicted infatuation with a bull, the Minotaur was eventually killed by Theseus. The monster is generally depicted as having the head of a bull and the body of a man. But in the Middle Ages, artists portrayed a man's head and torso on a bull's body. Here's how the Minotaur figured into the complete legend of Theseus: It was by lifting a boulder that Theseus, grandson of the king of Troezen, first proved himself a hero. Theseus was sixteen at the time. He had been raised by his grandfather and his mother, Princess Aethra. One day the princess called Theseus to her side. It was time, she said, that he learned of his father, who was ruler of a mighty kingdom. This was news to Theseus, who had been under the impression that his father was one of the gods. "Before I divulge his identity," said the princess, "you must meet the challenge your father has set you." Years ago, the king had hefted a mighty stone. Underneath he had placed something for his son to find - if he could lift the weight. Aethra guided Theseus to a forest clearing, in the midst of which was a boulder. Theseus proceeded to lift the stone easily, or so the myth-tellers generally assume. But like most myths, this one is vague about the details. According to one theory, Theseus would have had trouble with a task involving brute strength. This theory was advanced by Mary Renault in her novel The King Must Die. It is based on the tradition that Theseus invented "scientific" wrestling. This is the discipline by which even a lightweight can beat a stronger adversary by fancy footwork, trick holds and using the opponent's momentum to advantage. Theseus would have had little cause to invent such tactics if he'd been capable of beating his adversaries by sheer physical strength. Therefore one may deduce that the hero was a lightweight. So when it came to lifting boulders, Theseus was at a disadvantage. Resourcefulness, another heroic trait, must have come to his aid. He would have looked for some mechanical means to multiply his physical strength. Beneath the stone Theseus found certain tokens left by his father. His name, Aethra now revealed, was King Aegeus of Athens. Prompted by a sense of heroic destiny, Theseus set out forthwith to meet this parent he had never known. He determined to journey to Athens by land, although his mother argued for the safer route by sea. And in fact the landward route proved to be infested by an unusual number of villains, thugs and thieves. Theseus quickly adopted the credo of doing unto these bad guys what they were in the habit of doing to others. Setting out from Troezen, his birthplace, the first community of any size through which he passed was Epidaurus. Here he was waylaid by the ruffian Periphetes. Periphetes was nicknamed Corynetes or "Club-Man", after his weapon of choice, a stout length of wood wrapped in bronze to magnify its impact upon the skulls of his victims. Theseus merely snatched this implement from Periphetes and did him in with it. Some say that this incident was manufactured to account for depictions of Theseus carrying a club like his cousin Heracles, one of a number of instances on Theseus's part of heroic imitation. The next malefactor who received a dose of his own medicine was a fellow named Sinis, who used to ask passers-by to help him bend two pine trees to the ground. Why the wayfarers should have wanted to help in this activity is not disclosed. Presumably Sinis was persuasive. Once he had bent the trees, he tied his helper's wrists - one to each tree. Then he took a break. When the strain became too much, the victim had to let go, which caused the trees to snap upright and scatter portions of anatomy in all directions. Theseus turned the tables on Sinis by tying his wrists to a couple of bent pines, then letting nature and fatigue take their course. Then, not far from Athens, Theseus encountered Sciron. This famous brigand operated along the tall cliffs which to this day are named after him. He had a special tub in which he made each passing stranger wash his feet. While they were engaged in this sanitary activity, Sciron kicked them over a cliff into the ocean below, where they were devoured by a man-eating turtle. Theseus turned the tables on Sciron, just as he had turned them on Pine-Bender. Perhaps the most interesting of Theseus's challenges on the road to adventure came in the form of an evildoer called Procrustes, whose name means "he who stretches." This Procrustes kept a house by the side of the road where he offered hospitality to passing strangers. They were invited in for a pleasant meal and a night's rest in his very special bed. If the guest asked what was so special about it, Procrustes replied, "Why, it has the amazing property that its length exactly matches whomsoever lies upon it." What Procrustes didn't volunteer was the method by which this "one-size-fits-all" was achieved, namely as soon as the guest lay down Procrustes went to work upon him, stretching him on the rack if he was too short for the bed and chopping off his legs if he was too long. Theseus lived up to his do-unto-others credo, fatally adjusting Procrustes to fit his own bed. When at last Theseus arrived in Athens to meet his father King Aegeus for the first time, the encounter was far from heartwarming. Theseus did not reveal his identity at first but was hailed as a hero by the Athenians, for he had rid the highway of its terrors. In honor of his exploits, he was invited to the palace for a banquet. Serving as hostess was his father's new wife, Medea. This was the same Medea who had helped Jason harvest a crop of armed warriors and steal the Golden Fleece out from under the nose of the dragon that guarded it. Jason had eventually abandoned Medea, and she had grown understandably bitter. Now she sized up Theseus and decided that he was a threat to her own son's prospects of ruling Athens after King Aegeus. In fact, Medea's magic disclosed the identity of Theseus. Years before, she had aided Aegeus, who was desperate for an heir. It was Medea's power that ensured the birth of Theseus to Princess Aethra of Troezen. Though he left instructions with Aethra should a child be born, Aegeus had either forgotten the incident or despaired of a birth. Now Medea played on the king's insecurity. Surely the stranger at the banquet was too popular for the good of the throne. With the people behind him, he might well seize it for himself. Medea persuaded King Aegeus to serve Theseus poisoned wine. And the hero, unawares, would have drunk it had he not paused first to carve his dinner. This, at any rate, is the prosaic version of the myth. Romantics claim that Theseus drew his sword not to mince his boar's meat but because he had chosen the dramatic moment to reveal his identity. In any case, Aegeus recognized the pattern on the sword's hilt. This was his own weapon, which he had left under a rock for his son to discover. Aegeus dashed the poisoned cup to the ground. Medea, meanwhile, stormed out and made her escape in a chariot pulled by dragons. Theseus was now the recognized heir to the kingdom of Athens. Thus he was on hand when King Minos of Crete arrived to collect his periodic tribute of young men and maidens to be sacrificed to the Minotaur. Because his son had died while in the safekeeping of the Athenians, Minos exerted the power of the Cretan navy to enforce this onerous demand. The Minotaur was a monster, half-man, half-bull, that lived in the center of a maze called the Labyrinth. It had been born to Minos's wife Pasiphae as a punishment from the gods. Minos had been challenged to prove that he was of divine parentage, so he called on the sea god Poseidon to send him a sign. The god obliged, and a beautiful white bull emerged from the sea. Minos liked it so much that he neglected to sacrifice it to the gods, as he should have done. As a punishment, Poseidon caused the king's wife to fall in love with the bull. She had the master craftsman Daedalus build her a hollow cow in which to approach the beast. As a result, the Minotaur was born. The monster is generally depicted as having the head of a bull and the body of a man. But in the Middle Ages, artists portrayed a man's head and torso on a bull's body. Some say that Theseus expressed his solidarity with his fellow citizens of Athens by volunteering to be one of the victims. Others maintain that Minos noticed the handsome young prince and chose him to be sacrificed. In any case, Theseus became one of the fated fourteen who embarked with the Cretan fleet. The sea upon which they sailed was the domain of Poseidon, who together with his brothers Zeus and Hades were the three most powerful gods of the Greek pantheon. They divided up creation, Zeus taking Mount Olympus and the sky, Hades the Underworld and Poseidon the sea. But there were other deities of the watery depths, notably the "old man of the sea", the god Nereus, with his fifty daughters, the Nereids. When Theseus was en route to Crete, he encountered one of these divinities. As the tribute ship drew near to harbor, King Minos made rude advances to one of the Athenian maidens and Theseus sprang to her defense, claiming this was his duty as a son of Poseidon. (Theseus, of course, also claimed to be the son of King Aegeus, but a true hero could be inconsistent in such matters.) Minos suggested that if Theseus's divine parentage were anything but a figment of his imagination, the gods of the sea would sponsor him. So Minos threw his signet ring overboard and challenged Theseus to dive in and find it. This Theseus did, being abetted indeed by the deities of the depths. Not only did he retrieve the ring from the underwater palace into which it had fallen, but he was given a jewelled crown by one of the Nereids, either Thetis or Amphitrite. It was not long after he arrived in Crete that the hero encountered Princess Ariadne, daughter of King Minos. She fell in love with him at first sight. It was Ariadne who gave Theseus a clew which she had obtained from Daedalus. In some versions of the myth it was an ordinary clew, a simple ball of thread. It was to prove invaluable in his quest to survive the terrors of the Labyrinth. The maze had been so cleverly and intricately contrived by the master builder Daedalus that once thrown inside, a victim could never find the way out again. Sooner or later, he or she would round a corner and come face to face with the all-devouring Minotaur. This was the fate which awaited Theseus. It is clear from the myth that the Labyrinth was a maze from which none could escape because it was so diabolically meandering. Hence the Minotaur was not just its monster but its prisoner. But how exactly this worked as a practical matter with regard to the victims is less clear. Some versions of the myth have it that they were "enclosed" in the Labyrinth, as if it were a box. But surely if the procedure were simply to push the victims in and then slam the door behind them, they would have cowered by the entrance rather than proceed into the terrors of the maze. Even if the guards threatened them with swords, it seems likely that some would have preferred the known death to being devoured alive by a monster. Nor could the guards have escorted the victims deep into the maze without getting lost themselves, or risking a run-in with the Minotaur. Maybe Daedalus built a roof over his invention, so that the victims could be dropped through a trap door into the very center. But perhaps on the whole it's better not to inquire too closely into the mechanics of the mythological. When Theseus first entered the maze he tied off one end of the ball of thread which Ariadne had given him, and he played out the thread as he advanced deeper and deeper into the labyrinthine passages. Many artists have depicted Theseus killing the Minotaur with his sword or club, but it is hard to see how he could have concealed such bulky weapons in his clothing. More probable are the versions of the tale which have him coming upon the Minotaur as it slept and then, in properly heroic fashion, beating it to death with his bare fists. Then he followed the thread back to the entrance. Otherwise he would have died of starvation before making his escape. Theseus now eloped with Ariadne, pausing only long enough to put holes in the bottom of her father's ships so that he could not pursue. But Theseus soon abandoned the princess, either because he was bewitched by a god or because he had fallen in love with her sister Phaedra. Some say that he left Ariadne on the island of Naxos, but others maintain that such was his haste that he left her on the small island of Dia, within sight of the harbor from which they had sailed. The deserted and pining Ariadne has been a favorite theme of artists down through the ages. As the ship bearing Theseus and his liberated fellow Athenians approached the promontory on which King Aegeus watched daily for his return, Theseus forgot the signal which he had prearranged with his father. The vessel's sails were to be black only if the expedition concluded as on all previous occasions, with the death of the hostages. In the exultation of triumph, or in anguish over the loss of Ariadne, Theseus neglected to hoist a sail of a different hue, and King Aegeus threw himself from the heights in despair. Theseus was now both king and bona fide hero, but this did not put an end to his adventuring. On one occasion he visited the Amazons, mythological warrior women who lived on the shores of the Black Sea. The Amazons were renowned horseback riders and especially skilled with the bow. They lived apart from men and only met with them on occasion to produce children for their tribe. Some say that Theseus had encountered the Amazons before, on another post-Minotaur adventure in the company of Heracles. Heracles had been challenged to bring back the belt of the Amazon queen. The queen, for all her reputation of man-hating, had willingly given it to him. But the goddess Hera, who despised Heracles, stirred up trouble. A great battle ensued in which many Amazons were killed. Now Theseus visited the Amazons on his own. Their leader, fearless and hospitable, came aboard his ship with a gift. Theseus immediately put to sea and kidnapped her. Unfortunately, the dubious nature of this achievement was matched if not exceeded in another of the hero's quests. It was the custom in early Greek historical times for the younger sons of noble houses to embark, in the fine sailing months of autumn, upon the honorable occupation of piracy. When Theseus received word that one such pirate and his crew were making off with the royal Athenian herds at Marathon, he raced to the seaside plain. He grabbed the miscreant by the scruff and spun him around to give him what for. But the moment king and pirate laid eyes upon one another, their enmity was forgotten. "You've caught me fair and square," said Peirithous, for this was the pirate's name, and he was of the royal house of the Thessalian Lapiths. "Name your punishment and it shall be done," said he, "for I like the looks of you." The admiration being mutual, Theseus named as penance an oath of perpetual friendship, and the two clasped hands upon it. And so, in the fullness of time, when Theseus decided to carry off young Helen of Sparta, Peirithous agreed to lend a hand. This was the same Helen whose face would "launch a thousand ships" when, as Helen of Troy, the lover and captive of the Trojan Paris, she caused the allies of her husband Menelaus to wage the Trojan War to bring her home. At the time of Theseus's contemplated abduction, however, she was a mere lass of thirteen. And Theseus, having succeeded in spiriting her off with Peirithous's assistance, left her with his mother for safekeeping while he went about his business and she grew of marriageable age. But before this had come to pass she was rescued by her brothers, the hero twins, Castor and Pollux, whose conjoined starry constellation still brightens the night sky between fellow heroes Orion and Perseus. One day not long after this escapade, Peirithous drew Theseus aside and spoke to him earnestly. "Remember when I agreed to help you with Helen?" he inquired, "and you pledged to help me in turn in any little outing of a similar nature?" Theseus nodded and muttered yes. "Good," responded Peirithous. "Spoken like a true pal. Well, I've picked my little exploit. I've decided to make off with Persephone, wife of Hades, King of the Dead." Theseus was speechless at the very idea of this sacrilege, but a pledge is a pledge. And so the two set off for the Underworld via one of the convenient caverns leading thereto. And at length they fetched up before the throne of Hades. Lacking any false modesty, Peirithous boldly stated his business, adding that he was sure the god would concede that Persephone would be happier with himself. Hades feigned consent. "Very well," he said. "If you love her that much and you're sure the feeling's mutual, you may have Persephone. But first, join me in a cordial. Please, take a seat." He gestured at a bench nearby, and the two heroes, little thinking it was bewitched, seated themselves upon it. And here they stuck like glue. Meanwhile, Hades loosed a flock of torments upon them in the form of serpents and Furies and the fangs of the hellhound Cerberus, not to mention the infamous water of Tartarus that recedes as parched lips draw near. And here the two heroes would be stuck today, were it not that Heracles happened to be passing by in furtherance of one of his Labors. Seeing his cousin Theseus's plight he freed him with one heroic yank, leaving only a small portion of his hindparts adhering to the bench. But Heracles couldn't or wouldn't free Peirithous. And so Theseus's pal pays for eternity the price of his heroic audacity.	Theseus
Which country has (at 2012) the longest national highway in the world?	Minotaur \| Riordan Wiki \| Fandom powered by Wikia The Minotaur (real name Asterion) is a monster with the head of a bull and the body of a man. He is one of the most infamous monsters in Greek mythology and is currently reforming in Tartarus . Contents Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes The Minotaur was born of a human, Pasiphaë , and a white bull. Poseidon sent the white bull to King Minos for him to sacrifice in his honor, but King Minos did not sacrifice the bull because he saw that the bull had the most beautiful fur that he has ever seen and let the bull live. However, Poseidon was spying nearby and saw that Minos had left his white bull alive. Thereafter, mad with rage and anger that Minos had not sacrificed the bull, he cursed Minos by making Pasiphaë fall in love with the bull. Then, when Poseidon had left for Olympus , Pasiphaë ordered Daedalus to make a fake cow for her to hide inside and lure it. The result of their union was the Minotaur. Pasiphaë nursed him in his infancy, but he grew rapidly and became incredibly ferocious. Minos, after getting advice from the Oracle at Delphi, had Daedalus and his son Icarus construct a gigantic maze, the Cretan Labyrinth , to hold the Minotaur. Its location was near Minos' palace in Knossos. The Minotaur dwelt at the center of the Labyrinth and every seven years, seven youths and seven maidens in Athens were taken from their families as sacrifices to him. Theseus, the son of Aegeas, volunteered to slay the Minotaur and was taken to the Labyrinth as a feast for the monster. The Minotaur was eventually killed by Theseus with the help of Ariadne and her thread. Ariadne helped Theseus out of the maze with the help of a thread that showed him his way in, and helped him on his way out. The Lightning Thief The Minotaur turning into monster dust (graphic novel). Percy Jackson is running to Camp Half-Blood when the Minotaur attacks him. It is described as having fur from about the belly-button on up and naked except for a pair of bright white Fruit of the Loom underwear. Percy manages to jump onto the Minotaur's back, pulls off one of the its horns, and kill it by stabbing it in the side. However, the monster manages to abduct his mother Sally Jackson for Hades to hold as hostage. Percy decides to keep the horn as a spoil of war . It is also noted by Annabeth Chase that many campers have hoped of achieving such a task for many years. Sally is released after the Helm of Darkness is returned to Hades by Percy. The Last Olympian The Minotaur had reformed and was made a general for Kronos' Titan army . This time however, the Minotaur was clad in armor and carried a large axe whose blade was shaped like the letter Omega, the last letter of the Greek alphabet, possibly because it is the last thing a demigod sees before it is killed. The axe holds necklaces from killed demigods. While in the Williamsburg Bridge , the Minotaur lead the charge across the bridge against the Apollo campers lead by Michael Yew . When Percy flies in on Blackjack to help, the Minotaur tosses a car at him, forcing him to land on the bridge. Percy then confronts the Minotaur, causing him to become angry and roars at other monsters when they go to attack him. Before they fight, Percy sees that the Minotaur has camp necklaces tied to his twin swords to show how many demigods he had defeated. The Minotaur then charged Percy, but in a flash, Percy cut his axe in half and sliced off both of his horns. When the Minotaur became angry, he charged again as Percy took the broken axe and ran for the side of the bridge. Percy then held the broken axe and the Minotaur ran into it. Percy then tossed the Minotaur over the side of the bridge and he turned to dust as he fell. Abilities Strength: The Minotaur is very strong, able to lift a car over its head and throw it across a small field. Regeneration: Being a monster, and therefore without a soul (despite being half-human), the Minotaur cannot be truly physically destroyed. After death, his essence descends into Tartarus were it will eventually reform. Weapon Axe: In The Last Olympian , the Minotaur wielded a huge axe with blades in the shape of the Greek letter, Omega. Percy guessed that it was because it would be the last thing the Minotaur's enemies saw (as Omega is the last letter in the Classic Greek alphabet). Film from the official soundtrack The Minotaur is seen when Percy, Sally, and Grover arrive at Camp Half Blood. Unlike the books, when Percy broke the monster's horn on his own, the Minotaur's horn in the film is removed when it is stuck on a tree. Also, the Minotaur is not wearing the Fruit of the Loom Briefs that he is said to be wearing in the book. Etymology The Minotaur's name translates to "The Bull of Minos." The "mino" in "Minotaur" comes from King Minos' name. The "taur" means bull/cow. Trivia The proper name of the Minotaur, as revealed in Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes , was Asterion (or Asterios), meaning the starry one. Both the Minotaur and his father, the Cretan bull, were associated with the constellation Taurus. The name Minotaur, taur refers to Taurus the starsign of the bull. The name means The Bull of Minos, the Minotaur's step-father. The Minotaur is the only known monster to come back in a different book after being completely destroyed (not including species or monsters that instantly reformed with Gaea's help). In some versions of the myth, it is said that Poseidon in bull form is the Minotaur's father. In some version of the myth, Poseidon told Aphrodite to make Pasiphaë fall in love with the white bull, resulting in the birth of the Minotaur. This version is considered canon in Riordan's books, as of Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes . Theseus , also a son of Poseidon, fought the Minotaur. This could be why the Minotaur was the first monster Percy fought. The Minotaur appeared in the first and last book of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. He is also carrying an axe in The Last Olympian shaped like an Omega, the last letter of the Greek Alphabet . This could be a reference to the Minotaur being the beginning and the end. May Castellan has a teeny Minotaur plush toy in a little Minotaur diaper on her front sidewalk. Gallery	i don't know
What is the only country whose homeland spans Africa and Asia?	The Seven Continents of the World The Seven Continents of the World There are seven continents, or large land masses, on the planet Earth. While they are separated by ocean today, 200 million years ago there was one supercontinent called Pangae in which all seven land masses were connected. Pangaea started to break up into two smaller supercontinents, called Laurasia and Gondwanaland, during the Jurassic period. By the end of the Cretaceous period, the continents were separating into land masses that look like our modern-day continents. The seven continents are: Africa, Asia, Antarctica, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. Africa Africaï¿½s land mass crosses the equator and is bordered by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Its highest point is Mt. Kilimanjaro at 19,340 feet and its lowest point is Lake Assal at 512 feet below sea level. It is home to about 778,000,000 people and consists of 53 countries, the most of any continent. This picture shows an African Elephant, the largest mammal on earth http://geography.about.com/od/lists/a/whichcontinent.htm On which continent is Egypt? Egypt is mostly part of Africa although the Sinai Peninsula in northeastern Egypt is part of Asia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egypt Egypt ( Egyptian : Kemet; Coptic : Ⲭⲏⲙⲓ Kīmi; Arabic : مصر Miṣr ; Egyptian Arabic : Mï¿½ṣr), officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a country in North Africa that includes the Sinai Peninsula , a land bridge to Asia . Covering an area of about 1,001,450 square kilometers (386,660 sq mi ), Egypt borders Libya to the west, Sudan to the south, and the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east. The northern coast borders the Mediterranean Sea and the island of Cyprus ; the eastern coast borders the Red Sea . Egypt is one of the most populous countries in Africa . The great majority of its estimated 78 million people (2007) live near the banks of the Nile River in an area of about 40,000 square kilometers (15,000 sq mi) where the only arable agricultural land is found. The large areas of the Sahara Desert are sparsely inhabited. About half of Egypt's residents live in urban areas, with the majority spread across the densely populated centers of greater Cairo , Alexandria and other major cities in the Nile Delta . Egypt is famous for its ancient civilization and some of the world's most famous monuments, including the Giza pyramid complex and the Great Sphinx . The southern city of Luxor contains numerous ancient artifacts, such as the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings . Egypt is widely regarded as an important political and cultural nation of the Middle East . AFRICA: "The name Africa came into Western use through the Romans, who used the name Africa terra � "land of the Afri" (plural, or "Afer" singular) � for the northern part of the continent, as the province of Africa with its capital Carthage, corresponding to modern-day Tunisia. The origin of Afer may either come from: the Phoenician `afar, dust; the Afri, a tribe�possibly Berber�who dwelt in North Africa in the Carthage area; the Greek word aphrike, meaning without cold (see also List of traditional Greek place names); or the Latin word aprica, meaning sunny. The historian Leo Africanus (1495-1554) attributed the origin to the Greek word phrike (meaning "cold and horror"), combined with the negating prefix a-, so meaning a land free of cold and horror. But the change of sound from ph to f in Greek is datable to about the first century, so this cannot really be the origin of the name. Egypt was considered part of Asia by the ancients, and first assigned to Africa by the geographer Ptolemy (85 - 165 AD), who accepted Alexandria as Prime Meridian and made the isthmus of Suez and the Red Sea the boundary between Asia and Africa. As Europeans came to understand the real extent of the continent, the idea of Africa expanded with their knowledge." ASIA: "The word Asia entered English via Latin from Ancient Greek , first attested in Herodotus, where it refers to Asia Minor, or for the purposes of the Persian Wars, to the Persian Empire as opposed to Greece and Egypt. Homer knows a Trojan ally named Asios, son of Hyrtacus, a ruler over several towns, and also describes a marsh as 461). The Greek term was likely from Assuwa, a 14th century BC confederation of states in ancient Anatolia. Hittite assu- "good" is a likely element in that name. Elamites numeous in the east called themselves As, and at least one Aryan people on the central Eurasian steppes called themselves Asi. Alternatively, the ultimate etymology of the term may be from the Akkadian word asu, which means "to go out" or "to rise", referring to the direction of the sun at sunrise in the Middle East. Compare to this the suggestion for the etymology of Europe from Semitic erebu "to set". The motives for the names of Asia and Europe would thus mirror each other, much like the terms orient and occident (the names Anatolia and Levant likewise signify "sunrise"). This suggestion is widely quoted, but it suffers from the fact that Anatolia from an Akkadian or generally Semitic perspective does not lie in the east."	Egypt
Which country's royal anthem is called 'Kongesangen'?	Historical Country Names - Nations Online Project Historical Country Names keywords: geography, historical country names, former country names, history, place name changes, historical maps List of formerly used country names and names of countries which have ceased to exist. Name changes of countries, dependencies, geographical and other regions of particular geopolitical interest. Today Abyssinia The Ethiopian Empire spans a geographical area of today Ethiopia, Eritrea , and Djibouti ,and included parts of Northern Somalia , Southern Egypt , Eastern Sudan , Yemen and Western Saudi Arabia . Abyssinia was an empire that existed for more than 800 years, from circa 1137 (beginning of Zagwe Dynasty) until 1974 when the Ethiopian monarchy was overthrown in a coup d'etat. Afars and Issas Territory formerly known as French Somaliland, the French colony was renamed to the French Territory of Afars and Issas (1967 - 1977),the territory became independent in 1977, known today as Djibouti. formerly a British protectorate became independent in 1966 as the Kingdom of Lesotho. formerly a British protectorate became independent in 1966 as Republic of Botswana. Democratic Republic of the Congo Benadir a coastal region of Somalia; covering most of the Indian Ocean coast of the country, from the Gulf of Aden to the Juba River, formerly part of Italian Somaliland. Biafra, Republic of (named after the Bight of Biafra) today part of Bophuthatswana - nominal republic and homeland for Tswana-speaking people, 1949 reincorporated into British Bechuanaland (region) incorporated into the Cape Colony (1895) British East Africa or East Africa Protectorate British protectorate from 1890 until 1920 Kenya , Tanzania , Uganda , and parts of Somalia (Jubaland) Cape Colony, 1795-1797 British colony, 1803-1806 colony of the Batavian Republic (Netherlands), since 1910 part of Central African Republic Kenya Colony The Colony and Protectorate of Kenya was part of the British Empire in Africa. It was established when the former East Africa Protectorate was transformed into a British crown colony in 1920. Ciskei (Republic of Ciskei)- homeland for Xhosa-speaking people, 1994 reincorporated into Dahomey ; (the Republic of Dahomey; in French: République du Dahomey), was a former French colony andpart of French West Africa until independence in 1960, in 1975 the Republic of Dahomeychanged its name in Benin. Dan Ho Me was an ancient Kingdom located in the south of today Benin. French Guinea was a French protectorate in West Africa, after independence from France in 1958 it became today Mali French West Africa was a federation of eight French colonial territories in Africa: Mauritania, Senegambia and Niger, French Sudan , French Guinea , Côte d'Ivoire, Upper Volta and Dahomey . Mauritania , The Gambia , Senegal , Niger , Mali , Guinea , Côte d'Ivoire , Burkina Faso and Benin. German East Africa (German: Deutsch-Ostafrika) a German colony from 1885 until 1919 which included Burundi, Rwanda and Tanganyika (the mainland part of present Tanzania), an area almost three times the size of Germany today. German East Africa colony ended with the defeat of Imperial Germany in World War I. With the Treaty of Versailles the territory was divided between Britain (Tanganyika.), Belgium (Ruanda-Urundi), and Portugal (to become part of Mozambique). Hausaland, consisted of seven independent city-states: Biram, Daura, Gobir, Kano, Katsina, Rano, and Zaria. Italian East Africa (former name for Italian possessions in eastern Africa) Kaffraria, former name for Transkei Katanga - 1960, Belgium granted independence to the Congolese province of the Mali Federation, was a country in West Africa 1959-1960, formed by a union between Malawi Portuguese East Africa (Província Ultramarina de Moçambique) Mozambique or Portuguese East Africa (officially the State of East Africa) for almost 500 years a Portuguese Colony, 1498–1975. See also: Portugal Sahara Occidental, Spanish name for Senegambia (region; former name of the confederation of Senegal and Gambia) Songhay (Songhai), in the 16th century a major empire of the Western Sudan, in the region of South-West Africa (SWA, German: Deutsch-Südwestafrika), a German colony from 1884-1915 Spanish West Africa (former name for Ifni and Spanish Sahara) Stellaland, Republic of; annexed by the Boers later British Bechuanaland, incorporated into the Cape Colony (1895) Tanganyika Territory, united with the islands Zansibar and Pemba it became Togoland (British Togoland), since 1957 part of Transkei (former Kaffraria and one of ten "black homelands" and nominal republic, in Southeast of ) Transvaal or ZAR - Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek; today the Province Limpopo of Ubangi-Shari (Oubangui-Chari) a former French territory in central Africa, whith independence on 13 August 1960 the country became the Central African Republic Union of South Africa The Union of South Africa was formed on 31 May 1910 as a parliamentary union of the four self-governing British colonies: the Cape of Good Hope Province (Cape Province; previously Cape Colony), Natal Province (Natal Colony), the Orange Free State Province (Oranje Vrij Staat/Orange River Colony) and the Transvaal Province (Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek/Transvaal Colony). The Union came to an end in 1961with a new constitution and became the "Republic of South Africa". Zaire, changed its name in 1997 to Zanzibar (island, east off the coast of Tanzania) a former protectorate of Britain. Zanzibar gained independence in1963 united with Tanganyika, today it is a semi-autonomous part of Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) or Transvaal colony; today the Limpopo province of Abkhazia (Region name is still in use) Bactria (Bakhtria) historical region of Greater Iran, located between the Hindu Kush mountain range and the Amu Darya (Amu river). The region was the birthplace of Zoroastrianism (Mazdaism) and later, also hosted Buddhism before becoming Muslim after the 7th century. The Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley are a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Afghanistan with the remains of two huge standing Buddha statues which were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. Circassia was located east of the Black Sea and west of the Caspian Sea in the Caucasus region, it was the mountainous territory of the Circassians (Adyghe), it was wiped from the map in the late 19th century whenRussia conqueredthe Caucasus region. All Circassians were displacedfrom their homeland. Historians refer to the displacement of the Adyghe people by the Russian Empire to "the inventing of the strategy of modern ethnic cleansing and genocide". Circassia was situated north of today Georgia in the southern half of Russia's Krasnodar Krai, south of Kuban River,as well as in the Beshtau, an isolated mountainous region in Stavropol Krai, and in todays Russian Republics of Adygea, Karachay–Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria, and North Ossetia–Alania, in south west Russia . East Turkestan; Eastern Turkestan; Chinese Turkestan Part of western China (Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region ) Kashmir (region) is the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent. Until the mid-19th century, the term Kashmir geographically denoted only the Vale of Kashmir, the valley between the GreatHimalayas (in northeast) and the Pir Panjal mountain range (in southwest). Today the term Kashmir refers to a larger area that includes the Indian-administered state of Jammu and Kashmir (including the Kashmir valley and Jammu and Ladakh), the Pakistani-administered Gilgit-Baltistan and the Azad Kashmir provinces, and the Chinese-administered regions of Aksai Chin and Trans-Karakoram Tract. state during the Middle and Late Bronze Ages, it is the ancient name of Cyprus Dilmun, mentioned in ancient texts as a trade partner of Mesopotamia, although the exact location of Dilmun is unclear, it is associated with Bahrain , the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia , Qatar , Oman and nearby coast of Iran in the Persian Gulf. Galilee, Galilea is a large region in northern Israel which overlaps with much of the administrative North District of the country. See: Map of Israel Judea, Judäa,(region) Hebrew: יהודה was the name of the mountainous southern part of the historic Land of Israel from the 8th century BC (Assyrian rule) to the 2nd century AD, when Roman Judea was renamed Syria Palaestina following the Jewish Bar Kokhba revolt. Muscat and Oman, Sultanate of Muscat and Oman until 1970 North Yemen or Yemen Arab Republic was a country from 1962 to 1990 in the western part of what is now Yemen. Ottoman Empire the Turkish empire, established in northern Anatolia by Osman I (Osman Gazi Khan) at the end of the 13th century and expanded by his successors to include all of Asia Minor and much of southeastern Europe. After setbacks caused by the invasion of the Mongol ruler Tamerlane (Timur) in 1402, the Ottomans captured Constantinople (today Istanbul) in 1453, and the empire reached its zenith under Suleiman the Magnificent (ruled 1520 to 1566). At the height of its power, in the 16th and 17th centuries, the Ottoman Empire controlled territory in southeastern Europe, southwestern Asia, and North Africa. It had greatly declined by the 19th century and collapsed after World War I. also known as the Trucial States, Trucial Oman, and the Trucial Shaykdoms Tylos, was referredby the Greeks to today Bahrain United Arab Republic (UAR) The United Arab Republic or U.A.R., was a union between Egypt and Syria. The union began in 1958 and existed until 1961, when Syria seceded from the union. Egypt continued to be known officially as the "United Arab Republic" until 1971. The President was Gamal Abdel Nasser. During most of its existence (1958–1961) it was a member of the United Arab States, a confederation with North Yemen. Egypt , Syria , Yemen Yemen Arab Republic (YAR) The Yemen Arab Republic, also known as North Yemen, was a country from 1962 to 1990 in the western part of what is now Yemen, its predecessor was the Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen (1918–1962), also known as the Kingdom of Yemen, its capital was at Taiz (Ta'izz). Yemen __Eastern Asia Cathay, (English) Cathay is the Anglicized version of "Catai" the name used for northern China, and an alternative name for: Choson, Chosen the Korean peninsula today split into Republic of Korea (South Korea) and Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) Formosa (island) Dutch Formosa, period of a colonial Dutch government (1624–1662), the Dutch East India Company established its presence on Formosa to trade with China and Japan and to prevent Portuguese and Spanish trade and colonial activities in East Asia. Spanish Formosa, a Spanish colony established in the north of of the island (1626–1642). Taiwan Great Korean Empire was the name of the Korean empire that existed on theKorean Peninsula, from the Proclamation of the Korean Empire in October 1897 to the Annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910. The Great Korean Empire was an absolute monarchy with a constitution. Republic of Korea (South Korea) and Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) Kingdom of Tungning (1662 - 1683) The kingdom was founded by Koxinga (official name: Zheng Chenggong),on the island of Formosa. Koxinga was born in Hirado, Japan to Zheng Zhilong, a Ming dynasty admiral-pirate-merchant, and his Japanese wife. The Kingdom of Tungning was run by the Zheng family, supporting the Ming Dynasty in mainland China which was replaced by the Manchu-ruled Qing Dynasty in 1644. Koxinga wanted to use the island as a base of operations to train its Ming military forces and recapture the mainland from the Manchus. Hedied in 1662 six month after the conquest of Formosa. His son Zheng Jing ruled the next 20 years from its court at Tainan. Annam, Anam (1883-1954) French protectorate in Central Vietnam Ayutthaya, Kingdom of; (Siam) covered Thailand , half of Cambodia , most of Laos and large areas of present day Myanmar (Burma) Bengal, region in the northeast of South Asia today divided between Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan), and the India n federal stateWest Bengal. Balochistan or Baluchistan a region on in the Iranian Plateau in Southwest Asia, named after the local Baloch tribes of Persian origin. part of the region is now the province Balochistan in Pakistan , other areas of the region were part of today's Iran and Afghanistan . Baluchistan States Union existed between1952 and1955 in southwest British North Borneo, former British protectorate and crown colony, occupies the northern tip of the island of Borneo. Burma, changed its name in 1989 to Ceylon in 1972 thename of the country was changed to "Free, Sovereign and Independent Republic of Sri Lanka", in 1978 the name was changed to "Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka" Map of Sri Lanka Dutch East Indies (Netherlands East Indies) was the Dutch colony that became modern Indonesia following World War II. It was formed from the nationalized colonies of the former Dutch East India Company that came under the administration of the Netherlands in 1800. Indonesia East Pakistan, a former province of Pakistan. East Pakistan was created from Bengal Province based on the 'Mountbatten Plan' in what was then British India in 1947. Eastern Bengal was given to the Dominion of Pakistan and became a province of Pakistan by the name East Bengal. East Bengal was renamed East Pakistan in 1956 and later became the country of Bangladesh after the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, which took place after the General Elections of 1970. British West Indies - the colonies of the British in the Caribbean: today the term refers to the British Caribbean overseas territories which are: Anguilla , Bermuda , British Virgin Islands , Cayman Islands, Montserrat , Turks and Caicos Islands. Danish West Indies or "Danish Antilles", were a colony of Denmark - Norway in the Caribbean. They were sold to the United States in 1916 in the Treaty of the Danish West Indies and became the United States Virgin Islands in 1917. US Virgin Islands French West Indies, the French overseas departments Guadeloupe and Martinique , as well as the French Caribbean Départments d'Outre Mer, include the Guadeloupe dependencies of the French part of the island St. Martin and the islands Saint-Barthélemy, Les Saintes, Marie-Galante and La Désirade. Haiti, the Arawaks name for the island of Hispaniola New Spain (Nueva España) colonial territories of the Spanish Empire in North and Central America, including Somers Islands is a British overseas territory in the North Atlantic Ocean better kown as New Spain (Nueva España) colonial territories of the Spanish Empire in North and Central America, including Mexico , Guatemala , Belize , El Salvador , Honduras , Nicaragua , Costa Rica and parts of South-West USA New Netherland, or Nieuw-Nederland in Dutch, was the 17th-century colonial province of the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands on the East Coast of North America. The settled areas are now part of the Mid-Atlantic States of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Connecticut, with small outposts in Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. The provincial capital, New Amsterdam, was located at the southern tip of the island of Manhattan on upper New York Bay. Today British Guiana was a British colony on the northern coast of South America, what is now the independent nation of Guyana. Capital was Georgetown . Guyana Dutch Guiana (Netherlands Guyana) Dutch colonization of the Guianas began in the beginning of the 17th century. The colonies of Essequibo and Demerara (Demerary), Surinam, and Berbice were Dutch settlements, trading posts and plantations in the coastal areas ofthe north eastern part of South America, a region which is known as the Guianas, today divided into the countries of Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and the north eastern part of Brazil. Capital city was Fort Zeelandia ( Paramaribo ) Venezuela , Guyana , Suriname , French Guiana , and the Amapá province of Brazil. Gran Colombia (1819-1830), the former republic consisted ofthe territories of present-day Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Panama, northern Peru and northwest Brazil. Inini, an inland territory of French Guiana, its capital was Saint-Élie. New Holland (2), Nieuw Holland, or also known as Dutch Brazil, was a former dutch colony on the northeast coast of Brazil 1630 - 1654. Capital city was Mauritsstad, today part of the city of Recife . Province of Pernambuco, Brazil Terra de Santa Cruz , in the early 16th century when the Portoguese realized it was not an island but part of a continent they were about to conquer, they renamed it from 'Ilha de Vera Cruz' (Island of the True Cross) to Terra de Santa Cruz (Land of the Holy Cross). Today the region is known as Brazil. Map of Moldova Pridnestrovia (Transnistria) formerly part of the Soviet Union ( Russia ), today a breakaway state of Moldova also known as Transnistria, which claims territory between the Dniester river and the eastern border of Moldova with Ukraine . It declared independence in 1990 but is unrecognised by any United Nations member state. Transnistria is one of four post-Soviet "frozen conflict" zones. (see: Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia) After the dissolution of the USSR, tensions between the newly created Moldova and the de facto sovereign state of Pridnestrovia escalated into a military conflict. Unlike the rest of Moldova Pridnestrovia had not wanted to separate from the Soviet Union. Because of the Russian military contingent present in Transnistria, the European Court of Human Rights considers Transnistria "under the effective authority or at least decisive influence of Russia". Map of Moldova Prussia, Preussen a former kingdom of the German Empire.Originally a small country on the south eastern shores of the Baltic Sea, under Frederick the Great it became a major European power covering much of modern northeast Germany and Poland. Capital city was Königsberg (today Kaliningrad, Russia), later Berlin . (region; former name for Carpatho-Ukraine) Map of Ukraine Silesia, (in German: Schlesien) historical region of Central Europe located mostly in Poland, with smaller parts in the Czech Republic and Germany, its largest city and capital was Wrocław(Breslau). Poland , the Czech Republic and Germany . Soviet Union (1922 - 1991) short form of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), a former federation of Communist republics occupying the northern half of Asia and part of eastern Europe, capital city was Moscow . 12 constituent republics emerged from the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 as independent post-Soviet states. Armenia , Azerbaijan , Belarus , Estonia , Georgia , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Latvia , Lithuania , Moldova , Russian Federation (Russia) , Tajikistan , Turkmenistan , Ukraine , Uzbekistan Scotland, the former independent kingdom is today one of four constituent nations which form the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, capital city is Edinburgh	i don't know
The word membranophone technically refers to a?	What is a Hang Drum? The term hang drum is a misnomer for a musical instrument or “sound sculpture” called a Hang. What is a Hang? In November 1999, instrument builders Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer of PANArt created the first Hang (Plural: Hanghang) prototype in Bern, Switzerland. Hang means “hand” in the Bernese German language, and is pronounced “hung or hong”. The development of the Hang began after years of research on the making of, tuning and developing specific metals for the steelpan . Also contributing to the Hangs birth was the study of Gongs, Gamelan, Ghatam, Udu, drums and bells. Photo © Michael Paschko. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported. Original photo here. The sound sculpture has a peculiar “UFO shape” that is the result of gluing two half-shells of deep drawn, nitrated steel together at the rim. The inside of the instrument is hollow and the outside has notes and tone fields hammered into it. The top shell has a center note that is surrounded by 7-9 tone fields. The bottom shell has a tuned port centered on the bottom. The notes and tone fields are usually played with finger strikes that can be dynamic but without aggressive force. Photo © Michael Paschko . Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported. Original photo here . According the wikipedia , “The Hang was developed in the year 2000 and introduced at the Musikmesse Frankfurt in 2001.” PANArt ’s Hang , the new instrument of the millennium, will probably go down in history as the most important acoustical instrument to develop in the 21th century. Hang Drum vs. PanArt Hang In 2002, Lark in the morning, a musician’s service outlet in the U.S.A. that specialized in hard to find musical items coined the term “hang drum” in order to market its stock of Hanghang. This new catchy name spread quickly throughout California. Eventually hang drum made its way to the World Wide Web as buskers from Haight-Ashburry to Amsterdam and other Hang playing musicians were uploaded to YouTube. Ultimately, the term hang drum found its way to most English speaking countries and was firmly established on social media. Uploaded to YouTube on Nov 29, 2006: Uploaded to YouTube on Apr 10, 2008: In 2007 PANArt asked several distributors to stop using the term hang drum on their websites. By 2009 more than 5000 hanghang were distributed around the globe. That same year—almost 7 years after the term appeared—the Hang builders of PANArt officially and publicly voiced their disdain for the term hang drum: “Percussionists were initially attracted to this fresh new instrument. They called it by many names and descriptions including UFO, flying saucer, Pantam, disco armonico and Hang drum. “ “We were forced to accept definitions and activities around the previous generations of the Hang to which we could not agree. Treating it as a drum and promoting the name Hang drum, for instance, has created a ripple effect of misinformation that leads to damaged instruments, physical injury, and mental and emotional turbulence.” In 2010 PANArt stated in a newsletter : “We do not make….hang drums. Playing the drums is a different language.” The Hang player communities online ( hangblog.org and Handpan.org ) mostly agreed with PANArt that it should not be called a hang drum. Most members discouraged the use of term and sought to educate the less informed. Professionals in the genre seemed to avoid the term purposely or by habit. Currently, with 7000-8000 hanghang in the world, attempts to eradicate the term hang drum have failed. It is not possible to erase all the YouTube clips that use the term hang drum. Therefore, many people who discover the Hang on the Internet will initially believe “hang drum” is the proper name of the instrument. Consequently, people who know better often use the term online in order to get noticed by those who have just discovered the Hang via the hang drum misnomer. And, there are others who simply don’t care. The Hang is not a Drum The everyday person typically defines a drum as a cylindrical or goblet shaped instrument covered at one end with a tightly stretched skin, which is struck with the hand or sticks to produce a booming, popping or tapping sound. To many people, the term drum implies a heavy-handed playing technique–especially to those who have only been exposed to hard rocking drum sets, African Djembes, Afro-Cuban Congas or wild-cave-man type drum circles. Applying heavy-handed techniques to the Hang is a sure way to de-tune and ruin the instrument. Therefore, in everyday situations, it is not pragmatic to call it a drum. Uploaded to YouTube on Sep 4, 2007 Ethnomusicologists and organologists (people who study musical instruments) use very precise technical definitions. In the scheme of Hornbostel-Sachs musical instrument classification, a drum is clearly a type of membranophone. There is no debate about this. Unlike a drum, the Hang does not fit so perfectly into a Hornbostel-Sachs classification. The Hang is a melodic percussion instrument. Its primary sound is produced by vibrating tone fields described as acoustic membranes . The Hang also vibrates as a whole to produce sound on a secondary, but important, level. The instrument also acts as a Helmholtz resonator. When considering the fundamental acoustic properties, the tone field falls somewhere between a membranophone (same category as a drum) and a idiophone (same category as a gong). Is it a membranophone , an idiophone or does it need a new scientific category? Debates continue, as the complexity of the instrument seems to elude conventional categories. For the everyday person it is sufficient to say the Hang is not a drum. For the technical minded, scientifically speaking person–who is interested in the physics of sound production–the Hang might be more of a membranophone or more of an idiophone . Opinions vary. The Hang is not a drum in the common-sense use of the word. The Hang obviously has a lineage to the steelpan. History, Development and Tuning of the Hang states, “It came out of twenty-five years of manufacturing the steelpan and research on its technology and acoustics.” Many people in the USA refer to the steelpan as a steel drum. Naturally, some people get the idea that the term hang drum is derived from the term steel drum. The fallacy revels itself in two ways. First is that the steelpan is not technically or scientifically considered a drum. According to Anthony Achong, Professor at the University of the West Indies (Trinidad), the steelpan is not a membranophone nor is it a drum. Professor Achong is one of the few people that have published scientific studies about the steelpan. “The steelpan is a melodic percussion instrument, consisting of a plexus of similarly prepared shallow shells, which form the notes of the instrument, when properly tuned and excited by stick impact, produce in a dynamic way, a number of interacting or non-interacting mode-localized vibrators. The notes operate as Mechanical Parametric Oscillators (MPOs). The steelpan is certainly not a drum. The notes are vibrating shells, not membrane vibrators. The tonal structure of a note and its frequency or position on the musical scale depend on its form (geometry), note size, thickness of the material, the elastic and material properties of the steel, in-plane stresses, temperature, the boundary conditions, the closeness to harmonicity of its normal modes and the delivery of the stick impact.” (The Theory of the Steelpan. In Anthony Achong (ed.): Proceedings of the International Conference on the Science and Technology of the Steelpan. Vol. 1, St. Augustin, Trinidad 2002, page 1). Second, the steelpan is sometimes called a steel drum because it was originally made from steel container drums (barrels). Hence, the term steel drum. The Hang was never made from container drums . Steelpans were made from steel drums like this one. A Handpan is not a Hang drum Since PANArt ’s Hang was a new invention, a generic term for it like “guitar” or “flute” was not established. As other makers began producing Hang-like instruments, the necessity of a generic term became apparent. It was at this time PANArt registered a trademark for the name Hang in order to prevent it from becoming the generic term for these new musical instruments. Kyle Cox of Pantheon Steel first used the term Handpan in 2007. Since then it has become a generic term used for musical instruments that resemble the Hang—especially in English speaking regions. When considering generic terms for Hang-like instruments, there does not seem to be a better or more popular name than Handpan . Still, people who are new to Handpans will frequently call any Hang-like instrument a hang drum. In this case, the term hang drum is a misnomer for musical instruments that resemble a Hang. [An in depth discussion of generic terms for Hang and Hang like instruments is beyond the scope of this article] Hang Drum is a Misnomer After reading this article you can understand why many believe “hang drum” should not be used as a generic term for Hang and Hang-like instruments. Hang drum is a misnomer Professionals in the genre mostly avoid the term The instrument is not a “drum” in the common-sense use of the word and technically it is difficult to classify For many people, “drum” implies a heavy-handed playing technique which can damage Handpans Hang is a trademark of PANArt Better alternatives exist.	Drum
Carthage is a 3,000 year old urban settlement now part of what North African capital city?	What is a Hang Drum? The term hang drum is a misnomer for a musical instrument or “sound sculpture” called a Hang. What is a Hang? In November 1999, instrument builders Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer of PANArt created the first Hang (Plural: Hanghang) prototype in Bern, Switzerland. Hang means “hand” in the Bernese German language, and is pronounced “hung or hong”. The development of the Hang began after years of research on the making of, tuning and developing specific metals for the steelpan . Also contributing to the Hangs birth was the study of Gongs, Gamelan, Ghatam, Udu, drums and bells. Photo © Michael Paschko. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported. Original photo here. The sound sculpture has a peculiar “UFO shape” that is the result of gluing two half-shells of deep drawn, nitrated steel together at the rim. The inside of the instrument is hollow and the outside has notes and tone fields hammered into it. The top shell has a center note that is surrounded by 7-9 tone fields. The bottom shell has a tuned port centered on the bottom. The notes and tone fields are usually played with finger strikes that can be dynamic but without aggressive force. Photo © Michael Paschko . Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported. Original photo here . According the wikipedia , “The Hang was developed in the year 2000 and introduced at the Musikmesse Frankfurt in 2001.” PANArt ’s Hang , the new instrument of the millennium, will probably go down in history as the most important acoustical instrument to develop in the 21th century. Hang Drum vs. PanArt Hang In 2002, Lark in the morning, a musician’s service outlet in the U.S.A. that specialized in hard to find musical items coined the term “hang drum” in order to market its stock of Hanghang. This new catchy name spread quickly throughout California. Eventually hang drum made its way to the World Wide Web as buskers from Haight-Ashburry to Amsterdam and other Hang playing musicians were uploaded to YouTube. Ultimately, the term hang drum found its way to most English speaking countries and was firmly established on social media. Uploaded to YouTube on Nov 29, 2006: Uploaded to YouTube on Apr 10, 2008: In 2007 PANArt asked several distributors to stop using the term hang drum on their websites. By 2009 more than 5000 hanghang were distributed around the globe. That same year—almost 7 years after the term appeared—the Hang builders of PANArt officially and publicly voiced their disdain for the term hang drum: “Percussionists were initially attracted to this fresh new instrument. They called it by many names and descriptions including UFO, flying saucer, Pantam, disco armonico and Hang drum. “ “We were forced to accept definitions and activities around the previous generations of the Hang to which we could not agree. Treating it as a drum and promoting the name Hang drum, for instance, has created a ripple effect of misinformation that leads to damaged instruments, physical injury, and mental and emotional turbulence.” In 2010 PANArt stated in a newsletter : “We do not make….hang drums. Playing the drums is a different language.” The Hang player communities online ( hangblog.org and Handpan.org ) mostly agreed with PANArt that it should not be called a hang drum. Most members discouraged the use of term and sought to educate the less informed. Professionals in the genre seemed to avoid the term purposely or by habit. Currently, with 7000-8000 hanghang in the world, attempts to eradicate the term hang drum have failed. It is not possible to erase all the YouTube clips that use the term hang drum. Therefore, many people who discover the Hang on the Internet will initially believe “hang drum” is the proper name of the instrument. Consequently, people who know better often use the term online in order to get noticed by those who have just discovered the Hang via the hang drum misnomer. And, there are others who simply don’t care. The Hang is not a Drum The everyday person typically defines a drum as a cylindrical or goblet shaped instrument covered at one end with a tightly stretched skin, which is struck with the hand or sticks to produce a booming, popping or tapping sound. To many people, the term drum implies a heavy-handed playing technique–especially to those who have only been exposed to hard rocking drum sets, African Djembes, Afro-Cuban Congas or wild-cave-man type drum circles. Applying heavy-handed techniques to the Hang is a sure way to de-tune and ruin the instrument. Therefore, in everyday situations, it is not pragmatic to call it a drum. Uploaded to YouTube on Sep 4, 2007 Ethnomusicologists and organologists (people who study musical instruments) use very precise technical definitions. In the scheme of Hornbostel-Sachs musical instrument classification, a drum is clearly a type of membranophone. There is no debate about this. Unlike a drum, the Hang does not fit so perfectly into a Hornbostel-Sachs classification. The Hang is a melodic percussion instrument. Its primary sound is produced by vibrating tone fields described as acoustic membranes . The Hang also vibrates as a whole to produce sound on a secondary, but important, level. The instrument also acts as a Helmholtz resonator. When considering the fundamental acoustic properties, the tone field falls somewhere between a membranophone (same category as a drum) and a idiophone (same category as a gong). Is it a membranophone , an idiophone or does it need a new scientific category? Debates continue, as the complexity of the instrument seems to elude conventional categories. For the everyday person it is sufficient to say the Hang is not a drum. For the technical minded, scientifically speaking person–who is interested in the physics of sound production–the Hang might be more of a membranophone or more of an idiophone . Opinions vary. The Hang is not a drum in the common-sense use of the word. The Hang obviously has a lineage to the steelpan. History, Development and Tuning of the Hang states, “It came out of twenty-five years of manufacturing the steelpan and research on its technology and acoustics.” Many people in the USA refer to the steelpan as a steel drum. Naturally, some people get the idea that the term hang drum is derived from the term steel drum. The fallacy revels itself in two ways. First is that the steelpan is not technically or scientifically considered a drum. According to Anthony Achong, Professor at the University of the West Indies (Trinidad), the steelpan is not a membranophone nor is it a drum. Professor Achong is one of the few people that have published scientific studies about the steelpan. “The steelpan is a melodic percussion instrument, consisting of a plexus of similarly prepared shallow shells, which form the notes of the instrument, when properly tuned and excited by stick impact, produce in a dynamic way, a number of interacting or non-interacting mode-localized vibrators. The notes operate as Mechanical Parametric Oscillators (MPOs). The steelpan is certainly not a drum. The notes are vibrating shells, not membrane vibrators. The tonal structure of a note and its frequency or position on the musical scale depend on its form (geometry), note size, thickness of the material, the elastic and material properties of the steel, in-plane stresses, temperature, the boundary conditions, the closeness to harmonicity of its normal modes and the delivery of the stick impact.” (The Theory of the Steelpan. In Anthony Achong (ed.): Proceedings of the International Conference on the Science and Technology of the Steelpan. Vol. 1, St. Augustin, Trinidad 2002, page 1). Second, the steelpan is sometimes called a steel drum because it was originally made from steel container drums (barrels). Hence, the term steel drum. The Hang was never made from container drums . Steelpans were made from steel drums like this one. A Handpan is not a Hang drum Since PANArt ’s Hang was a new invention, a generic term for it like “guitar” or “flute” was not established. As other makers began producing Hang-like instruments, the necessity of a generic term became apparent. It was at this time PANArt registered a trademark for the name Hang in order to prevent it from becoming the generic term for these new musical instruments. Kyle Cox of Pantheon Steel first used the term Handpan in 2007. Since then it has become a generic term used for musical instruments that resemble the Hang—especially in English speaking regions. When considering generic terms for Hang-like instruments, there does not seem to be a better or more popular name than Handpan . Still, people who are new to Handpans will frequently call any Hang-like instrument a hang drum. In this case, the term hang drum is a misnomer for musical instruments that resemble a Hang. [An in depth discussion of generic terms for Hang and Hang like instruments is beyond the scope of this article] Hang Drum is a Misnomer After reading this article you can understand why many believe “hang drum” should not be used as a generic term for Hang and Hang-like instruments. Hang drum is a misnomer Professionals in the genre mostly avoid the term The instrument is not a “drum” in the common-sense use of the word and technically it is difficult to classify For many people, “drum” implies a heavy-handed playing technique which can damage Handpans Hang is a trademark of PANArt Better alternatives exist.	i don't know
What modern-day publishing corporation, owner of Penguin books, built the Blackwall Tunnel (under the River Thames in London)?	Pearson plc -- Company History Incorporated: 1897 as S Pearson & Son Ltd. Employees: 27,000 Sales: £3.87 billion ($5.7 billion) (2000) Stock Exchanges: London New York Ticker Symbol: PSO NAIC: 51111 Newspaper Publishers; 51112 Periodical Publishers; 51113 Book Publishers Company Perspectives: We have a simple strategy that we all understand and believe in--we will steadily increase value for Pearson's shareholders. We want to make outstanding returns for our shareholders by creating, owning, applying, and exploiting intellectual property and we want to do this in a way that is brave, imaginative, and decent. Key Dates: 1844: Samuel Pearson becomes an associate partner in a building and contracting firm. 1910: The Aguila Oil Company Ltd. is created to oversee most of Pearson's oil interests. 1919: Whitehall Petroleum Corporation Ltd. is formed to take over Pearson's oil interests; Whitehall Trust is created as a finance and issuing house. 1957: Pearson acquires an interest in Financial News Ltd. 1969: The company goes public. 1979: A controlling interest in Camco Inc. is purchased. 1984: The company's name is changed to Pearson plc. 1985: Subsidiary Penguin Publishing Co. Ltd. acquires Viking of the U.S. and the Michael Joseph and Hamish publishing houses. 1987: U.S.-based publisher Addison Wesley is purchased. 1988: The firm buys Les Echos Group. 1989: Pearson begins divesting its oil businesses. 1993: The company begins to focus on its media businesses related to information, education, and entertainment. 1994: Software Toolworks is purchased and renamed Mindscape. 1996: HarperCollins Educational, Twenty-First Century Business Publications, and Putnam Berkeley are acquired; Westminster Press is sold. 1998: Pearson acquires Simon & Schuster's education, reference, and business and professional publishing division. 2002: Pearson sells its 22 percent stake in RTL Group to Bertelsmann AG. Company History: Since the mid-1990s, Pearson plc has transformed itself from a industrial holding company with a large and sometimes confusing group of interests to the world's largest publisher of educational materials with three major business groups. Pearson Education provides textbooks, learning tools, and testing programs to over 100 million people. The Penguin Group publishes both fiction and non-fiction under the imprints Allen Lane, Avery, Berkley Books, Dutton, Hamish Hamilton, Michael Joseph, Plume, Putnam, Riverhead, and Viking. The Financial Times Group publishes the Financial Times newspaper, Les Echos in France, Expansion in Spain, and a host of personal finance magazines, including Investors Chronicle. The restructuring, led by CEO Majorie Scardino and chairman Dennis Stevenson, proved successful as the company's revenues doubled from 1996 to 2000 while its operating profit tripled. Early Growth As a Building and Contracting Firm In its early years, the business was dominated by Weetman Dickinson Pearson, and later First Viscount Cowdray, who transformed it into an international contracting concern, which he subsequently converted to an investment trust-type operation. Pearson's roots can be traced to Weetman's grandfather, Samuel Pearson, who in 1844 became an associate partner in a Huddersfield-based building and contracting firm. In 1856, his eldest son, George, entered the business, which became known as S Pearson & Son, "sanitary tube and brickmakers and contractors for local public works in and around Bradford." Contracts undertaken at this time were locally based and were for railway companies and, more frequently, for the provision of water supply, drainage, and sewerage facilities to expanding industrial cities. The business developed rapidly, moving its head office in 1857 to nearby Bradford, Yorkshire, and expanding its associated brick-making, glazed tile, and sanitary pipe activities. In 1873, Weetman Pearson entered the business and received a share in its ownership on the retirement of Samuel in 1879. Pearson, increasingly under the direction of Weetman, began to make a quick metamorphosis into an internationally based concern. In the late 1870s, contracts outside the north of England were undertaken for the first time, and the head office was moved to London in 1884. Five years later projects were in progress as far afield as Egypt, the United States, Canada, and Mexico with port works, railway construction and tunneling, and water supply and drainage predominating. Between 1884 and 1914 some 67 projects, with a total value of almost £43 million, were undertaken. Of these, 36--valued at £16.5 million or 38 percent of the total--were located outside Great Britain and Ireland; with 10 percent in the United States and Canada; 45.5 percent in Central and South America; and 7 percent in Egypt, Spain, China, Malta, and Bermuda. The British government was a major client, as were municipalities, railway and harbor companies, and water utilities. Contracts of particular note included the Admiralty Harbour at Dover; the Blackwall Tunnel under the River Thames in London; the East River Railway Tunnels, New York, for which a U.S. subsidiary, S Pearson & Son Inc., was formed to carry out the work; Malta Dry Docks and Breakwaters; and Halifax Dry Dock in Canada. However, Mexico was the country where Pearson made its greatest mark, to the extent that Weetman Pearson, by now a member of Parliament, was dubbed in the House of Commons and elsewhere as the "Member for Mexico." The first contract for the Mexican government, which ran from 1890 to 1896, was for the construction of the Mexican Grand Canal to drain Mexico City and its surrounding area. A succession of other government-owned or sponsored projects followed--the £3 million conversion of Vera Cruz harbor into a modern seaport; the £2.5 million reconstruction of the Tehuantepec Railway and its associated terminal ports, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans; and the Salina Cruz harbor and docks, at £3.3 million. Expansion Into Oil and Electric Power: Early 1900s A growing confidence between Mexican dictator Porfirio Díaz and Weetman Pearson consolidated Pearson's Mexican interests. Under the Tehuantepec Railway contract, Pearson built the facilities at cost, provided part of the capital, and then managed the railway and ports, taking part of the profits as remuneration. This entry into the mainstream of Mexican business soon led to other interests, most importantly oil. In 1901, Pearson began to acquire oil-bearing land and by 1906 owned 600,000 acres and had royalty leases over about another 250,000. Oil refining began, and in 1908 Pearson entered the Mexican oil retail trade in direct competition with Walter Pierce Oil Company, mostly owned by Standard Oil Company, resulting in severe price competition. However, it was not until 1910 that the business was transformed into an international oil concern with the discovery of the Potrero de Llano oil field. The Aguila (Mexican Eagle) Oil Company Ltd. was formed to take over most of Pearson's oil interests and make a public issue of securities. In 1912, as a means of extending this business, the Eagle Oil Transport Company Ltd. and the Anglo Mexican Petroleum Company Ltd. were formed to focus on international distribution and sales. Some £12 million of Pearson capital had by now been committed to Mexican oil. During World War I, an immense trade was done in supplying the British government. In 1919, the Royal Dutch group acquired a large shareholding in the Aguila and took over management control, although for many years Pearson continued to own a large part of the company. In 1919, Whitehall Petroleum Corporation Ltd. was formed to take over Pearson's oil interests and prospect--mostly unsuccessfully--for oil worldwide. Its most notable action was the establishment of the Amerada Corporation, a major U.S. oil company, in 1919. Another feature of Pearson's diversification after 1900 was the generation, supply, and application of electric power in Latin America. This began when Díaz invited Weetman Pearson to electrify and then manage the tramway system--later extended to electricity supply generally--in Vera Cruz, a service which was carried into effect by the Vera Cruz Electric Light, Power, and Traction Company Ltd. Soon Pearson developed similar schemes elsewhere in Mexico. After World War I, these developments were extended outside Mexico, when undertakings in Chile were acquired. The Chilean interests were subsequently modernized and managed by Pearson's Cia. Chilena de Electricidad. All these electrical interests were consolidated into Whitehall Electric Investments Ltd. in 1922. In 1897, Pearson, which was then reckoned to be the world's leading contractor, was converted into a limited company with an issued share capital of £1 million, all of which was owned by the Pearson family or by non-family directors. In 1907, Whitehall Securities Ltd. was formed to take over all of Pearson's non-contracting activities, while in 1919, S Pearson & Son (Contracting Department) Ltd. took over the firm's contracting interests. S Pearson & Son Ltd. became the group's holding company. Postwar Expansion During World War I, the contracting company was preoccupied with military contracts, of which the huge munitions plant at Gretna Green in Scotland--worth £9.2 million--was the largest. However, in the late 1920s the construction business was closed down, not sold, as a going concern apparently as a result of family whim. By now, however, Pearson had diversified well beyond the supplying of oil and electricity. In 1908, Weetman Pearson was a member of a large syndicate which acquired the London evening newspaper The Westminster Gazette. After the war, he acquired total control of the newspaper, converted it into a morning daily, and began to build around it a group of provincial newspapers. In 1919, the company established Whitehall Trust Ltd. as a finance and issuing house, and at about the same time its principal asset, a substantial interest in Lazard Brothers & Company, the London merchant bank, was acquired. A partnership was formed with Dorman Long & Company Ltd. to develop a coal mining and iron and steel industry in Kent, although this project was not to figure prominently in Pearson's affairs, When Lord Cowdray died in 1927, he had completely reshaped his family's business. He was succeeded as chairman by his second son, Clive, while his eldest son, Harold, played a significant part in the development of Westminster Press Ltd. The management philosophy was to develop and extend the core businesses through local management. In 1929, the electricity businesses in Mexico and Chile were sold, but similar electricity undertakings were developed in southwest England. The company played a substantial role in establishing British Airways Ltd.--not the state-owned business that came to be known as British Airways PLC--in 1935. The most significant result of World War II was the purchase of strategic Pearson assets by the British government. These included the airline interests but, much more significantly, the interest in the Amerada Petroleum Corporation, which was compulsorily acquired in 1941. The year 1948 saw the nationalization of the electricity undertakings in the west of England. In the 1950s, the general strategy of Pearson, which from 1954 was under the chairmanship of the Third Lord Cowdray, was to concentrate on well-defined sectors and within them build up specialist niche businesses producing quality products, with much decision-making devolved to local management. This was to be a successful and enduring philosophy. The five legs on which the business now stood were financial services, publishing, oil, manufacturing, and investment trusts. Acquisitions and Divestitures: 1950s-80s In 1945, the surviving oil interests were largely confined to oil and gas properties owned by Rycade Corporation of the United States. In the 1950s, the activities of this company were extended, while particularly successful expansion also occurred in western Canada through Whitehall Canadian Oils Ltd. In addition, a small interest in Amerada was reacquired. Publishing was strengthened in 1957 when a substantial interest was taken in Financial News Ltd., which in turn owned a large interest in the Financial Times and a small range of quality periodicals. In 1960, the last of the overseas electricity utilities was disposed of when the business of Athens Piraeus Electricity Company, which had operated under a concession granted in 1925, was sold to the Greek state, although a smaller trolley bus operation in Athens was retained until about 1970. In manufacturing industry, a substantial interest in Acton Bolt Ltd., makers of nuts and bolts, was sold to GKN Ltd. in 1959, and another in Saunders-Roe Ltd., builder of helicopters, was sold to Westland Aircraft Company Ltd. in 1959. In 1969, for tax and fiscal reasons, the business was converted into a quoted company and 20 percent of the equity was sold to the public. The company was then valued at £20 million, and profits before tax, attributable to shareholders, totaled almost £7 million. About 25 percent of profits came from financial services which largely consisted of Lazard Brothers & Co. Ltd., which was now almost fully owned by Pearson and Whitehall Securities Corporation, which provided services to the group. An additional 30 percent of profits were generated from a 51 percent holding in the publicly quoted S Pearson Publishers Ltd., owner of the Financial Times; Westminster Press Ltd., controller of about 60 local and provincial newspapers; and the Longman Group Ltd., a general publishing house. Oil interests in North America, which were reorganized at the end of the 1960s, provided about 20 percent of profits. Manufacturing, where the chief asset was a 59 percent interest in Standard Industrial Group Ltd., another publicly quoted company, included interests in pottery, glass, engineering, and warehousing. This contributed about 7 percent of profits. Finally, 15 percent of profits were contributed by investment trusts. In the 1970s, the North American interests of Pearson were mostly represented by the holding in Ashland Oil, held by Midhurst Corporation. This holding was slowly reduced and the proceeds used to acquire other North American interests, especially in oil exploration and production services, as part of an effort to extend Pearson's interests outside the United Kingdom and into North America. The most significant move was the acquisition of Camco Inc., supplier of services and equipment to the oil industry on a worldwide basis, in which a controlling interest had been purchased by 1979. This business was subsequently built up by acquisition. Lignum Oil Co. and Hillin Oil, involved in the acquisition and development of oil producing properties, were also acquired, but were sold in 1989 as part of a divestment of oil exploration activities which also included the sale of Whitehall Petroleum. Financial services remained grouped around the merchant bank of Lazard Brothers in which Pearson, in 1990, had a 50 percent interest, reduced from 79 percent. This decrease followed an ownership reorganization in 1984 when, as an early response to increasing internationalization of the securities industry, Lazard of London and two other Lazard houses, in Paris and New York, became more closely linked. An exchange of ownership interests resulted in Pearson having a 10 percent profit interest in both these houses. Notwithstanding the acquisition in 1976 of the unowned part of Embankment Trust Ltd., investment trust and other portfolio-type investments were decreased in order to fund acquisitions. At time, Pearson's interests in manufacturing were concentrated in the Doulton fine china business, which emerged as a world leader with a strong overseas distribution network. The engineering interests were strengthened in 1980 by the acquisition of the high technology businesses of Fairey Industries Ltd., and their merging with Pearson's other engineering interests in 1982. However, these relatively minor activities were disposed of in 1986 as part of group policy to focus more on core activities. Similarly, involvement in the manufacture of specialist glass, which had expanded rapidly in the 1970s, was terminated in 1982 with the sale of Doulton Glass Industries Ltd. The minority interest in Pearson Longman Ltd. was acquired in 1982. Publishing, the division of Pearson with the highest proportion of profits, embraced financial publications that included not just the Financial Times--the world's leading financial newspaper--but also a host of important financial periodicals, including The Economist, in which Pearson had a 50 percent interest, and the Investor's Chronicle, as well as on-line electronic publications. Longman by acquisition and organic expansion, emerged as a major publisher of professional, educational, medical, and general reference publications. Penguin also held a strong international position in publishing both paper- and hard-back fiction and expanded its operations through the acquisition, among others, of Viking of the United States and the Michael Joseph and Hamish Hamilton publishing houses in 1985. Westminster Press expanded into newspapers distributed free of charge and disposed of several newspapers paid for by readers, as it concentrated resources in areas where it was a clear market leader. In 1987, the acquisition of Addison Wesley of the United States, with a strong schools and college list, confirmed Pearson as a major international publishing group. The global holdings increased in 1988 by a share swap with Elsevier, a leading Dutch publishing company, and through the acquisition of the French Les Echos Group. The swap with Elsevier was undone in 1991, when the two companies were unable to devise merger terms acceptable to all parties. One new interest, since the mid-1980s linked to the publishing division, was the expansion into daytime family entertainment. Although Pearson had owned Chessington Zoo for many years, this area was fully established through the acquisition of Madame Tussauds in 1978. Since then a number of acquisitions were made and developed, virtually all U.K. based. Further developments in this general sector included the acquisition of a 25 percent holding in Yorkshire Television Ltd. in 1981, and a less than successful involvement, which was terminated, in filmmaking. It also gained a 16 percent share in BSkyB, the first satellite television service in the United Kingdom, in 1990. While Pearson's shares became much more widely held, the Pearson family continued to hold a large--but not controlling--share of the equity in the late 1980s. The Third Lord Cowdray retired from the chairmanship in 1977 and was succeeded by Lord Gibson and then by Lord Blakenham in 1983, both of whom were family members. The company's name was changed to Pearson plc in 1984, and by the early 1990s, the company could claim to be one of the most successful British-based companies. Focus on Media-Related Businesses: 1990s and Beyond Indeed, Pearson had become quite large with considerable holdings spread across many industries. In an attempt to increase profits, the company began its migration towards focusing solely on its media businesses related to information, education, and entertainment. For the remaining years of the 1990s, Pearson accelerated its acquisition and divestiture activity to mold itself into a publishing industry giant. Pearson's purchases included Extel Financial Ltd. for £74 million in 1993, Thames Television, and Software Toolworks--renamed Mindscape--for £312 million in 1994. The company also acquired the Register Group Ltd. and Future Publishing Ltd. that year, along with Interactive Data Corporation in 1995. The firm beefed up its entertainment holdings by purchasing stakes in several television concerns along with Grundy Worldwide Ltd. and ACI. At the same time, the company sold off its interest in Camco International Inc., Yorkshire Tyne-Tees TV, its 9.75 percent direct holding in BSkyB for £560 million, and Westminster Press. Pearson added to its publishing arsenal in 1996 by acquiring HarperCollins Educational, Twenty-First Century Business Publications, and Putnam Berkeley, which was renamed Penguin Putnam Inc. The most dramatic changes however, came in 1997 with the appointment of Majorie Scardino as CEO. The first woman to lead a major British concern, Scardino immediately set plans in motion to increase revenue growth and bolster the firm's reputation in the media industry. She was joined by Lord Dennis Stevenson, the company's first non-family chairman, who had replaced Blakenham earlier in the year. In an attempt to boost U.S. sales of its Financial Times newspaper, Pearson began heavily investing in advertising and printing, hoping to capitalize on the paper's global business coverage--coverage that its competitors lacked. The duo also stepped up the pace of the firm's restructuring program, and divested its Troll, TVB, and Churchill Livingstone holdings in 1997. The following year its sold the famed Tussauds Group, Capitol Publishing, Future Publishing, Mindscape, and its Law and Tax publishing concerns. The company also made several key purchases, including All American Communications Inc., Resource Data International, and several newspaper concerns. The most significant acquisition however, was that of Simon & Schuster's education, reference, and business publishing arm for $4.6 billion. The deal secured Pearson's position as the world's largest educational publisher. In 1999, the company continued to trim its portfolio with the sale of its Lazard holdings for £410 million. It also sold its Macmillan Library and General reference businesses, Jossey-Bass, and various other non-core holdings. It also purchased E Source Inc. and Thomson Financial Securities Management. Pearson entered the new millennium looking much different then it had just five years earlier. Scardino's strategy of streamlining company operations appeared to be paying off as revenues had doubled since 1996 and were climbing to the £4 billion mark. Operating profit had also tripled during that time period to £686 million. The company continued to make strategic purchases to complement its media holdings. In 2000, National Computer Systems Inc. was acquired for $2.5 billion and merged into its Pearson Education unit. Dorling Kindersley plc was also purchased and its operations were folded into The Penguin Group. Pearson then combined its asset valuation business with Data Broadcasting Inc. In July 2000, the company merged its television holdings with CLT-Ufa to form the RTL Group S.A. It made its final exit from television however, when it sold its 22 percent stake in RTL to Bertelsmann AG in 2002. By now, the company stood as a global media company with its businesses concentrated on education, business information, and consumer publishing. While Pearson had made great strides in becoming a leading media concern, the company faced economic challenges. During 2001, the firm was forced to cut its Internet spending related to the Financial Times Web site. The Penguin Group was also hit by an industry wide drop-off in backlist sales. The Latin American market weakened and advertising sales in company's publications fell dramatically. As such, profits in the Financial Times Group fell by nearly 40 percent in 2001. As economic hard times continued, Pearson cut costs and revised its business strategies in order to combat the financial downturn. Nevertheless, Scardino remained optimistic about the company's future. Having accomplished what she set out to do, the CEO held firm to her belief that Pearson would remain a leader in the publishing industry. Principal Subsidiaries: Addison-Wesley Longman Inc. (U.S.); Addison Wesley Educational Publishers Inc. (U.S.); Pearson Education Ltd.; Prentice Hall Inc. (U.S.); NCS Pearson Inc. (U.S.); Financial Times Group Ltd.; Financial Times Business Ltd.; Data Broadcasting Inc. (U.S.; 60%); Les Echos SA (France); Recoletos Compania Editorial SA (Spain; 78.97%); Penguin Putnam Inc. (U.S.); The Penguin Publishing Co. Ltd.; Penguin Books Australia Ltd.; Doring Kindersley Holdings Ltd. Principal Operating Units: Pearson Education; The Penguin Group; The Financial Times Group. Principal Competitors: Dow Jones & Company Inc.; The News Corporation Ltd.; Vivendi Universal Publishing. Further Reading: Colby, Laura, "Yankee Expansionist Builds British Empire," Fortune, March 16, 1998, p. 102. Jeffrey, Don, "All American Acquired by Pearson," Billboard, October 11, 1997, p. 96. Milliot, Jim, "Acquisitions Boost Pearson Book Sales to $1.5 Billion," Publishers Weekly, April 28, 1997, p. 11. Morais, Richard C., "The U.S. Is a Very Noisy Place," Forbes, June 16, 1997, p. 54. "Pearson Is Slashing Its Spending On the Financial Times Web Site," Marketing, March 15, 2001, p. 2. "Pearson Plc Issues Trading Update," Business Wire, December 18, 2001. Spender, J.A., Weetman Pearson. First Viscount Cowdray, London: Cassell & Co. Ltd., 1930. "Weetman Dickson Pearson. 1st Viscount Cowdray," Dictionary of Business Biography: A Biographical Dictionary of Business Leaders Active in Britain in the Period, 1860-1980, Vol. IV, edited by David Jeremy, London: Butterworth & Co. Ltd., 1985. Young, Desmond, Member for Mexico. A Biography of Weetman Pearson, First Viscount Cowdray, London: Cassell & Co., Ltd., 1966. Source: International Directory of Company Histories, Vol. 46. St. James Press, 2002.	Pearson
What vague unit of time is also the same as torque in physics, being a rotational force?	Chapter 12 - An Englishman's Favourite bits of England An Englishman's Favourite bits of England 3) British Cheques - There History 4) List of Early English Shopping Mall - 1568 5) Brief History of British Hallmarks British Shopping and It's history England is one of the oldest European countries ( 1500 years old ) and London itself was founded by the Romans in 53 AD. The history of British Retailers is what we British are famous for. The London livery companies could be called the first retail conglomerates in the world which originally started in London as Craft Guilds. Below is some of the history of british shops and their beginning: Markets and Fairs Although one might think that shops with fixed locations are a relatively recent phenomenon, a stroll down the excavated streets of Roman VINDOLANDA (89 AD) near Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland shows that even then the inhabitants were served by several stores. Obviously fairs and markets were major ways that people in rural areas could get hold of a wide range of merchandise. They were obviously important to towns, many of which date their true importance to the time when they were awarded a royal charter to hold regular markets and fairs. Places that did not get a royal charter presumably stayed as villages. Around 2,000 new markets were established between 1200 and 1349. Tudor and Stuart England was served by 760 markets. Market halls continue to exist in some quaint old towns like Thaxted, Ledbury, and Chipping Campden. In the 18th and 19th centuries, many cities and towns spent considerable sums on purpose-built market halls, partly for improve health and hygiene and partly to use retail to make the area more prosperous (sounds familiar?). One of the main streets in most ancient towns and cities is Market Street or Market Place where trading took place. Places called Butter Cross or Horse Fair provided specialist markets but may also have been locations for general purpose retail markets. Static Shops There is evidence of shops from the twelfth century, although only a few survive because they were probably constructed using timber. The most important locations would have been surrounding the marketplace, many of these being converted to shops. It is argued that what is known as the Jew's House, Steep Hill, Lincoln, was originally a set of shops dating from 1160. From the thirteenth century, towns were thronged with shops. Cheapside in London had around 400 shops in 1300, Canterbury had 200 in 1234 and Chester had 270 by 1300. Specialist areas for the sale of meat (Butcher's Row or in Nottingham, Fletchergate) may have had a combination of sales from barrows and stalls and from shops. In 1209, King John licensed the building of houses and shops on London Bridge, which became regarded as a safe place to shop, although hopeless as a thoroughfare. A fairly narrow range of items would normally be sold by the retailer, some of which might be made in the store or a nearby workshop, and others processed by the retailer. A jeweller, baker or glove maker would be of the first kind; a grocer, butcher or dairyman would buy goods in bulk, preserve them, divide the wholesale bulk into small proportions for the final consumer. They were not simply reselling items bought elsewhere. Selds were stores, rooms or workshops used by several different retailers in the same line of business. St Martin's Seld in Soper (Shopkeeper) Lane, Cheapside, housed 21 small plots and 30 chests in 1250, specialising in gloves and leather goods. Rows of shops and lanes of shops erected speculatively by third-parties date from the 13th century. These shops were mainly lock-ups, although 22 shops built in Church Street Tewkesbury in 1450 had accommodation and storage. London Livery Guilds At present there are 108 guilds covering most crafts and professions. The oldest guild is the Bakers Company Guild which started in 1155 AD. 'Guild' derives from the Saxon word for payment, since membership of these fraternities was, and still is, paid for. The word 'livery' refers to uniform clothing as means of identification, hence the term of freemen being "clothed in livery" when they become liverymen of their Company. Actuaries 1979 Air Pilots & Air Navigators 1929 Apothecaries 1617 Bakers 1155 ( The Oldest Livery Company - See Link Above ) Barbers 1308 Glaziers & Painters of Glass 1637 Glovers 1349 Gold & Silver Wyre Drawers 1693 Goldsmiths 1327 Makers of Playing Cards 1628 Management Consultants 2004 Tin Plate Workers alias Wire Workers 1670 Tobacco Pipe-Makers & Tobacco Blenders 1960 Turners 1604 Parish Clerks British Cheques – History In everyday life here in England in 2010 we use cheques to pay all our bills. I thought it would be interesting to write the History of British Cheques. I remember in the early 1980's having cheques that had pictures – called Pictorial Cheques. I hope one day british banks or building socities will re-introduce Pictorial cheques. By the 17th century, bills of exchange were being used for domestic payments in England. Cheques, a type of bill of exchange, then began to evolve. They were initially known as ‘drawn notes’ as they enabled a customer to draw on the funds they held on account with their banker and required immediate payment. These were hand written and one of the earliest known still to be in existence was drawn on Messrs Morris and Clayton, scriveners and bankers based in the City of London and dated 16 February 1659. In 1717 the Bank of England pioneered the first use of a pre-printed form. These forms were printed on ‘cheque’ paper to prevent fraud and customers had to attend in person and obtain a numbered form from the cashier. Once written the cheque would have to be brought back to the bank for settlement. Up until around 1770 an informal exchange of cheques took place between London Banks. Clerks of each bank visited all of the other banks to exchange cheques, whilst keeping a tally of balances between them until they settled with each other. Daily cheque clearings began around 1770 when the bank clerks met at the Five Bells, a tavern in Lombard Street in the City of London, to exchange all their cheques in one place and settle the balances in cash. In 1811 the Commercial Bank of Scotland is thought to have been the first bank to personalise its customers cheques, by printing the name of the account holder vertically along the left-hand edge. In 1830 the Bank of England introduced books of 50, 100 or 200 forms and counterparts, bound or stitched. These cheque books became a common format for the distribution of cheques to bank customers. In the late 1800s a number of countries formalised laws around cheques. The UK passing the Bills of Exchange act in 1882 which covered cheques. In 1931 an attempt was made to simplify the international use of cheques with the Geneva Convention on the unification of the law relating to cheques. Many European and South American states as well as Japan joined the convention. However all the members of the Common Law including the United States and the members of The Commonwealth did not participate. In 1959 a standard for machine readable characters (MRC) was agreed and patented in the United States for use with cheques. This opened the way for the first automated reader/sorting machines for clearing cheques. The following years saw a dramatic change in the way that cheques were handled and processed as automation increased. Cheque volumes continued to grow, and in the late 20th century cheques became the most popular non cash method for making payments, with billions of them processed each year. Most countries saw cheque volumes peak in the late 1980s or early 1990s. At that time electronic payment methods started to become popular and as a result cheque usage started to decline. In 1969 cheque guarantee cards were introduced in some countries, this allowed a retailer to confirm that a cheque would be honoured when they were used to pay at point of sale. This was done by having the drawer sign the cheque in front of the retailer so it could be compared to the signature on the card and them writing the cheque guarantee card number of the back of the cheque. These were generally phased out and replaced by debit cards starting in the mid 1990s. List of Early English Shopping Mall - 1568 The New Exchange or Burs ewas a wondrous enclosed shopping mall of 30 stores aimed at the rich that opened in 1609. Exotic luxury items were imported from all over the world, noise was kept to a minimum and beggars and vagrants were excluded. The King of England was present at its formal opening, where an entertainment by the dramatist Ben Johnson was put on that emphasised the high-quality and authenticity of its merchandise compared to the trash and counterfeits sold by its competitors (Merritt, 2002). This was not the first shopping mall, but was certainly the most extravagant. The Royal Exchange shopping gallery had been built in 1568 and reopened after the fire of London in 1671. Other significant shopping galleries included Westminster Hall, the New Exchange, and the Exeter Exchange. 1568 The Royal Exchange shopping gallery was opened. 1609 The New Exchange opened, funded by the powerful Cecil family. It justified itself by being as much an art gallery as retail provision. 1707 Mason and William Fortnum started Fortnum and Masons grocery store in Piccadilly. 1761 The Fenwick Weavers Society, a professional association aimed at improving weaving standards amongst villagers, buys a sack of oatmeal and sells the contents to its members at low cost, starting the very earliest known consumers' co-operative. 1761 Nottingham Cheese Riot as women customers take over the cheese market forcing traders to sell at lower prices, rolling cheeses of those who would not down the hill. 1774 Josiah Wedgwood's London retail operations are moved to Portland House, Soho, to provide extensive well-lit showrooms full of his pottery and one of the earliest documented galleries in a retail store. It included a self-selection department of Manufacturer's Seconds. Wedgwood was a major innovator in pottery manufacturing and logistics, but also in retail. But there were probably several other stores at the time that were of equal quality. 1789/91 John Lackington opens his Temple of the Muses, massive retail premises that were the centre of Lackington's low-cost bookselling and reprinting operation, an 'experience' store where people could peruse the stock. There were also two rooms to be used for relaxation. Like several other traders at the time, this marketing genius also printed his own currency to cope with the national shortage of small change. 1796 Birmingham Flour and Bread Company set up as a consumer Co-op on a large scale and using the best technology supported by the wealthy (such as Matthew Boulton, steam engine and 'novelty' manufacturer) and the lower classes to provide honest bread at a low price in a time of dearth. There were other bread companies set up in elsewhere in England. 1812Swan & Edgar, originally market traders, open their first store at 10 Piccadilly that becomes one of the earliest department stores. 1816Soho Bazaar, the first true bazaar, is opened by John Trotter. Counters topped with mahogany were laid throughout the store and rented on a daily basis to 200 female traders. Because of salacious rumours that retail merchandise was not the only product for sale, rules were made that dress must be severe and absolutely no feathers can be worn in the hair. 1816Sheerness Economical Co-operative Society founded by dockers as an early consumer Co-op, providing wheaten bread and flour and butcher's meat. It continued till 1970, when it joined Royal Arsenal Co-op. 1817 The first English glass-roofed arcade, the Royal Opera Arcade based on the French model, was opened.Burlington Arcade was opened in 1818. 1831Kendall Milne department store or Bazaar opened in Manchester, with free entry, price-marked goods, and fixed prices - ideas supposedly invented by Aristide Boucicaut's Bon Marche in 1852. 1841Bainbridge's of Newcastle, then trading as Albert House, had become a department store with 26 different categories after trading for ten years. In 1841 the store was run on a system of low profit margins, the abolition of price bargaining and encouraging free entry. 1844 A group of artisans establish a small profit-sharing Co-operative store in Rochdale, The Rochdale Pioneers Society. This was not, it should be noted, the first Co-op, but became the template for future Co-operative retail stores: open membership, member control, political and religious neutrality, limitation on the rewards for capital, profit sharing in relation to trade done with the society, cash payments only and the promotion of education. 1848 W H Smith, already a wholesale newsagent and stationers, and retail newsagent and booksellers, won the contract to run bookstalls at LNWR railway stations. They were distributing newspapers by rail and soon had bookshops at most railway stations. 1849 Charles Henry Harrod started his tea merchant shop in Knightsbridge, later becoming the Harrodsdepartment store. 1849 John Boot started selling herbal remedies in a store in Goose Gate, Nottingham. Under his son, Jesse, this developed from 1870 into Boots Cash Chemists a multiple chain with extensive manufacturing facilities. 1858 London Crystal Palace Bazaar, opened in Oxford Street, lit by natural light by day and gas by night, was one of the first stores to have ladies' lavatories and a separate refreshment room for ladies.Ladies' lavatories? That's not really a noteworthy innovation, you may say, and it's a bit vulgar to mention. But when you think that one-half of the population when going out shopping could normally not go to the lavatory before their return home, imagine the effect of this on how long you go shopping and how far you shop. Consider the effect on consumer footfall of knowing that needy customers would always have the London Crystal Palace Bazaar at the half-way point in every shopping expedition. Simply magic! 1863 North of England Co-operative Agency and Depot Society founded by 300 Co-operative societies to act as a buyer and wholesaler, soon changing its name to the Co-operative Wholesale Society. 1864 John Hepworth & Son's was started in Leeds as a tailor selling gents suiting and had 107 shops by 1890. 1864 The first ABC Tea Shop opened by the Aerated Bread Company, a pioneer of good wholesome bread based on a patented dough-making process. The ABC tea shops were much loved by George Bernard Shaw though hated by Orwell as representing industrialised catering. The ABC tea shops and ABC branches grew to a maximum of 250 in 1923. 1869 John James Sainsbury, dairyman, founded what would become the J. Sainsbury grocery and dairy chain with his first shop at 173 Drury Lane Holborn, London. 1870 Kendall's started as an umbrella shop, later moving into rainwear and clothing. 1877 Lewis's, the Liverpool retailer that used marked fixed prices and welcomed customers to walk around, starts what is to become the first English chain of department stores by opening its first store outside Liverpool in Manchester. 1878 Hudson Kearly (later Viscount Devonport) and G A Tonge started theInternational Tea Stores to sell quality tea direct to the public. It became one of the largest general grocery chains, later a supermarket group (as International Stores), and was bought by BATs in 1972, ending up in the Dee Corporation. 1882 Glasgow's Colliseum department store is one of the first to install electric lighting. 1884 A Polish refugee, Michael Marks, starts trading in Leeds Market. His English is poor so 'Don't ask the price, it's a penny' makes for a lean operation and he soon takes sites in many markets in the North, trading as Marks Penny Bazaar. His first shop, opened in 1894 with help from Thos Spencer, became the Marks & Spencer chain. 1884 Lewis Tomalin opens the first Jaeger store, based on the principles of Prof Gustav, who advocated wearing natural clothing made from animal hair. 1888 Bon Marche in Brixton installs first overhead cash railway as being more secure than cash registers. 1886 First NCR Cash Registers installed in the UK to meet the vagaries of the currency system involving pounds, shillings and pence. 1898 Harrods installs first escalator in the UK (in this case, a moving belt). Staff were on hand with smelling salts in case escalator travellers became anxious when they arrived at the top. 1903 Montague Burton, a Lithuanian refugee who had once spent a happy day in Burton-on-Trent, opens his first tailoring store in Chesterfield, which later becomes the largest men's clothing retailer in the world. 1909 F W Woolworth opens his first UK Woolworth's store in Liverpool, with the slogan 'Nothing over 6d'. 1909 E Gordon Selfridge opens Selfridge's department store on American lines. He claimed to have introduced individual pricing on goods, open access (you didn't need to buy something), lavatories, and relaxation areas, but most were not novel. The way he put it together was novel. 1919 Jack Cohen started selling surplus groceries at markets in the East End. In 1924 the company gets its name Tesco, as a own-brand tea, and the first shop is opened in 1929 in Edgeware. 'Tesco' is 'T E Stephenson and Cohen'. Stephenson was the tea buyer. 1929 Lipton Tea Company (retail) merges with Home and Colonial, the child of the margarine trust wars, to form a multiple grocery group with more than 3,000 stores. It traded as Home & Colonial till 1961, when it became Allied Stores, owned by Unilever. 1942 London Co-operative Society (LCS), because of war-time staff shortages, sets up the first UK self-service store in Romford (176 sq feet) using reused cannibalised shop equipment. In 1948 LCS opened the first full self-service store in Upton Park, properly equipped and all merchandise sold by self service. 1950 Gateway Stores formed as the renamed J H Mills group of 12 family grocers. 1951 First UK supermarket (2,250 sq feet) with three checkout lanes opened by Express Dairies in Streatham Hill. Note that several London Coop self-service food stores were just as large but were not run on true supermarket lines. 1958 Green Shield Stamps launched by Richard Tompkins on American lines. In 1963 they was taken up by Tesco, for whom it was a major traffic builder. Green Shield suspended operations in 1983 and finally discontinued stamps in 1991. 1961 Morrisons which had started in 1899 as an egg and butter merchant in Bradford market, opened its first supermarket in Bradford in a 5,000 sq ft converted cinema with free parking. 1963 Richard Block and David Quayle set up their first B&Q hardware store in a disused cinema in Portsmouth. B&Q Stores was acquired by Woolworths in 1982 as the best of the up-and-coming chains. 1964 GEM opens the first UK superstore in Nottingham's sleepy suburb of West Bridgford. It was bought by a group of farmers trading as Associated Dairies in 1966, which, as ASDA, rolled out the concept more successfully than GEM had been able to. 1964 The first purpose-built indoor city shopping centre, The Bullring Centre, was opened in Birmingham costing £8 million. In 1964 it is a mix of outdoor market, indoor market (1250 stalls), an indoor centre with 140 stores (350,000 sq feet) and covered 23 acres. 1964 Designer Terence Conran opens his first Habitat store in Chelsea offering colourful well-designed products that encapsulated the potential of an exciting new non-dreary lifestyle. 1964 Barbara Hulaniski starts Biba as a mail order company. It opens its own store (and later she creates Bibaas London's first new department store since the war) mixing an extravagant combination of art nouveau and art deco styles with a rich colour palette. Couture for the masses, much loved by celebrities and evocative of that period. 1966 Barclaycard, the first UK credit card, introduced by Barclays Bank, but it takes time before it is accepted by most retailers. 1971 Bretton Centre, the first out of town shopping complex with sales area of 54,000 sq feet, was opened near Peterborough. 1973 Richard Tompkins changes Green Shield Stamps catalogue stores (where you redeem your stamps for products) to Argos, the catalogue retailer. 1976 First IBM 3653 computerised cash registers introduced with machine reading via a hand-held device at House of Fraser. 1979 Burton's, owner of Peter Robinson, Topshop, and Evans, buys Dorothy Perkins. It later sets up Principles,but spins off some parts of the company, becomes Arcadia and in 2002 is bought by Phillip Green. 1980 Five independent chemists and six small newsagents start using PCs (then called Micro-Computers or [wrongly] Microprocessors) to link their tills and run back office systems for inventory, customers, accounts and label printing. 1980 Credit cards accepted by most supermarket operators without a commission fee being payable by the customers. 1981 Key Markets unveils first UK flatbed laser-scanning grocery store. 1981 Hepworths buys Kendalls, opens the first Next store in 1982 and renames the company NEXT (in 1986). 1981 Tie Rack was opened by Roy Bishko on Oxford Street. It was one of several 'edited retailing' formats developed in that period. 1982 First planned retail park built in Aylesbury . 1983 The Dee Corporation brings together 70 Frank Dee stores, 100 Gateway Stores and goes on to buy Key Markets, International Stores, Lennons, Fine Fare, and Carrefour Hypermarkets (UK). It changed its name back to Gateway in 1988 and opened the first Somerfield in 1990. It was mad enough to buy Kwik-Save in 1998 and was taken over by The Co-operative in 2009. 1986 The Metro Centre, Europe's largest shopping centre, opened in Gateshead. It now has 342 shops and covers 1.8 million sq feet. 1989 The first Aldi hard-discount store opens in the UK. At the time this was seen as the company that would kill off British grocery retailers and their inefficient ways. 1990 Dave Dodd and Stephen Smith open the first Poundland store in Burton-on-Trent, the first one selling everything for £1 or less, becoming a £510 mn company after 20 years with 300+ stores. Other fixed-price stores have set up subsequently. 1993 Membership discount operator Costco opens in the UK, taking advantage of legislation that allows it to be controlled as a wholesaler rather than a retailer. This was another import that was going to smash UK retailing. I bought shares in Tesco. 1997 Amazon buys bookpages.co.uk, an online bookseller and launches Amazon UK in 1998. It soon became the largest UK bookseller. 1998 Boo.com is set up as one of the most technically advanced dot.com retailers, selling fashion. It managed to spend £125 mn ($188 mn) in a few months. The technology never worked properly and was too slow (in the pre-broadband era), administration was weak, there was a high rate of returns. It soon went famously bust. 1999 eBay launches in the UK, four years after it was started in the US. ebay.co.uk has 14 million users with more than 10 million items for sale at any one time. 2000 The dot.com collapse, the unwinding of heavy investment by institutions in a range of geeky companies big on promises and small on performance, happened quickly in January as investors realised that the valuations of dot.com retailers were excessive and spending on IT would fall once the millennium IT problems were over. 2005 Online retailing or ecommerce takes off in the UK as businesses and consumers get broadband, online market share in 2005 rises to 4% and yearly online growth is 25%+, specialist online retailers develop and classic retailers vamp up their websites to become multichannel. Brief History of UK Hallmarks Hallmarking is the world's first known instance of consumer protection law, in the UK it dates back to about 1300 AD. Date and Event 18 Carat Replaces 191/5 Carat as Standard Gold 1478 Lion Mark Introduced for Sterling Silver 1575 22 Carat Replaces 18 Carat as Standard Gold 1681 Britannia Mark Introduced for Silver 1701 Castle Mark Introduced for Exeter 1720 Hibernia Mark Introduced for Dublin 1759 Thistle Mark Introduced for Edinburgh 1773 18 Carat Reintroduced in Addition to 22 Carat 1819 Lion Rampant Mark Introduced for Glasgow 1842 Customs Act Requiring Foreign Goods to Have British Hallmark 1854 Carat Marks Compulsory on Gold 1932 1999 - 2000 Millennium Mark Used A typical set of antique British silver hallmarks showing; Standard Mark, City Mark, Date Letter, Duty Mark and Maker's Mark. The Standard mark indicates the purity of the silver. A - Sterling .925 B - Britannia .958, used exclusively 1697 - 1720, optional afterwards. C - Sterling .925 for Glasgow D - Sterling .925 for Edinburgh E - Sterling .925 for Dublin The date letter system was introduced in London in 1478 (elsewhere as the hallmarking system evolved). Its purpose was to establish when a piece was presented for assay or testing of the silver content. The mark letter changed annually in May, the cycles of date letters were usually in strings of 20 and each cycle was differentiated by a changing of the font, letter case and shield shape. In 1784 the duty mark was created to show that a tax on the item had been paid to the crown. The mark used was a profile portrait of the current reigning monarch's head. The use of this mark was abolished in 1890. The enforced use of the maker's mark was instituted in London in 1363. Its purpose was to prevent the forgery of leopard's head marks upon silver of debased content. Originally, makers' marks were pictograms, but by the beginning of the 17th Century it had become common practice to use the maker's initials. Please visit my Funny Animal Art Prints Collection @ http://www.fabprints.com My other website is called Directory of British Icons: http://fabprints.webs.com The Chinese call Britain 'The Island of Hero's' which I think sums up what we British are all about. We British are inquisitive and competitive and are always looking over the horizon to the next adventure and discovery. Copyright © 2011 - 2012 Paul Hussey. All Rights Reserved. Romans in 43 AD. As I have many generations of family from London I thought it would be of interest to write about its famous people and events. Sir Christopher Wren – London Icon My family tree has been traced back to the early Kings of England from the 7th. Century AD. This gives me an interest in English History which is great fun to research. As I am a direct descendent of Sir Christopher Wren, one of England greatest architect's, I thought it would be of interest to write about his life story and about his famous buildings. The greatest British architect of all time was born in East Knoyle, Wiltshire, in 1632, the son of the rector of Knoyle. Christopher Wren attended Westminster School and Wadham College, Oxford, where he graduated with a masters degree in 1651. At this stage Wren was a pure scientist (by the standards of the time) focusing on astronomy, physics, and anatomy. He experimented with submarine design, road paving, and design of telescopes. At the tender age of 25 he was offered the Chair of Astronomy at Gresham College, London from 1657 to 1661. In 1660 Wren was one of the founding members of the Society of Experimental Philosophy. In 1662, under the patronage of Charles II, this body became known as the Royal Society. His architectural career began in 1661 when Charles II appointed him assistant to the royal architect and in 1665 he spent six months in Paris studying architecture. The distinguished buildings Wren created in the years thereafter owe much of their cerebral rigor to his mathematical training. After the great fire of 1666 Wren prepared a master plan for the reconstruction of London, which was never executed. He designed, however, many new buildings that were built, the greatest of which was Saint Paul's Cathedral. In 1669 Wren was named royal architect, a post he retained for more than 45 years. From 1670 to 1711 he designed 52 London churches, most of which still stand, notable for their varied and original designs and for their fine spires. They include: · St. Stephen Church, Walbrook; · St. Martin Church, Ludgate; · St. Bride Church, Fleet Street; · St. Mary-le-Bow Church, manifesting the type of spire in receding stages generally associated with Wren's name. Among his numerous secular works are the: · Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford; · the elegant library of Trinity College, Cambridge; · the garden facade of Hampton Court Palace; · and the buildings of the Temple, London. · Tom Tower at Christ's Church, Oxford, · and the Royal Hospital at Chelsea. · He also enlarged and re-modeled Kensington Palace, · Hampton Court Palace, · The Naval Hospital at Greenwich. Wren also built residences in London and in the country, and these, as well as his public works, received the stamp of his distinctive style. His buildings exhibit a remarkable elegance, order, clarity, and dignity. His influence was considerable on church architecture in England and abroad. Wren was knighted in 1675, and is buried in the crypt of St. Paul's. He is rightly regarded as the most influential British architect of all time. British Silver and Gold Hallmarking from 1300 AD to present Hallmarking is necessary because when jewellery is manufactured, precious metals are not used in their pure form, as they are unworkable. Gold, Silver, and Platinum are always alloyed with copper or other metals to create an alloy that is more suitable to the requirements of the jeweller. Such an alloy needs to be strong, workable and attractive. Due to the high value of gold, platinum and silver, there are significant profits to be gained by reducing the precious metal content of an alloy at the manufacturing stage. Even an expert cannot determine the quality or standard of precious metal items by eye or touch alone. Base metal articles plated with a thin coat of gold or silver are indistinguishable from the same articles made wholly of precious metal until subjected to expert testing. With volume manufacturing, enormous profits can be made from undercarating. Without compulsory independent testing there is huge potential for deception and fraud. The UK Hallmarking system has offered valuable protection for over 700 years. Compulsory Hallmarking protects all parties; the public who receive a guarantee of quality, the manufacturer who is given quality control and protection from dishonest competitors at a very low cost and the retailer who avoids the near impossible task of checking standards on all his goods. Brief History of UK Hallmarks Hallmarking is the world's first known instance of consumer protection law, in the UK it dates back to about 1300 AD. Date 18 Carat Replaces 191/5 Carat as Standard Gold 1478 Lion Mark Introduced for Sterling Silver 1575 22 Carat Replaces 18 Carat as Standard Gold 1681 Britannia Mark Introduced for Silver 1701 Castle Mark Introduced for Exeter 1720 Hibernia Mark Introduced for Dublin 1759 Thistle Mark Introduced for Edinburgh 1773 18 Carat Reintroduced in Addition to 22 Carat 1819 Lion Rampant Mark Introduced for Glasgow 1842 Customs Act Requiring Foreign Goods to Have British Hallmark 1854 Carat Marks Compulsory on Gold 1932 1999 - 2000 Millennium Mark Used A typical set of antique British silver hallmarks showing; Standard Mark, City Mark, Date Letter, Duty Mark and Maker's Mark. The Standard mark indicates the purity of the silver. A - Sterling .925 B - Britannia .958, used exclusively 1697 - 1720, optional afterwards. C - Sterling .925 for Glasgow D - Sterling .925 for Edinburgh E - Sterling .925 for Dublin The date letter system was introduced in London in 1478 (elsewhere as the hallmarking system evolved). Its purpose was to establish when a piece was presented for assay or testing of the silver content. The mark letter changed annually in May, the cycles of date letters were usually in strings of 20 and each cycle was differentiated by a changing of the font, letter case and shield shape. In 1784 the duty mark was created to show that a tax on the item had been paid to the crown. The mark used was a profile portrait of the current reigning monarch's head. The use of this mark was abolished in 1890. The enforced use of the maker's mark was instituted in London in 1363. Its purpose was to prevent the forgery of leopard's head marks upon silver of debased content. Originally, makers' marks were pictograms, but by the beginning of the 17th Century it had become common practice to use the maker's initials. Portobello Road Market, London Icon I have created this article about Portobello Road as it's one of the Icons of London. When Sir William Bull wrote his description of Portobello Road's Market in the 1730's it was already a place where commerce and entertainment met. Portobello Road is a legacy of its rural origins when it was a country lane that ran from Notting Hill Gate to Portobello Farm, named by a patriotic farmer after Admiral Vernon captured the city of Puerto Bello in the Caribbean in 1739. One hundred and thirty years later houses and shops stood in an almost continuous line on each side of the road and Sir William Bull described the market in the following way "on Saturday nights in the winter it was thronged like a fair. The people overflowed from the pavement so that the roadway was quite impassable for horse traffic which, to do it justice, never appeared. On the left hand side there were costermongers barrows, lighted by flaming naphtha lamps. In the side streets were side shows, vendors of patent medicines, conjurers, itinerant vocalists, etc." In 1740, at a society dinner in honour of the admiral, 'Rule Britannia' (see THE BRITANNIA) was performed for the first time, stirring up great national pride. Over time Portobello Lane became, of course, Portobello Road, one of the best-known London street names and the location of possibly the most famous street market. After the end of the second world war there were many "rag and bone" men in the area who would sell goods on the market stalls. Such were the stupendous bargains to be found that it developed a reputation amongst those in the know as the place to find and buy antiques. As a result the antique trade developed, profiting often from amateurs who came to sell on a Saturday bringing useful stock which would be snapped up by the more knowledgeable professional dealers. Nowadays in the road there are 30 individual antique markets which open at different times to allow in the crowd of buyers who move from one market to another. The Good Fairy Antique Market is the busiest market of them all and it is the first to open, raising its shutters every Saturday at 4 p.m. Many of the buyers are specialists who appreciate the fresh stock brought into the market each week. Later in the day crowds of tourists shuffle past the rows of pastel painted terraced cottages at the Notting Hill end of the road weaving slowly past the market stalls. The market has an extraordinary draw on people from far and near, fulfilling some kind of human need, presumably on an emotional level. London Parks and Gardens– Free Entry London Parks are the lungs of London and are famous for there beauty, history and serenity and are ideal for visitors to enjoy a picnic or just to chill out and enjoy nature and It's water features. To find the London Parks listed below (Which are Free to enter) just enter the name into a search engine. ● Alexander Park ● Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens ● Inner Temple ● Regent's Park and Primrose Hill ● Richmond Park ● Waterworks Nature Reserve and Golf Centre ● Wimbledon Common History of Roman London Part 1 (43 AD to 300 AD) I have many ancestors from London including Sir Christopher Wren and to this day I have many cousins still living in London. As so many Famous events and People were Born, Lived and worked in London which extends almost two thousand years, I thought it would be a good idea to tell its story and History in 8 parts and part one covers the Roman era. The beginnings of London can be dated with some exactitude to the invasion of the Romans in 43AD. Prior to the Roman invasion there was no permanent settlement of significance on the site of London. Instead, the Thames River flowed through marshy ground sprinkled with small islands of gravel and sand. There were probably more mosquitoes than people inhabiting the area. The commander of the Roman troops was one Aulus Plautius. He pushed his men up from their landing place in Kent towards Colchester, then the most important town in Britain. The Roman advance was halted by the Thames, and Plautius was forced to build a bridge to get his men across. This first "London Bridge" has been excavated recently, and found to be only yards from the modern London Bridge! The Roman bridge proved a convenient central point for the new network of roads which soon spread out like a fan from the crossing place and allowed the speedy movement of troops. The Roman settlement on the north side of the bridge, called Londinium, quickly became important as a trading centre for goods brought up the Thames River by boat and unloaded at wooden docks by the bridge. Just 18 years after the arrival of the Romans, Boudicca, queen of the Iceni tribe of present-day East Anglia, launched her rebellion against the new rulers of Britain. The new trading centre of London was one of her primary targets, and her warriors leveled the burgeoning city to the ground and killed thousands of the traders who had begun to settle there. The city was quickly rebuilt, with a cluster of timber-framed wooden buildings surrounding the imposing Roman civic buildings. The city continued to grow in size and splendor over the next century, reflecting the increasing importance of trade in Britain. By the middle of the second century AD, Londinium possessed the largest basilica (town hall) west of the Alps, a governor's palace, a temple, bathhouses, and a large fort for the city garrison. Gracechurch Street, in the City, runs through the middle of the old Roman basilica and forum (market place). One of the best Roman remains in London is the 2nd century Temple of Mithras (mithraism was a form of religion popular among Roman soldiers). It was found near Walbrook during construction work in this century, and moved to Temple Court, Queen Victoria Street. Artefacts recovered from the excavation of the temple are now in the Museum of London. About the year 200 AD a defensive wall was built around the city. For well over a millennium the shape and size of London was defined by this Roman wall. The area within the wall is now "the City", London's famous financial district. Traces of the wall can still be seen in a few places in London. London continued its growth under the late Roman Empire, and at its peak the population probably numbered about 45,000. But, as the Roman Empire creaked its way to a tottering old age, the troops defending London's trade routes were recalled across the Channel, and the city went into a decline which lasted several centuries. History of Anglo Saxon London Part 2 (300 AD to 1066 AD) I have many ancestors from London including Sir Christopher Wren and to this day I have many cousins still living in London. As so many Famous events and People were Born, Lived and worked in London which extends almost two thousand years, I thought it would be a good idea to tell its story and History in 8 parts and part two covers Anglo Saxon era. After the Romans left, the city of London fell into a decline. That's a polite way of saying that the population diminished drastically and large areas of the city were left in ruins. London's location on the Thames was too good for this decline to continue, and the 7th century saw trade once more expand and the city grow once more. Early in that century, perhaps in 604 AD, the first St. Paul's Cathedral was founded, on the site now occupied by the present St. Paul's. By the 9th century, London was a very prosperous trading centre, and its wealth attracted the attention of Danish Vikings. The Danes periodically sailed up the Thames and attacked London. In 851 some 350 longboats full of Danes attacked and burned London to the ground. The tale of the next century is a confused one, with first English, then Danish, then Norman kings controlling the city. The Danes were ousted from the city by Alfred The Great in 886, and Alfred made London a part of his kingdom of Wessex. In the years following the death of Alfred, however, the city fell once more into the hands of the Danes. The Danes did not have it all their own way. In 1014 they were occupying the city when a large force of Anglo-Saxons and Norwegian Vikings sailed up the Thames to attack London. The Danes lined London Bridge and showered the attackers with spears. Undaunted, the attackers pulled the roofs off nearby houses and held them over their heads in the boats. Thus protected, they were able to get close enough to the bridge to attach ropes to the piers and pull the bridge down. There is some speculation that the nursery rhyme "London Bridge is Falling Down" stems from this incident. The attacks ceased when the Danish king Cnut (Canute) came to power in 1017. Cnut managed to unite the Danes with the Anglo-Saxons, and invited Danish merchants to settle in the city. London prospered under Cnut, but on his death the city reverted to Anglo-Saxon control under Edward the Confeddor. Edward had been raised in Normandy, so his rule brought French influence and trade. London was now the most prosperous, and largest city in the island of Britain - but it was not the capital of the realm. The official seat of government was at Winchester, although the royal residence was generally at London. Edward the Confessor was an extremely religious man, and he made it his dream to build a vast monastery and church at an island on the Thames just upriver from the city. He refounded the abbey at Westminster and moved his court there. When Edward died in 1065, his successor, Harold, was crowned in the new abbey, cementing London's role as the most important city in England. History of Medieval London Part 3 (1066 AD to 1485) I have many ancestors from London including Sir Christopher Wren and to this day I have many cousins still living in London. As so many Famous events and People were Born, Lived and worked in London which extends almost two thousand years, I thought it would be a good idea to tell its story and History in 8 parts and part three covers Medieval era. In some ways the medieval history of London can be said to have begun on Christmas Day, 1066, when William the Conquerer was crowned king of England in a ceremony at the newly finished Westminster Abbey, just three months after his victory at the Battle of Hastings. William granted the citizens of London special privileges, but he also built a castle in the southeast corner of the city to keep them under control. This castle was expanded by later kings until it became the complex we now call the Tower of London. The Tower acted as royal residence, and it was not until later that it became famous as a prison. During the medieval period it also acted as a royal mint, treasury, and housed the beginnings of a zoo. In 1097 William II began the building of Westminster Hall, close by the abbey of the same name. The hall was to prove the basis of a new Palace of Westminster, the prime royal residence throughout the Middle Ages. On William's death his brother Henry needed the support of London merchants to maintain his dubious grip on the throne. In exchange, Henry I gave city merchants the right to levy taxes and elect a sheriff. By the early 12th century the population of London was about 18,000 (compare this to the 45,000 estimated at the height of Roman Britain). In 1123 St. Bartholomew's Priory was founded in the city, and other monastic houses quickly followed. At one point in the medieval period there were 13 monasteries in the city. Today, these houses are remembered only by the names they gave to their area, such as Greyfriars, Whitefriars, and Blackfriars. The city played a role in the outcome of the struggle between Stephen and Maud for the crown in the 12th century. Although they initially supported Maud, her arrogant behavior when she occupied Westminster so angered the citizens that they rose in revolt and Maud was forced to flee London. In 1176 the first stone London Bridge was built, mere yards from the original Roman bridge across the Thames. This bridge was to remain the only one in London until 1739. Because the passage across this one bridge was narrow and clogged with traffic, it was much quicker and easier for travelers to hire waterboatmen to row them across the river, or transport them up or down river. In 1191 Richard I acknowledged the right of London to self-government, and the following year saw the election of the first Mayor. This right was confirmed by later monarchs. In 1245 Henry III began his lifetime work of rebuilding Westminster Abbey which was reconsecrated in 1269. The other major building project of the medieval period was Old St. Paul's. The cathedral was finished in 1280. In 1381 the city was invaded by peasant's during the Wat Tyler's Peasant's Revolt. Although the major complaints of the peasants were aimed at the advisors of Richard II, they took advantage of their occupation of London to loot houses within the city. The Lord Mayor, William Walworth, stabbed Wat Tyler to death in a confrontation at Smithfield. The London merchants supported Edward IV in his grab for the throne in 1461. In gratitude Edward knighted many of the merchants. A few years later in 1477 William Caxton made history when he printed the first book on his new printing press near Westminster. Daily Life Medieval London was a maze of twisting streets and lanes. Most of the houses were half-timbered, or wattle and daub, whitewashed with lime. The threat of fire was constant, and laws were passed to make sure that all householders had fire-fighting equipment on hand. A 13th century law required new houses to use slate for roofing rather than the more risky straw, but this seems to have been ignored. The government of the city was by a Lord Mayor and council elected from the ranks of the merchant guilds. These guilds effectively ran the city and controlled commerce. Each guild had its own hall and their own coat of arms, but there was also the Guildhall (1411-40) where representatives of the various guilds met in common. Many of the streets in the city were named after the particular trade which practiced there. For example, Threadneedle Street was the tailor's district, Bread Street had bakeries, and on Milk Street cows were kept for milking. There was also a very active livestock market at Smithfield. Plague was a constant threat, particularly because sanitation was so rudimentary. London was subject to no less than 16 outbreaks of the plague between 1348 and the Great Plague of 1665. The prime real estate in London was the Strand, where many rich landowners built homes. Lawyers settled at the Temple and along Fleet Street. The Fleet River (which was called the Holborn) was navigable by boats, and docks were set up at what is now Farringdon Street. The Fleet River was covered over in the 18th century. History of Tudor London Part 4 (1485 AD to 1605) I have many ancestors from London including Sir Christopher Wren and to this day I have many cousins still living in London. As so many Famous events and People were Born, Lived and worked in London which extends almost two thousand years, I thought it would be a good idea to tell its story and History in 8 parts and part four covers the TUDOR era. When Henry VII took the throne in 1485, the population of the city of London was about 75,000. By 1600 that figure had risen to 200,000. London under the Tudors was a prosperous, bustling city. Henry's son Henry VIII made Whitehall Palace the principle royal residence in the city, and after Cardinal Wolsey "gave" Hampton Court to Henry, that palace became a countryside retreat for the court. During Henry's Dissolution of the Monasteries the 13 religious houses in London were either converted for private use or pulled down for building materials. All that now remains are the names they gave to areas of the city, such as Whitefriars and Blackfriars. Many areas that are now London Parks were used as Royal hunting forests during the Tudor period. Richmond Park served this purpose, so did Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and St. James Park. An international exchange was founded by the mercer Thomas Gresham in 1566 to enable London to compete for financial power with Amsterdam. This became the Royal Exchange in 1560, and is now housed in a massive Victorian building beside the Bank of England Museum in Mansion House Square. In 1598 John Stow, a retired tailor, wrote a survey of the city of London, which gives a wonderful historic snapshot of the state of Tudor London and its history. Stow is buried at St. Andrew Undershaft and a ceremony is held there every year celebrating his life. After the Reformation, theatres were banned in the city of London, but it wasn't for religious objection to the play's contents. Rather, the city authorities (read guilds) thought they wasted workmen's time. Rather than disappearing, the theatres moved across the Thames to Southwark, outside the authority of the city government. Southwark became the entertainment district for London (it was also the red-light area). The Globe Theatre, scene of many of Shakespeare's plays, was built on the South Bank in 1599, though it burned down in 1613. A modern replica, also called the Globe, has been built near the original site. Southwark was also a favorite area for entertainment, like bull and bear-baiting. Unfortunately, many of London's Tudor buildings were destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666, so it is difficult to get a real sense of what the city was like at that time. History of Stuart London Part 5 (1605 AD to 1700) I have many ancestors from London including Sir Christopher Wren and to this day I have many cousins still living in London. As so many Famous events and People were Born, Lived and worked in London which extends almost two thousand years, I thought it would be a good idea to tell its story and History in 8 parts and part five covers the Stuart era. The history of Stuart London almost kicked off with a real bang. Catholic conspirators planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament when they opened on November 5, 1605, hoping to kill the new king, James I. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your sympathies, the plot was discovered, and a conspirator named Guy Fawkes was discovered in cellars beneath Parliament with kegs of explosives. This event, called the Gunpowder Plot, is commemorated each year with the celebration of Bonfire Night on November 5. London water was pretty foul in those years, so you can imagine the delight of Londoners at the completion in 1613 of the New River Head at Finsbury. This was a massive engineering project collecting clean water from 40 miles away and bringing it to large cisterns at Finsbury before final delivery to the city in "pipes" made of hollowed elm trunks. In the early Stuart years the landscape of London was changed by the extraordinary work of the self-taught architect, Inigo Jones. In 1631 Jones designed Covent Garden piazza, the first purpose-built square in the city. Jones' other important work in this period was at Queen's House (Greenwich), Banqueting Hall (Whitehall), and Queen's Chapel. In 1637 Charles I, in one of the few gestures of his life that may have swayed public opinion his way, opened the royal reserve of Hyde Park to the public. This was the first royal park to be made public. If Charles was looking for support, he didn't get it from Londoners. The City helped finance the Parliamentary war efforts in the English Civil War, and Charles was eventually beheaded outside Inigo Jones' Banqueting House in Whitehall. The Protectorate and Commonwealth that followed Charles' death saw a concerted effort by Puritan extremists to quench Londoner's appetite for the bawdier aspects of life. Theatre was banned, as was dancing and just about anything else enjoyable. Churches had their organs and choirs removed. But when the Restoration of the Monarchy brought Charles II to the throne in 1660 the pendulum swung back the other way with a vengeance. Riotous entertainment was once more in fashion. Theatre was not only admissible, it even earned royal approval - Theatre Royal Drury Lane gained the royal warrant in 1665. The city entered on a period of extensive building development, and new residential squares were laid out for the aristocracy to live in. St. James Square was the first of these, and the districts of St. James, Mayfair, and Marylebone became areas for the well-heeled to settle. The Stuart period is sadly dominated by two disasters, the Great Plague and the Great fire. In 1665 Plague broke out in the city, brought by ship from Holland. London had been no stranger to the plague since the Middle Ages, but this was something different - a strain so virulent that sufferers could catch it and die within hours. The city descended into a state of panic. Sufferers were locked in their houses, along with their families. It was thought that dogs and cats spread the disease, so the Lord Mayor ordered them all killed. Thus, with one stroke, the natural enemies of the rats who were the true carriers were decimated. Throughout the very long, dry summer of 1665 the plague raged in London. The court fled, most doctors and priests followed, and anyone with the means to leave, left quickly. Although the worst of the plague died by autumn, it was not until the next great calamity cleansed the filthy streets of London that the plague was truly over. Estimates of the death toll range from 70,000 to well over 100,000 lives. The second calamity was the Great Fire. On the night of September 2, 1666 a small fire, perhaps started by the carelessness of a maid, started in the shop of the king's baker in Pudding Lane. Fanned by a strong wind, the fire soon became an inferno. For four days the fire raged through the close-packed streets of wooden houses, until the wind died. The toll of the fire was immense. Although only 8 lives were lost, fully four-fifths of the city was completely destroyed, including 13,000 buildings, 89 churches, 52 company halls, and old St. Paul's Cathedral. Within days, Christopher Wren presented a plan for rebuilding the city with broad boulevards and open squares replacing the warren of alleys and byways. Wren's plan, though, was simply too costly, and people being people, new buildings were built along the same street pattern as before. Wren was, however, given the task of rebuilding the churches, including St. Paul's Cathedral. Most of the churches in London today are Wren's work, and it is difficult to find churches that date to the period before the fire. History Of Georgian London Part 6 (1700 AD to 1837) I have many ancestors from London including Sir Christopher Wren and to this day I have many cousins still living in London. As so many Famous events and People were Born, Lived and worked in London which extends almost two thousand years, I thought it would be a good idea to tell its story and History in 8 parts and part six covers the Georgian era. The early years of the 18th century saw the birth of newspapers in London. The early papers, the most notable of which was Richard Addison's Spectator, catered to the demands of an increasingly literate population. Many of the newspapers that followed Addison put up shop along Fleet Street. The Georgian period in London coincided very neatly with the Palladian Revival in architecture and art. Lord Burlington, in his 1715 design of Burlington House in Piccadilly, played a major role in popularizing this classical style which became the norm for much of the century. A few years later, in 1725, Lord Burlington was at it again, with his remodeling of Chiswick House, then a country retreat but now part of the greater London sprawl. At the same time Grosvenor Square was laid out in Mayfair, part of the Grosvenor family's development of that aristocratic district. More London squares followed, notably at Berkeley Square (design by William Kent). Kent was also responsible for building the Treasury Building (1733), and the Horse Guards (1745). Theatre, which had been so popular under the Stuart Restoration, became a little too vociferous for the taste of the city authorities. In 1737 a series of satires staged at the Theatre Royal Haymarket so infuriated them that the Lord Chamberlain was given the power of censorship over all public theatre performances. This power was not revoked until 1968. For some six hundred years the only bridge across the Thames in London was London Bridge, of nursery rhyme fame. However, the growing city demanded more ease of movement, so the shops and houses on London Bridge were pulled down, and large sections of the old city walls destroyed. In 1750 a second stone bridge was added, Westminster Bridge. In 1759 the British Museum opened its doors for the first time. The museum was based on a collection of "curiosities" collected by the packrat nobleman, Sir Hans Sloane. When Sloane died his collection, really a jumble of oddments that happened to catch Sloane's fancy, was acquired by the government and put on display to the public. If the early Georgian period was influenced by Lord Burlington, the latter was the domain of Robert Adam and his neo-classical imitators. Adam was responsible for a spate of influential house designs around London, including Syon House (1761), Osterley Park, and Kenwood House. A year after Adam's work at Syon, King George III and Queen Charlotte moved into Buckingham House (later to become Buckingham Palace). St. James Palace remained the official royal residence. One of the biggest social revolutions in Georgian London was a quiet one. It was the popularity of coffee houses as a forum for business, entertainment, and social activity. The London coffee houses were immensely popular, and certain houses became associated with different political viewpoints or kinds of commercial activity. It was in one of these coffee houses, New Jonathan's, that merchant venturers (read entrepreneurs) gathered, and formed what was to become the London Stock Exchange. Lest you think that religious strife ended with the demise of extreme Protestantism after the English Civil War, 1780 saw the outbreak of what we now call the Gordon Riots. The riots began as a march through the streets of London to protest the Catholic Relief Act, which granted basic rights to Catholics. The marchers, under the vociferous leadership of Lord George Gordon, let their religious prejudice boil over into a week of looting and murder. For that week Londoners lived their own version of the "Reign of Terror" which later gripped Paris. The Gordon Riots terrified the authorities and brought repressive measures against any form of protest or reform-minded writing. On a lighter note, Georgian London saw a new form of entertainment, the pleasure garden, become popular. These pleasure gardens, notably at Ranelagh and Vauxhall, were like outdoor amusement parks, complete with musicians and fireworks. History of Victorian London Part 7 (1837 AD to 1901) I have many ancestors from London including Sir Christopher Wren and to this day I have many cousins still living in London. As so many Famous events and People were Born, Lived and worked in London which extends almost two thousand years, I thought it would be a good idea to tell its story and History in 8 parts and part seven covers the Victorian era. The Victorian city of London was a city of startling contrasts. New building and affluent development went hand in hand with horribly overcrowded slums where people lived in the worst conditions imaginable. The population surged during the 19th century, from about 1 million in 1800 to over 6 million a century later. This growth far exceeded London's ability to look after the basic needs of its citizens. A combination of coal-fired stoves and poor sanitation made the air heavy and foul-smelling. Immense amounts of raw sewage was dumped straight into the Thames River. Even royals were not immune from the stench of London - when Queen Victoria occupied Buckingham Palace her apartments were ventilated through the common sewers, a fact that was not disclosed until some 40 years later. Upon this scene entered an unlikely hero, an engineer named Joseph Bazalgette. Bazalgette was responsible for the building of over 2100 km of tunnels and pipes to divert sewage outside the city. This made a drastic impact on the death rate, and outbreaks of cholera dropped dramatically after Bazlgette's work was finished. For an encore, Bazalgette also was responsible for the design of the Embankment, and the Battersea, Hammersmith, and Albert Bridges. Before the engineering triumphs of Bazalgette came the architectural triumphs of George IV's favorite designer, John Nash. Nash designed the broad avenues of Regent Street<, Piccadilly Circus, Carlton House Terrace, and Oxford Circus, as well as the ongoing creation of Buckingham transformation of Buckingham House into a palace worthy of a monarch. In 1829 Sir Robert Peel founded the Metropolitan Police to handle law and order in areas outside the City proper. These police became known as "Bobbies" after their founder. Just behind Buckingham Palace the Grosvenor family developed the aristocratic Belgrave Square. In 1830 land just east of the palace was cleared of the royal stables to create Trafalgar Square, and the new National Gallery sprang up there just two years later. The early part of the 19th century was the golden age of steam. The first railway in London was built from London Bridge to Greenwich in 1836, and a great railway boom followed. Major stations were built at Euston (1837), Paddington (1838), Fenchurch Street (1841), Waterloo (1848), and King's Cross (1850). In 1834 the Houses of Parliament at Westminster Palace burned down. They were gradually replaced by the triumphant mock-Gothic Houses of Parliament designed by Charles Barry and A.W. Pugin. The clock tower of the Houses of Parliament, known erroneously as Big Ben, was built in 1859. The origin of the name Big Ben is in some dispute, but there is no argument that the moniker refers to the bells of the tower, NOT to the large clock itself. In 1848 the great Potato Famine struck Ireland. What has this to do with the history of London? Plenty. Over 100,000 impoverished Irish fled their native land and settled in London, making at one time up to 20% of the total population of the city. Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria was largely responsible for one of the defining moments of the era that bears his wife's name; the Great Exhibition of 1851. This was the first great world's fair, a showcase of technology and manufacturing from countries all over the world. The Exhibition was held in Hyde Park, and the centerpiece was Joseph Paxton's revolutionary iron and glass hall, dubbed the "Crystal Palace". The exhibition was an immense success, with over 200,000 attendees. After the event, the Crystal Palace was moved to Sydenham, in South London, where it stayed until it burned to the ground in 1936. The proceeds from the Great Exhibition went towards the founding of two new permanent displays, which became the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The year 1863 saw the completion of the very first underground railway in London, from Paddington to Farringdon Road. The project was so successful that other lines soon followed. But the expansion of transport was not limited to dry land. As the hub of the British Empire, the Thames was clogged with ships from all over the world, and London had more shipyards than anyplace on the globe. For all the economic expansion of the Industrial Revolution, living conditions among London's poor were appalling. Children as young as 5 were often set to work begging or sweeping chimneys. Campaigners like Charles Dickens did much to make the plight of the poor in London known to the literate classes with his novels, notably Oliver Twist. In 1870 those efforts bore some fruit with the passage of laws providing compulsory education for children between the ages of 5 and 12. History of Modern London Part 8 (1901 AD to Present) I have many ancestors from London including Sir Christopher Wren and to this day I have many cousins still living in London. As so many Famous events and People were Born, Lived and worked in London which extends almost two thousand years, I thought it would be a good idea to tell its story and History in 8 parts and part eight covers the modern era. The terrific population growth of the late Victorian period continued into the 20th century. In 1904 the first motor bus service in London began, followed by the first underground electric train in 1906, but perhaps more notable was the spate of new luxury hotels, department stores, and theatres which sprang up in the Edwardian years, particularly in the West End. The Ritz opened in 1906, Harrod's new Knightsbridge store in 1905, and Selfridges in 1907. New entertainment venues sprouted like mushrooms; with the London Palladium the largest of some 60 major halls for music-hall and variety shows. Several major building projects marked Edward VII's reign. The long, broad sweep of the Mall was designed by Aston Webb. Webb was also responsible for Admiralty Arch, the Queen Victoria memorial, and the east front of Buckingham Palace. Although the hardship of London during the Second World War is well known, it is easy to forget that WWI brought hardship as well to the city. In the Fall of 1915 the first Zeppelin bombs fell in London near the Guildhall, killing 39 people. In all, 650 fatalities resulted from bombings during the "War to End All Wars". Population surged after the war, to about 7.5 million in 1921. The London County Council began building new housing estates, which pushed further and further out into the countryside. Unemployment was high, and labour unrest erupted in the 1926 General Strike. So many workers joined the strike that the army was called in to keep the Underground and buses running, and to maintain order. In the 1930's large numbers of Jews emigrated to London, fleeing persecution in Europe, and most of them settled in the East End. The year 1938 saw movement out of the city; the threat from Germany was great enough that large numbers of children were moved out of London to the surrounding countryside. The outbreak of WWII precipitated the defining moment of the century for Londoners - the Blitz. During the dark days of 1940 over a third of the City was destroyed by German bombs, and the London Docks largely demolished. One 17 of Christopher Wren's London churches were badly damaged. The area worst hit was the City itself, but strangely, St. Paul's Cathedral suffered only minor damage. Some 16 acres around the area that now houses the Barbican development and the Museum of London were totally flattened, and numerous historic buildings were destroyed. The death toll was heavy; 32,000 dead and over 50,000 badly injured. In the post-war period heavy immigration from countries of the old British Empire changed the character of the city. Notting Hill acquired a large Caribbean population, Honk Kong immigrants settled in Soho, Sikhs in Southall, and Cypriots in Finsbury. The Festival of Britain took place in 1951 on the centenary of the Great Exhibition of 1851. Whereas that first exhibition had left the legacy of the extraordinary Crystal Palace, the Festival left behind it the universally reviled concrete mass of the South Bank Arts complex. Heathrow airport opened to commercial flights in 1946, and the first double-decker red buses (dubbed the Routemaster) appeared on London roads in 1956. The London Docks declined after the war, and the formerly bustling area around the Isle of Dogs fell into disuse until rescued by modern development in the last decade. Between 1972-82 the Thames Barrier was built to control flooding along the river. This amazing engineering feat consists of 10 moveable underwater gates supported by 7 shining steel half-domes strung across the river. The last great building project of the century was the controversial Millennium Dome, an exhibition centre beside the Thames in North Greenwich. The Dome, which opened on January 1, 2000, is a massive complex, built at a cost of over 750 million GBP. It houses, among other things, sponsored exhibits on the human experience of life, including Faith, Science, and biology. The Freemasons – It's English Origins and History As I am a direct descendent of Sir Christopher Wren and have many ancestors from London who were members of various Freemasonry and London Livery companies I have created this article on the history of the Freemasons. England is the oldest European country ( 1500 years old ) and London itself was founded by the Romans in 53 AD. The history of Freemasonry originates from the time of the Knights Templer. The aim of Freemasonry is to study the development, evolution and events of the fraternal organisation known as Freemasonry. This history is generally separated into two time periods: before and after the formation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717. Before this time, the facts and origins of Freemasonry are not absolutely known and are therefore frequently explained by theories or legends. After the formation of the Grand Lodge of England, the history of Freemasonry is extremely well-documented and can be traced through the creation of hundreds of Grand Lodges that spread rapidly worldwide. English Masonic historians place great importance on 24 June 1717 (St. John the baptist's day) when four London lodges came together at the Goose and Gridiron Ale House in St Paul's churchyard and formed what they called The Grand Lodge of England. Although Freemasonry had existed in England since at least the mid-1600s and in Scotland since The Schaw Statutes were enacted in 1598 and 1599, the establishment of a permanent Grand Lodge in London in 1717 is traditionally considered the formation of organized Freemasonry in its modern sense. A credible historical source asserting the antiquity of Freemasonry is the Halliwell Manuscript or Regius Poem - believed to date from ca. 1390. This makes reference to several concepts and phrases similar to those found in Freemasonry. The manuscript itself seems to be an elaboration on an earlier document, to which it refers. There is also the Cooke Manuscript, an undated manuscript constitution from the mid-15th century, the oldest of the Gothic Constitutions. The first statutory use of the word 'Freemason' in England appears in the Statutes of the Realm enacted in 1495 under Henry VI, although the archaic term "frank mason" had been used fifty years earlier. Prior to that, the earliest use of the term "frank Masons" was in a 1376 reference to the "Company of frank Masons," one of the numerous craft guilds of London. By 1583, the date of the Grand Lodge manuscript, the documentary evidence begins to grow. These are described as Head and Principal respectively. As a side note, following a dispute over numbering at the formation of the Grand Lodge of Scotland (GLS) - Kilwinning is numbered as Lodge Mother of KilwinningNumber 0 (pronounced 'Nothing'), GLS. Quite soon thereafter, a charter was granted to Sir William St. Clair (later Sinclair) of Roslin (Rosslyn), allowing him to purchase jurisdiction over a number of lodges in Edinburgh and environs. This may be the basis of the Templar myth surrounding Rosslyn Chapel. The Regius Poem and Cooke manuscript, about 1390 and 1410 respectively, are written in the dialects of the west and southwest of England, and may have been written for the school of masonry associated with Salisbury Cathedral. Early operative Freemasons, unlike virtually all Europeans except the Clergy, were Free - not bound to the land on which they were born. The various skills required in building complex stone structures, especially churches and cathedrals, allowed skilled masons to travel and find work at will. They were lodged in a temporary structure - either attached to, or near, the main stone building. In this lodge, they ate, slept and received their work assignments from the master of the work. To maintain the freedom they enjoyed required exclusivity of skills, and thus, as an apprentice was trained, his instructor attached moral values to the tools of the trade, binding him to his fellows of the craft.( citation needed ). Freemasonry's transition from a craft guild of operative, working stonemasons into a fraternity of speculative, accepted, gentleman Freemasons began in Scottish lodges during the early 1600s. The earliest record of a lodge accepting a non-operative member occurs in the records of the Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary's Chapel), 8 June 1600, where it is shown that John Boswell, Laird of Aucheinleck, was present at a meeting. The first record of the initiation of a non-operative mason in a lodge is contained in the minutes of the Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary's Chapel) for 3 July 1634, when the Right Honourable Lord Alexander was admitted a Fellowcraft. The first record of the Initiation of a non-operative on English soil, was in 1641 when Sir Robert Moray was admitted to the Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary's Chapel) at Newcastle. From the early 1600s references are found to Freemasonry in personal diaries and journals. Elias Ashmole was made a Mason in 1646 and notes attending several Masonic meetings. There appears to be a general spread of the Craft, between Ashmole's account and 1717, when four English Lodges meeting in London taverns joined together and founded the Grand Lodge of London (now known as the United Grand Lodge of England). They had held meetings, respectively, at the Cheshire Cheese Tavern, the Apple-Tree Tavern, the Crown Ale-House near Drury Lane, the Goose and Gridiron in St. Paul's Churchyard, and the Rummer and Grapes Tavern in Westminster. With the foundation of this first Grand Lodge, Freemasonry shifted from being an obscure, relatively private, institution into the public eye. The years following saw new Grand Lodges open throughout Europe. How much of this growth was the spreading of Freemasonry itself, and how much was due to the public organization of pre-existing private Lodges, is uncertain. Smithfield Market – London Icon I have always been interested in English History and arts and as a fan of London Icons I thought I would write an article about It's famous Smithfield Market. Meat has been bought and sold at Smithfield for over 800 years, making it one of the oldest markets in London. A livestock market occupied the site as early as the 10th century. Smithfield (also known as West Smithfield) is an area of the City of London in the ward of Farringdon Without. It is located in the north-west part of the City of London, and is mostly known for its centuries-old meat market, today the last surviving historical wholesale market in Central London. Smithfield has a bloody history of executions of heretics and political opponents, including major historical figures including the leader of the Peasant's Revolt Wat Tyler and a long series of religious reformers and dissenters. A livestock market occupied the site as early as the 10th century. In 1174 the site was described by William Fitzstephen as: "... a smooth field where every Friday there is a celebrated rendezvous of fine horses to be sold, and in another quarter are placed vendibles of the peasant, swine with their deep flanks, and cows and oxen of immense bulk". The livestock market expanded over the centuries to meet the demands of the growing population of the City. In 1710, the market was surrounded by a wooden fence to keep the livestock within the market; and until its abolition, the gate house of Cloth Fair was protected by a chain (le cheyne) on market days. Daniel Defoe referred to the livestock market in 1726 as "without question, the greatest in the world". and the available figures appear to support this claim. Between 1740 and 1750 the average yearly sales at Smithfield were reported to be around 74,000 cattle and 570,000 sheep. By the middle of the 19th century, in the course of a single year 220,000 head of cattle and 1,500,000 sheep would be "violently forced into an area of five acres, in the very heart of London, through its narrowest and most crowded thoroughfares". The volume of cattle driven daily to Smithfield started to raise major concerns. Today, the Smithfield area is dominated by the imposing, Grade II Listed covered market designed by Victorian architect Sir Horace Jones in the second half of the 19th century. Some of the original market buildings were abandoned for decades and faced a threat of demolition, but they were saved as the result of a public inquiry and will be part of new urban development plans aimed at preserving the historical identity of this area. Approximately 120,000 tons of produce pass through the market each year. As well as meat and poultry, products such as cheese, pies, and other delicatessen goods are available. Buyers including butchers, restaurateurs and caterers are able see the goods for themselves and drive away with what they have bought. Bargaining between buyers and sellers at Smithfield sets the guidelines for meat and poultry prices throughout the UK. The market has recently undergone a £70 million refurbishment to equip it for the future and enable it to comply with modern hygiene standards. The ancient meat market has been transformed into the most modern in Europe, possibly even the world. The process of change at Smithfield has not been restricted to the buildings alone, but has extended to the whole environment and working practices that had hardly changed in 130 years. The result has been the creation of a thoroughly modern temperature controlled environment inside a magnificent Grade II listed Victorian building. Famous Victorian London Engineer Joseph Bazalgette As I am a direct descendent of Sir Christopher Wren I have been interested in English history and researching fun and interesting bits of England including famous British Engineers.. Sir Joseph William Bazalgette, (28 March 1819 – 15 March 1891) was born at Hill Lodge, Clay Hill, Enfield, London, England, the son of Joseph William Bazalgette (1783–1849), a retired captain of the Royal Navy and Theresa Philo, née Pilton (1796–1850). He began his career working on railway projects, articled to noted engineer Sir John Macneill and gaining sufficient experience in land drainage and reclamation works for him to set up his own London consulting practice in 1842. By the time he married, in 1845, Bazalgette was deeply involved in the expansion of the railway network, working so hard that he suffered a nervous breakdown two years later. As Civil Engineer and Chief Engineer of the London Metropolitan Board of Works his major achievement was the creation in response to "The great stink" of 1858 which caused Parliament to finally create the world's largest Sewer complex and underground sewer tunnels and the cleaning of the River thames. Championed by fellow engineer Isambaard Kingdom Brunel, Bazalgette was appointed chief engineer of the London Metropolitan Board of Works, in 1856 (a post he retained until the MBW was abolished and replaced by the london County Council in 1889). In 1858, the year of the Great Stink, Parliament passed an enabling act, in spite of the colossal expense of the project, and Bazalgette's proposals to revolutionise London's sewerage system began to be implemented. The expectation was that enclosed sewers would eliminate the stink ('miasma'), and that this would then reduce the incidence of cholera. Joseph Bazalgette Civil Engineer and Chief Engineer of the London Metropolitan Board of Works, was given responsibility for the work. He designed an extensive underground sewerage system that diverted waste to the Thames Estuary, downstream of the main centre of population. Six main interceptory sewers, totalling almost 100 miles (160 km) in length, were constructed, some incorporating stretches of London's Lost Rivers. Three of these sewers were north of the river, the southernmost, low-level one being incorporated in the Thames Embankment. The Embankment also allowed new roads to reduce traffic congestion, new public gardens, and the Circle Line of the London Underground. The intercepting sewers, constructed between 1859 and 1865, were fed by 450 miles (720 km) of main sewers that, in turn, conveyed the contents of some 13,000 miles (21,000 km) of smaller local sewers. Construction of the interceptor system required 318 million bricks, 2.7 million cubic metres of excavated earth and 670,000 cubic metres of Concrete. Gravity allows the sewage to flow eastwards, but in places such as Chelsea, Deptford and Abbey Mills pumping stations were built to raise the water and provide sufficient flow. Sewers north of the Thames feed into the Northern Outfall Sewer, which feeds into a major treatment works at Beckton. South of the river, the Southern Outfall Sewer extends to a similar facility at Crossness. During the 20th century, major improvements were made to the sewerage system and to the Sewage treatment provision to substantially reduce pollution of the Thames Estuary and the North Sea. The Crystal Palace Exhibition – London 1851 I hope all readers will find my article on The Crystal Palace of interest and let's hope in the future It will be re-built to its former glory. In 1851 Great Britain was the leader of the industrial revolution and feeling very secure in that ideal. The Great Exhibition of 1851 in London was conceived to symbolize this industrial, military and economic success of Great Britain. It was decided to make the exhibit truly international with invitations being extended to almost all of the colonized world. It was also felt that it was important to show Britain's achievements right alongside those of other countries. The prevailing attitude in England at the time was ripe for the exhibiting of its many accomplishments. Many felt secure, economically and politically and Queen Victoria was eager to reinforce the feeling of contentment with her reign. It was during the mid-1850s that the word "Victorian" began to be employed to express a new self-consciousness, both in relation to the nation and to the period through which it was passing. The exhibition was also a triumph for Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, whom she had married in 1840. Despite outbursts of opposition to Albert by the press the family life of the Victorian court began to be considered increasingly as a model for the whole country. Albert had appreciated the achievements of Prime Minister Robert Peel's political and military advances and publicly advocated the advancement of industry and science. These facts began to sway opinion in his favour as respectable foundations of family life and industrial supremacy were becoming rapidly acquainted with the monarchy of Victoria and Albert. Conceived by prince Albert, the Great Exhibition was held in Hyde Park in London in the specially constructed Crystal Palace. The Crystal Palace was originally designed by Sir Joseph Paxton in only 10 days and was a huge iron goliath with over a million feet of glass. It was important that the building used to showcase these achievements be grandiose and innovative. Over 13,000 exhibits were displayed and viewed by over 6,200,000 visitors to the exhibition. The millions of visitors that journeyed to the Great Exhibition of 1851 marvelled at the industrial revolution that was propelling Britain into the greatest power of the time. Among the 13,000 exhibits from all around the world were the Jacquard loom, an envelope machine, tools, kitchen appliances, steel-making displays and a reaping machine from the United States. The objects on display came from all parts of the world, including India and the countries with recent white settlements, such as Australia and New Zealand, that constituted the new empire. Many of the visitors who flocked to London came from European cities. The profits from the event allowed for the foundation of public works such as the Albert Hall, the Science Museum, the National History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. This "bigger and better" building was divided into a series of courts depicting the history of art and architecture from ancient Egypt through the Renaissance, as well as exhibits from industry and the natural world. Major concerts were held in the Palace's huge arched Centre Transept, which also contained the world's largest organ. The Centre Transept also housed a circus and was the scene of daring feats by world famous acts such as the tightrope walker Blondin. National exhibitions were also staged within its glass and iron walls, including the world's first aeronautical exhibition (held in 1868) and the first national motor show, plus cat shows, dog shows, pigeon shows, honey, flower and other shows. The Crystal Palace itself was almost outshone by the park in which it stood, which contained a magnificent series of fountains, comprising almost 12,000 individual jets. The largest of these threw water to a height of 250ft. Some 120,000 gallons of water flowed through the system when it was in full play. The park also contained unrivaled collections of statues, many of which were copies of great works from around the world, and a geological display which included a replica lead mine and the first attempts anywhere in the world to portray life-size restorations of extinct animals, including dinosaurs. Crystal Palace park was also the scene of spectacular Brock's fireworks displays. After the Great Exhibition closed, the Crystal Palace was moved to Sydenham Hill in South London and reconstructed in what was, in effect, a 200 acre Victorian theme park. The new Crystal Palace park at Sydenham was opened by Queen Victoria on June 10th, 1854. In 1911, the year of King George V's coronation, the Crystal Palace was home to the Festival of Empire. Three-quarter size models of the parliament buildings of Empire and Commonwealth countries were erected in the grounds to contain exhibits of each country's products. The Crystal Palace itself was destroyed by fire on November 30th 1936, following which the area lost much of its focus and began to decline. But many of the most important events in the history of the Crystal Palace took place in the grounds, which retain much of their original overall layout today and are a Grade II listed historic park. Thus, for 140 years, Crystal Palace park has been the scene of innumerable contributions to the nation's social, scientific and sporting history. The London Borough of Bromley, who own the park today, together with the Crystal Palace Foundation, have recently submitted an outline proposal to the National Heritage Lottery Fund to restore much of the park to its former glory. The proposals covered by this application aim not only to improve the park as an amenity, but also to restore a number of its major heritage features. This will include restoration of the Grand Central Walkway, which originally ran the length of the park, the preservation and restoration of the terraces, and the restoration of the geological islands. The London Hansom Cab – History The first Powered Passenger Car was driven 160 KM across Cornwall, England in 1801. As my family have lived and worked in London for many centuries I decided to write this article about one of the many London Icons – The London Black Cab. The Hackney Carriage originated in London, England in 1625. The cabs still come under some of the old rules from the horse drawn days. The Black Cabs' history goes back to the time of horse-drawn cabs which were called Hackney Cabs. The Black Cabs to date are the only taxis that are allowed to pick people up from the street. The first Hackney Carriages were licensed in 1662, and were at the time literally horse-drawn carriages. During the 20th century these were generally replaced with cars, and the last horse-drawn Hackney carriage was withdrawn from service in 1947. The name derives not from Hackney in London, but from the French word haquenée, referring to the horse that was pulling it. A carriage house, also called remise or coach house, is an outbuilding which was originally built to house horse-drawn carriages and the related tack. In the United Kingdom, a hackney carriage is a taxicab licensed by the Public Carriage Office in the London Metropolitan Area or by the local authority (shire district councils or authorities) in other parts of England and Wales, Scottish Executive in Scotland, and the Department of the Environment. In most of the country hackney carriages are conventional four door saloon cars but in London (and some other cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh) hackney carriages are specially designed vehicles manufactured by Manganese Bronze. These vehicles are designed to take up to 6 passengers in the back, and hold luggage in the front next to the driver. Some modern designs can also accommodate wheelchairs in the back. They were traditionally all black in colour and are popularly known as black cabs. London Routemaster Buses – History The first Powered Passenger Bus was exhibited up and down Bond Street, London in England in 1803. This could be called the first London Bus. The traditional red Routemaster has become one of the famous features of London, with much tourist paraphernalia continuing to bear Routemaster imagery, and with examples still in existence around the world. Despite its fame, the previous London bus classes the Routemaster replaced are often mistaken for Routemasters by the public and by the media. The AEC Routemaster is a model of double decker bus that was built by the Associated Equipment Company (AEC) in 1954 (in production from 1958) and produced until 1968. Primarily front-engined, rear open platform buses, a small number of variants were produced with doors and/or front entrances. Introduced by London Transport in 1956, the Routemaster saw continuous service in London until 2005, and currently remains on two heritage routes in central London. The Routemaster was developed by AEC in partnership with London Transport, the customer for nearly all new Routemasters. In total 2,876 Routemasters were built with approximately 1,000 still in existence. A pioneering design, the Routemaster outlasted several of its replacement types in London, survived the privatisation of the former London Transport bus operators, and was used by other operators around the UK. The unique features of the standard Routemaster were both praised and criticised. The open platform, while exposed to the elements, allowed boarding and alighting away from stops; and the presence of a conductor allowed minimal boarding time and optimal security, although the presence of conductors produced greater labour costs. Designed for and largely operated in London, over 2,800 of the original Routemaster buses were built between 1956 and 1968, following a design effort started in 1947. So robust was the design that the Routemaster outlived newer buses intended to replace it, into the deregulated era. It was not eventually withdrawn from regular London passenger service until December 2005. While older buses were exempt from the disability discrimination requirements until 2017, after the 2004 election, TfL adopted an internal policy aim of requiring all of its bus routes to be operated by low-floor buses, thereby requiring the withdrawal of the Routemaster from London. Contributory factors to the withdrawal were said to be the risk of litigation over accidents arising from using the rear platform, and the cost savings of one man operation, and that passengers preferred the comfort levels of modern buses to the now vintage Routemaster. The Routemaster continues in operation on two heritage routes awarded as TfL contract tendered routes, but they do not contravene the TfL accessible public transport policy requirement as they are paralleled over their entire route by low-floor vehicles of the same route number. The new Mayor of London in 2008 announced the re-introduction of the routemaster. The new routemaster will be updated to modern hybrid engineering and the new design has been chosen. It is hoped that the new bus will be operating across London in time for the London Olympics of 2012. City of London Livery Companies England is the oldest European country ( 1500 years old ) and London itself was founded by the Romans in 53 AD. The London livery companies began in London as craft guilds. At present there are 108 guilds covering most crafts and professions. The oldest guild is the Bakers Company Guild which started in 1155 AD. 'Guild' derives from the Saxon word for payment, since membership of these fraternities was, and still is, paid for. The word 'livery' refers to uniform clothing as means of identification, hence the term of freemen being "clothed in livery" when they become liverymen of their Company. A to Z of London Livery Guilds and Year of incorporation: Actuaries 1979 Air Pilots & Air Navigators 1929 Apothecaries 1617 Bakers 1155 ( The Oldest Livery Company - See Link Above ) Barbers 1308 Glaziers & Painters of Glass 1637 Glovers 1349 Gold & Silver Wyre Drawers 1693 Goldsmiths 1327 Makers of Playing Cards 1628 Management Consultants 2004 Tin Plate Workers alias Wire Workers 1670 Tobacco Pipe-Makers & Tobacco Blenders 1960 Turners 1604 Watermen & Lightermen England's House of Parliament - It's History The Houses of Parliament is always called the "Mother of Parliaments", so I thought it would be of interest to write it's history. The Houses of Parliament occupy the site of an ancient palace and in virtue of that fact still rank as a royal palace and are in the charge of the hereditary Lord Great Chamberlain (not to be confounded with the Lord Chamberlain of the Household). This ancient palace, altered and added to from time to time was the chief London residence of the sovereign from the reign of Edward the Confessor (or perhaps earlier) until Henry VIII seized Whitehall in 1529. The English Parliament traces its origins to the Anglo-Saxon Witenagemot. In 1066, William of Normandy brought a feudal system, by which he sought advice of a council of tenants-in-chief and ecclesiastics before making laws. In 1215, the tenants-in-chief secured the Magna Carta from King John, which established that the king may not levy or collect any taxes (except the feudal taxes to which they were hitherto accustomed), save with the consent of his royal council, which slowly developed into a parliament. In 1265, Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester summoned the first elected Parliament. The franchise in parliamentary elections for county constituencies was uniform throughout the country, extending to all those who owned the freehold of land to an annual rent of 40 shillings (Forty-shilling Freeholders). In the boroughs, the franchise varied across the country; individual boroughs had varying arrangements. This set the scene for the so-called "Model Parliament" of 1295 adopted by Edward I. By the reign of Edward II, Parliament had been separated into two Houses: one including the nobility and higher clergy, the other including the knights and burgesses, and no law could be made, nor any tax levied, without the consent of both Houses as well as of the Sovereign. In the Middle Ages and early modern period there were the four separate kingdoms of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales and these developed separate parliaments. In 1605 a chamber at its south end, was the scene of the Gunpowder Plot. In 1512, the palace was very seriously damaged by fire and it was practically never rebuilt, though Henry VIII. added the cloisters and perhaps also the Star Chamber. Henry VIII seized Whitehall in 1529. The Laws in Wales Act of 1535–42 annexed Wales as part of England, In 1547, the House of Commons, which had hitherto usually met in the Chapter House of Westminster Abbey, transferred its sittings to St. Stephen's Chapel in the palace; and in 1800 the House of Lords removed to the old Court of Requests, a chamber then situated a little to the south of Westminster Hall. When Elizabeth I was succeeded in 1603 by the Scottish King James VI (thus becoming James I of England), the countries both came under his rule but each retained its own Parliament. James I's successor, Charles I, quarrelled with the English Parliament and, after he provoked the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, their dispute developed into the English Civil War. Charles was executed in 1649 and under Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth of England the House of Lords was abolished, and the House of Commons made subordinate to Cromwell. After Cromwell's death, the Restoration of 1660 restored the monarchy and the House of Lords. Amidst fears of a Roman Catholic succession, the Glorious Revolution of 1688 deposed James II (James VII of Scotland) in favour of the joint rule of Mary II and William III, whose agreement to the English Bill of Rights introduced a constitutional monarchy, though the supremacy of the Crown remained. For the third time, a Convention Parliament, i.e., one not summoned by the king, was required to determine the succession. The 1707 Acts of Union brought England and Scotland together under the Parliament of Great Britain Old Palace Yard was an inner court of the palace, and down to 1800 the House of Lords assembled in a chamber at its south end. The 1800 Act of Union included Ireland under the Parliament of the United Kingdom and Ireland. In 1834, however, the entire palace was burned down, with the exception of Westminster Hall, the crypt of St. Stephen's Chapel, and part of the cloisters. Rooms were hastily repaired for the use of the two Houses, and the rebuilding of the whole was at once begun. In 1847 The Lords removed to their present abode and the Commons to theirs in 1850. The first woman-member of Parliament to take her seat, Viscountess Astor, was elected for Plymouth on November 15th, 1919; the first woman minister was Miss Margaret Bondfield, Undersecretary for Labour in 1924. Payment of members (£400 a year) was established by resolution in 1911. In 1979 The country voted for the first woman Prime Minister "Margaret Thatcher" who was one of Britain's greatest Prime Minister's and whose party invented "Privatisation" which was taken up by the world. With the help of Ronald Reagan she also helped in destroying Communism and what it stood for. The Soviet Union called her "The Iron Lady" which tells you how impressed they were. As an Englishman I would call Mrs. Thatcher the greatest Prime Minister since Churchill. Guy Fawkes and The Gunpowder Plot 1605 On every November 5th 1605 we in England and all over the World including New Zealand, Newfoundland, South Africa, parts of the Canada and Caribbean and the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda celebrate the failed gunpowder plot by Guy Fawkes and his fellow catholics with a bonfire and the burning of an effigy called a "Guy" and the exploding of Fireworks. The failed plot involved the blowing up of the Houses of Parliament and the murder of the elite of England including the King James I, Princes, Lords and Parliamentarians. As an addendum, Colonial America also celebrated November 5th until the war of Independence against Britain when George Washington Banned the celebration due to its British connections. This is a bit hypocritical since The Freemasons were founded in London, England yet he still supported and encouraged freemasonry to his friends after the war of independence ( Typical Politician ). The plot involved 13 conspirators: Robert Catesby, Thomas Wintour, Robert Wintour, Guy fawkes, John Wright, Christopher Wright, Robert Keyes, Thomas Percy, John Grant, Ambrose Rookwood, Sir Everard Digby, Francis Tresham and Thomas Bates. The 13 conspirators planned to place a hoard of gunpowder in an undercroft directly underneath the House of Lords. The plotters believed it to be the perfect place to hide explosives, as the undercroft had gone unused for some time. As October came and the plot was finalised, concerns arose that there may be Catholics present in Parliament when the device was to explode.[4] On Saturday 26 October William Parker, 4th Baron Monteagle, Francis Tresham's brother-in-law, received an anonymous letter warning him not to attend Parliament. On Friday 1 November the King was shown the letter, and it was later decided that a search of the Houses of Parliament would be undertaken on Monday. According to the King's account, searchers discovered a servant nearby a large pile of firewood in the undercroft on Monday 4 November. He informed the searchers that the firewood belonged to his master, Thomas Percy. The servant's true identity was Guy Fawkes. As the searches had so far failed to locate anything untoward the King demanded that a more thorough search must commence. Shortly after midnight a search party under the command of Thomas Knyvet discovered Fawkes in the undercroft. Fawkes, who identified himself as John Johnson, was placed under arrest, and his possessions searched. He was discovered to be carrying a pocket watch, matches, and torchwood. The search team then unearthed barrels of gunpowder hidden beneath the pile of firewood. Fawkes, still using the alias John Johnson, claimed when interrogated that he had acted alone. "Johnson" was relocated to the Tower of London on 6 November, where he was to be tortured, after the King gave his consent for the torture to take place. On 7 November Fawkes confessed that he had not acted alone, and the full extent of the plot was unearthed. The plotters were all executed, aside from Catesby and Percy, who had already been killed amidst their refusal to surrender, however the bodies were exhumed and their heads were added to the other conspirators and placed on spikes outside the Houses of Lords. In January 1606 the Thanksgiving Act was passed, and commemorating the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot became an annual event. Early traditions soon began after the act was passed, such as the ringing of church bells and the lighting of bonfires, and fireworks were even included in some of the earliest celebrations. The act remained in place until 1859. Despite the repeal of the act taking place over 150 years ago, Guy Fawkes Night still remains a yearly custom throughout Britain. When I was at school all children were taught the following rhyme: Remember, remember the Fifth of November, The Gunpowder Treason and Plot, I see no reason Why the Gunpowder Treason Should ever be forgot. Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t'was his intent To blow up the King and Parli'ment. Three-score barrels of powder below To prove old England's overthrow; By God's providence he was catch'd (or by God's mercy*) With a dark lantern and burning match. Holla boys, Holla boys, let the bells ring. Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King! And what should we do with him? Burn him! London Underground – The World's First Underground Railway The transport system now known as the London Underground began in 1863 with the Metropolitan Railway, the world's first underground railway. Over the next forty years, the early sub-surface lines reached out from the urban centre of the capital into the surrounding rural margins, leading to the development of new commuter suburbs. At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, new technology—including electric locomotives and improvements to the tunnelling shield enabled new companies to construct a series of "tube" lines deeper underground. Initially rivals, the tube railway companies began to co-operate in advertising and through shared branding, eventually consolidating under the single ownership of the London Electric Railway with lines stretching across London. Important Dates of The London Underground 1820s 1825 Using his patented tunnelling sheild, Marc Brunel begins construction of the Thames Tunnel under the River Thames between Wapping and Rotherhithe. Progress is slow and will be halted a number of times before the tunnel is completed. 1840s 1843 The Thames Tunnel opens as a pedestrian tunnel. 1845 Charles Pearson, Solicitor to the City of London, begins promoting the idea of an underground railway to bring passenger and goods services into the centre of the City. 1850s 1854 Metropolitan Railway (MR) is incorporated and granted powers to construct an underground railway from Paddington to Farringdon. 1856 Eastern Counties Railway (ECR) opens a line from Leyton to Loughton. 1860s 1861 Construction of the Metropolitan Railway near Kings Cross Station. 1870 Tower Subway opens, briefly, using a cabled-hauled carriage before conversion to pedestrian use. Constructed using a circular tunnelling shield developed by Peter W. Barlow and James Henry Greathead and lined with segmental cast-iron rings, this short tunnel under the River Thames successfully demonstrated new tunnelling techniques that would be used to construct most of the subsequent underground lines in London. 1880s 1880 MR extends to Harrow on the Hill. MDR extends from West Brompton to Putney Bridge. 1890s 1890 City and South London Railway electric locomotive and carriages. 1890 City of London and Southwark Subway changes name to City and South London Railway (C&SLR) and opens between Stockwell and King William Street, the world's first deep-level underground and electric railway. 1900s "Underground"-branded Tube map from 1908 showing the newly opened tube lines in central London. 1910s Tube roundels based on Edward Johnston's design 1910 District line extends from South Harrow to connect to the MR at Rayners Lane and commences services to Uxbridge. 1930s Arnos Grove station designed by Charles Holden 1932 MR extends to Stanmore. Piccadilly line extends from Finsbury Park to Arnos Grove. 1940s Londoners sheltering from The Blitz in a tube station 1940 Northern line extends over former EH&LR route to High Barnet. 1950s A rear-end collision between two trains on the Central line between Stratford and Leyton kills 12 passengers. 1955 Aldenham depot opens as bus overhaul works. 1956 Parliament grants approval for the construction of the Victoria line. 1957 Electric tube trains replace steam-hauled shuttles between Epping and Ongar. 1959 District line spur between Acton Town and South Acton is closed. 1960s Hans Unger's tiling design at Blackhorse Road Victoria line station, opened 1968 1960 The last published underground map designed by Harry Beck is released. 1970s 1970 Greater London Council (GLC) takes control of management of London Underground from London Transport Board controlling the Underground through a new London Transport Executive (LTE). 1980s London Transport Museum, Covent Garden 1980 London Transport Museum opens in Covent Garden. 2010s 2010 East London line reopens as part of London Overground network. England is the oldest European country ( 1500 years old ) and London itself was founded by the Romans in 53 AD this makes London a world capital. A recent UN survey recently found that London schools had children speaking 365 languages. Please click on links below to visit my various Articles and websites. The London River Thames – It's History The Thames is always called the "Artery of England", so I thought it would be of interest to write it's history. The story of the Thames goes back to over 30 million years ago when the river was once a tributary of the River Rhine, because Britain was not an island but joined at the hip to France. During the Great Ice Age, 10,000 years ago, the Thames changed its course and pushed its way through the Chiltern Hills at the place now known as the Goring Gap. The Thames was then 10 times its present size, a high-energy fast flowing river, fuelled by the melting ice sheets. However, this rapid progress slowed down, and by 3,000 years ago the river had settled down into its familiar meandering pattern that – with a few exceptions – we know today. The first settlements along the Thames valley began 400,000 years ago by early Neolithic Tribes. Later the Romans came to the site of Londinium in 43AD, present day London, and they consolidated the Thames as an international port by constructing wharves mills and, of course, London Bridge, the first man-made crossing of the river. The story of why they selected the site we now see as the place for the bridge is an interesting one. It was where there was the first easy crossing of the river after they sailed upstream from the estuary. The Romans discovered that by using the rising tide their boats could be swept over 50 miles inland up the Thames from the North Sea, with no wind or muscle power needed. Later invaders also made use of this free energy source. Old Father Thames is at present 346 kilometres in length (215 miles) – and is one of the most famous rivers in the world. It is the longest and most important waterway in England. Roman writers mention it as the Tamesis, and the name is probably a Celtic word which means ‘broad river'. The Thames connects the Heart of London to the North Sea. Its source starts in the rolling hills of the Cotswolds down to the mighty Thames Barrier on the London estuary. It is a magnificent river and many places of interest lie on its banks (Eton, Oxford, Henley, Windsor, Hampton Court, Richmond). In London the river flows past the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London. Ocean tides move up the river to south-west London. The Thames is 250 yards wide (229 metres) at London Bridge and 700 yards (600 metres) wide at Gravesend. It widens until it joins the North Sea at the London estuary. Its fame includes its history, its culture and its amazing variety of wildlife, archaeology and scenery – called The river with Liquid History. During the 19th century The Thames became one of the busiest rivers in the world. The Thames today is one of the cleanest rivers in the world and has more river tourists than any other types of River traffic. Some of the famous poems about the River Thames include the following poem by Wordsworth Lines written near Richmond, upon the Thames at Evening composed in 1790. Glide gently, thus forever glide, O Thames! that other bards may see, As lovely visions by thy side As now, fair river! come to me. Oh glide, fair stream! for ever so; Thy quiet soul on all bestowing, ‘Till all our minds forever flow, As thy deep waters now are flowing. Another Wordsworth poem and written in September 1802, entitled Composed upon Westminster Bridge. Earth has not anything to show more fair: Dull would he be of soul who could pass by A sight so touching in its majesty: This City now doth like a garment wear The beauty of the morning; silent, bare, Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie Open unto the fields, and to the sky; All bright and glittering in the smokeless air. Never did sun more beautifully steep In his first splendour valley, rock, or hill; Ne'er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep! The river glideth at his own sweet will: Dear God! the very houses seem asleep: And all that mighty heart is lying still! In 1929 the MP John Burns once famously described the river as "liquid history" – the actual quote was "The St Lawrence is water, the Mississippi is muddy water, but the Thames is liquid history". British Cheques – History In everyday life here in England in 2010 we use cheques to pay all our bills. I thought it would be interesting to write the History of British Cheques. I remember in the early 1980's having cheques that had pictures – called Pictorial Cheques. I hope one day british banks or building socities will re-introduce Pictorial cheques. By the 17th century, bills of exchange were being used for domestic payments in England. Cheques, a type of bill of exchange, then began to evolve. They were initially known as ‘drawn notes’ as they enabled a customer to draw on the funds they held on account with their banker and required immediate payment. These were hand written and one of the earliest known still to be in existence was drawn on Messrs Morris and Clayton, scriveners and bankers based in the City of London and dated 16 February 1659. In 1717 the Bank of England pioneered the first use of a pre-printed form. These forms were printed on ‘cheque’ paper to prevent fraud and customers had to attend in person and obtain a numbered form from the cashier. Once written the cheque would have to be brought back to the bank for settlement. Up until around 1770 an informal exchange of cheques took place between London Banks. Clerks of each bank visited all of the other banks to exchange cheques, whilst keeping a tally of balances between them until they settled with each other. Daily cheque clearings began around 1770 when the bank clerks met at the Five Bells, a tavern in Lombard Street in the City of London, to exchange all their cheques in one place and settle the balances in cash. In 1811 the Commercial Bank of Scotland is thought to have been the first bank to personalise its customers cheques, by printing the name of the account holder vertically along the left-hand edge. In 1830 the Bank of England introduced books of 50, 100 or 200 forms and counterparts, bound or stitched. These cheque books became a common format for the distribution of cheques to bank customers. In the late 1800s a number of countries formalised laws around cheques. The UK passing the Bills of Exchange act in 1882 which covered cheques. In 1931 an attempt was made to simplify the international use of cheques with the Geneva Convention on the unification of the law relating to cheques. Many European and South American states as well as Japan joined the convention. However all the members of the Common Law including the United States and the members of The Commonwealth did not participate. In 1959 a standard for machine readable characters (MRC) was agreed and patented in the United States for use with cheques. This opened the way for the first automated reader/sorting machines for clearing cheques. The following years saw a dramatic change in the way that cheques were handled and processed as automation increased. Cheque volumes continued to grow, and in the late 20th century cheques became the most popular non cash method for making payments, with billions of them processed each year. Most countries saw cheque volumes peak in the late 1980s or early 1990s. At that time electronic payment methods started to become popular and as a result cheque usage started to decline. In 1969 cheque guarantee cards were introduced in some countries, this allowed a retailer to confirm that a cheque would be honoured when they were used to pay at point of sale. This was done by having the drawer sign the cheque in front of the retailer so it could be compared to the signature on the card and them writing the cheque guarantee card number of the back of the cheque. These were generally phased out and replaced by debit cards starting in the mid 1990s. As an addendum The First ATM Machines was developed simultaneously in Sweden and Britain which both developed their own cash machines during the early 1960s. The first of these that was put into use was by Barclays Bank in Enfield Town in North London on 27th June 1967. This machine was the first in the UK and was used by English comedy actor Reg Varney, so as to ensure maximum publicity for the machines that were to become mainstream in the UK. This instance of the invention has been credited to John Shepherd-Baron. and other engineers at De La Rue Instruments who contributed to the design and development of that machine. Nevertheless, Shepherd-Barron was awarded an OBE in the 2005 New Years Honour's List. His design used special checks that were matched with a personal identification number, as plastic bank cards had not yet been invented. Dick Whittington - Lord Mayor of London 1397 Dick Whittington and His Cat is a British folk tale that has often been used as the basis for stage pantomines and other adaptations. It tells of a poor boy in the 14th century who becomes a wealthy merchant and eventually the Lord Mayor of London because of the ratting abilities of his cat. The character of the boy is named after a real-life person, Richard Whittington, but the real Whittington did not come from a poor family and there is no evidence that he had a cat. The first recorded pantomime version of the story was in 1814, starring Joseph Grimaldi as Dame Cecily Suet, the Cook. The pantomime adds another element to the story, rats, and an arch villain, the Pantomime King (or sometimes Queen) Rat, as well as the usual pantomime fairy, the Fairy of the Bells. Other added characters are a captain and his mate and some incompetent pirates. In this version, Dick and his cat "Tommy" travel to Morocco, where the cat rids the country of rats. The Sultan rewards Dick with half of his wealth. Sybil Arundale played Dick in many productions in the early years of the 20th century The real Richard Whittington ( Dick Whittington ) lived from about 1350-1423. He achieved many things in his life. Now he is known for having a pet cat and 'turning again'. Richard or 'Dick' Whittington was born during the 1350s. He was the younger son of Sir William Whittington, Lord of the Manor of Pauntley in Gloucestershire. Sir William died in 1358. The oldest son inherited the estate, so Richard travelled to London to find work. Whittington served an apprenticeship, and eventually became a ‘mercer', dealing in valuable cloth from abroad, such as silks, velvets and cloth of gold. The main market for selling these cloths was the Royal Court. Whittington supplied large quantities to King Richard II (who owed Whittington £1000 when he was deposed in 1399) and to King Henry IV. Whittington became rich. After 1397 he often lent large sums of money to the Crown. In return he was allowed to export wool without paying customs duty on it. He became a City alderman, or magistrate, in 1393. In 1397 the Mayor, Adam Bamme, died in office and the King chose Whittington to become the new mayor. He was re-elected the following year, and again for 1406-7 and 1419-20. This made him Mayor of London four times. Whittington died in March 1423. His wife Alice, daughter of Sir Ivo Fitzwaryn (or Fitzwarren) of Dorset, had died before him. They had no children. The gifts left in Whittington's will originally made him famous. However, Londoners did not know how he first made his money. Stories began about how a poor boy became rich with the help of his cat. There is no evidence that Whittington kept a cat, and as the son of a Lord he was never very poor. Despite being untrue the stories flourished. A play produced in 1606 tells most of the story. There are many different versions, but essentially the tale was: Dick Whittington was a poor boy from Gloucestershire who walked to London to seek his fortune. He found work in the house of a rich merchant Fitzwarren, and fell in love with Fitzwarren's daughter, Alice. Dick had a cat to keep down the mice in the attic where he slept. Fitzwarren invited his servants to put money into a sailing voyage. Dick had no money, but gave his cat to the captain to sell. Dick decided there was no future for him in London, and left to go home to Gloucestershire. He stopped on top of Highgate Hill on the way out of London. There he heard the bells of London ringing - they seemed to say: ‘Turn again, Whittington, three times Lord Mayor of London'. Dick thought this was a good omen and returned to Fitzwarren's house. He learnt that the ship had returned with great news. The sailing party arrived in a foreign land where the king's court was overrun by rats. Dick's cat killed or drove out all the rats. In thanks the king paid a huge sum of gold to buy the cat. Dick was now a very wealthy man. He married Alice Fitzwarren, and eventually became Lord Mayor of London. The story continued to grow in the 17th and 18th centuries and appeared in many children's books. In the 19th century, the story became the subject for pantomimes and other characters were added. The story is still told today in pantomimes and new versions of the story are still published. Even now, Dick Whittington and the cat that made his fortune are familiar to people who have never heard of the ‘real' Richard Whittington. Speaker's Corner, Hyde Park, London Icon – History I have created this article about Speakers Corner as it's one of the Icons of London. Speakers Corner is situated in the north-eastern corner of Hyde Park, opposite Marble Arch. Whilst it is nothing much to look at, it is London's most famous place for public debate. Free speech and banter is the name of the game here, and anyone with something to say can step up and speak their mind. This was the first royal park opened to the public in 1637. On its corner stands Speakers Corner where on a Sunday morning speakers pontificate of every subject under the sun. During the summer band concert, softball games and boating on the lake takes place. However whilst safe during the day it is better avoided at night. Its origins date from the 1700s, when Tyburn was still a site of public execution. Condemned men were allowed one last speech before they met their maker, and the memory has stuck throughout the centuries. It gained a huge boost in 1855, when a crowd gathered to rail against the Sunday Trading Bill. When the police arrived to arrest the ringleader, they were met by a mob 150,000 strong. It moved to its present location, the northeast corner of Hyde Park in 1851. Just beyond it, in the park, is the Speakers' Corner, where soap- box orators sometimes put on a diverting show.It runs through Oxford Circus and passes many department stores on its way to Marble Arch. Modeled on the Arch of Constantine in Rome, Marble Arch was designed to serve as a gate to Buckingham Palace, but was British Travel Association BEHEMOTH -- London tour bus passes Parliament Square and Big Ben. moved to its present location, the northeast corner of Hyde Park in 1851. Just beyond it, in the park, is the Speakers' Corner, where soap- box orators sometimes Speak there mind. The events of June 1855 at Speakers' Corner inspired Karl Marx ( the disliker of democracy ) to declare that the English proletariat had begun their inexorable rise and that social revolution leading to a communist state was under way. "This alliance between a degenerate, dissipated and pleasure-seeking aristocracy and the church -- built on a foundation of filthy and calculated profiteering on the part of the beer magnates and monopolistic wholesalers -- gave rise to a mass demonstration in Hyde Park. As in most things neo-communist this was another failed attempt to create a revolution in England which failed because we in England held with suspicion anyone who tried to cause dis-harmony and invariably they would fail miserably. This is probably why Karl Marx and his ilk went back to where they came from. Typically they used our freedoms to try to undermine our freedoms. The history of Speakers Corner began in 1872. It was then that an Act of Parliament, otherwise known as law, was passed giving up a small corner of Hyde Park to pubic speaking. Throughout the years, great debates and large crowds were common. Today, not so much, but this is still considered a must see. If you are easily offended by many of today's political and religious issues or if you cannot stand to hear another word about the "impending apocalypse," it may be best to walk away or put your hands over your ears. During 1872 the place had started to gain a nationwide fame, and a legal licence was granted to allow sizeable meetings. There are many Speakers Corner around the world in Australia, Canada, Netherlands, Singapore, Trinidad and tobago, Thailand and Malaysia and in English Cities Nottingham, Worthing based on London's Speaker Corner. The London Thames Watermen and Lightermen As I am a direct descendent of Sir Christopher Wren and have many ancestors from London who were members of various Livery companies I have created this article to the Company of Waterman and Lighterman. By Elizabethan times Thames watermen had become some of the most important tradesmen in London. But work on the river could be dangerous for poorly qualified men in unsuitable boats. Accidents were frequent, and passengers were often overcharged. In 1514, in Henry VIII's reign, Parliament found it necessary to introduce an Act to regulate watermen's fares. A further Act of 1555 led to the foundation of the Company of Watermen and the introduction of apprenticeships on the river. In 1585 Elizabeth I granted the Company its own coat of arms showing the tools of the watermen's trade, and soon afterwards their first Hall was built. The original one-year waterman's apprenticeship became seven years in 1603. Then in 1700, another group of river workers, the lightermen, who carried goods rather than passengers, joined with the Company. It became the Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames, a title it still holds. The Company moved to its present Hall in 1780. Watermen flourished in the 18th and early 19th centuries, and many popular prints and ceramic figures illustrate their activities. Some of these caricatures make fun of the watermen's rivalry when touting for passengers and the reputation of the less scrupulous for overcharging. However, competition from new bridges, improved road and rail transport and Thames steamers with their heavy wash, eventually led to a decline in the number of watermen. The lightermen, however, benefited at first from the increase in the shipping trade of the Port of London. But they were severely affected by new cargo-handling methods introduced into the docks in the second half of the 20th century. The Company was responsible throughout the 19th century for regulating watermen and lightermen and their fees, and for registering their boats. Later, the Thames Conservancy and the Port of London Authority took over most of these duties. However, the Company continued to be responsible for apprenticeships and the granting of Freedoms. Today, the principal activities of the Company are the training of apprentices and the charitable support of watermen and their families. The Watermen's Company also continues to encourage an interest in rowing and the use of the Thames, as well as traditional City of London ceremonial river events. London Bridges and Other Thames Crossings – History The bridges that cross the Thames total 214 with over 20 tunnels, six public ferries and one ford, so I thought it would be of interest to write it's history. Barrier and Boundary Until sufficient crossings were established, the river provided a formidable barrier, with Belgic tribes and Anglo-Saxon kingdoms being defined by which side of the river they were on. When English counties were established their boundaries were partly determined by the Thames. On the northern bank were the historic counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Middlesex and Essex. On the southern bank were the counties of Wiltshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and Kent. However the permanent crossings that have been built to date have changed the dynamics and made cross-river development and shared responsibilities more practicable. In 1965, upon the creation of Greater London, the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames incorporated areas that had been part of both Middlesex and Surrey; and changes in 1974 moved some of the boundaries away from the river. For example, some areas that had been part of Berkshire became part of Oxfordshire, what had been Buckinghamshire became part of Berkshire, and what had been Middlesex became part of Surrey. On occasion – for example in rowing – the banks are still referred to by their traditional county names. History of Crossings Many of the present road bridges on the river are on the site of earlier fords, ferries and wooden structures. The earliest known major crossings of the Thames by the Romans were at London Bridge and Staines Bridge. At Folly Bridge in Oxford the remains of an original Saxon structure can be seen, and mediaeval stone structures such as Newbridge and Abingdon Bridge are still in use. Kingston's growth is believed to stem from its having the only crossing between London Bridge and Staines until the beginning of the 18th century. Proposals to build bridges across the Thames at Lambeth and Putney in around 1670 were prevented by the Rulers of the Company of Watermen, since it would mean ruin for the 60,000 rivermen who provided a pool of naval reserve.[1] During the 18th century, many stone and brick road bridges were built from new or to replace existing structures both in London and along the length of the river. These included Putney Bridge, Westminster Bridge, Datchet Bridge, Windsor Bridge and Sonning Bridge. Several central London road bridges were built in the 19th century, most conspicuously Tower Bridge, the only Bascule bridge on the river, designed to allow ocean going ships to pass beneath it. The most recent road bridges are the bypasses at Isis Bridge and Marlow By-pass Bridge and the Motorway bridges, most notably the two on the M25 route Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and M25 Runnymede Bridge. The development of the railway resulted in a spate of bridge building in the 19th century including Blackfriars Railway Bridge and Charing Cross (Hungerford) Railway Bridge in central London, and the spectacular railway bridges by Isambard Kingdom Brunel at Maidenhead Bridge, Gatehampton Railway Bridge and Moulsford Railway Bridge. The world's first underwater tunnel was the Thames Tunnel by Marc Brunel built in 1843 and used to carry the East London Line. The Tower Subway was the first railway under the Thames, which was followed by all the deep-level tube lines. Road tunnels were built in East London at the end of the 19th century, being the Blackwall Tunnel and the Rotherhithe Tunnel, and the latest tunnel was the Dartford Crossing. Many foot crossings were established across the weirs that were built on the non-tidal river, and some of these remained when the locks were built – for example at Benson Lock. Others were replaced by a footbridge when the weir was removed as at Hart's Weir Footbridge. Around the year 2000 AD, several footbridges were added along the Thames, either as part of the Thames Path or in commemoration of the Millennium. These include Temple Footbridge, Bloomers Hole Footbridge, the Hungerford Footbridges and the Millennium Bridge, all of which have distinctive design characteristics. Some ferries still operate on the river. The Woolwich Ferry carries cars and passengers across the river in the Thames Gateway and links the North Circular and South Circular roads. Upstream are smaller pedestrian ferries, for example Hampton Ferry and Shepperton to Weybridge Ferry the last being the only non-permanent crossing that remains on the Thames Path. The list starts at the downstream (Estuary) end and follows the river upstream towards the source. A few of the crossings listed are public pedestrian crossings utilising walkways across lock gates and bridges above or adjacent to the adjoining weirs. Most of the other locks on the River Thames also have walkways across their lock gates and weirs, but these either do not completely cross the river, or are restricted to authorised personnel only, and are therefore not listed. Besides the ferry crossings listed, there are commuter boat services operating along the river in London, and tourist boat services operating both in London and upstream. Whilst the principal purpose of these services is not to carry people across the river, it may be possible to use them to do so. List Of Thames Crossings North Sea to London · proposed Lower Thames Crossing at or east of Dartford Crossing - three options announced in April 2009 · Gravesend - Tilbury Ferry, a passenger ferry. · High Speed 1 rail tunnels from Swanscombe in Kent to West Thurrock in Essex. (Two 2.5 km tunnels, 7.15 m internal diameter.) · Dartford Crossing including two Dartford Tunnels (1963 and 1980) and the cable-stayed Queen Elizabeth II Bridge (1991) · Dartford Cable Tunnel (2003; tunnel carrying electrical cable; accessible by authorised personnel only) · 380kV Thames Crossing (power line crossing at West Thurrock) East London · proposed Thames Gateway Bridge, bridge between Beckton with Thamesmead, cancelled in November 2008. · Docklands Light Railway tunnel (between King George V and Woolwich Arsenal stations) · Woolwich foot tunnel (1912) · Crossrail tunnel (construction started 15 May 2009) · Millennium Dome electricity cable tunnel · Thames Barrier (includes service tunnel accessible by authorised personnel only) · proposed Silvertown Link (bridge or tunnel to relieve the Blackwall Tunnels) · Jubilee Line tunnels (between North Greenwich and Canning Town; 1999) · Blackwall Tunnels (Alexander Binnie, 1897; second bore 1967) · Jubilee Line tunnels (between Canary Wharf and North Greenwich; 1999) · Docklands Light Railway tunnel (between Island Gardens and Cutty Sark; 1999) · Greenwich foot tunnel (Alexander Binnie, 1902) · Jubilee Line tunnels (between Canada Water and Canary Wharf; 1999) · Canary Wharf - Rotherhithe Ferry · Rotherhithe Tunnel (Maurice Fitzmaurice, 1908) · Thames Tunnel (Wapping to Rotherhithe Tunnel) (Marc Brunel, 1843; the world's first underwater tunnel, now part of the East London Line) Central London · Tower Bridge (1894) · Tower Subway (Peter W. Barlow and James Henry Greathead; 1870. The world's first underground tube railway, cable hauled - now used for water mains and telephone cables and not accessible) · Northern Line (City branch) tunnels (between London Bridge and Bank; 1900) · London Bridge (1973) · City & South London Railway tunnels (This railway's original crossing of the river between Borough and King William Street; 1890. Abandoned in 1900 when the Northern Line City branch tunnels were opened on a new alignment) · Cannon Street Railway Bridge (1982) · Southwark Bridge (1921) · Waterloo & City Line tunnels (between Waterloo and Bank; 1898) · Waterloo Bridge (1945) (the "women's bridge") · Northern Line (Charing Cross branch) tunnels (between Waterloo and Embankment; 1926) · Hungerford Footbridges (Golden Jubilee Bridges) (2002) · Charing Cross (Hungerford) Bridge (Railway, 1864) · Bakerloo Line tunnels (between Waterloo and Embankment; 1906) · Jubilee Line tunnels (between Waterloo and Westminster; 1999) · Westminster Bridge (1862) · Victoria Line tunnels (between Vauxhall and Pimlico; 1971) · Grosvenor Bridge (Victoria Railway Bridge) (1859) South west London · Battersea Bridge (Sir Joseph Bazalgette, 1890) (Henry Holland, 1771) · Battersea Railway Bridge (1863) · Fulham Railway Bridge and Footbridge (1889) · Putney Bridge (Sir Joseph Bazalgette, 1886) (Phillips & Ackworth, 1729) · Hammersmith Bridge (Sir Joseph Bazalgette, 1887) · Barnes Railway Bridge and Footbridge (1849) · Chiswick Bridge (1933) · Kew Bridge (John Wolfe-Barry, 1903) · Richmond Lock and Footbridge (1894) · Twickenham Bridge (1933) · Hammerton's Ferry (F) (Marble Hill Twickenham to Ham House) · Teddington Lock Footbridge · Hampton Ferry (F) (to Hurst Park, East Molesey, 1519) London to Windsor · Walton Bridge (1953 and 1999) · Shepperton to Weybridge Ferry (F) · Chertsey Bridge (1785) · M25 Runnymede Bridge (Edwin Lutyens, 1961; widened 1983 and 2005) · Albert Bridge (1928) · Black Potts Railway Bridge (1892) · Windsor Bridge (1824) · Windsor Railway Bridge (Isambard Kingdom Brunel, 1849) · Queen Elizabeth Bridge (1966) · M4 Bridge (incorporates footbridge) (1961) · Maidenhead Railway Bridge (Isambard Kingdom Brunel, 1838) · Maidenhead Bridge (1777) · Bourne End Railway Bridge (1895; incorporates footbridge) · Marlow By-pass Bridge (1972) · Marlow Bridge (William Tierney Clark, 1832) · Temple Footbridge (1989) · Hambleden Lock (incorporates public footbridge) · Henley Bridge (1786) · Sonning Bridge (c.1775) & Sonning Backwater Bridges (1986) · Caversham Lock (incorporates public footbridge) · Reading Bridge (1923) · Reading Festival Bridge (2008, a temporary footbridge on permanent footings for the Reading Festival) · Whitchurch Bridge (1902, a toll bridge from Whitchurch-on-Thames to Pangbourne) · Gatehampton Railway Bridge (Isambard Kingdom Brunel, 1838) · Goring and Streatley Bridge (1923) · Moulsford Railway Bridge (Isambard Kingdom Brunel, 1838) · Winterbrook Bridge (1993) · Benson Lock (incorporates public footbridge) · Shillingford Bridge (1827) · Day's Lock (incorporates public footbridge) · Clifton Hampden Bridge (George Gilbert Scott,1867) · Appleford Railway Bridge (1929) · Sutton Bridge · Culham Bridge (across Swift Ditch, a backwater and former main course of the river near Abingdon) · Abingdon Bridge (1416) · Abingdon Lock (incorporates public footbridge) · Nuneham Railway Bridge (1929) · Pinkhill Lock (Incorporates public footbridge) · Hart's Weir Footbridge (1879) · Shifford Cut Footbridge and Duxford Ford · Tadpole Bridge · Halfpenny Bridge (James Hollingworth, 1792) - the start of the navigable Thames · Hannington Bridge · unnamed road bridge at grid reference 020946 · Neigh Bridge · unnamed road bridge at grid reference 004972 · Parker's Bridge, Ewen · A433 Road Bridge History of Stocks and Shares London from 1688 to Present As my family can trace our family tree back many generations of Londoners including directly descended from the famous church builder Sir Christopher Wren I thought I would write about its history. One of the interesting things I learnt in my Commerce Class was the London Stock Exchange saying "My word is my bond". Trading in London accounted for 36.7% of the world total, making London by far the most important global centre for foreign exchange trading. The trade in shares in London began with the need to finance two voyages: The Muscovy Company's attempt to reach China via the White Sea north of Russia, and the east India Company voyage to India and the east. The trading in the stocks of the second company began in 1688. Unable to finance these expensive journeys privately, the companies raised the money by selling shares to merchants, giving them a right to a portion of any profits eventually made. The idea soon caught on (one of the earliest was the Earl of Bedford's scheme to drain the Fens). It is estimated that by 1695, there were 140 joint-stock companies. The trade in shares was centred around the City's Change Alley in two coffee shops: Garraway's and Jonathan's. The broker, John Castaing, published the prices of stocks and commodities called The Course of the Exchange and other things in these coffee shops. In 1697, a law was passed to "restrain the number and ill-practice of brokers and stockjobbers" following a number of Insider Trading and market-rigging incidents. It required all brokers to be licensed and to take an oath promising to act lawfully. In 1698, when a man named John Castaing began publishing lists of stock prices called 'The Course of the Exchange and Other Things'. London's stock dealers were at this time making trades in the streets and in coffee houses. In 1761, 150 of these stockbrokers started a club for buying and selling shares in a dealing room on Sweeting's Alley, which eventually became known as The Stock Exchange. It became an official, regulated exchange in 1801 and a year later moved into a building in Chapel Court. Like many other stock exchanges, the London Stock Exchange closed for five months during World War I, and again for six days during World War II. Previously, all members of the London Stock Exchange had to be British as per Rule 21. The nationality requirement was lifted in 1970. This allowed foreigners to become members of the London Stock Exchange, the first approved membership being that of Egyptian Prince Abbas Hilmi. Then in 1972 a new office with a 23,000 square foot trading floor was opened for the exchange by Queen Elizabeth II on Threadneedle Street. A year later, all the regional exchanges in England and Ireland merged with the London Stock Exchange. In 1986 there was a deregulation of the exchange, called the 'Big Bang'. Among other things, this deregulation allowed outside corporations to own member firms, eliminated voting rights for individual members, and transformed the face-to-face trading system into one largely operated over computers and telephones. In 1995, the London Stock Exchange opened the Alternative Investment Market, creating the division between the trading of large cap and small cap companies. In 2000, the London Stock Exchange made the decision to go public, and began listing their shares on their own exchange in 2001. In 2004, the exchange left their building on Threadneedle Street to move to their current location on Paternoster Square near St. Paul's Cathedral. On February 9, 2011, the London Stock Exchange announced that they had agreed to merge with the Toronto-based TMX Group, the owners of the Toronto Stock Exchange, creating a combined entity with a market capitalisation of listed companies equal to £3.7 trillion. In October 2010, the London Stock Exchange announced that the new Linux based trading system. named Millennium Exchange, had smashed the world record for trade speed, with 126 microsecond trading times being recorded on the Turquoise dark pool trading venue and would go live on in early 2011. Due to London's dominance in the market, a particular currency's quoted price is usually the London market price. For instance, when the IMF calculates the value of its SDR's (Special Drawing Rights ) every day, they use the London market prices at noon that day. History of the English Constitution AD 890 to Present day AD 890 The Anglo Saxon Chronicles. Originally compiled on the orders of King Alfred the Great, approximately A.D. 890, and subsequently maintained and added to by generations of anonymous scribes until the middle of the 12th Century. The original language is Anglo-Saxon (Old English), but later entries are essentially Middle English in tone. AD 1086: The Domesday Book Domesday is Englands most famous and earliest surviving public record. It is a highly detailed survey and valuation of all the land held by the King and his chief tenants, along with all the resources that went with the land in late 11th century England. The survey was a massive enterprise, and the record of that survey, Domesday Book, was a remarkable achievement. There is nothing like it in England until the censuses of the 19th century. 1215: Magna Carta The 'great charter' is most famous for consolidating judicial rights, notably habeas corpus, the right not to be unlawfully imprisoned. However, it was also an important first step in removing power from the central authority - King John - and spreading it wider. Its 61st clause, known as the Security Clause, declared that a council of 25 barons be created with the power to overrule the will of the King, by force if necessary. This was repealed angrily by the King shortly afterwards, and mediaeval rulers largely ignored the document altogether, but it became an early foundation of England's - and later the United Kingdom's - unwritten constitution. 1376: The first Speaker of the House of Commons is appointed An English Parliament had existed since late in the 13th century, and had been divided into two houses since 1341, with knights and burgesses sitting in what became known as the House of Commons while clergy and nobility sat in the House of Lords. However, its duties largely consisted of ratifying taxes for the Crown. In 1376, Thomas de la Mare was appointed to go to the King with complaints about taxation, and the Commons for the first time impeached some of the King's ministers. While de la Mare was imprisoned for his actions, the House created the position of Speaker to represent the Commons permanently. Above is Betty Boothroyd, the Speaker from 1992 to 2000. English Petition of Right in 1628 Parliament passed the Petition of Right in 1628 in response to a number of perceived violations of the law by Charles I in the first years of his reign. In 1626, Charles had convened Parliament in an effort to obtain desperately needed funds for the continuation of his unsuccessful war with Spain. Unhappy with the prosecution of the war, however, Parliament swiftly began impeachment proceedings against Charles' favorite and principal counselor, the Duke of Buckingham. In order to protect Buckingham, Charles was forced to dissolve Parliament before it had voted any subsidies. Left without recourse to parliamentary taxation, Charles resorted to two forms of extra-parliamentary taxation to raise the funds he needed - a benevolence and a Forced Loan - that were of doubtful legality at best. He also began to billet soldiers in civilian homes, both as a cost-saving measure and as a means of punishing his political opponents. Citing the Forced Loan's illegality, a number of gentlemen refused to pay, and many of them were imprisoned as a result. Ultimately, five of the imprisoned gentlemen - the so-called "Five Knights" (since they were all knights) petitioned the Court of Kings Bench for writs of habeas corpus to force the government to specify the reason for their imprisonment. Seeking to avoid a direct challenge of the legality of the Loan, Charles refused to charge the prisoners with a specific crime, instead declaring on the return to the writs that the knights were detained "per speciale mandatum domini regis" ("by special command of our lord the king"). In the resulting hearings before the King's Bench - the famous Five Knights case - counsel for the Knights argued that imprisonment by "special command" amounted to a fundamental violation of the principle of due process established by chapter twenty-nine of Magna Carta, which declared that imprisonment could only occur in accordance with the law of the land. The Five Knights' counsel claimed, therefore, that the king, upon receipt of a writ of habeas corpus, must return a specific cause of detention, the legality of which could be assessed by the courts. In contrast,Robert heath, the Attorney General, claimed that the king had a prerogative right to imprison by royal command for reasons of state, and these detentions could not be challenged by habeas corpus. Faced with conflicting precedents, and, undoubtedly, political pressure, the Court decided to remit the Knights to prison while taking the case under advisement. Although equivocal, this decision was taken as a major victory for the king, and a significant blow to the opponents of his extra-legal policies. It was largely a desire to overturn immediately this ruling that would provide the primary impetus for the House of Commons decision to create the Petition of Right in the subsequent Parliament. The Habeas Corpus Act 1679 is an Act of the Parliament of England passed during the reign of King Charles 11 to define and strengthen the ancient prerogative writ of habeas corpus, whereby persons unlawfully detained cannot be ordered to be prosecuted before a court of law. The Act is often wrongly described as the origin of the writ of habeas corpus, which had existed for at least three centuries before. The Act of 1679 followed an earlier act of 1640 which established that the command of the King or the Privvy Council was no answer to a petition of habeas corpus. Further Habeas Corpus Acts were passed by the British Parliament in 1803, 1804, 1816 and 1862, but it is the Act of 1679 which is remembered as one of the most important statutes in English constitutional history. Though amended, it remains on the statute book to this day. The Act came about because the Earl of Shaftsbury encouraged his friends in the Commons to introduce the Bill where it passed and was then sent up the Lords. Shaftesbury was the leading Exclusionist—those who wanted to exclude Charles II's brother James, Duke of York from the succession—and the Bill was a part of that struggle as they believed James would rule arbitrarily. The Lords decided to add many wrecking amendments to the Bill in an attempt to kill it; the Commons had no choice but to pass the Bill with the Lords' amendments because they learned that the King would soon end the current parliamentary session. The Bill went back and forth between the two house, and then the Lords voted on whether to set up a conference on the Bill. If this motion was defeated the Bill would stay in the Commons and therefore have no chance of being passed. Each side—those voting for and against—appointed a teller who stood on each side of the door through which those Lords who had voted "aye" re-entered the House (the "nays" remained seated). One teller would count them aloud whilst the other teller listened and kept watch in order to know if the other teller was telling the truth. Shaftesbury's faction had voted for the motion, so they went out and re-entered the House. Gilbert Burnet, one of Shaftesbury's friends, recorded what then happened: Lord Grey and Lord Norris were named to be the tellers: Lord Norris, being a man subject to vapours, was not at all times attentive to what he was doing: so, a very fat lord coming in, Lord Grey counted him as ten, as a jest at first: but seeing Lord Norris had not observed it, he went on with this misreckoning of ten: so it was reported that they that were for the Bill were in the majority, though indeed it went for the other side: and by this means the Bill passed. The clerk recorded in the minutes of the Lords that the "ayes" had fifty-seven and the "nays" had fifty-five, a total of 112, but the same minutes also state that only 107 Lords had attended that sitting. The King arrived shortly thereafter and gave Royal Assent before proroguing Parliament. The Act is now stored in the Parliamentary Archives. 1688: The Great Revolution The Civil War a few years before had removed the monarchy, and then reinstated it in a weakened form, setting the stage for the attenuated 'constitutional monarchy' that we have today. But it was the arrival of William of Orange from Holland to take the throne from James II which led to the creation of the Bill of Rights, constitutionally preventing absolute rule by the Kings and Queens of Great Britain to this day, and leaving Parliament as the true seat of power in the country. The English Bill of Rights 1689 The Bill of Rights was passed by Parliament in December 1689. It was a re-statement in statutory form of the Declaration of Right presented by the Convention Parliament to William and Mary in March 1688, inviting them to become joint sovereigns of England. It enumerates certain rights to which subjects and permanent residents of a constitutional monarchy were thought to be entitled in the late 17th century, asserting subjects' right to petition the monarch, as well as to have arms in defence. It also sets out—or, in the view of its drafters, restates—certain constitutional requirements of the Crown to seek the consent of the people, as represented in parliament. Along with the 1701 Act of Settlement the Bill of Rights is still in effect, one of the main constitutional laws governing the succession to the throne of the United kingdom and—followingBritish Colonialism, the resultant doctrine of reception, and independence—to the thrones of those other Commonwealth realms, by willing deference to the act as a British statute or as a patriated part of the particular realm's constitution. Since the implementation of the statute of Statute of westminister in each of the Commonwealth realms (on successive dates from 1931 onwards) the Bill of Rights cannot be altered in any realm except by that realm's own parliament, and then, by convention and as it touches on the succession to the shared throne, only with the consent of all the other realms. In the United Kingdom, the Bill of Rights is further accompanied by the Magna Carta, Habeas Corpus Act 1679 and Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949 as some of the basic documents of the uncodified British Constitution. A separate but similar document, the Claim of Right Act applies in Scotland. The English Bill of Rights 1689 inspired in large part the United States Bill of Rights. 4 July 1776 American Declaration of Independence The American Congress formally declares the separation of the thirteen colonies from Great Britain through the Declaration of Independence. 17 September 1787 Constitution of the United States The Constitution of the United States is signed and then ratified the following year. It establishes the system of federal government that begins to operate from 1789. 15 December 1791 American Bill of Rights Based on the English Bill of Rights - The American Bill of Rights is added to the U.S. Constitution as the first ten amendments. 1832: The Reform Act Democracy of sorts had existed in England for centuries - as far back as 1432, Henry VI passed statues declaring who was eligible to vote (male owners of land worth at least 40 shillings, or a freehold property - perhaps half a million people nationwide). However, the counties and boroughs that sent Members to Parliament were of wildly differing size. The county of Yorkshire had more than 20,000 people, and the borough of Westminster had around 12,000, but they only sent one representative to the Commons - as did, for example, Dunwich, which had 32 voters, or Gatton, which had seven. The Reform Act increased enfranchisement to over a million, or about one in six of all adult males, by allowing men who rented property above a certain value to vote too. It also tore up the mediaeval boundaries of counties and boroughs, giving more equitable representation for the cities that had sprung up since the Industrial Revolution. A second Act, in 1837, enfranchised all male householders, regardless of value. 1913: Emily Davison's death Campaigns for women's suffrage go as far back as 1817, when the utilitarian philosopher Jeremy Bentham wrote Plan of Parliamentary Reform in the form of a Catechism. William Thompson and Anna Wheeler also published a pamphlet in 1825 on the subject. However, despite these green shoots of support, the 1832 Act for the first time explicitly limited suffrage to "male persons". It was not until 1861, when John Stuart Mill published The Subjection of Women, that the movement began to gain momentum. In 1893, New Zealand became the first self-governing country to allow women to vote. In Britain, progress was slower, and in the early 20th century women took to direct and sometimes violent action; chaining themselves to railings, arson attacks, and even bombings. Many were imprisoned, and some went on hunger strike. Emily Davison died at the Epsom Derby in 1913, when she ran out in front of the King's horse, Anmer, clutching the banner of the Women's Social and Political Union. It was around this time that the originally derogatory word 'suffragette' was coined, in a Daily Mail article. 1918: The Representation of the People Act World War I could not be said to have had many silver linings, but it gave British women - who had spent the last four years, in a country shorn of young men, keeping the war effort running in munition factories and farms - a newfound political confidence. The 1918 Act recognised that not only these women, but many soldiers who had supposedly fought for British democracy, were still unable to vote. It removed all property restrictions from male voters, and allowed women to vote for the first time - although not those under 30, and with property restrictions - and to stand for election. The first woman, Nancy Astor, was elected to Parliament just 18 months later, in Plymouth Sutton. Ten years later, the restrictions on women were lifted, allowing them to vote at 21 whether or not they held property. 10th December 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The United Nations adopts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 1969: The Representation of the People Act After one final loophole was closed in 1948 - weirdly, up until that point, some seven per cent of the electorate had two votes per person - voting in the United Kingdom reached essentially its modern state in 1969, when Harold Wilson's government dropped the voting age for all citizens from 21 to 18. Further acts in 1983, 1985 and 2000 changed the laws on prisoners and overseas voters (essentially, convicted criminals may not vote while in prison; expatriates can still vote in their last constituency for 15 years after they left the country, and holidaymakers can vote by postal ballot or proxy). In 2000, a hoary constitutional prejudice against "lunatics" was weakened when psychiatric hospitals were allowed to be designated as registration addresses. 2 October 2000 British Human Rights Act The British Human Rights Act 1998 came into force. This makes the European Convention on Human Rights enforceable in UK courts. ( As an Englishman this is one of the worst drafted Acts in the history of the British Constitution.) English Kings and Queens from 774 AD to Present Day Many years ago in the 1920's my great Aunt Hilda traced our family tree back to the Kings and Queens of England from the 7th. Century. This basically means I am related to most of the British Royal Family going back 1500 years. This has made me a great fan of English and British History and below is a list of English and British Kings and Queens. 774-796 Offa King of the Angles and not necessarily the Saxons. 802 - 839 May have been the son of his fathers mistress 939 - 946 Aged 13 when he became king 959 - 975 His wife was the first to be crowned Queen 975 - 979 Installed by the nobility he was Canute's father 1014 - 1016 Unready means No-counsel or Unwise 1016 - 1016 Only ruled for 6 months 1016 - 1035 Tried to hold back the tide 1035 - 1040 He usurped Hardicanute and murdered the only other contender 1040 - 1042 Also King of Denmark he drunk himself to death 1042 - 1066 Responsible for the building of Westminster Abbey 1066 - 1066 Killed at Hastings - that he was shot in the eye is a myth The Normans 1066 - 1087 William I the Conqueror A comtemporary chronicle described him as a stern and violent man. The Bayeaux Tapestrey was created by weavers in Kent, England. 1087 - 1100 Died from eating too many Lampreys 1135 - 1154 Richard I The Lion Heart Famous for his crusades and for leaving John as his Regent 1199 - 1216 The King John of Robin Hood fame who was forces to sign Magna Carta 1216 - 1272 Unsuccessfully tried to set aside the Magna Carta 1272 - 1307 Conquerer of the Welsh and the King Edward of Braveheart fame 1307 - 1327 Renounced throne and later murdered 1327 - 1377 Created the Duchy of Cornwall to support the heir to the throne 1377 - 1399 Died of Leprosy and epilepsy. His wife was later convicted of witchcraft 1413 - 1422 Murdered - One of the Princes in the Tower 1483 - 1485 Won the crown at the Battle of Bosworth Field 1509 - 1547 Of 6 wives fames. Formed the Protestant church 1547 - 1553 Tricked in to declaring Jane his heir. 1553 - 1553 Reigned for 9 days later executed 1553 - 1558 Her reign is often described as the Golden Age House of Stuart A trouble reign that encompassed the Great Plague & the fire of London 1685 - 1688 William of Orange.Joint Sovereigns Mary died 1694 1702 - 1714 The last monarch to veto an act of Parliament. House of Hanover Sometimes known as German George 1727 - 1760 The last King to fight with his troops 1760 - 1820 Sometimes called Mad George. Lost the American Colonies 1820 - 1830 Prince Regent for part of his fathers reign. 1830 - 1837 Presided over the great Parlimentry Reform Act 1837 - 1901 Elizabeth II The English Translated Magna Carta Many years ago in the 1920's my great Aunt Hilda traced our family tree back to the Kings and Queens of England from the 7th. Century. This basically means I am related to most of the British Royal Family going back 1500 years. This has made me a great fan of English and British History and below is a document that we English class as part of of what we are about. The Chinese call England “The Island of Hero's” which I think sums up what we English are all about. JOHN, by the grace of God King of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke of Normandy and Aquitaine, and Count of Anjou, to his archbishops, bishops, abbots, earls, barons, justices, foresters, sheriffs, stewards, servants, and to all his officials and loyal subjects, Greeting. KNOW THAT BEFORE GOD, for the health of our soul and those of our ancestors and heirs, to the honour of God, the exaltation of the holy Church, and the better ordering of our kingdom, at the advice of our reverend fathers Stephen, archbishop of Canterbury, primate of all England, and cardinal of the holy Roman Church, Henry archbishop of Dublin, William bishop of London, Peter bishop of Winchester, Jocelin bishop of Bath and Glastonbury, Hugh bishop of Lincoln, Walter Bishop of Worcester, William bishop of Coventry, Benedict bishop of Rochester, Master Pandulf subdeacon and member of the papal household, Brother Aymeric master of the knighthood of the Temple in England, William Marshal earl of Pembroke, William earl of Salisbury, William earl of Warren, William earl of Arundel, Alan de Galloway constable of Scotland, Warin Fitz Gerald, Peter Fitz Herbert, Hubert de Burgh seneschal of Poitou, Hugh de Neville, Matthew Fitz Herbert, Thomas Basset, Alan Basset, Philip Daubeny, Robert de Roppeley, John Marshal, John Fitz Hugh, and other loyal subjects: (1) FIRST, THAT WE HAVE GRANTED TO GOD, and by this present charter have confirmed for us and our heirs in perpetuity, that the English Church shall be free, and shall have its rights undiminished, and its liberties unimpaired. That we wish this so to be observed, appears from the fact that of our own free will, before the outbreak of the present dispute between us and our barons, we granted and confirmed by charter the freedom of the Church's elections - a right reckoned to be of the greatest necessity and importance to it - and caused this to be confirmed by Pope Innocent III. This freedom we shall observe ourselves, and desire to be observed in good faith by our heirs in perpetuity. TO ALL FREE MEN OF OUR KINGDOM we have also granted, for us and our heirs for ever, all the liberties written out below, to have and to keep for them and their heirs, of us and our heirs: (2) If any earl, baron, or other person that holds lands directly of the Crown, for military service, shall die, and at his death his heir shall be of full age and owe a 'relief', the heir shall have his inheritance on payment of the ancient scale of 'relief'. That is to say, the heir or heirs of an earl shall pay £100 for the entire earl's barony, the heir or heirs of a knight 100s. at most for the entire knight's 'fee', and any man that owes less shall pay less, in accordance with the ancient usage of 'fees' (3) But if the heir of such a person is under age and a ward, when he comes of age he shall have his inheritance without 'relief' or fine. (4) The guardian of the land of an heir who is under age shall take from it only reasonable revenues, customary dues, and feudal services. He shall do this without destruction or damage to men or property. If we have given the guardianship of the land to a sheriff, or to any person answerable to us for the revenues, and he commits destruction or damage, we will exact compensation from him, and the land shall be entrusted to two worthy and prudent men of the same 'fee', who shall be answerable to us for the revenues, or to the person to whom we have assigned them. If we have given or sold to anyone the guardianship of such land, and he causes destruction or damage, he shall lose the guardianship of it, and it shall be handed over to two worthy and prudent men of the same 'fee', who shall be similarly answerable to us. (5) For so long as a guardian has guardianship of such land, he shall maintain the houses, parks, fish preserves, ponds, mills, and everything else pertaining to it, from the revenues of the land itself. When the heir comes of age, he shall restore the whole land to him, stocked with plough teams and such implements of husbandry as the season demands and the revenues from the land can reasonably bear. (6) Heirs may be given in marriage, but not to someone of lower social standing. Before a marriage takes place, it shall be made known to the heir's next-of-kin. (7) At her husband's death, a widow may have her marriage portion and inheritance at once and without trouble. She shall pay nothing for her dower, marriage portion, or any inheritance that she and her husband held jointly on the day of his death. She may remain in her husband's house for forty days after his death, and within this period her dower shall be assigned to her. (8) No widow shall be compelled to marry, so long as she wishes to remain without a husband. But she must give security that she will not marry without royal consent, if she holds her lands of the Crown, or without the consent of whatever other lord she may hold them of. (9) Neither we nor our officials will seize any land or rent in payment of a debt, so long as the debtor has movable goods sufficient to discharge the debt. A debtor's sureties shall not be distrained upon so long as the debtor himself can discharge his debt. If, for lack of means, the debtor is unable to discharge his debt, his sureties shall be answerable for it. If they so desire, they may have the debtor's lands and rents until they have received satisfaction for the debt that they paid for him, unless the debtor can show that he has settled his obligations to them. (10) If anyone who has borrowed a sum of money from Jews dies before the debt has been repaid, his heir shall pay no interest on the debt for so long as he remains under age, irrespective of whom he holds his lands. If such a debt falls into the hands of the Crown, it will take nothing except the principal sum specified in the bond. (11) If a man dies owing money to Jews, his wife may have her dower and pay nothing towards the debt from it. If he leaves children that are under age, their needs may also be provided for on a scale appropriate to the size of his holding of lands. The debt is to be paid out of the residue, reserving the service due to his feudal lords. Debts owed to persons other than Jews are to be dealt with similarly. (12) No 'scutage' or 'aid' may be levied in our kingdom without its general consent, unless it is for the ransom of our person, to make our eldest son a knight, and (once) to marry our eldest daughter. For these purposes only a reasonable 'aid' may be levied. 'Aids' from the city of London are to be treated similarly. (13) The city of London shall enjoy all its ancient liberties and free customs, both by land and by water. We also will and grant that all other cities, boroughs, towns, and ports shall enjoy all their liberties and free customs. (14) To obtain the general consent of the realm for the assessment of an 'aid' - except in the three cases specified above - or a 'scutage', we will cause the archbishops, bishops, abbots, earls, and greater barons to be summoned individually by letter. To those who hold lands directly of us we will cause a general summons to be issued, through the sheriffs and other officials, to come together on a fixed day (of which at least forty days notice shall be given) and at a fixed place. In all letters of summons, the cause of the summons will be stated. When a summons has been issued, the business appointed for the day shall go forward in accordance with the resolution of those present, even if not all those who were summoned have appeared. (15) In future we will allow no one to levy an 'aid' from his free men, except to ransom his person, to make his eldest son a knight, and (once) to marry his eldest daughter. For these purposes only a reasonable 'aid' may be levied. (16) No man shall be forced to perform more service for a knight's 'fee', or other free holding of land, than is due from it. (17) Ordinary lawsuits shall not follow the royal court around, but shall be held in a fixed place. (18) Inquests of novel disseisin, mort d'ancestor, and darrein presentment shall be taken only in their proper county court. We ourselves, or in our absence abroad our chief justice, will send two justices to each county four times a year, and these justices, with four knights of the county elected by the county itself, shall hold the assizes in the county court, on the day and in the place where the court meets. (19) If any assizes cannot be taken on the day of the county court, as many knights and freeholders shall afterwards remain behind, of those who have attended the court, as will suffice for the administration of justice, having regard to the volume of business to be done. (20) For a trivial offence, a free man shall be fined only in proportion to the degree of his offence, and for a serious offence correspondingly, but not so heavily as to deprive him of his livelihood. In the same way, a merchant shall be spared his merchandise, and a villein the implements of his husbandry, if they fall upon the mercy of a royal court. None of these fines shall be imposed except by the assessment on oath of reputable men of the neighbourhood. (21) Earls and barons shall be fined only by their equals, and in proportion to the gravity of their offence. (22) A fine imposed upon the lay property of a clerk in holy orders shall be assessed upon the same principles, without reference to the value of his ecclesiastical benefice. (23) No town or person shall be forced to build bridges over rivers except those with an ancient obligation to do so. (24) No sheriff, constable, coroners, or other royal officials are to hold lawsuits that should be held by the royal justices. (25) Every county, hundred, wapentake, and riding shall remain at its ancient rent, without increase, except the royal demesne manors. (26) If at the death of a man who holds a lay 'fee' of the Crown, a sheriff or royal official produces royal letters patent of summons for a debt due to the Crown, it shall be lawful for them to seize and list movable goods found in the lay 'fee' of the dead man to the value of the debt, as assessed by worthy men. Nothing shall be removed until the whole debt is paid, when the residue shall be given over to the executors to carry out the dead man’s will. If no debt is due to the Crown, all the movable goods shall be regarded as the property of the dead man, except the reasonable shares of his wife and children. (27) If a free man dies intestate, his movable goods are to be distributed by his next-of-kin and friends, under the supervision of the Church. The rights of his debtors are to be preserved. (28) No constable or other royal official shall take corn or other movable goods from any man without immediate payment, unless the seller voluntarily offers postponement of this. (29) No constable may compel a knight to pay money for castle-guard if the knight is willing to undertake the guard in person, or with reasonable excuse to supply some other fit man to do it. A knight taken or sent on military service shall be excused from castle-guard for the period of this service. (30) No sheriff, royal official, or other person shall take horses or carts for transport from any free man, without his consent. (31) Neither we nor any royal official will take wood for our castle, or for any other purpose, without the consent of the owner. (32) We will not keep the lands of people convicted of felony in our hand for longer than a year and a day, after which they shall be returned to the lords of the 'fees' concerned. (33) All fish-weirs shall be removed from the Thames, the Medway, and throughout the whole of England, except on the sea coast. (34) The writ called precipe shall not in future be issued to anyone in respect of any holding of land, if a free man could thereby be deprived of the right of trial in his own lord's court. (35) There shall be standard measures of wine, ale, and corn (the London quarter), throughout the kingdom. There shall also be a standard width of dyed cloth, russet, and haberject, namely two ells within the selvedges. Weights are to be standardised similarly. (36) In future nothing shall be paid or accepted for the issue of a writ of inquisition of life or limbs. It shall be given gratis, and not refused. (37) If a man holds land of the Crown by 'fee-farm', 'socage', or 'burgage', and also holds land of someone else for knight's service, we will not have guardianship of his heir, nor of the land that belongs to the other person's 'fee', by virtue of the 'fee-farm', 'socage', or 'burgage', unless the 'fee-farm' owes knight's service. We will not have the guardianship of a man's heir, or of land that he holds of someone else, by reason of any small property that he may hold of the Crown for a service of knives, arrows, or the like. (38) In future no official shall place a man on trial upon his own unsupported statement, without producing credible witnesses to the truth of it. (39) No free man shall be seized or imprisoned, or stripped of his rights or possessions, or outlawed or exiled, or deprived of his standing in any other way, nor will we proceed with force against him, or send others to do so, except by the lawful judgement of his equals or by the law of the land. (40) To no one will we sell, to no one deny or delay right or justice. (41) All merchants may enter or leave England unharmed and without fear, and may stay or travel within it, by land or water, for purposes of trade, free from all illegal exactions, in accordance with ancient and lawful customs. This, however, does not apply in time of war to merchants from a country that is at war with us. Any such merchants found in our country at the outbreak of war shall be detained without injury to their persons or property, until we or our chief justice have discovered how our own merchants are being treated in the country at war with us. If our own merchants are safe they shall be safe too. (42) In future it shall be lawful for any man to leave and return to our kingdom unharmed and without fear, by land or water, preserving his allegiance to us, except in time of war, for some short period, for the common benefit of the realm. People that have been imprisoned or outlawed in accordance with the law of the land, people from a country that is at war with us, and merchants - who shall be dealt with as stated above - are excepted from this provision. (43) If a man holds lands of any 'escheat' such as the 'honour' of Wallingford, Nottingham, Boulogne, Lancaster, or of other 'escheats' in our hand that are baronies, at his death his heir shall give us only the 'relief' and service that he would have made to the baron, had the barony been in the baron's hand. We will hold the 'escheat' in the same manner as the baron held it. (44) People who live outside the forest need not in future appear before the royal justices of the forest in answer to general summonses, unless they are actually involved in proceedings or are sureties for someone who has been seized for a forest offence. (45) We will appoint as justices, constables, sheriffs, or other officials, only men that know the law of the realm and are minded to keep it well. (46) All barons who have founded abbeys, and have charters of English kings or ancient tenure as evidence of this, may have guardianship of them when there is no abbot, as is their due. (47) All forests that have been created in our reign shall at once be disafforested. River-banks that have been enclosed in our reign shall be treated similarly. (48) All evil customs relating to forests and warrens, foresters, warreners, sheriffs and their servants, or river-banks and their wardens, are at once to be investigated in every county by twelve sworn knights of the county, and within forty days of their enquiry the evil customs are to be abolished completely and irrevocably. But we, or our chief justice if we are not in England, are first to be informed. (49) We will at once return all hostages and charters delivered up to us by Englishmen as security for peace or for loyal service. (50) We will remove completely from their offices the kinsmen of Gerard de Athée, and in future they shall hold no offices in England. The people in question are Engelard de Cigogné, Peter, Guy, and Andrew de Chanceaux, Guy de Cigogné, Geoffrey de Martigny and his brothers, Philip Marc and his brothers, with Geoffrey his nephew, and all their followers. (51) As soon as peace is restored, we will remove from the kingdom all the foreign knights, bowmen, their attendants, and the mercenaries that have come to it, to its harm, with horses and arms. (52) To any man whom we have deprived or dispossessed of lands, castles, liberties, or rights, without the lawful judgement of his equals, we will at once restore these. In cases of dispute the matter shall be resolved by the judgement of the twenty-five barons referred to below in the clause for securing the peace. In cases, however, where a man was deprived or dispossessed of something without the lawful judgement of his equals by our father King Henry or our brother King Richard, and it remains in our hands or is held by others under our warranty, we shall have respite for the period commonly allowed to Crusaders, unless a lawsuit had been begun, or an enquiry had been made at our order, before we took the Cross as a Crusader. On our return from the Crusade, or if we abandon it, we will at once render justice in full. (53) We shall have similar respite in rendering justice in connexion with forests that are to be disafforested, or to remain forests, when these were first afforested by our father Henry or our brother Richard; with the guardianship of lands in another person's 'fee', when we have hitherto had this by virtue of a 'fee' held of us for knight's service by a third party; and with abbeys founded in another person's 'fee', in which the lord of the 'fee' claims to own a right. On our return from the Crusade, or if we abandon it, we will at once do full justice to complaints about these matters. (54) No one shall be arrested or imprisoned on the appeal of a woman for the death of any person except her husband. (55) All fines that have been given to us unjustly and against the law of the land, and all fines that we have exacted unjustly, shall be entirely remitted or the matter decided by a majority judgement of the twenty-five barons referred to below in the clause for securing the peace together with Stephen, archbishop of Canterbury, if he can be present, and such others as he wishes to bring with him. If the archbishop cannot be present, proceedings shall continue without him, provided that if any of the twenty-five barons has been involved in a similar suit himself, his judgement shall be set aside, and someone else chosen and sworn in his place, as a substitute for the single occasion, by the rest of the twenty-five. (56) If we have deprived or dispossessed any Welshmen of lands, liberties, or anything else in England or in Wales, without the lawful judgement of their equals, these are at once to be returned to them. A dispute on this point shall be determined in the Marches by the judgement of equals. English law shall apply to holdings of land in England, Welsh law to those in Wales, and the law of the Marches to those in the Marches. The Welsh shall treat us and ours in the same way. (57) In cases where a Welshman was deprived or dispossessed of anything, without the lawful judgement of his equals, by our father King Henry or our brother King Richard, and it remains in our hands or is held by others under our warranty, we shall have respite for the period commonly allowed to Crusaders, unless a lawsuit had been begun, or an enquiry had been made at our order, before we took the Cross as a Crusader. But on our return from the Crusade, or if we abandon it, we will at once do full justice according to the laws of Wales and the said regions. (58) We will at once return the son of Llywelyn, all Welsh hostages, and the charters delivered to us as security for the peace. (59) With regard to the return of the sisters and hostages of Alexander, king of Scotland, his liberties and his rights, we will treat him in the same way as our other barons of England, unless it appears from the charters that we hold from his father William, formerly king of Scotland, that he should be treated otherwise. This matter shall be resolved by the judgement of his equals in our court. (60) All these customs and liberties that we have granted shall be observed in our kingdom in so far as concerns our own relations with our subjects. Let all men of our kingdom, whether clergy or laymen, observe them similarly in their relations with their own men. (61) SINCE WE HAVE GRANTED ALL THESE THINGS for God, for the better ordering of our kingdom, and to allay the discord that has arisen between us and our barons, and since we desire that they shall be enjoyed in their entirety, with lasting strength, for ever, we give and grant to the barons the following security: The barons shall elect twenty-five of their number to keep, and cause to be observed with all their might, the peace and liberties granted and confirmed to them by this charter. If we, our chief justice, our officials, or any of our servants offend in any respect against any man, or transgress any of the articles of the peace or of this security, and the offence is made known to four of the said twenty-five barons, they shall come to us - or in our absence from the kingdom to the chief justice - to declare it and claim immediate redress. If we, or in our absence abroad the chief justice, make no redress within forty days, reckoning from the day on which the offence was declared to us or to him, the four barons shall refer the matter to the rest of the twenty-five barons, who may distrain upon and assail us in every way possible, with the support of the whole community of the land, by seizing our castles, lands, possessions, or anything else saving only our own person and those of the queen and our children, until they have secured such redress as they have determined upon. Having secured the redress, they may then resume their normal obedience to us. Any man who so desires may take an oath to obey the commands of the twenty-five barons for the achievement of these ends, and to join with them in assailing us to the utmost of his power. We give public and free permission to take this oath to any man who so desires, and at no time will we prohibit any man from taking it. Indeed, we will compel any of our subjects who are unwilling to take it to swear it at our command. If one of the twenty-five barons dies or leaves the country, or is prevented in any other way from discharging his duties, the rest of them shall choose another baron in his place, at their discretion, who shall be duly sworn in as they were. In the event of disagreement among the twenty-five barons on any matter referred to them for decision, the verdict of the majority present shall have the same validity as a unanimous verdict of the whole twenty-five, whether these were all present or some of those summoned were unwilling or unable to appear. The twenty-five barons shall swear to obey all the above articles faithfully, and shall cause them to be obeyed by others to the best of their power. We will not seek to procure from anyone, either by our own efforts or those of a third party, anything by which any part of these concessions or liberties might be revoked or diminished. Should such a thing be procured, it shall be null and void and we will at no time make use of it, either ourselves or through a third party. (62) We have remitted and pardoned fully to all men any ill-will, hurt, or grudges that have arisen between us and our subjects, whether clergy or laymen, since the beginning of the dispute. We have in addition remitted fully, and for our own part have also pardoned, to all clergy and laymen any offences committed as a result of the said dispute between Easter in the sixteenth year of our reign (i.e. 1215) and the restoration of peace. In addition we have caused letters patent to be made for the barons, bearing witness to this security and to the concessions set out above, over the seals of Stephen archbishop of Canterbury, Henry archbishop of Dublin, the other bishops named above, and Master Pandulf. (63) IT IS ACCORDINGLY OUR WISH AND COMMAND that the English Church shall be free, and that men in our kingdom shall have and keep all these liberties, rights, and concessions, well and peaceably in their fullness and entirety for them and their heirs, of us and our heirs, in all things and all places for ever. Both we and the barons have sworn that all this shall be observed in good faith and without deceit. Witness the above-mentioned people and many others. Given by our hand in the meadow that is called Runnymede, between Windsor and Staines, on the fifteenth day of June in the seventeenth year of our reign (i.e. 1215: the new regnal year began on 28 May). Notes As might be expected, the text of Magna Carta of 1215 bears many traces of haste, and is clearly the product of much bargaining and many hands. Most of its clauses deal with specific, and often long-standing, grievances rather than with general principles of law. Some of the grievances are self-explanatory: others can be understood only in the context of the feudal society in which they arose. Of a few clauses, the precise meaning is still a matter of argument. In feudal society, the king's barons held their lands 'in fee' (feudum) from the king, for an oath to him of loyalty and obedience, and with the obligation to provide him with a fixed number of knights whenever these were required for military service. At first the barons provided the knights by dividing their estates (of which the largest and most important were known as 'honours') into smaller parcels described as 'knights' fees', which they distributed to tenants able to serve as knights. But by the time of King John it had become more convenient and usual for the obligation for service to be commuted for a cash payment known as 'scutage', and for the revenue so obtained to be used to maintain paid armies. Besides military service, feudal custom allowed the king to make certain other exactions from his barons. In times of emergency, and on such special occasions as the marriage of his eldest daughter, he could demand from them a financial levy known as an 'aid' (auxilium). When a baron died, he could demand a succession duty or relief (relevium) from the baron's heir. If there was no heir, or if the succession was disputed, the baron's lands could be forfeited or 'escheated' to the Crown. If the heir was under age, the king could assume the guardianship of his estates, and enjoy all the profits from them - even to the extent of despoliation - until the heir came of age. The king had the right, if he chose, to sell such a guardianship to the highest bidder, and to sell the heir himself in marriage for such price as the value of his estates would command. The widows and daughters of barons might also be sold in marriage. With their own tenants, the barons could deal similarly. The scope for extortion and abuse in this system, if it were not benevolently applied, was obviously great and had been the subject of complaint long before King John came to the throne. Abuses were, moreover, aggravated by the difficulty of obtaining redress for them, and in Magna Carta the provision of the means for obtaining a fair hearing of complaints, not only against the king and his agents but against lesser feudal lords, achieves corresponding importance. About two-thirds of the clauses of Magna Carta of 1215 are concerned with matters such as these, and with the misuse of their powers by royal officials. As regards other topics, the first clause, conceding the freedom of the Church, and in particular confirming its right to elect its own dignitaries without royal interference, reflects John's dispute with the Pope over Stephen Langton's election as archbishop of Canterbury. It does not appear in the 'Articles of the Barons', and its somewhat stilted phrasing seems in part to be attempting to justify its inclusion, none the less, in the charter itself. The clauses that deal with the royal forests over which the king had special powers and jurisdiction, reflect the disquiet and anxieties that had arisen on account of a longstanding royal tendency to extend the forest boundaries, to the detriment of the holders of the lands affected. Those that deal with debts reflect administrative problems created by the chronic scarcity of ready cash among the upper and middle classes, and their need to resort to money-lenders when this was required. The clause promising the removal of fish-weirs was intended to facilitate the navigation of rivers. A number of clauses deal with the special circumstances that surrounded the making of the charter, and are such as might be found in any treaty of peace. Others, such as those relating to the city of London and to merchants clearly represent concessions to special interests. List of British Royal Societies Many years ago in the 1920's my great Aunt Hilda ( Suffragette and Headmistress ) traced our family tree back to the Kings and Queens of England from the 7th Century. This basically means I am related to most of the British Royal Family going back 1500 years. This has made me a great fan of English and British History and below is a description and list of the various British Royal Socities. This is a list of Royal Societies. Royal Academy 1768 · Royal Astronomical Society of Canada 1890 incorporated in Ontario, Canada (royal charter 1903) · Royal Astronomical Society 1831 formed from the Astronomical Society of London (founded 1820) · Royal Bath and West of England Society 1777 · Royal Dublin Society 1731 · Royal Heraldry Society of Canada · Royal Historical Society 1868 University College London · Royal Horticultural Society 1804 and 1861 · Royal Medical Society · Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain 1841 and 1988 · Royal Scottish Geographical Society 1884 · Royal Society 1660 · Royal Society for Nature Conservation · Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents · Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals · Royal Society for the Promotion of Health aka Royal Society of Health 1904 · Royal Society for the Protection of Birds 1904 · Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 1849 · Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce 1754 aka The RSA, Royal Society of Arts · Royal Society of Canada 1882 · Royal Society of Chemistry 1980 formed from the Chemical Society (founded 1841), the Society for Analytical Chemistry (founded 1874), the Royal Institute of Chemistry (founded 1877) and the Faraday Society (founded 1903) · Royal Society of Edinburgh 1783 · Royal Society of St. George 1894 · Royal Society of Literature 1820 · Royal Society of London for the Improvement of Natural Knowledge 1660 · Royal Society of Medicine 1805 formed from the Medical and Chirurgical Society of London · Royal Society of New South Wales 1821 · Royal Society of New Zealand 1851 · Royal Society of Queensland 1884 · Royal Society of South Africa 1877 · Royal Society of South Australia 1880 · Royal Society of Tasmania 1844 · Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene · Royal Society of Victoria 1854 · Royal Society of Western Australia 1914 · Royal Statistical Society 1834 · Royal West of England Academy. History of British Police and Funny Art As I am a direct descendent of Sir Christopher Wren and have many ancestors from London who were also members of various London Police Forces, I thought it may be of interest to write an article about British Policing's history. I also have some funny Victorian British Bobbies on art prints please click here. Policing in its present form has existed for about 150 years. The earliest form of policing in Britain predates the Norman Conquest. The Saxon frankpledge was a private, social obligation in which all adult males were responsible for the good behaviour of others. The people were expected to live peaceably and lawfully, keeping the King's peace. This was more formally arranged with men between the ages of 12 and 60 organised into groups of 10 family units called tithings (also spelled tythings). These were headed by a tythingman. Each tything was grouped into 100, which in turn was headed by a hundredman. He acted as an administrator and judge. The hundredman reported to the King's deputy, the local shire reeve whose responsibility was it to keep order in the county. In 1750 Henry Fielding, novelist and Chief Justice of Westminster, set up the Bow Street Runners, their numbers started with just six police officers, by the end of the 18th century their numbers had risen to approximately seventy. Debate continued during the early part of the 19th century as to the importance of a police force in England. The Home Secretary of the time, Robert Peel, later Sir Robert Peel, sponsored the first successful bill for a salaried civilian police force. The Metropolitan Police Act 1829 was limited to the London area; however it excluded the City of London and provinces. Policemen were to be easily recognised and dressed in uniform. Patrols would prevent crime and disorder. As the police were to be salaried, stipend or rewards were not permitted for the resolution of crime or the return of stolen property. Along with their regular duties, the new police force would continue some of the duties of the watchmen such as lighting lamps, calling time and fire detection. As Home Secretary Sir Robert Peel main achievement was the reforming of the London Police force, the forerunners of the modern day British Police services. The nickname of the police officers were nicknamed "Peeler's" and named after the prime minister. In Britain in 1812, 1818 and 1822 a number of committees had examined the policing of London. Based on their findings the home secretary Robert Peel passed the Metropolitan Police Act of 1829, introducing a more rigorous and less discretionary approach to law enforcement. The new Metropolitan Police Service, founded on September 29th was depersonalized, bureaucratic and hierarchical with the new police constables (US = patrol officers) instructed to prevent crime and pursue offenders. However in contrast to the more paramilitary police of continental Europe the British police, partly to counter public fears and objections concerning armed enforcers, were initially clearly civilian and their armament was limited to the truncheon, a fear of spy systems and political control also kept 'plain clothes' and even detective work to a minimum. The force was independent of the local government, through its commissioner it was responsible direct to the Home Office. The new constables were nicknamed 'peelers' or 'bobbies' after the then home secretary, Sir Robert Peel. Even within the Metropolitan Police districts created from 1829, there remained a number of police establishments outside the control of the Metropolitan Police. These were the Bow Street patrols; both mounted and on foot, latterly named the Bow Street Runners. Police constables attached to these offices were under the control of the magistrates. By 1839, with the exception of the Marine or River police and transport Police, all of these establishments were absorbed by the Metropolitan Police force. The City of London Police Force was set up in 1839 and to this day remains independent. The first Detective Force was created by the Metropolitan Police Force in 1842 and eventually became the famous Scotland Yard. Outside of the metropolitan area the Municipal Corporations Act of 1835 and further legislation in 1839 and 1840 allowed counties to create their own constabulary. The first county force created was Wiltshire in 1839. Around thirty counties had done so before the County and Borough Police Act of 1856 made such forces mandatory and subject to central inspection. There were over 200 separate forces in England and Wales by 1860. England's Trial by Jury Many of my London relatives are Magistrates and this has made me a great fan of English and British Law history including the Jury Service and it's history. A jury is a group of persons selected from the community that is charged with hearing a legal case and delivering a verdict on it. Juries are used in both civil and criminal cases, and they base their decisions on testimony and other evidence that is presented at trial. The English King Ethelred the Unready set up an early legal system through the Wantage Code of Ethelred, one provision of which stated that the twelve leading minor nobles of each small district were required to swear that they would investigate crimes without a bias. These juries differed from the modern sort by being self-informing; instead of getting information through a trial, the jurors were required to investigate the case themselves. In the 12th century, Henry II took a major step in developing the jury system. Henry II set up a system to resolve land disputes using juries. A jury of twelve free men were assigned to arbitrate in these disputes. Unlike the modern jury, these men were charged with uncovering the facts of the case on their own rather than listening to arguments in court. Henry II also introduced what is now known as the "Grand Jury" through his Assize of Clarendon. Under the assize, a jury of free men was charged with reporting any crimes that they knew of in their hundred to a "justice in eyre," a judge who moved between hundreds on a circuit. A criminal accused by this jury was given a trial by ordeal this sometimes involved tying up the miscreant and putting them in the river. If they floated they were innocent and if they sank they were guilty and killed. The Church banned participation of clergy in trial by ordeal in 1215. Without the legitimacy of religion, trial by ordeal collapsed. The juries under the assizes began deciding guilt as well as providing accusations. The same year, trial by jury became a pretty explicit right in one of the most influential clauses of Magna Carta, signed by King John. Article 39 of the Magna Carta read: It is translated thus by Lysander Spooner in his Essay on the Trial by Jury: "No free man shall be captured, and or imprisoned, or diseased of his freehold, and or of his liberties, or of his free customs, or be outlawed, or exiled, or in any way destroyed, nor will we proceed against him by force or proceed against him by arms, but by the lawful judgement of his peers, and or by the law of the land." Although it says and or by the law of the land, this in no manner can be interpreted as if it were enough to have a positive law, made by the king, to be able to proceed legally against a citizen. The law of the land was the consuetudinary law, based on the customs and consent of John's subjects, and since they did not have Parliament in those times, this meant that neither the king nor the barons could make a law without the consent of the people. According to some sources, in the time of Edward III, by the law of the land had been substituted by due process of law, which in those times was a trial by twelve peers. During the mid-14th Century, it was forbidden that persons who had sat on the Presenting Jury (i.e., in modern parlance, the Grand Jury) to sit on the trial jury for that crime. 25 Edward III stat 5., c3 (1353). Medieval juries were self-informing, in that individuals were chosen as jurors because they either knew the parties and the facts, or they had the duty to discover them. This spared the government the cost of fact-finding.Over time, English juries became less self-informing and relied more on the trial itself for information on the case. Jurors remained free to investigate cases on their own until the 17th century. The Magna Carta being forgotten after a succession of benevolent reigns (or, more probably, reigns limited by the jury and the barons, and only under the rule of laws that the juries and barons found acceptable), the kings, through the royal judges, began to extend their control over the jury and the kingdom. In David Hume's History of England, he tells something of the powers that the kings had accumulated in the times after the Magna Carta, the prerogatives of the crown and the sources of great power with which these monarchs counted. The case against William Penn and William Mead in the late seventeenth century illustrated the importance of the jury and its rise to power within the judicial system. Penn and Mead were religious dissenters who were given to preaching in public. Around this time, we British were so suspicious of King Charles II's Catholic leanings that they passed laws against preaching in public. Pennand Mead were arrested, and opponents of the king sought to have Penn and Mead prosecuted and imprisoned, which would have embarrassed the king. The court impaneled a jury and, after both sides presented their case, they retired todeliberate, knowing full well that they were expected to deliver verdicts of guilty. Around this time, the judge had a tremendous amount of power over jurors. A judge could keep jurors until they delivered a verdict desired by thejudge, and in some cases, a judge could lock the jury in a room and deprivethe jurors of food and water and other amenities until they delivered the desired verdict. Several members of the jury led by Edward Bushell, refused to deliver a unanimous guilty verdict. The jury was sent off to deliberate againand again, without food, drink, fire, or tobacco, but it still could not deliver a guilty verdict. It did absolve Mead, but the judge ruled that Mead could not be released because he was charged with conspiring with Penn. Penn, from his cage in the courtroom (Mead likewise was kept in a cage), bellowed that"[i]f not guilty be not a verdict, then you make of the jury and Magna Cartabut a mere nose of wax." The Lord Mayor of London threatened to cut Bushell's throat and the jury was sent away for another night without food or drink.The next morning, it returned with not guilty verdicts again, and the judge imposed a fine on each juror. The jurors refused to pay the fine and were sentto jail. Eight jurors eventually relented, but four did not, and they eventually brought their own case against the court from jail. In what became knownas Bushell's Case, the Court of Common Pleas declared that the punishment of the jurors was illegal and that no jury could be punished for its verdict. Penn and Mead, both of whom were sent to jail after the fiasco, were released when Penn's father paid their fines. The four jurors were released from jail after the decision in Bushell's Case, and their ultimate success helped to establish the power of the jury system in England. English Tea Drinking Traditions – History I have created this article about Tea as it's one of the Icons about us English. While the Chinese drank green tea hundreds of years before Christ, the English developed their tea-drinking habit in the 17th century. In 1600, Queen Elizabeth I granted permission for the charter of the British East India Company, establishing the trade in spice and silk that lead to the formal annexation of India and the establishment of the Raj. Initially, tea was a sideline but it became increasingly important and started to define us English. Curiously, it was the London coffee houses that were responsible for introducing tea to England. One of the first coffee house merchants to offer tea was Thomas Garway, who owned an establishment in Exchange Alley. He sold both liquid and dry tea to the public as early as 1657. Three years later he issued a broadsheet advertising tea at £6 and £10 per pound (ouch!), touting its virtues at "making the body active and lusty", and "preserving perfect health until extreme old age". In 1662 tea drinking became very popular when King Charles II's wife, Queen Catherine made tea very popular among the wealthier classes of society. Soon, tea replaced ale as the national drink, as everyone tried to mimic high society. Tea drinking remains as a popular activity in England up to this day, as the English are particularly known for their afternoon tea (taken in the late afternoon with scones, pastries and cakes capped by a cup or two of tea). Tea gained popularity quickly in the coffee houses, and by 1700 over 500 coffee houses sold tea. This distressed the tavern owners, as tea cut their sales of ale and gin, and it was bad news for the government, who depended upon a steady stream of revenue from taxes on liquor sales. By 1750 tea had become the favourite drink of England's lower classes. Twinings, the world-famous English tea company, celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2006 . Twinings was, in 1706, one of the first companies to introduce tea drinking to the English. That was the year Thomas Twining began selling tea from his new premises in London. Stephen Twining, who is a tenth generation member of the famous tea family and world renowned tea guru, is visited South Africa in September 2006 as part of the company's celebrations. Tea became the focus of rebellion in 1773 when the English Government tried to establish a monopoly on all tea sold in the American colonies. Colonists resented this since it put local merchants at a disadvantage. The British government tried to tax the American colonists so as to pay for their defence. The result was the Boston Tea party, during which Americans tipped some 45 tonnes of English tea into the sea. In 1864 the woman manager of the Aerated Bread Company began the custom of serving food and drink to her customers. Her best customers were serverd with tea. Soon everyone was asking for the same treatment. The concept of tea shops spread throughout Britain like wildfire, not in the least because tea shops provided a place where an unchaperoned woman could meet her friends and socialize without damage to her reputation. Tea at the Ritz, London, England which opened in 1906, its tea room, the Palm Court has a history and legend all its own. It is perhaps here that the ritual of tea drinking in the English manner seems the most "civilized." The Palm Court, a long, narrow room adjacent to the hotel's main corridor, combines the English Edwardian charm with the elegance of the French Louis XVI architecture and design. The Royal Mint – Its English 1,100 years of History One of the oldest English organisations is the Royal Mint which has been minting English Coinage since 886 AD during the time of King Alfred the Great. The Mint originated over 1,100 years ago, but has functioned since 1975 as a Trading Fund, operating in much the same way as a government-owned company. The Royal Mint also manufactures and circulates coins for over 100 other countries, mints collectors' coins, and produces military medals and civilian decorations for the British armed forces and orders of chivalry. As well as minting coins for the UK, it also mints and exports coins to many other countries, and produces military medals, commemorative medals and other such items for governments, schools and businesses, being known as the world's leading exporting Mint Responsibility for the security of the site falls to the Ministry of Defence Police, who provide an armed contingent. The Royal Mint began to move its operations from Tower Hill, London to Llantrisant, South Wales, in 1968 and has operated on a single site in Llantrisant, since 1980,[2] where it holds an extensive collection of coins dating from the 16th century onwards. The collection is housed in eighty cabinets made by Elizabeth II's cabinet maker, Hugh Swann. The London Mint first became a single institution in 886, during the reign of Alfred the Great, but was only one of many mints throughout the kingdom. By 1279 it had moved to the Tower of London, and remained there the next 500 years, achieving a monopoly on the production of coin of the realm in the 16th century. Sir Isaac Newton took up the post of Warden of the Mint, responsible for investigating cases of counterfeiting, in 1696, and subsequently held the office of Master of the Royal Mint from 1699 until his death in 1727. He unofficially moved the Pound Sterling to the gold standard from silver in 1717. By the time Newton arrived, the Mint had expanded to fill several rickety wooden buildings ranged around the outside of the Tower. In the seventeenth century the processes for minting coins were mechanised and rolling mills and coining presses were installed. The new machinery and the demand on space in the Tower of London following the outbreak of war with France led to a decision to move the Mint to an adjacent site in East Smithfield. The new building, designed by James Johnson and Robert Smirke, was completed in 1809, and included space for the new machinery, and accommodation for the officers and staff of the Mint. The building was rebuilt in the 1880s to accommodate new machinery which increased the capacity of the Mint. As technology changed with the introduction of electricity and demand grew, the process of rebuilding continued so that by the 1960s little of the original mint remained, apart from Smirke's 1809 building and the gatehouse in the front. During WWII, the Royal Mint was bombed by the Germans. The Mint was hit on several different occasions and was put out of commission for three weeks at one point. The Tower Hill site finally reached capacity ahead of decimalisation in 1971, with the need to strike hundreds of millions of new decimal coins, while at the same time not neglecting overseas customers. In 1967 it was announced that the Mint would move away from London to new buildings in Llantrisant, ten miles (16 km) north west of Cardiff. The first phase was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 17 December 1968, and production gradually shifted to the new site over the next seven years until the last coin, a gold sovereign, was struck in London in November 1975. Smirke's 1809 Building is now used as commercial offices by Barclays Global Investors. Trial of the Pyx The Trial of the Pyx is the procedure in the United Kingdom for ensuring that newly-minted coins conform to required standards. The trials have been held since the twelfth century, normally once per calendar year, and continue to the present day. The form of the ceremony has been essentially the same since 1282. They are trials in the full judicial sense, presided over by a judge with an expert jury of assayers. Trials are now held at the Hall of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, having previously taken place at the Palace of Westminster. Given modern production methods, it is unlikely that coins would not conform, although this has been a problem in the past as it would have been tempting for the Master of the Mint to steal precious metals. The term "Pyx" refers to the boxwood chest (in Greek, πυξίς, pyxis) in which coins were placed for presentation to the jury. There is also a Pyx Chapel (or Pyx Chamber) in Westminster Abbey, which was once used for secure storage of the Pyx and related articles. The jury is composed of Freemen of the Company of Goldsmiths, who assay the coins provided to decide whether they have been minted within the criteria determined by the relevant Coinage Acts. History of The 17th Century Corkscrew – England Cork was used already by the ancient Greeks and Romans as stopper for jars in the 6th century BC. But after the collapse of the Roman Empire the usage of cork seems to have ceased. In the early part of the 17th century cork re-appears as a wine bottle stopper together with the use of glass bottles. In the early days, before the corkscrew, a cord tied around the top of the cork was used to extract the cork. In the 1700's us British invented the technology to bottle wine and use corkscrews. The earliest references for corkscrews came from England in the early part of the 17th century. The heyday of corkscrews coincided with the great period of British manufacturing and invention in the middle of the 1800s. The first Corkscrew registered patent was to the British Reverend Samuel Henshall (1765-1807) on August 24th 1795 with patent #2061. This was the first documented patent given for such a device. Samuel Henshall, the son of a Cheshire grocer, was born in 1765. Educated first at Manchester Grammar School, he went up to Brasenose as a Somerset Scholar in 1782 and gained his MA in 1789 shortly before his ordination. Samuel Henshall was made a Fellow of the College but his academic career was not as illustrious as he had hoped: his dense scholarly works received a mixed reception and his bid, in 1800, to become Oxford's Professor of Anglo-Saxon was unsuccessful. He became a Curate of Christ Church, Spitalfields, and from 1802 until his death in 1807, he held the post of Rector of St. Mary's which, at that time, was one of the College's livings. In May 1795, Samuel Henshall approached Matthew Boulton, the famous Birmingham entrepreneur, to arrange for the manufacture of the corkscrew which he invented. Samuel Henshall design included a concave ‘button', fixed between screw and shank, which prevented the screw penetrating too far into the bottle and simultaneously gripped the cork to break its seal with the neck of the bottle. Samuel Henshall clearly took to the idea and stayed a fortnight with him while they developed the design. However, Samuel Henshall was not an ideal business partner: he was clearly having financial problems and did not put up his portion of the patent expenses. Boulton's legal advisor wrote in 1795: 'I doubt I shall not so easily extract £50 from the Parson, as he would a Cork from a Bottle.' Within five years, there is evidence of further money woes as Samuel Henshall appeared in court three times being sued for the recovery of debts, the largest amount - some £420 - payable to a brewer. It is said that the remaining stock of corkscrews was buried with Samuel Henshall in the chancel of Bow Church, London. List of British Royal Societies Many years ago in the 1920's my great Aunt Hilda ( Suffragette and Headmistress ) traced our family tree back to the Kings and Queens of England from the 7th Century. This basically means I am related to most of the British Royal Family going back 1500 years. This has made me a great fan of English and British History and below is a description and list of the various British Royal Socities. This is a list of Royal Societies. Royal Academy 1768 · Royal Astronomical Society of Canada 1890 incorporated in Ontario, Canada (royal charter 1903) · Royal Astronomical Society 1831 formed from the Astronomical Society of London (founded 1820) · Royal Bath and West of England Society 1777 · Royal Dublin Society 1731 · Royal Heraldry Society of Canada · Royal Historical Society 1868 University College London · Royal Horticultural Society 1804 and 1861 · Royal Medical Society · Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain 1841 and 1988 · Royal Scottish Geographical Society 1884 · Royal Society 1660 · Royal Society for Nature Conservation · Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents · Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals · Royal Society for the Promotion of Health aka Royal Society of Health 1904 · Royal Society for the Protection of Birds 1904 · Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 1849 · Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce 1754 aka The RSA, Royal Society of Arts · Royal Society of Canada 1882 · Royal Society of Chemistry 1980 formed from the Chemical Society (founded 1841), the Society for Analytical Chemistry (founded 1874), the Royal Institute of Chemistry (founded 1877) and the Faraday Society (founded 1903) · Royal Society of Edinburgh 1783 · Royal Society of St. George 1894 · Royal Society of Literature 1820 · Royal Society of London for the Improvement of Natural Knowledge 1660 · Royal Society of Medicine 1805 formed from the Medical and Chirurgical Society of London · Royal Society of New South Wales 1821 · Royal Society of New Zealand 1851 · Royal Society of Queensland 1884 · Royal Society of South Africa 1877 · Royal Society of South Australia 1880 · Royal Society of Tasmania 1844 · Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene · Royal Society of Victoria 1854 · Royal Society of Western Australia 1914 · Royal Statistical Society 1834 · Royal West of England Academy. History of British Police and Funny Art As I am a direct descendent of Sir Christopher Wren and have many ancestors from London who were also members of various London Police Forces, I thought it may be of interest to write an article about British Policing's history. I also have some funny Victorian British Bobbies on art prints please click here. Policing in its present form has existed for about 150 years. The earliest form of policing in Britain predates the Norman Conquest. The Saxon frankpledge was a private, social obligation in which all adult males were responsible for the good behaviour of others. The people were expected to live peaceably and lawfully, keeping the King's peace. This was more formally arranged with men between the ages of 12 and 60 organised into groups of 10 family units called tithings (also spelled tythings). These were headed by a tythingman. Each tything was grouped into 100, which in turn was headed by a hundredman. He acted as an administrator and judge. The hundredman reported to the King's deputy, the local shire reeve whose responsibility was it to keep order in the county. In 1750 Henry Fielding, novelist and Chief Justice of Westminster, set up the Bow Street Runners, their numbers started with just six police officers, by the end of the 18th century their numbers had risen to approximately seventy. Debate continued during the early part of the 19th century as to the importance of a police force in England. The Home Secretary of the time, Robert Peel, later Sir Robert Peel, sponsored the first successful bill for a salaried civilian police force. The Metropolitan Police Act 1829 was limited to the London area; however it excluded the City of London and provinces. Policemen were to be easily recognised and dressed in uniform. Patrols would prevent crime and disorder. As the police were to be salaried, stipend or rewards were not permitted for the resolution of crime or the return of stolen property. Along with their regular duties, the new police force would continue some of the duties of the watchmen such as lighting lamps, calling time and fire detection. As Home Secretary Sir Robert Peel main achievement was the reforming of the London Police force, the forerunners of the modern day British Police services. The nickname of the police officers were nicknamed "Peeler's" and named after the prime minister. In Britain in 1812, 1818 and 1822 a number of committees had examined the policing of London. Based on their findings the home secretary Robert Peel passed the Metropolitan Police Act of 1829, introducing a more rigorous and less discretionary approach to law enforcement. The new Metropolitan Police Service, founded on September 29th was depersonalized, bureaucratic and hierarchical with the new police constables (US = patrol officers) instructed to prevent crime and pursue offenders. However in contrast to the more paramilitary police of continental Europe the British police, partly to counter public fears and objections concerning armed enforcers, were initially clearly civilian and their armament was limited to the truncheon, a fear of spy systems and political control also kept 'plain clothes' and even detective work to a minimum. The force was independent of the local government, through its commissioner it was responsible direct to the Home Office. The new constables were nicknamed 'peelers' or 'bobbies' after the then home secretary, Sir Robert Peel. Even within the Metropolitan Police districts created from 1829, there remained a number of police establishments outside the control of the Metropolitan Police. These were the Bow Street patrols; both mounted and on foot, latterly named the Bow Street Runners. Police constables attached to these offices were under the control of the magistrates. By 1839, with the exception of the Marine or River police and transport Police, all of these establishments were absorbed by the Metropolitan Police force. The City of London Police Force was set up in 1839 and to this day remains independent. The first Detective Force was created by the Metropolitan Police Force in 1842 and eventually became the famous Scotland Yard. Outside of the metropolitan area the Municipal Corporations Act of 1835 and further legislation in 1839 and 1840 allowed counties to create their own constabulary. The first county force created was Wiltshire in 1839. Around thirty counties had done so before the County and Borough Police Act of 1856 made such forces mandatory and subject to central inspection. There were over 200 separate forces in England and Wales by 1860. England's Trial by Jury Many of my London relatives are Magistrates and this has made me a great fan of English and British Law history including the Jury Service and it's history. A jury is a group of persons selected from the community that is charged with hearing a legal case and delivering a verdict on it. Juries are used in both civil and criminal cases, and they base their decisions on testimony and other evidence that is presented at trial. The English King Ethelred the Unready set up an early legal system through the Wantage Code of Ethelred, one provision of which stated that the twelve leading minor nobles of each small district were required to swear that they would investigate crimes without a bias. These juries differed from the modern sort by being self-informing; instead of getting information through a trial, the jurors were required to investigate the case themselves. In the 12th century, Henry II took a major step in developing the jury system. Henry II set up a system to resolve land disputes using juries. A jury of twelve free men were assigned to arbitrate in these disputes. Unlike the modern jury, these men were charged with uncovering the facts of the case on their own rather than listening to arguments in court. Henry II also introduced what is now known as the "Grand Jury" through his Assize of Clarendon. Under the assize, a jury of free men was charged with reporting any crimes that they knew of in their hundred to a "justice in eyre," a judge who moved between hundreds on a circuit. A criminal accused by this jury was given a trial by ordeal this sometimes involved tying up the miscreant and putting them in the river. If they floated they were innocent and if they sank they were guilty and killed. The Church banned participation of clergy in trial by ordeal in 1215. Without the legitimacy of religion, trial by ordeal collapsed. The juries under the assizes began deciding guilt as well as providing accusations. The same year, trial by jury became a pretty explicit right in one of the most influential clauses of Magna Carta, signed by King John. Article 39 of the Magna Carta read: It is translated thus by Lysander Spooner in his Essay on the Trial by Jury: "No free man shall be captured, and or imprisoned, or diseased of his freehold, and or of his liberties, or of his free customs, or be outlawed, or exiled, or in any way destroyed, nor will we proceed against him by force or proceed against him by arms, but by the lawful judgement of his peers, and or by the law of the land." Although it says and or by the law of the land, this in no manner can be interpreted as if it were enough to have a positive law, made by the king, to be able to proceed legally against a citizen. The law of the land was the consuetudinary law, based on the customs and consent of John's subjects, and since they did not have Parliament in those times, this meant that neither the king nor the barons could make a law without the consent of the people. According to some sources, in the time of Edward III, by the law of the land had been substituted by due process of law, which in those times was a trial by twelve peers. During the mid-14th Century, it was forbidden that persons who had sat on the Presenting Jury (i.e., in modern parlance, the Grand Jury) to sit on the trial jury for that crime. 25 Edward III stat 5., c3 (1353). Medieval juries were self-informing, in that individuals were chosen as jurors because they either knew the parties and the facts, or they had the duty to discover them. This spared the government the cost of fact-finding.Over time, English juries became less self-informing and relied more on the trial itself for information on the case. Jurors remained free to investigate cases on their own until the 17th century. The Magna Carta being forgotten after a succession of benevolent reigns (or, more probably, reigns limited by the jury and the barons, and only under the rule of laws that the juries and barons found acceptable), the kings, through the royal judges, began to extend their control over the jury and the kingdom. In David Hume's History of England, he tells something of the powers that the kings had accumulated in the times after the Magna Carta, the prerogatives of the crown and the sources of great power with which these monarchs counted. The case against William Penn and William Mead in the late seventeenth century illustrated the importance of the jury and its rise to power within the judicial system. Penn and Mead were religious dissenters who were given to preaching in public. Around this time, we British were so suspicious of King Charles II's Catholic leanings that they passed laws against preaching in public. Pennand Mead were arrested, and opponents of the king sought to have Penn and Mead prosecuted and imprisoned, which would have embarrassed the king. The court impaneled a jury and, after both sides presented their case, they retired todeliberate, knowing full well that they were expected to deliver verdicts of guilty. Around this time, the judge had a tremendous amount of power over jurors. A judge could keep jurors until they delivered a verdict desired by thejudge, and in some cases, a judge could lock the jury in a room and deprivethe jurors of food and water and other amenities until they delivered the desired verdict. Several members of the jury led by Edward Bushell, refused to deliver a unanimous guilty verdict. The jury was sent off to deliberate againand again, without food, drink, fire, or tobacco, but it still could not deliver a guilty verdict. It did absolve Mead, but the judge ruled that Mead could not be released because he was charged with conspiring with Penn. Penn, from his cage in the courtroom (Mead likewise was kept in a cage), bellowed that"[i]f not guilty be not a verdict, then you make of the jury and Magna Cartabut a mere nose of wax." The Lord Mayor of London threatened to cut Bushell's throat and the jury was sent away for another night without food or drink.The next morning, it returned with not guilty verdicts again, and the judge imposed a fine on each juror. The jurors refused to pay the fine and were sentto jail. Eight jurors eventually relented, but four did not, and they eventually brought their own case against the court from jail. In what became knownas Bushell's Case, the Court of Common Pleas declared that the punishment of the jurors was illegal and that no jury could be punished for its verdict. Penn and Mead, both of whom were sent to jail after the fiasco, were released when Penn's father paid their fines. The four jurors were released from jail after the decision in Bushell's Case, and their ultimate success helped to establish the power of the jury system in England. English Tea Drinking Traditions – History I have created this article about Tea as it's one of the Icons about us English. While the Chinese drank green tea hundreds of years before Christ, the English developed their tea-drinking habit in the 17th century. In 1600, Queen Elizabeth I granted permission for the charter of the British East India Company, establishing the trade in spice and silk that lead to the formal annexation of India and the establishment of the Raj. Initially, tea was a sideline but it became increasingly important and started to define us English. Curiously, it was the London coffee houses that were responsible for introducing tea to England. One of the first coffee house merchants to offer tea was Thomas Garway, who owned an establishment in Exchange Alley. He sold both liquid and dry tea to the public as early as 1657. Three years later he issued a broadsheet advertising tea at £6 and £10 per pound (ouch!), touting its virtues at "making the body active and lusty", and "preserving perfect health until extreme old age". In 1662 tea drinking became very popular when King Charles II's wife, Queen Catherine made tea very popular among the wealthier classes of society. Soon, tea replaced ale as the national drink, as everyone tried to mimic high society. Tea drinking remains as a popular activity in England up to this day, as the English are particularly known for their afternoon tea (taken in the late afternoon with scones, pastries and cakes capped by a cup or two of tea). Tea gained popularity quickly in the coffee houses, and by 1700 over 500 coffee houses sold tea. This distressed the tavern owners, as tea cut their sales of ale and gin, and it was bad news for the government, who depended upon a steady stream of revenue from taxes on liquor sales. By 1750 tea had become the favourite drink of England's lower classes. Twinings, the world-famous English tea company, celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2006 . Twinings was, in 1706, one of the first companies to introduce tea drinking to the English. That was the year Thomas Twining began selling tea from his new premises in London. Stephen Twining, who is a tenth generation member of the famous tea family and world renowned tea guru, is visited South Africa in September 2006 as part of the company's celebrations. Tea became the focus of rebellion in 1773 when the English Government tried to establish a monopoly on all tea sold in the American colonies. Colonists resented this since it put local merchants at a disadvantage. The British government tried to tax the American colonists so as to pay for their defence. The result was the Boston Tea party, during which Americans tipped some 45 tonnes of English tea into the sea. In 1864 the woman manager of the Aerated Bread Company began the custom of serving food and drink to her customers. Her best customers were serverd with tea. Soon everyone was asking for the same treatment. The concept of tea shops spread throughout Britain like wildfire, not in the least because tea shops provided a place where an unchaperoned woman could meet her friends and socialize without damage to her reputation. Tea at the Ritz, London, England which opened in 1906, its tea room, the Palm Court has a history and legend all its own. It is perhaps here that the ritual of tea drinking in the English manner seems the most "civilized." The Palm Court, a long, narrow room adjacent to the hotel's main corridor, combines the English Edwardian charm with the elegance of the French Louis XVI architecture and design. Invasion of Lovebirds and Parrots in London While growing up in the 1970's I remember watching on TV that famous film by Alfred Hitchcock called 'The Birds' where Birds swarmed in large flocks and attacked people. It now seems London is being invaded by large flocks of tame Lovebirds and Parrots!!! London green spaces are famed for their unusual wildlife and I recently heard of flocks of Lovebirds over London. Lovebirds have been pets for over 100 years and have been seen in London, in flocks of upto 3,000. Parks and gardens in the leafy London suburbs have been adopted as a preferred habitat by birds that are native to southern Asia. Escaped parakeets have been spotted nesting in this country since the 19th Century. Even though there was a wild population in the 1960s, the numbers remained very low through to the mid-1990s, when the population appeared to start increasing more rapidly. In the Surrey stockbroker belt, a single sports ground is believed to be home to about 3,000 parrots. They are mainly found just west of London, Surrey and parts of Kent. In particular, they have been observed in growing numbers in the outer suburbs and the Home Counties, with trees in parkland and sports grounds becoming their homes. Parrots have been reported in inner-London, including parks in Peckham, Brixton, Greenwich and Kensington and have also been spotted in East Anglia, the North West and even in Scotland. Alexandrine parakeets have been spotted by Lewisham crematorium and orange-winged parakeets, native to the Amazon, have now set up home in Weybridge. South American monk parakeets have formed a colony in Borehamwood and blue-crowned parakeets were observed in Bromley. At Esher Rugby Club's ground was observed to have had a parrot population that grew from 800 to 2,500 in the space of three years - and researchers estimate there might be 3,000 living there. There have been reports that there could now be 20,000 wild parrots, including parakeets, living in England, with the largest concentration around London and the South East. The population boom has been put down to a series of mild winters, a lack of natural predators, food being available from humans and that there are now enough parrots for a wider range of breeding partners. Please click here to visit my Parrots, Lovebirds, Budgies Art Prints Collection Tower of London – London Icon I have decided to create this article about The Tower of London as it's one of the Icons of London. Her Majestys Royal Palace "The Tower of London" is a castle first founded back in 1066. When it was built by William The Conquerer in 1078 it was the tallest building in the World. Over several centuries it has been expanded by the many kings and queens that have ruled England during the last 1,000 years. Today it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. During its long history the Tower of London has served many purposes which have ranged from a royal palace to a prison. Today It's a World heritage Site. The tower as a whole is a complex of several buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat. Although the Tower is popularly known today as a place of imprisonment, and was used as such from as early as 1100, that was not its primary purpose. Early in its history, the Tower was a grand palace, serving as a royal residence. The castle underwent several expansions, especially under Kings Richard The Lionheart, Henry III and Edward III, resulting in its current general layout in the 13th century. It was sometimes used as a refuge from the general populace in times of unrest. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The greeting, which was written in 1415, is part of the manuscript collection of the Brtish Library in London. England. Thomas B. Costain, writing in the middle of the 20th century, considered the story of Lord Hastings' summary execution to be the "smoking gun" that proved Morton deliberately falsified the record to make King Richard out to be a villain. Morton wrote in his History that at the lords' council meeting in the Tower of London on 13 Jun 1483, Richard suddenly called his men at arms into the room and had them arrest Hastings for treason and take him outside and chop his head off. There is much to learn from the story of how the head of one of the most revered men in England, Sir Thomas More, ended up on the chopping block on London's Tower Hill in 1535. Few people in history have faced their trials and deaths as squarely, calmly, and with as much integrity as did More. More's road from his post as Lord Chancellor of England to the Tower of London owes its course to a Bible passage, a marriage of a long-dead prince, and the consuming desire of More. The zenith of the castle's use as a prison came in the 16th and 17th centuries, when many political or religious figures, such as the Princes in the Tower and the future Queen Elizabeth I, were held within its walls. This use has led to the phrase "sent to the Tower". The Tower is also known as a place of torture and execution, although only seven people were executed within the Tower; executions more commonly took place on the notorious Tower Hill, north of the castle. Throughout its history, the Tower of London has served variously as an Armoury, Prison, Treasury, Zoo, Royal Mint, Public Records Office and is home to the Crown Jewels. The Tower of London is reputedly the most haunted building in England. The ghost of Queen Anne Boleyn, beheaded in 1536 for treason against King Henry VIII, has allegedly been seen haunting the chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, where she is buried, and walking around the White Tower carrying her head under her arm. Other ghosts include Henry VI, Lady Jane Grey, Margarat Pole and the Princes in the Tower. In January 1816, a sentry on guard outside the Jewel House witnessed an inexplicable apparition of a bear advancing towards him, and reportedly died of fright a few days later. In October 1817, an even more inexplicable, tubular, glowing apparition was seen in the Jewel House by the Keeper of the Crown Jewels, Edmund Lenthal Swifte. The apparition hovered over the shoulder of his wife, leading her to exclaim: "Oh, Christ! it has seized me!" Other nameless and formless terrors have been reported, more recently, by night staff at the Tower. The Great Plague of London -1665 I have created this article about London's Bubonic Plague of 1665 which killed over 15% of the population of London. This was the worst outbreak of plague in England since the black death of 1348 and London lost roughly 15% of its population. While 68,596 deaths were recorded in the city, the true number was probably over 100,000. Other parts of the country also suffered. The earliest cases of disease occurred in the spring of 1665 in a parish outside the city walls called St Giles-in-the-Fields. The death rate began to rise during the hot summer months and peaked in September when 7,165 Londoners died in one week. Rats carried the fleas that caused the plague. They were attracted by city streets filled with rubbish and waste, especially in the poorest areas. Those who could, including most doctors, lawyers and merchants, fled the city. Charles II and his courtiers left in July for Hampton Court and then Oxford. Parliament was postponed and had to sit in October at Oxford, the increase of the plague being so dreadful. Court cases were also moved from Westminster to Oxford. The Lord Mayor and aldermen (town councillors) remained to enforce the King's orders to try and stop the spread of the disease. The poorest people remained in London with the rats and those people who had got the plague. Watchmen locked and kept guard over infected houses. Parish officials provided food. Searchers looked for dead bodies and took them at night to plague pits for burial. All trade with London and other plague towns was stopped. The Council of Scotland declared that the border with England would be closed. There were to be no fairs or trade with other countries. This meant many people lost their jobs - from servants to shoemakers to those who worked on the River Thames. How did Londoners react to this plague that devastated their lives? The plague that hit London and England in 1665 was the bubonic plague and the classic symptoms associated with the Bubonic Plague were as follows: "The first sign of the plague was that swellings appeared in the groin or the armpits. Some of the swellings became as large as an apple, sometimes they were the size of an egg. The deadly swellings then began to spread in all directions over the body. Then the disease changed. Black or red spots broke out, sometimes on the thigh or arm. These spots were large in some cases; in other they were almost like a rash." A few days after being infected, a victim developed a rash and there was pain all over the body. The victim began to feel tired and lethargic but the pain made it difficult to sleep. The temperature of the body increased and this affected the brain and the nerves. Speech was affected and the victims became less and less intelligible. As the disease took more of a hold, the victim took on the physical appearance of a drunk with stumbling movement and gait. The victim then became delirious. After about six days, the lymphatic glands became swollen and inflamed. In the groin, neck and armpit areas of the body this led to buboes – large and highly painful swellings. These buboes caused bleeding underneath the skin, which turned the buboes and surrounding areas blue/purple. In some cases, red spots appeared on the buboes as death approached. The average time of death from the first symptom was between four to seven days. It is thought that between 50% and 75% of those who caught the disease died. The Great Fire of London began on the night of September 2, 1666, as a small fire on Pudding Lane, in the bakeshop of Thomas Farynor, baker to King Charles II. At one o'clock in the morning, a servant woke to find the house aflame, and the baker and his family escaped, but a fear-struck maid perished in the blaze. This fire destroyed 80% of the Property was lost in the fire and this helped in the ending of the Plague. British Broadcasting Corporation – BBC History The British Broadcasting Company started daily transmissions on November 14th 1922, by which time more than one million ten-shilling (50p) licences had been issued. In 1927 the company was restructured as a public corporation -the BBC that we know today- by its founding father, John (later Lord) Reith, but by this time an even newer technology was being developed -television. In truth, the Corporation was very interested in Baird's experiments and wanted them to continue under their sponsorship, and not under that of any other company. Accordingly, Baird's company was offered the use of facilities on London's South Bank. By 1932 the BBC were sufficiently happy to allow regular experimental broadcasting. They now offered Baird a studio in their newly acquired premises in Portland Place, W1. Studio BB, Britain's and the World's first dedicated television studio, was housed in the basement of Broadcasting House, and it was from here that Baird continued to experiment and refine the new medium. Competition came from the Electronic and Music Industries (EMI), based in Hayes, Middlesex, where they had been working with the Marconi Company on developing a high definition system. In May of 1934 the British government appointed a committee, under the guidance of Lord Selsdon, to begin enquiries into the viability of setting up a public television service, with recommendations as to the conditions under which such a service could be offered. The results of the Selsdon Report were issued as a single Government White Paper in January of the following year. The BBC was to be entrusted with the development of television, which had to transmit a definition of not less than 240 lines with a minimum of 25 pictures per second. With the publication of this report the era of the low definition picture came to an end with ballerina Lydia Sokolova being the last artiste in Britain to appear via the old 30-line system. The committee proposed that the two new high definition systems (Baird's 240 line and Marconi-EMI's 405 line) would be chosen to alternate transmissions by the BBC over a set period, until it was decided which was the better. Looking for a suitable site for the new service, the BBC chose Alexandra Palace in Haringey, Greater London. Its position, high on a hill, made it the ideal place to place a transmitter that would cover all of London and many of its surrounding counties. "Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to the magic of television..." With those words Leslie Mitchell introduced Britain's first high-definition public television programme from Radiolympia. The date was 26th August 1936. This was the World's first Television broadcast. At the start of the war in 1939 over 80,000 viewers had been watching television 7 days a week. During September 1st 1939 while Mickey Mouse was being shown on Television, All television's became blank and went off air. This programme returned in 1946 and BBC Television and radio has since gone from strength to strength. Swinging Sixties – British Fashion Designers As the swinging sixties is famous worldwide for many things British including Fashion I thought I would tell its history and mention some of the most famous names in British fashion. At the start of the 60's, skirts were knee-length, but steadily became shorter and shorter until the mini-skirt emerged in 1965. By the end of the decade they had shot well above the stocking top, making the transition to tights inevitable. Many of the radical changes in fashion developed in the streets of London, with such gifted designers as Mary Quant (known for launching the mini skirt) and Barbara Hulanicki (the founder of the legendary boutique Biba). After designer Mary Quant introduced the mini-skirt in 1964, fashions in the 1960s were changed forever. The mini skirt was eventually to be worn by nearly every stylish young female in the western world. The main outlets for these new young fashion designers were small boutiques, selling outfits that were not exactly 'one-offs', but were made in small quantities in a limited range of sizes and colors. However, not all designers took well to the new style and mood. The basic shape and style of the time was simple, neat, clean cut, and young. Synthetic fabrics were very widely-used during the Sixties. They took dyes easily and well, giving rise to colors that were both clear and bright, very much mirroring the mood of the period. Hats suffered a great decline and by the end of the decade they were relegated to special occasions only. Lower kitten heels were a pretty substitute to stilettos. Pointed toes gave way to chisel shaped toes in 1961 and to an almond toe in 1963. Flat boots also became popular with very short dresses in 1965 and eventually they rose up the leg and reached the knee. The principal change in menswear in the '60s was in the weight of the fabric used. The choice of materials and the method of manufacture produced a suit that, because it was lighter in weight, had a totally different look, with a line that was closer to the natural shape of the body, causing men to look at their figures more critically. The spread of jeans served to accelerate a radical change in the male wardrobe. Young men grew their hair down to their collars and added a touch of color, and even floral motifs, to their shirts. The polo neck never succeeded in replacing the tie, but the adoption of the workman's jacket in rough corduroy. As the suits drifted away from pale, toned shades, menswear was now bright and colourful. It included frills and cravats, wide ties and trouser straps, leather boots and even collarless jackets. Ties were worn even five inches wide, with crazy prints, stripes and patterns. Casual dress consisted of plaid button down shirts with comfortable slacks. The hippie movement late in the decade also exerted a strong influence on ladies' clothing styles, including bell-bottom jeans, tie-dye and batik fabrics, as well as paisley prints. In the early to mid-1960s, the London Modernists known as the Mods were shaping and defining popular fashion for young British men while the trends for both sexes changed more frequently than ever before in the history of fashion and would continue to do so throughout the decade. The leaders of 1960s style were the British. The Mods were characterized by their choice of style different from the 1950s and revealed new fads that would be imitated by many young people. As a level of the middle social class known as the Mods, controlled the ins and outs of fashion in London, 1960s fashion set the mode for the rest of the century as it became marketed mainly to youth. Modernists formed their own way of life creating television shows and magazines that focused directly on the lifestyles of Mods. British rock bands such as The Who, The Small Faces and The Kinks emerged from the Mod subculture. The Mods were known for the Modern Jazz they listened to as they showed their new styles off at local cafes. They worked at the lower end of the work force, usually nine to five jobs leaving time for clothes, music, and clubbing. It was not until 1964 when the Modernists were truly recognized by the public that women really were accepted in the group. Girls had short, clean haircuts and often dressed in similar styles to the male Mods. The Mods' lifestyle and musical tastes were the exact opposite of their rival group known as the. The rockers liked 1950s rock-and roll, wore black leather jackets, greased, pompadour hairstyles, and rode motorbikes. The look of the Mods was classy; they mimicked the clothing and hairstyles of high fashion designers in France and Italy; opting for tailored suits, which were topped by anoraks that became their trademark. They rode on scooters, usually Vespas or Lambrettas. The Mods dress style was often called the City Gent look. Shirts were slim, with a necessary button down collar accompanied by slim fitted pants. Levi's were the only type of jeans worn by Modernists. Flared trousers and bellbottoms led the way to the hippie stage introduced in the 1960s. Variations of polyester were worn along with acrylics. Carnaby Street and Chelsea's Kings Road were virtual fashion parades. In 1966, the space age was gradually replaced by the Edwardian, with the men wearing double-breasted suits of crushed velvet or striped patterns, brocade waistcoats, shirts with frilled collars, and their hair worn below the collar bone. Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones epitomised this "dandified" look. Women were inspired by the top models of the day which included Twiggy, Jean Shrimpton, Colleen Corby, Penelope Tree and Veruschka. Velvet mini dresses with lace-collars and matching cuffs, wide tent dresses and culottes had pushed aside the geometric shift. False eyelashes were in vogue, as was pale lipstick. Hemlines kept rising, and by 1968 they had reached well above mid-thigh. These were known as "micro-minis". This was when the "angel dress" made its appearance on the fashion scene. A micro-mini dress with a flared skirt and long, wide trumpet sleeves, it was usually worn with patterned tights, and was often made of crocheted lace, velvet, chiffon or sometimes cotton with a psychedelic print. The cowled-neck "monk dress" was another religion-inspired alternative; the cowl could be pulled up to be worn over the head. For evening wear, skimpy chiffon baby-doll dresses with spaghetti-straps were the mode as well as the "cocktail dress", which was a close-fitting sheath, usually covered in lace with matching long sleeves. Feather boas were occasionally worn. By 1968, the androgynous hippie look was in style. Both men and women wore frayed bell-bottomed jeans, tie-dyed shirts, workshirts, and headbands. Wearing sandals was also part of the hippie look for both men and women. Women would often go barefoot, and some even went braless. Fringed buck-skin vests, flowing caftans, Mexican peasant blouses, gypsy-style skirts, scarves, and bangles were also worn by teenage girls and young women. Indian prints, batik and paisley were the fabrics preferred. For more conservative women, there were the "lounging" or "hostess" pyjamas. These consisted of a tunic top over floor-length culottes, and were usually made of polyester or chiffon. Another popular look for women and girls which lasted well into the early 1970s was the suede mini-skirt worn with a French polo-neck top, square-toed boots and Newsboy Cap or beret. Long maxi coats, often belted and lined in sheepskin, appeared at the close of the decade. Animal Prints were also popular for women in the autumn and winter of 1969. Women's shirts often had transparent sleeves. Psychedelic prints, hemp and the look of "Woodstock" came about in this generation. The late 1960 produced a style categorized of people whom promoted sexual liberation and favored a type of politics reflecting "peace, love and freedom". Ponchos, mocassins, love beads, peace signs, medallion necklaces, chain belts, polka dot-printed fabrics, and long, puffed "bubble" sleeves were additional trends in the late 1960s. New materials other than cloth (such as polyester and PVC) started to become more popular as well. Starting in 1967, the Mod culture began to embrace reggae music and its working class roots. The new urban fashion known as Skinhead was born. Swinging Sixties ( London ) – British Iconic Music At the start of the 60's, British Music was just emerging from obscurity with Cliff Richard, Billy Fury, Adam Faith beginning to become known worldwide. By the end of the decade British Music dominated the world with The Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones etc. One of the stories told by George Harrison was the story that when the Beatles were first in the USA they visited “Elvis” at his home and which ended with Elvis and the Beatles Jamming together. That must have been one of the coolest musical sessions ever. As the swinging sixties London is famous worldwide for many things British including Music I thought I would tell its history and list some of the most famous names in British Music. Swinging London was underway by the mid-1960s, and included music by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Who, The Small Faces and other artists from what was known by America as the “British Invasion” as well as the growing popularity of Psychedelic Rock as Jimi Hendrick being represented as a cultural icon, supported by British bands like Cream and early Pink Floyd. This music was heard in the United Kingdom over pirate radio stations such as Radio Caroline, Wonderful Radio London and Swinging Radio England. On December 10th , 1963 the Walter Cronkite ran a story about the Beatlemania phenomenon in the United Kingdom. After seeing the report, 15 year old Marsha Albert of Maryland wrote a letter the following day to disc jockey Carroll James at radio station WWDC asking "why can't we have music like that here in America?". On December 17th James had Albert introduce “I Want to Hold Your Hand" live on the air, the first airing of a Beatles song in the United States. WWDC's phones lit up and Washington, D.C. area record stores were flooded with requests for a record they did not have in stock. On December 26th Capitol Records released the record three weeks ahead of schedule. The release of the record during a time when teenagers were on vacation helped spread Beatlemania in America. On January 18th , 1964, “I Want To Hold Your Hand” reached number one on the cash Box chart, the following week it did the same on Billboard. On February 7th the CBS Evening News ran a story about The Beatles' United States arrival that afternoon in which the correspondent said "The British Invasion this time goes by the code name Beatlemania". Two days later (Sunday, February 9th ) they appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show. Seventy five percent of Americans watching television that night viewed their appearance. On April 4th the Beatles held the top 5 positions on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, the only time to date that any act has accomplished this. The group's massive chart success continued until they broke up in 1970. Dusty Springfield, having launched a solo career, became the first non-Beatle act during the invasion to have a major U.S. hit with “I only Want to be With You”. She followed with several other hits and has been described by Allmusic as the finest white soul music singer of her era. During the next two years, Chad & Jeremy, Peter and Gordon, The Animals, Manfred Mann, Petula Clark, Freddie and The Dreamers, Wayne Fontana and the Mind-benders, Herman's Hermits, The Rolling Stones, The Troggs and Donovan would have one or more number one singles. Other acts that were part of the invasion included The Kinks and The dave Clark Five. British Invasion acts also dominated the music charts at home in the United Kingdom. The Dave Clark Five was the first British Invasion group to formally tour the United States (in the Spring of 1964). The group was considered the main competitor to The Beatles. The DC5 made its first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show on March 8, 1964, shortly after The Beatles. The DC5 made more appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show than any other British Invasion band. British Invasion artists played in styles now categorized either as blues-based rock music or as guitar-driven rock/pop. A second wave of the invasion occurred featuring acts such as The Who and The Zombies which were influenced by the invasion's pop side and American rock music. The Beatles movie A Hard Day's Night and fashions from Carnaby Street led American media to proclaim England as the center of the music and fashion world. The emergence of a relatively homogeneous worldwide "rock" music style about 1967 marked the end of the "invasion". A Second Invasion occurred during the 1980s consisting of acts primarily popularized by the cable music channel MTV which was dominated by British Music video's by Queen, Duran Duran etc. While acts with a wide variety of styles were part of the invasion, New Wave and New Wave-influenced acts predominated. The New Romantics – 1980's London Music During the late 1970's Punk Rock became popular and those of us who were fans of Disco ignored punk rock as a passing fad. In the late 1970's and early 1980's as an alternative to Punk a new type of music appeared in London called The New Romantics. They could be identified by their Big hair and make up – both Men and Women. It was often associated with the New Wave music scene that had become popular during that time. It has seen several revivals since then, and continues to influence popular culture. Developing in London nightclubs such as Billy's and The Blitz, the movement was associated with bands such as Visage, Culture Club, Adam and the Ants, Ultravox, Duran Duran, Japan and Spandau Ballet. Other artists, such as Brian Eno and Roxy Music had significant influence on the movement. The term New Romantic was coined by Richard James Burgess in an interview with reference to Spandau Ballet. As a whole, the movement was largely a response to the ethos and style of early punk rock, which had been enjoying widespread popularity around this time. Although punk initially had great appeal as a vehicle of self-expression and entertainment, by the final days of the 1970s, some had felt that it had lost its original excitement and degenerated into an overly political and bland movement instead. The New Romantic image ultimately sought to contrast with the austerity of punk as a whole by celebrating artifice in music and culture as opposed to rejecting it. New Romantic music is influenced by many genres such as Disco, Rock, R&B and early electronic pop music. Since the New Romantic movement began in and was largely based in nightclubs, a great amount of the music associated with the movement was meant to be suitable for dancing. Glam rock acts of the 1970s such as David Bowie (whose 1980 single “Ashes to Ashes" was influenced by and considered a New Romantic anthem Roxy Music and Brian Eno have been cited as major influences on the music and image the bands. Kraftwork, a German band pioneering electronic music, also heavily impacted many of the artists. Since each of the bands associated with the movement took a different approach to their music, it is difficult to define what constitutes New Romantic music. Contrasting with the punk rock which was popular at the peak of the movement, New Romantic music tends to be elaborate and highly stylized. The musical structures are usually consistent with those of pop music, as are the lyrics, which are often very emotional, which deal with themes such as love, dancing, history, the future and technology. The lyrics of New Romantic music also tend to be far more apolitical than those of punk rock or other songs written in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Many of the bands featured synthesizers and electronic drums or drum machines in their music, often alongside bass and lead guitar. While some bands such as Ultravox or Duran Duran consciously synthesized rock and electronic elements, others such as Culture Club or Spandau Ballet drew greater influence from R&B and soul music while still employing electronic instrumentation, albeit to a lesser extent. Some bands, such as Visage, made music that was almost entirely electronic; often many early British electronic bands such as the Human League and Depeche Mode have been connected to the New Romantic movement, although some sources, sometimes including the individual members of such bands, deny the association. During the last 25 years the New Romantic's music scene has been active and in the charts on a regular basis – Duran Duran is an example as a group who still release new music. World's First Football Chant – by Edward Elgar As football is England's favourite sport and is called England's national game I thought I would write about the World's First Football Chant – by Edward Elgar who was born in the small village of Lower Broadheath outside Worcester, England on 2nd June 1857. It has recently come to light that Elgar wrote music to the world's first football chant for his favourite football team Wolverhampton Wanderers which was called “He Banged The leather for Goal” ( The Leather was shorthand for the Football which was made of leather and if you tried to head it when wet, it nearly took your head off )!! Elgar went to his first football match in February 1898 and became hooked on the atmosphere and the football and became a fan of Wolves for the rest of his life. Edward Elgar was an English Composer who was famous for his orchestral works including the “Land of Hope and Glory”, “Enigma Variations”, the “Pomp and Circumstance Marches”, “concertos for violin and cello” and two symphonies. He also composed oratorios, including “The Dream of Gerontius”, chamber music and songs. He was appointed Master of the Kings Musick in 1924. Despite the fluctuating critical assessment of the various works over the years, Elgar's major works taken as a whole have in the twenty-first century recovered strongly from their neglect in the 1950s. The Record Guide in 1955 could list only one currently-available recording of the First Symphony, none of the Second, one of the Violin Concerto, two of the Cello Concerto, two of the Enigma Variations, one of Falstaff, and none of The Dream of Gerontius. Since then there have been multiple recordings of all the major works. More than thirty recordings have been made of the First Symphony since 1955, for example, and more than ten of The Dream of Gerontius. Similarly in the concert hall, Elgar's works, after a period of neglect are once again frequently programmed. The Elgar Society's website, in its diary of forthcoming performances, lists performances of Elgar's works by orchestras, soloists and conductors across Europe, North America and Australia. Edward Elgar died on the 23rd February 1934. Elgar's statue at the end of Worcester High Street stands facing the cathedral, only yards from where his father's shop once stood. Another statue of the composer is at the top of Church Street in Malvern, overlooking the town and giving visitors an opportunity to stand next to the composer in the shadow of the Hills that he so often regarded. In September 2005, a third statue sculpted by Jemma Pearson was unveiled near Hereford Cathedral in honour of his many musical and other associations with that city. It features Elgar with his bicycle. Tower Bridge – London Icon I have decided to create this article about "Tower Bridge" as it's one of the Icons of London. In the second half of the 19th century, increased commercial development in the East End of London led to a requirement for a new river crossing downstream of London Bridge. A traditional fixed bridge could not be built because it would cut off access to the port facilities in the Pool of London between London Bridge and the Tower of London. A Special Bridge or Subway Committee was formed in 1876, chaired by Sir Albert Joseph Altman, to find a solution to the river crossing problem. It opened the design of the crossing to public competition. Over 50 designs were submitted, including one from civil engineer Sir Joseph Bazalgette. The evaluation of the designs was surrounded by controversy, and it was not until 1884 that a design submitted by Horace Jones the City Architect (who was also one of the judges), was approved. Jones' engineer, Sir John Wolfe Barry devised the idea of a bascule bridge with two towers built on piers. The central span was split into two equal bascules or leaves, which could be raised to allow river traffic to pass. The two side-spans were suspension bridges, with the suspension rods anchored both at the abutments and through rods contained within the bridge's upper walkways. During it's building, two piers were sunk into the river bed to support the weight of the bridge. A massive 11,000 tons of steel used then for the walkways and towers. A layer of Cornish granite and Portland stone were used as a covering, to protect the steelwork and to make it look nicer to the eye. Still in use today the bridge is still opened for river traffic many times in a week. It is said the bridge carries 1,900 vehicles per hour between 7am and 10am during London rush hour. 140 feet above the Thames you can look down and around the tower and see the original steam engines used to lift the huge bridge until 1976. Historic Dates worthy of note · 1910 - the high-level walkways were closed down due to lack of use. · 1912 - Frank McClean flew between the bascules and the high-level walkways in an emergency. Quite a spectacle for onlookers and the bi-plane pilot. · 1952 - a London bus leapt between the opening bascules to avoid plunging into the river as the bridge opened with the bus still on it. · 1977 - for the Queen's Silver Jubilee Tower Bridge was painted red, white and blue. Tower bridge was completed and opened in the year 1894. It was opened by Edward 7th when he was Prince of Wales. It took 8 years in it's construction, using 5 major contractors and over 400 labourers. When it was completed and as it stands still today, it is one of London's most famous landmarks, its designers, John Wolfe Barry and Sir Horace Jones can be proud of a splendid piece of engineering. William Shakespeare – British Playright Icon William Shakespeare is one of Britain's greatest icons and is recognised worldwide. I thought it would be interesting to write the history of this famous icon from his early cloudy beginnings. William Shakespeare was born to John Shakespeare and mother Mary Arden some time in late April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon. There is no record of his birth, but his baptism was recorded by the church, thus his birthday is assumed to be the 23rd of April. His father, John Shakespeare, was a whittawer by profession and held several important town offices. His father was also a prominent and prosperous alderman in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, and was later granted a coat of arms by the College of Heralds. His mother, Mary Arden, was from a fairly wealthy family. In all the Shakespeares had eight children, and William was their first son. All that is known of Shakespeare's youth is that he presumably attended the Stratford Grammar School, and did not proceed to Oxford or Cambridge. The next record we have of him is his marriage to Anne Hathaway in 1582. The next year she bore a daughter for him, Susanna, followed by the twins Judith and Hamnet two years later. Seven years later in 1889 Shakespeare is recognized as an actor, poet and playwright, when a rival playwright, Robert Greene, refers to him as "an upstart crow" in A Groatsworth of Wit. Between 1590 and 1592 no records of Shakespeare were found, and that period of his life is usually referred to as "The Lost Years". Some have speculated that he either became a school teacher, became a butcher's apprentice, or was running from the law during this time. The first evidence of Shakespeare after 1592 was in London. Here he had established himself as a playwright and actor and had found a sponsor, Henry Wriothsley. However, Shakespeare's work in the theatres came to a halt in January of 1593 when the theatres closed because of the plague. The company that Shakespeare worked for was called "Lord Chamberlain's Men" and changed their name to "The King's Men" after King James I took over in 1603. Because Shakespeare worked and performed for them, this company became the biggest and most famous acting company. Shakespeare became very wealthy as a director, writer, actor, and stockholder in "The King's Men". In 1596 Hamnet died at the age of eleven. When, in 1599, the troupe lost the lease of the theatre where they performed, (appropriately called The Theatre) they were wealthy enough to build their own theatre across the Thames, south of London, which they called "The Globe." The new theatre opened in July of 1599, built from the timbers of The Theatre, with the motto "Totus mundus agit histrionem" (A whole world of players) When James I came to the throne (1603) the troupe was designated by the new king as the King's Men (or King's Company). The Letters Patent of the company specifically charged Shakespeare and eight others "freely to use and exercise the art and faculty of playing Comedies, Tragedies, Histories, Inerludes, Morals, Pastorals, stage plays ... as well for recreation of our loving subjects as for our solace and pleasure." Shakespeare entertained the king and the people for another ten years until June 19th , 1613, when a canon fired from the roof of the theatre for a gala performance of Henry VIII set fire to the thatch roof and burned the theatre to the ground. The audience ignored the smoke from the roof at first, being to absorbed in the play, until the flames caught the walls and the fabric of the curtains. Amazingly there were no casualties, and the next spring the company had the theatre "new builded in a far fairer manner than before." Although Shakespeare invested in the rebuilding, he retired from the stage to the Great House of New Place in Statford that he had purchased in 1597, and some considerable land holdings where he continued to write until his death in 1616 on the day of his 52nd birthday. · 1556 - Anne Hathaway is born. · 1564 - Shakespeare's baptism is recorded in the parish church of Stratford-upon-Avon dated April 26, 1564. The usual delay between birth and baptism was 3-4 days, making the date of birth most likely April 22 or 23. Since Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616, and the engraving on his monument lists him as aged 53, it is assumed he was born on April 23. At least, that is how scholars in the absence of any other information have been willing to leave it. April 23 is also St. George's day, an appropriate day for the birth of the national poet. (94 miles from London.) · 1582 - Marries Anne Hathaway on November 27. Worcester was 21 miles west of Stratford, and the consistory court there the place where a marriage license, issued to a local parish priest, might be obtained. Whitgift's register for the date November 27nd , 1582 indicates the issuance of a license for marriage between William Shaxpere and Anne Whateley of Temple Grafton. At the time, Shakespeare would have been 18 years old. · 1583 - Susanna Shakespeare is born. · 1585 - The twins Judith and Hamnet Shakespeare are born. · 1592 - After leaving Stratford for London, William was recognized as a successful actor, as well as a leading poet. He was a member of 'The Chamberlain's Men'. · 1596 - Hamnet dies at the age of eleven. Shakespeare becomes a "gentleman" when the College of Heralds grants his father a coat of arms. · 1597- He bought a large house called "The Great House of New Place". · 1599 - The 'Globe Theater' is built from the pieces of 'The Theater' in July. · 1603 - 'The Lord Chamberlain's Men' became 'The King's Men' on May 19. · 1613 - The 'Globe Theatre' burns during a performance of Henry VII when a canon fired on the roof sets fire to the straw thatch. The theatre is rebuilt, but Shakespeare retires. · 1616 - April 23, in Stratford, on his 52nd birthday he died. In 1611 Shakespeare retired and left London. He made a will on March 25, 1616, and died on April 23, 1616. He was fifty two years old. The cause of Shakespeare's death is not known. Shakespeare also wrote his own epitaph because during his time, when the graveyard was full, people would dig up someone's corpse and burn it so that another could be buried in that person's place. This disgusted Shakespeare, and he didn't want this type of disrespect after his death. His epitaph reads as follows: "Good Friends, for Jesus' sake forbear, To dig the bones enclosed here! Blest be the man that spares these stones, And curst be he that moves my bones." To this day no one has disturbed Shakespeare's grave. The Globe Theatre – London Icon I have created this article about The Globe Theatre as it's one of the newly re-built Icons of London. The Globe Theatreis a reconstruction of the open air playhouse originally designed in 1599. The theatre was in London and associated with William Shakespeare. It was built in 1599 by Shakespeare's playing company and the Lord Chamberlain's Men. The Globe was owned by actors who were also shareholders. Two of the six Globe shareholders, Richard Burbage and his brother Cuthbert Burbage owned double shares of the whole, or 25% each; the other four men, Shakespeare, John Hemmings, Augustine Phillips and Thomas Pope owned a single share, or 12.5%. (Originally William Kempe was intended to be the seventh partner, but he sold out his share to the four minority shareholders leaving them with more than the originally planned 10%). These initial proportions changed over time as new sharers were added. Shakespeare's share diminished from 1/8 to 1/14, or roughly 7%, over the course of his career. The Globe was built in 1599 using timber from an earlier theatre which had been built by Richard Burbage's father, James Burbage in Shoreditch in 1576. The Burbages originally had a 21-year lease of the site on which The Theatre was built but owned the building outright. However, the landlord, Giles Allen, claimed that the building had become his with the expiry of the lease. On 28 December 1598, while Allen was celebrating Christmas at his country home, carpenter Peter Street, supported by the players and their friends, dismantled The Theatre beam by beam and transported it to Street's waterfront warehouse near Bridewell. With the onset of more favourable weather in the following spring, the material was ferried over the Thames to reconstruct it as The Globe on some marshy gardens to the south of Maiden Lane, Southwark. On 29 June 1613 the Globe Theatre went up in flames during a performance of Henry The Eighth. A theatrical cannon, set off during the performance, misfired, igniting the wooden beams and thatching. According to one of the few surviving documents of the event, no one was hurt except a man whose burning breeches were put out with a bottle of ale. It was rebuilt in the following year. Like all the other theatres in London, the Globe was closed down by the Puritans in 1642. It was pulled down in 1644, or slightly later—the commonly cited document dating the act to 15 April 1644 has been identified as a probable forgery—to make room for tenements. A modern reconstruction of the Globe, named "Shakespeare Globe", opened in 1997 approximately 230 metres (750 ft) from the site of the original theatre. Open-air performances are held May -September. The Globe Exhibition, situated beneath the theater itself, offers a fascinating glimpse of Elizabethan theater and audiences and the design and reconstruction of the new Globe. The Globe was owned by actors who were also shareholders in Lord Chamberlain's Men. Two of the six Globe shareholders, Richard Burbage and his brother CuthbertBurbage, owned double shares of the whole, or 25% each; the other four men, Shakespeare, John Heminges, Augustine Phillips, and Thomas Pope, owned a single share, or 12.5%. (Originally William Kempe was intended to be the seventh partner, but he sold out his share to the four minority sharers, leaving them with more than the originally planned 10%). These initial proportions changed over time as new sharers were added. Shakespeare's share diminished from 1/8 to 1/14, or roughly 7%, over the course of his career. The Globe was built in 1599 using timber from an earlier theatre, The Theatre, which had been built by Richard Burbage's father, James Burbage, in Shoreditch in 1576. The Burbages originally had a 21-year lease of the site on which The Theatre was built but owned the building outright. However, the landlord, Giles Allen, claimed that the building had become his with the expiry of the lease. On 28 December 1598, while Allen was celebrating Christmas at his country home, carpenter Peter Street, supported by the players and their friends, dismantled The Theatre beam by beam and transported it to Street's waterfront warehouse near Bridewell. With the onset of more favourable weather in the following spring, the material was ferried over the Thames to reconstruct it as The Globe on some marshy gardens to the south of Maiden Lane, Southwark. On 29 June 1613 the Globe Theatre went up in flames during a performance of Henry the Eighth. A theatrical cannon, set off during the performance, misfired, igniting the wooden beams and thatching. According to one of the few surviving documents of the event, no one was hurt except a man whose burning breeches were put out with a bottle of ale.It was rebuilt in the following year. Like all the other theatres in London, the Globe was closed down by the Puritans in 1642. It was pulled down in 1644 to make room for tenements. Please visit my Funny Animal Art Prints Collection http://www.fabprints.com My other website is called Directory of British Icons: http://fabprints.webs.com The Chinese call Britain 'The Island of Hero's' which I think sums up what we British are all about. We British are inquisitive and competitive and are always looking over the horizon to the next adventure and discovery. Copyright © 2012 Paul Hussey. All Rights Reserved. My Volumes called: "An Englishmans Favourite Bits of England" with my Articles on the English Supernatural, English Icons, English Sports, English History, English Discoveries and English Inventors. Create a free website	i don't know
What UK government-funded company traditionally employing disabled people in manufacturing was founded in 1945 to provide work for injured soldiers?	ILO, O'Reilly - The right to decent work of PWD good policy overview[3] by Michael Burville - issuu Universal Declaration of Human Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 1.4 Council of Europe: European Convention on Human Rights . . . . . . 19 1.5 ILO Social Security Convention (No. 102) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 1.6 First ILO Recommendation devoted to vocational rehabilitation . . . 20 1.7 Further ILO measures 1958â€“68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 1.8 1.9 UN Declaration on the Rights of Mentally Retarded Persons . . . . . . 24 1.10 ILO measures on the development of human resources . . . . . . . . . 24 1.11 ILO call for comprehensive campaign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 1.12 UN Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 1.13 International Year of Disabled Persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 1.14 UN World Programme of Action (WPA) and Decade of Disabled Persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 ix Page 1.15 ILO Convention No. 159 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 1.16 EU Recommendation concerning employment for persons with disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 1.17 UN Convention recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 1.18 Council of Europe: A Coherent Policy for the Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 1.19 Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 1.20 UN Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 1.21 Vienna Declaration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 1.22 Monitoring the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) in relation to persons with disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 1.23 Copenhagen Declaration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 1.24 EU Treaty amendment prohibiting discrimination . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 1.25 Council of Europe: European Social Charter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 1.26 Inter-American Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 1.27 African Decade of Disabled Persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 1.28 EU Charter of Fundamental Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 1.29 EU Directive on Discrimination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 1.30 Women with disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 1.31 Education and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 1.32 European Year of People with Disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 1.33 EU Disability Action Plan 2004â€“2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 1.34 Council of Europe: Malaga Declaration 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 1.35 Council of Europe Action Plan 2006â€“2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 1.36 Arab Decade for Persons with Disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 1.37 Decade of the Americas for Persons with Disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . 57 1.38 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 x Page UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119 4.3 Agenda for action, with particular relevance to work and employment issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121 xi Page Annexes: 1 Early historical development of work and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities (1900â€“1930) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131 2 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138 3 Ratifications of the ILO Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159), as at October 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141 4 Ratifications and Signatures of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), as at October 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142 5 Council of Europe Action Plan to Promote the Rights and Full Participation of People with Disabilities in Society: Improving the Quality of Life for People with Disabilities in Europe 2006â€“2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144 xii Introduction This publication builds on an ILO working paper commissioned in 2003 as a contribution to the deliberations then taking place in preparation for the development of a United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The working paper was intended to be of particular relevance to those involved in drafting the provisions concerning employment and work in the proposed Convention. By examining the development over time of the “right to work” of disabled persons,1 the way in which this matter has been dealt with in international instruments and national legislation to date, and the experience in implementing employment and work opportunities, the paper enabled those involved in the preparation of the proposed UN Convention to build on earlier achievements. The UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on 13 December 2006. In view of the considerable interest generated by the working paper, the ILO decided to update it to take account, not only of the Convention, but also of other major developments in this field since 2003. A summary overview of the principal international legal instruments and policy of relevance to the rights of people with disabilities, with a particular focus on employment and work, is given at the outset. This is followed, in Chapter 1, by a more detailed description of international instruments, policies and initiatives, including reference to the debates which have taken place about their effectiveness in practice. In Chapter 2, the focus is on the different options open to people with disabilities who wish to work in open/competitive employment, sheltered employment, supported employment and social enterprises. The chapter examines available evidence on the trends in each of these categories and highlights the key issues faced in each case. 1 The terms “persons with disabilities” and “disabled persons” are used interchangeably throughout this book, reflecting accepted usage in different countries of the world. 1 Introduction Chapter 3 deals with the main approaches which have been adopted at national level to assist people with disabilities in securing, retaining and advancing in employment and work, including legislation; employment services; training for employment; disability management; financial, technical and personal supports; and persuasion measures. The chapter also touches on the processes of consultation, information gathering, monitoring and evaluation which are essential elements of effective policies. Chapter 4 reviews key areas which still require attention, in spite of the range of measures introduced at international, regional and national level to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The chapter suggests ways in which progress might be made in these areas, and proposes an agenda for action required in order to implement the UN Conventionâ€™s provisions on work and employment. Annex 1 gives a historical flavour to the book, by tracing the development of work and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in different industrialized countries in the early twentieth century. Annex 2 contains definitions of the key terms used. Annex 3 lists the countries that have ratified the ILOâ€™s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159). Annex 4 lists the States and Regional Integration Organizations that have ratified and signed the CRPD and its Optional Protocol, as at October 2007. Annex 5 reproduces the employment elements of the Council of Europe Disability Action Plan 2006â€“2015. 2 The right to decent work of persons with disabilities: Summary overview Introduction Human rights and fundamental freedoms are the birthright of all, as stated in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights, 25 June 1993. This is the essence of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which begins: â€œWhereas recognition of the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world...â€?. It finds specific application in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR); the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR); and other international instruments (see Chapter 1). States have affirmed this principle again and again, including in the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action adopted by the World Summit for Social Development, 1995, acknowledging that the promotion and protection of those rights and freedoms are primarily the responsibility of governments. Acceptance of that responsibility should have led to ready ratification and implementation of international instruments and adherence to internationally-recognized declarations concerning the elimination of discrimination and the promotion and protection of human rights. That this did not happen to the extent it should is evident from regular exhortations, including from Heads of State and Government in Copenhagen, for greater compliance and the avoidance, as far as possible, of the resort to reservations. All human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated. It is the duty of States, regardless of their political, economic, social and cultural systems, to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms. The right to development is an inalienable human right by virtue of which every human person and all peoples are entitled to participate in, contribute to and enjoy economic, social, cultural and political development, in which all human rights and fundamental freedoms can be fully realized, as stated in the UN Declaration on the Right to Development, 1986. Because all human rights are inviolable and none is superior to 3 The right to decent work of persons with disabilities: Summary overview another, the improvement of any one right cannot be set off against the deterioration of another (UN 2001, para. 10). While development facilitates the enjoyment of all human rights, the lack of development may not be invoked to justify the abridgement of internationally recognized human rights, as stated in the Vienna Declaration. In other words, the promotion and protection of human rights should be progressed without conditions attached. Poverty denies the enjoyment of practically all human rights. The importance of international cooperation in the eradication of poverty and promotion of development is apparent. The principle of international cooperation has been recognized in the International Covenants. Principal international legal instruments and policy initiatives One of the earliest international acknowledgements of the right of people with disabilities to work opportunities was made by the ILO in 1944. In a comprehensive and far-seeing Recommendation, the ILO stated unequivocally that disabled workers, â€œwhatever the origin of their disability, should be provided with full opportunities for rehabilitation, specialized vocational guidance, training and retraining, and employment on useful workâ€? (Employment (Transition from War to Peace) Recommendation, 1944 (No. 71)). The ILO said that persons with disabilities should, wherever possible, be trained with other workers, under the same conditions and the same pay, and called for equality of employment opportunity for disabled workers and for affirmative action to promote the employment of workers with serious disabilities. Four years later, the right to work of everyone, including persons with disabilities, was copperfastened by the UN. Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (adopted by the General Assembly on 10 December 1948) could hardly be more explicit: â€œEveryone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment. Everyone, without discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work. Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for 4 The right to decent work of persons with disabilities: Summary overview himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection. Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.â€? What proved to be one of the most important international instruments in relation to the right to work of persons with disabilities was adopted by the ILO in 1955: the Vocational Rehabilitation (Disabled) Recommendation, 1955 (No. 99). Until the adoption of the ILO Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention (No. 159) and Recommendation No. 168, almost thirty years later in 1983, Recommendation No. 99 served as the basis for national legislation and practice in relation to vocational guidance, vocational training, and placement of disabled persons. It built on the core provisions of earlier instruments in relation, for example, to vocational training, equality of opportunity and equal pay for equal work. The 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), adopted by the UN General Assembly on 16 December (resolution 2200A (xxi)), was drafted in close consultation with the ILO, and reiterates those earlier provisions in binding treaty form. States Parties to the Covenant recognize the right of everyone to work, which includes the right to the opportunity to gain oneâ€™s living by work freely chosen or accepted, and undertake to safeguard that right. Steps to be taken to achieve the full realization of that right include vocational guidance, training and productive employment. States Parties also commit themselves to equal pay for work of equal value without distinction of any kind; safe and healthy working conditions; and equal opportunity for everyone to be promoted in employment to an appropriate higher level, subject to no considerations other than those of seniority and competence. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), also adopted in 1966, does not deal specifically with employment, but it does contain an important provision prohibiting discrimination on any ground, including disability. In 1971, the UN General Assembly proclaimed a Declaration on the Rights of Mentally Retarded Persons (resolution 2856 of 20 Dec. 5 The right to decent work of persons with disabilities: Summary overview 1971), which affirmed, inter alia, their right to perform productive work or to engage in any other meaningful occupation to the fullest extent of their capabilities. To encourage, assist and enable persons with disabilities to exercise their right to work on an equal basis and without discrimination, the ILOâ€™s Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) called on member States to develop and implement open, flexible and complementary systems of general, technical and vocational education; educational and vocational guidance; and vocational training, including continuing employment information. An accompanying Human Resources Development Recommendation, 1975 (No. 150) spells out in detail how the provisions of this Convention should be effected, reinforcing the principle of mainstreaming in vocational guidance and training, highlighting the importance of educating the general public, employers and workers in relation to the employment of persons with disabilities, and calling for adjustments in the workplace, where necessary, to accommodate disabled workers. In an important reference, the Recommendation notes that the ILO and UNESCO had collaborated closely with a view to ensuring that the instruments of the two organizations pursue harmonized objectives and that they would continue to do so with a view to the effective implementation of those instruments. In a further measure, the resolution concerning Vocational Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration of Disabled or Handicapped Persons, adopted on 24 June 1975, and again reflecting its perception of the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration among international bodies in pursuit of the exercise of the right to work of persons with disabilities, the ILO called for a comprehensive campaign for vocational rehabilitation 2 and social integration of disabled persons, in cooperation and coordination with the UN, its specialized agencies, and international, regional and non-governmental organizations (NGOs); a campaign which was to result in the International Year of Disabled Persons in 1981 and the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons, among other initiatives. 2 â€œVocational rehabilitationâ€? is a process which enables disabled persons to secure, retain and advance in suitable employment and thereby furthers their integration or reintegration into society (ILO 2002). 6 The right to decent work of persons with disabilities: Summary overview Further affirmation of the right to work and the right to work-related services, including vocational counselling and training, came almost immediately from the UN General Assembly in its Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons (resolution 3447 adopted on 9 Dec. 1975). Building on the “full participation and equality” theme of the International Year and goal of the World Programme of Action (WPA), and conscious that developments since its seminal Recommendation No. 99 in 1955 had made it appropriate to adopt new international labour standards concerning vocational rehabilitation and employment, the ILO adopted landmark Convention No. 159 in 1983. The Convention sets out a number of fundamental principles which should underlie vocational rehabilitation and employment policies, highlighting those of equal opportunity and treatment, affirmative measures which should not be regarded as discriminating against other workers, integration of persons with disabilities into mainstream work-related programmes and services, services for those in rural areas and remote communities, the training of qualified staff, and the need to consult employers’ and workers’ organizations as well as representative organizations of and for disabled persons. The accompanying Recommendation No. 168 details measures which should be taken to promote equitable employment opportunities, including the making of “reasonable adaptations to workplaces, job design, tools, machinery and work organization”, and outlines steps which should be taken to ensure that the consultative processes mentioned in the Convention work effectively. The 1987 Global Meeting of Experts to Review the Implementation of the WPA proposed that a guiding philosophy should be developed to indicate priorities for action in the years ahead, and that the basis of that philosophy should be the recognition of the rights (including the right to work) of persons with disabilities. The Meeting recommended that the General Assembly convene a special conference to draft an international convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against disabled persons. Following a failure by the General Assembly to reach a consensus on this issue, the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities were adopted 7 The right to decent work of persons with disabilities: Summary overview on 20 December 1993 (resolution 48/96). The Standard Rules are a set of non-compulsory guidelines, though the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) hoped they would become “international customary rules when they are applied by a great number of States with the intention of respecting a rule in international law” (A/C. 3/48/L.3, 1 Oct. 1993, p. 6). Employment is covered by Rule 7, which calls on all States to take various measures, most of which are contained in earlier relevant ILO Conventions and Recommendations, to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal opportunities for productive and gainful employment in the labour market. In a further reaffirmation of the right to work, the World Conference on Human Rights, meeting in Vienna in 1993, in a direct reference to persons with disabilities, emphasized in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action that “every person is born equal and has the same rights to life and welfare, education and work, living independently and active participation in all aspects of society. Any direct discrimination or other negative discriminatory treatment of a disabled person is therefore a violation of his or her rights” (p. 18). The World Conference called on governments to adopt or adjust legislation to assure access to these and other rights for disabled persons. Towards the end of 1994, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (UN CESCR) pointed out that the effects of disabilitybased discrimination had been particularly severe in the fields of education, employment, housing, transport, cultural life and access to public places and services (General Comment No. 5). The Committee considered the field of employment as one in which discrimination had been both prominent and persistent. In most countries, the unemployment rate among persons with disabilities was two to three times higher than that for others. Disabled persons were mostly engaged in low-paid jobs with little social and legal security and often segregated from the mainstream labour market. As the ILO had frequently noted, physical barriers such as inaccessible public transport, housing and workplaces were often the main reasons why persons with disabilities were not employed. The Committee drew attention to the valuable and comprehensive instruments developed by the ILO, including in particular Convention 8 The right to decent work of persons with disabilities: Summary overview No. 159, and urged States Parties to the International Covenant to consider ratifying that Convention. Heads of State and Government at the World Summit for Social Development in 1995, acknowledging the particular employment difficulties faced by persons with disabilities, committed themselves in the Copenhagen Declaration to putting the creation of employment, the reduction of unemployment, and the promotion of adequately remunerated employment at the centre of strategies and policies of governments, in full respect for those workers’ rights. The Programme of Action adopted by the Summit includes taking effective measures to bring to an end all forms of discrimination against persons with disabilities (para.15 (i)). Echoing the exhortation of the UN CESCR a year earlier, the Programme of Action calls on governments to enhance the quality of work and employment by, inter alia, “strongly considering ratification and full implementation of ILO conventions relating to the employment rights of . . . persons with disabilities” (para.54 (c)). Acknowledging the singular role of the ILO at international level in relation to the world of work and the particular tripartite nature of its structure and operation, the Programme urges governments to promote the role of the ILO, particularly as regards improving the level of employment and the quality of work. The Council of Europe’s European Social Charter (as revised in 1966) recognizes the right of everyone to “have the opportunity to earn (a) living in an occupation freely entered upon”, and that all workers have the right to just conditions of work. The Charter specifically acknowledges that disabled persons have the right to independence, social integration and participation in the life of the community. A European Union (EU) Directive, adopted at the end of 2000, outlaws direct and indirect discrimination in the field of employment on a number of grounds, including disability. The Directive applies, inter alia, to selection criteria and recruitment conditions, vocational guidance, vocational training, employment and working conditions, including pay. Importantly, the Directive states that “reasonable accommodation” shall be provided, i.e. that employers are to take appropriate measures, where 9 The right to decent work of persons with disabilities: Summary overview needed, to enable a person with a disability to have access to, participate in, or advance in employment, or to provide training, unless such measures would impose a ‘disproportionate burden’ on the employer (EU 2000, pp.16-22). The ILO Code of Practice on Managing Disability in the Workplace (ILO 2002) was drawn up to provide guidance to employers on practical means of implementing the types of measures contained in international instruments such as those mentioned earlier. The Code was developed and unanimously agreed at a tripartite meeting of experts (representing governments and employers’ and workers’ organizations), convened in October 2001 at the decision of the ILO Governing Body, taken at its 277th Session in March 2000. While addressed mainly to employers, the Code should also prove of considerable benefit to governments, which play a primary role in providing the necessary legislative framework for promoting equal opportunities and treatment in the workplace, and to workers’ representatives, whose main concern is to protect workers’ interests. The contents of the Code are based on the principles underpinning international instruments and initiatives. There is no doubt that general international human rights instruments apply to all persons, including persons with disabilities. Explicit confirmation was given in 1994 by the UN CESCR (General Comment No. 5). The Committee acknowledged, however (para.2), that States Parties devoted very little attention to persons with disabilities in their reports on compliance with that Covenant. The need for explicit, disability-related provisions in international human rights instruments was recognized in later measures, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Art. 23), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Art. 18 (4)), and the Additional Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights in the Area of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Art. 18), leading the Committee to conclude that “it is now widely accepted that the human rights of persons with disabilities must be protected and promoted through general, as well as specially-designed, laws, policies and programmes” (para. 6). 10 The right to decent work of persons with disabilities: Summary overview In 1999, a renewed campaign, Rehabilitation International: Charter for the Third Millenium (9 September 1999), was initiated to have a specially-designed law, a UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, elaborated. In December 2001, on the basis of a resolution sponsored by the Government of Mexico, the UN General Assembly established an Ad Hoc Committee (AHC) on a Comprehensive and Integral International Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities “to consider proposals for a comprehensive and integral international convention to promote and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, based on the holistic approach in the work done in the fields of social development, human rights and non-discrimination and taking into account the recommendations of the Commission on Human Rights and the Commission for Social Development.” The AHC commenced work in July 2002. Following an open and transparent elaboration process, which provided for meaningful participation by all interested parties, including persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, the AHC held eight sessions before concluding its work with the adoption on 13 December 2006 by the UN General Assembly of the CRPD (resolution 61/106). The Convention is seen as “a comprehensive and integral convention to promote and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities (which) will make a significant contribution to redressing the profound social disadvantage of persons with disabilities and promote their participation in the civil, political, economic, social and cultural spheres with equal opportunities, in both developing and developed countries” (idem., preamble (y)). The principles of the Convention are: respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one’s own choices, and independence of persons; non-discrimination; full and effective participation and inclusion in society; respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity; equality of opportunity; accessibility; equality between men and women; respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities. 11 The right to decent work of persons with disabilities: Summary overview States Parties to the Convention have general as well as specific obligations. The former include undertaking to: • adopt all appropriate legislative, administrative and other measures for the implementation of the rights recognized in the Convention; • take into account the protection and promotion of the human rights of persons with disabilities in all policies and programmes; • ensure that public authorities and institutions act in conformity with the Convention; • take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability by any person, organization or private enterprise; • promote the training of professionals and staff working with persons with disabilities in the rights recognized in the Convention. With regard to work and employment, States Parties to the Convention recognize the right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis with others; this includes the right to the opportunity to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in a work environment that is open, inclusive and accessible. States Parties also undertake to take appropriate steps, including those specifically listed in the Convention, to safeguard and promote the realization of the right to work. The Convention does not seek to establish new rights, but restates, reinforces and updates rights contained in other international instruments; confirms that all such rights apply to persons with disabilities; provides for the establishment of a Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to monitor the Convention; and obliges States Parties to closely consult with and actively involve persons with disabilities, through their representative organizations, in the development and implementation of legislation and policies to implement the Convention, and in other decision-making processes concerning issues relating to persons with disabilities. Despite existing national, regional and international laws and other instruments, and despite the activities of international bodies and the efforts of NGOs, persons with disabilities throughout the world continue 12 The right to decent work of persons with disabilities: Summary overview to be subjected to widespread violations of their human rights. This is an undeniable fact. In the field of employment, the available statistics indicate that the labour force inactivity rate of workers with disabilities tends to be much higher than that of other workers. Problems of access to the physical environment, including transportation, housing and workplaces, risk of losing benefits on starting work, coupled with still-held prejudices among many employers, co-workers and the general public, aggravate an already difficult situation. This is not to suggest that there has been no improvement. The significant growth in domestic anti-discrimination legislation in recent years is encouraging, even though adoption of a law does not guarantee its enforcement. The persistent efforts of international agencies, and in particular the ILO, in promoting equal opportunity and treatment in employment continue to make important inroads into the economic and social exclusion of persons with disabilities. It is hoped that the new UN Convention will reinforce national and international efforts and provide a renewed impetus in eliminating discrimination on the basis of disability and in positively promoting inclusion. 13 Notes International legal instruments and policy initiatives concerning the right to work of persons with disabilities 1.1 1 Introduction This chapter reviews, in chronological order, the principal legal instruments and policy initiatives concerning the right to work of persons with disabilities from the UN, the ILO, the Council of Europe and the European Union. It includes the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights in 1993, and the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted by the World Summit for Social Development in 1995. 1.2 Early ILO measures The ILO, founded in 1919, is the oldest of the specialized technical agencies of the UN system. It is tripartite in structure, with representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations having an equal voice with those of governments of its 181 member States in shaping ILO policies and programmes, through participation in the annual International Labour Conference (ILC) and membership on the ILO Governing Body. The primary goal of the ILO is to promote opportunities for women and men to obtain decent and productive work, in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity. The ILO has four principal strategic objectives: • to promote and realize standards, and fundamental principles and rights at work; • to create greater opportunities for women and men to secure decent employment; • to enhance the coverage and effectiveness of social protection for all; • to strengthen tripartism and social dialogue. These objectives are realized through: • the formulation of international policies and programmes to promote basic human rights, improve working conditions, and enhance employment opportunities; • the creation of international labour standards, through the formulation and adoption of Conventions, backed by a system to supervise their 15 International legal instruments and policy initiatives application, as well as Recommendations and Codes of Practice, which serve as guidelines for national authorities in putting standards into action. Conventions prescribe international labour standards and are binding on ratifying States; Recommendations provide guidelines for members of the ILO; Codes of Practice are agreed, non-binding rules and procedures; • an extensive programme of international technical cooperation, formulated and implemented in partnership with ILO constituents and development partners; • training, education, research and publishing activities. The first international instrument containing provisions relating to the vocational rehabilitation of workers with a disability was adopted by the ILC in 1925, just a few years after the establishment of the ILO. The Workmen’s Compensation (Minimum Scale) Recommendation, 1925 (No.22) set out principles which should be taken into account in determining compensation payment for industrial accidents. It also recommended that “the vocational re-education of injured workmen should be provided by such means as the national laws or regulations deem most suitable”, and urged governments to promote institutions which would provide such “re-education”. Interest in vocational rehabilitation and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities re-surfaced during the Second World War, largely because of the number of people disabled during the war and the need to find trained workers to fill jobs left vacant by mobilized workers. In May 1944, the ILC adopted a comprehensive Recommendation (No. 71) dealing with the organization of full employment in the period of transition from war to peace and thereafter, which emphasized the central role of employment services, including labour market information, vocational guidance and vocational training. One of the groups specifically covered by the Recommendation was disabled workers who, “whatever the origin of their disability, should be provided with full opportunities for rehabilitation, specialized vocational guidance, training and retraining, and employment on useful work”. Paragraphs 39 to 44 of the Recommendation provide early examples of a number of concepts such as mainstreaming, equality of opportunity and affirmative action. 16 International legal instruments and policy initiatives Box 1 Employment (Transition from War to Peace) Recommendation, 1944 (No. 71) Section X: Provisions concerning disabled workers - paragraphs 39 to 43 (39) (40) (41) The criterion for the training and employment of disabled workers should be the employability of the worker, whatever the origin of the disability. There should be the closest collaboration between medical services for the disabled and vocational rehabilitation and placement services. Specialized vocational guidance for the disabled should be developed in order to make it possible to assess each disabled worker’s capacity and to select the most appropriate form of employment for him. (42) 1. Wherever possible, disabled workers should receive training in company with able-bodied workers, under the same conditions and with the same pay. 2. Training should be continued to the point where the disabled person is able to enter employment as an efficient worker in the trade or occupation for which he has been trained. 3. Wherever practicable, efforts should be made to retrain disabled workers in their former occupations or in related occupations where their previous qualifications would be useful. 4. Employers with suitable training facilities should be induced to train a reasonable proportion of disabled workers. 5. Specialized training centres, with appropriate medical supervision, should be provided for those disabled persons who require such special training. (43) 1. Special measures should be taken to ensure equality of employment opportunity for disabled workers on the basis of their working capacity. Employers should be induced by wide publicity and other means, and where necessary compelled, to employ a reasonable quota of disabled workers. 2. In certain occupations particularly suitable for the employment of seriously disabled workers, such workers should be given preference over all other workers. 3. Efforts should be made, in close cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations, to overcome employment discriminations against disabled workers which are not related to their ability and job performance, and to overcome the obstacles to their employment including the possibility of increased liability in respect of workmens’ compensation. 4. Employment on useful work in special centres under non-competitive conditions should be made available for all disabled workers who cannot be made fit for normal employment. Information should be assembled by the employment service in regard to the occupations particularly suited to different disabilities and the size, location and employability of the disabled population. 17 International legal instruments and policy initiatives Although Recommendation No. 71 did not specifically refer to gender differences in the provisions concerning workers with disabilities, it did emphasize more than once ‘complete equality of opportunity’ for men and women in respect, for example, of recruitment on the basis of their individual merit, skill and experience, equal pay for equal work, and access to further education and training. The specific concern of the ILO for workers with disabilities continues to run like a thread through that body’s Conventions and Recommendations. In 1946, the Medical Examination of Young Persons (Industry) Convention, 1946 (No. 77); Medical Examination of Young Persons (Non-Industrial Occupations) Convention, 1946 (No. 78); and Medical Examination of Young Persons Recommendation, 1946 (No. 79) concerning medical examination of young people for fitness for employment, called for appropriate measures to be taken by the competent authority for vocational guidance and vocational rehabilitation in respect of young persons with disabilities. The Employment Service Convention (No. 88) and Recommendation (No. 83), adopted in 1948, concerning the organization of employment services, called for special measures to meet the needs of workers with disabilities and recommended “conditions or special studies” on such questions as the placement of disabled workers. Included also was a recommendation that employment services should not, in referring workers to employment, itself discriminate against applicants on grounds of race, colour, sex or belief. 1.3 Universal Declaration of Human Rights On 10 December 1948, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. There has been some criticism of the fact that the Declaration ignores persons with disabilities; that disabled persons were not included as a distinct group vulnerable to human rights violations, that disability is not mentioned as a protected category (see, for example, Degener and Quinn, 2000, p. 16). The UN General Assembly does, however, at the outset, proclaim the Declaration “as a common standard of achievement for all peoples . . .”; 18 International legal instruments and policy initiatives Article 1 states that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights . . .”; Article 2 states that “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set out in (the) Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status” (emphasis added). There can be little doubt that disabled people are covered by the Declaration, even though not specifically mentioned. Several of the articles of the Declaration relate to employment – Article 22 on the right to social security; Article 23 (1) on the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment; Article 23 (2) on the right to equal pay for equal work; Article 23 (3) on the right of everyone who works to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for self and family an existence worthy of human dignity and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection; Article 25 (1) on the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of self and family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond control; Article 26 (1) on the right to education, including that technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit. 1.4 Council of Europe: European Convention on Human Rights Founded in 1949 by ten Western European States, the Council of Europe – current membership 47 States – is primarily an organization of intergovernmental cooperation devoted to upholding parliamentary democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights. The outcome of the work of the Council of Europe falls into three broad categories. First, there are international treaties – normally known as European conventions or agreements – which are binding on the States which ratify them. Secondly, the Committee of Ministers addresses Recommendations to governments regarding policies or legislation. 19 International legal instruments and policy initiatives Thirdly, there are reports or studies which may examine and discuss various approaches or opinions on certain issues. The European Convention on Human Rights, adopted by the Council of Europe in 1950, might be regarded as the European equivalent to the ICCPR (for a more detailed description and discussion, see Degener and Quinn 2000, pp. 60 et seq.). From a disability perspective, it is open to criticism because the main non-discrimination provision (Art. 14) does not include disability among the grounds on which discrimination is prohibited, although it could be argued that it is implied in the phrase “or other status”. 1.5 ILO Social Security Convention (No. 102) The Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102) called on the institutions or government departments administering medical care to cooperate with the general vocational rehabilitation services, with a view to the return to suitable work of disabled workers (Art. 35). It also provided that “national laws or regulations may authorize such institutions or departments to ensure provision for the vocational rehabilitation of handicapped persons”. 1.6 First ILO Recommendation devoted to vocational rehabilitation What was to be one of the most important instruments in relation to persons with disabilities, the ILO Vocational Rehabilitation (Disabled) Recommendation (No. 99), was adopted in 1955. Until the adoption of Convention No. 159 and Recommendation No. 168 almost thirty years later, this international instrument served as the basis for all national legislation and practice concerning vocational guidance, vocational training and placement of disabled persons. Using a definition of “disabled person” which is substantively the same as that currently in use by the ILO (see Section 3.11.1), the Recommendation built on key provisions of earlier instruments in relation, for example, to mainstreaming of vocational training, equality of 20 International legal instruments and policy initiatives opportunity, no discrimination in pay for equal work, and promotion of research. Methods of widening employment opportunities for workers with disabilities, in close cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations, included quotas, reserved occupations, creation of cooperatives and the establishment of sheltered workshops. The role of the ILO, in providing technical advisory assistance, organizing international exchanges of experience, and other forms of international cooperation including the training of rehabilitation staff, was spelled out. The Recommendation also included special provisions for disabled children and young persons. 1.7 Further ILO measures 1958–68 The ILO Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) and its accompanying Recommendation outline policies of non-discrimination in the promotion of equal opportunity and treatment in employment. Given the ILO’s previous attention to persons with disabilities, it is somewhat surprising that disability was not specifically included in these particular instruments as a prohibited ground of discrimination. Convention No. 111 does, however, make provision for “special measures” in the case of disabled people: “Any Member may, after consultation with representative employers’ and workers’ organizations, where such exist, determine that other special measures designed to meet the particular requirements of persons who, for reasons such as sex, age, disablement, family responsibilities or social or cultural status, are generally recognized to require special protection or assistance, shall not be deemed to be discrimination” (Art. 5.2). Mindful of the effects of technological change on jobs, the ILO issued a resolution concerning Vocational Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons in 1965, concerning techniques employed by member States in the rehabilitation and training of disabled persons for new forms of employment. The ILO’s continuing interest in workers with disabilities was reflected in the requirement in Article 13 of its Invalidity, Old-Age and Survivors’ Benefits Convention, 1967 (No. 128) that Members should, under prescribed conditions: 21 International legal instruments and policy initiatives (a) provide rehabilitation services designed to prepare a disabled person wherever possible for the resumption of previous activity, or, if this is not possible, the most suitable alternative gainful activity, having regard to aptitudes and capacity; and (b) take measures to further the placement of disabled persons in suitable employment. That the ILO was determined to progress policy in vocational rehabilitation and to eliminate all discrimination in relation to the employment of disabled workers was evidenced in 1968 by a resolution of the ILC concerning Disabled Workers adopted on 24 June 1968, requesting the Director-General to carry out appropriate studies to enable the Conference to consider the possible revision of the Vocational Rehabilitation (Disabled) Recommendation, 1955 (No. 99), or the possible adoption of a new international instrument. 1.8 International Covenants In December 1966, the UN General Assembly adopted two important International Covenants, on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Together with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (see 1.3 above), they form the International Bill of Human Rights. The ICESCR, which was drafted in close collaboration with the ILO, contains a number of important provisions relating to work and equal employment opportunity: Article 6: (1) The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right to work, which includes the right of everyone to the opportunity to gain his (sic) living by work which he freely chooses or accepts, and will take appropriate steps to safeguard this right. (2) The steps to be taken . . . to achieve the full realization of this right shall include technical and vocational guidance and training programmes, policies and techniques to achieve steady economic, 22 International legal instruments and policy initiatives social and cultural development and full and productive employment under conditions safeguarding fundamental political and economic freedoms to the individual. Article 7: The States Parties . . . recognize the right of everyone to the enjoyment of just and favourable conditions of work which ensure, in particular: (a) Remuneration which provides all workers, as a minimum, with: (i) Fair wages and equal remuneration for work of equal value without distinction of any kind, in particular women being guaranteed conditions of work not inferior to those enjoyed by men, with equal pay for equal work; (ii) A decent living for themselves and their families in accordance with the provisions of the present Covenant; (b) Safe and healthy working conditions; (c) Equal opportunity for everyone to be promoted in his employment to an appropriate higher level, subject to no considerations other than those of seniority and competence…. The Covenant also guarantees the right to education (Art. 13). The ICCPR contains no specific provisions on employment, but it does include an important safeguard against discrimination: “All persons are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to the equal protection of the law. In this respect, the law shall prohibit any discrimination and guarantee to all persons equal and effective protection against discrimination on any ground such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status” (Art. 2). Although disability is not explicitly included in either Covenant among the prohibited grounds of discrimination, it is encompassed by the term “or other status” (UN CESCR 1994, General Comment No. 5). 23 International legal instruments and policy initiatives 1.9 UN Declaration on the Rights of Mentally Retarded Persons In 1971, the UN General Assembly proclaimed a Declaration on the Rights of Mentally Retarded Persons (resolution 2956 (xxvi) of 20 Dec. 1971). The Declaration affirmed that mentally retarded persons had the same rights as everyone else. Specifically, they had a right to such education, training, rehabilitation and guidance as would enable them to develop their ability and maximum potential; a right to economic security and a decent standard of living; a right to perform productive work or to engage in any other meaningful occupation to the fullest possible extent of their capabilities. 1.10 ILO measures on the development of human resources The ILO Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) called on member States to develop comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training, closely linked with employment, in particular through public employment services. Systems of vocational guidance, including continuing employment information, were to be extended to ensure that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance would be available to all, including persons with disabilities. The accompanying Recommendation (No. 150) spelled out in considerable detail how the provisions of Convention No. 142 should be effected. Persons with disabilities should have access to mainstream vocational guidance and vocational training programmes provided for the general population or, where this was not desirable, to specially adjusted programmes. It recommended that every effort should be made to educate the general public, employers and workers on the need to provide disabled persons with guidance and training to enable them to find suitable employment, on the adjustments in employment which some of them might require, and on the desirability of special support for them in their employment. Persons with disabilities were, as far as possible, to be integrated into productive life in a normal working environment. 24 International legal instruments and policy initiatives 1.11 ILO call for comprehensive campaign The ILO resolution adopted on 24 June 1975 was short, but particularly significant for a number of reasons. Referring to the fact that Rehabilitation International had declared the 1970s to be the Rehabilitation Decade, the resolution concerning Vocational Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration of Disabled or Handicapped Persons acknowledged growing public recognition of the need for special measures to integrate disabled persons into the community; deplored the fact that too many persons with disabilities, the majority of whom lived in developing countries, had very limited opportunity for work; and called on all public authorities and employersâ€™ and workersâ€™ organizations to promote maximum opportunities for disabled persons to perform, secure and retain suitable employment . The resolution called for a comprehensive campaign for vocational rehabilitation and social integration of disabled persons, in cooperation and coordination with the UN, its specialized agencies, and international, regional and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), a campaign which was to result, inter alia, in the International Year of Disabled Persons and the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons. 1.12 UN Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons The UN General Assembly, at the end of 1975, proclaimed a Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons (resolution 3447 (xxx) of 9 Dec. 1975). The Declaration affirmed that disabled persons had the same civil and political rights as other people, as well as the right to, inter alia, education, vocational training, counselling and placement services, the right to secure and retain employment or to engage in a useful, productive and remunerative occupation. The Declaration proclaimed that these rights were for all disabled persons without discrimination on the basis of sex or other grounds. 25 International legal instruments and policy initiatives 1.13 International Year of Disabled Persons On 16 December 1976, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 1981 the International Year of Disabled Persons, with the theme â€œfull participation and equalityâ€? (resolution 31/123). Towards the end of 1981, the General Assembly urged Member States to consolidate and build further on the results of the International Year in order to secure prevention of disability, rehabilitation and full integration of disabled persons into society. The General Assembly also urged the SecretaryGeneral, the specialized agencies and other UN bodies to undertake or expedite measures already under way to improve employment opportunities for disabled persons within these bodies at all levels (resolution 36/77 of 8 Dec. 1981). 1.14 UN World Programme of Action (WPA) and Decade of Disabled Persons One year later, the UN General Assembly, stressing that the primary responsibility for promoting effective measures for prevention, rehabilitation and the realization of the goals of full participation and equality rested with individual countries and that international action should be directed to assist and support national efforts in this regard, adopted the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons (resolution 37/52 of 3 Dec. 1982). On the same day, the General Assembly proclaimed the period 1983â€“1992 UN Decade of Disabled Persons and encouraged Member States to utilize this period as one of the means to implement the WPA (resolution 37/53 of 23 Dec. 1982). The WPA contains three overall aims: prevention, rehabilitation, and equalization of opportunities. Equalization of opportunities is defined as: the process through which the general system of society, such as the physical and cultural environment, housing and transportation, social and health services, educational and work opportunities, cultural and social life, including sports and recreational opportunities are made accessible to all (para. 12). 26 International legal instruments and policy initiatives The WPA states that “experience shows that it is largely the environment which determines the effect of an impairment or a disability on a person’s daily life” (para. 21); an acknowledgement which epitomizes the shift from a care/welfare approach to a social/rights one.3 1.15 ILO Convention No. 159 It will be recalled that the ILO had some years earlier proposed considering a possible revision of the Vocational Rehabilitation (Disabled) Recommendation, 1955 (No. 99), or the possible adoption of a new international instrument (see 1.6 above). Recommendation No. 99, which was not linked to a Convention, played a significant role in influencing national legislation and practice. The extent to which it did so confirmed the Director-General’s comment in his 1964 Report to the effect that while Conventions lay down obligations, it is possible, in certain areas, “that a standard which can be widely accepted may well be more effective in practice than obligations which are unlikely to be equally widely assumed” (ILO 1998, p. 4). Building on the “full participation and equality” theme of the International Year, and goal of the WPA, the ILO adopted the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention No. 159 and Recommendation No. 168 in 1983. The Convention requires member States, in accordance with national conditions, practice and possibilities, to formulate, implement and periodically review a national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons. The renewed emphasis on full participation is reflected in Article 1.2, which describes the purpose of vocational rehabilitation as being to enable a disabled person to secure, retain and advance in suitable employment and “thereby to further such person’s integration or reinte- 3 A traditional approach to disability was to view it as a problem of the person. Policy response tended to be to try to reduce or eliminate the disability largely through medical rehabilitation and/or to provide care/welfare supports. Equalization of opportunities, on the other hand, recognizes that society is disabling when it fails to provide equal opportunities for participation to all its members, opportunities to exercise the equal rights to which all are entitled. 27 International legal instruments and policy initiatives gration into society” (emphasis added), the highlighted phrase being an addition to Recommendation No. 99. The “equality” goal is captured in Article 4 of the Convention: The said policy shall be based on the principle of equal opportunity between disabled workers and workers generally. Equality of opportunity and treatment for disabled men and women workers shall be respected. Special positive measures aimed at effective equality of opportunity and treatment between disabled workers and other workers shall not be regarded as discriminating against other workers. The clear recognition of both women and men with disabilities will be noted. The Convention prescribes the action to be taken at national level to implement the policy. It also reminds Members, as did Recommendation No. 99 nearly thirty years previously, of the need, not only to provide the relevant services, but to evaluate them with a view to their continual improvement. The equality theme runs through Recommendation No. 168: for example, • disabled persons should enjoy equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of access to, retention of and advancement in employment which, wherever possible, corresponds to their own choice and takes account of their individual suitability for such employment (Art. 7); • in providing vocational rehabilitation and employment assistance to disabled persons, the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment for men and women workers should be respected (Art. 8); • measures should be taken to promote employment opportunities for disabled workers which conform to the employment and salary standards applicable to workers generally (Art. 10). The Recommendation reminds Members that such measures should include the making of “reasonable adaptations to workplaces, job design, tools, machinery and work organization” to facilitate training and employment. Given the increasing shift away from the “caring” to the “rights” model which was then beginning to take place at national as 28 International legal instruments and policy initiatives well as international level, the Recommendation is forthright in stating that disabled persons should be informed â€œabout their rights and opportunities in the employment fieldâ€? (Art. 16). 1.15.1 Monitoring the implementation of Convention No. 159 The ILO Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR) is one of two supervisory bodies with responsibility for the regular supervision of the observance by member States of their standards-related obligations. (The other regular supervisory body is the Conference Committee on the Application of Standards.) Members of the CEACR, appointed by the ILO Governing Body for a renewable period of three years, serve in a personal capacity among impartial persons of technical competence and independent standing, drawn from all parts of the world. The CEACR reviews the periodic reports of member States on the measures which they have taken to give effect to the provisions of Conventions which they have ratified. In its report (ILO 1998) on a General Survey on the implementation of the provisions of Convention No. 159 and Recommendation No. 168, the CEACR commented that the principle of equality of opportunity and equality of treatment in employment for disabled persons requires particular attention in an environment characterized by global competition and deregulation of labour markets, and emphasized the applicability of the Convention to all member States: Convention No. 159 is a promotional convention: it sets objectives and lays down basic principles to be observed in attaining them. Because its provisions are flexible as to the attainment of its objectives, due account can be taken of the situation prevailing in each country. They can be applied in all member States, regardless of the stage they have reached in their activities for the vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons. Recalling the fundamental importance of consultations between governments and the social partners, the Committee emphasized that consulting representative organizations of persons with disabilities (DPOs) on 29 International legal instruments and policy initiatives vocational rehabilitation and employment matters was a crucial element of the consultation process. It went on to strongly urge member States to promote the formation of truly representative DPOs and to facilitate communication between such organizations and administrative and technical bodies involved in vocational rehabilitation. Noting that governments had not supplied detailed information on the situation of people with disabilities living in rural areas and isolated communities, the Committee observed that these persons are doubly affected, by their disability and by their distance from services available to the general population and to people with disabilities living in urban centres, and highlighted the importance of community-based rehabilitation (CBR) programmes in facilitating the integration of some disabled persons into the economic and social life of their communities. Observing on a general trend in national practice concerning persons with disabilities towards the use of general services for vocational guidance, training, placement, employment and other related services which exist for the general population, the Committee noted that this process of mainstreaming has contributed considerably to changing negative ideas and attitudes in regard to the place and role of people with disabilities in working life and in society. In a final comment, the Committee emphasized that the implementation of the Conventionâ€™s provisions and the measures advocated by Recommendation No. 168 did not necessarily require vast resources, but depended on a commitment of the relevant stakeholders. In view of this and the fact that both instruments take into account the diversity of national situations and conditions, it urged member States which had not yet done so to ratify the Convention. 1.16 EU Recommendation concerning employment for persons with disabilities The original six Member States â€“ Belgium, France, Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands â€“ of the then European 30 International legal instruments and policy initiatives Economic Community (EEC) (now the European Union (EU)) had relatively similar social systems and levels of economic development, and they did not perceive social policy as a major issue of potential disagreement. Hence, between 1957 and the first enlargement of the EEC in 1973 when Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom joined, social policy was not a serious preoccupation. There were two exceptions: free movement of workers and equal opportunities. The focus of equal opportunities legislation was, however, primarily on gender balance. Concern about the need for an active social policy increased with the entry into the Community of Greece in 1981 and Portugal and Spain in 1986. While the Council of Ministers had no formal competency until the Treaty of Amsterdam in 1997 to adopt legal measures in the disability field, this did not prevent it from adopting non-binding Recommendations and resolutions (see Degener and Quinn 2000, pp. 94 et seq.).4 In 1986, a Recommendation was adopted urging member States â€œto take appropriate measures to promote fair opportunities for persons with disabilities in the field of employment and vocational trainingâ€?. 1.17 UN Convention recommended The Global Meeting of Experts to Review the Implementation of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons at the MidPoint of the UN Decade of Disabled Persons was held in Stockholm in 1987. It was proposed that a guiding philosophy should be developed to indicate priorities for action in the years ahead, and that the basis of that philosophy should be the recognition of the rights of persons with disabilities. The Meeting recommended that the General Assembly convene a special conference to draft an international convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against people with disabilities, to be ratified by States by the end of the Decade. A draft outline of a convention was prepared by the Government of Italy and presented to Unlike the Council of Europe, the European Community Treaty provides the Institutions of the European Union with legal powers which can be imposed on Member States. Two types of law are used: Regulations are directly and automatically effective; Directives typically allow Member States discretion as to the method of implementation and usually allow a number of years before full implementation. Recommendations and resolutions are also issued, but are not binding. 4 31 International legal instruments and policy initiatives the General Assembly at its forty-second Session. Further presentations concerning a draft convention were made by the Government of Sweden at the forty-fourth Session. On neither occasion could a consensus be reached on the suitability of a convention. In the opinion of many representatives, existing human rights documents appeared to guarantee persons with disabilities the same rights as others (UN 1994). 1.18 Council of Europe: A Coherent Policy for the Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities Probably the best-known Council of Europe Recommendation concerning people with disabilities was adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 9 April 1992. Recommendation No. R (92) 6, A Coherent Policy for the Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities, is more comprehensive than the title might suggest. In fact, its sub-title, â€œA model rehabilitation and integration programme for national authoritiesâ€?, is probably a more useful description of the document, which includes detailed sections on prevention and health education; education; vocational guidance and training; employment; social integration and environment; social, economic and legal protection; personnel training; information; statistics and research. 1.19 Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons The Asian and Pacific region has by far the largest number of persons with disabilities in the world. Most of them are poor, their concerns unknown and their rights overlooked. In April 1992, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), recognizing that more needed to be done and building on the results of the UN Decade, proclaimed the period 1993 to 2002 as the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (UNESCAP resolution 48/3). Thirty-three governments had cosponsored the resolution, which was adopted by acclamation. In December 1992, the meeting to launch the Decade adopted the Proclamation on the Full Participation and Equality of People with Disabilities in the Asian and Pacific Region and the Agenda for Action for the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 1993-2002. In April 32 International legal instruments and policy initiatives 1993, the Commission adopted the Proclamation and Agenda for Action (UNESCAP resolution 49/6). Training and Employment forms one of the major policy categories in the framework of the agenda for action (ESCAP 1994). On 22 May 2002, ESCAP, while “recognizing that since the inception of the Asian and Pacific Decade, an overall improvement in all twelve policy categories under the Agenda for Action is evident, although achievements have been uneven, with significant achievements in the areas of national coordination and legislation and some improvement in the areas of the prevention of causes of disability, rehabilitation services, access to built environments and development of self-help organizations of disabled persons, but a continuing and alarmingly low rate of access to education for children and youth with disabilities and marked sub-regional disparities in the implementation of the Agenda for Action”, adopted UNESCAP resolution 58/4: “Promoting an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society for people with disabilities in the Asian and Pacific region in the twentyfirst century” which extended the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons for a further decade, 2003–2012. 1.20 UN Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities The Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities were adopted by the UN General Assembly on 20 December 1993 (resolution 48/96). In its resolution (A/C 3/48/C.3 1 Oct. 1993) to the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council described the Rules as follows: Although these Rules are not compulsory, they can become international customary rules when they are applied by a great number of States with the intention of respecting a rule in international law. They imply a strong moral and political commitment on behalf of States to take action for the equalization of opportunities. Important principles for responsibility, action and cooperation are indicated. Areas of decisive importance for the 33 International legal instruments and policy initiatives quality of life and for the achievement of full participation and equality are pointed out. These Rules offer an instrument for policy-making and action to persons with disabilities and their organizations. They provide a basis for technical and economic cooperation among States, the UN and other international organizations (p. 6). There are 22 Rules, ranging from Awareness-raising to International Cooperation. Employment is covered by Rule 7: States should recognize the principle that persons with disabilities must be empowered to exercise their human rights, particularly in the field of employment. In both rural and urban areas they must have equal opportunities for productive and gainful employment in the labour market. 1. Laws and regulations in the employment field must not discriminate against persons with disabilities and must not raise obstacles to their employment. 2. States should actively support the integration of persons with disabilities into open employment. This active support could occur through a variety of measures, such as vocational training, incentive-oriented quota schemes, reserved or designated employment, loans or grants for small business, exclusive contracts or priority production rights, tax concessions, contract compliance or other technical or financial assistance to enterprises employing workers with disabilities. States should also encourage employers to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate persons with disabilities. 3. Statesâ€™ action programmes should include: (a) measures to design and adapt workplaces and work premises in such a way that they become accessible to persons with different disabilities; (b) support for the use of new technologies and the development and production of assistive devices, tools and equipment and measures to facilitate access to such devices and equipment for persons with disabilities to enable them to gain and maintain employment; 34 International legal instruments and policy initiatives (c) provision of appropriate training and placement and ongoing support such as personal assistance and interpreter services. 4. States should initiate and support public awareness-raising campaigns designed to overcome negative attitudes and prejudices concerning workers with disabilities. 5. In their capacity as employers, States should create favourable conditions for the employment of persons with disabilities in the public sector. 6. States, workersâ€™ organizations and employers should cooperate to ensure equitable recruitment and promotion policies, employment conditions, rates of pay, measures to improve the work environment in order to prevent injuries and impairments and measures for the rehabilitation of employees who have sustained employment-related injuries. 7. The aim should always be for persons with disabilities to obtain employment in the open labour market. For persons with disabilities whose needs cannot be met in open employment, small units of sheltered or supported employment may be an alternative. It is important that the quality of such programmes be assessed in terms of their relevance and sufficiency in providing opportunities for persons with disabilities to gain employment in the labour market. 8. Measures should be taken to include persons with disabilities in training and employment programmes in the private and informal sector. 9. States, workersâ€™ organizations and employers should cooperate with organizations of persons with disabilities concerning all measures to create training and employment opportunities, including flexible hours, part-time work, job-sharing, self-employment and attendant care for persons with disabilities (UN 1994, pp. 25-27). The Rules provide for the appointment of a Special Rapporteur to monitor implementation and provide reports to the UN Commission for Social Development. An international panel of experts may be consulted by the Special Rapporteur or, when appropriate, by the Secretariat, to provide advice or feedback on the promotion, implementation and monitoring of the Rules. 35 International legal instruments and policy initiatives There was inevitably some disappointment that the General Assembly had failed to agree on introducing a Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and adopted the non-binding Standard Rules instead. For example, Degener and Quinn (2000) refer to the Standard Rules as “a compensatory alternative” (p. 18). Depouy, then Special Rapporteur of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, described the establishment of an international body or mechanism to supervise respect for the human rights of disabled persons as “one of the most cherished aims of the non-governmental organizations”. Writing in 1993, as the Standard Rules were being finalized, he stated: Despite the many actions undertaken throughout the Decade and the valuable results that have been achieved for disabled persons in many respects, it must be said that, at the end of this period, persons with disabilities are going to find themselves at a legal disadvantage in relation to other vulnerable groups such as refugees, women, migrant workers, etc. The latter have the protection of a single body of binding norms, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, etc. In addition, those Conventions have established specific protection mechanisms: the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families are in charge of supervising compliance with the Conventions . . . there is no specific body in charge of monitoring respect for the human rights of disabled persons and acting, whether confidentially or publicly, when particular violations occur. It can be said that persons with disabilities are equally as protected as others by general norms, international covenants, regional conventions, etc. But although this is true, it is also true that unlike the other vulnerable groups, they do not have an international control body to provide them with particular and specific protection (Depouy 1993, pp. 40-41). 36 International legal instruments and policy initiatives 1.21 Vienna Declaration The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights on 25 June 1993, reinforced the fact that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated. The Declaration noted (Art. 22) that “special attention needs to be paid to ensuring non-discrimination, and the equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by disabled persons, including their active participation in all aspects of society”. The Declaration emphasized (Art. 64) that persons with disabilities should be guaranteed equal opportunity through the elimination of all socially determined barriers, be they physical, financial, social or psychological, which exclude or restrict full participation in society (UNGA A/Conf. 157/23, 12 July 1993). 1.22 Monitoring the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) in relation to persons with disabilities Towards the end of 1994, the UN CESCR issued a salutary reminder that, notwithstanding the many international instruments adopted over the years by the ILO and the UN, States Parties to the ICESCR had devoted very little attention to ensuring the full enjoyment of the relevant rights by persons with disabilities (General Comment No. 5). Attributing the absence of an explicit, disability-related provision in the Covenant to the lack of awareness of the importance of addressing this issue explicitly, rather than only by implication, at the time of the drafting of the Covenant over twenty-five years previously, the Committee drew attention to a number of more recent international human rights instruments which had addressed the issue specifically, including: • the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Art. 23); • the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Art. 18 (4)); • the Additional Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights in the Area of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Art. 18). 37 International legal instruments and policy initiatives Reminding governments that the ultimate responsibility was theirs for remedying the conditions that lead to impairment and for dealing with the consequences of disability, the Committee pointed out that the effects of disability-based discrimination had been particularly severe in the fields of education, employment, housing, transport, cultural life and access to public places and services. Regarding the rights relating to work contained in Articles 6 to 8 of the Covenant, the Committee considered the field of employment as one in which discrimination had been both prominent and persistent. In most countries, the unemployment rate among persons with disabilities was two to three times higher than the unemployment rate for others. Persons with disabilities were mostly engaged in low-paid jobs with little social and legal security and often segregated from the mainstream labour market. As the ILO had frequently noted, physical barriers such as inaccessible transport, housing and workplaces were often the main reasons why persons with disabilities were not employed. The Committee drew attention to the valuable and comprehensive instruments developed by the ILO, including in particular Convention No. 159, and urged States Parties to the Covenant to consider ratifying that Convention. The methods to be used by States parties in seeking to implement their obligations under the Covenant towards persons with disabilities are, the Committee pointed out, essentially the same as those in relation to other obligations. They include the need to ascertain, through regular monitoring, the nature and scope of the problems existing within the country concerned, the need to adopt appropriately tailored policies and programmes to respond to what is required, the need to legislate where necessary to prohibit discrimination and to eliminate any existing discriminatory legislation, and the need to make budgetary provisions or, where necessary, seek international cooperation and assistance. International cooperation is likely to be a particularly important element in enabling some developing countries to fulfil their obligations under the Covenant. The Committee drew particular attention to the situation of women with disabilities: â€œPersons with disabilities are sometimes treated as genderless human beings. As a result, the double discrimination suffered by 38 International legal instruments and policy initiatives women with disabilities is often neglected. Despite frequent calls by the international community for particular emphasis to be placed upon their situation, very few efforts have been undertaken during the Decade.” The Committee urged States Parties to address the situation of women with disabilities, with high priority being given in future to the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights-based programmes. The right to the enjoyment of “just and favourable conditions of work” (Art. 7 of the Covenant) applies to all disabled workers, whether they work in the open labour market or in sheltered employment. The right to join a trade union (Art. 8) similarly applies to all disabled workers. Social security and income-maintenance schemes are particularly important for persons with disabilities. The Committee referred to the UN Standard Rules, which state that States should ensure the provision of adequate income support to persons with disabilities who, owing to disability or disability-related factors, have temporarily lost or received a reduction in their income or have been denied employment opportunities. Such support should reflect the special needs for assistance and other expenses associated with disability. Support provided, adds the Committee, should also, as far as possible, cover individuals (who are generally female) who undertake the care of a person with disabilities: such persons are often in need of financial support because of their assistance role. 1.23 Copenhagen Declaration The Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted by the World Summit for Social Development in March 1995, acknowledged that people with disabilities, who form one of the world’s largest minorities, are too often forced into poverty, unemployment and social isolation. In relation to employment, the Heads of State and Government at the Summit committed themselves, inter alia, to put the creation of employment, the reduction of unemployment and the promotion of appropriately and adequately remunerated employment at the centre of strategies and policies of Governments, in full respect for workers’ rights, and giving special attention to disadvantaged groups and 39 International legal instruments and policy initiatives individuals including persons with disabilities. The elimination of all forms of discrimination is emphasized throughout the Declaration, and the Programme of Action includes â€œtaking effective measures to bring to an end all de jure and de facto discrimination against persons with disabilitiesâ€? (para. 15 (i)). In a specific employment reference, the Programme states that broadening the range of employment opportunities for persons with disabilities requires: Ensuring that laws and regulations do not discriminate against persons with disabilities; Taking proactive measures, such as organizing support services, devising incentive schemes and supporting self-help schemes and small businesses; Making appropriate adjustments in the workplace to accommodate persons with disabilities, including in that respect the promotion of innovative technologies; Developing alternative forms of employment, such as supported employment, for persons with disabilities who need these services; Promoting public awareness within society regarding the impact of the negative stereotyping of persons with disabilities on their participation in the labour market (para. 62). The Declaration and Programme of Action makes frequent mention of the need to achieve equality and equity between women and men, including women and men with disabilities. In the context of work and employment, parties to the Declaration commit themselves to: â€˘ 40 promoting changes in attitudes, structures, policies, laws and practices in order to eliminate all obstacles to human dignity, equality and equity in the family and in society, and to promote full and equal participation of urban and rural women and women with disabilities, in social, economic and political life, including in the formulation, implementation and follow-up of public policies and programmes (commitment 5a); International legal instruments and policy initiatives • promoting and attaining the goals of universal and equitable access to quality education . . . making particular efforts to rectify inequalities relating to social conditions and without distinction as to race, national origin, gender, age or disability (commitment 6); • ensuring that persons with disabilities have access to rehabilitation and other independent living services and assistive technology to enable them to maximize their well-being, independence and full participation in society (commitment 6n). The Programme of Action acknowledges that empowerment and participation are essential for democracy, harmony and social development and that gender equality and equity and the full participation of women in all economic, social and political activities is essential: “the obstacles that have limited the access of women to decision-making, education, health-care services and productive employment must be eliminated . . .” (p. 29). The Programme calls on governments to enhance the quality of work and employment by, inter alia: • observing and fully implementing the human rights obligations that they have assumed; • safeguarding and promoting respect for workers’ basic rights, including freedom of association and the right to organize and bargain collectively, equal pay for equal work and non-discrimination in employment, and fully implementing the ILO conventions in the case of States party to them (Ch. 3, p. 54). 1.24 EU Treaty amendment prohibiting discrimination Within the European Union, disability issues had been largely regarded as a matter of social policy. The European Commission, in a social policy White Paper published in 1994 (EC 1994): • acknowledged that there was a need to build the fundamental right to equal opportunities into EU policies; 41 International legal instruments and policy initiatives • said it would ensure, through appropriate mechanisms, that the needs of disabled people were taken into account in relevant legislation programmes and initiatives; • said it would prepare an appropriate instrument endorsing the UN Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities; • promised it would prepare a code of good practice in relation to its own personnel policies and practices on employing persons with disabilities; and • said that, at the next opportunity to review the EU Founding Treaties, serious consideration must be given to the introduction of a specific reference to combating discrimination on the grounds of disability. In December 1996,5 the EU Social Council adopted a resolution which reaffirmed the commitment of the Member States to: • the principles and values that underlie the UN Standard Rules; • the ideas underlying the Council of Europe’s 1992 resolution on a coherent policy for the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities (see section 1.18); • the principle of equality of opportunity in the development of comprehensive policies in the field of rehabilitation; and • the principle of avoiding or eliminating any form of negative discrimination on the grounds of disability. Also in December 1996, the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) – basically heads of government of EU Member States meeting to review the EU Treaties – agreed to include in the draft revised Treaties a new article prohibiting discrimination based on a number of grounds, including disability. What was finally approved in the Treaty of Amsterdam in 1997, however, was a watered-down version of what had been agreed at the IGC: 5 Austria, Finland and Sweden became EU Members in 1995. 42 International legal instruments and policy initiatives . . . the Council, acting unanimously on a proposal from the Commission and after consulting the European Parliament, may take appropriate action to combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation (Art. 13). While generally welcomed as an important step in the right direction, the amendment fell far short â€“ particularly in the requirement for unanimity and the optional nature of the provision â€“ of what many had hoped for. 1.25 Council of Europe: European Social Charter The European Social Charter deals with economic and social rights. The original Charter was opened for signature in 1961 and entered into force in 1965. It was added to in 1988 and extensively revised in 1996. (All references in this book to the Charter are to the 1996 version.) In developing the Charter, the Council of Europe paid particular attention to the work of, and the measures adopted by the ILO. Part I sets out general principles which Contracting Parties undertake to accept. These include the rights of everyone to appropriate facilities for vocational guidance (Art. 9) and vocational training (Art. 10); the right of persons with a disability to independence, social integration and participation in the life of the community (Art. 15); and the right of everyone to protection against poverty and social exclusion (Art. 30). Part II lists the obligations to which Contracting Parties are bound under each of the 31 articles in Part I, which results in protection of rights in over one hundred areas. The breakdown of Article 15, for example, reads as follows: With a view to ensuring to persons with disabilities, irrespective of age and the nature and origin of their disabilities, the effective exercise of the right to independence, social integration and participation in the life of the community, the Parties undertake, in particular: 43 International legal instruments and policy initiatives 1. to take the necessary measures to provide persons with guidance, education and vocational training in the framework of general schemes wherever possible, or where this is not possible, through specialized bodies, public or private; 2. to promote their access to employment through all measures tending to encourage employers to hire and keep in employment persons with disabilities in the ordinary working environment and to adjust the working conditions to the needs of the disabled or, where this is not possible by reason of the disability, by arranging for or creating sheltered employment according to the level of disability. In certain cases, such measures may require recourse to specialized placement and support services; 3. to promote their full social integration and participation in the life of the community in particular through measures, including technical aids, aiming to overcome barriers to communication and mobility and enabling access to transport, housing, cultural activities and leisure. Notwithstanding its title, the European Social Charter is a legally-binding treaty. However, the number of rights protected depends on whether the Contracting Party has ratified the original Charter, the 1988 Additional Protocol or the Revised Charter 1996. For example, under Part III of the 1996 Charter, a Contracting Party must agree to be bound by at least six of nine listed Articles of Part II. Article 15 is not included in this “core” list. In addition, the Contracting Party must agree to be bound by an additional number of articles or numbered paragraphs of Part II which it may select, provided that the total number of articles or numbered paragraphs by which it is bound is not less than sixteen articles or sixty-three numbered paragraphs. Member States which have only ratified the original Charter are only bound by a minimum of five out of seven core articles and at least five others or forty-five paragraphs. Allowing for the unusual “à la carte” manner of obligations accepted, the European Social Charter is still a valuable treaty which more Member States should be encouraged to ratify. NGOs, in particular, need to be made more aware of its potential in terms of promoting and advancing the rights of persons with disabilities (see Kenny 1997; Council of Europe 1997a, 1997b). 44 International legal instruments and policy initiatives 1.26 Inter-American Convention The Inter-American Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities was adopted in June 1999. The Convention does not include rights. It is the first regional treaty to define discrimination against persons with disabilities. The term “discrimination against persons with disabilities” in this Convention means any distinction, exclusion, or restriction based on a disability, record of disability, whether present or past, which has the effect or objective of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment, or exercise by a person with a disability of his or her human rights and fundamental freedoms (Art. 1.2a). 1.27 African Decade of Disabled Persons The African Decade of Disabled Persons (1999–2009) was declared in July 2000 by Organization of African Unity (OAU) Heads of State and Government. A Continental Action Plan was adopted unanimously by participants at the Pan African Conference on the African Decade in February 2002. The Action Plan is intended to provide guidance to Member States and Governments of the OAU in achieving the goal of the Decade – the full participation, equality and empowerment of persons with disabilities in Africa. The Action Plan includes a range of measures to be undertaken by Member States in order to meet the objectives of promoting the participation of persons with disabilities in the process of economic and social development, and to ensure and improve access to training and employment. 1.28 EU Charter of Fundamental Rights The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union was proclaimed at the Nice European Summit in December 2000. The Charter sets out, for the first time in the history of the EU, the full range of civil, political, economic and social rights of all European citizens and all persons resident in the EU, including persons with disabilities. In the context of work and employment, the most relevant provisions are: 45 International legal instruments and policy initiatives • the right to human dignity (Art. 1); • the right to education and to have access to vocational and continuing training (Art. 14.1); • the right to engage in work and to pursue a freely-chosen or accepted occupation (Art. 15.1); • any discrimination based on any ground including disability is prohibited (Art. 21); • equality between men and women must be ensured in all areas, including employment, work and pay (Art. 23); • the right of persons with disabilities to benefit from measures designed to ensure their independence, social and occupational integration and participation in the life of the community (Art. 26); • the right of access to a free placement service (Art. 29); • the right to protection against unjustified dismissal, in accordance with Community law and national laws and practices (Art. 30); • the right to working conditions which respect health, safety and dignity (Art. 31.1); and • the entitlement to social security benefits and social services (Art. 34.1). The Charter was to be incorporated into a proposed EU Constitution. In June 2007, European leaders agreed to replace the proposed Constitution with a new “reform treaty”. A decision on the legal force of the Charter awaits the outcome of “reform treaty” discussions. 1.29 EU Directive on Discrimination A new EU Directive (EU 2000) on discrimination in employment was adopted by the EU Social Affairs Ministers at the end of 2000. The Directive prohibits direct and indirect discrimination on a number of grounds, including disability, and applies, inter alia, to selection criteria and recruitment conditions, vocational guidance, vocational training, employment and working conditions, including pay. Importantly, the 46 International legal instruments and policy initiatives Directive states that “reasonable accommodation” shall be provided, which means that employers are to take appropriate measures, where needed, to enable a person with a disability to have access to, participate in, or advance in employment, or to provide training, unless such measures would impose a “disproportionate burden” on the employer. On age and disability, the Directive allowed Member States to take a further three years, if necessary, beyond the normal three years to transpose the Directive into national law. Any Member State doing so was required to report annually to the European Commission on the progress it was making towards implementation. 1.30 Women with disabilities All human rights are universal and therefore unreservedly include women and men with disabilities. Every person is born equal and has the same rights to life and welfare, education and work, living independently and active participation in all aspects of society. Any direct or indirect discrimination against a disabled woman or man is a violation of her or his rights. Women with disabilities are more vulnerable to discrimination, (a) because they are women and (b) because they have a disability. Many women with disabilities are further discriminated against because they are poor. This double or treble discrimination suffered by women with disabilities is often ignored or goes unnoticed because persons with disabilities are sometimes treated as though they are genderless human beings. It is also largely neglected because little information is available on its extent or impact. This situation does not appear to be improving. In 1993, for example, the then Special Rapporteur of the UN SubCommission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities expressed his disappointment “at the virtually total lack of bibliographic material on the specific problems of women with disabilities” (Depouy 1993, p. 20). The UN Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities, adopted in December 1993, concern all people with disabilities, regardless of gender, race, age, and 47 International legal instruments and policy initiatives so forth, but contain few direct references to the gender dimension, a fact regretted by the Special Rapporteur of the UN Commission for Social Development in his report to the Commission (UN 2002, p. 20). The 1998 report of the first General Survey on the application of ILO Convention No. 159 and Recommendation No. 168, both in States which have ratified the Convention and in those which have not, comments succinctly on equality of opportunity and treatment between disabled men and disabled women workers: People with disabilities face many obstacles in their struggle for equality. Although both men and women with disabilities are subject to discrimination, women with disabilities are double disadvantaged by discrimination based on gender and their disability status. Women with disabilities are more likely than their male counterparts to be poor or destitute, illiterate or without vocational skills, and most of them are unemployed. They have less access to rehabilitation services, they are more likely to be without family or community support and they often suffer greater social isolation due to their disability. The situation is dramatic, and the Director-General of the ILO in 1981 pointed out that poor disabled women are all too frequently deprived of all human rights. (ILO 1998, Ch.2, Section I, para. 114; see also ILO 1981.) States parties to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women were requested to include information on women with disabilities in their periodic reports. In a sample of reports surveyed in 2001 (Quinn and Degener 2002), little consistent reporting on the double discrimination experienced by women with disabilities was found. The UN CRPD 2006 recognizes the particular situation of women with disabilities. States Parties to the Convention undertake to recognize that â€œwomen and girls with disabilities are subject to multiple discrimination, and in this regard shall take measures to ensure the full and equal enjoyment by them of all human rights and fundamental freedomsâ€?. States Parties also undertake to â€œtake all appropriate measures to ensure the full 48 International legal instruments and policy initiatives development, advancement and empowerment of women, for the purpose of guaranteeing them the exercise and enjoyment of the human rights and fundamental freedoms set out in the Conventionâ€? (Art. 6). 1.30.1 Employment barriers for women with disabilities People with disabilities in general face difficulties in entering the open labour market, but, seen from a gender perspective, men with disabilities are almost twice as likely to have jobs than disabled women. For example, according to a study carried out in the United States, almost 42 per cent of men with disabilities are in the labour force, compared to 24 per cent of women. In addition, while more than 30 per cent of disabled men work full time, only 12 per cent of disabled women are in full-time employment. Women with disabilities who work full time earn only 56 per cent of the earnings of full-time employed men with disabilities (Bowe 1984). Only 3 per cent of disabled women are registered in the labour force in Ghana (1996), 0.3 per cent in India (1991) and 19 per cent in the Philippines (1992). Most working women with disabilities are to be found in the informal sector (Messell 1997). When women with disabilities work, they often experience unequal hiring and promotion standards, unequal access to training and retraining, unequal access to credit and other productive resources, unequal pay for equal work and occupational segregation, and they rarely participate in economic decision-making (ILO 1996). A general trend worldwide is that women with disabilities are less likely to be referred to vocational training; have a harder time gaining access to rehabilitation programmes; are less likely to obtain equality in training; and if they are successfully rehabilitated, it is more likely to lead to parttime jobs or worse â€“ unemployment. Among the general public and rehabilitation counsellors, the attitude still persists that women with disabilities are passive, dependent, and not capable of or interested in taking up an occupation leading to employment. Studies have found that, even in rich countries, major programmes designed to assist people with disabilities, such as supplemental security income, disability insurance, workersâ€™ compensation and vocational rehabilitation, disadvantage women because of their relationship to labour market participation. Not 49 International legal instruments and policy initiatives only do women receive fewer benefits than men, they also draw lower benefits. Moreover, despite their greater need, disabled women receive less from public income support programmes (Mudrick 1988). The ILO Committee on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations, in the report of the General Survey on Convention No. 159 and Recommendation No. 168, notes that the reports communicated by governments indicate that most countries apply the principle of equality of opportunity in the fields of education, training and employment, without distinction based on race, colour, sex, language or any other ground, such as disability. However, the general trend is to have special initiatives for people with disabilities, but without targeting disabled women as a vulnerable group that needs support. Consequently, since the legal framework is gender-neutral, discrimination against women with disabilities can easily take place without being registered. In order to combat discrimination against women with disabilities in training and employment, several measures have been taken by the ILO, and these are reflected in a number of standards, resolutions and policy statements. The last resolution concerning ILO action for women workers, adopted in 1991, reaffirmed the Organizationâ€™s concern for women workers, including women with disabilities. ILO Convention No. 159 states that equality of opportunity and treatment of disabled men and women workers shall be respected. The Convention can be used in a strategy to remove barriers which stand in the way of full participation and integration of women with disabilities in the mainstream of society and in the economy (ILO 1998, pp. 35-6). The particular situation of women with disabilities continues to be inadequately addressed. A study of employment policies for persons with disabilities for the European Commission concluded in relation to this issue that â€œthe gender perspective is generally not well integrated into disability policy and little information is available on the differential impact of employment policies for disabled people on men and womenâ€? (EC 2000). 50 International legal instruments and policy initiatives 1.31 Education and training Fitting-persons-to-jobs and fitting-jobs-to-persons are multi-faceted processes. The key roles played by education and training in particular continued to be highlighted by the ILO. These issues were again cogently addressed by the ILC in 2000. The Conference underlined the fact that education and training are essential for economic and employment growth and social development. Education and training are a means to empower people, improve the quality and organization of work, enhance citizensâ€™ productivity, raise workersâ€™ incomes, improve enterprise competitiveness, promote job security and social equity and inclusion. Education and training are therefore a central pillar of decent work. (ILO 2000, para. 3). The Conference emphasized that education and training must cover everyone, and must be carefully targeted at persons with special needs, including people with disabilities. In addition to education and training, vocational guidance and counselling, job placement services, recruitment and selection practices, educational and labour market information, job design, ergonomics, working conditions and rewards, attitudes and motivation, all play inter-related roles in the whole employment process and need to be considered as part of work and employment policy for persons with disabilities. (For detailed suggestions on placement strategies and practices see Heron and Murray 2003, Murray and Heron 2003.) The importance of addressing these issues has been recognized in the CRPD. Article 24 deals extensively with education, but includes an undertaking for States Parties to ensure that persons with disabilities are also able to access vocational training, adult education and lifelong learning without discrimination and on an equal basis with others, and to ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided (Art. 24 (5)). Article 26 on Habilitation and Rehabilitation includes a commitment for States Parties to organize, strengthen and extend comprehensive habilitation and rehabilitation services and programmes, including in the area of employment, and to promote the development of initial and continuing training for professionals and staff working in those services. Article 27 51 International legal instruments and policy initiatives on Work and Employment requires State Parties to safeguard and promote the realization of the right to work, including for those who acquire a disability during the course of employment, by taking appropriate steps, including through legislation, to, inter alia, enable persons with disabilities to have effective access to general technical and vocational guidance programmes, placement services and vocational and continuing training, and to promote vocational and professional rehabilitation, job retention and return-to-work programmes for persons with disabilities (Art. 27 (d) and (k)). 1.32 European Year of People with Disabilities The European Union proclaimed 2003 as European Year of People with Disabilities, its main aim being to raise awareness of the rights of disabled people to equal opportunities and to promote full and equal enjoyment of those rights. The year provided disabled people and their representative organizations with a particular opportunity, through conferences, seminars and other events, to highlight issues of concern and policy priorities. During the year, the European Commission launched an information campaign to inform employers and workers of the rights of persons with disabilities in the workplace. In July 2003, Ministers of Social Affairs and Employment from EU Member States adopted a resolution calling on Member States, the Commission and the social partners to continue to work to remove barriers to the integration and participation of persons with disabilities in the labour market. In March 2003, the European Commission prepared a guidance note on disability and development for EU delegations and services, aiming to ensure that disability issues are effectively addressed within development cooperation. Probably the most significant measure to be taken at EU level during the European Year of People with Disabilities was the introduction of a multi-annual action plan aimed at mainstreaming disability issues in European Community policies and implementing a range of measures in key areas to promote the active inclusion of persons with disabilities in society (see 1.34 below). 52 International legal instruments and policy initiatives 1.33 EU Disability Action Plan 2004–2010 Equality of opportunity is the objective of the European Union’s long-term strategy on disability, which aims to enable persons with disabilities to enjoy their right to dignity, equal treatment, independent living and participation in society. The strategy is built on three pillars: EU anti-discrimination legislation and measures, which provide access to individual rights; eliminating barriers in the environment that prevent disabled people from exercising their abilities; and mainstreaming disability issues in the broad range of Community policies which facilitate the active inclusion of people with disabilities. To ensure a coherent policy follow-up to the European Year of People with Disabilities in the enlarged Europe,6 the EU Disability Action Plan (DAP) was established by the Commission in 2003 (EC 2003) to provide a framework to develop the EU disability strategy. Within the EU, disability policies are essentially the responsibility of Member States, but Member States are asked to take full account of the DAP when developing national disability policies. The DAP covers the period 2004–2010 in successive phases: phase 1 runs from 2004–2005, phase 2 from 2006–2007. While noting that the inactivity rate of disabled people is twice that of non-disabled people, a preliminary analysis by the Commission of the first phase concluded that mainstreaming of disability issues had succeeded in some policy areas, including employment. Greater impact and a more successful labour market integration of persons with disabilities were achieved by combining the mainstreaming concept with disabilityspecific actions (EC 2005, p. 8). Mainstreaming is now seen by the Commission as key to advancing disability issues. Phase 2 of the DAP is to focus on active inclusion of persons with disabilities, building on, inter alia, the values inherent in the CRPD. Priority actions will centre around raising employment and activity rates; promoting access to quality support and care services; fostering accessibility of 6 Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia joined the European Union in 2004; Bulgaria and Romania joined in 2007, bringing total membership to 27. 53 International legal instruments and policy initiatives goods and services, including accessible public transport and an accessible public environment; and improving the reliability and comparability of data. 1.34 Council of Europe: Malaga Declaration 2003 In May 2003, the Council of Europe Ministers responsible for integration policies for persons with disabilities, meeting in Malaga, adopted a Ministerial Declaration on People with Disabilities, “Progressing towards full participation as citizen”. The Declaration reaffirmed Member States’ commitment to securing human rights and fundamental freedoms for everyone under their jurisdiction, as set out in the European Convention on Human Rights. The main aim in the next decade, according to the Declaration, is to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities and their families, putting the emphasis on their integration and full participation in society. As an appropriate strategy to achieve this aim, the Declaration called for an Action Plan to promote the elimination of all forms of discrimination against persons with disabilities of all ages, with special focus on disabled women and persons with disabilities in need of a high level of support. The Declaration also called for an integrated approach towards the elaboration of national and international disability policies and legislation, duly reflecting the needs of persons with disabilities in all areas including education, vocational guidance and training, employment, the built environment, transport and social protection. Progress should be made towards the integration of persons with disabilities in the labour market, preferably in the open market, with the focus on assessing abilities and implementing active policies. There is consistent emphasis throughout the Declaration on the need to mainstream equality of opportunity for persons with disabilities throughout all policy areas. 1.35 Council of Europe Action Plan 2006–2015 Building on the 2003 Malaga Declaration, the Committee of Ministers to Member States of the Council of Europe adopted in April 2006 the 54 International legal instruments and policy initiatives “Council of Europe Action Plan to promote the rights and full participation of people with disabilities in society: Improving the quality of life of people with disabilities in Europe 2006-2015” (Rec (2006) 5). Officially launched in St. Petersburg on 21–22 September 2006 at the European conference “Improving the quality of life of people with disabilities in Europe: Participation for all, innovation, effectiveness”, the Action Plan aims to provide a comprehensive framework that is both flexible and adaptable in order to meet country-specific conditions. It is intended to serve as a “roadmap for policy-makers, to enable them to design, adjust, refocus and implement appropriate plans, programmes and innovative strategies” (para. 1.1.2), ultimately mainstreaming disability throughout all policy areas. It has the potential to serve as an implementation tool for the UN Convention in the European region, supported by the European Co-ordination Forum for the Council of Europe Disability Action Plan (CAHPAH), established to promote, monitor and follow up on the implementation of the Council of Europe Action Plan. The Action Plan has a broad scope, encompassing 15 key areas of life and setting out 15 “action lines” (objectives and specific actions) to be implemented by Member States. These action lines include information and communication, education, the built environment, transport, rehabilitation, awareness-raising. Action line No. 5 on employment, vocational guidance and training, points out that, compared to non-disabled persons, the employment and activity rates of disabled people are very low: policies to increase the activity rate need to be diversified – according to the employment potential of disabled people – and comprehensive, in order to address all the barriers to participation in the workforce. (For more detail see Annex 5.) Two objectives are specified: • to promote the employment of people with disabilities in the open labour market by combining anti-discrimination and positive action measures; and • to tackle discrimination and promote participation of people with disabilities in vocational assessment, guidance, training and employment-related services. 55 International legal instruments and policy initiatives Social enterprises (for example, social firms, social cooperatives) as part of open employment, or sheltered workshops, may contribute to the employment of disabled people. Specific actions to be undertaken by Member States include: • mainstreaming issues relating to the employment of people with disabilities in general employment policies; • removing disincentives to work in disability benefit systems and encouraging beneficiaries to work when they can; • considering the needs of women with disabilities when devising programmes and policies related to equal opportunities for women in employment, including childcare; and • ensuring that support measures, such as sheltered or supported employment, are in place for those people whose needs cannot be met without personal support in the open labour market. 1.36 Arab Decade for Persons with Disabilities The Arab Decade for Persons with Disabilities, 2004-2013, was formally proclaimed at the Summit Meeting of the Arab League in Tunis in May 2004. Among the goals specified for the Decade, Arab States are called on to promote the full integration of persons in public schools, the labour market and other sectors of society through a wide range of measures, paying particular attention to the requirements of women and children with disabilities. Specifically relating to training and employment, States are called on to establish training organizations for people with disabilities which reflect new technologies and labour market requirements; to encourage persons with disabilities to establish small and medium enterprises through financial support and assistance with sales and marketing; as well as by encouraging the private sector to train and employ persons with disabilities and enable them to advance in their careers. Following the declaration of the Decade, growing interest in the rights of persons with disabilities in the Region is reflected in the revision of disabilityrelated legislation in several of the Arab States, as well as in numerous regional and national capacity-building events. 56 International legal instruments and policy initiatives 1.37 Decade of the Americas for Persons with Disabilities On 6 June 2006, the Permanent Council of the Organisation of American States (OAS) declared the Decade of the Americas for the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities 2006-2016. A Working Group has been established to finalize a Programme of Action. 1.38 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) In 1999, the General Assembly of Rehabilitation International adopted a new Charter which called for an international convention on the rights of persons with disabilities. Representatives of Rehabilitation International, Disabled People’s International, Inclusion International, World Blind Union and World Federation of the Deaf, meeting in Beijing in March 2000, expressed serious concern that UN instruments “have yet to create a significant impact on improving the lives of people with disabilities” and called for international collaboration towards the development and adoption of a new convention. The UN Commission on Human Rights was also concerned about the adequacy of existing measures. At its meeting in April 2000, the Commission adopted resolution UNGA 2000/51 which invited the High Commissioner for Human Rights to examine measures to strengthen the protection and monitoring of the human rights of persons with disabilities. In response, the Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR) commissioned a study to evaluate existing standards and mechanisms in the field of human rights and disability. The preliminary findings of the study were presented at a meeting in the OHCHR in Geneva in January 2002. Participants at the meeting in Geneva agreed on the need for a multiple approach to disability. There was wide agreement on the need for a focus on the human rights dimension of the issues involved. The findings of the study underlined how the drafting of a new convention should not be seen as an alternative to strengthening attention to disability within the existing international human rights system (“twin-track approach”). The discussion broadened that approach further, highlighting the need to 57 International legal instruments and policy initiatives strengthen social development efforts in the field of disability and to integrate better the UN work in that domain with reinforced attention to the matter from a human rights perspective (“multi-track approach”) (OHCHR 2002). Meanwhile, in December 2001, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 56/168, sponsored by the Government of Mexico, which established an Ad Hoc Committee, open to the participation of all Member States and observers to the UN, to consider proposals for a comprehensive and integral international convention to protect and promote the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, based on the holistic approach in the work done in the field of social development. Following an open and transparent process, which provided for participation by all interested parties, in particular disabled persons and their representative organizations, the UN General Assembly on 13 December 2006 (resolution 61/106) adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The Convention is seen as “a comprehensive and integral convention to promote and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities (which) will make a significant contribution to redressing the profound social disadvantage of persons with disabilities and promote their participation in the civil, economic, social and cultural spheres with equal opportunities, in both developing and developed countries” (Preamble, (y)). The Convention does not establish new rights, but restates, reinforces and updates rights contained in other international instruments; confirms that all such rights apply to persons with disabilities; provides for the establishment of a Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to monitor compliance with the Convention; and obliges States Parties to closely consult with and actively involve persons with disabilities, through their representative organizations, in the development and implementation of legislation and policies to implement the Convention and in other decision-making processes concerning issues relating to persons with disabilities. The principles of the Convention are: (a) respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one’s own choices, and independence of persons; (b) non-discrimination; (c) full and effec58 International legal instruments and policy initiatives tive participation and inclusion in society; (d) respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity; (e) equality of opportunity; (f) accessibility; (g) equality between men and women; and (h) respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities. States Parties to the Convention have general as well as specific obligations. The former include: • to adopt all appropriate legislative, administrative and other measures for the implementation of the rights recognized in the Convention; • to take into account the protection and promotion of the human rights of persons with disabilities in all policies and programmes; • to ensure that public authorities and institutions act in conformity with the Convention; • to take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability by any person, organization or private enterprise; and • to promote the training of professionals and staff working with persons with disabilities in the rights recognized in the Convention. Requirements in respect of rehabilitation include taking effective measures to enable persons with disabilities “to attain and maintain maximum independence, full physical, mental, social and vocational ability” and the provision of comprehensive habilitation and rehabilitation services and programmes, particularly in the areas of health, employment, education and social services (Art. 26(1)). The importance of education in enabling persons with disabilities to participate effectively in a free society, including in employment, is recognized in Article 24 which requires States Parties to, inter alia, ensure an inclusive education system at all levels and ensure that persons with disabilities are able to access general tertiary education, vocational training, adult education and lifelong learning without discrimination, on an equal basis with others, and with the provision of reasonable accommodation. 59 International legal instruments and policy initiatives Article 27 is specifically devoted to work and employment and is quoted in full in the following box. Discrimination on the basis of disability is prohibited in all forms of employment. States Parties are called upon to open up opportunities in mainstream workplaces, both in the public and private sectors. To facilitate this, the Convention promotes the access of disabled persons to freely-chosen work, general technical and vocational guidance programmes, placement services and vocational and continuing training, as well as vocational rehabilitation, job retention and return-to work programmes. The provisions cover people with disabilities seeking employment, advancing in employment and those who acquire a disability while in employment and who wish to retain their jobs. The Convention also recognizes that for many disabled persons in developing countries, self-employment or micro business may be the first option, and in some cases, the only option. States Parties are called on to promote such opportunities. The right to exercise labour and trade union rights is promoted. States Parties are also called on to ensure that people with disabilities are not held in slavery or servitude and are protected on an equal basis with others from forced or compulsory labour. 60 International legal instruments and policy initiatives Box 2 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Article 27: Work and employment 1. States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis with others; this includes the right to the opportunity to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in a labour market and work environment that is open, inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities. States Parties shall safeguard and promote the realization of the right to work, including for those who acquire a disability during the course of employment, by taking appropriate steps, including through legislation, to, inter alia: (a) prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability with regard to all matters concerning all forms of employment, including conditions of recruitment, hiring and employment, continuance of employment, career advancement and safe and healthy working conditions; (b) protect the rights of persons with disabilities, on an equal basis with others, to just and favourable conditions of work, including equal opportunities and equal remuneration for work of equal value, safe and healthy working conditions, including protection from harassment, and the redress of grievances; (c) ensure that persons with disabilities are able to exercise their labour and trade union rights on an equal basis with others; (d) enable persons with disabilities to have effective access to general technical and vocational guidance programmes, placement services and vocational and continuing training; (e) promote employment opportunities and career advancement for persons with disabilities in the labour market, as well as assistance in finding, obtaining, maintaining and returning to employment; (f) promote opportunities for self-employment, entrepreneurship, the development of cooperatives and starting oneâ€™s own business; (g) employ persons with disabilities in the public sector; (h) promote the employment of persons with disabilities in the private sector through appropriate policies and measures, which may include affirmative action programmes, incentives and other measures; (i) ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided to persons with disabilities in the workplace; (j) promote the acquisition by persons with disabilities of work experience in the open labour market; (k) promote vocational and professional rehabilitation, job retention and returnto-work programmes for persons with disabilities. 2. States Parties shall ensure that persons with disabilities are not held in slavery or servitude, and are protected, on an equal basis with others, from forced or compulsory labour. 61 Notes 2 Work and employment options As set out in ILO Recommendation No. 168, persons with disabilities should enjoy equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of access to, retention of and advancement in employment which, wherever possible, corresponds to their own choice and takes account of their individual suitability for such employment. Such employment includes jobs in the open labour market which, again subject to individual suitability, are open to persons without disabilities. For persons with disabilities for whom, for reasons of choice and/or suitability, open employment may not be appropriate, alternative forms of employment of a sheltered or supported nature are usually provided. There are numerous variations of these options across countries, depending on factors such as tradition and culture, economic, social and labour market conditions, social welfare benefit systems, availability of trained personnel, and influence of stakeholders, including disability organizations. This chapter gives an overview of employment for persons with disabilities under four broad headings: • Open/competitive employment, including self-employment;7 • Social enterprises. Chapter 3 will discuss measures to facilitate entry to and retention in employment under each approach, with particular reference to employment policy and practice in industrialized countries. 2.1 Open/competitive employment The absence of adequate and comparable data in many countries makes generalization difficult. From the information available, however, it is possible to draw some tentative conclusions about the current situation. 7 Self-employment is not dealt with as a separate category here, as it can exist under all categories. 63 Work and employment options The participation rate of persons with disabilities in the open labour force tends to be considerably lower than that of other workers, while the unemployment rate tends to be higher. In the EU in 2003, 40 per cent of disabled people of working age were employed compared to 64.2 per cent of people without a disability (EC 2005; figures are survey-based and not based on administrative data). According to the European Commission, the inactivity rate of persons with disabilities is twice that of non-disabled people, indicating both low levels of integration following Long-Standing Health Problem or Disability (LSHPD) and comparatively low educational and vocational training levels. The basic question used in the EU system for data collection asks whether the person has an LSHPD of over six months or anticipated to last six months. In 2002, approximately 16 per cent of the total EU working age (between 16 and 64) population considered themselves to have an LSHPD. This figure does not distinguish between persons with a disability and those with a health problem. Reasons for this high inactivity vary between countries. Benefit traps and risks of losing benefits on starting work are major disincentives. Another possible reason may be the reluctance of employers to recruit disabled workers for fear of having to make expensive workplace adjustments or because of the difficulty of’ “letting someone go” once appointed. In Australia, the participation rate for males with a disability was about 60 per cent in 1998, compared with 90 per cent for persons without a disability. The corresponding figures for females were 46 per cent and 71 per cent, respectively. The unemployment rate among males with a disability was 14 per cent compared with 8 per cent for males with no disability. Corresponding rates for females were 9 per cent and 8 per cent respectively. In Canada, the general labour market availability of persons with disabilities was 6.5 per cent in 2001, but they made up only 2.4 per cent of the federally-regulated workforce. Disabled persons were under-represented in every industrial sector, ranging from a low of 1.8 per cent in transportation to 2.3 per cent in banking, 2.4 per cent in communications and 2.9 per cent in “other” sectors (NIDMAR 2001, p. 4). 64 Work and employment options In France, the unemployment rate for disabled workers in 1996 was three times higher than that for the overall active population. Over the previous ten years, the overall unemployment rate increased by 23 per cent, but by 194 per cent among persons with disabilities. Disabled workers who are unemployed tend to remain unemployed twice as long. In Germany in 1997, the labour market participation rate for severely disabled persons was 37 per cent (West), compared with that for nondisabled persons of 80 per cent for men and 63 per cent for women. In 2003, the unemployment rate for disabled persons was 16.6 per cent, compared to 10.4 per cent for non-disabled persons (ILO 2004a). In Hungary in 2002, out of 656,000 people of working age with “prolonged health problems”, less than 95,000 were in the labour market, including 10,000 unemployed (idem.). In Sweden in 2002, 68 per cent of persons with disabilities participated in the labour force, compared to 77 per cent of the total population. The figure for persons with “impaired working capacity” was 57 per cent. About 65 per cent of disabled persons were employed compared to 77 per cent of those with no disability. Of disabled persons with impaired working capacity, 53 per cent were employed. About 4.6 per cent of disabled persons were unemployed (5.8 per cent for those with impaired working capacity) compared to 3.9 per cent of the total population (idem.). In the United Kingdom in 2003, people with disabilities accounted for 19 per cent of the working age population, but only about 12 per cent of all in employment. Of the estimated 6.8 million persons with disabilities of working age, 49 per cent were in employment in Spring 2003 compared to 75 per cent of non-disabled people (idem.). The employment rate of disabled people in Norway was just under 45 per cent in 2006, compared to 83 per cent for the non-disabled population. Disabled workers in Switzerland are also unemployed to a greater degree than non-disabled workers, but at 52 per cent, their employment rate is relatively high compared to other OECD 65 Work and employment options (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries (OECD 2006). In general, persons with disabilities in the labour market tend to have a lower level of education than others. They are also more likely to be in part-time jobs. Unemployment rates vary between types of disability, being highest among those with mental illness. In the United Kingdom, it is estimated that 75 per cent of those of working age with mental illness are unemployed. In Switzerland, mental illness has become the single most important reason for take-up of disability benefits, accounting for over 40 per cent of the total (idem, p. 21), a trend which is also evident in other countries (Gabriel and Liimatainen 2000). Based on a review of available information, reasons given for low employment rates among persons with disabilities include: • low level of education and training; • declining demand for unskilled labour; • reductions in the workforce of large enterprises and the public service; • concern about accidents and insurance costs; • reluctance to register as having a disability; • lack of information on work opportunities; • lack of awareness among employers of needs and abilities of persons with disabilities; • fear of losing welfare benefits; • discouragement due to experiences of failure in obtaining jobs and/or internalized negative images; and • inadequate technical/personal supports. 2.1.1 More active labour market policy Many countries are concerned about increasing levels of unemployment among persons with disabilities and their low rate of labour market 66 Work and employment options participation, linked to concerns about increasing social assistance costs. Details of specific measures are contained in the following chapter, but the general thrust of new policy moves reflects a greater emphasis on greater activation of labour market policy through: • measures to prevent and discourage welfare dependency; • mainstreaming of employment and training services for persons with disabilities; • incentives to participate in educational, training and work initiatives; • a more effective implementation of anti-discrimination legislation; and • greater enforcement of existing quota scheme provisions. At present, passive measures (income transfers) consume a considerably greater proportion of public resources than active labour market measures. While the scope for shifting the balance may appear to be great, relatively high unemployment rates, coupled with a general economic downturn in many countries, are making it difficult to implement some of these measures effectively. 2.2 Sheltered employment It is generally accepted that for some disabled persons, open employment may not be a practicable option, for various reasons. In calling for measures to promote employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, ILO Recommendation No. 168 states that such measures should include “appropriate government support for the establishment of various types of sheltered employment for disabled persons for whom access to open employment is not practicable” (emphasis added). The UN Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities states that while the aim should always be for persons with disabilities to obtain employment in the open labour market, “for persons with disabilities whose needs cannot be met in open employment, small units 67 Work and employment options of sheltered or supported employment may be an alternativeâ€? (Rule 7 (7)). As ILO Recommendation No. 168 implies, there are possibilities for different types of sheltered employment. In their survey of sheltered employment in various countries, Samoy and Waterplas (1997, p. 6) found that even the concept of sheltered employment does not have the same meaning for all people: When government officials are asked to present their system of sheltered employment to foreigners (such as the authors), they will sometimes refer exclusively to organizations providing productive work (in industry or services) to persons with disabilities who have an employment contract and receive a wage. Other officials from the same state or officials from another state may want to include organizations where productive work is certainly not the only and often not even the main aim and where persons with disabilities have no employment contract and receive no wages, but only a bonus in addition to their disability pension. Other interested parties, such as workshop organizations or organizations of and for people with disabilities, may share this view or disagree. In their report, Samoy and Waterplas adopted a broad view of sheltered workshops, including types of organization close to occupational centres or day centres. However, a minimum of productive activity was required for an organization to be included. For countries where such institutions are normally not considered as sheltered work, some information was gathered in order to make comparisons possible. The Council of Europe (1992) also uses a broad definition of sheltered employment: Sheltered employment should be open to people who, because of their disability, are unable to obtain or keep a normal job, whether supported or not; it can cover a number of diversified situations, amongst which are sheltered workshops and work centres. Sheltered work should have a double purpose: to make it possible for people with disabilities to carry out a worthwhile 68 Work and employment options activity and to prepare them, as far as possible, for work in normal employment. To this end, all ways of facilitating the passage from supported to ordinary employment should be devised, such as: the setting up of sheltered work sections in work centres or work centres in sheltered workshops; the setting up of sheltered work sections or work centres within ordinary firms; individual or collective detachment of workers in sheltered workshops or work centres to ordinary firms. Some countries have found it useful, for planning purposes, to make distinctions between certain forms of work and employment. In Ireland, for example, a committee set up to advise on a strategy for employment for persons with disabilities in sheltered and supported work and employment used the following definitions: Work is the undertaking of organized tasks which may attract some forms of remuneration, but which is not covered by employment protection legislation or pay-related social insurance. Employment is remunerated workwhich complies with statutory requirements in regard to employment protection legislation, pay-related social insurance and income tax liability. Sheltered Work is work undertaken by persons with disabilities in workshops specifically established for that purpose. People working in sheltered workshops retain their social insurance benefits and usually receive a small additional weekly payment from the work provider. Sheltered workers are not employed and are not covered by employment protection legislation. Sheltered Employment is employment in an enterprise established specifically for the employment of persons with disabilities and which is in receipt of special funding from the State (NRB 1997). Many countries operate some form of sheltered employment system (for a detailed discussion see Samoy and Waterplas 1992, 1997; Thornton and Lunt 1997). In the United Kingdom, for example, Remploy was established in 1945 to rehabilitate and train disabled people to help 69 Work and employment options them secure “ordinary” employment. It has been supported by government funding since its inception. In 2006, Remploy supported about 9,000 disabled people in its 83 factories and other services. Outside the Remploy factory network, there has been a decline in the number of sheltered factories operated by local authorities and the voluntary sector, coinciding with a decline in manufacturing industry as well as an increasing government policy emphasis on seeking employment for persons with disabilities in the mainstream workplace rather than a sheltered environment (Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit 2005). Comparison between countries is difficult for a number of reasons, not least because the concept of sheltered employment does not have the same meaning to all, even within the same country. A number of general points may, however, be made: • The philosophy of sheltered employment has been hotly debated in some countries (for example, Australia, United States) in recent years, with other supported employment measures coming more into favour. In Europe, there appears to be little consensus, with some countries providing a significantly smaller number of sheltered employment places (per 1,000 workforce) than others. • Many sheltered workshops owe their origin to voluntary effort, often charities, religious groups or groups of concerned parents. Gradually, they became subject to state regulation and eligible for state subsidization. • In general, sheltered employment was intended for persons who were unable or unlikely to obtain or retain a job in the open labour market because of the severity of their disability or limited working capacity. In many cases, a minimum level of disability is specified as an entry requirement. The majority of those employed tend to have an intellectual disability, though in some cases no distinction appears to be made between intellectual disability and mental illness. • In most countries, improving transition to the regular labour market is a stated policy goal of sheltered employment. In reality, transition rates range from under 1 per cent to about 5 per cent, with most countries near the lower end of the scale (see, for example, Thornton and Lunt 1997; Samoy and Waterplas 1992, 1997; Council of 70 Work and employment options Europe 1993). Reasons given for low transition include reluctance of employers to recruit; reluctance on the part of workshops to release their key workers; the low technological level of workshop activities which restricts the potential skill levels of employees; and skills training which often does not reflect the requirements of the labour market. • Sheltered employment has been criticized in some countries for failing to provide proper working conditions and employment contracts. In many cases, employees are paid less than the minimum wage. In some cases, they receive only “pocket money” in addition to their normal disability benefit. Employment and occupational safety and health laws often do not apply. There is generally no right to freedom of association (to unionize). Some of the criticisms of sheltered employment in relation to low transition, lack of employment contracts, poor pay, and so forth, may reflect differences – or even uncertainty – in the philosophy underlying the concept rather than inadequacies in policy, management or cost-benefit returns. To assess the performance of sheltered workshops using criteria such as those mentioned is open to question when those operating the system see their responsibility more in terms of care and social service rather than employment promotion or economic returns. 2.3 Supported employment Supported employment originated in the United States as an alternative to traditional rehabilitation programmes for persons with severe disabilities. It is defined by law and regulation as paid work in integrated work settings, with ongoing support services, for persons with severe disabilities. The provision of a minimum wage was added to US federal regulations for supported employment in 1997 (Wehman et al. 1997). There is a variety of ways in which supported employment may be provided. These include individual placement, enclaves, mobile work crews and small business arrangements (Moon and Griffin 1988). An enclave is a group of individuals, usually three to eight, who work in a special training 71 Work and employment options group within a host company. Not all members of the group may move into the company’s regular workforce. A mobile work crew may be a similar sized group, with one or more supervisors, which travels through a community offering specialized contract services, such as gardening or grounds-keeping. The small business option could be a manufacturing service or a subcontract operation, with a small number of workers with disabilities and non-disabled workers. The business might provide only one type of product or service. The individual placement option would appear to be the dominant one in the United States. In 1995, 77 per cent of supported employment participants were in individual supported employment places, and 23 per cent in some type of group model (Wehman et al. 1997). There is no one “best” model. As some commentators have said: there is a nearly infinite array of supported employment strategies and structures, each of which combines a particular kind of work opportunity with a particular method of ongoing support. Each has advantages and drawbacks in terms of generating real employment outcomes while overcoming barriers to employment experienced by the individuals with disabilities. No single alternative is ideal, and none fits all situations. Development of supported employment programmes requires adaptation to local employment opportunities and individual service requirements (Bellamy et al. 1986). It was reported in 1997 that two-thirds of all supported employment participants in the United States were persons with intellectual disability; with the second largest group being persons with a mental illness (Wehman et al. 1997). The interpretation of supported employment has been found to vary from country to country (see ILO 2004a, pp. 78-80). • 72 In the United Kingdom and Ireland, for example, it includes programmes providing financial subsidies to employers in respect of disabled workers with reduced productivity, as well as job coach based activity as in the United States. In the United Kingdom, Remploy, in Work and employment options addition to its sheltered factory network (see 2.2), provides placement services for persons with disabilities. The UK National Audit Office (2005), noting the low level of progressions from Remploy factories into unsupported employment, recommended moving the emphasis from sheltered factory employment to job placement activity. In 2006/07, Remploy found employment for over 5,000 disabled people in the mainstream workplace, an increase of 25 per cent over the previous year. It aims to increase such placements to 20,000 annually by 2013. • In Norway, supported employment has been provided since 1996, with job coach support guaranteed for three years. • In the Netherlands, the Parliament in 1992 asked the government to find a solution to wage differences between supported employment programmes and sheltered employment. In the supported employment programmes, wages were related to productivity and supplemented with a disability benefit of up to 85 per cent of the statutory minimum wage, while in sheltered companies full wages were paid. In addition, the government was asked to cover the costs of job coaches. As a first step, the supplementary benefit was raised to a limit of the minimum wage and a subsidy was introduced towards the cost of job coaches. Under 1996 legislation, local authorities may fund supported employment. Each job created in this way is treated as a job in a sheltered company for the purpose of government funding (Krug 1996). • In New Zealand, the supported employment programme provides a wage subsidy for two years (Saloviita 2000). • In Finland, a survey of supported employment projects found that few defined supported employment as supported, paid work in integrated settings: “generally, it was understood to mean a variety of support options for employment or employment-related activities” (idem. p. 91). • Other countries, including Malta and Slovenia, provide long-term support during the job-seeking and employment process (EC 2005, Annex 3: 3.3.1). 73 Work and employment options 2.3.1 Evaluation A number of studies in the United States have shown that supported employment has produced greater social and psychological benefits for workers, as compared with sheltered placements, and to have been costeffective for workers, taxpayers and society as a whole (Saloviita 2000). One US review (Barbour 1999) of supported employment from its origins in the 1970s, however, quotes other studies which accuse many programmes of ‘creaming’ i.e. taking less severely disabled persons as participants. Because of the variations in definitions of supported employment, findings from studies carried out in one country cannot be generalized to another. The US legislation under which supported employment is funded as a rehabilitation option specified that participants should work at least 20 hours per week on average to be eligible for funding. Many of the positive cost-benefit outcomes achieved in the United States resulted from savings in the reduced use of alternative services and from tax receipts from earned income. In the United Kingdom, many supported employment jobs are part-time and below 20 hours per week. Where participants opt to retain their welfare benefit and earn a small allowable amount in addition, welfare benefit expenditures are not reduced and there is little, if any, flow back from tax (Beyer, Goodere and Kilsby 1996). This is not so much a feature of the supported employment concept, but is rather due to the relationship between benefit entitlement and job earnings. The concept of supported self-employment for persons with severe disabilities has been receiving some attention, particularly in the United States. A number of articles which appeared in a special edition of the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation (2002), published to introduce its readers to the concept, show how self-employment may be helpful in promoting individual satisfaction for persons with significant disabilities, but they are also generally forthright in acknowledging the high level of supports required at every stage of the business start-up and operation. Latvia supports the integration of disabled people into the labour market through the measure “combating social exclusion”; actions under this measure include the development of entrepreneurship and self-employment. In Sweden, a disabled person with a strong business idea may be eligible for a business start-up grant. 74 Work and employment options 2.4 Social enterprises The Social Economy, according to the European Information Centre for the Social Economy (ARIES), is “based on the values of economic activities with social goals, sustainable development, equal opportunities, inclusion of disadvantaged people, and civil society”. The EC, which sometimes refers to the Social Economy as the Third System, describes it as “the economic and social fields represented by cooperatives, mutual companies, associations, along with all local job creation initiatives intended to respond, through the provision of goods and services, to needs for which neither the market nor the public sector currently appear able to make adequate provision”. Enterprises of the Social Economy have been defined as “those entities that do not belong to the public sector, are run and managed in a democratic way, whose members have equal rights, and that adhere to a special regime of property and distribution of profits whereby any surplus is reinvested in the growth of the entity and the improvement of services offered to its members and society at large” (quoted in Viorreta 1998). A wide variety of social economy enterprises exist; all sharing similar values. They include social firms; social businesses; social enterprises; community enterprises; development trusts; community, neighbourhood, worker and social cooperatives; credit unions; microcredit and mutual guarantee societies. The EU sees the Social Economy as an important part of the European economic model. In a visit in 2002 to the European Confederation of Workers’ Cooperatives, Social Cooperatives and Participative Enterprises (CECOP), the President of the European Commission referred to the fact that cooperatives then employed 2.3 million people in the EU. The social economy has developed in different ways in EU Member States, largely because of different regulatory frameworks. In Italy, for example, a new regulation on social cooperatives has led to a major expansion of the sector, and assisted the reorientation of the cooperative sector from a direct focus on delivering benefit for members to providing wider benefits to the local community (UK Dept. of Trade and Industry 2002). Legislation in Finland in 2004 defined a social enterprise as being any sort of enter75 Work and employment options prise that is entered on the relevant register and at least 30 per cent of whose employees are disabled or long-term unemployed. By March 2007, 91 such enterprises had been registered; the largest with 50 employees. In the United States, the not-for-profit sector dates mainly from the 1960s. Such enterprises benefit from a range of tax exemptions. Government departments are required to procure goods and services from not-for-profit organizations employing persons with disabilities, subject to their being competitive on price and quality. In 2006, the Social Enterprise Alliance, based in the United States with a membership drawn mainly from Canada and the United States, widened its definition of “social enterprise” from “any earned-income business or strategy undertaken by a non-profit to generate revenue in support of its charitable mission” to “an organization or venture that advances its social mission through entrepreneurial earned income strategies”. This change brought within its scope for-profit bodies with a social mission. The Hong Kong Social Enterprise Resource Centre was set up in 2006 to provide a one-stop-shop service to social enterprises. The Centre provides advice, consultancy, training and other support services (see www.socialenterprise.org.hk). Recent legislation in Lithuania on social enterprises aims to improve employment opportunities for persons from disadvantaged groups: 40 per cent of those employed in social enterprises should be from disadvantaged groups, including persons with disabilities. Wage compensation amounts to 50 per cent; or 60 per cent for persons with severe disabilities (EC 2005, Annex 3: 3.3.1). In Japan, social firms/enterprises have provided work opportunities for severely disabled individuals since 1981. 2.4.1 Current employment of persons with disabilities in social enterprises An EC review of employment policies for persons with disabilities in 18 industrialized countries found little evidence of enterprise strategies 76 Work and employment options directly targeted at disabled individuals (EC 2000). While a number of countries offered start-up grants to persons with disabilities proposing to become self-employed or to start up a new business, few mentioned social enterprises as specific strategies to create additional employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. In Italy, the growth of work integration cooperatives started in 1974 when workers with mental illness rebelled against working without pay, and set up a cooperative to do the same work under contract (quoted in Thornton and Lunt 1997). The movement advanced with the closure of psychiatric institutions in the late 1970s. Law 381 of 1991 introduced a new model of employment for persons with disabilities based on social cooperation. Social cooperatives, which engage in a variety of commercial, manufacturing, farming and service activities, employed over 17,000 disabled workers in 1997. Legislative decree 276/03 (reform of the labour market) provides new paths to widen employment opportunities for people with a disability through greater involvement of social enterprises (EC 2005, Annex 3: 3.3.1). In Spain, ONCE (The Spanish Organization of Blind Persons) established a foundation (Fundacion ONCE) in 1988, involving representation of different groups of persons with disabilities. The primary goal of the Foundation is to provide employment for disabled people. In 1989, the Foundation set up FUNDOSA GRUPO as a holding or parent company of more than 60 enterprises, which in 1997 employed almost 6,000 workers, of whom 72 per cent were disabled. The enterprises operate in diverse sectors, including laundry, retail sales in hospitals and community centres, telephone marketing, food production and data processing (Thornton and Lunt 1997, pp. 237-8). There has been increasing interest in social cooperatives in the United Kingdom (see www.socialenterprise.org.uk). In 2002, the British Government launched a Social Enterprise Strategy. According to the UK Department of Trade and Industry, there is no single legal model for social enterprise. Social enterprises include companies limited by guarantee, industrial and provident societies, and registered charities. A survey in 2004 reported that there were 15,000 social enterprises in the United 77 Work and employment options Kingdom, or 1.2 per cent of all enterprises (GHK 2004, p. 16). They employed 450,000 people and had a combined annual turnover of 18 billion Pounds Sterling (GBP). The number of these enterprises was reported to have grown to 55,000 in 2006 (Cabinet Office 2006). The figures quoted may well considerably understate the number of disabled persons currently working in social enterprises of various kinds. A Spanish report in 1998, for example, estimated that there were almost 1,000 social cooperatives in Spain. Of the total, approximately 200 were in Cataluna. A 1995 study of social cooperatives in Cataluna found that 45 per cent were oriented to the integration of people with intellectual disabilities (quoted in Viorreta 1998). 2.4.2 Future potential One of the fundamental characteristics of social enterprises is that they are created to respond, by providing goods and services, to needs for which neither the private business sector nor the public sector are able or willing to make provision. The future growth potential of the social enterprise sector would, therefore, appear to offer significant possibilities for new employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, provided any barriers to growth are removed or reduced. These barriers have been identified, in the United Kingdom, as: • poor understanding of the capacities and value of social enterprise; • limited information on the social, environmental and financial impact of social enterprise; • insufficient specialist support and advice from government and business; • difficulty in accessing finance; • insufficient account of the particular characteristics of social enterprises by financial, legal and regulatory frameworks, or in procurement activities; and • inadequate training of social enterprise managers in business, financial and personnel management. 78 Measures to facilitate work and employment 3.1 Introduction Vocational rehabilitation is a process which enables disabled persons to secure, retain and advance in suitable employment and thereby further their integration or reintegration into society (ILO 2002). That process, according to the ILO Vocational Rehabilitation (Disabled) Recommendation, 1955 (No. 99), involves the provision of certain vocational services, in particular vocational guidance, vocational training and selective placement. In 1983, the ILO, conscious that significant developments had occurred since 1955 in the understanding of rehabilitation needs, the scope and organization of rehabilitation services and the law and practice of many members, decided that a new international standard was necessary to ensure equality of opportunity and treatment to all categories of disabled persons, in both rural and urban areas, for employment and integration into the community. 3.1.1 ILO Convention No. 159 ILO Convention concerning Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) (No. 159), adopted in 1983, highlights the inextricable link which exists between vocational rehabilitation and employment by calling on each member, in accordance with national conditions, practice and possibilities, to formulate, implement and periodically review a national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons. Such policy should: â€˘ aim at ensuring that appropriate vocational rehabilitation measures are made available to all categories of disabled persons and at promoting employment opportunities for disabled persons in the open labour market; â€˘ be based on the principle of equal opportunity between disabled workers and workers generally; equality of opportunity and treatment for disabled men and women workers should be respected; special positive measures aimed at effective equality of opportunity and treatment between disabled workers and other workers should not be regarded as discriminating against other workers; and 79 Measures to facilitate work and employment • involve consultation with representative organizations of employers and workers, and of and for disabled persons, with regard to implementation of the policy. The Convention calls on the competent authorities to provide and evaluate vocational guidance, vocational training, placement, employment and other related services, using, wherever possible and appropriate, existing services for workers generally, with any necessary adaptations. Measures are to be taken to promote the establishment and development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for disabled persons in rural areas and remote communities, and to ensure the training and availability of rehabilitation counsellors and other suitably-qualified staff responsible for the vocational guidance, vocational training, placement and employment of disabled persons. Convention No. 159 entered into force on 20 June 1985. As of October 2007, Convention No. 159 has been ratified by 80 countries. 3.1.2 ILO Recommendation No. 168 The accompanying Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Recommendation, 1983 (No. 168), outlines measures, in addition to those mentioned in Recommendation No. 99, which should be implemented. They include: • measures to create job opportunities for persons with disabilities on the open labour market, including financial incentives to employers and reasonable adaptations to workplaces, equipment and jobs; • government support for sheltered employment, and for vocational training, vocational guidance, and placement services for disabled persons run by NGOs; • promotion of cooperatives and small-scale industry; • elimination of physical, communication and architectural barriers; • dissemination of information on successful instances of employment integration; • exemption from taxes of training materials and specified assistive devices; 80 Measures to facilitate work and employment • elimination of exploitation in training and sheltered employment; and • applied research to further the participation of disabled persons in ordinary working life. Recommendation No. 168 also calls for community participation, in particular of employers’, workers’ and disabled persons’ organizations, in the organization and operation of vocational rehabilitation services. Special efforts should be made to ensure that services in rural areas and remote communities are provided at the same level and on the same terms as for urban areas. The proper training of personnel involved in the provision of vocational rehabilitation and employment services is essential. 3.1.3 Current practice The following sections discuss briefly the main types of measures currently in use to assist and facilitate persons with disabilities to secure, retain and advance in suitable work and employment, under these headings: • Employment services • Information, monitoring and evaluation. More detailed information on measures in a number of countries may be found in other reports, including ILO 1998 and 2004a; EC 2000; and Thornton and Lunt 1997. 81 Measures to facilitate work and employment 3.2 Employment services In providing services such as vocational guidance, vocational training, placement and other employment-related services to persons with disabilities, the competent authorities are exhorted to use services available to workers generally, wherever possible and appropriate, with necessary adaptations (ILO Convention No. 159, Art.7). This is being increasingly done in countries where vocational rehabilitation infrastructures have already been developed (ILO 1998). The range and types of services vary between countries, but may include vocational guidance and counselling, with some countries (Belgium and France, for example) agreeing individualized â€œvocational pathwaysâ€? with disabled persons, which provide for different measures at different stages, leading in many cases to job integration. Other services include provision of information on training and employment opportunities, job search training which encompasses preparation of job applications/resumes, interview techniques, presentation skills, canvassing for jobs, and placement. Training in literacy and numeracy is sometimes provided, where necessary. Preferential access to specified jobs is provided in a number of countries. In Greece, for example, a proportion of jobs in certain occupations, including messengers, cleaners, gardeners, receptionists, must be reserved by public sector organizations and banks; preferential access is also given to licences for certain commercial activities, such as taxis and newspaper stalls. Slovenian legislation requires certain organizations to give priority to persons who are blind in filling jobs as telephonists. Work experience, either on its own or as an integral part of a training programme, is often provided, particularly for newcomers to the world of work. For persons with disabilities returning to work after an absence, individual back-to-work action plans may be developed. Support measures include job coaching, particularly in supported employment situations. Individualized support assistance in helping, for example, to deal with difficulties with co-workers, may be provided through vocational advisers or through special schemes which provide on-going assistance during the 82 Measures to facilitate work and employment initial integration and follow-up phases, as well as crisis intervention where continuing employment may be threatened for any reason. Early intervention such as â€œfresh-startâ€? initiation programmes aimed at young workers with disabilities within six months of their being unemployed, and programmes aimed at assisting long-term unemployed disabled workers back to work, are provided in many countries (for example, Austria, Belgium, France, Sweden). Because of the particular difficulties faced by workers with disabilities who have been unemployed for a long time, intensified efforts are frequently made to assist disabled workers to participate in educational, retraining or other programmes as soon as possible after they become unemployed. Public services in Italy work closely with private employment agencies to integrate disabled people into the labour market. Convention No. 159, Article 9 also draws attention to the importance of training for those providing employment services. A number of countries (Estonia and Hungary, for example) have established specific programmes for this purpose (EC 2005, Annex 3: 3.3.1). 3.3 Training for employment In many ways, training for employment for persons with disabilities appears to be going through a transition, from programmes in specialized institutions to mainstream programmes for general jobseekers. For some countries, this transition is in its early stages, with training still mostly in specialized institutions. In others, the majority of adults with disabilities receive their training in mainstream programmes (the United Kingdom, for example). In Sweden, employment policies for persons with disabilities are part of general labour market policies in any event. Almost all countries, however, appear to be experiencing a variety of difficulties. This situation is sometimes aggravated by high rates of unemployment which make it particularly difficult for persons with disabilities, even after completion of training, to find suitable employment. For those countries in the early stages of mainstreaming training for persons with disabilities, special classes, schools, and training institutions 83 Measures to facilitate work and employment are still common. In many of these specialized providers, both public and private, curricula tend to relate to jobs traditionally thought appropriate for disabled persons. This mismatch between training and the skill requirements of the labour market hinders job placement possibilities and may well contribute to negative perceptions by employers of the ability potential of many disabled persons. Even where persons with disabilities are being encouraged to enter mainstream training, some countries report that relatively few are doing so. Reasons given include physical inaccessibility of training centres, distant or inconvenient location of training, courses which are not relevant, inadequate transportation, unavailability and/or cost of child care, and little flexibility in course design or delivery. Countries which are further along the mainstreaming path have recognized and are taking or plan to take steps to deal with such issues. In the Netherlands, physical access is being improved in vocational and adult education to improve opportunities for disabled persons to get a basic qualification, and more flexible, module-based apprentice training courses are planned. Individualized support for persons with disabilities in France through its “fresh-start” initiatives and further development of apprenticeship training, “sandwich courses” alternating training and work in enterprises, and preparation for working life in a mainstream environment are all underway. In the United Kingdom, disabled people have priority access to mainstream programmes, and specialist teams operate in job centres to assist persons with disabilities to gain and retain employment. Special pre-training programmes have been introduced in Germany which include advice and assistance in the transition from school to working life: courses in vocational training centres have also been adapted in order to meet labour market requirements more effectively. In Australia, short-term courses have been developed at local level to meet individual needs: normally up to 12 months’ duration, the courses may be extended, if necessary, for persons with disabilities. In Sweden, there has been increasing cooperation between schools and placement services. For persons with a high level of disability, training for work continues to be provided mainly in special institutions or in sheltered or supported 84 Measures to facilitate work and employment employment programmes, although Australia operates a programme which provides fully subsidized work experience, mainly in the private sector, for those who cannot get a place on a mainstream wage-subsidy programme. Greater efforts are being made to get employers more directly involved in developing and providing training and employment opportunities, through financial and other incentives. Belgium has a system of employer-based on-the-job training contracts for disabled persons: the employer is not committed to hiring the trainee after the training contract, but often does. Advisory committees on the training and employment of disabled workers, which include representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations as well as representatives of government and disability NGOs, play a useful role in helping to develop policy and codes of good practice, and in improving cooperation and coordination among the sectoral interests involved. 3.3.1 Key issues Workers with disabilities tend to fall behind other jobseekers, particularly when overall numbers of unemployed workers rise. While ignorance and prejudice may have a part to play in such situations, a key factor is often their inability to compete on the basis of relevant skills or qualifications. What an employer will look for in recruiting a new employee is, first and foremost, the capacity to do the job (given reasonable accommodation, where necessary). Applicants who can show that they have the necessary competence, or have the capacity to acquire it after suitable training, have an advantage over applicants who cannot. Training, which should encompass skill, knowledge and attitudes, is very often the key to success in finding a job. For persons with a disability, professional training – under qualified instructors, and leading if possible to some form of recognized certification – is an essential passport to gaining employment. This is why a national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons, as called for in ILO Convention No. 159, is so essential. People with disabilities have the right to work, but they must be given the means to enable them to exercise that right. Priority in vocational training policy and provision, particularly in times of high 85 Measures to facilitate work and employment unemployment, needs to be given to the most vulnerable if they are not to become further disadvantaged in the labour market. Many of the jobs for which disabled persons were traditionally trained do not exist any more, especially in industrialized countries. The relevance of training programmes to current and likely future labour market requirements needs to be critically reviewed to ensure that all programmes are responding to such needs at all times. Physical accessibility remains a major barrier to many disabled persons seeking work or training. This applies not just to the training or work place, but to the local built environment – including public transport, housing, shops, restaurants, places of recreation – used to a greater or lesser degree by other employees. Considerable improvement has been made in many places, but in general progress is slow, and many disabled persons remain excluded as a result. Lack of coordination between government ministries or departments continues to be an issue inhibiting the right to work of many disabled people. There are many good examples of how this has been effectively resolved where the political will existed. Many countries have accepted the principle of “mainstreaming” in training and employment services for persons with disabilities. In some cases, however, it has not progressed much beyond the acceptance of the principle or the transfer of responsibility from one ministry to another. If disabled persons are to participate on an equitable basis with others, whatever reasonable accommodations are necessary, in terms of physical accessibility, job/training design, training equipment and materials, modes of instruction, and so forth, must be carried out. In addition, the staff members responsible for managing and operating the systems involved must be sufficiently trained and equipped, not only in requisite knowledge and skill, but also in attitudes. Mainstreaming in training programmes may have many implications, in addition to those mentioned. An important consideration, for example, will be the basis on which training outcomes are assessed. Indicators, 86 Measures to facilitate work and employment such as placement rates, which may be used to measure the performance of training programmes for some unemployed groups of workers may not be the most appropriate for others. “Creaming” or selecting those most likely to succeed, in order to enhance placement prospects of occupational training programmes is a recognized (if not always admitted) phenomenon (for a more detailed discussion see, for example, OECD 1986). 3.4 Financial supports Wage subsidies to cover a shortfall in productivity are one of the most commonly-provided financial supports to employers in encouraging the employment of workers with disabilities. In some countries, such supports are time-restricted: in Sweden, four years (may be extended), but up to eight years in Germany, for example. The amount of subsidy varies: in Austria it can be up to 80 per cent of the full wage in the first year of employment. The wage subsidy may be combined with a grant during the initial period of adjustment. Other financial supports to employers include: • grants towards training costs; training completion bonus grants for workplace modifications/special equipment; • retention bonus grants to hire personal assistants for disabled workers who need them; • grants to encourage retention of workers who acquire a disability at work; • tax credits in respect of each new disabled worker (may be timerestricted); • grants towards workplace adjustment costs; and • reductions in social security charges in respect of disabled workers. In the Netherlands, where responsibility for disability prevention and rehabilitation of disabled employees has been increasingly transferred from governments to employers, special measures include: 87 Measures to facilitate work and employment • “trial appointments”: A person with a disability may work for up to three months without the employer paying wages – unemployment benefit is continued during this period; • a replacement grant may be paid to an employer if the disabled employee cannot return to his or her former job and needs a different job in the company; • the employer may be exempted from having to pay wages during the first 52 weeks of sickness of an employee if the employee was disabled when recruited; and • during the first six months after hiring a disabled worker the employer is exempted from supplementary insurance contributions in case the worker applies for disability benefit. Grants may also be available to disabled persons who wish to set up their own business or to establish a cooperative. Such measures are particularly important in countries, such as Greece, where self-employment is high and a high proportion of all enterprises are small. In Italy, social cooperatives with a workforce of which at least 30 per cent are persons with disabilities may be exempted from social insurance contributions. Financial assistance may also be available to third-party agencies to assist disabled persons in preparing and training for employment. In the United States, for example, grants may be available to States to establish programmes of technology-related training, access and assistance, and awards can be made to private agencies which deliver assistive technology training and services at local level. The EC Regulation on State Aid Employment (No. 2204/2002) enables Member States to create incentives for employers and sheltered workshops to recruit and retain disabled workers. In Sweden, employers are protected by law against excessive sick leave costs of an employee with an illness which is likely to lead to a large amount of sick leave. Financial supports of various kinds may also be available to persons with disabilities. In France, an employment bonus may be paid to an unemployed disabled person who gets a job. Financial assistance may also be paid towards public transport costs if participating 88 Measures to facilitate work and employment in training programmes. Under a pilot scheme in the Netherlands, persons with a disability may receive a personal budget in the form of vouchers or tickets to enable them to purchase placement or other job integration services of their choice. A similar “Ticket to Work” programme operates in the United States. A key concern of many disabled persons is that their eligibility for disability benefit or pension may be adversely affected if they find a job and subsequently lose it for any reason. A number of countries have taken steps to ensure that such concerns do not act as a disincentive to persons with disabilities in seeking employment. In Spain, for example, eligibility to access former disability benefit if laid off is assured by regulation. To encourage those on long-term disability benefit in Finland to return to work, individuals may suspend their benefit for up to two years during which they may enter training or employment without losing their entitlement. In many countries, persons with disabilities are allowed to earn up to a certain level in pay without affecting their disability insurance or social security benefits. According to the OECD (2006), “too many workers leave the labour market permanently due to health problems and too few people with a disabling condition are working. This is a social as well as economic tragedy that is common to virtually all OECD countries.” The OECD report suggests that work needs to be put at the heart of sickness and disability benefit policy. The objective of policy should be to ensure that persons with disabilities have the opportunity to play as full a role in society, and particularly in the labour market, as they are able to. “Policy discussions frequently focus on how to reduce the number of people on benefit. But the trouble with approaching . . . policy from this angle alone is that it misses the point of view of people with disabilities themselves. Current policies often serve such people badly: they are trapped at the margins of society, excluded from work or marginalized into special employment categories” (idem. p. 13). 89 Measures to facilitate work and employment 3.5 Technical and personal supports The dividing line between technical, personal and even financial supports can be a very narrow one. Is the provision of a guide dog to a person with a visual impairment a personal or a technical support? In the context of employment it may qualify more as the latter. In any event, the categorization is of less importance than the support itself and the role it plays in enabling a person with a disability to exercise the rights to which they are entitled. Other non-financial supports in relation to work and employment include assistance in arranging for a special driving licence; job coaches to help facilitate the transition to employment; post-placement support; personal assistants (to assist, if needed, in relation to personal hygiene or transport, for example); provision of readers for workers with a visual impairment, particularly during the initial stage of training and/or employment; provision of signers/sign language interpreters during interviews or in the workplace; advocacy services; grants for or direct provision of personal aids (for example, computer-based aids, clothing, textbooks); technical aids and devices. 3.6 Quota systems By the end of 1923, Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Poland had adopted a quota system under which employers were obliged to employ disabled war veterans. Many other European countries adopted a quota system approach after the Second World War, largely because of high unemployment levels among people with disabilities and the general failure of a voluntary approach. All systems were eventually extended to cover disabled civilians. Quota systems have also been introduced in several countries of Asia and the Pacific (China, India, Japan, Mongolia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand); Africa (including Ethiopia, Mauritius and Tanzania); in the Arab States (for example, Kuwait); and in Latin America (for example, Brazil). While all quota systems call for employers to employ a set minimum percentage of disabled workers, there are variations between systems, particularly in relation to the obligatory or non-obligatory requirement, and the nature and effectiveness of sanction in cases where an employer fails to meet the requirement. 90 Measures to facilitate work and employment Waddington (1996) has divided European quota systems into three basic models: • Legislative recommendation with no sanction: Employers are not obliged to employ a set percentage of workers with disabilities, but it is recommended that they do so. Such a system has operated in the Netherlands since 1986. Under the 1947 Employment of the Disabled Act, public and private employers with more than 20 employees were expected to employ a set quota of disabled workers. People with disabilities could choose to register. The 1986 Handicapped Workers Employment Act removed the registration requirement, extended coverage to all those receiving disability benefits or an invalidity pension, and introduced a quota target of between 3 and 5 per cent, to be achieved over three years. The quota was voluntary and there were no sanctions for failing to meet it. By 1989, only 2.2 per cent of workers with a contract of more than 15 days were disabled and by 1992 this figure was just 2 per cent. The government concluded that a compulsory policy across all sectors was not practicable. Employers are, nevertheless, required to continue to keep a record of disabled employees. • Legislative obligation without effective sanction: An example of this quota system was that adopted by the United Kingdom after the Second World War. The Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944 has been described as “the foundation stone of disabled workers’ rights in the United Kingdom” (Doyle 1996). These rights to mainstream employment were to be achieved through the Quota Scheme, which required private employers with 20 or more employees to have at least 3 per cent of their workforce made up of registered people with disabilities, and through the Reserved Occupations Scheme, under which two occupations – passenger electric lift attendant and car park attendant – were designated as reserved to persons with disabilities. It was not an offence for an employer to be below the quota, but it was an offence to recruit a non-registered person when below the quota or where doing so would bring the employer below the quota, without an exemption permit. An employer who committed such an offence was subject to a fine or a term of imprisonment of not more than three months. The quota was abolished in 1996, 91 Measures to facilitate work and employment when the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 came into force. There appears to be general agreement that the quota failed to promote the employment of people with disabilities, that it was inadequately monitored and enforced (there were only ten prosecutions for failure to comply, even though in 1993, for example, less than 20 per cent of employers met their quota obligation), and that it allowed large numbers of exemptions and exceptions (Doyle 1996; Waddington 1996; Hyde 2000). • Legislative obligations with sanction: According to Waddington, the levy-grant system is “the form of quota which has attracted most interest from those countries which have sought to introduce or modify a quota system in the 1980s and 90s. It involves setting a quota and requiring that all covered employers who do not meet their obligation pay a fine or levy which usually goes into a fund to support the employment of disabled people.” The German quota system, which has often served as a model for other countries, was established in 1974. In a recent reform of the legislation (Rehabilitation 2001), the quota of 6 per cent for all public and private employers with at least 16 employees was reduced to 5 per cent, applicable to employers of 20 employees or more (EIRO 2001). Certain workers may be counted as occupying two or three quota places – those whom the Employment Office considers particularly difficult to employ, because of their degree of disability, and disabled persons who are receiving training within the firm. The legislation refers to special categories of severely disabled persons: 1) Severely-disabled persons whose working lives are especially affected because of the nature or seriousness of their disability, in particular: (a) those who need special assistance, on a more than temporary basis, in order to engage in employment; (b) those whose employment, owing to their disability, implies exceptional expenses, on a more than temporary basis, for the employer; (c) those who, because of their disability, are able on more than a temporary basis to render only substantially reduced output; 92 Measures to facilitate work and employment (d) those whose extent of disability is at least 50 per cent attributable to mental or psychological disturbances or to be subject to attacks; (e) those who, because of the nature of the seriousness of their disability, have not completed vocational training. 2) Severely disabled persons who have attained 50 years of age. The Federal Employment Office monitors compliance with the scheme. Fines may be imposed if the quota requirement is not met. In 2004, the employment rate amounted to 4.1 per cent. Of the employers subject to the employment obligation in 2004, 21 per cent fulfilled or exceeded their obligations; 51 per cent had partially met their obligations; while 30 per cent had not employed any severely disabled persons (Bundesministerium 2007). The monies collected through the compensation levy are used exclusively to promote rehabilitation and employment of severely disabled persons. It provides grants, for example, to assist employers who exceed their quota obligations to meet extra costs such as adapting premises or providing special training. The levy is often regarded, particularly during difficult economic periods, as an additional tax to be paid by employers, and a more attractive option than hiring. A similar quota system operates in France. Under 1987 legislation, every public and private employer employing 20 or more persons is required to employ a quota of 6 per cent of persons with disabilities covered by the law. The 6 per cent obligation was introduced on a gradual basis, beginning with 3 per cent in 1988, rising to 6 per cent in 1991. Certain categories of disabled workers are counted as one-and-a-half, two, or two-and-a-half individuals. Enterprises may fulfil their employment obligation by: • direct employment of beneficiaries under the law; • contracting with the sheltered employment sector; • reaching accords (negotiated agreements between employers’ and employees’ associations) to promote employment of disabled persons; 93 Measures to facilitate work and employment • paying a contribution to AGEFIPH, the joint agency for the management of integration funds for disabled persons. In 1994, according to a 1996 report of the Ministry of Labour and Social affairs, 62.8 per cent of employers met their obligation by payment of levy only; 19.8 per cent by sub-contracts and levies; and 12.4 per cent by sub-contracts only (quoted in Thornton and Lunt 1997, p. 98). In 1998, just over half of all enterprises with 20 employees or more fulfilled their employment obligation by contributing to the fund (EC 2000, p. 89). The employment rate of disabled workers in the enterprises concerned in 1997 was 4 per cent (3 per cent in the public sector). This result led to the government launching, through AGEFIPH, a three-year Exceptional Programme (1999–2001) with particular focus on long-term and youth unemployment. Austria’s quota system obliges companies with more than 25 employees to employ one person with a disability for every 25 jobholders. If a company circumvents this rule, it pays a compensation tax to the Federal Office of Social Affairs every month for every job not held by a disabled person. These funds are reserved for services to “supported employees” (persons who have a disability level of at least 50 per cent) or employers who engage supported employees. Systematic measures to promote the employment of persons with disabilities in Japan were introduced after the Second World War, following the enactment in 1947 of the Employment Security Law. In 1960, a quota system was introduced, but with no obligatory provisions. Lack of compliance, particularly by larger organizations, led to the introduction in 1976 of an obligatory quota system, as well as a levy and grant system. The quota is 1.8 per cent for private enterprises and 2.1 per cent for national and local governments. Double counting in respect of workers with severe disabilities is allowed. A levy is imposed on enterprises which fall short of their quota: levies thus collected are paid as grants to enterprises which hire disabled workers in excess of their quota and are also used to subsidize new or modified facilities for workers with disabilities. 94 Measures to facilitate work and employment Romania operates a quota-levy system for organizations with more than 100 employees. The levy applies where an employer does not employ at least 4 per cent of persons with disabilities. A quota of 5 per cent applies in Hungary, but the majority of employers opt to pay the “rehabilitation contribution” instead. In Mauritius, organizations with 35 or more employees are required to set aside at least 3 per cent of positions for persons with disabilities. Employers who fail to do so must pay a financial contribution into a designated fund or may be liable to imprisonment. Other countries with quota systems include the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Slovakia, and the Russian Federation (ILO 2004a). 3.6.1 Comment Discussing the assumptions underlying quota systems in Europe, Waddington (1996) says that such systems are based on the belief that, without some form of legislative intervention, people with disabilities would not make up even the specified percentage of the workforce: Quotas are based on two related assumptions: (i) that employers will not hire large numbers of disabled people unless they are required to do so, and (ii) that most disabled people are unable to compete for jobs with their non-disabled counterparts on an equal basis, and win them on their merits. In short, the assumption that disabled workers are less valuable and less productive, and that, if such workers are to be integrated in the open labour market, employers need to be obliged to hire them, and sometimes even financially compensated for doing so. Numerous employers have taken their cue from the legislation, and accept these assumptions. This is reflected in the fact that many employers resist the idea of, and obligations under, quota systems, and frequently “buy” themselves out of their obligation where this is an option, preferring to employ a largely non-disabled workforce. The history of the European quota systems amply demonstrates that an employment system which is based 95 Measures to facilitate work and employment on the idea that the protected group of workers are inferior cannot achieve permanent and significant success, since employers will attempt to evade their obligations to employ such workers (p. 71). A study for the European Commission (EC 2000), which looked at employment policies for disabled persons in eighteen industrialized countries, found no examples where quota systems achieved their targets. Acknowledging the arguments that quota systems produce resources from levies or fines which can be used to support other employment development measures, and that in some cases sufficient disabled people may not be available to enable employers to meet their quotas, the study concluded: â€œ . . . it is clearly the case that in most countries the tide is swinging away from quotas â€“ either for their abandonment altogether (as in the United Kingdom), or for other measures (active employment support for individuals and/or stronger anti-discrimination laws) to be given higher profile and greater forceâ€? (p. 207). 3.7 Anti-discrimination legislation Some European countries, such as Denmark, Finland and Sweden, as well as others including Australia, Canada, South Africa and the United States, did not introduce quota systems and decided instead to improve vocational training and rehabilitation and strengthen the voluntary approach to employers. In addition, more and more countries have, with increased lobbying by people with disabilities and their representative organizations, been taking the route of anti-discrimination legislation, based in many cases on the experience in the United States dating from civil rights legislation in the 1960s. Perhaps the greatest seismic shift in the area of employment for people with disabilities has been this move to anti-discrimination legislation. Like quota systems and other government-sponsored schemes, anti-discrimination legislation assumes that specific measures are needed to promote the employment of disabled people. Unlike quotas, however, such legislation says that people with disabilities are able to compete for jobs 96 Measures to facilitate work and employment on their merits, provided the environment in which they do so does not discriminate against them because of their disability. Anti-discrimination legislation is not new. Laws to promote equal employment opportunity and equal pay for women have been around in Europe for decades, with similar legislation to protect the rights of people on racial, ethnic, or religious grounds in many countries. One of the reasons why it took so long to extend anti-discrimination legislation to disabled people may have been the lack of effective collective advocacy to promote that cause. It was reported in 2000 that more than 40 out of 189 UN Member States had adopted some kind of anti-discrimination legislation in respect of persons with disabilities (Degener and Quinn 2000). It would be difficult to compare those laws given the different legal systems and the different historical, social, economic and political backgrounds of the countries concerned; however, we can note the increasing number of countries enacting such legislation, and the fact that most of the laws were adopted during the 1990s. The following country examples, which are by no means exhaustive, are presented to illustrate the variety of approaches to this matter. 3.7.1 Australia Australia has both national and state legislation to address discrimination against persons with disabilities. The Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 overrides state legislation and prohibits discrimination on the ground of disability in work and employment as well as other areas, including education. The Act is administered by a Disability Discrimination Commissioner within the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, which investigates complaints of discrimination. The 1992 Act allows for the development by organizations of Action Plans which identify barriers for persons with disabilities within the organization and set out policies and programmes, with time frames, for addressing them. The benefits of developing a Disability Action Plan are threefold: it demonstrates a commitment to anti-discrimination principles, it can be given to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity 97 Measures to facilitate work and employment Commission to be taken into account if a complaint is made against the organization, and it provides a tool for change. 3.7.2 Austria The Federal Disability Equality Act, which came into force in January 2006, provides for disability equality and anti-discrimination in all areas of life. 3.7.3 Brazil The Federal Constitution of Brazil of 1988 explicitly prohibits discrimination of any kind concerning the recruitment of or salaries paid to persons with disabilities (Article 7). Law No. 7.853/89 concerning the Rights of Persons with Disabilities guarantees to persons with disabilities the full exercise of their basic rights, including the right to work. This law makes it a punishable offence to discriminate against a person on grounds of disability in employment or work. 3.7.4 Canada Anti-discrimination measures in Canada take two legislative forms. Section 15 of the 1982 Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees every individual “the right to equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination” and covers discrimination based on mental or physical disability. The Canadian Human Rights Act 1985 prohibits certain discriminatory practices, and disability is included among the possible grounds. Both the Charter and the Act allow for (but do not require) affirmative action to reduce disadvantages. While the Act did not originally require an employer to make “reasonable accommodation” to enable a disabled person to meet job requirements, an Amendment, introduced in 1998, includes a duty to accommodate: The duty to accommodate refers to the obligation of an employer, service provider, or union to take steps to eliminate disadvantage to employees, prospective employees or clients resulting from a rule, practice, or physical barrier that has or may have an 98 Measures to facilitate work and employment adverse impact on individuals or groups protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act, or identified as a designated group under the Employment Equity Act. The Canadian Human Rights Act provides that the special needs of a person relating to a prohibited group of discrimination must be accommodated unless the employer or service provider can prove that to do so would be an undue hardship. The second form of legislative measure, the Employment Equity Act, 1995, requires active measures to deal with disadvantage, including making reasonable accommodation. Persons with disabilities are among those covered by the Act. 3.7.5 Costa Rica In Costa Rica, Law No. 760 concerning Equality of Opportunity for Persons with Disabilities prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the following cases relating to employment and work: the use of recruitment procedures which have not been adapted to reflect the needs of disabled jobseekers; the specification of requirements additional to those generally applied, in relation to the recruitment of persons with disabilities; and the failure to employ a person on grounds of disability. 3.7.6 Ethiopia The Right of Disabled Persons to Employment Proclamation (Proclamation No. 101/1994 of 26 August 1994) aims to protect the rights of disabled persons to appropriate training, employment opportunities and salary, and to stop any workplace discrimination. Sections 3 and 4 refer to how employment opportunities for disabled persons should be promoted in the open labour market. They state that no selection criteria shall refer to the disability of the candidate, and that necessary equipment shall be provided to allow a disabled person to carry out their duty. Article 6 emphasizes: 99 Measures to facilitate work and employment Any disabled person whose rights are affected because of noncompliance with the provisions of this Proclamation and regulations and directives issued hereunder, may lodge his grievance to the organ empowered by law to hear the labour dispute. 3.7.7 Germany The Ninth Book of the Social Code, 2001, prohibits discrimination against persons with severe disabilities in employment (Section 81 (2)). The Act on Equal Opportunities for Disabled Persons, 2002, aims at eradicating and preventing discrimination faced by persons with disabilities and grants them equal rights to participate in social and working life. This Act applies to federal agencies and state agencies that implement federal law. Private sector businesses are not directly covered, although they may enter into partnership agreements with disability organizations to promote accessibility and other positive measures (Degener 2004). 3.7.8 Mauritius The Training and Employment of Disabled Persons Act 1996 of Mauritius contains an anti-discrimination provision which makes it an offence for an employer to discriminate against any disabled person in relation to advertisement of and recruitment for employment, and the determination or allocation of wages, salaries, pensions and other matters relating to employment. Any employer who discriminates against a disabled person shall be liable to compensatory payment or to imprisonment. Under this Act, no disabled person shall be employed on work which, with regard to the nature of his disability, is not suitable. 3.7.9 Philippines The Philippinesâ€™ Magna Carta â€“ Disabled Persons 1992, section 32, prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment: No entity, whether public or private, shall discriminate against a qualified disabled person by reason of disability in regard to job application procedures, the hiring, promotion, or discharge of 100 Measures to facilitate work and employment employees, employee compensation, job training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. The Magna Carta lists in detail acts of discrimination covered by this prohibition: (a) limiting segregating or classifying a disabled job applicant in such a manner that adversely affects his work opportunities; (b) using qualification standards, employment tests or other selection criteria that screen out or tend to screen out a disabled person unless such standards, tests or other selection criteria are shown to be job-related for the position in question and are consistent with business necessity; (c) utilizing standards, criteria, or methods of administration that: â€“ have the effect of discrimination on the basis of disability; or â€“ perpetuate the discrimination of others who are subject to common administrative control; (d) providing less compensation, such as salary, wage or other forms of remuneration and fringe benefits, to a qualified disabled employee, by reason of his disability, than the amount to which a non-disabled person performing the same work is entitled; (e) favouring a non-disabled employee over a qualified disabled employee with respect to promotion, training opportunities, study and scholarship grants, solely on account of the latterâ€™s disability; (f) reassigning or transferring a disabled employee to a job or position he cannot perform by reason of his disability; (g) dismissing or terminating the services of a disabled employee by reason of his disability unless the employer can prove that he impairs the satisfactory performance of the work involved to the prejudice of the business entity: provided, however, that the employer first sought to provide reasonable accommodation for disabled persons; (h) failing to select or administer in the most effective manner employment tests which accurately reflect the skills, aptitude or 101 Measures to facilitate work and employment other factor of the disabled applicant or employee that such test purports to measure, rather than the impaired sensory, manual or speaking skills of such applicant or employee, if any; and (i) excluding disabled persons from membership in labour unions or similar organizations. 3.7.10 South Africa The South African Constitution contains a Bill of Rights, which “enshrines the rights of all people in our country and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom” (Act No. 108 of 1996, Ch. 2, clause 7). Clause 9 – Equality, which forms part of the chapter on the Bill of Rights, states that equality includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms, and that no person may be discriminated against directly or indirectly on the ground of disability or on any of the other grounds specified. Clause 9 also states that national legislation must be enacted to prevent or prohibit unfair discrimination. To promote the constitutional right of equality, eliminate unfair discrimination in employment, ensure the implementation of employment equity to redress the effects of discrimination and to give effect to South Africa’s obligations as a member of the ILO, the Employment Equity Act (No. 55) was passed in 1998. The Act requires all employers to eliminate unfair discrimination, direct or indirect, in any employment policy or practice, on disability or other specified grounds. It is not unfair discrimination if an employer takes affirmative action measures consistent with the purpose of the Act, or distinguishes, excludes or prefers any person on the basis of an inherent requirement of the job (Ch.11, clause 6(2)). The Employment Equity Act defines affirmative measures as “measures designed to ensure that suitably qualified people from designated groups 8 have equal employment opportunities and are equitably represented in all occupational categories and levels in the workforce of a designated employer”. Affirmative action measures must include: 8 Measures to facilitate work and employment • measures to identify and eliminate employment barriers which adversely affect people from designated groups; • measures to enhance diversity in the workplace based on equal dignity and respect; and • making reasonable accommodation for people from designated groups to ensure that they enjoy equal opportunities and are equitably represented in an employer’s workforce in all occupational categories and levels. This may include preferential treatment and numerical goals, but excludes quotas (idem. clause 15). The Act defines “reasonable accommodation” as “any modification or adjustment to a job or to the working environment that will enable a person from a designated group to have access to or participate or advance in employment”. Employers are required to prepare and implement an “employment equity plan” setting out objectives, specific numerical goals to achieve equitable representation of suitably qualified people from designated groups within each occupational category and level, timetables, strategies to achieve their goals, and procedures for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the plan. Unfair discrimination in employment on disability grounds is further prohibited under the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, 2000 (No. 4). The Act makes it clear that disability discrimination includes failing to take reasonable steps to accommodate the needs of a person with disabilities, and failing to identify or eliminate obstacles that unjustly limit or restrict persons with disabilities from enjoying equal opportunities. 3.7.11 United Kingdom Under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944, the rights of disabled people to mainstream employment were to be achieved through a quota system, which required private employers with 20 or more employees to have at least 3 per cent of their workforce made up of registered 103 Measures to facilitate work and employment persons with disabilities, and through the Reserved Occupations Scheme, under which the two occupations of electric lift attendant and car park attendant were reserved for disabled people. The quota system was abolished in 1996 (for further details see 3.6) when the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 came into force. The 1995 Act contained provisions making it unlawful to discriminate against a disabled person in relation to employment, the provision of goods, facilities and services and other issues. It also contained some provisions relating to education and accessibility of transport. The Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 extended the 1995 Act so as to make it unlawful to discriminate against disabled pupils and students seeking access to education in schools and colleges. The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Amendment) Regulations 2003 which came into force on 1 October 2004 served to implement the disability aspects of the European Community Employment Directive 2000/78/EC (see 1.29). The Regulations also made significant changes to the 1995 Act, including ending the exemption of small employers from the scope of the Act and bringing within its ambit a number of excluded occupations such as police, firefighters and prison officers. The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 extended and amended the 1995 Act, reinforcing and refining the anti-discrimination law, including in relation to public authorities, transport and general qualifications bodies. 3.7.12 United States In the United States, the system of rehabilitation in the 1950s and 1960s still had a strong medical component. A medical diagnosis underlay eligibility for the programme and effectively determined the course of rehabilitation for the programmeâ€™s target populations (Menz 1997). However, the cause or origin of disability (for example, war injuries) became less of concern under the evolving programme and the range of eligible â€œgroupsâ€? expanded during the 1960s and 1970s. With the passage of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, the emphasis moved to vocational rehabilitation, and considerable investment followed in vocational reha104 Measures to facilitate work and employment bilitation facilities, sheltered workshops, day activity centres and in training qualified rehabilitation professionals. Part of the 1973 Act is concerned with eliminating employment discrimination, targeting in particular public employers and firms contracting with the federal government. Disability lobbyists argued not just for effective implementation, but for an extension of the Act’s requirements to employers in the private sector. With the 1986 Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act, collective advocacy, developed from the Civil Rights Movement, more and more influenced the broad national goals for rehabilitation: • “vocational rehabilitation” was largely replaced in the language of the Act with “rehabilitation”; • independent living was identified as a distinct service option for people without immediate vocational goals.9 • supported employment was identified as a distinct programme and outcome for the most severely disabled individuals requirements for need-based programming were introduced: – a formal state plan must be followed, based on the assessed needs of people with disabilities; – eligibility must be based on expressed needs among severely disabled persons; – an individualized rehabilitation plan must be developed based on individual needs; and – the state programme must be evaluated based on the extent to which it meets the needs of persons with severe disabilities (Menz 1997, p. 96). 9 The independent living philosophy is about persons with disabilities taking responsibility for and control of decisions affecting themselves, becoming self-reliant, and achieving full and equal participation in society. Control over the individual’s rehabilitation programme was now very much in the hands of consumers of rehabilitation services. 105 Measures to facilitate work and employment Public activism and organized advocacy continued, culminating in the adoption of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. This extended the anti-discrimination principle to all private employers with fifteen or more workers. It also prohibited discrimination on the ground of disability in housing, public accommodation, education, transport, communication, recreation, institutionalization, health services, voting and access to public services. In order to benefit from the employment protection provided by the ADA, the individual must be qualified for the job in question. This means they must be able to perform the “essential functions of the job”, following the making of “reasonable accommodation”, if necessary, a “reasonable accommodation” being any modification or adjustment that is effective in allowing an individual with a disability to perform the “essential functions” of the job. Employers are obliged to make such accommodations unless it would cause them “undue hardship”. 3.7.13 Viet Nam The Ordinance on Disabled Persons of 1998 prohibits discrimination in hiring against disabled persons for administrative and non-business positions. The Ordinance also provides for tax benefits to employers who recruit persons with disabilities. 3.7.14 Zambia The People with Disabilities Act No. 33 of 1996 in Zambia specifies that an employer shall not treat a person with a disability differently from a person without a disability in advertising for employment, recruiting, offering terms or conditions of employment, considering promotion, transfer or training of such persons or providing any other benefits related to employment. The prohibition of discrimination also applies to learning institutions. Discrimination is defined in the Act to mean: • 106 treating a person with a disability less favourably than a person without a disability; Measures to facilitate work and employment â€˘ treating a person with a disability less favourably than another person with a disability; â€˘ requiring a person with a disability to comply with a requirement or condition in which persons without a disability may have an advantage; and â€˘ not providing different services or conditions required for that disability. 3.7.15 Key issues There are reports that anti-discrimination legislation which became effective in certain industrialized countries some years ago has not been particularly effective in improving the employment situation of persons with disabilities. A study to examine the implementation, enforcement and effectiveness of anti-discrimination legislation in relation to employment in different countries would be useful. 3.8 Persuasion measures As an addition or alternative to obligatory measures based on legislation or quota systems, non-obligatory measures based on persuasion and selfregulation are found in many countries, with the express purpose of promoting employment for persons with disabilities. 3.8.1 Information and awareness-raising campaigns Information and awareness-raising campaigns, often organized by government agencies and sometimes by employer groups, may involve public seminars, publications, features in newspapers, local and national radio and television, websites, and so forth, (in many countries, including Belgium, Canada, France, Japan and Portugal). Employer-led campaigns in Sweden, for example, aim to increase interest in creating job opportunities for disabled people, and emphasize that profitability and social responsibility are not incompatible. 107 Measures to facilitate work and employment 3.8.2 Awards Awards to employers for efforts to improve employment opportunities are intended to recognize good employment policy and practice and to encourage other employers to do likewise (for example, Australia, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland). Awards may be made by a government agency or by employer networks/associations. 3.8.3 Other measures Symbols which public or private enterprises may use on their stationery, advertisements or other company literature indicating their commitment to equal opportunity and treatment for disabled workers are used to show good company practice and to encourage others (for example, Ireland, United Kingdom). Codes of good practice for employers have been developed in Belgium and the United Kingdom. Disability equality awareness training for employers and their employees is used in some countries, usually provided by non-governmental disability organizations. It is difficult to assess the usefulness of persuasion measures in influencing attitudes or behaviour. The EU survey of employment policies for people with disabilities concluded that disability organizations tend to believe that competing interests will almost always undermine their effectiveness (EC 2000, p. 209). 3.8.4 Key issues While attitudes expressed in employer surveys may not always be reflected in employer behaviour, persuasion measures should at least help to heighten awareness. Like voluntary quota schemes, however, persuasion measures are no substitute for legislation and other obligatory measures in promoting equality opportunity and treatment for workers with disabilities. 3.9 Disability management The practice of disability management has developed in recent years as a means of facilitating the recruitment, advancement, job retention and 108 Measures to facilitate work and employment return to work of persons with disabilities. In the workplace, disability management is a proactive process, often integrated into human resource development practices, that promotes the entry and promotion of persons with disabilities, as well as strategies that include a range of prevention, rehabilitation and safe return-to-work interventions to address workplace injury and disability. These strategies are undertaken in a coordinated effort by workers’ representatives and management, who assume joint responsibility for addressing disability-related issues in the workplace. The ILO Code of Practice on Managing Disability in the Workplace adopted in November 2001 was drawn up to guide employers, in all sectors and sizes of enterprise, to adopt a positive strategy in managing disability-related issues in the workplace. While the ILO Code of Practice is primarily addressed to employers, the document notes that “governments play an essential role in creating a supportive legislative and social policy framework and providing incentives to promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Moreover, the participation and initiative of people with disabilities is important for the Code to be achievable.” The role of workers’ organizations is also emphasized. The contents of the Code of Practice are based on the principles underpinning international instruments and initiatives designed to promote the safe and healthy employment of all people with disabilities. The Code is not a legally binding document and is not intended to supersede or replace national legislation. It is intended to be read in the context of national conditions and to be applied in accordance with national law and practice (ILO 2002). 3.9.1 Job retention The ILO Code of Practice includes recommended practice in relation to workers who acquire a disability while in employment, covering aspects such as policy, assessment and rehabilitation. Prevention, early intervention and retention are issues receiving increasing attention in many countries (Thornton 1998). Such measures are supported in many cases by the insurance industry on the basis that job retention is generally likely to be a less costly outcome than if the employee leaves work. Recent reviews of employment policies for persons with disabilities identified relatively few examples of initiatives in this area, but it is likely to assume growing 109 Measures to facilitate work and employment importance to employers if it can be shown to prove itself on cost-effectiveness grounds. To date, a limited number of countries have actively promoted disability management as a strategy in national policies concerning vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons. Examples are cited here from Canada and the United States. 3.9.2 Disability management in Canada A Code of Practice for Disability Management was launched in Canada in 2000. Endorsed and funded in part by the Federal Government’s LabourManagement Partnership Programme, and produced by the National Institute of Disability Management and Research (NIDMAR), the Code provides practical guidelines, key criteria and outcome measures for implementing disability management. Many organizations and their networks, including employers’ and workers’ organizations and DPOs, are helping to facilitate the employment, retention and return-to-work opportunities for disabled persons. Measures include policy statements and provision of advisory and supportive services. 3.9.3 Disability management in the United States With few exceptions, there are generally no federal or state programmes for short-term or long-term disability measures for non-occupational illness or injuries in the United States. This role is usually filled by employer, union and/or employee funded programmes. The costs of short-term and long-term payments, as well as workers’ compensation payment for work injuries, are ultimately borne by employers through increased insurance premiums. Employers thus have an incentive to reduce these costs. This has led to the introduction of what is termed disability management, encompassing a variety of activities designed to prevent disabilities from occurring and/or to minimize their impact on workers and employers. The activities include: • safety programmes; • employee health and assistance programmes; and • return-to-work programmes. 110 Measures to facilitate work and employment 3.9.4 Key issues The ILO Code of Practice on Managing Disability in the Workplace should be promoted actively with a view to its wider dissemination to and use by governments and employers’ and workers’ organizations. 3.10 Consultation mechanisms ILO Convention No. 159 requires that representative organizations of employers and workers, as well as those of and for disabled persons, are to be consulted on the implementation of national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment. Recommendation No. 168 states that these organizations should also be able to contribute to the formulation of policies on the organization and development of vocational rehabilitation services, and makes a number of recommendations about the form their participation might take. Based on its survey of national legislation and the information provided by governments, the ILO’s Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations has found that consultations, of different forms, are held in an increasing number of countries (ILO 1998). In some countries (for example, Austria, Czech Republic, France, Mauritius, Sweden, United Kingdom) permanent councils or committees have been set up involving DPOs and are consulted on the implementation of national policy. In other countries, all three representative groups are on various bodies responsible for drafting or implementing policies, measures and programmes (in, for example, Chile, Cyprus, Finland, Germany, the Philippines, Tunisia). Some governments report that permanent bodies have been established to hold consultations with employers’ and workers’ representatives (Australia, Burkina Faso, Greece, Lithuania, for example). In other countries (for example, Argentina, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Iceland, Suriname, Thailand, Zambia) only organizations of and for persons with disabilities appear to be consulted. 111 Measures to facilitate work and employment 3.10.1 Key issues Vocational rehabilitation and employment for persons with disabilities should be seen as an essential component of national employment policy. Government consultations on this issue would undoubtedly benefit from the participation of employers’ and workers’ organizations, as well as from the involvement of representatives of and for disabled persons. The CRPD recognizes the importance of consultation between States Parties and representative organizations of and for persons with disabilities on disability-related issues, including work and employment (Art. 4(3)), but makes no direct reference to including employers’ or workers’ organizations in such consultations. The ILO has consistently called for all three types of representative bodies to be consulted by governments in relation to the implementation of national policies on vocational rehabilitation and employment for persons with disabilities (see, for example, ILO Convention No. 159, Art. 5). 3.11 Information, monitoring and evaluation 3.11.1 Information The ILO Code of Practice on Managing Disability in the Workplace (ILO 2002) defines a disabled person as “An individual whose prospects of securing, returning to, retaining and advancing in suitable employment are substantially reduced as a result of a duly recognized physical, sensory, intellectual or mental impairment.” This is a slightly amplified version of the definition used in ILO Convention No. 159, which has successfully stood the test of time since its adoption in 1983. For practical purposes, the Code of Practice definition may be seen as applying to any generalized sections of this report. In considering disability legislation and policies at national, regional or international levels, however, one finds no such agreement. There are wide divergences in how disability is defined, not only between countries (see, for example, OECD 2000, pp. 194-201), but also between ministries and programmes within countries (for example, in Australia and Canada). 112 Measures to facilitate work and employment There is no consistent series of internationally comparable, reliable and valid data on people with disabilities. This is partly because of the plethora of definitions used, but also because of deficiencies in the data collection methods employed. Thus, estimates of the numbers of persons in the working-age population who are or might be classified as having disabilities vary between countries, not only according to differences as to what constitutes a disability, but also because of the variety of approaches used to gather and compile such data. These are not the only reasons why cross-national comparisons are difficult. As the EU study of employment policies for people with disabilities points out, no two countries operate substantially similar systems, and there are major differences in almost all the main factors which impact on the structure and delivery of disability and employment policy (EC 2000). Comparisons between countries can be informative and useful, provided the bases for comparison are valid. What are more important in the first instance, however, are the relevance, nature, quality, reliability and accuracy of information which informs the development of policy and programmes in each country. From recent surveys it would appear that, with a few notable exceptions (Australia, Canada, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, for example), the data required for policy and programme development, planning, monitoring and evaluation are inadequate, and seriously so in some cases. Most of the countries concerned readily acknowledge the information gaps, recognizing that inadequacies in data make effective policy formulation and planning difficult, and weaken the case for resource allocation. Many have plans to improve their statistical information on the employment of persons with disabilities. In 1999, the UN General Assembly urged Governments to cooperate with the Statistics Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the UN Secretariat in the continued development of global statistics and indicators on disability (UN 1999). At the UN International Seminar on Measurement of Disability in 2001, it was accepted that statistical and methodological work was required at an international level to facilitate the comparison of data on disability cross-nationally. Consequently, the 113 Measures to facilitate work and employment UN Statistical Division authorized the formation of the Washington Group to address some of the issues identified and to develop a set of general disability measures suitable for use in censuses, sample-based national surveys or other statistical formats by using the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). In parallel with these activities, the ILO Bureau of Statistics, in collaboration with the ILO Disability Programme within the Skills and Employability Department, launched a project to analyse the existing national statistics on the employment situation of persons with disabilities.10 The resulting compendium describes the methodologies currently in use in 95 countries (ILO 2004b). “The results show that countries mainly rely on population censuses and household surveys to compile these statistics, which means that information is generally collected at 5or 10-yearly intervals, or for one point in time only. According to the country replies, these sources provide detailed data on employment status and generally take into account the relevant international standards dealing with employment and unemployment statistics. It has been found that the sources usually use definitions of disability that come from national legislation or that have been developed by national statistical offices, ministries and/or NGOs concerned with disability; less than 50 per cent of the countries are using the relevant international standards dealing with statistics on disability” (idem., Summary, Part 1). To complement this compendium, the ILO has prepared guidelines on improving statistical information on the employment of disabled persons (ILO 2007). Building on knowledge in the fields of labour and disability statistics, these guidelines are intended as a contribution to the development a comprehensive, internationally comparable description of the employment situation of persons with disabilities in countries around the world. The CRPD also recognizes the importance of information and its proper management. Article 31 requires States Parties to collect appropriate information, including statistical and research data, to enable them to formulate and implement policies to give effect to the Convention. “The 10 This project is linked to the ILO project, “Employment of people with disabilities: The impact of legislation” funded by the Government of Ireland. 114 Measures to facilitate work and employment process of collecting and maintaining this information shall comply with legally established safeguards, including legislation on data collection, to ensure confidentiality and respect for the privacy of persons with disabilities; and comply with internationally accepted norms to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms and ethical principles in the collection and use of statisticsâ€? (Art. 31 (1)). The information collected shall be used to help assess the implementation of States Partiesâ€™ obligations under the Convention and to identify and address the barriers faced by persons with disabilities in exercising their rights. States Parties have responsibility for the dissemination of these statistics and ensuring their accessibility to persons with disabilities (Art. 31 (2) and (3)). 3.11.2 Monitoring The ILO Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR) is one of two supervisory bodies with responsibility for the regular supervision of the observance by Member States of their standards-related obligations.11 Members of the CEACR, appointed by the ILO Governing Body for a renewable period of three years, are appointed in a personal capacity among impartial persons of technical competence and independent standing, drawn from all parts of the world. The CEACR reviews the periodic reports of Member States on the measures which they have taken to give effect to the provisions of Conventions which they have ratified. Every UN Convention provides for the establishment of a Treaty Monitoring Body to monitor implementation by States Parties which have ratified the Convention in question. There are limitations to the process: while States are required to comply with Conventions they have ratified, Monitoring Bodies have no power to enforce. NGOs are tending to become more vocal in urging that Monitoring Bodies become more pro-active. The 2006 CRPD contains a number of provisions in relation to implementation and monitoring. States Parties are required to designate one or more focal points within government for matters relating to the imple11 The other regular supervisory body is the Conference Committee on the Application of Standards. 115 Measures to facilitate work and employment mentation of the Convention, and to give due consideration to the establishment or designation of a coordination mechanism within government to facilitate related action in different sectors and at different levels. States Parties are to have a framework to promote, protect and monitor implementation. Civil society, in particular persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, are to participate fully in the monitoring process (Art. 33). The Convention also provides for a Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Each State Party is required to submit to the Committee a comprehensive report on measures taken to give effect to its obligations under the Convention within two years after the entry into force of the Convention for the State Party concerned. Thereafter, States Parties must submit subsequent reports at least every four years and further whenever the Committee so requests. The Committee will make suggestions and general recommendations on the report to the State Party concerned. The UN Secretary General will make the reports available to all States Parties. States Parties are required to make their reports widely available to the public in their own countries and to facilitate access to the suggestions and general recommendations relating to the reports. The Committee may invite specialized agencies and other UN organs to submit reports on the implementation of the Convention in areas falling within the scope of their activities. The Committee is required to report every two years to the General Assembly and to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and may make suggestions and general recommendations based on the examination of reports and information received from the States Parties (Art. 34 to 39). The UN General Assembly also approved on 13 December 2006 an Optional Protocol to the CRPD. A State Party to the Convention has the option of being a party to the Protocol. States that ratify the Protocol recognize the competence of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to consider communications from or on behalf of individuals or groups of individuals subject to its jurisdiction who claim to be victims of a violation by that State Party of the provisions of the Convention. No communication shall be received by the Committee if it concerns a State Party to the Convention that is not a party to the Protocol. 116 Measures to facilitate work and employment 3.11.3 Evaluation Poor data render effective programme monitoring and evaluation wellnigh impossible (OECD 1986). This assumes particular importance when increasing social security costs give rise to concern. For example, in her 1998 report on job retention and return to work strategies, Thornton includes in a list of â€œemerging issuesâ€?: Principles of social solidarity are eroding fast in the Netherlands, with decreasing public and political will to support the massive costs of the disability system . . . A response to the rising costs of sickness and disability benefits in the Netherlands and in Sweden has been to shift responsibilities from the state to the enterprise . . . both for payment of sickness benefit and for early intervention to reduce sickness absence (p. 13). The General Accounting Office in the United States has criticized the fact that the effectiveness of a large range of employment-related programmes for people with disabilities has been subject to little or no evaluation (Thornton and Lunt 1997, p. 276). The place of social security benefits in facilitating return to work has also received special attention in the United States. Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplementary Security Income programs should not be viewed as exclusive and permanent sources of income to the person with disabilities. They should, in every case possible, be used as stepping stones to improving a personâ€™s economic condition. (Social Security Administration 1994, quoted in Thornton and Lunt 1997, p. 277). Few employment-related programmes for people with disabilities appear to have produced evaluations which could be used to support a case for better funding. The general need for better evaluation data is being reinforced by growing and competing demands on public expenditure. Competition for resources exists not only within the overall context of national economic policies, but also between disability policies (prevention versus 117 Measures to facilitate work and employment rehabilitation versus equal opportunity, for example) and within the disability employment area itself. For instance, should available resources be allocated to train all those who have a disability, concentrated on skill training for those most likely to get jobs, or devoted to those most in need? The imprecision inherent in any evaluation programme does not mean that evaluations should not be carried out or used as a guide to policy. There is no alternative, if policy affecting the future is to be based on a reasonable assessment of the problems with which that policy must deal. 118 Key issues and an agenda for action 4.1 Introduction Despite the array of international, regional, and national laws and other instruments, persons with disabilities throughout the world continue to be subjected to discrimination and denial of their rights in the field of employment. Available statistics indicate that the labour force inactivity rate of workers with disabilities tends to be twice or more that of other workers. Disabled workers are generally concentrated in low-level, lowpaid jobs, and are not adequately represented at higher levels. Physical accessibility problems are commonplace, often reflecting negative attitudes or prejudices among others in the labour market. The double discrimination (sometimes treble, because of poverty) of women with disabilities is a particular affront to human dignity and a denial of human rights on which priority action is overdue. If the measures contained in international treaties were appropriately implemented, full equality and participation would be achieved. There is no country in which a major policy or programme initiative is not required. 4.2 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) All international human rights instruments protect the rights of persons with disabilities through the principles of equality and non-discrimination. Securing a disability-specific convention was not, and is not, about establishing new rights. Many previous instruments did not explicitly include disability among the disability grounds listed; it was generally accepted, however, that it was encompassed by a term such as “or other status”. The new Convention: • restates, reinforces and updates rights contained in other international instruments; • confirms that all such rights apply to persons with disabilities; • provides a fresh impetus and imperative to governments to modify or abolish existing laws, regulations, customs and practices that discriminate against persons with disabilities and to adopt appropriate legislation and other measures for the implementation of the rights contained in the Convention; 119 Key issues and an agenda for action • provides for the establishment of a specific Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to monitor compliance with the Convention; • provides for the participation on the Committee of experts with disabilities; • obliges States Parties to “closely consult with and actively involve persons with disabilities . . . through their representative organizations” in the development and implementation of legislation and policies to implement the Convention, and in other decision-making processes concerning issues relating to persons with disabilities (Art. 4(3), emphasis added); • has an Optional Protocol dealing with individual or group complaints and an inquiry procedure; • provided an open, transparent and consultative convention development process through which persons with disabilities, their representative organizations and other interested parties could meaningfully participate at this level on a greater basis than ever before; • has helped to create a new and greater awareness, not least among persons with disabilities themselves, of the rights of persons with disabilities; • has enhanced the recognition of the role of disability NGOs at national and international level; and • provides the potential to maintain the momentum created by the convention development process through a number of implementation provisions, including the obligation of States Parties to designate one or more focal points within government relating to the implementation of the Convention, and to establish a framework, including one or more independent mechanisms, to promote, protect and monitor implementation, taking into account the principles relating to the status and functioning of independent national human rights institutions that already exist in many States. 120 Key issues and an agenda for action 4.3 Agenda for action, with particular relevance to work and employment issues The CRPD has helped to reset the core agenda of actions to be taken to combat discrimination and to positively promote inclusion. The list of obligations in the CRPD is comprehensive, but not exhaustive (OHCHR 2007): there are other related matters which should be included in an agenda for action, such as the consultative role of employersâ€™ and workersâ€™ organizations in relation to work and employment issues concerning persons with disabilities, specific development issues, and how human rights instruments might be used more effectively in the context of disability. 4.3.1 Bringing the UN Convention and Optional Protocol into force The CRPD opened for signature by States and by regional integration organizations on 30 March 2007. For consent to be bound, the CRPD is subject to ratification by signatory States and to formal confirmation by signatory regional integration organizations. It is open for accession by any State or regional integration organization which has not signed it. A minimum of twenty ratifications and/or accessions is required before the CRPD comes onto force. This responsibility falls mainly on States. A first priority is to reach that goal. Bringing the CRPD into force needs to be followed by a continuing process, at national and international level, of having States sign and ratify the treaty, thereby undertaking to ensure and promote the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for persons with disabilities within their respective jurisdictions, without discrimination of any kind on the basis of disability. A similar process of ratification is required in respect of the Optional Protocol. However, subject to the entry into force of the CRPD, ten ratifications and or accessions are sufficient to bring the Optional Protocol into force. 121 Key issues and an agenda for action 4.3.2 Awareness measures Real progress will only be achieved if all stakeholders are made aware of the CRPD, so that everyone knows and understands their rights and responsibilities in relation to it. States Parties to the CRPD undertake to adopt immediate, effective and appropriate measures to raise awareness through society. Measures to that end include initiating and maintaining effective public awareness campaigns designed, inter alia, to promote recognition of the skills, merits and abilities of persons with disabilities and of their contributions to the workplace and the labour market. Other bodies, including national and international disability NGOs and human rights institutions, have an important part to play in this process. 4.3.3 Role of representative organizations of persons with disabilities (DPOs) In the development, implementation and monitoring of legislation and policies to implement the CRPD, and in other decision-making processes concerning issues relating to persons with disabilities, including the raising of awareness, States Parties are required to closely consult with and actively involve persons with disabilities through their representative organizations. National organizations representing persons with disabilities have a key role to play in the CRPD implementation process. Bearing in mind that the implementation process is in many ways more complex than the drafting process, they need to ensure that they are closely consulted and actively involved by their respective governments and that they have, or are in a position to acquire, the skills, knowledge and expertise necessary for meaningful consultation and involvement over a wide range of policy and programme issues, including those related to work and employment. 4.3.4 Implementation framework Early attention will need to be given by States Parties to their obligation to designate one or more focal points within government for matters relating to the implementation of the CRPD, and to give due consideration to the establishment or designation of a coordination mechanism within govern122 Key issues and an agenda for action ment to facilitate related action in different sectors, including work and employment, and at different levels. States Parties are also required to establish a framework, including one or more independent mechanisms as appropriate, to promote, protect and monitor implementation of the CRPD. Responsibility within these mechanisms for work and employment issues should be clearly designated. Civil society, in particular persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, are to be involved and to participate fully in the monitoring process. 4.3.5 Legislative and other measures States Parties are required to adopt appropriate legislative, administrative and other measures for the implementation of the rights recognized in the CRPD, and to modify or abolish measures that constitute discrimination. Such measures should, inter alia, • prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability with regard to all matters concerning all forms of employment, including conditions of recruitment, hiring and employment, continuance of employment, career advancement and safe and healthy working conditions; • protect the rights of persons with disabilities, on an equal basis with others, to just and favourable conditions of work, including equal opportunities and equal remuneration for work of equal value, safe and healthy working conditions, including protection from harassment, and the redress of grievances; • ensure that persons with disabilities are able to exercise their labour and trade union rights on an equal basis with others; • enable persons with disabilities to have effective access to general technical and vocational guidance programmes, placement services and vocational training; • promote employment opportunities and career advancement for persons with disabilities in the labour market, as well as assistance in finding, obtaining, maintaining and returning to employment; • promote opportunities for self-employment, entrepreneurship, the development of cooperatives and starting one’s own business; 123 Key issues and an agenda for action • employ persons with disabilities in the public sector; • promote the employment of persons with disabilities in the private sector through appropriate policies and measures, which may include affirmative action programmes, incentives and other measures; • ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided to persons with disabilities in the workplace; • promote the acquisition by persons with disabilities of work experience in the open labour market; and • promote vocational and professional rehabilitation, job retention and return-to-work programmes for persons with disabilities. Many countries already have anti-discrimination legislation to protect the rights of persons with disabilities in relation to employment. The enforcement of such legislation and its effectiveness in some cases in improving the employment situation for disabled people has been questioned. In meeting their responsibility in this matter under the CRPD, States Parties may need to critically review and evaluate existing legislation and to modify it as appropriate. 4.3.6 Mainstreaming of disability issues The term “mainstreaming” has sometimes been applied to single measures such as the transfer of government responsibility for vocational training for persons with disabilities from a particular ministry to the ministry responsible for general labour market training. In keeping with the goal of full inclusion and participation in society, mainstreaming calls for disability issues to be positively taken into account in the development of all policies and programmes, and in the processes and structures designed to implement policies and programmes. This is the intent of Article 4.1c of the CRPD, which makes this a general obligation on States Parties. A concerted effort should be made to document good practice in mainstreaming disability in different sectors and to disseminate this information widely. 124 Key issues and an agenda for action 4.3.7 Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities An essential part of the monitoring process prescribed by the CRPD is the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Committee will play an important role in considering and reacting to reports from States Parties, and reporting in turn to the UN General Assembly and ECOSOC. The Committee will consist, at the time of entry into force of the Convention, of 12 experts which number may increase to 18 after a further 60 ratifications or accessions. Members of the Committee are to be elected by States Parties. Details concerning the representative nature of Committee members are in the Convention and should be considered carefully by persons with disabilities and other interested parties. From an action agenda perspective, it should be noted that the initial election shall be held no later than six months after the date of entry into force of the Convention. An important provision, and one which has the potential to be of considerable value in promoting the effective implementation of the Convention and encouraging international cooperation, entitles the specialized agencies and other UN organs to be represented at the consideration by the Committee of the implementation aspects of the Convention falling within their remit. The Committee may invite these bodies to provide expert advice and to submit reports. The Committee will also consult, as appropriate, other relevant bodies established by international human rights treaties. 4.3.8 Issue of resources The OHCHR has highlighted the issue of resources in the context of implementing the Convention. The Convention recognizes the scarcity of resources facing many States through the inclusion of provisions recognizing obligations to provide “reasonable accommodation” and to achieve the progressive realization of economic, social and cultural rights. “Reasonable accommodation” and “progressive realization” are practical devices that acknowledge the real world challenges to the effective implementation of human rights treaties. Importantly, they avoid overburdening States, employers and 125 Key issues and an agenda for action other duty-bearers by accepting that the onus of ensuring the enjoyment of the rights of persons with disabilities is not without bounds. States at different levels of development, or facing different economic circumstances, may thus be able to provide different levels of support and protection for persons with disabilities, or require a longer time to achieve the full elimination of certain barriers or obstacles faced by persons with disabilities without being in breach of their human rights obligations. However, the concepts of “reasonable accommodation” and “progressive realization” do not deprive human rights obligations of meaningful content. Indeed, many of the obligations recognized in the Convention have immediate effect; making steady progress in improving respect and protection for the rights of persons with disabilities cannot be delayed for another day and providing reasonable accommodation or progressively realizing rights requires specific action, whatever the resource constraints a State may face. In this regard, States must take steps towards full realization of these rights through, for example, developing time-bound plans of action in key social areas; focusing appropriately on persons with disability who have suffered marginalization and discrimination. Such plans should ensure that adequate and proportionate levels of funding are allocated towards the allocation of human rights and that existing funds are used efficiently and effectively. In addition, States are obliged to seek help from the international community where it may be needed. At the same time, those in a position to assist must give priority to the rights of the most vulnerable. Where States fail to provide “reasonable accommodations” or “progressive realization”, individuals should have a claim of action. The denial of reasonable accommodation for a learner with disability by an educational establishment, . . . the dismissal (of) or failure to hire a person whose disability can be reasonably accommodated in the workplace are all clear breaches of immediate obligations. Judicial or other appropriate remedies should be available for all violations of human rights – civil, cultural, economic, political and social – and all victims, including persons with disabilities (OHCHR 2007). 126 Key issues and an agenda for action 4.3.9 Consultation with representative organizations of employers and workers States Parties to the UN Convention are required to consult with organizations representing persons with disabilities in relation to the development and implementation of legislation and policies to implement the Convention, including in the area of work and employment. ILO Convention No. 159 requires Members to consult representative organizations of employers and workers, as well as of persons with disabilities, in relation to the implementation of national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons. On matters relating to work and employment, consultation between all parties mentioned is likely to be more productive. 4.3.10 Information There is a general lack of reliable, valid and comparable data on the employment situation of persons with disabilities. The CRPD acknowledges the importance of proper data and requires States Parties to collect appropriate information. Work currently being undertaken by the ILO Bureau of Statistics and other agencies to improve methodologies and quality of relevant information should be encouraged and supported. 4.3.11 Women with disabilities Women with disabilities are more vulnerable to discrimination because they are women and because they have a disability. Many women with disabilities are further discriminated against because they are poor. This double or treble discrimination suffered by women with disabilities is often ignored or goes unnoticed. It is also largely neglected because little information is available on its extent or impact. The CRPD requires States Parties to recognize that women and girls with disabilities are subject to multiple discrimination and to take measures to ensure the full and equal enjoyment by them of all human rights and fundamental freedoms (Art. 6). The general neglect of particular issues affecting women with disabilities should be addressed as a priority. Consideration might be given to proclaiming a Year of Women with Disabilities in order to highlight the 127 Key issues and an agenda for action particular vulnerability of this group to discrimination and to elaborate a special programme of action to address the problem issues. 4.3.12 Development issues An estimated 80 per cent of all disabled people in the world live in rural areas in developing countries. The majority has either limited or no access to the services they need. In a climate of economic and political uncertainty, the protection of the most vulnerable members of society assumes greater importance. A particular responsibility rests on governments to counter or alleviate the outcomes of market and other forces. A concerted effort is needed to increase the range and level of international support and assistance to enable developing countries to improve vocational rehabilitation, work and employment opportunities for women and men with disabilities. Bilateral and multilateral development cooperation programmes should integrate disability measures into their own overall approach. Many development projects involve the construction of schools and vocational training centres, the establishment of public transport systems, the setting up of new factories, workshops and offices. If the particular needs of persons with disabilities are not planned for in those developments, the result will reinforce their segregation and exclusion and deny them the opportunities to which they are entitled. Experience elsewhere shows clearly that attempting to make existing buildings accessible to people with different disabilities is both difficult and costly. Attention should therefore be paid to accessibility requirements from the early planning stage of such construction. The Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) approach to poverty reduction in low-income countries, initiated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB), needs revision to ensure that it adequately reflects the needs of people with disabilities who live in poverty. 4.3.13 Other work and employment issues Priority in vocational training policy and provision, particularly in times of high or rising unemployment, should be given to the most vulnerable if 128 Key issues and an agenda for action they are not to become further disadvantaged in the labour market. Steps should be taken to identify and promote good practice in inclusive vocational training for people with disabilities. Many of the jobs for which disabled people have been traditionally trained no longer exist. The relevance of training programmes to current and likely future labour market requirements should be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Physical accessibility remains a major barrier to many persons with disabilities seeking work or training. Special measures are needed to create a truly barrier-free and non-discriminatory environment. Awareness training in disability issues for employees, including supervisors and managers at all levels, can play an important role in creating and maintaining an inclusive and effective work environment (see also ILO 2002). Persuasion measures to promote employment of persons with disabilities should be encouraged and intensified. Such measures are, however, no substitute for legislation and other obligatory measures in promoting equality of opportunity and treatment. There appears to be considerable potential for creating additional meaningful employment for persons with disabilities by expanding the range and types of social enterprises. Concerted efforts are required to identify and reduce barriers which are inhibiting the creation of new social enterprises. 4.3.14 Making more effective use of UN human rights instruments The report of the study on Human Rights and Disability commissioned by the OHCHR (Quinn and Degener 2002) contains a wide range of comments and recommendations designed to improve the effectiveness of the UN human rights system in the context of disability. These comments and recommendations are addressed to governments, treaty-monitoring bodies, the OHCHR, the UN Commission on Human Rights, national 129 Key issues and an agenda for action human rights institutions and NGOs. They undoubtedly have implications for international agencies, not least in relation to multi-sectoral collaboration. This rich outcome from the Human Rights and Disability study should provide an invaluable agenda for the future. The 25th anniversary of the adoption of ILO Convention No. 159 in 2008 will provide the opportunity for States which have not yet ratified Convention No. 159 to consider doing so and for States Parties to review their obligations under this Convention. Given the central importance of consultations with the social partners and with organizations of and for persons with disabilities in relation to national policies concerning the vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons, an international review should be carried out of the extent and effectiveness of consultation between organizations of and for persons with disabilities, governments, and employers’ and workers’ organizations in relation to vocational rehabilitation and employment issues. The ILO Code of Practice on Managing Disability in the Workplace should be actively promoted and widely used by governments, and employers’ and workers’ organizations, as a tool to give effect to the right to decent work of persons with disabilities and to the principles of ILO Convention No. 159 and the CRPD. 130 Annex 1 Early historical development of work and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities (1900–1930) A1.1 Overview Variations in physical, mental and sensory functioning have always existed among human beings. Yet, people with functional limitations, disabilities, have always run the risk of being excluded and marginalized. Throughout the centuries we have designed and constructed our societies as if persons with disabilities did not exist, as if all human beings can see, hear, walk about, understand and react quickly and adequately to signals from the world around them. This illusion, this misconception about human nature, this inability to take the needs of all citizens into account in the development of society is the main reason for the isolation and exclusion of persons with disabilities, which we can observe in different forms and to different degrees all over the world. It will take a long time to change this pattern of behaviour, which is deeply rooted in prejudice, fear, shame and lack of understanding of what it really means to live with a disability. However, international efforts to improve the living conditions for persons with disabilities have begun and progress is being made. A more systematic effort to improving living conditions of persons with disabilities started long ago in the emerging industrialized nations. During the last 50 years the so-called advanced welfare states have developed comprehensive programmes and services in order to meet the needs of persons with disabilities (UN 2000). In the context of work and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, the starting point was probably about 35 years earlier than that, though there has been a significant acceleration in the pace of change during the past two decades or so. Concepts such as equality of opportunity, justice, rights, choice, recognition and acceptance of diversity, and “reasonable accommodation” (though by another name) are not unique to the independent living movement or the transition to the so-called social and rights models. They can be found in descriptions of the development of vocational rehabilitation, leading to the ability to work, in certain countries at the time of the First World War, 1914–1918. The following paragraphs rely heavily on Harris 1919. A1.2 From the beginning The general depiction of people with disabilities as objects of health, welfare and charity programmes, often resulting in their segregation and exclusion from mainstream activities, including employment, began to be seriously questioned in the early part of the twentieth century. A growing realization that persons with 131 Annex 1 a disability had not only the motivation to work, but the capacity to do so, led to the early development of policies and programmes to enable disabled persons to secure, retain and advance in suitable employment, and to return to work after an absence due to illness or injury. A particular stimulus for the latter, it must be said, was the need for trained workers to replace those called to fight in the First World War. A1.3 Belgium In the early days of the First World War, a place of refuge, with medical and surgical treatment for all who needed it, developed near Havre, France, for Belgian soldiers disabled in fighting in their homeland. What soon became known as the “Depot des Invalides” quickly became a centre for medical care and vocational instruction. The curriculum included carpentry, brush making, toy making, plumbing, cooperage, mechanics, wood and metal turning, electrical work, upholstery, shoemaking, tailoring, printing, envelope making and the manufacture of artificial limbs. Wages were paid, some of which was deposited in a savings account to be given to the individual when he left. The advantages of vocationally rehabilitating disabled soldiers to enable them to contribute to the war effort in a supporting role led to the establishment in 1916 of the Ecole Nationale Belge des mutilés de la guerre at Port Villez in France. Training courses included poultry farming, market gardening, office/clerical work, teacher training and over forty technical trades. The school was maintained by the Belgian Government and those attending received the regular rate of army pay plus a portion of the proceeds of the sale of articles produced. For those with the capacity for and interest in studying for a profession such as law, medicine, natural sciences, and so forth, opportunity was provided to study in Paris. A1.4 France Vocational rehabilitation and return to work programmes in France had a somewhat similar development to that for Belgian disabled soldiers. The municipality of Lyons opened its first school for this purpose in December 1914, followed by a second six months later. Other municipal authorities, departmental governments, trade unions and private charities followed suit. The Ministry of Commerce adapted vocational schools under its jurisdiction so that soldiers with disabilities could attend. By the end of 1916, over a hundred schools were available for vocational rehabilitation. A National Office was set up the same year to coordinate matters. “In the larger schools,” according to Harris, “the training offered is divided into instruction in manual trades, office work and general schooling. Figures show that the manual trades most in demand are shoemaking, tailoring, basketry, harness making, saddlery, tinsmithing and carpentry. The reason for the popularity 132 Annex 1 of these trades is that they will afford a living almost anywhere, in the city or in a tiny village. They do not require expensive equipment, and they are the trades selected by the men themselves. Most of the soldiers are from villages and small towns, and these desire to acquire a trade that, when eked out with their pension, will give a good living and yet not be too exacting. These men will open shops in their homes, and have time also to work in the garden, cultivate their tiny farm patches, and attend their vines” (p. 88). Other trades taught included mechanics, typography, lithography, bookbinding, locksmith, brush making, toy making and box-making, welding, mould making and stucco work, vehicle painting, photography, diamond cutting, sabot and galoche making, stone carving, hairdressing, dental mechanics and wireless telegraphy. A1.5 Great Britain The aftercare of disabled soldiers and sailors in Great Britain pre-First World War had been principally a matter of private initiative and financial support (Harris, p. 93). State provision consisted largely of a small pension and, where needed, artificial limbs. This approach was changed utterly when an official report in February 1915 stated that primary responsibility in this regard was with government. The report (quoted ibid. p. 95) recommended: (1) The care of soldiers and sailors should be assumed by the State. (2) This duty should include: a) the restoration of the man’s health where practicable; b) the provision of training facilities if he desires to learn a new trade; c) the finding of employment for him when he stands in need of such assistance. The principal pre-war agency of after-care work was the Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation, which held in trust the Royal Patriotic Fund, an amalgamation of private charitable funds, dating back in origin to the Crimean War. The Military and Naval War Pensions Act, 1915 created the Statutory Committee for administration of the Fund, and the Committee and its system of local committees were brought under the control of the Ministry of Pensions when it was established in 1916. The Statutory Committee was, in turn, dissolved under further legislation the following year and the Ministry of Pensions, and Local War Pensions Committees, were charged with “the medical treatment or training for industrial life that a discharged soldier may need”. Training was provided as needed, in technical schools, agricultural colleges or workshops, though in the case of the last named it was expected that the individual would be employed permanently in the shop. For others, placement was organized through the training institution or local labour exchange. Trade advisory committees were set up jointly by the Ministries of Pensions and Labour in the 133 Annex 1 principal trades for which training was given, to advise “as to conditions under which the training of disabled men in the trade can be best given, the best methods of training, the suitable centres for it, and generally how to secure uniformity in training”. Other local “technical advisory committees” were set up to advise on suitable local schemes for training individuals and the prospects of their employment after training. Both types of committee included equal representation of employers and trade unions. A key characteristic of the British system appears to have been its ability to respond to individual needs and local conditions. A1.6 Germany In many ways, at the beginning of the war, Germany was in a better position than many other countries to deal with the issue of vocational rehabilitation. A leader in orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation, Germany also had a well-developed network of disability centres, many of which had workshops teaching a variety of trades. Employers’ insurance associations also had a number of hospitals which provided services. It appears that the government accepted responsibility for the medical rehabilitation of disabled soldiers, while vocational rehabilitation and return to working life were the province of private charity or individual states. As an example, the 900bed hospital in Nuremberg was made available by the city authorities, complete with up-to-date orthopaedic equipment. General and theoretical instruction was provided in the city’s schools, and practical work in the hospital workshops. Skills taught included: left-hand writing, typewriting, stenography, commercial courses, farm bookkeeping, decoration and design, office management, tailoring, painting, bookbinding, printing, locksmithing, shoemaking, saddlery, weaving, orthopaedic mechanics, carpentry, farming, blacksmithing, brush making. Additional courses provided in Düsseldorf included telegraphy, electrical and metal work, cardboard and leather-work, plastering, upholstery and dental mechanics. There were a number of agricultural schools for disabled servicemen, some of which provided training as farm teachers. It was considered that the main need was to equip the small peasant farmer to return to his own holding where, with the help of other family members, he might manage truck gardening, poultryraising, and so forth. A number of major employers maintained their own hospitals to rehabilitate former employees disabled in the war and to provide suitable work opportunities afterwards. 134 Annex 1 A1.7 Canada The issues of vocational rehabilitation and return to working life for disabled servicemen was a new one for Canada when it arose for the first time in 1915. Having learned what they could of the early experiences of some of the European countries, Canada set about developing its own system to meet its own needs. The authorities concluded at an early stage: (a) that every case would be an individual one, and should be dealt with accordingly; (b) that as a matter of fundamental policy, vocational rehabilitation – which they saw as helping an individual to make the transition to civilian employment – should be strictly a civilian and not a military affair; (c) that, as a motivational factor, it should be made clear that no matter how much an individual might manage to earn following rehabilitation, his status as a government pensioner would not be affected. As soon as possible after the disabled individual got to the hospital, he was seen by a vocational adviser. If at the end of hospital treatment the serviceman was able to return to his former civil occupation, the vocational work with him was ended. If not, the vocational officer would work with him to ascertain his capacities, experience and inclinations and to hopefully agree a suitable choice of occupation in which there would exist a good prospect of future employment. Assistance with placement was also provided. Farmers were given special inducements – including homesteads and financial loans in cases - to go back to work on the land. They were trained as tractor and farm mechanics, as creamery workers, in poultry raising and horticulture. By 1918, the Canadian government was providing training in about two hundred occupations. A1.8 United States For some years before the war, there had been growing interest in the United States in vocational education. The Federal Vocational Education Act, approved on 23 February 1917, created a substantial fund to be distributed among the States which accepted the terms of the Act, on a dollar for dollar matching basis, for vocational education. The Act established the Federal Board for Vocational Education to administer the fund and oversee the implementation of the legislation. When the United States entered the war on 6 April 1917, one of the first tasks of the Board was to assist in providing personnel trained for technical war occupations. 135 Annex 1 When the need for vocational rehabilitation of disabled servicemen arose, the lessons from European and Canadian schemes were studied. There was general agreement that the work of training and returning individuals to civil life was a matter for civilians, not the military. The Smith-Sears Vocational Rehabilitation Bill became law on 27 June 1918. It is interesting to note that the original measure included provision for the vocational rehabilitation of persons disabled at work, as well as those disabled in war. The former was dropped, however, as the President and Cabinet had undertaken to bring no legislation before Congress at that time which did not relate to war measures. Harris (pp. 173-4) claims that the motivation underlying the establishment of vocational rehabilitation was markedly different as between Europe and the United States: The work of vocationally rehabilitating the disabled in Europe had its origin in compassion and charity. Its rapid development came through the necessity of using all available manpower and the recognition of the possibility of substituting retrained, but physically disabled men for those yet physically able, but detained behind the lines as workers in essential war industries. Its present status is due primarily to the insistent demands of war work, but partly in addition to the realization by European Governments that there will be a great shortage of trained men in all lines of industry after the war. That country possessing the greatest reserve of skilled workmen, even though in some respects physically disabled, will have a distinct advantage in recuperation over those less favourably situated. With the United States none of the foregoing considerations was the moving cause of the resolution to re-educate for civil life its disabled men, prevented by reason of their injuries from returning to their former means of gaining a livelihood. Indeed, these considerations played small part in the decision, and then only as incidentals of benefit and cause associated with a course already shaping itself upon broader and even higher grounds. That the programme had phases that might rebound to the national good was pleasant to contemplate, but the seeking of a direct national benefit, either as a present or as a post-bellum excuse or reason was never considered as a governing factor. In brief, the position of the United States, as evidenced by its legislation on the subject of vocational rehabilitation for disabled soldiers and sailors, is that the Nation owes them neither charity nor alms; that their sacrifice and service deserve more than a gratuity; that the Nation is in fact indebted deeply to them, and under the highest moral obligation to discharge its debt fully and generously; and that complete restoration to pre-war civil status is a matter of simple justice to the men who have been disabled and handicapped by reason of their service in defending the commonwealth against its armed foes. 136 Annex 1 As further explanation of what he saw as the philosophy underlying the United States approach, Harris was extremely critical of the “obsolete pension system” and its “pernicious effects upon the pensioners and the public, and upon legislation and politics”, arguing that “restoration and restitution, including such compensation as might be necessary to accomplish these objects and the establishment of equality of opportunity was the course to be followed” (idem. p. 174). As in Canada, the United States provided vocational advisers to assist the individuals in career decision-making, “the primary endeavour (being) to fit the individual man for the job for which his inclination and capacity seem to indicate the strongest probability of success, scientifically adjusted to the likelihood of there being a demand for his services in the line of work selected” (idem. p. 217). It was recognized that prejudice against hiring persons with disabilities existed among many employers. Special programmes to help reduce or eliminate it were launched as part of the placement and follow-up effort. Trade unions supported the policy of vocational rehabilitation in the United States, as they did in Europe. Harris records, in an early example of reasonable accommodation, that “. . . where special appliances, safeguards or equipment are required as means of overcoming special handicaps, these must be provided under fair agreements with employers, and some supervision after placement will be necessary to insure the proper carrying out of such agreements” (idem. p. 241). As the war ended, legislation to extend the provisions of the vocational rehabilitation system to persons acquiring a disability in the workplace was being introduced. A1.9 Women with disabilities The legislation and systems described above were designed with disabled servicemen in mind. Little attention, if any, appears to have been given to the vocational rehabilitation needs of women who acquired disabilities during the First World War, presumably because relatively few service-women served in the front line. That work opportunities for women with disabilities was an issue of concern, at least in the United States, might however be gleaned from research reports such as Eaves (1921), which examined vocational guidance and placement approaches for a thousand women in Boston, many of whom had disabilities of varying kinds. A1.10 Period of stagnation The issue of vocational rehabilitation and work opportunities for persons with disability largely faded from political agendas during the economic depression of the 1930s, emerging again during the Second World War, with quota systems forming a large part of the response in many cases. 137 Annex 2 Definitions The following definitions of terms used in this report are based on the ILO Code of Practice on Managing Disability in the Workplace (2002). Adjustment or accommodation Adaptation of the job, including adjustment and modification of machinery and equipment and/or modification of the job content, working time and work organization, and the adaptation of the work environment to provide access to the place of work and to facilitate the employment of individuals with disabilities. Competent authority A ministry, government department or other public authority having the power to issue regulations, orders or other instructions having the force of law. Decent work Productive work in which rights are protected, which generates an adequate income, with adequate social protection. Disability management A process in the workplace designed to facilitate the employment of persons with a disability through a coordinated effort addressing individual needs, work environment, enterprise needs and legal responsibilities. Disabled person An individual whose prospects of securing, returning to, retaining and advancing in suitable employment are substantially reduced as a result of a duly recognized physical, sensory, intellectual or mental impairment. Discrimination Any distinction, exclusion or preference based on certain grounds which nullifies or impairs equality of opportunity or treatment in employment or occupation. General standards that establish distinctions based on prohibited grounds constitute discrimination in law. The specific attitude of a public authority or a private individual that treats unequally persons or members of a group on a prohibited ground constitutes discrimination in practice. Indirect discrimination refers to apparently neutral situations, regulations or practices which in fact result in unequal treatment of persons with certain characteristics. Distinction or preferences that may result from application of special measures of protection and assistance taken to meet the particular requirements of disabled persons are not considered discriminatory. Employee assistance programme A programme – either jointly operated by an employer and a workers’ organization, or by an employer alone, or a workers’ organization alone – that offers assistance to workers and frequently also to their family members, with 138 Annex 2 problems liable to cause personal distress, which affect or could eventually affect job productivity. Employer A person or organization employing workers under a written or verbal contract of employment which established the rights and duties of both parties, in accordance with national law and practice. Governments, public authorities and private companies as well as individuals may be employers. Employersâ€™ organization An organization whose membership consists of individual employers, other associations of employers or both, formed primarily to protect and promote the interests of members and to provide services to its members in employment-related matters. Equal opportunity Equal access to and opportunities for all persons in employment, vocational training and particular occupations, without discrimination, consistent with Article 4 of ILO Convention No. 159. International labour standards Principles and norms in all labour-related matters which are adopted by the tripartite ILC (governments, employers and workers). Theses standards take the form of international labour Conventions and Recommendations. Through ratifications by member States, conventions create binding obligations to implement their provisions. Recommendations are non-binding instruments which provide guidance on policy, legislation and practice. Job adaptation The adaptation or redesign of tools, machines, workstations and the work environment to an individualâ€™s needs. It may also include adjustments in work organization, work schedules, sequences of work and in breaking down work tasks to their basic elements. Job retention Remaining with the same employer, with the same or different duties or conditions of employment, including return after a period of paid or unpaid absence. Mainstreaming Including people with disabilities in employment, education, training and all sectors of society. Organizations of and/or for persons with disabilities Organizations which represent persons with disabilities and advocate for their rights. 139 Annex 2 Return to work The process by which a worker is supported in resuming work after an absence due to injury or illness. Vocational rehabilitation A process which enables disabled persons to secure, retain and advance in suitable employment and thereby furthers their integration or reintegration into society. Work trial Work activity to provide experience in or test suitability for a particular job. Worker/employee Any person who works for a wage or salary and performs services for an employer. Employment is governed by a written or verbal contract of service. Workersâ€™ representatives Persons who are recognized as such under national law or practice, in accordance with the Workersâ€™ Representatives Convention, 1971 (No. 135), whether they are: (a) trade union representatives, namely representatives designated or elected by trade unions; or (b) elected representatives, namely representatives who are freely elected by workers of the undertaking in accordance with provisions of national laws or regulations or of collective agreements and whose functions do not include activities which are recognized as the exclusive prerogative of trade unions in the country concerned. Working conditions The factors determining the circumstances in which the worker works. These include hours of work, work organization, job content, welfare services and the measures taken to protect the occupational safety and health of the worker. Working environment The facilities and circumstances in which work takes place and the environmental factors which may affect workersâ€™ health. Workplace All the places where people in employment need to be or to go to carry out their work and which are under the direct or indirect control of the employer. Examples include offices, factories, plantations, construction sites, ships and private residences. Works council/workplace committee A committee of workers within the enterprise with which the employer cooperates and which is consulted by the employer on matters of mutual concern. Workstation The part of the office or factory where an individual works, including desk or work surface used, chair, equipment and other items. 140 Annex 3 Ratifications of the ILO Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159), Date of entry into force: 20.06.1983 as at October 200712 States Ratification registered Argentina Australia Azerbaijan Bahrain Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Brazil Burkina Faso Chile China Colombia Costa Rica Côte d’Ivoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Ethiopia Fiji Finland France Germany Greece Guatemala Guinea Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Japan Jordan Republic of Korea Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lebanon 12 13.04.1987 07.08.1990 19.05.1992 02.02.1999 19.12.1996 02.06.1993 18.05.1990 26.05.1989 14.10.1994 02.02.1988 07.12.1989 23.07.1991 22.10.1999 08.10.1991 03.10.1996 13.04.1987 01.01.1993 01.04.1985 20.06.1994 20.05.1988 03.08.1988 19.12.1986 28.01.1991 01.12.2004 24.04.1985 16.03.1989 14.11.1989 31.07.1985 05.04.1994 16.10.1995 20.06.1984 22.06.1990 06.06.1986 07.06.2000 12.06.1992 13.05.2003 15.11.1999 26.06.1998 31.03.1992 23.02.2000 Lithuania Luxembourg The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Mali Malta Mauritius Mexico Mongolia Montenegro Netherlands Norway Pakistan Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Russian Federation San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Tajikistan Thailand Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine Uruguay Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Total ratifications: 80 26.09.1994 21.03.2001 17.11.1991 03.06.1998 01.10.1986 12.06.1995 09.06.1988 09.06.2004 05.04.2001 03.02.1998 03.06.2006 15.02.1988 13.08.1984 25.10.1994 28.01.1994 02.05.1991 16.06.1986 23.08.1991 02.12.2004 03.05.1999 03.06.1988 23.05.1985 17.06.1992 24.11.2000 01.01.1993 29.05.1992 02.08.1990 12.06.1984 20.06.1985 26.11.1993 11.10.2007 03.06.1999 05.09.1989 26.06.2000 27.03.1990 15.05.2003 13.01.1988 18.11.1991 05.01.1989 27.08.1998 http://www.ilo.org/ilolex/english/newratframeE.htm 141 Annex 4 Ratifications and signatures of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), as at October 200713 Convention 118 7 Signatories Ratifications (indicated in bold) Signed States and Regional Integration Organizations Convention Algeria 30.03.2007 Andorra 27.04.2007 Antigua y Barbuda 30.03.2007 Argentina 13.04.1987 Armenia 30.03.2007 Australia 30.03.2007 Austria 30.03.2007 Bahrain 25.06.2007 Bangladesh 09.05.2007 Barbados 19.07.2007 Belgium 30.03.2007 Bolivia 13.08.2007 Brazil 30.03.2007 Bulgaria 27.09.2007 Burkina Faso 23.05.2007 Burundi 26.04.2007 Cambodia 01.10.2007 Canada 30.03.2007 Cape Verde 30.03.2007 Central African Republic 09.05.2007 Chile 30.03.2007 China 30.03.2007 Colombia 30.03.2007 Comores 26.07.2007 Congo (Republic of) 30.03.2007 Costa Rica 30.03.2007 Côte d’Ivoire 07.06.2007 Croatia (both 15.08.07) 30.03.2007 Cuba (06.09.07) 26.04.2007 Cyprus 30.03.2007 13 Optional Protocol 30.03.2007 27.04.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 13.08.2007 30.03.2007 23.05.2007 26.04.2007 01.10.2007 09.05.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 07.06.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 Czech Republic 30.03.2007 Denmark 30.03.2007 Dominica 30.03.2007 Dominican Republic 30.03.2007 Ecuador 30.03.2007 Egypt 04.04.2007 El Salvador 30.03.2007 Estonia 25.09.2007 Ethiopia 30.03.2007 European Community (Regional Integration Organization) 30.03.2007 Finland 30.03.2007 France 30.03.2007 Gabon (01.10.07) 30.03.2007 Germany 30.03.2007 Ghana 30.03.2007 Greece 30.03.2007 Guatemala 30.03.2007 Guinea 16.05.2007 Guyana 30.03.2007 Honduras 30.03.2007 Hungary (both 20.07.2007) 30.03.2007 Iceland 30.03.2007 India (01.10.07) 30.03.2007 Indonesia 30.03.2007 Ireland 30.03.2007 Israel 30.03.2007 Italy 30.03.2007 Jamaica (30.03.2007) 30.03.2007 Japan 28.09.2007 Jordan 30.03.2007 Kenya 30.03.2007 Lebanon 14.06.2007 http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/convbycountry.htm Optional Protocol 67 3 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 25.09.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 31.08.2007 23.08.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 14.06.2007 Convention 118 7 Signatories Ratifications (indicated in bold) Signed States and Regional Integration Organizations Convention Liberia 30.03.2007 Lithuania 30.03.2007 Luxembourg 30.03.2007 Macedonia (FYORM) 30.03.2007 Madagascar 25.09.2007 Malawi 27.09.2007 Maldives 01.10.2007 Mali 15.05.2007 Malta 30.03.2007 Mauritius 25.09.2007 Mexico 30.03.2007 Moldova 30.03.2007 Montenegro 27.09.2007 Morocco 30.03.2007 Mozambique 30.03.2007 Namibia 25.04.2007 Netherlands 30.03.2007 New Zealand 30.03.2007 Nicaragua 30.03.2007 Niger 30.03.2007 Nigeria 30.03.2007 Norway 30.03.2007 Panama (both 07.08.2007) 30.03.2007 Paraguay 30.03.2007 Peru 30.03.2007 Philippines 25.09.2007 Poland 30.03.2007 Optional Protocol 25.09.2007 01.10.2007 15.05.2007 30.03.2007 25.09.2007 30.03.2007 27.09.2007 25.04.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 Optional Protocol 67 3 Portugal 30.03.2007 Qatar 09.07.2007 Republic of Korea 30.03.2007 Romania 26.07.2007 San Marino 30.03.2007 Senegal 25.04.2007 Seychelles 30.03.2007 Sierra Leone 30.03.2007 Slovakia 26.07.2007 Slovenia 30.03.2007 South Africa 30.03.2007 Spain 30.03.2007 Sri Lanka 30.03.2007 Sudan 30.03.2007 Suriname 30.03.2007 Swaziland 25.09.2007 Sweden 30.03.2007 Syrian Arab Republic 30.03.2007 Thailand 30.03.2007 Trinidad and Tobago 27.09.2007 Tunisia 30.03.2007 Turkey 30.03.2007 Uganda 30.03.2007 United Kingdom 30.03.2007 United Rep. of Tanzania 30.03.2007 Uruguay 03.04.2007 Vanuatu 17.05.2007 Viet Nam 22.10.2007 Yemen 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 09.07.2007 30.03.2007 25.04.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 26.07.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 25.09.2007 30.03.2007 11.04.2007 143 Annex 5 Council of Europe Action Plan to Promote the Rights and Full Participation of People with Disabilities in Society: Improving the Quality of Life of People with Disabilities in Europe 2006–2015 Extract: 3.5 Action line No. 5: Employment, vocational guidance and training 3.5.1 Introduction Employment is a key element for the social inclusion and economic independence of all citizens of working age. Compared to non-disabled persons, the employment and activity rates of disabled people are very low. Policies to increase the activity rate need to be diversified – according to the employment potential of disabled people – and comprehensive, in order to address all the barriers to participation in the workforce. Improving the employment situation of disabled people would not only benefit the disabled persons, but also employers and society as a whole. Vocational guidance and assistance play an important role in helping people to identify activities for which they are best suited and to guide training needs or future occupation. It is vital that people with disabilities have access to assessments, vocational guidance and training to ensure they can attain their potential. This action line seeks to form the basis for greater participation of persons with disabilities in employment, to ensure career choices and to lay the foundations through structures and support in order to ensure real choices. All measures apply to public as well as private employers. Social enterprises (for example social firms, social cooperatives) as part of the open employment, or sheltered workshops may contribute to the employment of disabled persons. 3.5.2 Objectives i. To promote the employment of people with disabilities within the open labour market by combining anti-discrimination and positive action measures in order to ensure that people with disabilities have equality of opportunity; ii. to tackle discrimination and promote participation of people with disabilities in vocational assessment, guidance, training, and employment-related services. 3.5.3 Specific actions by member states i. To mainstream issues relating to the employment of people with disabilities in general employment policies; ii. to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to an objective and individual assessment which: • identifies their options regarding potential occupations; • shifts the focus from assessing disabilities to assessing abilities and relating them to specific job requirements; • provides the basis for their programme of vocational training; 144 Annex 5 • • • • helps them find appropriate employment or re-employment; iii. to ensure that people with disabilities have access to vocational guidance, training and employment-related services at the highest possible qualification level, and making reasonable adjustments where necessary; iv. to ensure protection against discrimination in all stages of employment, including selection and recruitment, as well as in all measures related to career progression; v. to encourage employers to employ people with disabilities by: applying recruitment procedures . . . which ensure that job opportunities are positively made available to people with disabilities; making reasonable adjustments to the workplace or working conditions, including telecommuting, part-time work and work from home, in order to accommodate the special requirements of employees with disabilities; increasing the disability awareness of management and staff through relevant training; vi. to ensure that general self-employment schemes are accessible and supportive to people with disabilities; vii. to ensure that support measures, such as sheltered or supported employment, are in place for those people whose needs cannot be met without personal support in the open labour market; viii. to support people with disabilities to progress from sheltered and supported employment to open employment; ix. to remove disincentives to work in disability benefit systems and encourage beneficiaries to work when they can; x. to consider the needs of women with disabilities when devising programmes and policies related to equal opportunities for women in employment, including childcare; xi. to ensure that employees with disabilities enjoy the same rights as other employees in relation to consultation on employment conditions and membership and active participation in trade unions; xii. to provide effective measures to encourage the employment of people with disabilities; xiii. to ensure that health and safety legislation and regulations include the needs of persons with disabilities and do not discriminate against them; xiv. to promote measures, including legislative and integration management, that enable persons who become disabled while employed to stay within the labour market; xv. to ensure that especially young disabled people can benefit from employment internships and traineeships in order to build skills and from information on employment practices; xvi. to consider, where appropriate, signing and ratifying the European Social Charter (revised) (ETS No. 163), in particular Article 15; xvii. to implement resolution ResAP(95)3 on a charter on the vocational assessment of people with disabilities. 145 Bibliography Barbour, W. C. 1999. “Supported employment: The coming of full circle”, in Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation (Amsterdam, IOS Press), Vol. 13, pp. 176-74. Bellamy, G. T.; Rhodes, L. E.; Albin, J.-M. 1986. “Supported employment”, in W. E. Kieran and J. A. Stark (eds): Pathways to employment for adults with developmental disabilities (Baltimore, Paul H. Brooks Publishing Company), pp. 129-138. Beyer, S.; Goodere, L.; Kilsby, M. 1996. “The costs and benefits of supported employment agencies in Britain”, in Research Studies (London, UK Dept. for Education and Employment), No. 37. Bowe, F. 1984. Disabled women in America: A statistical report drawn from census data (Washington, DC, President’s Committee on Employment of the Handicapped). Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs) (Germany). 2007. Rehabilitation and participation of disabled persons. Cabinet Office (United Kingdom). 2006. Social Enterprise Action Plan: Scaling new heights (London). Available on: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/social_enterprise/action_plan/. Council of Europe. 1992. A coherent policy for the rehabilitation of people with disabilities (Strasbourg). __. 1993. Note by the Netherlands: Sheltered employment for handicapped people – Trends and issues in the Netherlands (Strasbourg), 13 Jan. 1993. __. 1996. European Social Charter (Revised) (Strasbourg), 3 May 1996. __. 1997a. The Social Charter of the 21st Century (Strasbourg), H/NGO (97) Forum 4, 12–13 May 1997. __. 1997b. The implementation of the collective complaints procedure: Opinion of the NonGovernmental Organizations, Strasbourg, 14–16 May 1997, S C Coll/rep 12 e. __. 2006. Action Plan to promote the rights and full participation of people with disabilities in society: Improving the quality of life of people with disabilities in Europe 2006–2015. In Council of Europe Recommendation Rec (2006) 5. Degener, T. 2004. Executive summary on employment directive: State of play in Germany. (Mar.) Available on http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/fundamental_rights/pdf/aneval/disab_de.pdf __; Quinn, G. 2000. A survey of international, comparative and regional disability law reform, paper presented at the “From principles to practice” symposium,Washington, DC, 22-26 Oct. Department of Trade and Industry (United Kingdom). 2002. Social enterprise: A strategy for success (July). Depouy, L. 1993. Human rights and disabled persons (New York, UN). Doyle, B. 1996. “Disabled workers’ rights, the Disability Discrimination Act and the UN Standard Rules”, in International Law Journal, Vol. 25, 1 Mar. Eaves, L. 1921. Gainful employment for handicapped women (Boston, Council of Social Agencies). EC (European Commission). 1994. European social policy – A way forward for the Union (Brussels). __. 2000. Benchmarking employment policies for people with disabilities (Brussels). __. 2003. Equal opportunities for people with disabilities: A European Action Plan. Communication from the European Commission, COM(2003)650 final, 30 Oct. 2003. __. 2005. Situation of disabled people in the enlarged European Union: The European Action Plan 2006–2007. Communication from the European Commission, COM (2005)604 final. 146 Bibliography EIRO (European Industrial Relations Observatory). 2001. “New laws seek to improve employment prospects of workers with disabilities”, at EIRO online: http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/eiro/2001/02/study. Elwan, A. 1999. Poverty and disability: A survey of the literature. World Bank Social Protection Discussion Paper No. 9932 (Washington, World Bank). ESCAP (Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific). 1994. Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 1993–2002: Mandates for Action (New York). EU (European Union). 2000. EU Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 Nov. 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation. OJL 303, 2 Dec. 2000. Gabriel, P.; Liimatainen, M.-R. 2000. Mental health in the workplace. Introduction and Executive Summaries for Finland, Germany, Poland, United Kingdom and United States (Geneva, ILO). GHK Consulting Ltd. 2004. Review of the Social Enterprise Strategy: A Final Report submitted by GHK (London). Available on: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/documents/social_enterprise_research/ Harris, G. 1919. The redemption of the disabled: A study of programmes of rehabilitation for the disabled of war and industry (New York, Appleton). Heron, R.; Murray, B. 2003. Assisting disabled persons in finding employment: A practical guide (Bangkok, ILO). Hyde, M. 2000. “From welfare to work? Social policy for disabled people of working age in the United Kingdom in the 1990s”, in Disability and Society, Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 327-341. ILO (International Labour Organization). 1981. Report of the Director-General, International Labour Conference, 67th Session, Geneva, 1981 (Geneva). __. 1996. “Women swell ranks of working poor”, in World of Work (Geneva), No. 17, Sep.-Oct. 1996 (Geneva). __. 1998. Vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons: General survey on the Reports of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention (No. 159) and Recommendation (No. 168), 1983. Report III (Part 1B) of the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations, International Labour Conference, 86th session, Geneva, 1998 (Geneva). __. 2000. Resolution concerning human resources training and development. International Labour Conference, 88th Session, Geneva, 2000 (Geneva). __. 2002. Managing disability in the workplace: An ILO code of practice (Geneva). __. 2004a. Vocational rehabilitation of employment of people with disabilities: Report of a European Conference, Warsaw-Constanin Jeziorna, 23-25 Oct. 2003 (Geneva). __. 2004b. Statistics on the employment situation of people with disabilities: A compendium of national methodologies. ILO Bureau of Statistics Working Paper No. 40, in collaboration with the ILO Skills and Employability Department (Geneva). __. 2007. The employment situation of people with disabilities: Towards improved statistical information. ILO Bureau of Statistics in collaboration with the ILO Skills and Employability Department (Geneva). Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation. 2002. Special issue on self-employment for persons with disabilities (Amsterdam, IOS Press), Vol. 17. Kenny, T. 1997. Securing social rights across Europe: How NGOs can make use of the European Social Charter (Strasbourg, Human Rights Centre). Krug, R. 1996. Sheltered employment in the Netherlands: Recent developments, paper presented at a Conference on Disability and Employment, Dublin, 14 Oct. 1996. 147 Bibliography Menz, F. 1997. “Vocational rehabilitation research in the United States of America”, in M. Floyd (ed.): Vocational rehabilitation and Europe (London, Jessica Kingsley Publications). Messell, E. 1997. Employment strategies for women with disabilities. Paper presented at the International Leadership Forum for Women with Disabilities, Washington, DC, 15–20 June 1997 (Geneva, ILO). Moon, M.; Griffin, S. 1988. “Supported employment service delivery models”, in P. Wehman and M. Moon (eds): Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment (Baltimore, Paul H. Brooks Publishing Company). Mudrick, N. 1988. “Disabled women and public policies for income support” (a study on the influence of income support on the lives of women with disabilities), in M. Fine and A. Asch (eds): Women with disabilities: Essays in psychology, culture and politics (Philadelphia, Temple University Press). Murray, B; Heron, R. 2003. Placement of jobseekers with disabilities: Elements of an effective service (Bangkok, ILO). NAO (National Audit Office) (United Kingdom). 2005. Gaining and retaining a job: The Department for Work and Pensions’ support for disabled people (London), Oct. 2005. NIDMAR (National Institute of Disability Management and Research) (Canada). 2001. Annual Report 2001. NRB (National Rehabilitation Board) (Ireland). 1997. Employment challenges for the Millenium. Report of the National Committee for Training and Employment (NACTE) Steering Group on Sheltered and Supported Work and Employment (Dublin). OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development). 1986. Occupational training and retraining measures for specific target groups. OECD Working Party on Employment, Manpower Measures Evaluation Programme (Paris). __. 2000. Employment policies for people with disabilities (Paris). __. 2006. Sickness, disability and work: Breaking the barriers: Norway, Poland and Switzerland. Vol. I (Paris). OHCHR (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights). 2002. “Study on human rights and disability”, Note by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, 14 Feb. 2002. __. 2007. From vision to action: The road to implementation of the Convention. 30 Mar. 2007. Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit (United Kingdom). 2005. Improving the life chances of disabled people (London), Jan. 2005. Quinn, G.; Degener, T. 2002. Human rights and disability. Summary report to the Office of the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR), Feb. Rehabilitation and integration of people with disabilities. 2001. Book Nine of the Social Code (Germany). Saloviita, T. 2000. “Supported employment as a paradigm shift and a cause of legitimation crisis”, in Disability and Society, Vol. 15, No. 1, 1 Jan. 2000, pp. 87-98. Samoy, E.; Waterplas, L. 1992. Sheltered employment in the European Community (Brussels, Commission of the European Union). __. 1997. Sheltered employment in five Member States of the Council of Europe: Austria, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland (Strasbourg, Council of Europe). Thornton, P. 1998. International research project on job retention and return to work strategies for disabled workers (Geneva, ILO). __. P.; Lunt, N. 1997. Employment policies for disabled people in eighteen countries: A review (University of York, Social Policy Research Unit). 148 Bibliography UN (United Nations). 1994. The Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (New York). __. 1999. Implementation of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons: Towards a society for all in the twenty-first century. UNGA resolution 54/121 of 17 December 1999. __. 2000. Final Report of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission for Social Development on monitoring the implementation of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities on his second mission, 1997–2000. E/CN: 5/2000/3, Annex. __. 2001. Commission on Human Rights Working Group on the Right to Development, January 2001, E/CN. 4/2001/WG. 18/2. __. 2002. Report of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission for Social Development on monitoring the implementation of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities on his third mandate, 2000–2002. E/CN: 5/2002/4. Viorreta, C. 1998. The social enterprise in Spain, paper presented at the Transnational meeting in Cagliari, 29 Sep. 1998. Waddington, L. 1996. “Reassessing the employment of people with disabilities in Europe: From quotas to anti-discrimination laws”, in Comparative Labour Law Journal, Vol. 18, No. 62, pp. 62-101. Wehman, P.; Revell, G.; Kregel, J. 1997. “Supported employment: A decade of rapid growth and impact”, in P. Wehman, J. Kregel and M. West (eds): Supported employment research: Expanded competitive employment opportunities for persons with significant disabilities (Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University, Rehabilitation Research and Training Centre on Supported Employment). SKILLS For more information, please contact: Skills and Employability Department International Labour Office (ILO) 4, Route des Morillons CH-1211 Geneva 22 (Switzerland) E-mail: [email protected] Tel. (+41) 022 799 7521 Fax: (+41) 022 799 6310 www.ilo.org/employment/disability 149	Remploy
What deceptive old name is given to a pudding of stewed fruit blended with custard/cream/similar?	ILO, O'Reilly - The right to decent work of PWD good policy overview[3] by Michael Burville - issuu Universal Declaration of Human Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 1.4 Council of Europe: European Convention on Human Rights . . . . . . 19 1.5 ILO Social Security Convention (No. 102) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 1.6 First ILO Recommendation devoted to vocational rehabilitation . . . 20 1.7 Further ILO measures 1958â€“68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 1.8 1.9 UN Declaration on the Rights of Mentally Retarded Persons . . . . . . 24 1.10 ILO measures on the development of human resources . . . . . . . . . 24 1.11 ILO call for comprehensive campaign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 1.12 UN Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 1.13 International Year of Disabled Persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 1.14 UN World Programme of Action (WPA) and Decade of Disabled Persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 ix Page 1.15 ILO Convention No. 159 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 1.16 EU Recommendation concerning employment for persons with disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 1.17 UN Convention recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 1.18 Council of Europe: A Coherent Policy for the Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 1.19 Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 1.20 UN Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 1.21 Vienna Declaration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 1.22 Monitoring the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) in relation to persons with disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 1.23 Copenhagen Declaration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 1.24 EU Treaty amendment prohibiting discrimination . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 1.25 Council of Europe: European Social Charter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 1.26 Inter-American Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 1.27 African Decade of Disabled Persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 1.28 EU Charter of Fundamental Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 1.29 EU Directive on Discrimination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 1.30 Women with disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 1.31 Education and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 1.32 European Year of People with Disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 1.33 EU Disability Action Plan 2004â€“2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 1.34 Council of Europe: Malaga Declaration 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 1.35 Council of Europe Action Plan 2006â€“2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 1.36 Arab Decade for Persons with Disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 1.37 Decade of the Americas for Persons with Disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . 57 1.38 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 x Page UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119 4.3 Agenda for action, with particular relevance to work and employment issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121 xi Page Annexes: 1 Early historical development of work and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities (1900â€“1930) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131 2 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138 3 Ratifications of the ILO Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159), as at October 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141 4 Ratifications and Signatures of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), as at October 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142 5 Council of Europe Action Plan to Promote the Rights and Full Participation of People with Disabilities in Society: Improving the Quality of Life for People with Disabilities in Europe 2006â€“2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144 xii Introduction This publication builds on an ILO working paper commissioned in 2003 as a contribution to the deliberations then taking place in preparation for the development of a United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The working paper was intended to be of particular relevance to those involved in drafting the provisions concerning employment and work in the proposed Convention. By examining the development over time of the “right to work” of disabled persons,1 the way in which this matter has been dealt with in international instruments and national legislation to date, and the experience in implementing employment and work opportunities, the paper enabled those involved in the preparation of the proposed UN Convention to build on earlier achievements. The UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on 13 December 2006. In view of the considerable interest generated by the working paper, the ILO decided to update it to take account, not only of the Convention, but also of other major developments in this field since 2003. A summary overview of the principal international legal instruments and policy of relevance to the rights of people with disabilities, with a particular focus on employment and work, is given at the outset. This is followed, in Chapter 1, by a more detailed description of international instruments, policies and initiatives, including reference to the debates which have taken place about their effectiveness in practice. In Chapter 2, the focus is on the different options open to people with disabilities who wish to work in open/competitive employment, sheltered employment, supported employment and social enterprises. The chapter examines available evidence on the trends in each of these categories and highlights the key issues faced in each case. 1 The terms “persons with disabilities” and “disabled persons” are used interchangeably throughout this book, reflecting accepted usage in different countries of the world. 1 Introduction Chapter 3 deals with the main approaches which have been adopted at national level to assist people with disabilities in securing, retaining and advancing in employment and work, including legislation; employment services; training for employment; disability management; financial, technical and personal supports; and persuasion measures. The chapter also touches on the processes of consultation, information gathering, monitoring and evaluation which are essential elements of effective policies. Chapter 4 reviews key areas which still require attention, in spite of the range of measures introduced at international, regional and national level to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The chapter suggests ways in which progress might be made in these areas, and proposes an agenda for action required in order to implement the UN Conventionâ€™s provisions on work and employment. Annex 1 gives a historical flavour to the book, by tracing the development of work and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in different industrialized countries in the early twentieth century. Annex 2 contains definitions of the key terms used. Annex 3 lists the countries that have ratified the ILOâ€™s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159). Annex 4 lists the States and Regional Integration Organizations that have ratified and signed the CRPD and its Optional Protocol, as at October 2007. Annex 5 reproduces the employment elements of the Council of Europe Disability Action Plan 2006â€“2015. 2 The right to decent work of persons with disabilities: Summary overview Introduction Human rights and fundamental freedoms are the birthright of all, as stated in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights, 25 June 1993. This is the essence of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which begins: â€œWhereas recognition of the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world...â€?. It finds specific application in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR); the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR); and other international instruments (see Chapter 1). States have affirmed this principle again and again, including in the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action adopted by the World Summit for Social Development, 1995, acknowledging that the promotion and protection of those rights and freedoms are primarily the responsibility of governments. Acceptance of that responsibility should have led to ready ratification and implementation of international instruments and adherence to internationally-recognized declarations concerning the elimination of discrimination and the promotion and protection of human rights. That this did not happen to the extent it should is evident from regular exhortations, including from Heads of State and Government in Copenhagen, for greater compliance and the avoidance, as far as possible, of the resort to reservations. All human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated. It is the duty of States, regardless of their political, economic, social and cultural systems, to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms. The right to development is an inalienable human right by virtue of which every human person and all peoples are entitled to participate in, contribute to and enjoy economic, social, cultural and political development, in which all human rights and fundamental freedoms can be fully realized, as stated in the UN Declaration on the Right to Development, 1986. Because all human rights are inviolable and none is superior to 3 The right to decent work of persons with disabilities: Summary overview another, the improvement of any one right cannot be set off against the deterioration of another (UN 2001, para. 10). While development facilitates the enjoyment of all human rights, the lack of development may not be invoked to justify the abridgement of internationally recognized human rights, as stated in the Vienna Declaration. In other words, the promotion and protection of human rights should be progressed without conditions attached. Poverty denies the enjoyment of practically all human rights. The importance of international cooperation in the eradication of poverty and promotion of development is apparent. The principle of international cooperation has been recognized in the International Covenants. Principal international legal instruments and policy initiatives One of the earliest international acknowledgements of the right of people with disabilities to work opportunities was made by the ILO in 1944. In a comprehensive and far-seeing Recommendation, the ILO stated unequivocally that disabled workers, â€œwhatever the origin of their disability, should be provided with full opportunities for rehabilitation, specialized vocational guidance, training and retraining, and employment on useful workâ€? (Employment (Transition from War to Peace) Recommendation, 1944 (No. 71)). The ILO said that persons with disabilities should, wherever possible, be trained with other workers, under the same conditions and the same pay, and called for equality of employment opportunity for disabled workers and for affirmative action to promote the employment of workers with serious disabilities. Four years later, the right to work of everyone, including persons with disabilities, was copperfastened by the UN. Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (adopted by the General Assembly on 10 December 1948) could hardly be more explicit: â€œEveryone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment. Everyone, without discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work. Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for 4 The right to decent work of persons with disabilities: Summary overview himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection. Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.â€? What proved to be one of the most important international instruments in relation to the right to work of persons with disabilities was adopted by the ILO in 1955: the Vocational Rehabilitation (Disabled) Recommendation, 1955 (No. 99). Until the adoption of the ILO Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention (No. 159) and Recommendation No. 168, almost thirty years later in 1983, Recommendation No. 99 served as the basis for national legislation and practice in relation to vocational guidance, vocational training, and placement of disabled persons. It built on the core provisions of earlier instruments in relation, for example, to vocational training, equality of opportunity and equal pay for equal work. The 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), adopted by the UN General Assembly on 16 December (resolution 2200A (xxi)), was drafted in close consultation with the ILO, and reiterates those earlier provisions in binding treaty form. States Parties to the Covenant recognize the right of everyone to work, which includes the right to the opportunity to gain oneâ€™s living by work freely chosen or accepted, and undertake to safeguard that right. Steps to be taken to achieve the full realization of that right include vocational guidance, training and productive employment. States Parties also commit themselves to equal pay for work of equal value without distinction of any kind; safe and healthy working conditions; and equal opportunity for everyone to be promoted in employment to an appropriate higher level, subject to no considerations other than those of seniority and competence. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), also adopted in 1966, does not deal specifically with employment, but it does contain an important provision prohibiting discrimination on any ground, including disability. In 1971, the UN General Assembly proclaimed a Declaration on the Rights of Mentally Retarded Persons (resolution 2856 of 20 Dec. 5 The right to decent work of persons with disabilities: Summary overview 1971), which affirmed, inter alia, their right to perform productive work or to engage in any other meaningful occupation to the fullest extent of their capabilities. To encourage, assist and enable persons with disabilities to exercise their right to work on an equal basis and without discrimination, the ILOâ€™s Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) called on member States to develop and implement open, flexible and complementary systems of general, technical and vocational education; educational and vocational guidance; and vocational training, including continuing employment information. An accompanying Human Resources Development Recommendation, 1975 (No. 150) spells out in detail how the provisions of this Convention should be effected, reinforcing the principle of mainstreaming in vocational guidance and training, highlighting the importance of educating the general public, employers and workers in relation to the employment of persons with disabilities, and calling for adjustments in the workplace, where necessary, to accommodate disabled workers. In an important reference, the Recommendation notes that the ILO and UNESCO had collaborated closely with a view to ensuring that the instruments of the two organizations pursue harmonized objectives and that they would continue to do so with a view to the effective implementation of those instruments. In a further measure, the resolution concerning Vocational Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration of Disabled or Handicapped Persons, adopted on 24 June 1975, and again reflecting its perception of the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration among international bodies in pursuit of the exercise of the right to work of persons with disabilities, the ILO called for a comprehensive campaign for vocational rehabilitation 2 and social integration of disabled persons, in cooperation and coordination with the UN, its specialized agencies, and international, regional and non-governmental organizations (NGOs); a campaign which was to result in the International Year of Disabled Persons in 1981 and the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons, among other initiatives. 2 â€œVocational rehabilitationâ€? is a process which enables disabled persons to secure, retain and advance in suitable employment and thereby furthers their integration or reintegration into society (ILO 2002). 6 The right to decent work of persons with disabilities: Summary overview Further affirmation of the right to work and the right to work-related services, including vocational counselling and training, came almost immediately from the UN General Assembly in its Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons (resolution 3447 adopted on 9 Dec. 1975). Building on the “full participation and equality” theme of the International Year and goal of the World Programme of Action (WPA), and conscious that developments since its seminal Recommendation No. 99 in 1955 had made it appropriate to adopt new international labour standards concerning vocational rehabilitation and employment, the ILO adopted landmark Convention No. 159 in 1983. The Convention sets out a number of fundamental principles which should underlie vocational rehabilitation and employment policies, highlighting those of equal opportunity and treatment, affirmative measures which should not be regarded as discriminating against other workers, integration of persons with disabilities into mainstream work-related programmes and services, services for those in rural areas and remote communities, the training of qualified staff, and the need to consult employers’ and workers’ organizations as well as representative organizations of and for disabled persons. The accompanying Recommendation No. 168 details measures which should be taken to promote equitable employment opportunities, including the making of “reasonable adaptations to workplaces, job design, tools, machinery and work organization”, and outlines steps which should be taken to ensure that the consultative processes mentioned in the Convention work effectively. The 1987 Global Meeting of Experts to Review the Implementation of the WPA proposed that a guiding philosophy should be developed to indicate priorities for action in the years ahead, and that the basis of that philosophy should be the recognition of the rights (including the right to work) of persons with disabilities. The Meeting recommended that the General Assembly convene a special conference to draft an international convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against disabled persons. Following a failure by the General Assembly to reach a consensus on this issue, the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities were adopted 7 The right to decent work of persons with disabilities: Summary overview on 20 December 1993 (resolution 48/96). The Standard Rules are a set of non-compulsory guidelines, though the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) hoped they would become “international customary rules when they are applied by a great number of States with the intention of respecting a rule in international law” (A/C. 3/48/L.3, 1 Oct. 1993, p. 6). Employment is covered by Rule 7, which calls on all States to take various measures, most of which are contained in earlier relevant ILO Conventions and Recommendations, to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal opportunities for productive and gainful employment in the labour market. In a further reaffirmation of the right to work, the World Conference on Human Rights, meeting in Vienna in 1993, in a direct reference to persons with disabilities, emphasized in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action that “every person is born equal and has the same rights to life and welfare, education and work, living independently and active participation in all aspects of society. Any direct discrimination or other negative discriminatory treatment of a disabled person is therefore a violation of his or her rights” (p. 18). The World Conference called on governments to adopt or adjust legislation to assure access to these and other rights for disabled persons. Towards the end of 1994, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (UN CESCR) pointed out that the effects of disabilitybased discrimination had been particularly severe in the fields of education, employment, housing, transport, cultural life and access to public places and services (General Comment No. 5). The Committee considered the field of employment as one in which discrimination had been both prominent and persistent. In most countries, the unemployment rate among persons with disabilities was two to three times higher than that for others. Disabled persons were mostly engaged in low-paid jobs with little social and legal security and often segregated from the mainstream labour market. As the ILO had frequently noted, physical barriers such as inaccessible public transport, housing and workplaces were often the main reasons why persons with disabilities were not employed. The Committee drew attention to the valuable and comprehensive instruments developed by the ILO, including in particular Convention 8 The right to decent work of persons with disabilities: Summary overview No. 159, and urged States Parties to the International Covenant to consider ratifying that Convention. Heads of State and Government at the World Summit for Social Development in 1995, acknowledging the particular employment difficulties faced by persons with disabilities, committed themselves in the Copenhagen Declaration to putting the creation of employment, the reduction of unemployment, and the promotion of adequately remunerated employment at the centre of strategies and policies of governments, in full respect for those workers’ rights. The Programme of Action adopted by the Summit includes taking effective measures to bring to an end all forms of discrimination against persons with disabilities (para.15 (i)). Echoing the exhortation of the UN CESCR a year earlier, the Programme of Action calls on governments to enhance the quality of work and employment by, inter alia, “strongly considering ratification and full implementation of ILO conventions relating to the employment rights of . . . persons with disabilities” (para.54 (c)). Acknowledging the singular role of the ILO at international level in relation to the world of work and the particular tripartite nature of its structure and operation, the Programme urges governments to promote the role of the ILO, particularly as regards improving the level of employment and the quality of work. The Council of Europe’s European Social Charter (as revised in 1966) recognizes the right of everyone to “have the opportunity to earn (a) living in an occupation freely entered upon”, and that all workers have the right to just conditions of work. The Charter specifically acknowledges that disabled persons have the right to independence, social integration and participation in the life of the community. A European Union (EU) Directive, adopted at the end of 2000, outlaws direct and indirect discrimination in the field of employment on a number of grounds, including disability. The Directive applies, inter alia, to selection criteria and recruitment conditions, vocational guidance, vocational training, employment and working conditions, including pay. Importantly, the Directive states that “reasonable accommodation” shall be provided, i.e. that employers are to take appropriate measures, where 9 The right to decent work of persons with disabilities: Summary overview needed, to enable a person with a disability to have access to, participate in, or advance in employment, or to provide training, unless such measures would impose a ‘disproportionate burden’ on the employer (EU 2000, pp.16-22). The ILO Code of Practice on Managing Disability in the Workplace (ILO 2002) was drawn up to provide guidance to employers on practical means of implementing the types of measures contained in international instruments such as those mentioned earlier. The Code was developed and unanimously agreed at a tripartite meeting of experts (representing governments and employers’ and workers’ organizations), convened in October 2001 at the decision of the ILO Governing Body, taken at its 277th Session in March 2000. While addressed mainly to employers, the Code should also prove of considerable benefit to governments, which play a primary role in providing the necessary legislative framework for promoting equal opportunities and treatment in the workplace, and to workers’ representatives, whose main concern is to protect workers’ interests. The contents of the Code are based on the principles underpinning international instruments and initiatives. There is no doubt that general international human rights instruments apply to all persons, including persons with disabilities. Explicit confirmation was given in 1994 by the UN CESCR (General Comment No. 5). The Committee acknowledged, however (para.2), that States Parties devoted very little attention to persons with disabilities in their reports on compliance with that Covenant. The need for explicit, disability-related provisions in international human rights instruments was recognized in later measures, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Art. 23), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Art. 18 (4)), and the Additional Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights in the Area of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Art. 18), leading the Committee to conclude that “it is now widely accepted that the human rights of persons with disabilities must be protected and promoted through general, as well as specially-designed, laws, policies and programmes” (para. 6). 10 The right to decent work of persons with disabilities: Summary overview In 1999, a renewed campaign, Rehabilitation International: Charter for the Third Millenium (9 September 1999), was initiated to have a specially-designed law, a UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, elaborated. In December 2001, on the basis of a resolution sponsored by the Government of Mexico, the UN General Assembly established an Ad Hoc Committee (AHC) on a Comprehensive and Integral International Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities “to consider proposals for a comprehensive and integral international convention to promote and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, based on the holistic approach in the work done in the fields of social development, human rights and non-discrimination and taking into account the recommendations of the Commission on Human Rights and the Commission for Social Development.” The AHC commenced work in July 2002. Following an open and transparent elaboration process, which provided for meaningful participation by all interested parties, including persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, the AHC held eight sessions before concluding its work with the adoption on 13 December 2006 by the UN General Assembly of the CRPD (resolution 61/106). The Convention is seen as “a comprehensive and integral convention to promote and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities (which) will make a significant contribution to redressing the profound social disadvantage of persons with disabilities and promote their participation in the civil, political, economic, social and cultural spheres with equal opportunities, in both developing and developed countries” (idem., preamble (y)). The principles of the Convention are: respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one’s own choices, and independence of persons; non-discrimination; full and effective participation and inclusion in society; respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity; equality of opportunity; accessibility; equality between men and women; respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities. 11 The right to decent work of persons with disabilities: Summary overview States Parties to the Convention have general as well as specific obligations. The former include undertaking to: • adopt all appropriate legislative, administrative and other measures for the implementation of the rights recognized in the Convention; • take into account the protection and promotion of the human rights of persons with disabilities in all policies and programmes; • ensure that public authorities and institutions act in conformity with the Convention; • take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability by any person, organization or private enterprise; • promote the training of professionals and staff working with persons with disabilities in the rights recognized in the Convention. With regard to work and employment, States Parties to the Convention recognize the right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis with others; this includes the right to the opportunity to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in a work environment that is open, inclusive and accessible. States Parties also undertake to take appropriate steps, including those specifically listed in the Convention, to safeguard and promote the realization of the right to work. The Convention does not seek to establish new rights, but restates, reinforces and updates rights contained in other international instruments; confirms that all such rights apply to persons with disabilities; provides for the establishment of a Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to monitor the Convention; and obliges States Parties to closely consult with and actively involve persons with disabilities, through their representative organizations, in the development and implementation of legislation and policies to implement the Convention, and in other decision-making processes concerning issues relating to persons with disabilities. Despite existing national, regional and international laws and other instruments, and despite the activities of international bodies and the efforts of NGOs, persons with disabilities throughout the world continue 12 The right to decent work of persons with disabilities: Summary overview to be subjected to widespread violations of their human rights. This is an undeniable fact. In the field of employment, the available statistics indicate that the labour force inactivity rate of workers with disabilities tends to be much higher than that of other workers. Problems of access to the physical environment, including transportation, housing and workplaces, risk of losing benefits on starting work, coupled with still-held prejudices among many employers, co-workers and the general public, aggravate an already difficult situation. This is not to suggest that there has been no improvement. The significant growth in domestic anti-discrimination legislation in recent years is encouraging, even though adoption of a law does not guarantee its enforcement. The persistent efforts of international agencies, and in particular the ILO, in promoting equal opportunity and treatment in employment continue to make important inroads into the economic and social exclusion of persons with disabilities. It is hoped that the new UN Convention will reinforce national and international efforts and provide a renewed impetus in eliminating discrimination on the basis of disability and in positively promoting inclusion. 13 Notes International legal instruments and policy initiatives concerning the right to work of persons with disabilities 1.1 1 Introduction This chapter reviews, in chronological order, the principal legal instruments and policy initiatives concerning the right to work of persons with disabilities from the UN, the ILO, the Council of Europe and the European Union. It includes the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights in 1993, and the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted by the World Summit for Social Development in 1995. 1.2 Early ILO measures The ILO, founded in 1919, is the oldest of the specialized technical agencies of the UN system. It is tripartite in structure, with representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations having an equal voice with those of governments of its 181 member States in shaping ILO policies and programmes, through participation in the annual International Labour Conference (ILC) and membership on the ILO Governing Body. The primary goal of the ILO is to promote opportunities for women and men to obtain decent and productive work, in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity. The ILO has four principal strategic objectives: • to promote and realize standards, and fundamental principles and rights at work; • to create greater opportunities for women and men to secure decent employment; • to enhance the coverage and effectiveness of social protection for all; • to strengthen tripartism and social dialogue. These objectives are realized through: • the formulation of international policies and programmes to promote basic human rights, improve working conditions, and enhance employment opportunities; • the creation of international labour standards, through the formulation and adoption of Conventions, backed by a system to supervise their 15 International legal instruments and policy initiatives application, as well as Recommendations and Codes of Practice, which serve as guidelines for national authorities in putting standards into action. Conventions prescribe international labour standards and are binding on ratifying States; Recommendations provide guidelines for members of the ILO; Codes of Practice are agreed, non-binding rules and procedures; • an extensive programme of international technical cooperation, formulated and implemented in partnership with ILO constituents and development partners; • training, education, research and publishing activities. The first international instrument containing provisions relating to the vocational rehabilitation of workers with a disability was adopted by the ILC in 1925, just a few years after the establishment of the ILO. The Workmen’s Compensation (Minimum Scale) Recommendation, 1925 (No.22) set out principles which should be taken into account in determining compensation payment for industrial accidents. It also recommended that “the vocational re-education of injured workmen should be provided by such means as the national laws or regulations deem most suitable”, and urged governments to promote institutions which would provide such “re-education”. Interest in vocational rehabilitation and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities re-surfaced during the Second World War, largely because of the number of people disabled during the war and the need to find trained workers to fill jobs left vacant by mobilized workers. In May 1944, the ILC adopted a comprehensive Recommendation (No. 71) dealing with the organization of full employment in the period of transition from war to peace and thereafter, which emphasized the central role of employment services, including labour market information, vocational guidance and vocational training. One of the groups specifically covered by the Recommendation was disabled workers who, “whatever the origin of their disability, should be provided with full opportunities for rehabilitation, specialized vocational guidance, training and retraining, and employment on useful work”. Paragraphs 39 to 44 of the Recommendation provide early examples of a number of concepts such as mainstreaming, equality of opportunity and affirmative action. 16 International legal instruments and policy initiatives Box 1 Employment (Transition from War to Peace) Recommendation, 1944 (No. 71) Section X: Provisions concerning disabled workers - paragraphs 39 to 43 (39) (40) (41) The criterion for the training and employment of disabled workers should be the employability of the worker, whatever the origin of the disability. There should be the closest collaboration between medical services for the disabled and vocational rehabilitation and placement services. Specialized vocational guidance for the disabled should be developed in order to make it possible to assess each disabled worker’s capacity and to select the most appropriate form of employment for him. (42) 1. Wherever possible, disabled workers should receive training in company with able-bodied workers, under the same conditions and with the same pay. 2. Training should be continued to the point where the disabled person is able to enter employment as an efficient worker in the trade or occupation for which he has been trained. 3. Wherever practicable, efforts should be made to retrain disabled workers in their former occupations or in related occupations where their previous qualifications would be useful. 4. Employers with suitable training facilities should be induced to train a reasonable proportion of disabled workers. 5. Specialized training centres, with appropriate medical supervision, should be provided for those disabled persons who require such special training. (43) 1. Special measures should be taken to ensure equality of employment opportunity for disabled workers on the basis of their working capacity. Employers should be induced by wide publicity and other means, and where necessary compelled, to employ a reasonable quota of disabled workers. 2. In certain occupations particularly suitable for the employment of seriously disabled workers, such workers should be given preference over all other workers. 3. Efforts should be made, in close cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations, to overcome employment discriminations against disabled workers which are not related to their ability and job performance, and to overcome the obstacles to their employment including the possibility of increased liability in respect of workmens’ compensation. 4. Employment on useful work in special centres under non-competitive conditions should be made available for all disabled workers who cannot be made fit for normal employment. Information should be assembled by the employment service in regard to the occupations particularly suited to different disabilities and the size, location and employability of the disabled population. 17 International legal instruments and policy initiatives Although Recommendation No. 71 did not specifically refer to gender differences in the provisions concerning workers with disabilities, it did emphasize more than once ‘complete equality of opportunity’ for men and women in respect, for example, of recruitment on the basis of their individual merit, skill and experience, equal pay for equal work, and access to further education and training. The specific concern of the ILO for workers with disabilities continues to run like a thread through that body’s Conventions and Recommendations. In 1946, the Medical Examination of Young Persons (Industry) Convention, 1946 (No. 77); Medical Examination of Young Persons (Non-Industrial Occupations) Convention, 1946 (No. 78); and Medical Examination of Young Persons Recommendation, 1946 (No. 79) concerning medical examination of young people for fitness for employment, called for appropriate measures to be taken by the competent authority for vocational guidance and vocational rehabilitation in respect of young persons with disabilities. The Employment Service Convention (No. 88) and Recommendation (No. 83), adopted in 1948, concerning the organization of employment services, called for special measures to meet the needs of workers with disabilities and recommended “conditions or special studies” on such questions as the placement of disabled workers. Included also was a recommendation that employment services should not, in referring workers to employment, itself discriminate against applicants on grounds of race, colour, sex or belief. 1.3 Universal Declaration of Human Rights On 10 December 1948, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. There has been some criticism of the fact that the Declaration ignores persons with disabilities; that disabled persons were not included as a distinct group vulnerable to human rights violations, that disability is not mentioned as a protected category (see, for example, Degener and Quinn, 2000, p. 16). The UN General Assembly does, however, at the outset, proclaim the Declaration “as a common standard of achievement for all peoples . . .”; 18 International legal instruments and policy initiatives Article 1 states that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights . . .”; Article 2 states that “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set out in (the) Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status” (emphasis added). There can be little doubt that disabled people are covered by the Declaration, even though not specifically mentioned. Several of the articles of the Declaration relate to employment – Article 22 on the right to social security; Article 23 (1) on the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment; Article 23 (2) on the right to equal pay for equal work; Article 23 (3) on the right of everyone who works to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for self and family an existence worthy of human dignity and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection; Article 25 (1) on the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of self and family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond control; Article 26 (1) on the right to education, including that technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit. 1.4 Council of Europe: European Convention on Human Rights Founded in 1949 by ten Western European States, the Council of Europe – current membership 47 States – is primarily an organization of intergovernmental cooperation devoted to upholding parliamentary democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights. The outcome of the work of the Council of Europe falls into three broad categories. First, there are international treaties – normally known as European conventions or agreements – which are binding on the States which ratify them. Secondly, the Committee of Ministers addresses Recommendations to governments regarding policies or legislation. 19 International legal instruments and policy initiatives Thirdly, there are reports or studies which may examine and discuss various approaches or opinions on certain issues. The European Convention on Human Rights, adopted by the Council of Europe in 1950, might be regarded as the European equivalent to the ICCPR (for a more detailed description and discussion, see Degener and Quinn 2000, pp. 60 et seq.). From a disability perspective, it is open to criticism because the main non-discrimination provision (Art. 14) does not include disability among the grounds on which discrimination is prohibited, although it could be argued that it is implied in the phrase “or other status”. 1.5 ILO Social Security Convention (No. 102) The Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102) called on the institutions or government departments administering medical care to cooperate with the general vocational rehabilitation services, with a view to the return to suitable work of disabled workers (Art. 35). It also provided that “national laws or regulations may authorize such institutions or departments to ensure provision for the vocational rehabilitation of handicapped persons”. 1.6 First ILO Recommendation devoted to vocational rehabilitation What was to be one of the most important instruments in relation to persons with disabilities, the ILO Vocational Rehabilitation (Disabled) Recommendation (No. 99), was adopted in 1955. Until the adoption of Convention No. 159 and Recommendation No. 168 almost thirty years later, this international instrument served as the basis for all national legislation and practice concerning vocational guidance, vocational training and placement of disabled persons. Using a definition of “disabled person” which is substantively the same as that currently in use by the ILO (see Section 3.11.1), the Recommendation built on key provisions of earlier instruments in relation, for example, to mainstreaming of vocational training, equality of 20 International legal instruments and policy initiatives opportunity, no discrimination in pay for equal work, and promotion of research. Methods of widening employment opportunities for workers with disabilities, in close cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations, included quotas, reserved occupations, creation of cooperatives and the establishment of sheltered workshops. The role of the ILO, in providing technical advisory assistance, organizing international exchanges of experience, and other forms of international cooperation including the training of rehabilitation staff, was spelled out. The Recommendation also included special provisions for disabled children and young persons. 1.7 Further ILO measures 1958–68 The ILO Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) and its accompanying Recommendation outline policies of non-discrimination in the promotion of equal opportunity and treatment in employment. Given the ILO’s previous attention to persons with disabilities, it is somewhat surprising that disability was not specifically included in these particular instruments as a prohibited ground of discrimination. Convention No. 111 does, however, make provision for “special measures” in the case of disabled people: “Any Member may, after consultation with representative employers’ and workers’ organizations, where such exist, determine that other special measures designed to meet the particular requirements of persons who, for reasons such as sex, age, disablement, family responsibilities or social or cultural status, are generally recognized to require special protection or assistance, shall not be deemed to be discrimination” (Art. 5.2). Mindful of the effects of technological change on jobs, the ILO issued a resolution concerning Vocational Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons in 1965, concerning techniques employed by member States in the rehabilitation and training of disabled persons for new forms of employment. The ILO’s continuing interest in workers with disabilities was reflected in the requirement in Article 13 of its Invalidity, Old-Age and Survivors’ Benefits Convention, 1967 (No. 128) that Members should, under prescribed conditions: 21 International legal instruments and policy initiatives (a) provide rehabilitation services designed to prepare a disabled person wherever possible for the resumption of previous activity, or, if this is not possible, the most suitable alternative gainful activity, having regard to aptitudes and capacity; and (b) take measures to further the placement of disabled persons in suitable employment. That the ILO was determined to progress policy in vocational rehabilitation and to eliminate all discrimination in relation to the employment of disabled workers was evidenced in 1968 by a resolution of the ILC concerning Disabled Workers adopted on 24 June 1968, requesting the Director-General to carry out appropriate studies to enable the Conference to consider the possible revision of the Vocational Rehabilitation (Disabled) Recommendation, 1955 (No. 99), or the possible adoption of a new international instrument. 1.8 International Covenants In December 1966, the UN General Assembly adopted two important International Covenants, on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Together with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (see 1.3 above), they form the International Bill of Human Rights. The ICESCR, which was drafted in close collaboration with the ILO, contains a number of important provisions relating to work and equal employment opportunity: Article 6: (1) The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right to work, which includes the right of everyone to the opportunity to gain his (sic) living by work which he freely chooses or accepts, and will take appropriate steps to safeguard this right. (2) The steps to be taken . . . to achieve the full realization of this right shall include technical and vocational guidance and training programmes, policies and techniques to achieve steady economic, 22 International legal instruments and policy initiatives social and cultural development and full and productive employment under conditions safeguarding fundamental political and economic freedoms to the individual. Article 7: The States Parties . . . recognize the right of everyone to the enjoyment of just and favourable conditions of work which ensure, in particular: (a) Remuneration which provides all workers, as a minimum, with: (i) Fair wages and equal remuneration for work of equal value without distinction of any kind, in particular women being guaranteed conditions of work not inferior to those enjoyed by men, with equal pay for equal work; (ii) A decent living for themselves and their families in accordance with the provisions of the present Covenant; (b) Safe and healthy working conditions; (c) Equal opportunity for everyone to be promoted in his employment to an appropriate higher level, subject to no considerations other than those of seniority and competence…. The Covenant also guarantees the right to education (Art. 13). The ICCPR contains no specific provisions on employment, but it does include an important safeguard against discrimination: “All persons are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to the equal protection of the law. In this respect, the law shall prohibit any discrimination and guarantee to all persons equal and effective protection against discrimination on any ground such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status” (Art. 2). Although disability is not explicitly included in either Covenant among the prohibited grounds of discrimination, it is encompassed by the term “or other status” (UN CESCR 1994, General Comment No. 5). 23 International legal instruments and policy initiatives 1.9 UN Declaration on the Rights of Mentally Retarded Persons In 1971, the UN General Assembly proclaimed a Declaration on the Rights of Mentally Retarded Persons (resolution 2956 (xxvi) of 20 Dec. 1971). The Declaration affirmed that mentally retarded persons had the same rights as everyone else. Specifically, they had a right to such education, training, rehabilitation and guidance as would enable them to develop their ability and maximum potential; a right to economic security and a decent standard of living; a right to perform productive work or to engage in any other meaningful occupation to the fullest possible extent of their capabilities. 1.10 ILO measures on the development of human resources The ILO Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) called on member States to develop comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training, closely linked with employment, in particular through public employment services. Systems of vocational guidance, including continuing employment information, were to be extended to ensure that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance would be available to all, including persons with disabilities. The accompanying Recommendation (No. 150) spelled out in considerable detail how the provisions of Convention No. 142 should be effected. Persons with disabilities should have access to mainstream vocational guidance and vocational training programmes provided for the general population or, where this was not desirable, to specially adjusted programmes. It recommended that every effort should be made to educate the general public, employers and workers on the need to provide disabled persons with guidance and training to enable them to find suitable employment, on the adjustments in employment which some of them might require, and on the desirability of special support for them in their employment. Persons with disabilities were, as far as possible, to be integrated into productive life in a normal working environment. 24 International legal instruments and policy initiatives 1.11 ILO call for comprehensive campaign The ILO resolution adopted on 24 June 1975 was short, but particularly significant for a number of reasons. Referring to the fact that Rehabilitation International had declared the 1970s to be the Rehabilitation Decade, the resolution concerning Vocational Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration of Disabled or Handicapped Persons acknowledged growing public recognition of the need for special measures to integrate disabled persons into the community; deplored the fact that too many persons with disabilities, the majority of whom lived in developing countries, had very limited opportunity for work; and called on all public authorities and employersâ€™ and workersâ€™ organizations to promote maximum opportunities for disabled persons to perform, secure and retain suitable employment . The resolution called for a comprehensive campaign for vocational rehabilitation and social integration of disabled persons, in cooperation and coordination with the UN, its specialized agencies, and international, regional and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), a campaign which was to result, inter alia, in the International Year of Disabled Persons and the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons. 1.12 UN Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons The UN General Assembly, at the end of 1975, proclaimed a Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons (resolution 3447 (xxx) of 9 Dec. 1975). The Declaration affirmed that disabled persons had the same civil and political rights as other people, as well as the right to, inter alia, education, vocational training, counselling and placement services, the right to secure and retain employment or to engage in a useful, productive and remunerative occupation. The Declaration proclaimed that these rights were for all disabled persons without discrimination on the basis of sex or other grounds. 25 International legal instruments and policy initiatives 1.13 International Year of Disabled Persons On 16 December 1976, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 1981 the International Year of Disabled Persons, with the theme â€œfull participation and equalityâ€? (resolution 31/123). Towards the end of 1981, the General Assembly urged Member States to consolidate and build further on the results of the International Year in order to secure prevention of disability, rehabilitation and full integration of disabled persons into society. The General Assembly also urged the SecretaryGeneral, the specialized agencies and other UN bodies to undertake or expedite measures already under way to improve employment opportunities for disabled persons within these bodies at all levels (resolution 36/77 of 8 Dec. 1981). 1.14 UN World Programme of Action (WPA) and Decade of Disabled Persons One year later, the UN General Assembly, stressing that the primary responsibility for promoting effective measures for prevention, rehabilitation and the realization of the goals of full participation and equality rested with individual countries and that international action should be directed to assist and support national efforts in this regard, adopted the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons (resolution 37/52 of 3 Dec. 1982). On the same day, the General Assembly proclaimed the period 1983â€“1992 UN Decade of Disabled Persons and encouraged Member States to utilize this period as one of the means to implement the WPA (resolution 37/53 of 23 Dec. 1982). The WPA contains three overall aims: prevention, rehabilitation, and equalization of opportunities. Equalization of opportunities is defined as: the process through which the general system of society, such as the physical and cultural environment, housing and transportation, social and health services, educational and work opportunities, cultural and social life, including sports and recreational opportunities are made accessible to all (para. 12). 26 International legal instruments and policy initiatives The WPA states that “experience shows that it is largely the environment which determines the effect of an impairment or a disability on a person’s daily life” (para. 21); an acknowledgement which epitomizes the shift from a care/welfare approach to a social/rights one.3 1.15 ILO Convention No. 159 It will be recalled that the ILO had some years earlier proposed considering a possible revision of the Vocational Rehabilitation (Disabled) Recommendation, 1955 (No. 99), or the possible adoption of a new international instrument (see 1.6 above). Recommendation No. 99, which was not linked to a Convention, played a significant role in influencing national legislation and practice. The extent to which it did so confirmed the Director-General’s comment in his 1964 Report to the effect that while Conventions lay down obligations, it is possible, in certain areas, “that a standard which can be widely accepted may well be more effective in practice than obligations which are unlikely to be equally widely assumed” (ILO 1998, p. 4). Building on the “full participation and equality” theme of the International Year, and goal of the WPA, the ILO adopted the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention No. 159 and Recommendation No. 168 in 1983. The Convention requires member States, in accordance with national conditions, practice and possibilities, to formulate, implement and periodically review a national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons. The renewed emphasis on full participation is reflected in Article 1.2, which describes the purpose of vocational rehabilitation as being to enable a disabled person to secure, retain and advance in suitable employment and “thereby to further such person’s integration or reinte- 3 A traditional approach to disability was to view it as a problem of the person. Policy response tended to be to try to reduce or eliminate the disability largely through medical rehabilitation and/or to provide care/welfare supports. Equalization of opportunities, on the other hand, recognizes that society is disabling when it fails to provide equal opportunities for participation to all its members, opportunities to exercise the equal rights to which all are entitled. 27 International legal instruments and policy initiatives gration into society” (emphasis added), the highlighted phrase being an addition to Recommendation No. 99. The “equality” goal is captured in Article 4 of the Convention: The said policy shall be based on the principle of equal opportunity between disabled workers and workers generally. Equality of opportunity and treatment for disabled men and women workers shall be respected. Special positive measures aimed at effective equality of opportunity and treatment between disabled workers and other workers shall not be regarded as discriminating against other workers. The clear recognition of both women and men with disabilities will be noted. The Convention prescribes the action to be taken at national level to implement the policy. It also reminds Members, as did Recommendation No. 99 nearly thirty years previously, of the need, not only to provide the relevant services, but to evaluate them with a view to their continual improvement. The equality theme runs through Recommendation No. 168: for example, • disabled persons should enjoy equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of access to, retention of and advancement in employment which, wherever possible, corresponds to their own choice and takes account of their individual suitability for such employment (Art. 7); • in providing vocational rehabilitation and employment assistance to disabled persons, the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment for men and women workers should be respected (Art. 8); • measures should be taken to promote employment opportunities for disabled workers which conform to the employment and salary standards applicable to workers generally (Art. 10). The Recommendation reminds Members that such measures should include the making of “reasonable adaptations to workplaces, job design, tools, machinery and work organization” to facilitate training and employment. Given the increasing shift away from the “caring” to the “rights” model which was then beginning to take place at national as 28 International legal instruments and policy initiatives well as international level, the Recommendation is forthright in stating that disabled persons should be informed â€œabout their rights and opportunities in the employment fieldâ€? (Art. 16). 1.15.1 Monitoring the implementation of Convention No. 159 The ILO Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR) is one of two supervisory bodies with responsibility for the regular supervision of the observance by member States of their standards-related obligations. (The other regular supervisory body is the Conference Committee on the Application of Standards.) Members of the CEACR, appointed by the ILO Governing Body for a renewable period of three years, serve in a personal capacity among impartial persons of technical competence and independent standing, drawn from all parts of the world. The CEACR reviews the periodic reports of member States on the measures which they have taken to give effect to the provisions of Conventions which they have ratified. In its report (ILO 1998) on a General Survey on the implementation of the provisions of Convention No. 159 and Recommendation No. 168, the CEACR commented that the principle of equality of opportunity and equality of treatment in employment for disabled persons requires particular attention in an environment characterized by global competition and deregulation of labour markets, and emphasized the applicability of the Convention to all member States: Convention No. 159 is a promotional convention: it sets objectives and lays down basic principles to be observed in attaining them. Because its provisions are flexible as to the attainment of its objectives, due account can be taken of the situation prevailing in each country. They can be applied in all member States, regardless of the stage they have reached in their activities for the vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons. Recalling the fundamental importance of consultations between governments and the social partners, the Committee emphasized that consulting representative organizations of persons with disabilities (DPOs) on 29 International legal instruments and policy initiatives vocational rehabilitation and employment matters was a crucial element of the consultation process. It went on to strongly urge member States to promote the formation of truly representative DPOs and to facilitate communication between such organizations and administrative and technical bodies involved in vocational rehabilitation. Noting that governments had not supplied detailed information on the situation of people with disabilities living in rural areas and isolated communities, the Committee observed that these persons are doubly affected, by their disability and by their distance from services available to the general population and to people with disabilities living in urban centres, and highlighted the importance of community-based rehabilitation (CBR) programmes in facilitating the integration of some disabled persons into the economic and social life of their communities. Observing on a general trend in national practice concerning persons with disabilities towards the use of general services for vocational guidance, training, placement, employment and other related services which exist for the general population, the Committee noted that this process of mainstreaming has contributed considerably to changing negative ideas and attitudes in regard to the place and role of people with disabilities in working life and in society. In a final comment, the Committee emphasized that the implementation of the Conventionâ€™s provisions and the measures advocated by Recommendation No. 168 did not necessarily require vast resources, but depended on a commitment of the relevant stakeholders. In view of this and the fact that both instruments take into account the diversity of national situations and conditions, it urged member States which had not yet done so to ratify the Convention. 1.16 EU Recommendation concerning employment for persons with disabilities The original six Member States â€“ Belgium, France, Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands â€“ of the then European 30 International legal instruments and policy initiatives Economic Community (EEC) (now the European Union (EU)) had relatively similar social systems and levels of economic development, and they did not perceive social policy as a major issue of potential disagreement. Hence, between 1957 and the first enlargement of the EEC in 1973 when Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom joined, social policy was not a serious preoccupation. There were two exceptions: free movement of workers and equal opportunities. The focus of equal opportunities legislation was, however, primarily on gender balance. Concern about the need for an active social policy increased with the entry into the Community of Greece in 1981 and Portugal and Spain in 1986. While the Council of Ministers had no formal competency until the Treaty of Amsterdam in 1997 to adopt legal measures in the disability field, this did not prevent it from adopting non-binding Recommendations and resolutions (see Degener and Quinn 2000, pp. 94 et seq.).4 In 1986, a Recommendation was adopted urging member States â€œto take appropriate measures to promote fair opportunities for persons with disabilities in the field of employment and vocational trainingâ€?. 1.17 UN Convention recommended The Global Meeting of Experts to Review the Implementation of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons at the MidPoint of the UN Decade of Disabled Persons was held in Stockholm in 1987. It was proposed that a guiding philosophy should be developed to indicate priorities for action in the years ahead, and that the basis of that philosophy should be the recognition of the rights of persons with disabilities. The Meeting recommended that the General Assembly convene a special conference to draft an international convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against people with disabilities, to be ratified by States by the end of the Decade. A draft outline of a convention was prepared by the Government of Italy and presented to Unlike the Council of Europe, the European Community Treaty provides the Institutions of the European Union with legal powers which can be imposed on Member States. Two types of law are used: Regulations are directly and automatically effective; Directives typically allow Member States discretion as to the method of implementation and usually allow a number of years before full implementation. Recommendations and resolutions are also issued, but are not binding. 4 31 International legal instruments and policy initiatives the General Assembly at its forty-second Session. Further presentations concerning a draft convention were made by the Government of Sweden at the forty-fourth Session. On neither occasion could a consensus be reached on the suitability of a convention. In the opinion of many representatives, existing human rights documents appeared to guarantee persons with disabilities the same rights as others (UN 1994). 1.18 Council of Europe: A Coherent Policy for the Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities Probably the best-known Council of Europe Recommendation concerning people with disabilities was adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 9 April 1992. Recommendation No. R (92) 6, A Coherent Policy for the Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities, is more comprehensive than the title might suggest. In fact, its sub-title, â€œA model rehabilitation and integration programme for national authoritiesâ€?, is probably a more useful description of the document, which includes detailed sections on prevention and health education; education; vocational guidance and training; employment; social integration and environment; social, economic and legal protection; personnel training; information; statistics and research. 1.19 Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons The Asian and Pacific region has by far the largest number of persons with disabilities in the world. Most of them are poor, their concerns unknown and their rights overlooked. In April 1992, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), recognizing that more needed to be done and building on the results of the UN Decade, proclaimed the period 1993 to 2002 as the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (UNESCAP resolution 48/3). Thirty-three governments had cosponsored the resolution, which was adopted by acclamation. In December 1992, the meeting to launch the Decade adopted the Proclamation on the Full Participation and Equality of People with Disabilities in the Asian and Pacific Region and the Agenda for Action for the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 1993-2002. In April 32 International legal instruments and policy initiatives 1993, the Commission adopted the Proclamation and Agenda for Action (UNESCAP resolution 49/6). Training and Employment forms one of the major policy categories in the framework of the agenda for action (ESCAP 1994). On 22 May 2002, ESCAP, while “recognizing that since the inception of the Asian and Pacific Decade, an overall improvement in all twelve policy categories under the Agenda for Action is evident, although achievements have been uneven, with significant achievements in the areas of national coordination and legislation and some improvement in the areas of the prevention of causes of disability, rehabilitation services, access to built environments and development of self-help organizations of disabled persons, but a continuing and alarmingly low rate of access to education for children and youth with disabilities and marked sub-regional disparities in the implementation of the Agenda for Action”, adopted UNESCAP resolution 58/4: “Promoting an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society for people with disabilities in the Asian and Pacific region in the twentyfirst century” which extended the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons for a further decade, 2003–2012. 1.20 UN Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities The Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities were adopted by the UN General Assembly on 20 December 1993 (resolution 48/96). In its resolution (A/C 3/48/C.3 1 Oct. 1993) to the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council described the Rules as follows: Although these Rules are not compulsory, they can become international customary rules when they are applied by a great number of States with the intention of respecting a rule in international law. They imply a strong moral and political commitment on behalf of States to take action for the equalization of opportunities. Important principles for responsibility, action and cooperation are indicated. Areas of decisive importance for the 33 International legal instruments and policy initiatives quality of life and for the achievement of full participation and equality are pointed out. These Rules offer an instrument for policy-making and action to persons with disabilities and their organizations. They provide a basis for technical and economic cooperation among States, the UN and other international organizations (p. 6). There are 22 Rules, ranging from Awareness-raising to International Cooperation. Employment is covered by Rule 7: States should recognize the principle that persons with disabilities must be empowered to exercise their human rights, particularly in the field of employment. In both rural and urban areas they must have equal opportunities for productive and gainful employment in the labour market. 1. Laws and regulations in the employment field must not discriminate against persons with disabilities and must not raise obstacles to their employment. 2. States should actively support the integration of persons with disabilities into open employment. This active support could occur through a variety of measures, such as vocational training, incentive-oriented quota schemes, reserved or designated employment, loans or grants for small business, exclusive contracts or priority production rights, tax concessions, contract compliance or other technical or financial assistance to enterprises employing workers with disabilities. States should also encourage employers to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate persons with disabilities. 3. Statesâ€™ action programmes should include: (a) measures to design and adapt workplaces and work premises in such a way that they become accessible to persons with different disabilities; (b) support for the use of new technologies and the development and production of assistive devices, tools and equipment and measures to facilitate access to such devices and equipment for persons with disabilities to enable them to gain and maintain employment; 34 International legal instruments and policy initiatives (c) provision of appropriate training and placement and ongoing support such as personal assistance and interpreter services. 4. States should initiate and support public awareness-raising campaigns designed to overcome negative attitudes and prejudices concerning workers with disabilities. 5. In their capacity as employers, States should create favourable conditions for the employment of persons with disabilities in the public sector. 6. States, workersâ€™ organizations and employers should cooperate to ensure equitable recruitment and promotion policies, employment conditions, rates of pay, measures to improve the work environment in order to prevent injuries and impairments and measures for the rehabilitation of employees who have sustained employment-related injuries. 7. The aim should always be for persons with disabilities to obtain employment in the open labour market. For persons with disabilities whose needs cannot be met in open employment, small units of sheltered or supported employment may be an alternative. It is important that the quality of such programmes be assessed in terms of their relevance and sufficiency in providing opportunities for persons with disabilities to gain employment in the labour market. 8. Measures should be taken to include persons with disabilities in training and employment programmes in the private and informal sector. 9. States, workersâ€™ organizations and employers should cooperate with organizations of persons with disabilities concerning all measures to create training and employment opportunities, including flexible hours, part-time work, job-sharing, self-employment and attendant care for persons with disabilities (UN 1994, pp. 25-27). The Rules provide for the appointment of a Special Rapporteur to monitor implementation and provide reports to the UN Commission for Social Development. An international panel of experts may be consulted by the Special Rapporteur or, when appropriate, by the Secretariat, to provide advice or feedback on the promotion, implementation and monitoring of the Rules. 35 International legal instruments and policy initiatives There was inevitably some disappointment that the General Assembly had failed to agree on introducing a Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and adopted the non-binding Standard Rules instead. For example, Degener and Quinn (2000) refer to the Standard Rules as “a compensatory alternative” (p. 18). Depouy, then Special Rapporteur of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, described the establishment of an international body or mechanism to supervise respect for the human rights of disabled persons as “one of the most cherished aims of the non-governmental organizations”. Writing in 1993, as the Standard Rules were being finalized, he stated: Despite the many actions undertaken throughout the Decade and the valuable results that have been achieved for disabled persons in many respects, it must be said that, at the end of this period, persons with disabilities are going to find themselves at a legal disadvantage in relation to other vulnerable groups such as refugees, women, migrant workers, etc. The latter have the protection of a single body of binding norms, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, etc. In addition, those Conventions have established specific protection mechanisms: the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families are in charge of supervising compliance with the Conventions . . . there is no specific body in charge of monitoring respect for the human rights of disabled persons and acting, whether confidentially or publicly, when particular violations occur. It can be said that persons with disabilities are equally as protected as others by general norms, international covenants, regional conventions, etc. But although this is true, it is also true that unlike the other vulnerable groups, they do not have an international control body to provide them with particular and specific protection (Depouy 1993, pp. 40-41). 36 International legal instruments and policy initiatives 1.21 Vienna Declaration The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights on 25 June 1993, reinforced the fact that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated. The Declaration noted (Art. 22) that “special attention needs to be paid to ensuring non-discrimination, and the equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by disabled persons, including their active participation in all aspects of society”. The Declaration emphasized (Art. 64) that persons with disabilities should be guaranteed equal opportunity through the elimination of all socially determined barriers, be they physical, financial, social or psychological, which exclude or restrict full participation in society (UNGA A/Conf. 157/23, 12 July 1993). 1.22 Monitoring the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) in relation to persons with disabilities Towards the end of 1994, the UN CESCR issued a salutary reminder that, notwithstanding the many international instruments adopted over the years by the ILO and the UN, States Parties to the ICESCR had devoted very little attention to ensuring the full enjoyment of the relevant rights by persons with disabilities (General Comment No. 5). Attributing the absence of an explicit, disability-related provision in the Covenant to the lack of awareness of the importance of addressing this issue explicitly, rather than only by implication, at the time of the drafting of the Covenant over twenty-five years previously, the Committee drew attention to a number of more recent international human rights instruments which had addressed the issue specifically, including: • the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Art. 23); • the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Art. 18 (4)); • the Additional Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights in the Area of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Art. 18). 37 International legal instruments and policy initiatives Reminding governments that the ultimate responsibility was theirs for remedying the conditions that lead to impairment and for dealing with the consequences of disability, the Committee pointed out that the effects of disability-based discrimination had been particularly severe in the fields of education, employment, housing, transport, cultural life and access to public places and services. Regarding the rights relating to work contained in Articles 6 to 8 of the Covenant, the Committee considered the field of employment as one in which discrimination had been both prominent and persistent. In most countries, the unemployment rate among persons with disabilities was two to three times higher than the unemployment rate for others. Persons with disabilities were mostly engaged in low-paid jobs with little social and legal security and often segregated from the mainstream labour market. As the ILO had frequently noted, physical barriers such as inaccessible transport, housing and workplaces were often the main reasons why persons with disabilities were not employed. The Committee drew attention to the valuable and comprehensive instruments developed by the ILO, including in particular Convention No. 159, and urged States Parties to the Covenant to consider ratifying that Convention. The methods to be used by States parties in seeking to implement their obligations under the Covenant towards persons with disabilities are, the Committee pointed out, essentially the same as those in relation to other obligations. They include the need to ascertain, through regular monitoring, the nature and scope of the problems existing within the country concerned, the need to adopt appropriately tailored policies and programmes to respond to what is required, the need to legislate where necessary to prohibit discrimination and to eliminate any existing discriminatory legislation, and the need to make budgetary provisions or, where necessary, seek international cooperation and assistance. International cooperation is likely to be a particularly important element in enabling some developing countries to fulfil their obligations under the Covenant. The Committee drew particular attention to the situation of women with disabilities: â€œPersons with disabilities are sometimes treated as genderless human beings. As a result, the double discrimination suffered by 38 International legal instruments and policy initiatives women with disabilities is often neglected. Despite frequent calls by the international community for particular emphasis to be placed upon their situation, very few efforts have been undertaken during the Decade.” The Committee urged States Parties to address the situation of women with disabilities, with high priority being given in future to the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights-based programmes. The right to the enjoyment of “just and favourable conditions of work” (Art. 7 of the Covenant) applies to all disabled workers, whether they work in the open labour market or in sheltered employment. The right to join a trade union (Art. 8) similarly applies to all disabled workers. Social security and income-maintenance schemes are particularly important for persons with disabilities. The Committee referred to the UN Standard Rules, which state that States should ensure the provision of adequate income support to persons with disabilities who, owing to disability or disability-related factors, have temporarily lost or received a reduction in their income or have been denied employment opportunities. Such support should reflect the special needs for assistance and other expenses associated with disability. Support provided, adds the Committee, should also, as far as possible, cover individuals (who are generally female) who undertake the care of a person with disabilities: such persons are often in need of financial support because of their assistance role. 1.23 Copenhagen Declaration The Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted by the World Summit for Social Development in March 1995, acknowledged that people with disabilities, who form one of the world’s largest minorities, are too often forced into poverty, unemployment and social isolation. In relation to employment, the Heads of State and Government at the Summit committed themselves, inter alia, to put the creation of employment, the reduction of unemployment and the promotion of appropriately and adequately remunerated employment at the centre of strategies and policies of Governments, in full respect for workers’ rights, and giving special attention to disadvantaged groups and 39 International legal instruments and policy initiatives individuals including persons with disabilities. The elimination of all forms of discrimination is emphasized throughout the Declaration, and the Programme of Action includes â€œtaking effective measures to bring to an end all de jure and de facto discrimination against persons with disabilitiesâ€? (para. 15 (i)). In a specific employment reference, the Programme states that broadening the range of employment opportunities for persons with disabilities requires: Ensuring that laws and regulations do not discriminate against persons with disabilities; Taking proactive measures, such as organizing support services, devising incentive schemes and supporting self-help schemes and small businesses; Making appropriate adjustments in the workplace to accommodate persons with disabilities, including in that respect the promotion of innovative technologies; Developing alternative forms of employment, such as supported employment, for persons with disabilities who need these services; Promoting public awareness within society regarding the impact of the negative stereotyping of persons with disabilities on their participation in the labour market (para. 62). The Declaration and Programme of Action makes frequent mention of the need to achieve equality and equity between women and men, including women and men with disabilities. In the context of work and employment, parties to the Declaration commit themselves to: â€˘ 40 promoting changes in attitudes, structures, policies, laws and practices in order to eliminate all obstacles to human dignity, equality and equity in the family and in society, and to promote full and equal participation of urban and rural women and women with disabilities, in social, economic and political life, including in the formulation, implementation and follow-up of public policies and programmes (commitment 5a); International legal instruments and policy initiatives • promoting and attaining the goals of universal and equitable access to quality education . . . making particular efforts to rectify inequalities relating to social conditions and without distinction as to race, national origin, gender, age or disability (commitment 6); • ensuring that persons with disabilities have access to rehabilitation and other independent living services and assistive technology to enable them to maximize their well-being, independence and full participation in society (commitment 6n). The Programme of Action acknowledges that empowerment and participation are essential for democracy, harmony and social development and that gender equality and equity and the full participation of women in all economic, social and political activities is essential: “the obstacles that have limited the access of women to decision-making, education, health-care services and productive employment must be eliminated . . .” (p. 29). The Programme calls on governments to enhance the quality of work and employment by, inter alia: • observing and fully implementing the human rights obligations that they have assumed; • safeguarding and promoting respect for workers’ basic rights, including freedom of association and the right to organize and bargain collectively, equal pay for equal work and non-discrimination in employment, and fully implementing the ILO conventions in the case of States party to them (Ch. 3, p. 54). 1.24 EU Treaty amendment prohibiting discrimination Within the European Union, disability issues had been largely regarded as a matter of social policy. The European Commission, in a social policy White Paper published in 1994 (EC 1994): • acknowledged that there was a need to build the fundamental right to equal opportunities into EU policies; 41 International legal instruments and policy initiatives • said it would ensure, through appropriate mechanisms, that the needs of disabled people were taken into account in relevant legislation programmes and initiatives; • said it would prepare an appropriate instrument endorsing the UN Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities; • promised it would prepare a code of good practice in relation to its own personnel policies and practices on employing persons with disabilities; and • said that, at the next opportunity to review the EU Founding Treaties, serious consideration must be given to the introduction of a specific reference to combating discrimination on the grounds of disability. In December 1996,5 the EU Social Council adopted a resolution which reaffirmed the commitment of the Member States to: • the principles and values that underlie the UN Standard Rules; • the ideas underlying the Council of Europe’s 1992 resolution on a coherent policy for the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities (see section 1.18); • the principle of equality of opportunity in the development of comprehensive policies in the field of rehabilitation; and • the principle of avoiding or eliminating any form of negative discrimination on the grounds of disability. Also in December 1996, the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) – basically heads of government of EU Member States meeting to review the EU Treaties – agreed to include in the draft revised Treaties a new article prohibiting discrimination based on a number of grounds, including disability. What was finally approved in the Treaty of Amsterdam in 1997, however, was a watered-down version of what had been agreed at the IGC: 5 Austria, Finland and Sweden became EU Members in 1995. 42 International legal instruments and policy initiatives . . . the Council, acting unanimously on a proposal from the Commission and after consulting the European Parliament, may take appropriate action to combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation (Art. 13). While generally welcomed as an important step in the right direction, the amendment fell far short â€“ particularly in the requirement for unanimity and the optional nature of the provision â€“ of what many had hoped for. 1.25 Council of Europe: European Social Charter The European Social Charter deals with economic and social rights. The original Charter was opened for signature in 1961 and entered into force in 1965. It was added to in 1988 and extensively revised in 1996. (All references in this book to the Charter are to the 1996 version.) In developing the Charter, the Council of Europe paid particular attention to the work of, and the measures adopted by the ILO. Part I sets out general principles which Contracting Parties undertake to accept. These include the rights of everyone to appropriate facilities for vocational guidance (Art. 9) and vocational training (Art. 10); the right of persons with a disability to independence, social integration and participation in the life of the community (Art. 15); and the right of everyone to protection against poverty and social exclusion (Art. 30). Part II lists the obligations to which Contracting Parties are bound under each of the 31 articles in Part I, which results in protection of rights in over one hundred areas. The breakdown of Article 15, for example, reads as follows: With a view to ensuring to persons with disabilities, irrespective of age and the nature and origin of their disabilities, the effective exercise of the right to independence, social integration and participation in the life of the community, the Parties undertake, in particular: 43 International legal instruments and policy initiatives 1. to take the necessary measures to provide persons with guidance, education and vocational training in the framework of general schemes wherever possible, or where this is not possible, through specialized bodies, public or private; 2. to promote their access to employment through all measures tending to encourage employers to hire and keep in employment persons with disabilities in the ordinary working environment and to adjust the working conditions to the needs of the disabled or, where this is not possible by reason of the disability, by arranging for or creating sheltered employment according to the level of disability. In certain cases, such measures may require recourse to specialized placement and support services; 3. to promote their full social integration and participation in the life of the community in particular through measures, including technical aids, aiming to overcome barriers to communication and mobility and enabling access to transport, housing, cultural activities and leisure. Notwithstanding its title, the European Social Charter is a legally-binding treaty. However, the number of rights protected depends on whether the Contracting Party has ratified the original Charter, the 1988 Additional Protocol or the Revised Charter 1996. For example, under Part III of the 1996 Charter, a Contracting Party must agree to be bound by at least six of nine listed Articles of Part II. Article 15 is not included in this “core” list. In addition, the Contracting Party must agree to be bound by an additional number of articles or numbered paragraphs of Part II which it may select, provided that the total number of articles or numbered paragraphs by which it is bound is not less than sixteen articles or sixty-three numbered paragraphs. Member States which have only ratified the original Charter are only bound by a minimum of five out of seven core articles and at least five others or forty-five paragraphs. Allowing for the unusual “à la carte” manner of obligations accepted, the European Social Charter is still a valuable treaty which more Member States should be encouraged to ratify. NGOs, in particular, need to be made more aware of its potential in terms of promoting and advancing the rights of persons with disabilities (see Kenny 1997; Council of Europe 1997a, 1997b). 44 International legal instruments and policy initiatives 1.26 Inter-American Convention The Inter-American Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities was adopted in June 1999. The Convention does not include rights. It is the first regional treaty to define discrimination against persons with disabilities. The term “discrimination against persons with disabilities” in this Convention means any distinction, exclusion, or restriction based on a disability, record of disability, whether present or past, which has the effect or objective of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment, or exercise by a person with a disability of his or her human rights and fundamental freedoms (Art. 1.2a). 1.27 African Decade of Disabled Persons The African Decade of Disabled Persons (1999–2009) was declared in July 2000 by Organization of African Unity (OAU) Heads of State and Government. A Continental Action Plan was adopted unanimously by participants at the Pan African Conference on the African Decade in February 2002. The Action Plan is intended to provide guidance to Member States and Governments of the OAU in achieving the goal of the Decade – the full participation, equality and empowerment of persons with disabilities in Africa. The Action Plan includes a range of measures to be undertaken by Member States in order to meet the objectives of promoting the participation of persons with disabilities in the process of economic and social development, and to ensure and improve access to training and employment. 1.28 EU Charter of Fundamental Rights The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union was proclaimed at the Nice European Summit in December 2000. The Charter sets out, for the first time in the history of the EU, the full range of civil, political, economic and social rights of all European citizens and all persons resident in the EU, including persons with disabilities. In the context of work and employment, the most relevant provisions are: 45 International legal instruments and policy initiatives • the right to human dignity (Art. 1); • the right to education and to have access to vocational and continuing training (Art. 14.1); • the right to engage in work and to pursue a freely-chosen or accepted occupation (Art. 15.1); • any discrimination based on any ground including disability is prohibited (Art. 21); • equality between men and women must be ensured in all areas, including employment, work and pay (Art. 23); • the right of persons with disabilities to benefit from measures designed to ensure their independence, social and occupational integration and participation in the life of the community (Art. 26); • the right of access to a free placement service (Art. 29); • the right to protection against unjustified dismissal, in accordance with Community law and national laws and practices (Art. 30); • the right to working conditions which respect health, safety and dignity (Art. 31.1); and • the entitlement to social security benefits and social services (Art. 34.1). The Charter was to be incorporated into a proposed EU Constitution. In June 2007, European leaders agreed to replace the proposed Constitution with a new “reform treaty”. A decision on the legal force of the Charter awaits the outcome of “reform treaty” discussions. 1.29 EU Directive on Discrimination A new EU Directive (EU 2000) on discrimination in employment was adopted by the EU Social Affairs Ministers at the end of 2000. The Directive prohibits direct and indirect discrimination on a number of grounds, including disability, and applies, inter alia, to selection criteria and recruitment conditions, vocational guidance, vocational training, employment and working conditions, including pay. Importantly, the 46 International legal instruments and policy initiatives Directive states that “reasonable accommodation” shall be provided, which means that employers are to take appropriate measures, where needed, to enable a person with a disability to have access to, participate in, or advance in employment, or to provide training, unless such measures would impose a “disproportionate burden” on the employer. On age and disability, the Directive allowed Member States to take a further three years, if necessary, beyond the normal three years to transpose the Directive into national law. Any Member State doing so was required to report annually to the European Commission on the progress it was making towards implementation. 1.30 Women with disabilities All human rights are universal and therefore unreservedly include women and men with disabilities. Every person is born equal and has the same rights to life and welfare, education and work, living independently and active participation in all aspects of society. Any direct or indirect discrimination against a disabled woman or man is a violation of her or his rights. Women with disabilities are more vulnerable to discrimination, (a) because they are women and (b) because they have a disability. Many women with disabilities are further discriminated against because they are poor. This double or treble discrimination suffered by women with disabilities is often ignored or goes unnoticed because persons with disabilities are sometimes treated as though they are genderless human beings. It is also largely neglected because little information is available on its extent or impact. This situation does not appear to be improving. In 1993, for example, the then Special Rapporteur of the UN SubCommission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities expressed his disappointment “at the virtually total lack of bibliographic material on the specific problems of women with disabilities” (Depouy 1993, p. 20). The UN Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities, adopted in December 1993, concern all people with disabilities, regardless of gender, race, age, and 47 International legal instruments and policy initiatives so forth, but contain few direct references to the gender dimension, a fact regretted by the Special Rapporteur of the UN Commission for Social Development in his report to the Commission (UN 2002, p. 20). The 1998 report of the first General Survey on the application of ILO Convention No. 159 and Recommendation No. 168, both in States which have ratified the Convention and in those which have not, comments succinctly on equality of opportunity and treatment between disabled men and disabled women workers: People with disabilities face many obstacles in their struggle for equality. Although both men and women with disabilities are subject to discrimination, women with disabilities are double disadvantaged by discrimination based on gender and their disability status. Women with disabilities are more likely than their male counterparts to be poor or destitute, illiterate or without vocational skills, and most of them are unemployed. They have less access to rehabilitation services, they are more likely to be without family or community support and they often suffer greater social isolation due to their disability. The situation is dramatic, and the Director-General of the ILO in 1981 pointed out that poor disabled women are all too frequently deprived of all human rights. (ILO 1998, Ch.2, Section I, para. 114; see also ILO 1981.) States parties to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women were requested to include information on women with disabilities in their periodic reports. In a sample of reports surveyed in 2001 (Quinn and Degener 2002), little consistent reporting on the double discrimination experienced by women with disabilities was found. The UN CRPD 2006 recognizes the particular situation of women with disabilities. States Parties to the Convention undertake to recognize that â€œwomen and girls with disabilities are subject to multiple discrimination, and in this regard shall take measures to ensure the full and equal enjoyment by them of all human rights and fundamental freedomsâ€?. States Parties also undertake to â€œtake all appropriate measures to ensure the full 48 International legal instruments and policy initiatives development, advancement and empowerment of women, for the purpose of guaranteeing them the exercise and enjoyment of the human rights and fundamental freedoms set out in the Conventionâ€? (Art. 6). 1.30.1 Employment barriers for women with disabilities People with disabilities in general face difficulties in entering the open labour market, but, seen from a gender perspective, men with disabilities are almost twice as likely to have jobs than disabled women. For example, according to a study carried out in the United States, almost 42 per cent of men with disabilities are in the labour force, compared to 24 per cent of women. In addition, while more than 30 per cent of disabled men work full time, only 12 per cent of disabled women are in full-time employment. Women with disabilities who work full time earn only 56 per cent of the earnings of full-time employed men with disabilities (Bowe 1984). Only 3 per cent of disabled women are registered in the labour force in Ghana (1996), 0.3 per cent in India (1991) and 19 per cent in the Philippines (1992). Most working women with disabilities are to be found in the informal sector (Messell 1997). When women with disabilities work, they often experience unequal hiring and promotion standards, unequal access to training and retraining, unequal access to credit and other productive resources, unequal pay for equal work and occupational segregation, and they rarely participate in economic decision-making (ILO 1996). A general trend worldwide is that women with disabilities are less likely to be referred to vocational training; have a harder time gaining access to rehabilitation programmes; are less likely to obtain equality in training; and if they are successfully rehabilitated, it is more likely to lead to parttime jobs or worse â€“ unemployment. Among the general public and rehabilitation counsellors, the attitude still persists that women with disabilities are passive, dependent, and not capable of or interested in taking up an occupation leading to employment. Studies have found that, even in rich countries, major programmes designed to assist people with disabilities, such as supplemental security income, disability insurance, workersâ€™ compensation and vocational rehabilitation, disadvantage women because of their relationship to labour market participation. Not 49 International legal instruments and policy initiatives only do women receive fewer benefits than men, they also draw lower benefits. Moreover, despite their greater need, disabled women receive less from public income support programmes (Mudrick 1988). The ILO Committee on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations, in the report of the General Survey on Convention No. 159 and Recommendation No. 168, notes that the reports communicated by governments indicate that most countries apply the principle of equality of opportunity in the fields of education, training and employment, without distinction based on race, colour, sex, language or any other ground, such as disability. However, the general trend is to have special initiatives for people with disabilities, but without targeting disabled women as a vulnerable group that needs support. Consequently, since the legal framework is gender-neutral, discrimination against women with disabilities can easily take place without being registered. In order to combat discrimination against women with disabilities in training and employment, several measures have been taken by the ILO, and these are reflected in a number of standards, resolutions and policy statements. The last resolution concerning ILO action for women workers, adopted in 1991, reaffirmed the Organizationâ€™s concern for women workers, including women with disabilities. ILO Convention No. 159 states that equality of opportunity and treatment of disabled men and women workers shall be respected. The Convention can be used in a strategy to remove barriers which stand in the way of full participation and integration of women with disabilities in the mainstream of society and in the economy (ILO 1998, pp. 35-6). The particular situation of women with disabilities continues to be inadequately addressed. A study of employment policies for persons with disabilities for the European Commission concluded in relation to this issue that â€œthe gender perspective is generally not well integrated into disability policy and little information is available on the differential impact of employment policies for disabled people on men and womenâ€? (EC 2000). 50 International legal instruments and policy initiatives 1.31 Education and training Fitting-persons-to-jobs and fitting-jobs-to-persons are multi-faceted processes. The key roles played by education and training in particular continued to be highlighted by the ILO. These issues were again cogently addressed by the ILC in 2000. The Conference underlined the fact that education and training are essential for economic and employment growth and social development. Education and training are a means to empower people, improve the quality and organization of work, enhance citizensâ€™ productivity, raise workersâ€™ incomes, improve enterprise competitiveness, promote job security and social equity and inclusion. Education and training are therefore a central pillar of decent work. (ILO 2000, para. 3). The Conference emphasized that education and training must cover everyone, and must be carefully targeted at persons with special needs, including people with disabilities. In addition to education and training, vocational guidance and counselling, job placement services, recruitment and selection practices, educational and labour market information, job design, ergonomics, working conditions and rewards, attitudes and motivation, all play inter-related roles in the whole employment process and need to be considered as part of work and employment policy for persons with disabilities. (For detailed suggestions on placement strategies and practices see Heron and Murray 2003, Murray and Heron 2003.) The importance of addressing these issues has been recognized in the CRPD. Article 24 deals extensively with education, but includes an undertaking for States Parties to ensure that persons with disabilities are also able to access vocational training, adult education and lifelong learning without discrimination and on an equal basis with others, and to ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided (Art. 24 (5)). Article 26 on Habilitation and Rehabilitation includes a commitment for States Parties to organize, strengthen and extend comprehensive habilitation and rehabilitation services and programmes, including in the area of employment, and to promote the development of initial and continuing training for professionals and staff working in those services. Article 27 51 International legal instruments and policy initiatives on Work and Employment requires State Parties to safeguard and promote the realization of the right to work, including for those who acquire a disability during the course of employment, by taking appropriate steps, including through legislation, to, inter alia, enable persons with disabilities to have effective access to general technical and vocational guidance programmes, placement services and vocational and continuing training, and to promote vocational and professional rehabilitation, job retention and return-to-work programmes for persons with disabilities (Art. 27 (d) and (k)). 1.32 European Year of People with Disabilities The European Union proclaimed 2003 as European Year of People with Disabilities, its main aim being to raise awareness of the rights of disabled people to equal opportunities and to promote full and equal enjoyment of those rights. The year provided disabled people and their representative organizations with a particular opportunity, through conferences, seminars and other events, to highlight issues of concern and policy priorities. During the year, the European Commission launched an information campaign to inform employers and workers of the rights of persons with disabilities in the workplace. In July 2003, Ministers of Social Affairs and Employment from EU Member States adopted a resolution calling on Member States, the Commission and the social partners to continue to work to remove barriers to the integration and participation of persons with disabilities in the labour market. In March 2003, the European Commission prepared a guidance note on disability and development for EU delegations and services, aiming to ensure that disability issues are effectively addressed within development cooperation. Probably the most significant measure to be taken at EU level during the European Year of People with Disabilities was the introduction of a multi-annual action plan aimed at mainstreaming disability issues in European Community policies and implementing a range of measures in key areas to promote the active inclusion of persons with disabilities in society (see 1.34 below). 52 International legal instruments and policy initiatives 1.33 EU Disability Action Plan 2004–2010 Equality of opportunity is the objective of the European Union’s long-term strategy on disability, which aims to enable persons with disabilities to enjoy their right to dignity, equal treatment, independent living and participation in society. The strategy is built on three pillars: EU anti-discrimination legislation and measures, which provide access to individual rights; eliminating barriers in the environment that prevent disabled people from exercising their abilities; and mainstreaming disability issues in the broad range of Community policies which facilitate the active inclusion of people with disabilities. To ensure a coherent policy follow-up to the European Year of People with Disabilities in the enlarged Europe,6 the EU Disability Action Plan (DAP) was established by the Commission in 2003 (EC 2003) to provide a framework to develop the EU disability strategy. Within the EU, disability policies are essentially the responsibility of Member States, but Member States are asked to take full account of the DAP when developing national disability policies. The DAP covers the period 2004–2010 in successive phases: phase 1 runs from 2004–2005, phase 2 from 2006–2007. While noting that the inactivity rate of disabled people is twice that of non-disabled people, a preliminary analysis by the Commission of the first phase concluded that mainstreaming of disability issues had succeeded in some policy areas, including employment. Greater impact and a more successful labour market integration of persons with disabilities were achieved by combining the mainstreaming concept with disabilityspecific actions (EC 2005, p. 8). Mainstreaming is now seen by the Commission as key to advancing disability issues. Phase 2 of the DAP is to focus on active inclusion of persons with disabilities, building on, inter alia, the values inherent in the CRPD. Priority actions will centre around raising employment and activity rates; promoting access to quality support and care services; fostering accessibility of 6 Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia joined the European Union in 2004; Bulgaria and Romania joined in 2007, bringing total membership to 27. 53 International legal instruments and policy initiatives goods and services, including accessible public transport and an accessible public environment; and improving the reliability and comparability of data. 1.34 Council of Europe: Malaga Declaration 2003 In May 2003, the Council of Europe Ministers responsible for integration policies for persons with disabilities, meeting in Malaga, adopted a Ministerial Declaration on People with Disabilities, “Progressing towards full participation as citizen”. The Declaration reaffirmed Member States’ commitment to securing human rights and fundamental freedoms for everyone under their jurisdiction, as set out in the European Convention on Human Rights. The main aim in the next decade, according to the Declaration, is to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities and their families, putting the emphasis on their integration and full participation in society. As an appropriate strategy to achieve this aim, the Declaration called for an Action Plan to promote the elimination of all forms of discrimination against persons with disabilities of all ages, with special focus on disabled women and persons with disabilities in need of a high level of support. The Declaration also called for an integrated approach towards the elaboration of national and international disability policies and legislation, duly reflecting the needs of persons with disabilities in all areas including education, vocational guidance and training, employment, the built environment, transport and social protection. Progress should be made towards the integration of persons with disabilities in the labour market, preferably in the open market, with the focus on assessing abilities and implementing active policies. There is consistent emphasis throughout the Declaration on the need to mainstream equality of opportunity for persons with disabilities throughout all policy areas. 1.35 Council of Europe Action Plan 2006–2015 Building on the 2003 Malaga Declaration, the Committee of Ministers to Member States of the Council of Europe adopted in April 2006 the 54 International legal instruments and policy initiatives “Council of Europe Action Plan to promote the rights and full participation of people with disabilities in society: Improving the quality of life of people with disabilities in Europe 2006-2015” (Rec (2006) 5). Officially launched in St. Petersburg on 21–22 September 2006 at the European conference “Improving the quality of life of people with disabilities in Europe: Participation for all, innovation, effectiveness”, the Action Plan aims to provide a comprehensive framework that is both flexible and adaptable in order to meet country-specific conditions. It is intended to serve as a “roadmap for policy-makers, to enable them to design, adjust, refocus and implement appropriate plans, programmes and innovative strategies” (para. 1.1.2), ultimately mainstreaming disability throughout all policy areas. It has the potential to serve as an implementation tool for the UN Convention in the European region, supported by the European Co-ordination Forum for the Council of Europe Disability Action Plan (CAHPAH), established to promote, monitor and follow up on the implementation of the Council of Europe Action Plan. The Action Plan has a broad scope, encompassing 15 key areas of life and setting out 15 “action lines” (objectives and specific actions) to be implemented by Member States. These action lines include information and communication, education, the built environment, transport, rehabilitation, awareness-raising. Action line No. 5 on employment, vocational guidance and training, points out that, compared to non-disabled persons, the employment and activity rates of disabled people are very low: policies to increase the activity rate need to be diversified – according to the employment potential of disabled people – and comprehensive, in order to address all the barriers to participation in the workforce. (For more detail see Annex 5.) Two objectives are specified: • to promote the employment of people with disabilities in the open labour market by combining anti-discrimination and positive action measures; and • to tackle discrimination and promote participation of people with disabilities in vocational assessment, guidance, training and employment-related services. 55 International legal instruments and policy initiatives Social enterprises (for example, social firms, social cooperatives) as part of open employment, or sheltered workshops, may contribute to the employment of disabled people. Specific actions to be undertaken by Member States include: • mainstreaming issues relating to the employment of people with disabilities in general employment policies; • removing disincentives to work in disability benefit systems and encouraging beneficiaries to work when they can; • considering the needs of women with disabilities when devising programmes and policies related to equal opportunities for women in employment, including childcare; and • ensuring that support measures, such as sheltered or supported employment, are in place for those people whose needs cannot be met without personal support in the open labour market. 1.36 Arab Decade for Persons with Disabilities The Arab Decade for Persons with Disabilities, 2004-2013, was formally proclaimed at the Summit Meeting of the Arab League in Tunis in May 2004. Among the goals specified for the Decade, Arab States are called on to promote the full integration of persons in public schools, the labour market and other sectors of society through a wide range of measures, paying particular attention to the requirements of women and children with disabilities. Specifically relating to training and employment, States are called on to establish training organizations for people with disabilities which reflect new technologies and labour market requirements; to encourage persons with disabilities to establish small and medium enterprises through financial support and assistance with sales and marketing; as well as by encouraging the private sector to train and employ persons with disabilities and enable them to advance in their careers. Following the declaration of the Decade, growing interest in the rights of persons with disabilities in the Region is reflected in the revision of disabilityrelated legislation in several of the Arab States, as well as in numerous regional and national capacity-building events. 56 International legal instruments and policy initiatives 1.37 Decade of the Americas for Persons with Disabilities On 6 June 2006, the Permanent Council of the Organisation of American States (OAS) declared the Decade of the Americas for the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities 2006-2016. A Working Group has been established to finalize a Programme of Action. 1.38 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) In 1999, the General Assembly of Rehabilitation International adopted a new Charter which called for an international convention on the rights of persons with disabilities. Representatives of Rehabilitation International, Disabled People’s International, Inclusion International, World Blind Union and World Federation of the Deaf, meeting in Beijing in March 2000, expressed serious concern that UN instruments “have yet to create a significant impact on improving the lives of people with disabilities” and called for international collaboration towards the development and adoption of a new convention. The UN Commission on Human Rights was also concerned about the adequacy of existing measures. At its meeting in April 2000, the Commission adopted resolution UNGA 2000/51 which invited the High Commissioner for Human Rights to examine measures to strengthen the protection and monitoring of the human rights of persons with disabilities. In response, the Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR) commissioned a study to evaluate existing standards and mechanisms in the field of human rights and disability. The preliminary findings of the study were presented at a meeting in the OHCHR in Geneva in January 2002. Participants at the meeting in Geneva agreed on the need for a multiple approach to disability. There was wide agreement on the need for a focus on the human rights dimension of the issues involved. The findings of the study underlined how the drafting of a new convention should not be seen as an alternative to strengthening attention to disability within the existing international human rights system (“twin-track approach”). The discussion broadened that approach further, highlighting the need to 57 International legal instruments and policy initiatives strengthen social development efforts in the field of disability and to integrate better the UN work in that domain with reinforced attention to the matter from a human rights perspective (“multi-track approach”) (OHCHR 2002). Meanwhile, in December 2001, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 56/168, sponsored by the Government of Mexico, which established an Ad Hoc Committee, open to the participation of all Member States and observers to the UN, to consider proposals for a comprehensive and integral international convention to protect and promote the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, based on the holistic approach in the work done in the field of social development. Following an open and transparent process, which provided for participation by all interested parties, in particular disabled persons and their representative organizations, the UN General Assembly on 13 December 2006 (resolution 61/106) adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The Convention is seen as “a comprehensive and integral convention to promote and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities (which) will make a significant contribution to redressing the profound social disadvantage of persons with disabilities and promote their participation in the civil, economic, social and cultural spheres with equal opportunities, in both developing and developed countries” (Preamble, (y)). The Convention does not establish new rights, but restates, reinforces and updates rights contained in other international instruments; confirms that all such rights apply to persons with disabilities; provides for the establishment of a Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to monitor compliance with the Convention; and obliges States Parties to closely consult with and actively involve persons with disabilities, through their representative organizations, in the development and implementation of legislation and policies to implement the Convention and in other decision-making processes concerning issues relating to persons with disabilities. The principles of the Convention are: (a) respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one’s own choices, and independence of persons; (b) non-discrimination; (c) full and effec58 International legal instruments and policy initiatives tive participation and inclusion in society; (d) respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity; (e) equality of opportunity; (f) accessibility; (g) equality between men and women; and (h) respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities. States Parties to the Convention have general as well as specific obligations. The former include: • to adopt all appropriate legislative, administrative and other measures for the implementation of the rights recognized in the Convention; • to take into account the protection and promotion of the human rights of persons with disabilities in all policies and programmes; • to ensure that public authorities and institutions act in conformity with the Convention; • to take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability by any person, organization or private enterprise; and • to promote the training of professionals and staff working with persons with disabilities in the rights recognized in the Convention. Requirements in respect of rehabilitation include taking effective measures to enable persons with disabilities “to attain and maintain maximum independence, full physical, mental, social and vocational ability” and the provision of comprehensive habilitation and rehabilitation services and programmes, particularly in the areas of health, employment, education and social services (Art. 26(1)). The importance of education in enabling persons with disabilities to participate effectively in a free society, including in employment, is recognized in Article 24 which requires States Parties to, inter alia, ensure an inclusive education system at all levels and ensure that persons with disabilities are able to access general tertiary education, vocational training, adult education and lifelong learning without discrimination, on an equal basis with others, and with the provision of reasonable accommodation. 59 International legal instruments and policy initiatives Article 27 is specifically devoted to work and employment and is quoted in full in the following box. Discrimination on the basis of disability is prohibited in all forms of employment. States Parties are called upon to open up opportunities in mainstream workplaces, both in the public and private sectors. To facilitate this, the Convention promotes the access of disabled persons to freely-chosen work, general technical and vocational guidance programmes, placement services and vocational and continuing training, as well as vocational rehabilitation, job retention and return-to work programmes. The provisions cover people with disabilities seeking employment, advancing in employment and those who acquire a disability while in employment and who wish to retain their jobs. The Convention also recognizes that for many disabled persons in developing countries, self-employment or micro business may be the first option, and in some cases, the only option. States Parties are called on to promote such opportunities. The right to exercise labour and trade union rights is promoted. States Parties are also called on to ensure that people with disabilities are not held in slavery or servitude and are protected on an equal basis with others from forced or compulsory labour. 60 International legal instruments and policy initiatives Box 2 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Article 27: Work and employment 1. States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis with others; this includes the right to the opportunity to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in a labour market and work environment that is open, inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities. States Parties shall safeguard and promote the realization of the right to work, including for those who acquire a disability during the course of employment, by taking appropriate steps, including through legislation, to, inter alia: (a) prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability with regard to all matters concerning all forms of employment, including conditions of recruitment, hiring and employment, continuance of employment, career advancement and safe and healthy working conditions; (b) protect the rights of persons with disabilities, on an equal basis with others, to just and favourable conditions of work, including equal opportunities and equal remuneration for work of equal value, safe and healthy working conditions, including protection from harassment, and the redress of grievances; (c) ensure that persons with disabilities are able to exercise their labour and trade union rights on an equal basis with others; (d) enable persons with disabilities to have effective access to general technical and vocational guidance programmes, placement services and vocational and continuing training; (e) promote employment opportunities and career advancement for persons with disabilities in the labour market, as well as assistance in finding, obtaining, maintaining and returning to employment; (f) promote opportunities for self-employment, entrepreneurship, the development of cooperatives and starting oneâ€™s own business; (g) employ persons with disabilities in the public sector; (h) promote the employment of persons with disabilities in the private sector through appropriate policies and measures, which may include affirmative action programmes, incentives and other measures; (i) ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided to persons with disabilities in the workplace; (j) promote the acquisition by persons with disabilities of work experience in the open labour market; (k) promote vocational and professional rehabilitation, job retention and returnto-work programmes for persons with disabilities. 2. States Parties shall ensure that persons with disabilities are not held in slavery or servitude, and are protected, on an equal basis with others, from forced or compulsory labour. 61 Notes 2 Work and employment options As set out in ILO Recommendation No. 168, persons with disabilities should enjoy equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of access to, retention of and advancement in employment which, wherever possible, corresponds to their own choice and takes account of their individual suitability for such employment. Such employment includes jobs in the open labour market which, again subject to individual suitability, are open to persons without disabilities. For persons with disabilities for whom, for reasons of choice and/or suitability, open employment may not be appropriate, alternative forms of employment of a sheltered or supported nature are usually provided. There are numerous variations of these options across countries, depending on factors such as tradition and culture, economic, social and labour market conditions, social welfare benefit systems, availability of trained personnel, and influence of stakeholders, including disability organizations. This chapter gives an overview of employment for persons with disabilities under four broad headings: • Open/competitive employment, including self-employment;7 • Social enterprises. Chapter 3 will discuss measures to facilitate entry to and retention in employment under each approach, with particular reference to employment policy and practice in industrialized countries. 2.1 Open/competitive employment The absence of adequate and comparable data in many countries makes generalization difficult. From the information available, however, it is possible to draw some tentative conclusions about the current situation. 7 Self-employment is not dealt with as a separate category here, as it can exist under all categories. 63 Work and employment options The participation rate of persons with disabilities in the open labour force tends to be considerably lower than that of other workers, while the unemployment rate tends to be higher. In the EU in 2003, 40 per cent of disabled people of working age were employed compared to 64.2 per cent of people without a disability (EC 2005; figures are survey-based and not based on administrative data). According to the European Commission, the inactivity rate of persons with disabilities is twice that of non-disabled people, indicating both low levels of integration following Long-Standing Health Problem or Disability (LSHPD) and comparatively low educational and vocational training levels. The basic question used in the EU system for data collection asks whether the person has an LSHPD of over six months or anticipated to last six months. In 2002, approximately 16 per cent of the total EU working age (between 16 and 64) population considered themselves to have an LSHPD. This figure does not distinguish between persons with a disability and those with a health problem. Reasons for this high inactivity vary between countries. Benefit traps and risks of losing benefits on starting work are major disincentives. Another possible reason may be the reluctance of employers to recruit disabled workers for fear of having to make expensive workplace adjustments or because of the difficulty of’ “letting someone go” once appointed. In Australia, the participation rate for males with a disability was about 60 per cent in 1998, compared with 90 per cent for persons without a disability. The corresponding figures for females were 46 per cent and 71 per cent, respectively. The unemployment rate among males with a disability was 14 per cent compared with 8 per cent for males with no disability. Corresponding rates for females were 9 per cent and 8 per cent respectively. In Canada, the general labour market availability of persons with disabilities was 6.5 per cent in 2001, but they made up only 2.4 per cent of the federally-regulated workforce. Disabled persons were under-represented in every industrial sector, ranging from a low of 1.8 per cent in transportation to 2.3 per cent in banking, 2.4 per cent in communications and 2.9 per cent in “other” sectors (NIDMAR 2001, p. 4). 64 Work and employment options In France, the unemployment rate for disabled workers in 1996 was three times higher than that for the overall active population. Over the previous ten years, the overall unemployment rate increased by 23 per cent, but by 194 per cent among persons with disabilities. Disabled workers who are unemployed tend to remain unemployed twice as long. In Germany in 1997, the labour market participation rate for severely disabled persons was 37 per cent (West), compared with that for nondisabled persons of 80 per cent for men and 63 per cent for women. In 2003, the unemployment rate for disabled persons was 16.6 per cent, compared to 10.4 per cent for non-disabled persons (ILO 2004a). In Hungary in 2002, out of 656,000 people of working age with “prolonged health problems”, less than 95,000 were in the labour market, including 10,000 unemployed (idem.). In Sweden in 2002, 68 per cent of persons with disabilities participated in the labour force, compared to 77 per cent of the total population. The figure for persons with “impaired working capacity” was 57 per cent. About 65 per cent of disabled persons were employed compared to 77 per cent of those with no disability. Of disabled persons with impaired working capacity, 53 per cent were employed. About 4.6 per cent of disabled persons were unemployed (5.8 per cent for those with impaired working capacity) compared to 3.9 per cent of the total population (idem.). In the United Kingdom in 2003, people with disabilities accounted for 19 per cent of the working age population, but only about 12 per cent of all in employment. Of the estimated 6.8 million persons with disabilities of working age, 49 per cent were in employment in Spring 2003 compared to 75 per cent of non-disabled people (idem.). The employment rate of disabled people in Norway was just under 45 per cent in 2006, compared to 83 per cent for the non-disabled population. Disabled workers in Switzerland are also unemployed to a greater degree than non-disabled workers, but at 52 per cent, their employment rate is relatively high compared to other OECD 65 Work and employment options (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries (OECD 2006). In general, persons with disabilities in the labour market tend to have a lower level of education than others. They are also more likely to be in part-time jobs. Unemployment rates vary between types of disability, being highest among those with mental illness. In the United Kingdom, it is estimated that 75 per cent of those of working age with mental illness are unemployed. In Switzerland, mental illness has become the single most important reason for take-up of disability benefits, accounting for over 40 per cent of the total (idem, p. 21), a trend which is also evident in other countries (Gabriel and Liimatainen 2000). Based on a review of available information, reasons given for low employment rates among persons with disabilities include: • low level of education and training; • declining demand for unskilled labour; • reductions in the workforce of large enterprises and the public service; • concern about accidents and insurance costs; • reluctance to register as having a disability; • lack of information on work opportunities; • lack of awareness among employers of needs and abilities of persons with disabilities; • fear of losing welfare benefits; • discouragement due to experiences of failure in obtaining jobs and/or internalized negative images; and • inadequate technical/personal supports. 2.1.1 More active labour market policy Many countries are concerned about increasing levels of unemployment among persons with disabilities and their low rate of labour market 66 Work and employment options participation, linked to concerns about increasing social assistance costs. Details of specific measures are contained in the following chapter, but the general thrust of new policy moves reflects a greater emphasis on greater activation of labour market policy through: • measures to prevent and discourage welfare dependency; • mainstreaming of employment and training services for persons with disabilities; • incentives to participate in educational, training and work initiatives; • a more effective implementation of anti-discrimination legislation; and • greater enforcement of existing quota scheme provisions. At present, passive measures (income transfers) consume a considerably greater proportion of public resources than active labour market measures. While the scope for shifting the balance may appear to be great, relatively high unemployment rates, coupled with a general economic downturn in many countries, are making it difficult to implement some of these measures effectively. 2.2 Sheltered employment It is generally accepted that for some disabled persons, open employment may not be a practicable option, for various reasons. In calling for measures to promote employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, ILO Recommendation No. 168 states that such measures should include “appropriate government support for the establishment of various types of sheltered employment for disabled persons for whom access to open employment is not practicable” (emphasis added). The UN Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities states that while the aim should always be for persons with disabilities to obtain employment in the open labour market, “for persons with disabilities whose needs cannot be met in open employment, small units 67 Work and employment options of sheltered or supported employment may be an alternativeâ€? (Rule 7 (7)). As ILO Recommendation No. 168 implies, there are possibilities for different types of sheltered employment. In their survey of sheltered employment in various countries, Samoy and Waterplas (1997, p. 6) found that even the concept of sheltered employment does not have the same meaning for all people: When government officials are asked to present their system of sheltered employment to foreigners (such as the authors), they will sometimes refer exclusively to organizations providing productive work (in industry or services) to persons with disabilities who have an employment contract and receive a wage. Other officials from the same state or officials from another state may want to include organizations where productive work is certainly not the only and often not even the main aim and where persons with disabilities have no employment contract and receive no wages, but only a bonus in addition to their disability pension. Other interested parties, such as workshop organizations or organizations of and for people with disabilities, may share this view or disagree. In their report, Samoy and Waterplas adopted a broad view of sheltered workshops, including types of organization close to occupational centres or day centres. However, a minimum of productive activity was required for an organization to be included. For countries where such institutions are normally not considered as sheltered work, some information was gathered in order to make comparisons possible. The Council of Europe (1992) also uses a broad definition of sheltered employment: Sheltered employment should be open to people who, because of their disability, are unable to obtain or keep a normal job, whether supported or not; it can cover a number of diversified situations, amongst which are sheltered workshops and work centres. Sheltered work should have a double purpose: to make it possible for people with disabilities to carry out a worthwhile 68 Work and employment options activity and to prepare them, as far as possible, for work in normal employment. To this end, all ways of facilitating the passage from supported to ordinary employment should be devised, such as: the setting up of sheltered work sections in work centres or work centres in sheltered workshops; the setting up of sheltered work sections or work centres within ordinary firms; individual or collective detachment of workers in sheltered workshops or work centres to ordinary firms. Some countries have found it useful, for planning purposes, to make distinctions between certain forms of work and employment. In Ireland, for example, a committee set up to advise on a strategy for employment for persons with disabilities in sheltered and supported work and employment used the following definitions: Work is the undertaking of organized tasks which may attract some forms of remuneration, but which is not covered by employment protection legislation or pay-related social insurance. Employment is remunerated workwhich complies with statutory requirements in regard to employment protection legislation, pay-related social insurance and income tax liability. Sheltered Work is work undertaken by persons with disabilities in workshops specifically established for that purpose. People working in sheltered workshops retain their social insurance benefits and usually receive a small additional weekly payment from the work provider. Sheltered workers are not employed and are not covered by employment protection legislation. Sheltered Employment is employment in an enterprise established specifically for the employment of persons with disabilities and which is in receipt of special funding from the State (NRB 1997). Many countries operate some form of sheltered employment system (for a detailed discussion see Samoy and Waterplas 1992, 1997; Thornton and Lunt 1997). In the United Kingdom, for example, Remploy was established in 1945 to rehabilitate and train disabled people to help 69 Work and employment options them secure “ordinary” employment. It has been supported by government funding since its inception. In 2006, Remploy supported about 9,000 disabled people in its 83 factories and other services. Outside the Remploy factory network, there has been a decline in the number of sheltered factories operated by local authorities and the voluntary sector, coinciding with a decline in manufacturing industry as well as an increasing government policy emphasis on seeking employment for persons with disabilities in the mainstream workplace rather than a sheltered environment (Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit 2005). Comparison between countries is difficult for a number of reasons, not least because the concept of sheltered employment does not have the same meaning to all, even within the same country. A number of general points may, however, be made: • The philosophy of sheltered employment has been hotly debated in some countries (for example, Australia, United States) in recent years, with other supported employment measures coming more into favour. In Europe, there appears to be little consensus, with some countries providing a significantly smaller number of sheltered employment places (per 1,000 workforce) than others. • Many sheltered workshops owe their origin to voluntary effort, often charities, religious groups or groups of concerned parents. Gradually, they became subject to state regulation and eligible for state subsidization. • In general, sheltered employment was intended for persons who were unable or unlikely to obtain or retain a job in the open labour market because of the severity of their disability or limited working capacity. In many cases, a minimum level of disability is specified as an entry requirement. The majority of those employed tend to have an intellectual disability, though in some cases no distinction appears to be made between intellectual disability and mental illness. • In most countries, improving transition to the regular labour market is a stated policy goal of sheltered employment. In reality, transition rates range from under 1 per cent to about 5 per cent, with most countries near the lower end of the scale (see, for example, Thornton and Lunt 1997; Samoy and Waterplas 1992, 1997; Council of 70 Work and employment options Europe 1993). Reasons given for low transition include reluctance of employers to recruit; reluctance on the part of workshops to release their key workers; the low technological level of workshop activities which restricts the potential skill levels of employees; and skills training which often does not reflect the requirements of the labour market. • Sheltered employment has been criticized in some countries for failing to provide proper working conditions and employment contracts. In many cases, employees are paid less than the minimum wage. In some cases, they receive only “pocket money” in addition to their normal disability benefit. Employment and occupational safety and health laws often do not apply. There is generally no right to freedom of association (to unionize). Some of the criticisms of sheltered employment in relation to low transition, lack of employment contracts, poor pay, and so forth, may reflect differences – or even uncertainty – in the philosophy underlying the concept rather than inadequacies in policy, management or cost-benefit returns. To assess the performance of sheltered workshops using criteria such as those mentioned is open to question when those operating the system see their responsibility more in terms of care and social service rather than employment promotion or economic returns. 2.3 Supported employment Supported employment originated in the United States as an alternative to traditional rehabilitation programmes for persons with severe disabilities. It is defined by law and regulation as paid work in integrated work settings, with ongoing support services, for persons with severe disabilities. The provision of a minimum wage was added to US federal regulations for supported employment in 1997 (Wehman et al. 1997). There is a variety of ways in which supported employment may be provided. These include individual placement, enclaves, mobile work crews and small business arrangements (Moon and Griffin 1988). An enclave is a group of individuals, usually three to eight, who work in a special training 71 Work and employment options group within a host company. Not all members of the group may move into the company’s regular workforce. A mobile work crew may be a similar sized group, with one or more supervisors, which travels through a community offering specialized contract services, such as gardening or grounds-keeping. The small business option could be a manufacturing service or a subcontract operation, with a small number of workers with disabilities and non-disabled workers. The business might provide only one type of product or service. The individual placement option would appear to be the dominant one in the United States. In 1995, 77 per cent of supported employment participants were in individual supported employment places, and 23 per cent in some type of group model (Wehman et al. 1997). There is no one “best” model. As some commentators have said: there is a nearly infinite array of supported employment strategies and structures, each of which combines a particular kind of work opportunity with a particular method of ongoing support. Each has advantages and drawbacks in terms of generating real employment outcomes while overcoming barriers to employment experienced by the individuals with disabilities. No single alternative is ideal, and none fits all situations. Development of supported employment programmes requires adaptation to local employment opportunities and individual service requirements (Bellamy et al. 1986). It was reported in 1997 that two-thirds of all supported employment participants in the United States were persons with intellectual disability; with the second largest group being persons with a mental illness (Wehman et al. 1997). The interpretation of supported employment has been found to vary from country to country (see ILO 2004a, pp. 78-80). • 72 In the United Kingdom and Ireland, for example, it includes programmes providing financial subsidies to employers in respect of disabled workers with reduced productivity, as well as job coach based activity as in the United States. In the United Kingdom, Remploy, in Work and employment options addition to its sheltered factory network (see 2.2), provides placement services for persons with disabilities. The UK National Audit Office (2005), noting the low level of progressions from Remploy factories into unsupported employment, recommended moving the emphasis from sheltered factory employment to job placement activity. In 2006/07, Remploy found employment for over 5,000 disabled people in the mainstream workplace, an increase of 25 per cent over the previous year. It aims to increase such placements to 20,000 annually by 2013. • In Norway, supported employment has been provided since 1996, with job coach support guaranteed for three years. • In the Netherlands, the Parliament in 1992 asked the government to find a solution to wage differences between supported employment programmes and sheltered employment. In the supported employment programmes, wages were related to productivity and supplemented with a disability benefit of up to 85 per cent of the statutory minimum wage, while in sheltered companies full wages were paid. In addition, the government was asked to cover the costs of job coaches. As a first step, the supplementary benefit was raised to a limit of the minimum wage and a subsidy was introduced towards the cost of job coaches. Under 1996 legislation, local authorities may fund supported employment. Each job created in this way is treated as a job in a sheltered company for the purpose of government funding (Krug 1996). • In New Zealand, the supported employment programme provides a wage subsidy for two years (Saloviita 2000). • In Finland, a survey of supported employment projects found that few defined supported employment as supported, paid work in integrated settings: “generally, it was understood to mean a variety of support options for employment or employment-related activities” (idem. p. 91). • Other countries, including Malta and Slovenia, provide long-term support during the job-seeking and employment process (EC 2005, Annex 3: 3.3.1). 73 Work and employment options 2.3.1 Evaluation A number of studies in the United States have shown that supported employment has produced greater social and psychological benefits for workers, as compared with sheltered placements, and to have been costeffective for workers, taxpayers and society as a whole (Saloviita 2000). One US review (Barbour 1999) of supported employment from its origins in the 1970s, however, quotes other studies which accuse many programmes of ‘creaming’ i.e. taking less severely disabled persons as participants. Because of the variations in definitions of supported employment, findings from studies carried out in one country cannot be generalized to another. The US legislation under which supported employment is funded as a rehabilitation option specified that participants should work at least 20 hours per week on average to be eligible for funding. Many of the positive cost-benefit outcomes achieved in the United States resulted from savings in the reduced use of alternative services and from tax receipts from earned income. In the United Kingdom, many supported employment jobs are part-time and below 20 hours per week. Where participants opt to retain their welfare benefit and earn a small allowable amount in addition, welfare benefit expenditures are not reduced and there is little, if any, flow back from tax (Beyer, Goodere and Kilsby 1996). This is not so much a feature of the supported employment concept, but is rather due to the relationship between benefit entitlement and job earnings. The concept of supported self-employment for persons with severe disabilities has been receiving some attention, particularly in the United States. A number of articles which appeared in a special edition of the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation (2002), published to introduce its readers to the concept, show how self-employment may be helpful in promoting individual satisfaction for persons with significant disabilities, but they are also generally forthright in acknowledging the high level of supports required at every stage of the business start-up and operation. Latvia supports the integration of disabled people into the labour market through the measure “combating social exclusion”; actions under this measure include the development of entrepreneurship and self-employment. In Sweden, a disabled person with a strong business idea may be eligible for a business start-up grant. 74 Work and employment options 2.4 Social enterprises The Social Economy, according to the European Information Centre for the Social Economy (ARIES), is “based on the values of economic activities with social goals, sustainable development, equal opportunities, inclusion of disadvantaged people, and civil society”. The EC, which sometimes refers to the Social Economy as the Third System, describes it as “the economic and social fields represented by cooperatives, mutual companies, associations, along with all local job creation initiatives intended to respond, through the provision of goods and services, to needs for which neither the market nor the public sector currently appear able to make adequate provision”. Enterprises of the Social Economy have been defined as “those entities that do not belong to the public sector, are run and managed in a democratic way, whose members have equal rights, and that adhere to a special regime of property and distribution of profits whereby any surplus is reinvested in the growth of the entity and the improvement of services offered to its members and society at large” (quoted in Viorreta 1998). A wide variety of social economy enterprises exist; all sharing similar values. They include social firms; social businesses; social enterprises; community enterprises; development trusts; community, neighbourhood, worker and social cooperatives; credit unions; microcredit and mutual guarantee societies. The EU sees the Social Economy as an important part of the European economic model. In a visit in 2002 to the European Confederation of Workers’ Cooperatives, Social Cooperatives and Participative Enterprises (CECOP), the President of the European Commission referred to the fact that cooperatives then employed 2.3 million people in the EU. The social economy has developed in different ways in EU Member States, largely because of different regulatory frameworks. In Italy, for example, a new regulation on social cooperatives has led to a major expansion of the sector, and assisted the reorientation of the cooperative sector from a direct focus on delivering benefit for members to providing wider benefits to the local community (UK Dept. of Trade and Industry 2002). Legislation in Finland in 2004 defined a social enterprise as being any sort of enter75 Work and employment options prise that is entered on the relevant register and at least 30 per cent of whose employees are disabled or long-term unemployed. By March 2007, 91 such enterprises had been registered; the largest with 50 employees. In the United States, the not-for-profit sector dates mainly from the 1960s. Such enterprises benefit from a range of tax exemptions. Government departments are required to procure goods and services from not-for-profit organizations employing persons with disabilities, subject to their being competitive on price and quality. In 2006, the Social Enterprise Alliance, based in the United States with a membership drawn mainly from Canada and the United States, widened its definition of “social enterprise” from “any earned-income business or strategy undertaken by a non-profit to generate revenue in support of its charitable mission” to “an organization or venture that advances its social mission through entrepreneurial earned income strategies”. This change brought within its scope for-profit bodies with a social mission. The Hong Kong Social Enterprise Resource Centre was set up in 2006 to provide a one-stop-shop service to social enterprises. The Centre provides advice, consultancy, training and other support services (see www.socialenterprise.org.hk). Recent legislation in Lithuania on social enterprises aims to improve employment opportunities for persons from disadvantaged groups: 40 per cent of those employed in social enterprises should be from disadvantaged groups, including persons with disabilities. Wage compensation amounts to 50 per cent; or 60 per cent for persons with severe disabilities (EC 2005, Annex 3: 3.3.1). In Japan, social firms/enterprises have provided work opportunities for severely disabled individuals since 1981. 2.4.1 Current employment of persons with disabilities in social enterprises An EC review of employment policies for persons with disabilities in 18 industrialized countries found little evidence of enterprise strategies 76 Work and employment options directly targeted at disabled individuals (EC 2000). While a number of countries offered start-up grants to persons with disabilities proposing to become self-employed or to start up a new business, few mentioned social enterprises as specific strategies to create additional employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. In Italy, the growth of work integration cooperatives started in 1974 when workers with mental illness rebelled against working without pay, and set up a cooperative to do the same work under contract (quoted in Thornton and Lunt 1997). The movement advanced with the closure of psychiatric institutions in the late 1970s. Law 381 of 1991 introduced a new model of employment for persons with disabilities based on social cooperation. Social cooperatives, which engage in a variety of commercial, manufacturing, farming and service activities, employed over 17,000 disabled workers in 1997. Legislative decree 276/03 (reform of the labour market) provides new paths to widen employment opportunities for people with a disability through greater involvement of social enterprises (EC 2005, Annex 3: 3.3.1). In Spain, ONCE (The Spanish Organization of Blind Persons) established a foundation (Fundacion ONCE) in 1988, involving representation of different groups of persons with disabilities. The primary goal of the Foundation is to provide employment for disabled people. In 1989, the Foundation set up FUNDOSA GRUPO as a holding or parent company of more than 60 enterprises, which in 1997 employed almost 6,000 workers, of whom 72 per cent were disabled. The enterprises operate in diverse sectors, including laundry, retail sales in hospitals and community centres, telephone marketing, food production and data processing (Thornton and Lunt 1997, pp. 237-8). There has been increasing interest in social cooperatives in the United Kingdom (see www.socialenterprise.org.uk). In 2002, the British Government launched a Social Enterprise Strategy. According to the UK Department of Trade and Industry, there is no single legal model for social enterprise. Social enterprises include companies limited by guarantee, industrial and provident societies, and registered charities. A survey in 2004 reported that there were 15,000 social enterprises in the United 77 Work and employment options Kingdom, or 1.2 per cent of all enterprises (GHK 2004, p. 16). They employed 450,000 people and had a combined annual turnover of 18 billion Pounds Sterling (GBP). The number of these enterprises was reported to have grown to 55,000 in 2006 (Cabinet Office 2006). The figures quoted may well considerably understate the number of disabled persons currently working in social enterprises of various kinds. A Spanish report in 1998, for example, estimated that there were almost 1,000 social cooperatives in Spain. Of the total, approximately 200 were in Cataluna. A 1995 study of social cooperatives in Cataluna found that 45 per cent were oriented to the integration of people with intellectual disabilities (quoted in Viorreta 1998). 2.4.2 Future potential One of the fundamental characteristics of social enterprises is that they are created to respond, by providing goods and services, to needs for which neither the private business sector nor the public sector are able or willing to make provision. The future growth potential of the social enterprise sector would, therefore, appear to offer significant possibilities for new employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, provided any barriers to growth are removed or reduced. These barriers have been identified, in the United Kingdom, as: • poor understanding of the capacities and value of social enterprise; • limited information on the social, environmental and financial impact of social enterprise; • insufficient specialist support and advice from government and business; • difficulty in accessing finance; • insufficient account of the particular characteristics of social enterprises by financial, legal and regulatory frameworks, or in procurement activities; and • inadequate training of social enterprise managers in business, financial and personnel management. 78 Measures to facilitate work and employment 3.1 Introduction Vocational rehabilitation is a process which enables disabled persons to secure, retain and advance in suitable employment and thereby further their integration or reintegration into society (ILO 2002). That process, according to the ILO Vocational Rehabilitation (Disabled) Recommendation, 1955 (No. 99), involves the provision of certain vocational services, in particular vocational guidance, vocational training and selective placement. In 1983, the ILO, conscious that significant developments had occurred since 1955 in the understanding of rehabilitation needs, the scope and organization of rehabilitation services and the law and practice of many members, decided that a new international standard was necessary to ensure equality of opportunity and treatment to all categories of disabled persons, in both rural and urban areas, for employment and integration into the community. 3.1.1 ILO Convention No. 159 ILO Convention concerning Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) (No. 159), adopted in 1983, highlights the inextricable link which exists between vocational rehabilitation and employment by calling on each member, in accordance with national conditions, practice and possibilities, to formulate, implement and periodically review a national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons. Such policy should: â€˘ aim at ensuring that appropriate vocational rehabilitation measures are made available to all categories of disabled persons and at promoting employment opportunities for disabled persons in the open labour market; â€˘ be based on the principle of equal opportunity between disabled workers and workers generally; equality of opportunity and treatment for disabled men and women workers should be respected; special positive measures aimed at effective equality of opportunity and treatment between disabled workers and other workers should not be regarded as discriminating against other workers; and 79 Measures to facilitate work and employment • involve consultation with representative organizations of employers and workers, and of and for disabled persons, with regard to implementation of the policy. The Convention calls on the competent authorities to provide and evaluate vocational guidance, vocational training, placement, employment and other related services, using, wherever possible and appropriate, existing services for workers generally, with any necessary adaptations. Measures are to be taken to promote the establishment and development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for disabled persons in rural areas and remote communities, and to ensure the training and availability of rehabilitation counsellors and other suitably-qualified staff responsible for the vocational guidance, vocational training, placement and employment of disabled persons. Convention No. 159 entered into force on 20 June 1985. As of October 2007, Convention No. 159 has been ratified by 80 countries. 3.1.2 ILO Recommendation No. 168 The accompanying Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Recommendation, 1983 (No. 168), outlines measures, in addition to those mentioned in Recommendation No. 99, which should be implemented. They include: • measures to create job opportunities for persons with disabilities on the open labour market, including financial incentives to employers and reasonable adaptations to workplaces, equipment and jobs; • government support for sheltered employment, and for vocational training, vocational guidance, and placement services for disabled persons run by NGOs; • promotion of cooperatives and small-scale industry; • elimination of physical, communication and architectural barriers; • dissemination of information on successful instances of employment integration; • exemption from taxes of training materials and specified assistive devices; 80 Measures to facilitate work and employment • elimination of exploitation in training and sheltered employment; and • applied research to further the participation of disabled persons in ordinary working life. Recommendation No. 168 also calls for community participation, in particular of employers’, workers’ and disabled persons’ organizations, in the organization and operation of vocational rehabilitation services. Special efforts should be made to ensure that services in rural areas and remote communities are provided at the same level and on the same terms as for urban areas. The proper training of personnel involved in the provision of vocational rehabilitation and employment services is essential. 3.1.3 Current practice The following sections discuss briefly the main types of measures currently in use to assist and facilitate persons with disabilities to secure, retain and advance in suitable work and employment, under these headings: • Employment services • Information, monitoring and evaluation. More detailed information on measures in a number of countries may be found in other reports, including ILO 1998 and 2004a; EC 2000; and Thornton and Lunt 1997. 81 Measures to facilitate work and employment 3.2 Employment services In providing services such as vocational guidance, vocational training, placement and other employment-related services to persons with disabilities, the competent authorities are exhorted to use services available to workers generally, wherever possible and appropriate, with necessary adaptations (ILO Convention No. 159, Art.7). This is being increasingly done in countries where vocational rehabilitation infrastructures have already been developed (ILO 1998). The range and types of services vary between countries, but may include vocational guidance and counselling, with some countries (Belgium and France, for example) agreeing individualized â€œvocational pathwaysâ€? with disabled persons, which provide for different measures at different stages, leading in many cases to job integration. Other services include provision of information on training and employment opportunities, job search training which encompasses preparation of job applications/resumes, interview techniques, presentation skills, canvassing for jobs, and placement. Training in literacy and numeracy is sometimes provided, where necessary. Preferential access to specified jobs is provided in a number of countries. In Greece, for example, a proportion of jobs in certain occupations, including messengers, cleaners, gardeners, receptionists, must be reserved by public sector organizations and banks; preferential access is also given to licences for certain commercial activities, such as taxis and newspaper stalls. Slovenian legislation requires certain organizations to give priority to persons who are blind in filling jobs as telephonists. Work experience, either on its own or as an integral part of a training programme, is often provided, particularly for newcomers to the world of work. For persons with disabilities returning to work after an absence, individual back-to-work action plans may be developed. Support measures include job coaching, particularly in supported employment situations. Individualized support assistance in helping, for example, to deal with difficulties with co-workers, may be provided through vocational advisers or through special schemes which provide on-going assistance during the 82 Measures to facilitate work and employment initial integration and follow-up phases, as well as crisis intervention where continuing employment may be threatened for any reason. Early intervention such as â€œfresh-startâ€? initiation programmes aimed at young workers with disabilities within six months of their being unemployed, and programmes aimed at assisting long-term unemployed disabled workers back to work, are provided in many countries (for example, Austria, Belgium, France, Sweden). Because of the particular difficulties faced by workers with disabilities who have been unemployed for a long time, intensified efforts are frequently made to assist disabled workers to participate in educational, retraining or other programmes as soon as possible after they become unemployed. Public services in Italy work closely with private employment agencies to integrate disabled people into the labour market. Convention No. 159, Article 9 also draws attention to the importance of training for those providing employment services. A number of countries (Estonia and Hungary, for example) have established specific programmes for this purpose (EC 2005, Annex 3: 3.3.1). 3.3 Training for employment In many ways, training for employment for persons with disabilities appears to be going through a transition, from programmes in specialized institutions to mainstream programmes for general jobseekers. For some countries, this transition is in its early stages, with training still mostly in specialized institutions. In others, the majority of adults with disabilities receive their training in mainstream programmes (the United Kingdom, for example). In Sweden, employment policies for persons with disabilities are part of general labour market policies in any event. Almost all countries, however, appear to be experiencing a variety of difficulties. This situation is sometimes aggravated by high rates of unemployment which make it particularly difficult for persons with disabilities, even after completion of training, to find suitable employment. For those countries in the early stages of mainstreaming training for persons with disabilities, special classes, schools, and training institutions 83 Measures to facilitate work and employment are still common. In many of these specialized providers, both public and private, curricula tend to relate to jobs traditionally thought appropriate for disabled persons. This mismatch between training and the skill requirements of the labour market hinders job placement possibilities and may well contribute to negative perceptions by employers of the ability potential of many disabled persons. Even where persons with disabilities are being encouraged to enter mainstream training, some countries report that relatively few are doing so. Reasons given include physical inaccessibility of training centres, distant or inconvenient location of training, courses which are not relevant, inadequate transportation, unavailability and/or cost of child care, and little flexibility in course design or delivery. Countries which are further along the mainstreaming path have recognized and are taking or plan to take steps to deal with such issues. In the Netherlands, physical access is being improved in vocational and adult education to improve opportunities for disabled persons to get a basic qualification, and more flexible, module-based apprentice training courses are planned. Individualized support for persons with disabilities in France through its “fresh-start” initiatives and further development of apprenticeship training, “sandwich courses” alternating training and work in enterprises, and preparation for working life in a mainstream environment are all underway. In the United Kingdom, disabled people have priority access to mainstream programmes, and specialist teams operate in job centres to assist persons with disabilities to gain and retain employment. Special pre-training programmes have been introduced in Germany which include advice and assistance in the transition from school to working life: courses in vocational training centres have also been adapted in order to meet labour market requirements more effectively. In Australia, short-term courses have been developed at local level to meet individual needs: normally up to 12 months’ duration, the courses may be extended, if necessary, for persons with disabilities. In Sweden, there has been increasing cooperation between schools and placement services. For persons with a high level of disability, training for work continues to be provided mainly in special institutions or in sheltered or supported 84 Measures to facilitate work and employment employment programmes, although Australia operates a programme which provides fully subsidized work experience, mainly in the private sector, for those who cannot get a place on a mainstream wage-subsidy programme. Greater efforts are being made to get employers more directly involved in developing and providing training and employment opportunities, through financial and other incentives. Belgium has a system of employer-based on-the-job training contracts for disabled persons: the employer is not committed to hiring the trainee after the training contract, but often does. Advisory committees on the training and employment of disabled workers, which include representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations as well as representatives of government and disability NGOs, play a useful role in helping to develop policy and codes of good practice, and in improving cooperation and coordination among the sectoral interests involved. 3.3.1 Key issues Workers with disabilities tend to fall behind other jobseekers, particularly when overall numbers of unemployed workers rise. While ignorance and prejudice may have a part to play in such situations, a key factor is often their inability to compete on the basis of relevant skills or qualifications. What an employer will look for in recruiting a new employee is, first and foremost, the capacity to do the job (given reasonable accommodation, where necessary). Applicants who can show that they have the necessary competence, or have the capacity to acquire it after suitable training, have an advantage over applicants who cannot. Training, which should encompass skill, knowledge and attitudes, is very often the key to success in finding a job. For persons with a disability, professional training – under qualified instructors, and leading if possible to some form of recognized certification – is an essential passport to gaining employment. This is why a national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons, as called for in ILO Convention No. 159, is so essential. People with disabilities have the right to work, but they must be given the means to enable them to exercise that right. Priority in vocational training policy and provision, particularly in times of high 85 Measures to facilitate work and employment unemployment, needs to be given to the most vulnerable if they are not to become further disadvantaged in the labour market. Many of the jobs for which disabled persons were traditionally trained do not exist any more, especially in industrialized countries. The relevance of training programmes to current and likely future labour market requirements needs to be critically reviewed to ensure that all programmes are responding to such needs at all times. Physical accessibility remains a major barrier to many disabled persons seeking work or training. This applies not just to the training or work place, but to the local built environment – including public transport, housing, shops, restaurants, places of recreation – used to a greater or lesser degree by other employees. Considerable improvement has been made in many places, but in general progress is slow, and many disabled persons remain excluded as a result. Lack of coordination between government ministries or departments continues to be an issue inhibiting the right to work of many disabled people. There are many good examples of how this has been effectively resolved where the political will existed. Many countries have accepted the principle of “mainstreaming” in training and employment services for persons with disabilities. In some cases, however, it has not progressed much beyond the acceptance of the principle or the transfer of responsibility from one ministry to another. If disabled persons are to participate on an equitable basis with others, whatever reasonable accommodations are necessary, in terms of physical accessibility, job/training design, training equipment and materials, modes of instruction, and so forth, must be carried out. In addition, the staff members responsible for managing and operating the systems involved must be sufficiently trained and equipped, not only in requisite knowledge and skill, but also in attitudes. Mainstreaming in training programmes may have many implications, in addition to those mentioned. An important consideration, for example, will be the basis on which training outcomes are assessed. Indicators, 86 Measures to facilitate work and employment such as placement rates, which may be used to measure the performance of training programmes for some unemployed groups of workers may not be the most appropriate for others. “Creaming” or selecting those most likely to succeed, in order to enhance placement prospects of occupational training programmes is a recognized (if not always admitted) phenomenon (for a more detailed discussion see, for example, OECD 1986). 3.4 Financial supports Wage subsidies to cover a shortfall in productivity are one of the most commonly-provided financial supports to employers in encouraging the employment of workers with disabilities. In some countries, such supports are time-restricted: in Sweden, four years (may be extended), but up to eight years in Germany, for example. The amount of subsidy varies: in Austria it can be up to 80 per cent of the full wage in the first year of employment. The wage subsidy may be combined with a grant during the initial period of adjustment. Other financial supports to employers include: • grants towards training costs; training completion bonus grants for workplace modifications/special equipment; • retention bonus grants to hire personal assistants for disabled workers who need them; • grants to encourage retention of workers who acquire a disability at work; • tax credits in respect of each new disabled worker (may be timerestricted); • grants towards workplace adjustment costs; and • reductions in social security charges in respect of disabled workers. In the Netherlands, where responsibility for disability prevention and rehabilitation of disabled employees has been increasingly transferred from governments to employers, special measures include: 87 Measures to facilitate work and employment • “trial appointments”: A person with a disability may work for up to three months without the employer paying wages – unemployment benefit is continued during this period; • a replacement grant may be paid to an employer if the disabled employee cannot return to his or her former job and needs a different job in the company; • the employer may be exempted from having to pay wages during the first 52 weeks of sickness of an employee if the employee was disabled when recruited; and • during the first six months after hiring a disabled worker the employer is exempted from supplementary insurance contributions in case the worker applies for disability benefit. Grants may also be available to disabled persons who wish to set up their own business or to establish a cooperative. Such measures are particularly important in countries, such as Greece, where self-employment is high and a high proportion of all enterprises are small. In Italy, social cooperatives with a workforce of which at least 30 per cent are persons with disabilities may be exempted from social insurance contributions. Financial assistance may also be available to third-party agencies to assist disabled persons in preparing and training for employment. In the United States, for example, grants may be available to States to establish programmes of technology-related training, access and assistance, and awards can be made to private agencies which deliver assistive technology training and services at local level. The EC Regulation on State Aid Employment (No. 2204/2002) enables Member States to create incentives for employers and sheltered workshops to recruit and retain disabled workers. In Sweden, employers are protected by law against excessive sick leave costs of an employee with an illness which is likely to lead to a large amount of sick leave. Financial supports of various kinds may also be available to persons with disabilities. In France, an employment bonus may be paid to an unemployed disabled person who gets a job. Financial assistance may also be paid towards public transport costs if participating 88 Measures to facilitate work and employment in training programmes. Under a pilot scheme in the Netherlands, persons with a disability may receive a personal budget in the form of vouchers or tickets to enable them to purchase placement or other job integration services of their choice. A similar “Ticket to Work” programme operates in the United States. A key concern of many disabled persons is that their eligibility for disability benefit or pension may be adversely affected if they find a job and subsequently lose it for any reason. A number of countries have taken steps to ensure that such concerns do not act as a disincentive to persons with disabilities in seeking employment. In Spain, for example, eligibility to access former disability benefit if laid off is assured by regulation. To encourage those on long-term disability benefit in Finland to return to work, individuals may suspend their benefit for up to two years during which they may enter training or employment without losing their entitlement. In many countries, persons with disabilities are allowed to earn up to a certain level in pay without affecting their disability insurance or social security benefits. According to the OECD (2006), “too many workers leave the labour market permanently due to health problems and too few people with a disabling condition are working. This is a social as well as economic tragedy that is common to virtually all OECD countries.” The OECD report suggests that work needs to be put at the heart of sickness and disability benefit policy. The objective of policy should be to ensure that persons with disabilities have the opportunity to play as full a role in society, and particularly in the labour market, as they are able to. “Policy discussions frequently focus on how to reduce the number of people on benefit. But the trouble with approaching . . . policy from this angle alone is that it misses the point of view of people with disabilities themselves. Current policies often serve such people badly: they are trapped at the margins of society, excluded from work or marginalized into special employment categories” (idem. p. 13). 89 Measures to facilitate work and employment 3.5 Technical and personal supports The dividing line between technical, personal and even financial supports can be a very narrow one. Is the provision of a guide dog to a person with a visual impairment a personal or a technical support? In the context of employment it may qualify more as the latter. In any event, the categorization is of less importance than the support itself and the role it plays in enabling a person with a disability to exercise the rights to which they are entitled. Other non-financial supports in relation to work and employment include assistance in arranging for a special driving licence; job coaches to help facilitate the transition to employment; post-placement support; personal assistants (to assist, if needed, in relation to personal hygiene or transport, for example); provision of readers for workers with a visual impairment, particularly during the initial stage of training and/or employment; provision of signers/sign language interpreters during interviews or in the workplace; advocacy services; grants for or direct provision of personal aids (for example, computer-based aids, clothing, textbooks); technical aids and devices. 3.6 Quota systems By the end of 1923, Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Poland had adopted a quota system under which employers were obliged to employ disabled war veterans. Many other European countries adopted a quota system approach after the Second World War, largely because of high unemployment levels among people with disabilities and the general failure of a voluntary approach. All systems were eventually extended to cover disabled civilians. Quota systems have also been introduced in several countries of Asia and the Pacific (China, India, Japan, Mongolia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand); Africa (including Ethiopia, Mauritius and Tanzania); in the Arab States (for example, Kuwait); and in Latin America (for example, Brazil). While all quota systems call for employers to employ a set minimum percentage of disabled workers, there are variations between systems, particularly in relation to the obligatory or non-obligatory requirement, and the nature and effectiveness of sanction in cases where an employer fails to meet the requirement. 90 Measures to facilitate work and employment Waddington (1996) has divided European quota systems into three basic models: • Legislative recommendation with no sanction: Employers are not obliged to employ a set percentage of workers with disabilities, but it is recommended that they do so. Such a system has operated in the Netherlands since 1986. Under the 1947 Employment of the Disabled Act, public and private employers with more than 20 employees were expected to employ a set quota of disabled workers. People with disabilities could choose to register. The 1986 Handicapped Workers Employment Act removed the registration requirement, extended coverage to all those receiving disability benefits or an invalidity pension, and introduced a quota target of between 3 and 5 per cent, to be achieved over three years. The quota was voluntary and there were no sanctions for failing to meet it. By 1989, only 2.2 per cent of workers with a contract of more than 15 days were disabled and by 1992 this figure was just 2 per cent. The government concluded that a compulsory policy across all sectors was not practicable. Employers are, nevertheless, required to continue to keep a record of disabled employees. • Legislative obligation without effective sanction: An example of this quota system was that adopted by the United Kingdom after the Second World War. The Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944 has been described as “the foundation stone of disabled workers’ rights in the United Kingdom” (Doyle 1996). These rights to mainstream employment were to be achieved through the Quota Scheme, which required private employers with 20 or more employees to have at least 3 per cent of their workforce made up of registered people with disabilities, and through the Reserved Occupations Scheme, under which two occupations – passenger electric lift attendant and car park attendant – were designated as reserved to persons with disabilities. It was not an offence for an employer to be below the quota, but it was an offence to recruit a non-registered person when below the quota or where doing so would bring the employer below the quota, without an exemption permit. An employer who committed such an offence was subject to a fine or a term of imprisonment of not more than three months. The quota was abolished in 1996, 91 Measures to facilitate work and employment when the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 came into force. There appears to be general agreement that the quota failed to promote the employment of people with disabilities, that it was inadequately monitored and enforced (there were only ten prosecutions for failure to comply, even though in 1993, for example, less than 20 per cent of employers met their quota obligation), and that it allowed large numbers of exemptions and exceptions (Doyle 1996; Waddington 1996; Hyde 2000). • Legislative obligations with sanction: According to Waddington, the levy-grant system is “the form of quota which has attracted most interest from those countries which have sought to introduce or modify a quota system in the 1980s and 90s. It involves setting a quota and requiring that all covered employers who do not meet their obligation pay a fine or levy which usually goes into a fund to support the employment of disabled people.” The German quota system, which has often served as a model for other countries, was established in 1974. In a recent reform of the legislation (Rehabilitation 2001), the quota of 6 per cent for all public and private employers with at least 16 employees was reduced to 5 per cent, applicable to employers of 20 employees or more (EIRO 2001). Certain workers may be counted as occupying two or three quota places – those whom the Employment Office considers particularly difficult to employ, because of their degree of disability, and disabled persons who are receiving training within the firm. The legislation refers to special categories of severely disabled persons: 1) Severely-disabled persons whose working lives are especially affected because of the nature or seriousness of their disability, in particular: (a) those who need special assistance, on a more than temporary basis, in order to engage in employment; (b) those whose employment, owing to their disability, implies exceptional expenses, on a more than temporary basis, for the employer; (c) those who, because of their disability, are able on more than a temporary basis to render only substantially reduced output; 92 Measures to facilitate work and employment (d) those whose extent of disability is at least 50 per cent attributable to mental or psychological disturbances or to be subject to attacks; (e) those who, because of the nature of the seriousness of their disability, have not completed vocational training. 2) Severely disabled persons who have attained 50 years of age. The Federal Employment Office monitors compliance with the scheme. Fines may be imposed if the quota requirement is not met. In 2004, the employment rate amounted to 4.1 per cent. Of the employers subject to the employment obligation in 2004, 21 per cent fulfilled or exceeded their obligations; 51 per cent had partially met their obligations; while 30 per cent had not employed any severely disabled persons (Bundesministerium 2007). The monies collected through the compensation levy are used exclusively to promote rehabilitation and employment of severely disabled persons. It provides grants, for example, to assist employers who exceed their quota obligations to meet extra costs such as adapting premises or providing special training. The levy is often regarded, particularly during difficult economic periods, as an additional tax to be paid by employers, and a more attractive option than hiring. A similar quota system operates in France. Under 1987 legislation, every public and private employer employing 20 or more persons is required to employ a quota of 6 per cent of persons with disabilities covered by the law. The 6 per cent obligation was introduced on a gradual basis, beginning with 3 per cent in 1988, rising to 6 per cent in 1991. Certain categories of disabled workers are counted as one-and-a-half, two, or two-and-a-half individuals. Enterprises may fulfil their employment obligation by: • direct employment of beneficiaries under the law; • contracting with the sheltered employment sector; • reaching accords (negotiated agreements between employers’ and employees’ associations) to promote employment of disabled persons; 93 Measures to facilitate work and employment • paying a contribution to AGEFIPH, the joint agency for the management of integration funds for disabled persons. In 1994, according to a 1996 report of the Ministry of Labour and Social affairs, 62.8 per cent of employers met their obligation by payment of levy only; 19.8 per cent by sub-contracts and levies; and 12.4 per cent by sub-contracts only (quoted in Thornton and Lunt 1997, p. 98). In 1998, just over half of all enterprises with 20 employees or more fulfilled their employment obligation by contributing to the fund (EC 2000, p. 89). The employment rate of disabled workers in the enterprises concerned in 1997 was 4 per cent (3 per cent in the public sector). This result led to the government launching, through AGEFIPH, a three-year Exceptional Programme (1999–2001) with particular focus on long-term and youth unemployment. Austria’s quota system obliges companies with more than 25 employees to employ one person with a disability for every 25 jobholders. If a company circumvents this rule, it pays a compensation tax to the Federal Office of Social Affairs every month for every job not held by a disabled person. These funds are reserved for services to “supported employees” (persons who have a disability level of at least 50 per cent) or employers who engage supported employees. Systematic measures to promote the employment of persons with disabilities in Japan were introduced after the Second World War, following the enactment in 1947 of the Employment Security Law. In 1960, a quota system was introduced, but with no obligatory provisions. Lack of compliance, particularly by larger organizations, led to the introduction in 1976 of an obligatory quota system, as well as a levy and grant system. The quota is 1.8 per cent for private enterprises and 2.1 per cent for national and local governments. Double counting in respect of workers with severe disabilities is allowed. A levy is imposed on enterprises which fall short of their quota: levies thus collected are paid as grants to enterprises which hire disabled workers in excess of their quota and are also used to subsidize new or modified facilities for workers with disabilities. 94 Measures to facilitate work and employment Romania operates a quota-levy system for organizations with more than 100 employees. The levy applies where an employer does not employ at least 4 per cent of persons with disabilities. A quota of 5 per cent applies in Hungary, but the majority of employers opt to pay the “rehabilitation contribution” instead. In Mauritius, organizations with 35 or more employees are required to set aside at least 3 per cent of positions for persons with disabilities. Employers who fail to do so must pay a financial contribution into a designated fund or may be liable to imprisonment. Other countries with quota systems include the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Slovakia, and the Russian Federation (ILO 2004a). 3.6.1 Comment Discussing the assumptions underlying quota systems in Europe, Waddington (1996) says that such systems are based on the belief that, without some form of legislative intervention, people with disabilities would not make up even the specified percentage of the workforce: Quotas are based on two related assumptions: (i) that employers will not hire large numbers of disabled people unless they are required to do so, and (ii) that most disabled people are unable to compete for jobs with their non-disabled counterparts on an equal basis, and win them on their merits. In short, the assumption that disabled workers are less valuable and less productive, and that, if such workers are to be integrated in the open labour market, employers need to be obliged to hire them, and sometimes even financially compensated for doing so. Numerous employers have taken their cue from the legislation, and accept these assumptions. This is reflected in the fact that many employers resist the idea of, and obligations under, quota systems, and frequently “buy” themselves out of their obligation where this is an option, preferring to employ a largely non-disabled workforce. The history of the European quota systems amply demonstrates that an employment system which is based 95 Measures to facilitate work and employment on the idea that the protected group of workers are inferior cannot achieve permanent and significant success, since employers will attempt to evade their obligations to employ such workers (p. 71). A study for the European Commission (EC 2000), which looked at employment policies for disabled persons in eighteen industrialized countries, found no examples where quota systems achieved their targets. Acknowledging the arguments that quota systems produce resources from levies or fines which can be used to support other employment development measures, and that in some cases sufficient disabled people may not be available to enable employers to meet their quotas, the study concluded: â€œ . . . it is clearly the case that in most countries the tide is swinging away from quotas â€“ either for their abandonment altogether (as in the United Kingdom), or for other measures (active employment support for individuals and/or stronger anti-discrimination laws) to be given higher profile and greater forceâ€? (p. 207). 3.7 Anti-discrimination legislation Some European countries, such as Denmark, Finland and Sweden, as well as others including Australia, Canada, South Africa and the United States, did not introduce quota systems and decided instead to improve vocational training and rehabilitation and strengthen the voluntary approach to employers. In addition, more and more countries have, with increased lobbying by people with disabilities and their representative organizations, been taking the route of anti-discrimination legislation, based in many cases on the experience in the United States dating from civil rights legislation in the 1960s. Perhaps the greatest seismic shift in the area of employment for people with disabilities has been this move to anti-discrimination legislation. Like quota systems and other government-sponsored schemes, anti-discrimination legislation assumes that specific measures are needed to promote the employment of disabled people. Unlike quotas, however, such legislation says that people with disabilities are able to compete for jobs 96 Measures to facilitate work and employment on their merits, provided the environment in which they do so does not discriminate against them because of their disability. Anti-discrimination legislation is not new. Laws to promote equal employment opportunity and equal pay for women have been around in Europe for decades, with similar legislation to protect the rights of people on racial, ethnic, or religious grounds in many countries. One of the reasons why it took so long to extend anti-discrimination legislation to disabled people may have been the lack of effective collective advocacy to promote that cause. It was reported in 2000 that more than 40 out of 189 UN Member States had adopted some kind of anti-discrimination legislation in respect of persons with disabilities (Degener and Quinn 2000). It would be difficult to compare those laws given the different legal systems and the different historical, social, economic and political backgrounds of the countries concerned; however, we can note the increasing number of countries enacting such legislation, and the fact that most of the laws were adopted during the 1990s. The following country examples, which are by no means exhaustive, are presented to illustrate the variety of approaches to this matter. 3.7.1 Australia Australia has both national and state legislation to address discrimination against persons with disabilities. The Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 overrides state legislation and prohibits discrimination on the ground of disability in work and employment as well as other areas, including education. The Act is administered by a Disability Discrimination Commissioner within the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, which investigates complaints of discrimination. The 1992 Act allows for the development by organizations of Action Plans which identify barriers for persons with disabilities within the organization and set out policies and programmes, with time frames, for addressing them. The benefits of developing a Disability Action Plan are threefold: it demonstrates a commitment to anti-discrimination principles, it can be given to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity 97 Measures to facilitate work and employment Commission to be taken into account if a complaint is made against the organization, and it provides a tool for change. 3.7.2 Austria The Federal Disability Equality Act, which came into force in January 2006, provides for disability equality and anti-discrimination in all areas of life. 3.7.3 Brazil The Federal Constitution of Brazil of 1988 explicitly prohibits discrimination of any kind concerning the recruitment of or salaries paid to persons with disabilities (Article 7). Law No. 7.853/89 concerning the Rights of Persons with Disabilities guarantees to persons with disabilities the full exercise of their basic rights, including the right to work. This law makes it a punishable offence to discriminate against a person on grounds of disability in employment or work. 3.7.4 Canada Anti-discrimination measures in Canada take two legislative forms. Section 15 of the 1982 Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees every individual “the right to equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination” and covers discrimination based on mental or physical disability. The Canadian Human Rights Act 1985 prohibits certain discriminatory practices, and disability is included among the possible grounds. Both the Charter and the Act allow for (but do not require) affirmative action to reduce disadvantages. While the Act did not originally require an employer to make “reasonable accommodation” to enable a disabled person to meet job requirements, an Amendment, introduced in 1998, includes a duty to accommodate: The duty to accommodate refers to the obligation of an employer, service provider, or union to take steps to eliminate disadvantage to employees, prospective employees or clients resulting from a rule, practice, or physical barrier that has or may have an 98 Measures to facilitate work and employment adverse impact on individuals or groups protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act, or identified as a designated group under the Employment Equity Act. The Canadian Human Rights Act provides that the special needs of a person relating to a prohibited group of discrimination must be accommodated unless the employer or service provider can prove that to do so would be an undue hardship. The second form of legislative measure, the Employment Equity Act, 1995, requires active measures to deal with disadvantage, including making reasonable accommodation. Persons with disabilities are among those covered by the Act. 3.7.5 Costa Rica In Costa Rica, Law No. 760 concerning Equality of Opportunity for Persons with Disabilities prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the following cases relating to employment and work: the use of recruitment procedures which have not been adapted to reflect the needs of disabled jobseekers; the specification of requirements additional to those generally applied, in relation to the recruitment of persons with disabilities; and the failure to employ a person on grounds of disability. 3.7.6 Ethiopia The Right of Disabled Persons to Employment Proclamation (Proclamation No. 101/1994 of 26 August 1994) aims to protect the rights of disabled persons to appropriate training, employment opportunities and salary, and to stop any workplace discrimination. Sections 3 and 4 refer to how employment opportunities for disabled persons should be promoted in the open labour market. They state that no selection criteria shall refer to the disability of the candidate, and that necessary equipment shall be provided to allow a disabled person to carry out their duty. Article 6 emphasizes: 99 Measures to facilitate work and employment Any disabled person whose rights are affected because of noncompliance with the provisions of this Proclamation and regulations and directives issued hereunder, may lodge his grievance to the organ empowered by law to hear the labour dispute. 3.7.7 Germany The Ninth Book of the Social Code, 2001, prohibits discrimination against persons with severe disabilities in employment (Section 81 (2)). The Act on Equal Opportunities for Disabled Persons, 2002, aims at eradicating and preventing discrimination faced by persons with disabilities and grants them equal rights to participate in social and working life. This Act applies to federal agencies and state agencies that implement federal law. Private sector businesses are not directly covered, although they may enter into partnership agreements with disability organizations to promote accessibility and other positive measures (Degener 2004). 3.7.8 Mauritius The Training and Employment of Disabled Persons Act 1996 of Mauritius contains an anti-discrimination provision which makes it an offence for an employer to discriminate against any disabled person in relation to advertisement of and recruitment for employment, and the determination or allocation of wages, salaries, pensions and other matters relating to employment. Any employer who discriminates against a disabled person shall be liable to compensatory payment or to imprisonment. Under this Act, no disabled person shall be employed on work which, with regard to the nature of his disability, is not suitable. 3.7.9 Philippines The Philippinesâ€™ Magna Carta â€“ Disabled Persons 1992, section 32, prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment: No entity, whether public or private, shall discriminate against a qualified disabled person by reason of disability in regard to job application procedures, the hiring, promotion, or discharge of 100 Measures to facilitate work and employment employees, employee compensation, job training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. The Magna Carta lists in detail acts of discrimination covered by this prohibition: (a) limiting segregating or classifying a disabled job applicant in such a manner that adversely affects his work opportunities; (b) using qualification standards, employment tests or other selection criteria that screen out or tend to screen out a disabled person unless such standards, tests or other selection criteria are shown to be job-related for the position in question and are consistent with business necessity; (c) utilizing standards, criteria, or methods of administration that: â€“ have the effect of discrimination on the basis of disability; or â€“ perpetuate the discrimination of others who are subject to common administrative control; (d) providing less compensation, such as salary, wage or other forms of remuneration and fringe benefits, to a qualified disabled employee, by reason of his disability, than the amount to which a non-disabled person performing the same work is entitled; (e) favouring a non-disabled employee over a qualified disabled employee with respect to promotion, training opportunities, study and scholarship grants, solely on account of the latterâ€™s disability; (f) reassigning or transferring a disabled employee to a job or position he cannot perform by reason of his disability; (g) dismissing or terminating the services of a disabled employee by reason of his disability unless the employer can prove that he impairs the satisfactory performance of the work involved to the prejudice of the business entity: provided, however, that the employer first sought to provide reasonable accommodation for disabled persons; (h) failing to select or administer in the most effective manner employment tests which accurately reflect the skills, aptitude or 101 Measures to facilitate work and employment other factor of the disabled applicant or employee that such test purports to measure, rather than the impaired sensory, manual or speaking skills of such applicant or employee, if any; and (i) excluding disabled persons from membership in labour unions or similar organizations. 3.7.10 South Africa The South African Constitution contains a Bill of Rights, which “enshrines the rights of all people in our country and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom” (Act No. 108 of 1996, Ch. 2, clause 7). Clause 9 – Equality, which forms part of the chapter on the Bill of Rights, states that equality includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms, and that no person may be discriminated against directly or indirectly on the ground of disability or on any of the other grounds specified. Clause 9 also states that national legislation must be enacted to prevent or prohibit unfair discrimination. To promote the constitutional right of equality, eliminate unfair discrimination in employment, ensure the implementation of employment equity to redress the effects of discrimination and to give effect to South Africa’s obligations as a member of the ILO, the Employment Equity Act (No. 55) was passed in 1998. The Act requires all employers to eliminate unfair discrimination, direct or indirect, in any employment policy or practice, on disability or other specified grounds. It is not unfair discrimination if an employer takes affirmative action measures consistent with the purpose of the Act, or distinguishes, excludes or prefers any person on the basis of an inherent requirement of the job (Ch.11, clause 6(2)). The Employment Equity Act defines affirmative measures as “measures designed to ensure that suitably qualified people from designated groups 8 have equal employment opportunities and are equitably represented in all occupational categories and levels in the workforce of a designated employer”. Affirmative action measures must include: 8 Measures to facilitate work and employment • measures to identify and eliminate employment barriers which adversely affect people from designated groups; • measures to enhance diversity in the workplace based on equal dignity and respect; and • making reasonable accommodation for people from designated groups to ensure that they enjoy equal opportunities and are equitably represented in an employer’s workforce in all occupational categories and levels. This may include preferential treatment and numerical goals, but excludes quotas (idem. clause 15). The Act defines “reasonable accommodation” as “any modification or adjustment to a job or to the working environment that will enable a person from a designated group to have access to or participate or advance in employment”. Employers are required to prepare and implement an “employment equity plan” setting out objectives, specific numerical goals to achieve equitable representation of suitably qualified people from designated groups within each occupational category and level, timetables, strategies to achieve their goals, and procedures for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the plan. Unfair discrimination in employment on disability grounds is further prohibited under the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, 2000 (No. 4). The Act makes it clear that disability discrimination includes failing to take reasonable steps to accommodate the needs of a person with disabilities, and failing to identify or eliminate obstacles that unjustly limit or restrict persons with disabilities from enjoying equal opportunities. 3.7.11 United Kingdom Under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944, the rights of disabled people to mainstream employment were to be achieved through a quota system, which required private employers with 20 or more employees to have at least 3 per cent of their workforce made up of registered 103 Measures to facilitate work and employment persons with disabilities, and through the Reserved Occupations Scheme, under which the two occupations of electric lift attendant and car park attendant were reserved for disabled people. The quota system was abolished in 1996 (for further details see 3.6) when the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 came into force. The 1995 Act contained provisions making it unlawful to discriminate against a disabled person in relation to employment, the provision of goods, facilities and services and other issues. It also contained some provisions relating to education and accessibility of transport. The Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 extended the 1995 Act so as to make it unlawful to discriminate against disabled pupils and students seeking access to education in schools and colleges. The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Amendment) Regulations 2003 which came into force on 1 October 2004 served to implement the disability aspects of the European Community Employment Directive 2000/78/EC (see 1.29). The Regulations also made significant changes to the 1995 Act, including ending the exemption of small employers from the scope of the Act and bringing within its ambit a number of excluded occupations such as police, firefighters and prison officers. The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 extended and amended the 1995 Act, reinforcing and refining the anti-discrimination law, including in relation to public authorities, transport and general qualifications bodies. 3.7.12 United States In the United States, the system of rehabilitation in the 1950s and 1960s still had a strong medical component. A medical diagnosis underlay eligibility for the programme and effectively determined the course of rehabilitation for the programmeâ€™s target populations (Menz 1997). However, the cause or origin of disability (for example, war injuries) became less of concern under the evolving programme and the range of eligible â€œgroupsâ€? expanded during the 1960s and 1970s. With the passage of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, the emphasis moved to vocational rehabilitation, and considerable investment followed in vocational reha104 Measures to facilitate work and employment bilitation facilities, sheltered workshops, day activity centres and in training qualified rehabilitation professionals. Part of the 1973 Act is concerned with eliminating employment discrimination, targeting in particular public employers and firms contracting with the federal government. Disability lobbyists argued not just for effective implementation, but for an extension of the Act’s requirements to employers in the private sector. With the 1986 Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act, collective advocacy, developed from the Civil Rights Movement, more and more influenced the broad national goals for rehabilitation: • “vocational rehabilitation” was largely replaced in the language of the Act with “rehabilitation”; • independent living was identified as a distinct service option for people without immediate vocational goals.9 • supported employment was identified as a distinct programme and outcome for the most severely disabled individuals requirements for need-based programming were introduced: – a formal state plan must be followed, based on the assessed needs of people with disabilities; – eligibility must be based on expressed needs among severely disabled persons; – an individualized rehabilitation plan must be developed based on individual needs; and – the state programme must be evaluated based on the extent to which it meets the needs of persons with severe disabilities (Menz 1997, p. 96). 9 The independent living philosophy is about persons with disabilities taking responsibility for and control of decisions affecting themselves, becoming self-reliant, and achieving full and equal participation in society. Control over the individual’s rehabilitation programme was now very much in the hands of consumers of rehabilitation services. 105 Measures to facilitate work and employment Public activism and organized advocacy continued, culminating in the adoption of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. This extended the anti-discrimination principle to all private employers with fifteen or more workers. It also prohibited discrimination on the ground of disability in housing, public accommodation, education, transport, communication, recreation, institutionalization, health services, voting and access to public services. In order to benefit from the employment protection provided by the ADA, the individual must be qualified for the job in question. This means they must be able to perform the “essential functions of the job”, following the making of “reasonable accommodation”, if necessary, a “reasonable accommodation” being any modification or adjustment that is effective in allowing an individual with a disability to perform the “essential functions” of the job. Employers are obliged to make such accommodations unless it would cause them “undue hardship”. 3.7.13 Viet Nam The Ordinance on Disabled Persons of 1998 prohibits discrimination in hiring against disabled persons for administrative and non-business positions. The Ordinance also provides for tax benefits to employers who recruit persons with disabilities. 3.7.14 Zambia The People with Disabilities Act No. 33 of 1996 in Zambia specifies that an employer shall not treat a person with a disability differently from a person without a disability in advertising for employment, recruiting, offering terms or conditions of employment, considering promotion, transfer or training of such persons or providing any other benefits related to employment. The prohibition of discrimination also applies to learning institutions. Discrimination is defined in the Act to mean: • 106 treating a person with a disability less favourably than a person without a disability; Measures to facilitate work and employment â€˘ treating a person with a disability less favourably than another person with a disability; â€˘ requiring a person with a disability to comply with a requirement or condition in which persons without a disability may have an advantage; and â€˘ not providing different services or conditions required for that disability. 3.7.15 Key issues There are reports that anti-discrimination legislation which became effective in certain industrialized countries some years ago has not been particularly effective in improving the employment situation of persons with disabilities. A study to examine the implementation, enforcement and effectiveness of anti-discrimination legislation in relation to employment in different countries would be useful. 3.8 Persuasion measures As an addition or alternative to obligatory measures based on legislation or quota systems, non-obligatory measures based on persuasion and selfregulation are found in many countries, with the express purpose of promoting employment for persons with disabilities. 3.8.1 Information and awareness-raising campaigns Information and awareness-raising campaigns, often organized by government agencies and sometimes by employer groups, may involve public seminars, publications, features in newspapers, local and national radio and television, websites, and so forth, (in many countries, including Belgium, Canada, France, Japan and Portugal). Employer-led campaigns in Sweden, for example, aim to increase interest in creating job opportunities for disabled people, and emphasize that profitability and social responsibility are not incompatible. 107 Measures to facilitate work and employment 3.8.2 Awards Awards to employers for efforts to improve employment opportunities are intended to recognize good employment policy and practice and to encourage other employers to do likewise (for example, Australia, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland). Awards may be made by a government agency or by employer networks/associations. 3.8.3 Other measures Symbols which public or private enterprises may use on their stationery, advertisements or other company literature indicating their commitment to equal opportunity and treatment for disabled workers are used to show good company practice and to encourage others (for example, Ireland, United Kingdom). Codes of good practice for employers have been developed in Belgium and the United Kingdom. Disability equality awareness training for employers and their employees is used in some countries, usually provided by non-governmental disability organizations. It is difficult to assess the usefulness of persuasion measures in influencing attitudes or behaviour. The EU survey of employment policies for people with disabilities concluded that disability organizations tend to believe that competing interests will almost always undermine their effectiveness (EC 2000, p. 209). 3.8.4 Key issues While attitudes expressed in employer surveys may not always be reflected in employer behaviour, persuasion measures should at least help to heighten awareness. Like voluntary quota schemes, however, persuasion measures are no substitute for legislation and other obligatory measures in promoting equality opportunity and treatment for workers with disabilities. 3.9 Disability management The practice of disability management has developed in recent years as a means of facilitating the recruitment, advancement, job retention and 108 Measures to facilitate work and employment return to work of persons with disabilities. In the workplace, disability management is a proactive process, often integrated into human resource development practices, that promotes the entry and promotion of persons with disabilities, as well as strategies that include a range of prevention, rehabilitation and safe return-to-work interventions to address workplace injury and disability. These strategies are undertaken in a coordinated effort by workers’ representatives and management, who assume joint responsibility for addressing disability-related issues in the workplace. The ILO Code of Practice on Managing Disability in the Workplace adopted in November 2001 was drawn up to guide employers, in all sectors and sizes of enterprise, to adopt a positive strategy in managing disability-related issues in the workplace. While the ILO Code of Practice is primarily addressed to employers, the document notes that “governments play an essential role in creating a supportive legislative and social policy framework and providing incentives to promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Moreover, the participation and initiative of people with disabilities is important for the Code to be achievable.” The role of workers’ organizations is also emphasized. The contents of the Code of Practice are based on the principles underpinning international instruments and initiatives designed to promote the safe and healthy employment of all people with disabilities. The Code is not a legally binding document and is not intended to supersede or replace national legislation. It is intended to be read in the context of national conditions and to be applied in accordance with national law and practice (ILO 2002). 3.9.1 Job retention The ILO Code of Practice includes recommended practice in relation to workers who acquire a disability while in employment, covering aspects such as policy, assessment and rehabilitation. Prevention, early intervention and retention are issues receiving increasing attention in many countries (Thornton 1998). Such measures are supported in many cases by the insurance industry on the basis that job retention is generally likely to be a less costly outcome than if the employee leaves work. Recent reviews of employment policies for persons with disabilities identified relatively few examples of initiatives in this area, but it is likely to assume growing 109 Measures to facilitate work and employment importance to employers if it can be shown to prove itself on cost-effectiveness grounds. To date, a limited number of countries have actively promoted disability management as a strategy in national policies concerning vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons. Examples are cited here from Canada and the United States. 3.9.2 Disability management in Canada A Code of Practice for Disability Management was launched in Canada in 2000. Endorsed and funded in part by the Federal Government’s LabourManagement Partnership Programme, and produced by the National Institute of Disability Management and Research (NIDMAR), the Code provides practical guidelines, key criteria and outcome measures for implementing disability management. Many organizations and their networks, including employers’ and workers’ organizations and DPOs, are helping to facilitate the employment, retention and return-to-work opportunities for disabled persons. Measures include policy statements and provision of advisory and supportive services. 3.9.3 Disability management in the United States With few exceptions, there are generally no federal or state programmes for short-term or long-term disability measures for non-occupational illness or injuries in the United States. This role is usually filled by employer, union and/or employee funded programmes. The costs of short-term and long-term payments, as well as workers’ compensation payment for work injuries, are ultimately borne by employers through increased insurance premiums. Employers thus have an incentive to reduce these costs. This has led to the introduction of what is termed disability management, encompassing a variety of activities designed to prevent disabilities from occurring and/or to minimize their impact on workers and employers. The activities include: • safety programmes; • employee health and assistance programmes; and • return-to-work programmes. 110 Measures to facilitate work and employment 3.9.4 Key issues The ILO Code of Practice on Managing Disability in the Workplace should be promoted actively with a view to its wider dissemination to and use by governments and employers’ and workers’ organizations. 3.10 Consultation mechanisms ILO Convention No. 159 requires that representative organizations of employers and workers, as well as those of and for disabled persons, are to be consulted on the implementation of national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment. Recommendation No. 168 states that these organizations should also be able to contribute to the formulation of policies on the organization and development of vocational rehabilitation services, and makes a number of recommendations about the form their participation might take. Based on its survey of national legislation and the information provided by governments, the ILO’s Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations has found that consultations, of different forms, are held in an increasing number of countries (ILO 1998). In some countries (for example, Austria, Czech Republic, France, Mauritius, Sweden, United Kingdom) permanent councils or committees have been set up involving DPOs and are consulted on the implementation of national policy. In other countries, all three representative groups are on various bodies responsible for drafting or implementing policies, measures and programmes (in, for example, Chile, Cyprus, Finland, Germany, the Philippines, Tunisia). Some governments report that permanent bodies have been established to hold consultations with employers’ and workers’ representatives (Australia, Burkina Faso, Greece, Lithuania, for example). In other countries (for example, Argentina, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Iceland, Suriname, Thailand, Zambia) only organizations of and for persons with disabilities appear to be consulted. 111 Measures to facilitate work and employment 3.10.1 Key issues Vocational rehabilitation and employment for persons with disabilities should be seen as an essential component of national employment policy. Government consultations on this issue would undoubtedly benefit from the participation of employers’ and workers’ organizations, as well as from the involvement of representatives of and for disabled persons. The CRPD recognizes the importance of consultation between States Parties and representative organizations of and for persons with disabilities on disability-related issues, including work and employment (Art. 4(3)), but makes no direct reference to including employers’ or workers’ organizations in such consultations. The ILO has consistently called for all three types of representative bodies to be consulted by governments in relation to the implementation of national policies on vocational rehabilitation and employment for persons with disabilities (see, for example, ILO Convention No. 159, Art. 5). 3.11 Information, monitoring and evaluation 3.11.1 Information The ILO Code of Practice on Managing Disability in the Workplace (ILO 2002) defines a disabled person as “An individual whose prospects of securing, returning to, retaining and advancing in suitable employment are substantially reduced as a result of a duly recognized physical, sensory, intellectual or mental impairment.” This is a slightly amplified version of the definition used in ILO Convention No. 159, which has successfully stood the test of time since its adoption in 1983. For practical purposes, the Code of Practice definition may be seen as applying to any generalized sections of this report. In considering disability legislation and policies at national, regional or international levels, however, one finds no such agreement. There are wide divergences in how disability is defined, not only between countries (see, for example, OECD 2000, pp. 194-201), but also between ministries and programmes within countries (for example, in Australia and Canada). 112 Measures to facilitate work and employment There is no consistent series of internationally comparable, reliable and valid data on people with disabilities. This is partly because of the plethora of definitions used, but also because of deficiencies in the data collection methods employed. Thus, estimates of the numbers of persons in the working-age population who are or might be classified as having disabilities vary between countries, not only according to differences as to what constitutes a disability, but also because of the variety of approaches used to gather and compile such data. These are not the only reasons why cross-national comparisons are difficult. As the EU study of employment policies for people with disabilities points out, no two countries operate substantially similar systems, and there are major differences in almost all the main factors which impact on the structure and delivery of disability and employment policy (EC 2000). Comparisons between countries can be informative and useful, provided the bases for comparison are valid. What are more important in the first instance, however, are the relevance, nature, quality, reliability and accuracy of information which informs the development of policy and programmes in each country. From recent surveys it would appear that, with a few notable exceptions (Australia, Canada, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, for example), the data required for policy and programme development, planning, monitoring and evaluation are inadequate, and seriously so in some cases. Most of the countries concerned readily acknowledge the information gaps, recognizing that inadequacies in data make effective policy formulation and planning difficult, and weaken the case for resource allocation. Many have plans to improve their statistical information on the employment of persons with disabilities. In 1999, the UN General Assembly urged Governments to cooperate with the Statistics Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the UN Secretariat in the continued development of global statistics and indicators on disability (UN 1999). At the UN International Seminar on Measurement of Disability in 2001, it was accepted that statistical and methodological work was required at an international level to facilitate the comparison of data on disability cross-nationally. Consequently, the 113 Measures to facilitate work and employment UN Statistical Division authorized the formation of the Washington Group to address some of the issues identified and to develop a set of general disability measures suitable for use in censuses, sample-based national surveys or other statistical formats by using the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). In parallel with these activities, the ILO Bureau of Statistics, in collaboration with the ILO Disability Programme within the Skills and Employability Department, launched a project to analyse the existing national statistics on the employment situation of persons with disabilities.10 The resulting compendium describes the methodologies currently in use in 95 countries (ILO 2004b). “The results show that countries mainly rely on population censuses and household surveys to compile these statistics, which means that information is generally collected at 5or 10-yearly intervals, or for one point in time only. According to the country replies, these sources provide detailed data on employment status and generally take into account the relevant international standards dealing with employment and unemployment statistics. It has been found that the sources usually use definitions of disability that come from national legislation or that have been developed by national statistical offices, ministries and/or NGOs concerned with disability; less than 50 per cent of the countries are using the relevant international standards dealing with statistics on disability” (idem., Summary, Part 1). To complement this compendium, the ILO has prepared guidelines on improving statistical information on the employment of disabled persons (ILO 2007). Building on knowledge in the fields of labour and disability statistics, these guidelines are intended as a contribution to the development a comprehensive, internationally comparable description of the employment situation of persons with disabilities in countries around the world. The CRPD also recognizes the importance of information and its proper management. Article 31 requires States Parties to collect appropriate information, including statistical and research data, to enable them to formulate and implement policies to give effect to the Convention. “The 10 This project is linked to the ILO project, “Employment of people with disabilities: The impact of legislation” funded by the Government of Ireland. 114 Measures to facilitate work and employment process of collecting and maintaining this information shall comply with legally established safeguards, including legislation on data collection, to ensure confidentiality and respect for the privacy of persons with disabilities; and comply with internationally accepted norms to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms and ethical principles in the collection and use of statisticsâ€? (Art. 31 (1)). The information collected shall be used to help assess the implementation of States Partiesâ€™ obligations under the Convention and to identify and address the barriers faced by persons with disabilities in exercising their rights. States Parties have responsibility for the dissemination of these statistics and ensuring their accessibility to persons with disabilities (Art. 31 (2) and (3)). 3.11.2 Monitoring The ILO Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR) is one of two supervisory bodies with responsibility for the regular supervision of the observance by Member States of their standards-related obligations.11 Members of the CEACR, appointed by the ILO Governing Body for a renewable period of three years, are appointed in a personal capacity among impartial persons of technical competence and independent standing, drawn from all parts of the world. The CEACR reviews the periodic reports of Member States on the measures which they have taken to give effect to the provisions of Conventions which they have ratified. Every UN Convention provides for the establishment of a Treaty Monitoring Body to monitor implementation by States Parties which have ratified the Convention in question. There are limitations to the process: while States are required to comply with Conventions they have ratified, Monitoring Bodies have no power to enforce. NGOs are tending to become more vocal in urging that Monitoring Bodies become more pro-active. The 2006 CRPD contains a number of provisions in relation to implementation and monitoring. States Parties are required to designate one or more focal points within government for matters relating to the imple11 The other regular supervisory body is the Conference Committee on the Application of Standards. 115 Measures to facilitate work and employment mentation of the Convention, and to give due consideration to the establishment or designation of a coordination mechanism within government to facilitate related action in different sectors and at different levels. States Parties are to have a framework to promote, protect and monitor implementation. Civil society, in particular persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, are to participate fully in the monitoring process (Art. 33). The Convention also provides for a Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Each State Party is required to submit to the Committee a comprehensive report on measures taken to give effect to its obligations under the Convention within two years after the entry into force of the Convention for the State Party concerned. Thereafter, States Parties must submit subsequent reports at least every four years and further whenever the Committee so requests. The Committee will make suggestions and general recommendations on the report to the State Party concerned. The UN Secretary General will make the reports available to all States Parties. States Parties are required to make their reports widely available to the public in their own countries and to facilitate access to the suggestions and general recommendations relating to the reports. The Committee may invite specialized agencies and other UN organs to submit reports on the implementation of the Convention in areas falling within the scope of their activities. The Committee is required to report every two years to the General Assembly and to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and may make suggestions and general recommendations based on the examination of reports and information received from the States Parties (Art. 34 to 39). The UN General Assembly also approved on 13 December 2006 an Optional Protocol to the CRPD. A State Party to the Convention has the option of being a party to the Protocol. States that ratify the Protocol recognize the competence of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to consider communications from or on behalf of individuals or groups of individuals subject to its jurisdiction who claim to be victims of a violation by that State Party of the provisions of the Convention. No communication shall be received by the Committee if it concerns a State Party to the Convention that is not a party to the Protocol. 116 Measures to facilitate work and employment 3.11.3 Evaluation Poor data render effective programme monitoring and evaluation wellnigh impossible (OECD 1986). This assumes particular importance when increasing social security costs give rise to concern. For example, in her 1998 report on job retention and return to work strategies, Thornton includes in a list of â€œemerging issuesâ€?: Principles of social solidarity are eroding fast in the Netherlands, with decreasing public and political will to support the massive costs of the disability system . . . A response to the rising costs of sickness and disability benefits in the Netherlands and in Sweden has been to shift responsibilities from the state to the enterprise . . . both for payment of sickness benefit and for early intervention to reduce sickness absence (p. 13). The General Accounting Office in the United States has criticized the fact that the effectiveness of a large range of employment-related programmes for people with disabilities has been subject to little or no evaluation (Thornton and Lunt 1997, p. 276). The place of social security benefits in facilitating return to work has also received special attention in the United States. Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplementary Security Income programs should not be viewed as exclusive and permanent sources of income to the person with disabilities. They should, in every case possible, be used as stepping stones to improving a personâ€™s economic condition. (Social Security Administration 1994, quoted in Thornton and Lunt 1997, p. 277). Few employment-related programmes for people with disabilities appear to have produced evaluations which could be used to support a case for better funding. The general need for better evaluation data is being reinforced by growing and competing demands on public expenditure. Competition for resources exists not only within the overall context of national economic policies, but also between disability policies (prevention versus 117 Measures to facilitate work and employment rehabilitation versus equal opportunity, for example) and within the disability employment area itself. For instance, should available resources be allocated to train all those who have a disability, concentrated on skill training for those most likely to get jobs, or devoted to those most in need? The imprecision inherent in any evaluation programme does not mean that evaluations should not be carried out or used as a guide to policy. There is no alternative, if policy affecting the future is to be based on a reasonable assessment of the problems with which that policy must deal. 118 Key issues and an agenda for action 4.1 Introduction Despite the array of international, regional, and national laws and other instruments, persons with disabilities throughout the world continue to be subjected to discrimination and denial of their rights in the field of employment. Available statistics indicate that the labour force inactivity rate of workers with disabilities tends to be twice or more that of other workers. Disabled workers are generally concentrated in low-level, lowpaid jobs, and are not adequately represented at higher levels. Physical accessibility problems are commonplace, often reflecting negative attitudes or prejudices among others in the labour market. The double discrimination (sometimes treble, because of poverty) of women with disabilities is a particular affront to human dignity and a denial of human rights on which priority action is overdue. If the measures contained in international treaties were appropriately implemented, full equality and participation would be achieved. There is no country in which a major policy or programme initiative is not required. 4.2 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) All international human rights instruments protect the rights of persons with disabilities through the principles of equality and non-discrimination. Securing a disability-specific convention was not, and is not, about establishing new rights. Many previous instruments did not explicitly include disability among the disability grounds listed; it was generally accepted, however, that it was encompassed by a term such as “or other status”. The new Convention: • restates, reinforces and updates rights contained in other international instruments; • confirms that all such rights apply to persons with disabilities; • provides a fresh impetus and imperative to governments to modify or abolish existing laws, regulations, customs and practices that discriminate against persons with disabilities and to adopt appropriate legislation and other measures for the implementation of the rights contained in the Convention; 119 Key issues and an agenda for action • provides for the establishment of a specific Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to monitor compliance with the Convention; • provides for the participation on the Committee of experts with disabilities; • obliges States Parties to “closely consult with and actively involve persons with disabilities . . . through their representative organizations” in the development and implementation of legislation and policies to implement the Convention, and in other decision-making processes concerning issues relating to persons with disabilities (Art. 4(3), emphasis added); • has an Optional Protocol dealing with individual or group complaints and an inquiry procedure; • provided an open, transparent and consultative convention development process through which persons with disabilities, their representative organizations and other interested parties could meaningfully participate at this level on a greater basis than ever before; • has helped to create a new and greater awareness, not least among persons with disabilities themselves, of the rights of persons with disabilities; • has enhanced the recognition of the role of disability NGOs at national and international level; and • provides the potential to maintain the momentum created by the convention development process through a number of implementation provisions, including the obligation of States Parties to designate one or more focal points within government relating to the implementation of the Convention, and to establish a framework, including one or more independent mechanisms, to promote, protect and monitor implementation, taking into account the principles relating to the status and functioning of independent national human rights institutions that already exist in many States. 120 Key issues and an agenda for action 4.3 Agenda for action, with particular relevance to work and employment issues The CRPD has helped to reset the core agenda of actions to be taken to combat discrimination and to positively promote inclusion. The list of obligations in the CRPD is comprehensive, but not exhaustive (OHCHR 2007): there are other related matters which should be included in an agenda for action, such as the consultative role of employersâ€™ and workersâ€™ organizations in relation to work and employment issues concerning persons with disabilities, specific development issues, and how human rights instruments might be used more effectively in the context of disability. 4.3.1 Bringing the UN Convention and Optional Protocol into force The CRPD opened for signature by States and by regional integration organizations on 30 March 2007. For consent to be bound, the CRPD is subject to ratification by signatory States and to formal confirmation by signatory regional integration organizations. It is open for accession by any State or regional integration organization which has not signed it. A minimum of twenty ratifications and/or accessions is required before the CRPD comes onto force. This responsibility falls mainly on States. A first priority is to reach that goal. Bringing the CRPD into force needs to be followed by a continuing process, at national and international level, of having States sign and ratify the treaty, thereby undertaking to ensure and promote the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for persons with disabilities within their respective jurisdictions, without discrimination of any kind on the basis of disability. A similar process of ratification is required in respect of the Optional Protocol. However, subject to the entry into force of the CRPD, ten ratifications and or accessions are sufficient to bring the Optional Protocol into force. 121 Key issues and an agenda for action 4.3.2 Awareness measures Real progress will only be achieved if all stakeholders are made aware of the CRPD, so that everyone knows and understands their rights and responsibilities in relation to it. States Parties to the CRPD undertake to adopt immediate, effective and appropriate measures to raise awareness through society. Measures to that end include initiating and maintaining effective public awareness campaigns designed, inter alia, to promote recognition of the skills, merits and abilities of persons with disabilities and of their contributions to the workplace and the labour market. Other bodies, including national and international disability NGOs and human rights institutions, have an important part to play in this process. 4.3.3 Role of representative organizations of persons with disabilities (DPOs) In the development, implementation and monitoring of legislation and policies to implement the CRPD, and in other decision-making processes concerning issues relating to persons with disabilities, including the raising of awareness, States Parties are required to closely consult with and actively involve persons with disabilities through their representative organizations. National organizations representing persons with disabilities have a key role to play in the CRPD implementation process. Bearing in mind that the implementation process is in many ways more complex than the drafting process, they need to ensure that they are closely consulted and actively involved by their respective governments and that they have, or are in a position to acquire, the skills, knowledge and expertise necessary for meaningful consultation and involvement over a wide range of policy and programme issues, including those related to work and employment. 4.3.4 Implementation framework Early attention will need to be given by States Parties to their obligation to designate one or more focal points within government for matters relating to the implementation of the CRPD, and to give due consideration to the establishment or designation of a coordination mechanism within govern122 Key issues and an agenda for action ment to facilitate related action in different sectors, including work and employment, and at different levels. States Parties are also required to establish a framework, including one or more independent mechanisms as appropriate, to promote, protect and monitor implementation of the CRPD. Responsibility within these mechanisms for work and employment issues should be clearly designated. Civil society, in particular persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, are to be involved and to participate fully in the monitoring process. 4.3.5 Legislative and other measures States Parties are required to adopt appropriate legislative, administrative and other measures for the implementation of the rights recognized in the CRPD, and to modify or abolish measures that constitute discrimination. Such measures should, inter alia, • prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability with regard to all matters concerning all forms of employment, including conditions of recruitment, hiring and employment, continuance of employment, career advancement and safe and healthy working conditions; • protect the rights of persons with disabilities, on an equal basis with others, to just and favourable conditions of work, including equal opportunities and equal remuneration for work of equal value, safe and healthy working conditions, including protection from harassment, and the redress of grievances; • ensure that persons with disabilities are able to exercise their labour and trade union rights on an equal basis with others; • enable persons with disabilities to have effective access to general technical and vocational guidance programmes, placement services and vocational training; • promote employment opportunities and career advancement for persons with disabilities in the labour market, as well as assistance in finding, obtaining, maintaining and returning to employment; • promote opportunities for self-employment, entrepreneurship, the development of cooperatives and starting one’s own business; 123 Key issues and an agenda for action • employ persons with disabilities in the public sector; • promote the employment of persons with disabilities in the private sector through appropriate policies and measures, which may include affirmative action programmes, incentives and other measures; • ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided to persons with disabilities in the workplace; • promote the acquisition by persons with disabilities of work experience in the open labour market; and • promote vocational and professional rehabilitation, job retention and return-to-work programmes for persons with disabilities. Many countries already have anti-discrimination legislation to protect the rights of persons with disabilities in relation to employment. The enforcement of such legislation and its effectiveness in some cases in improving the employment situation for disabled people has been questioned. In meeting their responsibility in this matter under the CRPD, States Parties may need to critically review and evaluate existing legislation and to modify it as appropriate. 4.3.6 Mainstreaming of disability issues The term “mainstreaming” has sometimes been applied to single measures such as the transfer of government responsibility for vocational training for persons with disabilities from a particular ministry to the ministry responsible for general labour market training. In keeping with the goal of full inclusion and participation in society, mainstreaming calls for disability issues to be positively taken into account in the development of all policies and programmes, and in the processes and structures designed to implement policies and programmes. This is the intent of Article 4.1c of the CRPD, which makes this a general obligation on States Parties. A concerted effort should be made to document good practice in mainstreaming disability in different sectors and to disseminate this information widely. 124 Key issues and an agenda for action 4.3.7 Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities An essential part of the monitoring process prescribed by the CRPD is the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Committee will play an important role in considering and reacting to reports from States Parties, and reporting in turn to the UN General Assembly and ECOSOC. The Committee will consist, at the time of entry into force of the Convention, of 12 experts which number may increase to 18 after a further 60 ratifications or accessions. Members of the Committee are to be elected by States Parties. Details concerning the representative nature of Committee members are in the Convention and should be considered carefully by persons with disabilities and other interested parties. From an action agenda perspective, it should be noted that the initial election shall be held no later than six months after the date of entry into force of the Convention. An important provision, and one which has the potential to be of considerable value in promoting the effective implementation of the Convention and encouraging international cooperation, entitles the specialized agencies and other UN organs to be represented at the consideration by the Committee of the implementation aspects of the Convention falling within their remit. The Committee may invite these bodies to provide expert advice and to submit reports. The Committee will also consult, as appropriate, other relevant bodies established by international human rights treaties. 4.3.8 Issue of resources The OHCHR has highlighted the issue of resources in the context of implementing the Convention. The Convention recognizes the scarcity of resources facing many States through the inclusion of provisions recognizing obligations to provide “reasonable accommodation” and to achieve the progressive realization of economic, social and cultural rights. “Reasonable accommodation” and “progressive realization” are practical devices that acknowledge the real world challenges to the effective implementation of human rights treaties. Importantly, they avoid overburdening States, employers and 125 Key issues and an agenda for action other duty-bearers by accepting that the onus of ensuring the enjoyment of the rights of persons with disabilities is not without bounds. States at different levels of development, or facing different economic circumstances, may thus be able to provide different levels of support and protection for persons with disabilities, or require a longer time to achieve the full elimination of certain barriers or obstacles faced by persons with disabilities without being in breach of their human rights obligations. However, the concepts of “reasonable accommodation” and “progressive realization” do not deprive human rights obligations of meaningful content. Indeed, many of the obligations recognized in the Convention have immediate effect; making steady progress in improving respect and protection for the rights of persons with disabilities cannot be delayed for another day and providing reasonable accommodation or progressively realizing rights requires specific action, whatever the resource constraints a State may face. In this regard, States must take steps towards full realization of these rights through, for example, developing time-bound plans of action in key social areas; focusing appropriately on persons with disability who have suffered marginalization and discrimination. Such plans should ensure that adequate and proportionate levels of funding are allocated towards the allocation of human rights and that existing funds are used efficiently and effectively. In addition, States are obliged to seek help from the international community where it may be needed. At the same time, those in a position to assist must give priority to the rights of the most vulnerable. Where States fail to provide “reasonable accommodations” or “progressive realization”, individuals should have a claim of action. The denial of reasonable accommodation for a learner with disability by an educational establishment, . . . the dismissal (of) or failure to hire a person whose disability can be reasonably accommodated in the workplace are all clear breaches of immediate obligations. Judicial or other appropriate remedies should be available for all violations of human rights – civil, cultural, economic, political and social – and all victims, including persons with disabilities (OHCHR 2007). 126 Key issues and an agenda for action 4.3.9 Consultation with representative organizations of employers and workers States Parties to the UN Convention are required to consult with organizations representing persons with disabilities in relation to the development and implementation of legislation and policies to implement the Convention, including in the area of work and employment. ILO Convention No. 159 requires Members to consult representative organizations of employers and workers, as well as of persons with disabilities, in relation to the implementation of national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons. On matters relating to work and employment, consultation between all parties mentioned is likely to be more productive. 4.3.10 Information There is a general lack of reliable, valid and comparable data on the employment situation of persons with disabilities. The CRPD acknowledges the importance of proper data and requires States Parties to collect appropriate information. Work currently being undertaken by the ILO Bureau of Statistics and other agencies to improve methodologies and quality of relevant information should be encouraged and supported. 4.3.11 Women with disabilities Women with disabilities are more vulnerable to discrimination because they are women and because they have a disability. Many women with disabilities are further discriminated against because they are poor. This double or treble discrimination suffered by women with disabilities is often ignored or goes unnoticed. It is also largely neglected because little information is available on its extent or impact. The CRPD requires States Parties to recognize that women and girls with disabilities are subject to multiple discrimination and to take measures to ensure the full and equal enjoyment by them of all human rights and fundamental freedoms (Art. 6). The general neglect of particular issues affecting women with disabilities should be addressed as a priority. Consideration might be given to proclaiming a Year of Women with Disabilities in order to highlight the 127 Key issues and an agenda for action particular vulnerability of this group to discrimination and to elaborate a special programme of action to address the problem issues. 4.3.12 Development issues An estimated 80 per cent of all disabled people in the world live in rural areas in developing countries. The majority has either limited or no access to the services they need. In a climate of economic and political uncertainty, the protection of the most vulnerable members of society assumes greater importance. A particular responsibility rests on governments to counter or alleviate the outcomes of market and other forces. A concerted effort is needed to increase the range and level of international support and assistance to enable developing countries to improve vocational rehabilitation, work and employment opportunities for women and men with disabilities. Bilateral and multilateral development cooperation programmes should integrate disability measures into their own overall approach. Many development projects involve the construction of schools and vocational training centres, the establishment of public transport systems, the setting up of new factories, workshops and offices. If the particular needs of persons with disabilities are not planned for in those developments, the result will reinforce their segregation and exclusion and deny them the opportunities to which they are entitled. Experience elsewhere shows clearly that attempting to make existing buildings accessible to people with different disabilities is both difficult and costly. Attention should therefore be paid to accessibility requirements from the early planning stage of such construction. The Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) approach to poverty reduction in low-income countries, initiated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB), needs revision to ensure that it adequately reflects the needs of people with disabilities who live in poverty. 4.3.13 Other work and employment issues Priority in vocational training policy and provision, particularly in times of high or rising unemployment, should be given to the most vulnerable if 128 Key issues and an agenda for action they are not to become further disadvantaged in the labour market. Steps should be taken to identify and promote good practice in inclusive vocational training for people with disabilities. Many of the jobs for which disabled people have been traditionally trained no longer exist. The relevance of training programmes to current and likely future labour market requirements should be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Physical accessibility remains a major barrier to many persons with disabilities seeking work or training. Special measures are needed to create a truly barrier-free and non-discriminatory environment. Awareness training in disability issues for employees, including supervisors and managers at all levels, can play an important role in creating and maintaining an inclusive and effective work environment (see also ILO 2002). Persuasion measures to promote employment of persons with disabilities should be encouraged and intensified. Such measures are, however, no substitute for legislation and other obligatory measures in promoting equality of opportunity and treatment. There appears to be considerable potential for creating additional meaningful employment for persons with disabilities by expanding the range and types of social enterprises. Concerted efforts are required to identify and reduce barriers which are inhibiting the creation of new social enterprises. 4.3.14 Making more effective use of UN human rights instruments The report of the study on Human Rights and Disability commissioned by the OHCHR (Quinn and Degener 2002) contains a wide range of comments and recommendations designed to improve the effectiveness of the UN human rights system in the context of disability. These comments and recommendations are addressed to governments, treaty-monitoring bodies, the OHCHR, the UN Commission on Human Rights, national 129 Key issues and an agenda for action human rights institutions and NGOs. They undoubtedly have implications for international agencies, not least in relation to multi-sectoral collaboration. This rich outcome from the Human Rights and Disability study should provide an invaluable agenda for the future. The 25th anniversary of the adoption of ILO Convention No. 159 in 2008 will provide the opportunity for States which have not yet ratified Convention No. 159 to consider doing so and for States Parties to review their obligations under this Convention. Given the central importance of consultations with the social partners and with organizations of and for persons with disabilities in relation to national policies concerning the vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons, an international review should be carried out of the extent and effectiveness of consultation between organizations of and for persons with disabilities, governments, and employers’ and workers’ organizations in relation to vocational rehabilitation and employment issues. The ILO Code of Practice on Managing Disability in the Workplace should be actively promoted and widely used by governments, and employers’ and workers’ organizations, as a tool to give effect to the right to decent work of persons with disabilities and to the principles of ILO Convention No. 159 and the CRPD. 130 Annex 1 Early historical development of work and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities (1900–1930) A1.1 Overview Variations in physical, mental and sensory functioning have always existed among human beings. Yet, people with functional limitations, disabilities, have always run the risk of being excluded and marginalized. Throughout the centuries we have designed and constructed our societies as if persons with disabilities did not exist, as if all human beings can see, hear, walk about, understand and react quickly and adequately to signals from the world around them. This illusion, this misconception about human nature, this inability to take the needs of all citizens into account in the development of society is the main reason for the isolation and exclusion of persons with disabilities, which we can observe in different forms and to different degrees all over the world. It will take a long time to change this pattern of behaviour, which is deeply rooted in prejudice, fear, shame and lack of understanding of what it really means to live with a disability. However, international efforts to improve the living conditions for persons with disabilities have begun and progress is being made. A more systematic effort to improving living conditions of persons with disabilities started long ago in the emerging industrialized nations. During the last 50 years the so-called advanced welfare states have developed comprehensive programmes and services in order to meet the needs of persons with disabilities (UN 2000). In the context of work and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, the starting point was probably about 35 years earlier than that, though there has been a significant acceleration in the pace of change during the past two decades or so. Concepts such as equality of opportunity, justice, rights, choice, recognition and acceptance of diversity, and “reasonable accommodation” (though by another name) are not unique to the independent living movement or the transition to the so-called social and rights models. They can be found in descriptions of the development of vocational rehabilitation, leading to the ability to work, in certain countries at the time of the First World War, 1914–1918. The following paragraphs rely heavily on Harris 1919. A1.2 From the beginning The general depiction of people with disabilities as objects of health, welfare and charity programmes, often resulting in their segregation and exclusion from mainstream activities, including employment, began to be seriously questioned in the early part of the twentieth century. A growing realization that persons with 131 Annex 1 a disability had not only the motivation to work, but the capacity to do so, led to the early development of policies and programmes to enable disabled persons to secure, retain and advance in suitable employment, and to return to work after an absence due to illness or injury. A particular stimulus for the latter, it must be said, was the need for trained workers to replace those called to fight in the First World War. A1.3 Belgium In the early days of the First World War, a place of refuge, with medical and surgical treatment for all who needed it, developed near Havre, France, for Belgian soldiers disabled in fighting in their homeland. What soon became known as the “Depot des Invalides” quickly became a centre for medical care and vocational instruction. The curriculum included carpentry, brush making, toy making, plumbing, cooperage, mechanics, wood and metal turning, electrical work, upholstery, shoemaking, tailoring, printing, envelope making and the manufacture of artificial limbs. Wages were paid, some of which was deposited in a savings account to be given to the individual when he left. The advantages of vocationally rehabilitating disabled soldiers to enable them to contribute to the war effort in a supporting role led to the establishment in 1916 of the Ecole Nationale Belge des mutilés de la guerre at Port Villez in France. Training courses included poultry farming, market gardening, office/clerical work, teacher training and over forty technical trades. The school was maintained by the Belgian Government and those attending received the regular rate of army pay plus a portion of the proceeds of the sale of articles produced. For those with the capacity for and interest in studying for a profession such as law, medicine, natural sciences, and so forth, opportunity was provided to study in Paris. A1.4 France Vocational rehabilitation and return to work programmes in France had a somewhat similar development to that for Belgian disabled soldiers. The municipality of Lyons opened its first school for this purpose in December 1914, followed by a second six months later. Other municipal authorities, departmental governments, trade unions and private charities followed suit. The Ministry of Commerce adapted vocational schools under its jurisdiction so that soldiers with disabilities could attend. By the end of 1916, over a hundred schools were available for vocational rehabilitation. A National Office was set up the same year to coordinate matters. “In the larger schools,” according to Harris, “the training offered is divided into instruction in manual trades, office work and general schooling. Figures show that the manual trades most in demand are shoemaking, tailoring, basketry, harness making, saddlery, tinsmithing and carpentry. The reason for the popularity 132 Annex 1 of these trades is that they will afford a living almost anywhere, in the city or in a tiny village. They do not require expensive equipment, and they are the trades selected by the men themselves. Most of the soldiers are from villages and small towns, and these desire to acquire a trade that, when eked out with their pension, will give a good living and yet not be too exacting. These men will open shops in their homes, and have time also to work in the garden, cultivate their tiny farm patches, and attend their vines” (p. 88). Other trades taught included mechanics, typography, lithography, bookbinding, locksmith, brush making, toy making and box-making, welding, mould making and stucco work, vehicle painting, photography, diamond cutting, sabot and galoche making, stone carving, hairdressing, dental mechanics and wireless telegraphy. A1.5 Great Britain The aftercare of disabled soldiers and sailors in Great Britain pre-First World War had been principally a matter of private initiative and financial support (Harris, p. 93). State provision consisted largely of a small pension and, where needed, artificial limbs. This approach was changed utterly when an official report in February 1915 stated that primary responsibility in this regard was with government. The report (quoted ibid. p. 95) recommended: (1) The care of soldiers and sailors should be assumed by the State. (2) This duty should include: a) the restoration of the man’s health where practicable; b) the provision of training facilities if he desires to learn a new trade; c) the finding of employment for him when he stands in need of such assistance. The principal pre-war agency of after-care work was the Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation, which held in trust the Royal Patriotic Fund, an amalgamation of private charitable funds, dating back in origin to the Crimean War. The Military and Naval War Pensions Act, 1915 created the Statutory Committee for administration of the Fund, and the Committee and its system of local committees were brought under the control of the Ministry of Pensions when it was established in 1916. The Statutory Committee was, in turn, dissolved under further legislation the following year and the Ministry of Pensions, and Local War Pensions Committees, were charged with “the medical treatment or training for industrial life that a discharged soldier may need”. Training was provided as needed, in technical schools, agricultural colleges or workshops, though in the case of the last named it was expected that the individual would be employed permanently in the shop. For others, placement was organized through the training institution or local labour exchange. Trade advisory committees were set up jointly by the Ministries of Pensions and Labour in the 133 Annex 1 principal trades for which training was given, to advise “as to conditions under which the training of disabled men in the trade can be best given, the best methods of training, the suitable centres for it, and generally how to secure uniformity in training”. Other local “technical advisory committees” were set up to advise on suitable local schemes for training individuals and the prospects of their employment after training. Both types of committee included equal representation of employers and trade unions. A key characteristic of the British system appears to have been its ability to respond to individual needs and local conditions. A1.6 Germany In many ways, at the beginning of the war, Germany was in a better position than many other countries to deal with the issue of vocational rehabilitation. A leader in orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation, Germany also had a well-developed network of disability centres, many of which had workshops teaching a variety of trades. Employers’ insurance associations also had a number of hospitals which provided services. It appears that the government accepted responsibility for the medical rehabilitation of disabled soldiers, while vocational rehabilitation and return to working life were the province of private charity or individual states. As an example, the 900bed hospital in Nuremberg was made available by the city authorities, complete with up-to-date orthopaedic equipment. General and theoretical instruction was provided in the city’s schools, and practical work in the hospital workshops. Skills taught included: left-hand writing, typewriting, stenography, commercial courses, farm bookkeeping, decoration and design, office management, tailoring, painting, bookbinding, printing, locksmithing, shoemaking, saddlery, weaving, orthopaedic mechanics, carpentry, farming, blacksmithing, brush making. Additional courses provided in Düsseldorf included telegraphy, electrical and metal work, cardboard and leather-work, plastering, upholstery and dental mechanics. There were a number of agricultural schools for disabled servicemen, some of which provided training as farm teachers. It was considered that the main need was to equip the small peasant farmer to return to his own holding where, with the help of other family members, he might manage truck gardening, poultryraising, and so forth. A number of major employers maintained their own hospitals to rehabilitate former employees disabled in the war and to provide suitable work opportunities afterwards. 134 Annex 1 A1.7 Canada The issues of vocational rehabilitation and return to working life for disabled servicemen was a new one for Canada when it arose for the first time in 1915. Having learned what they could of the early experiences of some of the European countries, Canada set about developing its own system to meet its own needs. The authorities concluded at an early stage: (a) that every case would be an individual one, and should be dealt with accordingly; (b) that as a matter of fundamental policy, vocational rehabilitation – which they saw as helping an individual to make the transition to civilian employment – should be strictly a civilian and not a military affair; (c) that, as a motivational factor, it should be made clear that no matter how much an individual might manage to earn following rehabilitation, his status as a government pensioner would not be affected. As soon as possible after the disabled individual got to the hospital, he was seen by a vocational adviser. If at the end of hospital treatment the serviceman was able to return to his former civil occupation, the vocational work with him was ended. If not, the vocational officer would work with him to ascertain his capacities, experience and inclinations and to hopefully agree a suitable choice of occupation in which there would exist a good prospect of future employment. Assistance with placement was also provided. Farmers were given special inducements – including homesteads and financial loans in cases - to go back to work on the land. They were trained as tractor and farm mechanics, as creamery workers, in poultry raising and horticulture. By 1918, the Canadian government was providing training in about two hundred occupations. A1.8 United States For some years before the war, there had been growing interest in the United States in vocational education. The Federal Vocational Education Act, approved on 23 February 1917, created a substantial fund to be distributed among the States which accepted the terms of the Act, on a dollar for dollar matching basis, for vocational education. The Act established the Federal Board for Vocational Education to administer the fund and oversee the implementation of the legislation. When the United States entered the war on 6 April 1917, one of the first tasks of the Board was to assist in providing personnel trained for technical war occupations. 135 Annex 1 When the need for vocational rehabilitation of disabled servicemen arose, the lessons from European and Canadian schemes were studied. There was general agreement that the work of training and returning individuals to civil life was a matter for civilians, not the military. The Smith-Sears Vocational Rehabilitation Bill became law on 27 June 1918. It is interesting to note that the original measure included provision for the vocational rehabilitation of persons disabled at work, as well as those disabled in war. The former was dropped, however, as the President and Cabinet had undertaken to bring no legislation before Congress at that time which did not relate to war measures. Harris (pp. 173-4) claims that the motivation underlying the establishment of vocational rehabilitation was markedly different as between Europe and the United States: The work of vocationally rehabilitating the disabled in Europe had its origin in compassion and charity. Its rapid development came through the necessity of using all available manpower and the recognition of the possibility of substituting retrained, but physically disabled men for those yet physically able, but detained behind the lines as workers in essential war industries. Its present status is due primarily to the insistent demands of war work, but partly in addition to the realization by European Governments that there will be a great shortage of trained men in all lines of industry after the war. That country possessing the greatest reserve of skilled workmen, even though in some respects physically disabled, will have a distinct advantage in recuperation over those less favourably situated. With the United States none of the foregoing considerations was the moving cause of the resolution to re-educate for civil life its disabled men, prevented by reason of their injuries from returning to their former means of gaining a livelihood. Indeed, these considerations played small part in the decision, and then only as incidentals of benefit and cause associated with a course already shaping itself upon broader and even higher grounds. That the programme had phases that might rebound to the national good was pleasant to contemplate, but the seeking of a direct national benefit, either as a present or as a post-bellum excuse or reason was never considered as a governing factor. In brief, the position of the United States, as evidenced by its legislation on the subject of vocational rehabilitation for disabled soldiers and sailors, is that the Nation owes them neither charity nor alms; that their sacrifice and service deserve more than a gratuity; that the Nation is in fact indebted deeply to them, and under the highest moral obligation to discharge its debt fully and generously; and that complete restoration to pre-war civil status is a matter of simple justice to the men who have been disabled and handicapped by reason of their service in defending the commonwealth against its armed foes. 136 Annex 1 As further explanation of what he saw as the philosophy underlying the United States approach, Harris was extremely critical of the “obsolete pension system” and its “pernicious effects upon the pensioners and the public, and upon legislation and politics”, arguing that “restoration and restitution, including such compensation as might be necessary to accomplish these objects and the establishment of equality of opportunity was the course to be followed” (idem. p. 174). As in Canada, the United States provided vocational advisers to assist the individuals in career decision-making, “the primary endeavour (being) to fit the individual man for the job for which his inclination and capacity seem to indicate the strongest probability of success, scientifically adjusted to the likelihood of there being a demand for his services in the line of work selected” (idem. p. 217). It was recognized that prejudice against hiring persons with disabilities existed among many employers. Special programmes to help reduce or eliminate it were launched as part of the placement and follow-up effort. Trade unions supported the policy of vocational rehabilitation in the United States, as they did in Europe. Harris records, in an early example of reasonable accommodation, that “. . . where special appliances, safeguards or equipment are required as means of overcoming special handicaps, these must be provided under fair agreements with employers, and some supervision after placement will be necessary to insure the proper carrying out of such agreements” (idem. p. 241). As the war ended, legislation to extend the provisions of the vocational rehabilitation system to persons acquiring a disability in the workplace was being introduced. A1.9 Women with disabilities The legislation and systems described above were designed with disabled servicemen in mind. Little attention, if any, appears to have been given to the vocational rehabilitation needs of women who acquired disabilities during the First World War, presumably because relatively few service-women served in the front line. That work opportunities for women with disabilities was an issue of concern, at least in the United States, might however be gleaned from research reports such as Eaves (1921), which examined vocational guidance and placement approaches for a thousand women in Boston, many of whom had disabilities of varying kinds. A1.10 Period of stagnation The issue of vocational rehabilitation and work opportunities for persons with disability largely faded from political agendas during the economic depression of the 1930s, emerging again during the Second World War, with quota systems forming a large part of the response in many cases. 137 Annex 2 Definitions The following definitions of terms used in this report are based on the ILO Code of Practice on Managing Disability in the Workplace (2002). Adjustment or accommodation Adaptation of the job, including adjustment and modification of machinery and equipment and/or modification of the job content, working time and work organization, and the adaptation of the work environment to provide access to the place of work and to facilitate the employment of individuals with disabilities. Competent authority A ministry, government department or other public authority having the power to issue regulations, orders or other instructions having the force of law. Decent work Productive work in which rights are protected, which generates an adequate income, with adequate social protection. Disability management A process in the workplace designed to facilitate the employment of persons with a disability through a coordinated effort addressing individual needs, work environment, enterprise needs and legal responsibilities. Disabled person An individual whose prospects of securing, returning to, retaining and advancing in suitable employment are substantially reduced as a result of a duly recognized physical, sensory, intellectual or mental impairment. Discrimination Any distinction, exclusion or preference based on certain grounds which nullifies or impairs equality of opportunity or treatment in employment or occupation. General standards that establish distinctions based on prohibited grounds constitute discrimination in law. The specific attitude of a public authority or a private individual that treats unequally persons or members of a group on a prohibited ground constitutes discrimination in practice. Indirect discrimination refers to apparently neutral situations, regulations or practices which in fact result in unequal treatment of persons with certain characteristics. Distinction or preferences that may result from application of special measures of protection and assistance taken to meet the particular requirements of disabled persons are not considered discriminatory. Employee assistance programme A programme – either jointly operated by an employer and a workers’ organization, or by an employer alone, or a workers’ organization alone – that offers assistance to workers and frequently also to their family members, with 138 Annex 2 problems liable to cause personal distress, which affect or could eventually affect job productivity. Employer A person or organization employing workers under a written or verbal contract of employment which established the rights and duties of both parties, in accordance with national law and practice. Governments, public authorities and private companies as well as individuals may be employers. Employersâ€™ organization An organization whose membership consists of individual employers, other associations of employers or both, formed primarily to protect and promote the interests of members and to provide services to its members in employment-related matters. Equal opportunity Equal access to and opportunities for all persons in employment, vocational training and particular occupations, without discrimination, consistent with Article 4 of ILO Convention No. 159. International labour standards Principles and norms in all labour-related matters which are adopted by the tripartite ILC (governments, employers and workers). Theses standards take the form of international labour Conventions and Recommendations. Through ratifications by member States, conventions create binding obligations to implement their provisions. Recommendations are non-binding instruments which provide guidance on policy, legislation and practice. Job adaptation The adaptation or redesign of tools, machines, workstations and the work environment to an individualâ€™s needs. It may also include adjustments in work organization, work schedules, sequences of work and in breaking down work tasks to their basic elements. Job retention Remaining with the same employer, with the same or different duties or conditions of employment, including return after a period of paid or unpaid absence. Mainstreaming Including people with disabilities in employment, education, training and all sectors of society. Organizations of and/or for persons with disabilities Organizations which represent persons with disabilities and advocate for their rights. 139 Annex 2 Return to work The process by which a worker is supported in resuming work after an absence due to injury or illness. Vocational rehabilitation A process which enables disabled persons to secure, retain and advance in suitable employment and thereby furthers their integration or reintegration into society. Work trial Work activity to provide experience in or test suitability for a particular job. Worker/employee Any person who works for a wage or salary and performs services for an employer. Employment is governed by a written or verbal contract of service. Workersâ€™ representatives Persons who are recognized as such under national law or practice, in accordance with the Workersâ€™ Representatives Convention, 1971 (No. 135), whether they are: (a) trade union representatives, namely representatives designated or elected by trade unions; or (b) elected representatives, namely representatives who are freely elected by workers of the undertaking in accordance with provisions of national laws or regulations or of collective agreements and whose functions do not include activities which are recognized as the exclusive prerogative of trade unions in the country concerned. Working conditions The factors determining the circumstances in which the worker works. These include hours of work, work organization, job content, welfare services and the measures taken to protect the occupational safety and health of the worker. Working environment The facilities and circumstances in which work takes place and the environmental factors which may affect workersâ€™ health. Workplace All the places where people in employment need to be or to go to carry out their work and which are under the direct or indirect control of the employer. Examples include offices, factories, plantations, construction sites, ships and private residences. Works council/workplace committee A committee of workers within the enterprise with which the employer cooperates and which is consulted by the employer on matters of mutual concern. Workstation The part of the office or factory where an individual works, including desk or work surface used, chair, equipment and other items. 140 Annex 3 Ratifications of the ILO Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159), Date of entry into force: 20.06.1983 as at October 200712 States Ratification registered Argentina Australia Azerbaijan Bahrain Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Brazil Burkina Faso Chile China Colombia Costa Rica Côte d’Ivoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Ethiopia Fiji Finland France Germany Greece Guatemala Guinea Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Japan Jordan Republic of Korea Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lebanon 12 13.04.1987 07.08.1990 19.05.1992 02.02.1999 19.12.1996 02.06.1993 18.05.1990 26.05.1989 14.10.1994 02.02.1988 07.12.1989 23.07.1991 22.10.1999 08.10.1991 03.10.1996 13.04.1987 01.01.1993 01.04.1985 20.06.1994 20.05.1988 03.08.1988 19.12.1986 28.01.1991 01.12.2004 24.04.1985 16.03.1989 14.11.1989 31.07.1985 05.04.1994 16.10.1995 20.06.1984 22.06.1990 06.06.1986 07.06.2000 12.06.1992 13.05.2003 15.11.1999 26.06.1998 31.03.1992 23.02.2000 Lithuania Luxembourg The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Mali Malta Mauritius Mexico Mongolia Montenegro Netherlands Norway Pakistan Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Russian Federation San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Tajikistan Thailand Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine Uruguay Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Total ratifications: 80 26.09.1994 21.03.2001 17.11.1991 03.06.1998 01.10.1986 12.06.1995 09.06.1988 09.06.2004 05.04.2001 03.02.1998 03.06.2006 15.02.1988 13.08.1984 25.10.1994 28.01.1994 02.05.1991 16.06.1986 23.08.1991 02.12.2004 03.05.1999 03.06.1988 23.05.1985 17.06.1992 24.11.2000 01.01.1993 29.05.1992 02.08.1990 12.06.1984 20.06.1985 26.11.1993 11.10.2007 03.06.1999 05.09.1989 26.06.2000 27.03.1990 15.05.2003 13.01.1988 18.11.1991 05.01.1989 27.08.1998 http://www.ilo.org/ilolex/english/newratframeE.htm 141 Annex 4 Ratifications and signatures of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), as at October 200713 Convention 118 7 Signatories Ratifications (indicated in bold) Signed States and Regional Integration Organizations Convention Algeria 30.03.2007 Andorra 27.04.2007 Antigua y Barbuda 30.03.2007 Argentina 13.04.1987 Armenia 30.03.2007 Australia 30.03.2007 Austria 30.03.2007 Bahrain 25.06.2007 Bangladesh 09.05.2007 Barbados 19.07.2007 Belgium 30.03.2007 Bolivia 13.08.2007 Brazil 30.03.2007 Bulgaria 27.09.2007 Burkina Faso 23.05.2007 Burundi 26.04.2007 Cambodia 01.10.2007 Canada 30.03.2007 Cape Verde 30.03.2007 Central African Republic 09.05.2007 Chile 30.03.2007 China 30.03.2007 Colombia 30.03.2007 Comores 26.07.2007 Congo (Republic of) 30.03.2007 Costa Rica 30.03.2007 Côte d’Ivoire 07.06.2007 Croatia (both 15.08.07) 30.03.2007 Cuba (06.09.07) 26.04.2007 Cyprus 30.03.2007 13 Optional Protocol 30.03.2007 27.04.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 13.08.2007 30.03.2007 23.05.2007 26.04.2007 01.10.2007 09.05.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 07.06.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 Czech Republic 30.03.2007 Denmark 30.03.2007 Dominica 30.03.2007 Dominican Republic 30.03.2007 Ecuador 30.03.2007 Egypt 04.04.2007 El Salvador 30.03.2007 Estonia 25.09.2007 Ethiopia 30.03.2007 European Community (Regional Integration Organization) 30.03.2007 Finland 30.03.2007 France 30.03.2007 Gabon (01.10.07) 30.03.2007 Germany 30.03.2007 Ghana 30.03.2007 Greece 30.03.2007 Guatemala 30.03.2007 Guinea 16.05.2007 Guyana 30.03.2007 Honduras 30.03.2007 Hungary (both 20.07.2007) 30.03.2007 Iceland 30.03.2007 India (01.10.07) 30.03.2007 Indonesia 30.03.2007 Ireland 30.03.2007 Israel 30.03.2007 Italy 30.03.2007 Jamaica (30.03.2007) 30.03.2007 Japan 28.09.2007 Jordan 30.03.2007 Kenya 30.03.2007 Lebanon 14.06.2007 http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/convbycountry.htm Optional Protocol 67 3 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 25.09.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 31.08.2007 23.08.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 14.06.2007 Convention 118 7 Signatories Ratifications (indicated in bold) Signed States and Regional Integration Organizations Convention Liberia 30.03.2007 Lithuania 30.03.2007 Luxembourg 30.03.2007 Macedonia (FYORM) 30.03.2007 Madagascar 25.09.2007 Malawi 27.09.2007 Maldives 01.10.2007 Mali 15.05.2007 Malta 30.03.2007 Mauritius 25.09.2007 Mexico 30.03.2007 Moldova 30.03.2007 Montenegro 27.09.2007 Morocco 30.03.2007 Mozambique 30.03.2007 Namibia 25.04.2007 Netherlands 30.03.2007 New Zealand 30.03.2007 Nicaragua 30.03.2007 Niger 30.03.2007 Nigeria 30.03.2007 Norway 30.03.2007 Panama (both 07.08.2007) 30.03.2007 Paraguay 30.03.2007 Peru 30.03.2007 Philippines 25.09.2007 Poland 30.03.2007 Optional Protocol 25.09.2007 01.10.2007 15.05.2007 30.03.2007 25.09.2007 30.03.2007 27.09.2007 25.04.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 Optional Protocol 67 3 Portugal 30.03.2007 Qatar 09.07.2007 Republic of Korea 30.03.2007 Romania 26.07.2007 San Marino 30.03.2007 Senegal 25.04.2007 Seychelles 30.03.2007 Sierra Leone 30.03.2007 Slovakia 26.07.2007 Slovenia 30.03.2007 South Africa 30.03.2007 Spain 30.03.2007 Sri Lanka 30.03.2007 Sudan 30.03.2007 Suriname 30.03.2007 Swaziland 25.09.2007 Sweden 30.03.2007 Syrian Arab Republic 30.03.2007 Thailand 30.03.2007 Trinidad and Tobago 27.09.2007 Tunisia 30.03.2007 Turkey 30.03.2007 Uganda 30.03.2007 United Kingdom 30.03.2007 United Rep. of Tanzania 30.03.2007 Uruguay 03.04.2007 Vanuatu 17.05.2007 Viet Nam 22.10.2007 Yemen 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 09.07.2007 30.03.2007 25.04.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 26.07.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 30.03.2007 25.09.2007 30.03.2007 11.04.2007 143 Annex 5 Council of Europe Action Plan to Promote the Rights and Full Participation of People with Disabilities in Society: Improving the Quality of Life of People with Disabilities in Europe 2006–2015 Extract: 3.5 Action line No. 5: Employment, vocational guidance and training 3.5.1 Introduction Employment is a key element for the social inclusion and economic independence of all citizens of working age. Compared to non-disabled persons, the employment and activity rates of disabled people are very low. Policies to increase the activity rate need to be diversified – according to the employment potential of disabled people – and comprehensive, in order to address all the barriers to participation in the workforce. Improving the employment situation of disabled people would not only benefit the disabled persons, but also employers and society as a whole. Vocational guidance and assistance play an important role in helping people to identify activities for which they are best suited and to guide training needs or future occupation. It is vital that people with disabilities have access to assessments, vocational guidance and training to ensure they can attain their potential. This action line seeks to form the basis for greater participation of persons with disabilities in employment, to ensure career choices and to lay the foundations through structures and support in order to ensure real choices. All measures apply to public as well as private employers. Social enterprises (for example social firms, social cooperatives) as part of the open employment, or sheltered workshops may contribute to the employment of disabled persons. 3.5.2 Objectives i. To promote the employment of people with disabilities within the open labour market by combining anti-discrimination and positive action measures in order to ensure that people with disabilities have equality of opportunity; ii. to tackle discrimination and promote participation of people with disabilities in vocational assessment, guidance, training, and employment-related services. 3.5.3 Specific actions by member states i. To mainstream issues relating to the employment of people with disabilities in general employment policies; ii. to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to an objective and individual assessment which: • identifies their options regarding potential occupations; • shifts the focus from assessing disabilities to assessing abilities and relating them to specific job requirements; • provides the basis for their programme of vocational training; 144 Annex 5 • • • • helps them find appropriate employment or re-employment; iii. to ensure that people with disabilities have access to vocational guidance, training and employment-related services at the highest possible qualification level, and making reasonable adjustments where necessary; iv. to ensure protection against discrimination in all stages of employment, including selection and recruitment, as well as in all measures related to career progression; v. to encourage employers to employ people with disabilities by: applying recruitment procedures . . . which ensure that job opportunities are positively made available to people with disabilities; making reasonable adjustments to the workplace or working conditions, including telecommuting, part-time work and work from home, in order to accommodate the special requirements of employees with disabilities; increasing the disability awareness of management and staff through relevant training; vi. to ensure that general self-employment schemes are accessible and supportive to people with disabilities; vii. to ensure that support measures, such as sheltered or supported employment, are in place for those people whose needs cannot be met without personal support in the open labour market; viii. to support people with disabilities to progress from sheltered and supported employment to open employment; ix. to remove disincentives to work in disability benefit systems and encourage beneficiaries to work when they can; x. to consider the needs of women with disabilities when devising programmes and policies related to equal opportunities for women in employment, including childcare; xi. to ensure that employees with disabilities enjoy the same rights as other employees in relation to consultation on employment conditions and membership and active participation in trade unions; xii. to provide effective measures to encourage the employment of people with disabilities; xiii. to ensure that health and safety legislation and regulations include the needs of persons with disabilities and do not discriminate against them; xiv. to promote measures, including legislative and integration management, that enable persons who become disabled while employed to stay within the labour market; xv. to ensure that especially young disabled people can benefit from employment internships and traineeships in order to build skills and from information on employment practices; xvi. to consider, where appropriate, signing and ratifying the European Social Charter (revised) (ETS No. 163), in particular Article 15; xvii. to implement resolution ResAP(95)3 on a charter on the vocational assessment of people with disabilities. 145 Bibliography Barbour, W. C. 1999. “Supported employment: The coming of full circle”, in Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation (Amsterdam, IOS Press), Vol. 13, pp. 176-74. Bellamy, G. T.; Rhodes, L. E.; Albin, J.-M. 1986. “Supported employment”, in W. E. Kieran and J. A. Stark (eds): Pathways to employment for adults with developmental disabilities (Baltimore, Paul H. Brooks Publishing Company), pp. 129-138. Beyer, S.; Goodere, L.; Kilsby, M. 1996. “The costs and benefits of supported employment agencies in Britain”, in Research Studies (London, UK Dept. for Education and Employment), No. 37. Bowe, F. 1984. Disabled women in America: A statistical report drawn from census data (Washington, DC, President’s Committee on Employment of the Handicapped). Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs) (Germany). 2007. Rehabilitation and participation of disabled persons. Cabinet Office (United Kingdom). 2006. Social Enterprise Action Plan: Scaling new heights (London). Available on: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/social_enterprise/action_plan/. Council of Europe. 1992. A coherent policy for the rehabilitation of people with disabilities (Strasbourg). __. 1993. Note by the Netherlands: Sheltered employment for handicapped people – Trends and issues in the Netherlands (Strasbourg), 13 Jan. 1993. __. 1996. European Social Charter (Revised) (Strasbourg), 3 May 1996. __. 1997a. The Social Charter of the 21st Century (Strasbourg), H/NGO (97) Forum 4, 12–13 May 1997. __. 1997b. The implementation of the collective complaints procedure: Opinion of the NonGovernmental Organizations, Strasbourg, 14–16 May 1997, S C Coll/rep 12 e. __. 2006. Action Plan to promote the rights and full participation of people with disabilities in society: Improving the quality of life of people with disabilities in Europe 2006–2015. In Council of Europe Recommendation Rec (2006) 5. Degener, T. 2004. Executive summary on employment directive: State of play in Germany. (Mar.) Available on http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/fundamental_rights/pdf/aneval/disab_de.pdf __; Quinn, G. 2000. A survey of international, comparative and regional disability law reform, paper presented at the “From principles to practice” symposium,Washington, DC, 22-26 Oct. Department of Trade and Industry (United Kingdom). 2002. Social enterprise: A strategy for success (July). Depouy, L. 1993. Human rights and disabled persons (New York, UN). Doyle, B. 1996. “Disabled workers’ rights, the Disability Discrimination Act and the UN Standard Rules”, in International Law Journal, Vol. 25, 1 Mar. Eaves, L. 1921. Gainful employment for handicapped women (Boston, Council of Social Agencies). EC (European Commission). 1994. European social policy – A way forward for the Union (Brussels). __. 2000. Benchmarking employment policies for people with disabilities (Brussels). __. 2003. Equal opportunities for people with disabilities: A European Action Plan. Communication from the European Commission, COM(2003)650 final, 30 Oct. 2003. __. 2005. Situation of disabled people in the enlarged European Union: The European Action Plan 2006–2007. Communication from the European Commission, COM (2005)604 final. 146 Bibliography EIRO (European Industrial Relations Observatory). 2001. “New laws seek to improve employment prospects of workers with disabilities”, at EIRO online: http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/eiro/2001/02/study. Elwan, A. 1999. Poverty and disability: A survey of the literature. World Bank Social Protection Discussion Paper No. 9932 (Washington, World Bank). ESCAP (Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific). 1994. Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 1993–2002: Mandates for Action (New York). EU (European Union). 2000. EU Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 Nov. 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation. OJL 303, 2 Dec. 2000. Gabriel, P.; Liimatainen, M.-R. 2000. Mental health in the workplace. Introduction and Executive Summaries for Finland, Germany, Poland, United Kingdom and United States (Geneva, ILO). GHK Consulting Ltd. 2004. Review of the Social Enterprise Strategy: A Final Report submitted by GHK (London). Available on: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/documents/social_enterprise_research/ Harris, G. 1919. The redemption of the disabled: A study of programmes of rehabilitation for the disabled of war and industry (New York, Appleton). Heron, R.; Murray, B. 2003. Assisting disabled persons in finding employment: A practical guide (Bangkok, ILO). Hyde, M. 2000. “From welfare to work? Social policy for disabled people of working age in the United Kingdom in the 1990s”, in Disability and Society, Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 327-341. ILO (International Labour Organization). 1981. Report of the Director-General, International Labour Conference, 67th Session, Geneva, 1981 (Geneva). __. 1996. “Women swell ranks of working poor”, in World of Work (Geneva), No. 17, Sep.-Oct. 1996 (Geneva). __. 1998. Vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons: General survey on the Reports of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention (No. 159) and Recommendation (No. 168), 1983. Report III (Part 1B) of the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations, International Labour Conference, 86th session, Geneva, 1998 (Geneva). __. 2000. Resolution concerning human resources training and development. International Labour Conference, 88th Session, Geneva, 2000 (Geneva). __. 2002. Managing disability in the workplace: An ILO code of practice (Geneva). __. 2004a. Vocational rehabilitation of employment of people with disabilities: Report of a European Conference, Warsaw-Constanin Jeziorna, 23-25 Oct. 2003 (Geneva). __. 2004b. Statistics on the employment situation of people with disabilities: A compendium of national methodologies. ILO Bureau of Statistics Working Paper No. 40, in collaboration with the ILO Skills and Employability Department (Geneva). __. 2007. The employment situation of people with disabilities: Towards improved statistical information. ILO Bureau of Statistics in collaboration with the ILO Skills and Employability Department (Geneva). Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation. 2002. Special issue on self-employment for persons with disabilities (Amsterdam, IOS Press), Vol. 17. Kenny, T. 1997. Securing social rights across Europe: How NGOs can make use of the European Social Charter (Strasbourg, Human Rights Centre). Krug, R. 1996. Sheltered employment in the Netherlands: Recent developments, paper presented at a Conference on Disability and Employment, Dublin, 14 Oct. 1996. 147 Bibliography Menz, F. 1997. “Vocational rehabilitation research in the United States of America”, in M. Floyd (ed.): Vocational rehabilitation and Europe (London, Jessica Kingsley Publications). Messell, E. 1997. Employment strategies for women with disabilities. Paper presented at the International Leadership Forum for Women with Disabilities, Washington, DC, 15–20 June 1997 (Geneva, ILO). Moon, M.; Griffin, S. 1988. “Supported employment service delivery models”, in P. Wehman and M. Moon (eds): Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment (Baltimore, Paul H. Brooks Publishing Company). Mudrick, N. 1988. “Disabled women and public policies for income support” (a study on the influence of income support on the lives of women with disabilities), in M. Fine and A. Asch (eds): Women with disabilities: Essays in psychology, culture and politics (Philadelphia, Temple University Press). Murray, B; Heron, R. 2003. Placement of jobseekers with disabilities: Elements of an effective service (Bangkok, ILO). NAO (National Audit Office) (United Kingdom). 2005. Gaining and retaining a job: The Department for Work and Pensions’ support for disabled people (London), Oct. 2005. NIDMAR (National Institute of Disability Management and Research) (Canada). 2001. Annual Report 2001. NRB (National Rehabilitation Board) (Ireland). 1997. Employment challenges for the Millenium. Report of the National Committee for Training and Employment (NACTE) Steering Group on Sheltered and Supported Work and Employment (Dublin). OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development). 1986. Occupational training and retraining measures for specific target groups. OECD Working Party on Employment, Manpower Measures Evaluation Programme (Paris). __. 2000. Employment policies for people with disabilities (Paris). __. 2006. Sickness, disability and work: Breaking the barriers: Norway, Poland and Switzerland. Vol. I (Paris). OHCHR (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights). 2002. “Study on human rights and disability”, Note by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, 14 Feb. 2002. __. 2007. From vision to action: The road to implementation of the Convention. 30 Mar. 2007. Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit (United Kingdom). 2005. Improving the life chances of disabled people (London), Jan. 2005. Quinn, G.; Degener, T. 2002. Human rights and disability. Summary report to the Office of the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR), Feb. Rehabilitation and integration of people with disabilities. 2001. Book Nine of the Social Code (Germany). Saloviita, T. 2000. “Supported employment as a paradigm shift and a cause of legitimation crisis”, in Disability and Society, Vol. 15, No. 1, 1 Jan. 2000, pp. 87-98. Samoy, E.; Waterplas, L. 1992. Sheltered employment in the European Community (Brussels, Commission of the European Union). __. 1997. Sheltered employment in five Member States of the Council of Europe: Austria, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland (Strasbourg, Council of Europe). Thornton, P. 1998. International research project on job retention and return to work strategies for disabled workers (Geneva, ILO). __. P.; Lunt, N. 1997. Employment policies for disabled people in eighteen countries: A review (University of York, Social Policy Research Unit). 148 Bibliography UN (United Nations). 1994. The Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (New York). __. 1999. Implementation of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons: Towards a society for all in the twenty-first century. UNGA resolution 54/121 of 17 December 1999. __. 2000. Final Report of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission for Social Development on monitoring the implementation of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities on his second mission, 1997–2000. E/CN: 5/2000/3, Annex. __. 2001. Commission on Human Rights Working Group on the Right to Development, January 2001, E/CN. 4/2001/WG. 18/2. __. 2002. Report of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission for Social Development on monitoring the implementation of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities on his third mandate, 2000–2002. E/CN: 5/2002/4. Viorreta, C. 1998. The social enterprise in Spain, paper presented at the Transnational meeting in Cagliari, 29 Sep. 1998. Waddington, L. 1996. “Reassessing the employment of people with disabilities in Europe: From quotas to anti-discrimination laws”, in Comparative Labour Law Journal, Vol. 18, No. 62, pp. 62-101. Wehman, P.; Revell, G.; Kregel, J. 1997. “Supported employment: A decade of rapid growth and impact”, in P. Wehman, J. Kregel and M. West (eds): Supported employment research: Expanded competitive employment opportunities for persons with significant disabilities (Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University, Rehabilitation Research and Training Centre on Supported Employment). SKILLS For more information, please contact: Skills and Employability Department International Labour Office (ILO) 4, Route des Morillons CH-1211 Geneva 22 (Switzerland) E-mail: [email protected] Tel. (+41) 022 799 7521 Fax: (+41) 022 799 6310 www.ilo.org/employment/disability 149	i don't know
Tonsure refers to removal of hair from the?	Tonsure - definition of tonsure by The Free Dictionary Tonsure - definition of tonsure by The Free Dictionary http://www.thefreedictionary.com/tonsure Also found in: Thesaurus , Encyclopedia , Wikipedia . ton·sure (tŏn′shər) n. 1. The act of shaving the head or part of the head, especially as a preliminary to becoming a priest or a member of a monastic order. 2. The part of a monk's or priest's head that has been shaved. tr.v. ton·sured, ton·sur·ing, ton·sures To shave the head of. [Middle English, from Old French, from Medieval Latin tōnsūra, from Latin, a shearing, from tōnsus, past participle of tondēre, to shear; see tem- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] tonsure (Hairdressing & Grooming) (in certain religions and monastic orders) a. the shaving of the head or the crown of the head only b. the part of the head left bare by shaving c. the state of being shaven thus vb (Hairdressing & Grooming) (tr) to shave the head of [C14: from Latin tōnsūra a clipping, from tondēre to shave] ˈtonsured adj (ˈtɒn ʃər) n., v. -sured, -sur•ing. n. 1. the shaving of the head or of some part of it, esp. upon entering the priestood or a monastic order. 2. the part of a cleric's head, usu. the crown, left bare by shaving the hair. 3. the state of being shorn. v.t. 4. to subject to tonsure. [1350–1400; Middle English < Latin tōnsūra a shearing =tōns(us), past participle of tondēre to shear, clip, shave + -ūra -ure ] tonsure 1. the act or process of cutting the hair, especially as a religious rite or custom. 2. the shaved part of the head, usually the crown, of a member of a religious order. — tonsorial, adj. See also: Hair 1. the act or process of cutting the hair, especially as a religious rite or custom. 2. the shaved part of the head, usually the crown, of a member of a religious order. — tonsorial, adj.	Head
In old English, a Yeoman was originally a man possessing/working with?	Hindu Tonsure Hindu Tonsure RIM (Sikha) " By the command of the Veda, the ceremony of tonsure should be legally performed by the three first classes in the first or third year after birth." (Mann, ii. 85.) PERHAPS nothing impresses a stranger in India so much as the peculiar manner in which the Hindu treats his hair. He sees some with a clean shaven head, except a top knot of greater or less size and length, whilst others have portions only of the scalp shaven, leaving fantastic locks of varying size and shape. On the other hand, some few are to be seen with the head covered with long, thick, tangled hair that seems as though it had not been interfered with in any way, either from the tonsorial or the toilet point of view, since the hour of birth. If the ordinary Hindu were accosted and questioned on his own tonsorial peculiarity, he would probably have no reason whatever to give for it, except the universal answer to such questions that it is the custom of his caste. He would, perhaps, treat as ridiculous any catechizing on such matters�the custom exists and therefore it is followed. The Sanskrit name of this top-knot is sikha, and by that name it is known amongst the upper classes of all Hindus whatever their vernacular. In Tamil it is called cudimi, in Telugu zuttu. It is a curious circumstance, and one suggestive of further study, that whilst the tonsure of the Roman Catholic Priest�the first ceremony in dedicating a person to the priesthood�consists of shaving a circle on the crown of the head, the Hindu tonsure�one of the chief ceremonies in the upanayanam, or investiture with sacred powers�consists of removing all the hair except a circular portion situated on the same part of the head. Although the sikha is so important that without it a Brahmin is not a Brahmin, the tonsure and. the investiture with the yagnopavitam being the chief elements in the upanayanam or spiritual birth of the twice born, there seems to be but very slight foundation for so complicated a superstructure. Learned Shastris seem to be unable to give anything on the point from the Vedas, except the mantram to be quoted later on, and the allusions to the same in Manava Dharma Sastre,. The ceremonies appear to have gradually grown with the growth of the rest of the Hindu ritual. The first notice of them that appears in the Laws of Manu is the following :� "By oblations to fire during the mother's pregnancy, by holy rites on the birth of the child, by the tonsure of his head with a lock of hair left on it, by the ligation of the sacrificial cord are the birth taints of the three classes wholly removed." (ii. 27.) Hair ceremonies commence before the birth of a child as, for some six months before that event, the father abstains altogether from shaving until the eleventh day of the child's birth. Doubtless this ceremony is set aside in many instances in the present day of compromises, especially in the case of Government and other officials who would not think it respectful to appear before their superiors with a beard of such a growth. By orthodox Hindus, however, and especially by those in rural parts, this custom is still strictly followed. In the laws of Mann it is thus written :- " By the command of the Veda the ceremony of tonsure should be legally performed by the three first classes in the first or third year after the birth." (ii. 85.) This command, still strictly carried into effect, is now usually observed at the third year instead of the first. There are instances where, in the event of either of the parents making a vow to that effect, the hair of a boy is not cut at all until the upanayanam ceremony. Suppose the infant were taken ill, or misfortune were to happen to him, a vow might be made to a certain god that the first hair-cutting of the child should take place at the shrine of the god invoked. The ceremony of the first performance of the tonsure (chaulam) is as follows. Hitherto the boy's hair has been allowed to grow like that of a girl, and the fond mother has been wont to cherish it and ornament it, in the same way, with plaitings and jewels ; but now the uncut locks must be sacrificed to the inexorable laws of the Hindu religion. On a propitious day, previously fixed upon by the purohita, musicians are called and a feast is prepared for friends and relatives. The first three cuts with the scissors must be made by the mother's brother or, failing such a relative, by the next nearest of kin on the mother's side. After these first three cuts have been made, the boy is handed over to the family barber, who clips off all the hair except a small portion on the top of the head. Some time after this clipping, perhaps a month after, the head is shaved for the first time. When the head is thus, shaved, various fashions are adopted according to varying ideas of beauty. Sometimes separate locks are left over the temples and at the back of the ears;. these are called kakapaksham or crow's wings. Sometimes, the hair is allowed to grow all round the head, whilst the whole of the top is clean shaven. The head is shaven, as a rule, about once a month. If for any cause whatever, the boy's mother has made a vow to a certain god, it is the rule for this cutting of the hair to be made at the shrine of the god invoked. A pilgrimage is arranged to the place and there the ceremony is performed. If, for financial or other reasons, it is not convenient to make such a pilgrimage at the time when it is imperative to perform the ceremony, then the shaving takes place at home ; but a small tuft is left near the sikha, to be removed at the shrine when opportunity for a pilgrimage occurs. Sometimes the hair that has been clipped off is preserved, and tied up in a cloth to the rafters of the house until a pilgrimage can be arranged. This is the only occasion upon which the hair is allowed to remain in the house, for cut hair is always considered impure. When opportunity offers, the hair is then taken to the shrine and thrown into the sacred tank of the temple, or delivered to the officiating priest for disposal. The god Venkateshvara at Tirupati is a favourite one in South India for such vows. This god also has a shrine at Dvaraka Tirumala, near Ellore in the Kistna District, which is for all practical purposes held to be as holy as Tirupati. The real sacred tonsure is not performed until what may be called the religious coming of age. This varies according to caste. The following is the law laid down on the subject :� " In the eighth year from the conception of a Brahmin, in the eleventh from that of a Kshatriya, and in the twelfth from that of a Vaisya, let the father invest the child with the marks of his class." (Manu, ii, 86.) These marks of the class consit of the yagnopavitam, the mark on the forehead, and the sikha or sacred top-knot. At this important ceremony the head is shaven in the presence of the family, whilst the family priest chants mantrams, and musicians play on their instruments without. The top-knot and four small spots surrounding it are left unshaven ; the five places being called pancha sikha. The top-knot itself must be the size of the foot-print of a cow (gopadam) ; but, as there are cows and cows, this is rather an uncertain measurement. This is the reason why such various sizes in the sikhas are seen ; some being comparatively very small, whilst others are sufficiently large to cover a great part of the head, and, when untied, to flow down in a sweeping tail to below the waist. The whole of this shaving ceremony is very interesting. Each family priest has a rubric telling him exactly what to do on such occasions. These rubrics were originally drawn up by Rishis or Sages, and their directions are strictly carried out. The shaving rite is administered just before the young man is invested with the sacred thread. The priest acts for the father who may be ignorant of the mantrams and ritual. The theory seems to be that the father administers these rites in the god's stead, and the priest acts for the father. The priest goes through the ceremony, the father following him, when he is able to repeat the words at all. As a kind of introductory sentence to the shaving rite the following sentence is repeated :� The meaning of this is very difficult to make out, but it means somewhat as follows :- " He (Jagatjanakaha�the progenitor of the world) shaves, repeating the four mantrams commencing with the one that begins with the words yena vapat�uttering one at each of the four cardinal points, and making circumambulation (pradakshinam)." The priest then instructs the father of the youth, who is being invested, to take stalks of the sacred grass (darbha) and to put one on each of the four sides of the youth's head, indicating the four cardinal points of the compass, and to cut each stalk with a razor, thus showing the barber where to leave the four patches in shaving the head. The priest also directs the youth to turn to the four cardinal points, commencing from the east, and at each he repeats the following mantram, from which the whole of this ritual seems to have been elaborated .- " The all-wise progenitor of all things, with what razor he shaved the Moon and Varuna with the same he shaved Brahma. He also shaves the head of this youth. May he have long life and may his ignorance perish." A short time after the upanayanam, another ceremony is performed with reference to the hair ; this time in a temple. The former one was done in the house. At this second ceremony, the four spots that were left unshorn around the sikha are now shaven clean off, and no hair is left on the head except the top-knot itself. I have enquired of learned Pandits as to what would happen if, through baldness, or by the effects of any disease or accident, a man were to lose his sikha. It appears that, in such a case, the absence of the hair would not necessarily disqualify him from performing the sacred offices. A custom has grown up that appears to be generally followed, though it is said to be against the strict letter of the law, for boys to allow the side patches to grow again after they have been shaven off. These beauty patches, however, can only be worn during the lifetime of the boy's parents ; So upon the death of either parent he must remove all except the sikha. -When, however, for his own, soul's benefit he adopts religious observances, such as prayers. and sacrifices to fire and the sun (homam and suryanamaskaram), he must shave off all hair, except the sikha. There is a passage in Maim which alludes to a custom now apparently extinct. I can find no trace of it, though it may possibly be in vogue in some other parts of India. The passage is as. follows :� "The ceremony of cesanta, or cutting off the hair, is ordained for the priest in the sixteenth year from conception ; for the soldier, in the twenty-second ; for a merchant, two years later than that." ii. 65.) The Hindu, in South India at least, does not wear a beard, though it appears as if it were worn by some in other parts. Customs may differ in such widely distant places in this as in other respects. The Kulin and some other Brahmins of North India do not even wear the sikha. They crop their hair after the European fashion, but these must, by this fact alone, be disqualified from performing sacrificial and other rites and ceremonies. When it is said that the Hindu does not wear a beard, we must except the Yogis or hermits who shave 'neither the head nor the face. In the chapter on devotion, Manu lays down the law as follows on this point :- " When the father of a family perceives his muscles become flaccid and. his hair gray, and sees the child of his child, let him then seek refuge in a forest. Let him wear a black antelope's hide, or a vesture of bark ; let him bathe evening and morning; let him suffer the hairs of his beard and his nails to grow continually." (vi. 2, 6.) When a Hindu becomes a Sanyasi, that is when he enters the fourth and last stage of the Hindu spiritual life, he, having then done with all sublunary affairs and even with religious rites and ceremonies, cuts off his sikha and all the hair from his face and head. Henceforth he goes quite bare. " Having thus performed religious acts in a forest during the third portion of his life, let him become a Sanyasi for the fourth portion of it, abandoning all sensual affections and wholly reposing in the Supreme Spirit. His hair, nails and beard being clipped, bearing with him a dish, a staff and a water pot, his whole mind being fixed on god, let him wander about continually, without giving pain to animal or vegetable beings." (Mann, vi. 33, 52.) The moustache is, as a rule, worn by the Hindus of every caste and nation except the priestly classes. The priest, of whatever caste he may be, even the dasari or pariah priest, must have his face clean shaven. In the chapter on the sacred marks, mention was made of the three great schools of philosophy into which Hindus are divided.' Those who belong to the Visisht�dvaita school are strict worshippers of Vishnu. Men of this sect never wear the moustache, but are always clean shaven. They also abstain from smoking, although they may console themselves with snuff. The Smarthas who hold the Advaita doctrine, and who worship Siva in particular but reverence Vishnu ; and the Madhvas who follow the Dvaita system, and who worship Vishnu in particular, but reverence Siva are both divided into two divisions of secular and priestly Brahmins. The Smarthas are Niyogis and Vaidfkis ; and the Madhvas are Vyaparis and Acharyas. The Vaidikis and the Acharyas are the priestly classes, and as such they should always have a face quite clean shaven. They, as well as the Ramanujas, must abstain from smoking. In these latter days, however, the Vaidfkis are far from strict in these matters ; and many of them wear the moustache. They also, in very many cases, have abandoned the priestly office and follow the profession of the bar, or go into any of the various branches of the public service. For all of these occupations their hereditary connection with Vedic learning and general culture seems to particularly fit them. Therefore, if a Hindu is seen with a clean shaven face, it may, as a rule, be set down that he is either a priest or a member of one of the priestly classes. There is, however, an exception to this. Amongst Europeans the sign of mourning for deceased relatives is to wear black clothing ; but amongst the Hindus, besides the absence of colour in the face mark,' the sign of mourning is to shave off the moustache. At certain holy rivers there is a festival called pushkaram, held every twelve years, when those Hindus who have lost their fathers make a pilgrimage to the river, in order to perform ceremonies for their deceased ancestors. There are said to be twelve rivers in India that are thus honoured. The initial act in this ceremony is to shave the head and face quite clean but to leave the sikha untouched. Widows should attend these festivals and undergo the ordeal of shaving and bathing for the benefit of the soul of their departed husbands. The merit thus acquired is for the souls of the departed forefathers, or husband, as the case may be. At the time of shaving, the attendant priest repeats the following words of purification ; the pilgrim repeating them after him, if able to do so :� " Sins as huge as mounts Meru or Mandara, Sins of various kinds,	i don't know
Greek 'skhizo' and 'skhizein' basically mean what?	Schizo- \| Define Schizo- at Dictionary.com schizo- a combining form meaning “split,” used in the formation of compound words: schizogenetic. Also, especially before a vowel, schiz-. Origin of schizo- < Greek, combining form representing schízein to part, split Dictionary.com Unabridged British Dictionary definitions for schizo- Expand indicating a cleavage, split, or division: schizocarp, schizophrenia Word Origin from Greek skhizein to split Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Word Origin and History for schizo- Expand word-forming element meaning "division; split, cleavage," from Latinized form of Greek skhizo-, comb. form of skhizein "to split, cleave, part, separate," from PIE root *skei- "to cut, separate, divide, part, split" (see shed (v.)). Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper	Split
What African country experienced a 2012 rebellion by Tuareg fighters?	etymology - Why do we "shed" blood, sweat or tears but not other things? - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange I found the following definition of shed (the verb): chiefly dialect : to set apart : segregate to cause to be dispersed without penetrating a. to cause (blood) to flow by cutting or wounding b. to pour forth in drops shed tears c. to give off or out sheds some light on the subject to give off, discharge, or expel from the body of a plant or animal: as a. to eject, slough off, or lose as part of the normal processes of life a caterpillar shedding its skin, a cat shedding hair, a deciduous tree sheds its leaves in the fall b. to discharge usually gradually especially as part of a pathological process shed a virus in the feces to rid oneself of temporarily or permanently as superfluous or unwanted shed her inhibitions, the company shed 100 jobs Here, I am primarily interested in the third usage. We can shed blood, sweat and tears but not much else. Obviously, we can also shed our clothes or shed light upon but these are different meanings. The etymology of the word is: shed (v.) "cast off," Old English sceadan, scadan "to divide, separate, part company; discriminate, decide; scatter abroad, cast about," strong verb (past tense scead, past participle sceadan), from Proto-Germanic skaithan (cf. Old Saxon skethan, Old Frisian sketha, Middle Dutch sceiden, Dutch scheiden, Old High German sceidan, German scheiden "part, separate, distinguish," Gothic skaidan "separate"), from skaith "divide, split." According to Klein's sources, this probably is related to PIE root *skei- "to cut, separate, divide, part, split" (cf. Sanskrit chid-, Greek skhizein, Latin scindere "to split;" Lithuanian skedzu "I make thin, separate, divide;" Old Irish scian "knife;" Welsh chwydu "to break open"). Related: Shedding. A shedding-tooth (1799) was a milk-tooth or baby-tooth. In reference to animals, "to lose hair, feathers, etc." recorded from c.1500; of trees losing leaves from 1590s; of clothes, 1858. This verb was used in Old English to gloss Late Latin words in the sense "to discriminate, to decide" that literally mean "to divide, separate" (cf. discern). Hence also scead (n.) "separation, distinction; discretion, understanding, reason;" sceadwisnes "discrimination, discretion." As far as I can tell, the third meaning of shed (in the quoted definition) is restricted to blood, sweat and tears. Why is that? What is the origin of the idiom to shed blood? I would guess that shed blood comes from the meaning to scatter abroad of the Old English word sceadan, if so, why is it so restricted today? Was it once a more common term? Could we once say that I shed water on my garden or I shed the seeds in my field?	i don't know
Zampone is an Italian dish made of stuffed pig's what?	Zampone Zampone Zampone is a dish prepared from a pig's leg. It consists of the lower part of a pig's leg (called a "zampino" in Italian) with the foot still on. It is stuffed with finely-ground, seasoned sausage meat, and simmered for a long time. After cooking, it is let cool to room temperature, then sliced and served with lentils. Some versions are made without the leg altogether. They are just a 4 to 5 inch (10 to 12 1/2 cm) wide sausage, formed in a cylinder shape and wrapped in pig rind. If you are looking for the unstuffed version (just plain pigs legs / trotters) of Zampone, see Zampino. Literature & Lore Traditional in many northern regions of Italy for New Year's Day. See also:	Trotter
Which major social networking corporation grew from a branded messaging project at podcasting site Odeo?	Zampone - stuffed pig's trotterItalian Cooking School Bologna - Bed and Breakfast Bologna - I PORTICI B&B Zampone is stuffed pigs trotter. The foot and shin are boned and stuffed with ground pork snout and other ingredients. Zampone is traditionally eaten in Modena on New Years Eve. Zampone con Lenticchie - Stuffed Pigs Trotter with Lentils	i don't know
Pissouri, Paphos, and Protarus are seaside resorts in which Mediterranean island?	Protaras Hotels - Impressive Beach Hotels in Protaras Protaras Hotels From € 151 * Visit Website \| See it on Map \| Hotels in Protaras Overlooking the Protaras' Blue Flag Fig Tree bay, Capo Bay hotel sprawls over many acres of spectacular private beachfront. Pristine beaches underline the romance of the Mediterranean Sea with picturesque sunrises and beautiful gardens adorning this Check Availability Visit website \| See it on Map \| Hotels in Protaras Anais Bay Hotel is ideally situated near a very popular sandy beach in Pernera area and it is suitable for quality and relaxing holiday. It offers both hotel rooms and equipped apartments enjoying hotel services and facilities. Check Availability Visit website \| See it on Map \| Hotels in Protaras Anastasia Beach Hotel is a four star hotel in Protaras offering excellent service and leisure facilities and a variety of accommodation types. Check Availability Visit website \| See it on Map \| Hotels in Protaras Ideal holiday accommodation is about leisure, luxury and immeasurable comfort, this is what Antigoni Hotel brings about. Located in the heart of Protaras in the splendid island of Cyprus, Antigoni Hotel will fit quite perfectly in the requirements o From € 87 * Visit website \| See it on Map \| Hotels in Protaras Cavo Maris Beach Hotel is a three star hotel in Protaras offering a relaxing setting with gardens, direct access to the beach and wonderful sea views. Check Availability Visit website \| See it on Map \| Hotels in Protaras Enjoy a relaxing moments at Chrystalla Hotel in sun drenched Fig Tree Bay. This hotel is owned and managed by a family thus providing a warmer atmosphere. Check Availability Visit website \| See it on Map \| Hotels in Protaras Spanning many acres across the endless shades of blue towards the horizon and shimmering coastline, Constantinos the Great Hotel encourage you to rediscover the impressive Protaras sandy beach and indulge in an urban, vibrant environment atmosphere. From € 73 * Visit website \| See it on Map \| Hotels in Protaras Crystal Springs Beach Hotel is a four star hotel on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Situated in Protaras, a resort on the eastern part of Cyprus From € 115 * Visit website \| See it on Map \| Hotels in Protaras Located on the magnificent Mediterranean Island of Cyprus and especially in the Protaras area of Famagusta, the Golden Coast Hotel is the perfect place for an ideal vacation. From € 170 * Visit website \| See it on Map \| Hotels in Protaras Grecian Park Hotel is a 5 star hotel located in Ayia Napa at a privileged location overlooking the secluded Konnos Bay. With wealth of facilities and in room amenities it welcomes its guests to a fantastic holiday experience. Check Availability Visit website \| See it on Map \| Hotels in Protaras Iliada Beach Hotel is ideal for water sport enthusiasts who can take full advantage of the excellent water sport facilities found nearby. Check Availability Visit website \| See it on Map \| Hotels in Protaras Iliada Beach Hotel is a 4 star hotel, ideally located on the sandy beaches of Cyprus. The prime location of the hotel is in the heart of Protaras near the Fig Tree Bay. From € 63 * Visit website \| See it on Map \| Hotels in Protaras Kapetanios Bay Hotel is a three star hotel build on the famous Fig Tree Bay, offering various in room amenities and hotel facilities. Check Availability Visit website \| See it on Map \| Hotels in Protaras Mimosa Beach Hotel is a popular tourist destination with direct access to the beach, various leisure facilities and family friendly amenities. Check Availability Visit website \| See it on Map \| Hotels in Protaras The Odessa Hotel Cyprus is a classic hotel with recent renovations ideal for people going for holiday in Cyprus. It is one of the well known hotels in Protaras with 209 rooms refurbished to give visitors a lot of comfort. Check Availability Visit website \| See it on Map \| Hotels in Protaras Paschalia Hotel in Protaras is a 3 star hotel with 137 rooms offering relaxed holidays around its green gardens and the large fresh water pool. The Paschalia hotel has many sports and leisure facilities to offer to its guests. Check Availability Visit website \| See it on Map \| Hotels in Protaras Utmost magnificence and beauty does not even come close to what can best describe this holiday facility, Pernera Beach Hotel is in no doubt one of the best kept and functional facilities Cyprus has to offer. Check Availability Visit website \| See it on Map \| Hotels in Protaras Polycarpia Hotel in situated between Cyprus' resort areas of Pernera and Protaras. This location places the hotel just next to the dazzling Mediterranean Sea. You will also be a stone throw away from the golden sands of Protaras. Check Availability Visit website \| See it on Map \| Hotels in Protaras Silver Sands Beach Hotel is a three star hotel located in Protaras offering spacious, sea view rooms, a variety of facilities, delicious food and friendly service. Check Availability Visit website \| See it on Map \| Hotels in Protaras Sunrise Beach Hotel is owned by the Sunrise Hotels a long established company in the hospitality business. Located in Protaras resort, the hotel has a prime beach front location and many leisure and guests facilities. Check Availability Visit website \| See it on Map \| Hotels in Protaras The Sunrise Pearl Hotel and Spa is the option for a luxury holiday in beautiful surroundings.The Hotel has 146 guest rooms and suites all elegantly decorated and furnished restaurants and bars, five swimming pools and a world class Spa. Check Availability Visit website \| See it on Map \| Hotels in Protaras Tsokkos Gaedens Hotel enjoys elegant guestrooms, good food and vicinity to the beautiful beaches and other places of interest in Protaras.	Cyprus
What airline was exposed in Spring 2012 as having leaked celebrities' flight details to a paparazzi agency?	Cyprus Holiday Villas - Things to do - Beaches - Protaras Fig Tree Bay The most popular beach in Protaras, Fig Tree Bay takes its name from a solitary fig tree that stands a small distance from the beach. According to local legend, the tree arrived with eastern invaders in the 17th century and has patrolled the coastline ever since. Protaras’ expansion as a tourist centre owes much to the beauty of Fig Tree Bay. Drawn to the area by this picturesque coastline, developers lined the bay with hotels, bars and restaurants for the bourgeoning tourist population to enjoy. The beach itself is lovely if not a little crowded at the height of the summer season; its fine-grained white sand yielding to deep blue waters that are both shallow and clear. Just a few hundred metres from the beach sits a small rocky island that adventurous swimmers can reach and explore. The bay also hosts a variety of water sports - surfing, waterskiing, paragliding etc Green Bay An ideal place to avoid the summer crowds, Green Bay beach is located to the south of Protaras beach. While the bay has few facilities save for the obligatory sun loungers and parasols available to hire, it is as good a spot as any for a leisurely swim. The small sandstone platforms to the south of the beach also provide a nice setting for a picnic. Kapparis Beach The last of the beaches north of Protaras, Kapparis beach has fine golden sands and shallow blue waters. Secluded and unspoilt, the beach has basic facilities but is extremely popular with locals happy to bypass the busier tourist beaches further south. Konnos Beach A secluded little beach at the foot of a rocky climb, Konnos Beach is located around 2km north of Cape Greco. Awarded a prestigious Blue Flag for its undoubted quality, Konnos is amongst Cyprus’ most picturesque beaches with fine golden sands and beautifully clear turquoise waters. Lined by steep hills, the beach is sheltered from heavy winds, keeping the water practically wave-free and easily swimmable. Pernera Beach Surrounded by an assortment of restaurants and tavernas, Pernera P is a Blue Flag accredited beach located on the northern border of Protaras. Sun beds and parasols are available to hire and a variety of water sports can be enjoyed. Lifeguards patrol the beach between 10am and 6pm during the tourist season. Protaras Beach Amongst the busiest beaches in Protaras, the eponymous Protaras beach has a long strip of fine golden sand and shallow waters for snorkelling. Awarded a Blue Flag accreditation for its cleanliness and water quality, the beach is a short distance from the resort centre and easily accessible on foot.	i don't know
What is the only internal human organ capable of natural regeneration of lost tissue?	The Liver - How It Works, Diagrams, Information, Health Guides The Human Body Liver Diagram of the liver showing the right and left lobes, with major veins & arteries delivering blood to and from the heart & intestines. Bile produced by the liver is stored in the gall bladder and drains into the intestines. The liver - the body's largest organ after the skin - is often compared to a sophisticated, hi-tech processing plant. Without fanfare or complaint, every day the healthy liver automatically takes in compounds from what we eat, drink, and absorb through the skin, and converts them in to a variety of compounds which are essential to the digestive system and the body's proper functioning. Among its other wonders, the liver also is the only internal human organ capable of natural regeneration of lost tissue; as little as 25% of a liver can regenerate into a whole liver. Keeping your liver healthy In Western culture, we pump a great deal of fat, alcohol, sugar, and chemicals in to our bodies, and the liver is one of the organs on the front line of defense. Keeping the liver healthy then, is often a matter of limiting its exposure to all the things that place excess stress on it. Alcohol is certainly not good for the liver, particularly in high amounts, and chronic alcohol abuse can lead to hepatitis C , cirrhosis , or other serious liver diseases such as liver cancer especially when coupled with smoking . Chemicals, pesticides, and many other food additives are all stressors for the liver, as is a diet rich in fatty foods. Limiting intake of all these things makes the liver's job a lot easier, and goes a long way to help this feat of engineering successfully accomplish the various tasks it was built to do. also see in Health & Diseases -> Hepatitis C More about the liver around the Web: Liver - Wikipedia - Check out the complete overview including liver functions, related diseases, photos, diagrams, related references and resources. Sponsored Links	Liver
Name the passenger vehicle famously lost with 36 fatalities on 6 May 1937 at New Jersey US?	6 Bodily Tissues That Can Be Regenerated Through Nutrition 6 Bodily Tissues That Can Be Regenerated Through Nutrition Posted on: Friday, June 29th 2012 at 6:45 pm Written By: Visit our Re-post guidelines It may come as a surprise to some, especially those with conventional medical training, but the default state of the body is one of ceaseless regeneration . Without the flame-like process of continual cell turnover within the body – life and death ceaselessly intertwined – the miracle of the human body would not exist. In times of illness, however, regenerative processes are overcome by degenerative ones. This is where medicine may perform its most noble feat, nudging the body back into balance with foods, herbs, nutrients, healing energies, i.e. healing intention. Today, however, drug-based medicine invariably uses chemicals that have not one iota of regenerative potential ; to the contrary, they almost always interfere with bodily self-renewal in order to suppress the symptoms against which they are applied. Despite the outright heretical nature of things which stimulate healing and regeneration vis-à-vis the conventional medical system which frowns upon, or is incredulous towards, spontaneous remission in favor of symptom suppression and disease management, over the course of the past few years of trolling MEDLINE we have collected a series of remarkable studies on the topic... Nerve Regeneration – There are actually a broad range of natural compounds with proven nerve-regenerative effects. A 2010 study published in the journal Rejuvenation Research, for instance, found a combination of blueberry, green tea and carnosine have neuritogenic (i.e. promoting neuronal regeneration) and stem-cell regenerative effects in an animal model of neurodegenerative disease . [1] Other researched neuritogenic substances include: Coffee ( trigonelline ) There is another class of nerve-healing substances, known as remyelinating compounds, which stimulate the repair of the protective sheath around the axon of the neurons known as myelin, and which is often damaged in neurological injury and/or dysfunction, especially autoimmune and vaccine-induced demyelination disorders . It should also be noted that even music and falling in love have been studied for possibly stimulating neurogenesis, regeneration and/or repair of neurons, indicating that regenerative medicine does not necessary require the ingestion of anything; rather, a wide range of therapeutic actions may be employed to improve health and well-being, as well. [View the first-hand biomedical citations on these neuritogenic substance visit our Neuritogenic Research page on the topic] Liver Regeneration – Glycyrrhizin , a compound found within licorice, and which we recently featured as a powerful anti-SARS virus agent , has also been found to stimulate the regeneration of liver mass and function in the animal model of hepatectomy. Other liver regenerative substances include: Carvacrol (a volatile compound in oregano) Curcumin Vitamin E [view the first-hand biomedical citations on the Liver Regeneration research page] Beta-Cell Regeneration – Unfortunately, the medical community has yet to harness the diabetes-reversing potential of natural compounds. Whereas expensive stem cell therapies, islet cell transplants, and an array of synthetic drugs in the developmental pipeline are the focus of billions of dollars of research, annually, our kitchen cupboards and backyards may already contain the long sought-after cure for type 1 diabetes. The following compounds have been demonstrated experimentally to regenerate the insulin-producing beta cells, which are destroyed in insulin dependent diabetes, and which once restored, may (at least in theory) restore the health of the patient to the point where they no longer require insulin replacement. Gymenna Sylvestre ("the sugar destroyer") Nigella Sativa ("black cumin") Sulforaphane (especially concentrated in broccoli sprouts) [view the first-hand biomedical citations on the Beta Cell Regeneration research page] Hormone Regeneration – there are secretagogues , which increase the endocrine glands' ability to secrete more hormone, and there are substances that truly regenerate hormones which have degraded (by emitting electrons) into potentially carcinogenic "transient hormone" metabolites. One of these substances is vitamin C . A powerful electron donor, this vitamin has the ability to contribute electrons to resurrect the form and function of estradiol (estrogen; E2), progesterone, testosterone, for instance. [2] In tandem with foods that are able to support the function of glands , such as the ovaries, vitamin C may represent an excellent complement or alternative to hormone replacement therapy. Cardiac Cell Regeneration – Not too long ago, it was believed that cardiac tissue was uniquely incapable of being regenerated. A new, but rapidly growing body of experimental research now indicates that this is simply not true, and there is a class of heart-tissue regenerating compounds known as neocardiogenic substances. Neocardiogenic substances are able to stimulate the formation of cardiac progenitor cells which can differentiate into healthy heart tissue, and they include the following: Resveratrol Geum Japonicum N-acetyl-cysteine Another remarkable example of cardiac cell regeneration is through what is known as fetomaternal trafficking of stem cells through the placenta. In a recent article we discussed the amazing process known as " fetal microchimerism " by which the fetus contributes stem cells to the mother which are capable of regenerating her damaged heart cells, and possibly a wide range of other cell types. Cartilage/Joint/Spine Regeneration – Curcumin and resveratrol have been shown to improve recovery from spinal cord injury. Over a dozen other natural compounds hold promise in this area, which can be viewed on our Spinal Cord Injury page. As far as degenerative joint disease, i.e. osteoarthritis, there are a broad range of potentially regenerative substances, with 50 listed on our osteoarthritis research page. Ultimately, regenerative medicine threatens to undermine the very economic infrastructure that props up the modern, drug-based and quite candidly degenerative medical system. Symptom suppression is profitable because it guarantees both the perpetuation of the original underlying disease, and the generation of an ever-expanding array of additional, treatment-induced symptoms. This is the non-sustainable, infinite growth model which shares features characteristic of the process of cancer itself - a model, which by its very nature, is doomed to fail and eventually collapse. Cultivating diets, lifestyles and attitudes conducive to bodily regeneration can interrupt this pathological circuit, and help us to attain the bodily freedom that is a precondition for the liberation of the human soul and spirit, as well. [1] NT-020, a natural therapeutic approach to optimize spatial memory performance and increase neural progenitor cell proliferation and decrease inflammation in the aged rat. Rejuvenation Res. 2010 Jun 29. Epub 2010 Jun 29. PMID: 20586644 [2] Photo-induced regeneration of hormones by electron transfer processes: Potential biological and medical consequences. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993. Updated 2011 Aug ;80(8):890-894. PMID: 21814301	i don't know
Chicken Pox is mainly contracted from contact with?	Chickenpox \| Transmission \| Varicella \| CDC Transmission Español: Transmisión "Chickenpox Parties"—Don't Take the Chance "Chickenpox parties" have been held to intentionally expose a child with chickenpox to other children in hopes that they will get the disease. Chickenpox can be serious, especially for infants and even for some children. So, it is not worth taking the chance of exposing them to chickenpox. The best way to protect infants and children against chickenpox is to get them vaccinated. Read more about the chickenpox vaccine . Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, who are not protected against chickenpox and cannot be vaccinated, are more likely to get a serious case of chickenpox. They should stay away from people with chickenpox and should not go to chickenpox parties. Chickenpox is a very contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The virus spreads easily from people with chickenpox to others who have never had the disease or been vaccinated. The virus spreads mainly by touching or breathing in the virus particles that come from chickenpox blisters, and possibly through tiny droplets from infected people that get into the air after they breathe or talk, for example. The Varicella-zoster virus also causes shingles. Chickenpox can be spread from people with shingles to others who have never had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine. This can happen if a person touches or breathes in virus from shingles blisters. In these cases, a person might develop chickenpox, not shingles. For more information about shingles, see Transmission . When Is a Person Contagious? A person with chickenpox can spread the disease from 1 to 2 days before they get the rash until all their chickenpox blisters have formed scabs (usually 5-7 days). It takes about 2 weeks (from 10 to 21 days) after exposure to a person with chickenpox or shingles for someone to develop chickenpox. If a person vaccinated for chickenpox gets the disease, they can still spread it to others. For most people, getting chickenpox once provides immunity for life. However, for a few people, they can get chickenpox more than once, although this is not common. For information about how to prevent chickenpox, see Prevention & Treatment .	Child
Which country has (early 2000s) the highest AIDS infection rate in the world?	Chickenpox Contact and Pregnancy \| Health \| Patient Chickenpox Contact and Pregnancy 149 Most adults in the UK have had chickenpox as a child, and so are immune to it. However, about 3 in 1,000 pregnant women develop chickenpox. If you have chickenpox when pregnant, you are likely to make a full recovery. However, serious complications occur in a small number of cases. If you are pregnant and have not had chickenpox in the past (or are not sure), and come into contact with somebody with chickenpox or shingles, see a doctor as soon as possible. If you are not immune you can be given treatment which may reduce the risk to you and your baby. If you develop chickenpox whilst pregnant, see a doctor immediately for advice on treatment. This leaflet is part of our series on chickenpox Chickenpox contact and pregnancy What are chickenpox and shingles? Chickenpox and shingles are infections which are caused by the varicella-zoster virus. When you have chickenpox, your immune system makes proteins called antibodies . These fight the virus and then provide lifelong protection against it (immunity). Most people are then immune from further chickenpox infection for the rest of their lives. Occasionally some people do not develop enough antibodies that first time and may catch it again. After having chickenpox, the virus remains in your body, not causing any harm (dormant). It can sometimes reappear later in life to cause a rash in just one part of your body, called shingles. About 9 people out of 10 have chickenpox as a child. It occurs in a small number of adults who missed it as a child. If you get chickenpox as an adult, the illness is usually more severe than in children, and complications are more common, particularly if you are pregnant. There are other separate leaflets called Chickenpox in Children under 12 , Chickenpox in Adults and Teenagers and Shingles (Herpes Zoster) which give details of these diseases. This leaflet is primarily intended for pregnant women who may have come into contact with someone who has chickenpox or shingles. What does 'contact with chickenpox or shingles' mean? Chickenpox A person with chickenpox is very infectious. The virus spreads in the air from person to person. For example, if you have not already had chickenpox, you stand a good chance of catching it if: You are in the same room as someone with chickenpox for more than 15 minutes; or You have any face-to-face contact with someone with chickenpox, such as a conversation. Nine in ten people who have not had chickenpox would catch it after being exposed in this way. Chickenpox is infectious from two days before the spots first appear until they have all crusted over. This is commonly about five days after the spots appear. So, for example, if you talked to someone yesterday who developed the chickenpox rash today, you are at risk of developing chickenpox if you are not immune. Shingles Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox. It is infectious from when the rash appears until all the affected areas have crusts on them. Unlike chickenpox, a person with shingles does not cough the virus out. The virus is just shed from the rash. Most people with shingles have a rash on their chest or tummy (abdomen) and it is usually covered by clothes or dressings. Therefore, you are not likely to catch chickenpox from someone with shingles if their rash is covered. Some people have shingles on exposed skin such as the face which will be more infectious than if the rash is covered. Also, someone who has shingles and has a poor immune system (for example, someone on chemotherapy who has shingles) sheds much more virus than normal. Even if their rash is covered, they can be considered as infectious as someone with uncovered shingles. Therefore, it is difficult to give definite rules about contact with someone with shingles. If in doubt, discuss any contact with your doctor. Note: you can catch chickenpox from being exposed to the rash of a person with shingles if you have not had chickenpox yourself. However, you cannot catch shingles from a person with chickenpox, or catch shingles from a person with shingles. Read more blog posts I am pregnant and have been in contact with chickenpox or shingles If you have had chickenpox in the past, you are likely to be immune. You are less likely to be at risk. You do not need to worry or do anything, but may want to discuss this with your doctor or midwife. About 9 in 10 pregnant women have already had chickenpox as a child and are likely to be immune. If you have not had chickenpox, or are not sure, see a doctor urgently. A blood test may be advised to detect antibodies to see if you are immune. About 1 in 10 pregnant women have not previously had chickenpox and are not immune. See all Wellbeing What can I do if I have no antibodies? You can be given an injection called immunoglobulin which contains antibodies to the chickenpox virus. This may prevent chickenpox from developing, or make it a much less serious infection if it does develop. It is best to have the immunoglobulin injection within four days of coming into contact with the virus. However, there may be some protection even if you are given immunoglobulin up to 10 days after contact with the virus. (It takes between 7 and 21 days (most commonly 10-14 days) for the chickenpox illness to develop after coming in contact with an infected person. This is the incubation period.) Why is it important to avoid chickenpox during pregnancy? For the mother Chickenpox is typically an unpleasant illness when you are pregnant, even without complications. It tends to be much more severe than the illness children get. In addition, about 1 in 10 pregnant women with chickenpox develop inflamed lungs (pneumonia) . This is sometimes serious. About 1 in 100 pregnant women who develop chickenpox-related pneumonia die of this serious infection. Brain inflammation (encephalitis) and ataxia (problems with co-ordination of movements) are uncommon but very serious complications. Vary rarely, other serious complications develop. For example: inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) , inflammation of the kidneys (glomerulonephritis) , appendicitis , inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) , inflammation of the joints (arthritis), and inflammation of various parts of the eye. For the unborn baby There is a small chance of the baby developing a condition called fetal varicella syndrome (FVS). This can cause the baby to be born with serious abnormalities. These include: Scarring of the skin Arms and legs which haven't grown normally Problems with brain development. FVS is very rare, fortunately. The chances of your baby getting it if you had chickenpox in pregnancy are as follows: If you have chickenpox within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy there is about a 1 in 200 chance of the baby developing FVS. If you have chickenpox between 13 and 20 weeks of pregnancy there is about a 1 in 50 chance of the baby developing FVS. If you have chickenpox after 20 weeks, the risk of the baby developing FVS is very low, with no reported cases in women who developed chickenpox after 28 weeks of pregnancy. If you have chickenpox within seven days before or after giving birth, your newborn baby may develop a severe form of chickenpox. Some newborn babies who develop chickenpox die from the infection. This is the most dangerous time for babies, but there is an immunisation to help stop this happening. If a pregnant woman develops chickenpox, it is possible for the baby inside her womb to catch it before they are born. Babies who had chickenpox in this way can develop shingles at some point in their lives. This is a reactivation of the virus they caught whilst in their mother's womb. What if I develop chickenpox when I am pregnant? Most pregnant women who have chickenpox recover fully and their babies are fine. However, as discussed above, the illness tends to be unpleasant and there is some risk of complications. In short: See a doctor urgently if you suspect that you have chickenpox when you are pregnant, or within seven days of giving birth. If you do develop chickenpox, you (and your baby if newborn) should be reviewed daily. You may need a hospital assessment if you have lung disease, are a smoker, or are taking treatment which affects your immune system (such as steroids). If you have any of the following, see a doctor immediately, as you may need treatment in hospital: Severe spots (a severe rash). A bleeding rash. Being sick (vomiting). Bleeding from your vagina. Antiviral medication, such as aciclovir , is an option to treat chickenpox. To be of benefit, it must be started within 24 hours of the rash first appearing. It does not cure the illness, but tends to make it less severe. It may help to prevent complications developing in mother and baby (described above). This would be advised by a specialist in hospital. You are likely to be referred for a detailed ultrasound scan at 16-20 weeks of the pregnancy, or five weeks after the infection has cleared if the infection was later on in the pregnancy. The aim of this is to look for signs of fetal varicella syndrome. If you develop chickenpox within seven days before or after the birth of your baby, the baby can be given immunoglobulin treatment (described above). This aims to prevent chickenpox developing in the baby. Newborn babies who do develop chickenpox despite this may be treated with antiviral medicines by specialists in hospital. Avoid other pregnant women and newborn babies until all the spots have crusted over (commonly about 5-6 days after onset of the rash). Can I be immunised against chickenpox? There is an effective vaccine that protects against the virus that causes chickenpox. Immunisation with this vaccine is offered to healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, etc) who have not previously had chickenpox and so are not immune and may catch chickenpox. If you are not sure if you have had chickenpox, a blood test can check if you have previously had it. (About 1 adult in 10 has not had chickenpox as a child.) Non-immune healthcare workers should consider being immunised before getting pregnant. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists also recommends that immunisation against chickenpox should be considered by all non-immune women before they become pregnant, or soon after they give birth.	i don't know

Subsets and Splits

No community queries yet

The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.