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Take that Easter Bunny.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Thursday Tabletop: Flowers + Tins
Take that Easter Bunny.
4 comments:
BEAUTIFUL arrangements! I'm so happy I'm not the only person who sees tea tins and secretly wants to buy them, throw away the tea, and stick flowers in them.... Thanks for sharing the inspiration.ReplyDelete
The fact you came up with the idea to put the flowers in tin cans is genius and adorable.ReplyDelete
Wow, just fell in love with the bunch of flower arrangements you did with the cute (and painted un-cute) tin cans. Wouldn't it be inspiring to have dinner with people close to your heart with these on top of your tables?ReplyDelete
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I think she looks like you! I thought that about Vera as well, but I REALLY see it with Cordelia!ReplyDelete
I think she looks like you Aliesha.....her eyes are big and bright, her chubby cheeks, and her mouth is turned down like yours in your baby picture (Tad's is just straight)!!!!! BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!ReplyDelete
Aliesha, I think she looks more like you. I already told your Dad that I could see the Benzinger in her. With Vera, I was one that voted she looked more like Tad. Either way, they are both beautiful girls!!ReplyDelete
all you except the nose! daddy's nose all the way : )ReplyDelete
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subset: commoncrawl


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Royal Botania's Red Label family of outdoor furniture is made up of two lines of chairs (QT and Bokz) and a collection of tables (Sexion). QT stackable chairs and loungers feature slim, stainless steel profiles and can be paired with Sexion tables, which are available in stainless steel or high-pressure laminate. The tables measure 39" wide, 29" tall, and between 54" and 108" long. Bokz chairs have box-like folded seats suspended in a tubular aluminum space-frame. Matching cushions come in a wide variety of upholstery colors. royalbotania.com
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Check out these stories, which take a close look at innovative projects that are using wood in creative ways. Proudly sponsored by reThink Wood.
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Price Free
Age Suitability All Ages
2013 FUNMC Preschool Faire
Saturday, Feb 9, 2013 10:00a to 2:00p
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Fremont, CA
The Fremont, Union City, Newark Mothers' Club will host our Preschool Faire, with preschools, language schools, and extracurricular programs from the area. Free and open to the public! Activities for kids!
Jennifer Greppi from 4C's of Alameda County will speak about the different preschool options at 9:30AM and 12PM.
Cristal Garcia of Early Start Music will give two Music Together sample classes at 10:30AM and 11:30AM. The first 15 parent-child pairs will be admitted to each session.
Created by funmcpsfaire
Location & Nearby Info
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
38451 Fremont Blvd.
Fremont, CA 94536
(510) 797-8186
38451 Fremont Blvd.
Fremont, CA 94536
(510) 797-8186
Show nearby:
0.7 mi 1 Mojo Lounge
0.7 mi 2 Back Door
0.7 mi 3 Chaat Hotel
1.1 mi 4 Huddle
1.7 mi 5 AMF Mowry Lanes
1.8 mi 6 Swiss Park
2.3 mi 7 Goodtimes Lounge
2.3 mi 8 Discoteca Mexico
2.3 mi 9 Coach's Sports Bar
Reviews & Comments
Hot Tickets More »
Sat 3/28 7:00p
Sat 12/27 6:30p
Fri 6/12 5:00p
Thu 3/26 6:45p
Tue 5/19 7:00p
Sat 3/28 7:00p


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E. Ethelbert Miller asks: " Might you be able to develop a short list of philosophical questions that could guide our society? I'm thinking of the "big ideas" that politicians, teachers and business people need to be thinking about. For example, what ethical questions should a police officer always be aware of?
Okay, I'm willing to take a stab at this question. I offer 12 questions for E-Channel readers, politicians, teachers, and business people to think about.
1. (For a police officer): Is the "thin blue line" of which I am a part the last defense between civilization on the one side, and barbarism and chaos on the other? If not us as unionized, public servants (like teachers), then who will prevent crime and the unraveling of civil society?
2. (Let's add one for a soldier, especially those in special ops): Am I one of the "rough men" George Orwell spoke of when he said, "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf"?" (Yes, it's OK to think of this in terms of the recent killing of Osama bin Laden.)
3). Thinking of JFK's statement, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country," what as an American are my personal, daily responsibilities in regard to perpetuating civilization---and hard-won civilized and moral values in the Western world---from one generation to the next?
4. What does it mean for someone to be truly civilized?
5. Where do I end and you begin?
6. What counts as "knowledge"? What does it mean to truly "know" something or someone? What are the rigorous, empirical requirements for "knowing" something? Can we "know" anything (outside of tautologies) with absolute certainty?
7. As a teacher, am I personally responsible if a student mistakes what I say in class and uses my words to commit a crime or some immoral action? (See my short story "The Education of Mingo.") As a parent, if my child grows up to become a serial killer, am I responsible?
8. As a writer (especially a screenwriter) or public figure, am I responsible if what I create or say leads someone to do an act we would consider to be evil? (Movies has often turned up in court as the defending lawyer's justification for a person's actions.)
9. How do we define "the good life"? Depending on your definition, is a society (or government) able to deliver this? Or is its realization in the hands of the individual?
10. If, as Hobbes stated in Leviathan, men and women give up the freedom they have in the dangerous "state of Nature" in order to live more comfortably and safely by a "social contract" with others, what are the specific terms of that "social contract"? When has society failed to hold up its end? When have citizens failed to hold up theirs? What is the American social contract?
11. Should societies have a collective goal? If so, what should that be?
12. If, as writer John Gardner once said, the tension in society is always between order and permissiveness, how do we find a middle ground between these extremes? When does the impulse toward order turn into fascism and permissiveness turn into the breakdown of shared values? Was Freud on to something when he said in Civilization and its Discontents that the id or sexual impulses must be restrained for the sake of social order---or was he just an old-fangled fuddy-duddy?
This is just a short list. I could go on and on.


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lost dog in arts district! last night 2/7 10pm Tram employee Melissa's dog jumped their fence and ran away. Paw prints were seen behind AAA on Court St. & near Kennedy Plaza Apts. "Lost Dog.... PLEASE HELP!! West Utica/ Varick St/Arterial/ State St/ Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute "REVI" Melissa Lopez's dog RAN AWAY, she jumped the yard fence and was last seen going down State Street around 10pm 2/7 REVI does have her tags, but she needs help,..She's a white, gray and black Akita: friendly,over a year old! Call the TRAMONTANE CAFE 732-8257 w/ any sightings"
It's Cold! Help Get Revi Home! Lost Dog!
By: tramontaneSubscribe Channel: Pets & Animals Location: Utica NY
3 Comments
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says ... on Wednesday, Feb 9 at 7:18 AM
This morning (7/9) she came home! My neighbor found her! I'm so happy!60216171
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says ... on Wednesday, Feb 9 at 7:30 AM
CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!! She's Home!!!!!!!!!! 7/960216556
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says ... on Wednesday, Feb 9 at 1:35 PM
Thank god she is ok. I'm so happy for her, you and your family.60239979
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free shippingon most orders over $49*
Get 3% Backwith AllModern rewards
Ave Six Yield Sofa
Showcasing an understated yet stylish design, the Ave Six Yield Sofa has a distinct low profile look which gives it a trendy and comfortable appearance. It can be a wonderful choice for your workplace or your home decor. This sofa has a design that can be ideal for small as well as large spaces. It has an extra wide four star base with low center of gravity for offering maximum stability. The foam filled back cushions and seat cushions enhance its appeal. The protective floor glides prevent damage and ensure easy usage over a long period of time. The cushion features upholstery fill material at the base for added comfort. The faux leather upholstery materials lend it an elegant and sophisticated touch. Its armless design lends it a distinct touch.
Ave Six Yield Sofa
Additional Documents
Weights & Dimensions
|Product Type: Sofa
|Design: Standard
|Style: Modern
|Frame Finish: Silver
|Upholstery Material: Faux leather
|Number of Items Included: 1
|Print: Solid
|Cushion or Upholstery Fill Material: Foam
|Rocker: No
|Massage: No
|Legs Included: Yes
|Nailhead Trim: No
|Toss Pillows Included: No
|Arm Style: Flared arms
|Seat Style: Single cushion seat
|Back Style: Tight back
|Storage: No
|Seating Comfort: Firm
|Seating Capacity: 3
|Weight Capacity: 400 Pounds
|Application: Residential
|Product Care: Wipe with a dry cloth
|Country of Manufacture: Imported
|Assembly Required: Yes
|Additional Parts Required: No
Still have questions about this product? We're here to help
Ave Six Yield Sofa
|5 star
|4 star
|3 star
|2 star
|1 star
Tell Us What You Think!
Tell us what you think about the Yield Sofa. It will help us provide you with better products in the future and help your fellow Wayfair shoppers make better purchases.Write A Review
Executive Director, The Partnership for Hope
Dave from Dauphin, PA– Verified Buyer
I purchased the Yield Sofa for a large remodeling project. Styling is perfect for the rest of the contemporary, urban decor and the price was fantastic. My only concern is with the flat black finish of the upholstery in that it's already showing some smudges from some visitors who were apparently eating some greasy snacks. Time to put some napkins out, I guess!
Great value
buyer from NC– Verified Buyer
Bought this for a teenage son's room in white. It is very firm, but comfortable and it is very stylish. Quality is very good for the price. Stitching not perfect everywhere as some others noted (corners), but I expect it will not be a problem.
Laurice from Orange, CA
Easy assembly, great unique look, and even though a bit firm (just the way I like it) comfortable for a nap. I read everyone's review before the purchase which helped me make the decision to buy. I would never purchase anything less than 4.5 star. There is always that one person you cannot make happy and perhaps may be legitimate; however, overall, for the money and a great asset to a home office, PERFECT look. Faux leather for a home office is a great look so don't be put off by the fabric. I like nice things and this does not bother me one bit!
Laurice Mitchell from Orange, CA– Verified Buyer
I love the look and style of this piece which I have in my home office. It's comfortable and I have taken naps on it and it is comfortable because I like the firmness of it. I did know that it was faux leather and this did not bother me; however, when you get up from it, it does have a slight ripple. Does not really matter, just rub your hand over it and smooth it out. It's extremely easy to put together.
Dale from UT– Verified Buyer
The last time I buy anything like this on the internet you can't touch or feel. We love the color and design but, A review said the cushion was firm, it's more like rock. One front corner of the arm has a pucker in the fabric where padding is missing or material was cut the wrong size. There is a 1 inch cut in the fabric in the back I couldn't find until I was putting it together. Delivered in a snow storm on my front porch. Packing box obliterated. Can't imagine what a pain it would be to try and send it back. Live and learn.
Love this couch. Only one downfall
Trevor from SLC, UT– Verified Buyer
Great couch. Just don't like the legs for some reason they don't balance very well. I am on tile so you can feel it but if you were on carpet it wouldn't matter.
Great couch
Brent from Edina, MN– Verified Buyer
Just what we were hoping for, great price and customer service from all modern.
Remarkable piece of work.........
Dana from Dearborn Heights, MI– Verified Buyer
Not only iz dis sofa a beauty,it sits really well n firm.Its not sumthing sat on everyday,but when i do sit on it,Itz quite comfortable. I Love this sofa.....Not to mention a sure conversation piece....b.everyone who see it go bannanas.........
Love it but....
angie walker from Golden, CO– Verified Buyer
Could stand to be a bit more comfortable. :o) It's hard when you sit on it. Otherwise the sofa is exactly what we were looking for and it looks GREAT in the room!!
Great Look, Clean, maybe not so comfortable
Daphne Becker from San Benito, TX– Verified Buyer
I love the look and am glad I purchased the footstool which makes it a bit more comfortable. It was sooo easy to assemble, came with its own hex driver.
About the ManufacturerWelcome to Ave Six, where the road always leads to quality and innovative design. Here you'll find all the home furnishings to forge ahead with your sense of style and surround yourself with the things you love. From modular and upholstered RTA furniture to occasional dining and seating, Ave Six has assembled a collection of innovative, eye-catching designs that focus on fresh new trends, which combine form and function to create the perfect living space. From sophisticated sofas to fashionable accessories, you'll find products that move beyond function to transform the ordinary into something special.
OUR SKU # AVS1052Yield Sofa is also sometimes listed under the following manufacturer numbers: YLD5372-B18, YLD5372-U22, YLD5372-W32


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- Why Biznik |
- Manifesto |
- Team |
- Biznik Story |
- Tour |
- Press Resources |
- Jobs |
- Contact Us
Where your peers are.
Biznik is a community specifically designed for independent business people.
Your customer's aren't here. Your friends aren't here. Your mom's not here. And they're not supposed to be! (Unless they're indie businesses too.)
Biznik is the only network created for independent business people by two independent business people who are on a mission to support business networking that doesn't suck.
Your mom thinks everything you do is great, and your friends will buy a drink when you've had a hard day, but your business peers -- the ones who know the challenge & rewards of running your own show -- are the best people to offer support, resources, referrals and advice. That's networking that doesn't suck.
You're not alone.
Running a business by yourself can be hard, lonely work. Step away from the isolation. Boost your visibility. Come meet others who get it.
Biznik is a movement. It's a revolutionary way of business networking. Every revolution needs a Manifesto. Here's ours.
Join us! Let's go at this together.


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Famous quotes by Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre:Sort:PopularA - Z
|I must dislike those who, whatever I do to please them, persist in disliking me; I must resist those who punish me unjustly.
Share your thoughts on Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre's quotes with the community:
Quote of the Day
Would you like us to send you a FREE quote delivered to your inbox daily?
Use the citation below to add this author page to your bibliography:
"Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre Quotes." Quotes.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2014. Web. 22 Dec. 2014. <http://www.quotes.net/authors/Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre>.


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Quick Links
Shop All Jewelry
*Select UPS 2 DAY at Checkout
FW10327 In Stock
*Select UPS 2 DAY at Checkout
Fashion watches are a great accessory for any look. Our Cappuccino CZ Stud Love Wrap Watch is a stylish piece offing lots of sparkle and pizzaz! This fabulous wrap watch has a 1 inch watch face detailed with petite cz stones both on the face and around the trim with beautiful gold numbers and hour markers. The strap is a soft, comfortable leather studded with larger cz stones and a section with the word "love" in gold letters also trimmed with cz stones. Pair this wrap watch with lovely gold cz stud earrings and a have a drop dead gorgeous look!
Eve's Addiction.com wants you to be a happy customer. We want you to be completely satisfied with the sterling silver jewelry that you receive from us, as we only sell high quality silver and cubic zirconia cz jewelry. We do understand that you may not like your purchase for some reason.
You may return or exchange your jewelry within 60 days of purchase if you are not satisfied with it. The jewelry must be returned in its original condition for a refund or exchange. Engraved, personalized, photo, monogram, name and initial, and clearance items are not returnable or exchangeable. To return jewelry to EvesAddiction.com, please follow the steps at the following link.


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A Configurable product offers the customers a variety of options, which are selected from drop-down lists. For example, a tee shirt that comes in three colors and three sizes would have two drop-down lists of options for Color and Size.
Although it may appear to be a single product, in this example, there are actually nine associated Simple products to cover every possible combination of options: Blue (Small, Medium, Large), Green (Small, Medium, Large), and Orange (Small, Medium Large). Each option in the drop-down list represents a separate Simple product with a distinct SKU, which makes it possible to track inventory for any variation the customer selects.
A Configurable product can be used to create a "one-to-many" relationship with the following product type:
Although you could achieve a similar effect using a Simple product with Custom Variants and Options, you would not be able to track inventory for the variations. A Configurable Product does require more SKUs and may initially take a little longer to set up, but it gives you more control of your inventory.
Follow these steps to create a configurable product:
Step 1: Create the "Dropdown" Attributes
Step 2: Create the Attribute Set
Step 3: Create the Configurable Product Record
Step 4: Add the Associated Products
Step 5: Manage Shopping Cart Images


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My Cart is empty
A fun game to add to the Sunday School lesson plan or if you are hosting a shower at church! Players race to match up 'pairs' from the Bible that aren't only people but things as well. Find out who will be crowned the Bible champ. Answer key included.
In a hurry? Skip the shipping and print it
Game Features (?)
Game Shipped to You via UPS, USPS
8.5" x 11"


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This job is no longer available
Further information
A rare opportunity for a Project Architect with extensive experience in the retail sector has arisen, to work within a very well respected, award winning central London Architectural firm. The candidate must have extensive experience in this sector, at all RIBA stages, and be confident at pitching to clients. If you are interested, then please do not hesitate in applying, with your current CV and work samples.


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We Remember
You and your loved ones are important to us. We especially remember those who have died, and keep them and you in our daily prayers.
We offer several helpful resources and services that can provide comfort and connection in your time of loss.
- Annual Memorial Service: Held once a year in November on a Sunday afternoon in the Interfaith Chapel, this inclusive service invites those who have had a loved one die at Upstate in the previous year to come together to remember, pray, discover meaning and find fellowship.
- Annual Pediatric Memorial Service: Sponsored by the Bereavement Committee of the Golisano Children's Hospital, this service will be held in Spring 2012. Stay tuned for more information.
- Set up a special remembrance website at 1000memories without charge, and share the life of your loved one. 1000memories is a wonderful way to organize, share and discover the old photos and memories of your family and friends by creating an online, shareable space where they can be remembered and celebrated.
- Mass Cards: Mass cards are available for a nominal fee that support spiritual care needs. Please download our mass card , and send your check and mass intention.
Bereavement Resources
Central New York area bereavement resources are here in your time of need. Here are several to help you get started:
- The Center for Living with Loss of the Hospice of Central New York has grief counseling, support groups, community talks, walking groups, interactive workshops and services of remembrance. There is no charge for these services. Contact them Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM at 315 634-1100 or visit their website at www.hospicecny.org.
- Hope for the Bereaved provides support and hope to thousands of grieving children, adults and families each year by offering one-to-one counseling, 10 support groups, telephone helpline, and HOPELine newsletter free-of-charge to the bereaved. Please call Hope's HELPLINE at 315 475-HOPE (4673) if you need a listening ear, or Hope's main office at 315 475-9675, or visit the website at www.hopeforbereaved.com
- Perinatal Bereavement Support Program is offered by Crouse Hospital through their RTS Bereavement Services Maternity program located at 739 Irving Ave, Syracuse NY 13210. Please call 315 470-3768 for more information on their monthly support group.
Open the Eyes of My Heart by Walt Wasilewski with Imani Shabazz
This book tells the stories of spiritual care volunteers serving at Upstate University Hospital. Contributions are gratefully accepted so that we can continue to distribute this booklet free of charge.
Compassionate Rounds for Healthcare Providers
Rev. Virginia Lawson, PhD,
talks about a new program coming to Upstate called the Schwartz Compassionate Rounds , designed to promote the importance of healthcarte professionals listening to one another to enhance patient care.


text: UNMC Educational Technology Update Spring 2012 3/16/12 Contents Mobile BBMobile UNMC mobile site – m.unmc.edu Blackboard Issues BBMobile Latest Version Campuspack – Blogs and Wikis Campus Classroom and Cluster Computers Recent Updates Summer 2012 Planned Updates and Changes Echo360 – classroom recording system 2012 Educational Technology Presentations, Training and Seminars Mobile BBMobile The Blackboard Mobile free edition is available for use at UNMC. It can be used using the following methods: WiFi connection for I-devices including ipad, iphone, etc. Using a device connected to the… Continue Reading


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How well do you remember the story of Samson and Delilah? If you're like me, you have childhood, Sunday school memories. Or maybe you remember Samson and Delilah the video (starring Charlton Heston).
This year, my wife and I are reading through the Bible, so we reread Samson's story recently. Even though I've read it many times since childhood, I was surprised anew by one element of the story. I was surprised at how stupid Samson was!
Delilah fools Samson not once, not twice, not three times! Four times Samson trusts Delilah, telling her how she can steal away his strength. Only once does he tell her the truth, but why did he stay with her after the first three? Surely good sense would dictate that you dump a girl who's trying to kill you.
Do Not Nag
Do you know why Samson kept giving in? Why he kept trusting Delilah? The Bible gives us the answer: she kept nagging!
And when she pressed him hard with her words day after day, and urged him, his soul was vexed to death.
– Judges 16:16, ESV
Vexed to death!
Proverbs twice describes a quarrelsome wife as a constant dripping. If you've ever had a broken faucet, you know how obnoxious the dripping noise can be when you're trying to sleep. At first it doesn't bother you, but with time — eventually you want to scream!
Later, Proverbs says that it would be better to live on your own roof than to sleep inside the house with a quarrelsome wife.
Ladies, don't nag your husbands. No matter how immature he's acting. No matter how intractable he seems. Even if he seems to forget the same thing every day. Even if he never takes out the trash.
I don't mean to say that your husband is right. Or that you must accept a quiet life of eternal suffering. But to put it simply: the Bible is clear that nagging is a sinful response to your husband's imperfections.
Instead, remind yourself of a few things: first, that you are also a sinner, always in need of God's forgiveness. Then, ask God to give you patience. Finally, once the anger has subsided, think of how you can approach your husband in a gentle spirit, without nagging.
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.
– Ephesians 4:29, NASB
A Note to the Men
First, men, this does not mean that you have freedom to act like a brute in your marriage. Even though your wife should not nag, you should not drive her to frustration. The Bible also condemns laziness and decrees that he who does not work should not eat. That applies at home just as much as at work. So take out the trash. Offer to do the dishes. Give your wife a night off, when you take care of the kids.
Second, always look first to your own sin. You are not an optometrist. It is not your job to remove the speck in your wife's eye, unless you have first confronted, confessed, and repented of the log in your own. This means it is not your job to criticize her if she nags.
Third, remember that the Bible specifically points out many sins you, as a man, are prone to fall into. Particularly, remember that you should be your wife's biggest fan, not a source of strife or sarcasm. The same verse from Ephesians is apt:
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.
– Ephesians 4:29, NASB


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The Academy The Bloomsbury Town Hotel, London
Rooms: 49
Reviews - The Academy The Bloomsbury Town Hotel
- Age Group: 51 - 60
- From: Canada
- Traveller type: Business Traveller
- Age Group: 41 - 50
- From: United States
- Traveller type: Business Traveller
As for the room itself, the curtains were unusually thin, so the room could not be darkened. Once flushed, the toilet would not stop filling... I gave up hope after ten minutes, and called the desk. When someone arrived to investigate, the toilet was still filling loudly, like a faucet running. I was told this was normal and it would eventually stop. Sure enough, soon after he left (nearly half an hour after the flush) the toilet stopped filling.
While every room has Internet, mine did not work, even after an hour wasted with the staff. While the staff was very courteous, it was notable they never apologized for the problems.
I travel for business constantly, so I stay in many hotels. The Academy was far below the standards of many less expensive places. I would say the Academy is easily the most expensive cheap hotel in which I have ever stayed.
Want to see more hotels? View all hotels in London
Historical Traveller Reviews of The Academy The Bloomsbury Town Hotel
disapointment in a english town housefrom A TripAdvisor Member
Central, comfortable, lovely.from berneboy
The bed was the most comfortable we have ever slept in and the staff were warm, friendly and helpful. All in all a very, very good hotel. A spacious suite for £155 in a very central location. Good stuff.
very disappointingfrom A TripAdvisor Member
Lovely Stay in Bloomsburyfrom Vliegende_Hollander
PROS: Good location( and two tube stations nearby), lovely luxurious room/bathroom, nice bed(linen), delicious breakfast, polite and very helpful staff.
CONS: On arrival I requested a room facing the garden several times, no expanation was given why we got a room facing the street. Luke warm shower Sunday morning; no sign of promised slippers; informed staff that fridge wasn't working on the first day, still not working second day; no towels or toiletries second day after room was done up (dealt with promptly after informing staff); promised shoe shine service wasn't delivered.
I mentioned these problems on checkout, the gentleman apologised, but seemed totally oblivious.
Language seems to be a problem?!
(PS Mechanical parts of windows need to be "serviced")
Excellent accomodations.from Londonjack
value for moneyfrom A TripAdvisor Member
Upon close inspection the corridors, the wallpapers, the carpet, the sofas, all seem to have been the unfortunate victim of the equally unfortunate passing of time. Minor stains here and there. TV sets not really top of the range - to be truly honest they must be at least 7 to 10 years old.
However, if we add to this equation the price factor, everyting seems to change quite drammatically. For a deluxe double I paid 135 pounds per night (hotels-london) and that, in London terms, is shamefully low.
With the price tag in mind I cannot refrain myself from lauding the brilliance of this place. From the cosy reception area to the equally cosy, albeit imperfect rooms. The fluffy beds, the split level bathrooms (if you chose a deluxe double), the fireplaces present in some rooms and most importantly the generous size of said rooms (ever so rare in this wretched town). All these details may be not be cured to perfection but the mere fact that they are present for such low prices is to be admired.
The fact that this place screams "value for money" is easily demonstratable. A few months ago, I put my parents, who visit London quite often, in another boutiqute addess: the Kinghtsbridge Hotel. Now, probably because of its affiliation with the relatively renowned and infinitely vain Firmdale Group, the attention to detail was superior. However, the room I booked for that occasion cost 230 pounds per night (still relatively low for London luxury standards). And that bought a well serviced, yet ridiculously small room. Now for 100 pounds less, The Academy (part of another group of boutique hotels, the eton group) may not offer the same attention to details but it does provide you with substantially larger and much cosier accommodation - still preserving the minimum standards of luxury hotellerie. In my humble opinion, the best value for money accommodation in London.
Wonderfully perfect for a weekendfrom A TripAdvisor Member
Our suite was very comfortable and little touches, like the apples and mineral water, made the stay extra special.
Breakfast the following day was very impressive too. Full English brekkie or tempting array of fruits, berries, pastries and cereals - what a lovely dilemma :-)
Faded Glamourfrom VeggieYorkshire
Booked on lastminute for 99 quid a night. Nice public rooms, friendly staff. Good breakfast.
Bad Points
Noisy all day and night with traffic noise. Room was a little shabby. Looked like it needed re-painting.
Stuff that doesn't really matter, but...
CD player didn't work (I wasn't bothered), the fan didn't work in the bathroom (nope not bothered either). Slow service for breakfast (nope was on holiday). Thought it may bother some people though. Oh and its a good way of working of your breakfast going from the basement restaurant to a top floor room. Watch out for the dodgy stairs!
So all in all OK, but nothing fancy. If I had a quieter room would probably stay here again.
The chain has a better hotel in Little Venice called The Collonades, which is lovely.
Very Pleasedfrom A TripAdvisor Member
Great hotelfrom A TripAdvisor Member
Top Local Tips for London
Oyster Buy and Oyster card. It's a card that you swipe each time you ride on any public transportation. There's a cutoff dollar amount each day, so if you take the Tube and the bus alot, you'll save money and it's much more convenient than having to purchase a ticket for each trip you take. You can always just put more money on the card (just like a phone card).
Use Genuine London Taxis Only use the real London taxis when not using the Tube. Gypsy cabs are all over and they will charge you ridiculous amounts of money for even the shortest trip. The real deal is always better, even though Americans should be ready to engage in political discussions with their drivers!
london is improving - central london public transport is very much visitor oriented now and finding your way is quite easy. there are new contemporary trendy chain dining places, cheaper and quicker then traditional restorants.
- (hotels)
Other names for The Academy The Bloomsbury Town Hotel
- academy london
- academy hotel london
- Address: 17-21 Gower Street - London - England - WC1E 6HG - United Kingdom
"You Decide" - JL
"Expensive for what it offers" - David
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- (hotels)
Hotels Near The Academy The Bloomsbury Town Hotel
- Staunton Hotel London, England Distance: 0.1 km / 0.1 mi
- myhotel Bloomsbury Hotel London, England Distance: 0.2 km / 0.1 mi
- Rathbone Hotel London, England Distance: 0.4 km / 0.2 mi
- Charlotte Street Hotel London, England Distance: 0.4 km / 0.2 mi
- Radisson Edwardian Kenilworth Hotel London, England Distance: 0.4 km / 0.3 mi
- The Montague on the Gardens Hotel London, England Distance: 0.4 km / 0.3 mi
- Blooms Town House Hotel London, England Distance: 0.4 km / 0.2 mi
- Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel London, England Distance: 0.6 km / 0.4 mi
- Hotel Russell London, England Distance: 0.5 km / 0.3 mi
- Holiday Inn London Bloomsbury Hotel London, England Distance: 0.5 km / 0.3 mi
- Radisson Edwardian Grafton Hotel London, England Distance: 0.5 km / 0.3 mi
- Sanderson Hotel London, England Distance: 0.6 km / 0.4 mi
- Euston Square Hotel London, England Distance: 0.6 km / 0.4 mi
- Grange Holborn Hotel London, England Distance: 0.7 km / 0.4 mi
- Thistle Bloomsbury Hotel London, England Distance: 0.6 km / 0.4 mi


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Posted: 9:25 PM MST
Video report, story by News 11's Patrick Walker
Ed Ramirez woke up to a small business owner's nightmare last week – a late-night call from an alarm company saying his store was being burglarized.
Ed rushed to his store, Fast Eddie's RC Hobbies in Yuma, to see if anything had been taken.
"When I got here, I didn't see anything really out of place that I had not put out of place earlier in the day," Ed told News 11's Patrick Walker.
The store was mostly empty, but that's because Ed had taken most of his merchandise out of the store for mobile sales during the week. After a quick glance around his shop, Ed decided it was probably just a false alarm.
One clue, however, prompted Ed to go back and look at the security camera footage the next day.
"My business partner came back later that night," said Ramirez. "He had noticed a set of foot prints going across the indoor track and that's something that's a no-no for us. We don't walk on that track."
Ed looked at the footage, and sure enough, someone had come inside the store.
"He came in here, and at the time, this shelf (pointing to a high shelf) was empty, with the exception of that one helicopter. He just reached right up and grabbed it," Ramirez explained. "Then he headed behind the counter to see what else he could find."
Four cameras – all of them catching the unidentified burglar in the act. When the alarm tripped, the footage shows the burglar bolting from the shop.
Ed says although the bandit got away with the chopper, it probably will not be much fun to play with.
"It's not complete, there's not all of the pieces and parts with it that need to be there to operate the thing." Ramirez re-filed a police report with the Yuma Police Department with the new evidence. YPD is currently investigating the burglary.
If you have any information, or know who the man on the security camera footage is, you can call Yuma police at (928) 373-4700 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.
Watch KYMA news, sports and more!
Watch NBC News, Sports and Entertainment.
Follow KYMA News 11 on Twitter
Follow KYMA on Facebook


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WHAT'S ON THE BALLOT? Voters in Columbia and Boone County will fill positions on city and town councils, school boards, the Boone County Fire Protection District Board, the Boone Hospital Center Board of Trustees and other elected bodies. They'll also decide school levy and bond issues and two proposed sewer bond issues.
Vote Tuesday
Monday, April 7, 2008 | 10:55 p.m. CDT; updated 5:57 a.m. CDT, Tuesday, July 22, 2008
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Trademarks FAQs
Is a federal trademark registration valid outside the United States?
Not formally. Certain countries, however, do recognize a U.S. registration as a basis for registering the trademark in those countries. Many countries maintain a register of trademarks and some will act to protect the holders of U.S. trademarks from activity that occurs abroad which would, if transacted in the U.S., infringe upon the owner's trademark.
Furthermore, a suit in U.S. Federal Court can be brought by a U.S. trademark owner against another U.S. citizen for exportation of goods wholly for sale abroad that would confuse foreign consumers as to whether the goods were those of the trademark owner.
Finally, the holders of "famous" trademarks may be able to block foreign registration of confusing (same or similar) trademarks abroad (e.g., someone other than Disney registering Mickey Mouse in Iran). Each country's laws about registration should be consulted.


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Sensa Questions
- Q: What do you think of the weight loss product Sensa? I am 54, take thyroid medication and blood pressure medication, and was also just put on Crestor for high cholesterol/triglycerides. A: The ingredients of Sensa do not contain sugar or salt products that would interact with your health conditions. If you are allergic to milk or soy products, then do not take this product. You should consult with your physician before starting any weight-loss product. ...
- Q: I take metformin. Can I also safely use Sensa, a weight-loss supplement? A: There is no known drug interaction between Sensa and metformin. Sensa is supposed to make the body think it's full by increasing the sensation of flavor when it's added to food. There is no reliable research that it is effective. Lori Mendoza, PharmD
- Q: Does the "Sensa diet" work? A: Sensa is designed to enhance the sense of smell and speed up the process to trigger the feeling of fullness so that you eat less and feel more satisfied. Sensa is considered a food product and as such, it does not undergo the same detailed testing that prescription drug ...
- Q: Is Sensa safe? A: Sensa was tested on 1,436 patients with an average initial weight of 208 pounds, over a six month period, and the diet crystals, when smelled, and chewed were able to trick the brain into feeling full, and reduce weight by an average of 30.5 pounds. The product is on th...
- Q: How safe and effective is Sensa? A: The Sensa system was created by Dr. Alan Hirsh who is a neurologist and has dedicated much of his life to researching the sensory system of the body. He has also written six books on this subject. There is a legitimate scientific principle behind the Sensa system. As ...
Recent Drug Ratings
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- Gildess FE 1.5/0.03 for Contraception
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Nicholas Kirkwood
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Brian Lamb Gets What He Deserves … A Medal
Posted by Victoria Reynolds | Posted in Cable TV | Posted on 29-10-2007
President Bush today announced recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation's highest civil award.
Many excellent selections — but this one, in our opinion, is in a class by itself:
Brian P. Lamb has elevated America's public debate and helped open up our government to citizens across the Nation. His dedication to a transparent political system and the free flow of ideas has enriched and strengthened our democracy.
Congratulations to Brian and C-SPAN. Bravo!
(see the whole list here)


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As advancements continue to be made in offshore technology, and resources are discovered in new, ever-deeper waters around the world, Offshore Northern Seas (ONS) 2012, one of Europe's premier oil and gas shows, will explore some of the varying challenges—economical, geopolitical and regulatory—in today's offshore operations.
The biennial conference and exhibition was launched in 1974 and will stage its 20th event next month. While primarily focused on operations in the North Sea, ONS has grown to encompass development of offshore resources all over the world. This year's event is themed, "Confronting energy paradoxes," and will be held Aug. 28–31 at the usual ONS showgrounds, five minutes from the center of Stavanger. ONS officials predict that this year's show will draw a record-high level of attendees—over 50,000.
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Winning never gets old. Roald Flater never seems to either.
Flater, 83, took home his fifth gold ball May 10 following a three-set victory to win the U.S. National Indoor Championship's 80-and-up division in Vancouver, Wash.
"I was surprised," the longtime Evergreen resident and member of the Colorado tennis hall of fame said. "Probably my best win I've ever had."
And that's saying a lot for a man that has quietly been making a racquet around the country and world for decades.
COMMERCE CITY — Recently, more questions than answers had surrounded the Chatfield girls soccer program.
Despite annually having some of the most talented teams in the state, the Chargers were always snake-bitten come playoff time.
Since 2004, the last time the Chargers won a state title, they had advanced past the state quarterfinals just once. For just about any other program, that would be reason to celebrate.
For Chatfield, it was head-scratching.
COMMERCE CITY — When Chatfield coach Brock Blume heard the numbers, he just grinned, laughed and shook his head.
"The M.O. for sure at one point was do the minimum. This minimum was definitely very impressive," he said.
When senior midfielder Stephanie Rowe heard them, she calmly stated the obvious.
"It's crazy," Rowe said. "There are no words even for that. It's just amazing."
LAKEWOOD — When Evan Appel accepts his diploma from Dakota Ridge High School on May 22, he'll do so at Jefferson County Stadium.
It's a fitting end to Appel's high school days as Jeffco Stadium has been a home away from home to the senior.
Appel made his final racing memory at the stadium a good one, overtaking Cherry Creek's Walter Schafer early in the final lap of the Class 5A 1,600-meter final on May 16 to pick up his sixth state title (four track, two cross-country).
"The M.O. for sure at one point was do the minimum. This minimum was definitely very impressive," he siad.
"It's crazy," Rowe said. "There are no words even for that. It's just amazing."
John Fox could have done a cannonball, belly flop or just walked out on the diving board and sang a song May 16 and still would have won the Class 5A state diving championship. He was that good.
Fox, however, stuck his last dive like he's trained to do all season, and put an emphatic stamp on his last state meet and first state title.
"It was great," said Fox, a senior at Chatfield and Kentucky signee. "I was really serious all meet. It was a huge weight off my shoulders from all four years."
ENGLEWOOD — Anna Lowe saved her first goal of the season for something special.
How about a 40-yard free kick, hit on a rope, which sails over the opposing goalkeeper and turns out to be the only goal in the Class 5A state semifinal game?
"That's my first of the season," Lowe said May 16 with a bag of ice on her knee at Englewood Stadium. "For it to come there is amazing."
PUEBLO — The Falcons have landed.
Although few at Hobbs Field could probably find Front Range Christian on a map, the Falcons showed the Class 2A baseball field – and the defending champions, particularly – what they're all about Friday in the state semifinals.
"I'm excited. I think we represented ourselves well," coach Dave Sherman said. "We could have played better, but we played all 21 outs to the best of our abilities, and that was our goal."
LAKEWOOD — Sam Stratton's mom probably won't be buying a post-race photo of her son's Class 5A state 400-meter race.
While the other eight participants were receiving their awards on the infield at Jefferson County Stadium on May 16, Stratton was tending to a nasty blister under his left pinky toe – and a post-race hangover.
Although Stratton won't be in the photo, he made sure to leave his mark on the race – injury and all.
DENVER — The Angels were merciful May 5. But only for about 50 minutes.
That's when Denver East finally put the ball into the back of the Columbine goal to usher the Rebels out of the first round of the Class 5A state soccer playoffs.
The 2-0 defeat, however, appeared to be headed in a much different direction early on.
After giving up a quick corner kick, the Angels dominated the first half. They kissed the ball off the Rebels' goal twice, hit the crossbar once and forced three saves from backup goalkeeper Bri Klomp.
Copyright © 2014
Columbine Courier is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in South Jefferson County, Colo., and the surrounding area.


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by Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Release Date: May 3, 2011
Okay, I've finished it. Yes, I'm not the last person on Earth who hasn't read it! I am so glad that I read Divergent. I thought maybe all the hype would persuade me to either like the book or hate it - depending on how it affected me - but I really chose to ignore the love and take my own stab at it. What happened? Well I actually really enjoyed the book! It is incredibly original with an addicting story. And I think that it's definitely one of the best Dystopians I have ever read.


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Nigeria: President Jonathan is playing Politics with second Niger bridge
by Ogbuefi Blogs
On 30 August 2012, at Onitsha, President Goodluck Jonathan declared he will go on exile if he fails to build the Second Niger Bridge before completing his term in 2015. The Nigerian leader made the declaration in his remarks at a Town Hall Meeting held in the commercial city of Onitsha as part of activities marking his one-day visit to
Anambra State as he commissioned several projects, including the oil production facilities of Orient Petroleum at Aguleri, the SABMiller Brewery at Onitsha and the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu Gateway in Onitsha.
I still remember how Obasanjo lied that the same collapsing bridge [pictured above and supported by pillars] would be built before he left office. General Ibrahim Babangida before him used the second Nigeria Bridge to titillate Ndigbo. Then, Yar'Adua used the same bridge to deceive those so-called Igbo leaders who lack discernment. Jonathan has now come, lying like a drunken sailor that he will build the bridge.
The issue of Second Niger Bridge came up during the Town Hall Meeting since Jonathan had during his campaigns for the 2011 presidential ballot promised to construct the bridge if elected President. Experts have warned that the existing bridge constructed in 1965 may collapse any time in view of the heavy traffic.
It was while attending a gathering of Ndigbo in London called by APGA UK to welcome the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh that I learnt of the Federal Government's plan to finance the second Niger Bridge through a concessional agreement. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) chairman condemned the plans insisting that President Jonathan was not being sincere with the people of the zone.
Enugu-Port harcourt Express Road under Goodluck Jonathan
Umeh expressed regrets for President Jonathan's pronouncements during his last visit to Anambra State, arguing that with such arrangement, Jonathan could not claim to have redeemed his campaign pledge to Ndigbo as the people would indirectly pay for the construction through toll fees.
Umeh said he was of the opinion that President Jonathan, by planning to construct the Onitsha Bridge through concession arrangement, meant that the government had not made any financial commitment to the project, more so when the concessionaire was expected to recover the money invested in the project through toll gates that would be erected at entry points of the Onitsha and Asaba cities.
Speaking at the Town Hall Meeting, Jonathan Goodluck said that "when the first bridge was built, it was during the presidency of Nnamdi Azikiwe; the second Niger bridge will be built under the presidency of Azikiwe Jonathan."
To further reassure the people, the President said he would go on exile on the completion of his term if he does not build the bridge.
To convince his audience that serious efforts are being made to build the bridge, invited Works Minister Mike Onolomemen and Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala to brief the people on what was being done about the construction of the bridge. Onolomemen reeled out the technical details about the design of the bridge and the companies bidding to construct it, while Okonjo-Iweala unfolded details about the financial arrangements being made to construct the bridge.
But these are political statements that will never be followed with actions from President Jonathan. Most of Ndigbo will be living witnesses to this deception from Aso Rock, once again. The President will not build the Second Niger Bridge until he leaves office in 2015. He would rather use the Niger bridge again to seek votes from Ndigbo and South East for his 2015 presidential bid.
The same promises were made during late Umaru Yar'adua/Jonathan ticket in 2007. Has the Niger Bridge been built since then? How many times and how long should the politicians lie to the Igbos and South East about the Second Niger Bridge? Our people must be smarter than this nonsense from politicians.
A bridge project could be completed within one year of any serious administration. The President has been in Aso Rock for approximately 6years now, and why must the Niger bridge be a bait for an exile until 2015 that he would leave office. Why not start the Second Niger Bridge project tomorrow or next month?
What this means is that as soon as President Jonathan declares intent for another term for the 2015, he would continue to use the Second Niger Bridge to woo the Igbos and South East to vote him once again with the usual promise that the Second Niger Bridge would be built. What will the President tell Ndigbo if the Niger Bridge is not built at end of his first term? Shame on the gullible who believe this exile thing from President Jonathan.
At the end of the Onitsha meeting, some of the participants, among them businessman Prince Arthur Eze were so thrilled that they urged President Jonathan to seek re-election in 2015. It was this same Arthur Eze that was pushing for Jonathan's that told Nigerians then that he would go on exile if Abacha did not continue to rule Nigeria in 1998. He is still staying put in the country.
Let me remind the Igbos and South East that President Jonathan will not go on exile for failure to build the Second Niger Bridge. It is all about politics and toying with the people whose lives are affected by the Niger Bridge.
These politicians think that they know better than all of us. Or that everyone is dumb. Shame on anyone who believes President Jonathan's claims of going on exile for not building the Second Niger Bridge.
Access roads (bridges included) between states of the Federation has always been the preserve of the Federal Government and never undertaken under Concession (PPP-Private partner Projects). The suggestions by Jonathan and Ngozi Iwealla to build the second Niger Bridge through concession simply shows how short sighted they are. It also indicates the intentions of Dr. Ngozi Iwealla and her World Bank ideologies to mortgage access roads and bridges to South East and South South as unbelievable. If the Federal Government can award N65.5 billion contract to build Lagos -Shagamu Road what is the difference in awarding the same contract to build second Niger Bridge. I am disappointed in the sources these suggestions emanated from. The Moses that we saw in the person of Goodluck Jonathan has crumbled beyond belief. We expected one major developmental project in Igboland during his administration but to no avail.
These the points we should use to enlighten the South East and South South States.
At the London meeting, Victor Umeh also recalled a similar statement by the Minister for Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala that the Federal Government would remedy the different erosion sites in the zone through a secured $450 million loan and wondered who would be responsible for paying back the loan. He said it would be disastrous if the states in the South-east were made to pay back the loan in a long term since the zone was financially bankrupt.
Umeh also cautioned political leaders in the South-east to be careful how they made pronouncements relating to endorsing any aspirant for 2015 general elections, saying the quest for Igbo presidency was a long time agitation dear to the hearts of Ndigbo who were tired of being spectators on the Nigeria political scene. Said he: "It is cheering news that construction work at the second Niger Bridge will commence in March 2013 but I was very worried that the second Niger Bridge will be concessioned to an international development consultant that will construct it and be expected to recover its funds.
"What that means is that the Federal Government is not part of the financing plan for the construction and that is why I am worried. It means that after the construction, tollgates will be mounted in Onitsha-Asaba, Onitsha-Owerri roads and maybe Ontisha-Enugu Road ends and our people will be paying for it.
Some portions of collapsed Enugu Port Harcourt Road
"I also see a twin issue where the minister for finance was quoted to have said that about $450 million loan has been negotiated for fighting erosion in the South-east." She said it would have a 10-year moratorium when there would be retirement, it would be interest free, then the loan would be repaid under 40 years.
"What this means is that Federal Government will bring the money for the South-east to fight erosion but what is not clear is if it is the Federal Government that will pay back this money or the states in the South-east. "If the states in the South-east will pay this loan, I am afraid to say that these two issues are very worrisome. If our people will pay the cost of these services, it means we have not got anything from the Federal Government. One would have expected to get a clear commitment from the Federal Government to undertake this second Niger Bridge and finance it by itself.
"We don't have money in the South-east because of the paltry money we get from the federal allocation. Who will be saddled with the responsibility of paying for these services? It means that our people will continue to suffer. Just this year alone, the Federal Government has released N50 billion for construction of bridges in Benue State and that is the type of thing I want to hear the Federal Government is doing in the South-east."
Some Igbos take solace in the fact that Jonathan has appointed some Igbo sons like Anyim Pius Anyim to some political offices. But we know that political appointees only take care of themselves and not the commonwealth of the group, such cannot be the measure for the end of Igbo marginalization. What Ndi-Igbo need to end obvious marginalisation is not even the Presidency but federal government infrastructures, such as, good network of roads; revitalization of the businesses and industries destroyed during the war most of which are still moribund forty plus years later; international airport; inland dry docks promised by OBJ but unfulfilled; second bridge across the Niger; location of federal gov't subsidized public sector corporations in Ala Igbo; ceding back to Ala Igbo land areas and oil wells vindictively carved into some states adjoining Igbo land areas; paying those Igbo states whose lands and oil wells were vindictively and egregiously carved out of Igbo territory retroactive accrued money due; removing most of the "rogger me" police check points in Ala Igbo that have become exploitative industry for the police most of whom are from states outside Igbo land; etc.
South east Roads under Goodluck Jonathan [Enugu-Port Harcourt Road]
Today the state of Enugu- Portharcourt expressway, is so pathetic that it presents the federal government as insensitive to the plight of Ndigbo, as ndigbo and other Nigerians gnash their teeth in excruciating pains plying through the path of death called expressway, also the quality of job FERMA is doing in a particular portion is so poor that it makes the promises of the present administration look very suspicious and pregnant with spurious tales.
Individual appointments are not the way to go to redress that imperative. Since 1999 return to democratic rule, none of the Igbo elected into offices (Senate and House of Reps) or appointed has brought not even a cottage industry to his constituency; talkless, his/her state.
Ndigbo has lost faith in this Federal Government. The commissioning of Orient refinery and the decalaration of Anambra an oil producing state should teach Ndigbo some lesson. What Ndigbo need to do is to follow the example of Chief Emeka Anyaoku and Dr. Alex Ekwueme, who did not wait for some phantom promises that Abuja would build a refinery in Anambra. These eminent men mobilised capital and went into the petroleum business.
So, eminent Ndigbo should come together in a consortium and raise capital, in conjunction with foreign partners, to build the Niger bridge. Or else, we may still be sitting pretty by 2019 listening to tales by moonlight.
Ogbuefi Ndigbo
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Book your room at ibis Singapore On Bencoolen
Standard Twin RoomMax Occupancy: 2 guests (up to 1 child)
Standard Room, 1 Queen BedMax Occupancy: 2 guests
Standard Room, 2 Single Beds (With Extra Benefits)Max Occupancy: 2 guests
Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed (With Extra Benefits)Max Occupancy: 2 guests
Central Singapore hotel near Bugis Junction shopping
Little India: 1 km
This Singapore hotel offers a prime location a 2-minute walk from Bugis Junction's shops and food markets. A bus stop is right outside the door; an MRT station is within a 10-minute walk. Little India is 1 km away.
Breakfast buffet
The on-site restaurant offers all-day dining, including a generous international breakfast buffet (surcharge). Guests can enjoy cocktails and live sports telecasts at the bar. Convenient guest-laundry facilities are also on site.
LCD TVs, free Wi-Fi
Ibis Singapore On Bencoolen's modern, air-conditioned guestrooms feature LCD TVs, complimentary wireless Internet access, and in-room safes. Decor includes large bay windows, timber floors, and high ceilings.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
At your hotel
At your hotel
This large, modern hotel is just steps from Bugis Street shopping, dining, and entertainment. A bus stop is right outside the door. Orchard Street shopping is a 5-minute bus ride or about a 15-minute walk. The hotel is 3 km from Suntec City, featuring the Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre, office buildings, a shopping mall, and the huge Fountain of Wealth.
Guests can start the day with a generous breakfast buffet (surcharge). The on-site Taste restaurant serves international cuisine and is open early morning until late evening. Le Bar is a popular gathering place for cocktails, conversation, and watching sports action on the multiple TVs.
Conveniences at Ibis Singapore On Bencoolen include complimentary wireless Internet access, a lobby computer station, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, business services, coin-operated laundry facilities, a security guard, and a 24-hour front desk.
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Free Wi-Fi
- Express check-out
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Laundry facilities
- Total number of rooms - 538
- 24-hour front desk
- Number of floors - 16
- Bar/lounge
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Complimentary newspapers in lobby
- Elevator/lift
- Computer station
- Multilingual staff
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- Number of buildings/towers - 1
Stay connected
Available in all rooms: Free Wi-Fi
Available in some public areas: Free Wi-Fi
Park your car
Free self parking
In your room
- Premium TV channels
- Air conditioning
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- Shower only
- In-room safe
- Desk
- Television
- Satellite TV service
- Connecting/adjoining rooms available
- Cribs/infant beds (complimentary)
- Free Wi-Fi
Eat and drink
Taste - The hotel's restaurant showcases international cuisine; the breakfast buffet is a particular favorite. Open early morning till late evening.
Le Bar - Guests can sip a cocktail while watching live sports telecasts.
To make requests for specific accessibility needs, complete the "Special or Accessibility Requests" section of "Trip Preferences" when you book your hotel.
- Accessible bathroom
- Accessible path of travel
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The fine print for ibis Singapore On Bencoolen
When you arrive
Check-in time starts at 2 PM
When you leave
Check-out time is noon
How you can pay
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
24-hour check-in
No pets or service animals allowed
- Breakfast fee: SGD 22 for adults and SGD 11 for children (approximately)
We should mention
One child 12 years old or younger stays free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding. Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms. The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation. No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property. The photos in this description reflect the brand standard and are provided for illustrative purposes only.


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Every year, Social Security benefits change, and these changes have a direct impact on employees and how they plan for retirement. Keep them current on the latest critical benefits topics and ensure they have the latest information by giving them the Social Security and Medicare Fact Sheet, 2014 Edition.
The 2014
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The Social Security Administration will no longer automatically send Social Security Statements to workers age 60 and over who are not currently receiving benefits. The 2014 Edition provides information on how workers can create a personalized online account to access Social Security statements and estimations of benefits. The Fact Sheet also explores other online tools that can help employees calculate retirement benefits and estimate death or disability benefits. The tools are completely customizable and will help your employees plan their retirement future.
The convenient eight-page booklet and fold-out formats of the Social Security and Medicare Fact Sheet make it easy to distribute at any time. It can be sent through office mail, included with training materials and new-employee packets, or displayed in the office.
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Justin Timberlake and Elton John 'Idol' Rumor Gets the Ax
By Daniel Gates | 1:10 pm, July 27th, 2010
Here's a shocker: HollywoodLife saw big names in a rumor and printed it without checking for accuracy.
"Fox executives have been in talks to replace the current ["American Idol"] judges with superstars like Elton John and Justin Timberlake," writes the site, sourcing very speculative reports that suggested John and Timberlake could be in the mix to replace Simon Cowell.
As both potential hires would "cost a fortune," continues HollywoodLife, Fox has supposedly considered dumping the entire current panel to accommodate a new dream team.
Tricky financial gymnastics are what's "stopping this major Idol shakeup," concludes the site.
Gossip Cop would like to point out at least one more small problem:
Neither Elton John nor Justin Timberlake has any interest in joining the show.
In fact, we first reported John's "no" to the show back in January, and then again in April. He was never considering "Idol."
As for Timberlake, a source connected to the pop megastar tells Gossip Cop it's a "no go," as he's too busy with films and his own music career.
Sigh. HollywoodLife is (again) even more off-key than the dregs of the "Idol" audition round.
Follow @GossipCop on Twitter for accurate celebrity news!
Check us out on Facebook!
Visit GossipCop.com for the latest!


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Utica Weather
Current Temp 36.0 °F
Light Rain
Wind : Southeast at 6.9 MPH (6 KT)
Humidity : 89 %
Pressure : 1022.0 mb
Monthly fundraiser held at SSHS
UTICA, N.Y (WKTV) - The Stevens-Swan Humane Society had a relatively warm day to hold an outdoor fundraiser. On the last Saturday of every month, humane society workers and volunteers are on hand at the shelter in North Utica, collecting cans and bottles to raise money for the care of the animals.
Shelter officials say that, on average, Stevens-Swan cares for 100 dogs and 150 cats at a time and these bottle and can drives go a long way to buying a lot of food and medicine that is needed for their care.
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Haha, I know. The first time I got a private message I had to ask someone where to find it. There is a whole bump language to learn! I didn't look to closely at your profile to see that you were pretty new. I'm about to go watch a movie with DH but I will respond to your private message tomorrow.
Thanks so much for the info, though. I am going to look up Albrecht.


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US teachers nowhere as diverse as their students
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. teachers are nowhere near as diverse as their students. Almost half the students attending public schools are minorities, yet fewer than…
by Rita F. Pierson (CNN) — I have been a professional educator for 40 years. I have worked at every level of the public school spectrum—elementary through high school. Having been in education for such a long time, I have witnessed many changes, all aimed at school improvement. Needless to say, not all the suggestions have been sensible.
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Who do you think looks best today? (5 photos)
The best street style from London Fashion Week: http://ow.ly/p48HS via @StyleCaster
Beauty Products We Love
Our holiday fragrance lineup just got more decadent thanks to #Marni's...
Mary-Kate Olsen, Sundance Polaroids, Henny Garfunkel"The film is clever and witty. My character has a sense of humor. It was just a few scenes, but she was fun to play."
Mary-Kate Olsen on her role in The Wackness.Read MoreLess


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« Sealy PD recovers stolen vehicle, detains illegal immigrants | Main | Jackson honored at namesake relays »
Elections needed for Wallis and Brazos ISD
By admin | March 8, 2012
Content is restricted to site members. Site membership is free, register below. If you are an existing user, please login. If you would like, you can just enter generic information. We just need your Name and Email address.
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Small things for eternity
August 17, 2011
I was walking home thinking about how I got into Tufts. To be honest, I was questioning how I ever got into Tufts. After all, I know what I did in high school, and more importantly, I know what I didn't do. But I realized in the end that it was God who brought me. He wanted me here…so He made it happen. And now it's three years later, and I'm starting to look forward to my last year at Tufts (hopefully or hopefully not, depending on your point of view). I've realized that what we do on this campus is not insignificant, because in the end, everyone ends up leaving this campus, and each person that leaves this campus has the potential to leave his or her mark on the world.
And I guess as I look forward to Jesus and Java, I can still remember the small things that really made a difference during those first few critical weeks at Tufts. For example, I remember being greeted by a senior named Elton Sykes. When I came back the next week, he still remembered my name. I also remember asking Kat some weird questions about Filipinos, and I still remember how Alex Nesbeda actually drove to Bush Hall to bring me to church the day after Jesus and Java. I write about this, because the reason why I can go up to a person and talk to them at TCF is because I know how it feels to enter into a place, and be awkward, and alone in a room full of people. And it meant a lot to me those days when people actually cared about who I was. Maybe other people don't feel that way, but I felt like that for the longest time. And even before, I just had this idea in my head that if people got to know me, the real me, then they wouldn't like me at all (luckily, God likes me). So I guess what I mean to say from all this is that it just comes down to obedience with love.
I think lots of people know who D.L Moody is. But not a lot of people hear about Edward Kimball, the guy who led Moody to Christ. Kimball was freaked out on the day he led Moody to Christ. Moody apparently was not a nice guy, but because Kimball overcame his fears, or rather, because Kimball didn't let his fears dictate whether or not he obeyed God, God was able to touch the life of D.L Moody, and use him powerfully in the lives of many others. Likewise, everyone knows about the Apostle Paul, but few people remember Ananias, who God assigned to pray for Paul after Paul became blind. In my Bible, you can actually flip to the same passage and read my comment on Acts 9: LOL OH CRAP HE'S BACK. I think it was Tyler who had that insight into the passage. For the longest time, Paul had been terrorizing the Christians, and all of a sudden, God wanted Ananias to pray for this guy's eyes. I think Ananias must have been freaked out, and maybe even unsure of himself. After all, if God blinded Osama Bin Laden and then told you to go to him and pray for his healing, what would you think? Maybe not a perfect parallel, but eventually, Ananias said yes to God. You know, the world has largely forgotten about these men, but I can tell you that God hasn't. And one thing I know about God is that if you give him the loaves and the fishes, He multiplies them for you. And you know, because of the love that a few people showed me in the beginning of my freshmen year, my life has not been the same. And I pray that as I enter my senior year at Tufts that I would be able to do the same things for others.
2 Responses to "Small things for eternity"
August 24, 2011 at 5:42 pm
As usual, an amazing post wai.


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|SOBI2 RC 18.104.22.168 has been released
|Written by Sigrid Suski
|Sunday, 16 November 2008
SOBI2 RC 220.127.116.11 has been released today. This is a normal maintenance release which includes a few low to moderate bug fixes, and several small improvements.
This includes an improvement of the SOBI2 cache to reduce the number of SQL queries.
Please see the full changelog list.
The German language files are also updated to the new SOBI2 version.
See here for upgrading instructions.
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Multimedia Resource Center
ModelSim to Questa Core: Adopting Assertion-Based Verification to Improve Your FPGA Debug and Design Quality48:23
On-demand Web Seminar: Learn how Questa® Core enables ABV through support of SystemVerilog Assertion (SVA) constructs and the Property Specification Language (PSL). 48:23
Tags: Assertion-Based Verification, Debug, ModelSim®, Questa® Advanced Simulator
Debug Productivity with Questa: Introduction to advanced debug features in Questa for SystemVerilog class-based TB, OVM/UVM, and hard to find problems in RTL42:48
On-demand Web Seminar: This webinar will introduce the advanced debug capabilities available in Questa for class-based debug of OOP environments with SystemVerilog, OVM, UVM and SystemC, Assertion debug with SVA or PSL and advanced... 42:48
Tags: Debug, OVM, Questa® Advanced Simulator, testbench, UVM
Advanced Debug with Questa01:22:23
On-demand Web Seminar: Debug Verilog deltas, process debugging, tracing through source code, comparing results of waveform files, vcd stimulus. Whatever your debugging requirements, this comprehensive technical debug seminar... 01:22:23
Tags: Debug, Questa® Advanced Simulator


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Snakeproof Pinnacle Zipper Hunting Boots with GORE-TEX Scent-Lok
Snakeproof Pinnacle Zipper Hunting Boots with GORE-TEX Scent-Lok
When you're hunting in snake country, wear a boot that gives you maximum protection from snakes without sacrificing the support and traction of a hunting boot, the lightweight comfort and fit of a hiker and the high-leg waterproof, scent proof protection of a rubber hunting boot. The snakeproof boot incorporates a layer of woven Snake Guard which will stop even the sharpest fangs before they can reach your skin.
It has a full-length YKK zipper running down the front for quick on and off. The GORE-TEX Scent-Lok lining gives you the 100% waterproof, scent-proof qualities of a rubber boot, plus breathability to keep your feet fresh all day. Split-leather uppers are outfitted with 900-denier nylon panels throughout for flexibility and extreme light weight. The aggressive out sole has multi-directional lugs for claw-like traction, while the gusseted calf area has a buckle adjustment. Height: 15″. Average weight: 3.9 lbs./pair. Men's sizes: 8-14 medium width; 8-13 wide width. Half sizes to 12. Camo pattern: Mossy Oak Break-Up.


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Average age people in UAE get stroke is lower than in other places
Damac offers Mercedes-Benz or Aston Martin on purchase of its villas and apartments during DSF
After partying one person even managed to lock himself in toilet
Offers exclusive packages for marine transit means on Dec. 31
Feature allows users to make calls to anyone using BBM messenger
Dubai cop and student were accomplices of five drivers who masterminded the crime
Volume of remittance goes up as rupee slides
4 killed; pleads not guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter
Accused also took mobile phone pictures of victim
King ratified court's sentence
Fearless zoo workers risk their life to impress tourists
He was under it to repair damaged part
He was heading to his new house
Charged with drink driving
New Sony device to connect to various existing and upcoming Bluetooth-enabled cameras
One maid admits suicide bid but two others deny charges
Shares in Dubai Financial Market rocket 10.1 per cent
BofA-ML says direct impact of low oil prices will be more muted in UAE due to Dubai's diversified economy
Robert Booth will leave at year-end
Rest to be fully operational by 2020
Respondents says average spending is around Dh30,500 per trip
Additional service to begin on August 1, 2015
Visiting china delegation briefed about investment opportunities in emirate's various sectors
Kingdom's foreign assets up by around 3.3% this year compared with 10-20% in previous three years
Vistara is owned by Singapore Airlines and Tata
Expansion will double facility's flight simulator training capacity for pilots
Union Coop and Play Area vouchers distributed at Safa Park for recycling plastic and cans
Aluminium rod and conductor plant will be operational in Abu Dhabi in Q4 2015
Only Middle East destination to feature on Destinia list
He allegedly misbehaved with her in Sharjah shopping mall lift
FNC member to submit request to minister
Fly Blade is 5.1mm in thickness, weighs 95.5 grams
Restaurant shut down
She will undergo high-risk gastric bypass surgery as part of reality series
Announces creation of new South Asia branch in September
Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes' relationship has allegedly hit a rough patch because he has been forced to spend extended
Producer-director Sanjay Gupta says, 'take money from my profit and not pocket'
Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden have reportedly got engaged after just seven months of dating. The 'Bad Teacher' actress
Miss World contestants will only compete in events including dance, talent, top model gown
She said leak came as surprise as security had been quite tight
Hollywood actress Sofia Vergara has revealed she'd be happy to apply cement around her eyes if it would help to halt
Kylie is reportedly keen to follow footsteps of her rumoured boyfriend
Clooney urged film industry to support Sony after cyber attack threat
Premier League first by sixth-placed Arsenal
Boxing Day Test of India's resolve in Melbourne
31-year-old underwent surgery on his left ankle in September
Ali was admitted to a hospital with 'mild' pneumonia on Saturday morning
All-rounder wants to play only T20 cricket
'We just come to watch Afridi,' says a taxi driver
Her pregnancy lasted 10 months
Lawyers say 29-year-old orangutan would be happier living in semi-wild habitat
Wang and his wife together own around another 10 percent of Wanda Commercial
A cyclist had a lucky escape when he was run over by a large lorry in China. The articulated vehicle turned right at
Shark bites off man's hand
He smashed it on his leg into two pieces
Visitors rushed to click selfies with imposter
Theater owners angry at Sony for shifting blame
Cheating duo embarrassed when left without clothing in public
19-year-old claimed she was sexually assaulted by her stepfather
Car driver mistook signal to turn left and stopped on tram's tracks
Staff of federal ministries also to have paid holiday on New Year
19 new judges sworn in before Mohammed
Reshuffling Social Care Foundation's board
Bollywood's King Khan does not watch reality show 'Bigg Boss'. But why? We are yet to learn. Twitter However, this at
Katie Holmes has invited Tom Cruise to spend Christmas Day at her home - despite splitting with the movie star in 2012
She used a knife on his costly Porsche car


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Artist description:
Alzeid is another of arashi-chan12's OC's ^_^
Java Draw Created Jul 02, 2010 460 x 640px Unless noted Copyright 2010 Inferno_Pen.
We encourage you to submit a comment and let the artist know what you think of this drawing. Please log in or join to post a comment.
Post a comment
AngelFox Jul 31, 2010
awesome draw! 5/5 love the background
arashi-chan12 Jul 08, 2010
he looks so cool!! XD thanks for drawing him inferno!!
Darcsaber Jul 07, 2010
love it
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Upload Photo
Mother/daughter look-alikes
Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise, Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson, Jennifer Garner and Violet Affleck. Are you part of a mother/daughter look-alike duo? If so, we want to see your pictures! Please submit one photo of you together here.
25 last-minute gift ideas The best steak houses on Long Island 18 last-minute Christmas gifts that don't require shipping 10 best Cheap Eats restaurants of 2014 22 most creative Elf on the Shelf ideas Where to take cooking classes The 19 best things we ate in 2014 Cirque le Masque's 'Noel' comes to Patchogue Art League of Long Island's 2014 members show Shopping at Roosevelt Field? 10 places to eat The Toy Insider 'Hot 20' list of 2014 Places we loved on Long Island


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The US War in Afghanistan: A Primer for US Peace Activists
September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows is an organization founded by family members of 9/11 victims who are transforming our grief into action for peace and justice. We have sent delegations of 9/11 family members to Afghanistan to meet with Afghan civilians harmed by US military action and to educate the US public and policy makers about the true costs of war. This primer was written by Alexandra Cooper, Jesse Laird, Kelly Campbell, and Madelyn Hoffman with input from the United for Peace and Justice Afghanistan Working group. The full version of this primer is available at www.peacefultomorrows.org.
Full Article:
Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, many in the US initially supported the war in Afghanistan because they believed that it would reduce the threat of another attack on US soil, and that it would enable the US to bring to justice Osama bin Laden and others responsible for the attacks. Once the Taliban fell, the war was touted as a success. However, while public attention shifted to the war in Iraq, the conflict in Afghanistan entered a new phase of violence and decay.
Concerns about the increased violence and lack of stability in Afghanistan have led many, including President-elect Obama, to call for an increased presence of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan. However, the idea that more US troops are the answer to Afghanistan's woes is misguided. Rather than a military escalation, what is needed is a shift away from militarism and towards diplomacy, aid, and reconstruction.
Today, as calls grow louder for the US military to send more troops to Afghanistan, it is up to the US peace movement to address the realities and counter the misconceptions surrounding the war and occupation. We must educate our own communities about the true consequences of US foreign policy in Afghanistan, connect with Afghan peacemakers and grassroots movements that are calling for alternatives to military action, and devise strategies for joining together toward building a lasting peace.
The Occupation Kills Afghan Civilians
Due to heightened insurgent attacks and foreign air strikes in Afghanistan, civilian casualties increased 40 percent in the first nine months of 2008 compared with 2007. Of the 1445 recorded civilian deaths reported by the United Nations, 55 percent were caused by the Taliban and other insurgent groups and 40 percent were caused by US, NATO, and Afghan forces. In August 2008, the Agency Coordinating Body for Afghan Relief (ACBAR), reported that an estimated 260 civilians had been killed in July alone, a higher number than any other month in the last six years. Last year, between January and September 2007, there were more than twice as many fixed-wing air strikes in Afghanistan as in Iraq, according to Anthony Cordesman. This year, international military forces have increased the rate of air strikes 40 percent over last year's rate.
Military Forces Endanger Humanitarian Assistance
The US military spends close to $100 million a day in Afghanistan, while the average amount of all donors' aid per day is only $7 million. In the first two years after the invasion, aid amounted to only $57 per citizen. International aid represents 90 percent of all public expenditure in Afghanistan, making it a critical factor in the daily lives of Afghans and in the ongoing reconstruction of the country. As of March 2008, there was a $10 billion shortfall in aid that had been pledged, but not delivered. The US has disbursed only half of its pledged $10.4 billion in aid.
The aid that does make it into the country is provided in ways that are often ineffective and misleading. The largest donor organization in Afghanistan, the US Agency for International Development (USAID), allocates close to half of its funds to five US contractors: KBR, the Louis Berger Group, Chemonics International, Bearing Point, and DynCorp. International corporations like these have earned a reputation for extraordinary waste: for example, they employ expatriate consultants, each of which can cost $200,000-$500,000 per year. Oxfam reported in November 2007 that 40 percent of aid dollars flow immediately back out of Afghanistan in corporate fees and profits.
Further hindering aid to Afghans is the increase in violence directed at non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across the country. Twenty-nine aid workers had been killed in 2008 as of mid-October. From January through September 2008, more than 146 "security incidents" were reported in which 28 aid workers were killed and 72 abducted. According to a quarterly report by the Afghanistan NGOs' Safety Office (ANSO), attacks on aid workers have risen by 400% since January 2005. This insecurity has led many NGOs to scale down their presence in difficult areas, though attacks against aid workers have occurred in 29 of Afghanistan's 34 provinces.
Doctors Without Borders, an organization that had been in Afghanistan since 1980, withdrew in 2004 after five of its workers were killed, stating, "Humanitarian assistance is only possible when armed actors respect the safety of humanitarian workers." They went on to denounce the US "military's attempt to usurp humanitarian aid." Several different groups are attacking NGO workers. More than 60 percent of attacks have been by the Taliban and by followers of warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar; another 33 percent of attacks were by other armed criminal groups.
Making the problem worse, in 2004 the US and NATO created "provincial reconstruction teams" (PRTs) to serve with combat troops in a fusion of military, intelligence, and aid functions. PRTs work in areas previously served by non-militarized aid teams -- but the PRTs do far less work at a higher cost. Aid workers are now the most vocal critics of PRTs: InterAction, a coalition of 159 humanitarian organizations, said it does not believe "PRTs should be engaged in reconstruction activities" at all. Most alarming is the PRT practice of bribing Afghans with humanitarian aid to gain information. Not only is it ethically reprehensible to attach such conditions to humanitarian aid, but this practice also gives hungry people an incentive to "create information," turning US forces against family enemies.
Afghan Women Face Continued Violence
The crimes against women committed by the Taliban are among the worst in recent times, and the Bush Administration justified the invasion of Afghanistan in part as a mission to relieve their suffering. In November 2001, Laura Bush delivered the President's weekly radio address, decrying the "poverty, poor health, and illiteracy that the terrorists and the Taliban have imposed on women in Afghanistan." Yet, seven years later, conditions for women and children have not significantly improved.
Since the US invaded Afghanistan and ousted the Taliban from power, the new government has initiated significant -- even revolutionary -- reforms for women. Many of these reforms, however, have yet to be realized. In 2003, the Afghan government signed the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (the US still has not), yet widespread inequality continues, especially regarding access to public health resources and protection from spousal abuse. The new Afghan Constitution recognizes men and women as equal citizens under the law -- yet women have no redress for domestic violence or rape.
In August 2008, President Karzai pardoned three men associated with a warlord who pled guilty to the public and brutal gang rape of a woman in the northern province of Samangan. There are also no protections for people who speak out on behalf of women in Afghan society. Recently, a 23-year-old Afghan journalism student, Sayed Perves Kambaksh, was sentenced to death by a local Islamic court for distributing a critique of those who misrepresent the Koran to justify the oppression of women. In October 2008, his sentence was commuted to 20 years.
NGOs that target women's issues have attempted to provide a forum for women to discuss their concerns and a vehicle for educating the public about preventing violence against women. One such group, the Afghan Women's Network, is comprised of 72 organizations dedicated to advocating for women's rights and against gender-based violence.
The US Has Promoted Warlords & the Opium Trade
Following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1978, the US embarked on a covert military campaign (Operation Cyclone) to supply various warlords and resistance groups with weapons and training. Collectively, these resistance fighters became known as mujahideen, which translates as "freedom fighters" or "strugglers." Funds and weapons were supplied by the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, China, and Israel. They were channeled through Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and distributed disproportionately to warlords. These warlords continued fighting among themselves after the withdrawal of Soviet forces in 1989 in a sequence of sieges over and around Kabul.
Where are these Cold War era warlords today? Human Rights Watch estimates that 60 percent of members of Parliament are either warlords themselves or have ties to warlords. TheAfghanistan Justice Project (AJP) issued a report in 2005 accusing a number of senior Karzai Administration officials of war crimes. In 2007, the Afghan Parliament granted general amnesty for war crimes committed in the previous 25 years, thus protecting all sitting members and their allies from prosecution.
According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, 93 percent of global opiates came from poppies grown in Afghanistan.
The record crop of poppies grown in 2007 accounted for approximately 50 percent of Afghanistan's Gross Domestic Product. Most of the poppy fields are owned and controlled by warlords. This is one reason why the warlords have been awarded so much power in the new government, and why poppy cultivation and the narcotics trade have continued to grow.
US/NATO Troop Casualties are Increasing
More US soldiers are dying in Afghanistan each year the occupation continues. The military reports that more than 600 US troops have been killed in Operation Enduring Freedom, and more than 1200 have been seriously wounded, impacting communities throughout the US. In September and October, more US soldiers suffered casualties in Afghanistan than in Iraq. Other NATO deaths are on the rise as well, increasing the total foreign troop casualties to over 1,000 since 2001.
Many Afghans Call for Inclusive Negotiations
In recent weeks, news about efforts at talks with factions of the Taliban has emerged. Just before the US presidential election, Pakistani and Afghan leaders held a two-day jirga, or council of tribal leaders. At the end of the meeting, they issued a decision to hold talks with resistance groups, including the Taliban.
Many Afghan NGOs are calling for negotiations. "People are growing tired of the fighting," says Bakhtar Aminzai of the National Peace Jirga of Afghanistan, an association of students, professors, lawyers, clerics, and others. "We need to pressure the Afghan government and the international community to find a solution without using guns."
"We want reconciliation with the Taliban through a loya jirga," a grand assembly of Afghans, says Fatana Gilani, head of the prominent NGO Afghanistan Women's Council (AWC). "We don't want interference from foreign countries or negotiations behind closed doors." Gilani explains that Afghans are against Western policy. "They should bury their guns in a grave and focus on diplomacy and economic development."
Some Afghan women leaders, however, have cautioned about the danger of compromising with the Taliban on women's rights. According to the BBC, the Afghan Minister for Women's Affairs, Hasan Bano Ghazanfar, said that women were against "any political compromises" that did not take into consideration their constitutional values and human rights.
Military Occupations Often Fuel Terrorism
The US response to the September 11 attacks was to use the military to overthrow the Taliban government in Afghanistan as a means to defeat the Al Qaeda terrorist organization that operated from Afghanistan. This was the beginning of what was to be characterized as the "war on terror." As a recent study by the Rand Corporation points out, military force rarely works to defeat terrorist organizations. They explain that military force creates civilian casualties that can turn the local population against the government.
The fundamental failure of the military approach in Afghanistan should cause us to formulate new strategies to defeat terrorism that do not rely on ineffective military means.
As suspended Afghan parliament member Malalai
Joya has pointed out, "No nation can donate liberation
to another nation." It is time the US stop playing the
game of "liberator" and start learning to cooperate
respectfully with other nations and peoples of the world. Beginning
this new strategy in Afghanistan is the best legacy we can leave
for the lives lost in September, 2001 and the most effective way
we can become friends to the people of Afghanistan.