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Europe faces an interesting set of immigration challenges and opportunities: Demographic pressures as many European societies age, a lively and at times tense policy and political debate over questions of identity and immigrant integration, and a unique policy environment that has knit 28 European countries together with regards to the management of outer borders, asylum, and other immigration-related topics. MPI has long conducted research and analysis of European policy on topics ranging from labor mobility and border security to immigrant integration, citizenship, and foreign qualifications recognition, which can be found below.
Recent surges in the arrival of unauthorized migrants with possible humanitarian claims have prompted the United States and the European Union to consider in-country and offshore processing for some refugee and asylum applications. As this article explores, some of the questions raised about the feasibility of such programs include their consistency with humanitarian law and their effectiveness in reducing unwanted entries.
The search yielded 0 results


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A couple years ago, I read this story in a magazine. A young man was learning to be a paratrooper. Before his first jump, he was given these instructions:
1. Jump when you are told.
2. Count to 10 and pull the ripcord.
3. In the unlikely event that your parachute doesn't open pull the emergency ripcord.
FG_AUTHORS: via Fort Gordon PAO
Read more http://www.ftgordonsignal.com/news/2014-02-28/Chaplain's_News/When_we_are_grateful.html

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Speaker placement can be hard enough without worrying about wire lengths and fishing through walls. Dynaudio plans to make speakers a lot easier, with the introduction of its new Xeo line.
The Xeo line includes two models: the compact Xeo 3 bookshelf monitor and the slim Xeo 5 floor-standing speaker. Both are completely wireless, and include a remote for easy operation.
According to Dynaudio, both can also deliver audio playback with full CD resolution—meaning high-end quality with no compression.
Each model packs in 27mm soft dome tweeters and 14.5cm long-throw mid/woofers with Dynaudio's propretary MSP (Magnesium Silicate Polymer) cones. No speaker cables, D/A converters, amps, software or IP addresses are needed.
Of course, one wire is needed—to connect the Xeo speaker to an outlet. Also, you'll need to connect the Xeo Transmitter to a sound source. From there, the Xeo 3 and Xeo 5 loudspeakers receive the music signal digitally from transmitter, and process the signal digitally until amplification. Dynaudio says that the Transmitter can send at full CD resolution, up to 16 bit/48 kHz and can even support up to 24 bit/48 kHz.
"With the Xeo, Dynaudio aims to bring the high performance sound that the audiophile market requires in line with today's demands of a wider audience who is interested in intelligent designs, the latest technologies and a simple and convenient platform to listen to music in higher sound quality," says Wilfried Ehrenholz, Dynaudio's CEO. "First and foremost, Xeo is wireless audio. But it is wireless high end, which means Xeo is also a true Dynaudio."
Depending on the room shape and characteristics, one Transmitter can deliver the signal up to 100 meters. That included remote allows users to power speakers on and off, flip between sources on three available inputs, and adjust volume.
Dynaudio will start shipping the Xeo models in March. The Xeo 3 can be purchased in a package with two speakers, one Transmitter and the remote, for $2,300. Extra Xeo 3 speakers are available, with the remote only, for $1,950 per pair. The Xeo 5 package is $4,500, or you can buy those without the transmitter for $4,150 per pair. The Transmitter will also be available as a stand-alone item, for $350 each.
Follow Electronic House on Facebook and Twitter.
Check out our recommendations for the season's best new TVs for home theater, living room or anywhere.
Home automation system helps wounded war veteran live more comfortably.
Check out our recommendations for the season's best new TVs for home theater, living room or anywhere.


text:
Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Online Reservations
Combining elegance and modern luxury, the Avenue Lounge is perfect for cocktail receptions and networking events. The semi private raised fireplace is perfect for more intimate get-togethers, where guests can enjoy the lounge ambiance and warm themselves next to the wood fire.
Located on the 2nd floor, the Private Dining Room is an ideal location for all events from intimate dinners for 12, right up to rehearsal dinners for 40 or cocktail receptions for up to 75.
This striking space is highlighted by huge skylights by day and lit with soft candlelight by night.


text:
Home > Competitive > Special Season > $100,000 Tournament Series > September Championship > Skill Usage
The charts below provide skill usage data for each game of the September 2007 Tournament Championship. Each chart shows the team rosters with each player's skills. "Executes" are successful skill uses while "Fizzles" are skill attempts that failed (for example, due to interruption, canceling, or going into recharge).
All facts are only for Quarter Finals, Semi Finals, and Finals. Playoff matches are not included.
Interesting Facts
Skill Usage Charts


text:
- Get Back on the Attack!
$29.99Free with:
30CLUB LAX Points
Go on the offensive with this striking Attack Jersey from Yale! This v-neck jersey is tough, cool and comfortable to is sure to have your back when you're on the attack!
100% polyester. Imported.
Lamentamos que todavia no hay descripción en español para este producto.


text:
Telephone Line
Tel: 012 548 7425 is not operational.
Telkom is more than 3 months overdue
moving our line.
Here at Executool is was for the past
16 Years our passion to offer only the BEST
power tool brands and solutions to our customers. Nothing
changed, it is still our motto! We are currently working
hard to go even further by improving
on a number of processes and procedures making your
shopping experience easier and more comfortable.
All our registered customers will be notified by email
once we launch our new platform. A very BIG
Thank You for your continued support!


text:
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Help save water, energy and money with this ENERGY STAR qualified and CEE Tier III washer. Eco cycle provides excellent cleaning on the Heavy Duty setting while using even less water energy. Wash up to 16 pairs of jeans in a single load. TumbleFresh option helps keep clean clothes fresh with intermittent tumbling after the cycle completes and reduce the growth of odorcausing bacteria while helping to preventing wrinkles from setting in.
Magento Website Design | The Unleaded Group
© 2011


text:
Finding your true love on an online dating is best option for the busy single. Whether you are looking for a friend, long term relationship or marriage our web site allows you to find that special someone. Find Manchester romance can be fun and easy with matchmaker search and communication features.
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A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop osteoarthritis with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing osteoarthritis. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.
You have an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis if you have or have had:
- Past injury to a joint
- Previous surgery to the joint
- History of infection in a joint
- Inherited abnormalities of the joint
- Weakness of muscles around a joint
- Acromegaly (a pituitary disorder)
- Paget's disease of bone
Increasing age puts you at increased risk for osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is more common in women than in men.
Osteoarthritis tends to run in families.
You are more likely to develop osteoarthritis if you:
- Are overweight or obese—risk of osteoporosis increases with increasing body weight
- Work at a job or participate intensely in an athletic pursuit that requires a lot of lifting, squatting, or repetitive joint use
Revision Information
- Reviewer: Michael Woods, MD
- Review Date: 05/2014 -
- Update Date: 09/03/2014 -


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Campus Ministries
It is easy for anyone to get stuck living in the 'bubble' of a college community and not bother to realize what they are missing out on outside the campus. Campus Ministries can be life lines to the outside for the students of AU. Campus Ministries relationships are fostered through: developing spiritual discipline; modeling peace, love, justice and reconciliation locally as well as globally; the pursuit of thoughtful and informed faith; committing to a lifestyle of service; and engaging in a local community of believers.
During the 2010-11 school year 327 students volunteered with Campus Ministries totaling 3,340 hours of service. When including other service groups on campus outside of the Campus Ministries such as TRI-S and Operation Foundation, there were 1,339 AU students who served their greater community last year a total of 13,325 hours of service.
The Director of Campus Ministries, Stuart Erny, says that each ministry is led by a student coordinator that has a special passion for their ministry. Senior Rachael Huddy, student coordinator of Advocacy and Awareness said, "I came to college in hopes of learning and growing scholastically but also mentally and emotionally. I was challenged intellectually through A+A as well as provoked to look inside myself and see where I stood on significant moral and ethical issues. It was comforting to know that this group of people, regardless of age, was experiencing the same thing." Huddy goes on to say, "This world is much smaller and interconnected than we realize, and building community with your neighbor may lead you to the position of doing that across the world as well. Jesus speaks about loving the widows and the orphans and lifting up the oppressed; that is what our ministry, along with the other campus ministries, intends to do."
Junior Raleigh Bronte, student coordinator of Christian Center Rescue Mission says, "If I am honest, I originally went into the ministry with the terrible mindset that it was my responsibility to care for these people because they obviously needed my help. Our relationship was almost a 'you need me because I have things you don't have' in my eyes. Thankfully, that is no longer the case. I have genuine friendships with the men of the center and my original mentality has been completely shattered. Instead, I see myself as walking along beside them in the pursuit of a loving God."
The following are 12 ways that students can become involved with Campus Ministries. For more information students should contact the student coordinator of the ministry in which they are interested.
Advocacy and Awareness
Advocacy and Awareness exists to sound a call for justice and compassion in a world of injustice and suffering. "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
–Martin Luther King, Jr.
(Rachael Huddy, Student Coordinator)
AU- East Africa
AU's response to the global AIDS pandemic, AUEA exists to establish and grow relationships of mutual support between AU and communities in East Africa. It includes the AUEA Ambassador program and the AUEA Underclassmen Leadership Trip as well as several other initiatives. More info at www.anderson.edu/au-eastafrica.
(Hannah Monroe, Student Coordinator)
Christian Center Rescue Mission
Encounter Christ as you serve among the homeless in Anderson.
(Raleigh Bronte, Student Coordinator)
Generation to Generation
Visit residents of Anderson nursing homes and help end the isolation and loneliness that the elderly often feel.
(Ricci Warwick, Student Coordinator)
Lunch Buddies
Share lunch with an at-risk child at a local elementary school each week. Make a new friend and bring encouragement and support along the way.
(Bryan Burkle, Student Coordinator)
Bridge the gap between the campus and the city of Anderson by developing relationships with those living in neighborhoods adjacent to our campus through conversation, service and prayer.
(Chris Stepp, Student Coordinator)
Park Place Community Center
This outreach (led by Park Place Church of God) works alongside individuals in neighborhoods adjacent to campus to provide a holistic, relational-based community center that includes an "After-School Fun" program for children, a food pantry, and a host of other community-empowerment resources.
(Daniel Kelsey, Student Coordinator)
Prayer Ministry
The prayer ministry offers a chance to experience the reality and power of prayer with other students through workshops and prayer groups. The prayer ministry also oversees the Prayer Room, located in the Morrison House basement, which is open to all.
(Claire Brown, Student Coordinator)
Prison Ministry
Share an hour a week with juvenile inmates at local detention centers, building relationships of mutual challenge and encouragement.
(Ben Herrick and Meredith Tarplee, Student Coordinators)
Study Buddies
Be a friend and academic tutor to children at local shelters and after school programs.
(Carmen Oswalt, Student Coordinator)
*Pictured below are the 2011-12 Student Coordinators
and Stuart Erny, Director of Campus Ministries
(front row in yellow shirt)
Vision Revision
Vision Revision brings to campus artists, workshops, concerts, art shows and a week of chapels that will encourage the imagination and the arts as avenues through which to see life, faith and God from new perspectives.
(Katie Price, Student Coordinator)
Work Projects
Spend part of a Saturday meeting real needs through projects like building a wheelchair ramp, cleaning an inner-city mission, or fixing a house in need of repair.
(Kierstin Schalliol, Student Coordinator)
-Article by Kristyn Rhynard, Senior Mass Communications Major at Anderson University


text:
Cancun Floral Pillow Cover
Act fast! Items with prices ending in $0.99 are final sale.
No longer available
Paint the town floral. Based on an original watercolor painting, this Cancun Floral Pillow Cover is printed on soft and airy cotton. The vibrant design adds a dose of summertime charm to your favorite sofa, bed or seat.
100% cotton in Stone / Pink.
Accommodates a 20"sq Pillow Insert (sold separately).
Button closure.
Dry clean.


text:
west elm offers modern furniture and home decor featuring inspiring designs and colors. Create a stylish space with home accessories from west elm.
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text: Our Add-A-Pockets are your link to organization. Made from silver nylon mesh, these pockets are exceptionally durable and hook together with grommet & latch hardware. They're just the thing for collecting and sorting papers, mail, folders, magazines or small toys. Hang them on an overdoor hook (included) or a Professional Picture Hanger (shown, listed below).


text:
Alex: wow -looks at the sky then looks at you- thats cool
Heizu: When I was younger I was not all too good at making friends so I spent time with astrologist and such.... But I didn't need to tell you that since you already knew...-
Alex: Actually I didn't I thought the stars were actually like dragon's fire that are still traveling the night sky
Heizu: well I guess we will never know or at least we will die before its discovered.....- sighs- peace is nice...-
Alex: yea its nice. -looks at him-
Heizu:.....- nods and glances at Alex- ..... Scanning the sky-
Alex: -looks at the sky- hey question wanna walk around or take a flight?
Heizu: walk my dragon is asleep..- stands up-
my dragon is flying around but we can walk if you want
Heizu: I have not walked much since we got dragons... Do you mind?-
Yea come on -walks with him-
Heizu: what did you want to talk about...?-
(be back in a few hours ok)
Alex: oh I just want to know if you were ok
Heizu:....More or less i am fine........ a whole lot has been on my mind....
(Back for a few minutes)
Really? Like what?
(ok then)
Heizu: well like how our view of dragins has changed so drastically
Yea, ...though I know its strange and weird how a girl changed it all. Most of the teens and kids around here don't like the fact I am the leader on how to communicate, interact and other things with dragons. -sighs- sorry I should stop talking
Heizu: no I think your a great leader you just have troubled kids...-
Alex: Really? Wow....your actually the only one that actually thinks that.
Heizu: ........ Can you prove that-smiles-.... Even if they all think your terrible which I doubt they do a good teacher is a good teacher no matter what anybody says thinks or does you just need to beleive in yourself otherwise you will get nowhere..-
heh I swear you sound more teacher than me heizu. -looks at him and smiles-
Heizu: Nah - smiles a little brighter- everybody else is scared of me because I am the mist child also the younger kids think I am scary and a hellspawn..........also I get nervous around other so I tend to not talk as much....-
Alex: heh, you almost sound likeme. No one knows alot about me the only things they do know are that I train dragons, My name, My age and thats it
Heizu: we are similar.... But then again I don't even remember my real age... I am sure you remember when I came to berk right.... Theere was a light mist.... And that's all I remember....- sighs- so how do you like your dragon-
Alex: I remember because I was the first one to lead you to the others remember that part. A dark figure in the mist lead you to the village. I like silver night, he is a faithful dragon and is protective.
Forum Rules


text:
Sedu Revolution Diamond Styling Iron
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text:
Our Churches
Find out more about the churches in our community.
Like to get married in one of our parish churches? more.
If you'd like to baptise your child please click here.
Find out how we can help you with a funeral here.
We would love to welcome you into our community.
Find out more about the churches in our community.
Full details of all our Services can be found under service information and events can be found on the calendar
Do join us for our next Service on Sunday 21st September at 9.30 in St Paul's Church Hall.
Have a question about any of our services, or groups? Contact us.
The West Dartmoor Mission Community comprises six parishes with seven places of worship: Saint Peter's Meavy, Saint Leonard's Sheepstor, Saint Mary the Virgin Walkhampton, Saint Paul's Yelverton, Princetown United Church, Horrabridge United Church and St Mary's, Sampford Spiney.
Almighty and Eternal God,
Who created us in your own image
And gave us the will to seek after all that is good, true & beautiful,
Especially in the person of Our Lord Jesus Christ:
We give you thanks for the freedom of communication.
Grant, we pray you, that through our journeys in this website
We may be led to charity, prayer, patience
And greater understanding of each other
And that we may discern more closely
Your will for your pilgrims here on earth.
To the glory of the Word made Flesh. Amen.
A resume of each person who lost their life in our Benefice has been produced. Go to each...
Read more
Greetings from McLaren Vale, South Australia. Thank you for your prayers. I have received...
Read more
Please come along to Princetown United Church's Fund Raising evening on Saturday 18th...
Read more
Click here to see the September Newsletter from the Bishop of Thika.If you remember...
Read more


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Ebony broad in fishnets hangs her jumbo bongos over a corset while she guzzles a thick knob.
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Teaching in Birmingham
This page is known as: www.birmingham.gov.uk/teachers
With over a million people, over 400 schools and 180,000 pupils Birmingham is the largest urban local authority in the UK. We're also one of the youngest, and one of the most diverse – both in the population we serve, and in the variety of our schools. In a city this size we face some pretty big challenges too, but we're proud of our reputation for innovation and being at the cutting edge of education practice. We're proud too of our students' achievements, the best of all the big English cities.
Please see the School Vacancies Section for links to all of the current vacancies.
The Birmingham NQT Pool for 2014 is now closed.


text:
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Our Favorite Garden Crafting Ideas
By: The Editors of FaveCrafts.com
We are adding the craft to your Craft Projects.
The project was added to your Craft Projects.
Click here to view your Craft Projects.
Crafts for the garden are a great way to decorate your home while still going green. Why not make something useful by using your garden plants for crafts? We have included everything from our favorite garden pot to the ultimate gardening gift. There are even some easy garden crafts for kids so you can make a family project out of these garden crafts. Check out these how-to garden crafts for some fun crafting ideas this summer!
Table of Contents
Stamp the perfect gifts for a gardener using vegetables and Tulip® 3D Fashion Paint™!
Designed and decorated by Cheryl Ball
1. Cover work surface with trash bag. Wet apron, tote and fabric then wring dry. If desired, use spin cycle of washer. Place on work surface and crumple following tie-dye instruction sheet.
2. Wearing gloves from kit, fill Lime dye bottle with water then shake until thoroughly mixed. Squeeze dye on apron, tote and fabric, turning and squeezing fabric to desired look. Cover with plastic and let stand 4-6 hours. Fill washer with full load of water and a small amount of laundry soap. Wash pieces then dry in dryer or line dry. Iron smooth.
3. Place tote and apron on work surface. Cut vegetable in half lengthwise as straight as possible. Place cut side down on several layers of paper towel to remove excess moisture.
4. Squeeze a puddle of 3-D Paint on foil. Tap flat end of sponge into paint then pounce an even coat on vegetable. Immediately stamp where desired. Hold vegetable in one hand then slip other hand under fabric and press from behind, this will ensure good detail. Stamp vegetables with the following colors: Onion – Stamp White detail with Gold Metallic. Beet - Stamp and detail with True Red and Leaf Green. Lettuce - Stamp with Crab Apple and Leaf Green detail with Leaf Green. Asparagus - Stamp and detail with Leaf Green. Bell Pepper - Stamp and detail with True Red, Orange and Leaf Green. Carrot - Stamp with Orange detail with Orange and Leaf Green. Artichoke - Stamp and detail with Leaf Green. Jalapeño Pepper - Stamp with Orange, True Red detail with True Red, Orange and Leaf Green. Let dry.
5. Shoes: Use Orange to create carrot then use Leaf Green for leaves. Add equally spaced Black squares along top edge.
6. Use chalk to lightly draw on desired lettering. Fill in with Black and let dry. Add squares of Black along top edge of pocket and apron. Let dry.
7. Tote: Repeat steps for stamping vegetables then use white chalk to lightly draw on words. Add Black to words and wide stripes along top edge. Let dry.
8. Garden Stakes: Stamp and detail desired vegetables on dyed fabric. Determine size then cut edges with pinking shears. Cut cardboard slightly smaller than fabric piece. Apply a thin even coat of adhesive to back of fabric. Press onto cardboard then smooth fabric to adhere. Glue dowel to back and let dry.
Our Favorite Flower Pot: Chalk Paint Garden Pots
By: Tiffany Windsor for Inspired at Home
Spruce up garden pots in minutes with a coat of chalkboard paint, compliments of Tiffany Windsor of Inspired at Home. These make quick and easy Mother's Day gifts or hostess gifts. Say "Happy Birthday" or "Thanks" with a bit of chalk.
Use tape to block off any areas that you do not want painted. When using the spray, I use paper towels and tape to block off any larger areas that I do not want oversprayed. Following label directions, spray pot with chalkboard paint. Let each coat dry completely. Let set 24 hours. Rub entire surface of paint with chalk and wipe off. Then you're ready to write any message. Change it up whenever you like!
Tiffany's Designer Tips: I make these up by the dozen so that they are ready for any occasion. Since you can change the message, you can personalize them for any gift giving. Want to have some real colorful fun? Brush-on chalk paint is available in a variety of colors like red, pink and blue! What fun you and the kids will have making these pots!
More Decorative Garden Crafts:
Courtesy of Arnold Grummer's
'Seed Paper' is paper you make with seeds in it. Plant the paper, watch it grow into flowers!
* Arnold Grummer's Seed Paper Flowers Activity Set
Location, Location, Location!
Appearances Count
Get the Kids Involved
Stay Organized
For more great garden crafts, click here for our garden crafts eBook!
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How can you pack a big personality into a tiny form? The woman to ask is Purr because she has cracked the secret of doing just that.
She is the smallest of our models at 146cm (4'9") and that suits her style. She has made herself an intriguing mix of Tokyo manga and LA laid-back. This Bangkok 23 year old is truly international.
It's best not to mess with Purr. She may look all kittenish with her big blue eyes set in a baby face. But she can make sure she asserts herself when she needs to. She is studying hotel management and is happy to give a warm welcome. But in her book the customer is not always right. If you rub her up the wrong way there could be trouble. She is a girl who can look after herself.
|wheeler United States
oh yes! been way too long since we've seen this little bundle of joy! more please!
|Pog Thailand
Please ask purr to join the web cam girls
|Akerfeldt Mexico
Sorry but I don't enjoy this model at all =S too different from your other models and a lot of grades below them...
|Lovemuscle New Zealand
Purr Wow! Amazingly hot! Please make a film of her masterbating with only her fingers.
|meonhere United Kingdom
The day after Maybe it's just me but I'm not a fan of photosets where the model has this look about her. I'm talking about bloodshot eyes and looking for all the world as if the shoot was done after a late night's partying. She looks tired and as if she would rather be sleeping that hangover off. I don't like it.
|wheeler United States
still love this little lady! :)
|Sam C United States
I like to see Purr in this pose, but this gallery is too repetitive, no need to save more than 6 to 8 pictures. Watching Purr play with herself into an explosive orgasm would be an excellent video; Peter missed the proverbial golden opportunity.
|Pixie United Kingdom
Purr-fect I love this girl.The best petite, sexy, exotic model on the site in my opinion, bar none! - I like everything about this young lady, her short hair, her lovely eyes, hard nipples, bare feet and shaved pussy. We need a video of her masturbating please.
|willypete United States
Wow, love seeing Purr's excitement.
|Laurie United Kingdom
creme de la creme The Purrfect hors d'oeuvre, simply delicious...
|Pixie United Kingdom
Another lovely set - and Purr appears to be cumming in a few of these shots? Would love to see a video / film of her masturbating please?
|pukkie United Kingdom
Purr Beautiful Body Another beautiful set. Purr is purrfect in every way. Beautiful breast with lovely rock hard nipples, and a beautiful cum soaked pussie. Purr must always be highly turned on doing these shots. Love to see Purr in a video having a nice sexual massage being done by a beautiful naked masseuse.
|Max Australia
Absolutely Stunning Purr is gorgeous, small, feminine, beautifull skin, lovely facial expressions ... yes definately need a film .. please, please, please
|Maurice France
Très jolie Purr Purr est très belle,elle a un jolie visage et un corps magnifique,quand je regarde ses photos je suis comme dans un rève.
|Laurie United Kingdom
Purrfect Pout Imagine the musky scent of her engorged vulva arousing your senses, the taste of her sultry sex as your mouth swallows her sticky sensuousness. Your tongue seeking ever deeper decadent pleasures...
|Big Al United States
Most explicit Purr gallery yet! I like to look at Purr posing this way. And I have a fondness for exotic East Asian ladies.
|Variable-43 United States
The glistening of her greasy bottom hole is quite alluring...
|pixie United Kingdom
I love this set of Purr. Her pussy is a welcome sight indeed! More please and soon.
|wheeler United States
naked wet purr...what could be better??? only a video!!! looks like she got a little chill there on pic #53!
|Pixie United Kingdom
More Purr please!
|pukkie United Kingdom
Purr Beautiful Body I am so in love with Purr. Such a beautiful body. Beautiful breast and stand hard nipples. Hope that there will be a video of her soon.
|Laurie United Kingdom
Fucking Purrfect I would love to nibble her exquisite nipples...
|wheeler United States
lovely views...front and back
|pukkie United Kingdom
Purr Beautiful Body Purr has a fantastic body. She has superb breast and lovely hard nipples. I can dream about Purr 24 hours a day. Hope purr is going to be in a video soon. Love to see her make one where she has her nipples teased all the time. I am certainly purring.
|Pixie United Kingdom
I concur with all pukkie's comments. Plus I would add Purr's feet and bottom are also superb. This girl is my fav!
|Jwjeffrey United States
Purr I would love to see some nipple play between Valerie and Purr
|wheeler United States
I just cant get enough of this little bundle of sexiness!!! looks like she was having a good time!lol
|Pixie United Kingdom
Another lovely set set - you could hang your coat on this girl's nipples!
|flashblack Australia
Purr what a beautiful arse
|Byron1820 Australia
RE: Photo number 10 Really lovely shot - just the 10% of that lovely shaved pussy to tantalise . . . very sexy indeed; she has the most ravishing little body!
|wheeler United States
this sexy kitty definitely makes me purr! :P
|Pixe United Kingdom
Dare I say it - this could well be the best Purr set yet? Especially like the shots of her gently holding her buttocks open so we can see her delectable anus. I can't get enough of this petite, exotic young lady. Please, please can we had a video /film and soon?
|wheeler United States
lovin this little cutie more and more! dying to see her on video!!!
|pixie United Kingdom
Another great Purr set! - More please + a video of this lovely.
|geert Germany
Purr ansicht Hallo Purr, herrlich deine saftige Möse. weiter so geil.
|Batka Mongolia
asian diamond She is so cute. Just asian diamond.
|Pixie United Kingdom
Another lovely set of this very special girl with those striking eyes. When will get a video / film of Purr? She is now one of my favs!
|wheeler United States
cant get enough of this little cutey!!!
|Pixie United Kingdom
I love this girl. Her hard nipples, the soles of her bare feet, her anus and her shaved pussy are 'purrfect'! More please and soon. Plus, can we have a video / film of her in action?
|Max Australia
Fantastic The choice of the curved lounge is genius, it accents and mimics her fantastic curves. Just simply a beautiful girl and a well orchestrated set. More please.
|wheeler United States
PURRRRR... indeed!!! cant get enough of this little cuty! (I'm waiting for the title of this set to spark some jokes from your audience!lol)
|Guest United States
Purr BangKok in the city! can't get enough of this cutie :)
|Pixie United Kingdom
Love this girls' bare feet, love her hard nipples, love her shaved pussy. Please, please can we have a video film of her to enjoy?
|ktz Switzerland
Purr super woman, more pictures of Purr. Peter please more more asia girls.
|Big Swede Sweden
Nope It's too much asian now. And please give us some other guys...same same
|sandy United Kingdom
a Purrrfect choice!! Purr would be a purrfect choice for a multi orgasmic massage preferably in the gyno chair. Wow the possibilities are endless, I can't get this cuty out of my mind along with Noody
|wheeler United States
love this sexy kitten more every time! thank you for a nice look at your fine rear end!
|Kevin United States
Just a hot little thing
|rick United States
why? Please post more galleries of Valerie.. Most of your members and I would agree that Valerie is the reason why we joined this site.
|Pixie United Kingdom
Another lovely set. Video / film of this cute model please!
|wheeler United States
gotta say it...VIDEO PLEASE!!!
|roger United States
So..sexy Beautiful model, a tomboy with the face of a pug. She is my new favorite! I'm so amazed that you found her. She is amazing!!
|Pixie United Kingdom
Yes, this set is lovely as were the others, but I agree with, Wheeler, in that we need a video / film of Purr please.
|so purrfect United States
image 17 god damn i would lick her for days
|Jim United States
The last few images of the set, with purr face down, fully stretched out and those incredibly sexy wet, wrinkly bare soles facing the camera in full view are some of your best work! Asian girls always have such smooth sexy bare feet!
|wheeler United States
Purr is lovely...the set is a bit monotonous.would work better in a video.
|Pixie United Kingdom
I can't get enough of this girl! Each new set seems to me to be better than the last...? Purr's nipples are nice and hard and her pussy is lovely and wet...More please.
|Major Marvel Australia
Purr finger fever It is perfectly understandable that Purr would want to finger herself. I certainly would. And the glimpse of clit is very much appreciated.
|TuriyaRaver Australia
We need a video! Of this beauty bringing herself to orgasm ASAP.
|Max Australia
Purrfect I just love Thai women, beautiful skin, beautiful features, small and petite. Purr is a perfect example.
|wheeler United States
very nice! love the use of natural light and shadow!eagerly awaiting part 2!
|Pixie United Kingdom
Of the four Purr sets, this is now my favourite - More please!+ Yes, I agree with TuriyaRaver - in that I would love to see a video movie of this young lovely masturbating.
|ailefroide Belgium
Purr Great discovery for me ...
|wheeler United States
lovin this lady more and more! cant wait to see her in motion!
|KOMET United States
ALL FELINE - PURR Having recently emerged from being a petite and densely furry she-tabby, PURR avidly explores her new woman's body, fully nude and free.
|Pixie United Kingdom
Best ever Purr! The best of the three Purr sets by far - In fact one of the best photo sets ever in my opinion. Purr has the most perfect soles of her feet and her anus is the stuff that dreams are made of. She is one sexy girl. More please...
|love United States
how could a man not want a piece of that Devine Beauty!!!
|variable-43 United States
Luscious Bottom Purr's sweet little bottom is begging for a quick tasting and a hard plunging...open that up a little, won't you?
|d1mobeta United States
That SMILE! To be such a small woman, your smile says you have a gigantic heart! Just the expression on your face is enough to fill me up. That beautiful smooth skin, those perky little titties, those shapely hips and that audacious butt! Please Pt 2 and fast!
|wheeler United States
RE: That SMILE! well said!
|Sandy United Kingdom
Purrrrrrrrrrfect!!!!!!!!! I would like to see a lot more of Purr and those other delicious girls from the Asian side of the world. You had a little Japanese model flurry a while back, which I miss, now it would be good for a Thai one. She is a petite package that makes you want to pick her up and devour her. More more more please.
|KOMET United States
ENTRE PURR - LA FEMME With the flash of a wand, what was, moments earlier, a large and playful tawny-furred kitten with a bushy tail, is now a fully nude and petit Woman with feline eyes. SHE IS PURR
|Guest United States
So wet! Beautiful eyes, lovely smile & wet pussy! Totally in heaven :)
|Rez United States
delightul! There is that wonderful Thai smile and playfulness I saw when I was there earlier this year. The Thai sessions make me want to get back there soon. Keep it up and let us see more models from around that region.
|Pixie United Kingdom
Morr Purr Another really nice set of this cute girl. More Purr please! Let us have a video film of this young lovely too, please if we may. I would just love to see this young lady massaged by either a male or female masseur, I don't mind which!
|wheeler United States
purrrrr...WOOF!!! pant!! pant!! pant!!!! another winner! cant wait to see more!
|KOMET United States
ด้วยความยินดี PURR! GRROWL!!! PURR is a veritable dynamo with her bubbly & sparkling spirit, matched with a petite, firm, and sexy body. May she go from strength to strength, fully nude and free.
|John United Kingdom
Amazing looking girl. Looking forward to more.
|Timmy United States
Meow! Oh my god, I want that kitten for my very own! lol, By far one of the cutest little girls I have ever seen!
|d1mobeta United States
Purr She's Purrrfectly Beautiful in her own little way! Please MORE, FAST, & IN POOL WATER, BED, OR JUST PLAIN OILED DOWN!
|Delicious United States
That little woman is delicious, look at those hard nipples!!!
|Alya Ukraine
Purrrrrrrr She has something unforgettable in her eyes!!!!!!!!!!!
|Tom Germany
Blue eyes Her blue contact lenses are inappropriate.
|Pixie United Kingdom
Purr Purr is a lovely cute, petite young lady with a very sexy body. I especially love her eyes, nipples and feet ... and her short haircut. She is purr-fect! One of the most beautiful nude girls I have seen.
|darth neo Korea, Republic of
make her purr.. She is very beautiful, I would like to see Fabi give her a tantra massage, just seeing Fabi rubbing her body on Purr would be one of the best massage scenes on this site. I love Thai women especially their massages...
|roboslop United States
this girl is awesome, would like to see gallery of her sitting on a inflatable chair all oiled up.
|ailefroide Belgium
Purr Something unforgettable ... (Alya.) I agree (not only in her eyes !)
|ailefroide Belgium
Purr introduction Never seen before ... Be happy.


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FREDERICK, Md. (AP) - Authorities say a high-wheel bicyclist from Kentucky is in serious but stable condition at a hospital after she was hurt in a race in Maryland.
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Original thinking in a derivatives market
At some point in the latter decades of the 20th century, someone sat down and thought: wouldn't it be nice if all the money in the world was controlled by scientists rather than accountants and nice chaps from Eton? Now, as we march headlong into the 21st century, full of sub-prime fallout, to a decent approximation, what we're …
Almost, but not quite correct
First of all, the liquidity has not been pumped in by governments.
The stock of the BoE may be owned by the UK, but it is independent. The Fed is privately owned.
Secondly, pumping cash into the market is not a wise thing to do, to say the least. It may bail out the speculators in the short term, but in the long term inflation get out of control. This insanity, in compination with bio-fuel nuttiness and speculative pressures from hedge funds is having a fairly bad effect on the staple foods of many countries.
For example, authorities in Chile were taken aback yesterday by the 1.1% increase in the Consumer Price Index for August, the highest spike since 1995.
Increases in the prices of basic staples are hitting consumers, especially the one million workers who earn only the minimum wage, very hard.
The general food price increase for August was 3.4%, but fruits and vegetables, as a sub-category, rose by 13.6%, while potatoes rose a whopping 48%, onions by 22%, lettuce by 17%, bread by 5.6%, and eggs and dairy by 3%. The government has taken a few steps to help ameliorate the situation for poorer sectors of the population, but they are woefully inadequate.
In neighboring Argentina, citizens have been stunned by the 20% increase in the price of chicken--a basic staple--in the space of 15 days! Price increases for bread and vegetables also hit record highs.
The cost of the monthly market basket increased by 3.1% in August, with the biggest increases showing for vegetables, which increased by 49%.
Potatoes, which are a basic staple in the Argentine diet, rose by 40% in one month, and have increased by 115% so far this year. Compared to the same period of 2006, the price increase is 500%! The government in Argentina is now threatening to import potatoes from Peru, to try to force the price down.
It won't be long before we see similar inflationary pressures in Europe. There are hints of it already. For example, the cost of Pasta in Italy.
In the UK, Hovis warned about the price of bread just a few days ago.
The whole basic global financial infrastructure is fatally flawed. We are in 1929 all over again, and it isn't going to be nice.
Salutory Lessons ...... Hello, Wwworlds
"Banks will also make less money, and I can feel your sympathy from here." ..... :-) Priceless humour but one knows you really care, Dominic.
"However, the US and UK governments seem (for once) to have taken on a useful role in the markets, and pumped in liquidity."... Hmmmm? Presumably to be swallowed as collateral by IDEntities obligated to managing Debt Betas Better? A covert Bank International Rescue Secret Bond AIgent ..... Beta Noir/Black Op?
Anyone else would slap a few wrists and take away the toys from the boys but I suppose the indulgent parent is always to blame for not regulating the situation IT encouraged. With everyone to Blame, the Shame is equally Shared and therefore Diminished to Disappear with new Knowledge and Structures put in Place to Mentor and Monitor with Hindsight OverSight.
"They validate the models produced by quants, and try to run them into the future, to guess the probability of it all going wrong." .... Guess? I guess that may be the Chink in the suit of immaculate Armour.
"The days of lending to the right-sort-of-chap are long gone. ®" Given the accuracy and efficacy of the parameters used by Banks, as shared with us in the article, Dominic, we can QuITe rightly expect that to be equally accurate..... therefore the right-sort-of-chap must be the right sort of parameter ...... although I grant you that they may necessarily be a bit extraordinary/out of the ordinary.
But you wouldn't expect such Mastery of the Universe stuff to be home-grown/Earthbound, surely?
risk ratings
The real root of the problem here is the conflict of interest at the rating agencies such as S&P, Moodys, Fitch, D&F etc. On the one hand they are relied upon to give a realistic estimate of the risk involved in the securitised debt, but on the other hand they make money from giving ratings to investment conduits. There has been an over-reliance on these ratings in substitution for quality first-hand research by investment banks. And as it turns out, they severely over-rated the sub prime debt.
As a result when mortgage holders in the US started defaulting, the real risk of these investments became appearent and the value of structured investment vehicles with exposure to sub prime plumited. As happens in the industry, when confidence in one sector is compromised, everything stops in all sectors until everyone's fears are eased. These investment conduites for the most part funded their invesment in packaged securities by selling commercial paper in the short term, adjusting and re-selling from month to month according to the prevailing interest rates. But once the value of the securities was questioned, the entire market for commercial paper stalled. Banks who funded their investments in this way had no way to raise the dough - and that's when things went _really_ bad! The credit crunch has created artificially low fund values and run some banks out of business.
...all down to a temporary cash flow crises! nasty! The bounce back is happening already - those without the resources to weather the storm are being eaten up by the bigger players and a serious darwinian feeding frenzy is in process. This creates it's own market activity and the world keeps spinning. Funds without proper credit backing are a thing of the past.
So bottom line, this had nothing to do with using monte carlo versus - but rather an over-reliance on rating agencies. The capital model simulations you refer to are merely a way of tracking and projecting a fund's performance, not a method of risk analysis. While they are used to create cash flow models and even simulate distressed market conditions, it remains a question of acceptable risk - and ultimately the ratings control the outcome. And to bring it bakc to an IT focus: GIGO, baby!
It takes a Market to make a Village...
This article is a good basic overview of the issues we are seeing with the derivatives market today. Which is good: most folks (and Beeb journos) seem to be puzzled over how this all came to pass.
What isn't said is how these things tend to play out, and how "lessons learned" are applied into the future. This is where it gets interesting.
In 1987 we had a severe "correction" in the global securities markets, caused by the failure of automated trading algorithms to react "reasonably" to market changes. The underlying issue wasn't so much the reaction of the program trading - after all, it did what it was programmed to do - but the effect the new products and processes had on the market. The new instruments (derivatives and hedges based on automated spread calculations) were exactly that - "new": they had never been played out in the real market game. Once the collapse occurred, and some additional rules applied to control the new instruments better, the market recovered and the derivatives and hedges became "business as usual" devices that all major players use to this day.
It wasn't the "bad instruments" that were the problem, just a temporary misunderstanding of how they worked in certain situations. Once better knowledge became available, these "volatile" instruments became "stable" and useful again.
More importantly, the knowledge gained from the market reaction to computer trading allowed responses to future "glitches" to be faster and firmer. Today, a market swing caused by automated triggers may not even make it through a single day of trading: everyone knows what's going on, and the market recovers almost instantly from the glitch.
The "sub-prime" loans of today, as explained by Connor in the article, are just the latest tool that is being used to improve income and liquidity in the market. And like program trading in the past, once the initial panic has subsided and the real consequences have been assessed, the market will adjust to the situation and these products will stabilize.
The bottom line in all this is that the markets will *ALWAYS* develop new products to exploit untapped areas of profit. The sale of risk is nothing even remotely new - Lloyds was founded on this principle hundreds of years ago - but the "product" is a new twist on this concept. And, like many new products, it will take an "SP1" to fix the initial errors we have observed.
A final pontification: this all has to do with unlocking value in the Production Possibility Frontier. This is the "edge" of the curve that localizes the trade-off between scarce resource allocations in the market - the old "guns and butter" saw. New "products" test the elasticity of the frontier by providing new alternatives for investment. If an alternative is viable, it pushes the frontier outward, creating new capital from an unrecognized source. However, to do this, resources have to be reallocated, and, in the process of moving around, "inflation" is added into the market. This "inflation" is temporary: it represents the reaction to the scarcity of resources for "traditional" trade-offs in the market, and is corrected in the future by either new capital becoming available from the new market (reducing inflation by returning value back to the market and removing deprecated choices from the trade-off mix) or by failure - where the bubble value is removed and the old trade-offs return to stability. Ensuring liquidity is the key to keeping this process working - not throwing fiat money into the market, but temporarily adding some off-setting credit that allows the old trade-offs to resume operation at the appropriate price levels. This allows the new products to either dissipate safely, or, if they are truly successful, to allow older products to resume stable operation. The liquidity then either is withdrawn gradually (in the case of failure) or remains in the market in the form of the new capital created by the new products.
Hey, it all makes sense to me. I'm not an economist, but I DID study in school...
Oooh baby that's really free
Why are governments having to pump so hard to support the "free" market? Shouldn't they be "letting the market decide" like they always claim they are doing? I thought that was the whole point of having a free market?
Let the market decide while it keeps pumping profit into our corporate buddies' and party donors' pockets, intervene as soon as it starts looking like they may find themselves with a slightly lesser annual bonus free for their party donations.
The right wingers who gibber so furiously about state intervention in their business seem a lot less concerned about it when it's serving their ends rather than trying to protect their employees from dangerous, unethical or exploitative work practices.
It's a gas ?
Is there a particular reason why you illustrated your financial derivatives "it's a gas" gag with what seems to be a picture of laughing gas, or "clown crack" as I've seen it referred to in some clubbing circles ?
Just wondering ;-)
umm It dosnt take complicated maths can I have a 60k job?
Its a sanitised form of gambling.
1. Plan for the worst , hope for the best
2. Never bet err invest money you cant afford to lose
3. if your winning the money dosn't exist until you walk away with it.
4. if your winning people get greedy, set a figure and walk away when you reach it
5. The little person gets shafted allways, the game favours the Banks in the long run.
Stockbroker (def)
A person who invests your money until it's all gone. - Woody Allen
KISS.... Keep IT Simple Stupid
Is the real root of the problem anything less than debt which can't be paid by creditors being parcelled up and sold as a viable asset and credit to others who have been spun a yarn that it has value?
A Scam in other words perpetrated by supposed diamond geezers but in reality, slippery toads? Pond Life masquerading as Tropical Fish?
wrong again....
"At some point in the latter decades of the 20th century, someone sat down and thought: wouldn't it be nice if all the money in the world was controlled by scientists rather than accountants and nice chaps from Eton?"
Eh.. Wrong - it's still "nice chaps from Eton". Can't tell you how many times i heard about traders ("my instinct telle me so!!!") go against what model says (let me see - mexican pesos in the 90-ies...).
Oh, sure they use some old models for credit - that's cause they didn't hire any senior quants in the past 5 years. Hey - almost every model works if markets keep going up...
Oh - and this subprime thing? In most banks they didn't even told risk management they hold those loans! Oh, well - all fired now. :)
Confused rubbish
I usually kneel in awe before El Reg, but that article was confused rubbish - due I suspect to youth or alcohol. Who was he writing for? To begin with it seemed like the article was aimed at financial novices, but then he threw in unexplained terms like "sold off cashflow from loans" , "off the books", "instruments", "pumping liquidity". I was puzzled by the references to David Bowie and Bernie Ecclestone, and the ideal gas / pea electron analogy seemed spurious.
Then he tried to dazzle us (youthful vanity?) with a few throw-away mentions: "genetic algorithms" , "Monte-Carlo approach", "copulas". The meaning of "distribution" only became clearer in the following paragraph.
I suppose I vaguely agreed with the last sentence, but he really needs to raise his game.
25-year-old Harvard MBAs
Problem #1 is making a borrowers market for anyone. Perhaps you can find someone willing to buy the risk of lending money to a crack addict or homeless person. But is it a good idea to make this loan? That is, does it help the borrower or hurt him that he can go way into debt? Those sub-prime loans shouldn't have been made. It just screwed up the lives of some poor folks worse than they were. It's amoral. And saying, "We're just making a market to satisfy demand." does not excuse the lenders from their unethical acts.
Problem #2 is new MBAs playing with shiny toys they don't understand. Anyone who uses a quantitative model derived from a genetic algorithm, which isn't even based on assumptions you can review, is cruising for a bruising in the market. These models always work perfect when this week's market is just like last week's, but get surprised by news. There aren't enough really experienced quants, who have gotten burned a couple of times, because the field is only 10 or 15 years old. This is the trial-by-fire for hundreds of high-paid young MBAs, only we're all paying for it.
Problem #3 is naive free-market thinkers who don't want the government to intervene. The problem with such thought is that we've all got a stake in the economy moving smoothly. It would be nice if all the bankers and MBAs and quants involved in this mess could be lined up for a good spanking. But if the banks go out of business, the broader economy seizes up. Sucks if you need to make a steady paycheck. Sucks if you are independeltly wealthy but need to buy food at the grocery store. Sucks if you live in a completely self-sufficient bubble with all the shiny toys you want, and some hungry mob comes to take it away.
Responses from the writer
It's not "chaps from Eton" in the quanty game I have a database of their CVs, and we have more people from Egypt than Eton by a country mile.
The guy who didn't like my piece may have a point, but sure Reg readers know what a genetic algorithm is ? Most people I think know what "off the books" means.
A big criticism is that the "models aren't real", so I drew a parallel with quant and physics models, if you look I use that consistently.
I don't know what Breakfast is talking about. The quant types I know are of all political persuasions. Very few make political donations, though one is a local councillor (Labour).
Even the governments themselves have realised that most of their interventions in the market did more harm than good.
@Count Ludwig
I partly disagree with you - I thought it was an interesting article that brought together some bits that I already understood and some others into a (more) coherent whole, and threw in some interesting titbits about the IT techniques involved. I enjoyed reading it.
But I totally agree with you about some of the unexplained terms, like "sold off cashflow from loans"... how about a technical glossary Dominic?
Breakfast: I fear the problem is that we cannot afford to just sit back and watch whatever happens in the markets - we really don't want to live through another 1929. Of course, that is the reason why markets have to be regulated - we depend on them - something the free market guys do tend to forget when all is going well, don't they?
BCCI ..... ITs MetaMorphOSIS of NarcissUS
"At some point in the latter decades of the 20th century, someone sat down and thought: wouldn't it be nice if all the money in the world was controlled by scientists rather than accountants and nice chaps from Eton?"
Is that a Phish, Dominic ...... a Call to Alms? :-)
And a Realisation of what is in Store ..... with an Adjustment to such latterday 20th century thoughts with some F1 style Finer Tuning of the Notion 42 Allow Rapid Deployment of SAPs?
Because, if New World Order Scientists have all the money that they need or even, to be more accurate, if a New World Order Scientist has all that he personally needs [and you would not need to be an Einstein to realise that that would be so relatively small, no matter how extravagant or eccentric he may be, although even that thought would be tempered in a Fit for Purpose response by anyone even remotely conversant with Order and its Drivers] they would be able to exercise Controls in all the money of the world.
Common Sense and a Lazy Wisdom, which might very well be the Simple Culmination of dDedicated ReSearch into Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents PiSS Poor Performance Permitting a Sane Disregard of Haste, would probably suggest that any New Order Player be Pragmatically and Covertly Sponsored to Server to Status Quo Systems thus to Assist them in a Seamless Change to A.N.Other New World Order System of Operation.
Such Sympathetic Cooperation would be much Wiser and much more Constructive than any Coup type Disruption caused by Arrogant Rejection of Inevitable and Inexorable Change Programming from Status Quo leaders. Although such Leadership would be Oxymoronic in that it leads with nothing new.
Such though, does require a certain level of Intelligent Awareness to be exercised by aged New World Order Systems Players/Present Status Quo Leadership which we could presume to be that which is interested in the Control of Banking and Banks for Banking Control of Commercial IntelAIgents.
IT is, of course, a product which could be sold to any Market or any Global Player as IT is Universally Systems Agnostic.
Paying the piper
I read the article with the hope of getting some insight into what actually drove the panic when it occurred and how things have changed since when the game got played in the late 80s. The only thing I walked away from it with was the reference to 'Black Swans' which I just ran away and read, and liked.
Now to my comment.
If someone had asked me 5 years ago what the end result would have been of giving 0.5% variable interest loans to people with a diminished ability to pay off the loan, a bad history with dealing with money, in a market with inflated house prices I could have predicted the first order effects in about 10 seconds.
A pocket calculator, let alone a bunch of PhD's banging away on keyboards would have made no difference to my predictions.
I could probably have a stab at the second order effects (given how the central banks have behaved). But my predictions would be a series of branches based on decisions that actual people made, not on some bulk property of the market. Anybody who claims that they can use bulk properties to predict how things will behave an a non-linear system is a liar.
The market shake-up wasn't caused by some freak confluence of events (black swan), bad models, or a lack of understanding of models. It was caused by the simple fact that your worst days comes straight your best days, parties start slowly, but end quickly, you might be able to ride the wave for minuets, but it breaks in seconds.
The sub prime market got used up like any resource, and when the was no place to expand to, it imploded. It's what we humans do to any resource, and it's what we'll do with oil, coal, uranium, the next round of financial regulation loop holes, p2p downloads and everything else.
Nice article
The only thing I still don't understand is the role of central banks in attempting to prop up this house of cards. If the interbank lending rates rise then surely central bank rates should rise as well. The regulatory authorities have failed and the market must correct itself. Governments might intervene by loosening fiscal policy but monetary policy must obviously be tightened. This can be done either by raising rates or perhaps by improving regulation by preventing some of the dafter products such as "sub-prime" mortgages: lending money to people who obviously cannot afford to meet repayments (not the same as debts) is irresponsible and should not be allowed to go unpunished. Buttonwood on the The Economist has a nice commentary on the dangers of relying on the rating agencies.
Basic truths
The bottom line, is, you can't polish a turd, and with lots of clever people being daft enough to lend someone some dosh to buy a house, without checking (or being bothered by) how much they earn in the first place, some of these now not-so-clever folks are going to get a haircut.
Which is a risk to my eye!
The Sage of Omaha is right again...
Normal Shormal
I recall a whimsical comment made in a textbook I read in school, to the effect that mathematicians regard the normal distribution as being grounded in physical reality. Physicists, on the other hand, regard the normal distribution as something that has been validated by mathematical analysis.
Yet more responses from the writer
It is a standard complaint of journalists that it's easier to write 2,000 words on a subject than 1,000 :) Glossary didn't make it to the first cut, but it's a reasonable request:
A brief summary of risk management.
Banks are required to keep a rainy day fund of money to cope with random shit. The riskier the position, the more money they need in this buffer. The regulations are a bit old ,and not very sophisticated, so much so that banks sometimes have more reserves than leghally necessary.
A simple portfolio loan requires the bank to have this buffer, to cope with bad debts, since of course the people that the bank borrowed the money from (which can be retail customers), will still want their money, regardless of the banks losses.
The capital required is expensive for bank, since they can't do anything risky with it, typically putting it into other banks or high grade/low yield bonds like those of major governments.
Thus "on the books" means the bank takes the full upside and full downside of any loan it makes.
If it sells the rights to receive the money, it can get a rake off, and let someone else take the risk. That means a high street bank is in effect a retailer of loans. Sainsburys is not the source of own-brand goods it sells, and Barclays is not the source of the money it lends. Both sell stuff.
Liquidity is the ability to buy and sell.
In many markets there are "market makers". They quote two prices, both to buy and to sell. This makes life a lot easier, and the spread between the bid price and offer price reflects the "service" a MM gives.
The property market does not have market makers, and most of us have suffered the pain that this causes. It takes a long time to sell things, and discovering prices is very hard, and imprecise.
However, you need decent amounts of capital to make a market, because you must hold a considerable amount of the stock, and have the pockets to deal with the screwups that happen. If like me you've ever been on a trading floor after hours, you will pick up phone calls of the form "hello, this is VeryBigBank, did you buy 3 million quids worth of bonds from us ?"
If the price of their stock holding drops hard, it can hurt badly. So they don't want to have too much.
Market makers, and other liquidity providers typically don't make big margins in their work. That means they are a bit cautious, since a small number of screwups can undo a year of profitable work. Getting market makers to actually make the market at all times is a standard problem, and I spent several years of my life embroiled in that situation.
Thus in a worried market, liquidity providers hide.
This means that people who want to get out of a position, can't. This means that the market sees lots of stock desparately trying to move, and a vicious circle may develop.
The actions of central banks is typically quite secretive, I did stuff for HM Treasury a while back and I was covered by the Official Secrets Act. In the words of the senior civil servant "we know where you live..."
But I pick up that they are providing liquidity, but with a very hard nose.
They are offering to buy stuff, but at a steep discount. My reading of this state of affairs is that the Fed and BoE may end up making a shed load of money out of this.
Deal or no deal...
Everything has a price. It is only now that we are starting to realise the true cost.
Old debt, new debt, sold debt, transferred debt, it's all still debt. Payback time is upon us, and the vultures are starting to circle.
Complicated maths or man on the street, whatever your model, whatever your method, the tally man comes knocking sooner or later. You had the balls to borrow the money, now have the balls to pay it back.
Same old history, just repeating itself...
Whe are passing from gas to liquid -A crack-
The market is a gas at normal temperature and pressure ;and like a gas ,its only gas in certain conditions .When the conditions changes ;it´s occur a change of state .The pass from gas to liquid is a crak .
Arrogant Prigs and Pompous Prats....... of the Ruled Class.
"In the words of the senior civil servant "we know where you live..."
If he was there to assist you in sharing what you know, and what he wanted to know, I trust you told the sad little toad to F*** Off nicely, Dominic.
...controlled by ... nice chaps from Enron
oh, sorry, you said Eton not Enron.
Mind you, not sure how anyone would notice the difference, they all want locking up.
Speaking of sub prime and dodgy energy: if free markets are so brill at managing risk, is nuclear power going to be the sub-prime mortgage of the energy industry, only even more dangerous? Just ask the nuclear industry's insurers (that's you and me, the taxpayer, as the commercial insurers won't go near the nukes, because the risks are too high, hmmm).
1. The NY Times were reporting a couple of weeks ago (I think it was the 28/8) that this year, it will be the first year since 1950 (aka the time that the stats of the sort were recorded) that the price of the real estate in america will be falling. (I assume with the exception of Manhattan and Palm Beach where the limited space guarantees the value).
It appears that the speed of changing/moving into houses is lower than the available real estate, and G*d knows why? Is it because we got sick of moving around, is it because we telecommute, is it because we enjoy reading about the rise in the value of (our own?) properties... this is a fact.
2. Before the crisis the Fed was likely to increase the interest rates. That would have meant that capital would have moved from the markets to the bank coffers. Now, if you are a bank (that invests in the stock market as well... ) what would have been your pick? To pay higher interest rates to an even larger whole and a declining market or to pay low interest rates and have a steady-yuppie (upwardly mobile) market?
Of course you would go for the second gents... and you dont have to be a risk analysis expert and/or an Eaton graduate for that reason... ;)
I dont know what you make of this but I am a mere charterd engineer so I am happy to give my bet for the future in somebody elses field of expertise, with the ease that I bet Olympiacos Piraeus will make it through in the next leg of the Champions League:
1. We have seen just the beginning of the crisis.
2. Some Real estate funded funds will have to shrink in order to increase once more the speed of movement of capital, that gives life in to our system.
3. We may not see a collapse in the form of the 1920's (well... a third of our population never left that state since then) but we shall see some crisis.
4. The price of oil will fall. Putin's men have to win the elections over there in a couple of months and need some help till then.
Enough said...
A history of banking regulation since the Great Depression.
Step 1.
Regulators set out rules (such as minimum cash on hand, maximum amount of high risk investment etc.) to prvent banks shooting themselves in the foot.
Step 2.
Very clever people employed by the banks find clever ways to cicumvent the rules.
Step 3;
Banks shoot themselves in the foot.
Step 4.
Government/central bank bales them out.
Step 5.
Return to step 1 with tighter set of rules and repeat every 9 years.
A Simple Question
"Step 1.
Regulators set out rules.... "
Who are Regulators?
@ Matthew
Totally agree - this was nothing to do with what algorithms were used in the mathematical models. This was down to greed in the face of danger. Pure stupidity. Holding the capital models and their usage to blame for this is akin to blaming the fly by wire computer on an airplane when the pilot decides to fly directly into a storm. In order of accountability I personally think the following are responsible:
1. the sub prime mortgage originators
2. the rating agencies who gave them AAA ratings
3. the idiot credit investors who bought the securitised debt without engaging any kind of logic
4. the financial regulators who had to have seen this coming, or chose not to
somewhere along the line the idiots who borrowed money they could never ever afford to repay should also be apportioned a fair share of the blame - but they do hold a diminished responsibility owing to the fact that they are a) non-bankers and b)fools
And the risk departments are not nearly as culpable as the article suggests - the nature of the credit investment in a portfolio is down to credit investors. Risk teams merely monitor the portfolios and project possible problems (using amongst other tools, the algorithms blamed in the article). It's not their place to re-analyse the viability of the underlying debt.
Actually, In the olden days (the 1980s)
Well, I took out a mortgage in the early 1980s, and I fairly easily got 3 times the joint income of myself and my girl-friend who was unemployed, which was nearly 90% of the property value. I also had a gay friend who got a mortgage no problem, although life insurance was virtually impossible.
I've been reading the Reg tooooooo long
Amanfrommars is beginning to make sense.....!
Spreading the cost of the risk...
The action by the government banks to lend money to the market sounds reassuring, untill you realise that the banks are not lending their money. They are either repacking the loan to sell as an investment bond(in other words more of the same that got us into this mess, only the entire population takes the risk) or they run the printing presses a bit faster (and the entire population takes the cost by increased inflation)
Either way, the people that take big risks on the financial markets get bailed out because the consequences of their risks actually threatens the stability of the market ...oh and the UK public pay workers get their pay rises staged, as the government needs to fight inflation
Great article - more like this please
Dominic - thanks for an engaging article. It's getting increasingly rare for journalists to sit down and explain current affairs to an uninitiated audience (speaking for myself, at any rate), AND in terms that the audience can relate to.
It's clear from the quality and quantity of comments above that this kind of article provokes sensible and intelligent discussion - more of this please El Reg!
My apoligios to "amanfrommars" I an goood at spilling but not veru god at tuping.
Further Reading
If you like this kind of thing, and want to learn more about structured finance (CFDs, CDOs, MBSs ... ) then I can highly recommend "Traders Guns and Money" by Satyadis Das (IBSN 0273704745). As well as tracing these things from the start, and thereefore rendering them understandable, it's also damn funny.
Some have it right, others like the author are way off base.
In the 90's, banks used a monte carlo simulation to run risk scenarios.
They created multiple CMOs and other derivative type products to reduce their risk. The secondary market worked as long as the assumptions about the rate of pre-pays held.
Only they didn't.
Part of the problem is in the loan origination process and the lax control over loan origination.
There has been a rise in mortgage fraud.
Its in part of these fraud which has caused a large portion of the problems.
Not that the fraud alone is to blame. You can blame it on the highly leveraged mortgage providers who probably didn't manage enough reserves to account for this issue.
Add to the real problem of complex products (teasers, arms, etc ...) and unsophisticated borrowers who are in the subprime group, and you can see how they can easily get in over their head and can't keep up with the payments as the interest rates change more than 2-3 percentage points.
Its these scams and higher rate of "normal" forclosures which started to trip up the system.
Definitely more to the problem, but the article and some of the posters are correct that most of these "casual" analytics don't handle boundary issues well.
There has to be a change in the assumptions made about pre-payment risk due to the fraud.
The bottom line, the systems that the author complains about have been in place for most of the 90's thru today and didn't have a lot of problems. It just needs more refinement.
Even More Comments by the Writer
I just would like to point out *again* that there is no bail out.
The central banks are buying stuff off the banks and hedge funds cheap. My call is that they will make a serious profit.
There is a possibility of more inflation in this, but the net effect of the summer seems to have been to reduce such pressure.
As for public sector pay, that's a difficult and different issue. The government has been neither efficient nor honourable. But then again nor has any administration in my memory.
I note how the dimmer end of Labour politicians like Peter Hain complain about City pay, but somehow never manage to find the time to criticise those footballers, singers or actors who make far more.
I pimp for people who are the total opposite of morons like Dawn Primarollo, ie smart, extremely well educated and useful. The single most common name on my data is "Mohammed". Hain's cronies want such people to stay poor and grateful for handouts. I get them jobs which pay obscenely.
Finance for geeks
Was it a bit tricky to understand for some people? Sounds like a good oportunity to do a little extra learning for those that care.
As I work in a mostly finance role the language of the article was pretty clear to me, and as a semi geek the IT angle was an excellent primer in how these guys use IT (Monte Carlo analysis has many roles, cost modelling to nuke reasearch).
I personally think this was an excellent Reg article, starting with a global issue and showing the Sci/IT input. Didn't really mention the hideous greed that has fuelled this whole event as much as I would, but seemed pretty good never the less.
umm It dosnt take complicated maths can I have a 60k job?
6. Borrow long, lend short.
AndyD 8-)#
@Even More Comments by the Writer
I wouldn't disagree with that post but to think that the serious profit is real whenever it is still toxic debt is the Banking System in Denial and a prisoner to itself ...unless it has a New Game to Play or is it a case of .. unless IT has a New Game for IT to Play, which would give them something to New and Real 42 Invest in.
"I pimp for people who are the total opposite of morons like Dawn Primarollo, ie smart, extremely well educated and useful. " Yes, of course they are, and some of them are magnificent whores a gentleman would never refuse such is the delight.
The writer responds yet again
Matt might recognise me as DCFC...
But I don't buy the "greed" thing. At various times I've worked as a chemist, journalist, programmer, barman and now pimp.
In all those industries, people wanted more money, and I've found encountered more criminality in the IT business than in banking.
The actors and artists I've met are really greedy, mostly poor, which just seems to make them more hardcore on the cash front.
The Reg has carried stories of the music and film industry using thugs to intimdate small children and old people. Never once seen that in investment banking.
EDS and Accenture, well if you're a Reg reader or simply someone who occasionally reads a newspaper you will have seen them do more damage than a barbarian horde of bankers.
Bankers are simply better at greed.
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[QUOTE=jetliner;2937713]Matt Cassel?
Chad Ocho Cinco?
Best available CB in FA?
Best Available LB in FA?
Bill Cowher, Spagnolo?:confused::rolleyes:[/QUOTE]
Dude, the Jets have one of the worst cap situations in the entire NFL.
The Jets shot their load to the tune of $140 million and all it got them was a 9-7 season and no playoffs.


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18/11/30 06:49:21 ص
I left India in 1985 as a graduate student for USA. I have supported and served as advisory director of a grassroots organization Foundation for Women's education in Rural India since 1997 till present. Just by watching the women in the school run by the foundation and the great progress girls made within a few years always made me reflect if the vast numbers of rural women in India could be given the bare minimum opportunity and access it could lift the whole India out of the vicious cycle of poverty, inequality and deeply entrenched social injustice. Women needs to be aware and awake of their own worth and dignity of life and labor. Thank You Hunger project for bringing this very heart warming essay about empowerment of women through Gandhi's vision of rural autonomy and women's participation in village panchayats.


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A Craft Beer Guide to Cape Town
Rob PetersThe rise of craft beers in Cape Town has been rapid. Capetonians will no longer assault their gullets with mass-produces lagers. They want variety and they want quality. I spoke to Martin Tucker, owner of The Beer Merchant, and one of the organisers of the Cape Town Festival of Beer, to get a better understanding of craft beer around the city. Basically I wanted a guide on what the Mother City has on tap. He broke the market down into three different categories: breweries, tap rooms and places.
What to do on a Sunday in Cape Town?
Nicole BiondiI know - silly question isn't it? Naturally there are always loads of things to do in Cape Town on a Sunday, especially when that Sunday is a summery one. I could join the rest of my running fraternity and have an early morning jog alongside the twisty ocean-flanked road between Seapoint and Camps Bay, while drinking in the incredibly beautiful views. I could meander up the road from my house in Woodstock, stop for the Sunday papers and pick up some still-warm, dripping with syrup and smothered in coconut 'koeksiesters' (a Cape Malay donut-like treat) to have with my Field Office coffee. And most importantly, I could indulge in one of my absolute favourite Sunday brunch-time pursuits - I could head to the Winchester Mansions Hotel for their weekly Sunday Jazz brunch.
New Year's Eve in Cape TownCan you believe that it's almost 2015? It's crazy! Do you have your New Year's Eve plans sorted? If not, don't stress, we've got you covered. There is something for everyone on this list and because the weather is usually warm and sunny this time of year, it could be the summer party of the year.
Your #lovecapetown weekend:What's on from Friday 28 November to Sunday 30 November, 2014
Natalie LeicherIt's another jam-packed weekend in Cape Town! We bring you our latest mix of things to do around the Mother City with everything from a festival of beer to a speedcube competition covered.
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Cape Town scuba divers – Flickr pic of the day
Cape Town offers an extensive variety of dive sites that are within reasonable range of the city. This photo of divers descending on Vulcan Rock was taken by our Cape Town. Live it. Love it. group member Jacques aka Day Is Coming.
Cape Town Stadium construction complete
The newly completed Cape Town Stadium, photo courtesy Bruce Sutherland Only 32 months after the first sod was turned, the spectacular new Cape Town Stadium has been completed exactly on schedule. In a special ceremony for more than 200 invited guests and media, the contractors handed "the key of the door" to Cape Town's Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato.
The city of summer light
The Aqua Festival at the V&A Waterfront Paris is known internationally as the "City of Lights" and although Cape Town cannot rival gay Paris in terms of the sheer number of lights, the Mother City is bathed in a special glow of its own at this time of year. While the northern hemisphere wraps up warmly, treads through snow in degrees below freezing point and starts stuffing the turkey, we in the south prepare for an entirely different festive season altogether.
Table Mountain lit up – Flickr pic of the day
It's no secret that Capetonians love their mountain – obsessively, some might say. But when you see photos like this one, taken by our Cape Town. Live it. Love it. group member Jim Sher aka Blyzz, can you blame them?
The Parlotones live at Cavendish Square
The Parlotones Well-known South African rock band the Parlotones will be at Cavendish Square on Friday, December 18, from 12h00-14h00, for a CD signing and acoustic session. The band, which recently returned from a whirlwind world tour, will be in the Cavendish Centre Court, opposite Col'Cacchio pizzeria, for all fans to see.
Cape Town in high definition
This amazing picture of the Mother City was taken by Tinus le Roux from South African virtual tour company Virtual Africa. It is the highest definition photograph ever taken of Cape Town. If it doesn't impress you now, try zooming in at the link below –the detail is truly astonishing.
Educators "get down"!
Follow me! You kick… you kick! False Bay College is one of the top-performing further education and training colleges in South Africa, so it was fitting that the staff from its various campuses got treated to a day of fun, survivor games and great give-aways.
Ruud Gullit soccer clinic a hit with Cape Town kids
Some lucky Capetonian youngsters recently had the opportunity to play soccer against legendary Dutch mid-fielder Ruud Gullit and other European stars. Gullit – who was in Cape Town to support the Holland-Belgium bid for the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ – hosted a soccer clinic in Hout Bay on December 3, before attending the December 4 Final Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.
Twelve Apostles – Flickr pic of the day
The Twelve Apostles form the dramatic backdrop to the Camps Bay beach – the place to see and be seen in Cape Town. This photo was taken by our Cape Town. Live it. Love it. group member dan.rich77.
Hoerikwaggo Trail – Flickr pic of the day
The Hoerikwaggo Trails in Table Mountain National Park take in all the natural attractions of the park – beaches and mountain – as well as some city highlights.
V&A Waterfront saxophonist – Flickr pic of the day
This photo of a busker at the V&A Waterfront was taken by our Cape Town. Live it. Love it. group member Koeshke.
Surfing in Cape Town – A Cape Town Tourism photo essay
With so many beaches to choose from, surfing in Cape Town is a very popular pastime – and a way of life for some.
Chapman's Peak Hi-Five Scooter Club ride – Flickr pic of the day
This picture puts you right in the scene on Chapman's Peak Drive. It was taken by our Cape Town. Live it. Love it. group member Grant Johnson aka the mule in the pool.
While the rest complain, Sir Alex just gets on with it
Sir Alex Ferguson, photo courtesy minhquangle87 For South African viewers, this weekend's English Premier League fixtures have a touch of spice. In addition to watching some of the world's best players strut their stuff we have the added knowledge that a lot of them are itching to light up our lives next year at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. But while we're busy savouring that thought, there will be a number of Premier League managers sweating through this weekend's clashes like pubescent boys at a strip club.
Giant African puppets add to FIFA Final Draw festivities
Sinako Cultural Group is the community theatre group that created the giant puppets that wowed the crowds at the FIFA World Cup Final Draw and the Fan Fest launch in Cape Town on December 4. Sinako got its start in the world of entertainment through a competition run by Unima SA, a non-profit organisation which promotes the art of puppetry and visual performance in theatre, entertainment, education and social development.
Springleap T-shirt sale on in Cape Town
Springleap – "an e-commerce website that prides itself in selling the funkiest designs sourced from around the world on the best South African quality T-shirts you will ever purchase", according to its website – will be having a holiday clearance sale on Friday and Saturday (December 11 and 12). The sale will take place at Springleap's head office (Suite 301, Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock) and T-shirts will be sold for as little as R30 – a far cry from their usual price of R183!
Final Draw festivities – Flickr pic of the day
On December 4, 2009, during the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final Draw, soccer fans filled Long Street, celebrating the fact that Cape Town is ready to welcome the world.
Affordable accommodation in Cape Town for 2010
The University of Cape Town Urban Hip Hotels will be managing campus accommodation in Cape Town for students, backpackers and the young at heart for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The group is offering visitors the option of a fun, secure and affordable stay on university campuses around South Africa, including in Johannesburg and Durban.
Lessons from Long Street
Photo courtesy Deon Gurling Even the meanest sceptic (and at the end of a long year that was almost me) could not fail to be overwhelmed by the energy on Long Street this past weekend. I was lucky enough to be there on the evening of the World Cup Final Draw, which showed a pink-tinted, beautifully warm Cape Town at its best.
Hout Bay seagulls – Flickr pic of the day
"I was stuck in Hout Bay with a spare hour one winter's morning so I took a stroll on the beach with my camera," says Cape Town. Live it. Love it. group member Natalie Shutttleworth aka snapclicktripod."
The Killers concert keeps Cape Town in party mood
Photo courtesy Jared Botha Cape Town couldn't have had a better start to December – the 2010 World Cup Final Draw on Friday and an amazing performance from The Killers on Sunday. To get to the concert at Val De Vie Wine and Polo Estate, we organised a speedy shuttle with a vibey driver who let us pump our Killers mix all the way to the venue. The two-hour ride there was a party on its own.
Learning the diski dance at Noordhoek Farm Village
Thanks to Cape Town Tourism for the diski dance lessons at Noordhoek Farm Village's end-of-year function last night! Everyone who attended the party came away with lovely memories and had lots of fun and laughter.
Holiday fun for kids in Cape Town
Fun at the Final Draw Cape Town's counting the days to World Cup kickoff, after a fantastic Final Draw on December 4 which had 55 000 people partying in Long Street while stars and dignitaries packed the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Visit Cape Town Tourism's special 2010 mini-website to spot yourself or your friends in our image gallery or to catch the match schedule and latest news at www.capetown.travel/2010.
Cape Town Stadium from across the Atlantic – Flickr pic of the day
On the right of this silhouette you can see Cape Town Stadium, a view from across the Atlantic taken by our Cape Town. Live it. Love it. group member Out_In_Africa.
A sailor's memories of Cape Town
In May 1954 I joined the British Merchant Navy as an apprentice deck officer. My first ship, which I joined in Birkenhead, was the SS City of Colchester, an American Liberty Ship in the Ellerman & Bucknall Steamship Company. My first voyage was to South Africa, and my first overseas port, apart from bunkering in Las Palmas en route, was Cape Town.
Long Street hosts soccer World Cup draw fan fest
An estimated 70 000 people crowded into Cape Town's Long Street on Friday, December 4, with an additional 200-million viewers following on TV, to watch the highly anticipated 2010 FIFA World Cup Final Draw. Flags of all countries waved as the expectant crowd waited for the big draw, but it was the South African flag that flew most prominently and proudly as Cape Town represented the country in spectacular fashion.
The beach at Camps Bay – Flickr pic of the day
This photograph of the beach at Camps Bay was taken by our Cape Town. Live it. Love it. group member Hirohiko Okada aka 1/8 sec.
Celebrating the 2010 World Cup Final Draw – Flickr Pic of the Day
This photograph of an exuberant 2010 fan blowing a vuvuzela at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final Draw party in Long Street, Cape Town on Friday was taken by our Cape Town. Live it. Love it. group member Tara Turkington, aka Flowcomm.


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This course can form part of three courses suite over two days: Maintenance Course Suite comprising the Road and Trailside Maintenance, Advanced Maintenance and Fleet Maintenance courses.
Dalby Forest Courtyard
Low Dalby
Thornton Le Dale
CTC has teamed up with PACE and the Forestry Commission at Dalby Forest in Pickering, North Yorkshire, to provide the complete cycling experience. We are offering a range of mountain bike skills development sessions and led rides as well as our traditional range of education courses and qualifications. Our partners PACE are providing top of the range bike hire and sales as well as servicing and repairs.