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Project Renaissance
Kuala Lumpur
When smart people come together, they multiply each other's potential.
Project Renaissance is a campaign founded by Malaysian entrepreneurs to "hack" Kuala Lumpur by curating and creating communities around the key elements of entrepreneurship. Our aim is to put Kuala Lumpur on the map as one of the top 10 places in the world to incubate startups and cultivate innovative cultural movements.
Where KL's Smartest People Come Together to Create, Grow and Colloborate
Project Renaissance evolves and grows every year. Stage 1 involved founding and bringing together dozens of movements around amazing ideas: mobile apps, web applications, film, positive thinking, public speaking and more. We brought these movements from small gatherings or meetups in a cafe into huge meetups in one amazing place – Mindvalley's Hall of Awesomeness. By doing so, we created a place where the brightest minds could come to work, collaborate and run TED-style events monthly. We've since held some 200 meet-ups in the Hall and provided training and networking opportunities to 20,000 bright minds.
The Hall of Awesomeness
The coolest gathering space in Kuala Lumpur: a world-class auditorium with 150 colorful beanbags, designer art murals, a speaker stage and a gorgeous networking area. The Hall was funded by Vishen Lakhiani and designed by PDI design as a meeting space both for Mindvalley employees and the wider community of Project Renaissance. At Mindvalley, our philosophy is that companies should give back to the community, by providing this hall rent free to these movements and events, we believe we're helping give back.
From the Blog
6 Social Enterprises in Malaysia You Should Know
The idea of social entrepreneurship has been garnering lots of interest and support. Perhaps it is from the many successful endeavours which we've witnessed around us and the positive impact these…
Superheroes running high-traffic sites in Malaysia
One of the highly anticipated technology-centered events of the month, Lvl. Up KL brought us Lvl. Up: Internet Architecture. Of course, it was again a full house with about 200…
The 6 Most Important Sales & Marketing Books You Should Have
Successful people are simply those with successful habits. For me, studying is a habit that brought me success. And I never compromise on my daily study time. Ever. Studying turned me…
Social Entrepreneurship in Malaysia explained
Gone were the days where the sole reason of starting a business is for the matter of survival. For too long a time we've been slaves to this formula in mind: BUSINESS…
Be Part of The Mission
For Group Founders
Have a movement or community idea that fits our mission?
For Investors
Find out how your company or foundation can benefit from Project Renaissance.
For Event Organizers
Host your event at the Hall of Awesomeness by emailing us your completed online request form.
For Media Members
Help us spread the word to put Kuala Lumpur on the Top 10
By Mindvalley
Founded in 2003 by Vishen Lakhiani, Mindvalley funds and builds companies that innovate on education through mediums that range from digital publishing, online learning, mobile and web apps, content and events. We stand for ideas that allow people to unleash their full potential and live extraordinary lives through transformational learning and education for all ages.


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No complacency here.
It wouldn't matter if she was all the way down to 2% in the polls.
A bunch of us over here in south Texas are heading home to vote and it ain't gonna be for Ms Piggy.....
IF Mary dressed in drag, she'd look just like president pee wee.

subset: commoncrawl


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Posts Tagged 'Foreign policy/affairs'
Media Link: Snowden, Spying and New Zealand.
Posted on 10:55, December 3rd, 2013 by Pablo
In a New Zealand Herald op ed I discuss Edward Snowden's actions and their implications for New Zealand. It is possible that he may not be what he claims to be, but whether he is or not, there will be inevitable consequences for New Zealand stemming from his leaks.
The deal within the deal.
Posted on 15:18, November 26th, 2013 by Pablo
There are several things to consider when digesting news about the recently signed nuclear limitation agreement between Iran and the P5+1 countries (the UNSC permanent members US, UK, France, China and Russia plus Germany, with the EU as a mediator/facilitator). First, what is publicly announced about international agreements is not always all that is agreed upon. Often times what is not publicly disclosed is as or more important than the announced terms.
Second, actors given majority credit for an international agreement may not have been as decisive as they and their home media would like the public to believe.
Third, no agreement stands alone or occurs in a vacuum: other geopolitical and strategic considerations are bound to frame and influence the terms of the finalized compact.
The agreement between Iran, EU and six world powers on the conditions by which Iran would de-weaponize its nuclear research program in exchange for a temporary relief from international sanctions is a case in point. The agreement is for six months, with an eye to negotiating a more permanent contract at the end of that period. The 7 billion dollars in sanctions relief is not a huge amount by global standards, but significant in that it demonstrates the effectiveness of the sanctions regime imposed on Iran as well as its the flexibility of it (since it can be reimposed in the event Iran reneges on its promises).
The technical details are pretty straight forward: Iran agrees to suspend the enrichment of natural uranium (U238) beyond five percent and to neutralize its stockpile of 20 percent enriched uranium (U235). This is a step away from weaponization because most weapons grade U235 is enriched above 80 percent, which is relatively easy to produce if 20 percent enriched U235 is on hand. Most civilian nuclear energy programs use 3 to 5 percent enriched U235 fuel, thereby making weaponization more time consuming and costly. The agreement therefore does not interfere with Iran's ability to enrich uranium for civilian power production.
Iran will also curb its use and purchase of centrifuges employed for said enrichment as well as suspend the heavy water reactor extraction methods used to produce plutonium. The entire Iranian nuclear complex will be placed under tighter international inspection controls.
The Western media has variously described the deal as a "US-Iran" or "Iran-Western" accord, but the importance of China and Russia should not be ignored. Both of these powers have friendly relations with Teheran and have supplied it with weapons and diplomatic support. They were not at the meetings in Geneva to serve as props for the US and UK. In fact, their presence in the negotiations should be considered to be decisive rather than incidental, to the point that they may have had a large say in the broader issues being bargained over that eventually sealed the deal.
What might those issues be? That brings up the larger geopolitical and strategic context.
Iran, as is well known, is a major patron of the Assad regime in Syria, currently engaged in a civil war against a Sunni opposition backed by the West and Sunni Arab states. The Assad regime receives funding, weapons and direct combat support from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and Hizbollah, the Lebanese Shiia militia that serves as an Iranian proxy and power multiplier in the Levant. Assad also receives weapons from Russia, which has a naval base at the port of Tartus and which considers the Assad regime as its closest Arab ally.
Should Assad fall, not only Russia but more importantly Iran will lose a major source of power projection in the region. This would suit Israel and the Sunni Arab world, as Iran is seen as an existential threat by Israeli and Arab Sunni elites alike. Defeating Assad will pave the way for Israel to turn its military gaze more directly on Hizbollah, something that will not meet with much opposition from the West or the Sunni Arab elites. Israel is less concerned about the radical nature of a future Sunni government in Syria or the fragmentation of that country into sectarian enclaves, as the heterogenous rebel coalition now fighting Assad will be consumed by factional in-fighting that will limit its ability to project meaningful military force across its borders whether Syria as presently constituted remains intact or not. Sunni Arab elites will welcome a Sunni dominance in Syria as another bulwark against Shiia influence in the eastern Mediterranean, again, whether Syria retains its present boundaries or divides into smaller Sunni states.
However, it has become increasingly clear that the leading rebel groups in Syria are led by al-Qaeda inspired jihadis who are as bad if not worse than the Assad regime when it comes to committing callous atrocities against civilians as well as armed opponents. They are people who do not have much regard for the laws of war and who have published videos of themselves gassing dogs using crude chemical weapons (which may have had something to do with the rush to reach agreement on removing Assad's CW stockpiles in the midst of the civil war), and who have had to apologize for "accidentally" beheading a fellow Sunni rebel leader under the mistaken assumption that he was an Alawite or Shiia Assad supporter (all videotaped, of course). Their atrocities (as well as those of the Assad regime) are well documented in the propaganda war now raging on social media.
Jihadist government in Syria may not be an existential threat to Western, much less global interests, but it is the most visible. It would be the first and most important place outside of Afghanistan where Islamicists fought their way into power (Somalia does not count). That is a significant issue regardless of their actual military power because symbolism matters and diplomacy is as much about symbology as it is about substance.
Following Russia's lead and over Israeli and Saudi protestations, Western powers have become very alarmed about a possible jihadi victory in Syria, and now see a weakened Assad remaining in power or as part of a brokered coalition as the lesser evil. Hence the previous Western moves to give material and technical assistance to the rebels have slowed considerably while calls for a negotiated solution grow louder. Not surprisingly and following on the success of the Iran nuclear accord, negotiations on the Syrian crisis are now scheduled for January in Geneva, and include the Iranians as interested parties along with those supporting the anti-Assad forces grouped in and around the non-jihadist Syrian National Coalition and Free Syrian Army.
For Iran, this was the bargaining chip. It can agree to temporarily halt its nuclear enrichment efforts in exchange not just for sanctions relief but also in exchange for a reprieve for Assad. As things stood, its nuclear program invited massive preemptive attack and Assad's fall spelled the end of its geopolitical influence. By agreeing to curtail its nuclear program to verifiable peaceful uses in exchange for a withdrawal of Western aid to the Syrian rebels and sanctions relief, Iran is able to buy Assad enough time to defeat the rebels, thereby maintaining Iran's influence as a regional power while it re-builds its domestic economy unfettered by sanctions. Israel and the Saudis may not be happy about this, but their narrow interests have been shown to not be coincident with those of their Western allies on a number of strategic issues, Iran being just one of them.
Political scientists would call this the nested game scenario: within the public "game" involving negotiations between Iran and its foreign interlocutors lie other confidential or private "games" that are key to resolving the larger impasse over its nuclear program (Iranian involvement in Iraqi domestic politics might be another). These games are defined as much by those who are excluded as those who are involved in them.
All of this is speculation, and any "nested game" deal on Syria would be part of the non-public aspects of the agreement and therefore deliberately non-verifiable over the near term absent a leak. But there is enough written between the lines of the public rhetoric to suggest that this may be what is at play rather than a simple compromise on the limits of Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Posted in foreign policy, History, International relations, Uncategorized, War | 6 Comments | Read More »
Coleman's Cultural Cringe Moment.
Posted on 15:35, October 31st, 2013 by Pablo
For some time I have had the impression that Defense Minister Jonathan Coleman is out of his depth on issues of defense and security, so I was not surprised by his joyful celebration of the signing of a bi-lateral defense pact with the US. Master of the flak jacket photo op, it was all sunshine and roses for Dr. Coleman at the Pentagon press conference, where he emphasized that US and NZDF troops would be training and working together on peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance missions in between group hugs and port visits. He seemed blissfuly unaware that US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, standing beside him at the press conference, made no mention of the kumbaya aspects of the bilateral, instead referring to the combat integration benefits of closer military-to-military relations.
What I was surprised at was how provincial and just plain goofy Coleman appeared to be. Among other country bumpkin moments, he dismissed concerns about US spying on New Zealand by referencing an editorial cartoon that had spies falling asleep listening to NZ communications; he outright lied and said that the NZ government would not say anything in private that it would not say in public (which makes its silence on the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations all the more suspicious); he never once countenanced the thought that the bilateral might be part of the US strategic pivot towards Asia (in a military way), or that China might view the bilateral with some concern; and for a Pièce de résistance, he whipped out a junior sized All Blacks jersey and foisted it on the unsuspecting Hagel.
The last moment was gold. Hagel acted as if he was not sure what the piece of black cloth was all about. A pirate flag? A tea towel? Something for Halloween? Then Coleman did the most crassly egregious act of sponsor placement I have ever seen in an official government ceremony by turning the jersey to the cameras with all front logos on display (the back had Hagel's name and the number 1 on it). AIG and Adidas would not have believed their luck, but what does it say about Dr. Coleman and his government that he/they thought it appropriate to shill for sports team sponsors at such an event?
The usual protocol for government to government exchanges of sporting symbols (most often on the occasion of bi- or multination sporting events) is to keep the colors and national crests but not the commercial logos. Such exchanges are done at the conclusion of formal meetings, with approved media doing the coverage on cue. Otherwise, the exchange is approved at press conference photo opportunities by prior consent. This avoids impromptu, ad lib or extemporaneous embarrassments or hijacks of the media op, to say nothing of security breaches.
On this the ritual of public diplomacy is pretty clear: public posturing and grandstanding is expected, but surprises are not.
In this instance Secretary Hagel was clearly surprised by the unilateral token of affection. He had nothing to give in return in front of the cameras. That means that the NZ embassy in Washington was incompetent, deliberately mean or ignored in the decision as to choice of gift as well as the way in which to present it, because it is brutally clear that Coleman and his staff were clueless as to the symbolism and significance of their preferred option for a unilateral, unscripted gift.
Lets ponder this. Coleman and his staff decided that the best gift to give the US Secretary of Defense on the occasion of signing a major bilateral military agreement ending years of estrangement was a replica jersey for a commonwealth sport barely recognized outside of some hard core devotee circles in the US. He might as well given him a surf lifesaving jersey.
I would have thought that a Mere pounamu, or better yet a Taiaha or Pouwhenua (to signify continued distance), would have been more appropriate for the occasion. With some advance warning (perhaps in consultation with the US embassy in Wellington), such a gift would be appreciated in its full significance by the US counterparts and transmitted as such to the interested public. Instead, the most powerful US civilian decision maker on military matters was given a piece of quick-dry, stretchable artificial cloth with corporate logos as a symbol of New Zealand's commitment to first-tier military relations.
Coleman compounded the back-handed compliment with the jersey sponsorship display, thereby commercializing the event. To be honest, I could not believe what I was seeing and can only imagine what the Americans thought. I say this because in a former life I was party to such official ceremonies involving the US Defense Department and allied nation officials, and it was simply unimaginable that someone would attempt to push product, however unintentionally, during a symbolic gift exchange. That is why the display was so utterly cringe worthy.
In general though, I was not surprised by Coleman's hillbilly-in-the-big-city moment. After all, if the Prime Minister, as Minister of Intelligence and Security, says that he cannot be bothered asking the GCSB questions about US spying on its allies, then it is no wonder that Dr. Coleman thinks that US spies are asleep and the US government is up with the play when it comes to the All Black nation.
Posted in Intelligence and Security, International relations, NZ foreign policy, NZ Security, NZDF, USA, War | 9 Comments | Read More »
Mission to nowhere.
Posted on 16:06, October 8th, 2013 by Pablo
It is said that the who and when of diplomatic missions tells much about the disposition of the government sending them. If that is true, then consider this.
The most important annual Trans-Pacific diplomatic (APEC) meetings are being held in Bali this week. John Key and Tim Groser are there, once again pushing their trade-first (only?) agenda in the main sessions and back rooms.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Murray McCully is on a mission to Antarctica.
Since Antarctica has no diplomatic agencies on its soil, it seems odd that the foreign minister is headed that way in the absence of a treaty signing or other diplomatic event. His press release states that the visit, his first, is because he is the minister responsible for New Zealand's Antarctic Affairs and that along with his visit to Scott Base he will head to the US base at McMurdo Sound. But there is nothing diplomatic on his agenda.
Mr. McCully is not a minister for anything scientific, so he is not discharging science portfolio responsibilities by visiting one of the research stations on the continent. Perhaps, as Minister of Sports and Recreation, he is looking into possibilities along those lines, especially since he was flown down on an Air Force plane along with 117 others plus the 11 person Air Force crew.
But if he is not engaged in anything other than a tour of the realm, why is he not with other Trans-Pacific foreign ministers in Bali? Is this the contemporary equivalent of the colonial practice of assigning diplomats in disgrace to a posting in Brazzaville? Is Antarctica New Zealand's diplomatic version of the Mosquito Coast?
MFAT and National will say that he was superfluous to requirements in Bali (not exactly in that language) because the PM and Trade Minister are there. That tells us two things.
On the international relations front it confirms that New Zealand's foreign policy is dominated by a trade fixation (fetishism?) that has come to dominate all other aspects of New Zealand's diplomatic endeavor. In spite of Mr. Key's posturing at the UN with regard to UN reform, weapons non-proliferation and multilateral intervention in search for votes for a Security Council temporary seat next year, the hard fact is that New Zealand's diplomatic ranks have been purged, one way or another, of arms control and non-proliferation specialists, climate change and human rights experts and many other senior diplomats whose primary expertise lies outside the realm of trade. They have been replaced by younger, less costly and more narrowly focused trade zealots (many riding on Groser's coat tails) whose knowledge and experience in other diplomatic fields is comparatively thin.
This has been accompanied by out-sourcing lead responsibility for intelligence sharing and security assistance negotiations to the GCSB, SIS and NZDF, which is one of the reasons, in concert with the trade fixation, that New Zealand's foreign relations have taken a distinctly schizophrenic look under National (trade with the East, defend with the West, even if the PRC and US are on a collision course for supremacy in the Western Pacific).
One might respond that spy agencies and armed forces should cut their own deals with foreign counterparts, since it is their business after all. But that is precisely why diplomatic intercession is required–securing the national interest is a long-term game played on many fronts that is not reducible to bureaucratic self-interest, making friends amongst foreign counterparts, or currying immediate favor. It is a fluid balancing game rather than a static one-off opportunity, which is why allowing spooks and uniforms to dictate the terms of engagement on matters of intelligence and security is less than ideal. That is particularly so when the ministers in charge of security and intelligence as well as military affairs are less than conversant with the nature of the operations they are responsible for and where there is no independent oversight of their decisions regarding the conduct of those operations.
Likewise, trade zealots need to have their single-minded obsession with neo-Ricardian prescriptions tempered by those who understand that the world is not solely dominated by trade balances and import/export quotas, tariffs, licensing and the other minutiae of cross-border economic interaction. Important as these are, they need to be considered in relation to other areas of diplomatic endeavor so that coherence, congruence and continuity in foreign affairs can be achieved and maintained. The latter is important for no other reason than it helps establish and maintain a nation's reputation as a global actor.
New Zealand's reputation as a global actor has transformed under National from that of an independent and autonomous honest broker into that of a wheeling, dealing "free" trading operator that hedges its bets by cozying up to the world military superpower. It remains to be seen how tenable this position will be over the long-term.
On the internal front McCully's Antarctic junket offers proof that he is an outcast within his own party, a pariah best unseen and unheard. He has no significant allies in the Collins or Joyce factions of the National caucus and no real friends elsewhere. He has no discernible influence on foreign policy, serving more as a spokesperson and chief of ceremony. The weeks before his trip to the frozen continent he was flitting about the US and Caribbean, visiting the America's Cup before heading to the UN for some meeting and greeting, then onto bilaterals with Caribbean counterparts. Prior to that he was at the Pacific Island Forum in the Marshall Islands, preceded by trips to Hong Kong, China and Mongolia, Melanesia and the Cook Islands and Africa and the Seychelles. He presented many gifts to a variety of dignitaries from far-off lands and wore colorful shirts as much as he did suits. He did little hard negotiating.
That is a lot of time spent abroad during times when parliament is sitting, particularly when the bulk of the trips were for more symbolic than significant purposes. Come to think of it, when was the last time he answered a question in the debating chamber? I may have missed it but he does seem conspicuous by his absence.
In effect, McCully has been given a comfy sinecure to ensure that he stays away from his own caucus and steers clear of involvement in the "real" business of foreign affairs, that being trade. This neuters him in terms of the internal politics within National as well as with regard to foreign policy making (which is now the province of Groser and his minions). This is a variation on the theme used by Labour with respect to Winston Peters, when he became a Foreign Minister not in cabinet who spent a similar amount of time as McCully does exploring the far–and nicer–reaches of the globe. Except Antarctica.
And we have paid for all of it.
Blog Link: The Transition Tango in Fiji.
Posted on 11:35, October 3rd, 2013 by Pablo
Over at 36th Parallel Assessments I explore some of the dynamics that are and will be key factors in the political transition to free and open elections in Fiji scheduled for mid 2014. Unique circumstances in Fiji notwithstanding, the success of a transition from military-bureaucratic authoritarianism to freely elected government (if not democracy) hinges on some key factors, particularly the interplay between regime and opposition hard- and soft-liners. The essay explains how and why.
Posted in Authoritarianism, comparative politics, Democracy, governance, Politics, South Pacific | 5 Comments | Read More »
The end of a norm.
Posted on 15:17, September 12th, 2013 by Pablo
One perennial argument in international relations is that between realists on the one hand and idealists and constructivists on the other. Idealists believe in the perfectability of humankind and in the ability to interject moral and ethical authority into international affairs. Both Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush adopted this approach to US foreign relations, Carter with his human rights policy and Dubya with his Pax Americana doctrine for transforming the world into the neoconservative's preferred image. Closer to home, the Lange government's non-nuclear declaration appealed to the higher minded elements in the global community.
Constructivists are not as prone to believe in the power of moral authority in international affairs. Instead, they believe that the behaviour of international actors can be constrained and regulated by international norms and institutions. New Zealand's support for multinational institutions and multi-lateral approaches to international conflict resolution, as well as its support for international norms such as those embodied in the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), are examples of constructivism in foreign policy. Idealists and constructivists dovetail in their belief that multinational institutions and norms can promote better international behaviour than otherwise would obtain.
Realists do not believe this is possible. Realists operate on the premise that because there is no moral, ethical or ideological consensus in international affairs, and because there is no superordinate authority to consistently and effectively enforce its rules of conduct, then the world is effectively in a state of nature (as used by Hobbes). Absent Leviathan in international affairs, states and non-state actors pursue their interests checked only by the relative power of other actors. Self-interest, not morality, rules the day. Classical realists see war as a systems regulator and military force as the ultimate determinant of power. Neo-realists (who emerged in the late 1970s and 1980s) believe that economic power is more important than military might and that the exercise of economic power determines the ability of actor's to project force in defense of national and self-interest. They used the example of the USSR as a case where military power did not equate or supersede structural power in the long-term course of foreign affairs.
For realists international norms and institutions are nice and ideally preferable, but are no substitute for self-interested power projection as the basis for international stability. Realists see a place for idealist-based international institutions and norms in peripheral areas of international behaviour, but not in core areas of national interest. Thus saving whales can be approached via constructivist means, but securing trade routes and borders cannot.
In the realist view, international actors need to fend for themselves in the last instance, and therefore should approach the global arena with a view to best defending their own interests rather than those of the world community as a whole. Where national power is insufficient to defend core interests, alliances are constructed to do so. Contrary to the perception that realists are military hawks, realism is risk and war adverse in any circumstance where core national interests are not at stake. They do not believe in perfectability campaigns such as democracy and human rights promotion, nor do they believe in wars of choice fought to promote a preferred political outcome or moral ideal. Realism, at its core, is pragmatic and self-limiting.
The Syrian crisis has shown that when it comes to enforcing international norms the global community does not have the will or capability to do so. The bulk of world opinion is against US military intervention to punish the Assad regime for using sarin gas against his civilian population (not once, but a total of at least eleven times in the past 18 months). This occurs in spite of the 1927 and 1993 international bans on chemical weapons and the 1997 international convention calling for the destruction of all chemical weapon stockpiles. The political leadership of the majority of nation-states oppose the use of force to punish Assad for his war crimes (I will leave aside for the moment the question of who did the gassing, as the focus here is on international norm violations). Amongst those who believe that Assad should be punished (including the National government), only France appears willing to go to war. Even the US Congress is divided on the issue.
That is striking. The ban on chemical weapons is one of the oldest international conventions. It has obvious moral weight. It has been ratified by over one hundred countries. Images of the victims of the latest attack have been compelling and transmitted world-wide. One would think, if idealists and constructivists are correct in their views of the international community, that Assad's transgression of such an important norm would prompt a call to arms by fair-minded people the world over. Yet it has not. To the contrary, it has elicited apathy, denial, disinterest or fretful handwringing by the world at large.
What this demonstrates is that when push comes to shove, pragmatism and self-interest trump idealism and constructivism in world affairs. While seemingly promising on the surface, the Russian proposal to have Syria hand over its chemical weapons to the UN can also be seen as a cynical ploy to give Assad some time to disperse his chemical weapons stores while continuing his counter-offensive against the rebels by conventional means (which the Russians are supplying). I say that because ensuring the transfer of Syria's several thousand tons of chemical agents will be lengthy and exhaustive process that will require thousands of foreign technicians on the ground in Syria, and assumes perfect cooperation by the Syrian authorities and the rebels in the midst of a nasty civil war. That is an optimistic view at best, and something that idealists and constructivists may believe possible if a negotiated settlement can be reached under the auspices of the UN Security Council.
However, the Russians are no idealists when it comes to foreign relations and international affairs. Instead, they are very much informed by realist notions of inter-state behavior, so it is safe to assume that their proposal has less to do with humanitarian concern and more to do with Russian power projection and strategic interests in Syria and beyond.
One could argue that the same is true for the US and its allies, and that the call for military intervention by the US against the Assad regime has little to do with humanitarian concern or international norm enforcement and more to do with the geopolitical competition between Iran and its proxies (including the Assad regime) and the Sunni Arab world and the West. This view is backed by the misuse by NATO of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine to justify the Libyan intervention. Under R2P foreign military intervention is justified in order to protect vulnerable populations from the depredations of their governments or in the face of government incapacity to defend them against the violence of others. But in Libya it was used as a pretext for forcible regime change over the objections of the Russians and Chinese. Given the outcome, that has for all intents and purposes killed off R2P as an international norm.
The situation with enforcing the norm against use of chemical weapons is even more fraught. Besides the reluctance of the global community to enforce a norm in a conflict in which most have no strategic stake, there is the problem of its prior unsanctioned use. Not only did Saddam Hussein use chemical weapons in the Iran-Iraq war (with the CIA providing targeting data to Iraq fully knowing that Saddam intended to use chemical weapons against Iranian troop formations). More recently Israel has used white phosphorous (another banned agent) in Gaza and the US used white phosphorous in the Battle of Falluja. In both cases the dense urban combat environment made it impossible to discriminate between civilian and military targets, so their use was arguably criminal even if there were not a ban against them.
In each of these instances the perpetrator used chemical weapons because it was felt to be expedient and because they could get away with doing so. Although there was some hue and cry about their use, no effective action was taken against any of these perpetrators. Only later, in the first Gulf War, was Iraq's prior use of chemical weapons used to justify the military response to his invasion of Kuwait (and even then his suspected chemical weapons stockpiles were not destroyed by Desert Storm and the US-led alliance refused to help the Shiia uprising against him in the wake of his defeat).
Israel and the US have paid no price for having used chemical weapons in recent years.
Moreover, in spite of the 1997 convention on destroying chemical weapon stockpiles, it is widely believed that most countries that had them at the time (including the US, UK, Israel and Russia), failed to completely eliminate them from their respective inventories. Others, such as Syria, never signed up to the chemical weapons ban and thus have proceeded to develop that capability as a deterrent and a hedge against conventional military defeat.
All of which to say is that at least when it comes to the ban on use of chemical weapons, idealists and constructivists have been proven wrong and realists have been proven right: besides the strategic calculations of many nations that advise against involvement in the Syrian conflict, regardless of the outcome the international norm against using chemical weapons is not worth the paper it is written on. It is, as they say in Spanish, letra muerta.
Posted in International relations, War | 17 Comments | Read More »
Crying wolf on terrorism for political gain.
Posted on 14:04, August 20th, 2013 by Pablo
The merit of a proposition can be judged by the strength of the argument in support or defense of it. In the case of the proposed changes to the GCSB and TICS Acts, the government's argument has basically reduced to claims that terrorists will strike if the bills do not pass, perhaps even using weapons of mass destruction. More than an argument in favor of the bills, it is a sign of desperation on the part of a government unwilling to level with the public on its real intent.
To begin with, counter-terrorism is a very small part of what intelligence agencies do. Ninety percent of intelligence collection and analysis, to include its sub-set of electronic espionage and counterespionage, is focused on traditional corporate, diplomatic and military intelligence gathering. That is true for the Five Eyes/Echelon signals intelligence network and even more so for countries that are not on the front lines of the so-called War on Terrorism.
Yet countering "terrorism" has become the buzz word used by politicians to justify the expansion of the security apparatus in all its forms, to include the militarization of police functions and extension of powers of search and surveillance. It is the fig leaf that covers a multitude of sins perpetrated by the state in the name of national security.
This is an important point because as nasty as it is, terrorism is not an existential threat to any established state, much less a consolidated democracy. Viewed objectively, it can be properly seen is a crime of violence most often carried out as an irregular warfare tactic for ideological reasons. In the hands of non-state actors it is a weapon of the militarily weak that cannot be used regularly and systematically against a broad array of targets in the face of state enforced counter-measures. Although impossible to eliminate in its entirety, especially in its small cell or lone wolf application, this type of terrorism (i.e. in John Key's airport bomb hypothetical) is a type of criminal violence best handled by the police using the intelligence made available by human as well as signals and technical intelligence agencies.
That may or may not involve electronic eavesdropping of a targeted sort. What is not needed to counter terrorism is blanket adoption of draconian security laws that restrict individual and collective freedoms, including the right to privacy. Oppressing the majority out of fear of an extremist few is counter-productive for no other reason than doing so plays into the hands of the aggressor.
In any event New Zealand is not on the front line of the War on Terrorism. Its threat environment is different than that of Australia, the UK and the US. It is more akin to (yet less than) that of Canada, and it is telling that Canada has resisted moves to closely align its domestic intelligence gathering powers with that of its Northern Hemisphere partners. The Canadians well understand the hierarchy of threats confronting them, and in light of that have shied away from the type of legislation currently being proposed in New Zealand.
If anything, the Canadian government knows that closer public alignment with the US and UK on security issues invites greater risk of attack from those engaged in armed conflict with them. It also understands that what irregular threats exist for Canada, they are more likely to be internal and related to domestic policy issues than external in origin or manifestation. New Zealand is similar in both regards.
What this means is that the specter of terrorism raised by John Key is a dark chimera that has little connection to New Zealand's real threats, but which is used to defend the passing of security legislation that is more appropriate for the threat environment in Pakistan or Yemen than that of the South Pacific.
In recent years cyber espionage has become the predominant form of signals intelligence threat, to include that in New Zealand. The focus of attention of Five Eyes and other signals intelligence agencies is increasingly on fiber optic cables, routers, switches and the computers that use them, as opposed to radio and satellite intercepts (even if the latter remains a priority for Echelon). In pursuit of effective counter-measures, the Echelon partners have developed sophisticated labor-savings software such as PRISM and XKeyscore that filter the first cut on zillions of bytes of electronic data (the so-called meta-data), thereby making it easier for human analysts to target specific communications based upon keywords, phrases and usage patterns.
This mass trawling through personal as well as institutional electronic communications is indeed efficient, and not problematic for countries under non-democratic rule, but poses a problem for liberal democracies where the right to privacy and presumption of innocence go hand-in-hand as the bedrocks of citizenship.
Cyber espionage in New Zealand is mostly but not exclusively perpetrated by foreign state and non-state actors seeking to access sensitive corporate, political and security information. This includes back-door access via personal computers and electronic devices into work computers of targeted sectors. Since New Zealand has the most porous internet security of the Five Eyes partners and because its economic and political decison-making elite is relatively small in comparison, it is considered to be the weak link in the network by adversaries and allies alike.
Be it by groups such as Anonymous or by state agencies such as Chinese military intelligence (and there are many others), it is estimated that New Zealand computer networks are probed dozens of times a year (at least as far as what has been publicly admitted by the government). Thus the interest in increasing the GCSB's cyber-securty function in order to bolster the defensive aspect of local cyber intelligence (targeted hacking of foreign networks being the offensive side).
The hard fact is that cyber espionage and counter-espionage is the newest and increasingly most pervasive form of spying and is here to stay, so New Zealand has to lift its game in that field of play.
This is the real reason why the Bills have been introduced. The trouble is that they contain a very strong offensive aspect to them, in part owing to the blurred nature of cyber espionage that does not conform easily to the foreign versus domestic dichotomy traditionally used to partition internal from foreign intelligence gathering. Threats now are seen as "glocal" or "intermestic," and thus offensive cyber intelligence operations are run side-by-side with domestic counter-intelligence (defensive) work. That includes meta data mining on home soil, and the sharing of that data with Echelon partners.
Rather than honestly reveal the true reasons why the amendments to the GCSB and TICS Acts are being proposed, the National government has resorted to the old canard about terrorism. It may be doing so because it is undiplomatic to point out that its second largest trade partner has been accused by New Zealand's strongest security and intelligence partners of being the source of most cyber attacks on their respective and shared computer networks. It may be doing so because it assumes that most people simply do not care about issues of security and intelligence, and it might be right. But whatever its rationale, its proposals are way over the top given the realities of New Zealand's position in world affairs and its history as a democratic polity.
There is much more that is wrong with the New Zealand intelligence community–the lack of effective and independent oversight, the political manipulation of intelligence flows, the overly broad definition of national security and threats to it being foremost amongst them. It is therefore not surprising that in the very framing of the debate about the GCSB and TICS Bills, the government has resorted to bluster and fear-mongering rather than outline the real thrust of its changes.
That is a pity. Had it done so it might have been able to reach a compromise on cyber security more appropriate for a small liberal democracy on the periphery of the major conflicts of our times. However, as things stand New Zealand is about to be saddled with a cyber-security apparatus apparatus more similar to that of Singapore than those of Belgium, Norway or Uruguay.
That pretty much says it all about how National views the world.
Three perspectives on the spy bills.
Posted on 14:37, August 18th, 2013 by Pablo
Selwyn Manning has done a Q&A with three individuals who have different and at times conflicting views of the GCSB and TICS Bills, although all three are critically opposed to the bills in their present form. One is a strategic analyst, one is an internet entrepeneur and one is an IT lawyer. John Key may dismiss them as uninformed, politically motivated or holding some hidden agenda, but their differing takes on the issue may make for some food for thought for KP readers.
The Q&A can be found here.
Withdrawal from Echelon: a realistic watershed moment in intelligence reform or Left political posturing?
Posted on 15:34, June 20th, 2013 by Pablo
In light of the attention brought to matters of intelligence collection and analysis in recent months, it is entirely reasonable for the Greens and Labour to demand a fill inquiry into the organization, role and functions of the New Zealand intelligence community, including its responsibilities and obligations in international intelligence networks such as Echelon/5 Eyes and other less publicized arrangements. As the Kitteridge Report noted with regard to the GCSB and what the Zaoui case demonstrated in the case of the SIS, there were or are serious deficiencies in both agencies. These are as much if not more managerial than operational, but the truth is that a review of the entire intelligence community is overdue in light of the changing realities of intelligence gathering in the 21st century.
That is why the National government's attempt to pass reforms to the 2003 GCSB Act that extend its domestic powers and scope of authority, coupled with the proposed Telecommunications (Interception Capability and Security) Bill that would, among other things, force telecommunications firms to provide backdoor access to their source and encryption codes, needs to be delayed until such time a proper inquiry into the entire espionage complex is undertaken. Without full understanding of areas of strength and weakness in the system, it is impossible to knowledgeably address the proposed reforms in the way signals intelligence is gathered and used in and by New Zealand, much less how it should be balanced against rights to privacy and institutional accountability.
As part of the calls for the inquiry, some on the Left have proposed that a review of New Zealand's participation in Echelon be undertaken. Some have gone so far to say that it could become another watershed moment such as that surrounding the 1985 non-nuclear declaration. Presumably the watershed would be occasioned by a withdrawal from Echelon.
As much as I think that a review of New Zealand's role in Echelon is welcome, especially in light of the Kim Dotcom case and recent revelations about mass scale meta-data mining by the US National Security Agency (and the meta-data mining by the GCSB revealed by the Kitteridge Report), I think that it would be absolute folly to withdraw from Echelon. Changes in the terms and conditions of New Zealand's participation in Echelon may be warranted, but a full withdrawal from the signals intelligence-sharing community composed of the US, UK, Australia, Canada and NZ seems foolish.
I will not reiterate here the early warning, big picture and deep insight benefits that NZ accrues from being an Echelon partner. What I will note is that it has been a partner in Echelon for more than three decades, and as such shares some of the most guarded secrets, both historical and contemporary, of the Anglophone intelligence community. This includes methods, technologies, locations and sources for signals intelligence collection as well as the content of specific subjects of interest.
The Echelon partners will take a very dim view of these secrets suddenly becoming insecure as a result of a NZ withdrawal from Echelon. No matter what assurances may be given or what phased devolution of responsibilities is proposed, they are bound to fret about classified Echelon information falling into hostile hands as a result of that decision. That will likely prompt a full scope defensive counter-response to minimize the possibility of damaging or sensitive material falling into the "wrong" hands.
That response will far outweigh the diplomatic estrangement caused by the non-nuclear declaration (which ultimately amounted to a freeze on bilateral military-to-military contacts but which did not alter intelligence sharing or diplomatic relations in any significant measure). The negative consequences of withdrawal from Echelon will be felt in the intelligence arena, but will also be felt economically, militarily, and most definitely cyber-electronically, and will not just come from the other 5 Eyes partners.
Under a Labour/Green government that decides to withdraw from Echelon, New Zealand might seek to hedge its bets by establishing intelligence sharing ties with the People's Republic of China or Russia. The first would complement the economic re-orientation towards the PRC in recent years, whereas the latter would cultivate relations with a long-term and now resurgent Western adversary (which is now in the process of re-deploying submarines to the South Pacific for the first time in over 20 years). Either move would show a clear commitment to diplomatic re-alignment away from traditional partners and towards Eurasia, something that would nicely complement the primary geographic focus of NZ's trade-oriented foreign policy (we should remember that NZ is in the early stages of negotiations with Russia on a "free" trade agreement).
For both Russia and the PRC, gaining access to Echelon data would be invaluable even if the remaining 4 Eyes are forced to completely overhaul their systems in order to limit the damage caused by a NZ "flip." In fact, the repercussions from such an act might force NZ to seek the security protection of either great power. One assumes that for this to happen the NZ public will be comfortable with the shift in alignment.
It is less probable that other Western nations such as France or Germany would want to jeopardize their relations with the Echelon community by entering into an alternative signals intelligence-sharing arrangement with NZ. Perhaps rising powers such as India, South Africa or Brazil might want to take advantage of the window of opportunity, but that also seems unlikely.
That is why I believe that the speculation about an inquiry into the intelligence community resulting in a "watershed" NZ withdrawal from Echelon is poorly considered. Escaping international commitments of any sort is fraught in many ways, and in order to do so the benefits of reneging must clearly outweigh the costs. The decision must enjoy broad support and be politically sustainable at home as well as abroad.
In that light, the benefits of a withdrawal from Echelon are uncertain and the downside of withdrawing from such a long-term and highly sensitive international security commitment is too great and too obvious for such talk to be anything but ignorant or Labour/Green posturing in the build up to next year's elections. If that is the case, it undermines the Labour/Green bid to have a full inquiry into NZ intelligence community reform because there will be little support outside of select party factions for a move to withdraw from Echelon, and any reform initiatives that include that possibility will not be taken seriously.
It would therefore seem best for the Greens (in particular) and Labour to stifle such speculation from within their ranks in order for their calls for a full inquiry into the NZ intelligence community be given due consideration. That still leaves much room for review, but has a better chance of garnering broad-based support than by continuing to entertain thoughts about watershed moments.
Posted on 13:54, May 15th, 2013 by Pablo
Although I always knew that "hope and change" was a rhetorical chimera rather than a realizable objective, and understand full well that the US presidency is a strait jacket on the ambitions of those who occupy its office, I am one of those who have been disappointed by the Obama administration on several counts.
I fully understand that he inherited a mess and has done well to dig out from under it, particularly with regard to revitalizing the economy and disengaging from two unpopular wars. With some caveats, I support the drone campaign against al-Qaeda. I support his health care reforms, his support for gay marriage and his efforts to promote renewable energy. I support his measured endorsement of the Arab Spring coupled with his cautious approach to intervention in Libya and Syria, where he has used multilateral mechanisms to justify and undertake armed intervention against despotic regimes (US intervention being mostly covert, with the difference that in Libya there was a no-fly zone enforced by NATO whereas in Syria there is not thanks to Russian opposition).
But I am disappointed in other ways. The failure to close the detention facility at the Guantanamo Bay Marine and Naval base, and the failure to put those detained there on trial in US federal courts because of local political opposition, are foremost amongst them. Now, more egregious problems have surfaced.
It turns out that after the attacks on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya, on September 11, 2012, the administration removed from its "talking points" for press briefings and interviews the facts that the attack was conducted by al-Qaeda affiliates (and were not a spontaneous response to an anti-Islamic on-line video, as was claimed), that repeated requests for security reinforcement at the consulate before the attacks were denied in spite of warnings about imminent threats, and then military assets were withheld during the incident (which lasted eight hours).
The public deception was out of proportion to the overall impact of the attack. Whether or not al-Qaeda affiliates conducted it, serious questions about the lack of security were bound to be raised. The White House appears to have panicked under campaign pressure about the significance of the date of the attack and who was attacking (a purely symbolic matter), compounding the real issue of State Department responsibility for the security failures involved.
While not as bad as the W. Bush administration fabricating evidence to justify its rush to war in Iraq, it certainly merits condemnation.
There is more. It turns out the IRS (the federal tax department, for those unfamiliar with it), undertook audits of right-wing political organizations seeking tax-exempt status as non-profit entities. IRS auditors were instructed to use key words and phrases such as "Patriot," "Tea Party" and other common conservative catch-phrases as the basis for deeper audits of organizations using them. That is against the law, albeit not unusual: the W. Bush administration engaged in the same type of thing.
Most recently it has been revealed that the Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Eric Holder (a recent visitor to NZ), secretly obtained two months of phone records from over 100 Associated Press reporters and staff, to include their home land lines, office and cell phones (in April-May 2012). The purpose was to uncover leaks of classified information about counter-terrorism operations to reporters after AP managers refused to cooperate with government requests to divulge the sources of leaks. That made the phone tapping legal. But there was an option: the government could have subpoenaed those suspected of receiving leaks and forced them to testify under oath as to their sources.
The main reason I am disappointed is that the Obama administration should have been better than this. I never expected the W. Bush (or the Bush 41, Reagan or Nixon administrations) to do anything but lie, cover up, fabricate, intimidate and manipulate in pursuit of their political agendas. They did not disappoint in that regard. But I do expect Democrats in general, and Obama in particular, to behave better in office. They are supposedly the defenders of the common folk, upholders of human rights and civil liberties, purportedly staunch opponents of corporate excess and abuses of privilege.
Republicans inevitably use public office to target domestic opponents and bend the law in favor of the rich and powerful. Democratic administrations are supposed to be better because, among other things, they know the consequences of such manipulation. Yet apparently they are not, even if these events pale in comparison to the crimes and misdemeanors of Republican administrations.
I am not being naive. I spent time working in federal agencies under both Republican and Democratic administrations in the 1980s and 1990s, and the difference in approach to the public trust, at least in the fields that I worked in, were great and palpable. It would seem that the things have changed since then.
Democratic governance often involves the compromise of principles in the pursuit of efficiency or cooperation in policy-making. There are always grey areas in the conduct of national affairs, and there are events and actions where reasons of necessity make secrecy more important than transparency in governance. The actions outlined above are neither.
I still prefer Obama to any of the GOP chumps that rail against him. But as John Stewart makes clear in this funny but scathing (and profane) critique, he and his administration have just stooped closer to their level.
Hence my disappointment.
Posted in Democracy, foreign policy, Intelligence and Security, journalism, Media, Politics, Public services, Toleration, USA | 3 Comments | Read More »


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Temple of Khnum in Esna
Period : The Greek Era
Construction date : Century 2 (0) BC
State : Preserved
Address: At Esna, Qena
بمدينة إسنا بمحافظة قنا
The temple was begun in the reigns of Ptolemy VI Philometor and Ptolemy VIlI Euergetes II , and remained in use through the Roman Period . It was dedicated to the Triad of Khnum , Neith , and Hak .
In 1840 , the temple was excavated by the Egyptian army , and was cleaned later by the Antiquities Service . It is unlikely that further excavations could be performed since these operations will require the evacuation of inhabitants from many houses and shops of the modern city .
The Hypostyle Hall has eighteen columns that support a roof decorated with astronomical scenes vultures .
On the temple's walls are depicted figures of rams and crocodiles representing Sobek and Khnum (also known as Khnom , Khonom and Khonoom) . Check and jowl are depictions of traditional scenes that represent the king dedicating the temple to god Khnum . On
To the right , appears an interesting scene of Commodus and Khnum in a papyrus thicket and pulling on a net full of fish and game birds .
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text: Front Installed View larger JL Audio Stealthbox® Custom-fit fiberglass enclosure with 10" W1v2 subwoofer Fits 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner (Gray) Item #: 13694022 Low Stock 1 Review | Ask Questions Was:$649.99 Price Break:-$162.50 Your price: $487.49 Earn up to 488 Rewards points Oak Gray Add to Cart Free Shipping Lifetime Tech Support + Add to wishlist + Email me alerts for this product View all associated offers Need help? 1.888.955.6000 Email Chat Does it fit my car? Select your car Find what fits your car ----- Please select a year ----- ----- Please select a make ----- ----- Please select a model ----- ----- Please select a body ----- ----- Please select a option ----- Loading... Will that piece of gear fit your car? We've climbed into thousands of vehicles to find out. x By buying this product you'll earn up to 488 Rewards points. When you sign up for a Crutchfield account, you'll be enrolled in Crutchfield Rewards. You'll earn one point for every dollar you spend on gear from us. You can turn your points into Rewards Cards that you can use toward future purchases. You can sign up for an account now, or after you complete your purchase (you'll get credit for the points either way). Sign up for a Crutchfield account


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Erie House Rental Photos and Description
House, 3 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths, (Sleeps 8)
Now booking fall winery visits, steelhead fishing trips, winter shopping, and holiday visits. We are in Steelhead Alley, midway between 16 Mile & 20 Mile Creeks. We welcome guided tours and we can recommend local guides and charters.
Find us on Facebook -- Clement's Lake Erie Cottages. Please LIKE our Facebook page to see guest photos, local events, last minute cancellations, special rates for last minute availability and more ideas to help you plan your stay here!
This spacious home with half-acre property offers generous beach frontage, lakefront views, 3 Queen beds, 2 bathrooms, gas fireplace and plenty of space. Eleven wineries are within eight miles. World class fishing and local wineries and winery events are big draws to the area.
In the warmer months, enjoy yard games on the large grassy yard, beach combing and swimming. Boaters can launch from the nearby North East Marina. In cooler weather, cozy up to our indoor gas fireplace with good friends, a book or puzzle and a glass of wine. Also in winter, use us as your home base for steelhead fishing, to explore snowmobile trails or enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Peek 'n Peak Ski Resort. Year round, enjoy the local wineries and our quaint town, called North East, PA or nearby Erie PA and the Presque Isle Casino. Regardless of how you choose to relax, we have gorgeous lake views and sunsets at this large lakefront property.
Life here is centered around a laid back small town with miles of vineyards and orchards, miles of lakefront and loads of charm. Sleeps up to 8.
Unique features:
-- 1 acre lakefront property with expansive beachfront and incredible views
-- typical Great Lakes shoreline. Not a tropical ocean beach. No palm trees or coconuts. We have sand, stones, driftwood, beach glass and other washed up treasures. See photos.
-- indoor gas fireplace, outdoor fire pit, beach campfires allowed.
-- one acre flat grassy lot
-- beach accessed from backyard via downhill grass path (see photo)
-- a short walk to Mazza Winery, North East
-- close to North East Marina (about 1 mile)
-- 3 new Queen Sized Beds, plus futon & 2 foldaway twins
-- Sleeps up to 8. No more than eight allowed.
-- new Dining Room area now seats up to 8 at table
-- hardwood floors in all bedrooms
-- local fishing expertise and connections
-- 2 televisions, 1 upstairs and 1 downstairs
Reserve this lake house as your mid-point destination to meet up with family or friends. This is a wonderful setting for your family vacation, holiday gathering, honeymoon, or friends getaway. We are kid friendly.
At night, open the windows and let nature refresh you. From two bedrooms, enjoy stargazing and view the Canadian lights directly across the lake. Let lake breezes cool you and the rhythm of Lake Erie waves calm and soothe you to sleep.
NEW for 2014... we now allow small wedding ceremonies at the lake - up to 30 people at the ceremony with the house rental. We can recommend other rental homes nearby if you want to house more guests.
- Suitability:
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters
- children welcome
- non smoking only
- pets not allowed
About Lynne Clement
Hello and welcome to Lake Erie in North East, PA. My name is Megan, and thank you for taking the time to read my bio. Several generations of my family have lived along the shores of Lake Erie spanning several decades. Lake Erie is a wonderful hidden treasure as is North East and the surrounding areas. My goal is to provide a quality lake house and vacation experience for your vacation with easy beach access. Customer satisfaction and service are paramount focus. This is a prime beach location with a private beach and room to relax. When you call or email, you will correspond with my very experienced and knowledgeable reservationist, Lynne Clement. We work together to assure you a delightful stay.
Lynne Clement purchased this house in 2004
Why Lynne Clement chose Erie
There's something special about growing up near Lake Erie. Life revolves around the water. In summer, we live at the beach. As a teen, I was a lifeguard at Freeport. The fishing and our sunsets are world class. In fall, the water temperatures moderate the climate, producing perfect conditions for grape growing and our local wine industry. In winter, we snowmobile, ski, ice-fish, ice-skate and dream about summer days again. I bought this property because of its beauty and its size -- it's rare to find a one acre lakefront property with easy beach access. Need any recommendations? Ask me. I grew up here and have can tell you about the locals' best kept secrets.
What makes this house unique
This home backs up to Lake Erie and has it's own stretch of beach. The acre-sized yard is huge by lake home standards. I can walk to the North East Marina along the beach or walk to the Mazza Winery. Lake Erie sunsets are beautiful and relaxing to watch from our own backyard. I also enjoy stargazing and seeing the Canadian lights across the lake at night. From here, you are a short 26 miles from Canada. Care to swim the distance? I can tell you about our first local swimmer who has-- Ms. Halli Reid. She just so happens to have a park dedicated in her honor at Freeport Beach. Check it out when you are here.


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Great times for a great cause
Located in different venues throughout Texas, Bowl For Kids' Sake is the largest annual fundraising event for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Bowl For Kids' Sake is a bowl-a-thon in which participants secure sponsorship dollars through peer-to-peer fundraising and then come to a fun event to enjoy a large, high-energy bowling party. Bowlers of all skill levels enjoy two hours of bowling, food, drinks, a commemorative t-shirt, a chance at winning door prizes and so much more!
Find dates and bowling centers near you by selecting your region below!


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Thugs Thieves and Con-artists
Tuesdays show "Thugs Theives and Conartists" From City Hall To The White House
With Mel Moss - Rick Rose and Josh Samuels Producer
Cyber Thugs
DJ Magic Spinnz and SB Illustrious discuss the new age cyber thugs, their motives and ridiculous attitudes ONLINE. Sound off on these fakers.
in War
We have people out here on our streets killing others over $20, weed, alcohol.. The simplest bull shit people are dying over it.. Why because everyone wants to be a thug, everyone demands respect but doesn't know how to give it in return. I don't want to give everything away but I'm gonna be talking about these gang related gansta ass wannabe thugs
Bones Thugs N Harmony Star Krayzie Bone Discusses His Career
The Total Tutor Neil Haley will interview Bones Thugs N Harmony Star Krayzie Bone. He will discuss his career and latest album.
Krayzie Bone is getting ready to release a 3-part album trilogy starting in July.
After facing a few setbacks, it appears that Krayzie Bone is finally ready to release his very last solo effort ever. On July 22nd, the ex Bone-Thug will release the first of his three-part Chasing The Devil album trilogy.
"I know our fan family has been anxiously anticipating the release of my final solo album," the Bone thugs-n-harmony rapper says in a new press release. "There is no need to feel disappointed. I am very confident that once it is finally released on the new street date, it will definitely be worth the wait. I can honestly say that I haven't felt this complete about a solo album of mine since Thug Mentality."
The first album of the Chasing The Devil series will be called Chasing The Devil: Temptation. The Cleveland rapper originally had an April 20th release date set for the album, but decided to push it back once he signed a deal with RBC Records, which has worked with artists like Tech N9ne, Layzie Bone and DJ Quik, and others.
Bone Thugs N Harmomy Last album E.1999 Legends to sell for 1 Million Dollars!
That's right here is an interview of Bizzy Bone talking about Bone Thugs N Harmony Last album selling for 1 million dollars! listen to the Bizzy interview here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1DSZpFIjlI
BAD BOYS THUGS & GANGSTERS - Why do Women Love them? Replay
in Lifestyle
Nice Guys always finish last, we hear this over and over again. Yet the Gangster gets the love... Why do woman seem to always respect these men and choose them.
They get a nice guy and walk all over him, they get a bad boy and do anything for him.
It is really a choice or is there some instinctual biological force that drives women to choose these men?
What can women do to realize the reasons why they go for those thugs and how to curb that feeling?
How do good guys learn what they need to do so they are proper authority figures for women?
"I'm in Love With a Church Girl... Why Good Women Date Thugs"
in Radio
In today's society, we're seeing more and more self proclaimed "women of God/ virtuous women", dating/having sex with thugs and known drug dealers. A great example of this trend is shown in the recent movie, "I'm in Love With a Church Girl", starring Ja Rule. Tune into "The Dedan Tolbert Show" tonight at 9:00pm EST for a rebroadcast of our in depth analyzation of the movie and a discussion on why so many women claim to live for the Lord, yet choose men who clearly aren't doing so. Listen 7 nights a week, 365 days a year by calling 646 200 0366 or online worldwide at www.dedantolbertshow.com... "REAL Radio that Matters."
Flesh N Bone of Bone Thugs N Harmony on 1st Fam Radio
in Radio
Tune in Tonite as we Interview (Bone Thugs -N- Harmony )member Flesh -N- Bone live on air (9:30pm til 11:30pm Eastern)Flesh has the (new Bone Thugs-n-Harmony album out in stores and available online now, titled: Art of War WWIII;) 'Murda On U' is a track from that record. He has several projects being worked on presently, some of which includes being on the forefront of the medical marijuana movement... I encourage you to google that information. We have an edible 180mg Bone Thugs-n-Harmony Oatmeal Raisin Cookie coming out for medical marijuana patients in California. I oblige you to download other music from his catalog.
listen live (www.blogtalkradio.com/1stfamradio and www.1stfamradio.com to call in and speak with Flesh -N-Bone hit us up at (917)889-8297
LCandjack talk about NYPD, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and more...
Join us for another fun show.
"In Love With a Church Girl: Why Good Girls Like Thugs"
in Radio
In today's society, we're seeing more self proclaimed "women of God/ virtuous women", dating/having sex with thugs and known drug dealers. A great example of this trend is the recent movie, "I'm in Love With a Church Girl", starring Ja Rule. Tune into "The Dedan Tolbert Show" tonight at 9:00pm EST for an in depth analyzation of the movie and a discussion on why so many women who claim to live for the Lord, choose men who clearly aren't doing so. Listen 7 nights a week by calling 646 200 0366 or online worldwide at www.dedantolbertshow.com... "REAL Radio that Matters."
Bill Martinez Live-The election consequences; Stone Throwing Muslim thugs
in Politics
FEATURING: Craig Bergman on the democrat debacle on Tuesday: Lowell Ponte on the implications of the election for our economy; Bob Unruh on Muslim animals stoning Christians in MICHIGAN and other guests.
Welcome to Bill Martinez Live, hosted by an unapologetic AMERICAN U.S. Marine of Mexican descent who knows why people come to America but demands that immigrants come through the front door and that the rule of law is respected. Bill Martinez Live waves just one flag and has no use for hyphenated hearts torn between the 4th of July and some other foreign flag. We put the United States over party politics and broadcasting our unstinting praise of this great land to 250 American cities through CRN, BML syndication and the ever popular Blog Talk Radio platform.
Republicans & Democrats have lost a grasp on life, liberty and pursuit of happiness for ALL Americans. Bill Martinez Live helps us regain it. Listen in to the show to hear every facet of the issues but keep your eye on God and the exceptionalism to which he has urged on America and its people. Our nation is at a crossroads but remember your solemn birthright fellow Americans as "We the People". See more at: http://billmartinezlive.com/about-the-program/#sthash.tooJ0atj.dpuf
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2007-06-25Because of "Principles" of Adults, Children Remain Homeless
Under-age children, eight-year-old Nika and five-year-old Ia Kikavas remain homeless because of principles of the adults. Batumi City Court has been discussing the argument between the children and their uncles, Temur and Vaza Kikavas. They argue about the estate inherited from the grandfather. The children have their right violated because of their parents.
2007-06-04Non Governmental Organization "Saphari" Presents Annual Report
Two days ago union "Saphari" presented one year report of the project "Creation of regional network of victims of domestic violance".
Parliament Confirms Two Supreme Court Judge Candidates Merabishvili Sentenced in Girgvliani Case-Related Trial Court in Greece Rejects Extradition of Ex-Senior Interior Ministry Official Public Defender studied problems of Zestaponi residents Beaten convict was placed in hospital Archive
Fragile Peace in Balkans
After a long and complicated preparation period, on July 30, we landed in Sarajevo. Despite scary landing caused by bad weather conditions, I
Hungry Commission Members and Commission Chairpersons Angry with Observers in Batumi
Seal without Carve and Voter with Two Names in Guria
What happened to Dream of Justice Revival?
"Miscarriages of justice"– we use this term to characterize the problems existing in the system of Georgian judiciary during ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili's governance.
Triggers of Prisoners' Mass Protests
Autumn Fly


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Shannon Byrne received a Atomic Power Award!.
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Photos and Description of this 2 bedroom holiday cottage in Semur en Auxois
Maisonette ideal for a couple (2 children) nice view and private garden
The cottage was formerly a small barn. It became an independent house, ideal for a couple.
The cottage is designed around a living room / kitchen / dining room which has a very nice traditional character.
This cottage has a tiled floor and wooden beams.
Large windows open onto a private garden and terrace overlooking a meadow, where guests can dine outdoors.
. The cottage is comfortably furnished.
It is equipped with a VCR, DVD player, TV, gas stove, oven, microwave, fridge / freezer, washing machine and stove traditional. The cottage has air conditioning, which makes it comfortable all year round.
Double bed on the mezzanine overlooking the living room and a separate bedroom has two single beds. Accommodation: 2 people
Rooms: a mezzanine with a double bed and a bedroom with two single beds.
Stereo music
Linen (included)
Towels (Included)
Kitchen (fully equipped)
Iron and ironing board
Air conditioning
Local non-smoking
- Suitability:
- Long-term Renters Welcome
- children welcome
- non smoking only
- pets considered
- wheelchair inaccessible


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• Male • $795
Golden Retriever Puppy
Receive an email alert when additional Golden Retriever puppies are added. It's easy and free!
BREED: Golden Retriever Puppy
INCLUDES: akc reg, current vaccinations, vet exam, health gurantee, health certificate, travel crate
Elk River Companions
Member Since: July 2007
Location: Joplin, Missouri
• Female • $700
• Male • $700


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From Salted: a Manifesto on the World's Most Essential Mineral by Mark Bitterman. Copyright © 2010 Mark Bitterman. Published by Ten Speed Press, a division of Random House, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This Thanksgiving Adam Rapoport, editor in chief of Bon Appetit, is taking a stand against pumpkin pie. "I don't want to eat it," he says. "I'm done with pumpkin pie."


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Whenever I'm interested in all things magic, MJM is the first place I go. They have an amazing selection, excellent prices and free shipping. I can't...Read More ->
Many things I'm thankful for 1. Woohooo free shipping means i get to perform different kinds of magic instead of spending money to get the goods...Read More ->


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The Magdalene Sisters -- US Home Video Trailer from Buena Vista Home Entertainment
The Magdalene Sisters -- Trailer
The Magdalene Sisters -- A stirring, must-see motion picture critics called one of the best films of the year, THE MAGDALENE SISTERS is the triumphant story of three extraordinary women whose courage to defy a century of injustice would inspire a nation!
Young Adam -- US Home Video Trailer from Sony Pictures Classics
Young Adam -- A young drifter working on a river barge disrupts his employers' lives while hiding the fact that he knows more about a dead woman found in the river than he admits.
Seventeen-year-old Paul is haunted by apocalyptic dreams that neither he nor his best friend and fellow geeky social outcast Mac can provide answers for. Worse still, Paul is starting to see the Fades - the spirits of the dead - all around him. The fate of humanity rests in the hands of two teenagers who already have enough trouble getting through a day in one piece, let alone saving the world.
Ends 12/31/14. Get an inside look at Season 3 of the HBO series 'Game of Thrones.' Watch 'Game of Thrones 21' on HBO on xfinityTV.com
Watch 'Game of Thrones 21' on HBO on xfinityTV.com
he Magdalene Asylums were run on behalf of the Catholic Church. Young girls were sent there by families or orphanages and once there, were imprisoned and sent to work in the laundries where they could atone for their sins. And for their sins they worked 364 days a year unpaid, they were half starved, beaten, humiliated, raped, their children forcibly removed from them. Their sentence was indefinite.
The triumphant story of three extraordinary women whose courage to defy a century of injustice would inspire a nation! Abandoned by society and cast out by their families for crimes they did not commit, these women found themselves stripped of their liberty and dignity and condemned to indefinite sentences of manual labor. Within the church-run Magdalene Laundries, these women were forced into unbearable institutional servitude in order to cleanse themselves of the "sins" of which they had been accused.
A stirring, must-see motion picture critics called one of the best films of the year, THE MAGDALENE SISTERS is the triumphant story of three extraordinary women whose courage to defy a century of injustice would inspire a nation!
Set in Ireland in 1960's, four women, given into the custody of the Madgalene Sisterhoood Asylum, work in a laundry under the strict supervision of the nuns, who break their wills through sadistic punishments.
Season Two Finale. Tyrion awakens to a changed situation. King Joffrey doles out rewards to his subjects. As Theon stirs his men to action, Luwin offers some final advice. Brienne silences Jaime; Arya receives a gift from Jaqen; Dany goes to a strange place; Jon proves himself to Qhorin.
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Jaime meets a distant relative; Dany receives an invitation to the House of the Undying; Theon leads a search party; Jon loses his way in the wilderness; Cersei counsels Sansa.
Also Available On iTunes, Amazon Instant Video and VUDU
The end of the Baratheon rivalry drives Catelyn to flee and Littlefinger to act. At King's Landing, Tyrion's source alerts him to Joffrey's flawed defense plan and a mysterious secret weapon. In Harrenhal, Arya receives a promise. The Night's Watch arrive at the Fist of the First Men, an ancient fortress where they hope to stem the advance of the wildling army.
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Joffrey punishes Sansa for Robb's victories while Tyrion and Bronn scramble to temper the king's cruelty. Catelyn entreats Stannis and Renly to unite against the Lannisters. Dany and her exhausted khalasar arrive at the gates of Qarth. Tyrion coerces a queen's man into being his eyes and ears. Arya and Gendry are taken to Harrenhal. Davos must revert to his old ways.
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A town left deserted, an Angelic on the edge of desperation, a Fade on the cusp of victory and a reluctant 17 year-old boy with visions of the apocalypse - it all leads to this final showdown. People will die. Ash will fall. It is inevitable.
Also Available On Amazon Prime and VUDU
Paul came back to life for a reason, but he's just not sure what that reason might be. Meanwhile more Fades are being reborn and nothing can stop them. As they infiltrate the town, Paul's home life and Angelic life are put on collision course.
Also Available On Amazon Prime and VUDU
Up is down and black is white as Paul's family and friends struggle to cope in the aftermath of his accident. Meanwhile, the Angelics are torn apart by moral compromises, and a strange new man with deadly intentions moves relentlessly through town.
Also Available On iTunes, Amazon Prime and VUDU
As Paul's powers manifest themselves, his friendship with Mac and relationship with Jay are pushed to breaking point. Meanwhile, a host of new Angelics arrive in town just as the Fades' plans evolve in a chilling new direction.
Also Available On iTunes, Amazon Prime and VUDU
As the date of the school ball draws near, the threat of the Fades escalates dramatically, forcing Paul to make a choice between being an Angelic or leading a normal life.
Also Available On iTunes and Amazon Prime
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